Abstract This paper explains that research indicates that, in the United States, perceptions factors in the purchase of organic foods relating to food safety concerns are environmental contaminants, disease-causing organisms and pesticide residues. The author points out that useful knowledge for anyone wishing to introduce consumers to organic foods is that the consumer would not perceive much risk in food until after he or she has heard about some problem; however, once that happens, it would be likely that they would make biased judgments. The paper indicates that, in contrast to nutrition knowledge, perceptions about attributes of organic foods, such as importance of nutrition, appear to be good predictors of dietary behavior; therefore, consumer information programs must be careful to reiterated nutrition as a "salient attribute" of organic food if they want to be successful in encouraging consumers to behave in a certain way.
Table of Contents
What is Consumer Behavior?
Factors Affecting Consumer Behavior
What is Perception?
Perceived Risk in Food Price Perception
What are Attitudes?
Willingness to Pay
Resource Deficit Model
Organic Food as a Strategy to Deal with Worries about the Safety and Quality of Food Consumer Buying Decision Process
From the Paper "Dean (1999) investigated three factors-advertising cues-he believed affected consumer perceptions (and therefore behavior) concerning product quality, uniqueness, manufacturer reputation and manufacturer corporate citizenship. It is likely the last of this list would have some effect on consumer behavior regarding organic foods, especially. The three cues Dean investigated were third-party product endorsement, brand popularity and event sponsorship. He found that the popularity cue lacked significant effect; also, he found that the three cues do not interact with each other significantly in forming a basis for consumer perception and arguably behavior."
Tags: reconstructionist, nutrition, perceptions, food-safety, information
Abstract The paper discusses how Eric Schlosser's book "Fast Food Nation" serves to demonstrate the numerous ways in which the aims of the ruling class in American society have ultimately been delivered to the American people, thus homogenizing our way of life. The paper discusses the social conflict theory, referring to Emile Durkheim's beliefs and the works of Marx and Weber. The paper then shows how "Fast Food Nation" portrays the United States as a nation whose choices have almost uniformly been in favor of those holding the most power.
From the Paper "The central premise of social conflict theory is that individuals and groups within society generally use their power--as much of it as they have--to gain benefits. Essentially, the resultant jockeying for position tends to strongly guide, though not completely determine, the actions of individual people within a society. The manner by which human behaviors are guided is through social controls; these stand as the formal manifestation of the interests of the ruling class. So, in a way, these social controls act as the structural groundwork for conformity and consensus within society--in one way they promote obedience. However, they also promote further conflict by virtue of the fact that they exist to oppressively root out competition and crush the aspirations of those seeking to usurp power."
Abstract An analysis of the themes of knowledge and power in these works reveals the opinion that knowledge is power, and lack of knowledge is deadly. These ideas are examined through the dialogues Socrates has with others. The debates that Socrates has with Euthyphro and Gorgias are explored, including an analysis of the arguments and quotes from the text.
From the Paper "Euthyphro effectively illustrates the difference between thinking you know something and truly knowing it. Euthyphro believes himself to be the authority in the practice and interpretation of his religion. Euthyphro has a great deal of respect for Socrates and is shocked to find that he has been charged with corrupting the minds of Athen's youth. When Socrates asks what brings Euthyphro to court, Socrates is equally shocked to find that Euthyphro is prosecuting his own father for murder. Socrates? response to this clearly identifies this as socially unacceptable and at the same time challenges Euthyphros wisdom, "By the powers, Euthyphro! How little does the common herd know about what is right in such a case. A man must be an extraordinary man and have made great strides in wisdom before he could have been able to bring this charge" (10). Euthyphro's reply is simply, "Indeed, Socrates, he must have made great strides" (10). Socrates is of course intrigued and amused at Euthypro's attitude and pompousness and decides to investigate it further."
Abstract In his book "Discipline and Punish", Michel Foucault analyses the rise of a new type of disciplinary power, one linked to knowledge, techniques of surveillance, and the production of 'truth'. This paper looks at Foucault's analysis of the 'technological take-off in the productivity of power' and how he saw power as utilising the 'techniques' of the production of truth, knowledge, and surveillance. It also covers the idea of power acting through the subjectification of individuals. Finally, it attempts to analyse Foucault's framework for understanding culture, and the extent to which it is useful for this purpose.
