Sunday, January 19, 2020
Ford Motor Company Essay
Ford Motor Company is the third largest automobile manufacturer in the world based on automobiles sold. Ford manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents (Datamonitor 4). Fordââ¬â¢s brands include Ford, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Land Rover, Aston Martin, and Mazda. Fordââ¬â¢s key products include passenger cars, trucks, busses and vans, sport utility vehicles, vehicle accessories, after-sales vehicle parts and products and extended repair service products. According to Fortune Magazine in 2007 Ford was the seventh ranked American-based company listed on the fortune 500 list, which was based on Fordââ¬â¢s global revenues in 2006 of 160.1 billion. The companyââ¬â¢s success comes from its ability to focus on customer satisfaction and loyalty, anticipating and meeting changing customer needs, and delivering innovative products that exceed quality standards and are price friendly and also environmentally friendly. The financial stability of Ford and the long-term stability of our world are met by Fordââ¬â¢s strategy to lead with its products. Several key strategies are used by Ford that help to develop products that are of high quality, affordable to consumers and that are in high demand. These strategies include; continuous improvement of quality standards and customer satisfaction, adjusting to consumer demands by developing state-of-the-art technology that is cleaner and more fuel efficient, and delivering customer-focused innovations faster. If these strategies are implemented correctly Ford can overcome many or the driving forces that control competition in the automobile industry. Driving Forces Driving forces in an industry are the major causes that change the industry and the competitive condition of that industry. The main driving forces that significantly alter the automobile industry include; competition and globalization, new technology and innovations, changes in cost and efficiency, regulatory influences and government policy changes, and changes in societal concerns, attitudes, and lifestyles. Globalization is when automobile manufacturers offer their products internationally. One reason manufacturers do this is to increase sales in faster growing markets. Also production costs can be cut due to lower labor costs in markets around the world. Ford Motor Company is a strong believer in globalization; it manufactures vehicles in six continents across the world. Ford focuses on three primary types of emerging markets. The first market is developing countries such as China, India, and Brazil. The economies of these markets are growing and so is the need for products like automobiles. Ford realizes the amount of money consumers make in these developing countries and adjusts products to make them accessible to these consumers. In 2006, production capacity in China increased to 200,000 units (ââ¬Å"For a More Sustainable Futureâ⬠7.) Also in 2006 Ford ranked second for customer satisfaction in India by J.D. Power Asia Pacific. The second emerging market Ford is focusing on is revitalizing economies such as Russia that are experiencing periods of growth after long periods of economic stagnation. The third emerging market Ford focuses on is high-growth niche market across the U.S. and Europe. Ford has developed and will continue to develop hybrid vehicles, advanced clean technology, and smaller more fuel-efficient vehicles that suit customers in a certain region or customers with different driving conditions. New technology and innovations is also a major driving force in the automobile industry. The ongoing change in technology alters the pattern of competition by attracting more buyers. Innovations in production techniques allow manufacturers to produce products faster, more efficiently and cleaner. Ford focuses its innovation on design, technology, safety, and the environment. Fordââ¬â¢s innovations are based on customer demands. Today more customers want environmentally friendly automobiles and better fuel-efficient cars. Ford has and is also developing more advanced technologies that are environmentally friendly. Examples include biofueled vehicles, hydrogen internal-combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cellà vehicles. Ford also has an innovative manufacturing process, which is cleaner for the environment and also saves money for the company. Ford uses fluids blended from vegetable oil during engine production rather than using mineral oil. The associated waste in engine building is the most environmentally damaging part of the process. Ford also has improved its efficiency by enforcing strict energy intensive operations, such as the generation of compressed air for handheld tools on the production line. Changes in cost and efficiency also drive change in the automobile industry. In the past few yearsââ¬â¢ material costs, labor costs, employee benefit costs and oil prices have all been increasing. One way that Ford is combating high oil prices is its use of a soy-derived foam. The average vehicle made today contains 30 pounds of foam made from petroleum products. Ford is making an effort to replace 40% of the petroleum-based foam with a soy-based foam. To fight against decreasing profit, rising labor costs and employee benefit costs Ford has been implementing elements of itsââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Way Forward Plan.â⬠This plan was developed in 2006. The plan calls for reducing the number of Fordââ¬â¢s North American manufacturing employees by 25,000-30,000 and also plans to idle 16 North American manufacturing facilities (ââ¬Å"For a More Sustainable Futureâ⬠34.) Also in 2006 health care expenses for U.S. Ford employees, retirees and their dependents were $3.1 billion (ââ¬Å"For a More Sustainable Futureâ⬠35.) Even though Ford values itsââ¬â¢ past and present employees, the company cannot keep up with the rising prices of health care. In 2006 Ford had required retired employees to support a higher portion of their health care benefits, and active employees were asked to increase their health care contributions. Also in 2006 Ford employees were offered to leave the company. To make it appealing to employees Ford offered eight different incentive packages. A couple of these packages included early retirement and an educational opportunity package where employees with at least one year of service were eligible for up to $15,000 in tuition reimbursement per year up to four years (ââ¬Å"For a More Sustainable Futureâ⬠34.) Another driving force that alters the competitiveness in the automobile industry is regulatory influences and government policy changes. One example of a regulatory influence would be the governments Corporate Average Fuelà Economy (CAFÃâ°) requirement, which measures carbon dioxide emissions. Ford has met the requirement every year since the program was first introduced. Altering societal concerns, attitude, and lifestyles are major instigators of industry change. Growing consumer concerns towards environmental safety is a major driver of change in the automobile industry. Ford recognizes that manufacturing and operating automobiles have a significant impact on the environment. Ford has several initiatives to protect the environment. The first initiative includes developing advanced environmentally friendly vehicles. Ford was the first U.S. automaker to offer a full hybrid vehicle, which was also the first hybrid from any automaker in the SUV segment. The second initiative for Ford is to meet and exceed new clean air standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency. Reducing the environmental impact of our environment is Fordââ¬â¢s third initiative to protect the environment. Ford also aims to recycle and reuse materials by contracting with suppliers to attain environmental friendly parts and components. An example is Fordââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Fumes-to-Fuel technology.â⬠A plantââ¬â¢s painting operations are its largest source of air emissions. Ford has developed a process that uses paint fumes to generate electricity for its plant. The last initiative for Ford is conserving natural resources by taking part in global environmental programs to conserver energy and water. Fordââ¬â¢s developed a software program called ââ¬Å"WETâ⬠that creates a facility-wide water balance to quantify individual uses of water and identify areas of opportunity. Safety is another concern that drives changes in automobile designs. Not only does Ford develop innovative safety technology the company also educates drivers. In 2003 Ford teamed up with the Highway Safety Association and a panel of safety experts to create a program called ââ¬Å"Driving Skills for Life.â⬠This program teaches teenagers develop the skills necessary for safe driving, beyond what they learn in standard driver education programs (ââ¬Å"For a More Sustainable Futureâ⬠30.) Five Force Analysis Intensity of Rivalry Among Competitors The automobile industry is one of the most competitive industries in the world. The top competitors globally and domestically account for most of the industryââ¬â¢s market share. In the United States there are three top competitors known as the ââ¬Å"Detroit Threeâ⬠, formerly known as the ââ¬Å"Big Three.