Friday, August 21, 2020

George Orwells Nineteen Eighty-Four 1984 :: essays research papers

George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four 1984 Who is watching us? Who passes judgment on us? What's more, above all who controls us? In George Orwell’s tale 1984, Big Brother was responsible for all these critical parts of everyone’s lives. This book which was composed well before 1984 can truly occur at whenever and anyplace. The ideas and topics of this book are genuine and alarming. May be telescreens don't exist yet V-chips and Pentium III PCs are a lot of alive. Despite the fact that we live in present day times how would we realize who is crazy? The world is level and the planets rotate around Earth were once normal proclamations. At last do we control ourselves in this Democratic nation or are we just manikins moving to the high and incredible prosperous individuals from our general public. Or on the other hand perhaps G-d himself is the person who causes us to do the things we do. Â Â Â Â Â The thought police search out and fix the misinformed individuals who basically think excessively. They take a gander at you step by step to perceive what you are doing and how u are getting along it. I think more intriguing than the idea police are the educating of the ethics of the land to the kids. They are shown the methods of Ingsoc. They know directly from wrong. One of Winston’s peers was removed on the grounds that his own girl told the idea police on him. In this general public kids are at school more than they are even home. It is truly conceivable to have a closer relationship with an instructor than with a parent. In addition, Big Brother and the internal party encourage that it is just “you and the gathering';. Which means the gathering is individualized. This permits the gathering to work pleasantly in light of the fact that individuals don't make associations with others just to the gathering. Individuals in Oceania are rarely taken o ff alone. On the off chance that you are separated from everyone else and you are not dozing this would be taken a gander at by the idea police. To keep individuals involved there are loathe addresses so as to demonstrate your affection to Big Brother and Hate to the contradicting nation that Oceania is at war with. Everybody has work and they are numerous associations to have a place with like the lesser enemy of sex class. Â Â Â Â Â Surveillance is a startling thing. On the off chance that you realized that wherever you turned you were being recorded it could make you insane.

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Wellbutrin Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Wellbutrin Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions Depression Treatment Medication Print What to Know About Wellbutrin (Bupropion) An antidepressant approved to treat MDD and SAD By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on June 15, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Hero Images / Getty Images More in Depression Treatment Medication Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Types Childhood Depression Suicide In This Article Table of Contents Expand Uses Before Taking Dosage Side Effects Warnings & Interactions View All Back To Top Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant that treats a number of conditions. It comes as an immediate-release, sustained-release, or extended-release tablet that is taken orally.   One factor that makes Wellbutrin especially unique among antidepressants is that it doesnt tend to affect your libido and sexual function. In fact, its often prescribed along with other antidepressants to help counter the sexual side effects found in other types like loss of desire. That said, Wellbutrin in any form isnt without side effects, some of which are serious. If your doctor prescribes Wellbutrin for you, its important to be aware of what symptoms to look out for. Some are merely bothersome and likely to disappear as your system gets used to the medication, but others may be serious and should prompt you to call your doctor right away to let them know that youre having problems. Verywell / JR Bee Uses Wellbutrin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).?? Off-Label Uses Wellbutrin is also used off-label to help with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),??? bipolar disorder, anxiety, and obesity. Additionally, another brand of bupropion (the active ingredient in Wellbutrin) called Zyban is used to help people quit smoking. Before Taking Wellbutrin is often used as a first-line antidepressant in the treatment of major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and current health status to determine if Wellbutrin is right for you. Precautions and Contraindications Your doctor may not prescribe this drug if you have certain health conditions. You should not take Wellbutrin if you have an eating disorder, angle-closure glaucoma, or a seizure disorder.People with bipolar disorder may be at an increased risk of experiencing manic, mixed, or hypomanic episodes after taking Wellbutrin. While bupropion is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat depressive episodes, it is not approved for the treatment of bipolar depression. Those with bipolar disorder may also have an increased risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts after taking Wellbutrin.If you have a history of kidney problems, kidney disease, or liver problems, your doctor may recommend a reduced dosage of the drug.Never take Wellbutrin if you have a known allergy to bupropion. You should contact emergency services immediately if you begin to experience allergic symptoms such as rash, swelling, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.The drug should not be used by women who are breastfeeding or by children. Wellbutrin is a category C pregnancy drug, meaning that it has been shown to have adverse effects on the fetus in animal studies and that not enough studies have been conducted to determine the effect it may have in humans. For this reason, the drug should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor has determined that the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Because older adults may have reduced kidney function, they may require smaller doses since the drug remains in the body longer. Other NDRIs Among antidepressants, bupropion