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Smoking in USA and Smoking in Saudi Arabia

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Smoking in USA and Smoking in Saudi Arabia

Of all the issues affecting the modern society, the question of banning smoking in public places has been one of the most hotly debated and discussed subject. The subject has become controversial in recent years because of the health risks associated with smoking. Most governments discourage smoking in public places in that cigarette contain toxic chemicals, which are harmful to the body and can affect both the user and those nearby. In the 21^st century, many countries prohibit smoking in public to protect the well-being of people. For instance, the American government has enacted laws that discourage people to smoke in public places such as hospitals, schools, restaurants, and work environment. The global aspect of smoking occurrence is well documented. For instance, Audrain, Janet, and Jon (1743) provide a general findings on how smoking is a major problem affecting the modern society. This research provides a detailed account of the increase in the number of smokers from 19^th to 21^st century. With its severity in mind, many nations across the globe have implemented laws that ban smoking in public places. This research seeks to compare and contrast smoking in the USA and smoking in Saudi Arabia.

Smoking in Saudi Arabia

In his article, Alturki (72) affirm that smoking level in developing countries is quite alarming. While the developed countries such as Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, and the United States have enjoyed the benefits of, decreasing rate of smoking for the past four decades, developing countries such as Saudi Arabia still report rapid smoking rate. Tobacco smoking has been the main cause of death in developing countries with the number of addicts increasing rapidly. Based on a recent study conducted in 2007, Al-Haqwi All, Hani, and Asery (146) argue that, 11% of female and 34% of male secondary students were smoking in their teenagehood. Likewise, Saudi Arabia estimates that 30% of adult men smoke while 10% of adult women smokes. This indicates a major difference between smoking habits in Saudi Arabia and other settings such as the United States where the number of female smoking is considerably higher than Saudi Arabia.

Obaidullah and David (4) also noted that, the highest rate of smoking is among the young generation between the age 21 to 45 years. Additionally, tobacco smoking is more common among married couple, uneducated, and those in certain occupations such as army officers, businessmen, and manual workers just to name a few. Since 1960, there has been a tremendous increase in the quantity of tobacco import, thus creating plenty of tobacco supply. Although the government has emphasizes on creating awareness to the public on the health effects of smoking, the prevalence of tobacco smoking has been extremely high. By comparing the health warning in other cigarette packs sold in the U.S, it is evident that there is substantial scope to improve on the health warning on cigarette packets.

While other nations educates the public on the danger of taking tobacco, Saudi Arabia has placed little emphasizes on the warning of cigarette smoking. According to Alturki (73), the warning approximates to 15% of the pack written in small font that can be hardly read by the public. The back side of the cigarette packs do not have health warnings as compared to those sold in the United States. The brand emphasizes much on the company advertisement, but warnings are not emphasized at all. With this, Alturkin continues to argue that, although the public understands the danger of cigarette smoking, there is a strong need for the government to develop interventions to control the smoking habits in Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, the introduction of antismoking campaign and health promotion campaigns are minimizing the negative effects of smoking in the society. The government of Saudi Arabia has recognized the threat posed by smoking for future generation. With this in mind, the government is diligently working hard to minimize the damage caused by cigarette smoking.

Smoking in the United States

Although the number of cigarette smokers has decreased in the past years, studies indicate that smoking has been the principal cause of most deaths in the United States (Bradford et al 1560). Cigarette smoking causes preventable death, accounting to 445, 000 deaths each year. It is a matter of concern that there are more deaths caused by tobacco than those caused by HIV, alcohol use, illegal drug use, suicides, and accidents. Smoking has been linked to various health effects such as heart diseases and cancer. According to Rodu and Philip (782), smoking accounts for 88% of lung cancer deaths, and 31% of cardiovascular diseases. Although the American government has made significant progress in decreasing smoking rates, many people persist to smoke.

Over 30% of the adult population in the United States smoke, and men represent the largest population. Although men represent the largest population of cigarette smokers both in the United States and Saudi Arabia, the number of women smoking in the United States is higher than that of Saudi Arabia. While the number of older adults over 65 years is lower than the young generation, those who may have smoked for a long period tend to be addicts. In essence, the rate of smoking is highest among young adults between the age 20-40 years (Bradford et al 1561). This research indicates that, the rate of smoking is also high among different races in the United States such as American Indians and black Americans. Asians and Hispanics have the lowest rate of cigarette smokers.

Like other developing countries, the highest rate of cigarette smokers in USA is high among those living in poverty lane. Unemployment and psychological factors such as low self-esteem and other behavioural problem increases the risk of smoking. Specifically, people with mental problems are more likely to smoke that those without the disorder. For instance, schizophrenia and depression are the most risk factors associated with cigarette smoking.

Despite the fact that smoking is the leading cause of most deaths in the United States, the government has diligently worked hard in creating awareness to the public about the dangers of cigarette smoking. The government has ensured that those buying the cigarettes understand the dangers of smoking. To enhance this effect, there have been messages placed on cigarette packs on the dangers of cigarette smoking and how one can be saved from the addiction. This has created awareness to the public about the negative health effects of smoking, and to some extent discouraged many people from smoking. Additionally, the American government has enacted policies that prohibit smoking in public.

Concluion

From this analysis, the following are the differences between smoking in the USA and Smoking in Saudi Arabia. First, while there has been a decrease rate of smoking in the USA, the rate has increased in Saudi Arabia. Secondly, the number of women smoking is higher in the USA than it is in Saudi Arabia. Thirdly, by comparing the health warning of cigarette packs sold in the U.S and those sold in Saudi Arabia, it is evident that the latter needs to improve on its health warning campaigns. Despite the mentioned differences, the following are the notable similarities between smoking in the USA and smoking in Saudi Arabia. First, smoking is the leading cause of death in both countries. Secondly, men represent the highest number of smokers in both countries. Thirdly, smoking has been associated with health problems such as lung cancer and heart diseases in both countries. Fourthly, both countries have enacted policies that prohibit smoking in public. Lastly, both countries have established the need to create awareness to the public on the negative effects of smoking. Thus far, this research outline how smoking is a problem affecting most nations. With this in mind, the good news is that stopping smoking may cause a big difference in health. This may prevent smoking related illness such as stroke, cancer, and heart diseases. Still, it may prevent death cases that occur due to smoking. This leaflet creates insights about smoking in the United States and Saudi Arabia. From the analysis, one can conclude that smoking is a major problem affecting both countries, and this creates the need for the governments to work harder to increase life expectancy. It is also important to discourage smoking in public places in that cigarette contain toxic chemicals, which are harmful to the body and can affect both the user and those nearby.

Works Cited

Al-Haqwi All, Tamim, Hani, and Asery All. “Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Tobacco Smoking By Medical Students In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia”. Annals of Thoraic Medicine 5. 3 (2010):145-147.

Alturki, Khaled. “The Effectiveness of the Smoking Cessation Programme in Saudi Arabia: An Assessment of the Views of Smokers and Health Care Professionals in the Riyadh Region”. The International Journa of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences 6. 1 (2011):72-78.

Audrain-McGovern, Janet, Daniel Rodriguez, and Jon D. Kassel. “Adolescent Smoking And Depression: Evidence For Self-Medication And Peer Smoking Mediation.” Addiction 104.10 (2009): 1743-1756.

Bradford W Hesse, et al. “Smoking Knowledge And Behavior In The United States: Sociodemographic, Smoking Status, And Geographic Patterns.” Nicotine & Tobacco Research: Official Journal Of The Society For Research On Nicotine And Tobacco 10.10 (2008): 1559-1570.

Obaidullah,Al-Lehiany and David Stanley. “Smoking Cessation Program Targeting Adolescents: Saudi Arabia”. Journal of Smoking Cessation 4.1 (2009): 3-9.

Rodu, Brad, and Philip Cole. “Declining Mortality From Smoking In The United States.” Nicotine & Tobacco Research 9.7 (2007): 781-784.

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The Punjab Conflict

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The Punjab Conflict

Introduction

This paper is a comparative case study of the events that occurred in the Punjab conflict of the 1980’s, and the case of the Punjab conflict in the 1990’s. The anchoring case conflict in this case study is the Punjab violence of the 1980’s, while the comparison case is the Punjab violence of the 1990’s. It is important to note that these two case of violence happened in the same geographical region, though at different periods. The degree of violence in these two cases varies, as the Punjab conflict of the 1980’s witnessed a higher degree of violence, compared to the Punjab conflict of the 1990’s. This is evident by the number of deaths experienced in these two cases. While the case in the 1980’s witnessed the highest number of deaths and negative effects on the area, in 1990’s, lower death levels were witnessed, as well as reduced negative outcomes of the violence (Deol 45). There is a main reason or cause for this variation in the degree of violence between these two cases of violence. The unfair intervention of the central government is identified as the causal factor in these cases, thus responsible also for the variance in the degree of conflict between the two cases.

An Overview of the Paper

In this paper, a theoretical causal argument will be developed. This will then be used to explain the differences between the two selected cases of Punjab conflict in the 1980’s and the Punjab conflict of the 1990’s. This will mainly base on evidence from the events, which transpired in both cases of conflicts. The conclusion will comprise a summary of the argument developed in the paper. This will also evaluate the relevance of this comparative case study to the argument developed.

The Description of Question or “Puzzle”

One of the differentiating factors between the Punjab violence in the 1980’s and the Punjab violence in the 1990’s is the degree of violence witnessed in both cases. Both cases of violence occurred in one geographical location, Punjab, though at different periods. Punjab is divided into two major divisions, namely easy and west Punjab. The majority community in Punjab consists of the Shikhs. In the contrast, the Shikhs are a minority ethnic and religious community in the overall state, making up 2 percent of the Indian population. These have a history of resisting central control, and with historical ties to the territories, they occupy (Chenoweth and Lawrence 222). The problems experienced in Punjab mainly root from aspects that are associated with religion in the area. These attempted to separate the Shikhs from other ethnic communities in the area, for political gain.

In the 20^th Century, conflicts erupted when various new ideologies were developed among the Sikhs. These therefore, had required that the central government meets their demands, which were both religious and political. When the central government failed to meet their demands, tension built up in the 1980’s among Sikhs in Punjab and those in New Delhi. The Shikhs had sought a greater autonomy; for fear that, they were being assimilated into the greater cultural Indian and Hindu (Chenoweth and Lawrence 226). This led to massive violence, with detention of some Shikh leaders, as well as hundreds of the Sikhs. More than 3,000 civilians were killed, including troops, priests, and pilgrims. Sacred buildings were destroyed and political assassinations increased. The killing of Indira Gandhi by the Shikhs led to massive killings in New Delhi, claiming more than 2,000 lives. However, in 1985, a peace agreement was reached between the Indian government and the Shikhs. There followed a dismissal of the state government, and Punjab was put under president’s rule, which lasted up to 1992, when Beant Singh won the elections (Chenoweth and Lawrence 230).

The Punjab violence of the 1990’s began when approximately 80 people were killed in two incidences of train bombings in 1991. In addition, the assassination of Beant Singh, the senior minister, together with other 15 security men and aides took place in 1995 in Punjab. Although tension remained high even in the 1990’s, the level of violence in this period cannot be compared to that of the 1980’s. Therefore, there are no reports of massive violence in the 1990’s as those in 1980’s.

