Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Concern on environmental issues worldwide

Concern on environmental issues worldwide There has been a rising concern on environmental issues worldwide nowadays. Ministry of foreign affairs statistic shows that over the years, the temperature has been rise because of carbon dioxide trapped and green house gases have affected the global climate. This change will affect the people live all over the world. This also includes access to water, health, food and the well being of the environment. Todays consumers have started to recognize that their purchasing behaviors actually cause a big impact to the environment. Therefore, companies should practice offering environmentally friendly products and service to people to prevent this world become worse. Although, Malaysia has undergone an excellent development followed governmental efforts to attract foreign investor to come and invest for a green product development in Malaysia, the action of environmental responsible behavior among Malaysian consumers are still low. One of the examples of the lack of environmental responsible behavior is shown in an article in Bernama whereby garbage thrown by one of the state in Malaysia residents is the main cause of river pollution in the state. According to a survey which was handled on by global market insight and information group, only 8% of Malaysian respondents responded that they have changed their behavior in a greatest deal to benefit the environment on the aspect of eco-friendliness of habits and behaviors In addition 83% respondents reported that their views on a companys and their Colleges friendliness to the environment would influence them to purchases a green products and services. Studying the determinants of generation-Y consumers green purchase behavior will be definitely benefit green marketers. Generation-Y (also known as a millennial) is defined as A label attributed to people born during the 1980s and early 1990s. Members of Generation Y are often referred to as echo boomers because they are the children of parents born during the baby boom (baby boomers). Because children born during this time period have had constant access to technology (computers, cell phones) in their youth, they have required many employers to update their hiring strategy in order to incorporate updated forms of technology. In a simple word, generation-Y grew up with a technology and relies on those things to perform their job and their task. In addition, when going through a literature review in Malaysian context, there are still a gap existed between environmental knowledge, intention and behavior towards green product. [Said et al. (2005)]. Even though people that have vast knowledge about green products are not necessarily would buy a green product. Therefore, factors those determine and affect Generation-Y to purchase a green product would be worth to find out. 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE RESEARCH Environment is defined as what surrounds a thing or an item or in other words it means the surrounding. It could be a physical element which is physical environment, that includes the built environment, natural environment such as air, water, land, atmosphere and etc or it could be human environment where people surrounding the item or thing which also known as the social environment. Today environment is getting worst and worst. Many environmental issues arise. Environmental concerns have been growing in recent years. One of the examples of environmental issue is global warming. Global warming and climate change refer to an increase in average global temperatures. Natural events and human activities such as burning garbage and waste are believed to be contributing to an increase in average global temperatures. This is caused primarily by increases in greenhouse gases such as Carbon Dioxide. The greenhouse effect keeps the earth warm when functioning normally. For the first time in h istory, human activities are altering the climate of our entire planet. According to (Jack, 2010), in less than 2 centuries, humans have increased the total amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by 25% from the burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of forests. In addition to the natural fluxes of carbon through the Earth system, human activities, particularly fossil fuel burning and deforestation, are also releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere (The Carbon Cycle; the Human Role, Earth Observatory, NASA). Green product is define as a product that produce limited carbon footprints; they may require fewer resources to produce, consume less energy or emit fewer hazardous emissions.  Green product is also a product that is non toxic, water-efficient, and also recyclable and biodegradable. There are many green products that have been produce for people in the market. For example, a household cleaner. Nowadays its nearly impossible to go shopping without finding a plethora of products that claim to be environmentally and consumer friendly. Oddly enough, many cheap and eco-friendly substances, such as vinegar, have been used for years as home cleaners. Whether you buy a green cleaning product at a store or use something on hand in your pantry, you can reap the benefits of choosing products that are gentler on you and the environment. Phosphate-free dishwasher and laundry detergents are also consider a green product because they do not discharge environment-damaging phosphates into waterway s. Other examples of green cleaning products are those labeled certified biodegradable; these have passed several stringent tests relating to biodegradability and environmental impact conducted by an independent certifying agency. According to Consumer Reports, the certified biodegradable label is more meaningful than a general biodegradable label. Glass and metal cleaners, kitchen and bathroom cleaners, and laundry detergents are products that might carry this label. The rationale for going green is twofold. Clearly, the positive effects on the environment are a key driver for purchasing green product.  Green product provides myriad environmental benefits. They can replace toxic materials that may be harmful to people or animals. Also, some products save energy and water, while others limit solid waste and manufacturing releases. Green products create a healthier environment for people through reduced exposure to cleaners, solvents, paints and other hazardous substances. Green product also can reduce allergies. Many families find that their children are suffering from allergies, even though their family history does not necessary say that there are no allergies. In some situations, chemicals found within cleaning products contain allergens. Bleaches, toxic cleaning sprays and other chemicals used to clean the home commonly contain a variety of ingredients specifically able to cause or trigger allergies in people.   Generation Y are the cool generation, they embrace brand and live in the new world of digitize communication. Thus that might be interesting to find their perception and their level of awareness towards environmental issues that the world is facing nowadays. Gen Y has grown up in a very structure, busy and over planned world. Also, Gen Y is made up of confident, optimistic young people who feel valued and wanted. In a article of science daily, Gen-Y is a people that will go all the way when it comes to saving the environment as long as it benefit to world economic and environment. They are maturing into a pragmatic generation that wants to do the right thing for the environment but also has real economic concerns 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT Consumers or practically customers are the sellers and buyers that boost the countrys economy. Therefore, many firms are actually putting many efforts in order to attract more customers because these customers create businesses opportunities and generate profits to them. As the world nowadays facing so many problems regarding to an environmental issue, the consumers and their attitudes or behaviors to purchase a green product are the important factors to be considered. Consumers nowadays have more choices due to the effects of globalization. They will prefer the function of the product rather than the brand or whatsoever to ensure a healthier future. To determine the current level of Gen-y consumers preference towards the green products. To determine what are the determinants or factors of Gen-y consumer preferences towards the green product. To determine the consequences or effects of Gen-y consumer preferences towards the green product. To determine consumer level of awareness of Gen-y consumer towards green product. 