Bell Hooks Essays -- essays research papers

Is Education Equal?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The United States provides our society with the undeniable right to learn. The right to higher education is not limited to the middle and upper classes; it allows the less privileged, minorities, as well as both sexes, to receive an equal education. Two arguments which present interesting views on higher education are bell hook’s “Keeping Close to Home'; and Adrienne Rich’s “What Does a Woman Need to Know?'; Hooks views higher education with a concern for the underprivileged, whereas Rich views it with a concern for women. Of the two works, I personally do not agree with Rich’s argument.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bell hooks views higher education to be a time in which we find ourselves and learn more about who we are. This concept remains difficult on the underprivileged because they do not want to be known for their background. They see themselves as less privileged, and therefore want to keep this hidden from their new society. These students face many obstacles in their lives; college presents a whole new and much larger challenge. The transition is also hard on them. They want to fit in and hide their past, but at the same time, they do not want to lose sight of their upbringings. Hooks felt that she was an outsider in college, because she herself came from an underprivileged background, while most of her peers came from privileged backgrounds. Hooks states, ̶...

For small businesses, does the reality of using social and new media in marketing live up to the promise? A qualitative study amongst business owners in the UK

Abstract The area of emerging technology and marketing has become an topic of increased debate as the potential to reach more consumers and provide real savings for small business is created. This study assesses the impact that emerging communication technology has had on the marketing efforts of small businesses in the UK. 1 Introduction1.1 Research TopicThis study assesses the impact that emerging communication technology has on the marketing efforts of small businesses in the UK. In order to properly evaluate each element, this study uses a survey given to several owners and operators in the UK coupled with a case study centred on the small business in the London area to provide evidence for industry and cultural assessment. These factors will be used to illustrate detailed components of operation and implementation for small businesses in the UK. With a focus for identifying distinct themes in the survey results, this research seeks to combine working experience with social expectation to provide an illustration of potential opportunity.1.2 Objectives1) Assess technological impact on small business 2) Evaluate how communication technology provides opportunities for growth.1.3 Research questions1) What are the challenges faced by small business in marketing? 2) Can improved consumer outreach improve revenue? 3) Does new technology offer a competitive edge for small business? 2 Review of Literature2.1 Small Business ChallengesMarketing is an essential element of small business strategy (Safko et al, 2009). With a clear need to remain in the consumer eye, marketing has the potential to make or break any small business (Qualman, 2009).2.1.1 Current MethodsCurrent methods of marketing include television, print and word of mouth (Qualman, 2008). Further, any advertising must be local or regional, facing increased cost (Safko et al, 2009).2.1.2. Emerging methodsInternet and communication technology provide social media, online content and increased consumer exposure for small businesses(Berthon et al, 2012; Fischer et al, 2011;Weinberg et al, 2011). Networking and comprehensive data bases encourage consumers to look deeply into a small business, providing ample opportunity for revenue growth.2.2 Small business Competitive Strategy and opportunities for growthUsing technology to reach consumers, aids outreach as well as provides a new and growing market for any business (Baird et al, 2011).2.3 Spending and Consumer OutreachModern methods of marketing require crucial funds that could otherwise to other areas of a small business strategy (Wienberg et al, 2011). This increased leeway provides opportunity for reinvestment in the infrastructure.2.4 Working TheoryUsing a thematic survey approach provides critical evidence to any working research (Perri et al, 2012). Combined with an assessment of the case study using Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, establishes the likelihood of adoption and implementation (Hofstede et al, 2010). 