Language Is A Cultural Factor Social Work Essay

Language Is A Cultural Factor Social Work Essay This essay will analyse how issues of race and culture are pertinent to mental health problems and to service responses to minority communities. However, other risk or causal factors will be considered which are essential in fully understanding diagnosis, access to services and outcomes of mental health issues including poverty, racism and violence against women. It appears that a combination of cultural, structural and individualist factors are linked to mental health issues and it will be highlight why an over focus on race and culture (without considering other factors) can be dangerous. Although individual factors will not be discussed in this essay, their importance must be emphasised. Personal elements intersect with other factors (structural and cultural) contributing to mental health problems. Individual factors on their own therefore are not enough but need to be considered in combination with cultural and structural factors. This can be linked to Thompsons PCS Model which looks at Personal, Cultural and Structural issues in terms of anti oppressive practice (Thompson, 1997). It cannot be ignored that issues of race and culture are extremely relevant when considering mental health. However, this essay views race as socially constructed, with little biological validity as a risk factor that fully explains inequalities in health (Bhui et al, 2005, p.496). What is more feasible and supported in studies such as the EMPIRIC study, is that race is a factor which can be a sociological risk to individuals which can be referred to as racial discrimination having the potential to result in lower self esteem, fewer opportunities, and stress leading to mental health problems (Bhui et al, 2005). In the UK racial discrimination does not just refer to the term race as skin colour but also incorporates cultural differences as well (Bhui et al, 2005). Therefore in this essay, when race is referred to as leading to mental health problems; it will be in terms of the explanation put forward previously. It appears that race and culture impact on diagnosis, access to services and outcomes. However, this view is based on research obtained in a short amount of time it was only in 1995 that observing different ethnic groups became obligatory in mental health services which are publically funded (Mind, 2012). However this view is disputed by Glove and Evison (2010) who argue that differences in the pattern of mental health care received by minority ethnic groups in England have been noted since the 1960s and widely debated since the 1980s. Irrespective of this dispute, both agree that research has identified differences between different ethnic groups in diagnosis, treatment and availability of services. A common identification in literature is that there are high rates of psychosis (for example schizophrenia) amongst African Caribbean men and apparently low rates of mental illness among South Asians (NCSR, 2002). Influential pieces of research identifying these differences include the Count Me In census which began in 2005 and was created in support of the Department of Healths five year plan Delivering Race and Equality in Mental Health Care (Mind, 2012). The ultimate aim was to reduce admission rates, detention and seclusion amongst black and minority ethnic groups (Mind, 2012). The census identifies that 22% of 30,500 individuals receiving in-patient care were from minority ethnic groups (CQC, 2010). It also highlights that black men are more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act and that black and black/white mixed race men are three times more likely to be admitted to psychiatric wards and had the highest admission rate of all groups (Mind, 2012). CRITICISM The Fourth National Survey (FNS) of ethnic minorities supports this to an extent. It identifies higher rates of psychosis diagnosis amongst Black Caribbeans compared to white people (Mind, 2012). However, these differences are lower than previous studies have suggested. Studies undertaken prev iously have suggested psychosis occurs mostly amongst black Caribbean men however this study suggests higher rates amongst black Caribbean women (Mind, 2012). Despite these figures, findings have also suggested that Black African Caribbean and South Asian patients are less likely to have their mental health problems detected by a GP (The centre for Social Justice, 2011). Black men have been found to be more likely to be admitted to psychiatric units via the Criminal Justice System (CJS) (NMHDU, 2010). The Count Me in census highlighted that Black Caribbean, Black African and White/Black Caribbean mixed groups are between 40 and 60 per cent more likely to be admitted via the CJS (CQC, 2010). In contrast to this, findings from the census identify that admission rates among South Asian and Chinese groups have remained much lower (below average in many cases) (Care Quality Commission, 2011). This is interesting, as other research has indicated that some specific subgroups of South Asian women (ages 15-24) are at high risk of completed suicide (Raleigh, 1996). Therefore, why are they not getting the necessary support from mental health services ? The EMPIRIC study considers white people as a comparison with Bangladesh, Black Caribbean, Irish, Indian and Pakistani groups (Bhui et al, 2005). This study was undertaken in the community which is quite rare. It considers the impact of racial discrimination in the workplace (Bhui et al, 2005). The study identified that Black Caribbean