IT for Investor Relation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

IT for Investor Relation - Assignment Example Evidently, one of the benefits of advertisement to Gap Inc is the creation of brand awareness and exposure by capturing the minds of the target audience. Consequently, it creates familiarity with the target audience and inculcates a sense of consumer trust. Improvement in product sales is another benefit from advertising that Gap stands to achieve. In this regard, the business will make profits through a reduction in unit cost per product. The achievement of competitive edge is a further advantage that Gap Inc will achieve over its competitors through forefront awareness and being ahead of its competition. The type of advertisement for consideration by Gap Inc. is one that is simple, informative and straight to the point without overloaded visuals and statements that distort the consumer. In this regard, the key costs to be considered in terms of advertising include research and design team costs, printing costs for designed posters, cost of graphic designs for the visuals displayed in the website or over the posters and flyers. The importance of annual reports is that it is a tool applied by investors in the evaluation of the current physical, financial standing, objectives and report on any new developments of a company in general. Moreover, the annual reports serve as mode of written and formal communication. In light of Gap Inc.’s vision of continuous international growth and geographic footprint, annual reports are necessary requirement. In this regard, there are two technology requirements for the effectiveness of the annual reports. Foremost, are the visual templates or format to be adapted in generation of the annual reports. Second, is the select choice of database such as Excel to be used in production of the financial statements. The benefits and advantages that Gap Inc stands to gain in using the annual reports includes informing its customers and the public on

Individual Power Plan Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Individual Power Plan - Term Paper Example By definition, personal or individual sense of power denotes the capacity of an individual to persuade or manipulate others (Lusssier and Kimball, 2013). My current sense of power within my organisation is patented by the constructive associations or relationships I have formed with other nurses, as well as other individuals involved in the provision of care. This I have achieved through an all-inclusive form of leadership that enhances motivation within the workplace. As a result of these relationships, nurses respect my decisions and approach me for directions and advice in relation to provision of care to patients and the community in general. In doing so, I have been able to influence their behaviours, manipulate their activities, and have also been able to persuade them to support my decisions. There are numerous factors that motivate people to increase or enhance their power base. A good example is the fact that employees prefer to work for powerful leaders. The notion that power is imperative in influencing and persuading others is motivation enough to strive to increase individual power base (Paynton, 2008). Subsequently, there are many ways that a leader in the nursing profession can enhance his or her individual power. According to Lusssier and Kimball (2013), "Power is gained only with time, experience, success, and the increasing respect of your colleagues" (p. 246). To enhance my power base as a nurse and leader therefore, it would be imperative to enhance individual competency through building superior relationships with co-workers, and improve on people skills. One of the important strategies for achieving this plan is networking. Pfeffer (2010) posits that linking and forming connections with other influential individuals in the nursing profession is of significance in order to ensure support is attained when necessary. Secondly, rewarding individual nurses who perform well in their duties and

Examine Radical Social Work Theory Social Work Essay

Examine Radical Social Work Theory Social Work Essay First of all, social work theory is defined as an explanatory framework, the accumulation of knowledge, ideas, skills and beliefs social workers draw upon to help to make sense of what social work is and how to do it. (Oko, 2008: pp.6) In other words, theory in social work helps to organise and structure the world we live in and help us to make sense. Particularly this is important when dealing with service users. Vulnerable people are those in need and under stress who often lost control under their lives. Therefore, it is critical to assist them in explaining reality to make sense of what is going on and why. Not being able to understand reality is stressful for both service user and practitioner. (Howe: 2009). Beckett (2006: pp.33) defines social work theory as a set of ideas or principles to guide practice. The definition stresses the importance of how theory informs practice leading to assessment and intervention. This is supported by Teater (2010: pp.1) who hold the view that t heories help to predict, explain and assess situations and behaviours and provide a rationale for how social workers should react and intervene with clients who have particular histories, problems or goals. It is worth pointing out that theory to be right has to explain the situation and provides us to solution. However, different types