Theories of Political economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Theories of Political economy - Essay Example This determines the fact that only a majority of choices (or greater purchasing power) will support the existence of a commodity in a market. Democracy demands that the choices of all consumers must be enforced, and also maintains the representation of minorities. However, free market economy does not support minorities because its terms are dependent on greater numbers and purchasing power. If a minority lacks any of these factors it suffers from free market economy and inherently rules out the effect of democracy in the same scenario. Secondly the 'trickle-down effect' is another product of joint democracy and free market economy. The rich earn the purchasing power to have the most desirable and newest innovations until diminishing marginal utility lowers its demand. Eventually its cost falls and reaches to minorities which eventually satisfies democratic movement as well. For example, automobiles that have depreciated over 5 years are sent to third world countries, reconditioned but not valid for their home country. Or majorities that cannot afford electric automobiles are compelled to purchase ones that run with gasoline, which is much more expensive in long term. Democracy would demand equal right and chance for communities to avail a new product/technology, but it is these situations that undermine democratic institutions. This cannot be regulated since it would require democratic institutions to control demand and supply, which is highly unfavorable for a free market economy. Instead a free market economy ta kes support from an 'invisible hand' which comes in the form of trickle-down effect. Democracy is an illusion in itself for workers and labor. Governments provide a legal infrastructure, stable currency, educated workforce and law enforcement. As there is a requirement for more workforces, Government arranges for that requirement through their own public establishments. Therefore, as free market suggests 'let the forces of demand and supply decide', ultimately it is the corporations that decide how much to pay for labor and how to trade. Hence markets are created by the government; it is the government alone that authorizes organizations to exist. Throughout this process, there is no enforcement of democracy, even in the manner of strong labor unions; there is mostly an upper hand of corporations because it is they who form industry norms. Democracy cannot lead to elimination of free market economy because it itself is thriving on free market practice. Major ameliorative institutions from Medicaid and Social Security in the US are running from this mechanism. Capitalist system creates better societies for the affluent because they pay higher taxes, such as free market economy supports, and likewise for less established societies despite support of democratic government. Free market is a powerful influence that motivates entrepreneurs and enterprising people to work harder and perform more. Elimination of free market would backfire through the channel of democratic approach. Question 5 The question of whether the two seemingly contradictory positions of Marx's argument about labor and freedom is a question of ends. Working for economic ends has always been a commonplace since the advent of industrial capitalism. The European work ethic

Leadership Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Leadership - Assignment Example I lead my ensuring that the people in my team are driven, motivated and satisfied. This would then help ensure that the task is completed on time. Considering the Leadership Grid by Blake and Mouton, I would say that my leadership styles is similar to that of a team manager. I scored 58% in task and 78% in people, this places me in the position highlighted below: My main concern always has been to ensure that the people in my group are happy and motivated. I collaborate with my friends and classmates when in a team. My first aim is to create cohesiveness in the group and then I move forward to define an action plan. Whenever I am made the leader of a group, I do not move towards the task at hand. I make sure the team members know each other and then we decide together the roles of each team member based on their area of expertise. I ensure that my team is satisfied with the task they are given so that they are comfortable and motivated towards the task. I believe that the team management style offers the most advantages. This is because it focuses more on the people. It is these people who are given the task of making the team successful. This style ensures motivated people who take ownership of the task given to them. The motivated people in the people enjoy working together and for the team. This then results in improved results and highly decreases the chances of team failure. Team members take responsibility of the team in their own ways. In this style, the conflicts are resolved in the open. It is inevitable that conflict will arise in a team but the team management style works on getting the conflict resolved through the participation of the team members. The people within the team feel valued and therefore are willing to resolve conflict together. This management style is particularly effective when the members in the group are skilled but need motivation. The team management style would be really suited for teams where

Information mangment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Information mangment - Essay Example Technology has changed a lot; from the way people manage their information to the way data is stored and also to the way it is distributed among people. Why the topic is important This topic is important because many people are not aware that they manage information in more than one way every day. Information management does not only involve the collection and management of data from different sources (Beynon-Davies, 56, 2009). It also involves the distribution of this information to one or more different other sources or individuals. Information management in business is used to do different things. The information management software is used to assist in running the business. An information management software in business helps connect a business with access to database servers, business intelligence, management of contents and also the protection of data from other sources that might cause data discrepancy. My argument in this essay Information management is an issue that is very important in business and the whole world as a general since it enables the secure storage of data, collection and management and also the distribution (McAfee, 300, 2009). Without information management, there would be an unstable system of business, technology and living as a