people reported the highest amount of job denial and Pakistanis the highest level of insult (Bhui et al, 2005). Bangladeshi, White and Irish people were found to be less likely to report discrimination (Bhui et al, 2005). Discrimination in the workplace is common and is a risk factor for common mental disorders (Bhui et al, 2005). The differences between each group in terms of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) were small and there were some variations in terms of age and sex (Bhui et al, 2005). It found CMD were higher amongst Pakistani and Irish men ages 35-54 and higher rates amongst Indian and Pakistani women ages 55-74 (Weich et al, 2004). Common Menta l Disorders were found to be lower in Bangladeshi women than white women which is interesting considering this group has the highest level of socio economic deprivation and the accepted link between poverty and mental health (Weich et al, 2004). There were no differences in rates between Black Caribbean and White people despite them suffering the most job denial and this identifies differences to findings from other key studies which often identify higher rates of mental illness amongst black men in particular (Weich et al, 2004). Therefore this suggests this group may be more resilient or Black Caribbean people with CMD may have been excluded from jobs (Bhui et al, 2005). The EMPIRIC study actually identifies that Black Caribbean women had more CMD than Black Caribbean men (Bhui et al, 2005) and as findings from FNS also suggest an area of concern for this group, it appears further research should be undertaken. There are some criticisms on this study being that what is perceived a s racism does not always impact on current employment experiences (Bhui et al, 2005). It does not consider the fact that CMD may result in more people reporting racial discrimination (Bhui, 2005). More long term and qualitative studies may be beneficial in understanding the impact of racial discrimination (Bhui et al, 2005). However, studies undertaken late 1990s and early 2000 because there was a raise in concern regarding this issue (partially due tot the Rocky Bennett case) therefore the government commissioned this research due to these concerns. However, in recent years things have died down a bit therefore less research is being undertaken so knowledge is not developing and there is no funding available for researchers. Despite this, research already carried out seems to follow suite in identifying differences in the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of mental health for ethnic groups, however these differences are not always on par with each other and identify differences in themselves as already stated (McLean et al, 2003). It is important to understand why variations do exist between ethnic groups in terms of mental health which will be the focus of the rest of this essay. It cannot be ignored that cultural factors undoubtedly play a role in the findings identified previously. Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups may speak in a way which is considered different to white British individuals or they may have dissimilar mannerisms. As a result, this may be interpreted wrongly which could subsequently lead to an incorrect diagnosis of mental health issues (Singh, 2006). As stated western psychiatrists are more likely to misinterpret behaviour and distress that is alien to them as psychosis (Singh, 2006). Individuals may be labelled as strange or unusual because of cultural traits (Singh, 2006). Thus, this identifies that a lack of understanding of cultural differences may impact on interpretations. However, no matter what cultural training people obtain, interpretations of behaviour are always going to vary as cultures are complex and continuously adapting. Another argument relating to race and culture and its link with mental health is that some cultural groups may not react to western-type methods of dealing with mental illness. For example, in Western society, psychiatry is viewed as an objective discipline and therefore the individual receiving the support/therapy is separated from the therapist (Fernando, 2004). It is likely that the therapist will not know the individual and will rarely have any physical contact with them. As put forward the therapist learns the treatment and applies it within the overall medical model of dealing with problems as individual illnesses, disorders or disturbances of what is assumed to be normal mental functioning (Fernando, 2004, p.121). This way of approaching mental health may be different to other cultures for example where more spiritual methods of healing may be used (Fernando, 2004). As a result, certain ethnic groups may not involve themselves in western methods for example going to see a Gene ral Practitioner (GP). Koffman et al (1997) found that in comparison to non-black groups, more black patients who had been admitted were not registered with a doctor. This may be a result of different cultural methods of healing in which western practices do not fit. However, culture should not be considered as stationary or immobile it does and can adapt and change. It is important to recognise that different cultures can begin to interlink with each other as cultures may react to the environment they are in contact with (MDAA, 2012). This identifies how it can be dangerous to focus too much on culture which I will look into further on in the essay. Language is a cultural factor which can impact on the right diagnosis and support for an individual: both diagnosis and treatment are handicapped if