Research and Technology for Learning and Memory

Research and Technology for Learning and Memory Stacey Obispo Enhanced Learning Technological advances in bioelectronics and applied neural control technologies have enabled scientist to create machine assisted minds (McGee Maguire, 2007). The technological advances have been sought to improve the quality of people’s mental capacities by enhancing one’s ability to learn just like pharmaceutical enhancements have done in the past (McGee Maguire, 2007). However, when enhancing ones’ mental abilities as both technological and pharmaceutical advances have done, many ethical questions arise. This paper will address the available and future plans for learning enhancements and ethical implications for learning enhancements such as; pharmaceutical enhancements that are acceptable and controversial, uses of brain/ computer interfaces, equal availability of brain enhancements to all diverse groups, who controls how brains are enhanced, and who receives enhancement. These topics will be further explored by this author’s ethical viewpoint. When one talks of brain enhancement certain images from futuristic movies displaying cyborgs may come to mind. However brain enhancements specifically for learning are nothing new. Doctors for many years have been prescribing pharmaceuticals to enhance one’s ability to teach (McGee Maguire, 2007). These drugs promise to improve general psychological and cognitive functioning by enhancing ones’ mood, memory, attention, alertness and other cognitive capacities (Fuchs, 2006). Increasing one’s ability for attention and alertness has been accomplished over the last two decades through psychostimulants such as methylphenidate and dextromphetamine (Fuchs, 2006). The legal drugs have been used to treat (ADHD) and enhance attention and other functions in healthy people (Fuchs, 2006). Another drug that has been reportedly used on mood and personality in healthy people is the use of selective serotonin inhibitors (SSRIs) (Fuchs, 2006). Healthy individuals who take (SSRIs) in absence of mental illness have frequently reported that negative feelings such as anxiety, sadness, disappointment, guilt or shame are weakened and self-esteem and confidence rise(Fuchs, 2006). In addition (SSRIs) may be attributed towards giving individuals a sense of well-being and offer positive influence on the quality of individual’s social interactions (Fuchs, 2006). Pharmaceutical development in increasing ones’ ability to recover memories and block memories is currently in the works for future development (Fuchs, 2006). The pharmaceutical uses for recovering memories will be specifically targeted towards those who are cognitively impaired by the aging process and for those who develop dementia (Fuchs, 2006). The pharmaceutical development in blocking memories will be developed specifically towards blocking painful memories in those who suffer from PTSD (Fuchs, 2006). Ethical considerations in dealing with the use of pharmaceutical enhanced cognitive abilities stem from improper diagnosis and misuse. The implications for methylphenidate and dextromphetamine drug misuses come from improper diagnosis. For instance, how can one surmise that a problem with a child’s academic performance is due to the child’s inability to pay attention or be alert when in fact the problem may be with the child’s environment? Furthermore excessive use of methylphenidate in school boys has raised concerns in the United States (Fuchs, 2006). Misuse of methylphenidate and dextromphetamine has accounted for 16 percent of college students using the drugs as study aids (Fuchs, 2006). As a result the use of these drugs has been very controversial. Ethical concerns in brain enhancement through pharmaceuticals include safety (Fuchs, 2006). For example, methylphenidate can increase the short term capacity of one’s working memory at the expense of information adequately harnessed in meaningful, higher order knowledge (Fuchs, 2006). Furthermore unanticipated consequences and side effects from this drug are long term (Fuchs, 2006). What happens is that memory enhancement may impair memory retrieval in some individuals because the natural balance between remembering and forgetting could be interrupted by an overload of memories in the brain (Fuchs, 2006). Competition between individuals is another ethical concern for pharmaceutical brain enhancement. For instance once pharmaceuticals are more widely spread then individuals may try using this method for a competitive edge towards better grades at school or for keeping a job (Fuchs, 2006). In addition those who may be of lower socioeconomic levels may not be able to afford the â€Å"competitive edge† and are placed at an even greater disadvantage (Fuchs, 2006). Another ethical consideration for pharmaceutical brain enhancement is that it changes the human condition by manipulating our subjective experiences, cognitive abilities, and personality traits (Fuchs, 2006). Mind enhancement according Fuchs (2006) threatens to devalue human life and its imperfections, it fosters an illusion that one must be constantly happily and it villainies natural forgetfulness and negative moods. The use of pharmaceuticals for brain enhancement interferes with one’s own personal development and one’s ability to cope with their fears, failures and seatbacks. Perhaps prescribing brain enhancing drugs just place the responsibility of solving ones problem on a drug rather than finding a sense of responsibility to oneself to come up with solutions to ones’ life problems. Brain/Computer interfaces (BCI’s) have multiple uses. Pacemaker like brain implants help individuals with Parkinson’s disease and those with tremors (McGee Maguire, 2007). Treating depression has been shown effective in clinical trials with Vagus nerve stimulators constructed by Cyberonics (McGee Maguire, 2007). Experimentally in cases of spinal cord severage, systems for functional neuromuscular stimulation are being used (McGee Maguire, 2007). Patients with â€Å"locked in† syndrome have received brain to computer interfaces enabling one to communicate via computer by thinking about moving the cursor (McGee Maguire, 2007). Artificial vision systems enables the blind, using a cortical implant to navigate independently, to read letters, and through electronic interface it allows one to watch television, access