of theory can be used differently in the wide spectrum of intervention. Alternative theories can lead to a different process of understanding, assessing and intervention. It is essential therefore to analyse and adapt theory all the time. (Teater: 2010) Howe (2011) similarly refers to theory as a guide that influence practice in five key area such as observation, description, explanation, prediction and intervention. According to Howe (2011), social workers must answer a serious of question to understand complexity of the situation and to see pattern. Firstly, social workers have to define problems and identify needs of the service users. Secondly, m ake sense of what is going on by analysing and assessing situation. Thirdly, set out goals, and make action plan. Fourthly, assess available resources, skills and methods that will be utilised in social work process. Finally, review and evaluated the whole process. The origins of social work theory can be traced back to the early nineteenth century and are strongly embedded within the Industrial Revolution and development of social sciences. (Howe: 2009) The age of Enlightenment was very tough and disruptive period follow by the Scientific Revolution and rapid industrialisation. Migration of people, high degree of destitution, crime and poverty forced to change. Significant attempts were made to utilise developing social sciences such as psychology, sociology and economy to improve social and political conditions of society. (Howe: 2009) The work of Wilson et al. (2008) emphasises the importance of formation the Charity Organisation Society (COS) in the 1869 as the date from which social work as a recognise practice began. It has been suggested that social work originated by the COS resulted in creation a social work theory as a response to social disadvantage and unrest. (Wilson et al. 2008: pp.50) The above explanation the origins of social work theory lead to justification why social work theory is contested. Social work theory has explored all types of knowledge and experience in its attempt to understand relations within society and help people. The work of Maclean and Harrison suggested that no single theory can explain everything. An eclectic approach is usually required. (2011: p.15) The statement means there is no dominant theory in social work practice. People their relationships and interactions are complex, consequently social work theories must derive from different sources discipline to explain human behaviour, position in society, relationships within psychological, social, economical and political context. This agrees with the view of Payne (2005: 44) who refers to borrow knowledge in social work practice. Oko (2008: p.7) draws attention to social constructionism and fluidity as a view of social work where everything can changed depends on context, time, legislat ion, policies and different expectations about peoples behaviour. Social work theory is contested because embrace a variety of different practice setting, with different groups of service users as well as working pattern and constantly changing context of policies and directives. When discussing types of social work theory, it is important to recognise that those can be seen at three different levels; theories of what social work is about, how to do social work and theories of service user world. (Payne: 2005, p.6) The first statement apply to grand theories, these are orthodox theories that seek to explain society as a whole. It is important to mention that there are three main sources of social work theory such as psychology, sociology and systemic. (Howe: 2011) However, social work theory also derive from other discipline such as philosophy, law, medicine, social policy etc. (Howe: 2009) An example of grand theories are psychoanalytic theory, behaviourism, systems theory, humanis m, Marxism and Feminism. (Wilson et al. 2008) The other group are mid-range, theories that Wilson et al. (2008: p.107) called practice theories these indicate the methods of intervention and are the result of the contribution of grand theoretical perspective with practice experience. The last but not least, are informal theories, use to explain individual cases or behaviour. Informal theory is the practitioners own ideas about a situation based on personal and professional experiences. Wilson et al. (2008) refers to practice wisdom, self-awareness, intuition, not knowing and personal experience as issues related to informal knowledge. Whereas, Beckett (2006: p.185) discusses informal theory as common sense. This section of the essay will examine radical social work theory and empowerment paying special attention to the factors such as professional and political contributors. By the 1960s, more attention was beginning to be paid to the social consequences of capitalism. Capitalism started to be seen as the economic order of an unequal and unfair society shaped by psychodynamic theory especially casework. (Howe: 2009) First strong critical view of the social and personal effect of capitalism and the economic structures became known as Marxism or radical social work. The origins of radical social work date back to 1970s to the Case Con manifesto. (Wilson et al. 2008) People like Karl Marx, Beatrice Webb or Octavia Hill radically questioned existing structures that caused poverty and deprivation. (Howe: 2009). Radicals expressed necessity to work with people within a wide socio-political context and not in isolation. (Wilson: 2008) Ideology