Problem Behavior Syndrome Essay

Problem Behavior Syndrome (PBS) are a number of antisocial behaviors that cluster together which may include family dysfunction, substance abuse, smoking, educational underachievement, suicidal thoughts/attempts, unemployment and even crime. (Siegel, 2011) There is one person that comes to mind that has a criminal record and also possesses numerous antisocial behaviors listed in the text. That person, sadly, is my ex boyfriend/ baby’s father, Jonathon. He is only 27 years old and already has two strikes against him. The antisocial behaviors that pertain to him are: family dysfunction, smoking, substance abuse, unemployment, and educational underachievement. I personally believe his mother is to blame for that. She’s a lazy, unemployed alcoholic and possibly bipolar. She picks fights with him whenever possible and has even gotten him arrested once or twice. She is and most likely never was a positive role model for Jon. Maybe it has to do with his father never being around. Who knows? He had gotten a chick pregnant while he was only 15 or so. I have met that kid and the mother; I feel she is already heading down the road he went. That is exactly why I will not let him be in my daughter’s life. I don’t want her to be like him in any way. I am not sure how or who introduced him to drugs but that is his biggest downfall. Drugs (crystal meth) are why he’s been arrested. That fact that he smoked it as well didn’t make things better. He has never harmed anyone or robbed anything either so thank god for that. Since he has a record, it’s very hard for him to find a decent job. But the fact that he is trying to turn his life around and make something of himself, is what makes me know for a fact that he won’t become another PBS statistic.

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Monomaniac's â€Å"Games For Change Keynote† lecture is about how much of an influence games have on society and the impact it can bring. Her two main questions to answer during this lecture are â€Å"What can games change? † and â€Å"What do games change? † MacDougal presents a list of some people's twitter responses to what games do for them. The first few responses refer to ones emotional state. People with Initial negative emotions such as sadness and anxiety can play games and end up feeling much better. Another change she presents Is â€Å"mental resilience†.This refers too arson's mindset and how it Is altered with games. It Is possible for people's confidence and performance levels to Increase after some time playing games. The next thing MacDougal talks about Is â€Å"social resilience†. How people socialize and Interact with the people around them can change with game play as well. For example, many of the games In the present day are mul tilayer and present an option to connect with players around the world. This creates socializing and Interacting with other online players who may even be real life friends.Before she alas about the science and data behind her lecture she gives us a list of how we can measure these changes when playing games. The list includes analyzing emotional, mental, neurological, social, self-efficacy, and engagement levels. In more general terms, MacDougal believes that â€Å"games can change your life. † MacDougal talks about an interesting mission of hers for this talk, which is to â€Å"increase the lifespan of everyone in this room by seven and a half minutes† and even provides a formula to show where she got that specific number.A good point she brings up is that on our deathbeds, many people may end up regretting all the time they devoted to playing games. Many people will say that the time spent in front of a game console or computer controlling a virtual character could have been used more wisely. She presents to the audience a list of the top five regrets people have. These regrets are working too hard, not staying in touch with friends, not allowing yourself to be happier, not truly expressing yourself, and not living the life that stayed true to your ideas. MacDougal goes on to say that each one of these regrets can be answered by laying games.The first regret of working too hard can be because people wish they had spent more time with their family and kids. Games are the perfect solution for this regret. Playing games with friends and family can definitely strengthen bonds and relationships. The second regret of not keeping in touch with friends can also be fixed through social games. MacDougal gives the example of social games such as Words with Friends and Formative that keeps people connected with others. The benefit games also produce Is that no matter how distant two people are, they canInteract with each other by these games. Games are al so scientifically proven to fix the third regret, which is not letting yourself be happier. MacDougal provides data from an East Carolina university stating that online games have actually outperformed clinical activities of depression when It comes to making someone happier. The fourth regret of not expressing yourself more can be solved by creating virtual avatars and characters that can be molded and shaped Into whoever you desire. The last regret on the list is not living a life true to your dreams.

Childhood and Young People Essay

Describe ways in which discrimination may deliberately or inadvertently occur in work? The ways in work that this would occur would be if you have a policy where you will employ anyone without discrimination but without having disabled access that would be inadvertently. Describe the sorts of behaviour problems that should be referred to other and to whom these should be referred? The sorts of behaviour problems that should be referred are if a problem keeps re-occurring such as hitting, biting, and swearing. This should be referred to your manager and then that’s for the manager to take further or not. Describe the different transitions children and young people may experience? There are different transitions that children and young people may go through can be planned for such as moving to a primary school but the transitions that you cant plan for will be a sudden death in the family which this could be traumatic for the child. Explain how to give adult support for each of the transitions? The most important part of giving adult support to a child when going through these transitions would just letting the child know that there is someone for them to rely on. Explain how a work setting can encourage children and young people’s positive behaviour? Depending on the age of the child the encouragement doesn’t really change for example 1-2 year old you would distract the child if they aren’t displaying good behaviour and then praise them while keeping calm and patient and make sure you stay being a good role model. For a 3-4 year old you would praise and encourage the child and then next explain while keeping patient and then supervise the child and then make sure that you continue to be a role model. Reflect on own role in promoting positive behaviour? In my role I think promoting positive behaviour is important so you build a bond with that child so when they do go through a stage of bad behaviour they respect you and listen to you when you guiding them in the right direction. Also praise is the most important when promoting positive behaviour this would be a case of reverse physiology. Review effectiveness of own contribution to the assessment of the development needs of a child or young person? Review effectiveness of own role in supporting the child or young persons development? Identify changes that can be made to own practice in supporting child and young person development? Outline own role and responsibilities in the event of a child or young person requiring urgent medical attention? When a child needs urgent medical attention the first thing that you should do is find out how bad the injury in to determine what you need to do to help the child then you need to react and provide first aid on the child if more serious ring for an ambulance. Then next monitor the child for further re-occurring effects, this is mainly for a head injury. Then you will need to record the injury and what happened and what first aid you carried out on the child. Outline procedures for infection control in own work setting? The procedures that we have in place in the work setting are cleaning charts and professionals that come in and check over the setting to make sure that it is clean. Also we make sure the toys are clean for the children to play with to reduce infection and cleaning the nursery every night. Also if there is a spill of any kind such as blood or sick, we have different coloured buckets to clean it up to reduce contamination. If you were to be in the kitchen we use different coloured chopping boards to stop the risk of cross contamination which could lead to infection. Explain how the procedures of the work setting protect both children and young people and practitioners? This protects everyone in the setting from infection such as illness for example the common cold. This protects everyone because the cleaner the better, if the rooms were never cleaned or tidied that’s how infection would built because when you clean you kill any type of infection. Describe what is meant by a positive environment? A positive environment would be where staff and children are happy at all times, where everyone gets on well and keeps the setting positive. Making sure that the children have enough the play with both indoor and outdoor to keep them happy, when there is enough space for the children to play it keeps them positive. Although we need to make sure that the setting is fun and attractive it needs to be safe and secure. Identify regulatory requirements that underpin a positive environment for children and young people? The regulatory requirements that underpin a positive environment for children must be safe to work in, so this is why there are ratio’s to children to staff. Also yearly Ofsted will visit the setting to make sure you are sticking to these requirements, a few examples would be the heating, making sure it’s always at the right temperature which is 15-18 degrees or for babies 20-22. Another would be radiators and pipes to be covered and smoke alarms fitted in the setting and making sure that emergency equipment is always available. Explain how to effectively care for children and young people’s skin, teeth and hair? It is always important that children’s skin teeth and hair is looked after. Skin – children are encouraged to wash hands after using the toilet or before they, also as they get older they should be encouraged to wash their own bodies when they wake up and before they go to bed for example letting the child have their own flannel will encourage this.

Racial Profiling Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Racial Profiling - Essay Example Using racial profiling as a law enforcement tactic can be considered as unjust discrimination since it applies to specific people. This restricts the privacy and freedom of movement by individuals from this particular race. The USA receives thousands of immigrants from other countries and regions, but Latinos and blacks are the majority of deportees. After the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington, Muslim communities in USA have been targeted by security agencies in USA. The equality principle provides the moral and legal assertion that all citizens are equal and require equal treatment from the law. All people are therefore supposed to enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and welfare regardless of race or social status. Muslims in USA are arbitrarily arrested or stopped by police officers on suspicion of engagement in terror activities. In airports, they are subjected to thorough security checks, which are not conducted on ordinary Americans. The FBI has shortlisted several Muslims, and they are on constant surveillance (Jamal and Naber, 2008). This causes discrimination of Muslims by citizens and the law enforcement officers. However, racial profiling of Muslims has helped the FBI and the police identify several potential terrorist within the country. This has helped prevent other attacks and paralyze the operation of terroris t cells in