is in a category all its ownâ€"its the only medication in its class, called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), that boosts the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. By contrast, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) affect  serotonin, while serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors  (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine) boost norepinephrine and serotonin. The 5 Major Classes of Antidepressants Dosage Wellbutrin contains chemicals called aminoketones and comes in three versions. Dosing varies for each version:?? Immediate release: The regular formulation, simply named Wellbutrin, is an immediate release medication, which means that it begins to work shortly after you take it. Because it acts quickly, it can be taken up to three or four times a day. This formulation is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). A starting dose is usually 100mg taken twice a day and potentially increased to 100mg taken three times a day. The maximum dose is 150mg per single dose.Sustained-release: Wellbutrin  SR, the sustained release version, also treats MDD. This formulation is typically started at 150mg once a day and potentially increased to 150mg twice a day. It can be increased to a maximum of 200mg taken twice a day.Extended-release: Taken once a day, Wellbutrin XL is used to treat MDD and to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Its typically started out as a dose of 150mg once a day and can be increased to 300mg or even 450mg maximum, both taken once a day. Modifications In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a modified dosage of the drug due to possible side effects or another health concern.?? With liver impairments: The dosage is often lowered to a maximum dose of 75mg per day for those with moderate to severe liver impairment.With kidney problems: Your doctor may also lower your dosage or the frequency of use if you have kidney impairments.After or before MAOIs: If you have previously taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or are switching to an MAOI, you should allow 14 days between the discontinuation of your previous drug and the initiation of your new treatment. How to Take and Store You should always take your medication as directed. Always swallow pills whole and never crush, chew, break, or mix with other substances. The drug can be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Your medication should be stored at room temperature and protected from light and moisture. If you happen to miss a dose of bupropion, take it as soon as you remember. Any remaining doses for the day should be taken at least four hours apart. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Taking two doses at the same time can increase your risk of experiencing a seizure or an accidental overdose. Never stop taking your medication suddenly. If you stop suddenly, your symptoms may worsen or you may experience withdrawal. If you want to stop taking Wellbutrin, talk to your doctor about tapering off of your medication gradually. Side Effects Common Side effects may occur but they usually go away within a few weeks as your body adjusts. The most common side effects for Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL include: ConstipationDizzinessDrowsinessNervousnessDry mouthChanges in the way food tastesHeadacheIncreased sweatingTremorsNauseaVomitingAnxietyRestlessnessInsomniaWeight lossJoint achesAppetite lossFlushingGasUrinating more than usualRinging in your earsAbdominal painHair lossWeakness Severe Some side effects of Wellbutrin can be  severe or even potentially life-threatening.?? Get medical help right away if you experience any of the following while taking any version of Wellbutrin:   Skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; a feeling of tightness in your chest; swelling of your mouth, face, or tongue; and/or unusual hoarseness, all signs that you may be having a serious allergic reaction to the drugChanges in visionChanges in sexual desire or functionChest painConfusionDark urineDelusions or hallucinationsFaintingRapid or irregular heartbeatFever, chills, or a sore throatHearing problemsChanges in your menstrual cycleWorsening depression and/or suicidal thoughtsExaggerated feelings of well-beingTrouble concentratingPanic attacksAggressivenessHostilityImpulsivenessAgitationInability to sit stillPale-colored stoolsSwollen, blistered, or peeling skinSeizuresSevere headacheSevere or lingering joint or muscle painSevere or lingering nausea, vomiting, or stomach painSevere or lingering nervousness, restlessness, or insomniaDifficulty breathingUnusual swellingYellow skin or eyes Warnings and Interactions Seizures and suicidal thoughts are two of the most serious potential side effects of Wellbutrin.?? Seizures are rare with this drug, but do be aware that the risk of seizures is about four times greater with Wellbutrin than with other antidepressants. For that reason, its especially important to let your doctor know if you have or have had a seizure disorder; you take any other medications that contain bupropion, such as Zyban (for quitting smoking); or you have or have had an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, as seizures are more likely to occur with these disorders. Antidepressant drugs like Wellbutrin may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, teens, and young adults up to age 24, especially when they first start taking the medication or when theres a change in their dose. If you have a child taking Wellbutrin or another medication for treating depression, keep a close eye out for signs of self-harm or suicidal thinking. Interactions There are a number of potential interactions that can occur when other substances are taken at the same time as Wellbutrin.?? Other medications may influence how bupropion works or increase the risk of side effects. These include: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Other antidepressants including Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Effexor  (venlafaxine)Antipsychotics such as Risperdal (risperidone) or Haldol (haloperidol)Corticosteroids including prednisoneBlood thinnersAdderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)Thyroid medications such as Synthroid (levothyroxine)OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofenDiabetes medications