of Marxism has had immense impact on social work t heory as a result created collectivism, empowerment, anti-oppressive and critical theory. These lead to development of practice method with service user such as, anti-oppressive practice, advocacy, welfare rights, service user involvement, radical casework and community development. (Wilson: 2008: p. 107) It is clear that on the grounds of radical theory grew up the idea of empowerment. The concept was developed based on the critique that services provided often contributing to service user sense of powerlessness and lack of choice. Empowerment is about the service users having choice and control over own life. It promotes a way of working with service users based on equality and partnership. There is no doubt that social work is deeply rooted and shaped by socio-political context. (Wilson et al. 2008) Horner (2009: p.3) rightly points out that good practice is not a truth, but is a function of political, moral and economic trends and fashion. Currently, it has been suggested that the space for practicing in an ethical and empowering manner have been progressively limited by the managerial, budget-driven polices of the last few years. (Ferguson Woodward, 2011: p.15) Social workers still work with service users but normally in the conditions that do not depend on them. The constraints often lead to excessive caseload, lack of resources as well as lack of support, supervision and unfilled vacancies. Professional work setting can limited creative use of theories by imposing favourite well know theories, as a consequence of managerial and bureaucratic agenda. Managerialism and bureaucratisation seems to be a potential danger for contemporary social work theory and critical r eflection. Meeting deadlines, filling in forms, standardised and integrated assessment framework are crucial nowadays. It looks like humanity has been lost in paperwork and one size fits all approach. In addition, issues are trivialized by media and political hostile approach to social work. (Ferguson Woodward: 2011) This can be clearly seen when a tragedy happens such as the death of the child in care then the response is often a blaming one bloody social worker instead of wider social and political context. (Thompson: 2009) An illustration of this can be a case of Victoria Climbià © and the social worker who was working on this case Lisa Arthurworrey. (The guardian: 2007) When discussing political influences it is important to recognise that the publication of the Kilbrandon and Seebohm Reports are a matter of the relationship between social work and politics. It is clear that these documents and the follow legislation lodged social work firmly within the state sector with the voluntary sector as supplementary. (Ferguson Woodward, 2011: p.57) Since then social work has been driven to a different degree by politics, professionals, central government and administration. The subsequent evidence of political influences can be observed in a case of Clement Attlee and Jacqui Smith, politicians who have affected contemporary social work. Clement Attlee former Labour Prime Minister has seen social workers as activists. In his understanding social workers should ..work in non-oppressive waychallenge polices and structural inequalities.. (Ferguson Woodward, 2011: p.15) The statement shows political influences of radical tradition such as to be critically refl ective, willing to change the system not the service users. It also identifies the empowerment theory and anti-discriminatory practice in working with service user. In contrast to this, Jacqui Smith, the former Minister for Health argued that social work is a very practical job.. not about being able to give a fluent and theoretical explanation of reasons and causes of problems. (Horner, 2009: p.3) Smith claimed that new social work degree courses had to focus on practical training. The above is an excellent example of political influences social work has to deal with. Surely, Jacqui Smith was right practical abilities are critical in social work practice but on the other hand, she has decreased the value of theoretical issues that are equally important. Only through explanation of service users world a social worker empower the individual, make sense of his/her reality, by understanding the situation service user can take control over own life. The next important point when discuss ing political influences are devolved administrations that shape the politics of social services (Drakeford: 2011) The actions of central government shape the terms and the capacity of social work services but the delivery of those provisions lies within local authorities. This is seen as another example of relationship between social work services and wider political and organisational context. This part of the essay attempts to show the prospects of discrimination and empowerment in social work. It is worth pointing out that in the new global economy, neo-liberalism has become a central issue for radical social work practice. In the UK, neo-liberal policies have resulted in creating an unequal society where the rich grow richer and the poor grow poorer. (Ferguson Woodward 2011) Neo-liberal approaches such as consumerism and marketism, undermine social work values and relationships with service users as well as limit possibilities for critical and creative practice. An example of this are the differences and dilemmas in terminology between patients, clients, service users and users of