The Causal Argument

The government plays an important role in the intervention during different types of conflicts in a country. This is mainly through offering appropriate solutions, which are deemed effective to settle the conflict. However, the government must consider all the parties involved in the conflict, so that the solutions it develops favor all the concerned parties. Therefore, by intervening in a conflict, it is possible that the government intervention might help in alleviating the conflict or might contribute to the rise of the conflict, making it worse.

The Causal Factor

Government intervention is core to the study of conflicts. The case of Punjab conflicts in the 1990’s and the 1980’s proves that the role of government in conflicts is critical. In these two cases, the causal factor is government intervention in the conflict. In both cases, the government had an influence, as it tried to intervene in different ways. However, to a larger extent, this government intervention was not fair enough, thus, there was lack of ethics on the government’s side. In this order therefore, it is conclusive that unfair government intervention fits as the causal factor in the context of the Punjab conflicts. In both cases, there was a difference in the level of government intervention. This difference in the level of government intervention is responsible for the variance experienced in the level of violence between the two cases.

Application to Cases, with Evidence

In the Punjab conflict experienced in the 1980’s, it is clear that the central government was highly involved, in an attempt to intervene in the conflict. However, this resulted in increased conflicts, despite the intervention of the central government. Evidence will prove that the central government used wrong strategies to intervene in the conflict. The central government was biased; therefore, its intervention could barely yield fruit. However, in the Punjab conflict of the 1990’s, there was very little government involvement and intervention in the conflict. This little intervention by the government led to a difference in the level of the violence experienced during this period.

Prior to the Punjab violence in the 1980’s, the Shikhs were against the state government. Therefore, in order to maintain rulership, the congress in the 1960’s, had attempted to straddle the divide between the Hindu and the Shikhs (Telford Web). They mainly based on the low-caste and poor Shikhs. This strategy therefore, would present an obstacle to the polarization of the Punjab politics. When SAD failed to win an election in the 1970’s, which would see them in government, they advocated for Sikh nationalism among the Shikhs. However, the congress got into a rivalry with SAD, and looked for ways of destroying SAD, which represented the Sikhs. The congress manipulated sectarian loyalties in attempts to ideologically outflank SAD. This was the government’s act, which served as the starting point of the violence experienced in the 1980’s (Walsh 234).

When the government acted in a way to deny the Sikhs their political rights, this presented an element of bias in the government’s action. Therefore, the congress wanted power for itself, without considering the Sikhs, who were the minority group in the state. Apart from power, the Sikhs had demanded a greater autonomy of their region, including their own constitution as well as equal distribution of resources, such as water resources among the Sikhs and the Hindu. However, the central government did not consider the grievances of the Sikhs. This is yet another aspect of bias from by the government. The government was biased toward the Sikhs, who were a minority group. These were therefore, marginalized, compared to the majority population (Telford Web).

The central government was also biased when in 1984, it send the Indian militants to attack Sikhs in the holy shrine (‘Indian Child’ Web). This was in response to the betrayal of one Sikh Bhindranwale, who had been employed by the central government, with a hidden interest of using him to weaken Punjab politics, including SAD. This resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 Sikhs, in addition to the 3,000 Sikhs that were murdered in New Delhi, after the Sikhs counteracted the killings at the holy shrine by murdering Indira Gandhi, who was the prime minister in that year (Singh 49). Therefore, the attacks by the central government through the Indian army on the Sikhs forced the Sikhs to hit back, thus resulting in a cycle of violence. In 1985, the government through the new Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi ceded most of the demands of the Sikhs. However, later, the militants murdered Longowal, the Sikh, who signed the accord, and this called for fresh violence, which continued until the early 1990’s. The Gandhi-Longowal Accord had indicated that elections be held to put an end to the control of the central government over the state governments, but this was not performed by the central government, since in 1987, the assembly in Punjab was dissolved and replaced with President’s Rule (Singh 54). This therefore, intensified violence in Punjab. If the government had not participated in this in a biased manner, the violence would not have occurred. However, it is clear that the government was the major contributing factor to this violence in the 1980’s.

The violence experienced in Punjab in the 1990’s was an extension of the violence in the 1980’s. However, the level of violence escalated, because the central government was less involved in the whole issue. For instance, the central government held the elections for parliament and state legislative assembly in 1992 (Gargan Web). However, the Sikhs did not participate in the elections, and the election turnout was 20 percent (Gargan Web). The congress won both at the parliamentary and state levels. During the leadership of Gill, violence was contained through the police. The election was an appropriate solution to the rivalry between SAD and the congress (Aspinall, Jeffrey, and Regan 34). Therefore, since the Sikhs did not turn up deliberately to vote deliberately, after being given the opportunity, they were not justified to engage in violence. Therefore, while the central government in the 1980’s had denied the Sikhs in Punjab their voting rights, starting the 1990’s the new government allowed for elections to be held, thus, helping in the alleviation of the violence.

In the 1990’s during the new governance, the level of participation in conventional politics increased remarkably. The voter turnout for the municipal elections in September 1992 increased by 50 percent. In addition, voter turnout also was also high for gram panchayats in January 1993, and exceeded 70 percent. Generally, violence in Punjab declined during the years that followed. However, tension was still high in the area, but not compared to the one experienced in the 1980’s. This shows that the central government’s involvement in 1980’s was negative and unfair, thus leading to increased violence in Punjab. However, in the 1990’s, the new government played a different role in the region, compared to that of the 1980’s. By increasing the political participation of people through elections and other ways, this reduced the level of violence in Punjab (Aspinall, Jeffrey and Regan 38).

In conclusion, the government plays a critical role in different types of violence in a country. The involvement of the government in a conflict might result in either positive or negative consequences. The outcome of government intervention can only be positive, if it aims at ensuring fairness and equality of the involved parties. If fairness and justice is denied to either party, it is probable that the violence will escalate. In the case of Punjab conflict, there are two instances, where the government intervened differently. In the 1980’s conflict, violence was high because the central government denied the Sikhs their political rights. The government then resorted to an inappropriate way of solving the issue by killing the Sikhs, with some of their leaders. This led to increased violence. However, in the 1990’s when a new government took office, people were allowed to vote, unlike the 1980’s. In addition, the political participation of people was increased in various ways. Although elements of unfairness toward the Sikhs were still present, this could not compare to the 1980’s. Therefore, this quite fair involvement by the central government in the 1990’s led the level of violence to decrease in Punjab.

Works Cited

Indian Child. “Kashmir Issue, Kashmir crisis, Punjab Issue (India).” n.d.

Viewed 26 March 2013 <http://www.indianchild.com/political_issues_india.htm>

Aspinall Edward, Jeffrey Robin and Regan Anthony. “Diminishing Conflict in Asia and the

Pacific.” London: Routledge, 2012.

Chenoweth Erica and Lawrence Adria. “Rethinking Violence: States and Non-State Actors in

Conflict.” New York: MIT Press, 2010.

Deol, Harnik. “Religion and Nationalism in India: The Case of the Punjab.” London: Routledge,

2000.

Gargan Edward. “Punjab Holds Vote but Threats Deter Many.” New York Times. February 20,

1992. Viewed 26 March 2013 < http://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/20/world/punjab-holds-vote-but-threats-deter-many.html>

Singh Gurharpal. “Ethnic Conflict in India: A Case-Study of Punjab.” New York: Palgrave

Macmillan, 2000.

Telford Hamish. “Counter-Insurgency in India: Observations from Punjab and Kashmir.” 21(1),

2001. Viewed 26 March 2013 <http://journals.hil.unb.ca/index.php/jcs/article/view/4293/4888>

Walsh Judith. “A Brief History of India.” New Jersey: Infobase Publishing, 2006.

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Launch of P&G “InsecKill” Insecticide in the UK

Launch of P&G “InsecKill” Insecticide in the UK

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Table of Contents. 2

Executive Summary. 3

Introduction. 5

Situation Analysis. 6

Competitor Analysis. 10

Internal Context11

Organization Identity. 11

Beliefs, Values, and Culture. 12

External context13

Stakeholders. 13

Macro Environment13

Marketing Plan Objectives and Strategies. 14

Table 1: Marketing budget of P&GConclusion. 22

References. 24

Executive Summary

This is a marketing plan for Proctor & Gamble (P&G) Company for the launch of its latest and new product the “InsecKill’ insecticide in the UK market. The company considers it important to first identify a cost-effective and functional planning process before launching the new product in the UK market. It considers important steps to ensure that “InsecKill” gains a successful entry in the UK market and beats competition. This marketing plan identifies important feasible ideas, which will guarantee the success of this new product in the UK market, and the target segment.

A marketing plan has high versatility. This requires a company to use its resources for the implementation of the marketing plan to be successful (Kotler & Keller 2012). Therefore, it is crucial that a company ensures that a new product launched after a marketing plan, is successful in the market, to avoid losses. Nonetheless, P&G intends to launch and market a new product in the United Kingdom, which it is manufacturing for the first time. P&G is a popular brand in the country for its high innovativeness, and a strategic position there, therefore, this is expected that “InsecKill” will receive a good reception.

A research has been conducted on the target segment. This has mainly based on the information on consumer demographic distribution and spending behavior in the UK from the company, with regard to its other products sale in the UK market. Different strategies have been identified about how information about “InsecKill” will be disseminated in the target market. Direct marketing, public relations, sales promotion, and advertising are combined in to a single marketing mix to achieve this.

Finally, reviews have been conducted on the customer, market, internal and external contexts. In addition, the objectives, strategies, and budget of this marketing plan have been outlined and are discussed. Furthermore, different tactics to ensure successful business experience in the UK have been identified, basing on the consumer research findings. Nonetheless, P&G will assess and review its marketing activities time to time, with regard to changing consumer behavior, for better results.

Introduction

Procter & Gamble (P&G) Company is a popular multinational company specializing in consumer goods. It produces a wide range of products, including household products, personal care products, cleaning agents, pet foods, among others. This company is highly innovative, thus the wide variety of products. In addition, P&G is known to develop new products in the market at a higher rate, compared to other companies. Overall, P&G is a high performer in the market, registering high profits each year (P&G 2012).

P&G values its customers, and develops products that suit their needs. This is the reason for the wide range of brands the company produces. Market research is a crucial aspect for this company, as it is through this that the company identifies the needs of its customers (Rehtmeyer 2010). P&G has been successful in the consumer goods market. In this essay, it is assumed that P&G has developed a new product, which it needs to introduce in the United Kingdom (UK). This is an insecticide named “InsecKill,” which is meant for household use to kill stubborn and harmful insects in homes. P&G hopes this product will gain market in the UK due to the features that make it more suitable for household use. In this case, the UK is among the first countries where this new product is introduced. Therefore, this detailed marketing plan aims at ensuring the successful adoption of “InsecKill” in the UK market.

Situation Analysis

In the UK and other parts of the world, there is demand for different household products, including insecticides. People need insecticides to get rid of the insects, which might cause different harm in their homes. These insects include flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and fruit flies, among others, which are stubborn, and might cause diseases in homes. “InsecKill” will be effective in killing various insects in homes, as this is manufactured with special ingredients, which are effective in eliminating insects. “InsecKill” is in spray form and packaged in cans of different sizes. This is specifically suitable for household use, but also for offices, and other places, where insects might occur.