From the Paper "To understand how Foucault uses the idea of knowledge as power, it is perhaps most useful for us to first look at how truth is produced, i.e. how 'regimes of truth' came about, and how these are used to legitimise knowledge in order for knowledge to have status and thus be used in power relations. For the production of truth both makes claim to power and sustains and justifies it. Foucault questions the absolute truth of knowledge and sees truth as being something constructed to impose ideas of what is right and true (Fillingham 1993:5-7). "
Tags: abnormal, deviant, knowledge, objectification, panopticism, panopticon, subjectification, surveillance, truth
Abstract This paper discusses the role of the fast food industry in the global problem of obesity. What does the name 'McDonalds' mean to you? Maybe the name brings back images and pleasant memories of your childhood, of going to McDonalds for a burger and fries, and playing on the play equipment. And if the images have effect that McDonalds intends it to have, you should start thinking about going down to the nearest McDonalds and buying some junk food whether you're hungry or not!
Abstract This paper outlines how Foucault connects power and subjectivity and shows how his theoretical approach finds its basis in his questioning of the traditional understanding of power as a descending mechanism. The paper explains that he locates the subject as a fiction that is produced by power in order to continue its existence and that while doing so power indistinguishably operates with knowledge. The paper further says that 'the truth' is defined by knowledge and used by the institutions governing our lives in the society which need subjects to function, thus they create them. Institutions create 'individuals' who act and who are responsible for their actions so that they can manage the humans, and they control the society.
From the Paper "Foucault makes the connection between the ordinary citizen in the street and the prisoner, by pointing out the steps through which they are being analysed, normalised and hierarchised (Mansfield 2000, 61-62). First the subject has to be defined as a separate entity, a being which is unified and unique and a being who commits acts for which s/he is answerable. Then, this fictitious subjectivity of 'individual' is expected to be performed in a 'normal', 'acceptable' manner. Behaviours out of norm should be and are normalised (Foucault 1980, 107). They are put into categories and hierarchies according to the degrees of their abnormality."
Abstract The following thesis contains a review of the positive and negative ways in which the search for food has impacted social man. It begins with an examination of prehistoric man and follows him through Peking Man's development, the Neolithic era of farmers and herders, and the Era of Expansionism heralded by the search for salt and spices. This thesis examines man's resourcefulness when confronted by food shortages; lastly, it concludes with a discussion of Darwin's evolutionary theory to elucidate the role of food in man's powerful drive to survive and evolve.
From the Paper "Beginning with prehistoric man, homo and femina sapiens needed to cooperate in order to be successful predators. The lions, wolves, and jackals they hunted and cooked were their main sustenance. During the Neolithic Era, man evolved into a super-animal who was no longer exclusively predatory; he was now a "settled farmer and stock breeder" (Tannahill, 1988) who could hunt, fish, gather, grow food, and domesticate animals.
Approximately two million years ago, as man continued to evolve, hominids, primates that were more like ape-like than man, developed into homo-erectus, primates who were able to stand erect and bore a more human than ape-like appearance (Stamps, 2000). Peking Man, the earliest, most well known representative of homo-erectus, was discovered in Beijing, China. Examination of the fossils of Peking Man indicate he was a hunter and cave dweller whose diet was mostly venison and other mammals. Most notably, Peking Man was able to control fire. Fire provided the caves with light and warmth but it also positively affected Peking Man's ability to prepare and enjoy food."
Abstract This paper looks at the implications, for social anthropology, of discourses on knowledge and power by focusing on Foucault's ideas and by analyzing several ethnographic studies.
From the Paper "Social science knowledge informs the way in which people interpret their experiences, and can be empowering, as in the case of political and feminist discourses. However, knowledge, employed as discourse, can also be employed in ways that disempower, and this is the focus of much of Foucault's work. The implication for academic work is that social science knowledge can serve to either empower or disempower its subjects, sometimes both, and in all cases it has influence over its subjects and its audience, by virtue of being itself a discourse, albeit a scientific one."