service that reflect on the way practitioners think and relate to people. A strong critique is presented by Ferguson and Woodward (2011) who blamed the management of social work for being too willing to decrease values base and increase managerial agenda. The authors also argue that nowadays too many social workers present authoritarian role in relation to service users treating them like objects rather than subjects. In relation to discrimination, radical social work theory direct social workers to work as agents of social control by helping people to understand their situation and unfairness as well as why and how it was created. In other words, social workers are raising peoples political and social awareness; consequently, people are able to recover power and control over their lives. Discrimination in social work, from radical point of view can be viewed through social policy, identification of service user needs, allocation and accessibility of resources. Therefore, it is important to recognise respect of rights, responsibilities and opportunities as main issues of anti discriminatory practice. Social workers can be discriminative because they have a power and control over peoples lives. That is why, they have to exercise them with awareness, thought and sensitivi ty. (Howe, 2009: p. 146) The concept is supported by Backett (2006: p.186) who suggests that common sense which is often used by practitioners in theories, tends to incorporate the prejudices and assumptions of a particular time and can be insufficiently used especially by social workers with little personal experience. Practitioners bring into social work practice and theory their own beliefs, values, histories, culture experiences and biases. Judged by these criteria, it is clear, that social workers must be critical and self-reflective. It seems to be a matter to understand that we do not live in equal society. Oppression is deeply rooted in the process of our socialisation. If social workers want to work in anti-discriminatory way they need to develop confidence and skills in exploring the way oppression operates in society. This is supported by Thompson (2009) who argues that empowerment in social work is something more than process of gaining control over service users life bu t is about taking account of discrimination and oppression at the first place. Social work theory can assist practitioners by guiding and explaining the models of oppression. This is necessary in order to support service users to understand and tackle the oppression they may face. An example of this is PCS model presented by Thompson. (2009: pp. 144) The model has been designed to express how our personal prejudices are strongly embedded within cultural influences and structural power. The PCS model operates at three levels such as personal, cultural and structural. Personal refers to individual oppression thoughts and attitudes as well as psychological factors. This can also refers to prejudice and personal views of social workers. Cultural explores the way that groups, based on commonly agreed values, define what is normal. Empowerment in this case will include challenging stereotypes. Structural level refers to oppression within wider socio political climate and social power and refers to the way differences are viewed by society such as class, race, gander etc (Maclean and Harrison: 2011) It is worth pointing out that to treat everyone the same is not to treat everyone equally. Dominelli (1997, pp. 31) draws attention to colour blind approach based on false premise that everyone is the same. The potential discrimination when using theories can be recommended theories on the grounds of their effectiveness with similar case. Social workers when using theories must take into consideration that everyone is different, has different experiences, needs, problems. They have to be reflective and work against one size fits all approach. It is important not only to assess needs but also to consider differences. The intervention in peoples lives without taking account of key issues such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation can do more harm than good. (Thomson, 2011: p106) Form this perspective social work is a part of emancipatory project pr omoting social equality and social justice among people who are marginalised or disadvantages. Croft and Beresford (2005) noted that empowerment has potential to be both regulatory and liberatory, it brings about social change based on collective obligation to the individual. Therefore, empowerment is often used as part of discourse of individual rights and responsibilities. (Oko: 2008) It is more than enabling is helping service users to become better equipped to deal with the problems and challenges they face. (Thomson: 2009) It is worth noting that empowerment is not about transferring power from social worker to service user this can be very disempowering as well can cause addiction to social work services. Another potential danger in utilising empowerment theory is seeing service users as weak and vulnerable rather than experts who require support to address the needs and achieve goals. (Maclean Harrison: 2011) Wilson et al. (2008: p. 81) argues that people are own agents with not only rights but also the capacity to make choice and decision. Empowerment theory in contemporary practice can be seen by not only having a voice but also having an advocate; informing about services available in relation to needs, supporting in developing