1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE Awareness towards environmental issue that the world nowadays facing play a major role encourage people to purchase a green product. Thus, this study is attempts to relate on the various variables that influence consumer especially generation-Y to purchase a green product. The objectives are as the following: * To study the factors affecting the consumer especially Gen-Y to purchase green product. Gen-y is a new generation and It is crucial to understand as they are more advance and modernize. Thus, several researches have been conducted in order to understand consumers in a way that how they behave, and what are the factors that cause them to behave or react to the responses of the products. Leading factors such as price and quality are always the top concerns to the consumers. Product attributes will moderate the effects of price on quality judgments. Partial of the consumers may focus on buying low prices goods and neglect the quality of the products. This group of consumers takes the price as a measure of sacrifice. For instance, consumers take the price served as the benchmark for comparing utility gains from the quality of the product. One the other hand, some portion of the consumers will be willing to pay a premium price for the quality and function of the products, as they are very sensitive to the signals of the quality of one product. Thus, it is hope that this stud y will contribute further to the understanding of factors of price and quality that may lead to the consumers prefer for a green product * To understand the awareness level of people about Go Green campaign. Nowadays, there are many environmental campaign have been organized by a government and private sector. This campaign is aim to encourage people to more concern about the environment. Thus, it is hope that this study will explore how people react to a environmental campaign and what is their level of awareness about the awareness campaign. * To examine the benefit for people involvement in Go Green program. We might be asking, how we will benefit from getting involved in this environmental campaign. Well, recently there has been an increase in events directly related to the availability of natural resources. For example energy shortages that resulted to load shedding, change in weather patterns and water shortages. As a result, civil society is recognizing the need to manage our natural resources more effectively and responsibly. In doing so, we can ensure positive effects on our health, quality of life and even the cost of living. Thus, this study will help people to getting known more about what they will gain if they participate in the environmental campaign. *To discover what consumer perception towards green product. In curiosity to identify what are the main components or criteria that consumer especially gen-Y are looking forward in order to purchase a green product. It is true that each and every one of us are special and unique in the way we are, thus, every consumer has their very own perception in purchasing a green product. Different people from different backgrounds may have different perceptions on these products. In addition to that, different demographic groups may have different perceptions to this kind of product as well. Thus, this study will help to identify whether the consumer especially gen-y prefer to buy a green product or not to safe a mother of earth. 1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY This study is crucial as there are a lot of green products have been selling nowadays. Obviously, when we talk about green product, the price for that particular item might be so expensive. The study on factors affecting consumer especially Gen-Y buying a green product may allow us to know in depth why are previous efforts taken does not produce as it is thought it would be. Based on the study conducted, motivations towards the environment, knowledge on green product, social norm, awareness and self-image have an impact on the consumer especially Gen-Y buying a green product. Government may need to enhance its program in educating people green product. New and more interesting Go Green program and method is a definite necessity in motivating people to increase their interest/awareness on a green product and indirectly motivates them to purchase it. 1.5 SCOPE OF STUDY The research focus on students in Multimedia University (MMU) Melaka campus and teenagers from outside the campus which comes from various demographic backgrounds such as the faculty, ethnicity and nationality. The focused respondents are a great resemblance on the exact population in Malaysia. 1.6 ORGANIZATIONAL OF RESEARCH 1.6.1 Chapter 1: Introduction Regarding this chapter, it introduce the background of this research such as why do people as a consumer buy a green product. Thus, this will create a strong preference among the gen-y consumers locally and abroad to consume and purchase green products. These sections will explain in details in the of consumers preferences from the Malaysian perspective and as well from the global view for green products. This chapter also recognized the problem statement and the research objectives for this research. Finally, the justification of the research will help to justify the benefits and those who will gain in this research. Chapter 2 : Literature Review A thorough study will be conducted on the dependent variable and independent variables. The main purpose for this chapter is to weigh the pros and cons of the topic and to discuss in details on the ideas and knowledge concerned. In this chapter, every definition of the dependent variable and independent variables will be cited from the journals in order to strengthen every point mentioned. Several of arguments and various points of views from different authors in order to provide a stronger formation of each point can be founded in this chapter. In addition to that, this chapter explains the relationships on several independent variables relate to the dependent variables. 1.6.2 Chapter 3 : Research Methodology Research methodology is usually conducted after the thorough study of literature review. In this chapter, theoretical framework will be form to illustrate the relationships between the dependent variable and the independent variables. Hypotheses or a proposed explanation which were made on the basis of limited evidences will explain the relationships between two or more variables. All the hypotheses stated will be tested together with empirical data. This chapter also includes the description of the sampling data, data collections and as well as the development of the questionnaire for this research. Chapter 4 : Data Analysis After questionnaires are collected from all the respondents, then few tests will be conducted to test on the validity and reliability of the results. The responds of the questionnaires from the respondents are represented by a set of numbers that symbolize their own significant meanings. Whereas the tests that will be carry out are to analyze the responses from the respondents so that it will derive to a stronger conclusion at the end of this research. Chapter 5 : Conclusion This chapter will provide the final outcome of this research. Thus, the final results will be explained and we will be able to identify how the exact hypotheses that formed earlier are hold.