Market research for this product is essential, as it will help in identifying the needs of customers, who are targeted for this product (Kotler & Keller 2012). The prospective customers for this insecticide are women, both married and single. This is because women are responsible for housekeeping. Both working women and homemakers are targeted, since both are believed to have the purchasing power for this new product, considering it is basic in homes, and its price, which is affordable. “InsecKill” will ensure homes are free of insects, which cause diseases and viruses that are harmful to humans.

Purchasing an insecticide is a quite involving process for consumers. A consumer will have to undergo a series of steps, before deciding on which insecticide to purchase. First, a consumer will identify their need for an insecticide. After establishing that there are insects in their houses, which need to be eliminated, a consumer will set out to search for information leading to a solution. Next, the consumer will compare the different solutions found through the information gathered. Finally, a consumer will arrive at a purchase decision. Here, the consumer decides whether to buy or not, where to buy, and when to buy the product. However, today, the market is filled with diverse information on different products; therefore, a consumer is more likely to make wrong purchase choices (Leon & Leslie 2007).

In United Kingdom, it is the women, who make most decisions regarding the purchase of products for household use. Therefore, P & G Company has put strategies in place to ensure that the new product, “InsecKill” captures the attention of more women than men in the UK. P&G will use this as a tactic to ensure the wide and outstanding marketing of “InsecKill,” so that the target consumers can make the right purchase decisions. It is expected that the target market will purchase ‘InsecKill” because of its quality and its characteristics that make it more suitable and safe to use in homes. First, this is biodegradable, thus environmentally friendly. Secondly, this insecticide is not harmful to humans, but kills stubborn insects instantly when sprayed. In addition, it is affordable and easy to use. Therefore, the characteristics of this insecticide are expected to give it an edge over the others in the market.

Customer context

Segmentation

The target segment is the working class females, as well as homemakers. However, the working class females are key consumers, who can purchase the product. This is because these are more economically empowered, therefore, their affordability is guaranteed. On the hand, homemakers might be obliged to purchase this product, since the household activities, they are involved in, call for the adoption of an insecticide. At home, these might experience houseflies and other insects. Therefore, the needs of these target consumers have to be contextualized (Kotler & Keller 2012) so that the strategies set will meet these needs.

Involvement

For this company, it is necessary that the specific and general needs of its customers be fulfilled. Consumers will utilize a variety of their resources, including time and financial resources, in buying the new product. Therefore, it is crucial P & G develops marketing strategies, which will positively influence consumers, and assure them that they are making the right purchase decision by choosing “InsecKill” (Kotler & Keller 2012). The information relayed to consumers about this new product must show the benefits of the new insecticides, which lack in other insecticides in the market, and which consumers will miss out on, if they fail to choose this new insecticide. According to Schwarz and Hunter (2008), a convincing, reassuring, and serious tone should be used in product marketing to attract the interest of consumers in the product.

Buyer Behavior

Prior to making a purchase decision, a buyer will have undergone various stages, as identified. These include need identification, searching for information, comparing alternative solutions, and finally making the purchase decision (Leon & Leslie 2007). Therefore, this marketing plan is developed to ensure that P&G has a positive influence on the behavior of its target consumers. This will be achieved by ensuring the presence of P&G in all the different mentioned stages a buyer undergoes before making the final decision (Kotler &Armstrong 2006).

In order for P & G to meet or satisfy the needs of customers effectively, P & G has developed various marketing and advertising strategies for the new product, which will be used in an extensive and wide manner. Advertising and marketing of “InsecKill” will utilize information that is highly convincing to the buyer, enough to influence their purchase decision. If this is achieved successfully, the company will have a competitive advantage in the market over the other competing insecticides. Nonetheless, P & G will influence buyer behavior by ensuring its presence in all the stages of purchase decision, and influencing the buyer to buy “InsecKill,” which will be the right purchase decision for the consumer (Kotler & Armstrong 2006).

Business Context

Strategy and Plan

It is important for P&G to understand its target market in the UK before introducing the new product, “InsecKill.” Therefore, one of the strategies the company has put in place is market research. This will help the company to contextualize its target customers, with their needs. In addition to market research to understand the needs of the target consumers, P&G will conduct a competitor analysis, which involves identifying and researching on the top players in the industry. Information about competitors will help P & G to restrategize and compete favorably in the market. Finally, P & G will introduce “InsecKill” in the UK market. This will have a goal of making high sales, and boosting the general revenue of the company (Kotler & Keller 2012). In order to conduct marketing and advertisement of the new product “InsecKill” in the UK market, P&G must utilize different resources, which should be available and sufficient for the whole process. These resources include finances, time, and staffing. In addition to these, P & G considers its strengths and weaknesses ass important elements, which will determine the effectiveness of this marketing plan for the new product (Donnelly, Harrison & Meqicks 2009). Therefore, these will be evaluated, so that the strengths of the company are maximized, while the company’s weaknesses are minimized to achieve a successful entrance of “InsecKill” in the UK market.

Competitor Analysis

At this stage, P&G identifies the key players in the in the target market. Therefore, P&G has collected essential information about other companies, which manufacture insecticides, and which might pose as a threat to the new pesticide that P&G has developed. It is also important to establish the ways through which the potential competitors react to the new pesticide, which P&G will release in the market. Information about the goals, objectives, and strategies of competitors in the market will help P & G to compete healthily in the market (Doyle & Stern 2010). Therefore, using Porter’s Model (1980), the objectives and capabilities of the competitors are analyzed. According to Porter (1980), competitor assumptions are important, and therefore, these can help P&G to establish the strategies of competitors. Competitor assumptions are analyzed through what they say and do (Porter 1980).

For P&G, the main competitors for the new product are the top agrochemical companies in the UK, which manufacture insecticides and other similar products. These have been identified as Syngenta, BASF Crop Protection, and Bayer Crop. These companies are well established in the market, with strong brand names and products. These companies produce herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, among other products. These produce a variety of insecticides, which can be used on crops, seeds, or in homes. Therefore, their insecticides for home use will compete with P & G’s “InsecKill.” For instance, Syngenta produces a range of insecticides, including Thiamethoxam (CRUISER), which is used on crops, Lambda-cyhalothrin (ICON), for control of mosquitoes, cockroaches, and houseflies, and Cypermethrin (DEMON), a pyrethroid insecticide, which treats the soil against termite attacks in homes and other structures (Reuters 2013). However, the insecticides produced by Syngenta and the other companies are considered more powerful and poisonous to humans, thus not recommended for household use. Therefore, P&G expects to compete with these companies’ insecticides and gain a competitive advantage, basing on the nature, pricing, and effectiveness of “InsecKill.” The effectiveness of “InsecKill” is undisputable, therefore, P&G will invest highly in advertising in order to reach a greater number of its target customers.

Internal Context

Organization Identity

P&G has distinct characteristics that differentiate it and its products from other companies. This is a popular brand, selling in close to 180 countries globally, including the UK. Besides, the company has specialized and has high experience in producing household consumer goods, which have earned it customer loyalty. In addition, P& G is customer-centered, as it puts the needs of its customers first. Above all, the high innovativeness of this company is a core strength, which has influenced the company positively over time. The pricing of most of P&G products is always considerate of the economic status of customers, as well as the current hard economic times (Rehtmeyer 2010: P&G 2012). These are some of the strengths, which will enable the company’s new brand “InsecKill” to receive a good reception in the UK. Therefore, the new brand “InsecKill” is expected to gain high sales, thus boosting overall company sales.

Beliefs, Values, and Culture

For marketing and advertisement of the new brand, P&G has put various aspects in consideration to meet its marketing goals. For instance, language is an important aspect, which the company has put into consideration (Kotler & Keller 2012). This has already been carefully selected, and aims at accommodating the target market segments. In addition, the low-context culture in the UK has also been put into consideration. Therefore, the messages in the advertisement and marketing campaigns will uphold the cultural values and attitudes of the people in the UK. The company will also employee more employees to help in the advertising and marketing activities of the new product. These will be recruited from the population in the UK. Their recruitment will be in line with the region’s local labor regulations, as well as the educational level of the target market (Pfau, Haigh, and Wigley 2008).

External context

Stakeholders

According to Kotler and Armstrong (2006), it is important to include stakeholders in a company’s marketing plan. Therefore, P&G will collaborate with its stakeholders to ensure the successful entry of “InsecKill” in the UK market. Therefore, P&G will involve its customers, competitors, and all its stakeholders to ensure that the new product gains a successful reception in the UK market. There will be constant communication between P&G and its stakeholders through various communication channels. Specific messages will be relayed to different stakeholders, with regard to their role in the process. Communication channels to be utilized include seminars, social media, and surveys. Feedback is highly valued; therefore, P&G will ensure there is feedback as an important part of communication with its stakeholders (Kotler & Keller 2012).

Macro Environment

The introduction of this new product in the UK market will be influenced by other external factors, which the company has no control over. First, the economy of the UK, which is greatly determined by the government, is a great determinant of the success of the new product. There are various economic factors, which are predetermined in the market, and these include government taxes, interest and exchange rates, as well as the degree of inflation (Kotler & Keller 2012). Other factors are political, socio-cultural, legal, and technological. In addition to the mentioned economic factors, socio-cultural factors such as low context culture, and value for quality (Leon & Leslie 2007) are present in the UK, therefore, P&G has put them into consideration in the implementation of this marketing plan. This is through ensuring high quality of the new product, and upholding of decency and ethics in the whole advertising and marketing process.

P&G values its customers and their needs. Therefore, the company will offer this new product at a reduced price, compared to that of its competitors. Through the company’s innovativeness, the quality of the new product “InsecKill” is higher and designed to suit household use only, compared to other insecticides from competitors. This product will therefore, serve the needs of most women, who are responsible for their households and housekeeping. Additionally, P&G shows its value for environment through developing an organic insecticide, which is eco-friendly. Furthermore, P&G will involve the UK population in different activities, which are aimed at environmental conservation. These activities will include trainings for consumers on how to use the insecticide in their homes to avoid poisoning, and methods of disposing the bottles and cans of insecticides to avoid a negative impact on the environment. According to Pfau, Haigh, and Wigley (2008), such social responsibility by a company reflects positively on the image of the company.

Marketing Plan Objectives and Strategies

Objectives

The main objective of P&G is to introduce the new product in the UK market, achieve great sales form the new brand, which will boost overall company sale revenues, and remain competitive in the UK market. The objectives are well elaborated below.

1) Introduce the new product in the United Kingdom. The launch of this product is set to be conducted after the company is through with market research, SWOT and PEST analysis, and developing a budget for the marketing process. All this is planned to be implemented before August 2013.

2) To use marketing and advertising to develop a positive image of P&G in the UK market. This will enable “InsecKill” to receive a positive reception in the market and combat competition from other insecticides in the market from competitors. The main goal is for “InsecKill” to beat competition from other insecticides in the first six months after its launch.

3) Through the implementation of this marketing plan, P&G aims at increasing the sales of “InsecKill” by an average of 15 percent, after every six months, after the first six months of its launch.