skills such as parental skills, information technology etc. The aim of empowerment is to increase self-esteem of service users, currently this is carried out by putting in place self-directed support and personalisation programmes. The last section of this essay assesses how perception of theory can support to be a more effective practitioner. As presented earlier theories outline explanatory framework for helping to make sense of the situation as well as shape our thinking (Oko: 2008) In other words, theories represent organised ideas and beliefs that guide social workers thinking and practice. Doel (2012: p135) compare theory and practice to a cup of oil and a cup of vinegar which shaked mix for a while and separate out. Theory is necessary, in order to gain control over the situation. It not only explains the situation, from a different perspective but provide guidance about what to do with these explanations. (Doel: 2012) Theory to be useful has to be constantly verified and updated. The relationship between theory and practice can be build upon IBL so issue based approach to learn (Oko: p. 99). The approach inspires social workers to think about what has been learned and how this new knowledge, experience or skill can be assimilated and utilised in practice. There is no doubt that values base, skills and knowledge facilitate personal and professional development. This is a key of being a critically reflective practitioner. A good understanding of the different theories can guide practice and create effective and successful intervention. Theory makes sense of the situation and creates ideas about why things are as they are. It not only shows the direction of intervention but also explain service users behaviour and actions. Theory can indicate why an action has resulted in a specific behaviour, it also helps to see patterns. Consequently, social workers may get to know the issues affecting service user lives. Another argument for using theories is that its assist social workers to be more confident and better prepare to critique of their point of view. It is vital to be able to justify the decisions made in social work practice. Using theories give social workers a backup to justify a ctions and explain working practice to service users, managers, other professionals or themselves. This justification of actions on the grounds of theories leads to greater accountability. An example of this can be assessments or reports both are professional papers that look for evidence and not unjustified judgements based on common sense. When working with service user, empowerment theory can be utilised by building positive self-esteem and focus on strength and potential of service users rather than problems and difficulties. It is essential to attempt to work in partnership and collaboration with service users. Radical social theory in practice can be seen as attempt to change system to fit to service user rather than change service user to fit the system. It is important to acknowledge that even if theory seems to match to a service user, it does not always mean that this is the right understanding of service users life. Even if theory appears to work, social workers still nee d to stay open minded and continue the process of being critically reflective. Social work practice is part of a process of evidence making where issues have to be constantly verified and checked out in the light of new circumstances or information. As mentioned before no single theory can explain everything. (Maclean Harrison: p 15) Different approaches in social work practice are needed to suit different circumstances. As a qualified social worker, having in a depth knowledge of theories will assist me to be a reflective and critical practitioner, open to a greater degree to the needs of service users. Deeply and accurately consider all facts and issues and not taking anything at face value. Instead, one must remember to always probe beneath the surface in looking for a right answer.

Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment Essay -- essays research papers

In Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov concocts a theory: All men are divided into ‘ordinary’ and ‘extraordinary’. The extraordinary man should have the right to eliminate a few people in order to make his idea known to all humanity; however, the ordinary man has no right to transgress the law. Because he believes this theory is an idea that must be known to all humanity, he considers himself extraordinary; however, there is a legion of events that prove that Raskolnikov is not extraordinary.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One can be sure that Raskolnikov believes himself to be extraordinary when Porfiry says, “...surely you couldn’t have helped...fancying yourself...an ‘extraordinary’ man, uttering a new word in your sense.... That’s so, isn’t it?'; to which Raskolnikov replies, “Quite possibly'; (247). Raskolnikov was strongly prompted to murder Alyona when he recalled a conversation that took place between two ordinary men in a bar. One declared: I could kill that damned old woman and make off with her money without the faintest conscious-prick.... For one life, thousands would be saved from corruption and decay.... Besides, what value has the life of that sickly, stupid, ill-natured old woman in the balance of existence? (63) Raskolnikov reasoned that it would be honorable to kill Alyona since it would supposedly benefit humanity, but the fact that “...