â⬠General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., and the Chrysler Group are the three companies that makeup the ââ¬Å"Detroit Threeâ⬠. According to Wardââ¬â¢s Automotive Reports in 2006 the ââ¬Å"Detroit Threeâ⬠brands accounted for 41.5% of passenger car sales in the United States; of this 41.5% market share, General Motors controlled 20.8%, Ford 14.1% and the Chrysler Group 6.6%. The ââ¬Å"Detroit Threeâ⬠market share is slowly dwindling due to globalization, which is another reason that leads to stronger rivalry among competitors (ââ¬Å"Autos & Auto Parts Industry Surveyâ⬠9.) In the United States, according to Wardââ¬â¢s Automotive Reports, the top three foreign competitors that are trying to take over the U.S. market include; Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., and the Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. In 2006 Toyota, Honda, and Nissan accounted for 36.6% market share in the U.S. Individually Toyota controlled 18.7%, Honda 10.8% and Nissan 7.1% of the U.S. market share; in the truck category the ââ¬Å"Detroit Threeâ⬠brands account for 67% of Truck Sales in the U.S. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are the foreign companies trying to compete with the ââ¬Å"Detroit Threeâ⬠(ââ¬Å"Autos & Auto Parts Industry Surveyâ⬠9.) Lack of product differentiation is another factor that adds to the intense rivalry between competitors. Automobile manufactures products include cars, trucks and SUVââ¬â¢s. Even though there is a lack of product differentiation within the automobile industry there are many things that a manufacturer can do to alter design and production that make a product standout from itsââ¬â¢ competitors. The innovation of technology and production causes intense rivalry between competitors because if automakers want to sell make the most profit they need to develop innovative technology that is a step ahead of its competitors and meets the needs of consumers or they need to develop innovative production techniques that are moreà efficient and cheaper compared to its competitors. Ford is known for its innovation throughout the years; one example would be the moving assembly line. This manufacturing technique allowed individual workers to stay stationary and perform the same task repeatedly on multiple vehicles that passed them, this technique allowed Ford to be more efficient by producing many more vehicles than its competitors. Threat of New Entrants Although the automobile industry has very strong rivalries among competitors the industry will not see many new entrants in the future. There are several reasons why there is a low threat of new entrants in the automobile industry. The automobile industry has reached economies of scale and to be successful in the industry new entrants must reach economies of scale. Manufacturers must mass-produce automobiles so that they are affordable to consumers. Another reason why there are very few new entrants in the automobile industry is the very high capital requirement. Manufacturing costs, research and development costs, start-up costs, and advertising and promotion costs are a few costs that require huge amounts of costs in order to be successful in the automobile industry. With rising oil prices, increase in employee benefit costs, higher healthcare costs and also rising steel prices the threat of new entrants will remain to stay very low in the automobile industry. The current situation of the Automobile industry and the U.S economy is another factor that will keep the threat of new entrants low. Rising gas prices, low consumer confidence and shrinking home values are all factors that are causing decreases in automobile sales. Strong brand preferences and high degrees of customer loyalty is another reason there are few new entrants in the automobile industry. It is hard for a new manufacturer to attract customers that have brand preferences and are loyal customers, unless the manufacturer has a huge advertising and sales promotion budget or offer price discounts, these two things decrease profit margin. Threat of Substitute Products The threat of substitute products is very weak in the automobile industry. Automobile transportation for people makes it easy and fast to get from place to place depending on the length of their trip. Walking, biking, and riding trains, planes or subways are all substitutes to automobiles. These substitutes depend on the location of the person. People that live and work in the city will probably either walk, bike, or take a subway to work in order to avoid traffic or to protect the environment. The threat of these substitutes will always be low because it is convenient to have a car and new innovations toward environmentally friendly automobiles. Bargaining Power of Suppliers and Buyers In the automobile industry the bargaining power of the supplier is weak. There are so many part manufactures in the industry to choose from it is easy for a company to switch from one to another giving supplier no leverage. The automobile part sector is so big that it is divided into four business units: original equipment manufacturers, replacement parts manufacturing, replacement parts distribution, and rubber fabricating. According to a press release by Ford, the company spends around $90 billion on parts from more than 2,500 suppliers. Compare to the bargaining power of suppliers the bargaining power of buyers is a lot higher. Automobile manufacturers make profit from the sales of itsââ¬â¢ automobiles. This means that manufactures have to produce automobiles that meet consumer needs and standout from itsââ¬â¢ competitors. This is why consumers have such a high bargaining power because if they do not like a certain automobile they can choose another automobile from a different manufacturer at a relatively low switching cost. Analyzing the bargaining power of supplier and buyers, identifying the threat of new entrants and substitute products, and also analyzing the intensity of rivalry among competitors will allow a company to assess the competitiveness of a certain industry. SWOT Analysis Ford is the worldââ¬â¢s third largest automobile manufacturer, and their brands are sold domestically and internationally, which include Ford, Land Rover,à Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, and Volvo. In 2006 Ford received 30th place in the BusinessWeek-Interbrand ranking of the top 100 global brands in 2006. Another one of Fordsââ¬â¢ biggest strengths is itsââ¬â¢ industry leading innovative technology which is shown through product design, safety and production. Fordââ¬â¢s large network base is a strength to the company. Ford manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. Ford is also a very ethical company. For years, Ford has supported families in need. Ford encourages its employees to take two workdays per year to volunteer at an approved nonprofit organization. Although Ford is very successful it does have weaknesses. One weakness would be the decline in itsââ¬â¢ market share. According to DataMonitor, Fordââ¬â¢s overall market share in the US has declined from 21.1 % in 2002 to 17.1% in 2006. Competition, globalization, low consumer confidence, and high gas prices are all factors that contribute to Fordââ¬â¢s declining market share. Another weakness of Fordââ¬â¢s is itââ¬â¢s declining profitability. At the end of 2006 Ford recorded revenues of $160,123,000 million which was a 9.5 % decrease from 2005. The operating loss of the company during 2006 was $16,950,000 million compared to a operating loss of $1,550,000 million in 2005. This means Ford had a net loss of $12,613,000 million in 2006, compared to a net profit of $1,440,000 million in 2005 (Datamonitor 4.) The automobile industry is full of opportunities. High gas prices and environmental issues have caused manufacturers to develop innovative technology. Ford is developing several technologies that are environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient. These vehicles include; biofueled vehicles, hydrogen internal-combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Global demand is also an opportunity for Ford. Ford has developed strategies to bring itsââ¬â¢ product to emerging markets like India, China and Brazil. The economies of these markets are continuing to grow along with its demand for automobiles. A major threat to Ford is its competition, which includes General Motors, the Chrysler group, Toyota, and Honda. Rising costs are also a major threat to Ford. Rising labor and employee benefit costs have forced Ford to reduce itsà workforce and to close some of its vehicle assembly plants. The U.S. economy is also a threat to Ford. Consumer confidence is down due to rising oil prices and declining home values. The future of Ford and the automobile industry will continue to be worse in the near future if these threats continue. With rising costs and increased competition the U.S automobile industry does not look good. Industry sales are expected to decline in the future due to low consumer confidence, rising interest rates, and high gas prices. SUV and truck sales will decline the most due to the rising gas prices. There will be a higher demand for smaller cars that are fuel-efficient. The ââ¬Å"Detroit Threeâ⬠along with other U.S. manufacturers will increasingly focus its operations internationally to markets in Eastern-Europe, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific where production costs are cheaper. Environmental friendly technology and manufacturing will also continue to rise because of the growing consumer interest in protecting our world. Works Cited ââ¬Å"Autos & Auto Parts Industry Survey.â⬠Standard & Poorââ¬â¢s June 2007: 28 18 April. 2008. â⬠For a More Sustainable Future.â⬠Ford Motor Company June 2007. 19 April. 2008 ââ¬Å"Ford Motor Company.â⬠Datamonitor Business Information Center Nov 2007. Campbell University Electronic Library., Buies Creek, NC. 18 April. 2008 Ford Motor Company. 2008. Ford Motor Company. 18 April 2008 Ford.com/>. Gamble, John E., Strickland, A.J. III and Thompson, Arthur A. Jr. Crafting and Executing Strategy. McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2007. ââ¬Å"The North America Automotive Sectors.â⬠Mergent Oct 2007. Campbell University Electronic Library., Buies Creek, NC. 18 April. 2008