a computer, and use the internet (McGee Maguire, 2007). The device Braingate has been used on a severely paralyzed patients, through a brain chip, to enable individuals to access e-mail, play computer games, control a television, and turn lights on and off by thought alone(McGee Maguire, 2007). Researchers have been able to restore hearing in deaf patients by inserting a penetrating device inside the brain stem (McGee Maguire, 2007). A clinical trial towards restoring speech is being used to restore speech from an implantable BCI (Alpert, 2008). The future of BCI’s crosses from assisting the physically ill and handicapped to assisting government in their Department of Defense strategies. Neural prostheses will be used in future developments to enable users to move mechanical devices with thoughts and monitor not only the patients goals of what they want to reach for but also their motivation and mood(McGee Maguire,2007)( Alpert, 2008). The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has allotted $24 million to support research into the proposals for brain machine systems in six different laboratories (McGee Maguire, 2007). These projects have the objective to control robots and airplanes through thought alone (McGee Maguire, 2007). British Telecom’s Artificial Life Team is working creating a chip called Soul Catcher 2025 (presumably ready, 2025) which goes behind the eye and records the individuals thoughts, sensations, and experiences throughout their life (McGee Maguire, 2007). In order to record al l experiences multiple chips would need to be used (McGee Maguire, 2007). The technology would allow users to transfer or transplant memories and experiences from one user to the next (McGee Maguire, 2007). Currently not all BCI’s are available to all groups of people. Brain interfaces such as the Braingate costs 50,000 for the procedure and equipment used and follow up costs vary (Brown University, 2005).In the future, after FDA approval, and commercial marketing it is possible that private insurance and Medicaid may pay for BCI’s like the Braingate (Brown University, 2005). Individuals who want the Braingate procedure pay out of pocket (Brown University, 2005). Not being able to offer enhanced learning procedures such as BCI’s to all individuals’ raises the issue of fairness. Is it fair to only help the have’s and not the have not’s when both can benefit from a brain computer interface procedure due to their disease or handicap? If brain interfaces are not made available to individuals who meet the requirements for its uses (physical impairment, disease, etc.) then it could mean a loss of quality of life in individuals who come from low socio economic levels. BCI’s should be regulated for its potential uses for enhancement purposes in â€Å"healthy† individuals. BCI’s used for the purpose of intelligence enhancing for people who have no disability, or BCI’s used for controlling weapons or heavy machinery such as automobiles and airplanes like DARPA has proposed should be regulated. Perhaps international laws could be made to regulate the uses of BCI’s so that this technology enhances only those who have a disability or disease and not individuals who just want to be enhanced for a job, acquiring a job, or performing better at school. When enhancements are made because a person thinks they need it rather than truly needing because of disease, illness, or physical impairment then inequality between those who have and have not will get larger. Regulating who can control BCI’s is an important consideration. Currently in the United States before a medical device can be marketed it must meet the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (McGee Maguire, 2007). Although these devices are regulated to some degree the question as to whether the investigation of the FDA is adequate (McGee Maguire, 2007). For instance , required post market safety reviews on devices are rarely done and the focuses of FDA review is establishing the indications for use, methods of safe placement ,individual risks, to surgery and anesthesia, and compilation of adverse events related to device removals ( McGee Maguire,2007). Clinical trials are then implemented to assess the efficacy of the device and its safety (McGee Maguire, 2007). Regulations for BCI operators should also be mandated. For instance the capabilities of BCI’s in the future could mean that individual’s will not have control over their actions and that an operator can control the individual (McGee Maguire, 2007). Individual’s that control the operation of BCI’s installed in patients have an enormous power in their hands. BCI’s installed into patients could make these individual vulnerable to a doctor or governments control (McGee Maguire, 2007). For this reason BCI’s should be regulated internationally. Learning enhancements through BCI’s are quickly developing. BCI’s can enhance the learning processes and experience of individuals who are disabled and increase their quality of life. Conversely this same technology can be used to enhance healthy people and give one a competitive advantage. Enhancing healthy people can lead to making them robot like, or allow one to control robots, weapons, and heavy machinery through thought alone (McGee Maguire, 2007). Perhaps one of the most important concerns of using BCI’S in healthy people is what will happen to humanity and the human condition? What will happen to ones concept of self? Would individuals with BCI’s be responsible for their actions or empathetic towards others? Offering BCI’s to enhance healthy people seems to be a very slippery slope and should be avoided. Technologies such as BCI’s should be embraced to help individual with disabilities and illnesses have a better quality of life. How ever this technology should not be allowed to enhance healthy people. Consequences to the human condition could be affected negatively as well as society and environment. Proposing international regulation of such devices seems to be appropriate form of action to prevent such detriments in the future. References Alpert, S. (2008). Brain-Computer interface devices: Risks and Canadian regulations. Accountability in Research, 15, 86. Fuchs, T. (2006). Ethical issues in neuroscience (McGee Maguire, 2007, p. 291) (McGee Maguire, p. 291) . Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 19, 607. McGee, E. M., Maguire, G. Q. (2007). Becoming borg to become immortal: Regulating brain implant technologies. Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics, 16, 302. Brown University, (2005). Brain-chip interfaces. biomed.brown.edu/Courses/BI108/BI108_2005_Groups/03/impact.htm#demo

