Produce a Market Entry Proposal of of Xiaomi (a fast growing Chinese Essay

Produce a Market Entry Proposal of of Xiaomi (a fast growing Chinese smartphone company) in A specific country - Essay Example These strategies particularly associate with the goods and services delivery in to a foreign country. It facilitates an organization to increase its market share while building an international brand reputation. Moreover, it helps in long term growth and organizational sustenance. Following are the most important market entry strategies which are discussed in this proposal (Schermerhorn, 2011): The company should pursue the wholly owned subsidies market entry strategy particularly for Singapore. This is justified on the basis of research and analysis, for instance, Singapore acts as the regional headquarter of Xiaomi whereas the management is now considering opening a regional distribution center, customer support center, retail outlet and a corporate office (Yu, 2014). Hence the proposed market entry strategy will actually facilitate the organization in achieving the company’s strategic goals. Research indicates that Xiaomi is now recognized as the fastest growing smart phone market in the China (Olson, 2013).. On the basis of its increasing market share and customer services in the homeland the company has decided to enter in to the global market. This will eventually help the organization in improving its profit margins while also gaining a significant global image in the smart phone industry. Xiaomi has a strong corporate management whereas the global expansion project is handed over to the former Google employee, Hugo Barra (Yu, 2014). Following recommendations are made for Xiaomi’s market entry into Singapore while considering its strategic position, customer attractiveness etc. 2. Subsequently the organization would have to develop a comprehensive market entry strategy which must be consistent with its business approach, corporate values and the smart phone’s feature preferences of the regional customers. 3. Since the company is aiming to establish a distribution centre in Singapore therefore it would have to consider

Environmental Impacts from over Population Essay Example for Free

Environmental Impacts from over Population Essay Introduction The population of human beings on this planet has been gaining exponentially, since the dawn of Man. A basic feature of an exponential increase is that the numbers increase faster and faster as the population doubles and redoubles, with each doubling occurring in the same amount of time (Wright, 2008), As the population continues to multiply, so do the impacts upon our environment and surrounding ecosystems. As human populations increase, the demands for food, supplies, and housing also increase. With these increased demands, there is now a greater strain upon our resources more than ever before. The question then becomes, what are the impacts upon our environment by our population situation, and is there anything that can be done to deal with the problems from this dilemma? Population Impacts As civilization has continued to grow and develop, so has the impact upon our environment by our exploding population. As mankind began to â€Å"modernize†, the Earth began to feel impacts by the choices made from its inhabitants. Beginning with the agricultural revolution, humankind became able to manipulate his environment (Sharp, 2000). During the agricultural revolution, man was able to plant and grow food. As societies were still nomadic in their nature, mankind would use the resources of the Earth to their fullest extent, and then move on to the next area. This started with slash and burn techniques, and for the first time, CO2 levels were modified (Sharp, 2000) As the population of the planet continued to surge, the next great impact upon the environment would be the industrial revolution of the 1800’s. With the boom of the industrial revolution across the world, the demand for natural resources and the impacts upon the environment would soar. More people and natural resources were needed to sustain the new industrial system and the needs of growing societies (Sharp, 2000). The impacts of the industrial revolution were great and vast. For the first time in our world’s history, we could see the potential impacts of using our natural resources and dealing with an ever-growing worldwide population. The effects of population growth upon the environment are becoming revealed at an alarming rate. Between 1960 and 1999, Earths population doubled from three billion to six billion people (Rand, 2000). The world has changed dramatically over the last several years. The landscapes and ecosystems that were present hundreds of years of ago are no longer in existence. We are consuming our natural resources at an alarming rate. In fact, many environmental experts believe that human beings have reached their carrying capacity of sustainable life. How do we meet the challenges of population growth and managing our natural resources without exploiting the environment? First, we must begin to invest in technology that does not degrade the environment (Sharp, 2000). This is very critical to the retention of a sustainable environment for our future. In the past, countries developed around their economic strength. This factor often meant that most nations did not consider long-term environmental impacts by their decisions. These â€Å"slash and burn† techniques by many nations have resulted in devastating consequences to our ecosystems. There are entire species that have become extinct, all in the name of economic progress. This short-term economic gain for many of these nations has resulted in effects that will be felt from generations to come. The eye of man can see the effects of population growth. It also can now project the effects of population demand in the future. One of the growing problems facing mankind today is global climate change. From glaciers melting, to rising oceanic temperatures, and even climactic weather events, the effects of population upon the earth, have impacted our future for many years. Research suggests that temperatures have been influenced by growing concentrations of greenhouse gases, which absorb solar radiation and warm the atmosphere (Rand, 2000). There is still a great deal that we can do to preserve the environment and place a halt to the devastating environment impacts of our population growth. Our sustainability not only depends on us meeting this challenge, but also presents an opportunity to provide for the future of our civilization. An encouraging note is the simple fact that many companies are now becoming â€Å"green† companies, meaning that they are attempting to be environmentally conscious and pursue policies that offer to protect and not neglect our environment. The answers to this problem are two fold. First, we must address the growing populations in the developing world. The populations in these areas are growing at an alarming rate. Many of these areas are already facing critical famines and food shortages of historic proportions. Unfortunately, efforts to implement policies that stress birth control have not been effective. We must address the growing populations in these areas, if we are to tackle the problems that population growth has created upon the Earth. The next problem we must address, if we are to maintain adequate sustainability upon the Earth, is our own consumption issues. As a nation, we are consuming natural resources at an alarming rate. We consume more energy per capita than any nation on this planet. Moreover, we must develop better land-use policies in the developed world. The â€Å"slash and burn† tactics of the past must be stopped and we must acknowledge the fact that we cannot destroy entire ecosystems that have taken hundreds of years to develop, and believe we can replace them by simply planting hundreds of trees that will take years to grow. The impacts of our decisions are great. The choice is clearly impacted by economic factors. As a nation, our demand for consumer goods is at a high level. While our population is growing at a slow rate, our consumption levels have never been higher. Many Americans do not focus on the environmental impacts of their decisions today. We must implement sound environmental policies that embrace this factor. The choices are clear for society. As the population of the world continues to soar, so will the stresses upon our environment. There will be a greater need for usable water, natural resources, and even greater energy demands. While these demands pose a potential calamity for the environment, they also create opportunity for new industries. As mankind begins to recognize the negative effects upon the environment by poor decisions and usage in the past, we as a society can create and environment that fosters the development of â€Å"green† industries and elect government officials that encourage policies that promote the well being of our environment. Conclusion The effects on our environment from our population are visible everyday. One need only look to the smog filled sky, or read the newspapers decrying the shortages of drinking water, and the battles that are ensuing to lay claim to that drinking water to realize the impact of the decisions that face us as a society today. We can change the way we live and stop the poor use of the environment, and we can control the growth of the population in third world countries, or continue the status quo. If we choose poorly, we will face an environmental impact that will test the sustainability, not only of our civilization, but also of our planet.

Tribal Living :: Government Lifestyle Social Essays

Tribal Living As post 9/11 Americans, we've spent a lot of time claiming unity and community while we waive our bloodstained flags with pride. Our sense of union is a warm fuzzy at most while we watch the evening news, but in reality is choked by the hate and fear that is instilled in us by the "Great State." It is comparable to the church, we go to be spiritual one day a week and live like hell the other six days, making the trip in vain. I want to attempt to unravel the bandages and let the scales fall from blinded eyes so we can see what true community is. The government in place can only lead to more disappointments and less comradery. I plan to expose big American bureaucracy that leaves many in a very closed off, narcissistic lifestyle, and find solutions in more concentrated forms of rule, so we can achieve unity through a more communal process. The first observation can be made from the comfort of our cars. Weà ­ve all seen the star-striped flags on the rear windows of other vehicles on the road, but try to pass and youà ­ll catch a great big finger from the front. Why is this? Why do we not sponsor the motto, "Live and let live?" Washington calls for one voice against terrorism and has used it as license to kill anyone who slightly threatens that voice. We are the biggest threat to the world, only it has become our manifest destiny to be its peace holder. We go and enforce our way of life, leaving other nations in ruins while our own homes lay in more destructive, less obvious ruin. We lack community and social obligation. Our era is often characterized by individualism (Firat and Venkatesh, 1993), which is the logical conclusion when government is impersonal, and the only way of being noticed is by taking personal action to show our own existence, our own difference (Elliot, 1997). The faà ade that is our American uni ty will not hold back the waters, and will only lead to a more detached, self-absorbed society. One of the most visible consequences of a nation turning to individualism is a lack of social interaction. With technology increasing, and products and services right behind, many are freed from tasks that would have previously required their confrontations with others. The internet has made it so that shopping, paying bills, and even conversing can be done by punching a few keys (all this weà ­ve known for years).

Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay

Good vs. Evil has been a classic contrast used for centuries. It has been used in films, books, plays, and even children’s tales. But what constitutes good and evil? What determines if an act is good or evil? The things that we know, the things we believe, are not our own original ideas. That is a known fact. Everything we know and believe was influenced by our upbringing, our family and friends or lack of, our education; basically every thing that comes into contact with us. Even for the people who would say â€Å"I hated my parents and my education so they didn’t influence my beliefs! † Well, I’m sorry to be the one to tell you, but they did. The need that you may have had to rebel caused you to believe in opposite things from your family or whoever you wanted to rebel against. But thats another question for another chapter. In todays world, we trust our own beliefs as to what is good and what is evil. But what defines this? Most people would tell you that the â€Å"norm† defines good and evil. Society tells you that helping an old lady across the street is good and shooting a man in the head is evil. Don’t get me wrong though, I do believe in good and doing the right thing, I just want to portray a philosophical approach to this contrast. Back to the point, if everyone trusts the â€Å"norm† to decide what is good and what is evil; then isn’t that a form of mob mentality? Mob mentality is something that people are constantly warned about in literature through out time, an example being Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. So I have reached a paradox. If the â€Å"norm† is decided by the majority of people, and the majority of people coming together to create an idea is mob mentality, and mob mentality is considered bad and wrong; then aren’t our ideas of good and evil created by something that is not good in the first place? If you are at this point reading and wondering what my answer will be to this question, I want to tell you now not to get your hopes up because I don’t have a difinitive answer to that. Let’s bring this idea back in time to the early times of human existence. What are a human’s basic needs? Food, water, clothing and shelter, right? I’ve heard this hundreds of times. Well if we humans are in fact animals, then we have a set of instinctive needs. Just like a new born cougar enters the world with instinct for hunting, don’t we as well? If society wasn’t here to set guidelines wouldn’t we just be living in and amongst our instinctive needs? If one of our instinctive needs is to eat, and some of us choose to eat dogs or cats (as they do in some countries) then why do we have animal help groups breathing down people’s necks to make this stop? Because it is evil, right? But is it really? I myself could not stand the thought of me eating a dog or cat, and that is because I come from a society where these animals are pets, your friends. But why is it wrong for people from another society to do this, when they don’t see it the same way we do? Who is right here? Of course, each side thinks they are right but is there a real answer to this question? Let’s give a scenario; two men break into your house, they kill everyone in your family except you and your mother. They put a gun to your mother’s head and say â€Å"We will kill her and you will get everything, the house, the car, the money, the only thing we require is that you join us and work for us. † What would you do? Do you take their offer and watch them kill your mother, or do you tell them no and die for it. It is a lose-lose situation, there is no realistic decision you could make that would create a win. If you let them kill your mother, you will live out the rest of your life with that hanging over your head. If you say no, then you both die. The people that are doing this are evil, right? Why? I would say because they are murdering innocent people, just wiping their existence away with the pull of a trigger. But do they think that? What if the person with the gun thought what he was doing was ok? What if he grew up on the streets and the only thing that he learned was violence. If violence was the norm for him, and it conflicts with our norm, which one is right? If you should always trust in your beliefs, what if your beliefs are wrong? Lets take an example from history. Martin Luther King Jr. vs. Hitler. Good vs. Evil, right? For argument’s sake, lets classify the general population of the world into two groups. Group A are the people who idolize MLK Jr. and despise Hitler. Group B are the people who idolize Hitler and despise MLK Jr. Both sides are amongst a group that holds the same beliefs and ideals as themselves. They all believe they are right, and if the idea of wrong and right is determined by the norm, and the norm is what the majority of people decides, then aren’t they both right? Doesn’t this faulty decision lead to extreme conflict? Look at all the past wars in this world. They all boil down to the basic fact that each side had conflicting beliefs and each side believed that they were doing the right thing. So does that make each side wrong or right? Good or Evil? What do you do to fix this major flaw in today’s society? Be yourself. Individuality. Don’t allow yourself to be too heavily influenced by the things around you. Take everything you see and keep it, soak it all up, leave no stone unturned, and when you think you have everything, then decide for yourself. The truth is what we all seek in one form or another. Some are content to leave things be and others aren’t. For those of us uncontent to settle for anything less than the truth, we are fighting a losing battle. I leave you with this quote from Wilkie Collins â€Å"Are there, infinitely varying with each individual, inbred forces of Good and Evil in all of us, deep down below the reach of mortal encouragement and mortal repression — hidden Good and hidden Evil, both alike at the mercy of the liberating opportunity and the sufficient temptation? â€Å"

Freedom of Speech Indian

Freedom Of Indian Press Freedom of Press In India DESPITE BEING the largest Democracy in the World, the Indian Press has never been accorded a free status. A survey of civil and political liberties carried out by Freedom House listed the Indian press as being â€Å"partly free†. What is of concern here is that it figured even below countries like Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Comoros, Ecuador and El Salvador. Ever since, the time of Hickey, the administration has recognized the potential of the Indian Press to be severely anti-establishment. To check the growth of the Indian press without seeming overtly restrictive, the British Government enacted several legislation that were successful in restricting the Indian Press. This restriction has carried on to the present times. A major reason to doubt India's freedom of the press stems from the times of the Emergency when constitutional safeguards meant to protect freedom of speech and expression were set aside. Even today the Official Secrets Act allows the Government to ban publication of articles dealing with sensitive security issues. However, journalists feel that in practice this is occasionally used to limit criticism of government actions, particularly in Punjab and Kashmir. The Government controls even the issual of subsidized newsprint to newspapers. The mass media in India works in the absence of an absorptive infrastructure and hence widespread illiteracy and a limited audience weaken the media's efficiency. It has been alleged that the most important limitation to the media's efficiency in India is its inclination towards being a â€Å"uni-directional transmitory mechanism†, i. e. , a center to periphery type of direction that is unable to represent particularistic interests. The situation is however not so dismal. By looking at the role played by the press especially the electronic media, in the recent years, in reporting extreme situations like that of the Gujarat earthquake or other such situations, one notices the crucial role the press plays in bringing to the forefront the concerns of the affected populations. Despite the fact that press freedom in India is not totally without hindrances in some form or the other, an active judiciary works consistently to safeguard the provisions of the Constitution and this was seen during the Emergency of 1975-77. The judiciary is independent of the government in ordinary cases, although the system suffers from overload and is often inaccessible to the poor. India has a large and conscious private press and although it has not always been successful in providing â€Å"early warnings† to the authorities, it has definitely succeeded in extracting political accountability from the government, an achievement that rightly needs to be acknowledged.

Americans with Disabilities Act essays

Americans with Disabilities Act essays I would like to begin by saying, that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is one of the better bills that were signed. Lets begin by giving a little history on ADA and I will discuss a few things on how accommodations are set up for the person with a disability or handicap. I will also provide an example or two of questions to ask and a diagram of how an elevator is set up persons with disabilities. Historically, societies have frequently misconstrued, overreacted to, or ignored differences in individual mental and physical abilities. Recorded instances of ridicule, torture, imprisonment and execution of people with disabilities are not uncommon. One commentator stated that Our society is still infected by an insidious, now almost subconscious assumption that people with disabilities are less than fully human, and therefore are not fully eligible for the opportunities, services and support systems which are available to other people as a matter of right. (U.S.C.C.R., 1983) In colonial times, it was considered the familys responsibility to care for individuals born with disabilities or those who became disabled later through illness, injury too other causes. According to a leading authority, Fear, shame and lack of understanding led some families to hide or disown their disabled member or allow them to die.(A.S., p18) A system of farming those individuals whose families were unable or unwilling to support them to people who received public assistance to provide for their room, board, and care survived until the latter part of the 19th century. Public concern over abuses, including recorded cases in which care providers collected their fees and then locked people with disabilities in attics to starve or freeze to death, eventually led to a change in focus. A shift towards more organized, institutionalized care began in the 1820s. The term warehousing, ...

The Fundamentals of Elementary Particle Physics

The Fundamentals of Elementary Particle Physics One of the most startling discoveries of the 20th century was the sheer number of particles that exist in the universe. Though the concept of fundamental, indivisible particles goes back to the ancient Greeks (a concept known as atomism), it wasnt really until the 1900s that physicists began to explore what was going inside matter at the smallest levels. In fact, quantum physics predicts that there are just 18 types of elementary particles (16 of which have been detected by experiment already). It is the goal of elementary particle physics to continue searching for the remaining particles. The Standard Model of Particle Physics The Standard Model of Particle Physics is at the core of modern physics. In this model, three of the four fundamental forces of physics are described, along with the particles that mediate these forces gauge bosons. (Technically, gravity isnt included in the Standard Model, though theoretical physicists are working to extend the model to include a quantum theory of gravity.) Groups of Particles If theres one thing that particle physicists seem to enjoy, its dividing up particles into groups. Here are a few of the groups which particles exist in: Elementary Particles - The smallest constituents of matter and energy, these particles which dont seem to be made from combinations of smaller particles. Fermions - Fermions are particles that have a particle spin equal to a half-integer value (-1/2, 1/2, 3/2, etc.). These particles make up the matter that we observe in our universe.Quarks - A class of fermion. Quarks are the particles that make up hadrons, such as protons and neutrons. There are 6 distinct types of quarks:Bottom QuarkStrange QuarkDown QuarkTop QuarkCharm QuarkUp QuarkLeptons - A class of fermion. There are 6 types of leptons:ElectronElectron NeutrinoMuonMuon NeutrinoTauTau NeutrinoBosons - Bosons are particles that have a particle spin that is equal to an integer (1, 2, 3, etc.). These particles are what mediate the fundamental forces of physics under the quantum field theories.PhotonW BosonZ BosonGluonHiggs Boson - part of the Standard Model. Detected for the first time in 2012 by the Large Hadron Collider.Graviton - theoretically predicted as part of quantum gravity, but not actually part of the Standard Model Composite Particles Hadrons - Particles made up of multiple quarks bound together.Baryons (fermions)Nucleons - protons neutronsHyperons - short-lived particles composed of strange quarksMesons (bosons)Atomic Nuclei - protons and neutrons form together to create the atomic nucleusAtoms - The basic chemical building block of matter, atoms are composed of electrons, protons, and neutrons.Molecules - A complex structure composed of multiple atoms bonded together. The study of how atoms bond together to form various molecular structures is the foundation of modern chemistry. A Note on Particle Classification It can be hard to keep all the names straight in particle physics, so it might be helpful to think of the animal world, where such structured naming might be more familiar and intuitive. Humans are primates, mammals, and also vertebrates. Similarly, protons are baryons, hadrons, and also fermions. The unfortunate difference is that the terms tend to sound similar to each other. Confusing bosons and baryons, for example, is far easier than confusing primates and invertebrates. The only way to really keep these different particle groups separate is to just carefully study them and try to be careful about which name is being used. Matter Forces: Fermions Bosons All elementary particles in physics are classified as either fermions or bosons. Quantum physics demonstrates the particles may have an intrinsic non-zero spin, or angular momentum, associated with them. A fermion (named after Enrico Fermi) is a particle with a half-integer spin, while a boson (named after Satyendra Nath Bose) is a particle with an integer spin. These spins result in different mathematical applications in certain situations, which is far beyond the scope of this article. For now, just know that the two types of particles exist. Simple mathematics of adding integers and half-integers show the following: Combining an odd number of fermions results in a fermion (because the total spin will still be a half-integer value)Combining an even number of fermions results in a boson (because the total spin will now be an integer value) Breaking Down Matter: Quarks Leptons The two basic constituents of matter are quarks and leptons. Both of these subatomic particles are fermions, so all bosons are created from an even combination of these particles. Quarks are fundamental particles which interact through all four of the fundamental forces of physics: gravity, electromagnetism, weak interaction, and strong interaction. Quarks always exist in combination to form subatomic particles known as hadrons. Hadrons, just to make things even more complicated, are divided into mesons (which are bosons) and baryons (which are fermions). Protons neutrons are baryons. In other words, they are composed of quarks such that their spin is a half-integer value. Leptons, on the other hand, are fundamental particles that do not experience strong interaction. There are three flavors of leptons: the electron, the muon, and the tau. Each flavor is composed of a weak doublet, which is made up of the aforementioned particle along with a virtually massless neutral particle called a neutrino. Thus, the electron lepton is the weak doublet of electron electron-neutrino. Edited by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Profile of Spanish Dictator Francisco Franco

