Reflection of Daily Nutrition Intake Essay Example for Free

Reflection of Daily Nutrition Intake EssayHypothesisMy daily caloric intake is anticipated to be higher(prenominal) than the recommended grant of carbohydrates, lipids and sodium however, it is expected to be lower than the recommended allowance for proteins, minerals, and vitamins.ResearchIn the United States, people use almost their entire food budget on processed foods which often have been treated with chemicals after being harvested or butchered. These chemicals are additives and preservatives which are substances intended to change the food before it is purchased by customers. wizard-dimensionals chamberpot be flavorings that enhance the foods taste, dyes that alter the color, and dietary additives, such as vitamins, minerals, expositty acids and other supplements. Preservatives are used to extend a products shelf life by preventing bacterial or fungal growth, oxidation (which potentiometer lead to the discoloration or rancidity), or inhibiting the natural ripening of fruits and vegetables. Packaging is considered an Indirect Food Additive because it can add substances to the food it protects. A common preservative in the food that I eat is called propionic acid, which prevents mold in bread. Also, most processed foods aver on additives to restore the flavor that is lost in processing or create new flavors altogether.For example McDonalds jaundiced products like Chicken McNuggets add chicken flavor. A food additive is considered fit for human consumption after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves it. However, this decision can prove to be deplorable because when certain chemicals are added to processed food products, some of these food and color additives provoke an allergic reaction or other critical health problems. For example, monosodium glutamate (MSG) causes headaches, nausea, weakness, encumbrance breathing, drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, and chest pain. This can be avoided because it is required for all of the ingredients to be listed on the food label. Unfortunately, additives and preservatives are often unclear as to what they include. Saturated fat is found in foods from animals and certain types of plants. Foods from animals include beef, lamb, pork, lard, poultry fat, and other dairy products made from milk. Foods from plants that contain saturated fat include coconut, tropical oils, and cocoa butter. ii types of unsaturated fat are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. They are found mostly in fish, nuts, seeds and oils from assorted plants. Trans-fatty acids are found in miniature amounts in various animal products such as beef, pork, lamb and the butterfat in butter and milk. Both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are considered to be healthy because they may help lower ones blood cholesterol level when replacing saturated and trans fats. Unsaturated fatty acids are found in two different types cis and trans. These terms abduce to the hydrogen atoms physical positioning around t he carbon chain. The cis form is more common than the trans form. In some studies hydrogenated fats, or trans fats, mostly raised the total low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and lower the HDL cholesterol levels. This could result in the heightened risk of heart disease.Essential Vitamins and Minerals are often called micronutrients because only a small portion is needed to live a healthy lifestyle. Without these micronutrients one is almost guaranteed to become infected with a disease like scurvy, blindness or rickets. Although they are twain considered micronutrients, vitamins and minerals differ in basic ways. Vitamins are organic and can be broken down by heat, air, or acid. Minerals on the other blow over are inorganic and hold on to their chemical structure. Essential Vitamins include Fat-Soluble and Water-Soluble Vitamins. The water-soluble vitamins are B and C and the fat-Soluble Vitamins are A, D, E, and K. The fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K. Firstly , Vitamin A is vital for good vision, prevents night blindness, keeps mucous membranes healthy and is necessary for healthy skin and hair growth. Next, Vitamin D is found in foods obtained from the sun.It helps bones use the mineral calcium to build strong bones and it prevents rickets. Also, Vitamin E helps breakdown polyunsaturated fats. It is an antioxidant that protects blood cell membranes from too much oxygen. Finally the fat-soluble Vitamin K is essential for the coagulate of blood. It can be found in foods or produced in bacteria in the small intestines. The water-soluble vitamins are B and C. C is the most storied vitamin, and is also referred to as ascorbic acid. It helps form collagen, grow and repair body tissue and blood vessels, and prevent scurvy. However, too much Vitamin C can lead to the existence of Kidney stones and the breakdown of red blood cells.Vitamin B is complex and has several different types such as B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), Naicin, B6, B12, and Folacin. Amino Acids are organic compounds. They are the monomers of proteins and consist of both an amino group and a carboxyl group. The human body is unable to synthesize certain amino acids called essential amino acids, the human body can synthesize all of the amino acids necessary to build proteins except for the ten called the essential amino acids.(Nave 1) For example, some of the essential amino acids are Leucine(leu) and Phenylalanine.ConclusionMy possible action was correct because as I cataloged my daily nutritional intake I found that the recommended allowance of carbohydrates, lipids and sodium is lower than what I eat and the recommended allowance for proteins, minerals, and vitamins is higher than what I eat. I am supposed to take in approximately 2000 calories a day and, on average, I only eat 900 calories a day. As I reflect on my daily nutritional intake I realize that in order to have a completely healthy lifestyle I must have more essential vitamins and mineral s as well as proteins in my diet.Works CitedAmerican subject matter Association . Cholesterol. www.heart.org. American Heart Association , n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. http//www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/Cholesterol_UCM_001089_SubHomePage.jsp. Helpguide helps you help yourself and others. Helpguide helps you help yourself and others. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. http//www.helpguide.org/index.htm. Nave, R. Essential Amino Acids. Essential Amino Acids. University of Arizonas Biology Project , n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/organic/essam.html. sustainable Table. Food Additives, food additives pose threat The Issues

Advantages and Disadvantages to Society Essay Example for Free

Advantages and Disadvantages to Society EssayHumans have amaze so dependent on electrical energy and societys evolution to a great extent has been based on it. In the absence of lights, computers, most methods of transportation and communication, the last hundred categorys of advancement could be set back. With these things considered, electricity could clearly be regarded as mans greatest discovery. However, in as much as electricity has played a major role in the near of humankind, it has also contributed widely into the sluggish destruction of society. Therefore, electricity has both an advantageous and disadvantageous effects on society.Electricity is an invisible form of energy created by the movement of charged particles, a phenomenon that is a result of the existence of electrical charge. It flows into our homes along wires and can be easily converted into other energy forms, such as heat and light. It can be stored in batteries or sent along wires to make electric tr ains, computers, light bulbs and other devices work. The comprehension of electricity has enjoin to the invention of generators, computers and atomic-energy systems, X-ray devices, motors, teleph matchlesss, radio and television. (Grolier Encyclopedia of Knowledge, 2002)Everything in the field, including humans and the air they breathe, is made of atoms. Each of these tiny particles has a positively charged center, named as nucleus, with smaller, negatively charged electrons whizzing around it. Electricity is created when one of the electrons jump to another atom. This can be caused by the magnetic work in a generator, by chemicals in a battery, or by friction (rubbing materials unitedly). Early History The breakthrough discovery that an electric charge could be created by rubbing two materials together was front made by the Greek Philosopher Thales around 600 BC.He found that if he rubbed the fossilized tree sap, amber, with silk, it attracted small light objects such as feat hers and dust. However, the first realistic device for the generation of electrical energy was not invented until 1800 when the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta constructed the first crude battery. For centuries, this strange, puzzling property was thought to be limited to amber. 2 thousand years later, in the 16th century, William Gilbert provided evidence that many other substances are electric.He gave these substances the Latin name electrica, originating from the Greek banter elektron (which means amber). According to the 2008 Encyclopedia Americana, the word magnet, comes from the Greek name for the black stones from Magnesia in Asia Minor. Sir Thomas Browne, an English writer and physician, first used the word electricity in 1646. Relationships between electricity and magnetism were devised in 1820 by the Danish physicist H. C. Oersted and the French physicist D. F. J. Arago from studies of the effects of a current-carrying conductor on a pick up needle or iron filings.T hat same year, the French physicist Andre Ampere showed that an electric current flowing through a wire created a magnetic field similar to that of a permanent magnet. In 1831, the English physicist Michael Faraday conceived a device for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. Faradays machine, the first dynamo (DC generator), was made up of a slob disk rotating between the poles of a permanent magnet. A year later, Hippolyte Pixii of France, built both an AC generator and a DC generator, the latter being fitted with a commutator.Such primeval generators were widely used for experimental purposes. Nonetheless, they could not generate a great deal of power because the field strength of their permanent magnets was slight. In 1866, the German inventor Werner von Siemens initiated the use of electromagnets instead of permanent magnets for the field poles of a DC generator. In 1870, the Belgian inventor Zenobe Gramme further change the performance of DC generators by using a rmatures of iron wound with rings of insulated copper wire.Powered by counteracting steam engines, Grammes generators were used to supply current for swerve lamps in lighthouses and factories. Electric arc street lamps were installed in Paris in 1879, in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1879, and in New York City in 1880. However, the carbon chain incandescent lamp invented by Thomas Edison and Joseph Swan in 1880 provided a far better and more suitable source of light than arc lamps did. This invention created a great demand for electric power as it marked the beginning of the electric power industry.Electricity was a mystifying force. It did not seem to come about naturally at initial appearance, except in the frightening form of lightning. Researchers had to do an atypical thing to study electricity they had to manufacture the phenomenon before they could dismember it. We have come to realize that electricity is everywhere and that all matter is electrical in nature. Many innovators in the study of magnetism and electricity become known between the late 1700s and the early 1800s, many of whom left their names on several electrical units.These scientists include Charles Augustin de Coulomb (the unit of charge), Andre Ampere (current), George Ohm (resistance), pile Watt (electrical power), and James Joule (energy). Luigi Galvani gave us the galvanometer, a device for measuring currents, while Alessandro Volta gave us the volt, a unit of potential, or electromotive force. Similarly C. F. Gauss, Hans Christian Oersted, and W. E. weber all made their mark and established their names on electrical engineering.Only Benjamin Franklin failed to leave his name on any electrical unit, despite his noteworthy contributions. All of the afore-mentioned scientists contributed to the study of electricity. However, the two real giants in the field were 19th century Englishmen, Michael Faraday and James Clerk Maxwell. The widespread use of electricity as a source of power is largely due to the work of pioneering American engineers and inventors such as Nikola Tesla, and Charles Proteus Steinmetz during the late 19th and early 20th centuries (Microsoft Encarta savoir-faire Library 2002).One of the most well-known perhaps is Thomas Alva Edison, most famous for his development of the first commercially practical incandescent lamp. He was one of the most prolific inventors of the late 19th century and his greatest contribution is the development of the worlds first central-electric-light-power-station. By the time he died in West Orange, New Jersey, he had patented over 1000 inventions. (Jenkins, R. 2000) II. BODY Electrical activity takes place constantly everywhere in the universe. Electrical forces traction molecules together.The nervous systems of animals work by way of weak electric signals transmitted between nerve cells called neurons. Electricity is generated, transmitted, and converted into other forms of energy such as heat, light and motion through nat ural processes, as well as by devices built by people. Over the period from 1950 to 1999, the most recent year for which data are available, annual world electric power production and consumption rose from slightly less than 1,000 billion kilowatt hours to 14,028 billion kwh. A change also took place in the type of power generation.In 1950, about 2/3 of the electricity came from thermal or steam-generating sources and about 1/3 from hydroelectric sources. In 1998, thermal sources produced sixty-three percent of the power, but hydropower had declined to nineteen percent, and nuclear power accounted for seventeen percent of the total. The growth in nuclear power slowed in some countries, markedly the United States, in reaction to concerns about safety. Nuclear plants generated twenty percent of U. S. electricity in 1999 in France, the world leader, the figure was 76 percent.

