Wednesday, May 13, 2020
The implications of Opportunity Recognition for entrepreneurs - Free Essay Example
Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1165 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Business Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? The Entrepreneur that starts up this business is Mr. Goh Cheng Hoy; he was born in 1959 in Penang. In 1983, Mr. Donââ¬â¢t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The implications of Opportunity Recognition for entrepreneurs" essay for you Create order Goh identifies the prospect of setting up a mattress manufacturing factory in Penang. He saw what others dont saw and he is the pioneer in bringing this business up in Penang. Not only did his company made name locally, his brand is also well known in the other part of the world as it is a major exporter of mattress. According to Donald Kuratko and Howard Frederick, entrepreneur is defined as a person who is innovative, recognizes and seizes opportunities; converts those opportunities into workable/marketable ideas; add value through time, effort, money, or skills; and assumes the risks of the competitive marketplace to implement these ideas. Entrepreneurs are often characterized by their ability to recognize opportunities (Bygrave Hofer, 1991) and the most basic entrepreneurial actions involve the pursuit of opportunity (Stevenson Jarillo, 1990). Entrepreneur is a person who can identify and recognise viable business opportunities. Opportunities lie everywhere, yet many peop le neglected and didnt notice there was one; however, entrepreneurs have the capacity to see what others do not. They are uniquely optimistic, committed, determined, creative and innovative. Although all people are unique by nature, all entrepreneurs have one common objective that is to create wealth from new or existing resources. The purpose of this paper is to review opportunity recognition literature in the entrepreneurial process and to discuss the implications of Opportunity Recognition for entrepreneurs. The opportunity recognition as presented here is only on an individual-level basis. Christensen et al. (1989) defines opportunity recognition consists of either perceiving a possibility to create new business, or significantly improving the position of an existing business. It both will lead to profit potential. Opportunity Recognition for new business is the central and important component of entrepreneurial process, (Christensen et al. 1994; Gaglio 1997; Gaglio an d Katz 2001; Gartner et al. 2001; Kirzner 1997; Shane and Venkataraman 2000), and is the first and most vital steps in the entrepreneurial process (Christensen et al. 1994; Hills 1995; Timmons et al. 1987). Before one could proceed to others, they must first identify the opportunity that arise and take further step to make the opportunity into a profit making business. Without opportunity there is no entrepreneurship. This is further strengthen by the cited definition of an entrepreneur as someone who perceives an opportunity and creates an organization to pursue it (Bygrave Hofer, 1991:14) Numerous scholars view opportunity recognition as a multi-staged and often complex process. The process perspective of OpR has proved to be a fruitful area of research because it acknowledges that OpR is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by numerous factors. Long and McMullan (1984), for example, proposed a model of the opportunity recognition process with four stages: Prevision, point of vision, opportunity elaboration, and the decision to proceed. Pre-vision is affected by both uncontrollable and controllable factors, such as environmental and job forces, as well as venture alertness cultivation, moonlight venturing, and job selection. Ardichvili et al. (2003) suggest that the opportunity identification process begins when alert entrepreneurs notice factors in their domain of expertise that result in the recognition and evaluation of potential business opportunities. The issue of opportunity recognition, as opposed to opportunity evaluation, has received far less attention. Yet it is opportunity recognition that often drives deals. Until recently this aspect has been offered very little attention by scholars. However, there has been a growing interest into the process of opportunity recognition over the last few years, resulting in a number of published researches. The specific area of opportunity identification has been particularly enriched with insights throu gh valuable academic in recent years. Namely, it is through the research findings and contributions of scholars like Shane, Lumpkin and Gilad that there are several affecting factors identified and modelled accordingly. Even though the joint efforts of the business practitioners and scholars, they have yet to produce a workable universal model, there are a number of framework variables that are being discussed and elaborated upon. Despite of a growing amount of published research work focusing on entrepreneurial opportunities, there is little empirical research and investigation into this area. The main question that puzzles most of the research relating to opportunity recognition is why, when and how someone generates or sees opportunities whilst others do not (Shane Venkataraman, 2000). Scholars argue that existing entrepreneurs are more likely than others to detect opportunities because of the knowledge they have learned from previous entrepreneurial experiences (McGrath, 1996; Ronstadt, 1998). Recent research on habitual entrepreneurship founds that opportunity recognition may be fuelled by prior entrepreneurial experience resulting in knowledge (Ucbasaran, Howorh, Westhead, 2000; Ucbasaran Westhead, 2002). There are two set of questions and debates surrounding opportunity literature. The first is whether opportunities are the result of serendipity or deliberate search (Chandler, Dahlquist, Davidsson, 2002; Gaglio Katz, 2001). The second is whether they are discovered objectively or created subjectively (Gartner et al., 2003). Existing knowledge is assumed to have the capacity to affect both the ability to search for information and the ability to take advantage of elements of coincidence or luck. Furthermore, both the discovery and creation of opportunities may be supported by the existing knowledge of the discoverer. Despite Shane (2000) states that opportunities are discovered without actively searching for them, he also supports the no tion that prior knowledge is a pre-requisite for discovery. The discovery of entrepreneurial opportunities depends on prior knowledge, and people will be more likely to discover opportunities in sectors that they know well. Individuals who have developed particular knowledge through education, personal events, and work experience -idiosyncratic prior knowledge- are better able to discover certain opportunities than others. Therefore, all individuals are not equally likely to recognize a given entrepreneurial opportunity. The prior distribution of knowledge in society influences who discovers these opportunities. In sum, for opportunities to be discovered there must be a fit between an entrepreneurs prior experience and a venture opportunity. Prior experience must overlap with the knowledge domain of the venture opportunity (Fiet Patel, 2006). Shane (2000) takes into consideration the mentioned fit or overlap and proposes to assess the knowledge possessed by the entrepreneurs instead of identifying the knowledge needed to launch a new business. Conclusion An early step along a prospective entrepreneurs path to beginning a new business is the identification of an opportunity to pursue. In essence, the would-be entrepreneur must recognize that society currently deploys resources in a sub-optimal manner, so that a benefit exists to mobilizing and then reconfiguring them for use in a different capacity. In many instances, opportunity recognition results from an entrepreneurs creative insight into a new way to fulfill an unmet need. But even in well-established and highly visible industries, much of the information that serves as a necessary input to the creative process is available only to those with extensive industry experience. In part for this reason, considerable evidence reveals that nascent entrepreneurs most likely develop new ventures in domains in which they have broad work experience (for an early statement of this argument, see Brittain Freeman, 1986).