4) This marketing plan is also intended to increase the awareness of the people about the new product. After the first six months from the launch of “InsecKill,” P&G aims at increasing awareness of this product among the people by 20 percent.

5) Through marketing and advertisements, P&G aims at ensuring that the targeted consumers trust the new product. This will be through emphasizing the major advantages of using “InsecKill,” as it is organic and kills insects faster.

6) This marketing plan, upon implementation, aims at maintaining and supporting high sales of the new product, as well as the current sales of other products in the company.

7) Through this marketing plan, P&G aims at educating the target consumers and informing them of the benefits of using the “InsecKill” in their households, and not the other brands from other companies.

8) This marketing plan also intends to change the perception of the people toward the company. The marketing process will portray the company in a positive image, thus serving as a reminder to the people about the positive image of P&G (Donnelly, Harrison & Meqicks 2009).

Strategies

The marketing strategies for P&G’s “InsecKill” will involve both push and pull campaigns, as well as different tactics, which will enable successful marketing (Donnelly, Harrison & Meqicks 2009). These three aspects will be balanced in the marketing process, in order to a higher number of the target consumers. The marketing plan strategies are intended to align strategically with different channels, which will take part in the distribution of the new product in the country. In addition to the marketing plan strategies, P&G will adopt a promotional budget, which will show the allocation of funds in the marketing and advertising process of the new product. The company will also perform an analysis of its international market strategies, and the past marketing strategies for other products in the UK, in order to enhance the marketing strategy of “InsecKill.” The company will employ media coverage for the launch of the new product in addition to the adverts for the product, which will also be conducted through the media (Doyle & Stern 2010).

Push Campaigns

P&G will use push campaigns with its agents, who will be responsible for distributing and supplying the ‘InsecKill” to various locations within the United Kingdom, where different customers can purchase them. This ensures that the new product is made available to customers, in order for them to make their purchase (Liyanage 2003).

Pull Campaigns

Neal, Quester, and Pettigrew (2007) note that pull campaigns are directed to consumers. These are meant to arouse the interest and curiosity of consumers to seek out more information about a product, from different advertisements and the media. Therefore, advertisements of “InsecKill” on the television will make the target customers to search for more information about this new product, after which they will make their purchase decision.

Tactics

P&G will utilize various tactics in its marketing. These mainly involve different marketing activities, which aim at popularizing the new product among the target customers in the UK. These tactics include;

Public Relations

Promotion and advertising are the major public relations activities that P&G will undertake. For promotions, different public events such as sports for children (Schwarz & Hunter 2008) will be used as avenues of promoting InsecKill. Children sports day will attract a large number of women, who are the main target of the new product. These women, whether married or not, are responsible for the purchase decisions of most consumer products for household use. In such events, there will be sales promotion through point of sale, competitions and prizes, free gifts and offering one free ticket after a customer buys one bottle of the insecticide. Therefore, events that bring them together in large numbers ensure effective marketing. P&G will use local citizens in the UK to market InsecKill. The messages in the advertisements will also be well planned and developed to boost a positive reception of the product in the UK market (Lancaster and Reynolds 1998).

Advertising

Advertising of InsecKill is mainly meant to introduce the new product to the public. This will involve the description of the product, information about its pricing, and its benefits, and reasons why consumers should choose it. P&G must develop objectives for its advertisements, and reach out to its target consumers (Kotler & Keller 2012). The new insecticide in the market will ensure that customers in the market, who will be curious to seek more information about the product. In the television advertisement, both audio and visuals will be used. The visuals will include a woman spraying away houseflies and mosquitoes, killing them immediately, using InsecKill, then later enjoying some good sleep with her child, without mosquitoes. On the other hand, the audio message will read: “P&G introduces InsecKill, the proven most effective and safe insecticide. Choose InsecKill for instant elimination of stubborn insects in your home. InsecKill, the natural way to kill insects.”

In all advertisements, P&G will emphasize the affordable price of InsecKill, and its high effectiveness. The benefits of InsecKill, compared to other competitors’ insecticides, will be mentioned. This will ensure the differentiation of InsecKill from the competitors’ insecticides, by the target consumer. The slogan in the advertisement will be repeated many times in a single advert, so as to distinguish InsecKill from other insecticides. The major channels of advertisement in this market include televisions, lifestyle magazines, brochures, and business magazines, mobile messaging, among others.

Direct Marketing

This eliminates the third parties from the distribution chain of the product. Direct marketing will be through the company website and blog, mailings products to consumers, and various media such as catalogs, and telemarketing. Various types of media will be used. Use of company website is more appropriate, as more women in the UK spend a considerable time surfing the internet (Kotler & Armstrong 2006).

Sponsorship

P&G will use sponsorship as a way of marketing InsecKill. This company will choose to sponsor a considerable number of events such as charity events, which are known to have female audience. According to Donnelly, Harrison & Meqicks (2009), involvement in such activities by a company is a marketing strategy, capable of increasing sale revenue for the company.

Pricing

The pricing of InsecKill will depend on that of its competitors. P&G will put into consideration the economic status of its target market, including people’s purchasing power, as well as the economy of UK as a country. However, after as a promotional strategy of P&G, the price of InsecKill will be lower during promotions, and then stabilize after the promotion period. Promotions involving price cuts will also be offered to business partners of P&G (Doyle & Stern 2010). Nonetheless, the marketing campaigns will still be employed during the promotions. Segmented pricing strategies will also apply, since P&G has developed varying sizes of cans holding the insecticide. These can sizes will be instrumental in determining prices. Segmented prices are effective, as these increases the consumers’ opportunities to choose whatever product size with the price they can afford, thus increasing sale revenues for the company (Schwarz and Hunter, 2008). P&G will also utilize the aspect of psychological pricing. Prices of the product will end with 9, and not 0. Those that end with 9 are more appealing than those ending with 0. Therefore, this will attract more customers (Doyle & Stern 2010).

Place

P&G has distribution systems that are well established. According to Chang (1995), a company chooses its distribution channels basing on levels of service, logistics, and market coverage. Since the target market is mainly females, these are more likely to shop from different outlets of the company, as well as shopping malls. Basing on this reason, P&G will distribute the new product through shopping malls, and company outlets. The company will ensure that InsecKill is available in all shopping malls in the UK, for easy access by customers.

Marketing Budget

For the marketing budget, P&G will divide its marketing strategies into two categories, namely, the inbound and outbound marketing strategies. Inbound marketing strategies comprise the website of the company, company blog, online advertising campaigns, and other marketing strategies that are online based. On the other hand, the outbound marketing strategies include television advertisements, billboards, magazines, radio, print, and promotional events such as charity, children’s sports day, and event sponsorships (Donnelly, Harrison & Meqicks 2009). The marketing budget below therefore, shows the expenditure of P&G for the first three half of its marketing period. The main items in the budget are months, marketing strategies, and the total expenditure for each month and sum of the expenditure for the three months.

Marketing Strategy	January	February	March	Marketing Expenditures
Website	$850.00	$500.00	$350.00	$1,700.00
Blog	$600.00	$400.00	$400.00	$1,400.00
Telemarketing	$6,000.00	$2,000.00	$5,000.00	$13,000.00
SMS campaigns	$1500.00	$2,500.00	$1000.00	$5,000.00
Print advertisements	$3,500.00	$0.00	$2,000.00	$5,500.00
Marketing events	$25,000.00	$0.00	$25,000.00	$50,000.00
Billboards, Radio, and Television	$5,000.00	$5,000.00	$4,000.00	$14,000.00
TOTAL	$42,450	$10,400	$37,750	$90,600

Table 1: Marketing budget of P&G
Conclusion

P&G targets females, who are either married or single, for the sale of its latest product “InsecKill” a spray insecticide designed for household use. Since P&G is not new in the UK market, it will continue to adhere to the laws and culture of the UK. Nonetheless, the company must conduct market research to determine the needs of customers for the new product. Additionally, the buyer behavior is necessary for P7G to sale its new product. A greater percentage of adult females in households are expected to afford this new product, since its pricing is lower, besides, this is a necessary household product, since insects are a common occurrence in most homes. With regard to the low context culture of the people in the UK, advertisements for this new product must embrace decency and be focused on the message. Launching a new product is quite an achievement for most companies, however, there are risks involved, if the marketing plan for the new product was unsatisfactory. For this reason, P&G employs its wide knowledge to ensure that this marketing plan is well executed and implemented, for the successful reception of InsecKill in the UK market.

References

Chang, T. L 1995, “Formulating adaptation marketing strategies in a global industry,”

International Marketing Review. Vol. 12 (6), 5-18.

Donnelly, R., Harrison, G., & Meqicks, P 2009, “CIM Coursebook: The Marketing

Planning Process,” Routledge, London.

Doyle, P. & Stern, P 2010, “Marketing Management and Strategy,” 4th Ed, Prentice

Hall, London.

Kotler, P. & Armstrong, G 2006, “Principles of Marketing,” 11th Ed, Prentice-Hall,

London.

Kotler, P. & Keller, K. L 2012, “Marketing Management,” 14th Ed, Prentice Hall,

London.
Lancaster, G. & Reynolds, P. M 1998, “Marketing: Concepts and Strategies,” 3rd Ed,

Prentice-Hall, London.

Leon, G. S. & Leslie, L. K 2007, “Consumer behavior,” 9th Ed, Pearson Education,

New Jersey.

Liyanage, U 2003, “A Customer Value Typology: Beyond the Functional –

Emotional Dichotomy.” Sri Lankan Journal of Management. 8, 3- 4.

Neal, C., Quester, P. G., and Pettigrew, S 2007, “Consumer Behavior: Implications for

Marketing Strategy,” McGraw Hill, London.

Pfau, M., Haigh, M. M. & Wigley, S 2008, “The influence of corporate social

Responsibility campaigns on public opinion.” Corporate Reputation Review, 11 (2), 145-154.

Porter, M. E 1980, “Competitive strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industry and

Competitors Balancing Local Demands and Global Vision,” The Free Press.

P&G 2012, Viewed 15 April 2013 <http://www.pg.com/en_US/index.shtml>

Rehtmeyer, J 2010, “The Procter & Gamble Company,” The M.J. Needley School of

Business, July 8, Educational Investment Fund.

Reuters 2013, “Syngenta AG (SYT),” Viewed 15 April 2013

<http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyProfile?symbol=SYT>

Schwarz, E. C., and Hunter, J. D 2008, “Advanced theory and practice in sport

Marketing” 1st Ed, Butterworth-Heinemann.

Launch of P&G “InsecKill” Insecticide in the UK

Hand in date:

Student No:

Name:

Tutor:

Table of Contents. 2

Executive Summary. 3

Introduction. 5

Situation Analysis. 6

Competitor Analysis. 10

Internal Context11

Organization Identity. 11

Beliefs, Values, and Culture. 12

External context13

Stakeholders. 13

Macro Environment13

Marketing Plan Objectives and Strategies. 14

Table 1: Marketing budget of P&GConclusion. 22

References. 24

Executive Summary

Introduction

Situation Analysis

Customer context

Segmentation

Involvement

Buyer Behavior

Business Context

Strategy and Plan

Competitor Analysis

Internal Context

Organization Identity

Beliefs, Values, and Culture

External context

Stakeholders

Macro Environment

Marketing Plan Objectives and Strategies

Objectives

6) This marketing plan, upon implementation, aims at maintaining and supporting high sales of the new product, as well as the current sales of other products in the company.