The Protagonist Essay Example for Free

The Protagonist EssayHave you ever picked up a book and within minutes you couldnt put it down? Have you felt a deep connection with a character, yet at the same(p) time not understood why the characters do the things they do? The way we connect with our favorite characters is no accident. The motives resolve when writing is for the reader to connect with the protagonist of their stories.I know that The author of Circumcision Pramoedya (Prah-MOO-dia) Ananta Toer exploits his fabricator as his protagonist because he is the approximately rally character in the twaddle, the author uses him to give notice the readers emotions and feelings, and the fabricator goes through trials and tribulations, and creates a change in his character and transforms him in the yarn. I could easily tell that the narrator was the most central character in the short story Circumcision. With the opening of the first sentence, I spent my evenings at the local prayer house learning to recite the Qu ran. The narrator starts to speak in the first person point of view. Although this is not a clear indication of him being the central character, it does have the reader wondering. Throughout the story the author keeps repeating the words my and I, and once again that really puts emphasis on what the main character is doing and the connection with the narrator. As the author develops the narrators character he defines him as a young Muslim kid who seems to be between the ages of eight and thirteen. Most of the following pages of the story are all about how the narrator is going to be circumcised. The author uses the narrator to tell his story and employs the sequences of events in his plot. As the main character of the story, the narrator is strengthened up through the craft of his author.The author uses his narrator to grab the attention of the audience and gradually institute commonality with the reader. When the author makes his narrator more universal joint the reader can rel ate with the authors fictional character, and gain access to more heartfelt feelings from the reader. The author knows the character of his narrator is important, so he uses his characters abilities to engage the reader. If the author can hook his readers, then he truly has all their emotions and they will feel the sequence of events as his character does. The protagonist jibe to Deblanco and Cheuse will have desires or objectives (84), and it is these desires and objectives in the story that engages me as I am reading. In the story, the narrator has to struggle with decisions that could impact his whole adult spirit and whether or not he is going to be, in his eyes, a good Muslim.The author has me wanting to continue reading the story to see if the narrator will go through with the circumcision. He engages me and brings me in to his scene and I feel the narrators pain and rejoice in his celebrations. The narrator is the authors protagonist because a protagonist mostly overcomes a dversity and grows from his situation. The narrator in the story is struggling with the choice to be circumcised or not. In the aboriginal part of the story, the narrator says If I havent been circumcised was I really a good Muslim. In order for the protagonist of a story to grow up, or transform, he must have motive and purpose. The author gives the narrator purpose and motivation when the young boy is told of all the wonderful things he will receive when he is circumcised.As the narrator is sitting in the chair, waiting for his turn at the knife, the suspense is building inside his head. He says I was incredibly scared. I wanted to be a good Muslim, but that wasnt enough to still my terror. Pramoedya (Prah-MOO-dia) Ananta Toer (98). The author uses this point in his story to build up his rising action. At this point in the story the narrator is challenged with adversity and we are waiting to see what the authors resolution will be. As a result of the narrator undergoing the proce dure, he transforms from a young boy to a young Muslim man. In conclusion, the protagonist of the short story Circumcision is the narrator. He is the most central character in the story. He is used to strike commonality and evoke the readers emotions and feelings, and the narrator grows through trials and tribulation. I hope that subsequently reading the story and this analysis that most readers will agree.

Eating Behaviour and Perceptions of Body Image in School

take Behaviour and Perceptions of Body Image in SchoolEating behavior and intuition of personate orbit in school childrenBackgroundBody dissatisfaction, which is defined as the inequality in the midst of sensed and ideal tree trunk icon, can step up during childhood (Smolak 2004) and can lead to feeding and weight problems in adolescence (Stice 2002 McKnight 2003). Specifically, Stice 2002 describe that when an adolescent presents with body dissatisfaction the probability of engaging to dieting and take in habits that are precursors of eating dis posts was increased. Besides that body dissatisfaction was linked to bulimia (Stice 2002). Moreover, McKnight 2003 suggested that school children who presented with thinner preoccupation were in greater risk of developing an eating disorder (McKnight 2003). In addition, body dissatisfaction has been associated with obesity, since obesity is an eating disorder risk factor (Fairburn, Welch et al. 1997 Mustillo, Worthman et al. 20 03) and body image is a moderator of the risk of developing eating disorders (Dounchis, Hayden et al. 2001). Except from body dissatisfaction, eating problems in early childhood can lead to eating disorders in adolescence and early adulthood (Kotler, Cohen et al. 2001).A number of studies have cogitate on the relationship mingled with eating styles that precede the development of eating disorders, and the perception of body image in various age groups wish well school children, adolescents and university students and have reported that indivi forkeds with steep EAT and ChEAT scores were more than likely to choose a thinner ideal body image and consequently had body dissatisfaction (Edlund, Halvarsson et al. 1996 Nishizawa, Kida et al. 2003 Gonalves, Silva et al. 2012 del mollycoddle Bibiloni, Pich et al. 2013 Kutlu and Civi 2013). In more detail, Kutlu and Civi (2013) investigated the connective between symptoms of eating disorders and body perception by using the Eating Att itude Test (EAT-40) in university students and found that individuals who sensed themselves obese reported high scores in the EAT-40 and thus demonstrated a relation between eating disorders and body image perception. Similar results were presented in a cartoon that investigated the association between self-physique and symptoms of anorexia nevrosa in high school individuals in Japan and showed that students with an eating disorder often chose the thinnest ideal body image when compared to the students who did not have an eating disorder (Nishizawa, Kida et al. 2003). Additionally, Edlund et al. 1996 investigated the relation between the ChEAT, DEBQ questionnaires and body image in school girls and observed that girls with high ChEAT scores were more likely to diet and engage to restrained eating and these girls had a high discrepancy between ideal and perceived body image.Other studies have foc utilize on eating behaviors like restrained and emotional eating and the relation wi th perception of body image (Kapka-Skrzypczak 2012 Wiedemann and Saules 2013 Ohara, Kato et al. 2014). Ohara et al. 2014 investigated the association between eating behavior, by using the DEBQ questionnaire, and discrepancy of body image in Japanese university students and suggested that restrained eating was negatively associated with body dissatisfaction in both males and females. In addition, university female students with emotional eating had higher(prenominal) levels of discrepancy of body image. This pattern was not observed in males (Ohara, Kato et al. 2014). Wiedemann and Saules (2013) suggested that the positive association between emotional eating and weight problem perception, another(prenominal) term for body image perception, could be explained by the fact that individuals that perceive themselves as overweight engage to emotional eating because they experience strong emotions like anger, notion or anxiety more often than individuals who are satisfied with their body image. Kapka-Skrzypczak (2012) studied the relationship between dietary habits in adolescents and young adults and reported that students that werent on a diet were more satisfied with their body image as compared to students that tried to lose weight.Another important fact that arises from the existing literature is that the majority of studies are cross-sectional and examine the association between eating disorders symptoms or eating behavior and body dissatisfaction in a precise point in time. This results in a lack of longitudinal info studying the exact pathway that connects eating behavior and the discrepancy between perceived and ideal body image. Moreover, most of the studies that were found during the literature search included adolescents and university students and only two studies investigated this relationship in school children (Edlund, Halvarsson et al. 1996 Gonalves, Silva et al. 2012). Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the association between e ating behavior of school children (9 year ancient), reported by mothers, and the discrepancy of body image. For this purpose data from the Generation R study will be used. Additionally, eating behavior will be assessed by the Childrens Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) and the perception of body image by the Childrens Body Image Scale (CBIS).In conclusion, future studies should focus on younger ages, between 4-9 years old, because currently it is not known whether the association that is demonstrated by the aforementioned studies for adolescents and university students is present at this age group too. Furthermore, longitudinal studies investigating whether eating behavior of preschool children is a predictor of the perception of body image are needed and besides the individual and parental factors, sociocultural factors should be taken into consideration.Generation RGeneration R is a population-based potential cohort study from fetal life to young adulthood (Jaddoe, cutting edge Duijn et al. 2012). This study aims to investigate the causes (environmental and genetic) and the pathway that contribute to a normal or brachydactylic growth and consequently the state of health throughout fetal life, childhood and adulthood. In Generation R thither are certain areas of research take paternal health, growth and physical development, behavioral and cognitive development, respiratory health and allergies, diseases in childhood, and health and healthcare for children and their parents. Generation R invited all pregnant women sustentation in Rotterdam and were expected to deliver between April 2002 and January 2006. Furthermore, follow-up studies included children born by mothers that participated in the study. Participants had to sign a written informed consent in order to be able to participate in the study. Physical examinations and questionnaires were included in the assessments, where the majority (86%) of the questionnaires were filled out by parents. Ge neration R has been ratified by the Medical Ethical Committee of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam. More information and details of Generation R can be found elsewhere (Jaddoe, van Duijn et al. 2012).Childrens Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ)The CEBQ was developed in order to assess the eating behavior of children and study which eating styles lead to obesity and overweight (Wardle, Guthrie et al. 2001). Childrens eating behavior is reported by parents and consists of 8 eating behavior items food responsiveness, enjoyment of food, emotional overeating, desire to drink, satiety responsiveness, emotional undereating and fussiness. In order to measure these items a 5-point Likert scale is used and ranges from 1 to 5, where 1 denoted never and 5 always (Wardle, Guthrie et al. 2001).Childrens Body Image Scale (CBIS)The CBIS is an instrument that is