Had Rock Case Study

Case Study: Hard Rock Cafe 1. Describe three different forecasting applications at Hard Rock. Name three other areas in which you think Hard Rock could use forecasting models. The first forecasting application that Hard Rock uses is the point-of-sale system (POS), they can analyze sales data, maintain a sales history, and improve their pricing of products. The second application Hard Rock uses is the 3-year weighted moving average to help evaluate managers and to set their bonuses. And the third application Hard Rock uses is multiple regression to help figure out how to set up the menu.Managers can compute the impact on demand of other menu items if the price of one item is changed. Three other areas Hard Rock could use forecasting models is seasonal forecasting for the menu, customer satisfaction with/without entertainment, and new menu items and its impact. 2. What is the role of the POS system in forecasting at Hard Rock? The POS System counts every person who walks through the do or. The system gathers information from what the customers’ buy or even if they just walk in. From this transaction, they then compile statistics on the average consumer.The statistics combined with data on weather, conventions and food/beverage costs affect the finalized forecasts. Since most of Hard Rock’s information is all gathered into one POS system, it becomes their core of all their strategies and basics for forecasting. 3. Justify the use of the weighting system used for evaluating managers for annual bonuses. Using the weighting system, Hard Rock can more accurately predict sales and the bonuses act as an incentive for managers to exceed previous years sales.The three-year model helps to ensure that managers will strive to make sure the company does well in the long-term to maximize future earnings. 4. Name several variables besides those mentioned in the case that could be used as good predictors of daily sales in each cafe. Some variables that can help as g ood predictors of daily sales would be the age demographic that comes to the stores and the times the come, vacations and holiday times, and when competitors have sales or offers. . At Hard Rock’s Moscow restaurant, the manager is trying to evaluate how a new advertising campaign affects guest counts. Using data for the past 10 months (see table) develop a least squares regression relationship and then forecast the expected guest count when advertising is $65,000. Data: MONTH| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10| Guest count (in thousands)| 21| 24| 27| 32| 29| 37| 43| 43| 54| 66| Advertising (in $ thousands)| 14| 17| 25| 25| 35| 35| 45| 50| 60| 60| Advertising (in $ thousands)| Guest Count (in thousands)| x^2| xy| | | 14| 21| 196| 294| | | 17| 24| 289| 408| | | 25| 27| 625| 675| | | 25| 32| 625| 800| | | 35| 29| 1225| 1015| | | 35| 37| 1225| 1295| | | 45| 43| 2025| 1935| | | 50| 43| 2500| 2150| | | 60| 54| 3600| 3240| | | 60| 66| 3600| 3960| | Sum| 366| 376| 15910| 15772| | | | | | | | | | | y=a+bx| | | x| 36. 6| | investment| 65000| | y| 37. 6| | # of Guests| 60307| | b| 0. 800| | | | | a| 8. 34| | | | | | | | | | |

It’s easy to become a football hooligan!

