Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Quantitative and Qualitative Critiques - 3025 Words

Critique 1 Edwal et al study (2007): This study was conducted within the primary care in Sweden. The research question is designed to get better understanding of the lived experience of type 2 diabetes patients, during regular check-ups with the diabetes nurse specialists. Research Methods This research is a qualitative study using the phenomenological-hermenetic method. Parahoo (2006) states that qualitative research explores the individual’s beliefs and life experiences in order to gain an in depth-insight, and tries to understand human behaviours .Phenomenology focuses on people with lived experience which aims to find out the full picture of the participant’s own point of view during certain events in life. (Macnee, 2004).†¦show more content†¦However no informed consent is mentioned in the article. Griffin and Titler (2009) state that informed consent is a legal document to ensure that the individual has fully understood the study being undertaken, and that participants can withdraw anytime if they wish not to be included in the study. Although Qualitative research is criticized due to its small sample base, its strength lies in its flexibility to allow detailed scrutiny into complex phenomena, revealing valuable insights. Therefore, overall, the study has achieved its purpose, and the findings can be transferred to other future settings. Critique 2 Research methods A quantitative study, using quasi-experimental design was conducted. A literature review and pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a community nursing intervention in improving healing rates of venous leg ulcers. Quantitative research is a scientific method to investigate and measure the relationships between two variables of the research questions (Parahoo, 2006). There are four methods of quantitative research, these are: descriptive, correlational, quasi-experimental, and experimental. Type of method(s) used will depends on the research questions. In this study a quasi-experimental design is used because it is appropriate for the research question as Pilot and Beck (2004) state, that quasi-experimental fits in this study because subjects were assigned inShow MoreRelatedEssay about Critique of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Articles4724 Words   |  19 Pagesobese Type 2 diabetics (T2D) to make changes in their lifestyle, Whittemore et al. (2009) deci ded to do a study to see if there is a need for programs to decrease the incidence of Type 2 diabetes. The article selected is an example of experimental quantitative design. The summary model can be found in the text on pages 112 through 114 in Polit Beck (2012). There were four Nurse Practitioner (NPs) groups recruited for this study. There were four randomized sites used for the study, two sites, whichRead MoreCritiquing Qualitative and Quantitative Research1465 Words   |  6 PagesUnit 6: Critiquing Qualitative and Quantitative Research Kaplan University July 16, 2013 Unit 6 Critiquing Qualitative and Quantitative Research The research conducted by Foster-Fitzpatrick, Ortiz, Sibilano, Marcantonio and Braun (1999) is a quantitative study of the significance of crossing the legs while blood pressure is being measured. The purpose of the research was to determine whether leg-crossing impacted the results of blood pressure measurements. The research conducted by Palese, SkrapRead MoreQualitative Research : Quantitative Research1442 Words   |  6 Pageslevel, qualitative research involves an interpretive, naturalistic approach to the world. This means that qualitative researchers study things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them. (Denzin Lincoln, 2005, p. 3) Different from quantitative research that collects and analyzes numerical data, qualitative research deals with non-numerical data such as interviews, participant observations, audio and visual imagesRead MoreA Research Study On Sedation Management799 Words   |  4 PagesResearch Critique The design of both quantitative and qualitative research offer valuable information to the health sciences. There are circumstances when certainty is necessary, and a quantitative design is needed. In contrast, there are times when an understanding of the quality of a particular social interaction is needed. The paper will apply a quantitative and a qualitative research article to the topic of sedation management to help validate meaning gleaned from two different research designsRead Moreadvantages and disadvantages of qualitative research and briefly quantitative research.1019 Words   |  5 Pagesadvantages and disadvantages of qualitative research and briefly quantitative research. This essay will initially present the advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research and briefly quantitative research. It will then go on to critique a qualitative research article yet due to the word count only several factors of this will be critiqued and the article is by Wills et al (2005). Later it will consider the use of the research paper within the clinical practice area; and discuss whetherRead