The Consumer Price Index and the Retail Price Index Essay

The Consumer Price Index and the Retail Price Index - Essay Example The sample of the population used in calculating consumer price index includes different wage earners but excludes those from the military and correctional institutions including jails (Mankiw 2011, 123). Retail price index is an inflationary measure that captures the change in the cost of living of certain categories of people. This index compares the percentage of money spent by the said people in buying different commodities over a certain period. It reflects the prices of certain items that are largely used on a daily basis including common household items, diesel, petrol, bus fare, rent, and electricity. These items are given weightage because they are used on almost a daily basis. Alcohol and tobacco are examples of other goods that are used in calculating retail price index but are given lesser weightage than the aforementioned items. Retail price index is calculated on a monthly and annual basis (Biggeri & Ferrari 2010, 114). Calculation of consumer price index starts by selecting a basket of goods and services which typical consumers spend their money on. The prices of these items at that particular time are determined. The cost of the selected basket of goods and services is calculated by multiplying the price of each item by its quantity in the basket and then adding these products. Consumer price index calculators then pick on a base year against which to compare prices of the selected basket of goods and services in each comparison year. The price of the fixed basket of goods and services in comparison years is divided with the price of the same basket in the base year and the quotient multiplied by a hundred to show the differences in the costs of living between those years (Diewert et al 2009, 72). The calculation of the retail price index involves choosing a base year in which the economy of a country is thought to have been stable and the year is given a hundred points. The items used by the class of people or

Segmentation Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Segmentation - Term Paper Example Segments are the portions attained after considering the various variables that include age, gender, and societal class in terms of income generation, attitudes, and opinions. Other factors include their interests, physique, and their knowledge status among many others. Segmentation is part of the many tools and theories in the marketing world (Wedel and Kamakura 69). For instance, the manufacturing of the products is within the target needs of a specific part of a population. This paper will seek to expound on the various steps involved in analyzing of the same. The other objectives of this paper shall include in-depth market analysis of a product of choice in line with segmentation, the various segmentation variables, and how they influence the marketing and selling of the identified product. In addition, it will give a detailed analysis of the existing market segments carefully depicting the underutilized variables in improving the marketing and distribution of the chosen product. Predominantly, there are two classes of variables, which influence the use of segmentation in a target market. The first factor is needs, which essentially is what an individual cannot do without. Mostly, wants take the place of needs as is in many instances individuals confuse their urgency and importance. A want is something that one can simply delay its use as it is not pressing or not of urgency. Essentially, needs are the most basic things and are unavoidable. In market segmentation, the needs of the consumer are the referral point in the marketing strategy. Obtaining of these needs is through the conducting an intensive research in the identified market (McDonald and Dunbar 40). The other variable is profilers, which are the detailed description of consumers’ characteristics by determining their age, area of residence, citizenship, income level and their gender. Further, under area of residence, ascertaining if the segmented group lives in urban or rural setting is cri tical as the way of life for those living in the two tend to be different (Weinstein 54). Amazingly, examples of profilers and the characteristics of the needs revolve around the same factors mentioned above. Further, a field’s societal status can also be the base of the argument that distinguishes what a segmented group would want and what it would not. For instance, race and religion play a role in the segmentation period as marketing of a certain product to a certain race would be unsuccessful as their religion may not allow it (Yankelovich and Meer 5). Therefore, market research is an important tool that would ensure the successful penetration of a product into a targeted market. The lifestyle of those whom a marketing company intends to roll out the product to should also serve as their reference point. Many product releases fail to pick in a market mainly because the product does not get to the right individuals. Poor study of the group leads to such cases, thus inhibit ing exhaustion of the market area. Another factor is the behavior of the segmented group in terms of the product usage. In a market, there are high, middle and low level consumers of a specific product. In essence, profiling them according to their different usage levels helps the marketer to determine the amount of products to release into the market (Wedel and Kamakura 73). One among the extensively growing industries is the automobile one. With the motor industry as the basis, it is

