Briefly comment on the communication research report Essay Example for Free

Briefly comment on the communication research report Essay With rapid advancement of new communication technologies, people currently can freely and actively express their own opinions in the new media. For example, the Internet has dramatically changed the ways in which some individuals receive news and information, this is very big different from the traditional forms of communication. However, there are some correlation links between traditional mass communication ways and modern new technology ways(Kotcher,1992;Rubin, 1994). Roberts M, Wanta, W and Dzwo, T (2002) examined one aspect of the Internet: electronic bulletin boards (EBBs). The objective of this study is to investigate if traditional news media sources have an agenda-setting impact on the discussions taking place on the EBBs. In other words, the purpose of the study is to examine the agenda-setting process and the role it may play on the Internet. The reports dominant methodology is quantitative. As we know, it is a critical issue that appropriate methodology should be taken depending on different research topic. Quantitative approach and qualitative approach have their respective advantages and disadvantages (Fowler, 1993). Quantitative research, through surveys, gathers data about peoples knowledge, opinions, attitudes and behavior. Quantitative research approach is used to generate new knowledge for evidence-based practice. Attention will be given to the advantages and disadvantages of Quantitative research designs for large group research, the principles of reliability and validity, the value of descriptive and inferential statistics and the importance of ethical research conduct. For the topic, it belongs to sociology category, so I think the researchers have used appropriate research approach (quantitative research approach) even though the approach has some disadvantages. This is because quantitative research approach for this topic has the following advantages: Large members of people can be studies; the method is relatively quick and relatively cheap; the results are reliable, and representative of a much wider population than that directly investigated, the personal influence of the research on the results is slight and the data can easily be expressed in statistical form. This enables comparisons to be made between different groups and populations. For this study, the researchers use Internet, its main advantages are low/moderate cost to design; low cost to send; quick to analyse data; easy for respondent to complete and can attach brochures, images, etc. However, Every survey methodology has its weaknesses, and online surveys are no exception. Not sure who is answering the survey. Like mail studies, it is difficult to insure the desired person actually answers the survey. Not representative of the population. The Internet population has a slight bias towards younger, more computer literate users, though this is changing all the time and becoming more representative of the population. Long surveys are more difficult. The personalities of todays online users makes it difficult to coerce respondents into completing long surveys. Not a mainstream research methodology, yet. With more experience and comparative analyses of online surveys versus mail and telephone results, online surveys should reach the same level of acceptance as other methodologies. For this research, the researchers use EBBs which has the above weaknesses too. For the researchs method, the researchers use five steps (Roberts, 2002, P456-458): The first step imperative examines whether traditional news media sources have an agenda-setting impact on the discussions taking place on the EBBs. They ask Do individuals take issue information gained from news media and pass information about this issue online to other electronic bulletin board users? The second step is selecting the sample. The third step deals with defining categories, time frames, coding units, and context units. The fourth step is content analysis and the final and fifth step of content analysis process is to analyze and interpret the data. The five steps are typical research method that is used by many researchers (McMillan, 2000) and they are very similar with the quantities analysis approach (the Scientific Method) which includes seven steps: Defining the problem; Developing a Model; Acquiring Input Data; Developing a Solution; Testing the Solution; Analyzing the Results and Implementing the Results (Render, 1982). The researchers use an ARIMA model cross-correlational test showed EBB discussions of three issuesimmigration, health care, and taxes-correlated with news media coverage, with time lags varying from 1 day to 7 days. In my opinion, the method is appropriate method for the topic. This investigation looks for a more powerful effect than previous agenda-setting researchers. Because of the Internets dynamic characteristic of transmitting information from senders to receivers, researchers currently assume that our traditional theories of mass communication can directly apply to online communication (Wimmer, 1994). The researches have an accurate research questions or hypothesis that are: how will the new online communication forms affect the agenda-setting process? Can we assume that the transfer of salience still follows the original hypothesis? How does the condensed and compressed environment of online communication affect what we know about time frame effects? All these questions are explored in their study. By quantitative research, the researchers concluded: The results demonstrate the usefulness of examining the rule the Internet plays in the agenda-setting process. Media coverage apparently can provide individuals with information to use in their Internet discussions. As the Internet continues to become an important source of information, it also will become an important area for mass communication researchers. (Roberts, 2002, P464). The report also recommended future research should link other mass communication theoretical approaches with Internet usage. Despite the research has some definite problems; online research has many more advantages than disadvantages. When surveying populations, which mimic the demographics of online users, online research can be a primary means of information collection. With other populations, online research can be effective as a supplement to more traditional survey approaches or as a quick impression of your customers (much like qualitative approaches are used). For outlook, as the Internet continues to grow in popularity, investigations of the content of information being sent online similarly will increase in importance. The study takes an important step in linking the Internet to a mainstream mass communication theory. References Kotcher, R. L. (1992). The technological revolution has transformed crisis communication. Public Relations Quarterly, 37(3), 19-21. Rubin, R. , P. Palmgreen, and H. Sypher (1994 eds. ), Communication Research Measures: A Sourcebook, New York: Guilford. Roberts, et al (2002), Agenda setting and issue salience online. Communication Research, Vol. 29 No. 4, August 452-465. Fowler, Floyd J. , Jr (1993). Survey Research Methods, 2nd ed. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications. McMillan, S. J. (2000). The microscope and the moving target: The challenge of applying content analysis to the World Wide Web. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, 77, 80-98. Render, B and Stair, R. M (1982). Quantitative Analysis for Management ( The Second Edition). New York: Library of congress Cataloging in Publication Data. Wimmer, R. D. and J. R. Dominick (1994), Mass Media Research: An Introduction, 4th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Future of an Illusion by Sigmund Freud Essay -- Future Illusion Sigmun