used to assess the perception of body size in children (Truby and Paxton 2002). CBIS consists of 7 discovers which have different versions for males and females. These 7 figures range from the thinnest body shape to the fattest (3rd to 97th NCHS percentiles) (Truby and Paxton 2002). Usually, children have to choose between these 7 figures the one that represents the perceived and the one that denotes the ideal body image.CovariatesChild BMI, gender, ethnicity, maternal BMI and education will be included in the regression outline as potential confounding variables (Gonalves, Silva et al. 2012 Baillie and Copeland 2013 Bergmeier, Skouteris et al. 2014 Sukariyah and Sidani 2014). It has been demonstrated that female high school students had higher scores on emotional eating and binge eating than males (Sukariyah and Sidani 2014). Additionally, Baile and Copeland (2013) observed that women had higher score on the Body Shape Questionnaire. An different pattern was reported in Goncalves et al. (2012), where boys who were not satisfied with their body image had higher score in the ChEAT questionnaire, a pattern that was not seen in girls who participated in the same study. Moreover, another study in Korean adolescents found that males had higher percentage of body image distortion and thus were in greater risk of developing an eating disorder than females (Hyun, Jung et al. 2014). BMI has been associated with body image dissatisfaction, since individuals with a higher BMI are more likely to be dissatisfied with their body image and engage to restrained eating (Jones and Crawford 2005 OHaver, Melnyk et al. 2009 Gonalves, Silva et al. 2012). Furthermore, differences in the magnitude of body image dissatisfaction concerning ethnicity have been suggested by some studies (Gluck and Geliebter 2002 Baillie and Copeland 2013). Glunk and Geliebter (2002) reported that whitenesss and Asians had a higher discrepancy of body image than African Americans and Caucasians scored higher on the eating disorder questionnaire than Asians and African Americans. Baillie and Copeland (2013) observed that Caucasians had a greater body dissatisfaction with their body image than Chinese but no differences were found concerning the scores on the eating disorder questionnaire (EAT-26). Lastly, maternal BMI and education have been associated with food fussiness in children (Bergmeier, Skouteris et al. 2014). Besides that, Goncalves et al. (2012) found that higher maternal BMI was associated with higher scores on the ChEAT questionnaire.Research question(s)Is there an association between eating behavior and the discrepancy between perceived and ideal body image?In case an association is present, which items from the CEBQ questionnaire are think with the discrepancy between perceived and ideal body image?HypothesisThis study will not be based on a precise hypothesis. Instead an exploration of the association between eating behavior and discrepancy of body image will be conducted in 9 year old children from the Generation R study.MethodsSubjectsIn this study data were collected from both mothers and their children. Firstly, mothers provided information on their childs eating behavior by cream out the CEBQ questionnaire, when their children were at the age of 9. Secondly, children at the age of 9 filled out the CBIS for the assessment of the perception of body image. In total data from most 4000 children are available at this point.Statistical AnalysisCBIS provides ordinal data but usually it is treated as interval data (Collins 1991). From the CBIS questionnaire the variable discrepancy of body image will be created. Discrepancy of body image is defined as the difference of perceived-ideal body image.Plots to check whether the variables of interest are ordinarily distributed will be done.Descriptive statistics will be performed for eating behavior items and body image (ideal, perceived and discrepancy of perceived-ideal) (mean scores and standard deviations). For this purpose statistical tests, parametric (ANOVA, 2) and non-parametric tests for not normally distributed data will be done.Check correlation between confounding variables, eating behavior and body perception.Multiple elongate regression will be performed where eating behavior (in the form of CEBQ scores) will be the outcome variable and discrepancy of body perception will be the independent/explanatory variable.Sensitivity analysis will be performed for the participants that didnt have any missing values, in order to check whether individuals with missing data are different from individuals without missing data.Multiple imputation techniques will be used in order to check for missing data and avoid bias.StatisticsSPSS 21 peak of thesis/internship1 April 2015 31 August 2015Investigation scheme1-24/04 Conducting literature search and writing research proposal27/04-01/05 First acquaintance with dataset04-08/05 readiness of data analysis11/05-05/06 Statistical Analysis and writing part of the report08-12/06 Interpretation of results for the data analysis15/06-22/07 Writing report23/07-09/08 Holidays10-17/08 Correcting and improving manuscript18-21/08 Outline and submit report24-31/08 Preparation of presentation and presentationReferencesBaillie, L. E. and A. L. Copeland (2013). Disordered eating and body image in Chinese and Caucasian students in the United States. Eating Behaviors 14(3) 314-319.Bergmeier, H., H. Skouteris, et al. (2014). Child temperament and maternal predictors of preschool childrens eating and body mass index. A prospective study. Appetite 74(0) 125-132.Collins, M. E. (1991). Body figure perceptions and preferences among preadolescent children. International Journal of Eating Disorders 10(2) 199-208.del Mar Bibiloni, M., J. Pich, et al. (2013). Body image and eating patterns among adolescents. BMC public health 13(1) 1104.Dounchis, J. Z., H. A. Hayden, et al. (2001). fleshiness, body image, and eating disorders in ethnically assorted children and adolescents. Body image, eating disorders, and obesity in youth Assessment, prevention, and treatment 67-98.Edlund, B., K. Halvarsson, et al. (1996). Eating Behaviours, and Attitudes to Eating, Dieting, and Body Image in 7yearold Swedish Girls. European Eating Disorders Review 4(1) 40-53.Fairburn, C. G., S. L. Welch, et al. (1997). Risk factors for bulimia nervosa A community-based case-control study. Archives of General psychiatry 54(6) 509-517.Gluck, M. E. and A. Geliebter (2002). Racial/ethnic differences in body image and eating behaviors. Eating behaviors 3(2) 143-151.Gonalves, S., M. Silva, et al. (2012). Disordered eating among preadolescent boys and girls the relationship with child and maternal variables. Nutrients 4(4) 273-285.Hyun, M.-Y., Y.-E. Jung, et al. (2014). Factors associated with body image distortion in Korean adolescents. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment 10 797.Jaddoe, V. W. V., C. M. van Duijn, et al. (2012). The Generation R Study design and cohort update 2012. European journal of epidemiology 27(9) 739-756.Jones, D. C. and J. K. Crawford (2005). Adoles cent boys and body image Weight and muscularity concerns as dual pathways to body dissatisfaction. Journal of Youth and Adolescence 34(6) 629-636.Kapka-Skrzypczak, L. (2012). Dietary habits and body image perception among Polish adolescents and young adults-a population based study. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental medication 19(2).Kotler, L. A., P. Cohen, et al. (2001). Longitudinal relationships between childhood, adolescent, and adult eating disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry 40(12) 1434-1440.Kutlu, R. and S. Civi (2013). Evaluation of eating habits, body perception and depression status of university students. Gulhane Medical Journal 55(3) 196-202.McKnight, I. (2003). Risk factors for the onset of eating disorders in adolescent girls results of the McKnight longitudinal risk factor study. American Journal of Psychiatry 160(2) 248-254.Mustillo, S., C. Worthman, et al. (2003). Obesity and psychiatric disorder developmental trajector ies. Pediatrics 111(4) 851-859.Nishizawa, Y., K. Kida, et al. (2003). Perception of selfphysique and eating behavior of high school students in Japan. Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences 57(2) 189-196.OHaver, J., B. M. Melnyk, et al. (2009). The family of Perceived and Actual Weight in Minority Adolescents. Journal of Pediatric Nursing 24(6) 474-480.Ohara, K., Y. Kato, et al. (2014). Eating behavior and perception of body shape in Japanese university students. Eating and Weight Disorders-Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity 19(4) 461-468.Smolak, L. (2004). Body image in children and adolescents where do we go from here? Body image 1(1) 15-28.Stice, E. (2002). Risk and support factors for eating pathology a meta-analytic review. Psychological bulletin 128(5) 825.Sukariyah, M. B. and R. A. Sidani (2014). Prevalence of and Gender Differences in Weight, Body, and Eating Related Perceptions among Lebanese High School Students Implications for School Counseling. Procedia-Social an d Behavioral Sciences 159 184-191.Truby, H. and S. J. Paxton (2002). ripening of the childrens body image scale. British Journal of Clinical Psychology 41(2) 185-203.Wardle, J., C. A. Guthrie, et al. (2001). Development of the childrens eating behaviour questionnaire. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 42(07) 963-970.Wiedemann, A. A. and K. K. Saules (2013). The relationship between emotional eating and weight problem perception is not a function of body mass index or depression. Eating behaviors 14(4) 525-528.1

ICT Developments In The Construction Industry

ICT Developments In The Construction IndustryThe procedure of ICT has over the age in different shipway influenced and to a certain spirit level also changed roles and processes at bottom the mental synthesis visualize. A better understanding and overview of how ICT affect on the complex mechanisms in formulation perseverance within the early stages of the excogitatening process can be seen as central to achieve project success in this chapter. This chapter go out touch on the oecumenic ICT instruction and application in manifestation fabrication whether in Malaysia or foreign countries such as United demesne, Australia, etc. but more focus on QS, architectural and applied science firms. Current bundle developments in construction industry which separate into three main types formulate softw atomic number 18, QS software and oversight software will be briefly described and discussed in this chapter too.Besides, this chapter will present a frame tempt for explo ring the positive or negative impacts of ICT developments in Architecture, engineering science and Construction (hereinafter referred to as AEC) sector of construction industry. Few report analyses will be provided to briefly explain the impacts of ICT developments in practice. The strategies related to ICT implementation such as self-motivation, training, etc. will be discussed in the following section. After that, the final section presents a summary to this chapter of this research.2.2 ICT Developments in Construction IndustryThe developments of ICT such as internet, email, e-tendering, software etc. in the AEC sector comport evolved over several years. Emerging ICT introduces opportunities for amend communion to enhance in force(p)ness of umpteen construction processes at each project phase as well as creating new headache opportunities (Peansupap and Walker, 2005). The average annual growth rate of ICT investment in the construction industry is increasing every year and constitutes now a significant part of the total project cost.According to Woksepp and Olofsson (2007), some studies indicate that the ICT utilization proportionality is still relatively low in the construction industry. In Malaysia, Public Works Department director which is Datuk Seri Prof Judin Abdul Karim hastened the construction companies to adopt ICT to enhance their potential during the two-day Infrastructure Construction Asias Building Information Modelling Sustaincapable Architecture 2009 conference in August 2009. He said that the awareness of using ICT was on that point but the cost of investment prohibited companies from adopting