Gangs and gang behavior - week 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Gangs and gang behavior - week 5 - Essay Example Page 126 shows a list of all the problems in communities such as availability of firearms, violence and other problems. These problems lead to other problems for the members of the society, such as children as noted in page 127, for children between 12 years to 17 years. For example, it is well-known that the gang members in a society who are the most vicious and violent are usually the ones who are usually respected and praised by other members and even some members of the society. In disorganization theory, a child gets influence from existing members in the society. If the child gets exposed to such attitudes or beliefs, believing that the most violent gang member is the most respected, then this child also adopts the same trend, as noted in page 128 on risk factors. This is where the developmental theory comes in, because such a child who is under the wrong influence views the gang life as the best choice. Therefore, it is not surprising to see such a child failing in school and adopting the gangster-like behavior while trying so that he or she also gets the same respect. In chapter 5, page 119, Howell clearly states that the development theories explain more on gang joining, as part of a development process. As child, such as the one mentioned in the example who joins a gang because of influence from the neighborhood gangs is also likely to influence other children, such as his or her friends. Therefore, it becomes a development process as proposed in the development theories, because more children continue to join

Healthcare Code of Ethics Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Healthcare Code of Ethics - Case Study Example This paper will therefore focus on discussing the content of Montefiore's Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics for Montefiore medical center is an explicit document containing the ethical principles and values to which the organization is committed to. The idea behind its establishment was to build the stated ethical principles into decision making at all ranks of the organization. Raymond (2008), states that the center's Code of Ethics grew out of the recognition that the health care / medical organizations had a massive impact on the type of health services available in the community and that the community's health needs were not adequately met. As a result, Montefiore medical center concluded that a code of ethics would be of tremendous help to the staff members, patients and other stakeholders. They therefore established and incorporated it into their management systems. Brian and Dennis (2009), indicates that Montefiore's Code of Ethics was the first established organizational code of ethics by a health care facility in the United States of America. This has played a major role in ensuring that the health facility is on the leading lane to a new level of ethical analysis of organizational decision making and aligning the stage on how the health facilities across the country make tough choices. This was therefore an important step towards improving the nation's health care. The medical center makes every effort to abide by the ethical principles stated in the Code of Ethics in all areas of medical education, community service, clinical research, patient care and all facets of administrative functions (Raymond, 2008). The stated ethical principles in the Code usually explain the guidelines for acceptable and decent behavior of managers, health care providers and the rest of the volunteers and associates. Therefore, Montefiore puts a lot of effort in order achieve the stated standards in all aspects of its clinical and organizational activities. To start with, the Code of Ethics outlines the organizational principles and clinical principles. Montefiore medical center is usually aware that the managers and their associate are ethically obliged to the staff, patients and the surrounding community. Therefore, it puts its efforts in creating an ethical organizational environment, engaging in responsible stewardship, supporting fair marketing, communication practices and pursuing a socially responsible agenda. It is also aware of its primary mission that focuses on providing high standards and ethically-based patient care. As a result, it monitors the quality of care, protects the patient's confidentiality and privacy, promotes multidisciplinary clinical consultation and supports ethical clinical decision making. In order to create an ethical organizational environment in Montefiore, the code of ethics states that ethical decision in the institution should be promoted through mechanisms that assimilate ethical analysis into administrative / clinical deliberation and policy development. Brian and Dennis (2009), states that the Code of Ethics seeks to promote the welfare of animals during research and to protect the rights of human subjects, develop strategies for applying the ethical principles, establish a criterion for resolving ethical disagreements, involve the staff in

Eyes Wide Shut: Adaptation Of Dream Story