there is no common language between doctor and patient (Farooq and Fear, 2003, p.104). Even when an interpreter is involved, they may not be trained in psychiatry which can limit understanding and can have a negative impact on translation (Farooq and Fear, 2003). However, I would argue that at least if an interpreter is involved, they can bridge the language barrier to a significant extent. As argued patients in mental health services will experience a better quality of care when accessing interpreters (Costa, 2011). This is emphasised in the NICE Guidelines for GA, Schizophrenia, Depression and Dementia which puts forward that written material should be translated into different languages and interpreters should be used where appropriate (ref). A mental health professional that comes across a patient of a different culture, who speaks a different language, may not recognise the severity of their symptoms due to the cultural and language differences resulting in lack of support from services for example. Therefore if someone presents to their GP with symptoms these may be misinterpreted if an appropriate interpreter is not present. Therefore although many mental health settings may use interpreters regularly, others may not and the importance of this must be emphasised in order to work through issues of wrong diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of mental health. Although race and culture are evidently pertinent to mental health problems and service responses, it is necessary to consider other factors as an emphasis on cultural issues can sanitize or mask other issues (Chantler et al, 2002, p.649). It seems that mental health services are focusing on cultural differences and understanding cultural diversity in an attempt to overcome the differences in diagnosis and support for different ethnic groups. However, in their attempt to do this they may actually be ignoring other key issues thus potentially making the situation worse or at least maintaining it. Some argue that there is an urgent need to develop cultural competence among nurses and other care workers if they are to meet the needs of the diverse populations they serve (Papadopoulos, L and Tilki M and Lees S). However, professionals may not treat black people any differently just because they are trained to be culturally aware (Fernando, 2004). There are lots of references to cultural competence in the Department of Health and NHS. The government strategy No Health Without Mental Health which replaced New Horizons in 2011 seems to focus on culture but does not seem to acknowledge important links between race and mental health. It is well known that there is a significant link between poverty and mental health (Chantler, 2011). It appears that mental health social work is beginning to revolve around the bio medical model therefore social factors such as poverty are not focused on as much as they should (Chantler, 2011). It has been identified that social exclusion can often be a result of poverty as a lack of financial means results in the poorer sectors of society being unable to involve themselves in societal activities thus resulting in exclusion (Gilchrist and Kyprianou, 2011). Social exclusion/isolation can impact on mental health therefore poverty can be viewed as a risk factor for mental health problems (Chantler, 2011). Being in the lowest social class is often linked with poverty and this is something which spans across different ethnicities and cultures. Therefore white, working class members of society may experience mental health issues which are instigated as a result of poverty thus race and c ulture cannot be viewed as the only factors impacting on mental health other factors which can also impact on white sectors must be recognised. However, black and minority ethnic groups may find it more difficult to move into higher classes as a result of issues such as racism and discrimination thus may remain in low socioeconomic circumstances. This highlights a link between poverty and ethnicity and emphasises the concern that peoples race and culture may result in them being forced into situations which could increase their likelihood of mental distress. It appears that there are two main ways racism can impact on individuals health: the immediate psychological and physical impact and the result of which different races and cultures are not valued within society resulting in social exclusion and disadvantage (Karlsen and Nazroo, 2000). As argued racism, whether openly hostile or lurking in institutional cultures and practices, limits the opportunities and life choices individuals make (Gilchrist and Kyprianou, 2011, p.7). Therefore, certain people of certain races or cultures may feel more comfortable remaining in commun ities together due to racist discrimination or prejudice and as a result may not seek new life opportunities thus potentially remaining in poor socioeconomic circumstances as a result of this forced exclusion (Gilchrist and Kyprianou, 2011). Similarly, discrimination and racism may result in less support within education arenas and less opportunities to excel within employment circles (Gilchrist and Kyprianou, 2011). It has been recognised that unemployment has an impact on mental health (Meltzer et al, 1995). Findings from the Fourth National Survey identify that four fifths of Pakistani and Bangladesh respondents, two-fifths of Indian and Caribbean respondents and one third of Chinese had incomes lower than half the decided national average recognised as poverty (Karlsen and Nazroo, 2000). This compares to one in four