Profile of Spanish Dictator Francisco Franco Francisco Franco, the Spanish dictator and general, was perhaps Europes most successful fascist leader because he actually managed to survive in power until his natural death. (Obviously, we use successfully without any value judgment, were not saying he was a good idea, just that he curiously managed not to get beaten on a continent which saw a vast war against people like him.) He came to rule Spain by leading the right-wing forces in the civil war, which he won with Hitler and Mussolinis help and came to cling on by surviving against many odds, despite the brutality and murder of his government.   Early Career of Francisco Franco Franco was born into a naval family on Dec. 4  1892. He wanted to be a sailor, but a reduction in admissions to the Spanish Naval Academy forced him to turn to the army, and he entered the Infantry Academy in 1907 aged 14. Upon completing this in 1910, he volunteered to go abroad and fight in Spanish Morocco and did so in 1912, soon winning a reputation for his ability, dedication, and care for his soldiers, but also one for brutality. By 1915 he was the youngest captain in the entire Spanish army. After recovering from a serious stomach wound he became second-in-command and then commander of the Spanish Foreign legion. By 1926 he was brigadier general and a national hero. Franco had not taken part in the coup of Primo de Rivera in 1923, but still became director of a new General Military Academy in 1928. However, this was dissolved following a revolution which expelled the monarchy and created the Spanish Second Republic. Franco, a monarchist, stayed largely quiet and loyal and was restored to command in 1932 - and promoted in 1933 - as a reward for not staging a right-wing coup. After being promoted to Major General in 1934 by a new rightist government, he savagely crushed a rebellion of miners. Many died, but he had raised his national reputation still further among the right, although the left hated him. In 1935 he became Chief of the Central General Staff of the Spanish Army and began to reforms. The Spanish Civil War As divisions between the left and the right in Spain grew, and as the country’s unity unraveled after a left-wing alliance won power in elections, Franco appealed for a state of emergency to be declared. He feared a communist takeover. Instead, Franco was sacked from the General Staff and sent to the Canary Islands, where the government hoped he was too far away to start a coup. They were wrong. He eventually decided to join the planned right-wing rebellion, delayed by his sometimes mocked caution, and on July 18,  1936, he telegraphed the news of a military rebellion from the Islands; this was followed by a rising on the mainland. He moved to Morocco, took control of the garrison army, and then landed it in Spain. After a march towards Madrid, Franco was chosen by the nationalist forces to be their head of state, due in part to his reputation, distance from political groups, the original figurehead had died, and partly because of his new hunger to lead. Franco’s nationalists, aided by German and Italian forces, fought a slow, careful war which was brutal and vicious. Franco wanted to do more than win, he wanted to ‘cleanse’ Spain of communism. Consequently, he led the right to complete victory in 1939, whereupon there was no reconciliation: he drafted laws making any support for the republic a crime. During this period his government emerged, a military dictatorship supported, but still separate and above, a political party which merged Fascists and Carlists. The skill he exhibited in forming and holding together this political union of right-wing groups, each with their own competing visions for post-war Spain, has been called ‘brilliant’. World War and Cold War The first real ‘peacetime’ test for Franco was the start of World War 2, in which Franco’s Spain initially lent towards the German-Italian Axis. However, Franco kept Spain out of the war, although this was less to do foresight, and more the result of Franco’s innate caution, Hitler’s rejection of Franco’s high demands, and a recognition that the Spanish military was in no position to fight. The allies, including the US and Britain, gave Spain just enough aid to keep them neutral. Consequently, his regime survived the collapse and total defeat of his old civil-wartime supporters. Initial post-war hostility from the western European powers, and the US – they viewed him as the last fascist dictator – was overcome and Spain was rehabilitated as an anti-communist ally in the Cold War. Dictatorship During the war, and during the early years of his dictatorship, Franco’s government executed tens of thousands of â€Å"rebels†, imprisoned a quarter of a million, and crushed local traditions, leaving little opposition. Yet his repression loosened slightly over time as his government continued into the 1960s and the country transformed culturally into a modern nation. Spain also grew economically, in contrast to the authoritarian governments of Eastern Europe, although all this progress was more due to a new generation of young thinkers and politicians than to Franco himself, who became increasingly distant from the real world. Franco also became increasingly viewed as above the actions and decisions of subordinates who took the blame went things went wrong and earned an international reputation for developing and surviving. Plans and Death In 1947 Franco had passed a referendum which effectively made Spain a monarchy headed by him for life, and in 1969 he announced his official successor: Prince Juan Carlos, eldest son of the leading claimant to the Spanish throne. Shortly before this, he had allowed limited elections to parliament, and in 1973 he resigned from some power, remaining as head of the state, military, and party. Having suffered from Parkinson’s for many years – he kept the condition secret - he died in 1975 following a protracted illness. Three years later Juan Carlos had peacefully reintroduced democracy; Spain had become a modern constitutional monarchy. Personality Franco was a serious character, even as a child, when his short stature and high pitched voice caused him to be bullied. He could be sentimental over trivial issues, but exhibited an icy coldness over anything serious, and appeared capable of removing himself from the reality of death. He despised communism and Freemasonry, which he feared would take over Spain and disliked both east and west Europe in the post-World War II world.

Stratovolcano the Composite Cones Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Stratovolcano the Composite Cones - Essay Example Stratovolcanoes are common at subduction zones forming a chain of volcanic features along plate tectonic boundaries where the oceanic crust is drawn under continental crust. The magma that is responsible for stratovolcanoes formation rises when water that is trapped both in the porous basalt rock and in hydrated minerals of the upper oceanic crust layer. It is then released into the mantle rock of the asthenosphere of earth’s crust that is above the sinking oceanic slab. After the occurrence of dewatering at high pressures and temperatures for each mineral, the plate descends to greater depths. The released water from this rock then lowers the melting point by cooling the temperatures of the overlying mantle rock. This in turn makes the rock to undergo partial melting and then rises due to its lighter density relative as compared to the surrounding mantle rock and the pools that form temporarily at the base of the lithosphere. The magma then rises thought the earth’s cr ust, carrying silica-rich crustal rock leading to a final intermediate composition. On reaching near the top surface, it then forms a pool in the magma chamber within the volcano, due to low pressure, water and other compounds such as chlorine sulphur and carbon dioxide dissolve in the magma to escape from the solution. Once a critical large volume of magma and gases accumulates the rock that acts as an obstacle is then overcame leading to a sudden explosive eruption (Biley ). Stratovolcanoes are rated as the most hazards to civilians as they cause large numbers of death when they occur. Many deaths are caused by mud and the pyroclastic flow that fast-moving mixture of hot volcanic debris ash and gases that can travel at high speed of about 160km/h. The eruption of Mt Pel’ee on Martinique Island in the Caribbean, El Chi chon volcano in Mexico which killed thousands of lives, the Pinatubo volcano that erupted in 1991 in Manila and the Unzen volcano on the island of Kyushu. Stratovolcanoes mainly form at the convergent plate margins usually where one plate descends beneath an adjacent denser plate at the site of a subduction zone.  

International Transport Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

International Transport - Essay Example Businesses have expanded their markets internationally because of effective transportation of goods and services. The transport of people remains the most critical issue that should be addressed by any international transport company. Provision of high quality but cost effective transport services is achieved when the key elements are considered. Effective services depend mainly on the comprehensive standards underpinning transport operations where innovation to provide immense benefits to customers and service providers remain the central issue. Bardi (2007, p. 78) suggested that robust and comprehensive standards should be practiced in the transportation sector. The service providers should have best practices that offer protection to both people and goods that are in transit. Means of international transport available in the world are risky hence the owners should establish the best practices that limit the extent of risks. International transportation of human remains calls for numerous measures to govern the conditions and state of transport. The service providers must have strong strategies which protect the crew. Transport of the human remains exposes the crew to a lot of dangers. Human remains of those who were affected by dangerous diseases such SAARS and H1N1 can be very dangerous to the crew. Loading and offloading of human remains should be carried out with all protective devices. The embalmers should be people of high intelligence and are qualified enough to take up the job. This limits the chances of been infec ted hence the rest of the passengers are safe. The embalming process should be done very effectively and fast enough. The customer transporting goods across national borders should feel safe at all times. Protection standards should be developed with real consumer needs in mind and the service provider should ensure that services provided are well understood by the consumer. UN Model Regulations have ensured protection

Conception of Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Conception of Justice - Essay Example According to his theory He believes that equal rights should not be given to all the people and free market is not at all acceptable for kristol as it will raise the tide. So he believes in unequal distribution of benefits in the society. In order to justify his theory he further says that the in equality should benefit every one to some extent mainly the less advantaged. I believe and agree with kristol's theory. All the human beings should be given equal rights and it should be left on their fate that it will float their boat or will sink it. This will be un kind if we fulfill needs of one person and ignore other. Every body who is entering in the market will obviously try to compete and in doing so healthy competition will be there in the market and will result in better quality and quantity of work. The free market will not increase rush in market but will increase the number of competitors to get better and much better results. The principle of difference presented by Rawl doesn't seem much attractive and impressive. Free market is the right of every retailer or investor and it is upon them that how they manage to get hold of right strategies and manage to survive or rule the society. Other wise it would be like that you are afraid of your competitors and that's why you don't allow them to enter into the market or you don't want free market because you are afraid of being over come by some other party. In other words you don't want any race track as you are afraid of race - this, in essence, is not, and cannot be, a rule of the game. The actual rule of the game is to let come who ever want to with a spirit that if you are the best no one could let you down. So in my vote goes for kristol. 2. The Ciulla reading (on the course reserve, on the syllabus for June 2nd) directly addresses one of Ian Maitland's claims. Evaluate Ciulla's response (this requires stating the relevant claim from Maitland). Whose side do you take--in answering this last question, you should give reasons for the side you take, and those reasons should appeal to Maitland's or Ciulla's arguments, and you should acknowledge possible counter-arguments. Does your decision affect your actions as a consumer/economic agent (450 words) Word count:345 Ethical issues are always present in the business no matter what kind of business it is. Modern work is a subject of debate for many writers and all of them have different point of view and arguments about same subject. While defending business of sweat shops Maitland says that on the whole, they are better for the world's poor than the available alternatives. For him sweat shops are good for third world workers. He believes that a worker from third world country can get respect because of this business in any country as it is respectable. Where as Ciulla believes that there is no easy solution to make any work meaning full and that there is also no easy way out for balancing the demands of work and life. I personally agree with Ciulla because it is not necessary that if you open a sweat shop it will be successful for sure or there is no guarantee that being a

Inventory stystems Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Inventory stystems - Assignment Example The system used by Kroger allows for the shelves to look like they are always full with the same type of products. This allows the products to look readily available at all times. The system works well when the projected amount of sales are accurately made. Allowing for too much or too little inventory will mean for inadequate operating costs. This is also known as order quantity issues. This can mean losing customers or allowing food to expire. Firms like Kroger that use perishable inventory are dependent on an accurate inventory. Order quantity issues can arise from any type of inventory system. This system that is used by Kroger is pretty acceptable. The only problem is that because most of the inventory is perishable, inventory accuracy must be perfect so that money is not lost. Proper management, research and production teams are essential to making sure proper inventory levels are maintained. The development of a new hybrid model can eliminate wasted inventory. Wasted inventory is a common problem for firms such as Kroger. No matter which inventory system is used, there has to be some sort of a control that allows the firm using the system to remain orderly and profitable. Without the chance for steady inventory and profit, the firm will not survive. Inman, Anthony. "Inventory Management - Levels, System, Model, Type, Business, System, What Is Inventory?, Why Keep Inventory?, Controlling Inventory, Balancing Inventory and Costs, Other Lot-sizing Techniques." Reference For Business - Encyclopedia of Small Business, Business Biographies, Business Plans, and Encyclopedia of American Industries. Web. 06 Mar. 2011.