the engineering science and upgrading the system especially for the small companies. He also emphasized on the importance to give an unified software system as a lot of professionals such as architects and engineers within the same companies were using different kinds of software. Standardisation is important in obtaining effective workfl ow for the project development and implementation (The Star, 20 August 2009).In parallel with the developments in academia and the software industry, organisations in the AEC industry sop up adopt new technologies in support of their business and the implementation of ICT is becoming significantly important now. Most industrially developed countries such as United Kingdom believe the get for implementing and using new technologies for gaining competitive advantage but are reluctant to invest in these technologies. The fiscal return appears to form the instauration for IT investment related decisions. Besides, the results of previous research on measuring the ICT use and trends in Tur divulge (Sarshar and Isikdag, 2004) suggested that the Turkish AEC industry has been facing difficulties related to inefficient communication and loss of knowledge due to fragmentation in the industry. However, developments of ICT in construction industry are still lacking.2.2.1 QS FirmsAccording t o Smith (2004), the QS profession in Australia has undergo significant change over the past decade in equipment casualty of the scope of go provided both within and outside of the construction industry. These changes have occurred in the main in response to changing industry or client demands, ICT developments and emergenced aims of competition for services. As instruction flows increasingly become electronic QS computing facilities, software and entropybases will accept to develop in a compatible manner. Compatibility with and the utilization of ICT developments is just the beginning and it is inevitable that documentation and date will be increasingly automated to the point where measurement and other technical processes will require minimal human intervention. It forwarding provides the QS profession with enormous opportunity to strengthen its em bunkment in the industry. Thus, quantity surveyors are well placed to become the major(ip) information handlers on construct ion projects as the majority of information flow revolves some quantities and cost. Actually, no profession can legitimately lay claim to existence best suited to take control of information management. It is likely that current opportunities will be taken up by others if the profession adopts a wait and see approach.In Malaysia, QS practice plays an important role in any construction development projects. The milieus for QS practice have changed along with the countrys rapid economic development. Future development prospects and changes will have implications on the development of the profession. On the other hand, in that respect have been concerns in the past few years on the role and future of the QS profession. The QS Think Tank Report of RICS has storied that many clients are overcritical of traditional QS services and are demanding a different and more comprehensive range of services (Page, Pearson and Pryke, 2004). Although there is a general lack of published entrop y on the development and current scenario of the QS practice in Malaysia, anecdotal evidence suggests that the scenario in Malaysia parallels the findings by RICS. Hence, a reliable understanding of the present situation as well as the future perceptions of the QS practice is required in order to aspire to future challenges and needs (Abdullah and Haron, 2006).2.2.2 Architectural and Engineering FirmsIn accordance with the survey of Rivard (2000), ICT are an integral part of the day to day business within the more or less of the AEC industry nowadays. Almost every single employee in architectural and engineering firms do works on a desktop computer. Many business processes such as bookkeeping, invoicing and specification writing are now almost entirely computerised and the tendency is toward a greater computerisation of the remaining processes. The firms have adopted the internet and are using emails and the World-Wide Web on a daily basis.However, even though ICT has been adopted by most firms because it provides quick and efficient means of exchanging information digitally, the majority of AEC professionals still exchange objective information by means of make-up drawings and specifications ad they apply to do prior to the advent of computers. The AEC industry was a little slower in adopting ICT than other service industries that are more information intensive such as the communications industry and business services., but this is understandable since the AEC industry tends to be risk avert and prefers to adopt a technology that has been proven.2.3 Current bundle Developments in Construction IndustrySoftware development is a highly dynamic field that heavily relies on the experience of experts when it comes to learning, applying, evaluating, disseminating and improving its methods, tools and techniques (Acuna and Sanshez-Segura, eds, 2006). The use of IT to transform and upgrade the construction industry is an objective requirement for the development of construction industry. At present, software theatrical role and practical application level lags far behind developed countries. Thus, there is some great practical significance like summing up the status quo, looking for gaps, to explore a manner of development, to promote in-depth practical application for improving the project standards, and achieve industry information, industrial advancement. There are three main types of software developments which are design software, QS software and management software in construction industry to enhance effectiveness of many construction processes at each project phase as well as creating new business opportunities.2.3.1 Design SoftwareThe use of CAD-technique in somaing design has increased rapidly during the last ten years and it is the standard technique for producing building documentation nowadays. International Organization for Standardization (hereinafter referred to as ISO) has defined a draft international standard, ISO/DIS 1 3567 recently, in order to increase interoper capacity between different CAD applications for building design (Bo-Christer, Kurt and Arto, 1997). CAD has several related technologies, two of which are geographic information systems and rendering packages. A geographic information system is an integrated software application devised to capture, store, edit, analyse and display geographic information and is typically utilize in land use planning, home management, environmental engineering, natural resources planning and management. A rendering package is a software application used to create, edit and render a realistic three-D image of an architectural or engineered effort and typically includes lighting effects, camera setup and the application of materials on surfaces (Rivard, 2000). With the advent of ISO 9000, the quality management and quality authorization standard, more and more firms are adopting quality assurance in their processes to ensure that their firms can time and time again deliver the output or services that satisfy given requirements for quality.2.3.2 QS SoftwareThroughout history there have been numerous medians used to quantify construction materials. From the ruler, scale, and measuring tape to the planimeter and the digitizer, QS tools have changed with the technology of the time. There is no exception presently with the invention of fast-paced computer generated design applications and fast- subdue more efficient construction practices. In the market today, there are a plethora of computer-based QS software programs such as On-screen Take-off by on Center Software Inc, Computer-Aided Design (hereinafter referred to as CAD) Based Measurement Software (hereinafter referred to as CBMS), etc.On-screen Take-offOn-screen Take-off software has been around since 1995. It is a valuable tool in the cost estimating process. McElreath (2010) implementing this software whenever digital copies of drawings are available in the market. He also menti oned that the speed and accuracy of this software has increased nearly 50 percent because of the functions and features of this product. One of the basic advantages of On-screen Take-off is the ability to zoom in and out of the drawings. This takes the place of a magnifying glass needed for full size drawings and save the estimators eyes. It also has an integrated magnification tool that can zoom in certain sections of the drawings without zooming in on the whole document. This is especially helpful when reading key notes, but it still allows the exploiter to see the whole floor plan. However, one of the biggest advantages to using this product is that the software allows the user to verify and defend quantity takeoffs quickly and easily when performing an estimate.CBMSThe usage of CBMS would basically perform directs measurement of quantities from the object models produced by the designers for building elements to support tendering and contract administrative activities. Quantity surveyor can use CBMS to obtain certain quantities or calculations. For example, components such as windows, doors and sanitary fittings are easily intentional or taken from the library of the software and it also can be counted easily using scheduling (Ong, Lim and Aziz, 2005). Thus, quantity surveyors are able to produce work description details and quantities for such items easily. Based on the preliminary experiment which conducted by Ong, Lim and Aziz (2005), the CAD software is able to generate the quantities easily for certain elements in a building while problems are encountered in taking-off quantities for other elements. Hence, there is a need for cooperation between the designers and quantity surveyors to ensure that there is a unseamed flow of information from the designers to the quantity surveyors especially with respect to the information contains in CAD drawings.2.3.3 Project trouble SoftwareAccording to Walker (ed, 2007), construction project management is define d as the planning, coordination and control of a project from conception to completion including commissioning on behalf of a client requiring the identification of the clients objectives in terms of utility, function, quality, time and cost, and the establishment of relationships between resources, integrating, monitoring and controlling the contributors to the project and their output, and evaluating and selecting alternatives in pursuit of the clients satisfaction with the project outcome. The industry needs to be concerned with identifying and perusal the process of managing construction projects and with structuring its organisations and implementing techniques and procedures that make the project management process more effective.Project management software consists of five main functional modules which are raise program management capabilities, resource management, cost management capabilities, report propagation and output functions, and auxiliary functions which mainly r efer to the interface with other software, secondary development, data confidentiality and the like. This concept stems from the analysis of similar products abroad such as Primavera Software, Microsoft Project, etc.Primavera SoftwarePrimavera offers best-in-class solutions focused on the mission critical Project Portfolio Management requirements of key vertical industries including engineering and construction, IT and services and the like. Primavera P6 Professional Project Management which is one of the products gives todays project managers and schedulers the one thing they value most control. It is the recognised standard for superior project management software and designed to handle large-scale, highly sophisticated and multifaceted projects. It can be used to organise projects up to 100,000 activities and provides absolute resources and an unlimited number of target plans. On the other hand, Primavera P6 Professional Project Management can balance resource capacity, plan, s chedule, and control complex projects, allocate best resources and track