whole. The essence of this essay will be to center on the significance of data technology in business and life as a general. Most people overlook the concept of information technology as something that would not aid them in their day to day lives. When it comes to developing data and managing it, it is very crucial that there be a source to which one can manage the data. Theories Since management means the overall organization, control, planning, structure and organization, controlling, processing, evaluating and reporting of all the information actions that transpire daily, it is then safe to say that information technology helps to meet client objectives and enable corporate functions in the delivery of inf ormation to people. In information management, there are numerous stipulations used in explaining the term. There is information retrieval, information seeking, knowledge organization, and the society. Without these four key aspects, then information management would cease to have meaning. Information management has been taken into an assumption by many, and the purpose of this essay is to show individuals that information management involves a lot than people may think. In an organization, the ability to process certain information brings out the power of a company to perform. An organization’s ability to process information strengthens a company’s core and management practices. Taking a look at social media, the quantity of data that is substituted in a single second can illustrate the level of management of data that is used. Social media is a networking site that enables people to interrupt with each other and share things like photos, videos, information pertainin g to themselves and many more stuff. Much information that is exchanged and also a lot of information are stored in the servers since social media’s contain a lot of people (Boddy, Boonstra & Kennedy, 100, 2005). With such information, it is crucial that an information management system be used to deal with all the data in the servers. Data pertaining to the people of social networks, the information that they exchange on a daily basis is stored in secure locations so as to maintain the

To what extent does social role theory explain anti-social behaviour Essay

To what extent does social role theory explain anti-social behaviour - Essay Example Whether the interaction is going to be positive or not depends on the nature of the people interacting with each other. The increasingly diverse and complex social roles that human being plays lead to socialization and personality development (Newman 70). Social Role theory studies the development of human being through different roles that he plays. According to Briddle (1979) and Brown (1965), â€Å"a social role is any set of behaviors that has a socially agreed-upon function and accepted code of norms† (Newman 70). However, when the social norms and functions become distorted with negative attitudes of prejudice, discrimination and racism, then people who are the victim of it become frustrated and their frustration leads to anti-social behavior. The word ‘role’ in social role theory is taken from the context of theatre where the actor behaves and acts as expected from him through the script (Newman 70). The same concept is applied to social life. The social life works as a stage, the social identities that person assumes work as roles and the behavior expectation from each role that people play act as script (Newman 70). With every step in life, the range and the nature of role changes and people learn to adjust and accommodate the new things and behavior pattern that come with it (Newman 70). However, there are times when the this adjustment becomes difficult and people start finding it impossible to fit into the social scenarios. Mostly, the problem begins when a person gets into an adolescence phase and begin to develop a social identity. Social identity is formed when a person interacts with people in personal relationship and in social groups(Newman 72). According to Tajfel

Extra Sensory Perception Essay Example for Free

Extra Sensory Perception Essay The term Extra Sensory Perception, or ESP, denotes the ability to gather information by means not related either to common five sences or to person’s previous experience. The most common abilities classified as ESP are telepathy, precognition and clairvoyance. Studies of ESP, together with vast number of other unexplained psychic abilities attributed to human brain – such as, but not limited to, pyro- and psychokinesis, astral projection, bioenergetic healing and so on – are grouped under the term of parapsychology. Abilities grouped under the term of ESP were rumoured to exist from times of old, but conventional science started to examine them only in late XIX century. Since 1884, British Society for Psychical Research began to experiment with card-guessing, the ESP definition method bordering between clairvoyance and telepathy (the subject was to tell the card in sealed opaque envelopes, to tell the card at certain place on the table in other room and so forth). At 1930s, they were joined by American experiments (by J. B. Rhine and L. Rhine), and the results were thoroughly analysed in order to find any deviations from statistical norm. Though not all experiments were equally conclusive, some methods of guessing were found to produce results unexplained by statistics. Sir Ronald Aylmer Fisher (1990), English mathematician who was assisting the Society for Psychical Research in analysis of its experiments, wrote: In any case the frequencies differ much more than they would in 748 cards drawn independently and truly at random. The 12 degrees of freedom score 50. 5267 and of this the preference component contributes 24. 1360, a very marked preference, nearly five times its standard error. †¦ in Table E you certainly have â€Å"got a phenomenon†. In British Society for Psychical Research Ina Jephson and S. G. Soal did their experiments with playing cards; after it was found that people choose some cards more often than others based on numerical value, set, or color, J. B. Rhine in Duke Univercity, North Carolina, decided to find a more emotionally neutral media for experiments. A set of special cards with simple symbols on them was developed, called Zener cards after the name of Karl Zener, their inventor. There were 25 cards total in the pack, with 5 each of circle, cross, star, wavy lines and square. With only 5 types of cards it was easier to analyse the results – first by manual accounting, then by computers. Now, Zener cards are the common practice used in ESP experiments. Later, J. B. Rhine (1940) and his Duke Univercity colleagues collected information about their own studies and previous experiments in ESP from XIX century to present time. Considering Duke Univercity experiments, they