Future of an Illusion by Sigmund Freud In his book Future of an Illusion, Sigmund Freud utilizes his method of psychoanalysis on religion by comparing the relationship between human and religion to that of a child and his parents. Freud effectively demonstrates that religion is a product of the human mind. After exposing religion as a an illusion, Freud concludes that humanity will be better off when it has forgone religion. This paper will argue that Freud's assertion that religion is an illusion is correct because of it's blatantly traceable evolution through the history of the human civilization and psyche.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first argument that Freud makes in his assault on religion regards civilization. Freud argues that human civilization arose as a result of mankind's needs to protect itself from nature. "It was precisely because of these dangers with which nature threatens us that we came together and created civilization." (Freud, 19) As a result of the need for organization and manpower to prepare defenses against nature, the instincts of man had to be controlled. He furthers this argument by saying that two human traits, laziness and the unwilling nature of the masses to listen to reason, are responsible for the necessity of the rule of law. Freud then describes the various methods of oppression that can be employed by civilization to halt instinctual privation. The most important of which he points out as being religion.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main reason that Freud ranks rel...

Organizational Objectives and Total Compensation in Different Markets Essay

Organizational Objectives and Total Compensation in Different Markets Total compensation is an important piece of the human resource puzzle. It is the thread that can tie valuable employees to the company and its overall success. The laws and regulations are significant in knowing and understanding in an attempt to apply that knowledge to the overall design of the total compensation package a company offers. Working as a federally contracted employer for more than 200 employees, certain laws and regulations will affect the total compensation package within the organization. One in particular is the Affordable Healthcare Act. Two biotech organizations and their total compensation package will be discussed. The Affordable Health Care Act The Affordable Health Care Act was designed to help all people obtain and maintain their healthcare coverage even in the event of loss of employment. The creation of the Afforadble Health Care Act allows insurance companies â€Å"from discriminating against anyone with a pre-existing condition, dropping your coverage if you get sick, billing you into bankruptcy because of an illness or injury, and limiting your annual or lifetime benefits† (www.whitehouse.gov, 2013). The Affordable Health Care Act was not received well from some of the population. It seemed to be not quite so affordable and quite difficult to obtain. After a few of these glitches have been repaired, it is becoming more acceptable to everyone it is intended for. The above was just one law that is now to be considered when creating the total compensation package. Most of the benefits offered will be based on the size and location of an organization. This organization’s total compensation package will include an array of benefits that each employee will be offered once they have been hired. These items include: Medical plan (dental, vision) LTD, STD plans Flexible spending accounts 401(k) plans Tuition Reimbursement for continuing education Employee Assistance Programs Onsite gym Comparisons to these benefits have been made with other biotech organizations, namely United Therapeutics and Amicus Therapeutics. United Therapeutics The first organization for comparison is United Therapeutics Corporation. This company focuses on diversity within its operations and its quest of medicinal discoveries. â€Å"United Therapeutics Corporation is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of unique products to address the unmet medical needs of patients with chronic and life-threatening conditions† (www.unitedtherapeutics.com, n.d.). Some of the benefits United Therapeutics offers is: Medical Plan (medical, prescription, dental, vision) 401k plan Onsite daycare center STD/LTD plans Spouse/Domestic partner coverage EAP Stock Purchase Plan Employee Referral Bonus Amicus Therapeutics Amicus Therapeutics is also a biotechnology organization that employees over 200 employees. Their main focus is to engineer and develop treatments for rare and orphan diseases. Their total compensation package includes: Medical, dental, vision Flexible spending accounts 401(k) plans Education assistance Incentive awards Employee programs The packages offered by these companies are very similar. The differences would be that United offers onsite daycare, stock purchase options and employee referral bonuses. Many of the basic benefits such as medical, flex spending and 401k usually is the most important benefit for most employees. Offering other fringe benefits will just help to retain the current pool of employees and any future employees that join the organization. Conclusion An attractive compensation package is important to appeal to prospective employees and to retain current employees. The total compensation package that is being offered has been compared to two other biotech organizations and is fairly similar and acceptable in this particular industry. References http://www.amicusrx.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.amicusrx.com/careers.aspx http://www.unither.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.unither.com/careers-benefits.html http://www.whitehouse.gov. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/careact.pdf