including Glucophage (metformin) Using Wellbutrin with alcohol may also influence the frequency and severity of side effects, including seizures and suicidal thoughts.?? Managing Side Effects Check in with your doctor about any side effects youre experiencing with Wellbutrin if theyre severe, bothersome, get worse, or dont go away. Again, the most common ones are the least serious and are likely to be temporary. Get help right away if you have any side effects that could be serious or life-threatening. In either case, dont stop taking Wellbutrin until youve checked with your doctor first. Going cold-turkey off of any antidepressant can cause your symptoms to come back or get worse. Stopping abruptly also can lead to  discontinuation syndrome, an array of flu-like  symptoms such as stomach upset, headache, strange sensations, and muscle aches. If you need to stop taking Wellbutrin, your doctor will guide you in gradually tapering off of it. Flu-Like Symptoms When Discontinuing Antidepressants

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Should Juvenile Offenders Be Punished - 1423 Words

To Americans, justice is important. When harm is done to most Americans, often victims of harm say they want the juvenile offender to pay for what he/she has done. Making someone pay for the harm they have caused is an easy concept when it comes to adult offenders; however, what about juvenile offenders? Should juvenile offenders be punished for what he/she has done? When victims want the juvenile offender to be punished for the harm they have caused, this is called retributive justice. Often Americans think that upping the consequences for committing crime is deterrent for others who are thinking of committing criminal acts. However, retributive justice has been proven to be outdated, and it doesn’t do much from deterring youth from committing crime. Though, there is an alternative, and it is called restorative justice. Restorative justice includes the victim, juvenile offender, and allows the community to mediate the harm caused by the juvenile offender. Restorative justice also reduces the recidivism rate (repeat offending). All of the above have proven to be more beneficial to society than retributive justice. Children are our future, how much of a future can they have if they were severely punished for misdemeanor or minor criminal activity. First, restorative justice includes the victim in the criminal justice system. Often the victim is forgotten about. When a juvenile offender commits a crime, it is reported to police. Afterwards, the police make an arrest, theShow MoreRelatedNot Yet an Adult in the Juvenile Justice System Essay700 Words   |  3 Pagesfor their actions. Teenagers should also be responsible for their actions, shouldnt they? People should not treat teenagers as kids. Teenagers should know that committing a crime is wrong. The Justice Department says that about 10 percent of all homicides are committed by juveniles and almost every year, the FBI arrests more than 33,000 young adults for offenses. Crime is a crime and being a teenager is not an excuse from being punished by law like an adult. The juvenile justice system is influencedRead MorePros And Cons Of Juvenile Offenders1024 Words   |  5 PagesJuvenile Offenders or Adult Criminals? The act of participating in a crime by a minor is considered juvenile delinquency. This criminal act may be punished by many different means, designed specifically to deal with those who are under the statutory age of majority, which is the threshold of adulthood in law. However, many people argue that the severity of the juvenile prosecution system isnt high enough to order proper punishment. Therefore, juvenile offenders should be tried under adult laws.Read More old enough to commit crime, too young to do time. Essay1043 Words   |  5 Pagesof age. Other state’s juvenile systems make you liable to be tried as an adult at the age of 18. Law enforcement officials have been questioning the age of being tried as an adult for the past 40 years. Recently, they have come to the conclusion that children between the ages of 16 and 18 who commit adult crimes should be tried and sentenced as adults. After researching information and cases of minors being tried as adults, I have conc luded that if minor offenders were punished in the same degree asRead More Juvenile Offenders Should be Tried as Adults for Violent Crimes544 Words   |  3 PagesAs more minors are committing violent crimes, the question of whether they should be tried as adults has arisen. Children as young as 13 or 14 are committing violent crimes such as murder, rape, and armed robbery. Some of these children are being tried as adults while others are being tried as juveniles and receiving milder punishments. A juvenile offender may receive a few years in a juvenile detention facility and possibly probation following his release at age eighteen. An adult committing theRead MoreShould Juveniles Be Tried as Adults896 Words   |  4 PagesQuestion: Should juvenile offenders be tried and punished as adults? Claim: Juvenile offenders shouldn’t be tried and punished as adults. I. Introduction a. There has been a lot of controversy over the issue of if juveniles should be tired and punished as adults. II. Harsh Policies Do not work http://physiciansforhumanrights.org/juvenile-justice/factsheets/youthasadults.pdf III. Adult Convictions Jeopardize Children’s Rights and Futures IV. Risks to Children’s Health V. These PoliciesRead MoreJuvenile Delinquency in the United States1585 Words   |  6 PagesJuvenile Crime Statistics Wendy R Swartz Keiser University Abstract: In this document, the topic of juvenile delinquency in the United States is thoroughly examined. Approximately 1.5 million minors (those are citizens who are under the age of 18) are arrested for criminal activity each year in the US. These juveniles are arrested for a variety of crimes; everything from petty vandalism and loitering to prostitution, drug dealing, and even murder. Of these, 70% of offenders will be tried andRead MoreThe Case Of Theft And Simple Assault Essay1212 Words   |  5 Pagesalso want the process of an informal adjudication with each of the offenders alone and their parents to get information on their home life. This would be helpful in knowing if they have the structure and discipline they would need to learn and move forward or if they need