reported some most unusual results, differing from statistical expectations: In one set of experiments, 2400 total guesses were made and an excess of 489 hits were noted†¦ The statistical probability of this outcome is equivalent to odds of 1,000,000 to 1†¦ †¦ 27 of the 33 [sets of experiments] produced statistically significant results. In Soviet Russia, independent researches in ESP were made with significant successes. Ostrander and Schroeder (1970) in their review Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain cite the results of experiments by some Karl Nikolayev and Yuri Kamensky. Not only they have sent and received telepathic pulses from each other being in different cities 400 miles apart, but their brains were scanned while performing acts of ESP. It was reported that different areas of the brain were becoming active depending on what kinds of information – visual or sound – was being telepathically received. More, the telepathic pulses Nikolayev claimed to be receiving were also indicated by EEG machine connected to his brain, and the distinction between long and short pulses was definite. Soviet parapsychologists’ studies were later put to some use by Western inventors. Ostrander and Schroeder (1997) in their second book tell about some experimental military devices based on ESP principles: Highly reliable sources tell us the Western military saw possibilities in Sergeyevs remote sensors and did some inventing of their own. They created a special helmet to help pilots handle the split second moment of maximum danger when an enemy plane carrying a rocket approaches. The unconscious percieves an event an instant before it becomes conscious to us. The sensors in the helmet pick up a shift in the brains fields in advance and automatically trigger firing a missile before the pilot could do it consciously. Still, there is a wide field of questions that lies before the parapsychological studies. For example, the fact is noted that people who believe in ESP show better results in parapsychology tests than those who do not. This itself is one of the best arguments in favour of accepting ESP as science-proven. Journal of the Society for Psychical Research (2007) tells about one case of such studies: Seventy-four participants were recruited through media advertisements. The experimenters employed blind coding and recoding procedures, and let the participants touch the objects to obtain impressions. Six trials were completed. Participants were categorised as either psychic, ‘ESP skilled’ (N = 44), or non-psychic, ‘ESP experients’ (N = 30). The ESP skilled group scored higher psi-hitting than the ESP experients group, who scored at the level of mean chance expectation. The difference between groups was significant. So, the question of whether the ESP can be classified as scientific fact is still open, but there are very definite arguments for it to be considered as such. References Fisher R. A. (1990). Statistical Inference and Analysis: selected correspondence of R. A. Fisher, edited by J. H. Bennett. London: Oxford University Press J. B. Rhine, J.G. Pratt, Charles E. Stuart, Burke M. Smith Joseph A. Greenwood. (1940). Extra-Sensory Perception after Sixty Years. A Critical Appraisal of the Research in Extra-Sensory Perception. New York: Henry Holt Co. , Inc. Ostrander, S. Schroeder, L. (1970). Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Ostrander, S. Schroeder, L. (1997). Psychic Discoveries: The Iron Curtain Lifted. New York: Marlowe and Company. Parra A. Argibay J. C. (2007, July). Comparing psychics and non-psychics through a ‘token-object’ forced-choice ESP test. Journal of the Society for Psychical Research, pp. 80-90.

Motor Cyclists Essay Example for Free

Motor Cyclists Essay Psychological and social factors influencing motorcycle rider intentions and behaviour Barry Watson Deborah Tunnicliff Katy White Cynthia Schonfeld Darren Wishart Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety (CARRS-Q) Queensland University of Technology August 2007 Psychological and social factors influencing motorcycle rider intentions and behaviour i Published by: Postal address: Office location: Telephone: Facsimile: E-mail: Internet: Australian Transport Safety Bureau PO Box 967, Civic Square ACT 2608 15 Mort Street, Canberra City, Australian Capital Territory 1800 621 372; from overseas + 61 2 6274 6440 02 6274 3117; from overseas + 61 2 6274 3117 [emailprotected] gov. au www. atsb. gov. au  © CARRS-Q, Queensland University of Technology 2006 To encourage the dissemination of this publication, it may be copied, downloaded, displayed, printed, reproduced, and distributed in unaltered form (retaining this notice). Subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968, no other use of the material in this publication may be made without the authorisation of the Queensland University of Technology. ii Psychological and social factors influencing motorcycle rider intentions and behaviour DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL INFORMATION Report No. RSRG 2007-04 Publication date August 2007 No. of pages 152 ISBN 978 0 642 25564 8 ISSN Publication title Psychological and social factors influencing motorcycle rider intentions and behaviour Author(s) Barry Watson, Deborah Tunnicliff, Katy White, Cynthia Schonfeld, Darren Wishart. Organisation that prepared this document Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Queensland University of Technology GPO Box 2434 Brisbane QLD 4001. Sponsor [Available from] Australian Transport Safety Bureau PO Box 967, Civic Square ACT 2608 Australia www. atsb. gov. au Project Officer John Collis Reference No. Aug2007/DOTARS 50323. Abstract This report documents two studies undertaken to identify and assess the psychological and social factors influencing motorcycle rider behaviour. The primary aim of the research was to develop a Rider Risk Assessment Measure (RRAM), which would act as a tool for identifying high-risk riders by assessing rider intentions and self-reported behaviour. The first study (n = 47) involved a qualitative exploration of rider perceptions utilising a focus-group methodology. This study identified six key aspects of rider behaviour considered to influence safety: motorcycle handling skills; rider awareness; riding while impaired or not; and the tendency to bend road rules, push limits, and ride at extreme speeds or perform stunts. Study two (n = 229) was survey-based and examined the psychological and social factors influencing these behaviours, utilising the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and other relevant psychological constructs, such as sensation seeking and aggression. This study indicated that risky rider intentions were primarily influenced by attitudes and sensation seeking, while safer intentions were influenced by perceived behavioural control. While intentions significantly predicted all six types of behaviour, sensation seeking and a propensity for aggression emerged as significant predictors, particularly for the volitional risk-taking behaviours. The measures of intention and behaviour comprising the RRAM were not found to be significantly correlated with self-reported crash involvement, possibly indicating shortcomings in the measurement of crashes. However, significant correlations were found between the components of the RRAM and self-reported traffic offence involvement. While further work is required to refine and validate the RRAM, it represents a potential tool for informing and evaluating motorcycle rider safety countermeasures. Keywords Motorcycle safety, theory of planned behaviour, sensation seeking, aggression Notes (1) (2) ATSB reports are disseminated in the interest of information exchange. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Australian Government or the ATSB. Psychological and social factors influencing motorcycle rider intentions and behaviour iii CONTENTS Executive summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background Motorcycle riding is rapidly increasing in popularity in Australia, attracting a much wider demographic of people than in decades past. Unfortunately, whilst the overall number of road deaths in Australia has generally been reducing, the proportion of motorcycle-related fatalities has been rising in recent years. Further, the proportion of motorcycle-related fatalities in Australia is unacceptably high compared with other OECD countries. To reduce motorcycle-related fatalities on Australian roads, there is an urgent need to consider motorcyclists as distinct from other road users. This program of research facilitates the understanding of safety issues from a motorcyclist perspective and provides important information on factors influencing safe and unsafe rider intentions and behaviour. The aims of this program of research were to: †¢ develop a better understanding of the psychological and social influences on rider behaviour in an Australian context; †¢ guide the development of future motorcycle safety countermeasures; and †¢ develop a tool (the Rider Risk Assessment Measure – RRAM) to inform the evaluation of motorcycle safety countermeasures, particularly in the area of training and education. To achieve these aims, two particular studies were undertaken: a qualitative study of motorcycle rider perceptions utilising a focus-group methodology and a survey-based quantitative study of selfreported rider intentions and behaviour. Both studies were underpinned by a theoretical framework drawing on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), identity theory, social identity theory, and other relevant psychological concepts such as sensation seeking and aggression. Key findings Study 1 explored motorcyclists’ perceptions relating to ‘safe’ and ‘risky’ riding and the different personal and social factors that influenced their behaviour. A total of 43 people participated in this study, either as part of a focus group or as an interviewee. This exploratory process revealed six types of behaviours which were commonly believed to influence the safety (or riskiness) of motorcycle riding. These six behaviours are discussed below. Two behaviours were identified as being particularly essential to rider safety. The first was the necessity of being able to handle the motorcycle proficiently and skilfully. The second related to the need for riders to maintain a high level of concentration whilst riding and to stay aware of the changing road environment. In contrast, there was some debate about the inherent safety or riskiness of the two next behaviours commonly identified. Firstly, some riders believed that obeying the road rules was essential to their safety, whilst others reported that it was often necessary to break the road rules in order to stay safe. Secondly, the definition of what constituted ‘riding whilst impaired’ differed amongst riders. Most riders agreed that ‘drinking and riding’ was dangerous. However, for some, even one alcoholic drink before riding was considered dangerous, whilst others would ride after drinking provided they did not consider themselves to be over the legal BAC limit. Some riders stated that riding when viii Psychological and social factors influencing motorcycle rider intentions and behaviour they were tired was dangerous; however, fatigue was not considered a serious safety issue for many participants. Two further behaviours identified by participants were often associated with their accounts of crash involvement, yet not seen as intrinsically ‘unsafe’ by most riders. The first of these was the concept of ‘pushing your limits’. Most riders interviewed appeared to enjoy pushing the limits of their ability on a motorcycle. Whilst agreeing that pushing the limits too far was dangerous, pushing them to a point that tested a rider’s abilities was often reported to facilitate safety as this process developed a rider’s skill. The second behaviour that was often mentioned in connection with crashes was extreme riding (e. g. , performing stunts and riding at extreme speeds). The act of perfecting a stunt was often reported to result in the crashing of the motorcycle, although these crashes were usually accepted as a normal part of the learning process. Once perfected, performing stunts did not appear to be considered an intrinsically unsafe behaviour, unless performed in traffic or other unpredictable situations. A sizable minority of both male and female participants reported riding at extreme speeds. These riders often argued that they could ride extremely fast, safely, on public roads provided certain conditions were met (e. g. good visibility, minimal traffic, weather, road, and motorcycle maintenance). Study 2 involved 229 active motorcyclists who completed a questionnaire assessing: their riding intentions and self-reported behaviour; the psychological and social factors influencing these intentions and behaviour; and their self-reported involvement in road crashes and traffic offences over the last two years. The questionnaire was structured around the six types of rider behaviour identified as important in Study 1. Key results of this study are discussed below. In order to obtain an insight into the factors underpinning both ‘safe’ and ‘risky’ behaviour, the six areas of interest were operationalised as three ‘safer’ behavioural intentions (i. e. handle the motorcycle skilfully, maintain 100% awareness, not ride impaired) and three ‘riskier’ intentions which represented more volitional risk-taking (i. e. bend the road rules, push the limits, perform stunts or ride at extreme speeds). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were then performed to assess the influence of different psychological and social factors on these intentions. These analyses indicated that a greater proportion of variance could be explained in the case of the riskier riding intentions [R2 ranging from 57% – 66%] than the safer riding intentions [R2 ranging from 22% – 36%]. The TPB construct of perceived behavioural control (PBC) significantly predicted all three ‘safer’ intentions, while attitude was a significant predictor of the three riskier intentions. In terms of the social influences, the TPB construct of subjective norm (which assesses the influence of others considered important) proved a relatively weak predictor of behaviour. However, the measure of specific subjective norm (i. e. the influence of the people that someone rides with) emerged as a significant predictor of three of the six intentions. Over and above this, a propensity for sensation seeking was found to be significant predictor of the three risky intentions. Overall, a similar pattern of results emerged when the self-reported behaviours of the participants were examined. Firstly, while the various psychological and social variables examined in the study significantly predicted all six behaviours, considerably larger amounts of variance were explained for the three volitional risk-taking behaviours, i. e. bend road rules to get through traffic [R2 = . 67], push my limits [R2 = . 59] and perform stunts and/or ride at extreme speeds [R2 = . 69]. Secondly, the results were largely consistent with the tenets of the TPB, with intentions proving a significant predictor of all six behaviours. Thirdly, sensation seeking, along with rider aggression, emerged as a strong predictor of all six behaviours. Indeed, together, these two variables accounted for between 7 – 20% of additional variance in the six behaviours. Not surprisingly, these two variables accounted for relatively large amounts of additional variance in the ride while impaired [R2 ch = . 20] and the perform stunts and/or ride at extreme speeds [R2 ch = . 15] variables. Unfortunately, no significant correlations were found between the various measures of intention and behaviour operationalised in Study 2 and the self-reported crash involvement of the participants. It Psychological and social factors influencing motorcycle rider intentions and behaviour ix is possible that this indicates that the six behaviours of interest, in reality, do not have a close relationship with crash involvement. However, this conclusion does not seem consistent with either the findings of Study 1 or the research evidence reviewed in Chapter 2. More likely, the findings highlight shortcomings in the size of the sample and/or the way that crash involvement was measured in the study. In particular, given that crashes are relatively rare events, crashes were measured over a two year period in order to ensure that (some) participants would have experienced a sufficient number of crashes to facilitate the analyses. However, this raises the possibility of recall problems that may have reduced the accuracy and reliability of the data, while the two year period may have been too long to accurately reflect the current intentions and behaviour of the participants. In contrast, the majority of the intention and behaviour measures were found to be significantly correlated with self-reported traffic offence involvement. In particular, significant associations were found between self-reported traffic offences and the three ‘riskier’ intentions examined in the study (i. e. those relating to more volitional risk-taking, namely, bend the road rules, push my limits and perform stunts and/or ride at extreme speeds). In addition, significant associations were found between traffic offence involvement and five of the six self-reported behaviours examined (the only exception being for awareness errors). These results don’t necessarily confirm the inherent ‘riskiness’ of the behaviours examined, since engaging in an illegal behaviour may not always result in a crash. However, they do provide prima facia evidence supporting the validity of the intention and behaviour measures developed in this study. Strengths and limitations of the research This program of research featured a number of strengths. Firstly, it was firmly grounded in theory; secondly, it utilised both qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain a broad insight into the factors influencing motorcycle rider behaviour; thirdly, the design of the research was informed by input from active motorcyclists; and finally, it adopted a balanced approach to motorcycle safety by examining both safe and risky riding intentions and behaviour. Nonetheless, the program of research also had a number of limitations. Both Studies 1 and 2 consisted of participants primarily recruited from South East Queensland. In addition, the participants were volunteers who were generally older in age. As a result, the samples used in this research may not be representative of Australian motorcyclists in general, but instead reflect a subset of older, primarily recreational, riders. This should be borne in mind when interpreting the results. Furthermore, a number of other potential limitations in the Study 2 questionnaire design emerged during the analysis of the results. These included the way that fatigue was grouped with alcohol and drugs to assess intentions and behaviour relating to riding while impaired and, as noted above, the manner in which crash involvement was measured. Implications of the research At a theoretical level, this program of research has confirmed that the predictive utility of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) can be substantially improved by the addition of other variables. In particular, this research demonstrated that subjective norm (SN) was a relatively weak predictor of intentions and that the specific subjective norm (SSN) (i.e. assessing the influence of those people that someone rides with) performed relatively better as a measure of social influence. Moreover, both sensation seeking and the propensity to ride aggressively proved significant predictors of all six behaviours examined, over and above the TPB and other social influence variables. The findings relating to sensation seeking are consistent with previous research in the traffic psychology area. x Psychological and social factors influencing motorcycle rider intentions and behaviour. However, the results relating to aggression warrant more attention, since this variable proved a relatively stronger predictor than sensation seeking of the error-based behaviours (i. e. handling errors and awareness errors), the ride while impaired behaviour, and the perform stunts and/or ride at extreme speeds behaviour. This suggests that the propensity to ride aggressively has a broader influence on rider behaviour, which is