Strategies

Push Campaigns

Pull Campaigns

Tactics

Public Relations

Advertising

Direct Marketing

Sponsorship

Pricing

Place

Marketing Budget

Marketing Strategy	January	February	March	Marketing Expenditures
Website	$850.00	$500.00	$350.00	$1,700.00
Blog	$600.00	$400.00	$400.00	$1,400.00
Telemarketing	$6,000.00	$2,000.00	$5,000.00	$13,000.00
SMS campaigns	$1500.00	$2,500.00	$1000.00	$5,000.00
Print advertisements	$3,500.00	$0.00	$2,000.00	$5,500.00
Marketing events	$25,000.00	$0.00	$25,000.00	$50,000.00
Billboards, Radio, and Television	$5,000.00	$5,000.00	$4,000.00	$14,000.00
TOTAL	$42,450	$10,400	$37,750	$90,600

Table 1: Marketing budget of P&G
Conclusion

References

Chang, T. L 1995, “Formulating adaptation marketing strategies in a global industry,”

International Marketing Review. Vol. 12 (6), 5-18.

Donnelly, R., Harrison, G., & Meqicks, P 2009, “CIM Coursebook: The Marketing

Planning Process,” Routledge, London.

Doyle, P. & Stern, P 2010, “Marketing Management and Strategy,” 4th Ed, Prentice

Hall, London.

Kotler, P. & Armstrong, G 2006, “Principles of Marketing,” 11th Ed, Prentice-Hall,

London.

Kotler, P. & Keller, K. L 2012, “Marketing Management,” 14th Ed, Prentice Hall,

London.
Lancaster, G. & Reynolds, P. M 1998, “Marketing: Concepts and Strategies,” 3rd Ed,

Prentice-Hall, London.

Leon, G. S. & Leslie, L. K 2007, “Consumer behavior,” 9th Ed, Pearson Education,

New Jersey.

Liyanage, U 2003, “A Customer Value Typology: Beyond the Functional –

Emotional Dichotomy.” Sri Lankan Journal of Management. 8, 3- 4.

Neal, C., Quester, P. G., and Pettigrew, S 2007, “Consumer Behavior: Implications for

Marketing Strategy,” McGraw Hill, London.

Pfau, M., Haigh, M. M. & Wigley, S 2008, “The influence of corporate social

Responsibility campaigns on public opinion.” Corporate Reputation Review, 11 (2), 145-154.

Porter, M. E 1980, “Competitive strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industry and

Competitors Balancing Local Demands and Global Vision,” The Free Press.

P&G 2012, Viewed 15 April 2013 <http://www.pg.com/en_US/index.shtml>

Rehtmeyer, J 2010, “The Procter & Gamble Company,” The M.J. Needley School of

Business, July 8, Educational Investment Fund.

Reuters 2013, “Syngenta AG (SYT),” Viewed 15 April 2013

<http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyProfile?symbol=SYT>

Schwarz, E. C., and Hunter, J. D 2008, “Advanced theory and practice in sport

Marketing” 1st Ed, Butterworth-Heinemann.

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Ethical Analysis

Name

Course

Course Instructor

Date

Ethical Analysis

Question 1

Ethics is a critical aspect in society, as it serves as the foundation of social order. This comprises those aspects, including principles, which help in development of an ethical culture in society. Therefore, individuals and different organs in society must possess distinct values, standards, and rules, which are essential for a harmonious living. The case of Wilson presents to us an individual, who strongly embraces ethics, and lets nothing compromise his ethical standing. He goes to Niger to investigate a rather controversial issue between the USA and Iraq. However, he does not take sides with his country, the USA, in its conspiracy. Although the President releases a statement Wilson’s investigation, these are contrary to Wilson’s findings. Wilson does not accept the president’s misinterpretation of the findings. He therefore, goes ahead to publish his own account of the investigation, making it available to the public. This therefore, conflicts with Bush’s statement. Wilson was courageous and stood for the truth, not letting anything to compromise his truth. He refused to sit back and watch how the truth was being violated publicly. Therefore, he acted.

By coming out publicly to make the truth available to the people, through publishing this article, I compare Wilson to the philosopher W.D, Ross, who developed a moral system called “intuitionist,” which claims that individuals are inherently aware of their moral obligations (Plaisance 10). Therefore, when Wilson came out fearlessly and published the article, no one had forced him to do so. Deep down, he knew he had the responsibility of performing his moral duties. Ross’ philosophy also holds that a person has a responsibility of honoring their moral standards and principles (Plaisance 10). Therefore, one of Wilson’s moral values must have been truthfulness, which is why he had to honor it by publishing the article to bring out the truth. In this philosophy, Ross also believed that the moral values one must honor include fidelity, justice, not harming others, and self-improvement (Plaisance 10). The values of fidelity, justice, and not harming others coincide with Wilson’s actions. He was against Bush’s propaganda of war with Iraq, since he knew this would cause harm to the Iraqis, as well as the US soldiers, who would die in the war. Wilson upholds justice, because he did not want the USA government to accuse Iraq falsely. Finally, he shows fidelity when he investigates the case, presents truthful findings, and ensures false statements do not blind the public, when he publishes the article. To him, justice was more important than beneficence, just as Ross held in this philosophy. Finally, Wilson wanted to avoid a conflict between Iraq, USA, and Niger, when he insisted on the truth. This is also the goal of Ross’ theory, avoiding moral conflicts (Plaisance 10).

Question 2

Wilson was courageous and fearless when he wrote the article. If I were in Wilson’s position, I would have made quite different decisions, even though I hold the same beliefs as his, about ethics. First, instead of publishing the article, I would have only told the truth, if any interested person asked me. However, I would not have come out openly to deny what the president said to the people. I consider this case too sensitive to come out voluntarily in public and present different statements, which counter the president’s statements. However, I would face the CIA over the misrepresentation of my findings, since this is the body responsible for doctoring my findings.

Unlike Wilson, who adopted the philosophy of Ross in his case, I would adopt Aristotle’s philosophy. Although this philosophy is based on intellectual and moral virtues, Aristotle addressed a concept referred to as the “golden mean” or the “Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean,” which means “. . . balancing between two extremes of excess or deficiency” (Plaisance 7). According to Aristotle, the extremes might sometimes turn out to be dangerous. If an individual is torn between two decisions, which are both extreme, Aristotle believed that it is more virtuous not to rush into any of the extreme decisions. Instead, one should consider settling for a middle ground. Therefore, an intermediary position could be relevant in this situation. In my case, my not coming out publicly to present the truth does not make me a liar. Therefore, this would put me at an intermediate point, between a liar and a person who tells the truth.

I consider Wilson to have taken an extreme position by coming out publicly to counter the president’s statement. Wilson was faced with two extreme decisions. First was countering the lies propagated on his findings, and secondly, publicly admitting to the lies doctored on his findings. By choosing the first extreme, Wilson exposed himself to different types of risks, even though he was the one on the right. In my case therefore, I would be safe from risks. Wilson could lose his job for countering the government, among other risks. Therefore, in my case, I would not have chosen any of the two extreme decisions. Therefore, none of my actions would portray me as countering the government in any way. However, I would have addressed the issue with CIA, making them know that I disapprove their actions, thus, making me come out clean. In this philosophy, Aristotle emphasized that the intermediate is virtuous, and not a vice. Therefore, when faced with a dilemma of choosing between two extremes, one should settle for a choice, which still upholds truthfulness, and which will not make the person appear more important or one that will tear someone down, including their dignity.

Works Cited

Plaisance, Patrick. Media Ethics: Key Principles for Responsible Practice. New York: SAGE

Publications Inc, 2008.

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Factors Contributing to the Rise of Drug Use among Youths, and What Can Be Done To Curb It

Name

Course

Tutor’s Name

24^th, March 2013

Introduction

The family unit is the foundation of society. This is a representative of the society, since ideally; the family comprises parents and their children, who live in harmony, as a community. As the overall society, the family unit in the United States today is faced with a variety of challenges and obstacles. Drug abuse is one of the major problems the family unit is experiencing. However, this is not a problem in the United States only. In 2006, the WHO World Drug Report indicated that 200 million people or 5 percent of the world’s population have used illegal drugs in the past 12 months. 25 million people aged 15-64, in the world are addicted to drugs. In the USA, the report showed that marijuana and amphetamines are the most abused drugs (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2006). However, over the years, drug use in young people in the US has increased, since today, 9.5 percent of youth aged 12-17 are drug users (UN Office on Drugs and Crime, 2006). This study therefore, addresses the case of drug abuse among the youth, including in the American context. The findings will help answer the research question: What are the factors contributing to the rise of drug use among youths, and what can be done to curb it?

Thesis Statement

There are different factors responsible for the increased drug use among the youth today, depending on the context of the youth involved. These include easy access and availability of drugs, increased stress levels, addiction, and unstable families. Prevention and control of this can be through family involvement in recovery programs for affected youth, as well as development of community-based support groups for the treatment and recovery process.

Importance of Topic

Drug abuse is a social problem, which is deeply rooted in the American society. This social issue needs solutions. Many young people are victims of drug abuse, and this has detrimental effects on their social life. Dependence on drugs might make a young person drop out of school and alter their social relations, even with family. This therefore, ruins the future of a young person, who could have participated in nation building. On the other hand, the government spends big amount of finances in addressing the issue of drug abuse among the youth. This therefore, influences the economy negatively. Conducting research on the issue of drug use among young people will help in harnessing important knowledge, which can be used to reframe the right and effective remedies to this problem. This will help save government funds used on drug issue, to be invested in more developmental projects, and the youth will break free from their drug addictions and lead a more productive life.

Literature Review

Young people continue to use drugs because they are addicted to it. Therefore, addiction makes youth persist in drug use (Louw, 1994). According to Matthews (2010, p. 23), addiction is “. . . a tendency to repeat an intensely pleasurable experience, whatever the nature of that experience might be. . . The particular chemistry of the substance involved in this particular form of pleasure is, they argue, irrelevant—all that matters is that the experience it gives someone is pleasant.” Similarly, Sussman, Lisha, and Griffiths (2011, p.4), have defined addiction as “a disorder in which an individual becomes intensely preoccupied with a behavior that at first provides a desired or appetitive effect.” Unlike compulsion and involuntary movement, Matthews (2010) argues that people suffering from addiction have a will power, since they can choose to give up their addictions. However, in most case, addicts, including drug addicts find it hard to give up their addictions (Matthews, 2010). Drug addicts, like any other addicts, will give up their family and social responsibilities, as well as their long-term self-interests in pursuit of their addictions (Matthews, 2010). Sussman, Lisha, and Griffiths (2011) argue that people suffering from addiction experience a loss of control, making it hard for them to choose between moving away from their addictions or continuing in it.