another program such as aftercare (Kids Legal, 2013). As juvenile offenders, they will go to a juvenile court which is a private civil proceeding just for juveniles. This is more relaxed and will not result in a criminal recordRead MoreWhat Do You Think About The Juvenile Death Penalty? Many1622 Words   |  7 Pagesyou think about the juvenile death penalty? Many sides are against this kind of thing. They believe that juveniles are not fully matured and give in too easily to peer pressure. Juveniles are smart enough to know wrong from right even if they are getting pressured to do something. This essay is pro for death penalty for juveniles, because they can make their own decisions in their life. For starters this paper is going to give some information from people who think there should never be and have neverRead MoreShould People Less Than Eighteen Years Old (Minors/Juveniles/Adolescents) Ever Be Tried and Sentenced as Adults?1516 Words   |  7 PagesShould people less than eighteen years old (minors/juveniles/adolescents) ev er be tried and sentenced as adults? The legislation of trying and sentencing youth criminals under adult justice system has been a hot topic of debate. Supporters of tough laws on insist the need to enforce harsh penalties to uphold justice. The practice of treating youth criminals as adults since the 1990s is a result of the steep rise in youth crimes. However, youth advocates argue that tough laws should not be appliedRead MoreJunenile Justice System Should Focus on Rehabilitation Essay1729 Words   |  7 PagesJuvenile Justice System Should Focus on Rehabilitation University of Phoenix Juvenile Justice System Should Focus on Rehabilitation Rehabilitation over Punishment, why one is better or more effective than the other, in order to answer this questions one must understand what each means. Punishment is a consequence of doing something that is unacceptable, it is meant to be unpleasant, the problem with punishment is it does nothing to address the social or mental processes that maybe contributing

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Why Even Start Using - 947 Words

A High school student starts off with just trying a cigarette, then started smoking just about one cigarette a day, then became addict, he ended up smoking for 30 years, he developed throat cancer and had to breathe through a surgically made hole in his neck for the rest of his life. Just trying tobacco as a teen increases your chances by 80 percent of being addicted to some kind of tobacco in your future as being an adult (Bratsis Michael E). Teen and even children are trying tobacco products earlier and earlier every year. Tobacco products are becoming more advanced for example: the E-Cig. Tobacco producers are coming up with new way to put nicotine into your body. Having this teens want to try the new, non-researched, tobacco†¦show more content†¦What most users say is that they experience a Buzz when using a tobacco(Campaign for tobacco free kids), but almost all users say that you build up a tolerance really quick and the buzz never comes again. Teens are using tobacco mostly to get the buzz. Another reason why teens experiment with tobacco is because they think they are invincible and they wont be the ones to become a long time user of tobacco. Which is not the case 75 percent of teen users will become lifetime users of tobacco(Campaign for tobacco free kids). So if a person does try a tobacco products their most likely to get addicted for your life and develop several deadly cancers(Campaign for tobacco free kids). Some people think that marijuana is the only gateway drug into bigger, harder, and more deadly drugs (Campaign for tobacco free kids). The use of tobacco product is one of the biggest gateway drugs there is. People dont really see it as a gateway drug because it is legal to use it and the fact that the government okays companies to sell it (Campaign for tobacco free kids). So parents dont really seem to check on the kids to see if they are using it. The fact is is that nicotine is as addictive as cocaine and even methamphetamines when used for a long time (Campaign for tobacco free kids). Teens dont get all of this information at an early enough age because schools dontShow MoreRelatedDerfs Cartoon1659 Words   |  7 Pagescartoon in 1995 in which he presents an implicit theory about how and why things evolve to be â€Å"cool†. This paper will elaborate on explaining what Derf’s theory actually is, an interpretation of the meaning presented in the cartoon, and a fad or style that follows Derf’s theory. In this cartoon, Derf’s theory of how things get to expand and get â€Å"cool† expresses that a fad starts by a small group of people, many times not even knowing where it came from, then eventually evolving and reachingRead MoreOver The Years, There Has Been A Great Amount Of Discussion1533 Words   |  7 Pagesmarijuana use. And of course, over the years, there has been a great amount of discussion on whether marijuana should be legalized or continue to remain illegal. Although there may be reasons as to why marijuana legalization could be considered a good boost to the Canadian economy, there are many more reasons as to why the legalization of marijuana should not happen mainly due to the safety of the user and the society as a whole. Marijuana should remain illegal in Canada because marijuana tends to have aRead MoreDont Let Stereotypes Influence Your Lives!821 Words   |  3 Pagesand fellow students this is why I think that we shouldn’t let stereoty pes influence our lives. Every time you label someone, every time you write a name on someone’s forehead with permanent marker it stays there, forever. And forever is a really long time for a label that’s not true to be roaming in someone’s head. Past studies have shown that people act poorly when they are stereotyped and have difficulty making better decisions and tend to rely on unhealthy food. Even if people are not the labelRead MoreWood Bats Should Be Used For The Ncaa1450 Words   |  6 PagesJohnstown Abstract A major topic that comes up when people start to talk about college baseball and the bats they use. They went back and forth debating on whether or not the NCAA should switch to wood bats. Reasons why people think they should switch to wood bats. But there are still people who think they should stay using what they use now. Metal bats will keep