Business research methods Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business research methods - Assignment Example In the case presented, it would prove impractical and impossible to carry a study that involves over 2000 fast food restaurants. Hence, there is a salient need for sampling. Researchers have identified two categories of sampling technique names, probability sampling and non-probability sampling. For the research on fast food restaurants mentioned, it becomes critical to identify the most appropriate method of sampling that will yield a reliable sample for the research. In a bid to identify the appropriate one, an overview of both sampling methods will be presented. Their implications will also be highlighted and eventually the most appropriate method will be identified (Acharya et al 2013, p. 332). Probability sampling is one of the common techniques used by many researchers when they require yielding a sample that can be used in their research. The basis of probability sampling is randomization. At such randomization, the researcher ensures that each item or entity in the target population has an equal chance of being part of the sample (Uprichard 2013, p. 9). Experts have highlighted that probability sampling eliminates the need for systematic and sampling biases. The main objective in probability sampling is ensuring that the sample serves as an effective representative of the targeted population (Acharya et al 2013, p. 332). Notably, such a representative sample is required by researchers for making generalizations about the targeted population. This is the reason why researchers need to be careful when sampling. There are different techniques of achieving the probability sampling, which have been widely used by different researchers (Uprichard 2013, p. 5). One of the common types of probability sampling is the simple random sampling, which may either be done mechanically or using computer software. The basis of simple random sampling is making an all-inclusive list of the entities in the population and then engaging in a

Essay Writing Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Writing - Essay Example Before delving deep into the governance and economic systems of CBRM, is it important that we consider the problems faced by the province in recent years. It had once grown into an industrial slump, hit by depression and uncertainty. CBRM was perhaps was affected more than any other province in Canada. This gave rise to poor financial condition, poverty and unemployment. Thus, formulating the fiscal and economic policies has become a challenge for CBRM in present times. This paper aims at examining the governing system of CBRM, it fiscal and economic sustainability and policies for the same. This paper throws a good amount of light on the practices, policies undertaken and their outcomes. CBRM holds an important position when it comes to local administration (Impressions of Cape Breton, 1986, p 263). The crisis of DOSDO during 1966- 1967, has shaped up the political map of CBRM. Since then local political sensibility has controlled CBRM’s development, though political strategies implemented by the new government has succeeded in lessening political fragmentation within the province (Gagnon and Keating, 2012, p 110-111). In spite of following the policy of no amalgamation with other municipalities within the province of Nova Scotia, all the municipal corporations cooperate with each other. Generally municipalities which share any similar characteristics cooperate with each other. Thus there exists a relation based on cooperation among CBRM and another municipality HRM. The revenue that is earned is divided among the amalgamated provinces. Therefore, conflicts often occur over fair distribution of provincial revenues. Also, political lobbying also has its say wh en it comes of attention from Canadian government and share of resources (Sancton and Andrew, 2009, p 168). The amalgamation took place as a measure to reduce the annual expenditure. It was

Royal Thai Airways Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Royal Thai Airways - Case Study Example s of Thai culture, its customs, and traditions.' The goal of the research study is to examine the extent and nature of Thailand's reach as a tourist economy within the global market. Focused on RTA's Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) market segment, the project proposes to engage the topic of globalization through inquiry into ROP passenger membership, and in particular high wealth, male customers from cosmopolitan hubs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and United Kingdom (UK). At the global level, RTA and by extension the Thai tourist economy has at present, a significant share of the available demand. Well known for its personal service tourism (i.e. sex tourism) economy, Thailand's beauty and tropical surroundings are compliment the dream world of male fantasies attained through association with luxury market advertising of those services. Nevertheless, Thailand's sex tourism industry has an alternative image, which is predicated upon the policy concerns of human rights activism against such activities. AIDs and interrelated discourses o n 'health' utilized by medical, public health and 'spa' businesses are also considered. A full service provider of commercial airline service to customers around the globe, RTA faces a challenge in identity management that is perhaps unparalleled elsewhere in terms of market analysis and communication. Business development, then is fostered through negotiation of gender terms, and precisely so; RTA employs Thailand's 'Spa Culture' as a benefit to ROP members, yet retracts from association with anything pertaining to 'sex.' The royal orchid carrier is in the last instance, 'traditional.' How this impacts investment underscores the nature of this study. Participation in the Star Alliance was the result of various changes in the world's economic situation, RTA claims, as single carriers 'cannot sustain and respond to these changes effectively and sufficiently.' The 2008 'Open Skies Agreement' between the EU and US set the pace for a radical restriction on nations that did not follow suit in regard to free-trade at international airports. Marketing 'paradise' has now become more expensive. Revenues generated by RTA's frequent flier customers more important to the airline than ever. To this end, the project focuses on the high wealth, male ROP client, and in particular those of the UAE and UK, working together in the heavily sanctioned social environments (i.e. dictating prohibition on sexual relations) of the Gulf States. The theoretical prospectus on the project is focused on globalization and identity, and specifically addresses critical marketing theories dedicated to activist

Create 5 paragraph ( 5 sentences each) essay that contains a thesis

Create 5 paragraph ( 5 sentences each) that contains a thesis statement - Essay Example In 1980s, three-quarters of the crude oil refined in the U.S. refineries was from local sources, only 25 percent was imported (Montgomery 43). Currently, those trends are reversed. In a relatively quick period of time, only approximately 35 percent of that crude oil is produced locally while 65 percent is imported from foreign markets (Montgomery 46). To compound the problem, emerging Asian markets are contending for more of the global oil supply, and that pushes up the global price of oil. The government has not constructed any new refinery since 1976 (Montgomery 78). To meet the increasing demand for gasoline, America now imports a million barrels of refined gasoline each day. That means about one out of every nine gallons of gas available at the pump is developed in a far-off country. Not only is America dependent on foreign sources of oil, it is becoming more dependent on foreign sources of gasoline. America is one the highest consumer of oil globally. The addiction of the American customs on oil is evident not only from the sheer volume it consumes – the highest in the world- but also from its consumption per person, which outstrips that of any other comparable country. It is double that of northern Europeans. Despite having plentiful supplies of coal, enough to last 250 years, and being the biggest producer of nuclear energy, American is overly dependent on oil for its various industries. For instance, over 96 percent of its transportation is dependent on oil (Montgomery 140). In conclusion, America is too dependent on foreign oil since it has not been self-sufficient in oil since 1950s. The USA continues to be the world’s biggest importer of oil, accounting for around one quarter of total world imports. Nevertheless, there is no viewpoint of the want for imported oil declining in the foreseeable future; indeed all projections forecast an increase. Domestic production is declining while

The Hair Emporium Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Hair Emporium - Coursework Example There are various reporting requirements in franchising as already mentioned above; information shared is both operational and contractual. Through the Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD) the franchisor is required to disclose or share its annual audited financial accounting reports with the franchisees (Mann & Roberts, 2007). Consequently, the franchisees can/may request current FDD in accompaniment with audited financial statements at any time. Further, the franchisor is obliged to provide on-going assistance to the franchisees as stated in the franchise agreement; this often occurs via franchise operations and training manuals that are continuously updated. FDDs usually include franchise agreements, and financial statements including the balance sheet, statement of earnings, income statement, cash flow statement and the statement of owner’s equity. These documents are vital as they help the Franchisees to know the franchisor’s history of profitable operations (Mann & Roberts, 2007). Further, the FDDs help the franchisees to know whether the franchisor is financially stable currently for them to increase or decrease their investment in the latter. A list of current franchisees with their current contacts is also important as the franchisees or prospective franchisees can use the information to contact others inquiring about their experience with the franchisor (Mann & Roberts, 2007). ... Given this fact, Rolando and Rosa will have to share all its financial and accounting records with its subsequent franchisees to ensure smooth operation of its business (Baldwin, et al., 2011). Importance of completing balance sheets and operating statements on a monthly and yearly basis Completing balance sheets and operating statements on monthly and yearly basis by the Hair Emporium is vital; the firm will be able to determine its profitability at any given month; franchisor will be able to know whether through its franchising operations, it has the ability to earn profits or incur loses (Baldwin, et al., 2011). For the firm to be in business it must be able to earn profits. According to these facts, completing balance sheets and operation statements on monthly and annual basis will help the Hair Emporium understand whether it is earning profits or incurring loses within the said periods. Secondly, the Hair Emporium will understand its liquidity; for instance, the company will kno w its ability to meet both its short-term and long-term financial obligations. Consequently, completing balance sheets and operating statements on monthly and yearly basis will help the Hair Emporium to know how efficient it is in delivering services. For instance, how productive the firm is utilizing its assets relative to its revenue and its profits (Baldwin, et al., 2011). In the same line of discussion, the Hair Emporium will be able to understand its financial stability; the firm’s overall financial strength will be established through these monthly and yearly checks. The firm will also use the completed monthly and yearly financial statements to estimate its future income and expenses based on