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Armani
ARMANI INTRODUCTION: Giorgio Armani, 74, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Armani Group and sole share holder of Giorgio Armani, one of the worldââ¬â¢s leading fashion and lifestyle design houses, with 5,000 direct employees, 13 factories, and a direct network of 500 exclusive retail stores in 46 countries worldwide. Under Mr. Armaniââ¬â¢s direction, Giorgio Armani, today stands as one of the few remaining independent, privately-owned companies in its sector, with a proven business strategy that has capitalised on the worldwide power and potential of the Armani brand name. Born on July 11, 1934, Giorgio Armani grew up with his sister and brother in the northern Italian town of Piacenza. In 1957, following two years of study in medicine at the University of Piacenza, Giorgio Armani decided to leave in order to pursue his interest in fashion, accepting a job as a merchandiser at Milanââ¬â¢s well-known department store, La Rinascente. Thereafter, Mr. Armani worked as a fashion designer for Nino Cerruti, and then as a freelance designer for various companies, an experience that resulted in an exceptionally rich and varied evolution of his style. After several years of working as a freelance designer, Mr. Armani was ready to devote his energy to his own label and followed his partner Sergio Galeottiââ¬â¢s suggestion that they open a company together. On July 24, 1975, the two business partners founded Giorgio Armani S. p. A. and launched a menââ¬â¢s and womenââ¬â¢s ready-to-wear line. There are many products under the name of Armani such as Giorgio Armani, Giorgio Armani Prive, Armani Collezioni, Emporio Armani, AJ | Armani Jeans, A/X Armani Exchange, Armani Teen, Armani Junior, Armani Baby, and Armani Casa home interiors, offering a choice of lifestyles to the marketplace. In beginning the products were sold under the name of Giorgio Armani i. e. (GA) and later on the company diversified it business in Armani Jeans, Emporio Armani. The companyââ¬â¢s product range includes womenââ¬â¢s and menââ¬â¢s Clothing, Shoes and Bags, Watches, Eyewear, Jewellery, Fragrances and Cosmetics, Home Furnishings, Cell Phones. The Armani Group now also come with the Armani Hotels and Resorts under an agreement with Emaar Properties in May 2005. Recently Armani is also sponsoring for England Football team with their sports and casual dresses which is also a part of their marketing. SWOT ANALYSIS OF ARMANI Strengths: ?Topmost brand in the fashion industry ?Range of products are sold under the brand name which has been created over the years ? Commitment to customer satisfaction and comfort. Weakness: ?Price is on the higher side which caters only to the elite class. ?They are losing customers who are price conscious and opt for the competitors products Opportunities: ?A large part of the Asian continent where Armani can penetrate into. ?Brand name created can be used to diversify into different sectors of business one of such initiative taken is to enter the hospitality industry. Threats: ?Entry barriers in certain countries have stopped Armani from entering into a potential market which can act as cash cows for the company. ?Competitors like FCUK, Christian Dior, Diesel, Gucci etc are entering the fashion market in a great way. MARKETING MIX PRODUCT: Product is anything that can be offered to market for attention, acquisition, use or consumption that can satisfy wants or needs. Armani is one of the well known brands in the world with various products under its name. Different products are sold under different name. Because of the high earnings from Clothing sector (i. e. STAR) it has become possible for them to invest capital in different sectors. The group has such high standard brand name that all products in which ever they have invested have proved Stars for them. The Company now produces not only clothes but shoes, sunglasses, under garments, other accessories etc. And recently they have also signed agreement with Emaar properties for Armani Hotels & Resorts and their 1st hotel will be available for Public from year 2009 in Dubai and almost all the rooms are booked till May 2010. The current name and fame for brand was possible only because of Giorgio Armani marketing and promotional strategy. PRICE Price is the amount money charged o the product or service or the sum of values that consumers exchange for the benefits of having or using the product or service. Armani has always catered to high class consumers who are fashion savvy. Their price range has always been on the higher side creating a niche in the fashion industry. They have not compromised on the price in their business tenure and always have been a status symbol for the consumers using them PLACE It is a network made up of the company, supplier, distributors and customers who ââ¬Å"partnerâ⬠with each other to improve the performance of the entire system. Armani has concentrated on its channel partners to sell their products. They have their stores in almost all the major shopping malls across in more than 46 countries. PROMOTION Promotional Mix is one of the activities to promote the goods in the market and attracting the customers to buy his brand products. The key functions of promotion of goods is through Advertising, Sales promotion, Visual merchandising, Public relations. Armani adopted various strategies to make his brand famous. In 1980ââ¬â¢s there was sudden change in fashion industry. The demand for fashionable goods was high. And this was the time when this brand came into existence with various varieties of products. Armani used the reputed personalities or super stars and model to promote his goods. He made promotional schemes offers to get his products well known. Armani also arranged campaigns to promote his products and make it well known in peoples eyes. Advertising: Giorgio Armani uses the cognitive consistency approach to its advertising. The idea that things should be simple and consistent is the reasoning behind this theory. The need for Ego Gratification comes out in the advertisement ââ¬â where it is directed at consumers whom have the need to go beyond a high self-worth and into the highest form of egocentrism. Additionally, the need for a Sense of Power comes through in the imagery used and the rough looking style of the product. The sense of mysteriousness can be associated with power. Armani deeply concentrated on the Advertising media for his brand promotion. He kept on giving ads in Newspapers, Television, Radio, Magazines etc. This is done to create awareness about their new range of products that are launched in the market. He used Superstars like David & Victoria Beckham, Tom Cruise have been roped in to promote his brands. Sales Promotion: Armani also used Sales promotion strategy; they gave huge discounts on their products the goods were sold at lower rates. Offers like buy 1 get 1 free. Lucky Draw system. E. g. If you buy for more than ? 