Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Problems of Cheating in Modern Society Essay

Is Modern Society More Tolerable to Cheating than Before? It is true to say that cheating on one’s spouse exists as long as there is marriage; and of course every generation is completely and utterly sure that the age it lives in is the worst in what concerns morals, human relationships and social life in general. Strangely enough, but people seem to like complaining about such things. It is hard to say whether cheating nowadays is more wide-spread than before, for there hardly can be any reliable information on this matter either from modern times or from the ages past, as cheating isn’t generally the thing that one strives to make public. Some people do everything to persuade us that it was better â€Å"then†; some people do everything to persuade us that â€Å"then† was just the same as â€Å"now†. Yet, some things changed, no doubt. Technological progress made cheating much more easy than it was in the ages past; cell phones and the Internet makes communications simple and confidential, unless someone tries to investigate them directly. And, of course, public opinion ceased to be strictly against cheating. Many people treat it extremely easy, condescendingly or even approvingly (at least until the moment they are cheated on themselves). There are even specialized dating websites for married people on the Internet. And it is strange, really. Even if people consider Christian (and almost any other) morals to be outdated, do they consider business agreements to be just as outdated? And what a marriage is if not a business agreement of a kind, with its terms and conditions? Why a person who infringes this contract should be treated in a different way from somebody who swindles his or her business partner? It is a picturesque example of doublethink, one of many that may be encountered in modern world.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Insurance Companies Switching Medicine - 1495 Words

Background Diabetes is a growing but preventable health concern in the United States.1 It is a problem in the body where blood glucose levels rise higher than normal.1 According to the facts released by the American Diabetes Association in 2013, 25.8 million Americans (8.3%) have diabetes 2 and approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes worldwide are considered type 2 diabetes.3 Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease where the body cannot use insulin properly and the patient ends up using an oral hypoglycemic agent.1 One of the many classes of medications to help manage diabetes is sulfonylureas, including glyburide and glipizide. These drugs close K-ATP channels on Beta cell membranes and cause the pancreas to release more insulin to lower blood sugar.4 Both glipizide and glyburide are metabolized in the liver5, have high protein binding5, and can decrease hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) up to 1%-2%.6 According to the Health Insurance Association of America, health insurance is defined as coverage th at provides for the payments of benefits as a result of sickness or injury.7 Insurance companies always strive to achieve their target glycemic goal via the most effective and cost effective therapeutic strategy.8 A literature search was conducted to find data on the benefits of converting patients from glyburide to glipizide to find out why insurance prefers the switch. Literature Search A literature search was conducted using Pubmed for publications within the last 10 years.Show MoreRelatedBuyer Bargain Power Of The Pharmaceutical Industry1377 Words   |  6 Pagesnot a concern for them as they rely on insurance to cover the cost of the medicines. Physicians, just like the patients, do not wield much power on the pharmaceutical companies either, unless they are associated with hospital boards. Due to their ability to purchase in bulk, hospitals and pharmacists are able to exert some bargain power, but reliability on insurance to cover the costs lowers the significance of bargain for them. Even though, some insurance organizations do attempt to negotiate favorableRead MoreThe Effects Of Preventative Care On The Country s Large Healthcare Expenditure996 Words   |  4 Pagesexpenditure. About 75 percent of costs are associated with treating chronic health problems that are preventable, such as type two diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and strokes (Froemke and Heine man). It has only been within the last ten years that major insurance programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, have been starting to emphasize the importance of preventative care. A study conducted by a team from Dartmouth mapped how much money Medicare spent per patient in 2007. The average recipient in Miami, FloridaRead MoreThe Administration Proposed A Far Reaching Health Care Reform Bill Called The Health Security Act Essay731 Words   |  3 Pagescalled the Health Security Act. This plan would have guaranteed health insurance to every American. This proposition did not get broad consumer support, and Congress scuttled it, saying it was too expensive, too bureaucratic, and too intrusive. Despite defeat of that bill, many Americans are still committed to achieving universal coverage for all Americans. Many universal health care advocates favor a national health insurance plan funded by the government. The majority of industrialized nations haveRead MoreFinancial Assistance Prog ram For Health Coverage1018 Words   |  5 Pagesthree strategies in which I can help Mrs. Jones afford her medication. First, I will provide education on her insurance plan and explain Medicare Drug Plans and their enrollment process. Secondly, I will identify a financial assistance program which she might qualify for. Finally, I will identify different ways to lower the cost of the medication such as coupons, drug discount cards, switching to a generic medication, and store programs (Prescription Drug, 2014). All of these options are a solutionRead MoreEssay On Cost Sharing808 Words   |  4 PagesHowever, cost sharing, defined as a cost that individuals must pay prior to receiving specific medical services or treatments covered by their health insurance plan. Still, most insurance policies require a contribution from the covered individual in the form of a co-payment, deductible, or coinsurance used in both fee-for-service and prepaid plans. Therefore, co-payments are cos ts that patients must pay at the