3 Methodology3.1 ApproachThis study is best approach with the Qualitative, Interpretivism process (Perri, 2012). Initial evidence will be provided using a survey given to between 100-150 respondents creating data that will be assessed using a thematic, coding approach (Perri, 2012). Case study is based on the small business sector in London, UK which provides government facts and official figure (Perri, 2012). The evidence is combined and evaluated using the thematic coding to identify themes in the material followed by a Hofstede analysis to provide useable examples of impact and improvement.3.2 Research StrategyQualitative research based on surveys and case study (Perri, 2012).3.3 Data Collection Instruments and MethodsSurvey and questionnaire coupled with a modern case study taken from online databases, official sites, journals and books. 4 Analysis4.1 Case Study of Small Business in London, UK 2010-20144.1.1 Thematic analysis of surveysIdentifying themes that relate to the positive or negative experience of technology use in marketing (Perri, 2012).4.1.2. Hofstede’s Cultural dimensions evaluation of case study and surveysProvides a working cultural understanding as to why or why not small business owners are embracing new technology opportunities (Hofstede et al, 2010).4.2 Discussion5 Conclusion and Recommendations5.1 Conclusion5.2 Recommendation6 References Baird, C. and Parasnis, G. (2011). From social media to social customer relationship management. Strategy & Leadership, 39(5), pp.30–37. Berthon, P., Pitt, L., Plangger, K. and Shapiro, D. (2012). Marketing meets Web 2.0, social media, and creative consumers: Implications for international marketing strategy. Business Horizons, 55(3), pp.261–271. Evans, D. (2008). Social media marketing. 1st ed. Indianapolis, Ind.: Wiley. Fischer, E. and Reuber, A. (2011). Social interaction via new social media:(How) can interactions on Twitter affect effectual thinking and behavior?. Journal of business venturing, 26(1), pp.1–18. Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. and Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and organizations. 1st ed. New York: McGraw-Hill. Michaelidou, N., Siamagka, N. and Christodoulides, G. (2011). Usage, barriers and measurement of social media marketing: An exploratory investigation of small and medium B2B brands.Industrial Marketing Management, 40(7), pp.1153–1159. Qualman, E. (2009). Socialnomics. 1st ed. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. Safko, L. and Brake, D. (2009). The social media bible. 1st ed. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons. Weinberg, B. and Pehlivan, E. (2011). Social spending: Managing the social media mix. Business Horizons, 54(3), pp.275–282. Weinberg, T. (2009). The new community rules. 1st ed. Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly.

Biology Lab Report Ib Hl Osmosis

Biology Lab Report 2 Investigating the phenomenon of Osmosis in plant tissues: Potato in different concentrations of NaCl Tutor: Maria Tsaousidou By Marina Gkritzioudi Biology Lab Report 2 Investigating the phenomenon of Osmosis in plant tissues: Potato in different concentrations of NaCl Tutor: Maria Tsaousidou By Marina Gkritzioudi Investigating the phenomenon of Osmosis in plant tissues: Potato in different concentrations of NaCl Introduction: Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a semipermeable membrane from low concentration to high concentration. Research Question:How does the concentration of salt (NaCl) affect the mass of a potato soaked in water (H2O) with different concentrations of NaCl over the course of 30 minutes? Hypothesis: It is expected that the solution with the highest concentration of salt will cause more mass loss to the pieces of potato. The pieces that will be placed in the solution with the lowest concentration of salt will have small weight los s. Finally, the pieces that will be placed in water (NaCl concentration 0) will gain weight. This is expected because of the phenomenon of osmosis which was examined in a previous lab. Variables:Independent: concentration (%) of salt (NaCl) Dependent: mass (g) change Controlled: * shape and material of the beakers * size and weight of the potato pieces * volume of the aqueous solution The beakers need to be of the same size, of the same shape and of the same material, either plastic or glass. The size of the potato pieces needs to be the same in order for the surface to volume ratio to be the same and the initial weight of the pieces should also be the same so that the mass change can be compared. Since this is not always possible, we calculate percentages and make the pieces approximately the same.Lastly, the volume of the water solutions should be the same in all beakers so that the osmotic effect will only depend on the concentration dissolved in the solution. Materials: 5 beaker s sized: 250cm3 (Â ±0. 