200 you can meet your favourite celebrities or free trips, because of which customers were attracted more. Public Relations: Public relation is concerned with companyââ¬â¢s various publics by obtaining favourable publicity building up a good corporate image and handling and heading off unfavourable rumours, stories and events. Giorgio Armani is going to dress the England football team. The prominent designer was picked for the job by team captain David Beckham and coach Sven-Goran Eriksson. Armani is going to create two separate outfits each ââ¬â one formal, the other smart-casual ââ¬â for the squad of 26. The outfits cost GBP 3,500 for each player but Armani will reportedly do it for free as he will benefit from the publicity. Direct Marketing Direct marketing is direct communications with carefully targeted individual customers to both obtain and immediate response and cultivate lasting customer relationship. Armani promotes its products online and you can even buy various products through the internet. You can buy the products from anywhere in the world and the products are delivered at your doorstep. This helps in keeping contact with their loyal consumers. Personal Selling This is the personal presentation by the firmââ¬â¢s sales force for the purpose of making sales and building customer relationship. Personal selling comes in form of Fashion shows to Armani where a range of their products is displayed and sold. BCG Matrix for Armani Armani falls into the STAR category of the BCG Matrix. Over a period of time Armani enjoys high growth and high market share. Being in this category they can invest their profits generated into their subsidiary business units who are the cash cows. The best example would be Armani venturing into the hospitality industry and coming up with a hotel and simply the hotel being booked till 2010. COMPETITION: Though Armani has established itself into the fashion world and other range of products sold under their brand name, there is a lot of competition coming up. French Connection, Gucci, Christian Dior are storming the market with different range of products with variety of price range. With the current economic crisis, retail outlets like Marks & Spencers, Debenhams are offering their products at a discount as never seen before. Armani will have to review their strategy, to maintain their competitive advantage over the competitors. CONCLUSION Today as Armani business is spread all over the world it is diversifying its business in different sectors also. There are many promotions made by Armani today like Seasonal goods to attract new customers and old customers in every seasonal change. Gifts for small children on purchasing of Armani Junior are specially produced for them. Variety of clothes for menââ¬â¢s and womenââ¬â¢s with new latest designs. Overall the image of luxury of the brand is maintained and becomes more persuasive by using language, which promotes feelings and emotions of masculinity and mysteriousness. The colors of the advertisements already do an excellent job of keeping mystery in the minds of the readers by using black/white photos and rich, and bold colors. Reasoning from comparison is used throughout these advertisements. The message is: if you use our products or wear our clothing, you will be popular, beautiful, successful, etc. http://ezinearticles. com/? Giorgio-Armani:-A-Persuasive-Campaign&id=24792 Giorgio Armani: A Persuasive Campaign By Scott Fish
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Is Print Media Dead in the 21st Century - Free Essay Example
Sample details Pages: 8 Words: 2451 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Media Essay Type Analytical essay Level High school Did you like this example? With the emergence of digital media, the relevance of print media have been fiercely debated (Gomez, 2008; Leatherbarrow, 2012). The advocates of digital media supremacy bring to light the idea of the death of print media. In an attempt to persuade the public of the ultimate end of print newspapers, magazines, and books, the advocates present print media as fully outdated, expensive, and impractical (Anderson, 2014). Donââ¬â¢t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Is Print Media Dead in the 21st Century?" essay for you Create order What becomes evident from their pressure on the public is that they have initiated a zero-sum game à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã¢â¬Å" print must die for digital to prevail (Anderson, 2014, n.p.). This essay is aimed at discussing whether print media are really dead in the 21st century. Drawing on the recent research evidence and authoritative opinions, the essay attempts to generate an in-depth analysis of the vitally important issue. Gomez (2008) asserts that print media (especially print books) continue to preserve popularity among the reading public because they greatly appreciate how print media look and smell. Drawing the parallels between peoples devotion to print media and patriotic feelings, Gomez (2008) poses a reasonable question: how can books ever be replaced, let alone disappear? (p.13). However, the author also claims that print media are significantly threatened by the wide spread of digital media and that the sales of print media are declining. Discussing the position of print med ia in the digital era, Hooper (2012) expresses a view that reports of the death of print have been greatly exaggerated (n.p.). To prove his opinion, Hooper (2012) mentions some examples of the increasing interest in print media. For instance, he claims that some sites and online services (e.g. Google, Moshi Monsters, and Net-A-Porter) have recently started to publish print magazines to attract new partners and customers and realise new strategic goals. Hooper (2012) also discusses the case of the famous Berlin magazine 032c. This magazine was created by Joerg Koch to advertise the website. However, the print magazine has acquired so much popularity among readers that the website was transformed into an archival repository. Moreover, as West (2009) specifies, many famous newspapers (e.g. The New York Times, Washington Post, Time, and The Guardian) are still published because the quality of journalism produced by traditional print media is still well ahead of the combined might of all the bloggers that inhabit cyberspace (n.p.). In the viewpoint of West (2009), digital media will not replace print media until the quality of digital media is increased. Likewise, Anderson (2014) mentions that even computational and scientific fields heavily rely on print media. For instance, in the medicine field, print journals are considered as crucial and reliable resources widely used by health care professionals.Ãâ Nossek, Adoni, and Nimrod (2015) have conducted an interesting research on print media reading in nine European countries. The countries chosen for the research were technologically similar, but culturally different. The acquired evidence has clearly revealed that print media preserve their popularity in the 21st century. About half of the European respondents have acknowledged that they read either print books or print newspapers. However, the findings of Zickuhr and Rainie (2014) and Desilver (2014) have shown a gradual substitution of print books for digit al books. Despite these findings, Nossek, Adoni, and Nimrod (2015) claim that this displacement, if actualized, will only be partial (p.379). Although digital books are less expensive and are more accessible than print books, the tradition of reading print books is too powerful (Liu, 2008). Moreover, in the viewpoint of Nossek, Adoni, and Nimrod (2015), readers significantly enjoy design and artistic worth of print books. On the other hand, Nossek, Adoni, and Nimrod (2015) acknowledge that print newspapers have more chances for displacement than print books. This is explained by two major factors: 1) print newspapers are less popular among readers than print books and 2) digital media provide readers with a range of new opportunities (e.g. socialisation, an immediate access to national and international news, and co-creation of news) (Nossek, Adoni, and Nimrod, 2015). West (2009) acknowledges that some large newspapers will certainly fail to survive in the highly digital world becau se of the loss of monopoly.Ãâ While the mentioned reasons for displacement can hardly be considered disputable, print media outperform digital media in the depth of media coverage, accuracy of information, and the diversity and quality of the content (West, 2009; Nossek, Adoni, and Nimrod, 2015). With regard to the latter aspect, the articles published in print newspapers and magazines are written by professional journalists who do not only produce grammatically correct writing, but also tend to discuss an issue or event from different perspectives, positions, and angles (West, 2009). In addition, Kitch (2009) specifies that people continue to view print media as crucial material objects which help them preserve memories of some events. Adoni and Nossek (2001) also point out that those readers who are unable to develop digital skills certainly prefer print books to digital books. What the research of Nossek, Adoni, and Nimrod (2015) has brought into light is that the majority of Internet users balance their time spent reading different media (p.381). Actually, the choice of digital or print media depends on readers needs and purposes of reading (Liu, 2008). For instance, those people who attempt to receive authoritative and detailed information on certain events choose print newspapers or print books, while those people who want to satisfy their psychosocial needs or want to be entertained choose digital media. In view of the fact that digital media and print media endow readers with diverse kinds of experience (Liu, 2008; Hooper, 2012), it is wrong to reject either of the two. This is proved by the survey of trade magazine editors conducted by Leatherbarrow (2012). According to the survey findings, editors strongly believe that their print magazines benefit from online versions and that people of different ages, professions, experiences, and skills prefer different kinds of media. In the viewpoint of one respondent, My sector has a traditional older, le ss technically-literate reader base. They spend 12 hours a day in their shops, and want to relax with a magazine they can hold, not in front of a screen (Leatherbarrow, 2012, n.p.). What is evident from this particular testimony is that print texts and digital texts cannot be differentiated on the premise of their different formats. It is the difference in experience that matters (Catone, 2013). However, as Richtel and Bosman (2011) acknowledge in their article, reading of print media is widespread not only among the old generation, but also among the young generation. Although parents are obsessed with digital devices and digital media, they attempt to inspire their childrens interest in reading print books. According to Richtel and Bosman (2011), parents hold the view that the experience of reading print books is unique and contributes much to the overall development of their children. This unique experience is explained by the fact that children establish emotional ties with p rint books (something which cannot be achieved with digital books). Through these emotional ties, they evoke all five senses and acquire different skills. In addition to children and old people without appropriate digital skills, researchers and scholars also contribute much to the survival of print media. As Berger (2006) specifies, academic authors prefer print publications to digital publications. Print books can be sold, distributed among friends, relatives, colleagues, and students, and used for citations. In the process of writing an academic paper, scholars and students tend to heavily rely on print books because online resources do not guarantee any longevity for citation as books and analog journals do (Berger, 2006, p.152). This assertion is consistent with the findings of Ramirez (2003) who investigated the reading preferences of students from the National University of Mexico and found that 78 percent of students read and better understand print media and materials, whil e only 18 percent preferred reading of digital materials. Even when students read a digital text, they cannot read it for more than two hours (Ramirez, 2003). According to Liu (2008), students tend to choose print media when a text or book is rather lengthy, when they need to profoundly investigate a specific issue or area, and when they need to take notes. What should be understood is that those who insist on the death of print media speak from the position of significant technological changes, fully disregarding social aspects of print media reading. Griswold, Lenaghan, and Naffziger (2011) express the view that digital media are not bringing about the death of reading, or a postprint age, or the disappearance of the book in ink-on-dead-trees form, but are changing the nature and type of reading experiences available (p.31). Following this line of argument, it becomes evident that modern readers do not have to dismiss print media for the sake of digital media. Instead, they hav e an opportunity to choose among different types of media. Moreover, by bringing to light the debate about the death of print media and by comparing print media to digital media, authors, researchers, and scholars unintentionally revive interest in print media (Sutherland and Deegan, 2012). The debate has a great impact on peoples minds and makes them reconsider their attitudes to the issue of print media. When in 1999 the British Library microfilmed and then eradicated American newspapers after 1850, this decision was negatively perceived by both English and international public (Chartier, 2004). As a result of this negative perception, American and English libraries were forced to stop destroying print newspapers and magazines. This particular example proves that people are not ready to easily reject print media, even though they widely read digital media. In the process of reading print and digital versions of the same text, readers use different methods and strategies of reading . Catone (2013) compares reading of digital media to watching a film version of a live performance. Those who understand the beauty and value of a print book certainly continue to invest in books to enrich their collection (Agresta, 2012). The recent survey of English and American readers conducted by Publishing Technology (2015) has demonstrated that readers between 18 and 34 years understand and highly appreciate the value of print books. According to the acquired evidence, 79 percent of American respondents and 64 percent of English respondents read print books last year. The research has also found that the majority of English and American readers tended to buy their print books in bookstores instead of using Internet stores (e.g. Amazon). The findings of this survey and the above mentioned studies provide conclusive evidence that print media are still alive. Moreover, in the viewpoint of Josefowicz (2009), the myth about the death of print media is created by information jun kies who use digital media and reject print media because they want to receive news in a fast way. However, Josefowicz (2009) claims that information junkies constitute a minor group of people. On the other hand, their voices are so loud that it may seem that the view of the death of print media is shared by the majority. In contrast to the research findings discussed in this essay, the opinions expressed by information junkies and digital media lovers are based on anecdotal evidence. Unquestionably, such evidence can hardly be considered trustworthy and reliable. As Josefowicz (2009) rightfully asserts, the end of print is a meme that has gained ascendancy in an environment of disruptive change in the communication ecology (n.p.).Ãâà Ãâà Ãâà Ãâà Ãâà Ãâà Ãâ As the essay has clearly shown, print media are not dead in the 21st century. Despite the increase in reading digital media, the findings of the recent studies prove that people continue to rea d print newspapers, magazines, and books. In view of these findings, it is more appropriate to speak not about the death of print media, but about the evolution of a new functional division of labour among print media and their digital equivalents (Nossek, Adoni, and Nimrod, 2015, p.381). To satisfy their diverse needs, readers may successfully combine reading of print media and reading of digital media. The views of authors and critics mentioned in this essay reveal the main reasons why printed publications are destined to survive (West, 2009, n.p.). Bibliography Agresta, M. (2012). What will become of the paper book? Slate, 8 May. Available from: https://www.slate.com/articles/arts/design/2012/05/will_paper_books_exist_in_the_future_yes_but_they_ll_look_different_.single.html [Accessed 24 October, 2015] Adoni, H. Nossek, H. (2001). The new media consumers: Media convergence and the displacement effect. Communications. The European Journal of Communication Research, 26 (1), 59-83. Anderson, K. (2014). Identity crisis à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã¢â¬Å" Does print need to die for online to flourish? The Scholarly Kitchen, 20 May. Available from: https://scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2014/05/20/identity-crisis-does-print-need-to-die-for-online-to-flourish/ [Accessed 24 October, 2015] Berger, S. (2006). The future of publishing in the digital age. In: P. Messaris L. Humphreys (Eds.), Digital media: Transformations in human communication (pp.147-158). New York: Peter Lang. Catone, J. (2013). Why printed books will never die. Mashable, 16 January. Av ailable from: https://mashable.com/2013/01/16/e-books-vs-print/#y7rqkMStoPqi [Accessed 24 October, 2015] Chartier, R. (2004). Languages, books, and reading from the printed word to the digital text. Critical Inquiry, 133-152. Desilver, D. (2014). Overall book readership stable but e-books becoming more popular. Pew Internet Research Project. Available from: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/01/21/overall-book-readership-stable-but-e-books-becoming-more-popular/ [Accessed 22 October, 2015] Gomez, J. (2008). Print is dead: Books in our digital age. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Griswold, W., Lenaghan, E., and Naffziger, M. (2011). Readers as audiences. In: V. Nightingale (Ed.), The handbook of media audiences (pp.19-40). Chichester: John Wiley Sons. Hooper, M. (2012). Who says print is dead? The Guardian, 3 June. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/jun/03/who-says-print-is-dead [Accessed 23 October, 2015] Josefowicz, M. (2009). The fal lacy of the print is dead meme. Mediashift, 27 April. Available from: https://mediashift.org/2009/04/the-fallacy-of-the-print-is-dead-meme117/ [Accessed 24 October, 2015] Kitch, C. (2009). The afterlife of print. Journalism, 10 (3), 340-342. Leatherbarrow, T. (2012). Do trade magazines have a future? White Paper of WRP Agency. Available from: https://www.wpragency.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/WPR-Whitepaper.pdf [Accessed 24 October, 2015] Liu, Z. (2008). Paper to digital: Documents in the information age. Westport: Libraries Unlimited. Nossek, H., Adoni, H., Nimrod, G. (2015). Is print really dying? The state of print media use in Europe. International Journal of Communication, 9, 365-385. Publishing Technology (2015). New research reveals print habits die hard with millennial readers. Available from: https://www.publishingtechnology.com/2015/03/new-research-reveals-print-habits-die-hard-with-millennial-readers/ [Accessed 24 October, 2015] Ramirez, E. (2003). The impact of the Internet on the reading practices of a university community: The case of UNAM. World Library and Information Congress: 69th IFLA General Conference and Council, August 1-9, 2003. Berlin. Available from: https://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla69/papers/019e-Ramirez.pdf [Accessed 24 October, 2015] Richtel, M. Bosman, J. (2011). For their children, many e-book fans insist on paper. The New York Times, 20 November. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/21/business/for-their-children-many-e-book-readers-insist-on-paper.html?_r=2 [Accessed 24 October, 2015] Sutherland, K. Deegan, M. (2012). Transferred illusions: Digital technology and the forms of print. Farnham: Ashgate Publishing. West, W. (2009). Print media will survive. Mercatornet, 3 September. Available from: https://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/print_media_will_survive/5735 [Accessed 24 October, 2015] Zickuhr, K. Rainie, L. (2014). A snapshot of reading in America in 2013, Pew Internet Res earch Project. Available from: https://www.pewinternet.org/2014/01/16/a-snapshot-of-reading-in-america-in-2013 [Accessed 22 October, 2015]