Eyes Wide Shut: Adaptation Of Dream Story This essay is a critical analysis on the adaptation of Dream Story as Eyes Wide Shut. The analysis is organised around the key points identified within the argument such as ideology, point of view and the gendering of representation in narrative cinema. Stanley Kubrick masterful film Eyes Wide Shut (1999) is a faithful adaptation of Arthur Schnitzlers novella Dream Story (Traumnovelle, published in 1926 for the first time). In terms of genre Eyes Wide Shut combines a drama, a thriller, a neo-noir conspiracy mystery, a road story, erotic and melodrama. Both Kubrick and his co-screenwriter Frederic Raphael created a very faithful script, with only few alterations that were made because of the artistic narration that is very difficult to put on screen. Kubrick merged in his film the boundaries between different types of adaptation making the film both a transposition and a commentary on Dream Story. According to credits Eyes Wide Shut was inspired by Traumnovelle. The book was originally published as Traumnovelle and its literal translation Dream Story loses the word trauma, which was one of Sigmund Freuds areas of research. The novel represent the period of time of Vienna during the decadent 20th century when Freuds theories were extremely popular, and Arthur Schnitzler, being his devoted follower, attempted to describe his characters emotions and real motives. Freud famously joked that he did not want to meet the writer, and that was based on the belief that one could die upon meeting his double. In his adaptation Kubrick has transposed Schnitzlers Vienna to contemporary Manhattan and has altered the main characters names with Fridolin becoming Bill and Albertine becoming Alice. His fidelity to Schnitzlers story is remarkable and only few scenes are invented for the movie. The plot is following the relationship between Fridolin/Bill (Tom Cruise) and Albertine/Alice (Nicole Kidman) and their erotic fantasies. Their marriage was stable until Albertine has shattered Bills faith in her fidelity by confessing that during holidays in Denmark, she had a sexual fantasy about naval officer and at some point she was ready to abandon her husband and daughter in pursuit of forbidden attraction. This revelation generates despair in Bill and propels his sexual odyssey. He sets out on a two days quest for sexual thrills that entails: admission of love from deceased patients daughter, almost sleeping with prostitute, a masked orgy with amazing women at a ball. Returning home he tells Albertine about his adventures and from that point on the couple begins to patch up their marriage. In terms of non-linguistic sound codes, as Randy Rassmusen wrote, Dmitri Shostakovichs Jazz Suite Waltz No. 2 begins with the opening credits and that light music helps to reinforce our impression of a happy (on a surface) marriage with a hint of cynical flavour, but also moves us back to Viennese waltzes played in ballrooms. After all turbulences the marriage has to go through the same waltz returns during the final credits, suggesting a return to daily marital boredom (Rassmusen: 356). According to Raphael Schnitzler was aware of the disintegration of individual citizens within Austrian society, which has a clear expression in Dream Story, in where a happy marriage is dissected into perverse impulses of murderous madness and carefree sensuality, of mutual attraction and revulsion. Schnitzler said that: Feelings und understanding may sleep under the same roof, but they run completely separate households in the human souls (Schnitzler: xvi). It is the institution of a perfect marriage that Kubrick thoroughly examined in his film. According to Peter Bogdanowich Most sources state that Kubrick was introduced to the novel itself by his Austrian-born second wife Ruth Sobotka, whom he divorced in 1961. What struck Kubrick so much about Traumnovelle was that it would allow him to examine his own dark side, and one can speculate that he also saw it as a way to expiate his guilt suggests Kubricks biographer, John Baxter, referring to Subotka suicide in 1968. (Peter Bogdanowich: 243). Dream Story focuses solely on the male half of the marriage. This is also a case with Eyes Wide Shut, but Kubrick, unlike Schnitzler, gives his female lead moments of psychological independence from her partner. In Dream Story, Albertine is never given a moment away from Fridolin, but in Eyes Wide Shot Alice is given several without Bill, such as when she dances with a Hungarian millionaire at Victor Zieglers ball. In most cases though she is either stoned or drunk or has just woken up. Nicole Kidman didnt mind this and said in the interview: If my characters got one line, one word, Ill play Alice () We (Kidman and Cruise) want to dedicate our lives to making this film (Bogdanovich: 245) In terms of narrative organisation Mario Falsetto argues that the main patterns established in film are repetition and variation of narrative incident as key structuring devices (Falsetto: 16). In addition to this Eyes Wide Shut is full of allusions, symbolism and dream logic. Although Dream Story was responsible for most of the plot, according to Falsetto, Kubrick added many structural elements to his adaptation, that are not to be traced to the novel and which helps to allude scenes with each other such as Zieglers Christmas ball at the beginning of the movie that later echoed masked ball. The most apparent series of repetitions around which much of the films narrative trajectory is propelled is the series of subjective shots of Bill imagining Alice and the naval officer having sex (Falsetto: 17). These fantasy shots repeat couple of times thorough the film and they help adjust the story to Bills point of view and his consciousness. Falsetto argues that: The conception and articula tion of Bills subjective universe is often expressed through a deliberate use of perceptual point-of-view shots to create an emotional, as well as spatial, relationships to his world (Falsetto: 131) Seymour Chatman in Coming to Terms suggest, according to his dictionary, two senses of point of view: a point from which things are