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Self Reflection Culture By Pat Pornpongchotiwit - 884 Words
Self Reflection ââ¬â Culture by Pat Pornpongchotiwit Originally from Thailand, I was born and raised in Thai culture for 22 years before arriving in the United States of America. Even now, after living in the United States for 8 years, my character and thoughts are still dominated by Thai culture, which is very different from American culture in many ways. After graduation my plan is to work in the US, and thus, to continue functioning in what is dominantly an American culture. However, I realize that differences between Thai culture and American culture may cause communication issues for me at work unless each one is properly understood. First, Americans tend to be very straightforward and express their feeling s directly to the listener, while Thai people tend to seek harmony, avoid saying things that would hurt people s feelings, and prefer not to express their own personal feelings in order to avoid conflict and maintain their relationship with the listener. In my life, this means that I m always afraid of having conflicts with other people and as a result, have difficulty expressing my feelings to others. I always thought that Americans were self-centered and rude because they are so quick to speak their own personal feelings without any concern about the listener s feelings. However, studying the textbook made me realize that Americans are neither self-centered nor rude. They simply want to get things done faster by stating the points needed to solve the problem
Must be 540 words Free Essays
Why are you seeking a career in osteopathic medicine, and why do you believe CCOM would provide you with the type of osteopathic medical education you are seeking? Witnessing and experience are two good things that influenced me to create my very personal vision mission statement. My parents were both physicians and I have observed the kind of critical service they gave to their respective patients. The essence of selfless giving to help humanity created in me the desire to help others. We will write a custom essay sample on Must be 540 words or any similar topic only for you Order Now This compassion for people suffering from different illnesses thus became my passion. I was exposed to osteopathic medicine when I was still a student in Loyola University of Chicago. Osteopathic manipulative medicine triggered the interest and self awareness in me. This is the lack in medicine intervention to emphases on prevention by achieving wellness focus on health education, injury prevention and disease prevention. I see the need to acquire skills and knowledge on developing a system on medical care that promotes the bodyââ¬â¢s immune system or innate ability to heal self. Discerning differences between allopathic and osteopathic medical practice through actual observations, Iââ¬â¢ve found that the approach of osteopathic medicine and its manner of treatment is friendlier where many patients finds it comforting to seek medical advise. The consultation was most helpful and informative to challenge behavior change in unhealthy lifestyle. The combination of intervention and prevention is but perfect channels to improving health and patientââ¬â¢s lifestyles! I firmly believe Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine has the edge to offer the most comprehensive education and training in the world of Osteopathic medicine being referred outstandingly by friends and colleagues alike. Amazing how an Osteopathââ¬â¢s highly developed sense of touch allows the human body to palpate even those that fail to appear on x-ray which I see is a potential to reduce radiation contamination. There is some kind of shared responsibility and shared effort which looks like a buildup of teamwork that is most commendable between the patient and the administering physician. This fits well with my outgoing personality and interest in health problems resolution without drugs or surgery applications which I believe is one of the philosophies of OMM. I am a few steps near to my dream.à I want to utilize the knowledge and training obtained from this study program to help people locally and globally who are in dire search for the cure or maybe nearest to the cure on individual ailments. A good informative interactive website will do after I finished the course. I am into helping financially disabled patients get all the resources they can get to help them manage their illnesses and their bodies. A non-profit lung cancer institute will be the finale of that dream. This satiates passion and let me perform duties helping people live. Given this chance to prove my sincerity to serve people reduce stress and worries brought about by their illnesses and afflictions, I seek approval for admission to study Osteopathic Medicine in Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. I may be a few steps towards fulfillment but it can never be what I want it to be at this moment when Iââ¬â¢m still here soliciting for your agreement to help people and à waiting for your signatures to signify approval of this application. I humbly ask understanding that the next step of that dream to serve humanity starts with you. Thank you so much for your time. à à à à How to cite Must be 540 words, Essay examples
Statistical Quality Control Management
Question: Describe about the Statistical Quality Control? Answer: Executive Summary For the study of statistical quality control for the variable net weight in oz over some time interval, we use different statistical methods. First we find out the some descriptive or numerical statistical analysis for the variable net weight in oz. We get average net weight as 20.0122 oz with the standard deviation of 79.3056 oz. The histogram shows that the distribution of the net weight follows an approximate normal distribution. One sample Kolmogorov Smirnov test also proves the claim that the variable net weight follows an approximately normal distribution. The box plots for the given eight days shows that the average net weights for all the days are not same. The p-plot for the distribution of the variable net weight in oz shows that the distribution follows an approximate normal distribution. Time series plot for the variable net weight over the given dates or days shows that there is a specific same repeated pattern observed for each day. Time series plot for the variable net weight over the given time also shows that there is a specific same repeated pattern observed for each day. The x-bar control chart for the variable net weight shows that the process is out of control, because for the date 13.01.2015, the