Norm Violation Essay

After doing the three norm violations for my midterm project in Social Psychology, I was really relieved. The entire nervous breaking act as whatever that will draw people’s attention to me made me partly pity myself. I pity myself for making me look like a fool, but nevertheless, it gave me a sense of joy thinking that I really did it not just for the sake of completion and to get good grades, but I did it because of curiosity and for the satisfaction of my inner craving for new adventure. And by doing the three norm violations, I came to conclude that we are all unconsciously controlled by the norms our society sets and that sank into the very depths of our minds making us live like robots. People nowadays are like robots, doing their day-to-day activities in a pattern that conforms to the usual norm in their society. No more thrills and excitement, no more craving for adventure, no more childish acts, and that’s all because we all wanted to fit in and do things aligned to what is tagged as â€Å"normal.† So this project is really a breath of fresh air to me. This has been an eye opener, a bell that wakes every vein in my body, like electricity that flows to my brain that shocks every synaptic activity. Now I’m conscious, conscious enough to make my life more worth living by not conforming to the pattern of norms embroided to every corner of humanity. I apologize for my exaggeration, but I am just inspired. And I like to exaggerate when I’m inspired. Anyways, the bottom line here is that I’m glad I made this project for it made me realize what’s keeping people in coming out of their shell, and that is the idea that if they do something that is not normal even if that’s what they’ve always wanted to do, they’ll be labelled as â€Å"weird.† Based on experience, it’s really self degrading when people look at you with such scornful eyes because of projecting something that does not fit their tastes. So I can’t blame those whose faces are as thick as my psychology book because they have become numb of all the critics and judgments that pass through their tympanic membrane like a steel being dragged out of force in a glass road. I don’t know which part of my four lobed brain all these words are coming from, but I guess I have made my point and I hope it’s clear.

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) January 12, 2002 PROPHET MOHAMMAD (PEACE BE UPON HIM) BY RAZI KHAN ÂÆ'‚‚ ÂÆ'‚‚ ÂÆ'‚‚ ÂÆ'‚‚ ÂÆ'‚‚ ÂÆ'‚‚ ÂÆ'‚‚ ÂÆ'‚‚ In the desert of Arabia was Mohammad (PBUH) born, according to Muslim historians, on April 20, 571 AD. The name means ÂÆ' ¢Ã‚‚€‚ÂÅ"highly praised.ÂÆ' ¢Ã‚‚€‚  He is to every single Muslim the greatest mind among all the sons of Arabia. He means so much more than all the poets and kings that preceded him in that impenetrable desert of red sand. When he appeared Arabia was a desert, a nothing. Out of nothing a new world was fashioned by the mighty spirit of Mohammad (PBUH) a new life, a new culture, a new civilization, a new kingdom which extended from Morocco to the Indies and influenced the thought and life of three continents, Asia, Africa and Europe. To write about Mohammad the prophet (PBUH) is not an easy task, because it is to write about a religion. The subject of this paper is about the tenets of a religion which is historic and its prophet who is also a historic personality.Mohammed (PBUH) was the greatest man to ever walk to face of the earth. His actions and his contributions to not only the Islamic world but also to the entire world have left a legacy which will never be forgotten. To many this legacy has become their destiny, to follow the prophetÂÆ' ¢Ã‚‚€‚™s commands and to be like him in every aspects of life. Even a hostile critic like Sir William Muir speaking about the holy Quran says that. "There is probably in the world no other book which has remained twelve centuries with so pure text" (Muir, 4, May 8, 2001, islamtoday.com). Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is also a historic personality, every event of whose life has been most carefully recorded and even the minutest details preserved intact for the...