viewed and a mental position of viewpoint. The basic distinction is between a physical place from which something is seen (a vista and a lookout), and a viewers mental attitude or posture. At the beginning of the film Kubrick added the scene of Alice undressing in front of the mirror. That scene is missing from the book, as nudity in literature was rather bold during Schnitzlers life. This moment suggest that Alice is being watched though the doorway from the next room, and therefore, the audience assume the point of view is her husbands. His point of view is never really stated too obviously though and we are constantly made to wonder what exactly we are watching: a reality, a nightmare or a lucid dream? Dream Storys plot follows though Eyes Wide Shut with particular respect to magic word fidelity. Audience is left to wonder if the password to masked ball Fidelio (Denmark in the novel) refers to Beethovens famous opera, fidelity with original story, fidelity in marriage or fidelity to hidden underworld where sex magic are not just a fantasy? Randy Rasmussen argues that in Kubricks last film: () chance, coincidence, and misperception play in the fortunes of its characters. Just like Bill Hartford, we are constantly given an impression only to have it challenged or overturned. An in the final analysis, there are some things about which we can draw no definitive conclusions. In short, real life can be as difficult to figure out as a dream. (Rasmussen: 333). In that sense Kubrick may be trying to open peoples eyes. The first attempt to make public see takes place during the Christmas ball where Bill is called by Ziegler to resuscitate a call girl that had overdose. Bill says to her Can you open your eyes for me? Mandy, can you do that? Let me see you open your eyes. There you go, come on. Come on, look at me. Look at me (screenplay). The aim of making audience see was at the heart of Kubrick cinematography and that can be explained by the change of title from Dream Story to oxymoron Eyes Wide Shut which suggests a confused perception between reality and dream. As Brian McFarlane argues in Novel to Film: Commentators in the field are fond of quoting Joseph Conrads famous statement of his novelistic intention: My task which I am trying to achieve is, by the powers of the written word, to make you, before all, to make you see. This remark of 1897 is echoed, consciously or otherwise, 16 years later by D. W. Griffith, whose cinematic intentions is recorded as: The task I am trying to achieve is above all to make you see. McFarlane continues: Whereas Griffith used his images to tell a story, as means to understanding, Conrad wanted the reader to see in and through and finally past his language and his narrative concept to the hard, clear bedrock of images. (McFarlane: 3) Kubrick in Eyes Wide Shut wanted public to see with the use of image: cinematography, lightning, costumes and colour (lots of blue and red used as contrast). As Falsetto points out: They reinforce the reading that much of the film is a poetic rendering of Bills consciousness and often stands in for his emotions (Falsetto: 138). In Eyes Wide Shut Kubricks choice of image symbolism over dialogue in communicating his ideas is especially helpful because of third person and subjective narration of Dream Story that is extremely difficult to film. Falsetto argues that: One brief illustration is a shot that frames Bill stalker standing beside a STOP sign intercut with Bill holding a copy of the New York Post that carries the headline Lucky to Be Alive. (Falsetto: 138-139). That shot is accompanied by The Musica Ricercata II that was earlier heard in the orgy scene and it comes back later when Bill is reading the news about call girls death. The use of conspiracy thematic allusion seems to be more convincing and striking than mere words. In terms of gendering representation, around which the film is constructed, in the opening shot Alice, seen from behind, tosses her black dress out, revealing her naked body to the unseen male character. Undressing before the Zieglers party she asks: How do I look? Her body in that scene is revealed as an object of contemplation in a form of too-be-look-at-ness (Mulvey: 19). According to Mulvey, the womans body is an object of pure erotic observation, while the man, who is an active subject of gender representation, controls the direction of the gaze onto a female body. It was Kubricks choice to organise gender representation around the male visual pleasure. While Fridolin is a regular 19th century General Practitioner, Bills specialisation is plastic surgery which strengthens the connection with female bodies displayed in cinema as an erotic object, according to Mulvey. The determining male gaze projects its fantasy onto the female figure, which is styled accordingly. (Mulvey: 19). The ritual prostitutes, masked but naked mannequins, are the ultimate symbol of patriarchal visuality. Mulvey argues that women are excluded from cultural or governmental participation, their image has been stolen and their bodies exploited. (Mulvey: 112). Henry Kissinger famously said: Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac and sadly most women are excluded from sharing its pleasures as according to the dolly bird culture women are told how to behave and look and are commodified by men. Besides gender politics Kubrick attempted to depict the naked wealth of USA and the destructive effect it has on the society in general. The movie starts with a Christmas ball at the Zieglers mansion, which Kubrick invented for the purpose of his story as he was more concerned about social divisions than Schnitzler in his novel