City Of Manila.Background of a Smart Designed City Essay Example for Free

City Of Manila.Background of a Smart Designed City Essay The City of Manila has a population of 1.7 million people and is considered as one of the most polluted cities in the world with notorious traffic congestions. The city of Adelaide is on the other hand one of the most liveable cities in the world, with a population of 1.2 million and practically no traffic jams at all. This paper compares these two cities in order to establish what manila can learn from Adelaide. The City of Manila is a relatively small city with a population of about 1. 7 million people and an area of around 40 square kilometres. The city can thus be categorized amongst the overpopulated cities of the world (Townsend, 2013). Consequently, Manila has a very high level of pollution and other challenges including traffic and poor drainage system that makes the sanitation very problematic. Background of a Smart Designed City Adelaide is a south Australian city with a population that is close to that of Manila at 1.3 million people. Initially, this city suffered from high levels of pollution owing to its large population and the energy sources being used across the city. First, the transport means today are highly effective reducing the traffic jams by 100% and the city is now considered as a ‘twenty minute city’ owing to the ability to move from one place to another easily (Fajardo, 2011). The reduced traffic jams translate to reduced gas emissions, as do the number of trees planted around schools, churches, parks, reserves, coastlines and transport corridors. These trees have managed to reduce the carbon emissions getting into the atmosphere thus making the city even cleaner. The city is planned very effectively in such a way that the transport systems are effective and diverse comprising of a South Eastern Freeway, Southern Express Way, the Port River Expressway and the Northern Expressway . This arrangement allows for effective transport across the metropolitan area thus making the city accessible without unnecessary congestions. The roads are also mostly very wide with multiple lanes to accommodate the growing number of vehicles in the city. The city has also cut down its use of fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy with a great inclination on solar energy. They have undertaken numerous campaigns to encourage the citizens to install solar panels on their rooftops, with over 200 schools having to depend on this clean energy for their power needs. As such, the city is slowly turning to solar energy to sustain its energy needs (Henderson, 2002). From its initial planning in the days of the first settlers, the city was designed to have two green rings around the city square thus implementing the green city initiative right from its birth. As a result, they have over 3 million trees within the city and a few parks and squares with a lot of trees as well. The green belt here is so extensive that it is rumoured that one can actually feel the fresh air in the city especially if they are from another part of the country or the world. These trees play a big role in keeping the city free of pollution as they mitigate from the effects of the unavoidable carbon emissions. Suggestions for Future Development and Lose Cost Estimates In order to reach up to Adelaide’s standards, the city of Milan has to undergo a number of transformations within its layout. First, the city’s roads must be reconstructed to accommodate the traffic and reduce the traffic jams. This may cost as much as $100 billion seeing as there is a need for a complete overhaul in the city’s transport system. For efficiency, subways may also be found necessary especially seeing as Manila is in a developing country and thus the urban population is likely to keep growing. The green technology in terms of shifting to solar power as a main source of energy must also be considered seeing as the country currently depends on fossil fuels for their energy. This shift should cost the government about $20 million in equipment and education programs about how to use them as well as their maintenance (Townsend, 2013). In doing this, the city will have cut down on pollution seeing as the dependence on fossil fuels is by far the most hazardous human tendency. As for planting trees and creating a green city, it should be noted that the best trees in Manila can be sourced locally and should thus be relatively cheap. The challenge however would be the sensitization of the masses in order to gain their support and cooperation for maintenance of the trees. It can thus be estimated that the local government will need about $5 million for this project and with the cooperation of the citizens and the private sector the city should qualify for a smart city categorization within approximately 30 years from the implementation date (Townsend, 2013). For this to happen however, the city’s administration will have to obtain the support and cooperation of the general public and the private sector. References Fajardo, B.K. (2011). Filipino crosscurrents. University of Minnesota Press: Minneapolis, MN. Henderson, V. (2002). Urbanization in developing countries. The World Bank Research Observer, 17(1), 89-112. Townsend, M.A. (2013). Smart cities: big data, civic hackers, and the quest for a new utopia. New York, NY: W. W. Norton Company. Source document