not limited to the more volitional risk-taking types of behaviours. At a practical level, this program of research has identified a number of ways to enhance current motorcycle safety countermeasures, particularly in the area of rider training and education. Most particularly, it has identified a range of psychological and social influences on rider intentions and behaviour that appear to be beyond the scope of current skills-based approaches to motorcycle training and education. Consequently, further work is required to develop and trial new approaches to rider training and education that more effectively address the attitudinal and motivational influences on riding, both of a personal and social nature. To assist in this process, this research has undertaken the first steps in the development of the Rider Risk Assessment Measure (RRAM). This tool is intended to act as a means of identifying high-risk riders by assessing their intentions and self-reported behaviour (in relation to both ‘safe’ and ‘risky’ riding). While further work is required to refine and validate the RRAM, it represents a tool that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance motorcycle safety countermeasures, including informing the design and content of training programs and evaluating the impact of different  initiatives on rider behaviour. Psychological and social factors influencing motorcycle rider intentions and behaviour xi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to acknowledge the funding support provided by the Australian Government, through the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s (ATSB) Road Safety Research Grants Programme. The development and conduct of this study has involved the contribution of a large number of people. While it is difficult to acknowledge all the individuals that have contributed, the authors would like to thank: †¢ †¢ Mr John Collis from the ATSB for his ongoing advice and support; those people who assisted us organise the focus groups, from organisations such as Queensland Transport, Motorcycle Riders Association Queensland, Ulysses, and Q-Ride providers; personnel from the Queensland Police Service, particularly the Logan and Brisbane West Districts, who assisted in the distribution of the pilot and main questionnaires at various motorcycle events; The ongoing support for motorcycle research from Morgan and Wacker Pty Ltd; and the assistance of Morgan Wacker Motorcycle Training Centre, particularly Mr Fred Davies, in the finalisation and distribution of the Study 2 questionnaire.   xii Psychological and social factors influencing motorcycle rider intentions and behaviour GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS ABS ATSB BAC Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Transport Safety Bureau [formerly Federal Office of Road Safety (FORS)]. Blood Alcohol Concentration. In Australia, the legal amount of alcohol that may be present in the blood is 0. 05% if the driver or rider is on an unrestricted licence. It is usually measured either by a police breathalyser or a by a blood test (see also Over the limit). A person who identifies with, and belongs to, an organised outlaw motorcycle club. Club members ride motorcycles and often wear jackets with ‘patches’ which identify the club they belong to (Veno, 2002). A motorcycle enthusiast. May or may not belong to a motorcycle club (Krige, 1995a). Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Queensland. A study design which collects data on the perceptions or behaviours of subjects at one point in time, as opposed to a longitudinal.

Problems In Joint Ventures Commerce Essay

Problems In Joint Ventures Commerce Essay As the whole world is running in the race of globalisation, avoiding the concept of joint venture is not favoured by business world. Joint venture is the contribution of two or more organisation for achieving a particular goal. Working in joint venture at international level is not that easy because of cultural barriers. Hofstede (1993) believe that extend of business onto the worldwide step bring the concern of nationwide and area difference to the front. There is something in all countries called management, but its meaning differs to a larger or smaller extent from one country to another (Hofstede, 1993). In this report it is mentioned negative and positive views of joint venture in clothing sector. And also describe the solution and suggestions for a successful joint venture with the help of pest analysis. In joint ventures when a business enters into international market many factors comes up and it is necessary to remind these factors before starting any business internationally. The main factors are:- Cross-cultural awareness. Sound knowledge of political and legal system in other countries. Varied negotiation skills Multi-language skills Global strategic consciousness i.e. Early mapping of opportunities and threats involved This report also gives information about the different problems and issues which China zone can face in future in the developing of the business. With the help of Professor Geert Hofstede the 5d model of cultural dimension is also mention in this report. And with these help China Zone can think and take proper decision in joint venture and also in the future. TERMS OF REFERENCES As a business consultant in Radhe Consultancy our firm provides services from the last 25 yrs to the clients who are looking for joint ventures in different fields like trade, industry, services, manufacturing, distributorship, housing, hotels, hospitals, amusement parks, HR and any other viable venture. My office is Located in California, USA. This is easily access by all transports. Our clients are in all over the world. Our main market is Africa, Middle East, Asia, Europe and China. And my client is a China company :- China Zone Established in 1999, manufacturer and exporter design development and production of wool clothing located in china main land with convenient transportation access. All of the company products comply with international quality standard and are greatly appreciated in a variety of different market through out the world. Have over 800 employees, boast an annual sales figure that exceeds US 10000000 $ and currently export 85% of our products to worldwide places. Our well equipped facilities and excellent quality throughout all stages of production enable us to guarantee total customer satisfaction. China Zone is a big manufacturing and export house in china but now China Zone wants to enter in United States to expand his business and also in USA there are many big opportunities for the growth of the business. With the reference of his business partner he selects our consultancy to know more about the country in which they want to invest. OVERVIEW OF THE SITUATION In joint ventures mainly two or