Impact of Brand Image on Consumer on Clothing Industry Dissertation

Impact of Brand Image on Consumer on Clothing Industry - Dissertation Example lysis 25 3.1 Theoretical Framework 25 3.2 Justification of Research Method 28 3.3 Sampling 31 3.4 Data Analysis 32 Chapter 4: Research Findings and Discussion 34 4.1 Background of the Respondents 35 4.2 Impact of Brand Image on Buying Behaviour 37 4.3 Possible outcomes and Results 42 Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations 43 References 46 Bibliography 50 Appendix 51 Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1Problem Formulation Clothing happens to be one of the necessities along with food and shelter. However, over the years clothing has been a bit more than just a mere necessity to cover body parts. Clothing has become an integral part of the style statement and hence a lot of companies have entered the clothing business making it quite competitive. The clothing business on global basis includes major players as well as small local players. As a result of the rise in competition marketing and research has become extremely important to gain competitive advantage. The market research and analysis in clothing industry is mostly concerned with the study of consumer behaviour patterns in order to indentify personal needs and also to analyze the perception of the consumers towards various stimuli related to the marketing mix in the form of product, price, place and promotion. One of the most popular topics of market research has been the effect or impact of brand image on consumer behaviour. Researchers round the world have tried to analyze factors that mostly influences a buyer of behave in a certain fashion. Researchers have tried to understand whether the customers are willing to pay premium price for branded products; the association of branding and consumer perception towards quality. Being the developed economy that they are countries like U.K., U.S. has seen the presence of the... Clothing happens to be one of the necessities along with food and shelter. However, over the years clothing has been a bit more than just a mere necessity to cover body parts. Clothing has become an integral part of the style statement and hence a lot of companies have entered the clothing business making it quite competitive. The clothing business on global basis includes major players as well as small local players. As a result of the rise in competition marketing and research has become extremely important to gain competitive advantage. The market research and analysis in clothing industry is mostly concerned with the study of consumer behaviour patterns in order to indentify personal needs and also to analyze the perception of the consumers towards various stimuli related to the marketing mix in the form of product, price, place and promotion. One of the most popular topics of market research has been the effect or impact of brand image on consumer behaviour. Researchers round the world have tried to analyze factors that mostly influences a buyer of behave in a certain fashion. Researchers have tried to understand whether the customers are willing to pay premium price for branded products; the association of branding and consumer perception towards quality. Being the developed economy that they are countries like U.K., U.S. has seen the presence of the plethora of major brands like fast fashion retailers like Zara, H&M, top-shop; major sports cum fashion apparel brands like Addias, Puma, Nike, Fila, Fcuk, etc.

Inventory stystems Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Inventory stystems - Assignment Example The system used by Kroger allows for the shelves to look like they are always full with the same type of products. This allows the products to look readily available at all times. The system works well when the projected amount of sales are accurately made. Allowing for too much or too little inventory will mean for inadequate operating costs. This is also known as order quantity issues. This can mean losing customers or allowing food to expire. Firms like Kroger that use perishable inventory are dependent on an accurate inventory. Order quantity issues can arise from any type of inventory system. This system that is used by Kroger is pretty acceptable. The only problem is that because most of the inventory is perishable, inventory accuracy must be perfect so that money is not lost. Proper management, research and production teams are essential to making sure proper inventory levels are maintained. The development of a new hybrid model can eliminate wasted inventory. Wasted inventory is a common problem for firms such as Kroger. No matter which inventory system is used, there has to be some sort of a control that allows the firm using the system to remain orderly and profitable. Without the chance for steady inventory and profit, the firm will not survive. Inman, Anthony. "Inventory Management - Levels, System, Model, Type, Business, System, What Is Inventory?, Why Keep Inventory?, Controlling Inventory, Balancing Inventory and Costs, Other Lot-sizing Techniques." Reference For Business - Encyclopedia of Small Business, Business Biographies, Business Plans, and Encyclopedia of American Industries. Web. 06 Mar. 2011.

Transcendentalism in the movie Avatar and how both relate to nature Essay

Transcendentalism in the movie Avatar and how both relate to nature - Essay Example In this movie, transcendentalism is shown when Jake, the main the character breaks from his government and conforms to the natives’ ideology of the importance of nature. Nature is holy to the natives in the movie with God-like powers. Pantheism is the worship of creation. Transcendentalists believe that nature is a way of connection with God. The tree of souls in the movie is as a link to their mother. The destruction of nature by the government is similar to the industrial movement at the beginning of transcendentalism. Technology is as bad and a destroyer of nature. The technology in the movie serves to harm nature, as is believed by transcendentalism (Grabiner 59). Avatar is transcendental in the way it portrays nature and new life. The religion in Avatar portraying God as being Supreme over all beings originates from transcendentalism. The most important message in Avatar is respect for nature. Some of the aspects portrayed in the movie are relevant in the world today. Nature is important and needs to be respected and preserved. It is important not to sacrifice nature at the expense of other benefits (Smitha

Financial Accounting Standards Board Essay Example for Free

Financial Accounting Standards Board Essay Runway Discount (Runway), a privately held online retailer, has implemented a new customer referral marketing campaign. The campaign involves incentivizing current customers to refer their friends to Runway’s website. When a current customer refers someone who makes a purchase on Runway’s website, the referring customer receives a $25 credit to be applied to a future purchase. Two important provisions should be highlighted regarding this â€Å"Refer-a-Friend† program: The $25 credit is contingent upon the existing customer’s referral actually making a purchase The $25 credit is applied to the referring customer’s future purchase at the time that the referred customer makes a purchase The business purpose of this Refer-a-Friend program is to increase sales and expand Runway’s customer base by providing incentives for current customers to refer their friends. The first accounting issue associated with Runway Discount’s Refer-a-Friend program is identifying how the $25 referral credit should be recorded in Runway’s income statement. Is this consideration an adjustment of the selling prices of the vendor’s products or services, and therefore characterized as a reduction of revenue, or is it a cost incurred by the vendor for assets and services received from the customer, and therefore characterized as a cost or expense? The next significant accounting issue is regarding when Runway should record the $25 referral credit as a liability: (a) at the time an existing customer receives the $25 referral credit, or (b) at the time the existing customer actually uses the $25 referral credit to make a purchase? In the following sections, we will discuss the possible accounting treatments under U.S GAAP and IFRS, which relate to these accounting issues facing Runway Discount. Relevant examples will be provided of businesses that offer similar referral incentive programs. We will conclude with our recommendation of how Runway Discount should account for the referral credits it issues relating to its Refer-a-Friend program. Applicable Authoritative Literature FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605-50, Revenue Recognition IASC International Accounting Standards (IAS) 18, Revenue Recognition View as multi-pages

Case Study of Personal Constructs Theory (PCT)