With reference to football hooliganism in Britain and the latest theories and research, state your views to agree or disagree with the statement? Who are hooligans and why do they do it? Discuss the latest theories. Football hooligans are noisy, violent people who want to make trouble. Evidence suggests that most of these hooligans are in their late teens or early 20's. And also that they come from mainly working class backgrounds. It is also suggested that generally hooligans are from low-income occupations- some are unemployed or are working in a poor economy. Hooliganism is actually non-violent. Hooliganism involves verbally abusing rival fans, threatening them with attack and most of the time they aim to have a laugh. Although seem of them do seem more interested in fighting rival groups who are, like themselves, looking for trouble. What is the motivation of the hooligans? There are many theories for this. The main reason is said to be the risk and excitement involved in hooliganism drives people (esp. them who are in their late teens or early 20's). For example, the British sociologist Paul Willis (sociologist analytical theory) talks about the tension involved in the fight situations and the risk in these attractive situations is what makes them do it. The sociological approach also states that male hooligans are formed because young men are expected to be able to look after themselves. Fights can be prepared for and enjoyed, not only because of the risk in it but also because of how these fights make the hooligans feel cool and masculine (i.e. manly). Young men like these defend their own, their gang's, and their town's reputation against similar rivals who are aimed at playing against their hosts. Most of this engagement is about insulting and verbally abusing opposing fans, but core hooligans also enjoy a f ight when they can get one. Not only this, but the rewards involved in such activities like the loyalty and the entertainment you get from hooligan involvement is very valuable for these young men whose opportunities for status and excitement from other ways are very limited. Heavy drinking, for example, is often considered having a good day out. Hence hooligans do this to get status and loyalty in the society also. The sociological approach also states that hooligans behave in this manner to act cool and to show-off (i.e. get attention). For example hooligans come wearing very fashionable casuals and try to compete with their hooligan rivals on the means of stylish and expensive clothing. The socialist approach also tells us to read the act of hooliganism as a form of resistance to the intrusion of more middle class sensibilities1 into sport and local cultures. The anthropology approach is more bent towards the theory that hooliganism is performed because of its attractions as social drama and the opportunity it provides for a sense of belonging, for competition and risk, achieving honor and throwing shame on rivals. Another approach/theory is the social-psycological one, which is based more on the meaning of the activity itself than on the social background of those involved. They see hooliganism as an example of the search for a peak experience, which is an intense, emotional experience not usually, encountered in everyday life. Peak experiences allow for an open expression of collective emotionality: an outpouring of joy or sadness, and a strengthening of a common social identity via suporting a team. Hooligans, like other fans, seek peak experiences through their involvement in football. These were the three theories for why do hooligans do what they do. All of these theories are convincing though we still do not have all the data required to agree or disagree with the statement. Do only the English Produce Hooligans? No. There have been many cases of hooligan violence in other countries- even the more serious ones. Some examples would be: * In December 2000 a match between Strasbourg and Metz in the French First Division was abandoned because an assistant referee was injured by a firecracker. * In Italy, hooligan groups known as ‘ultra's' clashed with rival firms and the police. * In Greece, AEK Athens were banned from playing in their own stadium for four matches after their fans threw missiles and invaded the pitch during a Greek Cup tie with Olympiakos. * Perhaps the most serious football-crowd disorder takes place in Eastern Europe, sub-Saharan Africa and South America where serious crowd rioting is much more common place than in the U.K. So it is not only UK who suffers from these troublemakers. Most of the world does. Is their hooliganism in other sports? Yes. Certainly there is. Hooliganism at sports like boxing, rugby league and cricket provoke very regular panics about the behavior of spectators. There have been disturbances even at horseracing competitions. But the difference is that hooliganism at football gets lots of newspaper coverage while the others don't. And nor are these problems as routinised as they seem to be at football. I have seen hooliganism in Cricket myself in a match between England and India in India where some people started throwing water bottles (known as water missiles) and other stuff on the English cricket players. As we have read from the theories, the main of hooligan-like behavior is to get loyalties, be honored, and be involved in risk. Though the difference was that since it was an International match in India- there was no hooligan in the rivalry. Hooliganism is not tied to a sport as I said. Hooligans disturb matches because of the many reasons I have explained from the three different theories. Why is hooliganism linked to football? Well, I think that hooliganism is related to football simply