the game interesting, some reasons why they should switch are that most MLB draft picks come from college and they useRead More4 Types of Research Theories1205 Words   |  5 PagesUniversity Abstract In this paper, I will discuss the four types of research theories – deductive, inductive, grounded, and axiomatic. I will also discuss why and how these theories are used, and which is the most relevant, or most important. I will discuss the differences and similarities in theory and hypothesis. I will also discuss variables, and why they are important components of theoretical research. Four Types of Research Theories When doing research, it is important to first haveRead MoreThe Center Of Disease Control And Prevention States, â€Å"From1619 Words   |  7 PagesThroughout the United States, many different cases are reported of individuals who have abused these dangerous opioid drugs. Heroin is known as one of the most common opioid drugs which leads people to addiction and can consequently lead to overdosing. Using heroin on a daily base or taking high doses can cause individuals slow down their heart rates, which is threatening to their body. Due to the recurring events of heroin related deaths and overdose, it is vital for people to understand the causes andRead MoreIrony In Shirley Jacksons The Lottery863 Words   |  4 Pagesrole in delivering Jackson’s sarcasm. The author holds our attention all throughout the story and builds our suspense by using irony with the characters and events that take place. Some instances of irony that she uses during the story to hold our att ention are: The title, the weather, the stones, the lunch and even some of the characters. The very first use of irony starts with the title â€Å"The Lottery.† When the audience reads the title, they think of something good, for instance winning moneyRead MoreThe Stacy Peralta s Film Called The Crips And Bloods969 Words   |  4 Pagesin America and racism was at its peak, America did not care that they were ruining the lives of African Americans everywhere. America also did not know that they had created two very dangerous monsters who would later run the streets of Los angles, using murder to do so. In Stacy Peralta’s documentary film called â€Å"The Crips and Bloods: Made in America†, gangs and gang violence is explained and shown in great detail. This documentary is used to attempt to bring attention to these gang’s brutal wayRead More Unexpected Critiques in Walden Essay1057 Words   |  5 Pagespassage starts off by explaining how some person a long time ago decided to dwell in a cave for shelter. Through Thoreaus word usage and imag ery, his idea that humans do not need shelter is clear. He starts this argument with the topic of child rearing. He states that since a child loves to stay out doors, even in wet and cold, the instinct to have shelter is not biological (Thoreau 28). It must be something that is taught to children, most likely from observation. At the same time no one, even ThoreauRead MoreGun Control Argument Essay612 Words   |  3 Pagesin affirmative action even though I am considered a minority. When asked, I do claim my minority race. I also claim veterans preference. Do I think its fair if I get a job or government money because of my skin color or veteran status? No. But as long as certain government programs are in effect I will use them to my fullest advantage. Even though I do benefit from some of these programs, if it were up to me, I would get rid of affirmative action. We should all start at the same place, if

The Negative Effects of a Cellphone Free Essays

When the first cellular phone was invented, its uses only went as far as a phone call. As time and technology advanced, so did the development of the cell phone. A basic phone today can make calls, take photos and videos and even function as a GPS. We will write a custom essay sample on The Negative Effects of a Cellphone or any similar topic only for you Order Now But with the advantages comes the disadvantages. The increased use of cell phones has had a negative influence on society. For example, the use of cellphones has limited socializing, the demand and costs have affected consumers negatively and they have also been a common factor in many car accidents, including fatalities. The dependency of cellphones has had a negative social effect. The cell phone is probably one of the most commonly owned devices in America. â€Å"75% of all American teens ages 12-17 own a cell phone, and 66% use their phones to send or receive text messages. † (Madden and Lenhart 2) The cell phone has become the primary source of communication for many people. The simplicity of typing a message, or making a phone call rather than relaying that message in person has resulted in a disconnect from society for many people. â€Å"Reliance on a relatively quick and cheap form of interaction means that we might dispense with the longer and more ponderous process of a personal visit. (Ling 185). So, although you may communicate more often through cellphones, the physical part of a relationship is neglected. As a result of depending on cellphones as a main source of communication one may, in a sense, forfeit a substantial portion of a much needed social life. Moreover, socializing is an acquired ability, an ability that is significant in the gr owth and maturation of children and teens. The over use of cellphones can impede one from fully exercising these abilities. A large number of people own and use cellphones regularly. So much so that it has become a societal norm. Almost every place one may go cell phones are practically expected of them. For example, at some doctors’ offices they offer a free texting service to remind a patient of any appointment that he or she may have. Many clothing and grocery stores offer coupons and sales alerts that can be sent directly to a mobile device. But the problem comes when not everyone can afford to keep up with what society has labeled to be â€Å"the norm. † There are many people who cannot afford to buy a phone let alone afford a phone bill every month. The cost for cellular service is xpensive and always increasing. According to a survey, â€Å"Of the 1,400 readers who responded, 80 noted their bill was between $190 and $210. On average, that group had 3. 