National Geographic Essay Example for Free

National Geographic Essay The first website is the National Geographic (www.nationalgeographic.com), which is very diverse in terms of the topics it features and discusses on their site. It talks about the environment, humanity, history, entertainment, and travel. Due to the variety of topics, the website caters to everyone and anyone who seek reliable information. Five topics were researched including the brain, heart, skin, digestive system, and lungs. The search was very easy because the website has its search option where users can type what they are looking for and the website will generate the nearest results that it can find. Other topics can also be accessed with ease because the website features hyperlinks on the left side and on top, which are very easy to find. For the topics that were researched, images and graphics were available for users to understand the topic better. It also has a â€Å"Daily News† section, which features the latest news about the environment, space, and people. The website does not contain any grammatical errors and information are organized in such a way that they fall in the proper category. It also posts contact information so that users can contact the company if they want to research more or if they want to verify what they have learned. Considering that National Geographic is a known company with its own television channel, it is not hard for users to trust the content of its website. The website is very easy to navigate and it presents everything in such a way that users would not question the contents. For those who would use the website to research on educational topics, they would certainly find useful and accurate information because the National Geographic is known to conduct researches, documentaries, and studies. The company consults professionals and specialists to make sure that everything they post are correct and accurate. Wellness. com is a community for people who want to learn more about wellness and improve their lifestyles. It is also a place where people who have knowledge about wellness and healthy living can share what they know to those who want to obtain information. According to the website, it aims to create a place where people can obtain wellness information that can be trusted and used by everyone. In terms of evaluating the website for its accuracy and reliability, it can be said that the website can probably do better. Much of the information posted can be questioned because the authors are the members of the community and everyone just shares information with each other through the site’s forums. The members can post blogs about different topics, mostly about simple things like lying to get treatment for menopause, self-criticism, and breast cancer. The website has its search option that would return results from the site’s blogs and forums. Due to the importance of obtaining health-related information only from professionals, the website lists providers by category. Users are also given the option to search a provider by name. Information on health is categorized and listed alphabetically so that users do not have a hard time finding specific topics. It also offers wellness information for pets so that users who have pets have a place to gather information. Multimedia content is not available in this website and there are not much images featured. However, to compensate for its cons, the website has its contact page where people can contact the organization if they have any inquiries or recommendations. Overall, it is not a great place to obtain accurate information but it is a good place to find people who share the same experiences and thoughts. If a person wants to find a community to belong to in terms of wellness and health, then Wellness. com is the right place to go.