MoreKaplan Studies1329 Words   |  6 PagesCritiquing A Qualitative And Quantitative Study Eunique Burgos Kaplan University Critiquing Qualitative and Quantitative Studies In this research paper, we are to critique two different articles where one is based upon a qualitative study and the other one is based upon a quantitative study. The articles that were chosen for us to critique are The Effects Of Crossed Leg On Blood Pressure Measurement, which is the quantitative study and The Experience Of Patients Undergoing Awake CraniotomyRead MoreDeveloping a framework for critiquing health research5723 Words   |  23 Pagesis presented in this article. More commonly used existing frameworks tend to have been formulated within the quantitative research paradigm. While frameworks for critiquing qualitative research exist, they are often complex and more suited to the needs of students engaged in advanced levels of study. The framework presented in this article addresses both quantitative and qualitative research within one list of questions. It is argued that this assists the ‘novice’ student of nursing and health-relatedRead MoreEssay on Qualitative Analysis Critique1343 Words   |  6 PagesQualitative Research Critique There are many differences between quantitative and qualitative research. Such things like: quantitative research provides only variables that can predict specific results but it does not tell us very much about how the variables affect an individual’s life course. Qualitative research adversely provides an enriched understanding of characteristics, qualities, attributes, and environmental factors affecting life events. Qualitative analysis can give understandingRead MoreAnalyzing The Attitudes Of Patients Towards Diabetes Education Essay720 Words   |  3 PagesIn this articles critique, two articles are evaluated; one using qualitative and the second using quantitative research approaches. Particularly, it contrasts information gathered because of using the approaches, advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches and a response to the claim that qualitative research is not real science. Schà ¤fer, I., Pawels, M., Kà ¼ver, C., Pohontsch, N. J., Scherer, M., van den Bussche, H., Kaduszkiewicz, H. (2014). Strategies for Improving ParticipationRead MoreThe Principle Of Conducting Research990 Words   |  4 Pagesorder to address these needs or challenges. Quantitative research is a recognized, official, objective, rigorous, systematic process for creating statistical information and data about the nation. Quantitative research is conducted to define new circumstances, procedures, impression or ideas; test the relationships among variables; and to determine and conclude the effectiveness and efficacy of treatments in the whole world (Burns, 2011). Qualitative research is a systematic, subjective approach

Monday, December 16, 2019

What determines a successful niche strategy Free Essays

Niche marketing is a very important marketing tool that is defined as â€Å"focusing on sub-segments or niches with distinctive traits that may seek a special combination of benefits (Kotler Armstrong, 1997) Niche strategy or sometimes-called focus strategy is a marketing segmentation strategy that concentrates or focuses on a few target markets. Users of this strategy hope that by focusing on a few (one or two) markets segments that are narrow, they would be in a better position to meet the needs of that market. Therefore the company strives to tailor make its marketing mix to suit these specialized markets that it has identified. We will write a custom essay sample on What determines a successful niche strategy or any similar topic only for you Order Now By using the niche strategy the company easily stands to gain or have a competitive advantage by being effective rather than efficient. (Kotler Armstrong, 1997) Niche strategy in most cases is suitable for small firms although it is open to any company which would want to utilize it in selecting targets with lesser substitute vulnerability or where there is weak competition. (Kotler Armstrong, 1997) There are several factors that greatly enhance a successful niche strategy and include: – 1) Market –research Before developing any niche market it is very important to conduct a comprehensive market research of the desired market before embarking on any marketing program. Towards this end, a SWOT analysis that highlights the strength and weaknesses of the company vis-à  -vis the market it desires to segment is very necessary. (Chisnall, P.M.1997) The market research will enable the company determine the market characteristics that will enable it serve this particular segment in a better way. Such characteristics would include, customer preferences, desirable price ranges level of competition, product differentiation, distribution channels, the marketing mix and various other important marketing variables.   (Chisnall, P.M.1997) When these characteristics have been established and defined the company on its part designs a marketing model that should suit the target market and be a profitable venture for the company. The market research in itself will enable the company not only identify a market but will give it more information on the demographic history of the market as well. (Chisnall, P.M.1997) 2) Create customer loyalty. One major threat to establishing and growing any niche is competition. Competition may eat up a share of the company’s market, reducing the profitability or worse still drive out the company from the market. Towards this end it is very important for the company to make it its priority to listen to the customers. When the company makes it its goal to carefully listen to the customers, it will have the ability to create products or services that will not only meet customer expectations but will meet their needs as well. Listening to the customer will enable the company differentiate its product range to suit the needs of the niche. This will in turn create loyalty that will enable the company weather any form of competition, in fact when customers are loyal it will be very difficult for them to seek other alternatives or switch to the competitors. (Peter, J.P. and Olson, J.J., 1996) 3) Develop two or more niches By developing two or more niches it will prove quite advantageous to the company in several ways. The experiences and lessons gained in other niches will give the company the ability to tackle the challenges that would likely to occur in a different niche. (Baker, M. 2000) Two or more niches on the other hand may work towards supporting each other especially in the advent of any form of competition; for example when one niche is faced with competition other niches can be of great support especially if price competition would be necessary. Two or more niches supporting each other gives the company a leverage that would enable it sustain any form of marketing campaign to maintain high market penetration. By maintaining two or more niches, the company lowers the risk of closing shop just in case one of the niches collapses or is faced with competition and there’s a reduction in profitability levels.   By developing more than two niches the chances of success are increased tremendously as well. (Baker, M. 2000) 4) Focus on a particular region To achieve successful specialization, it is important for the company to address those geographic markets that other competitors ignore. By focusing on a particular region, it is easier for the organization to design a distribution channel that will not only be effective in terms of logistics but will ensure timeliness in the distribution of goods or services. By focusing on a particular area, it enables the company to create or design an effective marketing strategy to promote and create awareness of its goods and services. The company also stands a better chance of interacting with the customers more deeply and freely to which case it would be easier to predict the buying trends and the customer preferences. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991) Gamma Plc Gamma PLC produces very high quality motors for garden mowers and this fact gives it an edge over its competitors in this particular niche. However the company can not sit back and sit on its laurels, It is imperative for company to work extra hard to ensure it commands these niche especially with the competition of such established organizations like Yamaha and Honda.   To guard itself from this onslaught there are certain challenges that the company will face which might force it out. Competition As it is, already the company is facing competition from such world acclaimed names like Yamaha and Honda. For such names to be attracted to such a market, then it follows that the market is very lucrative. Gamma PLC is not quite renown, apart maybe for this particular market segment, unlike the competitors who are well established and with renowned brands. The big players if they would decide to flex their muscle, this might drive out Gamma from this niche. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991) They can do this in various ways including powerfully utilizing the 4ps (Price, promotion, product and place) of marketing. The kind of marketing or promotion blitz they would likely conduct, would obviously be superior compared to Gamma’s with a lesser budget. Besides, these companies’ would likely introduce price wars that would have adverse effect on Gamma Plc, whose budget would likely be comparatively small. The latter’s prices cannot compete with those ones of the more established firms. This kind of competition would prove to be a nightmare for Gamma whose niche is under threat. After all, the bigger companies’ bottom line would not be affected in any way because their presence is worldwide and are more experienced and advanced especially with the marketing capabilities. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991) The competitors may also decide to adopt or even copy how Gamma Plc is producing its high quality motors, thereby claiming some of the market share. Competition may also come in terms of remuneration and staff training where the other organizations may be attractive to employees in Gamma. The niche strategy may be limiting By adopting and relying on this particular niche the company would be faced with another challenge of future growth. Because it might expend all its energies trying to defend this niche from Yamaha and Honda it might lack the resources to venture in other markets thereby limiting its own growth. This is always foreseen especially if the market is relatively small. As time goes by Gamma’s market share might shrink which might eventually affect its continued production of highly quality motors. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991) Is the market defensible? This should be the question that should be ringing in the minds of Gamma Plc’s management. It would not be worthwhile to cling to one niche especially if it is not defensible. Most small companies like Gamma will find it challenging to judge this especially bearing in mind that this is the market that supports the organization. The company may lack the resources to get out if the competition becomes unbearable and establish another niche elsewhere. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991). The market would be defensible if the customers within the niche have shown the willingness to support the company regardless of who comes to compete, which is to mean they are strictly loyal to Gamma. It would also mean that the market would be big enough to warrant any fight over it. However if the market is small and shrinking there’s not need to waste the resources to defend it. Substitute Products Gamma Plc manufactures quality products and as stated before this might be the edge it might be having over the competition. However, it is worth noting that quality in most cases comes at a higher price. Thus consumers would likely to be charged more compared to similar products from other companies. Yamaha and Honda may take advantage of this by providing cheaper alternatives that the customers can select from. This means that not all consumers use quality as the driving purchasing factor. Most consumers will go for cheaper products provided the offer similar functions. This would force Gamma either to lower quality so that the product becomes cheaper or seek for more efficient ways of production. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991). Gamma Plc most probably specializes in the production of motors for garden mowers, which in essence means that they lack any other product line, unlike Yamaha and Honda who have a very wide product range, that ranges from generators to motorbikes. The range could be a very crucial marketing entry point for consumers who might not necessarily want motors for garden mowers yet they possess them. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991). REFERENCES Baker, M. (2000) Marketing Management and Strategy, 3rd edition, Macmillan Business. Chisnall, P.M. (1997) Marketing Research, Fifth Edition, London: McGraw-Hill Kotler, P. and Armstrong, G. (1997) Marketing An Introduction. Fourth Edition. New  Ã‚   Jersey. Prentince Hall International Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. (1991) Making Niche Marketing Work, New York:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   McGraw Hill Peter, J.P. and Olson, J.J. (1996) Consumer Behaviour and Marketing Strategy, USA:  Ã‚  Ã‚   Irwin             How to cite What determines a successful niche strategy, Essay examples

Sunday, December 8, 2019

There Will Be Blood Analysis free essay sample

The film explores themes of ambition, loneliness, lust for power, false personas, hatred, lack of faith, mistrust and loss of humanity. Anderson explores these themes through the characters of Daniel Plainview and Eli Sunday. In addition to character exploration, Anderson uses a variety of cinematic techniques in order to subtextually portray these themes. These techniques include, contrasting lighting, long shots, wide angles and mis en scene. The first themes to be explored in There Will Be Blood are ambition and loneliness. The film begins with a wide shot of a vast and open terrain. This signifies the emptiness of our setting. We meet the character of Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day Lewis) deep below the ground in a mining shaft. Plainview is working in absolute darkness. This could be symbolic of Plainview’s current economic or social position. However, his loneliness and labor is a product of his ambition and lust for power. However, his loneliness and labor is a product of his ambition and lust for power. This ambition is visually revealed to us when Plainview climbs out of his mine and makes his way into town to sell his silver. All of this is done with a broken leg. This ascension out of the darkness of the shaft is visually symbolic of Plainview’s path to power. Plainview begins drilling for oil and becomes a more powerful figure. God like imagery is now associated with Plainview in order to visually portray this power. For example, pools of light gather behind Daniel’s head as he looks down into an oil rig. This makes him appear to be holy or God like. Eventually, a worker dies in Plainview’s oil rig and Daniel is left covered in blood and oil; this is a reoccurring visual element in the film. Another reoccurring element of the film is the association of oil with death. The