samples mean found out of 3 sigma limits. The range chart shows that the process for the variable net weight is in control. Although the control chart for the range chart shows that the process is in control, but actually process is out of control and there is one non-confirming point which is out of given 3 sigma limits. Introduction For the study of the variable net weight in oz, we have to use different statistical methods for analysis purpose. We have to use the descriptive statistics for describing the variable net weight in detail. Then after, we have to see some graphical analysis for the variable under study. We have see the histogram for the variable net weight and also we have to see the different box plots for each day for the variable net weight. We have to check whether there is any difference in the averages for the variable net weight for given eight days. Also we have to see the time series for this variable and we have to check whether there is any particular pattern observed or not. We have to study the x-bar and R control charts for the given variable. Let us see all this data analysis in the next topic in detail. Results and Discussion: Let us see the some descriptive statistics for the variable net weight in detail given below: Descriptive Statistics N Minimum Sum Mean Std. Deviation Variance Net_weight_oz 384 14.73 7684.70 20.0122 79.30555 6289.370 Valid N (listwise) 384 The average net weight is given as 20.0122 oz with the standard deviation 79.3056 oz. Some other descriptive statistics are given below: Descriptive Statistics N Range Maximum Mean Skewness Kurtosis Statistic Statistic Statistic Std. Error Statistic Std. Error Statistic Std. Error Net_weight_oz 384 1555.27 1570.00 4.04704 19.595 .125 383.970 .248 Valid N (listwise) 384 The histogram for the variable net weight is given below: The above histogram shows that the distribution for the variable net weight follows an approximate normal distribution. The box plots for the net weight for the given eight days are given below: The above box plots shows that the average net weight for each day is not same. The average net weight is different for all days. The histogram with the normal curve is given below: Now, we have to see the one sample Kolmogorov Smirnov test for the normality. The test for normality is given below: Descriptive Statistics N Mean Std. Deviation Minimum Maximum Percentiles 25th 50th (Median) 75th Net_weight_oz 384 15.9628 .49788 14.73 17.21 15.5600 15.9450 16.3800 One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test Net_weight_oz N 384 Normal Parametersa,b Mean 15.9628 Std. Deviation .49788 Most Extreme Differences Absolute .101 Positive .070 Negative -.101 Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z 1.978 Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) .001 a. Test distribution is Normal. b. Calculated from data. Model Description Model Name MOD_1 Series or Sequence 1 Net_weight_oz Transformation None Non-Seasonal Differencing 0 Seasonal Differencing 0 Length of Seasonal Period No periodicity Standardization Not applied Distribution Type Normal Location estimated Scale estimated Fractional Rank Estimation Method Blom's Rank Assigned to Ties Mean rank of tied values Applying the model specifications from MOD_1 Case Processing Summary Net_weight_oz Series or Sequence Length 384 Number of Missing Values in the Plot User-Missing 0 System-Missing 0 The cases are unweighted. Estimated Distribution Parameters Net_weight_oz Normal Distribution Location 15.9628 Scale .49788 The cases are unweighted. The p-plot for the distribution of the variable net weight in oz shows that the distribution follows an approximate normal distribution. Now, we have to see the time series plot for the net weight over given days. The time series plot is given below: Time series plot for the variable net weight over the given dates or days shows that there is a specific same repeated pattern observed for each day. This pattern is shown in the above time series plot. Time series plot for the variable net weight over the given time also shows that there is a specific same repeated pattern observed for each day. This pattern is shown in the above time series plot. Now, we have to see the control charts such as x-bar and R control chart for checking whether the process is in statistical control or out of statistical control. Also we have to see how many observations are confirming and how many observations is non-conforming the given specific limit. Here, we use the 3 sigma limits for the given variable under study. First, let us see the x-bar control chart given below: The x-bar control chart for the variable net weight shows that the process is out of control, because for the date 13.01.2015, the samples mean found out of 3 sigma limits. Now, let us see the R control chart given below: The range chart shows that the process for the variable net weight is in control. Although the control chart for the range chart shows that the process is in control, but actually process is out of control and there is one non-confirming point which is out of given 3 sigma limits. Conclusions and Recommendations 1) We get average net weight as 20.0122 oz with the standard deviation of 79.3056 oz. 2) The histogram shows that the distribution of the net weight follows an approximate normal distribution. One sample Kolmogorov Smirnov test also proves the claim that the variable net weight follows an approximately normal distribution. 3) The box plots for the given eight days shows that the average net weights for all the days are not same. 4) The p-plot for the distribution of the variable net weight in oz shows that the distribution follows an approximate normal distribution. 