more companies are involved and shared their resources, rewards and risks and other following points which are clearly mentioned in agreement. The reason why joint ventures are necessary is:- Business expansion Development of new products or moving into new market Particularly overseas Also there are many other problems are there when anyone want to do business internationally. Legal problems Cultural aspects To describe the differences between United States and china we take Hofstede five cultural dimension. Data Source http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_dimensions.php Hofstede defines culture as a Collective programming of the mind, which distinguishes the members of one category of people from another (Hofstede, 1980). After comparing Chinese and western countries there are some conclusion is shown :- (data source: Hofstede, 1991) First, western countries give the impression to be on average lesser (United States of America 40, Canada 39, United Kingdom 35, Germany 35, and France 68 than China 80 in power distance. Second, in individualism, western countries are normally much higher (United States of America 91, Canada 80, United Kingdom 89, Germany 67, and France 71 than China 20. Third, western countries look like to have interim oriented at the same time as China is judge towards be present as long-term orient. Western countries, America are repeatedly investigated in cross-cultural study, because of economic power, and civilizing representativeness. In short we can say that the United States is indicating the so called western culture in between USA and China seems to be help and clarify all the civilizing differences. Data Source http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_dimensions.php Data Source -http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_dimensions.php USA and China has been significantly differ as their financial system, political systems, societal values and law in spite of the significant changes that have done for the current duration of years in China. The civilizing measurement score of USA and China (data source: Hofstede, 1993). There are some differences that can be found. First, power distance, the China is scoring twice comparative to USA, this shows that China is centralised while USA is relatively decentralised. Second, USA shows the 1st rank in individualism and other side China is showing low score in individualism. Thirdly, USA scores higher than China in masculinity, its mean that USA has average masculinity whereas China is showing medium femininity. Fourth, China scores higher values in uncertainty avoidance than USA, which indicates that Chinese are moderately risk-avoiding but at the same time Americans are quite risk-taking. And also USA has an interim orientation while China has a long-standing orientation. It has been broadly accepted by all that cultural differences deeply affect human behaviour and thinking. Geert Hofstede shows that only seven countries having the highest Individualism (IDV):- USA 91, Australia 90, United Kingdom 89, Netherland and Canada 80, and Italy 76. Types of Joint Venture There are basically two types of joint ventures mentioned below:- First option is to be in agreement to collaborate with another company in a partial and particular way. Secondly is to plan another joint venture dealing probably a new company, for handling a particular contract. Joint Venture Benefits and Risks A small business can also use joint venture for increasing long term relationship. A successful joint venture can provide: Right of entry to new markets and circulation network Better capacity Contribution of risks Entrance to bigger resources, which can include particular staff, skill and finance The Risks of Joint Ventures To make the right relationship and to do business with others probably many problems are arise if:- The main prospect of the joint venture is not clear and discussed with everyone who is involved. All the partners have their own opinion for the joint venture. Difference in the level of sharing like assets, investments and other things which are bringing by all the partners into joint venture. Belongs to different cultures and handling the different management can show the non co-operation. In the joint ventures the partners are not interested to give full support and control. A successful joint venture can depend upon the investigation and achievement thorough examine and learning of the objectives and main aim of the venture. Choosing the Right Joint Venture Partner Success of any business depends on taking right decision. Same happens with joint venture, success depends on some important points like with which you are going to deal with, what are the goals of joint-venture, other party is financially strong or not, what are their resources, etc. Joint-venture in which two organizations are merged for achieving some particular objectives and before choosing a partner every organization must see that the other party is capable of bearing expenses and losses at some extent or they are on whom you can trust, same objectives are shared, credit ability of both, resources, etc. these are pointed below- Financial position Credit ability Availability of resources Shared objectives The suitable partner in joint venture is the partner who has its own resources, asset etc. For better starting it is understood to choose the convenience of customers and suppliers. In this the company must have also think about the existing competitors and other associates. But company have to review the following: Client can choose his partner according to their performance, reputation and reliability. He has also to access their attitude to group efforts or association and what are their business objectives. Partner should be financially safe and sound. Identify that have they other business partners and what type of relationship do they have with them. You should also recognise customers view about your partner and how strong is their management. Legal analysis of the International Joint Venture There are also some Americans legal issues which are also essential after analyzing the other business and other issues. Controls on Export Antitrust laws of United States parliamentary reporting needs of United States overseas barrier to Americans venture Accounts and Taxes issues To create a lawful composition Recruitment Credentials of the global Joint Venture ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION PEST ANALYSIS Pest means:- The pest analysis is a wonderful tool for understanding the position, growth as well as direction of the business. It can be used for marketing and business development. Political factors Immigration control Govt. Rules and regulations for NRI Economical factors Low inflation and unemployment Very high spending in government. Very much