1 phones, meaning the cost is about $65 per phone. People with bills near $250 paid $67 per phone† (Sullivan). As a result, a number of people reported that they felt the need budget and cut back in order to afford a phone bill. Unfor tunately, society essentially requires people to have a cell phone, even with cut backs and budgeting, having a cell phone is not financially realistic for everyone. The use of cellphones has shown to be very dangerous to drivers and their passengers. This is mainly due to the increase in texting and driving as well as the amount of phone calls made while behind the wheel. According to Madden and Lenhart, 52% of cell phone owning teens ages 16-17 say they have talked on a cell phone while driving. That translates into 43% of all American teens ages 16-17 (2). With such a high percentage of distracted drivers, the likelihood of accidents, with and without fatalities has also increased. In 2008 alone, there were 5,870 fatalities and an estimated 515,000 people were injured in police reported crashes in which at least one form of driver distraction was reported† (Madden and Lenhart 3). Every time a driver decides to use a cell phone while operating a vehicle, they are not only putting their lives in danger, but also the lives of their passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. Since the invention of the cell phone, its uses and capabilities h ave become a part of an everyday American life, an everyday life which cell phones has impacted society negatively. With an increased dependency on the cell phone, society and its growth have experienced major setbacks. Socialization, personal financials, and automotive drivers have all been effected in negative ways. This is mainly because the cell phone has evolved and is now made to do nearly anything one may think of. So although the cellphone was intended to help with one’s everyday life, what seems like a good idea at first may not affect society positively in the long run. How to cite The Negative Effects of a Cellphone, Essay examples

Friday, April 24, 2020

Volkswagen and the Business Environment

Introduction Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft (VW) is a car manufacturer and vendor that operates in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and both Americas. It offers passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and their parts; apart from that, engines and turbines, as well as chemical reactors, are developed and sold by the company. VW is a group of eleven brands including â€Å"Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, Ã…  KODA, SEAT, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania, and MAN† (â€Å"Volkswagen Ag† par. 1).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Volkswagen and the Business Environment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More VW is of vast importance for its home country, Germany: one in seven of the workers of the country are employed by the company (â€Å"A mucky business† par. 4). The main competitors of the company include Toyota and General Motors; until recently, VW was outperforming these two enterprises (â€Å"A mucky business† par. 15). The recent emission scandal, however, has had a significant impact on the company’s reputation and is bound to affect its future; in fact, it has been described as a â€Å"catastrophe† (Reiter and Rauwald par. 7). The crisis resulted in the change of the CEO; now it calls for a revision of the company’s strategies as well. This paper is devoted to the alternatives that VW can choose while it attempts to overcome the crisis and stay competitive. The Emissions Scandal The fact that VW cars had a means of deceiving the America’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was suggested two years ago by the International Council on Clean Transportation that has run independent tests on VW cars and discovered that the NOx emissions were much higher than what was expected or allowed. This year, EPA has received confirmation of this fact and made VW explain that the trick was possible due to specific software installed in the tested cars. EPA seeks to improve the monitoring of car testing for all manufacturers and characteristics, suspecting that VW was not the only company to have come up with such an idea (â€Å"A mucky business† par. 8-16). In the meantime, VW has to face the consequences. According to â€Å"Group Strategy 2018†, the ecologically friendly cars were considered to be the company’s main competitive advantage (par. 1-4). Since the cars turned out to be a fraud, the company must have lost its competitive advantage and needs to come up with a new one. The shares of the company decreased by one-third while the fines and recalls will cost the company billions of euros (â€Å"A mucky business† par. 2). VW has admitted its flaws while pointing out that relevant documents must have been withheld since top managerial levels claim to have been misinformed. As a result, the new CEO, Matthias Mueller, intends to revise the compan y’s corporate culture along with other relevant aspects (Reiter and Rauwald par. 5-6).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Crisis. While the description of the notion of crisis varies from company to company, certain aspects that define it could be singled out. Those include the number of the shareholders involved, the time that the company has for the reaction, the media interaction specifics, and, obviously, the nature of the event that triggered the crisis (Heller and Darling 154). The stages of a crisis or its â€Å"anatomy† may include the pre-crisis stage (when the crisis can be prevented through proper diagnostics), the acute crisis stage (the most noticeable part), the chronic crisis stage (which should be avoided when possible), and the crisis solution and recovery stage (Heller and Darling 155). These stages appear to correspond with the stages of cri sis management: during the preliminary stage the detection and prevention of the crisis are possible; during the next stages, a response is needed to control the damage and contain it; the final stage includes the recovery-related actions and the learning process (Heller and Darling 159-165). At the same time, the learning can be carried out throughout the crisis period. For Volkswagen, the crisis is all-encompassing. The nature of the trigger event results in the loss of reputation and customers’ trust. Apart from that, the event must have affected the global environment. The size of the company