white respondents. Thus, this may be the impact of racism, discrimination and disadvantage (Karlsen and Nazroo, 2000) Therefore there seems to be a vicious cycle wh ereby BME groups feel the impact of structural oppressions resulting in fewer opportunities to break away from factors which can lead to an increased risk of mental health problems, such as poverty. Therefore, arguably social exclusion, poverty and class could be reasons why there are higher levels of mental illness in some subcultures of South Asian women for example (Karlsen and Nazroo, 2000). The fact that communities stick together may result in further antagonism and segregation thus resulting in inappropriate support for mental health problems as outsiders may not want to intrude in these cultures they may take the attitude leave them to it which can be very dangerous. Therefore a combination of factors including class and poverty can emphasise mental health issues. It seems that the role of racism as a risk factor for mental health is being ignored or at least undermined by the coalition government. Although the No Health Without Mental Health strategy acknowledges the need to consider causal factors for mental health, it appears to neglect to discuss the pertinent issue of racism/institutional racism which can be viewed as a downfall in response (Watson, 2011). Therefore, it neglects significant links between race and mental health. This is emphasised in its a call to action document, which does not include any BME organisations (Vernon, 2011). Stereotyping of different groups refers to the discrimination of groups based on views they are certain way. So, South Asian groups may be viewed as having lots of family support and not believing in mental illness. This can be dangerous as it may result in services neglecting to offer support to certain races or cultures. Therefore, it appears that some mental health professionals may inherit views regarding racial stereotypes (Fernando, 2004). Another common racist stereotype is that black men are dangerous which again impacts on diagnosis and treatment. A well known example is that of Rocky Bennett. He was killed in 2004 in a medium secure psychiatric unit after being restrained by up to five nurses and an independent inquiry into this accepted that it was a result of institutional racism (Athwal, 2004). This is not a lone incident and has been recognised as an issue across mental health services. A concern which is shared by many including Richard Stone (a member of the Bennett i nquriy panel) and Errol Francis (a campaigner on black mental health) is that cultural/racial awareness training will not reduce institutional abuse, it must be acknowledged and then the behaviour of the professionals and workers needs to change (Athwal, 2004). Once understood and acknowledged, progress can be made to tackle and understand causes (McKenzie, 2007). McKenzie (2007) put forward concern that the importance of Delivering Race Equality would be undermined, which seems to have been the case in No Health without Mental Health as it does not seem to recognise the importance of racism as a risk factor for mental health and the impact it has on service responses (Watson, 2011). Watson (2011) argues that the impression given is that we are moving to a post-racial big society where state multiculturalism is expunged from British values and public consciousness Thus the link is being undermined and if this is the case it is unlikely changes will be made. Chantler et al (2002) undertook a ten month qualitative study with a group of South Asian women who are survivors of self harm or attempted suicide. It seems that survivors highlighted issues causing mental distress including immigration status, poverty, and domestic violence in their accounts however an over focus on cultural sensitivity by professionals and policy makers means that these factors often goes unrecognised (Chantler et al, 2002). Also, important to note is that there does not seem to be much research into the fact that if people are seeking asylum, there is a possibility that their mental health needs may be higher as a result of their experiences prior to migration (Chantler, 2011). As a result of lack of recognition, inappropriate or a lack of support was offered by services. The researchers found that the survivors who had been seeking asylum mentioned policies such as the one year rule as causing them distress and oppression as it meant they were trapped (often in an abusive relationship) for a long period of time without a chance of escape (Chantler et al, 2001). As stated, current immigration legislation strips South Asian women of the legal and personal support available to white British female citizens (Chantler et al, 2002). The survivors identified that they felt these policies ensured that all power was given to the man (Chantler et al, 2002). Policies implemented trying to overcome problems in services by employing South Asian workers needs to be looked into (Chantler et al, 2002). It seems that policy makers used cultural clashes as explanations as to why issues such as domestic violence, immigration issues and poverty were not highlighted (Chantler et al, 2002). Thus in models of mental health, factors such as immigration are neglected. Services claimed to be unable to meet their needs due to cultural conflict (Chantler et al, 2002). All but one of the survivors in the study had suffered domestic violence identifying the link between domestic violence, immigration status and suicide/self harm (Chantler, 2001). It is worth noting that refugees and