Case Study of Personal Constructs Theory (PCT) Title/Abstract In this study we aim to provide an analysis of a subjects problems using the Personal Constructs Theory (PCT) suggested by Kelly. The subject is a 35 year old female full time employee working in the same company as the researcher and has shown no barriers to construing. The subjects problems with her relationships have been determined using the Repertory grid interview and we discuss results and provide an analysis of the findings following the interview and data collection. The interview was done to identify elements within the clients relationships and all interview limitations have been considered for the study. We provide an analysis of Personal Constructs Theory in general giving a brief overview of its main premises and principles and then move on to its applications including the Grid interview technique on our client. We discuss the results and analyse the findings accordingly. Introduction George Kellys Personal Construct Theory (PCT) emphasises that the world is perceived by a person according to the meaning the person applies to it and the person has the freedom to choose a meaning according to what he or she wants (Kelly, 1955). Thus a person has the freedom to choose a meaning in terms of which he perceives the world and can apply alternative constructions or meanings to his past, present and future events. Thus a person is not a victim of his events but can liberate himself from unpleasant events by reinterpreting and redefining them. According to Kelly (1955) PCT attempts to explain why a man does what he does and is a theory about how the human process flows, how it strives in new directions as well as in old, and how it may dare for the first time to reach into the depths of newly perceived dimensions Kelly states that a persons processes are psychologically channelized by the ways in which he anticipate the events'(1955). Here, the subject is the process and the individual is a behaving organism who may need an external force to initiate an event. The processes include those of self-definition and relationships with others, and how we interpret events around us as well as the events we perceive and tasks at hand (Kelly 1955). Kelly based his theory of PCT on man as the scientist model and the basic points were as follows: the individual creates his or her own ways of seeing the world and interprets events according to how he perceive them the individual builds percepts and constructs; these constructs are organized into systems, or group of constructs which embody relationships; two or more systems may contain the same events, yet the events are separate from any of the systems; any individuals systems have a definite foci The term construct is a concept that represents the view a person has constructed about the world as he experiences it. Constructs also represent the way a person is likely to construe the world and the construct system as a whole represents the history and predisposition to perceive the world in a particular way. Kelly also distinguished between social reality, individual reality and communality. Individuality denotes that every individual differ from each other in how they construct or perceive the world, communality refers to the underlying similarities or common elements in perception and how the construction of experience in one person is similar to that of another (Kelly, 1955). Social reality is perception of how one person construes the construction processes of another person and how they are involved in a social role. Personal construct theory has been used in several sociological and scientific disciplines and it has been emphasised that social reality and communality should be considered along with the individual or personal reality and both have to be considered together in developing an understanding of the psychological processes (Dalton, 1992). The theory of Personal Constructs, points out that it is our personal psychological constructs that make the world predictable. We use construct systems to help in perception of the world and respond to all situations according to these perceptions. Our construct systems help us to make sense of the world, to make it predictable, to draw conclusions about causes and effects and we learn from experiences and adjust our behaviour accordingly (Fransella, 1995). Kelly wrote that the construct systems influence our expectations and perceptions and reflect our past experiences according to which we shape our future expectations. For example since we known from our past experiences that winters are cold, we would take adequate measures of protection during winter because we expect winters to be cold. However according to Kelly, our construct systems grow and change and are not static and are either confirmed or challenged when we are conscious. We adapt and immunise our constructs according to the situation and alter our feelings according to our experiences. We also tend to think and react according to our construct systems and some constructs represent values and key relationships which are difficult to change and fixed whereas some other constructs are less complex and more flexible and adaptive. The truth about the world as understood and experienced determines the nature of the construct system. Construct systems are not generally judged according to any objective truth and depend on an individuals personal feelings, perceptions and choices (Dalton, 1992). One individuals construct system may be different from anothers and when there is a general disagreement in constructs, it is generally denoted by prejudice or preconception. Although conflicts and differences of opinions are unpleasant, these events help us to understand differences in people and help us to learn how other people perceive things (Stevens, 1996). However construct systems change and may not be altogether internally consistent. People may react or perceive things differently even in similar circumstances and this is normal as there is a certain degree of internal inconsistency in perception of events. Distortions of judgement due to internal inconsistency of personal constructs can be harmful for a person as he may suffer from personal distress. The extent to which one person can appreciate and react to another persons constructs is a measure of empathy or how one perceives another (Banister, 1985). One persons construct system may be markedly different from another p ersons constructs yet one should be able to infer the other persons construct in order to empathise and develop a sense of social oneness and responsibility. Kellys theory is one of the most effective theories in social research and helps to provide a psychological explanation of social similarities and differences. The applications of Kellys theory of Personal constructs are wide and varied as it helps to provide mathematical representations of constructs systems. Construct systems are multidimensional mathematical models and a persons language is used to classify his or her experiences. Kelly developed a number of mathematical models and representations of construct systems and tested hypotheses that followed from basic personal construct theory (Fransella and Bannister, 1977). To understand peoples personal construct systems the repertory Grid Interview technique was developed, also known as the Role Construct Repertory Test. The repertoire of constructs that a person develops represents some form of perception, judgement or evaluation and is always comparative. Thus judgement of anything good is in comparison with the concept of bad. Thus in using a Grid interview three elements are considered and then two are paired in contrast with a third. The theory of personal constructs can be applied to personal experiences and relationships and so parents, relations, friends, colleagues and the individual are largely responsible for the formation of constructs (Smith et al, 1995; Kalekin-Fishman et al, 1996). Kelly elicited a patients constructs, rated the different elements on the constructs and used the resultant grid to point out to the client what his primary problems or concerns were. This helped to decide which therapy would be important and helped to determine the progress and effectiveness of therapy. For example one could find the two elements in a personal relationship of a patient and his mother and use this technique to find out differences between a patients perception of himself and what his mother would like him to be. The patient would then be encouraged to provide a self description and work through means of making his relationship with his mother more pleasant and productive. If there are paranoid elements recognised in a patients perception of himself or his relationships, appropriate therapeutic interventions are suggested. The Repertory Grid interviewing technique was developed by Kelly to overcome some of the methodological limitations of the interview method. The main steps of the Grid technique include 1. Selecting a set of elements – this could be anything from relationships to issues and the elements could be people involved in these relationships with the client. 2. The elements are taken in groups of three and the client is asked to pair two of them separating the third according to a special characteristic (Adams-Webber, 1983). Thus here the differentiation is done according to constructs determined by the client and is done on a bipolar scale with the interviewer setting up the question but the client determining the content (Anderson, 1987). The constructs are examined in some detail and after the interview the constructs are made into scales of 1-5 and the interviewee is expected to rate every element for every construct on this scale. The result is a matrix and this is then analysed statistically to show the client his problems and how they can be tackled. The statistical analysis helps to give measurements of individual people characteristics and compares peoples perceptions before and after the interview. The Grid is thus a statistical, and content free process and although the interviewer initiates its functions, it is the patient who drives it allowing him to come out with his own perceptions thus giving the process a freedom from any interviewer bias and allows complete transparency(Anderson, 1987). Since it is also a standardised interviewing technique any interviewer can read the interview and understand its implications. Russell and Cox (2003) and Morrison (1991) have stressed on the importance of repertory grid in the analysis of individual perceptions. Considering Kellys constructivist alternativism, we can assume that all our present perceptions of the world could be subject to changes and revisions and accordingly our perceptions of people and subsequently our interpersonal relationships could also be changed according to this principle. Method A 35 year old female colleague, Marie Oliver was selected for the interview process. The client was having some relationship problems, especially with her work colleagues and has been showing maladjustment along with problems of anxiety, depression and lack of productivity at work. The participant was apprised of the purpose of the interviewing and was asked to participate suggesting that participation in the interview would help her in overcoming her personal problems. A Repertory Grid Interview was done and the first step was identifying elements or grid components. For this all the possible elements including people in relationships were identified. Thus elements are work colleagues known to the participant and to the researcher, and the participant used triad method with the elements to create constructs around any one chosen topic. Elements were then compared by asking participant to take 3 elements and ascertain where 2 are similar and 1 is different, and the participant was en couraged to continue until all possible combinations were exhausted of 3 elements from the set of 10. The instruction given in this case was , choose any three of these known people and group two of them together separating a possible third to show why two of them are similar and how they differ from the third person. This process was used to identify similarities and differences of individuals until the participant ran out of constructs. Several mini-grids were developed in advance to ensure that the participant was comfortable with the process of grid construction. Then the Participant followed the process, generated the first grid, to ascertain whether each element is more like the similarity pole or difference pole by marking with x or o respectively. The participant then generated a second grid to rate each element on each of the 10 constructs using 1-5 point scale, but presented the grid to experimenter without ratings, experimenter then created the final grid as the participant. The main aim and purpose of the interview was agreed with the participant and views about other work colleagues were thus taken. The participant was fully informed from outset regarding the possibility that the revelations from the Grid Interview could be unsettling for her. However for these purposes, participants consent form was also signed in advance and the constructs were then set up on the grid allowing to be revealed. In the process of the interview, the researcher made notes on participant behaviour and perceptions as verbally revealed. In this case, the participant Marie was asked to identify the elements in her workplace that could be considered in her relationships with colleagues. Marie identified 10 colleagues at her workplace and separated two of them as distinct from a third. The common points and the differences were noted. Each of the 10 constructs chosen were rated on a 1-5 scale and the grids were created with similarity and difference poles marked by x or an o. This was done in case of determining constructs and relationships with work colleagues. After the formation of a grid, an analysis was drawn up. Findings/Analysis The two assumptions of the Grid Interview by Kelly were as follows: 1. If we can identify an individuals construct map there is a strong possibility we can predict that individuals behaviour. 2. We may be able to modify an individuals map, and therefore behaviour, by some form of training. The two aspects of the Repertory Grid are 1. Elements which are the objects of an individuals thinking and to which they relate their concepts or values. These elements may be people with qualities like effective, unprofessional, etc or they may be objects or abstract, concrete concepts like the interview or a test 2. Constructs are the qualities used to describe the elements in our personal, individual relationships thus a person is effective because he has a pleasant relationship with his staff which reflects personal construct as applied to the element of an effective individual The main elements in an analysis when a grid is applied to an individual are: 1. The results relate to that individual alone 2. Only one grid has to be analysed for an individuals report. 