Category: Uncategorized

Name

Professor’s name

Course

Date

Article Title: Biden is Right: Vaccine Refusal ‘Has Cost All of Us’

Introduction

Authored by Kristian Thacker for the New York Times, the Article Biden is Right: Vaccine Refusal ‘Has Cost All of Us’ is an opinion piece published on September 10, 2021, by the Editorial Board. The article’s audience is the general members of the public, particularly individuals above the age of 18. The article generally gives opinions about the uptake of the approved covid-19 vaccines making it a suitable text for people that are eligible to take the vaccine. The article’s main claim is that there is a need for all eligible persons to do what is right for humanity by getting the vaccine. The author lays bare the fact that since their development, vaccines have played a critical role in managing the pandemic as research shows that the majority of people that are succumbing and in the high-dependency unit are unvaccinated. The purpose of this article is to identify and analyze the effectiveness of specific rhetorical strategies employed by the authors in this article including logos, pathos, and ethos.

The Author’s Argument

The article’s main argument is that every eligible person has the primary responsibility to get the vaccine as it is the only way to keep the virus from mutating into even more hazardous strains. To save humanity, we must stop holding out on getting the vaccine. The piece revolves around the question that is on every person’s mind right now—covid-19 vaccine rollout. This follows a decision by President Biden decision to impose even stricter vaccination rules. The president’s decision requires all health care workers, federal contractors, and executive branch employees to get vaccinated. Additionally, his directive requires private businesses with more than 100 employees to take weekly tests or be vaccinated. This is all in a bid to reduce community transmission and avoid deaths now that the new Delta variant has proved to be more contagious and deadly.

The Effectiveness of Pathos in the Article

The author employs various pathos to appeal to the readers’ emotional needs. The author says “Right now, the list of the very sick and the dead is made up almost entirely of the unvaccinated. But as long as the virus continues to spread widely, it can and will evolve in ways that put everyone at risk.” This rhetorical strategy can be classified as pathos because the author tries to appeal to the readers to get the vaccine by mentioning the risk that one places themselves at if they fail to get the jab. The author talks about unvaccinated people succumbing to the virus in the hope that it will convince the nay-sayers to get it. This strategy is effective because it makes the readers think twice about not getting the vaccine. The statement plants a seed of fear of dying from the virus in the readers. It convinces the readers that losing one’s life is not worth the risk when a vaccine exists that significantly reduces mortality rates. The readers are likely to be taken aback by the statement at first. However, the readers are likely to realize that the authors are right on the notion that the vaccine is the best weapon there is against the deadly virus. The statement helps the author’s cause because it prompts one to encounter first-hand how hazardous the virus is. The statement prompts readers that are eligible for the vaccine to want to get it to keep them safe. If this statement were to be changed, the text would still be successful in passing the main message but it would probably have less effect. The number of people that would be convinced to get the vaccine would be lower.

The Effectiveness of Ethos in the Article

In addition to using pathos, the author also employs ethos in the passage as a rhetorical strategy to pass the main message to the readers. The author writes, “Yet vaccine resisters carry on about violations of their freedom, ignoring the fact that they don’t live in a bubble, and that their decision to stay unvaccinated infringes on everyone else’s freedom — the freedom to move around the country, the freedom to visit safely with friends and family, the freedom to stay alive.” The author uses this particular strategy to speak to the ethics, standards, values, and principles of the readers. The author tries to pass across the point that although there is free will, the choice to not get vaccinated not only places a person at risk but it also impacts the lives of family, friends, and their freedom of movement. The statement is effective because it makes a reader want to protect humanity by getting the vaccine. Nobody wants to be the reason why their loved ones succumb to the deadly virus when there is something one could have done to prevent it. The reader reacts to the quote by showing a sense of empathy and responsibility. It makes a person want to make an informed decision that their fellow human beings would appreciate. It makes a reader realize that no man is an island and we all need each other. The only way to curb the spread and mutation of the virus is if as many people as possible get vaccinated. The text would be less impactful if this passage was changed. This is because it carries a lot of weight in the entire article. The statement calls out the people that are resisting the vaccine by noting that vaccine rejection infringes on everyone’s freedom of movement and that to stay alive and healthy.

The Effectiveness of Logos in the Article

Furthermore, in addition to using pathos and ethos, the author also makes use of logos to appeal to the readers. The author mentions various facts that explain the need for increased uptake of vaccines. The author writes, “ Yet tens of millions more have not, allowing the more contagious Delta variant to sweep across the country, where it is now killing more than 1, 500 people in the United States daily.” Here the author uses facts and numbers to show the extent of the seriousness of slow uptake of vaccines among eligible persons. For an intellectual person, the mention of 1,500 succumbing to the virus on a daily basis evokes feelings of fear. The statement helps the cause because it makes the reader want to help solve the crisis by getting vaccinated. The fear of dying from covid-19 supersedes everything else. One had rather get the jab than start regretting if they fall ill knowing that they could have done something to prevent the ordeal. If the passage were to be changed, the text would be less impactful to the readers.

Conclusion

In closing, with the emergence of the more contagious Delta variant, there is a need for eligible persons to seriously consider getting the approved covid-19 vaccines. As much as vaccination is a personal choice, it is every person’s reasonability to play their role in fighting the pandemic. Upon reading this text, I realize that the only way for us to move forward is if we decide to unite and ensure as many people as possible get the vaccine. As the human race, we have better chances of survival if we take the vaccine. Initially, I did not care much about getting the vaccine but upon reading this piece, I am convinced that getting the vaccine is the better choice. As a human race, we must remain open-minded and embrace science wholeheartedly. Bottom line is, it is better to have the vaccine than to wait to catch the virus, as it is only a matter of time. To all eligible persons, let us all show patriotism and humanity by getting the Food Drug Administration approved vaccine closest to you.

References

The Editorial Board. (2021, September 12). Opinion | Biden Is Right: Vaccine Refusal ‘Has Cost All of Us.’ The New York Times.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/10/opinion/biden-covid-vaccine.html

Individual: Project Proposal

Presented by

Institution

Memorandum

Date: August 30, 2014

To: Company Chief Executive Officer

From: Project manager

Subject: A proposal to conduct a training program that incorporates all branch managers of the company

Project Name: implementation of a new companywide compliance system using new technology platforms and new compliance policies

Project description

The high rate of technology growth in the present competitive business environment leaves organizations with no option other than incorporating compliance technologies. Implementation of new technological tools helps improve an organization’s compliance programs and make them more effective and efficient. In addition, technology innovations help in the proper utilization of existing resources and minimize unnecessary costs leading to increased revenue (PWC, 2011). The company wishes to improve its competitive advantage through technological innovations. The project aims at rolling out new companywide compliance system that include the introduction of a new technology platform and hosting new compliance policies for the company. In order to ensure full implementation of the project, the company has directed every branch manager across the country to involve in at least ten hours of training to acquire skills in using the new system.

Potential stakeholders

Several stakeholders play a significant role in ensuring the success of the project. The potential stakeholders directly involved in the project are the company Chief Executive Officer (CEO), branch managers, project managers, new system administrators, and the training institution. The CEO will work closely with the project manager and system administrators to ensure all activities run as planned. The branch managers are the main focus for the project. Every manager must undergo a training program, hence, directly involved to the program. Other stakeholders who have no direct involvement with the project include other company staff members, shareholders, and company clients. Other company staff members such as supervisors and other employees will also need to understand the new system. Branch managers will take full responsibility of educating other employees on the usage of the new system. The company will also consult shareholders responsible for the approval of the new system and sign for funds needed during the training period. On the other hand, the company will ensure all their clients understand the new system.

The overall objective and any outcomes for this project

The project’s main objective is to introduce a centralized training program for all branch managers across the country to familiarize them with the new companywide compliance system. The research will be carried out to determine the effectiveness of introducing large scale centralized training sessions to branch managers. The company has never conducted such a training program before, and views from participants are highly demanded by the project. In the end, the project expects total willingness of all branch managers to commit their time into undertaking training sessions.

Evaluation of project success

All participants will be required to fill in a questionnaire demanding to know their willingness to take part in the training session for the purpose of evaluating the success of the project. High level of privacy will be maintained to prevent instances of people intimidating others. A scale of 0-10 will gauge each participant’s response to the questionnaire. An average score of 8 and above in more than three-quarters of participants would mean the project is successful.

Ascertaining the measurable organizational value (MOV) of this project

The following key elements will determine the overall goal and measure of success for this project.

Key areas of impact

The desired value for the project

Appropriate measurements

Time management, and

Agreement amongst stakeholders

Reference

PWC. (2011). Integrating technology into your compliance program to improve the effectiveness

And efficiency. Retrieved from:

http://www.financial-tracking.com/docs/pwc_integrating-technology-into-your-

compliance-program.pdf

                                                       Big Black Good Man

In our life we let people determine how to treat us because of our race and our looks but that isn’t the case. We need to treat everybody equally no matter what their culture or how they look. A writer named Richard Wright is known to be the best African-American writer for this “classic” book that he wrote, and “Big Black Good Man” is one of them. This story is written as a third person narrative but filled with Olaf Jenson’s point of view. Olaf also shares his life and past experiences and how reality has hit him since another character named Jim comes into his life. Jim really opens Olaf’s eyes and he make him see the true world that is out there. This story involves a judgement between a black and a white man and there basically against each other.

In 1957, discrimination in the United States and in our society is a huge problem. Knowing Richard Wright, he grew up in the south and knew before he left Chicago to deal with issues because of his skin color. The “Big Black Man” represents how White people felt back then. The main character Olaf

World War I

The Great War: A Primary Source Analysis of the Cause of the First World War “I always hear Caesar did, Caesar conquered. Was not there at least a cook along?”—Bertolt Brecht In 1914, the world witnessed one of the most terrible and bloody wars in the history of mankind to that date. World War One, at that time entitled the Great War, began as a result of the conflict between the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary and the Kingdom of Serbia. On the surface, the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914, seemed to be the cause of the events that led to a European and, eventually, a world war.

Although the assassination precipitated the events that led to war, the true causes of the Great War were much deeper and much more convoluted than a gunshot and the death of a statesman. In order to fully grasp the causes of the First World War, and in order to eventually determine responsibility for the war, the state of affairs before its inception, including the events and intellectual climate in the previous century, must be recognized and acknowledged as vital components in the shaping of events that led to hostility and mobilization. The prevailing intellectual state in the mid to late nineteenth century was one of change. New ideas were brought to the fore by scientists and expounded upon by philosophers to forge innovative and rather radical notions concerning Man and his place in nature and among his fellows.

Although new philosophy is not a new or even rare event in history, the ideological changes occurring in the latter half of the nineteenth century were markedly different from those in the past because science enhanced their credibility. In 1859, Charles Darwin presented what was to be one of the most revolutionary theories in biological science when he published his On the Origin of Species. Although his theories concerning the evolution of species, containing such invariably difficult concepts, such as mutations, were complex and often misunderstood, the general population understood the fundamental idea concluded in his work: I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term Natural Selection. . . . The expression used by Mr. Herbert Spencer, of the Survival of the Fittest, is more accurate, and is sometimes equally convenient. Also contained in Darwin’s theories was the notion of the “Struggle for Existence.” In this struggle, the strong dominated the weak in acquiring the necessities of life: food, shelter, etc..

This theory eventually fostered the notion that aggression and war were not wrong or evil; on the contrary, these destructive characteristics of mankind were indeed natural and even necessary. The idea of “Survival of the Fittest” coupled with the notion of the “Struggle for Existence” not only influenced the realm of science, but also profoundly influenced philosophical thought, especially concerning Man’s relationship with his fellows. The new philosophies which evolved from Darwin’s theories were decidedly secular, not unlike Darwin’s theory itself. One of the most influential social and ethical philosophies associated with Darwin’s theory was that of the British philosopher, Herbert Spencer.