Young people use drugs because these drive them into oblivion, making them forget their stressful and depressing lives (Louw, 1994). People do not get addicted to something just because of the pleasures it presents them. Matthews (2010) argues that not all people who find eating chocolate pleasurable get addicted to chocolate. However, for drugs, it is quite a different case. Most people, according to Matthews (2010), get addicted to drug use mainly because of the oblivion it presents them. One might not find using drugs pleasurable, but the capability of drugs to make one forget things that trouble them is what might cause most people to be addicted to drugs (Matthews, 2010). The more troubled a person is, the higher his chances of pursuing oblivion in drugs. Therefore, Matthews (2010) is careful to note that, “Addiction in this sense is indeed a problem that needs help, because it isolates the addict from the kinds of relationships with others that best express our humanity” (p.26). It is thus, important that appropriate programs be developed to help the young people in society today using drugs, out of their addiction.

Sussman, Lisha, & Griffiths (2011) conducted a study to establish the prevalence of addictions, including drug and substance addictions in the United States. These used secondary data from 83 different studies, which had a minimum of 500 study subjects. Their findings showed that at least 47 per cent of the US population suffers from an addiction. Prevalence of tobacco among the adults in the US was found to be 21.6% for males, and 17.8% for females, while prevalence of cigarette smoking in the US was 15 percent. In their analysis, they considered addiction to be a problem in the life of most Americans. Addiction to drugs if terminated abruptly presents many negative symptoms such as depression, irritability, and anxiety to the drug users. The addicts therefore, will choose to continue using drugs, believing “it is the best solution to resolve these negative symptoms” (Sussman, Lisha, & Griffiths, 2011, p. 6). Therefore, the withdrawal symptoms of drug addiction are lethal, thus, making young people to persist in drug use.

According to Louw (1994), easy availability and accessibility of drugs in the society is a major factor contributing to drug use among young people. Hadland et al. (2012) conducted a study in Vancouver, Canada to establish the availability of cocaine, crack, marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine. Their findings showed that more adults had easier access to drugs than young people, as these could access drugs within 10 minutes. Crack, marijuana, and cocaine were the most available drugs. On the other hand, young people had easy access to crystal methamphetamine. Canada is a country, whose government has implemented strict drug laws to combat drug and substance abuse (Hadland et al., 2012). However, despite the drug laws, Canadians still have easy access to drugs. This reveals the ineffectiveness of drug laws in the country. Hadland et al. (2012) propose that governments should invest in “. . . preventive, treatment, and harm reduction strategies” (p.488), to curb the high prevalence of drug use in the population.

Dysfunctional families, unstable families, and homelessness is another lead cause of drug use among young people. Louw (1994) argues that problems in the family, such as divorce or molestation, might make a youth to use drugs as a form of escapism from reality. A study conducted by Thompson, et al. (2010) among the homeless youth in the United States revealed that the estrangement associated with homelessness highly contributes to the increased use of drugs and other substances among the homeless young people. The results showed that between 39-70 percent of homeless youth use drugs, with tobacco as the most prevalent, followed by marijuana. Most importantly, the major factors of estrangement among the homeless young people, which contribute to their increased use of drugs, include identification with the homeless culture and psychological dysfunction, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and trauma, which is relatively high among the homeless youth (Thompson, et al., 2010). Similarly, Louw (1994) has argued that emotional instability and psychological disorders such as neuroticism, anxiety, guilt, and depression also contribute to increased drugs use among the youth.

Different strategies at the national and family levels have been put in place to curb the increased use of drugs among young people. Evans, et al. (2012) note that issues related with drug use are not similar in all the races present in the United States. Therefore, while the addiction levels might vary among the different races, so shall the treatment and recovery process of addiction. Apart from the Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, which help in drug addiction recovery, Evans, et al. (2012) note the importance of support groups within communities and religions. AA registers a small number of people of color, since the Whites dominate it. Therefore, Evans, et al. (2012) have emphasized the importance of community based support groups offering recovery of the addicts, since the addicts will feel more comfortable around people of their ethnicity. The development of more community-based support groups is effective in curbing the increased use of drugs among young people, the treatment and recovery process of addicts in such groups is more efficient.

The family unit also plays an important role in the recovery process of young people addicted to drugs. Hornberger & Smith (2011) therefore, suggest that family involvement in the youth’s recovery and treatment process is critical, since the family is part of the problem and solution to drug use among young people. Evidence has shown that when families are part of the recovery and treatment programs of addicts, the recovery process is more effective. Thus, today, most policy makers, administrators, and practitioners have increased family involvement in different recovery programs for young people (Hornberger & Smith, 2011).

Common Themes in the Literature Review

Different ideas of the different authors, which have been used in the literature review reflect a similar pattern of thought concerning the issue of drug use among the youth. For instance, different authors have identified importance of the family unit as contributing to drug use among the youth. This is through conflicts in the family, divorce of parents, and child molestation, among others, which make the youth seek solace in drugs. Additionally, dysfunctional families extend to homelessness, which also contributes to increased drug use among the youth. Instability in families results in estrangement of the youth, making them to indulge in drug use.

Generally, emotional instability and personality disorders such as anxiety and depression have been identified as indicators of drug use. These occur because of different reasons. For instance, withdrawal from drug use might cause depression, stressful events in life might also cause depression, strained relationships, among others, also cause depression and anxiety. Therefore, the youth might see the need to escape from their depression and anxiety, and most do resort to drug use. Most authors have addressed all these factors either directly or indirectly.

The sources used have emphasized intervention for drug addiction of youth, which is based on the family institution. For instance, Evans, et al. (2012) insists on the development of more ethnic-based support groups for drug addicts. Ethnicity is based on genetic relations, since most people will identify themselves as belonging to a certain ethnicity. Therefore, an ethnic group might serve purposes related to those of a family, in terms of giving an individual a sense of identity. On the other hand, Hornberger & Smith (2011) have emphasized the importance of family involvement in the recovery programs of addicts. They have argued that if family is involved, the addict might experience a form of acceptance, thus, making the recovery process to be faster. What was most surprising is when Evans, et al. (2012) emphasize on community-based support groups, basing on the idea that groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous might not attract addicts from the minority ethnicities, since these are dominated by the Whites. This therefore, raises concerns about the role of ethnicity in support groups. Nonetheless, support groups and family involvement remain important approaches in helping youth affected by drugs to regain their normal life. In support groups, and with the involvement of their families, they feel they are not alone and experience acceptance, which is critical in recovery. However, the research has not addressed prevention of drug use among the youth. This is also important, since each day, a young person is introduced to drug use.

Media Reports on Drug Use among the Youth

The New York Times in December 2011 reported about the increased use of Marijuana in the US, basing on a study that had been concluded by a number of researchers (O’connor, 2011). In another publication, the New York Times provided in-depth information about drug abuse, while referring to different types of drugs and their negative effects (The New York Times, n.d). On the other hand, the Guardian newspaper in October 2012 published a report of a research study, where experts advocated for the decriminalization of drugs in order to curb drug abuse (Travis, 2012). Additionally, in their 2010 newsletter, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released data showing the prevalence of drug use among the American youth (SAMHSA NEWS, 2010). The media is a critical organ in the issue of drug issue among the youth today. This should help in creating awareness of drug use and its negative effects. The efforts of the media in this drugs issue are not satisfactorily. Most media channels only focus on the state of the situation, presenting data on the prevalence of drug use, but do not help in structuring strategies, which might be effective in curbing drug use among the youth. Presenting people with data showing high prevalence of drug use in the country, without preventive and control strategies might be same as popularizing drug abuse, and most youth might start to get interested. Sometimes the media, through various films and music, has presented drug use in youth as fashionable, and a process of initiation into the youthful stage.

Impact of the Study on my Perspective

Before the study, I held the assumption that youth who indulge in drug use deliberately choose that way. However, the different sources used in this study have enlightened me about the role of family in this problem. The family is the root cause of drug use among the youth today. All the problems youth face, which drive them to drug use, have their roots in the family unit and social relations, if well traced. Therefore, I now understand that most youth, who use drugs, are just but victims of circumstances. Since they lack other ways of solving their troubles, they think of drugs as an option. This is why the family must be involved in the recovery process of youth drug addicts.

Conclusion

               This research is relevant to the field of Social Sciences, including social science professionals, since it addresses a social issue. As an individual in the social science profession, I have broader role to play. However, with regard to this research, I have the role of contributing to ways of curbing drug use among the youth, which is a vast social problem today. Through the study, there is knowledge of the predictors of drug abuse, as well as possible solutions. Therefore, I am obliged to help raise awareness that drug use is a serious health issue, which has negative outcomes.  I also need to challenge the popular belief, which challenges the social artifact that drug use is an acceptable rite of passage for the youth. Efforts today are in place to curb drug use among the youth. This is evident through the different agencies and services in communities, which help to curb drug use among the youth. These are national based, while others are based at the community level. Nonetheless, with more efforts and commitment to drug abuse prevention and control, it is possible that this social problem will be addressed in future.

Resource List of Agencies/Services that Respond to Drug Use among the Youth

        I.            Alcoholics Anonymous

      II.            Arts and Education in Concert (AEIC)

   III.            Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies in Nevada

   IV.            The American Council for Drug Education

      V.            The National Institute on Drug Abuse

   VI.            The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

 VII.            The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention

VIII.            Sober Recovery

References

Evans, et al. (2012). Ethnic-Speciﬁc Support Systems as a Method for Sustaining Long-Term

Addiction Recovery. Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery, 7, 171–188.

Hadland, et al. (2012). Ready Access to Illicit Drugs among Youth and Adult Users. The

American Journal on Addictions, 21, 488–490.

Hornberger, S. & Smith, S. (2011). Family involvement in adolescent substance abuse treatment

and recovery: What do we know? What lies ahead? Children and Youth Services Review 33, S70–S76.

Louw, S. (1994). Factors Contributing to Adolescent Drug Abuse. Retrieved from

http://thehousegroup.org/archive/train_teen_drugabuse.pdf

Matthews, E. (2010). Explaining Addiction. Philosophy, Psychiatry, & Psychology. 17 (1), 23-

26.

Sussman, S., Lisha, N. & Griffiths, M. (2011). Evaluation & the Health Professions

34(1), 3-56

Thompson, et al. (2010).Estrangement factors associated with addiction to alcohol and drugs

among homeless youth in three U.S. cities. Evaluation and Program Planning 33, 418–427.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (June 2006).World Drug Report 2006. Vol. 1,

Analysis. United Nations.

Appendix

O’connor. A. (14 December, 2011). Marijuana Use Growing Among Teenagers. The New York

Times. Retrieved from

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/14/marijuana-growing-in-popularity-among-teenagers/

SAMHSA NEWS (2010). New Survey Data Show Drug Use Rising. Retrieved from

http://www.samhsa.gov/samhsanewsletter/Volume_18_Number_5/DrugUseRising.aspx

The New York Times. (n.d). Drug Abuse. Retrieved from

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/specialtopic/drug-abuse/overview.html

Travis, A. (15 October 2012). Decriminalize drug use, say experts after six-year study. The

Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/oct/15/decriminalise-drug-use-say-experts

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THE FORGOTTEN GROUP MEMBER – CASE STUDY

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Course

Tutor’s Name

23^rd, March 2013

Group Development

For any group to form and establish itself, it must undergo different developmental stages. The first stage is the forming stage. This is the ‘ice-breaking’ stage of the group. This mainly involves membership of the group, as members are accepted into the group. At this stage, members do not know their roles, and mutual trust among them is low, as they attempt to know one another. The second stage is the storming stage. This is the most challenging stage in group formation. In fact, most groups will be stuck at this stage for quite a long period. At this stage, a lot of testing is experienced in the group. The members might test the policies of their group leaders. Members also know what their membership entails, as well as their roles in the group. These might also try to determine their position and relevance in the group power structure. Nonetheless, this is a problematic stage, which requires strong leadership for the group to succeed.

