Recent orders
EVALUATION of Video games
INTRODUCTION
Video games have become quite popular these days. Studies show that approximately 90 percent of kids in America play video games. This has actually propelled the video games industry into one of the most profitable and dynamic industries in the world. Actually, it has been said to be raking much more than Hollywood, the heart of action. Quite a profitable industry you might say.
However, the video gaming industry has its downside too. Studies done in the recent times show that more than 95 percent of the kids in the video gaming industry have become so indulged in the games to such an extent that the medical practitioners have considered calling it an addiction or disorder. Nationally, 85% of the youth gamers aged between 8 and18 may be classified as clinically or pathologically addicted. However, debate ranges about the efficacy of the statement video gaming addiction. Can video gaming really culminate in an addiction? Is playing too much video game tantamount or equitable to addiction? If not, where do we draw the line between addiction and playing too much?
Before determining whether there is the existence of video gaming or not it is important to have a clear understanding as to what being an addict means. Essentially, addiction refers to psychological disorders affecting the normal function of the brain by interfering with the chemical processes associated with decision making, motivation, pleasure seeking, learning and pleasure seeking.
An addict would be characterized by psychological compulsion that pushes them to engage in particular behavior or even take particular substances which in most cases would have detrimental effects on their well-being or health. Addiction hallmarks are in most cases increase in the time that one spends in while engaging in these activities even at the expense of more important activities, persistent unsuccessful attempts to quit and even intermittent preoccupation as well as intense psychological desires or urges that one is unable to control.
Video gaming addiction can be said to be more or less a new phenomenon as far as psychology is concerned. Actually, it is yet to be recognized medically as an addition mainly due to the limited studies done on the effects and the causes. This could explain why quite a large number of clinics specialize in treating other addictions such as alcohol, substances and gambling and not on video gaming addiction. Nevertheless, a number of countries such as USA, Canada, Netherlands, South Korea and China have acknowledged the threat that video gaming addiction poses and established clinics dealing with this particular problem. Does this mean that there is actually such a thing as video gaming addiction? It actually fits to be an addiction at least going by the symptoms or indicators.
Likely indicators of video gaming addiction
While this has not been officially recognized as a disorder per se, video gaming addiction is real in both teenagers and adults. Like any other habit-forming behavior, there exist some signs that would be pointing at video games addiction.
Lack of control as o engaging in video gaming- one of the strongest indicators than an individual is addicted to video gaming would be the compulsion or the inability to control the time they spend on their gaming equipments. Recent times have experienced a lot of technological developments and therefore, there are quite a large number of equipments that would be used. Many are the times when an individual ill online intending to spend a particular amount of time only to keep on extending it. This means that the individual is not in control of their gaming tendencies. It is very common in video gaming.
Preoccupation with the gaming equipments- it is often that you see individuals who are playing these games getting unusually preoccupied with them when they are away from the equipments. The individuals will become distracted, disinterested or irritable and often talk about them constantly.
Downplaying the use of the video game equipments- many are the times when an individual who plays these games often will downplay the length of time spent on the computer or the TV they more often than not give excuse as to why they have to go online or even give an outright lie.
Defensiveness- this is more or less in the same line as downplaying the length of time they spend on the computer or TV. If you happen to confront these people or ask them about the length of time they spend gaming, they will become defensive. Quite often they will deny that they are engaging too much in the game and therefore need help. Actually, denial alone couples up as a sign that fall is not well more so when the individual does seem to be concerned about the feelings of neglect by the loved ones.
Misusing money- individuals who have an addiction to the video games will more often than not spend large sums of money on video games related equipments. Due to the high requirements that these video games place as to the configurations of the computer, you will find the individual continually upgrading the accessories, computer hardware and software packages. There are extreme cases where the individuals will spend money meant for other purposes on the video games accessories.
Hiding from uncomfortable or negative situations and feelings- many are the times when individuals resort to the video games in an effort to regain their ego or as a way of self meditating. In cases where the individuals face uncomfortable feelings and situations such as sadness, reduced performance or arguments, they may resort to escapism by engaging in the videos games in an effort to escape the real world albeit for some minutes. Is this not one of the things that you come across when the conventional forms of addiction are examined? You will find an individual taking alcohol at least to be in the euphoric world for some minutes. While video gaming addiction may not be characterized by the euphoria that comes with the conventional addictions, it definitely draws quite a lot of similarities with them.
Mixed feelings- this is a characteristic shared by every form of addiction. Initially, an individual would experience the rush of adrenaline that comes with playing this game over and over again. However, this would be followed by feelings of guilt especially when the individual considers the effort spent online or the time spent playing the game. Unfortunately, many are the times when the individual resorts to the same game in order to get off the guilt. While this may more or less seem to be voluntary, the individual would be having little or no choice since they have no control over what they do.