Popularly dubbed “Social Darwinism,” Spencer first conceived the phrase “Survival of the Fittest.” His theories proposed that human society progressed as a result of competition, and that it was ethically incumbent upon the strong members of society to avoid helping their weaker counterparts, lest the society, in its entirety, should suffer. According to Spencer, this ethical indifference to the plight of the weak serves to eventually strengthen the society. He argued that, over time, the weaker constituents of society, without the help of the strong, will not be able to survive and, therefore, reproduce, thus preventing the continuation of their weak lineage: The poverty of the incapable, the distresses that come upon the imprudent, the starvation of the idle, and those shoulderings aside of the weak by the strong, which leave so many “in shallows and in miseries,” are the decrees of a large, farseeing benevolence.

The ideas first presented by Darwin and later extrapolated to include human society and ethics by Spencer, took a distinctly anti-religious tone in the writings of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche. Infamous for his decree that “God is dead,” and that religion is no longer useful, Nietzsche also questioned established morality. He proposed that morality is determined by each individual; there is no absolute. Not only did his work attack religion and morality, but it also presented the idea of a “ubermensch,” or the “superman:” I want to teach men the sense of their existence, which is the Superman, the out of the dark cloud man. Nietzsche’s idea of the “ubermensch” gave rise to a number of notions concerning the superiority of certain races over others and strengthened the argument for eugenics, where society or the government should intervene to assure the procreation of the strong in order to produce the “superman.” Although these ideas were rather extreme, they did foster a sense of nationalism based on the idea of the superiority of a race.

This is especially true concerning the alleged superiority of the Aryan race. Sigmund Freud, a contemporary of Nietzsche, contributed to the secularization of human nature through his work in psychology. Freud developed a theory of psychoanalysis in which the individual is governed by the conflict between the subconscious, base desires of the “id” and the socially imposed morality of the “superego.” This conflict is mediated by the “ego,” which constitutes the largest part of the conscious human mind. Through his work, Freud internalized the human struggle, taking it out of the realm of the supernatural and placing the responsibility of Man’s actions on his own experiences: Religion is an illusion and it derives its strength from its readiness to fit in with our instinctual internal impulses.

As the nineteenth century came to a close, Europe had been exposed to new ideas, made credible through scientific evidence, and began to think differently about themselves and about their nations. War was no longer the evil result of the work of evil men, but rather something that stemmed from man’s natural instinct and need for aggressive and violent behavior. In fact, war became a useful tool, in the eyes of many, to expedite the survival of the fittest. These changes in the general attitude, coupled with the questioning of established religion and morality, paved the way for the events that would eventually lead to the Great War. One of the most striking influences of these revolutionary ideas was the rise of nationalism among the European nations.

As national pride began to blossom in each country, there was an increasing belief in a national destiny in many of the countries that would play a significant role in initiating the First World War. All of the Powers involved in the Great War began to stake claims in Africa after 1870, eventually creating an animosity that would lead to the creation of the alliance systems; the very alliance systems that were a fundamental catalyst in the outbreak of war. When the recent history of each of the major contributors to the outbreak of war is examined, a interest for war, based on increased nationalism, can be discovered for each. While some countries experienced sweeping movements to unite a people or cultures, others maintain what could be considered national grudges over embarrassing events in the past. Possibly the most influential form of nationalism involved Serbia and the movement which has often been referred to as Pan-Slavism.

The fundamental motive behind this Pan-Slavism was to unite all the Serb peoples under one government. Serbia had already liberated those under Ottoman rule, but many remained in some of the provinces of Austria-Hungary. In this sense, Serbian nationalism became a direct threat to Austro-Hungarian national integrity. If Serbia succeeded in its goal, Austria-Hungary would not only lose a number of provinces, but it would also lose its respect as a major European Power. Russia was also heavily involved in the Pan-Slavic movement, and encouraged Serbia in its efforts by offering its support. Russia was also interested in maintaining a Slavic presence in the Balkan states; a presence without the Dual Monarchy. Germany was affected by the idea of Pan-Germanism in a slightly different manner than Serbia was by Pan-Slavism.

Germany, under Otto von Bismarck, was not interested in gaining new territories and redefining its borders. Bismarck’s goal was to maintain the balance of power in Europe, at least until Germany was stronger, and to avoid a war on two fronts, which would involve France on the west and Russia on the east, at all costs. When Kaiser Wilhelm II came to power in 1888, however, the idea held by many in his country, which involved a Germany destined to be a world power, was finally embodied in their king: We want to be a World Power and pursue colonial policy in the grand manner. That is certain. Here there can be no step backward. The entire future of our people among the great nations depends on it. We can pursue this policy with England or without England. With England means in peace; without England means—through war.

This statement, made by the moderate historian and publicist Hans Delbrück in 1899 in his Preussische Fahrbücher, not only represents the general prevailing opinion in Germany, but it also foreshadows Germany’s desire to pursue its goals at almost any cost—even war. France’s nationalist interest, on the other hand, involved both reclaiming what were perceived to be expatriated French lands and embarrassing memories over earlier military defeats. Both of these factors directly involved Germany. After the humiliating defeat of France at the hands of Prussia at Sedan, France was forced to surrendered the provinces of Alsace-Lorraine to German annexation in 1871. This gave rise to the notion that Bismarck wanted to create the German Empire on French soil. Many French had the impression that Germany was created at Versailles where the terms of peace were dictated to France, at the expense of the French. When the French Assembly ratified the treaty at Bordeaux, surrendering Alsace-Lorraine to the Germans, the deputies of the provinces proclaimed, in protest, the France’s rightful claim to the provinces: We proclaim forever the right of Alsatians and Lorrainers to remain members of the French nation.

We swear for ourselves, our constituents, our children and our children’s children, to claim that right for all time, by every means, in the face of the usurper. The loss of French land was a decisive injury to France, but the treaty also added insult to injury by demanding a march down the Champs Elysées by the triumphant German Army. Like many of the French, future Prime Minister Clemenceau, upon witnessing the march, vowed “neither to forgive nor forget.” Britain’s nationalist interests were not as well defined as those of the other Powers. Britain’s interests mirrored those of the other European Powers in that she was deeply involved in imperialism and the colonization of Africa. In terms of her relations with the continent, Britain chose to maintain, what was commonly referred to as her “splendid isolation.” One marked British interest, however, involved Russian aspirations in the Mediterranean. Russia wanted control of the Dardenelles, which would give them unrestricted access to the Mediterranean and which would lead to competition with Britain’s interests there.

This conflict was one of the few to be resolved later, in the formation of the Triple Entente. The result of increased nationalism and its influence on the new imperialism was unmistakably important in the future formation of the alliance systems. Never before in the history of Europe was the continent so clearly divided into separate camps as it was before the Great War. This was a direct result of the agreements between France, Britain and Russia in the Triple Entente and the alignment of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy in the Triple Alliance. The Triple Alliance was essentially established through the work of Bismarck between 1873 and 1890. After 1871, Bismarck insisted that Germany was satisfied with her position and wanted no new territorial gains. Bismarck feared another war that might threaten what Germany had gained. In his policies and in his words, Bismarck tried to assuage French resentment toward Germany by exercising generally benevolent conduct in his relations with them and even by encouraging their colonial expeditions. Despite these precautions, Bismarck needed to maintain France’s isolation to avoid what he feared most for Germany: a war on two fronts.

In 1873, Bismarck established the Three Emperors’ League between Germany, Austria and Russia. The league soon collapsed, however, because of Russian and Austrian conflicts in the Balkans. Despite the collapse, the seeds for large scale alliances were sown and Germany continued to try to protect itself through alliances with Austria and Russia. In 1879, Germany concluded a treaty with Austria to form the Dual Alliance. The treaty stipulated that either nation would come to the aid of the other if one were attacked by Russia. This stipulation paralleled and preceded the treaties between the members of the later alliances which would fight in the war. The formation of the Dual Alliance proved to be a sage move on the part of Bismarck because, although it was supposed to have been secret, the Alliance made the Russians uncomfortable and their diplomats approached Germany in 1881. The Three Emperors’ League was restored. When, in 1882, it grew discontent with France’s occupation of Tunisia, Italy approached Germany and asked to join the alliance. When another Balkan war erupted, the Three Emperor’s League was crippled once again and Russia was lost. However, Bismarck was able to maintain Austria and Italy as allies and the Triple Alliance was formed. Also, in 1887, Bismarck was able to forge the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia, which dictated that, if either Power were to be attacked, the other would maintain neutrality.

Thus, Bismarck, through his masterful use of diplomacy was able to ensure Germany’s security by encompassing it in alliances and maintaining friendship with Russia, thereby isolating France as planned. Despite his success, Bismarck was dismissed in 1890 by Kaiser Wilhelm II because of the aforementioned differences in their visions of Germany’s future. General Leo von Caprivi succeeded Bismarck, but he was not nearly as effective in maintaining the alliances, the most pivotal of which would prove to be with the Russians. Caprivi refused to renew the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia because he did not feel that he could handle the system of alliances as efficiently as Bismarck had, and he also believed that, by severing his ties with the Russians, he would improve his relations with Britain. The latter reasoning was a result of the fact that Russia had ambitions toward the Dardanelles which alarmed the British. Britain feared Russia’s rise as a Mediterranean power. Caprivi incorrectly assumed that ideological differences would prevent an alliance between France and Russia, thereby protecting Germany from two hostile fronts. Unfortunately for Germany, France and Russia’s mutual isolation drove them to seek an alliance, and in 1894 a defensive alliance against Germany was signed.

Now only Britain remained as the final peace to the alliance puzzle. Wilhelm II had always admired Britain’s navy and her economic success, and he tried to persuade her to join the Triple Alliance. When Britain chose to maintain her “splendid isolation,” Wilhelm’s policy changed. He greatly desired that Germany’s navy rival that of Britain’s. The Kaiser felt that, if Germany’s navy was strong enough to pose enough of a threat to Britain’s, Britain would recognize Germany’s power and agree to become allies. Wilhelm II thought that, even if Germany’s navy did not match that of Britain’s, it could become strong enough to potentially weaken the British to the point where they became vulnerable to the navies of the other Powers. This complex and seemingly backward strategy failed, and Britain eventually sought France as an ally. The alliance with France did not occur immediately, however. Britain did at first feel threatened by the prospect of a strong Germany navy, but the Germans, seemingly nonsensically, rejected British treaty proposals between 1898 and 1901, expecting greater concessions in the future.

The end result of these maneuvers was the Entente Cordiale between France and Britain, which was not a formal treaty, but rather a series of agreements which intertwined British and French interests, especially concerning defense, until after the war. At this point, it made sense for Britain to tighten relations with France’s ally, Russia, and, in 1907, an agreement similar to the one between France and Britain was concluded between Britain and Russia. The Triple Entente was complete, and the two camps in Europe were established. On July 28, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria, and his wife were assassinated by a young Bosnian in Sarajevo. The series of events that occurred between the twenty-eighth of June, 1914, and the fourth of August of the same year, are referred to as the “July Crisis.” The events that occurred in this one month essentially determined the outbreak of the First World War.

Through an analysis of these events and the actions of the nations involved, the justice and propriety of the “Guilt Clause,” Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles signed at the conclusion of the war, can be determined: The Allied and Associated Governments affirm and Germany accepts the responsibility of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied and Associated Governments and their nationals have been subjected as a consequence of the war imposed upon them by the aggression of Germany and her allies. The assassination of the Archduke outraged Austria, as well as much of the rest of the continent. All eyes turned to Austria to see how they would respond to the crisis. Austria’s response would eventually dictate the course of events that led to the war. This response came on the twenty-third of July in the form of an ultimatum to Serbia to accept and meet ten demands set forth by the Austrian government. The Austrians demanded a response within forty-eight hours. When the ultimatum was not, in the eyes of the Austrians, fully complied with, Austria mobilized and declared war on Serbia. Though this appears to be the cause of the war, it is a far too narrow a view of the events that took place.

