Business Communication free essay sample

A good rate of ideas are exchanged between departments †¢ It encourages good communication between different departments †¢ Having group discussions allows a wide range of ideas from different experts to be considered †¢ The more ideas the more chance they will hit upon a great one The main disadvantages of horizontal communication are as follows: †¢ Due to the fact both departments may be of equal powers decisions are hard to come to †¢ Nobody has the overall say and final decision It can cause in-house fighting if differing opinions boil over †¢ One department may always have to check with another department before pushing anything through Advantages/Importance of upward communication: 1. Feedback: The major advantages of upward communication are, it provides feedback from the employees. As a result the communication loop (cycle) completes and management can realize the reactions of the employees. 2. Constructive idea: Upward communication allows the e mployees to inform their views regarding the implementation of company policies. We will write a custom essay sample on Business Communication or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 3. Helps decision making: Through upward communication top management can know the views of flower level employees which help them to make more realistic decision. 4. Establishment of good relation: Upward communication brings executives and employees close to each other and accordingly mutual relationship developed. 5. Mutual trust: For the success of any sort of communication trust is an essential element. As relationship developed through upward communication mutual trust also created. 6. Enhance coordination: Opportunity to express own views and participation in the decision making enhance the level of coordination. 7. Motivation: The task of motivation needs two way communications between the concerned parties. Upward communication enables the executives to extend appropriate motivational measures. Disadvantages/Limitations of upward communication: 1. Reluctance: In some cases employees are reluctant to provide information through upward channel. 2. Non-cooperative attitude: Non-cooperative attitude to the executives damage the willingness of the employees to initiate upward communication. 3. Chance of distortion: Downward communication can be distorted unconsciously but in case of upward communication information can be distorted deliberately. . Trend to by-pass: Another side effect of upward communication is tendency of by passing the immediate boss, can be created among the employees. 5. Delay: Sometimes lower level employees hesitate to inform a problem upward because doing so means acceptance of failure. Thus delays may take place to decide whether to inform the top management or try further to solve the problem. advantages 1. increases efficiency 2. its appropriate for giving instructions 3. ensures that everyone is working towards goals and objectives disadvantages 1. info can be distorted as it goes down 2. nformation overload 3. lack of openness between managers and employees a. Contents of diagonal communication: This type of communication is common in tactical situations which require the quick transfer of information or advice; in hostage situations or cases of civil unrest, it is probably imperative. Diagonal communication is usually verbal and thus is conducted by telephone or radio. b. Advantages of diagonal communication: Diagonal communication has the following advantages: (1) It is a most direct method of communication. (2) It is a most selective method of communication. 3) It is one of the fastest methods of communication. (4) In critical situations, it would seem to be the most essential and logical type of communication. c. Disadvantages of diagonal communication: The major disadvantages of diagonal communication include the following: (1) It can destroy lines of authority and formal chains of command. (2) It can leave immediate superiors uninformed of what their subordinates are doing. (3) It can lead to conflicting orders and hence to further confusion. (4) It is usually verbal, and thus is untraceable if things go wrong.

How to Identify the Larch Pine Tree

How to Identify the Larch Pine Tree Larches are conifers in the genus  Larix, in the family  Pinaceae. They are native to much of the cooler temperate northern hemisphere, on lowlands in the far north, and high on mountains further south. Larches are among the dominant plants in the immense boreal forests of Russia and Canada. These trees can be identified by their coniferous needles and dimorphic shoots which bear singular buds within clusters of needles. However, larches are also deciduous, meaning that they lose their needles in the fall, which is rare for coniferous trees. North American larches are typically observed as either tamarack  or western larch and can be found in many parts of North Americas lush deciduous  forests. Other conifers include bald cypress, cedar, Douglas-fir, hemlock, pine, redwood, and spruce. How to Identify Larches Most common larches in North America can be identified by their coniferous needles and single cone per shoot of needle clusters, but also by the larches deciduous quality wherein they lose these needles and cones in the autumn, unlike most evergreen conifers. The female cones are uniquely green or purple but ripen to brown five to eight months after pollination, however, northern and southern larches differ in cone size - those in colder northern climates have small cones while those in southern climates tend to have much longer cones. These differing cone sizes use to taxonomize this species into two sections - the Larix for the shorter and Multiserialis  for the long bracts, but recent genetic evidence discovered suggests these traits are merely adaptations to climate conditions. Other Conifers and Distinctions Larches arent the most common conifers in North America, cedars, firs, pines, and spruces - which also all happen to be evergreen - are much more common throughout Canada and the United States due to their ability to survive in harsher and warmer climates. These species also differ from larches in the way their shoots, cones, and needles are shaped and grouped.  Cedar  trees, for instance, have much longer needles and often bear cones in clusters with shoots containing multiple clusters. Firs, on the other hand, have much thinner needles and also bear one cone per shoot. Bald cypres,  hemlock, pine, and  spruce  are also included in the same family of coniferous plants, each of which is also evergreen - with only a few exceptions in the redwood family, which only contains a few larch-like genus.