3. A grid scoring form is used to perform the analysis The Findings and Analysis help us to probe the following questions: To what extent was the study helpful in understanding the participants view of the topic of examination? Identification and justification of apparent areas of understanding and lack of understanding Is a pattern of understanding evident? How does the analysis link with the notes made prior to completing grids on expected areas of degree of understanding? What is the meaning revealed by the participants choice of elements and constructs? Do the elements and constructs reveal a similar or different view of the topic of analysis chosen? What does the degree of the match imply? Was the study any more helpful when conversation elaboration was also used as an extended method? Is some analysis of new understandings reached during feedback conversation helpful for the process? What do the notes and quotes as revealed by the client suggest? The findings are given as follows: Degree of similarity Elements (Mostly worked together with these individuals) Close agreement on 4, 5, 6 – elements Less agreement on 9 – element (Mostly worked separately with these individuals) Little agreement on 1,2,3,7,8,10- elements with different negative personal experiences working with E7 and E8 on particular projects. Degree of similarity – Constructs Close agreement on 6 – constructs (professional conduct). Upon discussion, views were similar regarding the meaning of professional conduct and who could be trusted. Less agreement on 1,3,4,5,7,9 – constructs. Upon discussion, researcher and client shared similar/same definitions of each construct. Differences in definitions regarding Constructs Little agreement on 2,8,10 constructs. Upon discussion, our definitions were different, hence our measurement of each element came from a different understanding of constructs. The elements identified by Marie were individuals at the workplace and Marie revealed that she worked closely with elements 4, 5 and 6 although had less agreement with element or colleague 9. Marie revealed that she has worked separately and had negative personal experiences with colleagues identified as elements 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 10 although she said she was working on the same project with two of these negatively perceived colleagues 7 and 8. Mari suggested a close agreement with 6 on professional conduct and said that her views with 6 were similar regarding professional conduct, friendships and trust issues as to who in the office should or should not be trusted. Marie suggested that her constructs were either in contrast to or were not compatible with those of 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9 elements or colleagues identified. Marie and the researcher had some discussions on the nature and definition of particular perceptions and constructs and the general definition of these identified by th e researcher were similar to that of the subject. The subjects perceptions, feedback and opinions on the constructs were noted separately. Marie identified that two of the colleagues were friendly and amicable and compared with the other person who in contrast has been described as unfriendly and not easy to get along with. The Repertory Grid Scoring sheet is drawn as follows: Pairs similarities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 empathy Work culture attitude friendliness knowledgeable Team orientedness Good style appearance leadership helpfulness The process of producing the Repertory Grid can be broken down into the following steps: Step One The participant Marie identifies ten colleagues whom she knows well. Among these ten colleagues Marie should go along well with at least two of them ideally. Step Two – Marie is given six pieces of card or paper on which she is asked to write the names of the people she has identified. These are the elements described. A number can also be added to the card/paper to signify description and added at the head of column on the scoring sheet. Alternatively, the name itself of the element identified can be entered on the scoring sheet as well. Step Three – Three cards are selected, for example 1, 2 and 3, and Marie is asked to identify some aspect related to these colleagues behaviour which makes two of the three people selected different from the third. The construct word or phrase is written in the top left side of the vertical columns. In the top right side of the vertical columns is written the description of the person one who is different from the other two. This process of obtaining constructs from the three people is continued until no further constructs or perceived characteristics could be elicited from the participant. Step Four – Once the constructs have been completely elicited and entered on the scoresheet, the cards are returned. Each element person is then given a score on a scale of 1 to 5. A score of 1 or 2 is allocated to those who are suited to the description in the left-hand column, the column with the description of the pair. Scores of 5 or 4 are allocated to those who match with the description in the right-hand column, the description of the odd person out Step Five – A different set of three cards is then selected, cards 4, 5 and 6 and the process in steps 3 and 4 is repeated, ensuring that the description of pairs is recorded in the left-hand column and a score of 1 or 2 relates to the pairs similarity and score points of 4 and 5 relate to the description of the single person. A score of 3 is average score. A score of at least one 1 and one 5 is helpful when allocated usually from the set of three people for whom the constructs are being elicited. Step Six – Step five is repeated and the various combinations of the elements are aimed to be covered until the participants run out of perceived characteristics or constructs that could be entered on the card. After the grid consideration, the grid scoring sheet is used to record the views of the participant for each element against each construct which has been offered. The data collected is then subject to analysis. A manual analysis can generate and extract considerable information from the grid and all the constructs are related to the personal characteristics of each work colleague considered in the study by Marie. Step Seven – In this case study we consider the behavioural aspects of work colleagues of Marie which is related to their overall friendliness, therefore at the end of the grid Marie is asked to rate the elements in a single, given construct over a scale of friendly to unfriendly. The scoring for friendliness is then compared with other individual aspects to highlight differences and to provide indicators for friendliness. Step Eight – The scores for each construct are obtained by marking the difference for each element against the general friendliness figure. Step Nine – In this phase, we analyse the various constructs on the basis that if the score is low the aspect measured is significant in the ranking for friendliness It is the duty of interviewer to remain without any bias and to refrain from giving any suggestion to the participant on what constructs should be drawn. Forming the constructs is entirely dependent on the participant and the researcher has no role in its formation. They must be according to the thoughts and perceptions of the individual who is being interviewed in this case, Marie although the constructs must be clear, meaningful. Here the analyst has helped her in one or two cases when she couldnt describe the construct and sought help of the analyst to come out with the right word. After the constructs are listed against the elements, the grid results are scored and are ready to be used for analysis. From the example used in this study -the aspects which go towards the behavioural skills of colleague at work, are identified as follows: Has empathy with other colleagues Has a proper work culture and attitude Has an ethical sense Is friendly and amicable Is knowledgeable and professional Always has a good style and appearance Is a team oriented person Is a leader in the group Comes out with fresh new ideas Is helpful and cooperative Discussion In this study we selected Marie Oliver, a 35 year old colleague who was suffering from some initial maladjustment in the workplace. Marie was asked to participate in the Repertory Grid Interview process to identify the reasons of her problems, categorise them and come out with possible suggestions. The approach taken was qualitative analysis by using the Personal Constructs theory developed by Kelly and a final analysis using scoring sheet and identifying elements through the Repertory Grid Interview technique. Marie was asked to select characteristics and constructs of persons in her workplace. She identified the most desirable and friendly characteristics in her colleagues against the least desirable ones. The notes taken during conversation with Marie reveal that Marie felt she got along only with a few colleagues only three as mentioned. There were basic differences in professional ethic and conduct with at least two colleagues she was working in collaboration with. The behavioural skills Marie identified as important in defining her good relationship with the colleagues are empathic characteristics in others; any concept of an ideal colleague is also associated with being able to follow a proper work culture and having a proper attitude. Having an ethical sense, a sense of justice and being knowledgeable, professional with a good sense of humour are also identified as important characteristics in a proper friendly colleague. Marie indicated that being friendly, amicable and with good style and appearance has been noted in at least two of her colleagues and this is stark contrast to a third colleague she identified and with whom she doesnt seem to get along. If we consider Kellys perspective of constructive alternativism, it is possible to have alternative perceptions as our perceptions of the world depend completely on our personal constructs. Marie also identified leadership skills, helpfulness and cooperativeness, being able to come out with fresh ideas and following a proper work culture as important aspects of professional behaviour and gave high scores on these aspects to at least two of her colleagues. Overall, a Repertory Grid Interview on Marie showed that she has good and easygoing relations with two of her colleagues but doesnt seem to go well with many of them. The negative implications of the findings which suggest why Marie did not get along with most of her colleagues and seem to show anxiety and depression symptoms as well as dissatisfaction with her workplace were revealed in her perception of constructs on most of her colleagues. Marie suggested that some of her colleagues were low on cooperativeness and helpfulness, friendliness and proper professional attitude making the atmosphere competitive and hostile. The dynamics of Maries actual relations with her colleagues were thus revealed using this Grid interviewing procedure and Maries own perception of her work situation, perception of her situation and role in the office, and perception of her relations with her colleagues and her job were also revealed through this study. As Morrison (1991) used the repertory grid technique to understand nurses perception of care and their evaluation of caring attitudes in nursing, Maries perception of her work culture could easily reveal her ideal understanding of a workplace and what she sought in her colleagues. Her inner constructs, precepts and how she saw the world as an individual were revealed and so were her expectations in the future. Considering Maries perceptions, some psychological counselling to improve her working and professional relationships was recommended. Limitations: The methodological limitations and concerns of interview as a means of knowing peoples construct system were many, as noted by Kelly. These are: 1. Interview Bias – sometimes the interviewer and the school he belongs to whether behaviourist or psychoanalytic could determine the way the session goes and this undermines the objectivity and validity of the study 2. Dependence on the interviewer – the role of the therapist should be minimal and the therapist should just be a tool to facilitate self perception according to Kelly. Most individuals have the capacity to understand his or her problems and any overdependence on the researcher should be avoided. 3. There may be problems with measuring and predicting individual or group characteristics. Although psychology seeks to understand laws of human behaviour, large scale studies showing correlations of different behaviour may not be helpful for study of personal constructs which is based on the understanding of individuals or a small group of people. These methodological limitations have been kept in mind while conducting the interview and interviewer bias and any dependence on the interviewer has been kept to a minimum. Interviewer intervention has also been minimal. Conclusion: In this discussion, we set out with an overview of the Personal Constructs Theory proposed by Kelly (1955). We discussed the different tenets of the constructs theory, the inconsistency of personal constructs and how constructs tend to vary in different people or in same people in different situations. Thus situational factors seem important in constructs and perceptions on other people. Individual constructs form the construct systems and Kelly established the grid method to determine the different elements in a social situation that can be considered as responsible for an individuals disturbed social relationships. In our study of Marie Oliver, a 35 year old employee, her social relationships and possible disturbances were studied using the Repertory Grid Interview technique and her analysis of good and bad characteristics of ten of her colleagues were indicated on the card given to her. The scores were drawn up and according to the analysis the desirable characteristics that Marie perceived in some of her workmates and not in others, were found out. Maries behavioural problems and her unique relationships with her colleagues are then analysed suggesting whether Marie needed any further psychological help for her anxiety, depression and other work related maladjustments. Bibliography Kelly, George Alexander The psychology of personal constructs / George A. Kelly. London : Routledge in association with Centre for Personal Construct Psychology,London, 1991, c1955. Dalton, Peggy. A psychology for living : personal construct theory for professionals and clients / Peggy Dalton and Gavin Dunnett. Chichester : J. Wiley Sons, 1992. University of London. An application of personal construct theory (Kelly) to schizoid thinking. University of London, 1959. Fransella, Fay. George Kelly / Fay Fransella. London : Sage, 1995. Anderson, N. Personality assessment in the graduate milkround interview : A personal construct psychology perspective and study using repertory grid technique. Birmingham : University of Aston Management Centre, 1987. Fransella. F, Bannister. D. 1977. A Manual for Repertory grid technique. Academic Press. London. Bannister, P et al. (1994) Qualitative Methods in Psychology Buckingham: Open University Press. Bannister, D. (1985) (Ed) Issues and approaches in personal construct theory London: Academic Press, 1985 Stevens, R (1996) Understanding the Self London: Open University Sage. Kalekin-Fishman, Devorah. and Walker, Beverley. (1996) The Construction of Group Realities: culture, society and personal construct theory. Malabar: Krieger. Bannister, D. Mair, J. (1968) The Evaluation of Personal Constructs London: Academic Press Smith JA, Harre R, Van Langenhove (1995) Rethinking Methods in Psychology London: Sage. Jack Adams-Webber (Editor) (1983) Applications of Personal Construct Theory Academic Press. The emergence of new intentions in subjective experience: A social/personal constructionist and relational understanding Journal of Vocational Behavior, Volume 64, Issue 3, June 2004, Pages 485-498 Mary Sue Richardson Per Case Study of Personal