Are there counterarguments
Video gaming addiction has never been fully adopted as a disorder per se especially in the treatment centers. There are those who feel that playing video games too much for too long to such an extent that one does not have control over the time frame for doing this does not constitute addiction. In addition, many people feel that unlike the other forms of conventional addiction, abrupt termination or cessation of video gaming irrespective of the number of years that one has spent would not result in withdrawal syndrome or symptoms. True as this may be, the mere definition of addiction as a compulsive engagement in a particular behavior even when it has detrimental effects on an individual’s life suits the many cases reported. Many are the times when people abdicate their duties and responsibilities as they engage in these games. Actually there are instances when individuals will be using office equipments and time engaging in these games. This may actually result in delayed work or unmet deadlines at school and work place which effectively would attract reprisal and possible termination or disciplinary actions. More often than not, the individual will not be concerned about all these developments as all they care about is their games and accessories.
Conclusion
While not fully recognized as a disorder but rather as a compulsion, you will acknowledge that it bears a lot of similarities with the more conventional disorders. In most cases, it may not only be a result of other underlying problems but also a cause of numerous problems just like other forms of addiction. Underlining the severity of the situation is the fact that more than five million youths are in the addiction. It is therefore no wonder that various countries have started paying attention to the disorder and looking into ways of assuaging it.
References
http://www.video-game-addiction.org/symptoms-computer-addiction-teens.htmlhttp://www.video-game-addiction.org/internet-addictions-adults.htmlhttp://www.video-game-addiction.org/what-makes-games-addictive.htmlhttp://www.gamespot.com/features/6207309/game-addiction-the-real-storyBy: Laura Parker, GameSpot AU – Posted on April 3, 2009
Griffiths, M. (2008). Video game addiction: Further thoughts and observations. International Journal of Mental Health Addiction, 6, 182 – 185
Wood, R. (2008). Problems with the concept of video game “addiction”: Some case study examples. International Journal of Mental Health Addiction, 6, 169 – 178.
http://www.techaddiction.ca/video_game_addiction.htmlVideo Game Addiction – Is It A “Real” Disorder?
T-TEST
T-TEST
Name
Institution
Date
T-test Example
Rosenthal and Jacobson (1968) informed classroom teachers that some of their students showed
unusual potential for intellectual gains. Eight months later the students identified to teachers as
having potentional for unusual intellectual gains showed significiantly greater gains performance
on a test said to measure IQ than did children who were not so identified. Below are the data for
the students in the first grade:
Table 1: Scores for First Graders
Experimental Comparison
35 2
40 27
12 38
15 31
21 1
14 19
46 1
10 34
28 3
48 1
16 2
30 3
32 2
48 1
31 2
22 1
12 3
39 29
19 37
25 2
Mean=27.15 Mean=11.95
SD = 12.51 14.62
From the table derived above, the mean of of experiment is X = 27.15 and the comparison mean X = 11.95, the corresponding standard deviations are 12.51 and 14.62
The procedure of this work is derived from the pdf attached to show how t-test is applied in statistical research.
Formula for T-test for indepentdent groups
t = X1-X2
var1 – var2
n n Substituting our values t = 27.15 – 11.95
12.52 – 14.62
20 20
t = 3.54 this is the computed t value
the computed t value is 3.54. With degrees of freedom that equals to total group size (40)
substract 2, to get 38. Entering a t table with 38 degrees of freedom, for alpha = .05 the
tabulated value is 2.03 and for alpha = .01, the tabled value is 2.72.
In this case, 1% is the limit of expected error and 2.72 is the tabulated t value.
The computed value is bigger than the tabulated value at alpha = .01, hence we reject the null hypothesis and do not reject the alternative hypothesisthis shows , that the difference in gain scores is likely the result to the experimental treatment and not as a result of chance variation.
Link to the pdf.
https://www.google.co.ke/search?q=t-test+example&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
Reference
Jackson, S. L. (2012). Research methods and statistics: A critical thinking approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Trunki business management
Small Business Management
Introduction
Trunki is an innovative ride-on children’s suitcase produced by a Bristol-based design company called Magmatic Ltd. Rob Law is the owner and the director of this company and the brains behind the Trunki suitcase. Law came up with this investment idea in 1997 while at university and turned his investment idea into practice in 2003 but the company that he established collapsed as a result of various obstacles (Bourret, 2012). However, Law re-established the business in 2006 and a potentially damaging appearance on BBC’s Dragons Den programme turned his venture into success. His idea was dismissed by the dragons as unworthy but the fact that he featured in the TV series brought awareness of Trunki to the public. As a result, consumers, distributors and retailers got interested in the product. This led to a tremendous increase in sales of Trunki within a short period of time. By June 2012, Magmatic Ltd had sold over 1,300,000 suitcases and made a £6m-Turnover and a profit of £1m in the previous year (Bourret, 2012). This paper analyses various issues affecting the production, sales and marketing of Trunki.