concentration about the growth of economy Social factors Variety of religions Mixtures of Indians, British and many other countries Equality in mens and womens. Technological factors Many ISP and airports available. International and national lines are good. A couple of TVs stations. Political factor: Political factor is a big issue for regulating the business. There are many factors like stability of political environment, government policies and tax laws, government policies which come under economy, culture and religion, trading agreements for e.g. Nafta, EU etc. Economical factors: There are some factors are there when anybody is planning to start business internationally:- Inflation level Rate of interest Gdp growth rate Gdp Growth Rate Gdp is an essential part of the UK national accounts which can provides concise explanation of the total economic activities in a county. Presently 3% is the Gdp growth rate because of the economic crisis and excluding this development of the world economy, UK is also representing positive numbers of 10 (Data Source http://www.statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nugget.asp?ID=56 ) Social factors: These factors vary from one country to another country. And it is useful to take these factors. These are:- Religion, foreign products and services, language impact, mens and womens roles in society, stability of population and wealth about older generation, opinion about green issues from young generation. Technological factor: Everyone knows that if technological factors are strong than its a strong tool is there with any country for globalization. There are also some points which can be considered:- Does technology allows for products and services to make more cheaply and to a better standard of quality. Do the technologies offer consumers and business more innovative product and services such as internet banking, mobile services, etc? How is distribution changed by new technologies? E.g. Books and Flight tickets purchases via the internet. Does technology offer companies a new way to communicate with consumers e.g. banners, CRM (customer relationship management). SOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS In overseas market the most common and favorable way to do business is joint venture. Also we can say that the perfect source for growing in international market is joint venture. There are many problems comes there which are already discussed above like political, economical, technical, environmental, cultural, legal, and many more. It is the best option before entering in foreign countries to do business is to go through these issues because either these factors can affect the company in the future. According to pest analysis and also there are some other solutions are available which are given below. :- To finding appropriate market. Prelaunch studies Lack of infrastructure Management Customs and taxation policies Credits and capitals Markets Comfort with agreements Choosing a reliable partner Interest in community In terms of to finding a suitable market If you are thinking about to business in overseas then u have firstly to choose the market where from the long term the growth rate is growing or high. Also examine the rate of interest, market demand/supplies and inflation rate. In this prelaunch survey or study It is very much important to do this before thinking a business in overseas because its gave information about the market, political factors, economical factors, legal issues, technology and much more. And after taking this survey u can examine that the market chosen by you is favorable for you in the future or not. Lack of infrastructure Includes the advantages of technologies and environmental issues like pollution, transportation. Because if the transportation is not available nearby than its a big problem for doing business globally. Management A success is depends upon that how is your management works. And it is recommended that before entering into a joint venture just meet the management peoples and assure that the company has its own sufficient management force. Customs and taxation policies Before entering into joint venture its also important to check the taxation and customs policies and after that compare its with the profit margins. Capital and credit Before entering into joint venture or to do business internationally evaluation of the sources which already have and the required capital which we have required to the growth of business in the future and then compare the costs and returns Comfort with agreement While entering in the joint ventures it is important to check the contract because it is better to explain everything in the contract so after that everyone knows there responsibilities and not a single misunderstanding happen. Suitable and reliable partner In the selection or choosing a partner just remember that the partner is reliable and having good image in the market and already have some future plans for the growth of the company. Interest in community Means that the both partners should have responsible and these all responsibilities are written in joint ventures. FORECAST AND OUTCOMES It is analyzed that the joint ventures between China Zone and Radhe Consultancy there are some data is suggested before regarding many futures aspects which are beneficial in Joint Venture In this paper it is mentioned the purpose which is required for joint ventures internationally. Also suggest the recommendation of PEST analysis and Hofstede five dimension theories. In this the main aspects is culture as well as economic conditions. After describing this it is assumed that this joint venture will be going on accurately right because the capital of the company is good and having good management. With the Joint Ventures of companies and as per the Solutions and suggestion and Pest analysis and other factors that are given in this report it is assumed that the Chinese company will achieve its expected growth and work smoothly in the future as it wants with the USA based company. Now a day there are many businesses and account related reasons for entering in joint ventures. In this partnership both partners have ability and resources like distributor, technology, finance, man force, management which makes a strong venture. In a joint venture two or more parties are engaged to do business for a specific project. And in a partnership partners are involved to do a continuous business or long term relationship. In this case study there are a Chinese company which wants to establish its business in USA. And it has identified with the help of Hofstede and PEST analysis which problems are there for entering and doing business in USA for a Chinese company. After discussing the problems of joint venture at international level, solutions and recommendations are also given.