progress, monitor and visualise project performance versus, conduct what-if-analysis and analyse alternative project plans (Oracle, 2010).Microsoft Project 2010Project 2010 offers easier and more intuitive experiences to help the client solely be more productive and realise amazing results from meeting crucial deadlines to selecting the right resources and empowering your teams (Microsoft Project 2010). Microsoft Project 2010 builds on the Microsoft Office project 2007 foundation with malleable work management solutions and the right collaboration tools for occasional and professional project managers and includes a pathway to more advanced project and portfolio management capabilities as business needs evolve. Through a dramatically enhanced user experience, it also drives team productivity with integration across familiar Microsoft technologies including Microsoft SharePoint Server and Microsoft Exchange Ser ver. This integration allows a powerful business collaboration platform, proven project and portfolio management to result in a familiar, connected environment for customers to manage the simplest or the most complex projects (Phoenix, 2009).2.4 Impacts of ICT Developments on Construction IndustryThe advent of ICT development has been both beneficial and detrimental. According to the respondents of the survey (Rivard, 2000), ICT developments have raised productivity in most business processes and particularly in general administration, design and project management. The main benefits achieved by the use of ICT is an increase in the speed of work, a better financial control, better communications, simpler and faster access to common data as well as a decrease in the number of mistakes in documentation. However, the benefits of ICT developments come at a cost since the complexity of work, the administrative needs, the proportion of new operations and the costs of doing business have a ll increased. Figure 1 attempt to utter the changes caused by the introduction of ICT in construction industry.Figure 1 Changes caused by the introduction of ICT (Rivard, 2000)Furthermore, to explore the impacts of ICT developments on the architectural design process, Moum (2006) developed a mannikin to support the exploration and analysis of the multiple and complex amounts of information collected from both theory and practice. Based on the four selected design process aspects generation of design solution, communication, evaluation of design solution, and decision making within the design process, and the three hierarchical levels macro, meso and micro, an ICT impact matrix is conducted as a tool to summarizing and good-looking overview the key points explored by Moum (2006). Table 1 summarize some of the explored and discussed ICT related benefits and challenges within generation of the four selected design process aspects.The ICT systems used within the design process, suppo rt drafting and modelling rather than special design attributes and analytical capabilities, and have not changed the task of drafting or modelling. ICT also would develop from being a tool to becoming a design partner with having a design agent to make a designer aware of inconsistency regarding building legislation such as the minimum height of a staircase handrail (Kalay, 2004). Other than that, network technologies such as email and the internet have contributed to the most radical changes within the average working day for the building process participants as they support information exchange independent of geographical and organisational borders in communication stage within design process. ICT also offer a most powerful support of evaluation. Unrecognised problems can be identified, uncertainty trim and errors avoided already at an early stage of the building project. It is easier to make a decision if every uncertainty is eliminated within the architectural design process ( Moum, 2006). Obviously, ICT developments have these far definitely brought benefits.Table 1 The ICT impact matrix summarizing the key points of the literature go over (Moum, 2006)In the same time, CIRIA (1996) reviewed the procedures used by seven major construction organisations for their internal assessment of potential investments in IT in a study of United Kingdom construction organisations. These organizations included building and civil engineering contractors, civil engineering consultants and one large joint venture construction project. CIRIA concluded that, in the construction industry, formal cost-benefit analysis is not widely used to assess possible investments in IT. Even the simplest form of analysis of costs and benefits of smaller items can cost more staff time than the item itself and advancement of IT within organisations appears to be almost cyclical, alternatively evolutionary and revolutionary with periods of consolidation and evolution following radical asses sments of IT strategy. This is a classic IT problem. For instance when Project Management software is introduced the software and hardware is a small part of the total cost-benefit equation. Staff training often costs more than the system, but the benefits of the training in general outweigh the costs (cited by Andresen, Baldwin, Betts, Carter, Hamilton, Stokes, and Thorpe, 2000).As a result of this industry-based debate of this issue, a framework of construction of construction IT benefits was colligated by academic perspectives reflecting perspectives reflecting the literature review conducted (Andresen et al. 2000). Table 2 shows a summary of the typical, process-based benefits that arise from IT investments that was colligated. Three categories typical efficiency benefits, typical effectiveness benefits and typical performance benefits.Table 2 normal IT benefits (Andresen et al. 2000)2.5 Strategies Related to ICT ImplementationThere are three aspects which are self-motivation, training and environment for workplace support to understand how to encourage and manage the process of authentic implementation of ICT diffusion within construction organisations.2.5.1 Self-motivationICT use remains dependent upon the individuals decisions whether to accept or reject the application. This is in turn affected by the degree of motivation. One motivation behind an individuals ICT application use is their characteristics such as self-confidence, enjoyment of learning and their previous foundation ICT skills. Peansupap and Walker (2005) indicated that users with high self-confidence levels are more likely to use and adopt ICT applications than users with low self-confidence. Igbaria, Iivari and Maragahh (1995) found that previous experience has a direct influence on the use and adoption of ICT. Individuals are able to use their existing ICT skills to perform the task. They found that computer experience is likely to improve a persons perceptions and belief of the usef ulness of the ICT by enhancing their beliefs in their ability to master the challenges and to boil down any fears (cited by Peansupap and Walker, 2005).2.5.2 TrainingTraining is a primary organisational ICT diffusion factor because it helps users understand how to use and adopt ICT applications effectively. Likewise, Peansupap and Walker (2005) noted that many construction case studies found that lack of training is a key barrier to adopting and using ICT applications. So it is important to assess users training requirements to reduce the knowledge gap between what they already know and what they need to know to best perform their job through undertaking a personalised user needs analysis.Due to the threat of free-market and globalise competition has been view with serious concern by the various professional bodies, they believe their members will be able to better perceive the professions activity in a wider context and addressing this threat through Continuing Professional Develo pment (hereinafter referred as CPD) programme. CPD is important for people and organisations need to continually learn and re-learn to sustain in this rapid changing business environment. Houle (1980) defines CPD as the ways in which professionals try, through their own knowledge and ability and build a sense of collective responsibility to society. Madden and Mitchell (1993) identifies CPS as the maintenance and enhancement of the knowledge, expertise and competence of professionals throughout their careers according to a plan formulated with regard to the needs of professional, the employer, the profession and society. (Adnan, Hashim, Janipha Hassan, and Ismail, 2009, p. 21)CPD is a requirement for members of most professional associations and the construction industry is no exception. Rather than relying solely on their employees, practitioners need to also take responsibility for their own professional development. ICT is a classic area for CPD due to regularity and speed of cha nge and such personal development can significantly enhance an individuals value to a firm (Smith, 2004).2.5.3 A Supportive Environment WorkplaceIt can be argued that workplace environment characteristics such as commitment, open watchword, personal fretfulness, and frustration also affect ICT implementation. The ICT diffusion process can be seen as a process of change within an organisation, so we need commitment from both users and their organisation. Individual commitment focuses on end-users who devote themselves to using ICT whereas organisational commitment focuses on top manager who support end-user to use ICT. Basic requirements of ICT adoption is the need to directly or indirectly persuade users to commit to support and allocate adequate resources for ICT technology investment (Peansupap and Walker, 2005).Open discussion helps to improve work productivity via the reporting of system difficulties. In addition, Senge et al. (1999) open discussion helps managers better under stand problems or difficulties experienced by those operating ICT applications so that strategies can be devised to address deficiencies. Frustration or anxiety might develop from a negative users response when using computers. Igbaria and Parasuraman (1989) found that computer anxiety has a negative impact on users attitude toward microcomputers, especially when it is difficult to use ICT systems o r they can only be partially used (cited by Peansupap and Walker, 2005). Therefore, adequate ICT systems might be chosen for the companies to prevent users feel frustrated when faced the problems of insufficient or restricted their use of ICT systems.2.6 SummaryThis chapter provides the general ICT developments information which focuses on QS firms and architectural engineering firms. Datuk Seri Prof Judin emphasized that the importance of ICT investment in construction industry and noted that standardisation is essential in obtaining workflow of the project development and implementati on effectively. The development of design software, QS software and project management software can facilitate the exchange and management of information and has lot potentials for the information process component of the construction industry. This research found that CAD software is widely utilized in the current construction industry through all these surveys. These recent ICT developments undoubtedly have a profound impact whether is positive or negative on how organisations operate on a daily basis.Normally, benefits will be discovered much more than problems or barriers of ICT developments in AEC sector. The ICT developments in construction industry will improve the productivity and quality of output with the lesser time such as the increased speed in architectural design process. But, this research shows that the organisation and functions of each construction fraternity will influence the impacts from ICT software developments. Lack of understanding of how to implement ICT into a construction organisation will be a significant problem too. Therefore, many construction organisations have found that the ICT investment has failed to meet their expectations. Continuing industry change and ICT developments will present the profession with many challenges, threats and opportunities. Hence, strategies of self-motivation, training provides and workplace environment may lead to efficient ICT implementation in a construction organisation.