Germany’s role, as well as Russia’s, must be taken into account in order to establish responsibility for the war. Directly following the assassination, Austrian officials were scrambling in an effort to determine the proper course of action. One of their major considerations involved the position of the other members of the Triple Alliance. Italy was not yet a factor, and really never was in the cause of the war, so Austria conferred with the Germans in order to establish a plan of action. On July fifth, Count Alexander von Hoyos, secretary for Balkan affairs at the Austro-Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, traveled to Berlin to discuss Germany’s position with Alfred Zimmerman, the German undersecretary of foreign affairs, and was told that Austria was correct in believing that it should no longer tolerate Serbian aggression.

Zimmerman acknowledged that, although the decision was ultimately that of the Kaiser and Chancellor Bethmann-Hollweg, he saw no impediment to Germany’s unconditional support of any action taken by Austria-Hungary: We at Vienna—he [Zimmermann] said—have the defect of arguing too much and changing our minds. Once a decision was taken, there should be no time lost in going into action so as to take Serbia and the chancelleries of Europe by surprise. Austrian reprisals were amply justified in the Sarajevo crime. In fact, according to Hoyos, Bethmann-Hollweg made Zimmermann’s statements German policy the next day in Telegram 113 to the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador at Vienna: The Emperor Franz Joseph may, however, rest assured that His Majesty will faithfully stand by Austria-Hungary, as is required by the obligations of his alliance and of his ancient friendship. Hoyos probably did not understand how true Zimmermann’s words, concerning the necessity of promptness in action, would ring.

According to Hoyos, Zimmermann also remarked that if this plan was pursued, the conflict would remain localized, but that, if Russia and France were to become involved, Germany, with her enhanced military strength, could successfully oppose both Powers. This apparent hubris on the part of Zimmermann and the Germans was a result of the Schlieffen Plan, Germany’s sole battle plan if the war should become continental. The Schlieffen Plan called for a rapid German assault on and defeat of France before she was fully mobilized, and then a sweeping change of fronts to face Russia, which should take even longer to mobilize and would not, therefore, be fully prepared. This statement demonstrates Germany’s willingness to involve the continent in war over the conflict between Serbia and Austria-Hungary. Another important consideration in determining responsibility for the war involves Germany’s behavior during its relations with Austria-Hungary concerning their position on the Serbian Question.

According to Hoyos’ narrative, “Our design of a decisive settlement of accounts with Serbia met with no objection.” It appears that Germany failed to advise Austria-Hungary of any option which involved withholding action against Serbia. Instead, the Germans only spoke of the necessity of taking immediate action. This attitude, combined with the notion that Germany could handle a war on two fronts, strengthens the perception that Germany was fully prepared to risk a continental war. In the report of the Chargé d’Affaires at Berlin for Austria-Hungary to the Ministerial Council, sent on the eighteenth of July, the Chargé d’Affaires conveyed the summary of his conversations with Zimmermann, the Foreign Office reporter for the Balkans and the Triple Alliance, and with the counselor of the Austro-Hungarian Embassy. In the report, the Chargé d’Affaires cites three points, as described to him by Zimmermann, which would constitute the general contents of the ultimatum. He also states what both Germany and Austria-Hungary already knew, even before the ultimatum was finalized: It is perfectly plain that Serbia can not Accept any such demands, which are incompatible with her dignity as a sovereign state. Thus, the result would be war. In the final version of the ultimatum, which contained ten separate points, the fifth point proved to be pivotal in Serbia’s rejection of the ultimatum: 5. to agree to the cooperation in Serbia of the organs of the Imperial and Royal Government in the suppression of the subversive movement directed against the integrity of the Monarchy.

Serbia was of the opinion that this clause gave Austria-Hungary too much power and even threatened their integrity as a sovereign state, just as the Chargé d’Affaires had stated in his report. Many of the Powers, including Britain, agreed with this opinion, and in his telegram to the British ambassador at Vienna, Sir Edward Grey, British secretary of state for foreign affairs, offers a sound summation of what the fifth point entails: Demand No. 5 might mean that the Austro-Hungarian Government were to be entitled to appoint officials who should have authority in Servian territory and this would hardly be consistent with the maintenance of independent sovereignty of Servia. Germany was also deceptive in the presentation of their position to the rest of Europe. According to the same report made by the Chargé d’Affaires on the eighteenth of July, Germany planned to conceal any prior knowledge of Austria-Hungary’s actions in an attempt to sway the other Powers’ views to help maintain the locality of the war: It [the German administration] will claim that the Austrian action has been just as much of a surpass to it as to the other Powers, . . .

It will lay stress upon the fact that it is a matter of interest for all the monarchical Governments that “the Belgrade nest of anarchists” be once and for all rooted out. The corroboration of the German government in the formation of the Austrian Ultimatum, knowingly unacceptable to Serbia, coupled with its deception and manipulation afterward is certainly another testament to their guilt in causing the Great War, but the guilt is not theirs to bear alone. Austria was integral in the outbreak of war, as well. One of the most obviously aggressive maneuvers on the part of Austria-Hungary involved their actions after receiving Serbia’s response to their Ultimatum. Serbia’s response to the Ultimatum was so conciliatory in its manner, that even Germany began to question whether cause for war still existed. In his letter to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, on the twenty-eighth of July, the Kaiser discusses his opinions in light of the Serbian response: I am convinced that on the whole the wishes of the Danube Monarchy have been acceded to. . . .

It contains the announcement orbi et urbi of capitulation of the most humiliating kind, and as a result, every cause for war falls to the ground. Although Germany, or at least the Kaiser, began to reconsider their position and pretense for war, the attempt to pull in the reins came too late, and Austria-Hungary plunged ahead into war, anyway. One of the reasons for Austria-Hungary’s move to war, despite belated, and somewhat half-hearted (since not all of the German government was in agreement over this) German efforts to intervene and restrain them, revolved around the issue of respect. Austria still believed that a stern response to Serbia’s crime was necessary to maintain their status in the Balkans, and also to maintain the appearance of strength for their ally, Germany. Germany, whether intentionally or not, seemed to have the effect of forcing Austria-Hungary’s hand, since Austria-Hungary felt that a display of strength was necessary to impress and to, therefore, maintain their ally: From other utterances of the [German] Ambassador I could see that Germany would interpret any compromise on our part with Serbia as a confession of weakness, which would not remain without repercussions on our position in the Triple Alliance and the future policy of Germany. This statement, written by Berchtold, the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Tisza, his Hungarian counterpart, conveys the pressure that Austria was under to act definitively against Serbia. The final decision, however, was Austria-Hungary’s, and their perception of Germany’s position may have been exaggerated, and the account given by Berchtold may have been purposely biased to lessen the Austro-Hungarian responsibility for their actions.

Another important factor in the outbreak of war were the actions of Russia. On the twenty-first of July, before the transmission of the Ultimatum, the German Ambassador to Russia, Pourtalès, sent his report of the Russian position on the assassination to Bethmann-Hollweg: The Minister [Sazonoff] met these arguments with the assertion that the support of the Greater-Serbia propaganda in Austria-Hungary by Serbia or by the Serbian Government in any way, had in nowise been proved. A whole country could not be held responsible for the acts of individuals. According to Ambassador Pourtalès, Sazonoff, the Russian Foreign Minister, also believed that Serbia “was behaving itself with entire propriety,” and “that in no case should there be any talk of an ultimatum.” It was the Russian position that Austria-Hungary’s interests in Serbia extended beyond retribution for the assassination. Russia believed that “their [Austria-Hungary] object was the annihilation of Serbia.” After the Austrian Ultimatum, Pourtalès issued another report informing the German Foreign Office of the Russian response to the Ultimatum. It was Russia’s position that “it was for Europe to investigate as to whether Serbia had lived up to these obligations” because “Austria could not be both accuser and judge in her own case.” Although this seemed like the prudent option, as Pourtalès points out, Austria would not agree to any suggestion of a council which would have the power to determine issues which were vital to both her national prestige and to the maintenance of her own sovereignty.

The final key to Russia’s position lies in the statement made by Sazonoff during the course of his discussion with Pourtalès. Sazonoff exclaims that “If Austria-Hungary devours Serbia, we will go to war with her.” The difficulty with Russia’s position, however, involves a German counter-mobilization. The Germans threatened that if Russia were to begin a total mobilization, which would be recognized as the equivalent of a declaration of war, Germany would respond through war. A potential problem here was determining whether or not the Russian army was fully or only partially mobilizing. It does not seem to have mattered, as the Germans took any mobilization as cause enough for war. This maneuver by the Germans was a direct result of their reliance on the Schlieffen Plan, which necessitated a quick strike against both France and Russia before either had achieved total readiness. The affirmation given to Austria-Hungary by Germany, pledging their total support in any case, is often referred to as the equivalent of a “blank check,” which gave Austria-Hungary free roam in terms of deciding a course of action. The same can be said of France’s attitude toward Russia. In telegram No. 195, Isvolsky, the Russian Ambassador at Paris, recounts the claims made by Germany concerning the potential conflict between Austria-Hungary and Russia: 1. “Austria has declared to Russia that she is not seeking territorial acquisitions and will respect the integrity of Serbia.

Her only aim is to assure her own security; 2. “The prevention of war consequently rests upon Russia; 3. “Germany and France entirely united in the ardent desire to maintain peace, ought to press Russia to be moderate.” According to Isvolsky, the French interpreted the use of the term “united” as a German attempt to undermine the trust between Russia and France. Isvolsky states in his report that he was impressed with the French decision “to give us the most complete support and to avoid the least appearance of divergence of view between us.” This essentially meant that if Russia were to go to war, so too would France on Russia’s behalf. This would also draw England into the war because of her allegiance to Russia and, more importantly, to France. In light of the evidence presented, the merits of the War Guilt Clause can be evaluated. It seems unreasonable to argue that Germany should be held accountable for both her actions and for those of her allies. Germany was responsible for giving Austria-Hungary what Lutz described as the “curse” of a free hand, and the Germans deliberately risked war in order to achieve their goals, but the final decision to act fell upon Austria-Hungary.

Despite the conciliatory response from Serbia, which made even the Germans hesitate about the soundness of the grounds for war, Austria-Hungary mobilized and declared war on Serbia anyway. A partial explanation for this can be found in the structure of the alliance systems. Germany felt that if they tried to restrain Austria-Hungary, they might somehow offend and possibly lose their only viable ally, thereby worsening the potential situation of a war on two fronts to one of encirclement. Austria-Hungary, ironically, felt that a lack of decisive action on their part would cost them Germany’s respect and threaten their allegiance. Austria-Hungary could not afford isolation any more than Germany could. Also, in their communications with Austria-

A PROPOSAL TO IMPROVE THE MARKET SHARE AND PROFITABILITY OF MUJI IN CHINA

Name

Course and Code

Institution

Instructor

Date

Table of Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u 1. Introduction PAGEREF _Toc73775281 h 32. Research Objectives PAGEREF _Toc73775282 h 33. Literature Review PAGEREF _Toc73775283 h 43.1 Understanding the Chinese Consumer and Retail Market PAGEREF _Toc73775284 h 43.2 Price Sensitivity in the Chinese Consumer Goods Retail Industry PAGEREF _Toc73775285 h 53.3 Online Retail Market in China and its Impact on Retail Companies PAGEREF _Toc73775286 h 63.4 Strategies Used by Top Chinese Retail Companies PAGEREF _Toc73775287 h 74. Methodology PAGEREF _Toc73775288 h 85. Estimated Cost PAGEREF _Toc73775289 h 106. Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc73775290 h 117. Short Reflection PAGEREF _Toc73775291 h 12References PAGEREF _Toc73775292 h 13

1. IntroductionThis document presents to the Board of MUJI a comprehensive report and plan for conducting research designed to improve on the recent issue of declining sales in China in a way that will match sales in Japan and also maximize profits as well as increasing the market share of the retail industry in China. The overall aim is to provide a plan for MUJI to improve on the recent issue of declining sales in China in a way that will match sales in Japan and also maximize profits as well as increasing the market share of the retail industry in China. The report begins by outlining the aims of the plan and relevance, followed by a presentation of the objectives of the research. A detailed literature review will then be provided, including benchmarking scholarly perspectives and a visual model that will summarize key insights and the relationship in literature. The plan then details the methodology with a report on the proposed unit of analysis, the data collection methods, and the approach proposed for data analysis. Estimated costs will then be provided detailing the time and monetary value, followed by a conclusion that will emphasize on the significance of the research plan in terms of a business perspective and the implications of the findings. A short reflection will wind up the research plan offering a personal view of the entire process.