Jamaican Patois Essay -- essays papers

Jamaican Patois Jamaican Patois, otherwise known as Patwa, Afro. Jamaican, just plain Jamaican or, Creole, is a language that has been until quite recently referred to as"ungrammatical English."(Adams, 199 1, p . I 1) Creole languages are actually not unique to Jamaica, they are found on every continent although their speakers often do not realize what they are. The rest of the terms refer strictly to Jamaican Creole. Creoles are languages that usually form as the result of some human upheaval which makes it impossible for people to use their own languages to communicate. What people often refer to as the 'bad' or 'broken-English' of Jamaica are actually local Creoles that usually come about through a situation of partial language learning (Sebba 1, 1996, p.50-1.) The technical definition of the term Creole means-, a language which comes into being through contact between two or more languages. The most important part about this definition is that a new language comes about which was not there before, yet it has some characteristics of the original language(s) and also has some characteristics of its own. The Creole of Jamaica and the Caribbean is referred to as an 'English-lexicon' and this language came about when African slaves were forced into a situation where English, or at least a very reduced form of English, was the only common means of communication. The slave traders and owners spoke English while the slaves spoke a variety of African languages and the slaves had to assimilate by learning English which explains why much of the vocabulary is English in origin. Although there is much English vocabulary, many words were also adopted from African languages when no equivalent English word could be found such as, wo... ... 16. 6."Irie Time."Irie Time Website. On-line. Internet. Available WWW: http//www. owlnet. rice. edu/-don/index 1. html 7. Marley, Bob, Redemption Song, Uprising, 1980. 8. Nicholas, Tracy. Rastafari.- A Way of Life. Chicago: Research Associates School Times Publication, 1996. 9. Pryce, Jean T."Similarities Between the Debates on Ebonics and Jamaican."Journal of Black Psychology, 23 (August 1997): 238-241. 10. Seeba, Mark."How do you spell Patwa."Critical Quarterly 38 (1996): 50-63). 11. Seeba, Mark."London Jamaican: Language systems in interaction."Language 72 (1996): 426-427. 12. Sheridan, Maureen."The Beat Goes On: Dub Poets Explore Patois Of The People."Billboard 10 April 1993: 1, 73, 75. 13. Snider, Alfred, C. (Dr. Tuna,) Feb. 25, 1998. Rhetoric of Reggae Speech 214 Class. 14. Snider, Alfred C. E-mail to Speech 214 class. 28 Jan. 1998.

Life after death Essay

Life after death is credible to a large extent, as there is a large of percentage of people who believe in it. A study carried out between October and November 2009 showed that out of 2,060 people, 53% believed in life after death, with 55% believing in heaven and 70% believing in the human soul in the UK. However, there are many problems with believing in life after death – not least the fact that there is no proof. As Hume might have said, ‘there aren’t enough witnesses’ and ‘testimony isn’t proof. ’ Some evidence put forward is parapsychological, such as near-death experience, mediums, and so on, though the data generated from such evidence is contested. While there may not be any hard evidence for rebirth, it provides advantages to those who believe in it, therefore attaining the label of credibility. For instance, there is an idea of moral value because if one is constantly reborn, one must constantly strive for good karmic effects. However, G. E Moore’s theory of ‘naturalistic fallacy’ might intervene because rebirth confuses moral ideas with factual information about how the world works. There is no means of verifying the principle of karma, and it assumes a dark view of reality with the inevitability of suffering. On the other hand, there is some psychological truth in the ideas of anatta and anicca, since an individual continues to grow throughout their life. Resurrection also delivers benefits for those who believe in it, thus making it credible to a large extent. It has a basis in tradition and is supported by evidence from Sacred Scripture, while it is also fair and encourages morality. However, many challenges to belief in resurrection have been centred on the fact that there is no available way to falsify claims concerning life after death. But, non-Christian sources agree that Jesus was executed by crucifixion and his disciples believe that he rose from dead. A Church persecutor, Saul of Tarsus, unexpectedly transformed into a believer after the resurrection. Verification is only possible in the weak sense of eschatological verification suggested by John Hick in his Celestial City analogy. John Hick is a materialist, who believes that the soul and the body are ‘psycho- physically’ unified. Hick explains in his Replica Theory, where he discusses how God makes it possible for people to be ‘replicated’ on a parallel universe. Hick talks about how the instantaneousness replication would be different from simply being transported from London to New York, he says all the individuals would know their dead and would be on a world populated by deceased individuals. His theory could be seen as incoherent because there is no evidence in science to suggest there is a parallel universe, however if you accept God’s omnipotent existence, this theory is plausible and does not depend on dualism. But, even Hick recognised the limits of his own theory and the fact that it is hypothetical in the extreme. It should be noted that this is an extending theory into the unknown and is purely hypothetical. To conclude, life after death is credible because believers avoid the limitations of rationality and focus on faith, rather than empirical evidence. While some philosophers like Bertrand Russell, argue that the hope of a better life in heaven relieves humans of responsibility for what happens on Earth and encourages a fatalist mentality, such beliefs may do the opposite and soothe fears of demise.