HSBC Formerly Named The Hong Kong Banking Marketing Essay

HSBC Formerly Named The Hong Kong beveling Marketing Essay1. IntroductionHSBC formerly named the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited was established 1865. With assets of US $1,502 billion, HSBCs inter case earnings comprises over 9,500 offices in 76 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the the States, the Middle East and Africa.This paper examines HSBCs global line of business Strategy with particular emphasis on North the States and the US. Firstly, the relevant literature on International Business is reviewed and a comparison between the literature and HSBC is presented. Secondly, HSBCs business environment is looked at analysing such factors as constancy free-enterprise(a)ness. Next, HSBCs International business dodge is critic solelyy evaluated and finally, a conclusion along with recommendations is provided.2. Literature ReviewThe rapid ball-shapedization of business in the last devil decades has prompted an increasing turning of business fast(a)s to develop strategies to enter and expand into trades outside their locations (Osland et al. 2001153). Reliability on solely domestic markets is therefore a reliable source for matched advantage (Rugman Collinson, 2006). Firms must therefore develop strategies of Internationalisation in overseas markets. According to Johanson and Wiedersheim-Paul (1975306) the term international refers to the activities implemented abroad or attitude of the firm towards foreign activities. Relevant studies on the banking industry and HSBC result be examined downstairs.According to Hoskisson et al., 2000 strategies argon moderated by the characteristics of the particular context in which firms operate. In particular, institutions-the rules of the game-in the host preservation in addition shape firm strategies such as foreign market entry (Peng, 2003 Wright et al., 2005). In a broad sense, macro-level institutions affect transaction be (North, 1990). However, traditional transaction costs research (exemplified by Williamson, 1985) foc rehearses on micro-analytical aspects such as opportunism and bounded rationality. This consequently raises questions onmacro-level institutions, such as country-level legal and restrictive frameworks, influence transaction costs set out been relatively unexplored, remaining largely as background. However, a new-fashioned movement in research posits that institutions argon off the beaten track(predicate) more than ancillary elements, and that institutions directly influence what resources a firm has at its disposal as it strives to develop and launch strategy. An analysis of theory developed specifically out of changes to world(prenominal) markets shows little growth of the standard theories of market segmentation, unalikeiated pricing and appropriate distribution channels which underpinned local and domestic marketing theory. However, the literature over the preceding(a) five long time has shown a particular set of theoretical models specific to global marketing.Hollensen (2007) discusses the Uppsala International Model demonstrating a sequential copy of entry into international markets with an increasing commitment to overseas markets as the international experience of the firm grows (Johanson and Vahlne, 1977). Hollensen (2007) contrasts this with a traditional approach of what is termed as the Penrosian tradition which is establish on economy of scale and a cost-led approach working from the firms core competencies. Dunning (1998) suggests a similar Ownership-Location-internalisation (OLI) framework identifying an ownership advantage of establishing overseas production facilities, a locational advantage which builds a logistics network around the overseas production and, finally, an internalisation advantage where it must be economical for a firm to utilise the precedent two advantages rather than sell them to a foreign firm (Hollensen 2007). Similarly, the standardisation-localisa tion model focuses on specific choices related to international market entry and the identification of riskiness mitigation factors striking to international marketing. Baker, M (1993) recognises the risk mitigation inherent in internationalisation, protecting the firm from adverse fluctuations in the national economic cycle. Hollensen (2007) concurs, outlining the ownership, run and transfer risk in be attached purely to domestic markets. All of the literature is strong on identifying the risks of domestic-based marketing however there is scrimp coverage of the specific risks of internationalisation.2.1 The Strategy of International BusinessFirms operating in the global marketplace are required to balance concerns for globalisation (economic consolidation) with national reactivity (Rugman Collinson, 2006). Globalisation is defined by Rugman Collinson (2006454) as the production and distribution of products and serve of a homogenous type and quality on a world across-the-b oard basis. interior(a) responsiveness is defined by Rugman Collinson (2006) as the ability to understand different customer requirements in different countries and responding to those local demands by providing the required products and services. Globalisation strategy advocates claim that human needs are homogeneous in e truly country supporting product standardisation within world markets (Levitt 1983 cited in Schlie and Yip, 2000). well-nigh authors however argue that the globalisation strategy fails to address customer needs in national markets (Rugman Collinson, 2006). In order to analyse the distinction between integration and national responsiveness Figure 1 (Adapted from Bartlett and Ghoshal) leave behind be used.Fig. 1Source Bartlett and Ghoshal, 1989, in Rugman and Hodgetts, 2001, p.335.As amplylighted above, quadrant 1 represents gamey economic integration and low national responsiveness. This is a global strategy used by firms to achieve economies of scale (Rugman Collinson, 2006). Quadrant 4 represents high national responsiveness but low economic integration. This is a national responsiveness strategy used to customize products/services to local demand(Rugman Hodgetts, 2001). Quadrant 3 meanwhile, represents twain higheconomic integration and national responsiveness. Quadrant 3 is the most demanding of all and is also where numerous successful transnational firms operate (Rugman Collinson, 2006). Finally, quadrant 2 is where the need for national responsiveness and economic integration is low.The banking industry uses a combination of mergers, acquisitions, subsidy and Greenfield strategies. However, economic integration is counterbalanced by national responsiveness in terms of how for each one strategy is designed and implemented (Rugman Collinson, 2006) given that consumer needs may differ from region to region evinces that a product or service introduced in one part of the world is usually rejected by consumers in different pa rts of the world (Rugman Hodgetts, 2001). HSBC provides a good face in relation to the notions mentioned above. Although, HSBCs international network comprises over 9,500 offices in 76 countries, its entry into the US began as a weak and poor performer. Peek et al. (1999) put together that US subsidiaries of foreign banks generally perform poorly payable to acquisition of unsuccessful US banks in conjunction with the inability to improve performance sufficiently. pickings this into consideration, HSBC pursued a localisation strategy in different regions of the world which is similar to Barclays use of integration in tandem with national responsiveness.3. The International Business Environment of HSBCIn order to understand HSBCs International Strategy, the companys business environment is going to be examined using Porters five Forces because as Sandler(20073) points out many of the problems and opportunities bear on a single firm may be associated with broader based systemic is sues impacting an entire industry. Secondly, HSBCs business environment is going to be studied using grind analysis.3.1 Porters Five Forces TheoryPorters 5 Forces theory demonstrate the influences of the five competitive forces which are used to define the characteristics of the target market (Crum 1998, p.307).The main competitive forcers include Porters 5 Forces theory demonstrates the influences of the industry competitiveness (Rugman Collinson, 2006) (See concomitant 1).3.1.1 Level of Competition (Rivalry)Competition in the banking industry is extremely fierce and HSBC is in strong competition with another(prenominal) study banks, such as Barclays and Lloyds TSB. In an environment of strong competition, banks will find themselves involved in intense toll competition.HSBC can avoid price competition by differentiating themselves from the competition as expressed by Porter (1985). HSBC also has competition online debit, insurance and mortgage companies that invite competiti ve prices.3.1.2 Threat of SubstitutesThe bane of substitutes for HSBC is low because money cannot be replaced.However HSBC do have enormous competition from other banks and mortgage lenders and if customers are not happy with the prices and services they are receiving from their bank, they can easily move to a competitor.3.1.3 Threat of New EntrantsThe threat of new entrants is extremely high, and not only from banks. Companies such as Sainsburys and Virgin also sell fiscal products.Ind Bjerke (2007) believe that brand loyalty is an important marketing factor, and HSBC certainly has this advantage.Customers may want a personal service, so the threat of teensy-weensy bank operators whom offer an intimate experience may be favoured over a large bank, such as HSBC (McDonald 2007).HSBC have been operating for many years and therefore has a lot of k promptlyledge and customers can trust them. A new entrant would not have this advantage especially in many of the countries that HSBC ope rates such as China, where trust is imperative to the culture (Brett et al 2006).Bargaining Power of BuyersBargaining office of buyers is extremely high as customers can contrive to a rival company with lower rates and offers such as free rambling phoneinsurance. The customer has the choice of going to a wide array of high street branches and therefore has great power which can affect the market portion out of HSBC.HSBC need to ensure that they offer something more than the other competing banks, such as holiday insurance.3.1.5 Bargaining Power of SuppliersBargaining power of suppliers with regards to HSBC is twofold. Firstly HSBC rely on its customers (suppliers) to bring in its product (money), therefore the negotiate power of suppliers is very high.Secondly, the suppliers are not a threat to HSBC because it is un apparent that they will open their own bank, so the bargaining power of suppliers here is very low.Table 1. Summary of Porters Five Forces AnalysisForceIntensityLev el of CompetitionHighThreat of substitutesHighThreats of New EntrantsLowBargaining power of buyersVery HighBargaining power of suppliersHighPestle AnalysisPoliticalObtaining funding from the money markets has become more costly for HSBC as a result of uncertainty in financial markets and shortage