where Fridolin was not wealthy, but simply middle-class. Bill has reached the top of the social ladder only to discover that far above him there is another one to climb. Ziegler invited his to his party full of millionaires, where Bill didnt know a soul but no matter high he climbs the social ladder, the secret underworld he trespassed at the Black Mass will always be out of reach. In the end he is just a doctor. Originally Bill shows off his social status and wealth and because of that many doors are being open for him (in Schnitzlers original story his profession is not of such importance). Randy Rasmussen in his book Stanley Kubrick Seven Films Analysed says that Dr. Bill Hartford deceptively employs his identity as a physician to access information and material which advance his personal desires. And so, in their own ways, do the hospital staff member, amorous hotel clerk and balding costume shot proprietor upon whom he works his professional magic (Rasmussen: 330). However Bills exploitation of his professional status sometimes has benevolent consequences, as when he (and similarly Fridolin) tries to help a prostitute that offered to redeem him during the underworld masked orgy when he was told to take off his mask. He leaves the ball humiliated and is being warned that if he reveals the upper-crust secrets there will be the most serious consequences for him and his family. (screenplay) Kubrick changed the scene in which Fridolin is confronted by a band of members of Alemannic club (being in film confronted by average teenage yobs), which echoed the fact that Jews during Schnitzlers lifetime were banned from such fraternities and the apprehension of Jews facing Gentile provocation (Schnitzler: Xiii). Kubrick came back with issue of Alemannic clubs in his orgy scene in which he depicted black mass of secret society. In film, as well as book, the lead character is being threatened twice but is in both cases is lucky enough to get away unharmed. The sex-death connection continuous repeatedly through the film. Kubricks second wife Christine said of Eyes Wide Shut It had nothing to do with sex and everything to do with fear (Falsetto: 243). Those two opposite instincts always walk hand in hand during Bills nocturnal odyssey. Victor Ziegler sexual encounter at the beginning of the film almost ends with death from overdose of the call girl (scene invented by Kubrick); Alice suggests that terminally ill breast cancer patients may be actually sexually aroused in his presence (invented by Kubrick); Marion Nathanson reveals her feelings towards Bill in front of her father who has just died (same as in novel); Bill finds out that a prostitute who recently offered him her services is HIV positive (invented). Bills sexual desires can never be fulfilled in the same way like our dreams can hardly be controlled. Freud in Interpretation of Dreams (Part 4) argued that in each human being, as the primary cause of dream formation, two psychic forces (streams, systems), of which one constitutes the wish expressed by the dream, while the other acts as a censor upon this dream wish, and by means of this censoring forces a distortion of its expression. Bill is continuously being placed in dubious and dangerous situations which metaphorically act like coitus interruptus to his sexual adventures. Conclusion As Falsetto pointed out (Falsetto: 75) Eyes Wide Shot is a typically Freudian film, as it explores the psychological areas that drive sexual desires and death instincts. It replays gender conventions constructed within social and symbolic relations patterned within mainstream cinema. But what differentiate Eyes Wide Shut from the typical Hollywood pattern is the scene in which Bill subjectivity is threatened during the masked ball when he is asked to remove his mask and clothes. This time he is the one to be watched by hundred of hidden eyes and his anxiety reaches crucial point. Ironically, a gazing male becomes gazed at. To Freud this is a typical anxiety dream that symbolizes impotence and insecurity. It seems like to Kubrick it was his trademark as a filmmaker to question established and seemingly flawless patterns within basically patriarchal society and Hollywood gender representation. What is also made differently from typical gendering of representation is the first scene in which Alice is looking into a mirror, resembling Alices journey Through the Looking-Glass. Thanks to that metaphor Kubrick provides the female lead with a fantasy world and subjectivity which Albertine lacks. They are both housewives, dependant on their husbands, with Alice a previous owner of failed art gallery but, unlike Albertine, she is given several moment of privacy from her partner. Schnitzler and Freud believed that women have unhealthy desire for sex. For that reason Albertine fantasized about Fridolin being tortured and crucified but Kubrick got rid of those misogynist and archaic ideas altogether and in his film Alice fantasized healthily about the naval officer and is not scolded for it. Schnitzlers characters taking part in Black Mass orgy are all dressed as nun and priests but Kubrick, being aware that some of Freuds ideas were out of date, removed all references to religious symbolism. In summary EWS attempts to provide women with subjectivity and with fantasies and it also depicts the alienation of female sexuality within gendering representation of patriarchal social and political pattern. Kubrick reveals the deceit of mans claim to power and domination, which seems to come from selected Freuds critical ideas of religion and his analysis of family conflicts, sexual desires, guilt and the death instincts.