asylum seekers may have experienced traumatic events before arriving in the UK such as war and poverty therefore they may have higher mental health needs because of their experiences this is not covered much in research and is something which may be beneficial in our understanding. Burman et al (2005) focuses primarily on domestic violence services with regards to African, African-Caribbean, South Asian, Jewish and Irish women, it became evident that culture was seen to be more important than dealing with domestic violence issues. Thus a focus on culture can be seen as an obstruction to offering the appropriate support (Burman, 2005). The study also identifies how other issues such as immigration policies prevent asylum seeking women from being able to leave abusive relationships therefore this needs to considered more (Burman, 2005). racialised dimensions of such policies heightens their exclusionary effects. The outcome of these findings suggests that there needs to be new ways of supporting women from minoritised groups suffering domestic violence (Burman, 2005). Criticisms of study? It seems that in favour of culture, gender issues such as violence against women are often ignored in relation to minority ethnicities (Chantler, 2002). Would this be the case if it were white women? What is interesting is that violence against women is considered a gender issue in relation to white women but is seen as a cultural issue in relation to South Asian women (Chantler et al, 2002). This is something which needs to be recognised and changed. Cultural factors need to be acknowledged to a degree and particularly in certain circumstances for example honour based violence, however it needs to be recognised that culture and race are not always at the forefront of issues. It is important to move away from a complete focus culture in many instances, and consider gender issues as well. Segregating women from minority groups from white women with regards to violence can lead to lack of support thus potentially resulting in self harm/attempted suicide amongst other issues, as a resul t of the mental distress. The research undertaken by Chantler et al (2001) and Burman (2005) highlight this. Conclusion: As a social worker it is important to recognise cultural differences and be open about culture so that interventions are not so difficult however, although being culturally aware is useful, it is impossible to recognise all factors as cultural as there are numerous different cultures which are constantly adapting. Also, as this essay has identified, an over focus on culture can be dangerous. It is important to be conscious of other risk/causal factors of mental health such as violence against women, class and immigration status. It is essential label or stereotype someone based on their race or culture but rather engage, empower and empathise with service users. As Chantlers 2001 study identified, regardless of a service users race or culture, they often just want someone to listen to them. Do not always presume it is about culture as policy has tended to do in recent years. It seems that a combination of structural, cultural and individual factors including gender, poverty and cultu re will enable a greater understanding of diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of mental health. Considering one without the other will limit understanding. Therefore, knowledge needs to be more nuanced. I am not undermining the importance of race and culture in relation to mental health and service responses, as I have acknowledged its importance in this essay. However, do not neglect other equally important factors. Also gender issues need to be considered for example domestic violence. Why is domestic violence considered cultural only when related to certain ethnicities e.g south Asian women SOME violence crimes are specific to certain cultures for example honour based violence, trafficking (UMHDU, 2010) However, all ethnicities within the uk experience gender based violence not just certain ethnic groups and evidence suggests that violence and abuse cause mental health issues (UMHDU, 2010). However it is sometimes only seen as a gender issue when it is white women suffering abuse. Seen as a cultural issue when minority ethnic group. Maybe it isnt a cultural issue but a gender issue Research by Chantler et al many women from different ethnicities dont mention culture/race in their study just mention abuse therefore maybe just need to consider this

Failure Of The Weimar Republic Essay -- essays research papers

To what extent is it true to say that "The failure of the Weimer Republic was due to external factors beyond its control and the rise of a German messiah"? In 1933, the Weimer Republic was officially abolished by Hitler, the German 'messiah.' The Weimer Republic was replaced by his opposite, its contrast. From a democratic state to a state ruled by a 'messiah.' Was it inedible that the Weimer Republic would become a failure? Or would different conditions have changed the occurred? There where different external factors the Weimer Republic where forced to face. The actual Republic had neither influence nor any fault to their existence. The first of these factors the Republic faced was the fact that the Republic was introduced following the defeat in the First World War. This was present in the minds of all German people. They where not able to understand how they could have lost a war where they had been told they where beating their enemies. German people where shocked, surprised. It was difficult for them to believe they had not