Monday, January 20, 2020

Class, Money, Pride and Happiness in Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Auste

Happiness can be defined in a plethora of ways such as good fortune, a state of well being, or a pleasurable, satisfying experience. William Thackeray’s Rebecca Sharp stated in the novel Vanity Fair that she â€Å"could be a good woman if she had five thousand pounds† and she â€Å"could dawdle about in the nursery and count the apricots on the wall† (VF 414). Marianne Dashwood of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility says that she â€Å"cannot be happy with a man whose taste did not in every point coincide with my own† (SS 15). Most importantly, Elizabeth Bennet of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice states that she would be happy with someone who â€Å"has no improper pride† and â€Å"is perfectly amiable† (PP 364). While all of these novels give a glimpse into the opinions of happiness, Pride and Prejudice delves into the nuances of happiness, showing the conflicts that come with these intertwining ideas of class, money, and pride. Ultimately, we come across an important question: What constitutes happiness and how do the ideas of class, money and pride coincide, bringing about conflicting moods in Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice? Throughout Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, we see many instances of the aforementioned conflicts that ensue. The first example of conflict comes out of the fictional mouths of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Right out of the gate, Mrs. Bennet speaks of the fact that a wealthy individual by the name of Charles Bingley is to arrive at the vacant estate of Netherfeld. Mrs. Bennet states that, â€Å"Oh single, my dear to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!† (6). Edward Copeland writes in his article titled Class, â€Å"Incomes of 4,000 pounds a year and above leave behind... ...n while reading: â€Å"Which of us is happy in this world? Which of us has his desire? Or having it satisfied?† (VF 680). Elizabeth Bennet exclaims, â€Å"I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but no one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh† (PP 369). Works Cited Austen, Jane. Sense and Sensibility. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 2004. Print Copeland, Edward. The Cambridge Companion to Jane Austen. Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press, 1997. Print Thackeray, William M. Vanity Fair. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 2003. Print Wollstonecraft, Mary. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Ed. Carol H. Poston. W.W. Norton & Company; Second Edition. New York: Norton, 1975. Print Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 2003. Print