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Freedom Writers Rhetorical Analysis Essay - 714 Words
Rhetorical Analysis: Freedom Writers The movie ââ¬Å"Freedom Writersâ⬠is based on a true story. Hilary Swank as Erin Gruwell plays an inspirational teacher at Wilson High School. She is ready to take on the teaching world as she steps inside Wilson High School for her first day. Her class, varied with teenagers of different ethnic backgrounds, wants nothing more than to just get through the day. African Americans, Latinos, Asians, gang members, and much more are from poor neighborhoods, that all share a similar hatred for each other. On the first day of teaching she is very scared and unsure, but she knows she has to stop the racism in the class as well as their attitude towards life. Despite her students persistent refusal to participateâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦The school district feels these students are unable to use the books because the teachers think the students will destroy them. This brings up one of many claims, which happens to be that education is falling the students. The school pays very lit tle attention to these students, and this is one of the reasons why they drop out and donââ¬â¢t graduate. The studentsââ¬â¢ know that no one cares about their education so they donââ¬â¢t try to do well in school. If the system were to appreciate the kids, they would have a different view on learning how to gain education. Another claim would be, hardships at home are affecting the lifestyle of these students. Some of these students arenââ¬â¢t appreciated by their family members, and face horrible tragedies, which causes violence within each student. To help inspire the students more, Erin gave them an educational trip about the Holocaust War that the students donââ¬â¢t have any idea about. But after giving so much effort and time to her students, her husband eventually gave up on their relationship. They divorced, but that didnââ¬â¢t stop Erin to continually support her students, which is that time, treated by her as a family. The studentsââ¬â¢ started gaining respect for Erin. The studentsââ¬â¢ started to come together and tried to start life new, and make changes within their lifestyle. The audience of this movie has a very wide range. However, I think majority of the viewersShow MoreRelatedTextual Analysis of Rudy Giulianis Speech873 Words à |à 3 Pagesï » ¿Textual Analysis of Rudy Giulianis Speech Giulianis Purpose and Argument The year 2001, September 11th happened to be a disastrous day for New York Cityà in America together with all countries worldwide. The calculated attack by terrorists stirred several reactions that were apparent in varied art forms. Other people mourned those who died using poems and songs while other individuals called for urgent action in form of speeches together with letters. One specific rejoinder was the speech fromRead MoreThe Freedom Writers And Romeo And Juliet905 Words à |à 4 Pagesdifferent writing pieces, wrote essays, and learned techniques that help us develop our reading and writing skills. In middle school the writing tasks were easier and funner than high school. We read books like the Diary of Anne Frank, The Freedom Writers, and Romeo and Juliet, that I actually found interesting. They would give us the task of writing our own journals. We had to write an entry every day a page or more long, like Anne Frank and like The Freedom Writers did. Writing in our journals onRead MoreSally Satels Organ for Sale.1154 Words à |à 5 PagesAn Analysis of passion: Sally Satelââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Organs for Saleâ⬠Sally Satel is an Americanà psychiatristà based in Washington DC. She is a lecturer at theà Yale Universityà School of Medicine, the W.H. Brady Fellow at theà American Enterprise Institute, and author. Books written by Satel includeà P.C. M.D.: How Political Correctness is Corrupting Medicine andà Drug Treatment: The Case for Coercionà Her articles have been published inà The New Republic, theà Wall Street Journal, theà New York Times, and in scholarlyRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of Assata Shakur 1316 Words à |à 6 PagesMami Chantal English 1020 Campbell 10/6/17 Rhetorical Analysis of Assata Shakur Assata shakur was a member of the Black Panthers movement and was the most wanted person by the FBI. She was charged with first degree murder, assault, and battery of a police officer because of her activism, which brought resentment against her. This compelled her to move to Cuba, where she still lives today. Sheââ¬â¢s also Tupac Shakur step aunt. In ââ¬Å"To My People ââ¬Å", she expresses her discontent about the white manRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of Martin Luther Kings I Have A Dream Speech1230 Words à |à 5 Pages Rhetorical Analysis Essay on Martin Luther Kingââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"I have a dreamâ⬠speech Professor Hailemarkos Worke ENGL 102 Sefra Belay September 29, 2017 Rhetorical Analysis Essay In Washington DC, on August 28, 1963 was the day that Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his ââ¬Å"I have a dreamâ⬠speech. According to Kennedy X.J., et al. in their book, The Brief Bedford Reader, Martin Luther King was an American Baptist minister who became the first president of the Southern Christian Leadership ConferenceRead MoreRhetorical Analysis For Anthem1094 Words à |à 5 PagesRhetorical Analysis Essay Professional anonymous writer from Procon writes in this article (Refusing to Stand for the National Anthem) argues both the pros and cons about kneeling for the national anthem. This author supports there argument by comparing the pros and cons of the issue.This writer uses logos,ethos and a professional tone to help convey his argument about why some people support athletes kneeling and why others oppose athletes kneeling during the National Anthem. In the article ââ¬Å"RefusingRead MoreMy Writing As A Writer1700 Words à |à 7 PagesWhat kind of writer am I? Thatââ¬â¢s a trick question for which there is not a satisfactory answer. My experience with writing has never been my favorite. In fact, English has always been my least favorite subject. Studying math and science is what I enjoy; these have come rather easy for me. English, for some reason I will never understand, has always required extra effort for me actually to do well. Sure, there have been plenty of times that I have been required to write a few research papers, severalRead MoreMlk Rhetorical Analysis Essay example1178 Words à |à 5 PagesRhetorical Analysis on Martin Luther King Juniorââ¬â¢s Letter from Birmingham Jail In Martin Luther King Juniorââ¬â¢s Letter from Birmingham Jail, MLK uses ethos, logos, and pathos powerfully and effectively to present his argument that the discrimination of African Americans all over the country is unbearable and should be outlawed forever. King wrote the letter in Birmingham, Alabama after a peaceful protest against segregation which was Kingââ¬â¢s way of reinforcing his belief that without forceful, directRead MoreSlaves Narratives: Frederick Douglass, Olaudah Equiano Essay1477 Words à |à 6 Pagesand Olaudah Equiano all have extremely interesting slave narratives. During their lives, they faced plenty of racist discrimination and troubling moments. They were all forced into slavery at an awfully young age and they all had to fight for their freedom. In 1797, Truth was born into slavery in New York with the name of Isabella Van Wagener. She was a slave for most of her life and eventually got emancipated. Truth was an immense womenââ¬â¢s suffrage act ivist. She went on to preach about her religiousRead MoreEssay about Use of Rhetorical Devices in Letter from Birmingham Jail1105 Words à |à 5 PagesLetter From Birmingham Jail In Kings essay, Letter From Birmingham Jail, King brilliantly employs the use of several rhetorical strategies that are pivotal in successfully influencing critics of his philosophical views on civil disobedience. Kings eloquent appeal to the logical, emotional, and most notably, moral and spiritual side of his audience, serves to make Letter From Birmingham Jail one of the most moving and persuasive literary pieces of the 20th century. In Birmingham
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Outline and Evaluate the Behavioural Approach to...