Constructs Theory (PCT) Case Study of Personal Constructs Theory (PCT) Title/Abstract In this study we aim to provide an analysis of a subjects problems using the Personal Constructs Theory (PCT) suggested by Kelly. The subject is a 35 year old female full time employee working in the same company as the researcher and has shown no barriers to construing. The subjects problems with her relationships have been determined using the Repertory grid interview and we discuss results and provide an analysis of the findings following the interview and data collection. The interview was done to identify elements within the clients relationships and all interview limitations have been considered for the study. We provide an analysis of Personal Constructs Theory in general giving a brief overview of its main premises and principles and then move on to its applications including the Grid interview technique on our client. We discuss the results and analyse the findings accordingly. Introduction George Kellys Personal Construct Theory (PCT) emphasises that the world is perceived by a person according to the meaning the person applies to it and the person has the freedom to choose a meaning according to what he or she wants (Kelly, 1955). Thus a person has the freedom to choose a meaning in terms of which he perceives the world and can apply alternative constructions or meanings to his past, present and future events. Thus a person is not a victim of his events but can liberate himself from unpleasant events by reinterpreting and redefining them. According to Kelly (1955) PCT attempts to explain why a man does what he does and is a theory about how the human process flows, how it strives in new directions as well as in old, and how it may dare for the first time to reach into the depths of newly perceived dimensions Kelly states that a persons processes are psychologically channelized by the ways in which he anticipate the events'(1955). Here, the subject is the process and the individual is a behaving organism who may need an external force to initiate an event. The processes include those of self-definition and relationships with others, and how we interpret events around us as well as the events we perceive and tasks at hand (Kelly 1955). Kelly based his theory of PCT on man as the scientist model and the basic points were as follows: the individual creates his or her own ways of seeing the world and interprets events according to how he perceive them the individual builds percepts and constructs; these constructs are organized into systems, or group of constructs which embody relationships; two or more systems may contain the same events, yet the events are separate from any of the systems; any individuals systems have a definite foci The term construct is a concept that represents the view a person has constructed about the world as he experiences it. Constructs also represent the way a person is likely to construe the world and the construct system as a whole represents the history and predisposition to perceive the world in a particular way. Kelly also distinguished between social reality, individual reality and communality. Individuality denotes that every individual differ from each other in how they construct or perceive the world, communality refers to the underlying similarities or common elements in perception and how the construction of experience in one person is similar to that of another (Kelly, 1955). Social reality is perception of how one person construes the construction processes of another person and how they are involved in a social role. Personal construct theory has been used in several sociological and scientific disciplines and it has been emphasised that social reality and communality should be considered along with the individual or personal reality and both have to be considered together in developing an understanding of the psychological processes (Dalton, 1992). The theory of Personal Constructs, points out that it is our personal psychological constructs that make the world predictable. We use construct systems to help in perception of the world and respond to all situations according to these perceptions. Our construct systems help us to make sense of the world, to make it predictable, to draw conclusions about causes and effects and we learn from experiences and adjust our behaviour accordingly (Fransella, 1995). Kelly wrote that the construct systems influence our expectations and perceptions and reflect our past experiences according to which we shape our future expectations. For example since we known from our past experiences that winters are cold, we would take adequate measures of protection during winter because we expect winters to be cold. However according to Kelly, our construct systems grow and change and are not static and are either confirmed or challenged when we are conscious. We adapt and immunise our constructs according to the situation and alter our feelings according to our experiences. We also tend to think and react according to our construct systems and some constructs represent values and key relationships which are difficult to change and fixed whereas some other constructs are less complex and more flexible and adaptive. The truth about the world as understood and experienced determines the nature of the construct system. Construct systems are not generally judged according to any objective truth and depend on an individuals personal feelings, perceptions and choices (Dalton, 1992). One individuals construct system may be different from anothers and when there is a general disagreement in constructs, it is generally denoted by prejudice or preconception. Although conflicts and differences of opinions are unpleasant, these events help us to understand differences in people and help us to learn how other people perceive things (Stevens, 1996). However construct systems change and may not be altogether internally consistent. People may react or perceive things differently even in similar circumstances and this is normal as there is a certain degree of internal inconsistency in perception of events. Distortions of judgement due to internal inconsistency of personal constructs can be harmful for a person as he may suffer from personal distress. The extent to which one person can appreciate and react to another persons constructs is a measure of empathy or how one perceives another (Banister, 1985). One persons construct system may be markedly different from another p ersons constructs yet one should be able to infer the other persons construct in order to empathise and develop a sense of social oneness and responsibility. Kellys theory is one of the most effective theories in social research and helps to provide a psychological explanation of social similarities and differences. The applications of Kellys theory of Personal constructs are wide and varied as it helps to provide mathematical representations of constructs systems. Construct systems are multidimensional mathematical models and a persons language is used to classify his or her experiences. Kelly developed a number of mathematical models and representations of construct systems and tested hypotheses that followed from basic personal construct theory (Fransella and Bannister, 1977). To understand peoples personal construct systems the repertory Grid Interview technique was developed, also known as the Role Construct Repertory Test. The repertoire of constructs that a person develops represents some form of perception, judgement or evaluation and is always comparative. Thus judgement of anything good is in comparison with the concept of bad. Thus in using a Grid interview three elements are considered and then two are paired in contrast with a third. The theory of personal constructs can be applied to personal experiences and relationships and so parents, relations, friends, colleagues and the individual are largely responsible for the formation of constructs (Smith et al, 1995; Kalekin-Fishman et al, 1996). Kelly elicited a patients constructs, rated the different elements on the constructs and used the resultant grid to point out to the client what his primary problems or concerns were. This helped to decide which therapy would be important and helped to determine the progress and effectiveness of therapy. For example one could find the two elements in a personal relationship of a patient and his mother and use this technique to find out differences between a patients perception of himself and what his mother would like him to be. The patient would then be encouraged to provide a self description and work through means of making his relationship with his mother more pleasant and productive. If there are paranoid elements recognised in a patients perception of himself or his relationships, appropriate therapeutic interventions are suggested. The Repertory Grid interviewing technique was developed by Kelly to overcome some of the methodological limitations of the interview method. The main steps of the Grid technique include 1. Selecting a set of elements – this could be anything from relationships to issues and the elements could be people involved in these relationships with the client. 2. The elements are taken in groups of three and the client is asked to pair two of them separating the third according to a special characteristic (Adams-Webber, 1983). Thus here the differentiation is done according to constructs determined by the client and is done on a bipolar scale with the interviewer setting up the question but the client determining the content (Anderson, 1987). The constructs are examined in some detail and after the interview the constructs are made into scales of 1-5 and the interviewee is expected to rate every element for every construct on this scale. The result is a matrix and this is then analysed statistically to show the client his problems and how they can be tackled. The statistical analysis helps to give measurements of individual people characteristics and compares peoples perceptions before and after the interview. The Grid is thus a statistical, and content free process and although the interviewer initiates its functions, it is the patient who drives it allowing him to come out with his own perceptions thus giving the process a freedom from any interviewer bias and allows complete transparency(Anderson, 1987). Since it is also a standardised interviewing technique any interviewer can read the interview and understand its implications. Russell and Cox (2003) and Morrison (1991) have stressed on the importance of repertory grid in the analysis of individual perceptions. Considering Kellys constructivist alternativism, we can assume that all our present perceptions of the world could be subject to changes and revisions and accordingly our perceptions of people and subsequently our interpersonal relationships could also be changed according to this principle. Method A 35 year old female colleague, Marie Oliver was selected for the interview process. The client was having some relationship problems, especially with her work colleagues and has been showing maladjustment along with problems of anxiety, depression and lack of productivity at work. The participant was apprised of the purpose of the interviewing and was asked to participate suggesting that participation in the interview would help her in overcoming her personal problems. A Repertory Grid Interview was done and the first step was identifying elements or grid components. For this all the possible elements including people in relationships were identified. Thus elements are work colleagues known to the participant and to the researcher, and the participant used triad method with the elements to create constructs around any one chosen topic. Elements were then compared by asking participant to take 3 elements and ascertain where 2 are similar and 1 is different, and the participant was en couraged to continue until all possible combinations were exhausted of 3 elements from the set of 10. The instruction given in this case was , choose any three of these known people and group two of them together separating a possible third to show why two of them are similar and how they differ from the third person. This process was used to identify similarities and differences of individuals until the participant ran out of constructs. Several mini-grids were developed in advance to ensure that the participant was comfortable with the process of grid construction. Then the Participant followed the process, generated the first grid, to ascertain whether each element is more like the similarity pole or difference pole by marking with x or o respectively. The participant then generated a second grid to rate each element on each of the 10 constructs using 1-5 point scale, but presented the grid to experimenter without ratings, experimenter then created the final grid as the participant. The main aim and purpose of the interview was agreed with the participant and views about other work colleagues were thus taken. The participant was fully informed from outset regarding the possibility that the revelations from the Grid Interview could be unsettling for her. However for these purposes, participants consent form was also signed in advance and the constructs were then set up on the grid allowing to be revealed. In the process of the interview, the researcher made notes on participant behaviour and perceptions as verbally revealed. In this case, the participant Marie was asked to identify the elements in her workplace that could be considered in her relationships with colleagues. Marie identified 10 colleagues at her workplace and separated two of them as distinct from a third. The common points and the differences were noted. Each of the 10 constructs chosen were rated on a 1-5 scale and the grids were created with similarity and difference poles marked by x or an o. This was done in case of determining constructs and relationships with work colleagues. After the formation of a grid, an analysis was drawn up. Findings/Analysis The two assumptions of the Grid Interview by Kelly were as follows: 1. If we can identify an individuals construct map there is a strong possibility we can predict that individuals behaviour. 2. We may be able to modify an individuals map, and therefore behaviour, by some form of training. The two aspects of the Repertory Grid are 1. Elements which are the objects of an individuals thinking and to which they relate their concepts or values. These elements may be people with qualities like effective, unprofessional, etc or they may be objects or abstract, concrete concepts like the interview or a test 2. Constructs are the qualities used to describe the elements in our personal, individual relationships thus a person is effective because he has a pleasant relationship with his staff which reflects personal construct as applied to the element of an effective individual The main elements in an analysis when a grid is applied to an individual are: 1. The results relate to that individual alone 2. Only one grid has to be analysed for an individuals report. 