The third stage is the norming stage. This stage is the first where the group will exhibit considerable integration, after the chaotic storming stage. Members will exhibit commitment to the success of the group. Here, members believe to have their roles spelt out clearly, while the question of power in the group is addressed in an organized way, without any emotions involved. The performing stage is fourth, and here, the group is considered mature and functional. Most activity is based on looking for solutions to problems in the group. Generally, communication in the group is effective, and members perform their roles responsibly, without getting in the way of others. The fifth stage is the adjourning stage. Here, the group is considered to have served its purpose successfully, therefore, is disbanded.

In this case, Christine’s group is still at the storming stage. This group is chaotic, and the members lack cooperation. They lag behind on the task they were assigned. Mike is stubborn and skips most group meetings. Although the rest of the group members are potentially competent, they are not dedicated to the group. Members such as Mike are also giving Christine, their leader, a hard time managing the group.

If Christine would understand the development stages of a group, she would have utilized the knowledge to push her group forward. She would have understood that her group was at the second stage, therefore, employed relevant strategies, which would minimize the problems at this stage. For instance, she would have enforced rules in her group. These rules were to have disciplinary measures for anyone who failed to adhere to them. This would have been a form of control in the group, as this stage is characterized by emotionality among members, which requires rules to control.

Problem Identification

The primary problem in this group is unequal group commitment and involvement of group members. This problem will cost the whole group. The secondary problem faced by this group is the questionable knowledge and skill of individual team members. In this case, from Mike’s behavior, his skill and knowledge is questionable. This problem also affects the whole group. On the other hand, Christine faces a challenge in coordinating the group members. In these cases, one member presents the most problems in the group. Mike is problematic, as he fails to attend most team meetings because of petty excuses. In addition, he fails to complete his role in the team assignment on time, like the other members.

In order to have prevented this, Christine ought to have initially considered the aspect of individual membership. For team effectiveness to be guaranteed, leaders have to put the right members on the team. This is with regard to their skills, personal attributes, and those who show interest in group work. Mike does not meet this criterion. Therefore, if Christine had evaluated him prior to granting him membership into the team, she would have known his weaknesses and incapability for group work, thus, not including him on the group. Christine would have saved their group trouble. The group would then include only the members ready to adhere to the group processes, and deliver results.

Retrospective Evaluation

In order to ensure equal commitment and involvement of the group members, the group leader could have considered allocating roles to each member, based on power sharing in the group. Members could have been given the positions of the group secretary, coordinator during meetings, among other positions. Secondly, the group members ought to have discussed and establish goals, agenda, and timelines that all members would agree on. Setting clear goals and timelines will make all members be motivated to participate and commit to the group work, as this offers them a sense of direction and a need for accomplishment of the set goals. On the other hand, giving leadership responsibilities to members will make them be committed to the team, since leadership requires one to set an example to others. Therefore, if all members are granted different leadership positions, their commitment levels in the group will rise. This instills a sense of urgency and responsibility in the members. In this case, if Mike had charged with the responsibility of conducting the meetings, he would not miss attending meetings, since he knows the meeting cannot proceed if he is absent. On the other hand, developing timelines and goals for the group would have made Mike to be more accountable and responsible. He would have ensured that his work progress at a particular point coincides with the expectations in the timeline, and goals of the group.

Christine – An Effective or Ineffective Group Leader?

Christine was an ineffective group leader. She does not exhibit any strong command of leadership in her. She is lenient to Mike, and empathizes with him when he gives poor excuses for failing to attend meetings. Christine does not also report the case of Mike to the instructor, as they had been instructed to report irresponsible group members. In addition, Christine seems to lack knowledge about the organization of a group, as she does not set any goals for the group, neither a group schedule. Therefore, her group lacks direction. Finally, she does exhibit any form of leadership style. She does not connect with group members individually, and therefore, fails to lead the group as a whole.

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Interview Analysis

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Course

Course Instructor

Date

Interview Analysis

An individual with a degree in accounting has a myriad of choices, with regard to the career path they want to follow. One might work as an auditor, consultant, or tax advisor, among others. Despite an individual’s choice of career path, it is important that they consider obtaining a professional certification. Therefore, a professional accountant is one who has obtained a professional certification with an accounting body. However, one must follow a specific process before becoming a professional accountant. Different factors also have to be considered one is conferred the title of a professional accountant. In order to find out about this, an interview was scheduled with Professor Kris of the accounting department. The inquiry question of the interview was, “what are the three main factors to be a professional accountant.” Considering that Professor Kris has considerable experience in accounting, he was in a better position to provide some useful insight into the question.

Professor Kris specified that a professional accountant performs roles that are more challenging in their job, compared to account clerks and other similar positions. He also mentioned that in order to become a professional accountant, one must be prepared to face the challenges in the way. The first factor he identified, necessary for one to become a professional accountant is the completion of a degree course in accounting. A degree in accounting is necessary, as this helps an individual gain intensive knowledge about accounting, including the practice and processes of accounting. This is a factor, since being a professional accountant demands that an individual is highly conversant with the accounting practice and processes.

The second factor, according to Professor Kris is an excellent performance in the examination provided by the professional body chosen. These are professional certifications, and they vary depending on the sphere of accounting one wishes to specialize in. The professor went ahead to provide examples of these professional certifications in the field of accounting. He mentioned Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certification in Financial Management (CFM), and Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), among others. He noted that these certifications are important, and one needs to perform well in the exams they sit in order to obtain the certifications. Performing well in the exams proves that an individual is knowledgeable in accounting, and exhibits high competence in the field.

The final factor Professor Kris named is practical training in the area of specialization. After receiving the certification, one is required to train for a specific period of time, depending on the type of professional body. He emphasized that training is a crucial factor, as it helps an individual strengthen their performance in their accounting practice, in the area of their specialization. The Professor also explained that training with the professional body helps one learn new skills necessary in the area of accounting they have specialized. The training period varies. Additionally, training enhances an individual’s experience in the accounting job. With the training, they will be able to relate accounting procedures in their experience, with the new and more advanced procedures required by the professional body. Nonetheless, Professor Kris argued that it is important that one becomes a professional accountant, as this will help them get promotions in their work place, as well as increased salaries. Furthermore, this will make one to have an enhanced reputation among their colleagues, who are un-certified.

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Strategic Cost and Managerial Accounting

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Course

Tutor’s Name

21^st, March 2013

Codes of ethics are important in the accounting profession. These provide the accounting professionals with a framework to conduct their business. On the other hand, this enables the bodies in charge of management and governance to evaluate the performance of the professionals for any possible wrongdoings, which are result due to violation of the set code of ethics. Management accountants and other professionals in the business field handle information, which is quite sensitive; therefore, these need some form of guidance, mainly based on ethical principles, in order to ensure the safety of such sensitive financial information in their hands.

The Institute of Accountants (IMA) is a governing body for accountants. This body therefore, has developed different types of programs and guidelines, which the accounting professionals must follow in their accounting practice. Most importantly, IMA has developed a Statement of Ethical Professional Practice, which it requires all its members, who are in the accounting field, to follow. This statement mainly bases on four most important elements of ethics, including competence, confidentiality, credibility, and integrity. Failure to adhere to the set ethical standards by IMA leads to disciplinary action (IMA, n.d).

In any industry, ethics is an important factor. However, the importance of ethics in the field of accounting is emphasized. Considering the nature of the information accountants hold, integrity must be upheld. This information is used in making important financial and economic decisions. These decisions could be investments, downsizing, or company expansion, among others. Therefore, accountants should exhibit high levels of competence. If accountants fail to adhere to the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice, then these important decisions would be made basing on false and unreliable information, which would lead to failed business operations.

If professionals in the field of accounting adhere to the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice, this would help in strengthening the relations between a company and its investors. Companies with high levels of financial responsibility are known to retain their investors, compared to those with low financial responsibility. Failure to adhere to IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice might involve engaging in unethical practices such as managerial accountants presenting false financial reporting, which eventually misleads investors. Such unethical practices will make investors cut ties with the company, as the company is considered less credible. Since employees are the image of their company, the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice helps accountants and other professionals in the field of business to bear a positive image for their companies. Overall, the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice provides a framework for accountants and other business professionals to conduct themselves in their professional practice. Additionally, this framework provides an ethical approach, with procedures for accountants, business professionals, and management to follow in case a member diverts from the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice (IMA, n.d).

As a public relations manager, the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice is important and applicable to my profession. My profession entails representing my company or clients through various events, the media, as well as campaigns, among other ways, in the most appropriate manner, which will ensure profitable outcomes. In order to be appealing to people, I must be a person of high integrity, competent in my work, and be of high credibility. This will ensure a rapport with the public, as well as help me win their trust. In this way, apart from bearing a positive image for my company, I will also benefit at my personal level, as these standards comprise traits, which are necessary for personal development. Generally, adherence to these standards will make me a high performer in my profession, and one who is able to deliver positive results.

References

IMA (n.d). IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice. Retrieved from

http://www.imanet.org/pdfs/statement%20of%20Ethics_web.pdf

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Violent Thinking and Empathy in Youth Violence

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Course

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21^st, March 2013

Aim

Violence is a major issue experienced by the youth today. This involves deliberately subjecting a person to physical or emotional pain by using physical force. Violence has many detrimental effects on the individuals involved. This study specifically addresses youth violence, in the context of the United Kingdom. The main aim is to establish the relationship between empathy and violent thinking and youth violence. Effects of empathy and violent thinking on youth violence are assessed using the EAI and MVQ measures. Recommendations will base on empathy development in society.

Hypothesis

The independent variables in this study are empathy and violent thinking, while the dependable variable is youth violence. The study seeks to prove that higher levels of empathy in the population results in lower levels of youth violence. On the other hand, if violent thinking is highly prevalent in society, then the levels of youth violence will be high.

Problem Statement

Youth violence is a problem in the United Kingdom, which dates back to the past decades. This comprises a myriad of violent behaviours in youth. These behaviours cause physical and psychological harm, as well as death of the victims. Krug et al. (2002) also note that youth violence might result in maldevelopment or deprivation of the victims. Youth violence has raised important public health and psychological concerns in the UK. If the trend of youth violence continues, this will affect the UK population in many detrimental ways (Budd, et al., 2005). Therefore, remedies are needed for this situation.