a) The identifiable risks for Trunki, how can they be planned for and the risk reduced
As in any other business enterprises, the sale of Trunki by Magmatic Company is exposed to various risks, which may negatively affect its performance. One of the major risks that this company may be facing currently is financial risk. According to BBC (2009), Law funded the growth of this investment mainly through debt financing from an angel investor and from financial institutions such as Princes commercial banks and the Small Firm Loan Guarantee. The company has not completely re-paid the loans and interests and therefore, it is exposed to the risk of inability to re-pay, in case sales and cash flow level reduces great enormously (Besley & Brigham 2008, p. 586). This risk may be counteracted by continued strong performance of this company. Additional financial risks associated with Trunki relates to any changes that may occur in the tax and foreign exchange rates, which may adversely affect the company’s returns. These changes are external to the business and hence, difficult to control.
Trunki is also exposed to a strategic risk associated with possibility of change in consumer tastes and preferences in the future. This risk can be counteracted by establishing measures that will help to keep track of consumer feedback (Besley & Brigham 2008, p. 586). Finally, this company is exposed to risk of compliance to bureaucratic or legislative rules and regulations in all the countries where it operates. These include environmental concerns and employee protection regulations. Such risks can be mitigated through gaining awareness of the rules and regulations governing the industry and remaining compliant to them in all countries where this company operates (Besley & Brigham 2008, p. 587).
b) The possibilities of failures for Trunki, their identification, their outcomes and their effects
The possibilities of failure for Trunki are currently low due to its strong performance in the recent years and high possibility of future success in the global market (Smarta, 2012). However, this business may fail under various circumstances. For example, a change in the tastes and preferences of consumers and failure by the company to investigate market changes, leading to lower sales for Trunki. Also, new competitors may rise, with better products and services compared to Trunki’s products, thereby snatching the market share for Trunki. Additionally, new laws and regulations may be developed restricting the production and/or sale of Trunki. Under such situations, the company would record negative returns. The declined financial performance would eventually lead to collapse of this business ((Besley & Brigham 2008, p. 598).
a) The alternatives for financing for Trunki and the most suitable financing source
Magmatic can use either debt or/and equity financing to expand Trunki into new business areas (Ajami & Goddard 2006, p. 299). The main source of equity funding for this company currently is retained profits from this business. Trunki can also use debt financing from banks, government agencies, asset-based lenders and business suppliers. Trunki is a well established business venture with a proven record of success. The company’s sales have been increasing at a high rate in the last few years, with high levels of profits recorded (Smarta, 2012). Therefore, it is likely that Rob Law is going to re-invest realized profits to expand this business into new areas. This is also the most suitable mode of financing for this company since it ensure financial stability for this company in the future ((Ajami & Goddard 2006, p. 299).
b) Reasons why other forms of financing are unsuitable
As mentioned, the most suitable option for financing that Rob can use to expand Trunki into new business areas is to re-invest realized profits. Currently, the company has a good profile and is able to acquire a loan from debt financing institutions. However, this will lead to a new obligation for this company to repay the loan and the interest charged on it. In case the company’s sales reduce in the future, the debt payment will lead to reduced level of cash flow. In extreme cases, the company may be unable to repay the debt and interest rate. This may put the business’s survival at risk. In short, debt financing will introduce a new finance risk which may adversely affect the company in the future. Additionally, debt financing will lead to an additional cost associated with interest charged on loan (Ajami & Goddard 2006, p. 302).
a) Marketing strategies that have been employed
Magmatic Ltd. uses public relations as the main marketing strategy. According to Smarta, (2012) Magmatic’s strategy involves arranging meetings with journalists and then taking that opportunity to wow them with the products. The journalists then relay information about the company and its products to the pubic through various kinds of media (Bourret, 2012). Law has also been interviewed severally in various kinds of media and this has played a huge role in raising the awareness of the product to potential consumer, retailers and distributors. Apart from this, Trunki is increasingly being advertised through the internet, in the social media. Lately, Magmatic produced a ‘Night at the Museum-style viral’ video to coincide with new dinosaur product, which is available in You Tube. The company also has FaceBook profiles which are updated regularly to keep the public always informed about its activities. Law explains that the social media has greatly raised the awareness of Trunki internationally and has been an interactive way of engaging with customers. ‘Word of mouth’ has also been an effective strategy employed by this enterprise (Bourret, 2012).