2. Research ObjectivesMUJI, a Japanese retail company, is involved in the selling of a variety of household and consumer products in the market. Having started operations in the late 20th century, the company has grown from a small-sized local firm operating out of Seiyu Supermarket Japan to become of the best companies in the retail industry. According to Song & Guangan (2019), the company had managed to increase the range of products that it retails to 7,000. Some of the products that the company is engaged in include: pens, pencils, kitchen appliances, household care products, food items and notebooks. The primary business areas for MUJI are home furnishing, Cafe MUJI, Meal MUJI, MUJI campsite and it has recently began operating in the automobile and the architectural sectors.

The following are the research objectives that will guide the research plan:

To ensure that there is a critical assessment of MUJI’s competition in the market.

There is the need to design and develop a new pricing strategy for MUJI in China.

To provide an affective advertising strategy for MUJI.

To develop an effective strategy, which will contribute to an overall reduction of the cost of the MUJI’s products.

The justification for the above research objectives include the evidence of a decline in MUJI’s sales in China over the last few years, the fact that the company’s products in China are considered to be expensive in relation to the imitation products and the price by the rival companies (Masuda, 2019)), a possibility that a majority of its customers are losing interest of the company’s products, and a need to determine if there is any unique approach that the company can undertake to reduce the overall price of its products.

3. Literature Review3.1 Understanding the Chinese Consumer and Retail MarketChina has developed significantly over the last few decades with numerous reports indicating closeness to overtaking the United States as the largest economy in the world. In the recent past, the retail industry in the country is termed by Ding (2017) as among the best in the world, and Liu et al. (2018) echoing these remarks to indicate the growth of its retail sector over and beyond other global economic giants. Changing consumer preferences and tastes and technological advances have helped to reshape the retail landscape in China. According to Atsmon and Magni (2012), the Chinese consumer has different and more complex expectation in terms of products, prices, experiences, value, and services than observed in the last century. The consumer now dictates a seamless experience in every shopping process and for every retail experience. In the same line, the proliferation of the internet has meant that online retailing poses a challenge to the more traditional forms of retail (Vazquez, Dennis, & Zhang, 2017), thereby pushing away consumers from businesses that have not shifted their focus to e-tailing (Zheng et al., 2012). As the retail industry evolves, players in the market are required to increasing find better strategies to adapt and keep up with the changing environment. Despite trailing the US in terms of economic development, position, and the retail market (Castelló & Mihelj, 2018), China’s total retail sales in consumer goods are gaining pace and are nearly becoming the best in the world. That said, Zhu, Ye, & Chang (2017) also presents evidence of a deceleration in terms of retail sales growth in China due to external factors such as slower growth of the economy and other financial factors such as the recession following the 2008/2009 global financial meltdown and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Parker, Haytko, & Hermans (2011) also indicate a chance that the presence of thousands of companies specializing in retail have taken away a significant portion of the market share in China, including a reduction in the price of commodities due to an oversupply position. Upon the implementation of an open-door economic policy, the Chinese market and specifically the retail industry changed significantly (Liu, 2020), to include international companies like MUJI. From then to date, factors such as industry competition, new entrants, suppliers, savvy buyers, and substitute products have led to a shift in the way the market operates (Zhang, Cude, & Zhao, 2020). Therefore, the transformation begun with government policies and has continued to expand with reference to other external contributors, leading to a position where traditionally operated companies are having a hard time competing with newer market entrants. The change from the old protected system to the new more open and free market has led to a change in the modus operandi, not just for business entities but also for individual consumers.

3.2 Price Sensitivity in the Chinese Consumer Goods Retail IndustryThe Chinese consumer has become progressively savvy over the years empowered by an increase in disposable income. As per the findings of Chellaswamy, Natchimuthu, & Faniband (2020), Chinese consumers now expect more in a product, product quality, customer service, and the satisfaction of expectations. As the needs and wants of these consumers evolve at a rate much faster than predicted compared to consumers in the US and Europe, their utility in a product is also changing to match expectations (Ghali-Zinoubi, 2020). In matters price, Chinese consumers have been found by Zhu, Ye, & Chang (2017) to be price sensitive and Zheng, Li, Fang, & Zhang (2021) concluded that their price sensitivity is low but are brand conscious. In another study, Wang, Pham, & Dang (2020) determined that price is quite often used as the determining factor in the process of making purchase decisions for the Chinese consumer. However, Huang & Voges (2011) noted a fondness for luxury products visible in the Chinese market. This duality can be explained by the Chinese culture where social status and the outward face are important elements. Therefore, if a product or brand is able to signal high social as well as economic status, then the Chinese consumer makes the decision to pay premium price. Where a product is not associated with luxury and does not offer economic or social status, then Chinese consumers become overly price sensitive. Zhang, Cude, & Zhao (2020) uses a different approach to explain the duality noting that even with the rapid growth of the Chinese economy, different regions are growing at different rates, meaning that trends and income levels vary with different groups and regions. In this description, the sensitivity to prices is affected by the mindset and preferences based on consumer groups and their purchasing power.

For businesses doing well in other global markets, using the same models and approach in China always leads to massive failure, such as the case with Google, eBay, Samsung, and automakers like Toyota. The secret to a successful venture in China is presented as quality understanding of the consumers in China, the main characteristics, changing needs, and other factors that have evolved with time to influence purchasing behavior (Gao, Zhang, & Mittal, 2017). A price sensitive and brand conscious market like the one defining Chinese consumers is a puzzle to many companies. The Chinese consumer attaches a lot of value to every purchase (Zhu, Ye, & Chang, 2017), even for basic household items or food items. Therefore, wherever a purchase can be linked to social and economic status, then the Chinese consumer foregoes price considerations and vice versa. Again, the Chinese market notably lacks trust, a key component that defines online and e-retail industries today (Ghali-Zinoubi, 2020). Paying first before a product is delivered does not sit well with Chinese consumers, a factor that has punished e-commerce players such as eBay. The introduction of AliPay by Taobao addressed the issue of trust through an introduction of a third party to ensure that trust can be guaranteed (Jin, Zhao, & Santibanez-Gonzalez, 2020). Alibaba became an instant success in China due to this model. Therefore, aside from the duality in price versus brand consciousness, trust is also a key factor to consider before entering the Chinese market.

3.3 Online Retail Market in China and its Impact on Retail CompaniesE-commerce has grown significantly over the last few years in China and Bei & Gielens (2020) and Hingley, Lindgreen, & Chen (2008) found increasing growth in both value and volume of e-commerce. As expected, the development brings with it newer, innovative, and more exciting ways for companies to access the markets, interact with consumers, and even cross borders to other markets or industries (Tolstoy et al., 2021). In China, competition from companies such as Miniso, OCE, Nome, and Gordmans Stores has shifted as a majority of these Chinese-based firms shift to e-commerce platforms. Largely, MUJI relies on the traditional brick and mortar stores to make sales. While this has worked very well in the past and in other markets, Li, & Jin (2014) posit that the shift in consumption patterns and the increasing trust amongst the young Chinese consumers will see many companies change to online retail. According to Reinartz et al. (2011), companies using a purely online retail model are able to compete on the basis of price because of the reduced costs from overheads, labor, and other costs associated with having physical stores. Another major consideration that companies operating in the retail industry must consider is the growth of e-retail in China. A report by Zhenxiang & Lijie (2011) described the Chinese e-commerce market to be the largest in the world, surpassing even the United States, and it is expanding even more becoming open to foreign goods, and attracting immense competition. Even with the recent financial crisis from the 2008 meltdown and the recent market shakeup due to the COVID pandemic, Zhang, Cude, & Zhao (2020) still see the potential for the Chinese e-commerce market to continue expanding. The e-commerce sector is a positive opportunity for every retail industry player in China. Zhu, Ye, & Chang (2017) assert that overseas travels, increase in the usage of internet, foreign brands exposure, and a surging demand for foreign produced brands have made the Chinese market more attractive and has enabled brands foreign-owned brands to connect with the Chinese consumers. However, the same opportunities are also available for millions of startup companies and foreign competitors. New entrants are more innovative, hungry, and may bring a disruption factor such as the recent move towards use of social media for a majority of online trading (Ye, Lau, & Teo, 2018). Retail companies must remain committed to adapting to new market conditions, especially on the e-retail platform that will redefine how consumers in China interact with brands in the near and long term future.

3.4 Strategies Used by Top Chinese Retail Companies

One of the greatest benefits of a large population in the Chinese retail market is that companies are able to reach more people and thus increase their profitability. It is now evident that a majority of retail businesses in the Chinese market use online platforms to reach and interact with consumers (Zhu, Zhang, Zhang, & Yang, 2013). For example, companies such as Tmall, Pinduoduo, and JD.com are among the largest retail businesses in China, all of which operate primarily e-commerce retailers. In order to penetrate and dominate the retail industry, Couture, Faber, Gu, & Liu (2021) concluded that companies must be willing to enter the e-commerce scene. Firms such as Suning.com Group and Gome Electrical Appliances dominate the retail market in China by combining traditional brick and mortar physical outlets with a heavy online distribution network. Li, Frederick, & Gereffi (2019) identified the remarkable economic rise in China combined with the internet revolution as the main driver for change, enabling companies to operate better and more efficiently through direct interaction with consumers. The convergence of heavy internet usage and the improvement of the lives of the Chinese people is expected to push further growth in the coming years. The retail landscape has changed significantly over the last ten years, unleashing what Kshetri (2018) termed as a wave of entrepreneurship and innovation. In a country and region where every other sector is expanding rapidly, retailing is moving online, in a concept now termed as e-tailing, that is predicted to produce astonishing growth for companies operating in China.

Apart from the reliance on the rise of the internet and the e-commerce industry in China, top performing companies have also relied heavily on the rising consuming class in China that has continued to expand over the last few years. China boasts of having the largest online population in the world (Yu & Kim, 2019). The large population, closing in on the 1 billion mark by 2025 (Ma, Chai, & Zhang, 2018), has underpinned the growth and expansion of a consuming class. The e-tail industry is primarily very well managed and is among the best in the world. Private consumption has changed exponentially in China as the e-commerce industry has begun to eat away on the market share traditionally enjoyed by the retail industry. As the economy rises, the medium-sized and small cities in China are beginning to improve, including the people. As expected, the standards of living are improving to a point where disposable income is higher (Zhu, Ye, & Chang (2017). Top performing retail companies in China are aware of these changes, and are using the transformation to gain momentum in an effort to not only beat the competition but also remain relevant in a market that is constantly changing (Li et al., 2021). As more people increase their purchasing power, coupled with the increase in internet usage, it is easier to sell online while maintaining the traditional retail procedures. Another notable issue is that the Chinese retail market is essentially regional, making it hard to scale up conventional store networks over the diverse and large developing nation (Zhang, Cude, & Zhao, 2020). As digital disruption emerges, it is going to be harder for companies without heavy presence in the country to maintain profitability and increase their market share.

