Data Collection Procedures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Data Collection Procedures - Essay Example My research will however apply face-to-face interview with telephone interviews as an alternative, in cases of geographical barriers. The instrument is suitable for the research because of its success in similar scopes such as is application by Mignone, Klostermann and Chen (2009). The data collection technique defines an interviewer, and an interviewee who may be the direct source of required data or may have acquired the information from other sources. I particularly intend to implement a semi-structured interview that will have predetermined questions but will be flexible enough to facilitate in depth exploration of involved subjects (Kothari, 2009; Gill, Stewart, Treasure and Chadwick, 2008). Application of the technique also identifies a number of advantages that has influenced its choice. It allows for generation of extensive data that are further in depth and therefore facilitates adequate exploration of a topic. The technique also allows the interviewer to overcome the challenge of a respondent’s negative attitude towards the research or a question. Consequently, it enhances response rate and promotes clarity because the interviewer has the opportunity to explain uncertain concepts and terms. The technique also integrates easily with other approaches such as observation and therefore facilitates data collection. It can however be expensive, especially if respondents are sparsely distributed over a wide geographical region, and it is susceptible to researcher’s bias. It is also time consuming and requires interpersonal communication skills for developing rapport with respondents and lack of such skills may render it ineffective (Kothari, 2009). The research will also implement questionnaires. The technique is similarly suitable for the research, having been applied by Mignone, Klostermann and Chen (2009) in a research with similar scope of data. Like the interviews, questionnaires consist of predetermined, though

Management - Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management - Diversity - Essay Example Moreover, empathy can result in discouraging organizational subcultures to form. Subcultures ostracize those outside them, and a sense of superiority in those who form parts thereof, however, a little empathy, even if learned/forced, can go a long way in mutual respect, resulting in the discouragement of such subcultures to be formed. 2. Overcoming differences for effective teamwork: it is all but natural for organizational employees to have differences in their personalities and ideals. Effective and successful teamwork is a must-have in any organization’s operations. Often, teamwork is hampered when employees cannot overcome their differences, sometimes resulting in all out confrontations. An organization that fosters diversity needs to train its employees in ways to overcome their differences for effective teamwork, so that the organization’s operations can run successfully and smoothly. 3. Inclusivity of various different employees of the organization as much as pos sible: it is important that none of the employees feel sidelined in an organization, especially based on their personal differences (e.g. gender, class, ethnicity, religion etc.). Organizational work, as well as employee morale, is adversely affected if employees feel that the organization does not value them or their opinion. ... ss dealings with abroad: whether it is the organizational employees inter se or organizational employees and organizational foreign clients, it is very important for them to be sensitive to the cultural differences and the nuances these differences bear. In inter-office dealings, cultural intelligence can lead to a friendlier work environment, where all employees feel their beliefs are respected; whereas in international dealings, cultural sensitivity and intelligence can result in success along with avoiding the organization embarrassment. There are myriads of ways to attain these objectives, however, some of them can include the following: 1. Just like other regular training workshops and seminars, training regarding diversity can also involve having guest speakers and lecturers, coming from diverse background to come and talk to the employees. These lectures/talks can involve various topics dealing with diversity and can help the employees gain a better understanding of problems f acing the minority at work. 2. There can be an hour or two set aside, every two or four weeks, for employees to share their personal stories, where they relate their personal diversity experiences. Negative and positive both aspects should be equally highlighted. Just like there is a need for employees to learn what to avoid, they need to learn what would be a good thing to do in certain situations with regard to diversity. This can also foster a sense of inclusion in the employees, as well as make them feel that their voices are being heard. 3. An informal office party, where everyone is invited is a good idea, however, to make it more interesting (or more â€Å"diversity training efficient†) the employees can be asked to socialize/interact with those different than them once they are at

Resource Mobilisation Theory