The Effects Of The Various States Of Consciousness On Behavior Essay

Consciousness is the state or condition of being conscious. A sense of one's personal or collective identity, especially the complex of attitudes, beliefs, and sensitivities held by or considered characteristic of an individual or a group. There are several different stages of consciousness. Waking consciousness, altered states of consciousness and sleep.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Waking consciousness is the mental state that includes moving and thinking, along with anything else done while we are awake and alert. Behavior during this period is as normal as it can be. Although behavior can differ from person to person, although most people go through the relatively same behavioral patterns. While awake, people go through feelings of happiness, depression, anger, and boredom, to name a few. These feelings can cause people to do different things and act differently than normal. For instance, happiness, caused by having something give them pleasure in some way, can cause people to smile more or be more kind to other people, like doing other things for people just to be nice, or giving presents and gifts to people. Depression is caused by bad, non-pleasurable things happening to you. While depressed, people may become distanced from their family and friends, not want to interact with other people, and even, in severe cases, hurt themselves and/or others, and even commit suicide. Many things cause anger and aggression also. They can be caused by the interaction with other people like family and peers, but also frustration, hot weather, physical pain, and even noise. While angry pe ople may act overly aggressive, lash out at others, even loved ones, and also commit violent acts. Being bored can also cause people to act differently. While bored people may do things like act and think hastily and also commit crimes in hopes of satisfying their urge for fun and pleasure. All these feelings have different causes but most include interaction with people, television and different chemical balances and imbalances within the a person’s body.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another type of consciousness is altered consciousness. There are many different types of altered consciousness. Daydreaming is one form of this type of consciousness. Daydreaming is when, due to boredom or mental fatigue, a person enters a dream-like state while awake. While not necessarily ba... ...rcoleptic are persistently tired and fatigued and experience loss of muscle tone. This loss of muscle tone can cause brief paralysis of functions and even for a standing person to fall to the ground. This disorder can effect a person’s behavior negatively because of the difficulty in conducting everyday activities with the fear of possibly losing consciousness or falling and getting severely injured. It is also harder to lead a normal sex life because the sudden sleep and loss of muscle tone can cause a person to become embarrassed to be close to someone or a person to be frustrated with their partners disorder.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion, the three states of consciousness can effect behavior in many different ways, whether it be positive or negative. Behavior is an important part of life although getting enough sleep and avoiding drug abuse can help, there are different things that can also effect people’s behavior in waking consciousness. Relationships with other people like friends and family can make a person have a lot of feelings like anger and happiness, and even television can also effect a person’s behavior by violent show’s making people more aggressive.