won. Military defeat combined with social distress of the Germans for the loose of war was what gave birth to the Weimer Republic. Therefore, it started under bad conditions. A war which had been believed to be a success but became a failure. As a result of failure in the First World War Germany was forced to sign a treaty, called the Treaty of Versaille. In this treaty, it was recognized that Germany was responsible for the start of the war. This even though not proved was recognized by Germany. The people could not believe it. They where embarrassed at what there country had recognized by signing the treaty. Even though, they had no choice but to sign. As one of the points in the treaty, Germany had to pay a rather large number of reparations. Germany was required to make extensive financial reparations. Difficulty arose in making these reparations. The Republic did not have enough money. The Weimer Republic was not in a good situation. They had a lot of reparations to make and no money to be able to make them. Yet, the Republic managed to survive many difficult years. The putsches, it's early years. Just as it was getting over these 'growing pains,' another crisis occurred for the republic. In 1923, there was the invasion of the Ruhr. This affected the German middle class. ... ...with a monarch. Their parents and grandparents had lived there life in Germany governed this way. They had always known this and no other way. The largest group in Germany, the middle class, many of the mittelstand never gave up with the idea of the Imperial System. They still believed in the Kaiser. In his way of ruling. They did not want to accept a new government; therefore, they disliked the Weimer Republic since its birth. There also where problems with the other political parties. The communist where standing alone as a group. They wished to see the death of The conditions in which the Weimer Republic was born where not the best. After a failure, one the Republic was forced to face. The Republic had to face many external factors, which they had no power upon. These external factors did 'push' the Weimer Republic to its failure. The rise of Hitler also helped the Weimer Republic to fail. He had power over the German people; they believed him and listened to him. Yet, this was not all. There where other factors which also helped the Weimer Republic to fail. All these different points together made the Republic extremely weak, making it inevitable for it to collapse.

Portfolio Models Essay

The use of portfolio models in marketing has been gaining increasing use since 1960s. The portfolio models were developed with the aim of helping in the development of market share and growth. These models have been used as strategic thinking model in the making of business decision. These models include BCG, General electric/shell, Hofner-Schendel, Experience Curve and Porters Competitive models. Each model has been criticized on the capabilities and according to its scope on market share. These models have been found to lead to the wrong decision in investment and other business processes. The portfolio models assume a causal relationship between the market share and the profitability of a product in the market. The common scope of portfolio models is the way it tries to ignores some of the most relevant strategic issues in business. Therefore, all models cannot be taken as an effective strategic decision making model. It should however be discarded or it should be used with caution. This paper does not recommend the use of portfolio models and an alternative way should be sought to replace this. Introduction Portfolio models can be defined as a method or strategy in which a new product will be introduced in the market and perform as it was expected. In the 1960s, there was growing assertion of the use of portfolio models in marketing. There was growing interest on the development of market share and growth strategy which later came to be known as marketing portfolio. The BCG matrix, Hofner-Schendel, Experience Curve and Porters Competitive models and GE/S were meant to achieve the marketing needs especially when introducing new products in the market. They were meant to stimulate strategic thinking especially among the senior marketing executives in the turbulent business environment. However, there has been dysfunction of these models in the way they are taught and the way they are applied in the market. This study will look into the applicability of portfolio models in strategic decision making in marketing. The study will evaluate the view from a number of literature to understand whether the model can really be applied to the decision making process or not. This paper therefore evaluates the available literature which has given an insight into this model to understand how it can be applied in strategic marketing decision. There are other methods that were introduced to give a product a distinctive market share especially when it’s introduced. There are four commonly used methods to approach this matter, the Boston consulting group (BCG), the General electric/shell (GE/S), Hofner-Schendel, Experience Curve and Porters Competitive models. Therefore to give the clear meaning of the portfolio model, there is a need to understand how the portfolio models work. The first step to be taken when using the above models is to understand the different business/ marketing strategies of the company. Portfolio models in marketing decisions Portfolio models management generally defines the way business comes up with strategic decision to venture into the market. In