Deontology And Consequentialism Case Analysis

Deontology And Consequentialism Case Analysis Why did they receive bonuses when their institutions had billions of euros in losses? Why did they get large pensions after they had to be fired? (International Bar Association, 2010, p108). A lot of questions arose when it became clear that Multi-National companies, especially in the financial sector, were giving out bonuses to employees while they received financial funds from the government or were in desperate need of financial aid. Many people were angry with the fact that employees and highly placed bankers collected bonuses despite the fact that many believed they did not do a good job at countering the financial crisis or financial uncertainty in their firm. Some even believe these people were the cause of the whole economic instability. Many different countries are looking for solutions to prevent companies of awarding their employees with bonuses while there is no genuine reasons for. (Watson, 2009). According to Haag and Muller (IBA, 2010), bonuses should not depend on solely the individual performance or contribution of a particular employee, but should be based on the performance of a department or even the whole institution. In this essay, I will address if an international business has the right to grant their employees bonuses, even whilst the corporation is monetarily healthy or is being supported by state funds. To address this dilemma and view it from an ethical perception, I will use two well known theories in the world of philosophy. These are deontology and consequentialism. Deontology is a theory that concentrates itself in making choices that are morally required, prohibited or just (Moore and Alexander, 2007). In this case, this theory questions if multinational companies are in fact morally righteous towards their employees or morally wrong towards the public, as in deceiving the population or hiding the truth of what really happened or what has not occurred yet. Deontologists believe in acting in the sense of the right thing to do, no so much in the judgment of the good thing to do. In other words, no matter how good an decision might be, if it would not be the right thing to do, that action should not be made. There are two main deontological theories; Agent-Centered theories and Patient-Centered teories. The Agent-Centered theory explains that the moral choices people make are decided by personal duty and acceptance (Alexander, Moore, 2007). For example, it is a parents duty to treat his or her child as more important than other people, but, other adults have no responsibility to treat that parents child more different than anyone else. To simplify it even more, it is alright for the parent to save his or her own child even if that could be the cause of harmful or disastrous consequences for other peoples children. In case of Patient-Centered deontology, this theory centers itself among the rights of individuals, instead of personal duty and obligation. Individuals have the right not to be used for moral good if that would be against their will (Alexander, Moore, 2007). In other words, causing harm to someone in order to do good, that would not be morally possible without permission from that person to harm him or her. Deontologists are fond of this way of thinking because it gives them permission to keep family and friends safe even when causing danger to others. This brings a pretty big disadvantage to this theory, people can become irrational in making decisions just for the sake of having a duty or permissions to do so. The exact opposite of deontology would be consequentialism. A consequentialist consider this theory to be applied to situations about moral rightness of acts that solely depends on the consequences of those acts for them to be morally right (Armstrong, 2006). In other words, it an act does or does not bring out the best consequences, this means an act is morally right or wrong. Everyone agrees that the consequences of our actions matter morally, but some people think that only the consequences matter (Mason, 2009). Consequentialism is one of many different diverse claims under the name of classic utilitarianism. Actually, classic utilitarianism is divided into eleven claims that creates this theory. This many claims makes this theory a difficult one to understand at first. There is one major difference between consequentialism and Deontology; according to consequentialists some we should never do whatever the consequences are. However, deontologists believe some things can be done because it is their duty to do so, even when the consequences are very negative. This because deontologists following Immanuel Kants moral philosophy state there are rules to be following no matter what the consequences are according to Johnson (2009). To determine what theory does or does not apply the most towards the dilemma of this essay, whether companies are to be restricted or not from them granting bonuses to their employees. In an ideal world, the perfect solution would be the satisfaction of each side, whether that side is in favor for bonuses or not. Not granting employees bonuses at all would definitely diminish their motivation and dedication for the company, thus resulting in a less stable company. However, giving the full hundred percent bonus to employees, while not deserving this, because they did a poor job, would negatively affect the public. As Haag (IBA, 2010) said, when the public became aware of the large amounts of bonuses paid, while they were supported by large capital injections by the government, this resulted in a logical reaction of anger. If we should believe a deontological explanation of this dilemma, a reasonable argument could be that employees that receive excessive bonuses should take responsibility for doing poor job, and eventually should decide not to accept the bonus from their employers. Why should these employees be rewarded with a sum of money they do not deserve? However, not all employees are the cause of a possible financial instability of a company. Bad leadership, bad decisions or just the lack of ability to communicate and/or delegate could have be the cause of this financial instability in a company. Not all employees ranging in the organizational structure are to blame as some might have done an excellent job, without knowing the company was in dire need of financial funds. These people should not be punished for their act of not knowing what was going on in the company. If we relate this dilemma to the actual theory of deontology, and especially the agent-centered theory behind this philosophy, it seems that the people responsible for causing financial instability in their company have no interest in their company whatsoever. It is supposed to be their duty to act in the best interest for their company. However, it seems they only seem to act selfishly for their own good; make the most money, related to the bonus system, in the smallest amount of time possible for their own gain. On the other hand, if we would look at consequential reasoning, arguments might be perceived totally different. For instance, employees that get bonuses are more satisfied and thus are more motivated and dedicated to the company they work for. This would result in a more stable, pleasant and reliable company to be working for. On the other hand, bad publicity for companies that grant unacceptable bonuses could result in even worse financial conditions they were originally in. There is a chance there is no longer faith in a company that has no purpose for society to exist. It only causes the society trouble as they probably have to pay taxes for the debt caused by the company, however, this would only be in extreme cases if the company would be on the verge of insolvency. To counter and regulate the excessive bonuses being awarded to employees, bonus taxes were introduced by governments. Many employees believe there was no regulation according to Mueller (IBA, 2010). It was an exceptional chance to exploit the financial markets, without knowing what kind of consequences could come from making such actions. Culture, miscommunication and manipulation within an organization or department are also aspects that are needed to be questioned in order to make a decisive statement. In the end, it is not the system which is good or bad, most likely it are people/employees that can or cannot, on whichever level within an organization, handle these very important responsibilities. I would recommend an consequentialist view on the decision of the introduction of the bonus system in (non-)commercial companies. Recommendation IBA: International Bar Association (2010). A survey of current regulatory trends. Johnson, Robert. (2008) Kants Moral Philisophy. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/kant-moral/ Watson, J. (2009). Bonus Culture. http://www.ibanet.org/Article/Detail.aspx?ArticleUid=0EACCDBE-287B-473C-BBE6-A550508F7804 [Accessed 25/10/2010] Armstrong, W, S. (2006) Consequentialism. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/consequentialism/ [Accessed 26/10/2010] Alexander, L. Moore, M. (2007) Deontological Ethics. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-deontological/#AdvDeoThe [Accessed 26/10/2010] Mason, E. (2009). What is consequentialism? http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayFulltext?type=1fid=3331492jid=THIvolumeId=8issueId=21aid=3331484 [Accessed 04/11/2010]