5) Time series plot for the variable net weight over the given dates or days shows that there is a specific same repeated pattern observed for each day. 6) Time series plot for the variable net weight over the given time also shows that there is a specific same repeated pattern observed for each day. 7) The x-bar control chart for the variable net weight shows that the process is out of control, because for the date 13.01 .2015, the samples mean found out of 3 sigma limits. The range chart shows that the process for the variable net weight is in control. Although the control chart for the range chart shows that the process is in control, but actually process is out of control and there is one non-confirming point which is out of given 3 sigma limits. Appendices: The data set is given as below: Date Time Net Weight (oz) 12/01/2015 0:00 15.96 12/01/2015 0:30 15.90 12/01/2015 1:00 15.12 12/01/2015 1:30 15.36 12/01/2015 2:00 15.60 12/01/2015 2:30 15.48 12/01/2015 3:00 16.25 12/01/2015 3:30 15.89 12/01/2015 4:00 15.52 12/01/2015 4:30 15.98 12/01/2015 5:00 15.98 12/01/2015 5:30 15.63 12/01/2015 6:00 16.28 12/01/2015 6:30 16.07 12/01/2015 7:00 16.23 12/01/2015 7:30 16.31 12/01/2015 8:00 15.88 12/01/2015 8:30 16.17 12/01/2015 9:00 15.44 12/01/2015 9:30 16.74 12/01/2015 10:00 16.66 12/01/2015 10:30 15.88 12/01/2015 11:00 16.25 12/01/2015 11:30 16.62 12/01/2015 12:00 16.38 12/01/2015 12:30 16.26 12/01/2015 13:00 16.95 12/01/2015 13:30 17.03 12/01/2015 14:00 17.01 12/01/2015 14:30 16.65 12/01/2015 15:00 16.37 12/01/2015 15:30 16.22 12/01/2015 16:00 16.59 12/01/2015 16:30 16.32 12/01/2015 17:00 15.91 12/01/2015 17:30 15.95 12/01/2015 18:00 16.45 12/01/2015 18:30 16.38 12/01/2015 19:00 16.00 12/01/2015 19:30 16.38 12/01/2015 20:00 15.75 12/01/2015 20:30 16.29 12/01/2015 21:00 16.44 12/01/2015 21:30 16.44 12/01/2015 22:00 16.38 12/01/2015 22:30 15.41 12/01/2015 23:00 15.13 12/01/2015 23:30 15.64 13/01/2015 0:00 15.36 13/01/2015 0:30 15.33 13/01/2015 1:00 15.11 13/01/2015 1:30 15.04 13/01/2015 2:00 15.33 13/01/2015 2:30 15.35 13/01/2015 3:00 15.36 13/01/2015 3:30 15.26 13/01/2015 4:00 15.33 13/01/2015 4:30 15.48 13/01/2015 5:00 15.48 13/01/2015 5:30 15.67 13/01/2015 6:00 15.37 13/01/2015 6:30 15.33 13/01/2015 7:00 15.00 13/01/2015 7:30 15.05 13/01/2015 8:00 15.19 13/01/2015 8:30 15.61 13/01/2015 9:00 16.65 13/01/2015 9:30 16.71 13/01/2015 10:00 15.75 13/01/2015 10:30 15.79 13/01/2015 11:00 15.91 13/01/2015 11:30 15.84 13/01/2015 12:00 15.80 13/01/2015 12:30 16.49 13/01/2015 13:00 16.24 13/01/2015 13:30 15.99 13/01/2015 14:00 16.40 13/01/2015 14:30 16.22 13/01/2015 15:00 15.90 13/01/2015 15:30 16.33 13/01/2015 16:00 16.37 13/01/2015 16:30 15.81 13/01/2015 17:00 15.80 13/01/2015 17:30 15.59 13/01/2015 18:00 15.56 13/01/2015 18:30 15.58 13/01/2015 19:00 15.64 13/01/2015 19:30 15.33 13/01/2015 20:00 15.31 13/01/2015 20:30 15.33 13/01/2015 21:00 15.32 13/01/2015 21:30 15.24 13/01/2015 22:00 15.22 13/01/2015 22:30 15.05 13/01/2015 23:00 15.31 13/01/2015 23:30 15.56 14/01/2015 0:00 15.60 14/01/2015 0:30 15.50 14/01/2015 1:00 15.41 14/01/2015 1:30 15.46 14/01/2015 2:00 15.61 14/01/2015 2:30 15.32 14/01/2015 3:00 15.29 14/01/2015 3:30 15.81 14/01/2015 4:00 15.65 14/01/2015 4:30 15.68 14/01/2015 5:00 15.54 14/01/2015 5:30 15.47 14/01/2015 6:00 16.46 14/01/2015 6:30 16.22 14/01/2015 7:00 16.40 14/01/2015 7:30 15.96 14/01/2015 8:00 15.72 14/01/2015 8:30 16.38 14/01/2015 9:00 15.51 14/01/2015 9:30 16.43 14/01/2015 10:00 15.85 14/01/2015 10:30 16.48 14/01/2015 11:00 16.53 14/01/2015 11:30 16.31 14/01/2015 12:00 16.53 14/01/2015 12:30 16.01 14/01/2015 13:00 16.25 14/01/2015 13:30 16.55 14/01/2015 14:00 16.64 14/01/2015 14:30 16.64 14/01/2015 15:00 16.47 14/01/2015 15:30 16.67 14/01/2015 16:00 16.09 14/01/2015 16:30 16.42 14/01/2015 17:00 16.35 14/01/2015 17:30 16.31 14/01/2015 18:00 16.79 14/01/2015 18:30 16.51 14/01/2015 19:00 16.50 14/01/2015 19:30 15.89 14/01/2015 20:00 16.28 14/01/2015 20:30 15.61 14/01/2015 21:00 16.41 14/01/2015 21:30 16.45 14/01/2015 22:00 15.71 14/01/2015 22:30 15.39 14/01/2015 23:00 15.33 14/01/2015 23:30 15.58 15/01/2015 0:00 15.31 15/01/2015 0:30 15.88 15/01/2015 1:00 15.32 15/01/2015 1:30 15.03 15/01/2015 2:00 15.51 15/01/2015 2:30 15.22 15/01/2015 3:00 15.32 15/01/2015 3:30 16.32 15/01/2015 4:00 16.24 15/01/2015 4:30 15.73 15/01/2015 5:00 16.27 15/01/2015 5:30 16.50 15/01/2015 6:00 15.86 15/01/2015 6:30 15.26 15/01/2015 7:00 15.46 15/01/2015 7:30 15.65 15/01/2015 8:00 15.18 15/01/2015 8:30 15.18 15/01/2015 9:00 16.36 15/01/2015 9:30 1570 15/01/2015 10:00 15.62 15/01/2015 10:30 16.24 15/01/2015 11:00 16.68 15/01/2015 11:30 15.86 15/01/2015 12:00 16.47 15/01/2015 12:30 16.52 15/01/2015 13:00 16.09 15/01/2015 13:30 16.60 15/01/2015 14:00 16.64 15/01/2015 14:30 16.33 15/01/2015 15:00 16.82 15/01/2015 15:30 16.43 15/01/2015 16:00 16.65 15/01/2015 16:30 15.75 15/01/2015 17:00 15.97 15/01/2015 17:30 16.08 15/01/2015 18:00 15.93 15/01/2015 18:30 16.00 15/01/2015 19:00 16.27 15/01/2015 19:30 15.82 15/01/2015 20:00 15.53 15/01/2015 20:30 15.47 15/01/2015 21:00 15.35 15/01/2015 21:30 15.23 15/01/2015 22:00 15.32 15/01/2015 22:30 14.73 15/01/2015 23:00 15.64 15/01/2015 23:30 15.37 16/01/2015 0:00 15.65 16/01/2015 0:30 15.96 16/01/2015 1:00 15.33 16/01/2015 1:30 15.30 16/01/2015 2:00 15.66 16/01/2015 2:30 15.62 16/01/2015 3:00 15.64 16/01/2015 3:30 15.62 16/01/2015 4:00 15.43 16/01/2015 4:30 15.92 16/01/2015 5:00 15.52 16/01/2015 5:30 15.28 16/01/2015 6:00 15.65 16/01/2015 6:30 16.39 16/01/2015 7:00 15.73 16/01/2015 7:30 16.67 16/01/2015 8:00 16.32 16/01/2015 8:30 16.64 16/01/2015 9:00 15.39 16/01/2015 9:30 16.22 16/01/2015 10:00 15.75 16/01/2015 10:30 15.79 16/01/2015 11:00 16.58 16/01/2015 11:30 16.25 16/01/2015 12:00 16.38 16/01/2015 12:30 16.44 16/01/2015 13:00 16.42 16/01/2015 13:30 16.68 16/01/2015 14:00 16.57 16/01/2015 14:30 16.78 16/01/2015 15:00 16.44 16/01/2015 15:30 16.63 16/01/2015 16:00 16.60 16/01/2015 16:30 16.15 16/01/2015 17:00 16.31 16/01/2015 17:30 16.51 16/01/2015 18:00 16.09 16/01/2015 18:30 16.40 16/01/2015 19:00 16.72 16/01/2015 19:30 16.31 16/01/2015 20:00 15.74 16/01/2015 20:30 15.77 16/01/2015 21:00 15.63 16/01/2015 21:30 16.40 16/01/2015 22:00 15.66 16/01/2015 22:30 15.44 16/01/2015 23:00 15.89 16/01/2015 23:30 15.03 17/01/2015 0:00 15.78 17/01/2015 0:30 15.32 17/01/2015 1:00 15.43 17/01/2015 1:30 15.67 17/01/2015 2:00 15.18 17/01/2015 2:30 15.16 17/01/2015 3:00 15.81 17/01/2015 3:30 15.73 17/01/2015 4:00 15.57 17/01/2015 4:30 15.76 17/01/2015 5:00 15.12 17/01/2015 5:30 15.70 17/01/2015 6:00 16.27 17/01/2015 6:30 16.27 17/01/2015 7:00 15.74 17/01/2015 7:30 16.10 17/01/2015 8:00 15.64 17/01/2015 8:30 16.46 17/01/2015 9:00 15.51 17/01/2015 9:30 15.78 17/01/2015 10:00 16.67 17/01/2015 10:30 15.86 17/01/2015 11:00 16.16 17/01/2015 11:30 16.21 17/01/2015 12:00 16.59 17/01/2015 12:30 16.31 17/01/2015 13:00 16.18 17/01/2015 13:30 16.65 17/01/2015 14:00 16.31 17/01/2015 14:30 16.48 17/01/2015 15:00 16.42 17/01/2015 15:30 16.43 17/01/2015 16:00 16.93 17/01/2015 16:30 16.51 17/01/2015 17:00 16.42 17/01/2015 17:30 16.34 17/01/2015 18:00 16.68 17/01/2015 18:30 16.67 17/01/2015 19:00 16.84 17/01/2015 19:30 16.66 17/01/2015 20:00 15.66 17/01/2015 20:30 15.75 17/01/2015 21:00 16.36 17/01/2015 21:30 16.45 17/01/2015 22:00 16.21 17/01/2015 22:30 15.55 17/01/2015 23:00 15.32 17/01/2015 23:30 15.78 18/01/2015 0:00 15.95 18/01/2015 0:30 15.82 18/01/2015 1:00 15.37 18/01/2015 1:30 15.33 18/01/2015 2:00 15.66 18/01/2015 2:30 15.01 18/01/2015 3:00 15.52 18/01/2015 3:30 16.06 18/01/2015 4:00 15.35 18/01/2015 4:30 15.46 18/01/2015 5:00 16.17 18/01/2015 5:30 15.95 18/01/2015 6:00 15.46 18/01/2015 6:30 16.31 18/01/2015 7:00 16.28 18/01/2015 7:30 15.90 18/01/2015 8:00 