4. MethodologyThe unit of analysis is defined by Sedgwick (2014) as the entity that the study talks about towards the end of the report. It is also considered to be the focal point of the study. In this research plan, the unit of analysis is MUJI and the unit of observation is the Chinese retail industry. The research plan intends to present a report about MUJI to its board regarding how to improve its operations in China. Therefore, the focus of the study is MUJI and the focus of observation is the Chinese retail industry. The unit of analysis is also described by the research questions. The unit of analysis is the individual company, MUJI.

In this study, the researcher has determined that the best approaches to collect data are quantitative approach from the consumers and secondary study on the retail market in China. The researcher assumes that these sources of data will provide the researcher with the right data and information that will be instrumental in developing an effective solution for the research problem that was identified. The proposed data collection method is a secondary approach of using document and records-based research. In this approach, Shultz, Hoffman, & Reiter-Palmon (2005) defined it as using the existing data to conduct a study. In this approach, secondary research, data, and other existing sources of information are used to collect information relating to the unit of analysis and the unit of observation. According to Jones (2010), the advantage of using existing records relating to an organization is that there is relative ease in the process of data collection. Particularly, literature reviews will be conducted to provide relevant information relating to the performance of MUJI against other companies in China’s retail industry. Since the relevant data already exists, there will be no need for additional efforts to collect it. However, Bainter & Curran (2015) warns that there is a caveat for this method that the specific data needed is not only available but also up-to-date. In this case, there is a lot of data available relating to the Chinese retail market and all of the relevant information on the competition, the growth of the market, and the performance of MUJI in the last few years. When data is timely and available, record reviews become a very efficient and economical data collection approach.

A case analysis approach will also be implemented for the research plan. Primarily, MUJI is under review in this proposal. Therefore, its performance, policies, and any other business practices in its operations in China will be keenly observed in a case study structure. Again, secondary data will be used in this case including records, books, published statistical data, data archives, databases, and research articles. The methodologies above are chosen for data collection on the basis of their applicability to the case. Due to the difficulties in obtaining primary data, a case analysis approach and a document and records-based research is preferred. A clear benefit of using secondary data is that much of the background work needed has already been carried out. This makes it easier for the company to receive information relating to the research objectives in time. For instance, it is likely that literature reviews and case analyses have been conducted and used in other similar studies. It is also likely that published texts or statistics already exist, as well as media promotions and company appraisals. Such wealth of information and background works mean that the secondary data to be used generally have pre-established degrees of reliability and validity, which does not need to be re-examined in the current research plan.

The proposed data analysis methods is the secondary quantitative data analysis. This approach is chosen because it will offer methodological benefits and will also contribute to the research by generating new knowledge on the research matter. The main goal of the secondary research method is similar to other approaches, that is, to contribute positively to knowledge through providing alternate perspectives. The only difference is that the secondary analysis approach relies on existing data. With the improved methods of storing high quality data, the research plan will take advantage of this availability and contemplate the potential value in gaining knowledge as well as giving insight to a broad range of issues affecting the retail market in China through the use of secondary data analysis approach. By using multiple sources of secondary data, the research plan will bolster confidence and reliability of findings, whether two or more data sources come to the same conclusion for purposes of comparison or if they diverge, offering an alternative for contrast.

5. Estimated CostItem Cost ($)

Equipment 15000

Travel 4500

Materials and Supplies 9500

Library enrollment fees 1000

Printing 1500

Total 31500

A new computer and an analysis machine are required exclusively for use in this project. The catalog prices quoted by a distributor for these items is $ 15,000. There will be travelling for the researcher between different locations on more than one occasion. The total estimates for the entire project is $4500. Total request of $ 9,500 is based on estimates of physical textbooks and subscription based materials required for the study. A library enrolment fee of $1000 is also quoted for purposes of data collection. Printing of final material will use up $1500 as quoted by a local printing company. The time taken to conduct the research plan from start to finish is estimated to be three months, beginning May all through to end of July.

6. ConclusionThe business significance of this research plan is allow MUJI to find new knowledge and enable digging deeper into several factors to discover issues and best practices and learn about the new retail business environment in China. A research plan will also allow MUJI to stay focused on its goal to increase profitability and market share in the retail industry in China and remain on the path of discovery. The overall aim of the proposal was to provide a plan for MUJI to improve on the recent issue of declining sales in China in a way that will match sales in Japan and also maximize profits as well as increasing the market share of the retail industry in China. The study finds that China has developed significantly over the last few decades with numerous reports indicating closeness to overtaking the United States as the largest economy in the world. Despite trailing the US in terms of economic development, position, and the retail market, China’s total retail sales in consumer goods are gaining pace and are nearly becoming the best in the world. The presence of thousands of companies specializing in retail have taken away a significant portion of the market share in China, including a reduction in the price of commodities due to an oversupply position. Upon the implementation of an open-door economic policy, the Chinese market and specifically the retail industry changed significantly. Factors such as industry competition, new entrants, suppliers, savvy buyers, and substitute products have led to a shift in the way the market operates. The change from the old protected system to the new more open and free market has led to a change in the modus operandi, not just for business entities but also for individual consumers. The Chinese consumer attaches a lot of value to every purchase, even for basic household items or food items. Therefore, wherever a purchase can be linked to social and economic status, then the Chinese consumer foregoes price considerations and vice versa. It is expected that the research study will recommend that MUJI lowers its prices significantly and also enters the e-commerce e-tail market to compete more effectively in China.

7. Short ReflectionMy view of BRD was that they are unnecessary part of a business process that increases the bureaucratic procedures in the act of conducting a business. However, I now understand the need to have BRD in any business settings. The benefits derived from BRDs include significantly reduced changes in the improvement and control phases of implementing a strategy. A good BRD gives a description of issues within a project and tries to solve such problems in a way that intends to create and deliver value. A BRD is also responsible for directing and ensuring a smooth sailing for a project and keeping all stakeholders focused on the objectives. A BRD also captures and describes business needs of the main stakeholders, gives an assessment of the business area, and identifies what is important to an organization through both primary and secondary user communities. A BRD yields better estimates, reduced costs, better meeting of goals, and improved business processes. I now understand the need for BRDs and the significance they have on ensuring better outcomes for an organization. I see a BRD as a vehicle towards the attainment of expected outcomes and a pathway that outlines the requirements to meet these goals and objectives. My perspective has changed in a way that I can confirm that a BRD serves to give clarity, helps in the retention of focus, reduces and removes ambiguity regarding the needs and/or objectives of a project or objectives.

ReferencesAtsmon, Y., & Magni, M. (2012). Meet the Chinese consumer of 2020. TMI-Treasury

Management International, 205, 28.

Bainter, S. A., & Curran, P. J. (2015). Advantages of integrative data analysis for developmental

research. Journal of Cognition and Development, 16(1), 1-10.

Bei, Z., & Gielens, K. (2020). Overcoming Institutional and Infrastructure Weaknesses in China

via Online Third-Party Marketplaces. Journal of International Marketing, 28(2), 3-19.

Castelló, E., & Mihelj, S. (2018). Selling and consuming the nation: Understanding consumer

nationalism. Journal of Consumer Culture, 18(4), 558-576.

Chellaswamy, K. P., Natchimuthu, N., & Faniband, M. (2020). Stock Market Sensitivity to

Macroeconomic Factors: Evidence from China and India. Asian Economic and Financial Review, 10(2), 146.

Couture, V., Faber, B., Gu, Y., & Liu, L. (2021). Connecting the countryside via E-Commerce:

evidence from China. American Economic Review: Insights, 3(1), 35-50.

Ding, Q. S. (2017). Chinese products for Chinese people? Consumer ethnocentrism in

China. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 45(5), 550-564.

Gao, H., Zhang, Y., & Mittal, V. (2017). How does local–global identity affect price

sensitivity?. Journal of Marketing, 81(3), 62-79.

Ghali-Zinoubi, Z. (2020). Determinants of Consumer Purchase Intention and Behavior toward

Green Product: The Moderating Role of Price Sensitivity. Archives of Business Research, 8(1), 261-273.

Hingley, M., Lindgreen, A., & Chen, L. (2008). Development of the grocery retail market in China:

A qualitative study of how foreign and domestic retailers seek to increase market share. British Food Journal, 111(1), 44-55.

Huang, M., & Voges, K. E. (2011). The Propensity to Purchase Private Brands by Chinese

Consumers. International Review of Business Research Papers, 7(2), 1-10.

Jin, J., Zhao, Q., & Santibanez-Gonzalez, E. D. (2020). How Chinese consumers’ intentions for

purchasing eco-labeled products are influenced by psychological factors. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(1), 265.

Jones, C. (2010). Archival data: Advantages and disadvantages for research in psychology. Social

and Personality Psychology Compass, 4(11), 1008-1017.

Kshetri, N. (2018). Rural e-commerce in developing countries. It Professional, 20(2), 91-95.

Li, F., Frederick, S., & Gereffi, G. (2019). E-commerce and industrial upgrading in the Chinese

apparel value chain. Journal of Contemporary Asia, 49(1), 24-53.

Li, L., Zeng, Y., Ye, Z., & Guo, H. (2021). E‐commerce development and urban‐rural income gap:

Evidence from Zhejiang Province, China. Papers in Regional Science, 100(2), 475-494.

Li, X., & Jin, M. (2014). Main Factors Affecting the Performance of the B2C E-commerce

Companies in Retail Market in China. International Journal of Multimedia and Ubiquitous Engineering, 9(6), 269-282.

Liu, C., Li, J., Steele, W., & Fang, X. (2018). A study on Chinese consumer preferences for food

traceability information using best-worst scaling. PloS one, 13(11), e0206793.

Liu, K. (2020). Chinese consumer finance: a primer. Frontiers of Business Research in China, 14,

1-22.

Ma, S., Chai, Y., & Zhang, H. (2018). Rise of Cross‐border E‐commerce Exports in China. China

& World Economy, 26(3), 63-87.

Parker, R. S., Haytko, D. L., & Hermans, C. M. (2011). Ethnocentrism and its effect on the Chinese

consumer: A threat to foreign goods?. Journal of Global Marketing, 24(1), 4-17.

Reinartz, W., Dellaert, B., Krafft, M., Kumar, V., & Varadarajan, R. (2011). Retailing innovations

in a globalizing retail market environment. Journal of Retailing, 87, S53-S66.

Sedgwick, P. (2014). Unit of observation versus unit of analysis. Bmj, 348.

Shultz, K. S., Hoffman, C. C., & Reiter-Palmon, R. (2005). Using archival data for IO research:

Advantages, pitfalls, sources, and examples. The Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, 42(3), 31.

Tolstoy, D., Nordman, E. R., Hånell, S. M., & Özbek, N. (2021). The development of international

e-commerce in retail SMEs: An effectuation perspective. Journal of World Business, 56(3), 101165.

Vazquez, D., Dennis, C., & Zhang, Y. (2017). Understanding the effect of smart retail brand–

Consumer communications via mobile instant messaging (MIM)–An empirical study in the Chinese context. Computers in Human Behavior, 77, 425-436.

Wang, J., Pham, T. L., & Dang, V. T. (2020). Environmental consciousness and organic food

purchase intention: a moderated mediation model of perceived food quality and price sensitivity. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(3), 850.

Ye, Y., Lau, K. H., & Teo, L. K. Y. (2018). Drivers and barriers of omni-channel retailing in

China. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management.

Yu, Y., & Kim, H. S. (2019). Online retailers’ return policy and prefactual thinking: An

exploratory study of USA and China e-commerce markets. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 23(4), 504-518.

Zhang, L., Cude, B. J., & Zhao, H. (2020). Determinants of Chinese consumers’ purchase

intentions for luxury goods. International Journal of Market Research, 62(3), 369-385.