Same Sex Parenting is Just as Effective as Straight Parenting

Same Sex Parenting is Just as Effective as Straight Parenting Imagine a child in an adoption center, he’s lonely and doesnt have friends and longs for a loving family since his past family decided to put him up for adoption. Then there is a same sex couple wishing to be able to adopt a child so their family can be complete, but sadly the same sex couple can’t adopt the child because of anti-gay groups that frown upon it. Think about it this way, would you rather have a sad and lonely child stuck in an adoption center, or a happy child with loving same sex parents that love him and keep him safe? Gay parents are no less of a good parent because of their sexuality. Gay parents are just like any other parent, they still love and†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Not a single study has found children of lesbian or gay parents to be disadvantaged in any significant respect relative to children of heterosexual parents.†(Jennifer Marshall) â€Å"The worlds largest study of same-sex parenting to date finds that some children are even more healthier than their peers.† (Jase Peeples) In fact, most children raised by gay parents tend to be more open-minded and accept full of others. Many people had many questions about gay parenting. For example if two males adopt a girl, how would they explain puberty to her? Keep in mind, that it’s two adult males adopting a girl, it’s not two children adopting a girl. They are adults, and most guys do know how a girls body works, hence most of them are educated. If they have trouble explaining puberty to their girl child, they do have friends that are girls that can help explain.They could get help from an aunt too, or anyone that’s a girl in the family. It’s not like its just the couple that has to help out their child. A child can get help from anyone. It’s not just gay couples that would have trouble explaining girl puberty to a girl child, there are also single parent guys that have a girl child. Another thing that people usually ask is â€Å"Are children raised by gay parents more likely to become gay then a child raised by a straight couple?† You can’t change someones sexuality. Sometimes children are gay sometimesShow MoreRelatedSame Sex Parenting and Children Essay1639 Words   |  7 Pagesrelation may affect the welfare of a child’s upbringing. The prospect of a nontraditional upbringing in a same-sex partnership, or marriage ought to be a problem when raising children. Some feel that there is no real negative influence that this form of parenting has on a child. Politics has raised concern, but there is a limited amount of research in this area to corroborate this concern. Should same-sex marriage be an issue when raising children? Some states such as Massachusetts, Vermont, and ConnecticutRead MoreIn This Chapter, I Present How Two Pop Cultural Sites—The1713 Words   |  7 Pagesare the representations? The Kids Are All Right (TKAAR) follows lesbian couple Nic and Jules. Nic is a physician with a type-A personality and Jules is laissez-faire in her demeanor. Each mother became pregnant with the same unknown sperm donor. Consequently, they share in parenting their two children, Joni and Laser. Laser is curious to meet their donor and asks Joni to contact the agency to arrange a meeting, unbeknownst to their mothers. Nic and Jules discover the children’s meeting with the spermRead MoreEssay about Gay Marriage Does NOT Destroy Traditional Marriage1703 Words   |  7 Pagesthe definition of marriage and most of society making same sex marriage nearly impossible; Psychology Today recognizes that â€Å"any† two people who love each other can come together and be united. In 1970, in Minnesota, the first gay couple to apply for a marriage license in the U.S. was Jack Baker and Michael McConnell and they were not allowed to marry. However, on May 2013 Minnesota finally legali zed same sex marriage and the law would be effective starting August 2013. They had to wait over 40 yearsRead MoreData Analysis. In This Chapter, I Compare And Contrast1718 Words   |  7 Pagesare the representations? The Kids Are All Right (TKAAR) follows lesbian couple Nic and Jules. Laissez-faire Jules contrasts strongly with Nic, a physician with a type-A personality. Each mother became pregnant with the same unknown sperm donor. Consequently, they share in parenting their two children, Joni and Laser. Curious to meet their donor, Laser asks Joni to contact the agency to arrange a meeting, unbeknownst to their mothers. Nic and Jules discover the children’s meeting with the sperm donorRead MoreGay Sex794 Words   |  4 Pagesthere was a straight pill,† I lamented, â€Å"I’d swallow it faster than you can say the word gay.† (Fairyington 50). She says this because deep down she wanted some sympathy from her own mother. Confessing something like this to your close ones is hard no matter how accepting you feel they may be. She explains throughout her work that she was born this way and that all individuals should be treated with the same respect regardless of their sexua l orientation. Stephanie explains how badly she just wanted toRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal1863 Words   |  8 PagesSame sex relationships happen when men and women are attracted to a person of the same gender as themselves. Many people who are against same-sex marriage believe that by these type of marriages deny the reason of life which would be procreation, but, denying same sex couples the legal rights to get married could also mean denying someone the basic rights to enjoy the human benefits, although, allowing same-sex marriages the basic legal rights could mean a threat to what many call a traditional familyRead MoreAdoption Is A Beautiful Process2327 Words   |  10 Pagesenough to remain with their own. However, in the wake of LGBT marriage being legalized in all 50 states, LGBT adoption should also be legalized across the United States. In Nashville, TN., LGBT couples can petition to adopt. Whatsoever, that is not the same for all fifty of the states. According to the officials at Adopt Us Kids, â€Å"Most States do not have laws or formal policies prohibiting individuals’ eligibility to adopt or serve as foster parents based on sexual orientation. Instead, child welfareRead MorePlanning For Non Traditional Families1613 Words   |  7 Pagesfor these non-traditional families become a tough issue at first glance but when treated by using instruction from the bible can become just as easy as estate planning for traditional families by acting with respect and love as well as to plan accordingly and take note of the state’s guidelines for non-traditional families. Estate planning is for everyone not just the wealthy and traditional, and if one does not plan and have their wishes written down then the state will plan and disburse assets accordingRead MoreChildren’s Functional Health Pattern Assess ment Essay3555 Words   |  15 Pagesallowance† (Edelman Mandle, 2010). â€Å"New member in the family (baby) toddlers can regress, revert to earlier, previously abandoned infantile behavior such as losing toilet skills, dressing skills, or baby talk† (Edelman Mandle, 2010). â€Å"Parenting becomes challenging can lead to, anger, depression, leads to criticism, and if these issues go unchecked can lead to physical and emotional abuse (can occur)† (Edelman Mandle, 2010). â€Å"Parents midst of marital problems or divorce, preschoolersRead MoreSexuality : Teaching Sexual Orientation1844 Words   |  8 Pagespoliticians believe sex should be held between a man and a woman. They look towards nature and what has been practiced for centuries to determine what is moral. Third, there are those who feel by teaching about sexual orientation the amount of bullying and harassment in school, and homelessness and suicide outside of school will decrease. Concerned educators have developed ways to prove teaching sexuality is worth a try. Believers have formed groups in schools such as the Gay Straight Alliances, to help