ensures the possibility of handling the situation and allows VW take its time, but the competition in the field makes the problem more urgent. The reaction of the media corresponds to that of most shareholders; apart from that, it is through media that the company will have to emphasize the actions that are taken to eliminate the problems. The stage of the crisis is most certainly ac ute; at the same time, it should be pointed out that the technological difficulties and the supposedly corrupted corporate culture are in chronic crisis, which means that much time will be needed for the proper recovery of these aspects. It could be said that the acute, most visible aspect of the crisis is the reputational crisis. All these aspects need to be attended now as the preliminary stage opportunities have been lost. Analysis Analysis Tools. PESTLE is an abbreviation that is used to name the tool for environmental analysis which includes Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental (Ecological) aspects of the company’s surroundings. It should be pointed out that variations of the tool exist: for example, the first four aspects can be assembled in the STEP tool. Apart from that, PESTLE can be called STEEPLE, and, in this case, the ethical aspect is also added to the analysis (Harrison 15).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on V olkswagen and the Business Environment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More SWOT is an analysis tool typically used for strategic planning. It included investigating the company’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Occasionally, Trends are also added to the analysis, turning the tool into SWOTT (Simerson 155). It is not difficult to grasp that the two former dimensions can be considered internal while the rest are environmental. Indeed, it is not uncommon for investigators to combine PESTLE and SWOT which will be attempted in this paper as well (Hopkin 159). As widespread as it is, SWOT has been widely criticized. It has been accused of being vague and overly simplified, superficial and generalized, even elusive (Helms and Nixon 229-234). Similarly, an opinion has been expressed, that PESTLE is but a simple tool that can be only used as a ground for environmental analysis (Harrison 15). Still, it should be pointed o ut that the tools for research must suit the purpose of the research. The criticized simplicity of the methods could be also described as a convenience; their generalized nature allows the researcher to have a look at the big picture without being distracted by the details. In the case of this research, the two tools appear to be perfectly applicable. To sum up, the current position of VW is caused by internal difficulties (weaknesses), but it has had a major impact on the company’s environment. Both aspects of the problem are going to be analyzed with the help of PESTLE and SWOT tools. Volkswagen: PESTLE. From the political point of view, it should be noted that the German government relies on the car manufacturing industry very much (Mà ¼nchau par. 1-5). Undoubtedly, this means that the scandal of W becomes a problem of the nation; in fact, German officials appear to be concerned with the image of German export in general (â€Å"A mucky business† par. 4). At the sam e time, this means that the government can be expected to assist VW and stabilize it. This can be regarded as a potential strength for the company. The economic situation in Germany has been regarded as a stable one for the past several years (Mà ¼nchau par. 10-15).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This, however, may change due to VW problems. The oil prices (that are still rather low and are not expected to rise significantly soon) mean lower prices for fuel, which might have an impact on cars demand, the two products being compatible (â€Å"Rising oil prices† par. 2-4). Still, given the fact that there are other car suppliers, this aspect appears to be of little significance. The social aspect of VW’s environment includes the public outrage concerning the deceit that has been uncovered. The damage that the company’s reputation has suffered will make it rather difficult for VW to recover. The social aspect is influenced by the three following ones. For example, from the technological point of view, the company is not living up to expectations. When it was expected to be advanced, it appears to have neglected the most important sphere of product development which increases the customers’ disappointment. This is a major weakness. From the point of vi ew of the law, particularly, the US law, the company is an offender. The fines that the company has paid and will pay are going to inflict financial damage; besides, this fact does nothing to improve VW’s reputation. Apart from that, there is a significant chance that the company’s products will not be certified by EPA in the next year which will effectively reduce VW’s presence in the US market that has been described as â€Å"crucial† for the expanding company’s strategy (â€Å"A mucky business† par. 2). Finally, from the ecological point of view, the company is also an offender that has knowingly increased the volume of dangerous gas emissions into the environment. Naturally, the actions of VW cannot be called ethical, and the resulting disappointment of the customers is understandable. Therefore, the environmental situation for VW is not favorable. While German government may provide support, other PESTLE factors can be considered as thr eats rather than opportunities for VW. Volkswagen: SWOT. The strengths of Volkswagen include its size and prominence, the reputation and confident position in the markets all over the world (particularly, in the first-world countries). The main problem, however, is that part of these strengths are being turned into weaknesses (for example, the reputation). It is not believable that the company will lose all its customers, but their dissatisfaction is well shown by the rapid decrease in the company’s share prices. Still, the mentioned strengths allow the company to have some time to react and recover. The major weakness of VW is, of course, the research and development (RD) difficulties. It is apparent that this weakness is to be eliminated as soon as possible; however, the fact that the company has been deceiving EPA for years suggests that VW’s RD has fallen behind