DeBeers Case Analysis and PEST Analysis Essay

De Beers is currently being faced with some new challenges that are making it necessary for us to consider a change in the way we do business. With recent turmoil in Western Africa, where illicit diamonds are beginning to come from war torn villages, and other sources of diamonds being found in Russia and Australia, it is clear that we need to begin to move into the U.S. market. However, legally, De Beers is in violation of the U.S. antitrust laws and is therefore being prohibited from selling directly in the U.S. market. Throughout the following memo I will identify the problems we at De Beers are currently facing. I will then make a set of recommendations for action to help us move into the U.S. market by proposing a relaxation of U.S. antitrust laws with restrictions on illicit diamonds, and finally I will conclude with some implementation steps for the solutions that have been recommended. Challenges A PEST analysis has been performed on the current situation facing De Beers. In the following section, I will focus on the most important problems identified in the PEST analysis for which we must find solutions and also on the most important positive forces that we must leverage to our advantage in order to maintain or gain market share. Please see Exhibit 1 for details on the PEST analysis and additional information on other issues we are facing and forces that might help or hinder our market share in the U.S. The most important of the problems we are faced with are due to Political issues in the United States and elsewhere. Due to war in western Africa, diamonds are beginning to flow from the war torn fields of Sierra Leone and Angola, and in Russia, mines are being controlled locally as opposed to in collaboration with De Beers. These challenges alone pose a threat to the power that De Beers currently holds over the diamond industry. Due to these challenges, we initiated a branding campaign attempting to brand De Beers diamonds to the consumers. This campaign was centered in the U.S., where â€Å"legally, the entire De Beers group – its officers, its operations, its marketing structure – was in violation of the U.S. antitrust law† (Burns, 2000). This prohibited De Beers from directly selling in the United States.  Additionally, a political issue that we need to leverage to our advantage is the U.S. foreign policy towards helping to rebuild Africa. These political i ssues will be further addressed in the recommendations section. Economically, there is an expected surge in diamond sales expected to occur in the U.S. this year. This emphasizes the fact that we need to be uninhibited in our marketing and sales efforts in the U.S. if we are to continue to be a successful company. Another economic issue that we are facing is that the historical price of diamonds is leveling off and may even be decreasing as new sources of diamonds are being found. This decrease in prices could be devastating to De Beers and the diamond industry as a whole and needs to be avoided at all costs. The other large economic issue we are facing is our method of stabilizing the diamond prices. The stockpiling we currently utilize to control the supply of diamonds and, more specifically, control the price of diamonds, is eating away at our profits, resulting in a low stock price. Our shareholders, of whom 21% are from the U.S., are starting to voice dissent about our low share prices. Technically, we have been using our single channel distribution system to work our way around the antitrust laws in the United States and to keep an arms length from the U.S. legal system. By selling to diamond merchants through the Central Selling Organization in London, and controlling the supply of diamonds offered to these merchants, we control what stones enter the market at what price. This single distribution channel has been at the core of our ability to regulate the diamond market and without this means of distribution, De Beers and the entire diamond industry would greatly suffer. By winning relaxed antitrust laws in the U.S., we would be able to continue to leverage the power of the single channel distribution system. Socially, the perception of diamonds is that of a beautiful and rare stone that is a symbol of romance and of greed and has been treasured as such for centuries. In the nineteenth century, the supply of diamonds increased, turning the stones from something only the elite could purchase, to a commodity that could be purchased by the mass market. Even with this increase in supply, the perception of diamonds remained that of a rare and  valued commodity. Therefore, even though the supply of diamonds increased, the perception that they were rare was not tarnished, leaving the price of this commodity high. This is a key point that we need to leverage: consumers expect and want the price of diamonds to remain the expected price of a unique and high valued commodity. Stakeholders The primary stakeholders that will be affected by this impending move into the U.S. market and relaxation of the U.S. antitrust laws are De Beers and its shareholders, the African economy, the diamond industry as a whole, and diamond consumers. If these antitrust laws are not relaxed, then De Beers market share will crumble while being replaced by lower priced competitors, leading to an overall decrease in the diamond prices, leading to less profit to everyone in the diamond industry. The African economy also has a large stake in this decision. If the diamonds from war torn fields are accepted into the diamond market, consumers will unknowingly be supporting rebel controlled diamond mines. Lastly, if the antitrust laws are not relaxed, the shareholders of De Beers will most likely experience a short term increase in stock price while