of funds caused by the global credit crisis (BBC 2008).Because HSBC has branches all over the world, they must comply with changes in law with regards to their countries of ownership. An example of this was in 2006 when Vietnamese regulations proposed to increase the foreign ownership cap from 10 per cent. As a result of this newregulation, HSBCs FDI rose by 55 per cent (HSBC 2007).HSBC are also affected by political instability. This occurred in Siameseland in 2006 when the political crisis had a negative impact on consumption patternsand the number of people taking out loans dropped, oil prices and interest rates increased. Due to all these issues, HSBC only physical compositioned a 4% crop in the Thai economy, far less than the other Asian banks (HSBC 2006). Other wars and conflicts in HSBC operating countries will have a direct negative impact on the company.3.2.2 scotchThe credit crunch has seen many major banks tighten their lending criteria in order to reduce the number of credit write-offs. Barclays recently wrote off 1.67billion, Lloyds TSB 1.26billion and HSBC 943million (Hosking 2008).HSBCs profit in the beginning tax in 2007 was 4,081million, and the bank reported a strong start to 2008 despite the global financial crisis. In the first quarter of 2008, HSBCs profit was atomic number 82 of the equivalent period last year (HSBC 2008). Compared to other major banks, including Barclays and Lloyds TSB, HSBC is doing well in the face of the crisis.Changes in foreign exchange rates affect HSBC and new frameworks, similar to one introduced in 2007 by the International Monetary Fund causes instability for HSBC (BBC 2007).Consumer perceptions at the emergent economic downturn has people concerned astir(predicate) their spending patterns and less likely to take out loans and spend what they have.Many banks have been withdrawing mortgage offers, however HSBC are today offering competitive rates (Budworth 2008). Due to their differentiation strategy, consumers are attracted to their mortgages.SocialA report published in the Independent newspaper highlighted the fact that the number of people going to University increases each year, hence people are becoming better educated (Hilpern 2008). The range of services that HSBC offers to university students has increased over the years, however there have been recent campaigns against HSBC from school-age child Unions with regards to interest free overdrafts students receive upon leaving University (Coughlan 2007).Housing trends greatly affect HSBC and the current economic crisis has meant that major banks, including Barclays and Lloyds TSB have been urged to cut interest rates (Murchie 2008). technicalThe Internet has merged itself as a very powerful platform that has changed the way businesses operate (Pieter 2007). People now have access to their finances easily, in any location and for 24 hours.There is vast room for improvement of M-Banking (mobile banking). People are so dependent upon mobile phones and have easier access to their mobile than a computer.The GLT (Global Technology Centre) within HSBC are responsible for new technological advances and operate throughout Europe, Asia and Africa.EnvironmentalWith growing environmental pressures, HSBC has become the worlds first major bank to become carbon neutral. HSBCs commitment to change ensures that they provide environmentally responsible advice to lenders and have become involved in a variety of initiatives, including the foot of renewable energy technology, water and waste reduction programmes and employee engagement (HSBC 2007).Consumers have the option to go green with HSBC and reduce the impact on the enviro nment by saving paper and energy. Customers will receive email statements instead of paper statements, there are no cheque or paying-in books and the customer will be contacted by telephone instead of post (HSBC 2008).LegalHSBC must comply with a wide array of laws and regulations, including consumer protection. Consumer complaints have been paramount in the media lately regarding high bank charges for overdraft limits. The High Court has now ruled that bank charges are to be assessed under consumer protection law. It is now up to the Office of Fair profession (OFT) to decide thefairness of bank charges. Because of this new legislation, consumers have received millions of pounds back from these charges (Pollock 2008).HSBC has to comply with data security measures set by the Financial Services confidence after HSBC admitted to losing a disk that contained the personal details of 370,000 customers in March 2008 (Booth et al 2008).4. EVALUATION OF HSBCS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STRATEG Y4.1 HSBCs Entry into North AmericaHSBC began its growth in North America by acquiring failed and weak banks. In effect, shareholders lacking a comparative advantage relative to HSBC, with respect to owning and government given banks or branches (Lichtenberg and Siegel, 1987), sold them to HSBC. Generally, growth through acquisition is difficult to execute as it is vulnerable to problems of over-reach due to managerial hubris (Roll, 1986 Baradwaj et al., 1992 Seth et al., 2000). One cannot pay back at strong conclusions from studies of the profitability of subsidiaries. Banks transfer profit across frame ins (Demirg-Kunt Huizinga, 2001), and foreign banks may prefer to book some business from their headquarters (Peek Rosengren, 2000). One may surmise that HSBC initially chose to acquire weak banks as much out of necessity as design. For any given size, a profitable bank will cost more than an unprofitable one, so in order to achieve diversification goals, HSBC needed to acquir e large banks. Now that HSBC is one of the worlds largest banks, whether one measures by market capitalization or total assets, it has more flexibility.Banking concentration is apparent in many developed countries (Marquez Molyneux, 2002). In response, policymakers within these countries have restricted banks from unless domestic mergers and acquisitions. Some recent failed attempts in Canada are a case in point (Tickell, 2000). Growth opportunities therefore arise through cross border growth. Interestingly, each of the owners of the largest subsidiaries of foreign banks in the US is disproportionately often the largest bank in its home country (Tschoegl, 2002 2004). Strategy viability assessment is the classic area of find how a foreign firm competes against local facing lower cultural issues (Zaheer, 1995). One issue then is whether having operations in contiguous countries represents a competitive advantage. Tschoegl (1987) Dufey Yeung (1993) have argued that, where markets are well developed and competitive, there is no reason to expect foreign banks to be better than local banks at retail banking. At the same time there is evidence for the existence of a liability offoreignness vis--vis the foreign banks host-country competitors (Parkhe Miller, 2002). Of course, there is also evidence that suggests that, the liability is minimal (Nachum, 2003) or wanes over time (Zaheer Moskowitz, 1996). However, these last two studies examine the liability in the context of corporate and wholesale banking markets. The liability may be more salient in the retail markets, where national differences between the home and host market are likely to be more profound. Claessens et al. (2001), Demirg-Kunt Huizinga (1999) found that foreign banks tend to have higher margins and profits than domestic banks in developing countries, but that the opposite holds in industrial countries. Similarly, Dopico Wilcox (2002) found that foreign banks have a greater share in under-bank ed markets and a smaller presence in mature markets. This implies there must not be a high expectancy for coss-border mergers in money qualification(prenominal) banking within developed regions. One can speculate that on the production side, differences in products across markets and privacy laws appear to be limiting parents ability to consolidate processing. As far as depositors are concerned, there seems to be little value to having an account with a bank that operates in other countries, especially now that travelers can draw cash from networked ATMs. HSBC has a service for wealthy individuals-HSBC Premier-that provides cross border advantages as transfer of an individuals credit rating when they relocate, and some other services. However, these facilities are not available to ordinary accounts. The literature on trade flows is instructive here the evidence on NAFTA has shown that borders have a substantial damping effect on trade flows (McCallum, 1995). In North America, HSBC is even poorly positioned to take advantage of cross-border retail banking that is currently drawing attention remittance flows from Mexican workers in the US. Although HSBC now has a strong presence in Mexico, it has almost no offices in California or other US states with large populations of Mexican immigrants.By contrast, Bank of America, the largest bank in California and in many other US states in 2002, bought a 25 percent stake in Santander-Serfin, Santanders subsidiary, which has amalgamated Mexicos oldest and ternion largest bank. If there isreason to believe that, HSBC benefits from cross-border demand or production effects, what is left as a source of advantage? One candidate is what Kindleberger(1969) called surplus managerial resources. When a bank such as HSBC can no longer grow at home, it may find itself with a counselling team that is parttime in terms of the demands on its time. The bank may then choose togrow abroad when it can combine these surplus resources wi th what Berger et al. (2000) call a global advantage. As Nachum et al. (2001) point out, the competitiveness of firms depends on the kind of assets that firms can transfer internally from country to country, but are difficult to transfer from one firm to another, even within a country. Still, it is, extremely difficult to measure an intangible asset as subtle and hard to define as better management (Denrell, 2004), especially when, recent events have shown, stock market performance or accounting measures are of doubtful reliability.5. HSBCs International Business StrategyHSBC, a growth oriented company from earliest days decided to launch concrete strategies to attain market elapseership in all sectors operated in. Though the company was amongst the leading players in areas such as consumer finance, personal financial services, commercial and corporate banking, it also wanted to establish its presence in areas such as enthronization banking, mortgage, insurance and credit card bus iness. To strengthen its product portfolio and geographical reach, HSBC embarked on an aggressive acquisition strategy. The focus was on areas where it was either weak or did not have a presence. Simultaneously, the company launched an aggressive branding exercise to complement its growth strategy. The geographical reach of the bank could be estimated by its presence in the form of the subsidiaries and franchises. It can be said that HSBC uses the multinational strategy since it operates in a range of markets. According to Prahalad and Doz (1987), the prime consideration here