15.58 18/01/2015 8:30 16.37 18/01/2015 9:00 15.51 18/01/2015 9:30 15.79 18/01/2015 10:00 16.41 18/01/2015 10:30 15.79 18/01/2015 11:00 16.61 18/01/2015 11:30 16.04 18/01/2015 12:00 16.11 18/01/2015 12:30 16.54 18/01/2015 13:00 16.11 18/01/2015 13:30 16.56 18/01/2015 14:00 16.67 18/01/2015 14:30 16.26 18/01/2015 15:00 16.44 18/01/2015 15:30 16.43 18/01/2015 16:00 16.58 18/01/2015 16:30 16.45 18/01/2015 17:00 16.11 18/01/2015 17:30 16.83 18/01/2015 18:00 16.49 18/01/2015 18:30 16.35 18/01/2015 19:00 16.23 18/01/2015 19:30 15.96 18/01/2015 20:00 15.64 18/01/2015 20:30 16.45 18/01/2015 21:00 16.16 18/01/2015 21:30 16.32 18/01/2015 22:00 16.24 18/01/2015 22:30 15.62 18/01/2015 23:00 15.30 18/01/2015 23:30 15.33 19/01/2015 0:00 15.58 19/01/2015 0:30 15.02 19/01/2015 1:00 15.06 19/01/2015 1:30 15.47 19/01/2015 2:00 15.86 19/01/2015 2:30 15.76 19/01/2015 3:00 15.70 19/01/2015 3:30 15.51 19/01/2015 4:00 16.35 19/01/2015 4:30 16.38 19/01/2015 5:00 16.39 19/01/2015 5:30 16.35 19/01/2015 6:00 15.75 19/01/2015 6:30 15.51 19/01/2015 7:00 15.56 19/01/2015 7:30 15.91 19/01/2015 8:00 15.84 19/01/2015 8:30 15.35 19/01/2015 9:00 15.64 19/01/2015 9:30 15.57 19/01/2015 10:00 15.47 19/01/2015 10:30 16.46 19/01/2015 11:00 16.57 19/01/2015 11:30 16.60 19/01/2015 12:00 16.07 19/01/2015 12:30 16.64 19/01/2015 13:00 16.55 19/01/2015 13:30 16.67 19/01/2015 14:00 16.03 19/01/2015 14:30 16.58 19/01/2015 15:00 16.23 19/01/2015 15:30 16.42 19/01/2015 16:00 17.21 19/01/2015 16:30 17.19 19/01/2015 17:00 15.89 19/01/2015 17:30 15.97 19/01/2015 18:00 15.94 19/01/2015 18:30 16.27 19/01/2015 19:00 16.34 19/01/2015 19:30 16.20 19/01/2015 20:00 16.26 19/01/2015 20:30 15.80 19/01/2015 21:00 15.62 19/01/2015 21:30 15.83 19/01/2015 22:00 15.33 19/01/2015 22:30 15.16 19/01/2015 23:00 16.36 19/01/2015 23:30 15.70
Monday, May 4, 2020
Do You Exist Because You Think, or Do You Think Because You Exist, or Neither free essay sample
In order to consider ââ¬Å"I exist because I thinkâ⬠or â⬠I think because I existâ⬠, I would define the ââ¬Å"I exist because I thinkâ⬠as ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠is the cause of ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠. This implies ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠appear before ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠and cause ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠to happen. In the other side, ââ¬Å"I think because I existâ⬠would be ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠is the cause of ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠. This implies ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠appear before ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠and cause ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠to happen. In terms of logic, I would say ââ¬Å"I think because I exist ââ¬Å" is more appropriate. It is because I must exist first, therefore I can think of my existence. Things about me or myself are impossible to happen before my existence and cause my existence. In the following paper, I would like to explain why ââ¬Å"I exist because I thinkâ⬠is false and explain ââ¬Å"I think because I existâ⬠is true. We will write a custom essay sample on Do You Exist Because You Think, or Do You Think Because You Exist, or Neither? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Let me first explain why ââ¬ËI exist because I thinkââ¬â¢ is false. If ââ¬ËI exist because I thinkââ¬â¢ is true, every time when I think I exist and when I do not think, I do not exist. As I mentioned, ââ¬Å"Thinkâ⬠seems to be the cause of my existence in this case. How can my thinking exist before my existence and cause my existence. Therefore, I must exist first, then I can think about ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠or not. In fact, every minute whatever I am conscious or not, I am existing in this world, If my body physically is existing. For example, a person whose body functionally works but loss his conscious. He is still alive but he cannot think, we cannot say he is inexistent, because he is not dead. In other word, I can exist without ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠, but ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠cannot be without I exist. Furthermore, as Descartes said ââ¬Å"I think, therefore I amâ⬠to prove the indubitable truth of self-existence. He suggested that every time when we doubt that ââ¬Å"Iâ⬠exist or not, we can absolute certain that ââ¬Å"Iâ⬠am existing by this act. Then he said that the evil genius could not deceive us ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠because before the evil geniusââ¬â¢s deception, ââ¬Å"Iâ⬠must exist first, then I can be deceived in some way by the evil genius. So ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠is indubitable truth. Similarly, to say ââ¬Å"I think because I existâ⬠is true, The first criterion is I ust exist first. Therefore, I can think about my existence. So ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠must base on ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠. In contrast, if ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠is based on ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠, this is impossible that ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠appear before ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠. How can my mind and thinking exist dependently? Although some scientists may argue that brain wave w hat we call ghosts can exist after life, they may be the other forms of human thought ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠appearing without ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠. However, who have seen ghost in this world? At least until today no one can prove ghosts exist in this world. So ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠is not the cause that I can exist. However, ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠is the cause of I can think. To conclude, ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠cannot exist without ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠. It should be ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠first then ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠. As the following diagram shows: If it is ââ¬Å"I exist because I thinkâ⬠, it would be missing I exist in the first place, as below diagram shows: Nothing can exist before itself, so before I think, I must exist. In other word, ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠does not dependent on ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠, but ââ¬Å"I thinkâ⬠do dependent on ââ¬Å"I existâ⬠. Therefore, ââ¬Å"I think because I existâ⬠is true.