this definition, the strategic marketing decision is a method by which marketing ideas are made and implemented in order for a product to have stronger grounds in the market. At any one time, company will be coming up with new product which will need to be introduced to the market in the most successful way. Portfolio models therefore provide the business with important tools for analyzing of the strategic decision to determine their effectiveness in the market (Abell and Hammond, 1979, p. 42). Purpose of portfolio models in strategic decision making in marketing There are mainly four main purpose of using the portfolio models in the strategic marketing decisions which are pursued in portfolio management and must be achieved through any model that is used. These goals include the maximization of portfolio, seeking of the right balance of the available projects, aligning of the portfolio strategically, and aligning the projects to the available resource (Ansoff, 1984, p. 12). Smith and Swinyard (1999, p. 2) also show that portfolio marketing models are important for an organization to assess the overall success of a new product in the market before a lot of money is used in the development of the product. They both call for the use of multiple marketing models in order to achieve the overall success of introducing new products in the market. This will reduce the failure rate of the products and extend their life cycle in the market. (Thomas, 2002, p. 61) The models can also be used as important tools to forecast the level of competition and therefore draw upon effective way of beating this competition. They help to forecast the performance of a product in the market so as to draw up strategies to effectively introduce it in the market. Edgett, Cooper, and Kleinschmidt (2002, p. 2) showed that in order to achieve full development of a new product in the market, there has to be effective portfolio management. There are different types of portfolio models that include the BCG, GE/S, Hofner-Schendel, Experience Curve and Porters Competitive models. In his review of the portfolio models, Day (1977, p. 32) showed that the use of bubble diagrams had been gaining increasing use in business. Day shows that these models resemble the portfolio models with stars, cash cows, dogs, and others. He showed that these models could be used successfully to forecast the market in the future. Day therefore asserted the role of matrix like Boston matrix in marketing. The Boston matrix could be used to show four quadrants as has been shown by Day and corresponding strategies which could be used in each quadrant. However Day criticizes the matrix on the sense that it is too narrow on its scope. He asserts that the BCG matrix has a narrow focus on the market share of the product. On the other hand Morrison and Wensley (1991, p. 106) provided an insight into the portfolio planning models as used in making business decision. They asserted that the use of BCG matrix in portfolio management is inhibited by difficulties in measurement of the rate of market growth and the relative market share of the product. This is due to a number of reasons. They gave the most prominent reason being the fact that market boundaries are often very difficult to fix which meant the different matrix methods will give different recommendations for a given situation. Therefore they argue that the common scope of BCG matrix in a way ignores some of the most relevant strategic issues in business. Though these other models are not as famous as BCG, Day still argues that use of them could also lead to success in the market. Day advocated and recommended the use of Porters competitiveness that he viewed to have higher possibilities of success than other models if its well implemented. It is commonly used in an already operating business with other products in the market. The experience curve can only be help to the company that has been in the market for sometime with a different product. The experience that the company has gained in the given period will determine the strength of the company in the market. This has been used by several companies like coca-cola in the introduction their mineral water. It would be hard for a company that has not been doing well in the market to succeed with the new product. They showed that Boston matrix was a technique for one season and not for all the season. This is because its popularity and use increased in the 1960s and 1970s and then plummeted due to the challenges faced in the market. They showed that the single chart could be successfully used to determine the growth potential and the competitive strength of a product in the market but this has rapidly changed with time. Armstrong and Brodie (1994, p. 38) evaluation on the applicability of the Boston matrix concluded that the use of the matrix to guide investors often would result to wrong decision through the use of BCG. General Electric and Shell, Porters competitive models are designed for long term use in the market, once the product has been introduced in the market, the models techniques still continues to support the product through the entire life in the market. Whichever model is used, it has to be used for entire life of the company because no other model will fit without altering the companies business especially when the company is introducing new product in the market. Although they based their study on a small number of graduates in a class, they gave a further warning against the use of the matrix in a simple mind. Armstrong and Brodie (1994, p. 3) carried out a study