worker leaves behind a child named H. W who Daniel adopts. The child wears white garments which are contrasted with the darkness of Daniel’s attire and the blackness of the oil that now consumes the landscape. These white garments could be representative of religious imagery. Daniel and H. W eventually go into business as partners. Daniel attempts to create the impression that he is a family man, thus making purchasing land easier. This introduces the theme of false personas. Daniel’s second false personas is one of a man who is driven by need to help his community. In reality all of his motives are interior. This explains the film’s contrasting lighting. Scenes with bright high key light are contrasted with scenes of darkness where Plainview’s face is hidden in shaddow. In turn, we begin to see a clear hatred of religion in Daniel. This introduces the theme of lack of faith. Daniel’s lack of faith could be attributed to his developing God complex. This theme is explored further with the introduction of Daniel’s antithesis, Eli Sunday (Paul Dano). Eli is a pastor who immediately attempts to exert power of Daniel by attempting to bless his oil well. Plainview responds by blessing it himself. This is further evidence for Daniel’s God complex which puts the characters in direct conflict. Both men are attempting to exert control over one another. Eli is attempting to bring Daniel into his congregation and Daniel is attempting to exert his power over Eli’s community. We see visual contrast between Daniel and Eli with how both men are framed in shots. Eli is often framed in tight shots with crowds and people around him. This is in contrast with Daniel who is framed in wide, empty shots. Daniel’s relationship with Eli shines a light on another theme, hatred. When Daniel starts a friendship with his brother Henry, he abandons his false persona and reveals his true self. Plainview admits to a deep seated hatred of humanity and his desire to be alone. The character of Henry is important due to the fact that Plainview places his trust in a person for the first time in the film. This trust is destroyed when it’s revealed that Henry is a conman. This introduces the theme of mistrust and signifies a character shift in Plainview. Daniel has now his humanity which is represented by his abandonment of H. W. Eventually, Eli attempts to exert power over Daniel by blackmailing him into being baptized. However, we are able to see that Daniel still holds full power through the God imagery association in the scene. A large bright cross is placed over Plainview’s head as he is being Baptized. Also, despite being on his knees he is still filmed as the dominant in the frame. The baptism is also used for ironic purposes because a man who lacks any humanity has now allegedly been saved. The film then jumps through time to the mid 1920’s. Daniel is living alone in an enormous mansion with nothing but a servant as company. This brings the theme of loneliness full circle. Plainview started out the film alone and in search of power. He now has massive amounts of wealth and power but is still alone. We also see a sequence in which Plainview drunkenly walks down a flight of stairs. This is visually symbolic of Plainview’s descension. This can also be compared to Plainview being underground in a mineshaft in the start of the film. Despite his long journey and quest for power, Plainview has made no progression. The film climaxes with a final meeting between Daniel and Eli. Eli demonstrates his false persona in this scene when he claims that he and Daniel are old friends. This is just in a desperate attempt to get money. This puts Daniel in the ultimate position of power. He forces Eli to abandon his faith by denouncing God. This acts as an anti baptism with Daniel performing it. In this scene the true animal within Daniel emerges as he maliciously controls all of Eli’s actions. We also see a final emergence of Daniel’s God complex when he proclaims that he is the third revelation (Eli’s Church). This scene also serves as a portrayal of hypocrisy. Eli, who allegedly operates as a moral figure throughout the film now abandons his faith for money. This scene also makes us wonder if Daniel, despite being a murderer, has more redeeming qualities than the hypocritical Eli. In addition Anderson sets Eli’s death in a bowling alley which could be symbolic of lying dead in a gutter which is a traditionally seen as a less than heroic way of dying. P. T Anderson uses a variety of cinematic techniques and visual symbols in order to add to his complex thematic narrative. Daniel Plainview is always shot as the dominant in the frame. This is symbolic of his power in the film. Also, as the film progresses the shots that Daniel are in become wider and emptier. This is representative of his loss of humanity and his isolation. Often times when we see Daniel the frame will be void of any other characters. In addition to this we often see a large empty landscape filled with spread out oil rigs behind Daniel. These oil rigs in a large dessert terrain come to be associated with Daniel’s character. Anderson also uses frames in order to isolate Daniel. He often