because of the explanation given by the social theory and the others. The socail-pyschological theory tells us that these football fans have a passion for football. Hooliganism is a way to search for a peak experience, which is an intense, emotional experience not usually encountered in everyday life. Peak experiences allow for an open expression of collective emotionality: an outpouring of joy or sadness, and a strengthening of a common social identity via suporting a team. And since football is the world's most popular and one of the most intense sports it has got more advertisement in that manner. Hooliganism in football would hence be the easiest and best way to get loyalties, raise your status, have a peak experience and have risks. This is what I believe. Does drink have a part? Yes, but not all the time. In the English society, drinking heavily is considered being manly. Males of all social classes are often encouraged to celebrate special occasions with their male friends by drinking to excess. Football trips abroad seem regularly to involve male fans drinking heavily together in situations where drink is cheap and easily available. On occasions like this, situations can get out of control because Englishmen placed in an unfamiliar, and perhaps threatening culture have had too much to drink. This may increase the chances of serious hooliganism. However, it cannot be said that drink is the cause of hooliganism- yes, it can make it worse. Are political groups involved? There is no real evidence that such organizations are actively and effectively controlling hooliganism in England or anywhere else. Though yes, there are rumors, which cannot be, carried true until and unless evidence is provided. What is the role of the media? It is true that newspapers report on football using the language which seems to derive more from the world of war than it does from sport. Maybe this helps to heighten rivalries between opposing fan groups. And my sources also inform me that so do the predictions newspapers sometimes used to make that trouble is likely to occur between rival fans. Media coverage of hooligan activities worked at promoting if not causing hooliganism. The main reason for this which comes to my mind is that since the hooligans are doing this to get honored and be involved in risk (using the theories) media coverage will amplify and multiply the effects and its significance. After answering these questions I can discuss a lot on whether I agree or disagree with the statement that â€Å"It's easy to become a football hooligan!† Well, it is not easy to become a football hooligan- (from the theories we have) the situations and mental conditions of a person have to be very in a particular way to be a hooligan. In the below paragraphs (and some of the paragraphs I have already written) you will get to know from me that I do agree with the statement and I don't also. It is easy to become a football hooligan only if the situations are perfect i.e. you are mentally down, you want to be entertained- to be noticed, to be involved in risk, you want loyalties, you want to act cool or you deeply love your football club (which is the least chance for a person to become a hooligan). Also it depends upon which nationality or culture you are from. For example the Indian culture doesn't encourage us to drink (which may make situations worse) nor does it encourage us to get involved into fights of some kind. Generally it is very rare for Asians (i.e. Eastern hemisphere) to get involved in these hooligan fights. Not only this, but it depends upon the stable mentality of the person- if you are not mentally stable and are looking for attention- hooligan behavior might be the answer for your prayers. Also it matters what your status is in the society. If you are at a high post- fights and verbal abuses including so much life risk would not be the thing you would want to do- this may hurt your reputation. It is generally found that youths (late teens and early twenties) are the ones involved in such activity. This is because of the mental imbalances going on in their mind and how they react to what they see in the society. If you live in an environment where there is some existence of shame and security, a person would not get involved in such activities, (which is again found widely in the Eastern Hemisphere). If you looked at what the sociological theory is closely: The rewards involved in such activities like the loyalty and the entertainment you get from hooligan involvement is very valuable for these young men whose opportunities for status and excitement from other ways are very limited. Now, if you get opportunities and excitement and the involvement in risk (if required) from other ways (excelling in studies, participating in state or club teams and gaining reputation etc.) these activities will not at all be necessary to do. There is some affect of how you are brought up and what environment you live in. Peer pressure comes into play. And so do so many other factors. What I mean to say is that it depends upon how you are suppressed under the factors i.e. are all the factors positive to say that your requirements are of one to become a hooligan. It is very hard to answer this question that why some young men, rather than others, might find this sort of activity attractive and rewarding. Nor is it clear why, at particular times and in particular kinds of societies or in particular places, hooliganism of this kind should become so attractive. What my opinion is that things should match with those in the theories to give us some sense of realization that this person might be a hooligan because of these reasons. It is not easy to become a hooligan but it is not hard also.