Communcation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Communcation - Assignment Example I will endeavor to cover the course content before the instructor discusses it in class, as this will increase my level of understanding. Moreover, I will handle all assignments promptly. This will mean that I will devote more time in undertaking research, and handing my papers before deadline. It is unfortunate that in the previous years I have had the problem of handing in my assignment past the deadline, a factor that has affected my grades. In 2014, I purpose to change this trend, and prepare for exams thoroughly. This will translate to a high level of dedication the entire semester, so that the final exams are an easier task to handle (New York Times 56). I have been an average student in the previous years, and a self-analysis has helped me to realize that I have more potential. In 2014, I want to explore all the potential that I have, and tap it into my academics. I will seek opportunities of experiential learning during the holidays, and acquire new skills. Moreover, I will take advantage of some of the university career programmes in a bid to diversify my

Biology Student's Achievement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 8000 words

Biology Student's Achievement - Essay Example It appears that the issues of achievement, attitude, and course completion are not taken seriously, since despite attempts, the average attrition rates in community colleges are 41% from the first to the second year, and only 34% of the remaining students persist in the course to complete a degree (Conway, 2010). In order to find out the reasons why there is failure to retain students, especially in community colleges, the attitudes of the students have been found to be at fault. Studies conducted on students in community colleges have revealed that the goals of educational programs in community colleges are different from those in the university colleges. Aslanian (2001) indicated that the average age of the students in community colleges is higher than an average university student. Community colleges tend also to enroll underprepared students from low-income and low parental education families and often from ethnic minority backgrounds in part-time programs (Cohen and Brawer 1996). While these ensure ease of access and facilitates enrolment, this might be a major factor inhibiting desired retention. Thayer (2000) indicates that while first-generation students get enrolled to these community college programs with higher frequencies, they also tend to demonstrate higher attrition rates. Alt hough the specific impacts of these factors on attitudes to complete the course and achieve education have not been studied, certain factors appear to be significantly contributing to this phenomenon. Age appears to be an important factor, since this indicates a large number of adult and returning students creating an opportunity for higher education, which may serve as the gateway for job (Powers, 2007). Sherman, Byer and Rapp (2008) emphasize it is important to ensure that online courses add to the value of traditional courses and improve student preparation. Labov (2006) states that the federal No Child Left Behind Act, with its emphasis on testing, accountability and teacher quality coupled with concerns about performance of US students and employer expectations for sound training in preparation for employment has set the stage for a thorough scrutiny of the performance of education at all levels. This means despite adversities from other determinants of pursuing education, the students enrolled for courses in community colleges may have many other determinants. However, the aspect of mode of learning and form of class room has also drawn significant attention. While the students of community colleges tend not to persist as has been finally concluded by Thayer (2000), the form of student teacher interactions, teaching expertise, timing of program are all important possible determinants. Recent improvement of technology has also made possible on-line courses in a virtual environment as opposed to the traditional classroom lecture and laboratory methods especially for the science subjects. Fike et al. (2008) further

Discussion wk 4 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion wk 4 - Assignment Example Similarly, firms that are looking to minimize their risk even at a higher cost would go for conservative financing strategies. Nominal interest rate is also termed as the stated interest rate. This interest rate does not include the compounding of the period or the time of the loan or investment and this interest rate is the simple interest rate. On the other hand, effective interest rate considers the compounding of the period throughout the period of the loan or investment. Effective interest rate is used in order to analyze and compare the annual interest between loans or investment with different time periods. Generally, the nominal interest rate is less than the effective interest rate (Elias). Therefore the main factor that causes these two types of interest rate to differ is the period of the loan or investment. Elias, G. What is the difference between effective interest rates and nominal interest rates?. Engineering Economy, 26 Jan. 2014.