Resource Mobilisation Theory The study of social movements is a very broad and encompassing task; with each new movement come new theories, approaches and events that change the field. Social movements, as defined by sociology, can be characterized as a group of persons, who, by sharing a common ideology, band together to try and achieve certain political, economic or social goals.  [1]  There are a few standard theories to describe, understand and evaluate the effectives of social movements. Amoung the major theories currently looked at today are resource mobilization, collective behaviour theory, frame alignment theory and political opportunities theory. Although each has its own merits and shortcomings, this essay will only be examining the strengths and weaknesses of one particular theory, that of resource mobilization. The strengths focus on the theorys ability to effectively dissect the interactions between various material and non-material resources, the political structure and mobilization, while the weaknesses will examine the theorys reliance on economic models, its lack of historical perspective and its ignorance to real-world factors. The conclusion of the paper will also discuss the future use of the theory, its changing adaptations and whether or not the theory itself is still viable in todays world. B: History and Assumptions of the Theory The history of resource mobilization theory begins pre-dominantly with research done in the 1970s. Unlike other theories of social movements at the time, resource mobilization theory, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦replaced the crowd with the organization, and dismissed the psychological variables of alienation and frustration in favour of the rational actor employing instrumental and strategic reasoning.  [2]  It was this difference, which made it stand out amongst academics and prompted a flurry of research to compile an overarching framework regarding resource mobilization. However, within this framework of the theory lie two distinct approaches: First, the economic or organizational/entrepreneurial model presented by McCarthy and Zald and secondly, the sociopolitical or political/interactive argued more favorably by authors such as Tilly, Diani, and McAdam. Tilly, Diani and McAdams emphasis focuses predominately on employing a political model in order to examine the various processes that ar e claimed to give rise to social movements.  [3]  They base their ideas on the structure of grievances, in so far as they look to determine what opportunities, links or networks exists within the aggrieved group, in order to give rise to enough mobilization as to claim a social movement. Factors they included range from various forms of political power, to the oft conflicting interests of the state and the aggrieved group and finally to the political resources the group has or may need  [4]  . Conversely, the organization/entrepreneurial model emphasizes resource management, the role of leaders and leadership, and the dynamics of organization. This approach is much more economics based and therefore tries to apply various economic theories to the study of social movements. Charles Perrow, when describing this approach, makes light of the fact that it is much more capitalist based and therefore the organization/entrepreneurial branch makes reference to such ideas as: product differentiation, social industry, resource competition, social movement entrepreneurs etc.  [5]   The theory also sets aside three main assumptions when discussing social movements. 1) That economic prosperity and affluence will generally lead to a greater number of social movements.  [6]  2) That people who participants in social movements are inherently rational.  [7]  3) That the social movements participants must achieve a certain level of political and economic resources for their movement to be a success.  [8]  Therefore, as nations become more prosperous and generate necessary social movement resources such as education, wealth and communication, these in turn will help spur social movement activity. It therefore follows that this increase in activity will allow rational people to accumulate the resources needed for their social movement to be successful. Kendall defines the theory as such, resource mobilization theory focuses on the ability of members of a social movement to acquire resources and mobilize people in order to advance their cause.  [9]  Note that the aforementioned affluence is said to be most beneficial when coupled with an open state, which allows groups to mobilize freely and encourages debate and dissent as it promotes the values of freedom, capitalism and transparency. Also, the growth of the welfare state is often seen as a boost to social movements as the State itself can provide resources to struggling movements in the form of aid, workers or development programs.  [10]   The resources that the theory describes range from material to non-material, but are said to include, money, peoples time and skills, access to the media, and material goods such as property and equipment.  [11]  Simply put, resource mobilization theory describes how effective social movements can be, by examining how the groups involved in social movements both mobilize their supporters and manage their resources. Some theorists, such as Anthony Oberschall have furthered the view that the resources defined by the theory are in a constant state of struggle, in which they are perpetually created, consumed, transferred and/or lost.  [12]  Oberschall therefore views social movements much like organizations who vie for a limited number of resources in the political marketplace.  [13]   A key feature to remember, is that the resources(or assets) outlined in the theory can be of both material and non-material nature. Material assets include currency, buildings, people, telephones and computers. Non-material assets include ideology, will-power, political support, leadership and solidarity.  [14]   The other main aspect of the theory is the mobilization aspect. Mobilization is said to occur when a particular group(in this case one assumes a social movement) assembles the aforementioned resources with the explicit purpose on using them to achieve a common goal, change or message through collective action. A distinction must be drawn between the two, as merely gathering resources is not mobilization. Only when those resources have been collectively assigned to pursue a purpose, is mobilization said to take place.  [15]   B. Strengths of the Theory B1. Explanatory power of the Theory: Foweraker discusses the explanatory staying power of the theory, including its ability to adapt over time.  [16]  He states that despite it coming under criticism over the past decade or so, The theory has expanded its explanatory power by including a range of ancillary arguments. The first one of these arguments is that social networking has proven to be a decisive tool in aiding the mobilization of social movements.  [17]  Authors John Hansen and Steven Rosentone, in the book Mobilization, Participation and Democracy in America discuss the impact of social networks on social mobilization by stating, Social networks multiply the effect of mobilization.  [18]  This can be seen in everyday life, as mass communication(often one of the most important resources mentioned when discussing resource mobilization theory) has taken off in a way that not even States can control. The freedom of the internet makes mobilization not only easy, but participation costs shrink. It therefor e comes to no surprise that as social networks have grown, so too have the ability of organizers to mobilize transnational social movements such as the global environmental movement, the tea-party movement of the trans-national European movement. Another aspect of this particular strength of resource mobilization theory lies in its explanatory power to explain the various dynamics of mobilization; to help identify the various resources that social movements need in order to mobilize, the distinctive organizational features needed with condition social movements and the ever growing relationships between the political system as a whole and these movements.  [19]  By moving slightly away from the purely social/cultural or political and instead focusing more generally on resource management and strategy, resource mobilization theory highlights the growing importance of strategic/instrumental action. It also shows a level of understanding in which the decisions taken by the various actors actively affect the outcome of the conflict between the movement and the system.  [20]   B2. Strong analysis of the political system and its interactions with collective action: Resource mobilization theory also includes a very important emphasis on the political process. This is a key feature which provides useful insights into the how social movements interact within the political system. Moreover, an examination of the structure of the political system tends to yield interesting results regarding the set of political factors with either facilitate or harm the emergence of social movements.  [21]  The theory further goes on to focus on the interactions between collective action, social networks and group identity. Foweraker identifies these as prior social organizational interaction and says, Levels of prior social organization influence the degree and type of social mobilization.  [22]   C. Weaknesses of the Theory C1. Adherence to economic cost/benefit models: The first of several weaknesses of resource mobilization theory centre on its apparent adherence to an economic rationality, which presupposes various costs and benefits of a common rational participants. Foweraker believes this shortcoming gives rise to two fundamental flaws of resource mobilization theory and described these two problems as such, First, social actors are presumed to employ a narrowly instrumental rationality which bridges a rigid means/end distinction. The careful weighing of costs and benefits implied by the means/end model falls far short of a universal or complete account of collective action, if only because action may be its own reward. More particularly, to recall Webers analysis of social action, the motives that predispose the actor to act may be not merely instrumental, but habitual, affective and, above all, expressive.  [23]  If the theory only cares about the rationality of actors, then it fails to account for what rationality actually is, as the definition of such ranges from individual to individual. If one person enjoys protesting for the sake of protesting and not, as the theory would say, to achieve a goal, then how can the theory describe their rationality as a participant in a social movement? C2. Rationality without reference to social context and lack of cultural considerations: The second weakness of the theory revolves around an idea of solitary rationality. Resource mobilization theory assumes that rationality is at all times beneficial, yet with any social or historical context, it is nearly impossible to determine how the various costs and benefits of the movements are calculated. Foweraker describes this as a tautological trap, in which the theory, must then define the actors interests in such a way that no matter what choice is made it is always sent to further those interests.  [24]  Melucci agrees with this ascertain by stating that, collective action is never based solely on cost-benefit calculation and a collective identity is never entirely negotiable.  [25]  As Scott correctly points out, social movements must include, the cultural as well as the purposive aspects  [26]  for as it stands now, resource mobilization theory understands the how of social movements, but not the why.  [27]  Also, an associated weakness of the theory is that it gives little room for any sort of cultural considerations. Scott addresses this notion, by underpinning that without any reasonable consideration of cultural, solitary action seems very unlikely.  [28]   C3. Ignorance of real-world variables and factors: The third overarching criticism of resource mobilization theory stems of its apparent lack of real world considerations. The theory purports to understand the dynamic relationship between social movements, yet pays no heed to events such as political negotiations, bribery, espionage and sabotage. Foweraker outlines political negations as being more commonplace than any other political tool and states, Since [rational] choice is often a result of interactions with a living political environment, it makes little sense to think of it as uncontaminated by negotiationsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ã‚  [29]  Another interesting point made by Scott Lash and John Urry in their paper, The New Marxism of Collective Action: A Critical Analysis argue that, the rationality applying to one-off game-like situations does not necessarily apply to long-term relations.  [30]  This also applies to the theory of free-riding in which people may participate in a movement purely because of the advantageous position it will put them in, and not because they truly feel motivated in the movement itself. Therefore resources may be drained and fail if enough free riders are brought on. In particular, the theory fails to explain socials movements that are too weak to distribute selective benefitsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ã‚  [31]  due exactly to this problem. D. Conclusion and Future: After having discussed the various strengths sand weaknesses of resource mobilization theory, this paper will now conclude with a look into the future; regarding both longevity of the theory and the overall attractiveness to academics in its current form. Given the overarching criticisms inherit to the theory itself, it should come as no surprise that the theory has lot a lot of ground to other theories of social movements, such as Political Opportunities theory, Frame Alignment theory or any of a new number of New Social Movement theories.  [32]  However, there is still plenty of underlying merit of resource mobilization theory, which this paper believes will keep it in the foreground of social movement theory for the foreseeable future. This is mainly due to the essential fact that without resources, regardless of how one defines them, social movements simply cannot generate enough momentum to sustain themselves. Therefore, taking a look into the various approaches of mobilizat ion with regards to these resources is as important now, than it was in the 1970s. Coupled with its relative openness and adaptability should make resource mobilization theory a useful tool for the foreseeable future.

Rotavirus Essay -- Biology Protein Synthesis

Every year it kills approximately 1 Million children world wide. The invader sneakes in unnoticed, takes over, all the while increasing in number as it goes. These children are falling victim to a rotavirus responsible for severe pediatric diarrhea. This rotavirus takes over in the human digestive tract, invading its cells and hijacking its protein synthesis machinery. This inhibits normal protein production in favor of a virus army. Children affected by this have had no chance of recovery, but now a glimmer of hope is visible on the horizon-a cure, whose secret lies in the virus' unique structure-a tunnel, which, like the fate of the virus, could be sealed. So, what is the Rotavirus actually doing?? Our bodies consist of many, many cells. These cells make up our skin, our bones, our heart, liver, stomachs. Inside of every single cell is a protein synthesis factory containing a protein called eIF4G that produces the proteins that each tissue, organ and everything else needs to be whole and function correctly. When a Rotavirus infects a human being it affects the cells in the digestive tract causing severe diarrhea. Pediatric diarrhea caused by this Rotavirus is directly responsible for the death of 1 million children around the world. This picture illustrates normal protein synthesis (right) with