Outline and Evaluate the Behavioural Approach to Psychopathology The behaviourist approach assumes that all behaviours are learnt. It suggests that there are three ways in which this learning can happen, these are classical conditioning, operant conditioning and social learning. The first method is classical conditioning this is when behaviour is learnt through association; via a stimulus and a response. This is an explanation for phobias, an abnormal behaviour can be learned by associating an environmental stimulus; a dog, with a biological response; fear and pain when bitten by the dog. Therefore, every time a person previously bitten by a dog sees a dog, they experience the same fear they felt when being bitten. Thus, the person wouldâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦The behaviourist approach focuses on the present behaviour of an individual and not take into account on the past events, this is a strength as memory can sometimes not be reliable and the most fundamental aspect is the patientââ¬â¢s condition and finding a cure to prevent it rather than focusing on the cause. For example, in the case of phobias, this approach attempts to unlearn it rather than find the cause. However, this may only temporarily cure the phobia as the cause is unidentified due to this approach. Another strength is that there are practical applications. The model suggests that abnormal behaviours are learnt, thus the best way to treat it to unlearn faulty learning. This suggests that this model can improve the quality of peopleââ¬â¢s lives, for example desensitisation can be used to treat those with phobias. A weakness is that this approach doesnââ¬â¢t establish the cause of abnormal behaviour. Critics say that just because abnormal behaviour can be changed by therapy, it does not mean that it was learnt. For example therapy can lead an anorexic person to put on weight, this does not mean they are cured, because they will never reach the optimum of their health due to the underlying cause of anorexia still being there. This weakness suggests that this model is not always scientific. Another weakness is that this approach is reductionist because it overstates learnt factors in abnormality and ignored other factorsShow MoreRelatedPsychology1226 Words à |à 5 Pagesfirst given a talk about emotion-focused approaches and then given a talk about problem-focused approaches. They were then asked which one of these strategies they generally preferred. Preferred coping strategy Emotion-focused approach Men Women 1 (a) 11 27 Problem-focused approach 39 23 What might the researcher conclude from these data? ............................................................................................................................................ ......................Read MoreCY-Harm Identifies Children at Risk to Harm Others2473 Words à |à 10 Pageswhich can include physical aggression, but also bullying, name calling, teasing and coercive acts. Proactive aggression is associated with higher levels of criminal behaviour, substance use disorders, disruptive behaviour, and higher levels of psychopathology later in life. â⬠¢ The incidence of both types of aggression is roughly equal for boys and girls in clinically-referred samples of children and youth, although reactive aggression is more prevalent (59% males, 56% females) than proactive aggressionRead MoreAn Evaluation of Be Clear on Cancer Essay2028 Words à |à 9 PagesThe aim of this essay is to evaluate the implications of the recent government health initiative ââ¬ËBe Clear on Cancerââ¬â¢. Here, a brief history of why the initiative was introduced in relation to public health and the political agenda will be discussed. However, it is first essential to understand how the modern healthcare has been shaped by historic and recent developments. Furthermore, understanding the influence on healthcare practice of healthcare theories and various models will be investigatedRead MoreOcd - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment131367 Words à |à 526 Pagesand early 1990s, behavioral researchers like Paul Salkovskis and Jack Rachman were advocating a m ore integrative theory and treatment of OCD, an approach that amalgamated the behavioral treatment of OCD with Beckââ¬â¢s (1976) cognitive theory of emotional disorders. From these two theoretical perspectives on clinical disorders, a new cognitive-behavioral approach to obsessions and compulsions was born. In many respects, my own professional development has taken a path similar to that seen in cognitive-behavioralRead MoreConflict Management and Emotional Intelligence63003 Words à |à 253 Pagesà à 1à 1.2 Researchà issuesà andà contributionsà à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à 4à 1.3 Justificationà forà theà researchà à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à 6à 1.4 Research Methodà à à à à à à à à à à à à à 1.5 Outlineà ofà theà dissertationà à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à 11à 1.6 Definitionsà ofà Termsà à à à à à à à à à à à à à à 12à 1.7 Delimitationsà ofà scopeà andà keyà assumptionsà à à à à à à à à 16
Monday, December 9, 2019
Stem Cell Debate Essay Example For Students
Stem Cell Debate Essay Few recent scientific issues have stimulated so much media attention, public debate and government involvement as that of stem cell research. Stem cells offer people hope by promising to greatly extend the number and range of patients who could benefit from transplants, and to provide novel therapies to treat debilitating diseases such as diabetes, Parkinsons, Huntingtons, heart disease and stroke, as well as accidental damage such as spinal cord injury. So why would anyone object to research in this area? The problem is simply that a particular type of stem cell, which potentially could provide many cell types for a wide range of therapeutic uses, is obtained from the very early embryo. To make matters even more contentious, the same cloning technology that gave Dolly the sheep could in theory be used to tailor stem cells to the patient. Some people worry that we are taking research too far down paths that make them feel uncomfortable, others think it is downright immoral and agains t their deep-held, often religious, beliefs. But what are the scientific issues and why do many of us feel equally passionate that the research should be allowed? What are meant by stem cells and how might they be used? There are many types of stem cell, but they share several interesting properties that set them aside from other cell types. The adult body contains hundreds of specialised or differentiated cell types, each playing a particular role. Some of these are long lived and do not divide, such as nerve cells; others are short lived and need to be replaced through cell division. Usually, when cells divide, their daughter cells are identical and of the same type as the parent cell. In other words they divide symmetrically. Additionally, their fate and their properties are fixed once a liver cell, always a liver cell. In contrast, stem cells undergo asymmetric divisions, producing both another stem cell, in a process called self-renewal, and a cell that will become differentiated. The differentiated cell may still be able to divide, but it cannot normally go back to form the original type of cell. In some circumstances stem cells can increase their numbers, giving rise only to more stem cells. However, stem cells in the adult are usually in tune with the tissue to which they belong. They divide at the appropriate rate to self renew and to give rise to just sufficient differentiated cells to replenish those that have been lost. However, with accidental trauma or disease the normal rate of regeneration is often too slow to allow for repair. This is particularly true within the nervous system, but also in other tissues where turnover is low, such as the pancreas. How can we harness stem cells to cure diseases? We have become very used to the idea of organ transplants in medicine, to treat a wide range of problems from cataracts to kidney or heart disease. However, we are also all aware of the frequency with which they fail, often through immune rejection, and there is also a serious shortage of organ donors. Both problems could be solved if tissue could be taken from one part of the body to repair another part of the same individual. There are relatively few cases where this is done at present, e.g. using valves from leg veins to repair heart valves. Rather than using whole donor organs or tissues, an alternative would be to use the stem cells able to form those tissues. In fact this is already done with bone marrow transplants, where the stem cells in the graft can regenerate all the different types of cell in the blood. Other types of stem cell could be used in a similar way. For example, the correct stem cell type might allow specific cell types to be replaced in the nervous system, where it is impossible to transplant whole structures. The idea is to identify and remove the stem cells from a particular tissue, multiply them outside of the body and then use them to replace damaged tissue. .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4 , .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4 .postImageUrl , .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4 , .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4:hover , .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4:visited , .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4:active { border:0!important; } .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4:active , .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4 .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u6dd6c8be84d43d0ad22661d037674ef4:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Role of superior court judges Essay This is already done to some extent to repair skin in burn victims, where a small piece of skin can be grown to cover a burn many times .