its competitors. That is true unless emission cheating is a common practice among car manufacturers. In this respect, the crisis can be regarded as an opportunity to develop the company’s innovation mechanisms forcefully. Perhaps now, when there is no other way out, VW will pay enough attention to RD. Other opportunities of VW are difficult to find; in fact, since the situation of the company right now is described as â€Å"crisis† it is likely that it will be governed by the strategy of avoiding and eliminating threats. Those are numerous indeed: even though the main threat to the company’s performance is internal, external ones should be taken into account. Those are presented above and include legal threats (fines and recalls, the threat of not receiving EPA certification), the financial threats (reducing share price), and that of competition. The final one appears to be the most significant external threat: there is no doubt that every misstep of VW will be used by that or another rival. Therefore, despite the difficulties and the necessity to eliminate the in ternal problems, VW needs to stay competitive. Growth Strategy Analysis. Some would suppose that VW has no time for growth right now. It might have been so if the company in question was not a highly competitive leader of the field; also, this thesis may depend on one’s definition of growth. Securing what is left to secure is obviously necessary, but the same competition that demands swift reaction to the crisis also demands that VW proceeds to strive forward. Therefore, the following strategic options can be suggested for VW. Among the strategies that are typically suggested for growth, the one that could be used by VW is product development, that is, â€Å"developing and launching new products for sale in existing markets† (Lancaster and Withey 58). Given the fact, that many of the company’s products will be now considered deficient, a new properly certified product could be an option worth considering. While its sales would still be affected by the reputation al crisis, it would not be connected to the other product names, which is a plus. In fact, an improved diesel technology that the company will have to propose could be regarded as this new product. Product diversification, however, is a risky strategy that most certainly should not be considered by the company in an acute crisis; possibly, it could be chosen after this period is left behind. Apart from that, market penetration can become the current growth strategy for the company since VW is bound to become underrepresented in the already gained markets (mostly the North American one). It is not likely that VW and all its brands are going to be wiped out from a market, but the company’s presence is going to decrease as the result of the loss of customers’ trust. Market penetration (â€Å"expanding the sales of existing products in existing markets†) is likely to be impossible with deficient products; however, depending on the market legislation (that, for examp le, differs for US and Europe) and the actual products, it is possible (Lancaster and Withey 58). Conclusion and Recommendation Having ignored the preliminary crisis stage despite the fact that the information about emissions was available two years ago, VW has to face the consequences of several years of cheating its customers. The major threats that company has to avoid now are caused by its main weakness, that is, the difficulties in the field of RD. The main consequence of the scandal is that the company’s reputation cannot be considered a strength anymore as the customers’ trust has been effectively shattered. It is undeniable that the RD weakness of the company must be eliminated, and reputation needs to be improved; however, given the fact that the scandal has deprived VW of its competitive advantage while the competition in the field is tough, the company needs to improve its competitiveness. Such a goal may be pursued through any of the strategies suggested ab ove; in fact, a giant company like VW can afford to carry out a system of actions aimed at increasing its competitiveness. Organizational and Marketing Implications. A balanced crisis management and growth strategy implemented simultaneously are going to be very resource-consuming. VW has lost enormous sums through fines and recalls and is bound to lose more, but a company of this size can afford allocating resources to the solution of the current problems. What is more important, the company cannot afford not allocating these resources in the current situation that has been described as a catastrophe. Even though it is too early to speak about the future strategy of VW, the company appears to be preparing for the change, which has been reflected in the election of the new CEO. His words about revisions are promising indeed, but it is apparent that recovering from this crisis is not going to be easy for VW. Works Cited â€Å"A mucky business.† The Economist 26 Sept. 2015. Web . â€Å"Group Strategy 2018.† Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft. Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, 2014. Web. Harrison, Andrew L. Business Environment In A Global Context. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press, 2010. Print. Heller, Victor L., and John R. Darling. â€Å"Anatomy Of Crisis Management: Lessons From The Infamous Toyota Case.† European Business Review 24.2 (2012): 151-168. Web. Helms, Marilyn M., and Judy Nixon. â€Å"Exploring SWOT Analysis – Where Are We Now?† Journal of Strategy and Management 3.3 (2010): 215-251. Emerald. Web. Hopkin, Paul. Fundamentals of Risk Management. London, United Kingdom: Kogan Page, 2014. Print. Lancaster, Geoff, and Frank Withey. Marketing Fundamentals 2007-2008. London, United Kingdom: Routledge, 2007. Print. Mà ¼nchau, Wolfgang. â€Å"Volkswagen’s threat to the German model.† The Financial Times 4 Oct. 2015. Web. Reiter, Chris, and Christoph Rauwald. â€Å"VW’s New CEO Is Moving Forward With a Strategy Shift.† Bloomberg Businessweek 27 Sept. 2015. Web. â€Å"Rising oil prices.† The Economist 26 May 2015. Web. Simerson, Byron. Strategic Planning. Santa Barbara, California: Praeger, 2011. Print. â€Å"Volkswagen Ag.† Bloomberg Business. Bloomberg L. P, 2015. Web. This essay on Volkswagen and the Business Environment was written and submitted by user Vicente Mayo to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.