the stockpile is being depleted, but in the long run, the stock price will bottom out and will not rise again because the price of diamonds will be permanently lowered. The stakeholders that will be most impacted here are De Beers as a corporation and the diamond industry as a whole, including the African economy. I will focus on these stakeholders in the recommendations section. Recommended Solutions and Implementation Steps The following solutions are being recommended for De Beers to implement in order to convince U.S. policy makers to relax the U.S. antitrust laws and allow De Beers to directly do business in their diamond market. De Beers needs to approach U.S. policy makers with the following arguments and ask for relaxation of the U.S. antitrust laws with some restrictions. The criterion for these solutions is that they are feasible to implement with our current resources and that they do not generate negative press about  past lawsuits. Luxury Items My first recommendation is to approach U.S. policy makers with the fact that diamonds are a commodity and not a necessity. One of the main purposes of the U.S. antitrust laws is to protect consumer well being. Diamonds are not a necessity and the lack of a diamond does not make ones life materially different. Therefore, by helping to stabilize the supply and price of diamonds, we are not hindering the success of people or businesses within the U.S. By keeping the price of diamonds stable, we are not lessening the quality of life of any consumers, however we are keeping consumer value stable. Those millions of consumers who have already invested in diamonds do not want to see the price of their investment decrease. By continuing to help stabilize the price and supply of diamonds, we will ensure that their investment will maintain value. In order to implement this, we need to conduct some consumer surveys to support the fact that consumers are pleased with stable diamond prices and present these facts to U.S. policy makers. We also need to gain the support of other members of the diamond industry to help with this solution. By leveraging our relationships with other diamond mine owners, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers, we can work together to convince U.S. policy makers that the value of this luxury item is sustained due to it’s perceived rarity and in order for the diamond industry to survive, this perception needs to remain untarnished. The other players in the diamond industry, mentioned above, benefit from this perception as well, so it should be relatively simple to gain their cooperation in this matter. African Growth and Opportunity Act The current U.S. foreign policy that seeks to support the reconstruction and redevelopment of Africa needs to be fully leveraged by De Beers. The Clinton administration has pledged it’s dedication to Africa by the pending African Growth and Opportunity Act. We need to pledge our support of all U.S. policy toward U.S. – Africa relations and offer our contribution to the African  economy. Some of the countries in Africa that are currently suffering from violent wars could greatly benefit from their diamond assets if helped by De Beers. They currently lack the knowledge and technical skills needed to mine diamonds effectively. With De Beers’ help, these African countries can begin to develop their economy and stabilize their relationships with the U.S. In order to leverage this foreign policy, we need to enlist the help of U.S. – African relations activists groups as well as activists groups dedicated to the rebuilding of Africa to help us get our message across to U.S. policy makers. We need to convince the U.S. government that De Beers is a positive force in the African economy and by allowing us the antitrust rules to be relaxed in the U.S., we can help to build a stronger relationship between Africa and the U.S. Illicit Diamond Embargo De Beers needs to work with the U.N. to place an embargo on illicit diamonds coming from the war torn fields of Angola and Sierra Leone. These diamonds come from rebel controlled mines, and by allowing these diamonds to enter the marketplace, we are supporting the bloodshed involved in mining these diamonds. Therefore, we need to pledge our support to stop these illicit diamonds from merging with our diamonds in the marketplace. We will differentiate our own legitimate African diamonds from the illicit diamonds coming from the blood stained rebel controlled mines. We will also pledge to the U.S. and the U.N. to not purchase any rough diamonds from these rebel controlled mines. This will be the key restriction we will agree to in our request to have the antitrust laws relaxed. Branding We need to continue our marketing efforts aimed at branding our diamonds. In addition to creating more prestige around our brand of diamonds, we are also certifying that our diamonds do not come from the war torn rebel controlled mines of Africa. By continuing our branding effort, we will continue to increase the demand for the De Beers diamonds, which will help to decrease our stockpile, and in turn slowly increase our stock price, pleasing our shareholders. In addition, it has been proven that with these marketing efforts, consumers are willing to pay a premium for a De Beers diamond, which will further protect us from the possibility of decreasing prices in the future by increasing our profits. Conclusion We at De Beers are facing some difficult challenges and are being forced to look at the way we run our business. In looking at our methodology we have determined that the way we run our business, and the way the diamond industry works, is in the best interest of De Beers as a corporation, the diamond industry as a whole, the African economy, and consumers. As an African company, our paramount