5cm3) Tap Water Potato Knife Weigh balance (Â ±0. 01g) Salt (NaCl) Watch glass Spatula Timer (Â ±0. 1sec) Volumetric cylinder Procedure: Step 1: Line up the five beakers and with the help of a volumetric cylinder add 100cm3 of water (H2O) in all of them. Step 2: Place the watch glass on the weigh balance and after zeroing it, measure four different concentrations of salt by adding it with the spatula.Start by measuring 0. 5% of NaCl, then 1%, then 3%, and finally 5% and add each one in a different beaker. Step 3: Stir the solutions using the spatula in order for the salt to dissolve. Step 4: Take a potato and after peeling it with the knife, cut it into 10 same size small pieces. Step 5: Measure each one of the 10 pieces and in order to equalize their mass chop, or scrape off some of the piece if needed. Step 6: Record the initial mass of the potato pieces and place 2 potatoes in each beaker. Step 7: After 15min take each of the pieces out of the beakers an d measure its weight and record it.Step 8: Repeat Step 7 after 30min and after 35min in order to get the rate at which the mass changes. Data Collection: Table 1: Mass measurements of the potato pieces in solutions with different NaCl concentrations over the course of 35min | Time in min| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 0. 5% NaCl concentration| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 1% NaCl concentration| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 3% NaCl concentration| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 5% NaCl concentration | Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 0% NaCl concentration| | Trial 1| Trial 2| Trial 1| Trial 2| Trial 1| Trial 2| Trial 1| Trial 2| Trial 1| Trial 2| 0| 1. 76| 1. 76| 1. 76| 1. 76| 1. 76| 1. 6| 1. 76| 1. 76| 1. 76| 1. 76| 15| 1. 80| 1. 80| 1. 63| 1. 63| 1. 57| 1. 57| 1. 58| 1. 58| 1. 95| 1. 95| 30| 1. 80| 1. 80| 1. 54| 1. 54| 1. 50| 1. 50| 1. 51| 1. 51| 1. 97| 1. 97| 35| 1. 79| 1. 79| 1. 52| 1. 45| 1. 49| 1. 42| 1. 48| 1. 45| 1. 98| 1. 98| Data Processing: In Table 2 the average mass of the measurements of the two trials from Tabl e 1 over the course of 35min is shown. The information in the table was a result of adding the measurements from both of the trials, at a specific time, and dividing this sum by two. For example, in the 5mol dm-3 NaCl concentration the mass (g) after 35min was 1. 8g in the 1st trial and 1. 45g in the 2nd trial (see Table 1). The average of these two measurements for the time of 35min, in concentration 0. 5mol dm-3 NaCl, is found by adding them and dividing their sum by two: (1. 48+1. 45)? 2=1. 465, rounded to 1. 47g. Table 2: The average mass measurements of the potato pieces in solutions with different NaCl concentrations over the course of 35min| Time in min| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 0. 5%3 NaCl concentration| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 1% NaCl concentration| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 3% NaCl concentration| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 5% NaCl concentration | Mass(g)(Â ±0. 1) in 0% NaCl concentration| 0| 1. 76| 1. 76| 1. 76| 1. 76| 1. 76| 15| 1. 80| 1. 63| 1. 57| 1. 58| 1. 95| 30| 1. 80| 1. 54| 1. 50| 1. 51| 1. 97| 35| 1. 79| 1. 49| 1. 46| 1. 47| 1. 98| In Table 3 the average mass change of the measurements over the course of 35min is shown. This is calculated by subtracting the initial measurement of the average mass of the pieces of potato (measurements of 0min shown in Table 2), which are submerged in different solutions with different salt concentrations, from the final measurement of the mass of potato present in the same concentration (measurements of 35min shown in Table 2).For example, the average mass change over the course of 35min in NaCl concentration of 05mol dm-3 is found by subtracting the first average measurement of the mass, 1. 79g, from the final average mass, 1. 76g: 1. 79-1. 76=0. 03g. Table 3: Average potato mass change in each solution over the course of 35 minutes| | Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 0. 5% NaCl concentration| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 1% NaCl concentration| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 3% NaCl concentration| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 5% NaCl concentration | Mass (g)(Â ±0. 