How E Commerce Is Changing Consumer Buying Behaviour Marketing Essay

How E Commerce Is Changing Consumer Buying Behaviour Marketing Essay In Electronic Commerce, online purchasing is the process consumers go through when they decide to shop on the internet. Therefore, the internet has developed to a highly competitive market, where the competition over the consumer is fierce. In order to have an impact on and retain consumers, in a competitive market, Constantinides (2004) stated that the first step is to identify certain influencing aspects when purchasing online, these can be regarded as factors. The purpose of the research is primarily to identify and get insight into what main factors the online consumer takes into consideration when purchasing books online, as books are the most commonly bought product on the internet (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Online-Forschung e.V. [AGOF e.V.], 2007). Concise Review of the Related Literature This research suggests that consumers attitude toward Internet shopping first depends on the direct effects of relevant online shopping features (Davis, 1993). The core constructs of our framework are adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Davis (1989), an influential research model in the information systems field. Although this model is specifically tailored to understand the adoption of computer-based technologies on the job or in the workplace, it has proven to be suitable as a theoretical foundation for the adoption of e-commerce as well (Chen et al., 2002). Therefore, the TAM structures are employed as a foundation for our research framework. Online shopping features can be either consumers perceptions of functional and utilitarian dimensions, like ease of use and usefulness, or their perceptions of emotional and hedonic dimensions like enjoyment (Menon and Kahn, 2002). The internet has developed into a new distribution channel (Hollensen, 2004) and the evolution of this channel, e-commerce, has been identified by Smith and Rupp (2003) to be the most significant contribution of the information revolution. The number of internet users is constantly increasing which also signifies that online purchasing is increasing (Joines, et al., 2003). The rapid increase is explained by the growth in the use of broadband technology combined with a change in consumer behaviour (Oppenheim Ward, 2006). Using the internet to shop online has become one of the primary reasons to use the internet, combined with searching for products and finding information about them (Joines et al., 2003). Smith and Rupp (2003) also state that the consumers have never had access to so many suppliers and product/service opinions. By integrating Fishbeins attitudinal theoretical model (Fishbein 1967) and the expectation-confirmation model (Oliver 1980), we attempt to associate the three elements together and form a base model Model of Intention, Adoption, and Continuance (MIAC) (as depicted in Figure 2) for the development of an online consumer behaviour framework. (Purpose) (Implementation) (Persistence) Consumer Online Purchase Consumer Online Repurchase Consumer Online Purchase Intention Figure 2: Model of Purpose, Implementation, and Persistence Fishbeins attitudinal model has been widely used in the marketing context (Lilien et al 1992) and this paradigm provides researchers with a useful lens for examining the factors explaining consumer purchasing intention and adoption. According to this model, behaviour is predominantly determined by intention. Other factors like attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control are also shown to be related to an appropriate set of salient behavioural, normative, and control beliefs about the behaviour. However, Fishbeins model stops at the adoption level and does not capture other important factors that explain and predict consumer continuance behaviour (repurchase). The expectation-confirmation model (Oliver 1980), on the other hand, focuses on the post-purchase behaviour. It is a widely used model in the consumer behaviour literature, particularly in explaining consumer satisfaction and repeat purchase. Satisfaction is the central notion of this model and it is formed by the gap between expectation and perceived performance (Oliver 1980). The expectation-confirmation theory suggests that if the perceived performance meets ones expectation, confirmation is formed and consumers are satisfied. Bhattacherjee (2001) stated that satisfied users are more likely to continue the IS use. Thus, we point that adoption and continuance are connected to each other through several mediating and moderating factors such as trust and satisfaction. The research articles appear in a variety of journals and conference proceedings in the fields of information systems, marketing, management, and psychology. A review of these articles indicates that researchers mostly draw theories from classical consumer behaviour research, such as behavioural learning (Skinner, 1938), personality research (Folkes 1988), information processing (Bettman 1979), and attitude models (Fishbein 1967). There are still significant differences between offline and online consumer behaviour that warrant a distinguishing conceptualization. For example, Vijayasarathy (2001) integrated the web specific factors (online shopping aid) into the theory of reasoned action (TRA) to better explain consumer online shopping behaviour. Song and Zahedi (2001) built on the model of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and examined the effects of website design on the adoption of Internet shopping. Donal Rogan (2007) explains the relationship between consumer behaviour and marketing strategy and states that strategy is about increasing the probability and frequency of buyer behaviour. Requirements for succeeding in doing this are to know the consumer and understand the consumers needs and wants. Chisnall (1995) points out that human needs and motives are inextricably linked and that the relationship between them is so very close that it becomes difficult to identify the precise difference which may characterize them. Buyers