time they receive the services, which is a designated dollar amount. Nevertheless,Read MoreAmerican Healthcare Reform Essay1187 Words   |  5 Pagescountry, essentially stating that companies lead by American citizens were not capable of doing it themselves. The bill that was passed is known as the Health Care-Reform bill. This Health Care –Reform is a terrible solution to the even worse problem that is Americas’ broken Health care system. What this new bill is intended to provide universal access to healthcare for all Americans, and control the rising costs of Healthcare. Along with regulating the private insurance industry through things likeRead MoreGeneric Products vs Brand Name Essay1116 Words   |  5 Pagespasses, people are looking for alternative ways to save money. The main reason for buying generic products, saving money, is simple enough. But theres also the satisfaction of not giving in to the marketing hype and buying something just because a company promotes it everywhere. The generic labels may not be as fancy as the brand-name products, and the taste of generic items, such as soda, may not appeal to you depending on your taste buds, but its worth trying generic brands to see if you like themRead MoreArticle Review : Reducing Prescription Drug Costs1153 Words   |  5 PagesTo: Professor Geckeis From: Kyra Bloom, Adam Kavanagh, Nicholas Ceparski Date: March 16, 2017 Subject: Reducing prescription drug costs Company Name: Horizons Investment/Retirement Planning 250 Employees Marysville, Ohio $135 Million USD Commodities such as food, cars, and even precious metals have steadily increased year after year which is something that is widely accepted as ‘inflation’. The dollar in 2016 isn’t worth what the dollar inRead MoreWal Marts Compensation And Benefits Program1406 Words   |  6 Pagesright because they have found another company that will pay them a better and fairer wage for the same position. The high number of employees quitting due to low wages has caused Wal-Mart to have a high turnover rate. However, this is not Wal-Marts only reason for such a high turnover rate. The lack of health insurance benefits offered to employees is the main and perhaps the most important cause of high turnover rate for Wal-Mart. People need health insurance not only for themselves but for theirRead MoreTaiwan Healthcare7221 Words   |  29 PagesBCRC document: China - Healthcare Providers. Business amp; Company Resource Center ________________________________ Datamonitor Industry Market Research , Feb 13, 2012 pNA China - Healthcare Providers. Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2012 Datamonitor MarketDefinition The healthcare providers sector is valued as total expenditure on healthcare in each country. This includes final consumption spending on healthcare goods and services. Goods and services in this sector include inpatient, outpatient

Monday, December 9, 2019

Environmental Sustainability in Fashion Supply †MyAssignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Environmental Sustainability in Fashion Supply. Answer: Introduction The report explains the business activities and operation of the sportswear company. Adidas Company has been selected for the report. Adidas is leading sportswear company across the world. It explains that how the company is increasing its net profit and operating profit in the market. It describes the various marketing strategies that are used by the company. Further, the report explains the SWOT analysis, Pestle analysis and porter five forces analysis of the company. It tells that how the company is becoming a most popular brand in the world. It explains the current innovation and production techniques of the company. Adidas is a German multinational company which was founded on 1924. Its head office is located in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria. It deals and manufactures clothing, shoes, baseball, football products, and accessories. It is one of the biggest sportswear producers in Europe and second biggest in the world. There are approx 53,731 employees are employed in the association. The company maintains the highest brand loyalty in the world. The company has done various collaborations with popular designers such as Raf Simons, Alexander Wang, and Jeremy Scott. The company is increasing its revenue and profit day by day. The Adidas group wants to bring innovation and inspiration to every athlete in the world. The firm wants to become a leader in the sports and apparel industry. Mainly, the company focuses on the business practice, strategies and transactions in order to meet long-term goals and objectives. The main aim of the company is to provide a wide range of good quality of products to its custo mers in the market. Further, the company wants to make good relationship with its customers. The firm continues improving the quality and image of the products in the market (Ratten, 2011). The core values include performance, integrity, diversity, passion, honesty, and trust. The firm identifies target customer in the market to satisfy the customer needs, wants and requirements across the world. The capabilities and resources of the company include efficient employees, strategic innovation, and supplier relation, good reputation, outsourcing capability, financial control, and distribution network. Adidas is selling its products through various distribution channels to gain the revenue and profit of the company. The unique and effective brand image and reliable and excellent products are the main competitors advantages for the company (Uhrich, Koenigstorfer Groeppel-Klein, 2014). Analysis of macro environment A macro environment is a situation which exists in the economy. The macro environment is also called as the external environment. It includes various external factors such as inflation, political factors, economic factors, socio-cultural factors, gross domestic product, and fiscal policy.These factors cannot be controlled by the company. The business activities and operations are highly affected by these external factors. By using of pestle analysis, the company can evaluate and measure these external factors (Lu Xu, 2015). Political factors: Theses factors play a vital role in the external environment. It affects the business operations and activities. The political factors such as war, risks, terrorism, nationalism, vital changes in trade policies and regulations influence the business of the firm. The firm cannot take the benefits of the low