Zheng, L., Favi

(Name)

(Instructors’ name)

(Course)

(Date)

Dear Son,

It is with deep disquiet that I write to you this letter. I understand why you do not wish to see me out of your sight, but I urge you to please grant me this opportunity to travel to my hometown Bountiful. I appreciate that you took me into to your home and have taken care of me since my husband passed away but my experience here has been nothing but acrid. I miss my home, I miss my friends, I miss the memories of my childhood and I worry that this loneliness that I feel is what is making me feel depressed. My journey to Bountiful is a spiritual journey, one that is destined to heal my cheerless soul. A silent hum that will console me in this noise that is my daily aging life. This journey will grant me the serenity that will surpass all what I have lived for and seeing the people I grew up with in my childhood will reconcile me to the reality and inescapability of my demise. So I urge you my son not to allow your childlike self-interest to exacerbate my depression. I urge you to permit me to spend these very last days of my life re-living the memories that have made me who I am today. This trip to Bountiful is not intended to inconvenience you in any way. I do not wish that you accompany me to Bountiful, and will not ask for pecuniary support. I know you think am too old to travel, or that if I go I may not come back but I assure you I will.

Although I do not want to pre-empt your response to my request but I shall ask you to consider what this trip would benefit the three of us. Please do not repudiate my request out of the fear for my life, or out of the belief that my actions are obstinate. All the time that I have lived here, you have not allowed me to go back to my hometown, let alone travel to another town. I feel like a prisoner in my own home and I feel like if my life is to end soon, I shall not have lived it to the fullest. I stare at the television set everyday with the hopes of seeing someone from my old hometown. I listen to the radio, hoping to hear from one of my childhood friends. And instead of getting all that, I am tormented by rumors of what my town has become, a empty town reduced to and decrepit shacks. You have confirmed these rumors over and over again as you refuse to grant me permission to travel to Bountiful. How I wish you would take the time to understand what this trip would mean to me. This trip will grant me the redemption I will need to rest easy before my days in this world are cut short by the almighty. This trip will make me happy and give me the peace that I have been longing for since you brought me to your house. So my dear son, I hope that you will find it in your heart to let me, your old aging mother, visit my hometown Bountiful for one last time. To let me say goodbye for one last time to my friends and my relatives.

Sincerely,

Mother



Live Music in Silent Film Era:

Student Name:

University:

Subject:

Instructor:

November 28TH, 2013.

Introduction

According to Cook (2005) the era of the silent film extends from the late 18th C, with the initial work by the Edison and Lumiere Brothers in America and France respectively, into the beginning of 1930s, when silent film paved way for the talkies. Nevertheless, a number of scholars locate the silent film era in America between 1910 and 1920, when it developed to a relatively organized film sector privileging the multi-real concept film following the nickelodeon’s waning, the move from original New Jersey and New York headquarters to Hollywood, and the competition decline from European filmmakers as a result of the World War I twelvereel feature by D.W Griffiths, (The Birth of a Nation 1915), which a major cinematic and commercial achievement indicating a number of the directions the sector was to adopt going into the 1920s. Whereas the term silent in respect to silent film refers to the lack of coordinated sound, early film was distinct from the silent film in other aspects (Cook, 2005).

Live Music as an aspect of Silent Film Era

Presenting the silent films nearly all the time featured live music, beginning with a pianist at initial public show of film on December 28th, 1985 by Lumiere Brothers in Paris. At the beginning live music was viewed to be important contributing to the setting and offering the audience essential emotional cues. Small neighborhood and town cinema theaters normally had a pianist. As McCaffrey and Christopher (1999) point out at the start of the mid 1910s, huge city film theaters appeared to have ensembles or organists of musicians. Huge theater organ were developed to bridge the gap between a huge orchestra and a mere piano soloist. The theater organs had a variety of unique effects, theatrical organs for instance the renowned Mighty Wurlitzer were capable of simulating certain orchestral sounds as well as various percussion effects for example the cymbals and bass drums and sound effects ranging from rolling thunder to galloping horses.

According to Greiveson and Peter (2004) starting from the era of the nickelodeon into the 190s, cinemas went along with live music performance, ranging from reed organs or single pianos to big orchestras, based on the location and nature of the venue that also varied from small front-store theatres to multi-seat picture palaces. Certain studio features came with meticulously-composed melodic scores, and nearly all with cue sheets, which hinted musical themes for particular scenes. In most cases, solo musicians that were professionals at reading and interpreting visual cues of the cinema improvised the score on the spot, and the exhibitors as well drew on huge published sheet music collections suitable for the stock scene forms. The theaters within the silent era, apart from musical accompaniment, could deploy lecturers or descriptive talkers to narrate the cinema, in some instances from printed object of differing level of specificity. Some lecturers invented dialogue not included, for example on the inter-titles. Within the urban immigrant communities, this element was depicted as a way of self-improvement, and it for a long time it continued to be used when the clarity of visual narrative was compromised. With the feature cinema becoming the core product of the industry, the deployment of lecturers went down and the application of title cards for the purposes of dialogue got more realistic, and with time displacing exposition cards. Bowser (1994) posts that Warner Brothers in 1925 developed Vitaphone system, disc sound system which started the end of the silent cinema, producing The Jazz Singer, two years later, nevertheless silent cinema continue to be produced in the 1930s and the Modern Time (1936) of Charlie Chaplin is a number of occasions have been noted to be the last silent cinema. As a matter of fact, it is hard to envisage the cinematic experience in the course of the silent era due to the individualism in regard to the varieties both of projection and aural accompaniment.

Cook (2005) argues that even though the standard speed for projection was 16fps, exhibitors could project cinemas slower or faster than the talking speed to make sure that the film started and ended within the proscribed time. As a medium developed from theater, vaudeville, and still photography, silent cinema adapted a number of their presentational techniques as the era progressed, nevertheless, the cinema industry diligently worked to become more reputable, trying to delink its products from the once peddled by nickelodeons and vaudeville houses. Whereas older distribution methods and venues persevered, the grand film palaces of the silent period exaggerated the uplift movement’s goals to create a friendly-family, clean and safe environment for the middle-class orderly audience in an economical style with impressive orchestras, elegant lobbies and vast seating areas. In spite of the growth of the picture palace, smaller theaters remained the most prevalent with a number of them having a seating capacity of less than 500 seats. The Roxy Theater situated at the heart of New York City, which showed off for its 6,214 seats were indeed opulent, however it represented a unique case.

At the onset of the 1920s, there were about fifteen thousand theaters in the US and charging admission fees of between 10 and 25 cents. Out of this number, most of them were in rural areas as opposed to urban settings. The theaters presented different entertainments in a balanced method that increased in length as the era progressed. A classical mid-1920s bill could comprise combinations of a novelty film or brief comedy, a live revue, a lantern slide show, news weekly, a feature film and a musical overture (McCaffrey and Christopher, 1999).

Cinema exhibitors sough to start and wind up the program at particular times, which in some instance implied, apart from speeding up the projection, removing reels from the feature, or even leaving out some menu items, to put up with the repeated group audiences. Within the increase of the large theaters, the need for quick audience turnover declined and the multireel feature cinema developed into the core attraction.

According to McCaffrey and Christopher (1999) film scores during the initial stages of the silent film were either complied or improvised with theatrical or repertory music. Once complete of features became humdrum, nonetheless music was developed from the photoplay music by orchestra conductor, organist, the movie studio or the pianist and also comprised of a cue sheet. Such cue sheets were normally very lengthy, with well developed notes about the moods and effects to watch for. Beginning with the very initial score by Carl Joseph Breil for D.W Griffith’s (The Birth of a Nation 1915), a groundbreaking epic it became quite common for the huge-budgeted movies to get to the exhibition theater with specifically original scores. Nevertheless, the original full blown designates scores were developed earlier in 1908, by Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov and Camille Saint-Saens for the Stenka Razin and The Assassination of the Duke of Guise.

When the pianists and organist used sheet music, they could still blend it with improvisatory flourishes to enhance the screen drama. Even if the special effects musical effects were not shown on the score, when an organist was performing a theater organ capable of producing a bizarre sound effect, for example the effects of galloping horses, it could be applied for theatrical horseback chases as Greiveson and Peter Kräme pointed out.

At the peak of the silent film era, movies were the main source of job o for the percussion musicians, mainly in America. However, the overture of talkies, which simultaneously took place with the beginning of the Great Depression, was overwhelming to most musicians. A couple o countries devised other processes of bringing creating sound to the silent film. The initial Brazilian cinema filmed fitas cantatas; featured operettas with musicians performing at the backstage. In Japan, movies not only had live music, but also a live narrator (the benshi) who provided character voices and commentary. The live narrator was a central feature of the Japanese silent film, and also offering translation for foreign mainly in American films. The main reason for the persistent of the silent film in Japan well into the 1930s was due to the benshi’s popularity.

A couple of film scores thrive intact from this era and musicologist remain confronted with questions when they try to accurately reconstruct the remaining once. Scores could be differentiated as entire reconstructions of composed scores, lately composed for function, developed from the already existing theatrical libraries or can be improvised (Cook, 2005).

The enthusiasm in silent film scoring somewhat fell out o fashion in the course of 1960s and 1970s. Some argue that in a number of repertory cinemas and college film features, which audiences were to experience silent film as a visual pure medium, undisturbed by music. This notion could have been promoted by poor music track quality found in reprints of a number of silent films during that era. Of later, there has been restoration of interest in showcasing of silent films with excellent musical scores, either cue sheets or reworkings of epoch scores or composing of suitable initial scores.

A watershed occasion in this aspect according to McCaffrey and Christopher (1999), was Brownlow Kevin’s 1980s revival of Abel Gance’s Napoleon (1927), filming a score by Davis Carl. Brownlow’s rival was then after distributed in America shortened or re-edited by Ford Francis Coppola accompanied with live music score developed by his father Carmine Coppola.

The revival of Metropolis (1927) in 1984 with novel score by composer and producer Moroder Giorgio was also another great event in the contemporary interest in live music in the silent films. Although the modern-day score that comprised of pop songs produced by Freddy Mercury of Pat Benatar, Queen and Anderson Jon of Yes was contentious, they open a new chapter for novel approach to showcasing of typical silent films. Johannes Heesters (1903-2012), the German-Dutch film star is such one of the handful silent era actors who still remain active in the 21st C (McCaffrey and Christopher, 1999).

Currently music ensembles perform contemporary and traditional scores of the silent movies. The traditional approach of the purveyors comprised organists for example Dennis James and pianist for example Donald Sosin, William P. Perry, Ben Model, Philip Carli, Gunter Buchwald, and Neil Brand. Music conductors for instance Carl Davis have compiled and written scores for a number of silent films. A part from producing fresh film scores, Brock Timothy has revived a number of scores by Charlie Chaplin. Joana Seaton, the wife to Sosin Donald focused in adding voice to the silent cinema, especially where there was onscreen music that gains from hearing the actual music that is being performed (Bowser, 1994).Silent films of this category according to Bowser (1994), comprise Phantom of the Opera by Julian with Virginia Pearson and Mary Philbin, Evangeline by Carew with Dolores del Rio and Lady of the Pavements by Griffith with Lupe Velez.

Greiveson and Peter (2004) assert that the other modern pianists (such as Gabriel Thibaudeau and Stephen Home) normally work in not so traditional styles. The modern day orchestral ensembles are assisting to reintroduce typical silent cinemas to wider audience by applying a wide range of approaches and musical styles. Certain performers develop fresh compositions deploying traditional percussion instruments whereas some add modern harmonies, electronic sounds, sound design, improvisation and rhythm elements to improve the experience of watching the film. Some of the modern day ensembles from this group include Silent Orchestra, Club Foot Orchestra, and Alloy Orchestra. Other performers have established this practice as Zaragoza (Jaime Lopez, Spain) free and public offering his musicmuda blog editions of the most popular films of the silent era film.