characteristics are important theories from Kotler and Armstrong (2007) and it explains the way that the consumer interprets and receives stimuli from advertisements. The decisions of consumers are influenced by a number of individual characteristics that are linked to the consumers specific needs. (Kotler Armstrong, 2007) A review of online consumer research reveals that the scope of published studies is rather broad, the studies appear relatively fragmented with contradictory results, and only very few prior studies (e.g., Jarvenpaa and Todd 1996, Koufaris et al 2001) have attempted to systematically review and develop a framework for the research of this important research area. Aims and Objectives of Study To develop a valid and reliable measure of motivations and costs associated with online information search and purchase behaviour; To provide a systematic and exhaustive review of online consumer behaviour research; To test the ability of the measure to identify the impact that specific motivations and costs have on apparel search and purchase decisions among Internet shoppers worldwide; To identify important constructs that are specific to the context of online purchasing; to propose an integrated framework that enhances our understanding of the underlying driving factors of online consumer behaviour; To evaluate the potential of the Internet as an efficient and effective medium to disseminate information to enhance brand/product awareness, evaluations, and purchase intentions in the global marketplace; To provide directions for future research in this area. Research Questions How does the level of computer and Internet experience of the target group relate to the level of Internet purchases? What main factors affect the online consumer when considering and making a purchase over the internet? How do these factors influence the consumer when purchasing books online? What kind of segments can be found within the identified consumers when purchasing books online? What is the connection with the identified factors and consumer segment groups? A Structured Research Approach Prior literature provides us with a rich foundation on which to build a research framework for the study of online consumer behaviour. As suggested by Douglas et al. (1994), strong theoretical and conceptual frameworks can be developed through an integration of constructs from different research traditions and disciplines. In the current study, we review the prior literature of online consumer behaviour and analyze the theories and the underpinning factors. A systematic and structured approach in search and review is strongly recommended in writing sound IS literature reviews (Webster and Watson 2002). In this study, we conducted an exhaustive and systematic electronic search using ProQuest, Social Science Citation Index, IEEE Xplore, and other bibliographic sources with keywords such as online shopping, Internet shopping and online consumer purchasing behaviour. In addition to the search for referred journal articles, we included three IS-related conference proceedings (AMCIS, HICSS, ICIS) in our literature search and analysis. Research Methodology To answer the purpose of the thesis, both primary and secondary data had to be collected. Primary data is data collected especially to answer the purpose and research questions of the current research. This data must be gathered by the researcher of the research at hand and can be done by observation, interviews or questionnaires. Secondary data is data that has been collected earlier, to fulfil the purpose of some other research. This data can be gathered from books, articles, reports and many others sources. (Saunders et al., 2007) Direct Observation Observation is a research technique that is often implicit in the data-gathering approach and observation is something we cannot fail to do as people, we are all expert observers (Hackley, 2003). Furthermore, participant observation will be chosen as it puts the researcher where the action is enabling them to experience the lives of informants, one option is to observe consumers behaviour and their purchase decision in online store (Meiselman et al., 2000). An observational approach provides a clearer representation of the decision process that consumers proceed through rather than the consumers perceptions of that process (Douglas and Wind, 1978), thus providing the researcher with the ability to uncover unconscious consumer actions. Survey The greatest use of questionnaire is made by survey as strategy. However, both experiment and case studies research strategies can make use of these techniques (Oppenheim, 1992). Some authors reserve it exclusively for surveys where the person answering the question actually records their own answers and other authors use it as a more general term to inclusively for survey interview hat administered either face to face or by telephone. (Kervin 1999) In addition, questionnaire can be used as a general term to include all techniques of data collection in which each person is asked to respond to the same set of questions in a predetermined order. (DeVaus, 1996) Interview An interview is a purposeful discussion between two or more people (Kahn and Cannel 1957). The use of interviews can help to gather valid and reliable data that relevant to the research questions and objectives. Sampling Sampling techniques provides arrange of methods that enable to reduce the amount of data need to collect by considering only data from a sub groups rather than all possible cases or elements. Sampling also save times and give over view of population. Researcher Kervin (1999) argues that using sampling enables a higher overall accuracy than a census. Methods of Data Analysis During the dissertation both the quantitative and qualitative data will require analysis. In order to analyze the data collected through the survey and the focus group, several strategies were used. The aim was to give a descriptive analysis of the consumer behaviour in online shopping. The tables, charts and pie charts were interpreted as made up the foundation for the focus group discussion. The method of analysis to be