An exploration into the role of nutrition information in influencing Essay

An exploration into the role of nutrition information in influencing consumer choice - Essay Example Since full-time employment requires employees to spend fixed number of hours at the office, more women who are single mothers are becoming attracted to part-time jobs. Aside from the presence of gender wage gap in our society, the high unemployment rate and standard of living are also affecting the widening gap between the available leisure time of women and their income distribution (Terra and y Carmen Estrades 2007). It means that single parents who are maintaining high standards of living may choose to have part-time jobs that pay well as compared to having a full-time employment with lesser income. It is also possible for single mothers with part-time job to spend more time at work in case there is a need to earn more money to support the child’s educational need. Changes in the demographic situation also significantly affect the income and leisure distribution of each employee. In line with this, Beblo and Robledo (2003) explained that the more children a single mother ha ve, the more time she is likely to spend on working. Likewise, Glomm and Ravikumar (2003) revealed that the higher the educational attainment men and women have could also affect the kind of job employment and pay they will receive from their employer. Since there is a very tight competition in UK labour market, the less educated people are the ones who will end up having a white collar job (Turrini 1998). Having excessively high salary is not the only factor behind a person’s happiness and satisfaction with work. The available time men and women have for themselves also matters. Upon analyzing the entire situation, several studies revealed that it is necessary for men and women to be able to balance their time between work and leisure to allow them to have more quality time with their children (MacInnes, 2005; Marks et al. 2001). Between men and women, it is the women population who are mostly affected by pregnancy and the social consequences after child birth. For female em ployees to be able to recover from childbirth, this group of employees will have to file at least two to three months maternal leave before and after the schedule of delivery. Because of women’s need to divide their time between work and home obligations, less female employees are competing to reach the top-level management position as compared to their counterparts (Gutierrez-Domenech 2003). Aim of the Research Study With regards to the financial rewards and employment benefit one can have with full-time employment opportunity, this study aims to determine the reasons why most female employees have part-time job as compared to male employees. Research Objectives The research objectives will seek to identify the reasons why most women would prefer to have a part-time job as compared to full-time career. To answer the research question, the following sub-objectives will be considered in this study: Economic condition in UK A growing economy means higher demand for labour. Beca use of the high unemployment rate in UK, a lot of women who are single mothers are becoming open to grab part-time job opportunities. Increasing number of single mothers A social survey trend revealed that the number of single parent families in UK is uncontrollably increasing (BBC 2004). Aside from having more time to take care of the children, financial expenses are less burdensome in a family setting wherein a married couple shares their

Sec 305 Week 4 assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sec 305 Week 4 assignment - Essay Example Intrusion to these satellites would lead to a failure of the information system to convey real time data and also data integrity. Chinese started invading the United States and government in 2003. A successful attack was in 2007 where two United States government satellites and the Pentagons computer network were hacked by the Chinese military hackers. This was after a series of invasions which had Titan rain as the code name. The motive was to completely shut down Pentagon server computer which was had more than 1500 computers connected to it and to steal systems that are sensitive. Some of these were, technologies used in surveillance and avionics for aircrafts (Barnes and Julian 2008). The attack is believed to have been through an email scum where a PDF document that appeared to have very important information. The hacker set up an email account that would be gotten rid of later. The account was then set up and made to have a screen name appear as that one of the target. The vict im probably saw the message and thought that it came from one of his colleagues and opened it. This launched the attached PDF and led to an automatic installation of malicious software in the machine. When the virus had completely configured itself the hacker had full control of the machine. With the hacker’s manipulation, the virus searched for files in the system. It then archived them and sent them back to the hacker through File Transfer Protocol or Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. The virus had sent approximately 24,000 files back to the Chinese hackers. When the pentagon realized that they had been hacked it was too late but it managed to use its sophisticated technology which indicated that the attacks came from the Chinese government. It later took its computers offline for about three weeks to carry out thorough investigations and intensify their firewalls security (Barnes and Julian 2008). Evidently, a comparison of the US F-22 jet fighter and the Chengdu J-20 fighter has proved the success of Chinas intrusions. Though it had been a bit harder for the Chinese engineers to make an exact replica of the engine, they managed to produce a cockpit that looks exactly like that of the F-22 jet. The satellite attack was conducted through Svalbard ground station located in Spitsbergen, Norway. It is believed that they used it because it depends on the internet to transfer files and accessing of data. It targeted two satellites, one used to provide information on terrain observation and the other used for earth climate observation. Terra AM-1, a satellite used by national Aeronautics and Space Administration, was completely under the hackers control but lucky enough they never took advantage of it (Barnes and Julian 2008). They only left Chinese military inscriptions which passed information on disabling an enemy’s ground based telecommunication facilities. The Landsat-7 was the second satellite intruded. Experts said it experienced more than twelve minutes of interference. Such an attack posed potential threats such as denial, degradation or manipulation of the transmission by the satellite The intrusion was a wakeup call for the United States. It made them aware of the Chinese abandonment of the traditional warfare that involved attacks using arsenal via land, water and air to cyber space. This has made it more aware of Chinas