01) in 0% NaCl concentration| Mass (g) change (Â ±0. 01)| 0. 03| -0. 27| -0. 30| -0. 29| 0. 22|When the mass change is a positive number, this means that the mass of the specimen, the potato piece, increased from the initial mass. On the contrary, when the mass change is a negative number, this means that the mass decreased from the initial mass that was first measured before it was submerged in the solution. In Table 4 the rate at which the mass increases or decreases in the five different solutions is shown. This is calculated by dividing the absolute average mass change of each solution (shown in Table 3) and dividing it by the maximum time used in the experiment, which is 35min.For example, the rate at which the mass drops or increases in the 0. 5mol dm-3 NaCl concentration solution is shown by taking |0. 03| (Table 3) and dividing it by 35min: |0. 03|? 35=8. 6*10-4g/min. Table 4: Rate at which the mass increases or decreases. | | In 0. 5% NaCl concentration solution | In 1% NaCl concentration solution| In 3% NaCl concentration solution| In 5% NaCl concentration solution| In 0% NaCl concentration solution| Average mass (g)/time (min)| 8. 57*10-4| 7. 71*10-3| 8. 57*10-3| 8. 28*10-3| 6. 28*10-3| In Table 5 the percentage% mass change is shown.This is calculated by subtracting the average initial mass measurement from the average final one, dividing it by the average initial mass and multiplying it by 100. For example, the percentage% mass change in the 0. 5mol dm-3 NaCl concentration solution is calculated like this: [(1. 79-1. 76)/1. 76]*100=1. 70%. Table 5: Percentage% mass change| | Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 0. 5% NaCl concentration| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 1% NaCl concentration| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 3% NaCl concentration| Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 5% NaCl concentration | Mass(g)(Â ±0. 01) in 0% NaCl concentration| Percentage%Mass change| 1. 0| -15. 34| -17. 04| -16. 47| 12. 5| Graph 1: Mass changes of potato pieces bathed in NaCl solutions Graph 2: Ra te at which the mass in each solution increases or decreases Conclusion: The data collected confirmed the hypothesis that that the solute with the highest concentration of salt will cause more mass loss to the pieces of potato, the pieces that will be placed in the solute with the lowest concentration of salt will have small weight loss, and the pieces that will be placed in water (NaCl concentration 0) will gain weight thus increasing in mass.After observing the changes in the mass of the potato pieces we can tell that the higher the concentration of salt in the water, the more the mass of plants will decrease because of osmosis. The lower the concentration of salt in water, the more the mass of the plants will increase or just decrease but not dramatically. If we submerge a plant in water with no NaCl dissolved in it, the mass of the plant will increase, because water molecules will move from the low concentration solute to the high, thus entering the plant tissue and increasing i ts mass and weight.Also, time wise, the more the plant specimen soaks in the solutions the more its mass will relatively increase or decrease. Lastly, from the first graph it can be estimated that at concentration 4. 2% the potato in the NaCl solution will reach equilibrium, thus the concentration will be the same inside and outside of the potato. Limitations: There are some limitations to this experiment that prevent the results from being perfect. First of all there was not enough time to repeat the experiment and because the lab was crowded there was no time to chop more han two pieces of potato for each beaker so only two trials were performed instead of three or five. Secondly, the sizes the potatoes were chopped in were not exactly the same because more attention was given to having the same mass and thus neglecting the size which leads to different surface to volume ratio and affects the results. Thirdly, the timer that was used was the classroom clock and therefore the time at which the pieces or potato were measured were not very accurate.Improvements: In order to improve the results of this experiment, it is necessary that some changes be made. Firstly, a tool should be found that will allow potato pieces to be chopped in the same size so that the surface to volume ratio will be the same and not change, thus affecting the results. A proper timer should be used to count the time intervals. Lastly, more repetitions, at least 3, need to be made so that the results are more precise.