Disasters In Tamilnadu Coastal States

Disasters In Tamilnadu Coastal States Natural Disasters like Cyclone, Flood and Tsunami have been affecting the coastal communities for a long time. The prime reason behind this impact is the lack of last mile communications. In a disaster situation, timely warnings allow people to take actions that save lives, reduce damage to property and minimize human suffering. To facilitate an effective warning system, there is a major need for better coordination among the early warning providers as well as those handling logistics and raising awareness about disaster preparedness, security and management. There are many new communication technologies that allow warning providers not only to reach the people at risk but also to personalize their warning message to a particular situation. Opportunities are available right now to significantly reduce loss of life and properties if disaster warning systems can be improved. In this study, the researcher analyzes how various forms of Radio plays an important role in disseminating infor mation among the people during emergencies using survey and interviews. This paper also looks into the effective role of ICT in communicating security planning, preparedness and risk management strategies to coastal communities in the Tamil Nadu state of India. Keywords: natural disasters, communication, technology, radio, village information centres DISASTERS IN TAMILNADU, A COASTAL STATE IN INDIA India is one of the most disaster prone countries of the world. It has had some of the worlds most severe droughts, famines, cyclones, earthquakes, chemical disasters, rail accidents, and road accidents. The developing countries are becoming increasingly exposed to greater numbers of natural and man-made disasters, resulting in larger numbers of people becoming victims. It is estimated that between 1980 and 1984, about 800 disasters affected the lives of about 400 million people in the world. The high density of population in the developing countries, especially in the high risk coastal areas, results in several millions of people getting affected by natural disasters, especially in recurring disasters like floods, cyclones, storm surges, etc. Tamilnadu being one of the 28 states of India lies on the eastern coast of the southern Indian peninsula bordered by Puducherry (Pondicherry), Kerela, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Since Tamilnadu and Puducherry were located in the coastal areas of Bay of Bengal, the natural disasters such as Tsunami, Floods, Cyclone takes away the lives of many people which include damage to the properties. Over 1000 killed as Tsunami hits Eastern and South coastal areas in India. Over a thousand people have been killed in tidal waves in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry was the worst affected with possibly over 800 people killed. At least 350 people have been confirmed dead in Tamil Nadu with over 100 people dead in Chennai alone. As many as 239 people have been killed in Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, while in Nagapatnam; the number of dead has been confirmed as 273. INFORMATION NEEDS IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT The information needs of disaster management deals with collection of two categories of disaster-related data: â‚ ¬Ã‚  Pre-disaster baseline data about the country and risks; and Post-disaster real-time data about the impact of a disaster and the resources available to combat it. Similarly, the disaster management functioning procedure is dealt with two types of activities: â‚ ¬Ã‚  Pre-disaster activities: analysis and research (to improve the existing knowledge base), risk assessment, prevention, mitigation and preparedness; and Post-disaster activities: response, rehabilitation and reconstruction. The ability of leaders and administrators to make sound disaster management decisions to analyze risks and decide upon appropriate counter-measures can be greatly enhanced by the cross-sectoral integration of information. COMMUNICATION FACILITIES FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT Communication is a major bottleneck in case of any major disaster particularly when the traditional network system already in force brakes down. In order to strengthen communications, it has been decided that police network (POLNET) will also be used for disaster management. For this purpose POLNET communication facility was extended to District Magistrates, Sub Divisional Magistrates as well as the Control Rooms. For emergency communication, mobile satellite based units which can be transported to the site of the disaster are being procured. A group was constituted to draw a comprehensive communication plan for disaster management nd the report has since been received. This provides for a dedicated communication system for disaster management with built in redundancies. Communication and education can play a proactive role in mitigation through awareness about the types of disaster and as to how prevention measures can be taken up. There is also a Satellite based communication system called the Cyclone Warning Dissemination Systems (CWDS) for transmission of warnings. There are 250 cyclone-warning sets installed in the cyclone prone areas of east and west coast. The general public, the coastal residents and fishermen, are also warned through the Government machinery and broadcast of warnings through AIR and Television. The use of satellite, computers, electronics, better communication facilities are make significant difference in disaster management. The data processing and computers are providing a useful tool in decision making in disaster. OBJECTIVES To study the various communication technologies applied for the inter-organizational communication for disaster management in Cuddalore, a coastal state of TamilNadu. To investigate the effectiveness of VHF Radio System based EWS in disseminating early warning to coastal communities in Cuddalore. REVIEW OF LITERATURE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT The role of Government in disaster management is to provide a central, coordinated plan of action to address the damage caused by a disaster as well as the needs of the people affected. They also address the degree of risk present within an emergency situation. They repair the hazardous conditions such as polluted water supplies, damaged power lines, and inadequate housing. When needed, civil defense units such as the National Guard is called to maintain order within a disaster situation. Emergency management also involves providing the support necessary to prepare and rebuild a community aftermath a disaster. Government agencies also provide the lines of communication needed to keep responders in touch with government and public officials. Mobile communications systems are also put in place to provide airlifted networks of communication throughout a particular region. A World Wide Scenario A report on Disaster Management Centre, published by Government of Sri Lanka (2005) provides details regarding the functioning of disaster management centre in Sri Lanka. Hazard Mapping and Risk Assessment, information and data collection are the major functions of this centre. The collected information is disseminated to the communities through mobile phones, loudspeakers, television, radio etc. The article also stresses on the difficulties in communication in an emergency situation. Frequent breakdown in telephone systems, jamming of telephones systems, non-availability of telecommunication facilities in remote villages creates major hindrance in communication during an emergency situation. Kerala State Disaster Management Policy, a report published by Government of Kerala (2009) shows the system and procedure of working of Emergency Operation Centre (EOC). The system of EOC is designed in such a way that the information can be promptly assessed and relayed to concerned people. Rapid dissemination contributes to quick response and effective decision making during emergencies. EOC functions round the clock and maintains direct linkage with district control rooms through phone, fax, wireless and internet. Report also mentions the incidence command system. The Incidence Command System is an organized system of government departments and other agencies that are to be worked under a structured pattern for response and recovery. Disaster Management Policy and Communication Systems, a report published by Government of Japan (2007) brings out the functioning procedure of Disaster Management Communication Systems in Japan. Data gathering and message sending to communities are the major functions of this system. The information collected is disseminated to communities through loudspeakers and sirens. Report also shows the organizational communication between various departments like fire and disaster management centre, telecommunication and broadcast ministry, municipality etc. A Nation wide Scenario The article on Disaster Management, published by Government of India (2004) discusses the activities carried out by the central government at the times of a disaster. The basic responsibility of the government is to undertake rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures, and provision of logistical and financial support to state governments during a disaster. The logistical support includes deployment of aircrafts and boasts, specialist teams of Armed Forces, Central Para Military Forces, arrangements for relief materials essential commodities including medical stores, restoration of critical infrastructure facilities including communication network and such other assistance as may be required by the affected stats to meet the situation effectively. An article on Disaster Management in India, published by Government of India (2005), reveals the functioning procedure of National Emergency Management Authority. Reviewing the status of warning system, mitigation measure and disaster preparedness are its major functions. It suggests the state governments to restructure/re-group the officers/staff within the Department of Disaster Management with definite functions to pursuer the holistic approach to disaster management. The four functional groups to be assigned with specific tasks within departments are, hazard mitigation, preparedness and capacity building, relief and response, administration and finance. Development of National Emergency Communication Plan, an article published by Government of India (2006) recommends a nationwide network between the state governments with triple redundancy and full reliability during emergencies to connect the national, state and district Emergency Operation Centres. In Phase I of the report, it is proposed to establish an Emergency Communication System to provide mobile communication linkages through satellite between on-site disaster response teams to be deployed in remote locations and national and state Emergency Operation Centres. In Phase- II, the plan insists the connectivity using lines with various satellite back ups from the existing networks such as BSNL, Police Network, SPACENET to establish an integrated network among all Emergency Operation Centres and mobile Emergency Operation Centres at disaster sites. State Wide Scenario In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry A report Disaster Management in Tamil Nadu, published by Government of Tamil Nadu (2005) describes the activities carried out by the government in all three phases of disaster management. In Phase I (pre-disaster phase), all district collectors would prepare detailed action plans at local body level and at district level. The public and private sectors, voluntary agencies and community would be actively involved in the formulation of such plans. Formulation of appropriate policies and guidelines for disaster management, risk assessment and mapping of disaster vulnerable areas, establishment of communication network, setting up early warning systems would be carried out in pre-disaster phase. In phase II (disaster phase) warning and evacuation, immediate search and rescue operations, providing medical care, adequate health and sanitation care, provision of safe drinking water, mobilizing funds for relief, rehabilitation, relief packages are carried out in disaster phase. In phase III (post-disaster phase) reconstruction of houses, relocation of affected people, disbursement of funds, redressal of grievances, modification and updation of disaster plans are carried out. Disaster Management Action Plan for Floods Cyclones, a report published by Government of Puducherry (2009) describes the details regarding various organizations like revenue department, fire and rescue department, health department etc. involved in disaster management within Puducherry and their functions. Report also mentions the activities carried out by these departments during a disaster, like revenue department disseminates early warnings before a disaster strikes, fire and rescue department helps in search and rescue process while all the medical needs and disturbances are handled by health department. A report on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for disasters, published by Government of Puducherry (2009) describes the steps prepared in concise form as a response to any kind of disaster. It suggests the sequence of actions to be taken by different departments in central/state/district level. The SOP will respond to all disaster calls, mobilizing staff and fire units, effective management of resources by communication and mobilization of additional resources. It will be altered according to the scene of occurrence and a quick spot decision will be made by the operational in charge in consultation with the controlling officers. ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT Functions at National Level J. P. Saulina Arnold (2006) discusses National Disaster Response Mechanism, which reviews the existing arrangements for preparedness and mitigation of natural/man-made disasters, recommend measures for strengthening organizational structures and recommends a comprehensive model plan for management of the disasters at National, State and District level. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been established with personnel from the Para military forces for strengthening the preparedness and emergency response in the country. Eight battalions of the NDRF have been setup and deployed in strategic locations in the country and the NDRF personnel are being trained and equipped with state-of-the-art life saving equipments, search and rescue equipments, inflatable boats, etc. The NDRF personnel are also being trained for preparing and responding to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. Vinod Chandra Menon (2009) discusses the role of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). NDMA is chaired by the Prime Minister is the apex body for disaster management in country, which sets up State District Management Authorities for the effective coordination among the central and state to minimize the impact of the disaster. The National Institute for Disaster Management (NIDM) has been established as the apex training institute for disaster management in India. NIDM coordinates the capacity building efforts of disaster management faculty in State Training Institutes and also offers a few distance education programmes in disaster management in collaboration with the World Bank Institute. The NIDM also hosts the SAARC Centre for Disaster Management. Vinod K. Sharma (2006) describes the role of National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), which gives direction to the Crisis Management Group as deemed necessary. The Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for ensuring that all developments are brought to the notice of the NCMC promptly. The NCMC can give directions to any Ministry/Department/Organization for specific action needed for meeting the crisis situation. The article also describes the role of National Emergency Management Authority at the National level (NEMA). When a disaster strikes, the Authority will coordinate disaster management activities. The Authority will be responsible for:-  · Coordinating/mandating Governments policies for disaster reduction/mitigation.  · Ensuring adequate preparedness at all levels in order to meet disasters.  · Coordinating response to a disaster when it strikes.  · Coordination of post disaster relief and rehabilitation. Functions at State Level The report Disaster Management in Tamil Nadu, published by Government of Tamil Nadu (2006) describes the role of State Emergency Management Planning Committee (SEMPC). State Emergency Management Plan is prepared for each kind of disaster and the details of the organizational structure for emergency management activities are known. Responsibility of concerned agencies for the execution of rescue, relief and recovery operations and Standard Operating Procedure for each is available. A State Emergency Management Planning Committee (SEMPC) should be constituted with all the stakeholders as members. The report also analyzes the role of State Crisis Group (SCG). State Crisis Group (SCG) enables quick decision making, operational direction and coordination of the issue of warning and execution of rescue, relief and recovery operations. The responsibilities of the SCG would include: On spot decision making Control and coordination of response and recovery activities Resource mobilization and replenishment Monitoring of overall response recovery activities. Preparation of reports for submission to State Government State Emergency Control Room (SECR) ensures all warning and communication systems, instruments are in working condition and collect information on a routine basis from the State departments on the vulnerability of areas to disasters. Functions at District Level The report published by Government of Tamil Nadu (2006) reviews the functioning procedure of disaster management organizations at district level. It is the District Collector who is the focal point at the District level for directing, supervising and monitoring relief measures for disaster and for preparation of District level plans. The relief measures are reviewed by the district level relief committee consisting of official and non-official members including the local legislators and the members of parliament. The Collector maintains close coordination with the Central Government authorities in the districts, namely, the Army, Air Force and Navy, Ministry of Water Resources, etc., who supplement the effort of the district administration in the rescue and relief operation. ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT Duke H. Jeong (2006) analyzes the Inter-Organizational Information Management and Communication Breakdowns in Initial Disaster Response Mechanism. During disaster relief operations, collaborative critical decisions are often made by decision-makers from many different organizations and from a diversity of professional fields. Communication breakdowns often hamper the effective coordination of a disaster response, particularly when a multiplicity of Federal, state, local and volunteer organizations takes part in the effort. A communication breakdown is defined as the failure to communicate information due to the inability to obtain critical and needed information and the inability to obtain sufficient information quality to support decision-making. Gauruav Vivek Bhatnagar (2009) discusses the New Network for Disaster Management. Terrestrial Trunked Radio (Tetra) Communication would help establish the countrys first exclusive Government Radio Network (GRN) in Delhi. Tetra network seeks to facilitate swift and secure communication among various government agencies like Police, Fire services, hospitals, Public Works Department and Transport Corporation, the system would of be of great help in any disaster management exercise. Johnson and Zawawi (2002) describe the advances in inter-organizational disaster Management. Inter-organizational disaster response requires collaboration among geographically distributed public and private organizations to enable a rapid and effective response to an unexpected event. In order to ensure coherent coordination among the responding organizations, relevant information needs have to be collected from multiple sources, verified for accuracy and shared with appropriate organizations, all within a short time frame. Humphrey (2009) suggests that disaster management should get proactive by using RPM method. RPM stands for Recognize, Prioritize, and Mobilize to anticipate potential disasters. This approach involves recognizing potential threats, prioritizing them according to their seriousness and mobilizing resources to prevent them from occurring or at least minimizing their impact. Most organizations fail to anticipate threats mainly because of following reasons: Lack of recognition: Leaders remain oblivious to approaching threats and pay no head to warning signs. Lack of prioritizations: Leaders detect a threat but do not consider it serious enough and therefore do not give the attention it deserves. Lack of Mobilization: They recognize a danger and are aware of its seriousness but neglect to take proper action in time. Lawal Billa, Mansor Shattri, Ahmad Rodzi Mahmud and Abdul Halim Ghazali (2006) have discussed about the Comprehensive Planning and the Role of Spatial Decision Support System. Through case study, they have analyzed that the strength of Spatial Decision Support System in the collection and processing of information to speed-up communication between the proponents of the disaster management program. Moreover, Spatial Decision Support System plays an important role in decision-making. Louise K. Comfort (2006) describes the Inter-Organizational Design for Disaster Management. Cognition understanding; communication, coordination and control are the main factors to be concentrated between the organizations of disaster management. Marijn Janssen and Nitesh Bharosa (2005) discuss the Advances in Multi-agency Disaster Management. When a disaster strikes, the complex task environment requires multiple organizations to transform from autonomous actors to interdependent decision-making teams. In order to ensure coherent coordination among the responding organizations, relevant information needs to be collected form multiple sources, verified for accuracy and shared with appropriate responding organizations all within a short time frame. Naim Kapucu (2006) describes the Interagency Communication Networks during Emergencies. He focuses on pre-incident and technical aspects of communication. Pre-incident communications deals among key local disaster response organizations such as law enforcement agencies, fire departments, local emergency management agencies and organizations in the health and welfare sectors. The tool used for communication between organizations during a disaster is mobile communication and computer based networking. Technical problems also inhibit the information exchange. Flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes are all capable of toppling antennas and interrupting normal electrical power. Nigel Martin (2007) has reviewed how regional governments in Asia and other national governments around the world collect, manage and share critical geo-technical information. Through case study, it was concluded that early warning information were not handled by the government in an efficient way before the tsunami wave stroke. No proper technological solutions to provide earthquake and tsunami warning information. N. K. Chhibber (2007) describes the Disaster Communication Network in Maharashtra. VSAT network and VHF radio network has been maintained for the dissemination of emergency information within the state. Ryan, Matheson (2009) analyze the Significance of Communication in Emergency Management. The study attempts to quantity the importance of communication activities to emergency management. Through content analysis, it was founded that there is a rapid improved communication between the organizations. Sir car, Scalem (2004) has described about the Networking of Organizations in four zones of working such as normal stage, pre-disaster stage, disaster stage and post-disaster stage. The role of Revenue department in pre-disaster stage is to collect the warning news from higher officials and pass the information to communities through mobile technology or radio technology. The role of Fire and Rescue Department is to provide rescue and rehabilitation procedure. Soundarya Viswanathan (2009) describes the awareness level among the government officials, representatives of local bodies and general public of disaster. Lack of awareness among them, lead to a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society, causing widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses. In order to meet the disaster risk posed by forms of disasters, a system of enormous task must be undertaken such as hazard analysis and dissemination to the community, identification of vulnerabilities to various hazards, eliminating or strengthening the vulnerabilities, capacitating the community for readiness and resilent to all types of hazard. S. Suri (2000) analyzes the reasons behind the Orissa disaster which took away many lives of the people due to the failure of Cyclone Warning Dissemination System (CWDS). Due to the system failure, warnings were not given so to create awareness to the people, which has lead to a major destruction. Only television and radio warnings were given, but not of accurate information. Vinod K. Sharma (2002) describes the overall view of the disaster administration mechanism in the country at the central, the state and the district level also highlighting the role played by the secondary institutions. The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC) in the agriculture ministry is the nodal department for all matters concerning natural disasters relief at the centre. It transmits all emergency information to all concerned state governments for effective disaster management. The report published by Government of Puducherry (2006) describes the implementation of various communication technologies in Puducherry after tsunami. It describes the activation go emergency operation centre and dissemination of early warming through VHF sets. METHODOLOGY For this study the researcher has adopted survey method which is a quantitative type of research. The tool used for data collection is Questionnaire. Cluster sampling technique was used for data collection from coastal communities in Cuddalore. The sample size is 300. The Survey was conducted to find the mostly employed communication technology for security planning during disasters and the effectiveness of VHF based Early Warning Systems among them. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION The following is the graphical presentation of data collected from the questionnaires. When asked whether they are aware about various disasters, the response was the following: Fig. 1 Awareness level about various disasters Coastal communities are majorly aware of following communication technologies: Fig. 2 Knowledge regarding Communication technologies Communication technologies they have in their homes, which are majorly employed in disaster management are: Fig. 3 Communication technologies used in homes. When asked the source of getting disaster news, the response was the following: Fig. 4 Devices used to getting information regarding disasters. When asked, whether they are informed regularly the alterations in weather conditions, the response was the following: Fig. 5 Updation of weather alterations. They get weather information from, Fig. 6 Organizations that provide weather informations. When asked about the usage of mobile phones in disaster management, the response was following: Fig. 7 Usage of Mobile Phones for disseminating disaster news. When asked whether they are aware of VHF Radio based Early Warning System, the response was following: Fig. 8 Awareness level regarding VHF systems. The Efficiency of VHF Radio based Early Warning System before 2009 is: Fig. 9 Efficiency of VHF systems before 2009. The Efficiency of VHF Radio based Early Warning System after 2009 is 76% as shown below: Fig. 9.1 Efficiency of VHF systems after 2009. The Efficiency of Village Information Centres (VIC) Public Address System (PAS) based Early Warning System before 2009 is: Fig. 10 Efficiency of VIC early warning systems before 2009. The Efficiency of Village Information Centres (VIC) Public Address System (PAS) based Early Warning System after 2009 is just 19%: Fig. 10.1 Efficiency of VIC early warning systems after 2009. Type of information they get from VHF system is, Fig. 11 Type of information provided by VHF systems. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS 87% of the respondents told that they are aware of various disasters that would bring great disturbance to their livelihood. 13% of the respondents very unable to distinguish the natural disasters from man-made disasters. Majority of the respondents replied that, Mobile Phones and TV are the major communication technologies, which knew that mainly provide information regarding disasters. There are majorly two modes of communication dedicated for disaster management in coastal areas. One is from the government side and the other is from the non-governmental organizations (NGO). The government of Tamil Nadu has set up VHF Radio based early warning system in all the panchayat offices of coastal villages that are present in the High Tide Line (HTL). HTL is defined as the area within 500 mts from the sea level. The warning is given through PAS (Public Address System) present on top of the panchayat office buildings that have a reach of 1 to 2 kms. NGOs have established Village Information Centres (VIC) in most of the coastal areas that are vulnerable to coastal disasters. These VICs also have PAS for disaster information dissemination. 98% of the respondents said that they are aware of VHF Radio based Early Warning System and VICs run by the local NGOs, while 2% of the respondents are unaware of it. Majority of the respondents told that VHF Radio based Early Warning System is effective in disseminating in disaster news to coastal community before 2009. It is to be noted that the Indian Ocean Tsunami striked the Tamil Nadu coast during December 2004 and after that immediately, VIC and VHF based early warning systems were established. It was functioning very well for more than 2 years as said by the respondents. But there is deterioration in the quality and frequency of disaster information being disseminated through both the systems after 2009 especially with respect to the VICs run by NGOs because of their problems with financial sustainability. The figures and percentages are clearly given in the graph above. 64% of the respondents replied that they gain early warning alerts from VHF system, 32.8% respondents receive preparedness aler