Lakatos and MacIntyre on Incommensurability and the Rationality of Theory-change :: Science Scientific Philosophy Essays

Lakatos and MacIntyre on Incommensurability and the Rationality of Theory-change ABSTRACT: Imre Lakatos' "methodology of scientific research programs" and Alasdair MacIntyre's "tradition-constituted enquiry" are two sustained attempts to overcome the assumptions of logical empiricism, while saving the appearance that theory-change is rational. The key difference between them is their antithetical stand on the issue of incommensurability between large-scale theories. This divergence generates other areas of disagreement; the most important are the relevance of the historical record and the presence of decision criteria that are common to rival programs. I show that Lakatos' rejection of the incommensurability thesis and dismissal of actual history are motivated by the belief that neither are compatible with the rationality of theory-change. If MacIntyre can deny the necessity of dispensing with the historical record, and show that incommensurability and the consequent absence of shared decision criteria are compatible with rationality in theory-change, then Lakato s' argument will lose its force, and MacIntyre will better honor the intention to take seriously the historicality of science. I argue that MacIntyre can dissolve tensions between incommensurability and rationality in theory-change if he is able, first, to distinguish a sense of the incommensurability thesis that preserves genuine rivalry between theories, and second, to show that the possibility of rationality in theory-change depends not on the presence of common decision criteria, but on the fact that traditions can fail by their own standards. After reconstructing and examining the argument, I conclude that the notion of a tradition's "internal failure" is coherent, but that it leaves crucial questions about the epistemology and ontology of traditions that must be answered if MacIntyre's proposal is to constitute a genuine improvement on Lakatos. Although he is not primarily a philosopher of science, Alasdair MacIntyre has drawn on post-Kuhnian methodological reflection in his formulation of an historicist theory of knowledge (1984a: 271) or what his more recent work terms tradition-constituted inquiry (1988: 354). In many respects, MacIntyres traditions are similar to the research programs described in the work of Imre Lakatos (1977). Both thinkers propose a shift in focus from atomic propositions to some type of holism by making an entire theory, or series of theories, the proper object of evaluation. Each argues that the issues investigated by participants in research traditions are not timeless questions, but are crucially shaped by their own problematics. Without devaluing consistency and logical rigor, each supposes that incoherence of a certain sort is the motor of intellectual progress.