College Students and Their Lives of Drinking Essay

â€Å"80 percent of teen-agers have tried alcohol, and that alcohol was a contributing factor in the top three causes of death among teens: accidents, homicide and suicide† (Underage, CNN.com pg 3). Students may use drinking as a form of socializing, but is it really as good as it seems? The tradition of drinking has developed into a kind of â€Å"culture† fixed in every level of the college student environment. Customs handed down through generations of college drinkers reinforce students expectation that alcohol is a necessary ingredient for social success. These perceptions of drinking are the going to ruin the lives of the students because it will lead to the development alcoholism. College students who drink a lot, while in a college†¦show more content†¦Students gain expectations to drink alcohol from each other, as they depend on it, pressure each other and face a new environment and a new social setting. When in college, a student does not have anyone looking after them and so they get free time and they do not know how to use it. They end up filling up their extra time, with going out to frat houses, bars, and or other house parties to drink. Students go from being in high school, where they have to be home by curfew and drinking is still sometimes and issues, to not having a curfew and not having someone wait until they get home that night to make sure they aren’t drinking. College students have no parents to tell them that they cannot go to a party because there is going to be alcohol there. They have to take it upon themselves to make the decision whether they should go or not. They do not have mom and dad making decisions for them anymore. Environmental and peer pressure combined gets students to try the temptations of alcohol. There is not a weekend that goes by that that alcohol is not available to students. The students that drink too much do not understand that drinking just a little can affect the brain with a lot of force. Once in the bloodstream, alcohol reaches the brain quickly and begins to affect nerve cells. It slows the messages that travel along nerve fibers. Only a small amount of alcohol is needed to impair the normalShow MoreRelatedCollege Drinking A Major Problem That Affects The Lives Of Many People1138 Words   |  5 Pages Josh Roy Essay 3 Final College drinking a major problem that affects the lives of many College drinking is a major problem and it affects the lives of students their families and the community. As the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website notes: â€Å"About four out of five college students drink alcohol. . .† (â€Å"College Drinking†). The Affects of alcohol have impacted the lives of many people. I believe drinking is a problem, and believe that it is a problemRead MoreThe Effects Of Binge Drinking And Sexual Assault On College Campuses1411 Words   |  6 PagesThe United States is a country of freedom. Most of people can find their lives which they want. Especially, the college students can join in some activates and clubs. Their campus lives are always fulfilling. However, there are still some dangers among the campus, and most is from the students themselves. Recent survey estimates provided by Fisher, Cullen, and Turner (2000) revealed that for every 1,000 women attending institutions of higher education, there may well be 35 i ncidents of rape in aRead MoreSubstance Free Housing Is An Increasingly Popular Option For Campuses1385 Words   |  6 PagesSubstance-free housing has been implemented in universities and colleges in hopes of reducing rates of binge drinking among college students. Binge drinking can be defined as, â€Å"men drinking five or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting and for women four or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting.† (Feldman 271). Even though many know college binge drinking is a problem in our country, many are shocked when they hear that, â€Å"more than 75% of college students have consumed at least one alcoholic drink in the lastRead MoreThe Effects Of Binge Drinking On College913 Words   |  4 Pagesgoing to control the way you live your adult years .† Whenever I heard this statement, I thought of teens binge drinking in college. College drinking has become a major issue for people under the age of twenty- one. Binge drinking becomes addicting, especially for people under the age of twenty-one. Understanding the problem and consequences of binge drinking will help to show that lowering the drinking age will not help the problem. Binge drinking in college is when students consume an excessive amountRead MoreAlcohol Issues on College Campuses1181 Words   |  5 PagesAlcohol Issues on College Campuses â€Å"Binge Drinking on College Campuses.† Center for Science in the Public for Science, Center for Science in the Public Interest. Web. 21Mar. 2012. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) discusses that students enrolled in college are more likely to consume alcohol than their peers than do not attend college. They report that 1700 college students die yearly due to alcohol. The increasing number of college students drinking has resulted in higher incidencesRead MoreThe Effects Of Binge Drinking On College Students1139 Words   |  5 PagesThe Effects of Binge Drinking in College Students Binge drinking is when a person has more than four drinks, if female and five if male, in one sitting. While researching texts written about the negative effects of binge drinking in college students, I found articles and scholarly journals written by specialists in this specific field of study. These authors mainly focus on the fact that excessive binge drinking is detrimental to the quality of life and can alter your state of health in a negativeRead MoreAccording To â€Å"College Drinking,† Almost Two Out Of Three1388 Words   |  6 PagesAccording to â€Å"College Drinking,† almost two out of three college students engage in binge drinking. Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dL or higher (â€Å"College Drinking†). Many parents, guardians, and psychologists believe that college students binge drink because they think drinking is an integral part of their higher education. Similar to peer pre ssure, college students drink because the rest of the student body drinks. FurthermoreRead MoreCause Effect of Binge Drinking Essay1247 Words   |  5 Pagesunplanned sexual activity all have in common? They are all frequent results of binge drinking by college students. On a typical Friday or Saturday night you can find the average college student out drinking and having fun. Normally partying with friends at a party, bar, or club; most of these college students are underage consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, or as its better known, â€Å"binge drinking.†The term binge drinking is defined as the consumption of five or more drinks in a row by men and four orRead MoreEffects Of On Campus Housing On College Students Drinking Behavior1565 Words   |  7 PagesEffects of on-campus housing on college students’ drinking behavior: A Literature Review Educational scholars have widely researched the effects of on-campus housing on the behavior of college students and one of the behavioral effects is on drinking behavior. 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Access Arrangements For Access For Higher Education Exams...