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at knowledge management, a relatively new business concept that is attracting the attention of informed and global-oriented companies because of its promise to introduce new elements of flexibility and efficiency in the entire business spectrum - from management, plant and production to front line activities. This paper attempts to answer many questions related to knowledge management, which a growing number of management scholars present as a newly discovered key to unlock the productive powers of all people in a company and to bind them in one neat package towards achieving organizational success.
This paper has chosen to focus on three examples of companies in the automotive industry, implementing knowledge management.
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
Acknowledgement
Chapter I - Introduction
Chapter II - Literature Review
I.1. Knowledge Management
II.1a. Knowledge as Business Asset
II.1b. Types of Knowledge II.1c. Key Players in KM
II.1d. Transfer of Knowledge II.1e. Holistic Approach
II.1f. Primacy of People
II.2. The Automotive Industry
II.2a. Technology and Innovation
II.2b. Control Systems
II.3. Product Development
II.3a. Development Stages
II.3b. New Imperatives
II.3c. KM Strategies
II.3d. KM Terms and Concepts
II.4. Conceptual Framework
II.5. Information and KM Concepts
Chapter III - Industry, Country & Company Review
III.1. Industry Trends
III.2. Country Perspectives
III.3. Company Reports
Chapter IV - Research Methodology
III.1. Observation and Direct Communication
III.2. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
Chapter V - Results
Chapter VI - Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper "There are as many definitions of knowledge management as there are long-cherished ideas of how to run a business. If there is a common ground in the divergent perceptions of knowledge management, it is the generally accepted proposition that KM aims to transform knowledge into new levels of organizational capabilities and competences (Sanchez, R., 2006). The debate revolves around the question of how to implement it in the most effective manner. This study thus fixes its attention on the different KM strategies adopted by organizations, closing in on the international automotive industry because it is identified as among the sectors that especially needs and stand to derive enormous benefits from the new management technique. The focus shifts from there to the development process for new vehicles, where KM is said to be most helpful, and which calls for synthesizing all kinds of knowledge and specialization - the whole rationale for KM. As setting of the study, we pick out India for the simple reason that it now serves as manufacturing base for the internationalization efforts of many automotive companies."
Abstract This paper sheds light on Plato's allegory of the cave and explains why this great philosopher viewed the sun as the source of all knowledge. It shows how Plato presented his famous allegory of the cave in his book "The Republic" that compares human existence to darkness of life in the cave and shows why sun represents the real light of knowledge.
From the Paper "Plato, the most distinguished of Socrates? disciples, was of the view that most people in this world are living in complete darkness. This darkness has made it impossible to see the "actual, unchanging" truth and thus the knowledge they possess about people and things is highly impaired. Plato illustrated these opinions and other such valuable observations in his allegory of the Cave, which appeared in his famous book, The Republic. This allegory is though very clear in intent, can still confuse readers, new to the world of philosophy. This is because the allegory appears in the form of dialogues between Socrates and Glaucon. The great philosopher is trying to explain why people of greater knowledge can often encounter ridicule by those who have refused to come out of the cave. "
Tags: socrates, glaucon, cave, allegory, republic, truth, light, dark, power
Abstract This paper explains that Carol Krenz' research explores the way sugar and carbohydrates stimulate differing parts of the brain. The author points out that, by realizing the soothing powers of both sugar and carbohydrates, there can be little doubt that both offer a solution to depression in the winter. The paper relates that, by keeping a balance of both of these necessary dietary factors, relief from depression can be found without hazardous health problems, which each one may provide singularly.
From the Paper "The article "Food for Sloth" by Carol Krenz begins with an argument that presents the similarities between comfort' foods and hibernation foods. This manner of food related analysis present the dietary and psychological process that leads to excessive sugar and carbohydrates in the winter months. The beginning pars of the article tell how human beings have a tendency to eat more sugars due to the normative depressive states that occur between December and March. The article then begins to discuss the indifference between comfort foods and hibernation that exist, but not without the 'poisoning' that sugar and carbohydrates can impart on the human body in a singular manner."
Abstract This paper examines the politics of knowledge in feminist theory. The paper shows how feminist theory has been concerned with unraveling a long history of discrimination through the re-appropriation of knowledge by and about women. It suggests that the nature of knowledge for feminist theory is problematic on many levels, from linguistic and psychological to social and historical and the paper discusses these issues.