As earlier indicated a silent cinema is a cinema that comprises solely of the picture, meaning it does not have sound. The concept of blending motion picture together with recorded vocals or sound is almost as old as the motion picture itself, however prior to 1920s, a number of cinemas were silent. The days prior to the arrival of sound to the films are referred to as the silent period, among the historians and film scholars. The motion picture concept developed into complete maturity before talking picture replaced the silent films and many cinema buffs argue that the quality of film in a sense declined for a couple of years, before a novel sound medium was adapted for the cinemas. Because the silent cinema were not able to take the advantage of harmonized sound for purposes of dialogue, titles had to be edited in to elucidate the on-screen presentation to the film and add or improve critical dialog.

Presentation of silent cinema normally were not in actual sense silent, they were usually accompanied with live performance. Originally in the course of the motion picture industry development, it was appreciated that music was an integral component of any film, since provided the audience with expressive cues for the screen actions taking place (Koszarski, 1994).

The silent film medium needed a greater focus on facial expression and body language to allow the audience to better comprehend what the actor was portraying and feeling on the screen. The contemporary audiences who are not well versed with these cinemas may appear to be overacting to an extreme level. Due to this silent cinemas or comedies seem to be more common in contemporary era as opposed to drama, since overacting tend to be a natural style of comedy.

Literally a number of the film cinemas were developed during the period leading the sound introduction, however a significant percentage of those cinemas (historians approximate about 85%) have been forever lost. Films of the first half of the twentieth century were developed on highly flammable, unstable nitrate film stock that needed vigilant preservation to conserve them from decomposing as time went by. A lot of the movies were not preserved, and as a result their prints gradually crumbed into the dust. Some of them were recycled and a good number were wiped out in studio fires.

Conclusion

The importance of the silent film epoch in cinema history cannot be overemphasized. In the course of the beginning of the 20th Century, a truly money-making famous art emerged closely bound to the modern America image. Because of the established of synchronized sound, the silent film period drew to an end, however the modes of consumption, exhibition, distribution, and production inaugurated in the course of the silent cinema period persisted, making the film industry what is today known to be.

References

Bowser, E. (1994).The Transformation of Cinema: 1907-1915. History of the American Cinema. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Greiveson, Lee and Peter Krämer. (2004). The Silent Cinema Reader. New York: Routledge.

Koszarski, R. (1994). An Evening’s Entertainment: The Age of the Silent Feature Picture, 1915-1928. History of the American Cinema. Berkeley: University of California Press. .

McCaffrey, D. W. and Christopher P. J.(1999). Guide to the Silent Years of American Cinema. London: Greenwood Press.

Cook, D. A. (2005). A History of Narrative Film, 2nd edition. New York: W.W. Norton.

Mead Took Cooley Concept of the Looking Glass

Name

Institution

Course

Instructors’ Name

Date

Mead Took Cooley Concept of the Looking Glass

The ideology behind ‘Mead Took Cooley’ concept of the looking glass states that people have a unique method of presenting themselves based on what other individuals perceive. The theory is based on three principles; the imagination of oneself appearance, personal judgment towards self-appearance, and personal feeling such as self-esteem (Gerardi et al., 2020). Unlike other scholars in psychology, Cooley based his research on his children and how they learned the word ‘I.’ People tend to learn various ideas from a distinct individual within the same society. After learning, individuals later comprehend other parties’ perception toward them, which is eventually utilized to generate a personal feeling.

An individual develops self-awareness after interacting with society members and eventually develops a meaning towards personal appearance. The perception developed within oneself is usually inseparable from society (Long & Wheeler, 2020). After a proper comprehension of oneself, an individual creates feedback to society, which eventually changes their perception.

Cooley states that the human mind is mental since it is social. The more people interact within a community, the greater the chances of an individual changing their perception. Every human usually involves themselves in specific activities within the same community because they expect precise feedback (Gerardi et al., 2020). The feedback is usually rooted back to the people surrounding an individual.

The way children progress in their development is a representation of Cooleys’ concept of the Looking Glass. Children tend to define themselves after socializing with other society members, such as their siblings and parents. Whenever children cry, they usually know that it will lead to a precise response from their parents.

References

Gerardi, S. (2019). Social Behaviorist Movement: Non-“Spooky Action at a Distance and Eastern Philosophy.” Sociology Mind, 10(01), 15.

Long, E. U., Wheeler, N. E., & Cunningham, W. A. (2020). Through the looking glass: Distinguishing neural correlates of relational and non-relational self-reference and person representation. Cortex.

Experiment 17

Measurement of pH and Determination of Acid Dissociation Constant of a Weak Acid

VIRTUAL LAB: VERSION HTML5 VIDEO WALKTHROUGH

HTML5 based version of the virtual lab. This beta release does not require the Java Plug-in and should run in most browsers. Please read the information below to help you get started.

Windows and Macintosh users: Please use FireFox or Chrome web browser.

The simulation will run on most laptops, desktops and touch-enabled devices such as tablets, iPads or phones.

If you have any technical trouble with the simulation initially loading on your page, often refreshing the page or restarting your browser will solve most issues. You can also email us for additional assistance.

To help you get started, please view a short video which introduces the virtual lab.

http://www.chemcollective.org/chem/common/vlab_walkthrouh_html5.phpPrelab Questions:

Define an acid and a base according to the Bronsted-Lowry theory.

Acids refers to proton donors while base refers to the acceptors of protons .

a. What is the concentration of H+ in 0.030M HNO3?

=0.03 moles in 1000 liters of the acid

What is the pH of the solution?

= -log (0.03)

=1.52

What is the OH- concentration in the solution?

= antilog (14-1.52)

=3.02 * 10 -12 moles

What is the pOH of the solution?

=14-1.52 = 12.48

Complete the following:

[H+] [OH-] pH pOH Acidity

1.8 x 10-6 M 6.3*10-9M 5.8 8.2 acid

2,754*10-5 M 3.6 x 10-10 M 4.56 9.44 Acid

7.07*10-9 M 1.412*10-6 M 8.15 5.85 base

5.01*10-9 1.995*10-6 M 8.3 5.70 base

Part I.

Virtual Laboratory Prelab Exercises for an Acid Base Titration

(Adapted from University of British Columbia)

Standardization of NaOH with a KHP solution: Acid Base Titration Info

http://chemcollective.org/activities/info/101Use the Virtual Laboratory to standardize an unknown NaOH solution (approximately 0.2M) to four significant figures via titration with 25.00 mL of a KHP standard solution.

This homework uses the virtual lab. Using a computer that is running Microsoft windows or Macintosh OS 10.1 or higher, go to http://ir.chem.cmu.edu and click on “Virtual Lab” in the upper left-hand corner. You can then either,

a) Run the lab as a Java Applet in a web browser by clicking on “Run the applet >>”.

b) Download and install the lab on your computer, by clicking on “download” at the bottom of the page.

To load the assignment, select “Load Homework…” from the “File” menu, and select

“Acids and Bases : Prelab Exercises, Acid Base Titration”.

Virtual Laboratory software offers interactive, simulation-based exercises that can replace paper-and-pencil Preparatory exercises in the Chem 112 laboratory.

In this pilot project you are asked to solve 4 problems using the Virtual Lab. The Virtual Lab homework will be marked out of 5 marks and 4 bonus marks will be offered for the participation in the project.

The Virtual lab homework answers should be submitted in your lab report. Two of the homework problems (#3 and #4) involve design of experiments.

Experiment #17: Homework for use with The IrYdium Project Virtual Lab

Use the Virtual Laboratory to standardize the unknown NaOH solution (approximately 0.2M) to four significant figures via titration with 25.00 mL of a KHP standard solution. What must be the minimum concentration of the KHP solution to yield the required accuracy in the NaOH results? Note that the buret should be read to 2 decimal places.

This problem should be done with the Transfer Bar toggled to Scientific Figures Transfer. In this mode, the Transfer Bar below the workbench will accept only values that reflect the accuracy of the glassware being used. For example, when you transfer a solution from a 25 mL pipet, type 25.00. When you attempt to pour a solution directly from an Erlenmeyer flask, type 25 and you will be able to transfer 25+/- 5 mL. The Solution Info window on the right will show only an approximate volume in the recipient flask. All volumes used in calculations must be read directly in the detailed view of the glassware.

Describe what glassware you had to use to obtain the required accuracy.

Tabulate your titration data (initial and final volumes).

Using the Virtual Laboratory, determine the maximum concentration of 25.00 mL of a KHP solution that can be titrated with 0.2M NaOH without having to refill the 50.00 mL buret during one trial. Again, read the buret to 2 decimal places and use “Scientific Figures Transfer mode”.

Using the Virtual Laboratory, design and perform an experiment to determine the concentration of the unknown HCl solution to four significant figures. The concentrations of the HCl, KHP, and NaOH are ~ 0.1M, 0.09000M, and ~ 1M, respectively. Use the “Realistic Mode” for this problem. In this mode, you cannot type in the amount to be transferred with the pipet, but rather you must visually withdraw liquid until the level matches the calibration line on the pipet.

Please outline your procedure and list the glassware used in each step. If in any step you diluted the reagents provided, what glassware did you use, and why?

Repeat the entire experiment in the Significant Figures Transfer Mode to check if your results from the Realistic Mode are correct.

4.Using the Virtual Laboratory, design an experiment to determine the concentration of the unknown HCl solution to four significant figures. The concentrations of the HCl, KHP, and NaOH are ~ 1M, 0.09000M, and ~ 0.1M, respectively. Use the “Realistic Mode” for this problem as per question 3. Again, please repeat the entire experiment in the Significant Figures Transfer Mode to check if your results from the Realistic Mode are correct. Also note that the HCl and NaOH concentrations are different from question 3.

Please outline your procedure and list the glassware used in each step. If in any step you diluted the reagents provided, what glassware did you use, and why?

Please Note:

The values in the Solution Info panel represent the actual volumes in the highlighted containers, their pH and concentrations of the species in solutions. These values should serve as a guide only. Do not use the Solution Info volumes/concentrations in any calculations, since you cannot actually measure them in the lab and they do not reflect the correct number of significant figures. Use only the values you can read off the pipet, buret, and graduated cylinder.

Part II.

http://chemcollective.org/activities/autograded/150Unknown Acid Problem

Your company has just purchased a warehouse containing an old chemistry laboratory, and the first order of business is to take inventory of the chemicals in the stockroom so that you can properly dispose of them according to current EPA regulations. Unfortunately, the previous chemist did not label the bottles very thoroughly and left two bottles marked simply “acid” with no further information.

Fortunately, you find an old notebook in the lab with a table of the acids used by the previous chemist. (See table below).

You decide that you can collect some experimental data which will enable you to both (1) identify the unknown acids by comparison with the lab notebook information, and (2) determine their concentrations. Since the disposal of unidentified chemicals is more expensive than that of known compounds, a few hours of lab work can translate into considerable savings for your company.

Acids pKa

crotonic 4.69

methylmalonic 3.07

diphenylacetic 3.94

picric strong

alloxanic 6.64

methyl-m-aminobenzoic 5.10

You can submit your answers up to three times. If all three answers are incorrect, you will be given the correct answer and asked to reload the page and try a new problem. Please be aware that reloading the page will result in having to start a new problem.

Please enter your answer in the form below, using 3 significant figures for the concentration

The unknown acid in the first bottle is:         

The concentration of the unknown acid is:  M.

Part III.Unknown Acid and Base Problem

Determining the pKa of a weak acid and weak base

In this exercise, students graph the titration curve of an unknown acid and base to determine their pKa’s and concentrations.

http://chemcollective.org/activities/info/103

This homework uses the virtual lab. Using a computer that is running Microsoft windows or Macintosh OS 10.1 or higher, go to http://ir.chem.cmu.edu and click on “Virtual Lab” in the upper left-hand corner. You can then either,

a) Run the lab as a Java Applet in a web browser by clicking on “Run the applet >>”.

b) Download and install the lab on your computer, by clicking on “download” at the bottom of the page.