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Ditra Companys Environment
Introduction Ditra is one of the leading firms in the UAEââ¬â¢s home and personal care industry. It was established in 1977 in the UAE as part of the Al-Batha group. The firm manufactures and sells various brands of home and personal care products using the most advanced technologies (Ditra 2012).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Ditra Companyââ¬â¢s Macro-environment, Competitive Environment and Internal Environment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Ditraââ¬â¢s main products include chemicals, aerosols, detergents, disinfectants, and floor cleaners among others. In the last three decades, the firm has achieved organic growth, thereby joining overseas markets in the Middle East, the GCC region, and Africa. The firm has 100 employees and an annual sales turnover of $25 million (Ditra 2012). Ditraââ¬â¢s strategic objective is to double its growth in the next three years. This paper provides a strategic ana lysis of Ditra. The analysis will focus on the firmââ¬â¢s macro-environment, competitive environment, and internal environment. Based on these analyses, strategic recommendations will be made to help the firm to achieve its growth plan. Analysis of the Macro-environment Political Factors Tax policy and foreign trade regulations are the most influential factors in the industry. The federal government of the UAE does not impose taxes on corporate profits, personal income, and capital gains. Corporate taxes are only applicable to oil and petrochemical firms, as well as, foreign banks (Nyarko 2011, pp. 221-229). The corporate tax exemption improves the competitiveness of local firms by enabling them to utilize a large percentage of their profits for expansion activities rather than paying taxes. Similarly, personal income tax exemptions increase the citizensââ¬â¢ disposable income, thereby improving the demand for home and personal care products. Nonetheless, the government intend s to introduce value added tax by 2014. As a member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and World Trade Organization (WTO), the UAE promotes free trade by eliminating tariff barriers. In this regard, the government levies only 10% importation tax on luxury goods and 4% on other imports (Nyarko 2011, pp. 221-229). Since the UAE is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), its companies can benefit from low import tariffs (5% import duty) in the region Economic Factors Rapid economic expansion is one of the most important drivers of growth in the home and personal care products industry. The UAE is the third largest and one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In 2011, the countryââ¬â¢s GDP expanded by 4.2% (Nyarko 2011, pp. 221-229). Furthermore, it has been able to maintain an average economic growth rate of 4.6% in the last five years.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we c an help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In 2011, the GDP per capita was approximately $48,158 and the unemployment rate was less than 1.4% (Nyarko 2011, pp. 221-229). These trends means that majority of the citizens have a high purchasing power. Hence, most of them can afford various home and personal care products. Access to financial capital is relatively easy in the UAE due to low interest rates. In the last five years, the average interest rate was 1.4%, thereby enabling businesses to access credit facilities for expansion. In order to achieve its economic diversification plan, the government supports non-oil businesses through subsidies and development of transport and communication infrastructures. Social Factors According to the 2007 estimates, the population the UAE is 4.4 million people. The countryââ¬â¢s annual population growth rate is 4% (Nyarko 2011, pp. 221-229). The factors that underpin this rapid growth include increased immigration, bo oming economy, and social policies that encourage large families. The working class constitutes 78.5% of the population (Nyarko 2011, pp. 221-229). Thus, the level of dependency is very low. Furthermore, the percentage of the population that lives below the poverty line is negligible. Hence, consumerism is very high in the country. Unlike most Islamic countries, the UAE has little restrictions on citizensââ¬â¢ behavior. The resulting increase in westernization has led to a high demand for personal care products, especially, among the women. The countryââ¬â¢s literacy rate is as high as 90% among the adults. Consequently, most citizens are aware of the side effects of consuming various personal care products. This sensitivity to product quality presents production challenges to most manufacturers. Concisely, only high quality products can penetrate the market. Technology Technology is important in the home and personal care products industry. This is because it determines produ ct quality and production efficiency. However, investment in research and development (RD) in the UAE is still low compared to other countries. For example, only 133 patents were registered in the UAE in 2010, whereas 804 patents were registered in Saudi Arabia in the same period (Nyarko 2011, pp. 221-229). Low investments in (RD) and poor technological transfer reduces the competitiveness of local manufacturers.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Ditra Companyââ¬â¢s Macro-environment, Competitive Environment and Internal Environment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Legal Factors The UAE lacks effective anti-trust laws. The countryââ¬â¢s regulations focus on controlling sharp changes in prices rather than monopolistic tendencies. There are no laws that prohibit firms from acquiring their competitors in order to gain dominant positions in the market (Nyarko 2011, pp. 221-229). Hence, the competition in the hom e and personal care products market is very high. Analysis of the Competitive Environment Threat of New Entrants The threat of new entrants in the industry is moderate due to the following reasons. Most manufacturers have multiple production plants in the Middle East, which enables them to enjoy economies of scale. Consequently, most of the incumbents are able to sell their products at low prices. This reduces competition from new entrants who lack economies of scale in production. Furthermore, product differentiation is very high in the industry (Accenture 2011, pp. 2-11). New entrants lack market experience, and the technology that is necessary for product differentiation. Consequently, their products are less competitive. One factor that increases the threat of new entrants is lack of entry barriers in the industry. Free trade policies have led to the entry of numerous regional and international firms in the industry. The implication of the moderate threat of new entrants is that the incumbents have the opportunity to expand their operations in order to serve the entire market. Power of the Suppliers The suppliers have a low bargaining power due to the following reasons. To begin with, the industry has very many suppliers who are competing for the small number of manufacturers. This competition limits the suppliersââ¬â¢ ability to charge high prices for their products. Advancements in analytical and industrial chemistry have led to the development of several substitutes for the suppliersââ¬â¢ products. Consequently, monopolistic tendencies are not rampant in the suppliersââ¬â¢ industry. In most cases, the suppliersââ¬â¢ products lack differentiation. Concisely, the suppliers sell products whose qualities are more or less the same. Finally, numerous small firms supply most of the raw materials (Accenture 2011, pp. 2-11). These firms lack the financial capital that can enable them to invest in the production of home and personal care products. Thu s, the threat of forward integration is low. In this regard, the suppliers cannot exploit the buyers (manufacturers) through high prices or low product quality. Power of the Buyers The buyers (manufacturers) have a high bargaining power in the industry due to the following reasons. First, there are few manufacturers compared to suppliers. This increases competition in the suppliersââ¬â¢ industry. Hence, most buyers are price givers rather than price takers. Second, the buyers have low switching costs.