Key factors influencing online shopping

Key factors influencing online shopping This study is done as it is to fulfill the MKT662, Industrial Training Report for final year student of Bachelor in Business Administration (Hons) Marketing from University Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Kota Kinabalu Campus. This study aims to establish preliminary assessment, evaluation and understanding of the key factors that driving or influencing consumers in Kota Kinabalu to shop through online. This study also will also differentiate the characteristics between public and private servants in the context of online shopping besides will reveal the correlation between demographic characteristics towards the key factors identified. This study will be a very useful for local businesses to get more information about the virtual marketplace trend in Kota Kinabalu before engaging into online businesses. 1.2 BACKGROUND OF STUDY The importance of the Internet as an advertising medium has generated a lot of attention in recent years where there are a lot of businesses have been using the internet in their marketing activities and somehow driving consumers all the way through the process and eventually persuading them to shop online (Goodwin, 1999) . Study on the adoption of internet activities by consumers has been done by many researchers. For example study done by E-revolution (2000) ; Haque A. et al., (2006) and Zhou et al., (2007), these study reported generally that internet activities are increasing over the year and expected to continue growing globally. Besides these study also reveals that businesses nowadays are ready enough to bring their businesses operation online. Moreover, Zhou et al., (2007) also summarized that the ability of internet users to shop online has also significantly improved from 16% to 32% since March 2001. As in Malaysia, according to Lee (2000), the internet become a virtual places where people share their ideas, build communities, shape the future democratically, and promote a new way of doing business. Moreover, the study stated that the web has become the worlds biggest shopping mall that allows local businesses to do their business with low cost involved, but yet covering global market. By looking back at the early stage of online activity in Malaysia, the year 1995 was considered as the beginning of Internet age. Back to the year 2000, it is reported that only 7% of the population was registered as Internet subscribers and only 701,000 units of total number of computer sold (Lee, 2000). As the competition in e-commerce is increasing nowadays (Haque A., et al., 2006), it becomes more important for online retailers to understand consumer acceptance of online shopping activities and what makes them to do so (Zhou, et al, 2007). Supported by Goodwin, (1999), Wu., (2003); Kolsaker, et al., (2004) ; Khatibi, et al., (2006), examining these factors are crucial as it has been suggested that they play an important part in determining the success or failure of online shopping business. Despite a host of studies on online shopping, there is no specific research done on the subject matter in Kota Kinabalu which contributes to lack understanding on the keys factors that influence customer to shopping online in the area. In short, this study will investigate the keys factors that facilitate customer from Kota Kinabalu willingness to purchase online and for the purpose of this study, few factors will be identify from the literature review and however, only the most dominant factors will be examine. 1.3 SCOPE OF STUDY This study will specifically examine and indentify the factors that directly and indirectly influence consumer the most specifically in Kota Kinabalu on purchasing decision through online. Researcher will also look into the demographic characteristic such as age, income level, profession, ethnic etc- of online users to be related to the identified keys factors influencing customer to shopping online. The research will be using data gather from selected samples which will include both career individual which includes both public and private servant in order to avoid of having bias data and maintain quality of the data besides to cooperates with time constrains. 1.4 PROBLEM STATEMENT At its core, the mission of marketing is to attract and retain customers. To accomplish this goal, a traditional brick and mortar marketer uses variety of marketing variables to satisfy current and new customers. As for online retailers, it is important for them to have a good understanding of the marketplace for their products and their target customers before engaging themselves in online retailing. Previous researchers found out that there is a rapid rise in the number of PCs as well as growth in the proportion of PCs hooked up to the internet each year which contribute to the growth in e-commerce in Malaysia (Legard, 1998). Despite the high potential of online shopping in Malaysia, however, there is no specific research done on the subject matter and its potential impact on local businesses (Kota Kinabalu area). Knowing the concept of bringing stores to shoppers instead of shoppers to stores is not enough to be success in online businesses. Precise and deep understanding of key f actors is critical to help online retailers and entrepreneurs to develop more effective and targeted online retail operations that will meet the requirements and expectations of their new online shopping customers. Therefore, this study aims to examine the key factors that influence current users of online shopping in Kota Kinabalu to shop online and in the same time assessing, evaluating and understand the characteristics of online shoppers in Kota Kinabalu. 1.5 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The objective of conducting this study includes; To identify the critical factors that would influencing customer to shop through online. To investigate the differences on the between public and private sector shopping online adoption. 1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS In order to reach the objectives of this study, there are three (3) critical issues encountered. These issues are formed into questions that need to be answered. These issues including; What would the factors influence customers in Kota Kinabalu to shop online? What are the main characteristics of the customers who shop online? Are there any differences between public and private sectors employees in shopping online context? By having for the answer of these questions will help the local businesses to have better understanding on characteristic of the online customer especially factors benefits that make them buy products or services through online shopping, as well as their products or services preferences bought from online stores. In general, by having these question answered, this study will reveal the trend of online shopping in Kota Kinabalu. 1.7 IMPORTANCE OF STUDY 1.6.1 Local Businesses Planning on expanding businesses is not an easy job to be done. There are a lot of parts and divisions a business have to take into account especially when a business considering to go online. Therefore, this study will help local businesses to have a better understanding on the customers attitudes, characteristics and preferences shopping online besides guiding the local businesses to utilize the existing advanced technologies in operating their business and go global. 1.6.2 The Consumers This study can help consumers to have a better understanding on the advantages and disadvantages to shop online besides identifying a new way of shopping channel. This study also will provide information on products and services preferred to be purchased through online store which eventually will help consumer to make online purchases. 1.6.3 The Academicians This study will help to enhance researchers to conduct more study regarding the subject matter as it is more focus on the factors that influencing customers to shop online instead of traditional way of shopping. This study will provide the academicians with new information of online shopping trend in Kota Kinabalu specifically besides helping to enhance other researcher to do in depth review pertaining on the consumers attitudes towards adopting this new shopping channel. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW In this chapter, relevant literature and research related to the scope of study will be reviewed and analysed to structure this study to present research findings in subsequent chapters. The current literature on consumer online purchasing decisions has mainly concentrated on identifying the factors which influence customer to engage in online shopping in order to truly ascertain what factors influence the online shopping activity adoption in Kota Kinabalu. Study done by Margherio (1998) mentioned about E-commerce which cover any commercial transaction that is effected via electronic means, including such means as facsimile, telex, electronic data interchange (EDI), the Internet, and the telephone. Inter Agency Task Force on Electronic Commerce, IATFEC (1997) on the other hand define E-Commerce as All form of business transactions conducted over public and private computer networks. It is based on electronic processing and transmission of data, text, sound and video. E-Commerce includes transactions within a global Information Economy such as electronic trading of goods and services, online delivery of digital content, electronic funds transfer, electronic share trading, electronic bills of lading, commercial auctions, collaborative designs, engineering and manufacturing, online sourcing, public procurement, direct consumer marketing and after sales service. It includes both products (consumer goods, specialised medical equipment) and s ervices (information services, financial and legal services, traditional services) and new activities (virtual malls). It involves the application of multimedia technologies in the automation and redesign of transactions and workflow, aimed at increasing businesses competitiveness In adopting the above definitions, it is involvement of face to face communication between consumers (Internet users) and companies (Internet sellers) via computer networks to facilitate any kind of commerce transaction (browsing or purchasing products or services) easier, faster and cheaper electronically beyond traditional geographical boundary (Norazah M. S, et al., 1997) while the term online shopping according to Ton˜ ita Perea y Monsuwe, et al., (2004) defined as the use of online stores by consumers up until the transactional stage of purchasing and logistics. Study by Shwu-Ing Wu (2003) reported that a persons buying choices are influenced by four major psychological factors: motivation, perception, learning and beliefs and attitude and through motivation, perception, and learning, attitudes are formed and consumers make decisions. Some researchers categorized influence factors into internal and external factors (Kaufman-Scarborough K, 2002 and Shwu-Ing Wu, 2003). Based on the idea, consumer purchase behavior is influenced strongly by cultural, social, personal, and psychological characteristics (Bellman, et al., 1999). The internal factors are including beliefs and attitudes, learning, motives and needs, personality, perception, and values and the external influences upon consumer behavior includes demographic, economic, social, situational and technological factors (Shwu-Ing Wu, 2003). In Malaysia context, study on Internet users are in abundance (Ramayah and Jantan, 2003; Ismawati and Ainin, 2004). However, there have been few studies carried out to understand their online purchasing behavior for example Haque A., et al., (2006); Ainin S., et al., (2005) and Razinah H. et al., (2009). Thus, the main objective of this study is to examine the key factors that influencing online shopping in Kota Kinabalu specifically. Study done by Taylor Nelson Sofres, (2001) found that the penetration of Malaysians shopping online, i.e. people who bought or ordered goods and services online in 2000, 1% of the total adult population in Malaysia which according to the study is corresponded to 4% of the Internet users in the country at that time. There is high demand among Malaysians Internet users conducting online shopping due to Ecommerce provide enormous of consumers worldwide potential benefits (Ainin S., et al., 2005) and study have shown that many consumers have started to shop their desired products online (Sefton, 2000). This shows that online shopping is highly accepted by the consumers (Swaminathan, et al., 1999 ; Rowley J., 2000 ; Ainin S., et al., 2005 ; Zhou, et al., 2007 ). Interestingly, in Malaysia context, Ainin S., et al., (2005) found that females were the dominant Internet shopper than males which contradict to the study done by Adeline Chua, et al., (2006). While according to study done in different market by Gupta et al., (1995) ; Haque et al., (2007) and Zhou et al., (2007) on the basis of Stafford, et al., (2004) and Susskind (2004), these researchers found that man tend to make more purchases online compare to women. Zhou, et al., (2007) reported that consumer involved in online shopping are mostly university graduates, aged 35 years old and below, have full-time job, earning monthly personal income of between RM2000 RM5000 and mostly single. This supports the study done by Shwu-Ing Wu, (2003) and Ainin S., et al., (2005) on the demographic profiles of online shopper. Another issue on online shopping from the previous literature is the characteristic of products and services can be marketed online (Peterson, et al., 1997 ; Legard, 1998 ; Klein, 1998) which according to these researchers, there are two types of product and services marketed online and it is highly depends on the characteristics of the products and services to be able marketed online. We are now seeing the emergence of an important new medium for commerce (Ainin S., et al., 2005 ; Adeline Chua, et al., 2006 and Zhou, et al., 2007). However, in Malaysia especially, even though sales growth rate suggests that the number of online consumers is growing however most research findings do not conclusively determine which key factors that influence consumer the most to shop online ( Ramayah and Jantan, 2003; Ismawati and Ainin, 2004). Examining these factors is important as it has been suggested that they play an important part in determining the success or failure of online shopping business (Goodwin, 1999 ; Wu, 2003; Kolsaker, et al., 2004; Khatibi, et al., 2006). Studies have been done to investigate consumer acceptance of online shopping from the perspectives of technology acceptance whereby the perspective prescribes that beliefs about ease of use and usefulness of a technology predict attitudes towards the technology and subsequent acceptance and use, for example by Sejin Ha and Leslie S., (2008). Bruner and Kumar, (2005) however, suggests that beliefs on trust and enjoyment are among the key factors that influencing consumer acceptance of online shopping. While Hoffman and Novak, (1996) developed more abstract concept on the relevant context for example shopping values, quality of information, system quality, enjoyment, perceived usefulness and ease of use- in order to improve predictions about purchase behavior. Factors that also influenced customer to shop online is product variety (Wolfinbarger, M. and Mary Gilly, 2001 ; Ainin Sulaiman, et al., 2005 ; Adeline Chua, et al., 2006) which categorized into good selection and wider availability of product choices offered by online stores. Online retailers are able to provide a wide range and assortments of products as compared to traditional channels simply because there is no