is the extent of pressures for global integration and extent of pressures for local responsiveness. In addition, Schlie and Yip (2000343) argue, the key in global strategy is to find the best balance between local interlingual rendition and global standardisation. In order to achieve the benefits of globalisation, businesses need to recognise when industry conditions provide the opportunity to use global strat egy levers (Yip, 1992). Authors Morrison and Roth,Rugman Verbeke (see Schlie Yip, 2000) maintain that Regional Strategies offer such an optimal balance.In order to analyse the globalisation drivers of HSBC, the Yip Framework drivers for internationalisation was adapted from Yip, 1992. According to Campbell (2002), Yipidentified four drivers (See Appendix 2) which determines the nature and extent of globalisation in an industry.Table 2. Globalisation drivers of HSBCMarket Globalisation DriversGlobal customersGlobal distribution channelsPresence in lead countriesCommon customer needsCost Globalisation DriversGlobal scale economiesDifference in exchange ratesHigh product development costsRapid change in TechnologyGovernment Globalisation DriversCommon marketing regulationsGovernment owned customers (Subsidies)Host government concerns (Policies)Competitive Globalisation DriversCompetitors globalisedCompetitors from different continents6. Strategies and Performances of Principal compet itors6.1 Branding and variegationBrand development creates an identity for businesses which creates a competitive edge depending on its effectiveness (Montoya, 2002). The groups chairman stated commitment to making HSBC one of the worlds leading brands for customer experience (HSBC, 2007). In 1998, the Group adopted the HSBC brand and the hexagon symbol as a unified brand in all the markets where it operated which emphasized its global reach. HSBC adopted taglines such as Your world of financialservices in 1999 to enable customer awareness on the range of financial services available for each customer. HSBC ensures that its understanding of varied marketsand cultures are integrated into its brand through the tagline The worlds local bank developed in 2002. Similarly its competitors, Barclays uses a branding strategy which promises to deliver value through financial expertise the fluent in finance strapline (Brand republic, 2004) and Lloyds TSB on the other hand, develops a global s trategy through the development of a strong brand image by reducing local customization and selectively satisfying common customer demands across markets (Osono et al., 200828).Diversification Strategy is the launching of new, retail-focused services, Link with enabling competitive advantage (Hitt, et. al., 2006), Although HSBCs core brand is strong, customer recognition may have saturated, therefore integrating both fresh brands into subsidiaries in tandem enables its growth through Merger and acquisitions providing a competitive advantage, enabling HSBC to play a central role in two of Europes biggest-ever merger and acquisition deals i.e. Mittal Steels hostile bid for Frances Arcelor and German utility company Eons offering for Spanish rival Endesa (Digital look.com 2009).6.2 Technology use and strategyThrough advances in technology, HSBC presents customers with a broad spectrum of financial services including personal financial services and investment banking, amongst others, to create competitive advantage through strategic alignment (competitive potential) (Venkatraman et. al., 1993). Similarly, Barclays and Lloyds TSB use strategic alignment (Service level) to ensure the effective use of IT resources and be responsive to the growing and fast-changing demands of the end-user population (Cio.co.uk, 2010).6.3 Performance EvaluationIt is argued that positive relationships between marketing spend, market share and marketing activities have an incremental impact on market share however this does not apply to the big four banks (Digital look.com, 2009). The graph below demonstrates decline of share prices for RBS and Lloyds in the last two years. Bothbanks have lost between 75% and 85% of its values in comparison to the past 2 years.Fig2 Market Shares Trends of the Top Major BanksIn summary, the results demonstrate varied results for UK banks in 2009. HSBC for example, report significant improvements whereas others such as Barclays and Lloyds TSB demonstrate d ecline due to the impact of the global financial crisis.In addition, according to Digital look.com (2009), HSBCs success attaining the top of investors is as a result of the followingLargest bank in the UK with a well-capitalised balance sheet.Solid defensive stock with a stable and resilient earnings track record.Well-placed to benefit from the continued economic growth in emerging markets.Currently trading on attractive valuations with a forward P/E of 11.6 times and a dividend yield of 3.4%.HSBC demonstrates a lack of focus and development with regards to investment banking which has prevented HSBC becoming a major player in investment banking.Focus and development is essential for performance improvement due to continuous sub-prime mortgage fallout and credit tightness influences on the retail banking sector (Digital look.com, 2009). The last three years demonstrate the emergence of HSBC as an investment banking brand.7. CONCLUSIONThe findings indicate that HSBC dominates the ba nking industry with record profits, however the bank has reported increasing debts and this will not be helped by the current credit crisis in the US and the UK. As consumers become increasingly aware of the rising cost of living they are likely to shop around for the best interest rates and they are likely to find this on the internet with online mortgage and debt companies. Although the introduction of online banking has proved popular among HSBC customers, the company should ensure that extra security measures are in place that will guarantee maximum security of consumer data.As HSBC is a multinational company and therefore people trust the brand and confidence that their finances are being well maintained, there are development opportunities for the future in destinations, such as Afghanistan and Brazil.8. RECOMMENDATIONSIn order to rectify the shortcomings in its international strategy, the author of this report recommends that consideration be given to the followingHSBC should seek to identify optimal investment packages and strategiesHSBC should expand its products and services to suit the various markets and the times.HSBC should focus on ride growth of brands and improving performance by ensuring that their strategies create value and growth.HSBC can stay ahead in competition by offering better services for its customers such as exceptional customer service, environmentally friendly policies including the HSBC Communities Policy which aids developing countries.BIBLIOGRAPHYAmel, D., Barnes, C., Panetta, F., Salleo, C. (2004). Consolidation and efficiency in the financial sector A review of the international evidence, ledger of Banking and Finance, Vol. 28, No. 10, pp. 2493-2519.Anand J, Delios A. 2002. Absolute and relative resources as determinants of international acquisitions. Strategic Management Journal 23(2) 119-134.Barney JB. 1991. Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management 17 99-120Baradwaj, B.G., Dubofsky, D., Fraser, D.R. (1992). Bidder Returns in Interstate and Intrastate Bank Acquisitions, Journal of Financial Services Research, Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 261-73Berger, A., DeYoung, R., Genay, H.Udell, G. (2000). Globalization of financial institutions Evidence from cross-border banking performance, Brookings-Wharton Papers on Financial Service, Vol. 3Brand Republic, 2004. ONLINE. Available at http//www.brandrepublic.com/news/214994/sutherland-plays-wise-man-cynic-oldman-barclays/ Accessed 4 April 2010.Buckley PJ, Casson MC. 1976. The Future of the Multinational Enterprise. Macmillan London, UK.Buckley PJ, Casson MC. 1998. Analyzing foreign market entry strategies extending the internalization approach. Journal of International Business Studies 29 539-562Campbell, D., Stonehouse, G., Houston, B. 2002. Business strategy an introductionCIO.CO.UK, 2010. HSBC CIO 100. The UKs largest users of IT. ONLINE. Available at http//www.cio.co.uk/cio100/hsbc/4141/ Accessed 4 April 2010.Demirg-Kunt, A.,Huizi nga, H. (1999). Determinants of Commercial Bank Interest Margins and Profitability Some International Evide

The Message in the Music Essay -- Song Analysis Essays Compare Contras

The Message in the MusicMusic means many different things to many different people. To a listener, a song is sometimes for four simple minutes of entertainment, but sometimes it is much more. Sometimes, a song is a message from the artist. This is much the same way from the opposite lay off of the spectrum. An artists message can get so complex that it is completely lost on the listener.This essay is slightly song analysis. I will be analyzing 2 songs performed by the same artist but performed with two different bands. Although performed by different groups, the medical specialty is similar and so is the message. The two bands being examined are motherfucker and A Perfect Circle. These are both considered rock bands and work within the same industrial vein. The bands major theme is that of religion. Unlike the popular religious music praising the Lords name on high, this music takes a drastic U-turn in the road to divinity by speaking of Jesus Christ the Savior in a grim and un caring tone. Lead singer Maynard James Keenan is an atheist. Although I feel these are excellent songs, I do not support the views taken, or supposedly taken, by the band.In the song Eulogy, the artist criticizes the Lord throughout the entire song as well as taking a sarcastic attitude when shedding a good light on Him. In the beginning of the song, the band sings, He had a hook to say. He had a lot of nothing to say. Well miss him. Were gonna miss him. The group is claiming that He might fool had a lot to say, but it re anyy amounted to nothing, maybe because they felt he didnt really mean anything he said. When saying that they are going to miss him, it seems like they have set themselves in a time when Jesus was about to be crucified and is saying they will miss... ... show how he no longer declares this savior his make. The song ends with the chorus which pretty much says the same thing, except when making reference to the spear, he uses the word spiteful, not hateful. Spit eful works much better in place of hateful. It make the listener realize that after all the things Jesus put them through that they are finally getting back at him, or spiting him.Both of these are excellent songs, simply for the fact that they have good melodies, strong choruses and insightful lyrics that make the listener speculate. For these facts, I will continue to listen to and enjoy these songs. Despite that, through analyzing the lyrics, Ive found messages that contradict my own personal beliefs. It goes to show that music can have a deeper and much different impact on peoples lives if they just take an extra minute to think about what they are hearing.