Monday, December 2, 2019
The Revelations of Epigenetics A New Way to Look at the Chances of Gene Expression
Introduction: The Miracle of Genetics. Defining Epigenetics The problems of genetics have always been drawing peopleââ¬â¢s attention. No matter what level technological development people can reach, the idea of entering the genetic domain still seems rather creepy and at the same time very promising. Hence the weird attraction and awe towards identical twins (Araniel, 2012) and other paradoxes of genetics comes.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Revelations of Epigenetics: A New Way to Look at the Chances of Gene Expression specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, having an identical, or enzygotic twin means sharing not only every single feature, but also a range of genetic diseases. However, with the help of epigenetics, the above-mentioned problem can be solved. Defined as the study of changes within a human body that have been enhanced by other factors than genetic ones, epigenetics can help avo id genetic diseases that run in the family. A Different Perspective on Epigenetics: Article Discussion Found in the Genomics Genetics Weekly journal, the article titled New epigenetics study results reported from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center allows for a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms in developing leukemia. According to the research hypothesis, with the help of epigenetics, a more detailed analysis of the factors enhancing myeloid leukemia is possible. To be more exact, the increase of DNA methylation, which decreases the risk of developing leukemia, is possible to achieve by converting 5-methyl-cytosine to 5-hydroxymethyl-cytosine enzymatically with the help of TET2 (New epigenetics study results reported from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 2013). According to the research results, ââ¬Å"Thus, TET2 mutations affect global methylation in CMML but most of the changes are likely to be outside gene promotersâ⬠(New epigenetics study results reported from M.D. Ander son Cancer Center, 2013). The strong points of the research: concerning the innovations It must be admitted that the research makes efficient use of the newest technologies. Moreover, it is essential that the researchers studied ââ¬Å"chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) samplesâ⬠(New epigenetics study results reported from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 2013), thus, offering a solution to the diseases that used to be a death sentence. The scope of research and other limitations: questioning the credibility However, it is also necessary to point out that the research conducted by New epigenetics study results reported from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center also has its limitations. Among the most obvious ones, the scope of the research should be mentioned. Since only 30 people took part in the research, it is not yet possible to assume that a panacea for genetic diseases has been discovered. Concerning the major findings: the role of the gene promoters The research shows that genet ically, a predisposition to a certain type of illness can be modified, once a certain outer factor is introduced into the organism. Moreover, the research shows that the intervention is highly likely to be successful: ââ¬Å"total 5-methyl-cytosine levels in TET2 mutant cases were significantly higher than TET2 wild-type cases (median=14.0% and 9.8%, respectively) (p=0.016â⬠(New epigenetics study results reported from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 2013).Advertising Looking for research paper on anthropology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Family History Worksheet Analysis: When Genealogy and Genetics Go Hand in Hand Weirdly enough, being predisposed to a specific disease does not mean necessarily having to face them in the future. Knowing the problem means winning half the battle; therefore, a careful study of the family genealogy must be conducted. Feeling safe: what does not seem to be the problem The two obvious issue s to take into account are diabetes and cancer. However, of all the possible problems, the two above-mentioned seem the least possible. The test shows that only distant relatives have the diabetes; moreover, one of the instances had a childhood onset, which means that the symptoms of diabetes are unlikely to develop at present. Checking the threat department: where the danger lurks However, certain issues might appear rather problematic. According to the test results, the parents suffer from allergies and asthma. On the one hand, the latter could have developed due to unhealthy lifestyle led after the birth of a child and, therefore, have no impact on the latter. On the other hand, the test shows that the sibling is also asthmatic. Hence, it can be considered that asthma is also among the possible threats In addition, such issue as allergies is worth a serious consideration. Since the parents are allergic to certain elements, it is necessary to check what exactly causes allergy in p arents and be extremely careful with the rest of possible allergens (Family history worksheet, n. d.). Preventing the storm: the possible steps to be undertaken Speaking of asthma, breathing exercises and specific medicine can be prescribed to prevent the outbreaks of the disease. As for allergies, keeping far away from the possible allergens is required; however, it is also needed to run several tests to determine the exact allergens that trigger the reaction. Vitality Coach Recommendations: Worksheet Two Analysis As it has been mentioned, the diseases that run in the family had been considered inevitable for any family member up to the point at which the epigenetics postulates have been formulated. Considering genetic diseases will help develop the strategy to avoid these illnesses in the future. Dieting issues: something fishy There is no need to stress the significance of dieting any harder; it is obvious that good nutrition rules help improve the organism clockwork and prevent a number of diseases from happening. According to the results that the worksheet has provided, it is crucial to choose vegetables, fruit and fish as the basis for diet.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Revelations of Epigenetics: A New Way to Look at the Chances of Gene Expression specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Exercises and physical activity However, even with the most well balanced diet, getting into shape is hardly possible unless one takes up the right exercises. As the test results how, with the help of physical activity, some of the genetic issues with weight gain and anxiety can be resolved. Moreover, the test results say that daily exercises will help having a good sleep at night (Worksheet 2. Vitality coach recommendations, n. d.). Getting a grip: emotions control According to the results of the completed questionnaire, there are also certain emotional issues that need to be addressed. Acc ording to the research data, anxiety, sleep deprivation and communicational problems do not come from a genetic background, but are a result of stressful life and the inability to control emotions. Therefore, it will be necessary to reconsider my lifestyle and start working on my emotions control, which will help fight my predisposition to the above-mentioned diseases. Conclusion: There Is Yet Much to Learn. Epigenetics Takes off Judging by the potential that epigenetics has nowadays, and the opportunities that it opens for the studies in genetics, there is a whole new world of discoveries ahead. While there is yet much to learn, it is clear even now that with the help of epigenetics, the cure for a number of genetic diseases can be found. Reference List Family history worksheet (n. d.). PDF file. 22 March 2013. New epigenetics study results reported from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (2013). Genomics Genetics Weekly, 95. Web. Araniel (2012). NOVA scienceNOW: 33 ââ¬â epigenetics. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG8nt9OlODo Worksheet 2. Vitality coach recommendations (n. d.) MS Word file. 22 March 2013.Advertising Looking for research paper on anthropology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This research paper on The Revelations of Epigenetics: A New Way to Look at the Chances of Gene Expression was written and submitted by user Spyke to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.
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