Environmentally Conscious Propoganda :: social issues

Environmentally Conscious Propoganda WRIT 140 September 11, 2000 Environmentally Conscious Propaganda Almost every single original concept today has become mainstream or shows a general trend towards becoming so. Propagandists realize this and often exploit these ideas, tainting their flavor of originality and creating a new generation of gullible â€Å"wannabes† who can partly adhere to any philosophy, but do not allow themselves to be inconveniences by certain doctrines. Anything that might elicit followers or have the potential to, has drawn the attention of these solicitor, yet one of the fastest growing target audiences today seem to be â€Å"nature lovers.† Three examples extracted from various sources reveal that advertisers are targeting a presumed cultural attitude that people today wish not only to save the environment, but also view nature as the idealistic existence in contrast with the mundane city life most people have accustomed themselves to. Next one must question, â€Å"What is the idealistic existence?† All three advertisements point to one notion or another but more often than not seem more different than similar. The fist two automotives ads for Toyota and Honda respectively both deal with the natural environment. However Toyota appeals directly toward nature lovers and those who share an outdoorsman spirit by asking the question of whether one would blend in with nature, or with traffic. The advertisement crosses both a machine and the environment, suggesting that a balance can be achieved between man and nature. The subliminal hint seem to be that the advertised 4-Runner will somehow help one tune into nature. The stance from the Honda Insight, however, is far from Toyota’s. Reaching for the environmentalist, the ad immediately grabs at people who are to some degree conscious of environmental concerns such as pollution. While not an â€Å"environmental movement all by itself† the insight does pollute considerably less than normal 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder vehicles. While not designed to adhere to â€Å"hardcore† environmentalists, it does appeal to the average person co ncerned with it. Car promoters also presume that while people today are concerned with the environment, most people wouldn’t lift a finger if they had to go out of their way. The average Joe would rather pass a piece of trash on the street than pick it up, because they would inconvenience themselves in the process. The Insight is accordingly partially battery powered, never needs to be plugged in, and is more of a convenience.

Lady Macbeth Sit

Macbeth is walking and talking with friends at the party, and one of Machete's rinds mention my name. You can see the guilt and discomfort approach his face. If only he could see my face right now. When everyone is away I will make sure he gets to see my face one last time! Will make his life so horrible he is going to regret the thought of trying to kill me and my children. Macbeth is luckily distracted by his evil deceiving and conniving wife Lady Macbeth. What Macbeth doesn't know is that I am watching his every move. And waiting for the perfect time to surprise him!I'm so angered and pained that I m not here on this earth anymore to take care of my children. And to see my children approaching the castle for Macbeth coordination party. I am only curious and confused as to why they would want to attend Machete's party. I can see my children strolling and pacing the castle as if they are planning something. I have to see what my children are up to before they hurt their selves, some one else or hurt Macbeth. My plan is to distract Macbeth by showing him ghost face and getting my children out of this castle before Macbeth gets a chance to see them.Macbeth is having a nice conversation with his wife in a separate room and I figured this is the perfect time to surprise them. My first plan of action is to scare them by making noises next I want to fluster them. As I approach the room, and whisper Macbeth, Lady Macbeth. The expression on their face is priceless. I can hear Macbeth say what is that, who goes there. He has no clue that is me. And for my finale I will make my appearance. Hi Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. What a wonderful coordination dinner you have here. Banquet is thou?Yes am he Banquet ghost, here to ruin your lives like you ruined mine. Lady Macbeth we have to get out of here now. Oh no there is no way of escaping this. You and your wife will not be able to get away with this. You and Lady Macbeth caused pain and suffering to so many people that now you all must suffer. And for the ultimate finale, finish off Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Before I could even finish them off my children come storming through the room ready to finish what I started. Startled and surprised to see my ghost, they say in unison â€Å"this is for you dad†.