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Concisely, they can easily shift from one supplier to another without incurring high costs. In this regard, manufacturers obtain their inputs only from suppliers whose products are cheap and meet high quality standards. Finally, the threat of backward integration is high. For instance, some manufacturers such as Falcon Pack are able to produce their own packaging materials (Accenture 2011, pp. 2-11). Even though the suppliersââ¬â¢ products lack differentiation, they are very important since they determine the quality of manufacturersââ¬â¢ products. Thus, buyersââ¬â¢ bargaining power is likely to decline if they cannot find substitutes for the inputs that are fundamental in their production. The high power of the buyers means that Ditra and its competitors can easily negotiate for low prices and high quality for their inputs. Threat of Substitutes Lack of trade barriers has led to the entry of thousands of different brands of home and personal care products in the United Ara b Emirates market. Most of the brands are from western countries where technological advancements and intense competition have led to high product differentiation (Accenture 2011, pp. 2-11). Brands from China and India tend to be cheaper than locally produced products. Consequently, the rate of brand substitution is very high in the market. The substitution is based on price, perceived product quality, and the side effects of using the products. For example, most women are substituting synthetic personal care products with herbal ones because the former are associated with high health risks. Hence, the threat of substitution is high in the industry. In this regard, companies whose products do not meet the expectations of the customers are likely to lose their market shares and make huge losses (Winer Dhar 2010, p. 431). Competitive Rivalry The intensity of competitive rivalry is very high due to the following reasons. To begin with, the industry has very many producers who are comp eting for the same customers. Consequently, most producers are focusing on product differentiation in order to defend their market shares. One factor that boosts the performance of the incumbent firms is the industryââ¬â¢s high growth rate. The industryââ¬â¢s growth rate averaged 8% in the last three years (Accenture 2011, pp. 2-11). Nonetheless, the benefits accruing from this rapid growth is likely to diminish as more foreign firms join the United Arab Emirates market. The high competition is likely to lead to price reductions, thereby reducing Ditraââ¬â¢s profits. Analysis of the Internal Environment Strengths Ditraââ¬â¢s strengths include the following. The firm has been able to produce a wide range of products through research and innovation (Ditra 2012). This enables it to defend its market share. Furthermore, providing a variety of products has enabled the firm to join new markets. Ditra has a strong brand image that is associated with high quality, reliability, a nd acceptable safety standards. The resulting improvement in brand loyalty has enabled the firm to retain its customers. Finally, Ditra has multiple distribution channels that consist of wholesalers and retailers in the UAE market. Consequently, the visibility of its products is high. Weaknesses Ditra has the following weaknesses. First, it has been able to breakeven with difficulty in the last three years (Ditra 2012). This means that the firm is not competitive in the markets in which it operates. Furthermore, it is not likely to have adequate capital to finance its expansion plan if it is struggling to breakeven. Second, Ditra does not have its own distribution networks in foreign markets. It depends on third party firms to distribute its products in the overseas markets. Reliance on third party distributors is likely to reduce the firmââ¬â¢s control of its products in the overseas markets. Finally, Ditra over depends on the UAE market, which accounts for 60% of its sales. In this regard, any changes in the market that might have adverse effects on sales will significantly reduce the firmââ¬â¢s profits. Opportunities The low power of the suppliers is an opportunity for Ditra to negotiate for low input prices. The industryââ¬â¢s high growth rate also provides expansion opportunities (Accenture 2011, pp. 2-11). Thus, Ditra can increase its production in order to earn high profits. Similarly, the low import duty in the GCC region is an opportunity for growth through exportation. Finally, rapid economic expansion in the UAE and the Middle East region will lead to rapid growth in the industry. Hence, Ditra can take advantage of the expected increase in demand for home and personal care products. Threats The high competition in the industry is likely to reduce Ditraââ¬â¢s profits and market share. Similarly, the high threat of substitutes is likely to reduce Ditraââ¬â¢s sales, especially, if the competitors are able to produce superior products. Fi nally, low investment in RD is a threat to the firmââ¬â¢s future expansion plans (Nyarko 2011, pp. 221-229). Concisely, Ditra will not be able to develop superior products through innovation if technological transfer remains low in the industry. Strategic Recommendations Ditra intends to expand its operations by adding soap and personal care items to its product portfolio by 2013. The firmââ¬â¢s objective is to achieve a target of $10 million by selling the soaps. Additionally, it expects to earn a profit margin of 20% by selling the soaps. Based on the external, competitive, and internal environmental analyses, the following recommendations can help the firm to achieve its objectives. Product A clear understanding of the market needs that are to be satisfied will be necessary before launching the new products. Thus, it will be necessary to conduct a market research in order to identify the features that the customers are looking for (Winer Dhar 2010, p. 231). Based on this r esearch, the firm should manufacture soaps that meet customersââ¬â¢ expectations in terms of size, color, functionality among other features. The soap must be superior to its substitutes in order to overcome competition. Place Most customers usually buy soaps from retailers such as supermarkets and convenient shops. Consequently, Ditra has to establish an effective and efficient supply chain that links its production plants with the wholesalers and retailers. In this regard, the firm should establish its warehouses in strategic locations in order to improve distribution efficiency. Furthermore, a sales team will have to work with the retailers in order to obtain customersââ¬â¢ feedback concerning the productââ¬â¢s quality and availability (Winer Dhar 2010, p. 235). Establishing overseas distribution networks in terms of warehouses and sales offices will enable the firm to track the productââ¬â¢s performance. Price The industry is associated with high competition, and th e customers are price sensitive. In this regard, adopting the penetration pricing strategy will enable the product to gain market share within a relatively short period (Winer Dhar 2010, p. 240). Concisely, Ditra can increase the market share of its soaps by charging lower prices than its competitors charge. Additionally, the pricing strategy must take into account the customersââ¬â¢ perception of the value of the soap. The soap must not cost more than the customers are