labor salary due to political factors. Thus, the company should evaluate and analyze these factors to gain the long-term goals and objectives (Shank Lyberger, 2014). Economic factors: These factors influence the profits and revenue of the firm. The economic factors include taxation, unemployment, inflation, interest rate and per capital income. The business goals and objectives are affected by these economic factors. These factors should be controlled by the government to maintain sustainability in the market. In this way, the firm can also overcome on its competitors (Hlophe, 2013). Sociocultural factors: These factors also affect the business innovation of the company. The sociocultural factors include language, race, culture, religion, buying habits, gender, and lifestyle of the people. The company should measure and evaluate these factors to overcome on its competitors and to obtain a higher return in near future. Technological factors: Adidas is one of the biggest companies in footwear industry across the world. The technological factors affect the business activities and operation of the company. Therefore, the company should analyze these factors to gain the competitive benefits in the market. The firm must analyze and evaluate the technological factors to measure the technology of the competitors across the world. In this way, the firm can increase its production process and it can also enhance the production quality in the market. It will save the energy, time and efforts of the employees (Rothaermel, 2015). Environmental factors: Adidas must evaluate and analyze the environmental factors which influence the business actions and operations across the world. The main aim behind to evaluate these factors is to encourage and increase the use of sustainable and good quality of products in the market (Luo, Sun Wang, 2011). Legal factors: These factors play a vital role in the macro environment of the country. Therefore, the firm must evaluate and identify these factors to run the business smoothly across the world. Legal factors include various acts such as sales and supply of goods act, press complaints commission, advertising standards authority import and export. All these factors play an integral and significant role in Adidas Company. These factors can affect the business activities, management and operation of the firm negatively thus these factors should be controlled and monitored by the company to maintain a good position in the market (Pangarkar, 2011). Analysis of microenvironment A microenvironment is also called as internal environment of the country. It affects the business areas, operations, activities, and decision-making process of the company. These external factors include customers, suppliers, competitors, public, and distribution channels. These factors can be controlled and managed by the company with the help of SWOT analysis (Krger, Stieglitz Potthoff, 2012). Through SWOT analysis, Adidas can evaluate and analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the company. The SWOT analysis has been discussed below (Gabel, 2015). Strengths Weaknesses Adidas develops new and innovative sports products. It provides effective wider distribution network. It provides collaboration and teamwork to its employees. The firm maintains strong financial position in the market. It provides limited economical and financial resources. Competitors affect the business activities and operation of the company. It includes market and foreign exchange risk. The company charges high prices due to its effective and innovative production strategies, methods and techniques. Opportunities Threats It provides excellent growth opportunities in Asia. It increases fitness and health tendency and trend across the world. It increases the demand for premium and good quality of products. Mainly, the firm focuses only on sports and footwear products. It increases the competition in the market. Government rules and regulations also affect the business activities and operation of the firm. Porter five forces model Porter five forces model has developed by the Michael Porter to analyze and evaluate the competitors of the company. This model includes rivalry/ competitors, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, threats of substitutes and threats of new entrants. The porter five forces model has been discussed below (Shank Lyberger, 2014). Rivalry: It is the first step of porter five forces model which should be analyzed by the company to overcome on its existing competitors in the market. The main competitors include Nike Inc, Puma SE, converse, Fila, Asics, Air Jordan are the main competitors of the firm. First, the company needs to identify its competitors which are existed in the market. The firm needs to evaluate and analyze the strategies and plans of the competitors in order to gain long-term goals and objectives (Mahdi, Abbas, Mazar George, 2015). Bargaining power of suppliers: It is the important step to analyze the bargaining power of suppliers in Adidas. The company is not able to find out the main competitors of the company. Thus, the company should identify the main suppliers of the firm to maintain the sustainability across the world (Mann Byun, 2011). Bargaining power of buyers: There are two main buyers of the company such as professionals athletes and a group of buyers who want to wear comfort and stylish footwear, apparel and sports accessories. Thus, the firm should evaluate and measure the bargaining power of buyers in the market (Elangovan, 2012). Threats of a substitute: The Company should analyze its substitutes who are producing the same products as well as Adidas. Although, they are not considered the competitors of the firm but still substitutes affect the productivity and efficiency of the company (Miloch, Lee, Kraft Ratten, 2012). Threats of new entrants: To starts a new business, first the company needs to think the market of the country. New entrants are the major issue for the company, thus the corporation should analyze the new entrants and competitors which are entering the market. In this way, the company can beat the competitors and the firm has chances to know the marketing strategies and position of the company (Ratten, 2011). Nike Inc. is one of the biggest competitors across the world. Through porter five forces analyze, Adidas can evaluate and measure the plans and mission of its competitors in the market. Key issues in Adidas and resolutions Due to high competition exists in the