Introduction

Youth violence comprises harmful behaviours among the youth, which might start at their early youthful stage, and continue into their young adulthood stage. These behaviours include bullying, hitting, or slapping, among others. Youth violence is committed with or without weapon use (Squires, 2009). A young person might be an offender, a victim, or a witness to violence. Youth violence in the UK has been prevalent over the last decades. Although the trend from the 1990’s shows that youth violence is gradually decreasing in the UK, more needs to be done to stop it completely (Budd, et al., 2005). Youth violence is experienced in affluent, average, and poor neighbourhoods in towns and rural areas. This is attributed to a decline in social order, as it is experienced in schools, shopping malls, streets, homes, among other places, including those, which would be considered safe (Squires, 2009). The young people involved in youth violence in most cases are friends, relatives, or acquaintances of the victims. Nonetheless, different scientific and social researches have shown that youth violence is preventable, if appropriate strategies are undertaken to address the issue. The main strategy that will be tested in this study is empathy, which is believed to result in attitude change in the perpetrators of youth violence.

Relationship between Youth Violence, Empathy, and Violent Thinking

All these three factors are the variables used in this paper. Empathy and violent thinking are the independent variables. These two therefore, influence the level of youth violence. On the other hand, youth violence is the dependable variable. Increased violent thinking leads to high violence level, while reduced violent thinking results in low levels of violence. On the other hand, increased empathy results in low levels of violence, while reduced empathy increases violence levels. On the other hand, increased empathy means less or absence of violent thinking, and while increased violent thinking means no empathy.

Definition of Terms

Violence

According to the World Health Organization, violence is defined as the intentional use of physical power or force, which might be threatened or actual, against a person, or against a group or community that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation (Krug et al., 2002). Therefore, regardless of the outcome, whenever force or power is intentionally used on a person, this qualifies as violence. According to Heale, (2008), a youth might engage in violence as an individual, or in a gang.

Empathy

According to Miller (2009), empathy is the ability of an individual to share the feelings of another individual, including feelings of pain, and understand them. Both biology and culture are determinants of empathy. Children can be taught empathy as they grow up, while adults, who wish to have empathy, might use various ways of learning empathy, though this is not as easy as the case in children.

Violent Thinking

Violent thinking is characterized by negative thoughts about people. This involves picturing oneself engaging in violent acts such as killing a colleague. All these thoughts happen in a dehumanizing mind (Gelven, 2003). David Livingstone Smith, who is a Co-founder of New England Institute for Cognitive Science and Evolutionary Studies, notes that violent thinking leads to violent acts. Normally, an individual’s inhabitation will prevent them from engaging in violence. However, when there is an imbalance, a person will engage in violence. He also notes that in the extreme process of violent thinking, dehumanization occurs. The violent thinker will view other humans as subhuman, less important, and who are fit to be destroyed (Forbes India Staff, 2010).

Literature Review

Various countries have instituted policies to act on increased levels of youth violence. These include expulsions from schools, physical punishment, surveillance cameras, and security guards, among others. However, these methods are reactive and not proactive, since they solve rather than prevent the issue. According to Weissberg & Greenberg (1998), better methods should be based on social and emotional skills in the youth and children. These include emotional literacy, respect for others, empathy, and self-esteem development. Since these do not conform to antisocial behaviour, they will help prevent youth violence.

Goleman (1995) identifies empathy as one of domains of emotional competence, which are important for positive relations between individuals. He describes empathy as the awareness of feelings of other people around an individual. If a person is empathetic, Goleman (1995) considers them to be in a position to role-play and understand other people, including their feelings and opinions. He also notes that empathy helps in interpersonal conflict resolutions. This therefore, is in apposition to help reduce cases of aggression and violence among the youth.

Smith et al. (2000) note that violent thinking should be prevented in order for youth violence to be eliminated. They suggest that an individual have self-control over their thoughts and emotions, including anger. On the other hand, Johnson &. Johnson (1996) propose that individuals should possess the interpersonal skill of empathy in times of conflict and disagreements. Instead of fighting or engaging in violence, youth should use empathy to solve and settle their differences, thus, choosing peace over violence. Smith et al. (2000) argue that the most effective strategies to address youth violence are those that are based on emotions and behaviour change, instead of physical punishment. Among them, they identified empathy as one of the effective emotional strategies, as this makes an individual understand other people’s feelings, thus, preventing youth violence.

Developing Empathy

Development of empathy can occur at any stage in life. However, Decety (2009) argues that it is easier to develop empathy in children than in adults. In children, their parents and family can teach them empathy by enforcing positive acts and practices, while discouraging the negative ones. On the other hand, young adults and the mature adults can learn empathy through various ways. However, the most important way is to gain a personal perspective and learn to heal from past hurt. They achieve this by separating themselves emotionally from any violent behaviours or thoughts (Eron, Gentry & Schlegel, 1994).

Empathy as a Source of Attitude Change

Goldstein (1999) asserts that the traditional methods of physical punishment and threats have proved to be ineffective in realizing attitude change among the youth, who engage in violent behaviours. Although these methods have been used since the era of civilization, the fact that youth violence around the globe has been on the increase is proof enough that these have failed in their mandate. Smith et al. (2000) argue that strategies based on emotions are effective in addressing youth violence, compared to those based on physical punishment. In addition, evidence shows that life and emotional skills are effective in helping youth deal various challenges, including the temptations to engage in violence (Smith & Sandhu, 2004). Empathy has been identified as a vital emotional strategy, as well as a life and emotional skill, capable of eliminating violent thinking and violent behaviours among the youth.

Empathy Assessment Index

Recently, scientists have realized that empathy is an emotional factor that can be measured. However, the previous measures such as Interpersonal Reactivity Index, used for empathy proved to be ineffective. This was mainly because of their low reliability, and poor internal consistency, among other inadequacies. However, the development of EAI has proved successful in the measurement of empathy (Lietz et al., 2011).

Evaluation of the EAI found it capable of better results than the previous standards. EAI employs four major components, which are based on empathy. These include affective response, self-other awareness, perspective taking, and emotion regulation. These were also proved to add more value to the EAI, thus increasing its effectiveness. However, the researchers have considered some revision on the perspective taking component and the self-other component, in order to strengthen this standard of measurement of empathy (Lietz et al., 2011).

Contrast of EAI with the Neural Bases of Empathy

The EAI is grounded in both the social and neurological science, thus capable of producing more valid reliable data. This therefore, considers both the social and neurological aspects of empathy. On the other hand, the neural bases of empathy do not put the social factors into consideration, but only base on neurology. These do not therefore, explain the specific social aspects, which are responsible for empathy.

Maudsley Violence Questionnaire (MVQ)

The MVQ was designed for the purpose of measuring different elements, which characterize violent behaviour. These aspects include rules, beliefs, and attitudes, which lead to, or associated with violent and aggressive behaviour in women and men. Initially, the MVQ comprised 97 items, but after analysis, these were reduced to 56. In these 56 items, 42 items represent machismo. These items bear aspects of rejection to back down due to the embarrassment, engaging in violence when threatened or attacked, and belief that men are violent, since non-violence is a resemblance of fear. The remaining 14 items are concerned with acceptance of violence. These include aspects of considering non-violence as ethical and pleasure in engaging in non-violence (Walker, 2005). The reliability of MVQ shows that men score high in violence, mainly because of the machismo factor. The MVQ can be used on a variety of groups, despite their age or gender. Their level of violence can therefore, be evaluated through asking the questions on the questionnaire, as these will reveal a person’s beliefs and attitude toward violence, whether they regard it as acceptable or unacceptable. The MVQ does not measure directly the aspect of personality; however, its cognitive approach can be customized to measure personality (Walker, 2005).

Recommendations

Countries today have invested in different preventive strategies, some that have not been tested and proven effective. In order to prevent and control youth violence effectively, the interventions adopted must be evaluated using consistent standards. There are various strategies and information on how to prevent and control youth violence. Therefore, it is not possible to utilize one strategy only, instead, a variety of strategies should be employed by a country for increased efficiency in the process of youth violence prevention and control. Thus, in addition to other strategies such as scientific research and others, which countries use today, this study emphasizes the adoption of empathy as a source of attitude change. This will help prevent and control youth violence, if it is developed in children and the youth in a country.

Conclusion

Youth violence is a contributing factor to underdevelopment in various spheres of a country. Today a lot of information about causes and effects of youth violence is available through various mediums. However, there is need for countries to invest in strategies that will help to clear youth violence. Although countries have invested in youth violence prevention programmes, scientific researches, and public health surveillance, one important strategy that has not been considered is the development of empathy in youth and children, as they grow up. This social or life skill is capable of making one not to indulge in violence. If countries can afford resources required to perform this, then in future, youth violence will not exist. Overall, youth violence is real, but again, it is preventable, and only requires efforts and commitment to appropriate preventive and control strategies.

References

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Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. New York:

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Circumstantial ad Hominem

Name

Course

Course Instructor

Date

Circumstantial ad Hominem

Circumstantial ad Hominem is a type of logical fallacy, which is experienced in arguments. In an argument, one party might attack the claim made by another party in the argument, basing on the notion that the party making the argument is biased and only acts out of self-interest. In other cases, one party might attack the argument of another party, basing on aspects of the arguer’s religion, nationality, political stance, and nationality, among others.

Circumstantial ad Hominem represents an error in reasoning called fallacy of relevance. This is because this error mainly occurs in an argument, as one arguer tries to dismiss the relevance of another party in the argument, based on various reasons. This phenomenon is justified as an error of logic. Ideally, the interests or the circumstances surrounding the person making the argument cannot influence the truth or falsity of a claim that is made by any party in the argument. In an argument, one will support their position using various claims. Therefore, this shows that the claims to support a position stand on their own, and is not part of the truth or falsity of the arguer (Walton 101).

The following is an example of circumstantial ad Hominem: “Jim claims that 1+1=2, but that is not true, because he is a Republican.” This therefore, justifies the fact that the political affiliation of a person or any other circumstances surrounding a person does not affect the truth or falsity of their argument. It is therefore, important to study logical fallacies, as this knowledge helps in identifying poor reasoning and understanding why this occurs in arguments.

Works Cited

Walton, Douglas. “Ad Hominem Arguments.” New York: University of Alabama Press, 1998.

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Introduction

Situation Analysis

Customer context

Segmentation

Involvement

Buyer Behavior

Business Context

Strategy and Plan

Competitor Analysis

Internal Context

Organization Identity

Beliefs, Values, and Culture

External context

Stakeholders

Macro Environment

Marketing Plan Objectives and Strategies

Objectives

Strategies

Push Campaigns

Pull Campaigns

Tactics

Public Relations

Advertising

Direct Marketing

Sponsorship

Pricing

Place

Marketing Budget

Table 1: Marketing budget of P&G Conclusion

References

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Introduction

Situation Analysis

Customer context

Segmentation

Involvement

Buyer Behavior

Business Context

Strategy and Plan

Competitor Analysis

Internal Context

Organization Identity

Beliefs, Values, and Culture

External context

Stakeholders

Macro Environment

Marketing Plan Objectives and Strategies

Objectives

Strategies

Push Campaigns

Pull Campaigns

Tactics

Public Relations

Advertising

Direct Marketing

Sponsorship

Pricing

Place

Marketing Budget

Table 1: Marketing budget of P&G Conclusion

References

Table 1: Marketing budget of P&G
Conclusion

Table 1: Marketing budget of P&G
Conclusion