Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Social sciences

Why the Upsurge in Globalization?

1. Increased Customer Demands and Access

• Demand for more value for money
• Preference for global brands over local brands
• Access to global distributors

2. Increased Technological Innovation

Improved ICT facilitates access to markets, partners, and global networks.

3. Increased Power of Emerging Markets

4. Increased Globalization of Financial Markets

5. Shared R&D and Global Sourcing

• Companies spread their research across multiple countries.
• Outsourcing is more of a rule than an exception.

6. Evolving Government Trade Policies

Governments try to attract foreign investments.

Consequences of Globalization

Pros

• Free Trade Objective: No borders, fewer tariffs, lower prices, cost reduction, open markets.
• More Employment: New jobs,

UNIT 5: Consumer Markets and Buyer Behavior

1. Model of Consumer Behavior

The buying decision is the focal point of a marketer’s effort. Marketers study consumer purchases to determine what, where, and how much consumers buy. The central question for marketers is: "How do consumers respond to various marketing efforts?" Stimuli, including the 4 Ps (product, price, place, and promotion) and economic, technological, social, and cultural factors, influence these responses. Marketers aim to understand how these stimuli are processed within the consumer's "black box." Buyer characteristics influence perception and reaction, while the decision process itself affects behavior.

2. Characteristics Affecting Consumer Behavior

2.1. Cultural Factors

a) Culture

Culture... Continue reading "Consumer Markets and Buyer Behavior: Key Influences" »

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about whether or not 16-year-old children should be allowed to vote. While some argue that it would be a positive step towards greater youth engagement in politics, others express concern about the potential risks and drawbacks of such a policy. In this essay, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of allowing 16-year-olds to vote.

Advantages of Lowering the Voting Age

One of the main advantages of lowering the voting age to 16 is that it would give young people a greater say in decisions that affect their lives. Many 16-year-olds are already working, paying taxes, and contributing to society in other ways, so it makes sense to give them a voice in political matters as well. Additionally,... Continue reading "Should 16-Year-Olds Be Allowed to Vote? Pros and Cons" »

Constitutional Powers of Congress

Congress derives its powers from Article 1 of the Constitution.

Defining Constituency

A constituency is a body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body.

Differences Between the House and Senate

The House and Senate differ in terms, number of members, and legislative roles.

House of Representatives

• Often referred to as the "House."
• Comprises 435 voting members and 6 non-voting members (5 delegates, 1 resident commissioner).
• Considered the lower house.
• Responds more quickly to the needs of the people due to two-year terms.
• All laws dealing with revenue must originate in the House.

Senate

• Considered the upper house of the bicameral legislature.
• Has 100 seats or voting members.
• Six-year terms

Education: Past and Present

We live in an age where education has become a really important aspect of society. From a young age, everyone tries to teach us the best education and the best morals. Therefore, our parents are continuously searching for the best method to teach us what things we must or must not do in each situation. But is current education better than the old form of education, as nowadays teachers demand a lot of things from children?

A Look Back at Education Twenty Years Ago

Let us take a look at twenty years ago, when school and high school were completely different from the current school. The students saw the teachers as the most important figures in school, and they had great respect for them. But in reality, the teachers... Continue reading "Comparing Education: Past and Present Methods" »

Technology's Impact on Society

A Transformative Era

We live in an era defined by technology. Its presence is undeniable, permeating every aspect of our lives, from hospitals and supermarkets to universities. Recent years have witnessed a surge of innovation, dramatically reshaping our world. But how have public perceptions of technology evolved over time?

A Look Back

Fifty years ago, our grandparents navigated daily life without the technological conveniences we take for granted. Household chores and jobs were often performed manually. Imagine housewives lighting fires for cooking or using coal-powered irons. Many jobs lacked computers or other technological aids that simplify tasks today.

Advantages of Technological Advancements

Technological... Continue reading "Technological Advancements: Shaping the Future and Transforming Lives" »

Identities

Explore the nature of the self and what it is to be human.

• Lifestyles
• Health and wellbeing
• Beliefs and values
• Subcultures
• Language and identity
• What constitutes an identity?
• How do we express our identity?
• What ideas and images do we associate with a healthy lifestyle?
• How do language and culture contribute to form our identity?

Experiences

Explore and tell the stories of the events, experiences and journeys that shape our lives.

• Leisure activities
• Holidays and travel
• Life stories
• Rites of passage
• Customs and traditions
• Migration
• How does travel broaden our horizons?
• How does our past shape our present and our future?
• How and why do different cultures mark important moments in life?
• How would living in another culture affect our worldview?

Human ingenuity

Explore... Continue reading "Exploring Human Identities and Experiences" »

Crinkly

(crujiente): wrinkled, making a rustling sound.

Ridges

(rugosos): raised land on a flat surface.

Cunningly

(astutamente): ability to achieve things in a clever way.

Hold

(resistir): to have or keep in the hand.

Concerned

(preocupado): interested or affected.

Tricks

(engañar): a clever action, as to solve a problem.

Brainchild

(invento): idea or invention that have thought up or created.

Trial

(juicio, prueba): a formal examination of evidence by a judge, typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings.

Arty

(pretencioso): making a strong, affected, or pretentious display of being artistic or interested in the arts.

Intended

planned or meant.

Negotiating

: obtain or bring about by discussion.

Folds

(plecs) bend... Continue reading "Exploring the World of Words" »

Leadership Development

Introduction

The Quest for a General Theory of Leadership (GTOL) involves a story about process, and another about product. The story begins with James MacGregor Burns who began thinking more generally about the phenomenon of leadership.

Every year organizations invest considerably in developing their leaders. Annual estimates range from $16.5 billion to over $45 billion for leadership development programs and other supporting management/executive education activities in the United States alone.

One emerging development in the field is that recent global survey data collected by researchers at Developmental Dimensions International suggest that leaders are increasingly dissatisfied with their organization’s development... Continue reading "The Quest for a General Theory of Leadership Development" »

Types of Interest Groups

Economic Interest Groups

Represent businesses, labor unions, and professional associations.

Environmental Interest Groups

Advocate for environmental protection (e.g., Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation).

Ideological Interest Groups

Promote specific political ideologies or beliefs.

Public Interest Groups

Work for the common good and broader societal benefits.

One-Issue Interest Groups

Focus on a single, specific policy issue.

Interest Group Activities

Lobbying

Directly interacting with policymakers to influence legislation.

Grassroots Lobbying

Mobilizing the public to contact policymakers and express their views.

Electioneering

Supporting candidates and political parties through endorsements and campaign contributions.

Litigation

Filing... Continue reading "Understanding Interest Groups: Key Terms and Concepts" »