concern is to use the diamond industry to help the African economy begin to rebuild itself. We believe that by relaxing the U.S. antitrust laws and abiding by the restrictions mentioned above, the United States can help us further enhance the African economy while maintaining a strong diamond industry, which in turn, benefits the consumers in the United States by preserving the value of their diamond investments. Exhibit 1 PEST Analysis Items of high importance are marked with an upward arrow for strong positive forces and a downward arrow for strong negative forces. These are the issues that have been focused on in this memo. The other items are also important, however solutions to these problems are out of the scope of this document. Political Political forces working against De Beers U.S. Antitrust laws (1890 Sherman Act and 1914 Clayton Act) – De Beers is in full violation of these laws Wars in Africa leading to leakage of illicit diamonds from rebel controlled villages Russia defections leading to leakage of illicit diamonds End of apartheid in South Africa Political Forces working for De Beers U.S. foreign policy seeking to support the reconstructoin an development of Africa Pending African Growth and Opportunity Act De Beers has found that it is out of reach of U.S. legislation while it does not do business directly with the U.S. because it is a South African company Economic Economic forces working against De Beers Historical price of diamonds leveling off and starting to decrease 21% of shares are held by U.S. citizens. These shareholds are beginning to put pressure on De Beers because although the value of the commodty we sell is very high, the stock price is relatively low due to our stockpile Economic forces working for De Beers Prices have been kept uniform on diamonds historically Surge of over a 10% increase of diamond sales expected in U.S. market, hitting $20 billion in 1999. This can be a positive force if De Beers can maintain market share in the U.S. Social Social forces working against De Beers Negative press from previous lawsuits where De Beers avoided being acquitted or settled. Social forces working for De Beers Despite supply of diamonds, consumer perception that the stone is rare persists, allowing the price of diamonds to be higher than supply would dictate The marketing De Beers has been using to brand diamonds has been successful. According to a survey, consumers are willing to pay a 15% premium for a De Beers branded diamond Technical Technical forces working against De Beers The current diamond industry market structure is changing (i.e. diamonds are coming from more sources that solely De Beers owner mined, and the demand from the U.S. is increasing) Technical forces working for De Beers Single channel distribution system. This is the reason the diamond industry has thrived over the past century, however this is one of the main aspects of the way we run business that is in violation of the U.S. antitrust laws. Exhibit 2 References Burns, Jennifer L., Forever: De Beers and U.S. Antitrust Law. Harvard Business School Publication: 9-700-082. Harvard Business School, 2000.

Reading Habits

1 Findings FINDINGS 1. English is the most preferred language for reading; Mother tongue claimed the 2nd spot with 48% preferring to read in their mother tongue against 46% preferring Hindi. 2. Preferences of activities (PUMBA Vs Non-PUMBA) [where candidates were asked to rank their preferences on a 1-5 ranking scale] shows that: a. PUMBA candidates rank better on Reading and TV watching over other than PUMBA institutes. b. Other than PUMBA institutes rank higher on Music listening and chatting over the internet. . A large chunk of the sample population rate Chatting as the most preferred activity. d. The least preferred activity of the sample is Shopping. 3. Candidates aged: a. 20-23 are most interested in Entertainment b. 24-27 are most interested in Technology c. 28 + are most interested in Business 4. Areas of Interest (Work experience-wise): a. 80% of Freshers’ areas of interest lie in Entertainment b. 72% of Work experienced candidates’ area of interest lies in Bu siness and Technology both. 5. Intention to read: a. The general trend that is seen is that the candidate either male or female read to learn, to be informed and for academics. b. The data shows that for 15% of females read out of habit as against 5% male candidates. c. 40% males read for news, contrary to female populations’ 5%. Reading Trends Among Students Department of Management Sciences, University of Pune PUMBA 2 Findings 6. The Internet followed by friends/colleagues and Newspapers/magazines form the major sources of information about Reading material. 7. Sources of Reading Material a. 3% of the respondents from Institutes other than PUMBA source their reading material from Websites. b. A majority of candidates from PUMBA i. e. 85% of the candidates consider the Library as their main source of reading material. 8. The most popular strategy adopted to overcome difficult reading material is to ask others for help. 9. The two major hurdles in reading are Time and Surroundings. 10. A whopping 91% of the sample population adm it ‘Strain on the eyes’ as the biggest reason for not preferring E-Reading. 11. Accessibility and Economy are the biggest pros for E-Reading. 12. There are NO differences Graduation stream-wise in the time spent on reading but there are differences Age-wise in the time spent on reading. 13. There are NO differences gender-wise for the reading intention to learn. 14. There are differences gender-wise for the intention of reading to stimulate imagination. 15. There are NO Gender-wise differences in the total time spent on reading. Reading Trends Among Students Department of Management Sciences, University of Pune PUMBA