followed is that proposed by Dey, Miles and Huberman: Comprehend and manage it. Merge related data drawn from different transcript and notes. Identify key themes or pattern from it for further exploration. Develop and / or test hypotheses based on these apparent patterns or relationships. Draw and verify conclusions. (Dey, 1993; Miles and Huberman, 1994) Moral Issue of Research Consumers were firstly observed without interruption, allowing their natural behaviour will be recorded. Only once they complete their actual purchase decision, the researcher will approach them. Those shoppers who will picked up a product to purchase were intercepted as they walk away from the cabinet and will be asked to answer a few short questions regarding their purchase choice. Research Timetable Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Internet Research Literature Review Research Design Methodology Data Sources Data Collection Data Analysis Writing up Draft Editing Final Document Binding Document References Arbeitsgemeinschaft Online-Forschung e.V. [AGOF e.V.], 2007. Bettman, J. R. (1979) An information Processing Theory of Consumer Choice, Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley. Bhattacherjee, A. (2001) Understanding Information Systems Continuance: An Expectation Confirmation Model, MIS Quarterly, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 351-370. Chen, L., Gillenson, M.L. and Sherrell, D.L. (2002), Enticing online consumers: an extended technology acceptance perspective, Information Management, Vol. 39 No. 8, pp. 705-19. Chisnall, M. P. (1995) Consumer Behaviour, 3rd Edition, Maidenhead, McGraw Hill Companies. Constantinides, E. (2004) Influencing the online consumers behaviour: the Web experience, Internet Research 14: 2, 111-126. Davis, F.D. (1989), Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology, MIS Quarterly, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 319-40. Davis, F.D. (1993), User acceptance of information technology: system characteristics, user perceptions and behavioural impacts, International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, Vol. 38 No. 3, pp. 475-87. Devaus, D. A. (1996) Surveys in Social Research, 4th edition, London, UCL Press. Dey, I. (1993) Qualitative Data Analysis, London, Routledge. Donal Rogan, FH Joanneum Graz, 28 May 1 June 2007, International Consumer Behaviour. Douglas, S. P., Wind, Y. (1978) Examining family role and authority patterns: two methodological issues, Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 3 pp.35-47. Fishbein, M. (1967) Attitude and Prediction of Behaviour, in M. Fishbein, ed., Readings in Attitude Theory and Measurement, New York: John Wiley, pp. 477-492. Fishbein, M. (1967) Attitude and Prediction of Behaviour, in M. Fishbein, ed., Readings in Attitude Theory and Measurement, New York: John Wiley, pp. 477-492. Folkes, V. S. (1988) Recent Attribution Research in Consumer Behaviour: A Review and New Directions, Journal of Consumer Research, vol. 14, pp. 548-565. Hackley, C. E. (2003) Doing Research Projects in Marketing, Management and Consumer Research, Routledge, London. Hollensen S. (2004) Global marketing A Decision Iriented Approach, 3rd Edition, Edinburgh Gate, Pearson Higher Education. Jarvenpaa, S. L., and Todd, P. A. (1996) Consumer reactions to electronic shopping on the World Wide Web, International Journal of Electronic Commerce, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 59-88. Joines, L. J., Scherer, W. C., and Scheufele A. D. (2003) Exploring motivations for consumer Web use and their implications for e-commerce, Journal of Consumer Marketing, 20: 2, 90 108. Kervin, J. B. (1999) Methods for Business research, 2nd edition, Reading, Addison Wiley. Khan, R. and Cannell, C. (1957) The Dynamics of interviewing, New York, Wiley. Kotler, P. Armstrong, G. (2007) Principles of Marketing, 12th Edition, Upper Saddle River, Prentice Hall. Koufaris, M., Kambil, A., and Labarbera P. A. (2001) Consumer Behaviour in Web-Based Commerce: An Empirical Research, International Journal of Electronic Commerce, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 115-138. Lilien, G. L., Philip K., and Sridhar M. K. (1992) Marketing Models, New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Meiselman, H. J., Johnson, J. L., Reeve, W., Crouch, J. E. (2000) Demonstration of the influence of the eating environment on food acceptance, Appetite, Vol. 35 pp .231-7. Menon, S. and Kahn, B. (2002), Cross-category effects of induced arousal and pleasure on the Internet shopping experience, Journal of Retailing, Vol. 78 No. 1, pp. 31-40. Miles, M.B. and Huberman, A. M. (1994) Qualitative Data Analysis (2nd edition), Thousand Oaks, California, Sage. Oliver, R. L. (1980) A Cognitive Model for the Antecedents and Consequences of Satisfaction, Journal of Marketing Research, no. 17, pp. 460-469. Oppenheim, A. N. ( 1992) Questionnaire Design, New edition , London , Printer. Oppenheim, C. and Ward, L. (2006) Evaluation of web sites for B2C e-commerce, Aslib Proceedings: New Information Perspectives 58: 3, 237-260. Saunders, M. N. K., Thornhill, A., Lewis, P. (2007) Research Methods for Business Students. London: Pearson Higher Education. Skinner, B. F. (1938) The Behaviour of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis, New York: Appleton Century Crofts. Smith, D. A., and Rupp, T. W. (2003) Strategic online customer decision making: leveraging the transformational power of the Internet, Online Information Review 27: 6, 418 432. Song J., and Zahedi, F. M. (2001) Web Design In E-Commerce: A Theory And Empirical Analysis, Proceedings of the International Conference of Information Systems 2001, pp. 205-220. Vijayasarathy, L. R. (2001) The Impact of Shopping Orientations, Product Types, and Shopping Aids on Attitude and Intention to Use Online Shopping, Quarterly Journal of Electronic Commerce, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 99-113. Webster J., and Watson R. T. (2002) Analyzing the Past to Prepare for the Future: Writing a Literature Review (pp. xiii-xxiii), MIS Quarterly, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. xiii-xxiii (13-23).