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Managing diversity and its Competitive Advantage

Question: Discuss about the Managing diversity and its Competitive Advantage. Answer: Introduction: The term managing diversity indicates the meaning of bringing all the people together from the different backgrounds, age groups, religions and cultures in the workplace into the productive and cohesive unit (Harvey and Allard 2015). On the other hand, in the words of Barak (2016), the multiculturalism or the cross-cultural communication is a useful concept for the growth of the organizations because of its concerns over the diversification at the work force. The diversification in the work force helps to develop the better relations with the other organizations in the international market. Now, the advanced communication technology namely use of internet, phones and social sites make changes in the rational concept of business into the more global one. According to Kirton and Greene (2015), to survive in the competitive market successfully, the organization needs to utilize and manage the diversity culture in the workplace efficiently. By managing the diversity or multiculturalism i n the workplace, it can be able to get the competitive advantage which helps to sustain in the global market effectively. In this perspective, the managing diversity or the multiculturalism in the workplace of US specifically the well known organization Procter and Gamble (PG) has been critically discussed. The mission statement of PG is to give the value everyone, include all the people and they perform their responsibilities and duties at their highest ability to do (Us.pg.com 2017). The PG is that type of organization in which the diversity in culture, tradition, different points of view and personal experiences are equally treated and regarded as the important factors for the growth of the company. With the help of effective business strategy of inclusion and diversity of PG, they can be able to connect their business with the other organizations in the global market. Moreover, the multiculturalism nature of the business helps to get the competitive advantage in the international market which ensures the foster growth of the organization (De Anca and Vega 2016). This research study is enriched with the brief study of managing diversity in the workplace and its competitive advantage of the organization. In this perspective, the well known organization PG in US has been accounted. The multiculturalism nature of this organization has been critically discussed with the help of literature review. Moreover, the analysis and evaluation have been made on this topic. Managing diversity and its competitive advantage: As per the view of Modood (2013), diversity is of many types such as physical, cultural and socio-economic. Therefore, the age, gender, personality, ability, lifestyle, religion, language, national origin, social class, education, job function, profession and many more factors enriches the characteristics of human being which helps to achieve success in the organization. The implementation of multiculturalism or diversity in the workplace helps to make the shapes of nature, values, behaviors and attitudes of the employees Entzinger (2014). Moreover, the diversity in the work force directly reflects the nature and mission of the company through which different types of customers feel comfortable for doing the business. As opined by Lcke, Kostova and Roth (2014), the demographic changes in the workforce, globalization effect and the client composition helps to changes the traditional nature of workplace which ensure to sustain in the international market successfully. Moreover, by accumulating different culture, education, language, abilities, personalities, cognitive style and job function, the organization gains its competitive advantage in the global market (Rhoads and Valadez 2016). To maintain the competitive advantage in the global business market, the organization need the above-stated quality and people for serving and performing the best quality to their clients. Thus, with the help of diverse culture and different people in the workplace, the foster growth of the organization can be achieved. The importance of diversity in the workplace: The implementation of diversity or multiculturalism in the workplace is one of the main factors for sustaining in the competitive market and achieving the long-term growth as the global business concept and the demographic patterns have changed drastically. Due to the advancement in the health care system, the growth of the population is highly significant in both the developing and industrialized countries (Henson 2015). From the current study, it can be stated that the working age group of population is increased continuously in the developing countries. The life expectancy is also increased in the developing nations such as Asia whereas, the fertility rate is lower in the developed countries namely North America. The changing behavior of the demographic factor increased the importance of diversity in the workplace. Without implementing the diversity in the work force, the potential growth of the organization cannot be achieved (Dheer and Lenartowicz 2016). Gender shifts: Following the global demographic changes in the workplace, the traditional concept of gender discrimination in the organization has been turned into a new era. The increasing number of participation of female employees in the workforce has broadened the idea of gender diversity (Ali, Ng and Kulik 2014). The advancement of technologies and automation system has enabled the female employee to perform various types of jobs which are previously physically demanding and unwelcome to the female employee. The male dominant workforce and the gender pay discrimination have been favored to the women employee. They can take part any work which is equally done by the male counterparts. Therefore, the implementation of gender diversity in the workplace is essential aspect for acquiring the prospective growth of the organization (Richard, Kirby and Chadwick 2013). Moreover, the creativity, innovative ideas, leadership ability and educational knowledge of the female employees help to reach the desi red goal of the organization. Accommodation: According to Chapple and Humphrey (2014), accommodation is an important factor which allows the people to contribute the talents along with their disabilities to the workforce. The shift of the traditional concept of working hours into the modern era, the flexible working hours, family leave and tele-commuting attract