host mRNA and abnormal protein synthesis (left). The poly-A tail and the PABP that are visible in the middle are part of the host machinery. The NSP3 on the far right is what the virus has in place of PABP.Reproduced with permission from Varani and Allain (2002) Nature Structural Biology, 9,158. During normal protein synthesis, the cell's machinery makes proteins using a template of its own DNA. This copy is known ... ...racts the viral NSP3 protein much like opposite poles of two magnets. Then... What's next?? The tunnel that was discovered as part of the NSP3 protein structure is the key to finding a cure for the virus that causes pediatric diarrhea. The viral protein functions by attracting the host mRNA into its tunnel much like a key would fit into a lock. If the lock is blocked the key cannot fit and the virus cannot replicate. This "blocker" is called an inhibitor. Inhibitors are used in modern day medicine to treat many illnesses by preventing the function of the invaders. Now that the structure has been discovered, the next step is to create a medication that will plug up the lock (viral NSP3's tunnel) and prevent the key (viral mRNA) from entering. This would effectively prevent viral takeover and putting a halt to suffering caused by pediatric diarrhea. Rotavirus Essay -- Biology Protein Synthesis Every year it kills approximately 1 Million children world wide. The invader sneakes in unnoticed, takes over, all the while increasing in number as it goes. These children are falling victim to a rotavirus responsible for severe pediatric diarrhea. This rotavirus takes over in the human digestive tract, invading its cells and hijacking its protein synthesis machinery. This inhibits normal protein production in favor of a virus army. Children affected by this have had no chance of recovery, but now a glimmer of hope is visible on the horizon-a cure, whose secret lies in the virus' unique structure-a tunnel, which, like the fate of the virus, could be sealed. So, what is the Rotavirus actually doing?? Our bodies consist of many, many cells. These cells make up our skin, our bones, our heart, liver, stomachs. Inside of every single cell is a protein synthesis factory containing a protein called eIF4G that produces the proteins that each tissue, organ and everything else needs to be whole and function correctly. When a Rotavirus infects a human being it affects the cells in the digestive tract causing severe diarrhea. Pediatric diarrhea caused by this Rotavirus is directly responsible for the death of 1 million children around the world. This picture illustrates normal protein synthesis (right) with host mRNA and abnormal protein synthesis (left). The poly-A tail and the PABP that are visible in the middle are part of the host machinery. The NSP3 on the far right is what the virus has in place of PABP.Reproduced with permission from Varani and Allain (2002) Nature Structural Biology, 9,158. During normal protein synthesis, the cell's machinery makes proteins using a template of its own DNA. This copy is known ... ...racts the viral NSP3 protein much like opposite poles of two magnets. Then... What's next?? The tunnel that was discovered as part of the NSP3 protein structure is the key to finding a cure for the virus that causes pediatric diarrhea. The viral protein functions by attracting the host mRNA into its tunnel much like a key would fit into a lock. If the lock is blocked the key cannot fit and the virus cannot replicate. This "blocker" is called an inhibitor. Inhibitors are used in modern day medicine to treat many illnesses by preventing the function of the invaders. Now that the structure has been discovered, the next step is to create a medication that will plug up the lock (viral NSP3's tunnel) and prevent the key (viral mRNA) from entering. This would effectively prevent viral takeover and putting a halt to suffering caused by pediatric diarrhea.

Eth 125 Define Race and Ethnicity Essay

It is hard to define the term race as in reference to human beings. It is often described as a subclass of a species. It is often said that different races cannot interbreed with other races within that species. This would make one believe that we do not have different races within the human species but yet every harassment and discrimination class or training I have ever had it clearly states that we are not to discriminate against different races. People often use this term to describe a person’s differences. I believe that we have been using this term incorrectly. There is only one race and that is the human race. Ethnicity is an easier term to define. I believe ethnicity is a combination of culture and genetics. It is how we should describe the differences in each other. I believe that these concepts are important to the United States society because it has always been this way. People do not like change and changing the way we classify a certain group of people is a huge step towards change. I believe this all started as a way to oppress people; a way to make one set of people feel more powerful then another. For example, when African-Americans came here, the white people asserted dominance on them based off of the color of their skin. The white man truly believed that they were better. The sad reality is that there are still some people today who feel this to be true.