on the effect of the portfolio planning methods on the overall decision making process. Their study pointed out the weakness in the use of BCG matrix in making strategic decision in an organization. Their study revealed that the use of BCG matrix in making investment decisions was highly likely to lead to unprofitable investment while Robert and Merton (1989, p. 210) advocates that the implementation of other models instead of matrix were intended for lifetime decision making. If not well implemented, there is a probability of causing life time losses and would be hard to recover unless the product is withdrawn from the market. Each model has some weaknesses bas they are exposed out in the way models assume a casual relationship between the market share and the profitability of a product in the market. Morison and Wesley (1991, p. 26) also pointed out lack of consistency in the use of the portfolio models in determining market growth and profits. These studies give varied views on the use of Boston matrix, GE/S, Hofner-Schendel, Experience Curve and Porters Competitive models in making marketing decision. They all seem to point out on the weaknesses of these models in light of their theory and application. There are other ways a business can prosper other than using portfolio models. The strategies used in introducing the product in the market is all that matters, portfolios are just to give the business a rough idea on how to approach the marketing matter but not to give a conclusive tread which the business should follow. Conclusion Portfolio models are applied in portfolio management. They are applied in management to make strategic marketing decision. Though they had gained increasing use in different times, they have some weaknesses that are fatal to the welfare of the business in future. On the other hand they may give a rough idea on how to approach the market issues and on how to introduce the new product in the market. In all portfolios, not is able to predict the growth and the profit margins or losses on the other hand for the product, thus making them less important tool for the marketing. However the use of models should be discarded and there be implemented new strategies that would be able to address the issues of the business on long term and in both growth and revenues that are likely to be gained by the introduced product. Recommendations: The use of portfolio models is not recommended and if they have to be used, they must be implemented with great caution. None of all models has proofed an effective strategic decision making in regard to the marketing issues. It should however be discarded or it should be used with caution. This paper does not recommend the use of portfolio models and an alternative way should be sought to replace this.

Bastard of the Party Essay - 966 Words

Bastards of the Party The Bastards of the Party documentary was based upon the Crips and the Bloods who are the bastard offspring of the political parties such as the 1960’s. The Great Migration occurred upon African-American migrating from the south in order to escape racism and prejudice in the south as well as to seek industrial jobs. There was a train that would stop through every town but blacks could only depart at Central Avenue. We as blacks were limited to certain neighborhoods and places we could live and go for entertainment. The 1960’s or 1970’s is when gangs were originated. Gangs became a formation of protection against racial crimes being committed by whites. There were quite a few popular gangs such as the Slausons,†¦show more content†¦This can lead you to accept anything and self-destruction. We can try to break the cycle by calling each other by our real names instead of nick names which doesn’t have anything to do with the real you. In 1948, lynching became a part of police brutality. They stereotype blacks as animals instead of humans. African-Americans had no rights or equality as whites did. Police consider white kids who committed crime were misguided but black children at the age of 14 to 15 were already hardcore criminals. In 1965, the blacks became brothers and fought back for their community by trying to drive out the LAPD. The Black Panthers was a national organization created in 1966. This organization represented the African-Americans protection among their neighborhoods from police brutality. They brought resources to the community such as free clinics and free lunch at school. In 1967, Bunchy Carter was known as a true hero to his people. He would hold meetings and try an influence the people by knowledge of history. Carter was a member of the Slauson who reflected a mirror of the ghetto. He was courageous, intelligent and quite political man. April 4, 1968 Martin Luther King was killed which was a tragedy. The US and Black Panthers organizations had different philopsy which made them clash among one another. The Counter Intel program intercepted between the two organizations by conducting projects such giving the media false reportsShow MoreRelatedThe End Of A Nation1200 Words   |  5 Pagescrucial. Eliminating apartheid without fighting off the true perpetrators of its extreme injustice would be like freeing one hand from a stockade and proclaiming that we have been liberated. Nor can we collaborate with the gaolers of the National Party and their friends, the manservants of capital, who seek only the maintenance of their streams of easy profits on the backs of cheap Black labor. 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Most would agree that the extension of data from a small sample