both the male and female employees in the workplace. With the help of proper accommodation system, the employees can execute their skills and ability efficiently (Cumming, Leung and Rui 2015). The benefit of the employer motivates them to work more and more passionately which indirectly enhances the business growth of the organization. On the other hand, the accessible, effective and comfortable workers are available by providing the appropriate accommodation to them. Benefits of the diversity management as a competitive advantage: By following the importance of diversity management in the workplace, it can be stated that there is several aspect of benefits in it which is considered as the competitive advantage of the organization. As per the view of Barak (2016), the managing diversity in the workplace makes the positive environment and motivates the people to increase the productivity level, retention rate and satisfaction level. In the broader aspect, the diversity in the workplace facilitates the team work, innovative work, creativity and provides the best quality work to the customers and clients along with the increased value (Reynolds, Rahman and Bradetich 2014). The competitive advantages and the benefits of the diversity management in the workplace have been discussed in the following manner. With the implementation of diversity management in the workplace, customer services and marketing process can be improved through the procedure of better understanding and the accommodation system of the concerned customer groups and their demands. The multiculturalism nature within the organization helps to improve the morale, productivity level, creativity and performance of the employees. Moreover, Lcke, Kostova and Roth (2014) argued that during managing diversity in the workplace, the selection, development and treatment of people along with equitable workplace can be done which mainly concentrates the fairness and merits of the people. In the words of Ali, Ng and Kulik (2014), to sustain in the competitive market successfully, the cost of production and the price of the products need to be reducing. Now, the diversity in the workplace helps to improve the retention rate and reduce the cost of productions along with the price of the products through the process of turnover and lower absenteeism. As there is no gender discrimination and talent gets the first priority, both the female and male employees are welcomed in the workplace. They provide their best which ensures to create and reach to the desired position in the international market successfully. As per the view of Richard, Kirby and Chadwick (2013), due to nondiscriminatory and more just environment, the associated risk factors can be lowered in the organization. As a result, the undesirable cost and risk can be avoided and the profit and revenue amount can be increased. Moreover, the gained money can be reinvested in the production procedure instead of expensing any discretionary expenditure (Cumming, Leung and Rui 2015). In this perspective, as multicultural people are welcomed in the workplace, the minority religions can also participate in the productive work. Therefore, the gender-balanced business contracts by the government are eligible and get preference in the workplace within the organization. On the other hand, as opined by Reynolds, Rahman and Bradetich (2014), the diversity management in the workplace helps to improve the corporate image in the international market which also generates the goodwill to all the public specifically to the customers. Lastly, with the implementation of diversity management in the workplace, the creative conflict, effective decision making, problem solving and creativity of the entire employee can be improved. As a result, the best quality work is performed by the employees who ensure to earn maximum profit and revenue from the global market (De Anca and Vega 2016). Thus, the above-stated benefits of the diversity management in the workplace are regarded as the competitive advantage for the organization. This competitive advantage separates the organization from the competitors and helps to acquire the prospective growth. The diversity management in PG: As per the above discussion, it can be stated that the diversity management is fully effective in the well known organization of US, PG. In respect of the practice of managing diversity within the organization, PG hires, retains and engages the best and unique talent from the world and the selection procedure is based on the employer of choice system. On the other hand, based on the program of in touch by PG, they produce and create the products and brands which improve the lifestyle of all the customers throughout the world in present and future periods. In this perspective, PG respect the passions, skills, ability, creativity, innovative ideas and leadership roles of the individual employee irrespective of their caste, religion and gender (Us.pg.com 2017). The non-discrimination policy in PG: PG employs the non-discrimination policy within the organization. It provides the equal opportunity and remuneration to both the male and female employees. It follows the gender equity pay in the workplace and avoids the unlawful discrimination. Moreover, PG implement the multicultural nature in the workplace by employing different types of employer in the organization irrespective of religion, color, age, race, national origin, citizenship and many more. In short, they mainly concentrate on the talents of the people instead of their cultures or origins. Apart from this, during the time of promotion, salary, increment, training, recruiting and hiring the employee, PG strictly follows the employment decisions and laws (Us.pg.com 2017). The boomerang impact of diversity management and its competitive advantage in PG: With the implementation of diversity management and multiculturalism within the organization, PG facilitates the competitive advantage in the international market successfully. PG employ near about 100 employees in a year, spread its business over the multiple countries and help to set the fortune of approximately 500 companies as the loyal customers. Furthermore, it highlights their business over the Women and Minority Business Enterprises (WMBEs) to mitigate the gender diversity and transform the traditional values of the business into the modern era. In this perspective, it can be notified that approximately $2.6 billion amount of money spent with the WMBEs. On the other hand, there are 1500 suppliers of WMBEs who are directly connected with the Supplier Diversity Program by PG (Cdn.pg.com 