From the Paper "A central concern of feminist theory is the importance of locating and tearing down the systems of knowledge that support patriarchy. Recognizing that it is through the unnatural constructs of what is considered inherently "female" that women have been politically repressed, feminist theory is faced with the formidable political challenge of breaking free of this male-dominated discourse. This project has meant denaturalizing and deconstructing the "objective knowledge" that has justified patriarchal oppression and attempting to regain control of the meanings and representations associated with "female." The manner in which this occurs, however, is very much disputed."
Tags: challenge, patriarchal, society, control, power
Abstract This paper discusses the notion of power, particularly the appropriate exercise of power and influence within an organization. This paper describes the writer's experiences, observations, and learned knowledge about power and how it affects managers at all levels. It also discusses what power means, where it comes from, and what forms it takes on.
From the Paper "Appropriate Exercise of Power and Influence in an Organization I have been asked to discuss a subject affecting managers and leaders at all levels. As the current Executive Director of ICMA, one of the largest non-profit groups in the state, I have played many roles. Yet, all of them had in common that I was working with people either as a leader or in a team setting. During this time I have observed many ways in which the power and influence of leaders and managers can change the outcome of a team of company project, with both good and bad outcomes. "
This paper analyzes the duplicitous nature of advertising in the fast food industry, focusing on the advertisements of three multinational fast food companies, McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Long John Silver.
Abstract Fast food advertising has been allowed to profess anything, from the "healthy quality" of their food to the food company's contribution to homeless kids. While fast food giants are quick to take any of their detractors to court for any erroneous allegations made by members of the public, it doesn?t stop these same companies from committing libel themselves through their promotions. However, most fast food companies steer clear of making outrageous claims such any health benefits, preferring to concentrate on marketing their service's convenience, economy and perceived lifestyle. This paper endeavors to highlight this discrepancy in the industry and showcases three fast food companies and their advertising efforts in that regard.
From the Paper "Fast food outlets have become the messiah for the millions of people out there who don"t have more than five minutes to spare in grabbing a bite to eat or for the millions of mothers desperate for one night of not cooking dinner for the family. There is certainly a lot to choose from. All one has to do is switch on the television, turn on the radio, go to the cinemas or even walk down the street. People from all walks of life are bombarded each and every day with jingles and gimmicks and catchcries, inviting the consumer to partake of their fried or greasy menu. Some appeal to the consumer's need for convenience, others appeal to the consumer's economic constraints, and others appeal to the consumer's perceived utopian lifestyle. Some even go so far as to appeal to the consumer's interest in healthy eating. But are these appeals from fast food conglomerates based on truth or are they just trying to beef up their profits duplicitously" This paper endeavors to explore some claims that fast food companies have made in the past through their advertising. Three fast food giants will also be held under the microscope and studied for any evidence of duplicity through their advertising."
Abstract This work examines specific issues in food biotechnology today. The paper discusses which agencies are responsible for regulation of food products and what this regulation involves. Also discussed are the products that food biotechnology has enhanced. The author notes the consumer's potential unease with food biotechnology, and cites education as helping the public overcome this mistrust. The paper includes an extensive literature review.
Outline:
Introduction
Specific Requirements for Food Additive Ingredients
Food Biotechnology is not New
Consumer Doubts
Issues Management Plan
Summary and Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "According to the work of Sally L. McCammon, Science Advisor to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the U.S. Department of Agriculture: "If genetically engineered organisms are to gain greater acceptance, decisions that address concerns associated with the application of biotechnology to agriculture must be science based. Science also must be the base by which regulatory officials can sure and build upon credibility, remain current and assure a rational basis for decision-making." (1999) McCammon states that the science-based assessment means that "the review of any particular product is done using scientific criteria relevant to that product. Advances in biotechnology -- being able to determine what has actually happened at the molecular and biochemical levels -- have increased the ability of regulators to scrutinize product safety and the effect of product modification upon safety. The scrutinies of certain products and the rigor by which evaluations are performed have also increased due to biotechnology." (1999)"
Tags:food, biotechnology, consumers, food, industry