b) Ways in which these marketing strategies can be improved There are various ways in which this company can improve its marketing strategies for Trunki brand. The public relations strategy that is currently capitalized on largely focuses on awareness of Trunki brand to potential consumers, retailers and distributors. The awareness campaign can be strengthened by active advertisements through various kinds of media such as newspapers, Televisions and Newspapers (Shimp, 2008, p. 7). Additionally, the company may produce a video and give it freely to airlines to be aired during travel. There is also need for greater engagement in the social media through the use of additional social sites such as Twiter and Fun space. It is also important to consider adding new features or services to make the products more appealing to consumers.
c) The Unique Selling Points offered by this business
One of the unique features of Trunki is that though the suitcases resemble toys or luggage, they may not be classified as either. A child can sit on the suitcase scoot along on it or ride on it as the parent pulls (Smarta, 2012). The purpose of these products makes them unique, which helps to reduce competition from toy and luggage producers. Further, after Trunki produced the first batch of products in 2006, Law injected light-hearted messages into promotional literature. For instance, he stated that “sounds like you had a poorly Trunki, but we’ve got a remedy” (Bourret 2012).The company also started placing instructional sheets on how to fix Trunki products, while law appeared on pictures accompanying such messages wearing a doctor’s outfit. Generally, these messages elicit a positive perception of Trunki by parents, bringing out the power of a conversational, fun approach (Bourret 2012).
4. a) The opportunity for growth of Trunki
Trunki has grown tremendously in the last five years and is currently being sold in 95 countries in the world (Smarta, 2012). Trunki still has an opportunity to expand distribution channels into new, untapped markets in countries where it does not sell currently. Additionally, there is need to explore untapped markets within countries where the product is available. Secondly, Trunki is currently produced in United States, China and in UK and the product is exported to other countries. As Ferrell & Hartline (2010, p. 21) explains, some consumers show a higher loyalty rate for domestically produced goods, compared to imported goods. The company has an opportunity to expand its production or outsource the production in other nations in which there is potential for market growth. Further, this company uses innovation in all aspects and this is the main driver for its successful performance. It has an opportunity to ensure global success in the future through continued innovation and introduction of more desirable products and services in the future (Ferrell & Hartline, 2010, p. 21).
B) The most appropriate growth model for Trunki
The most appropriate growth model for Trunki is organic model. This model involves expanding a business and increasing turnover by sticking to the original growth strategy, rather than through acquisitions or mergers. An enterprise may increase sales in the existing markets or explore new markets in new geographical regions or use new sales or distribution channel, but still stick to the original business model. This model adopts a natural growth, rather than forcing investment with outside growth. According to Korudi (2009, p. 75) this type of model is much safer to a small business enterprise than a rapid growth through acquisitions and mergers. This is because the enterprise applies a model that has been tried and tested.
The organic model gives a business enterprise opportunity to try any new growth strategy before applying it or before moving into a new one (Korudi, 2009, p. 75). It is also easier on finances of an organization since it avoids the need for outside investment. Specifically, an enterprise can grow naturally by re-investing profit back, thereby avoiding outside investments. As well, this growth model is most appropriate for a unique business such as Magmatic which may not easily find similar organizations to form mergers with or to acquire. Though organic growth usually takes longer compared to other growth models, it is the most suitable for Trunki. Magmatic can achieve organic growth by selling Trunki range of products in new geographical areas or in countries where the products are not available. It can also develop additional distributional channels in the old markets or sell new products or services to the existing customers (Korudi, 2009, p. 76).
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various issues that relate to the performance of Trunki Brand. The issues examined in this section relate to the risks that the brand is exposed to, financing sources, marketing strategies and opportunities for growth. As examined, Trunki can be said to be a successful business venture with a great potential for growth.
References
Ajami, R A & Goddard G J 2006 International business: Theory and practice, M.E. Sharpe,
Hampshire
BBC 2009 “Dragon’s Den” Viewed 14, January 2013
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/entrepreneurs/roblaw.shtml >
Besley S & Brigham E F 2008 Principles of Finance, Cengage Learning, New York
Bourret C 2012 “Magmatic (Trunki): Rob Law MBE” Viewed 14, January 2013
< HYPERLINK “http://www.startups.co.uk/magmatic-rob-law-mbe.html” http://www.startups.co.uk/magmatic-rob-law-mbe.html>
Ferrell, O C & Hartline M D 2010 Marketing Strategy, Cengage Learning, New York
Korudi J 2009 Business Strategy: A guide to taking your business forward, John Wiley & Sons,
London
Shimp T A 2008 Advertising, Promotion, and Other Aspects of Integrated Marketing
Communications, Cengage Learning, New York
Smarta 2012 “Rob Law – Trunki” Viewed 14, January 2013,
<HYPERLINK “http://www.smarta.com/advice/general/rob-law-trunki”http://www.smarta.com/advice/general/rob-law-trunki>