2017). The supplier diversity program by PG helps to grow the business in the near future with effective plans and the increased investment policy. After implementation of the WMBEs program in PG, the American and African business customize their orders for the customers. They support the diverse suppliers services by various facilities and modern technology. As a result, the cost of production and the price of the products are in affordable situation to all the customers (Dheer and Lenartowicz 2016). Employee groups emerges the inclusive culture: Though there are different types of and multicultural people in the organization, the flexibility work culture and well developed diversity management help to feel comfortable in the workplace. In this perspective, PG strictly follows the policy of setting up the start-up mindset at the very first moment within the small group. After that, discussion and consideration enriches and support the entire team to reach their desired goal. In the mean time, this organization always concentrates on the fact that each and every people come from the different background and they have the different needs. Furthermore, during the decision making process or giving the leadership roles to any employee, PG focuses on the ability, creativity, passions and their innovative ideas instead of their backgrounds or cultures. As a result, they facilitate the quality work which ensures the prospective growth of the organization. Now, this brand has developed by 60% and it can be able to sustain its growth m omentum in next 3 to 5 years (Cdn.pg.com 2017). From the above figure, it can be stated that the diversity management and implementation of multiculturalism nature in the workplace help to improve the business of this organization. The sales, net profit along with the customer demand have been increasing day-by-day. Moreover, PG achieve some awards for managing the diversity in the workplace efficiently such as Human Rights Campaign, Fortune (Most Powerful Women Global list), and Ranked 8 for Global Diversity among the top 10 organizations and many more (Cdn.pg.com 2017). Thus, it signifies the competitive advantage of PG which ensures to sustain in the international market successfully. Conclusion: Based on the above research analysis, it can be inferred that managing diversity in the workplace helps to achieve the best quality of work which ensures the foster growth of the organization. The multiculturalism nature within the organization helps to feel comfortable of all the employees who motivate them to do the work creatively, passionately and emerge new ideas. In this perspective, the cost and price of the products gets reduced along with the improved quality. Therefore, the concerned organization facilitates the competitive advantage in the international market by providing the lower price and improved quality products. PG employs the multiculturalism nature and diversity management within the organization effectively. As a result, it facilitates the competitive advantage and the benefits of diversity management. It also helps to increase its profit and revenue and it can set its position in the global market successfully. Therefore, it can be concluded that the implementat ion of diversity management in the workplace is fruitful for the prospective growth of the organization. Reference List: Ali, M., Ng, Y.L. and Kulik, C.T., 2014. Board age and gender diversity: A test of competing linear and curvilinear predictions.Journal of Business Ethics,125(3), pp.497-512. Barak, M.E.M., 2016.Managing diversity: Toward a globally inclusive workplace. Sage Publications. Barak, M.E.M., 2016.Managing diversity: Toward a globally inclusive workplace. Sage Publications. Cdn.pg.com. (2017).DiversityandInclusion. [online] Available at: https://cdn.pg.com/-/media/PGCOMUS/Documents/PDF/Who_We_Are/DiversityandInclusion/PG_DiversityInclusion_AR_2012%20pdf.pdf?la=en-USv=1-201506230605 [Accessed 3 Feb. 2017]. Chapple, L. and Humphrey, J.E., 2014. Does board gender diversity have a financial impact? Evidence using stock portfolio performance.Journal of Business Ethics,122(4), pp.709-723. Cumming, D., Leung, T.Y. and Rui, O., 2015. Gender diversity and securities fraud.Academy of Management Journal,58(5), pp.1572-1593. De Anca, C. and Vega, A.V., 2016.Managing diversity in the global organization: Creating new Business values. Springer. Dheer, R.J. and Lenartowicz, T., 2016. Multiculturalism and Entrepreneurial Intentions: Understanding the Mediating Role of Cognitions.Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. Entzinger, H., 2014. The rise and fall of multiculturalism: The case of the Netherlands. InToward assimilation and citizenship: Immigrants in liberal nation-states(pp. 59-86). Palgrave Macmillan UK. forbes.com. (2017).global_diversity_rankings_2012. [online] Available at: https://images.forbes.com/forbesinsights/StudyPDFs/global_diversity_rankings_2012.pdf [Accessed 3 Feb. 2017]. Harvey, C.P. and Allard, M., 2015.Understanding and managing diversity. Pearson. Henson, K.T., 2015.Curriculum planning: Integrating multiculturalism, constructivism, and education reform. Waveland Press. Kirton, G. and Greene, A.M., 2015.The dynamics of managing diversity: A critical approach. Routledge. Lcke, G., Kostova, T. and Roth, K., 2014. Multiculturalism from a cognitive perspective: Patterns and implications.Journal of International Business Studies,45(2), pp.169-190. Modood, T., 2013.Multiculturalism. John Wiley Sons, Ltd. Pginvestor.com. (2017).Annual report. [online] Available at: https://www.pginvestor.com/Cache/1500090608.PDF?O=PDFT=Y=D=FID=1500090608iid=4004124 [Accessed 3 Feb. 2017]. Reynolds, D., Rahman, I. and Bradetich, S., 2014. Hotel managers' perceptions of the value of diversity training: an empirical investigation.International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management,26(3), pp.426-446. Rhoads, R.A. and Valadez, J.R., 2016.Democracy, multiculturalism, and the community college: A critical perspective(Vol. 1081). Routledge. Richard, O.C., Kirby, S.L. and Chadwick, K., 2013. The impact of racial and gender diversity in management on financial performance: How participative strategy making features can unleash a diversity advantage.The International Journal of Human Resource Management,24(13), pp.2571-2582. Us.pg.com. (2017).Community Impact - Sustainability | PG. [online] Available at: https://us.pg.com/sustainability/community-impact [Accessed 3 Feb. 2017]. Us.pg.com. (2017).Our Approach - Who We Are | PG. [online] Available at: https://us.pg.com/who-we-are/our-approach [Accessed 2 Feb. 2017].