the cultural affects of national geographic Essay examples -- essays r

Thailand is a country enveloped in much mystery and cultural tradition. This fact is reflected very clearly in a series of pictures taken from the article, â€Å"The Many Faces of Thailand† in the February 1996 issue of the National Geographic magazine, titled, â€Å"Into the Heart of Glaciers† I will attempt to analyze the way in which the pictures portray the richness of Thailand’s culture and people and prove this statement about the National Geographic’s photography, â€Å"They originated in a search for ways of teaching about the third world that did not objectify and were not paternalistic but that fostered both a sense of how lives around the globe are interconnected and a capacity for empathetic understanding.† (Collins, Lutz 3)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"A good portion of its text and photographs is devoted to images of the peoples and cultures of the third world.† (Collins, Lutz 1) This quote taken out of, Reading National Geographic, is proven very true by my use of this article about Thailand. National Geographic magazine has always tried to create interest in third world countries through its photographic spreads and â€Å"draw people into contact with a much wider set of cultural ideas† (Collins, Lutz 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first photograph found in this series is one of a Buddhist ceremony. It includes much artistry and focus and teaches the reader many things about Thailand’s culture. The first thing that I noticed about the picture was that it is dominated by males. There are no females in this photograph and the ages of the males vary greatly showing a male dominance being present in the cultural hierarchy. The photo is very dark, causing the reader to focus on the subjects rather than the background. Jodi Cobb, the photographer, portrays the harmony and continuity which is traditionally the spirit found amongst the Thai people by showing the men donning monks’ robes and holding candles, incense and lotus blossoms. Capturing a photograph of a cultural ceremony is very effective in educating an audience about a country. An omniscient, unbiased stance is being achieved by the photographer in this shot because there is no indication of good or bad throughout this p hotograph, it is simply the reflection of a ceremony in order to more appreciate Thai culture.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The magazine attempts to articulate a national vision, ... ...eaders to see and understand the respect that Thai people have for animals and nature.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout this collection of photographs many different things have been learned about Thailand. Even without reading the article, I have seen a lot of cultural differences between America and Thailand and even between the Thai people themselves. â€Å"Some readings reinforce American illusions of cultural superiority and paternalism, while others entail an engagement with the subject photographed, identification across cultural boundaries, the awakening of a curiosity that may be politically invigorating.† (Collins, Lutz 11) In this issue of National Geographic the article, â€Å"The Many Faces of Thailand†, really did show the many faces of this country. Each photograph of the collection portrayed a different piece of Thailand’s cultural puzzle and than fit together to illustrate the harmony, celebration, vivaciousness and even depression of the nation’s people. Bibliography Collins, Jane L. and Lutz, Catherine A. Reading National Geographic. University of Chicago Press: Chicago, 1993. National Geographic Volume 189 No. 2, â€Å"Into the Heart of Glaciers† February 1996