times shoots him through windows and doorways. This is representative of Daniel’s detachment from others. Another symbolic image that comes to be associated with Daniel is fire. In a scene where an oil rig explodes, Daniel watches the fire with joy. The fire comes to be associated with Daniel’s burning ambition. However, it also comes to represent his hatred as evident by a fire burning when he kills Henry. Fire is also at times associated with H. W’s hatred as well. After weeks of being ignored by his father, H. W attempts to set the Plainview cabin on fire. Anderson also experiments with character proximity in relation to Daniel and H. W. Early in the film they are filmed very close together in medium shots and closeups. The expanding frame and distance between them becomes symbolic of their relationship. Evidence for this comes in a scene where H. W and Daniel are reunited. The scene is shot from an extra wide angle which takes away any sense of intimacy between the two characters. Another reoccurring visual element in this film is industry. Oil rigs, pipelines, trains and cars are all portrayed as motifs within he film. The film’s climax within the Plainview mansion also uses heavy visual symbolism. When Daniel descends the stairs his frame is filled with vertical bars from the banister. This is symbolic of Daniel being a prisoner in his own home. The film’s final sequence also visually depicts Daniel’s power as he hovers above a crying Eli. Also, when Eli lays bleeding and dying a gutter separates the two characters in a birds eye shot. This could be a reference to Daniel’s God complex. It also acts as a barrier between the two characters in reference to Daniel’s detachment. There Will Be Blood is one of the most interesting and compelling character studies in recent film history. P. T Anderson portrays the fall of a less than human anti hero that we ultimately feel sympathy for. The film’s innovative use of camera techniques, lighting, visual symbolism and mis en scene all combine to create a powerful narrative that highlights the nature of human flaws.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Performance Appraisal free essay sample

Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House is a dramatic play that epitomizes the sacrificial role of women, parental and filial obligations, and the unreliability of appearances. The play illustrates the story of the Helmers family, introducing the role and purpose of each character. Moreover the play shows the advantages and limitations of the dramatic form. First and foremost, Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House shows the different advantages of the dramatic forms. These advantages give appeal to its audience. One of these advantages is the use of social interaction skills. With dramatic plays, one an enhance his/ her ability to interact to others, the way he/ she talks, and the way he/ she deliver his/her lines or part. Another advantage is the language development. The vocabulary is more improved in most dramatic play. Script writers often use words that are easy to understand but in addition, they also include new words that maybe new to the audiences hearing. We will write a custom essay sample on Performance Appraisal or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Vocabulary is not the only part that is improved; sentence structuring is as well developed. In dramatic forms, organization of words is highly different. The third advantage of dramatic forms is the use of symbols. In literature, symbolism is very important. Symbols make the story more understandable for the audience or readers. Symbols are the objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas and concepts. Lastly in dramatic forms, fantasy and reality are mixed together. Sometimes fantasy is being turned to reality and on the other hand reality is being turned to fantasy. However, A Dolls House doesnt only show the advantages of the dramatic forms, it also shows its limitations. These limitations sometimes let the audience want for more. Dramatic forms that are not detailed like Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House turn off the audiences ppetite. Oftentimes plays are being summarized, script writers do not include unnecessary details, and they only write what is needed and appropriate for the play. They do not give the audience the whole picture, hence they let the audience think of their own conclusion in some part. In addition, plays have limitations on time. Script writers avoid the audience to get bored, so they avoid long and repetitive scripts. Also plays like this are confusing, since script writers do not give the whole picture to the audience; confusion starts to arise in the middle of the play. Summing up, Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House shows the advantages and limitations of the dramatic forms. Advantages such as language development and use of symbols make dramatic forms more understandable and interesting. Therefore, these advantages help the audience to be more comfortable and attached to the story. On the other hand, the play also illustrates the limitation of dramatic forms.