physical space limit on the number of products that online retailers can display on their online storefronts (Delafrooz et al., 2009). Furthermore, the number of online stores that consumers are able to visit online compared to far physical stores, thus, exceeds the number of providing them with a wider selection of products to choose from (Harn et al., 2006). A survey by Ernst and Young (2000) also reported that one of the reasons why consumers use the internet is because of good product selection. Hyo-Joo Han, et al., (2006) found that product variety and quality of product pictures were observed to more important. Indeed, easy access to an abundance of current and detailed information on products and services facilitates comparison shopping, aid in product selection and enables consumers to make more informed decisions (Adeline Chua, et al., 2006). Furthermore, the Internet users could receive more attractive sales promotional offers from Internet sellers and also through individual e- mail accounts (Norazah M. S. et al., 2002) Consumer willingness to spend online also influence by privacy factor whereby online consumers are unwilling to reveal personal information over the web, despite assurances given by online merchants (Wolfinbarger, Mary and Mary Gilly, 2001; Ainin Sulaiman, et al., 2005). To most of the consumers, the issue of security and privacy over the internet is the most overwhelming barrier facing the online shopping adoption process that caused them not to make any purchase on the Internet (Norazah et al., 2002 ; Janice Tsai et al., 2007). Smith, et al., (1996) outlined four dimensions of privacy concerns for organizational practices which include collection of personal information, unauthorized secondary use of personal information, errors in personal information, and improper access to personal information. According to Malhotra, et al., (2004), the dimensions of concern refer to the collection of personal information, the control over the use of personal data, and the awareness of privacy practices and uses of personal information. Janes et al., 1997 reported that consumers tend to be more comfortable providing sensitive information in a realm where they can see with whom they are dealing, revisit the physical location of the business if necessary, and thus, exert a perceived amount of control over the situation besides want to be assured that their communication and transactions will remain secured and private (Hoffman et al., 1999; Ainin Sulaiman, et al., 2005). Janice Tsai et al., (2007) in their study found that, people will tend to purchase from merchants that offer more privacy protection and people even willing to pay for a premium to purchase from such merchants. Kargaonkar and Smith (1986) ; Swaminathan, et al., (1999) ; Bellman, et al., (1999) ; Elliot and Fowell (2001) ; Eastin (2002), found that consumers who are primarily motivated by convenience are more likely to make purchases online. These authors proposed those consumers who have interface with the net and who are more time-constrained tend to buy online more frequently. According to Bellman, et al., (1999), wired lifestyle consumers are consumers that use the internet as a routine tool to receive and send emails, to do their work, to read news, to search for information or for recreational purposes. Their routine use of the Internet for other purposes leads them to naturally use it as a shopping channels as well (Bellman, et al., 1999). Similarly, McGann (2004) also reported that the main reason why consumers shop online is because it is convenience. It is said to be the major factors that motivates consumers to shop online. Charles D., et al., (2002) also found that Internet shopp ing is convenient however it is never replace actual shops. For years, information search has been one of the main marketing research topics (Kulviwat et al., 2004). Information is an important resource for consumers shop online especially for goal-directed fashion type of consumer (Wolfinbarger, M. and Mary Gilly, 2001). According to the study, the availability of information is one of the reasons that many buyers view search and purchase online as a utilitarian activity and it is consistent with the finding by Ainin Sulaiman et al., (2005). As noted by Bakos (1997) Internet search enables consumers to reduce imperfect information about products. The study also supported by Rha (2002) where it were stated that consumers can easily find information about other consumers experiences of products through internet. The internet is a medium to search for product specification and product prices as well. In addition to product information, price was a piece of information that was usually sought by consumers (Wolfinbarger, Mary and Mary Gilly, 2001). Brynjolfsson and Smith (1999) found that prices online are 8 to 15 percent lower than the prices for comparable products in traditional retail outlets. According to McGann (2004), Ainin Sulaiman et al. (2005), Adeline Chua et al., (2006), competitive prices and deals offered by online retailers are one of the dominant factors that influence consumers to shop online. Rowley (2000) reported that the Internet is the most powerful search medium for products, services, and most other types of information because it lowers both search cost and search time. Therefore, by referring to the available literature, factors that might influence customer to shop online can be conclude as widespread of product choices or product variety (Delhagen, 1997 ; Wolfinbarger, Mary and Mary Gilly, 2001 ; Ainin Sulaiman, et al., 2005 ; Adeline Chua, et al., 2006); enjoyment factors (Wolfinbarger, Mary and Mary Gilly, 2001 ; Bruner and Kumar, 2005); privacy factor (Wolfinbarger, M. and Mary Gilly, 2001; Norazah et al., 2002 ; Ainin Sulaiman, et al., 2005 ; Janice Tsai et al., 2007) which become one of the main concern to shop online; convenience factors (Kargaonkar and Smith, 1986 ; Swaminathan, et al., 1999 ; Bellman, et al., 1999 ; Elliot and Fowell 2001; Eastin, 2002 ; Chen and Chang, 2003 ; McKinney, 2004); product information factor (Wolfinbarger, M. and Mary Gilly, 2001 ; Rha, 2002 ; Ainin Sulaiman et al., 2005 ) and prices factor (Margherio, 1998 ; Strauss and Frost, 1999 ; Rowley, 2000 ; McGann, 2004 ; Ainin Sulaiman et al., 2005). As stated in Delafrooz et al., (2009), consumers who value the convenience, prices and wider selection of Internet shopping tend to purchase more online and more often. Even though wider selection or product variety also mentioned as one of the major factors, for the purpose of this study, as regards to the time constraint, researcher will only focus on two most dominant factors from all the factors identified which are the convenience factor and price factors. Thus, these two (2) factors are further discussed below; CONVENIENCE By referring to the studies done before, the main factors customer shop online is that it is more convenient than to shop in-store which also supported in current study by Delafrooz et al., (2009). Convenience reflects ease access of information about product, provision of in-depth information, ease of ordering product, potential for money saving, and timely delivery. (Mathieson 1991 ; Bruner Hensel, 1996 ; Turban et al., 2002 ; Gurvinder and Zhaobin, 2005 ; Hui et al., 2006). Convenience is the most prominent factor that motivates consumers to shop through the internet. In this study, convenience which refer to 24-hour availability of online storefront (time saving) and accessibility from almost any location (less moving) have been found to be significant explanatory factors for Internet shopping adoption (Karayanni, 2003) and also provides consumers with a powerful alternative channel for making purchases (Delafrooz et al., 2009). These factors (time saving and less moving) will be taken into account as part of convenience factor. As contradict to the studies saying that convenience is the most prominent factor that motivates consumers to shop through the internet, study done by Razinah H. et al., (2009) reported that although the net offer convenience in shopping, online shopping, assurance in payment and lots of information, some group of online users are still reluctant to shop online even though these group of online users have limited time allocated for shopping due to their hectic daily life. PRICE Price in this study refers to the market value, or agreed exchange value, that will purchase a definite quantity, weight, or other measure of a good or service. Price of product offered online is one of the major factor that influencing customer to engage in online shopping and this supported by the finding in McGann, 2004. The idea is the simplest reason for consumers to buy through the internet is to save money from the cheaper prices offered by online retailers compared to traditional retailers. Contradict to the study by Brynjolfsson and Smith (1999), study by Lee (1997) and Bailey (1998) found that products are sold at higher prices in the Internet channel compared to physical channels. Clay, K. et al., (2001) reported it may be due to unobserved quality variation. Rowley (2000) stated in his study that, online retailers usually are able to offer cheaper prices because of the shrinking cost of information processing, lower operating cost and global reach provided by Internet. In addition, Strauss and Frost (1999) also identified the ease of comparing price as one of the most important factors to online shopping. To some extent, according to Clay, K., et al., (2001) price of online product has positive relationship with the availability and widespread of information. Conventionally, shoppers will make comparisons and always go for the best value for price products (Ainin Sulaiman et al., 2005). Hanson (1999) reported the main reason that cheaper prices are offered to online shoppers is because of competitive pressure, especially from new online retailers. Study by John P. and Jackie L. (2001) found that even though more than half respondents mentioned price of the product or service as the primary factor when they consider buying on the Internet, however to some extend it would cost more to buy from online store than purchasing it from physical retail store. Customer expressed concern associated with high shipping cost, high pricing, lack of opportunity to examine the product prior to purchase, confidentiality of credit card and purchased information also mentioned in the study by Razina H. et al., (2009) on the basis of study done by Goldstein and Oconner, (2000). 2.2 THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK Based on the existing literature connected directly to the scope of this study, there are few factors identified to have significant effect towards online shopping namely convenience, price, product variety, widespread of product information and etc. However, only two the most dominant factors will be the ultimate key that will used to aid and examine the key factors that influencing consumers to engage in online shopping. CONVENIENCE ONLINE SHOPPING PRICE 2.3 SUMMARY Based on the review on the related literature review, researcher found few dominant factors why consumer do engage in shopping online is generally influence by the factors of feeling of convenience, product prices sold online is relatively lower than existing retail stores, the widespread of information availability and also variety of product offered online. Moreover, this study will also look into the characteristic of customer especially in terms of profession, as regard to meet the objective to investigate the differences on the between public and private sector shopping online adoption. In summary, consumer purchasing behaviour through online can be examine in different model and generally, the factors that influence them to engage in online activities may be vary. However, for the purpose of this study, researcher will only look into the most significant factors convenience factors which include the time saving and less moving, and also the price factor on the basis of key factors that influencing customer to shop online in Kota Kinabalu. CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 METHODOLOGY A structured questionnaire will be used to collect the necessary data. It will be designed to specific information of the respondents. It serves as primary data to answer the research questions and objectives pertaining to online shopping in Kota Kinabalu. The survey questionnaire consists of few distinct sections, each of which contains questions which lead to answer the research question of the study. In view of time and cost constraints as well as the large population of Internet users in the country, random sampling was used to collect data from the consumer from Kota Kinabalu area. Even though the sampling method adopted might have limitations in terms of generalisibility compared to other sampling methods; it is assumed that the sample represents the whole population of consumer in Kota Kinabalu. 3.2 SOURCES OF DATA This study will be based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data will be from the structured questionnaires which will be distributed to the appropriate sample to collect necessary information regarding the subject matter. The secondary data will be gathered by reviewing web sites, business magazines, journals, publications and other relevant document related to the subject matter. 3.3 INSTRUMENT Sample data The sample in this study will be selected from different groups of people including non-executive, executive, students, and housewife in order to avoid collecting bias data. Mode of administration of survey Face to face and video call interview may be used in this study to gather appropriate information. This study will also be conducted by a constructed questionnaires with consumer selected as sample and all participants will be voluntarily. Nature of Questionnaires The questionnaires consist of 20 questions. Both open ended and fixed-response-alternative question will be used. Fixed-response-alternative question include multiple choice and also dichotomous. The questionnaire was self-administered, where it contains simple question with detailed instructions. The questionnaires were collected back after the respondents completed them. A copy of the questionnaire is provided in the appendices. Scope of the Study 300 questionnaires will be distributes by hand to the random sample of consumer in Kota Kinabalu area which will include both female and male from all groups plan. 3.4 RESEARCH APPROACH A descriptive research is being proposed to perform this study. Prior literature provides with a rich foundation on which to build a research framework for the study. As suggested by previous researcher, strong theoretical and conceptual framework can be developed through an integration of constructs from different research traditions and disciplines. In this study, the literature search was based on the keywords such as Internet Shopping, Internet Marketing and Online Shopping. Each article was reviewed and screened to eliminate the articles that were not pertinent to the study. 3.5 LIMITATION OF RESEARCH In order to conduct the research, the researcher is confronted this problem: time constrain Basically, research need to be done in longer period of time, unfortunately this study might only have few months given to complete be completed. Ample of time is needed to complete this study properly. Thus researcher only focus on two factors to be examined in this study. lack of expertise As beginner in the marketing research, the researcher level of competency and sophistication not is compared with experienced researcher. Researcher will have to refer on several books and seek guidance