Saturday, January 11, 2020

It was the worst thunderstorm in 36 years

Wednesday night, 9th October 2002. It was the worst thunderstorm in 36 years. The rain was like stones hammering onto you from the pitch-black sky. Long streaks of bright lightning were jumping from the sky. A few seconds after each bright light there was a gigantic roar, like a furious lion. The weather was wet, cold, dull, dark and miserable with horrendous winds, travelling at the speed of a cheetah. There were two boys. Andy was quite tall and skinny with short blonde hair. He had legs like long twigs and hands the size of a giants, but very brittle. The other boy, Paul, was big and obese. He was built like a tank. His fists were like big balls of steel. But he was very shy. Andy and Paul were walking home through the fields. It was dark and windy. Paul pulled out a torch. He turned it on, but all it gave out was a dull light that kept flashing on and off every time lightning strikes. Andy started to get scared and he walked faster and faster. Paul was dragging his big heavy feet though the wet muddy grass. Andy started to run but they were getting no where. Paul was dragging behind and was having problems keeping up with Paul. Andy looked behind him and saw Paul in the distance. So Andy shouted â€Å"hurry up Paul, we gotta get outa here†. So Andy slowed down and waited until Paul caught up with him. Then continued running. Andy shouts, â€Å"I can see a house†. So they both started to run towards the house. They both stop. Every thing is silent. Paul and Andy walk towards the front door. Paul nocks on the door and it opened. Nobody was in the house. Andy said, â€Å"is any body in†. Nobody answered so they both carefully walk in the house. There was not a bit of dust in the house. Paul and Andy hung up there soaking wet coats on a hanger and closed the door. The house was bright and warm. The two boys walked into the living room, which was straight in front of them. In the living room the fire was lit and there was stuffed animals every where. There was a huge old wooden staircase. They decided to sit down on the big black leather sofa. They sat down for a while. Paul quietly said, â€Å"let's go up stairs†. So they both went up stairs. They got to the top of the stairs and went to open one of the doors in front of them. The lights started flicking on and off. Andy started shaking. All of a sudden the house went cold. Paul opened the door. A body fell from behind the door. Both of the boys jumped back. The front door creaked open and then slammed closed. A deep mans voice yelled up the stairs, â€Å"who the hell is in my house†. The man ran up stairs with a dead squirrel in one hand and an axe in the other. The boys were so scared that they could not move.

Friday, January 3, 2020

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952

The Immigration and Nationality Act, sometimes known as the INA, is the basic body of immigration law in the United States. It was created in 1952. A  variety of statutes governed immigration law before this, but they werent organized in one location. The INA is also known as the McCarran-Walter Act, named after the bills sponsors: Senator Pat McCarran (D-Nevada), and Congressman Francis Walter (D-Pennsylvania). The Terms of the INA The INA deals with Aliens and Nationality.  Its divided into titles, chapters, and sections. Although it stands alone as a single body of law, the Act is also contained in the United States Code (U.S.C.).   Youll often see references to the U.S. Code citation when youre browsing the INA or other statutes. For example, Section 208 of the INA deals with asylum, and it is also contained in 8 U.S.C. 1158. Its technically correct to refer to a specific section by either its INA citation or its U.S. code, but the INA citation is more commonly used. The Act kept many of the same immigration policies from earlier statutes with some major changes. Racial restrictions and gender discrimination were eliminated. The policy of restricting immigrants from certain countries remained, but the quota formula was revised. Selective immigration was introduced by giving a quota preference to aliens with much-needed skills and relatives of U.S. citizens and alien residents. The Act introduced a reporting system whereby all U.S. aliens were required to report their current address to the INS each year, and it established a central index of aliens in the U.S. for use by security and enforcement agencies. President Truman was concerned about the decisions to maintain the national origins quota system and to establish racially constructed quotas for Asian nations. He vetoed the McCarran-Walter Act because he regarded the bill as discriminatory. Trumans veto was overridden by a vote of 278 to 113 in the House and 57 to 26 in the Senate. Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1965 The original 1952 Act has been amended many times over the years. The biggest change occurred with the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1965. That bill was proposed by Emanuel Celler, cosponsored by Philip Hart, and heavily supported by Senator Ted Kennedy. The 1965 amendments abolished the national origins quota system, eliminating national origin, race or ancestry as a basis for immigration to the U.S. They established a preference system for relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and for persons with special occupational skills, abilities or training. They also established two categories of immigrants who would not be subject to numerical restrictions: immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and special immigrants. The amendments did maintain the quota restriction. They expanded limits to world coverage by limiting Eastern Hemisphere immigration and by placing a ceiling on Western Hemisphere immigration for the first time. Neither the preference categories nor the 20,000 per-country limit was applied to the Western Hemisphere, however. The 1965 legislation introduced a prerequisite for the issuance of a visa that an alien worker will not replace a worker in the U.S. nor adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed individuals.   The House of Representatives voted 326 to 69 in favor of the act, while the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 76 to 18. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the legislation into law on July 1, 1968. Other Reform Bills Some immigration reform bills that would amend the current INA have been introduced into Congress in recent years. They include the Kennedy-McCain Immigration Bill of 2005 and the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007. This was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and co-authored by a bipartisan group of 12 senators including Senator Ted Kennedy and Senator John McCain. None of these bills made it through Congress, but the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act toughened up border control and clamped down on welfare benefits for legal aliens. The REAL ID Act of 2005 was then passed, requiring proof of immigration status or citizenship before states can issue certain licenses. No less than 134 bills regarding immigration, border security, and related issues were introduced in Congress as of mid-May 2017.   The most current version of the INA can be found on the USCIS website under Immigration and Nationality Act in the Laws and Regulations section.