Heritage Countee Cullen Essay

â€Å"What is Africa to me?† (Cullen, Line 10). Heritage is an African American poem by Countee Cullen that was written during the Harlem Renaissance. Cullen was born in a primarily white upbringing; therefore he had no experience in African culture or heritage and was confused. His African heritage concerns him; yet, because he must adapt to the orders of a mostly white culture that is not concerned with his cultural origins. This poem is primarily the internal conflict of Countee Cullen on the dilemma of a modern African American aware of his rich Native African heritage but stranded in a sterile conformist American culture that offer him only stereotypical insight into his heritage and no true unbiased perception of his own culture. In Heritage Cullen uses literary devices such as imagery, symbolism and irony to show that he is conflicted on his view of his African heritage. Cullen uses imagery as a literary device to show his confusion of African heritage. Thus Cullen begi ns with a question concerning the nature of an abstract and rather remote Africa. â€Å"What is Africa to me, copper sun or scarlet sea, jungle star or jungle track, strong bronzed men, or regal black, women from whose loins I sprang, when the birds of Eden sang† (Cullen, Lines 1-6). This quote shows how Cullen lists some concrete images which serve as specific emphases for his conflicting views of his native land. This shows an African Americans point of view of Africa. For example in the phrase â€Å"jungle star or jungle track†; the first part â€Å"jungle star† has a positive connotation and the second part â€Å"jungle track† has a negative connotation. In a way the positive connotations represent African perspective and the negative connotations represent African perspective. â€Å"Sung by wild barbaric birds, Goading massive jungle herds, Juggernauts of flesh that pass, Trampling tall defiant grass, Where young forest lovers lie, Plighting troth beneath the sky† (Cullen, Lines 13-17). In contrast to the first quotes the second imagery quote shows a purely American perspective of Africa. This quote shows the constant stereotypical view of Africa that Cullen was fed for his whole childhood.  This quote compared to the first show s that Africa was a wild barbaric place. These two perspectives really confused him. Not only does Cullen use imagery as a literary device to show his confusion on his heritage but he also uses symbolism as a literary device that show this too. Cullen furthermore uses a symbolism of the drum to show that even if he tries he cannot block out his heritage. â€Å"So I lie, who always hear, though I cram against my ear, both my thumbs, and keep them there, great drums throbbing through the air† (Cullen, Lines 19-22). This quote shows that he is trying to block out his heritage. Despite this effort he still hears the drum which symbolizes tribal beats from Africa. This shows that American culture has forced Cullen to deny the primitive African rhythms that pulses through his body. â€Å"Who find no peace, night or day, no slight release, from the unremittent beat, made by cruel padded feet, walking through my body’s street† (Cullen, Lines 64-68). In this quote reassures the point that he feels this tribal beat no matter what he does or what his condition he feels the beat within his blood and bones that he cannot get rid of. Not only does the author use symbolism as a literary device to illustrate his dilemma on his heritage but he also uses irony as another tool to show it. Finally Cullen uses irony to show that he still has not come to term about what his true heritage really is. â€Å"I belong to Jesus Christ†¦ although I speak with my mouth thus, in my heart, do I play a double part, ever at thy glowing altar, must my heart grow sick and falter, wishing he I served were black† (Cullen, Lines 96-101). This quote show irony because he states that he belongs to Christ, but later on he states that truly in his heart he wishes his god was black like him. This show that even if he thinks that he has decided which side to choose he still has not truly done so. â€Å"Nor yet has my heart or head, in the least way realized, they and I are civilized† (Cullen, Lines 126-128). This quote shows that he still has not decided yet; but he still ironically he still says â€Å"they and I are civilized†. This is ironic because the line before â€Å"Nor yet has my heart or head, in the least way realized† contradicts this statement. In this African American poem to show that he is conflicted on his view of his African heritage, Cullen uses literary devices such as imagery,  symbolism and irony. The circumstances he grew up with did not show him the perspective of his people; he was constantly give only the American point of view of Africa. This gave him a great internal dilemma of his own heritage because in his blood he had pride. At the end of this poem he is still conflicted about what his stance truly is. The lesson of this poem is that despite where you live and what biased information you are given you can never forget your roots. Work Cited Cullen, Countee. â€Å"Heritage.† The Poetry Foundation : Find Poems and Poets. Discover Poetry. The Poetry Foundation, n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2014.