Urban Legend of the Goatman Essay example -- Urban Legends

Goatman Version 1--Montgomery County, Maryland It seemed from my story-collection that nearly everyone knows of some urban legend, but I found one story to be especially interesting because it is a relatively famous legend that has roots here in Maryland. The story of â€Å"The Goatman† has a number of variations, as with most urban legends. My roommate told me that he first heard the story from his parents when he was about 12 years old. He suspected that it was probably a joking attempt to scare him from playing outside so late at night because the sound of the basketball dribbling in the driveway would keep his parents awake. According to his parents, the Goatman was located in the suburbs of Montgomery County (his home), which was probably a detail that his parents modified to make the story scarier. He told a version that took place in Prince Georges County because he had more recently heard this version from someone whom he was unable to remember. The manner in which he recounted the legend was not in a mysterious and suspenseful tone usually used to tell such stories at campfires. He began the story by describing the Goatman’s appearance: It’s a half-man, half-goat creature, with the upper body of a man, horns, a hairy face, and two legs like a goat, kind of like a Devil. It was created in a secret government genetics-type experiment that went wrong. [pause] It got out of its cage, which was really bad because it’s as smart as a human but has no conscience, like an animal. The Goatman has been creeping around at night for years. It kills family pets that are left out at night and attacks people who see him, and it has been able to stay hidden so well because it is so smart. He did not mention where the creature was c... ... threatening to domesticated animals. Variations in the origin of the creature can offer different moral messages within the story, as well. For example, the version of the story that explains the Goatman as the ghost of a deformed outcast of an old Indian tribe demonstrates the consequences for mistreating and abandoning members of our own species. Also, the fact that this sacred, spiritual land has been overbuilt by a college campus represents mankind’s over consumption of, and lack of respect for nature’s resources. The storytelling of the Goatman may have the simple purpose of entertainment for the audience, but like most legends, the stories are likely based on some true event(s), and the way that these events evolve into stories of the uncanny reflect the intention to convey some sort of moral message. Works Cited www.puportal.com www.wikipedia.com

Dating Methods Essay -- essays papers

General Differances Between Relative and Absolute Dating Methods Getting dates for fossils that are found in sites being excavated by anthropologist is very important. Dates show the evolution from early hominid specimens to our own species, Homo homo sapiens. There are many methods that can be used to acquire these dates, but all of these methods fall into one of two catorgories. They can either give a absolute date or a relative date. An absolute date is one in which you get an actual date in years. Also known as chronometric methods. Relative dates do not give an actual date in terms of years, but they tell you if one fossil is older or younger than another fossil. Ushally relative dates are given in terms of the column of earth they are found in. This is called striatigraphy. In sites like Olduvai gorge their are geological layers of vocanic ash and sediment. When a anthropologist finds a fossil in a undistirbed layer of gray ash, you know that it is younger than the fossil in the layer of red ash below, and that fossil is younger than the fossil in the layer of brown ash below it.(Johanson 65) The basic theory here is that a certian site cantians a geolgical column key that is made up of differant strata layers, the fossils get older as they move down the key, and are found in differant layers of strata..(Scully 2) Relative dates have a couple of major problems. One is that the earth moves in many ways and this can distrube the layers of sediment putting younger fossils below older ones. Another is that you can not tell exactly how much younger or older something is from somethinng else and you can not date differant fossils from differant sites with thes relative dating methods. Absolute dating, unlike realative dating, gives the anthropologist an exact date in terms of calander years. These dating methods are much more reliable and can be used in many differant sites with many differant fossils. Absolute dating bases it’s dates on the natural radioactivity of differant elements found in the world.(Johnston 216) There are certian elements that occur in differant forms, these elements are called isotopes. Each one of these isotopes has a differant atomic mass than others. Some of thes isotopes are radioactive, meaning that they give of radiation in either alpha or beta form, as they de... ... has a half-life. C14 is the radioactive isotope of rearular carbon, c12. The cocentration of C14 in the body is one billionth of a gram in the body to one gram of C12. This C14 is contantly decaying, but through animals and plants breathing it is replenashed when an organism is alive. When the animal dies the C14 intake stops and a decay that is not replenashed.(Comas 456) During life an organism have a specific activity of 15.6 disintigrations per minuate per gram of regular carbon in thier body.(Comas 456) â€Å"After life and C14 intake cease and the equilibrium is halted, radioactive disintigration of C14 occurs, and after 5,700 years this activity will have decreased to 7.8 disintigratuions per minuate per gram of carbon in the body.’(Comas 457) This means that the ratio of C14 to C12 left in the fossil when it is found can give a date in years. Carbon-14 dating has a half-life of 5,700 years, with the lower limit of 1,000 years. The upper limit used to be about 30,000 years because after that the ratio was too small to analis. Recently reaserch by Haring and deVires has let scientist put the upper limit at 100,000 years old.(Comas 457)

Matt Barrett: Barclay’s CEO Position

Barclays: Matt Barrett’s Journey- Winning Hearts and Minds Barclays was founded in 1690 in London. After 30 years later, Barclays started to expansion its area to the world, and became the first foreign bank to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington D.C. in 1981. Barclays’s global market capitalization rank was fourth in 1980. However, it fallen to 22 in 2000. In October 1999, Matt Barrett accepted the invitation of Barclays’s CEO position, and started to work on his challenge. At that time, the situation of the Barclays is that institutional investors were unhappy, employees were demoralized, and the front-line and senior executives had lost confidence. Barrett soon discovered an excessive cost problem of Barclays and realized that the bank needed a shift in culture and mind-set, a new strategic direction, a structural overhaul, and an improved communications policy. Barrett had worked on changing the mind-set and culture of Barclays, and he believed that a more fact-based, value- growth orientation to running Barclays was essential. At first six month, Barrett started to build the foundation. Barrett met approximately 10,000 employees during the initial three month. At the same time, Barrett developed his own vision for the bank- earn, invest, and grow. He planned to reduce cost by  £1 billion for saving money from cost. Six months after Barrett became CEO, Barrett committed the goals were to apply equally to him to management, and everyone in the organization. Barrett started to change the top management. For example, Barrett appointed people to take position, which was a significant change on the ExCo and using young talent to the ExCo. Barrett started to think about group strategy. In addition, Barrett and the ExCo decided to work with Marakon to set about looking at all businesses and activities from a value perspective, identifying where value was being created and where it was being destroyed. Under Barnett’s leadership, and with the help of Marakon’s systematic, fact-based approach, the ExCo developed a long-term strategic.

Sadomasochism in Female Addicted Trauma Survivors

Reference: Southern, S. (2002). The tie that binds: Sadomasochism in female addicted trauma survivors. Publisher: Brunner Routledge, 9(4), 209. Retrieved from http://www. mendeley. com/research/tie-binds-sadomasochism-female-addicted-trauma-survivors/ Introduction: The general area being investigated is women and addictive disorders that stem from past life trauma. The purpose of the study is to investigate case studies of women with traumatic pasts and to see if the theme of sadomasochistic behavior is prevalent in all studies.The independent variables would be the case studies themselves and the dependent variable would be the recurring themes in each study. Methods: Participants: The researchers found participants who had all suffered from past trauma in their childhoods and were exhibiting addictive behaviors in their current lives. Measures: The researchers used a table that represented the four parts of the personality, which were: sadist, masochist, dependent, addict. These fo ur parts of personality manifest themselves in self vs. other relationships and love vs. ate relationships the trauma survivor is involved in. They also breakdown the process of brainwashing vs. psychotherapy and explain how one is used to reinforce negative ideals and the other is meant to help the patient recover and work their past issues. The functions of sadomasochism in the women’s lives was also explained. Procedure: Case studies were gathered and then analyzed for recurring themes of sadomasochistic behavior. Results and discussion: The authors found a common theme of sadomasochistic behavior in all the case studies of the women with the life trauma syndrome.The study portrays sadomasochistic behavior as a harmful lifestyle choice and also gives detailed reasons as to why the women made the choice to live such a lifestyle. Conclusions: The study told me that sadomasochistic behavior in female addicts who experienced the life trauma syndrome was detrimental to their re covery because it renacted past abuse then reinforced the negative feelings associated with the abuse. The study explained some reasoning behind sadomasochistic behavior in women with past abuses.