3. A grid scoring form is used to perform the analysis The Findings and Analysis help us to probe the following questions: To what extent was the study helpful in understanding the participants view of the topic of examination? Identification and justification of apparent areas of understanding and lack of understanding Is a pattern of understanding evident? How does the analysis link with the notes made prior to completing grids on expected areas of degree of understanding? What is the meaning revealed by the participants choice of elements and constructs? Do the elements and constructs reveal a similar or different view of the topic of analysis chosen? What does the degree of the match imply? Was the study any more helpful when conversation elaboration was also used as an extended method? Is some analysis of new understandings reached during feedback conversation helpful for the process? What do the notes and quotes as revealed by the client suggest? The findings are given as follows: Degree of similarity Elements (Mostly worked together with these individuals) Close agreement on 4, 5, 6 – elements Less agreement on 9 – element (Mostly worked separately with these individuals) Little agreement on 1,2,3,7,8,10- elements with different negative personal experiences working with E7 and E8 on particular projects. Degree of similarity – Constructs Close agreement on 6 – constructs (professional conduct). Upon discussion, views were similar regarding the meaning of professional conduct and who could be trusted. Less agreement on 1,3,4,5,7,9 – constructs. Upon discussion, researcher and client shared similar/same definitions of each construct. Differences in definitions regarding Constructs Little agreement on 2,8,10 constructs. Upon discussion, our definitions were different, hence our measurement of each element came from a different understanding of constructs. The elements identified by Marie were individuals at the workplace and Marie revealed that she worked closely with elements 4, 5 and 6 although had less agreement with element or colleague 9. Marie revealed that she has worked separately and had negative personal experiences with colleagues identified as elements 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 10 although she said she was working on the same project with two of these negatively perceived colleagues 7 and 8. Mari suggested a close agreement with 6 on professional conduct and said that her views with 6 were similar regarding professional conduct, friendships and trust issues as to who in the office should or should not be trusted. Marie suggested that her constructs were either in contrast to or were not compatible with those of 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9 elements or colleagues identified. Marie and the researcher had some discussions on the nature and definition of particular perceptions and constructs and the general definition of these identified by th e researcher were similar to that of the subject. The subjects perceptions, feedback and opinions on the constructs were noted separately. Marie identified that two of the colleagues were friendly and amicable and compared with the other person who in contrast has been described as unfriendly and not easy to get along with. The Repertory Grid Scoring sheet is drawn as follows: Pairs similarities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 empathy Work culture attitude friendliness knowledgeable Team orientedness Good style appearance leadership helpfulness The process of producing the Repertory Grid can be broken down into the following steps: Step One The participant Marie identifies ten colleagues whom she knows well. Among these ten colleagues Marie should go along well with at least two of them ideally. Step Two – Marie is given six pieces of card or paper on which she is asked to write the names of the people she has identified. These are the elements described. A number can also be added to the card/paper to signify description and added at the head of column on the scoring sheet. Alternatively, the name itself of the element identified can be entered on the scoring sheet as well. Step Three – Three cards are selected, for example 1, 2 and 3, and Marie is asked to identify some aspect related to these colleagues behaviour which makes two of the three people selected different from the third. The construct word or phrase is written in the top left side of the vertical columns. In the top right side of the vertical columns is written the description of the person one who is different from the other two. This process of obtaining constructs from the three people is continued until no further constructs or perceived characteristics could be elicited from the participant. Step Four – Once the constructs have been completely elicited and entered on the scoresheet, the cards are returned. Each element person is then given a score on a scale of 1 to 5. A score of 1 or 2 is allocated to those who are suited to the description in the left-hand column, the column with the description of the pair. Scores of 5 or 4 are allocated to those who match with the description in the right-hand column, the description of the odd person out Step Five – A different set of three cards is then selected, cards 4, 5 and 6 and the process in steps 3 and 4 is repeated, ensuring that the description of pairs is recorded in the left-hand column and a score of 1 or 2 relates to the pairs similarity and score points of 4 and 5 relate to the description of the single person. A score of 3 is average score. A score of at least one 1 and one 5 is helpful when allocated usually from the set of three people for whom the constructs are being elicited. Step Six – Step five is repeated and the various combinations of the elements are aimed to be covered until the participants run out of perceived characteristics or constructs that could be entered on the card. After the grid consideration, the grid scoring sheet is used to record the views of the participant for each element against each construct which has been offered. The data collected is then subject to analysis. A manual analysis can generate and extract considerable information from the grid and all the constructs are related to the personal characteristics of each work colleague considered in the study by Marie. Step Seven – In this case study we consider the behavioural aspects of work colleagues of Marie which is related to their overall friendliness, therefore at the end of the grid Marie is asked to rate the elements in a single, given construct over a scale of friendly to unfriendly. The scoring for friendliness is then compared with other individual aspects to highlight differences and to provide indicators for friendliness. Step Eight – The scores for each construct are obtained by marking the difference for each element against the general friendliness figure. Step Nine – In this phase, we analyse the various constructs on the basis that if the score is low the aspect measured is significant in the ranking for friendliness It is the duty of interviewer to remain without any bias and to refrain from giving any suggestion to the participant on what constructs should be drawn. Forming the constructs is entirely dependent on the participant and the researcher has no role in its formation. They must be according to the thoughts and perceptions of the individual who is being interviewed in this case, Marie although the constructs must be clear, meaningful. Here the analyst has helped her in one or two cases when she couldnt describe the construct and sought help of the analyst to come out with the right word. After the constructs are listed against the elements, the grid results are scored and are ready to be used for analysis. From the example used in this study -the aspects which go towards the behavioural skills of colleague at work, are identified as follows: Has empathy with other colleagues Has a proper work culture and attitude Has an ethical sense Is friendly and amicable Is knowledgeable and professional Always has a good style and appearance Is a team oriented person Is a leader in the group Comes out with fresh new ideas Is helpful and cooperative Discussion In this study we selected Marie Oliver, a 35 year old colleague who was suffering from some initial maladjustment in the workplace. Marie was asked to participate in the Repertory Grid Interview process to identify the reasons of her problems, categorise them and come out with possible suggestions. The approach taken was qualitative analysis by using the Personal Constructs theory developed by Kelly and a final analysis using scoring sheet and identifying elements through the Repertory Grid Interview technique. Marie was asked to select characteristics and constructs of persons in her workplace. She identified the most desirable and friendly characteristics in her colleagues against the least desirable ones. The notes taken during conversation with Marie reveal that Marie felt she got along only with a few colleagues only three as mentioned. There were basic differences in professional ethic and conduct with at least two colleagues she was working in collaboration with. The behavioural skills Marie identified as important in defining her good relationship with the colleagues are empathic characteristics in others; any concept of an ideal colleague is also associated with being able to follow a proper work culture and having a proper attitude. Having an ethical sense, a sense of justice and being knowledgeable, professional with a good sense of humour are also identified as important characteristics in a proper friendly colleague. Marie indicated that being friendly, amicable and with good style and appearance has been noted in at least two of her colleagues and this is stark contrast to a third colleague she identified and with whom she doesnt seem to get along. If we consider Kellys perspective of constructive alternativism, it is possible to have alternative perceptions as our perceptions of the world depend completely on our personal constructs. Marie also identified leadership skills, helpfulness and cooperativeness, being able to come out with fresh ideas and following a proper work culture as important aspects of professional behaviour and gave high scores on these aspects to at least two of her colleagues. Overall, a Repertory Grid Interview on Marie showed that she has good and easygoing relations with two of her colleagues but doesnt seem to go well with many of them. The negative implications of the findings which suggest why Marie did not get along with most of her colleagues and seem to show anxiety and depression symptoms as well as dissatisfaction with her workplace were revealed in her perception of constructs on most of her colleagues. Marie suggested that some of her colleagues were low on cooperativeness and helpfulness, friendliness and proper professional attitude making the atmosphere competitive and hostile. The dynamics of Maries actual relations with her colleagues were thus revealed using this Grid interviewing procedure and Maries own perception of her work situation, perception of her situation and role in the office, and perception of her relations with her colleagues and her job were also revealed through this study. As Morrison (1991) used the repertory grid technique to understand nurses perception of care and their evaluation of caring attitudes in nursing, Maries perception of her work culture could easily reveal her ideal understanding of a workplace and what she sought in her colleagues. Her inner constructs, precepts and how she saw the world as an individual were revealed and so were her expectations in the future. Considering Maries perceptions, some psychological counselling to improve her working and professional relationships was recommended. Limitations: The methodological limitations and concerns of interview as a means of knowing peoples construct system were many, as noted by Kelly. These are: 1. Interview Bias – sometimes the interviewer and the school he belongs to whether behaviourist or psychoanalytic could determine the way the session goes and this undermines the objectivity and validity of the study 2. Dependence on the interviewer – the role of the therapist should be minimal and the therapist should just be a tool to facilitate self perception according to Kelly. Most individuals have the capacity to understand his or her problems and any overdependence on the researcher should be avoided. 3. There may be problems with measuring and predicting individual or group characteristics. Although psychology seeks to understand laws of human behaviour, large scale studies showing correlations of different behaviour may not be helpful for study of personal constructs which is based on the understanding of individuals or a small group of people. These methodological limitations have been kept in mind while conducting the interview and interviewer bias and any dependence on the interviewer has been kept to a minimum. Interviewer intervention has also been minimal. Conclusion: In this discussion, we set out with an overview of the Personal Constructs Theory proposed by Kelly (1955). We discussed the different tenets of the constructs theory, the inconsistency of personal constructs and how constructs tend to vary in different people or in same people in different situations. Thus situational factors seem important in constructs and perceptions on other people. Individual constructs form the construct systems and Kelly established the grid method to determine the different elements in a social situation that can be considered as responsible for an individuals disturbed social relationships. In our study of Marie Oliver, a 35 year old employee, her social relationships and possible disturbances were studied using the Repertory Grid Interview technique and her analysis of good and bad characteristics of ten of her colleagues were indicated on the card given to her. The scores were drawn up and according to the analysis the desirable characteristics that Marie perceived in some of her workmates and not in others, were found out. Maries behavioural problems and her unique relationships with her colleagues are then analysed suggesting whether Marie needed any further psychological help for her anxiety, depression and other work related maladjustments. Bibliography Kelly, George Alexander The psychology of personal constructs / George A. Kelly. London : Routledge in association with Centre for Personal Construct Psychology,London, 1991, c1955. Dalton, Peggy. A psychology for living : personal construct theory for professionals and clients / Peggy Dalton and Gavin Dunnett. Chichester : J. Wiley Sons, 1992. University of London. An application of personal construct theory (Kelly) to schizoid thinking. University of London, 1959. Fransella, Fay. George Kelly / Fay Fransella. London : Sage, 1995. Anderson, N. Personality assessment in the graduate milkround interview : A personal construct psychology perspective and study using repertory grid technique. Birmingham : University of Aston Management Centre, 1987. Fransella. F, Bannister. D. 1977. A Manual for Repertory grid technique. Academic Press. London. Bannister, P et al. (1994) Qualitative Methods in Psychology Buckingham: Open University Press. Bannister, D. (1985) (Ed) Issues and approaches in personal construct theory London: Academic Press, 1985 Stevens, R (1996) Understanding the Self London: Open University Sage. Kalekin-Fishman, Devorah. and Walker, Beverley. (1996) The Construction of Group Realities: culture, society and personal construct theory. Malabar: Krieger. Bannister, D. Mair, J. (1968) The Evaluation of Personal Constructs London: Academic Press Smith JA, Harre R, Van Langenhove (1995) Rethinking Methods in Psychology London: Sage. Jack Adams-Webber (Editor) (1983) Applications of Personal Construct Theory Academic Press. The emergence of new intentions in subjective experience: A social/personal constructionist and relational understanding Journal of Vocational Behavior, Volume 64, Issue 3, June 2004, Pages 485-498 Mary Sue Richardson Per