To load the assignment, select “Load Homework…” from the “File” menu, and select “Acids and Bases : Unknown Acid and Base Problem ”.

(5 pts) The “Homework Solutions” cabinet contains a solution labeled “Unknown Acid,” which is a weak mono-protic acid with an unknown Ka and with an unknown concentration. Your job is to determine the concentration and Ka to two significant figures. Please report your results and explain your procedure. The concentration of the of the unknown acid through titration with the KHP sample while slowly adding Sodium Hydroxide solution to the mixture. The data obtained is recorded for the end points of the reaction.

2) (5pts) The cabinet labeled “Homework Solutions” also contains a solution labeled “Unknown Base,” which is a base with an unknown Kb and with an unknown concentration. Your job is to determine the concentration and Kb to two significant figures. Please report your results and explain your procedure.

Part IV.

http://chemcollective.org/activities/autograded/143Determine the identity of an unknown solid weak acid

The virtual lab stockroom contains NaOH, water and an unknown solid weak acid. Perform experiments to identify the pKa and molar mass of the bottle of unknown solid acid. You may enter your answer in the form below the Virtual Lab.

NOTE: You can submit your answers up to three times. If all three answers are incorrect, you will be given the correct answer and asked to reload the page and try a new problem. Good Luck! Please be aware that reloading the page will result in having to start a new problem with a different unknown acid.

Please enter your answer in the form below.

     The unknown solid acid has a molar mass of:  grams/mole     and a pKa of: 

Part V.

VIRTUAL LAB: Determination of the pH Scale by the Method of Successive Dilutions

Instructions for Virtual Simulation Lab video walkthrough

To help you get started, please view a short video which introduces the virtual lab.

http://www.chemcollective.org/chem/common/vlab_walkthrouh_html5.phpSimulation Lab

http://chemcollective.org/vlab/100Determination of the pH Scale by the Method of Successive Dilutions

This homework uses the virtual lab. Using a computer that is running Microsoft windows or Macintosh OS 10.1 or higher, go to http://ir.chem.cmu.edu and click on “Virtual Lab” in the upper left-hand corner. You can then either,

a) Run the lab as a Java Applet in a web browser by clicking on “Run the applet >>”.

b) Download and install the lab on your computer, by clicking on “download” at the bottom of the page.

To load the assignment, select “Load Homework…” from the “File” menu, and select

“Acids and Bases : Method of Successive Dilutions ”.

Objective:

It is fairly common knowledge that neutral water has a pH of 7, acids have a pH <7 and bases have a pH>7, but few people understand this in terms of the actual hydronium ion concentration. Our objective is to develop an understanding of logarithmic scales by developing a pH scale

Background:

The pH scale describes the hydronium ion concentration in aqueous systems

pH = -log[H3O+]

[H3O+] = 10-pH = 1/10pH

The Method of Successive Dilutions is an experimental technique for preparing a series of solutions of different concentrations from one volume of stock solution.

Let’s look at a series of half dilutions.

With the virtual lab fill 5 flasks with a constant amount of water (less than half the volume of the flask), for simplicity, we will use 20 ml, but any amount will do.

*Virtual Lab Tip* – Right Click on each flask and label it

Now add the same amount of stock 1M HCl to the first flask (20 mL) and note that the concentration has been diluted in half, [H3O+] = 0.500M or 1/2 (1/21) the original molarity.

From this flask transfer 20 mL to the second flask and note the it has been diluted in half again,[H3O+]= 0.250M or is one fourth (1/22) the concentration of the original stock solution.

Repeating this procedure with the remaining 3 flasks gives:

3rd dilution: [H3O+] = 0.12500 or 1/8 (1/23) the original stock molarity

4th dilution: [H3O+] = 0.06250 or 1/16 (1/24) the original stock molarity

5th dilution: [H3O+] = 0.03125 or 1/32 (1/25) the original stock solution.

Let’s look at this in more detail:

[H3O+] = 2-n = 1/2n

Where n is the number of successive dilutions and by using a dilution factor of one to two, you have come up with a log base 2 scale.

Question: Would changing the volume of the original stock solution and the incremental dilution volumes to a new constant value effect the successive concentrations. Say by starting with 10 mL and transferring 10 mL increments? If you say yes, repeat the above with 10 mL increments and explain.

Assignment:

Make (and label) 7 Solutions by choosing the appropriate dilution factor so that each solution has a pH of 1-7.

1. What is the dilution factor you need and describe how you ran two sets of dilutions. Be sure to state how much water you initially placed in each flask and how much solution you successively transferred. = 1/27

2. Make a table with 3 columns; the number of the dilution, the concentration of the resulting solution and the pH of the resulting solution.

3. Write an algebraic equation based on your dilution factor, show that n = pH, and give the value of n for the original stock solution

4. Make a series of plots of [H3O+] (y-axis) vs. pH – number of dilutions (x-axis). Do these on three different sheets of paper with different [H3O+] scales.

Have the first one cover [H3O+] from 10-3 to 10-1 M and pH 3-1

The second cover [H3O+] from 10-5 to 10-3 and pH 5-3

The third cover [H3O+] from 10-7 to 10-5 and pH 7-5.

Arrange these sheets in order of smallest H3O+ concentration to largest (bottom of the y-axis being smallest, top being largest). Note how the magnitude of each scale has changed as you transcend from one sheet to the next.

Now take a 4th sheet of graph paper and try and squeeze all the data into one graph with a scale going from 10-7 to 10-1 (bottom to top) and pH 7-1 across.

5. Make a solution of pH of 8. Explain why further diluting will not work. This is because the pH of the acid has extended beyond the PH and has achieved neutralization.

6. (Optional) What dilution factor would result in an exponential decay e-n? The dilution factor, 1/10 would result in an exponential decay e-n.

Part VI.

Virtual Lab:  Titration

http://www.mrpalermo.com/virtual-lab-titration.htmlPrint this LabIntroductionIn chemistry laboratory, it is sometimes necessary to experimentally determine the concentration of an unknown acid or base solution. A procedure for making this kind of determination is called an acid-base titration. In this laboratory process, a solution of known concentration, called the standard solution, is carefully added to a solution of unknown concentration until the mixture becomes neutral. The neutral point of the solution is recognized by an indicator’s color change. If the unknown solution is acidic, then the standard solution will be basic. The opposite would be true if the unknown solution was basic.We know that the mixing of equal amounts of acid and base ions will create neutral water. At the molecular level, this reaction can be illustrated with the following equation.    H+      +      OH-       –>     H2O  (acid)         (base) This equation states that one mole of hydrogen ions (acid) will neutralize one mole of hydroxide ions (base). Since we can exactly measure the moles of the standard solution, we can assume that the moles of the solution of unknown concentration will be the same at the neutral point. This is called the end-point of the titration. Using the equation MaVa = MbVb, we can use the experimental data from the titration to find the unknown concentration.Objective:

In this experiment the unknown solution will be HCl (aq) and the standard solution will be the base sodium hydroxide. You will know the concentration of the base and the volume of the acid and base used. With this information you can use the titration formula to calculate the concentration of

the acid. The diagram below shows the set up.

Pre Lab: Define the following words: Titration- _analytical method of determination of concentration of unknown through reacting with known concentration of regent________________________________________________________

Endpoint- ___this is the point when no reaction occurs________________________________________________________

Neutralization- _____________This is when an acid and base react to from a salt and water__________________________________________write the neutralization reaction for HCl reacting with NaOH. 

NaOH + HCl → H2O and NaCl

What is the pH of the solution at the end point of the titration?

The pH of the solution is expected to be around 7 for the end of the titration.

Procedure: 

The flask is filled with 10 mL of unknown concentration of HCl.  (Click here)  

Initial volume of acid in burette= 2mL

Final volume of acid in burette. = 12mL

Record the volume of acid on your data form

=12-2= 10 mL

Phenolphthalein Indicator is added to the flask. (click here) 

Record on your data form the initial volume of base in the buret (click here)

= 2mL

You will now start adding base (0.25M NaOH) from the buret into the flask to neutralize the acid.  The flask is gently swirled as the base is added. A pink color should appear as the base is added, but it will disappear as the flask is swirled.

The end-point of the titration will be reached when 1 drop of base makes the solution turn and stay pink.

 (Click here).

Record the final volume of base from the buret that was needed to neutralize the acid.  (click here) 

= 16mL

Data:

Volume of acid=12-2= 10 mL

Volume of base =16-2 = 14 mL

Calculation: Determine the Molarity (concentration) of HCl using the data you collected and the titration formula.  (The concentration of the NaOH used was 0.25M)  Record your answer on your data form in your notebook. 

Moles in NaoH= 0.25 moles in 1000 mL, 14= 14*0.25/1000= 3.5*10-3 moles

Moles of acid= moles of base, Molarity of acid= 3.5*10-3 moles in 10 mL, 1000= 1000 * 3.5*10-3/ 10 =0.35 M

Questions

State the purpose of this experiment.​

To determine the concentration of HCl using the titration method

Describe the function of the phenolphthalein in this experiment. How would this experiment be different if you had forgotten to add the phenolphthalein

The phenolphthalein is essential for identifying the end point of the reaction without it would be difficult

State evidence from the lab that the endpoint was reached.

The was a noted color change in the mixture from colorless to pink

It takes 75ml of a 2.5M HCl solution to neutralize 55ml of a base of unknown concentration. Calculate the concentration of an unknown basic solution.

Rem according to the mole reaction 1mole of acid reacts with a mole of the base.

2.5 moles =1000ml, 75mL = 75 *2.5/1000= 0.01875 moles

Moles in unknown= 0.01875 in 55 ml; 1000mL =1000 *0.01875/55 = 0.3409 Moles

If the actual concentration of the HCl was 0.33M what is your percent error?

(0.3409 – 0.33/0.33)100 = 3.30%

Environmental studies usually involve an analysis of precipitation and its response to pollution. To quantify the degree of contamination in natural rain water or snow, titration is used. The process is quick and results are reliable. Since most titration processes do not require expensive or specialized equipment, the test can be performed often and in different areas with relatively little effort.

Post Lab Questions:

A 1000.0 mL sample of lake water is titrated using 0.100 mL of a 0.100 M base solution. What is the molarity of the acid in the lake water?      

Moles in base = 0.1moles in 1000ml, 0.1 ml =0.1 *0.1/1000 = 1*10 -5

= rem moles acid = moles of base = 1*10 -5 moles in 1000 ml = 1*10 -5 * 1000/0.1 =

1M

                    b. Based on the molarity of the acid calculated above, what is the pH of the lake?

Water?

= -log (1*10 -5) =5

=5

Means of Persuasion

Name:

Affiliation:

Course:

Instructor’s name:

Date:

Means of Persuasion

Aristotle wrote that to persuade an audience, one’s argument should have three main elements: emotional, ethical, and logical appeals.

Emotional appeals are meant to invoke the feelings that your crowd already has. One can do this by the use of images depending on what one is addressing. The photos should be simple such that your audience can understand fast. An author to support his claims can also use words. It is important to ensure that you use emotional appeals appropriate to your audience and topic of discussion. They should not be too much such that the audience feels manipulated.

Ethical appeals are used to show that your character is credible, such as those used in some nonprofit organizations. You can do this in many ways, such as citing your academic achievements, interviews, use of analogies, and building a common point of interest with your audience. Creating a common ground entails ensuring you and the audience care about discussion issues. Nelson Mandela was able to do this by using rugby to unite all the people of South Africa at one point. Citing the relevant sources will show that you are more knowledgeable.

Logical appeals are the most important of all appeals. One should provide evidence such as facts, statistics, surveys and questionnaires, observations, and data to be more persuasive. ‘Facts and statistics are two of the most commonly used kinds of evidence.’ It is also advisable to look at the counterarguments that one might have and know how to approach them.