willing to pay. Promotion Promotional activities will help the company to create awareness about the soap. In this regard, it will be necessary to advertise the soap in print and electronic media in order to reach a large number of potential customers. Similarly, discounts and free samples will encourage customers to purchase the soaps. The promotional activities must be different from those of the competitors in order to achieve the desired results (Nyarko 2011, pp. 221-229). Promotional activities that lack dif ferentiation are not likely to attract potential customers. Conclusion The opportunities in Ditraââ¬â¢s external environment include low power of the suppliers, high industry growth, low import duty in the GCC region, and rapid economic growth in the UAE. The threats include high competition and threat of substitutes, as well as, low investment in research and development. Ditra has a strong brand image and ability to produce a variety of products. Additionally, it is able to increase the visibility of its products by using multiple distribution channels. However, it struggles to breakeven and over depends on the UAE market. By leveraging its strengths and minimizing its weaknesses, Ditra can successfully avoid the threats and take advantage of the available opportunities. Thus, it will be able to achieve its objective of launching new products in the market. References Accenture 2011, Achieving High Performance in Home and Personal Care, Euromonitor, London. Ditra 2012, Company Profile. Web. Nyarko, Y 2011, ââ¬ËThe United Arab Emirates: Lessons in Economic Developmentââ¬â¢, Studies in Economics and Finance, vol. 24 no. 4, pp. 221-229. Winer, R Dhar, R 2010, Marketing Management, McGraw-Hill, New York. This essay on Ditra Companyââ¬â¢s Macro-environment, Competitive Environment and Internal Environment was written and submitted by user Sidney Frederick to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. 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Saturday, March 7, 2020
Classical Conditioning Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks
Classical Conditioning Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks Theory of Classical Conditioning: The Basics In ordinary life, a person makes a number of habitual actions without even noticing them; for example, when leaving for school or work, hardly anyone will forget to lock the door; likewise, when greeting someone, most people would stretch out their hand for a handshake. Caused by classical conditioning, these habitual actions, or reflexes, can be either simple or complex, yet they all have one thing in common ââ¬â they were acquired at some point of a personââ¬â¢s life.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Classical Conditioning: Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Also known as responded conditioning, or Pavlovââ¬â¢s theory, classical conditioning can be defined as a conditioned response to a conditioned stimulus (Basford Slevin, 2003, 560). The principle of conditioned theory mechanism seems to have become a common knowledge. According t o Basford and Steinââ¬â¢s interpretation, classical conditioning is developed in a person or an animal when a neutral stimulus ââ¬Å"is paired or occurs contingently with the unconditioned stimulus on a number of occasionsâ⬠(Basford Slevin, 2003, 560), which leads to the neutral stimulus producing ââ¬Å"the same response as the unconditioned stimulusâ⬠(Basford Slevin, 2003, 560). As it has been stressed above, Pavlov is immediately associated with the term of classical conditioning. In his experiments, he offered his experimental dogs food, which served as an unconditioned stimulus, causing them to respond in reflex salivation. Simultaneously with the unconditioned stimuli, a neutral stimulus (a bell ringing) was also used. After the experiment had been reiterated several times, a neutral stimulus turned into a conditioned stimulus ââ¬â the dogs started salivating at the sound of the bell as well (Basford Slevin, 2003, 560). Thereforethe theory of classical c onditioning clarifies the nature and development of conditioned, or trained reflexes and behaviors. Scenario Number One: Proving the Classical Conditioning Theory Classical conditioning works in a very efficient way, since it affects people and animals on the subconscious level. Perhaps, one of the most powerful tools for changing oneââ¬â¢s behavioral pattern, it might be considered somewhat unfair when tested on people, which is why it seems much less controversial to try the effects of classical conditioning on animals. People say that of all animals, cats are the least trainable. However, being animals, just like dogs an people, cats are also subject to the effects of training (Johnson-Bennett, 2007). In the given experiment, the myth concerning cats being completely untrainable will be finally busted.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Experiment description A four-year -old Maine Coon cat is going to be the object of the experiment. The subject of the experiment will concern teaching a cat to ââ¬Å"handshake,â⬠i.e., raise its foreleg and allow the trained to hold and slightly shake it. The experiment is going to be carried out in the following manner: Step 1. The cat is being shown a snack (e.g., a piece of Kibble). Step 2. As the cat sits, the trained slightly touches the catââ¬â¢s chin holing his/her hand palm up. Step 3. The cat raises the paw to stop the trainer.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Classical Conditioning: Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Steps 4 and 5. The trainer shakes the catââ¬â¢s paw lightly and gives the cat a snack. Step 6. The trainer pets the cat and praises it. The steps 1ââ¬â6 must be repeated at least twenty times (i.e., the process of training will take at least a week) until the cat learns the rout ine subconsciously and the classical conditioning is finally formed. In the end of training, as soon as the trainer stretches his/her hand with a palm up, the cat will raise the paw to get the snack, since a handshake will be associated with a snack immediately. Technically, the given experiment is rather complicated to carry out, given the ââ¬Å"cat natureâ⬠(Johnson-Bennett, 2007), which is why a Maine Coon breed was chosen as the type of cats who are the easiest to train. Scenario Discussion and a Chart: How the Classical Conditioning Theory Is Going to Work Since the given experiment presupposes that there are several unconditional stimuli that lead to respective unconditional responses, the chart is going to be different from the traditional one, yet it is going to follow the same pattern. As the given diagram shows, the basic elements of the classical theory of conditioning are in their places. To start with, there is the neutral stimulus, which is going to become a cond itioned stimulus at the end of the experiment. The two unconditioned stimuli (lifting the hand up to the catââ¬â¢s chin and showing a snack at the same time) predetermine the logical uncontrolled responses (i.e., lifting the paw and wanting the snack).Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As soon as the trainer shakes the catââ¬â¢s paw and the cat gets the snack, the procedure is over. As soon as the procedure is carried out repeatedly, classical conditioning is formed: if the trained stretches out his/her hand with a palm up, the cat lifts its paw thinking that it will trigger getting the snack. It can be assumed that in two to three weeks, the cat will acquire a conditioned habit. Reference List Basford, L. Slevin, O. (2003). Theory and practice of nursing: An integratedà approach to caring practice. Chettenham, UK: Nelson Thornes. Johnson-Bennett, P. (2007). Starting from scratch: How to correct behavior problemsà in your adult cat. London, UK: Penguin.
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