market; the firm is facing various key challenges in the retail world. The firm is not fulfilling the expectations and requirements of the customers. The competition is increasing between Adidas and Nike Inc, under armour. But in todays era, Nike is making effective and excellent position in the market due to its effective and unique strategies. Inventory is the big issue in the company (Kahle Close, 2011). As a result, it has a negative impact on its financial and economic report. Now a days the firm is charging high prices for its sports and athletic products in the market. Further, the company is operating its business globally but still, the distribution network of the company is very weak and inappropriate. Adidas supply chain management is also very complex and long and it depends on the factories across the world. In this way, it becomes difficult to manage distribution in an appropriate and effective manner. Changes in purchasing power o f customers and individual various product choices are the major key issues for the company. The firm is not able to do effective planning and forecasting. Globalization and competitive environment are also a big challenge for the company. Further, the company is not able to find good and potential employees to do the job effectively in the company. All these challenges are faced by the Adidas group in the market (Piller, Lindgens Steiner, 2012). Adidas should make effective plans and policies to overcome these challenges across the world. The firm needs to focus on its communication and information technologies. The firm must use advance time sensitive innovative techniques to control and resolve these key challenges. Further, the firm needs to improve its distribution network across the world. The company should provide training to its employees to improve the productivity and efficiency of the employees. Adidas should use collaborative physical logistics across the world to increase the productivity of the company. By using of collaborative physical logistics management, the company will become able to share and exchange its physical infrastructure and transportation such as warehouse storage and stores. In this way, the company can resolve entire issues and challenges that are faced by the company (Cafagna, Diterlizzi Voorhorst, 2014). Strategies of Adidas Global sales strategy: It is an important strategy of the company. This strategy is responsible and liable for the commercial activities and functions of the Adidas. Through this strategy, the company is able to maintain a good image in the market (Brennan, Merkl-Davies Beelitz, 2013). Global brand strategy: To secure and maintain long-term sustainable growth and success, the global brand strategy is focusing on the development and improvement of the brand across the world. Through brand strategy, the company is able to make a good image in the market (Caniato, Caridi, Crippa Moretto, 2012). Marketing strategy: The Company is using the effective marketing strategy to analyze and evaluate the plans and strategies of the competitors in the market. In this way, the company can maintain sustainability in the market. The company needs to aware in the market to beat the competitors in the market (Connor Haines, 2013). Distribution and promotional strategy: The Company is using the distribution strategy to distribute its products across the world. Through distribution and promotional strategy, the company differentiates its products from the competitors products in the market. After various researches, it has been analyzed that the firm is using effective and innovative strategies and plans to gain the success and growth in the market (Merk, 2014). Recommendations Although, the company is increasing its business in the market but still it needs to improve the marketing strategies to gain success and growth in the market. The firm should tie up with various chain supplying companies to increase and enhance the distribution network in the market. Through this strategy, the firm can reach its targeting customers in the market. Adidas can establish more shops and stores around the world to provide various products to its customers in the world. The company should conduct advertisement programs and campaigns to attract the more customers in the market. The firm should use effective and unique promotional strategies to increase the sales of the products. The firm must focus its positioning and targeting strategies to generate more sales in the market. The company should reduce the prices of the products to increase the demand of the Adidas products across the world. The firm should use effective and excellent internet applications so that the variou s products are made available in the market. The company should produce some new products to gain the competitive advantages in the market. Adidas must improve its advertisement and marketing strategies to gain success and growth in the market. It should focus on the marketing mix of the firm. The marketing mix includes product, price, promotion, and place. Through marketing mix strategies, the firm can overcome on its competitors in the market. Conclusion On the above discussion, it has been evaluated that the company can improve their business with using various effective and unique strategies in the market. The company should focus on the market penetration, product development, market development and diversification. By using effective marketing strategy, the firm can determine the success and growth of the association. The company is improving its two-way communication system to attract more customers in the market. Further, it is maintaining teamwork and collaboration at the workplace. In addition, Adidas needs to use some innovative and new technologies to make different sportswear and footwear in the market. Through SWOT analysis, PESTLE and porter five forces analysis, the company can evaluate and analyze the position and strategies of the competitors across the world. Some recommendations have been suggested in the report to improve its brand and goodwill across the world. Therefore, the company is trying to become a most pop ular brand in the world in the sportswear industry. References Uhrich, S., Koenigstorfer, J., Groeppel-Klein, A. (2014). Leveraging sponsorship with corporate social responsibility.Journal of Business Research,67(9), 2023-2029. Ratten, V. (2011). Sport-based entrepreneurship: towards a new theory of entrepreneurship and sport management.International entrepreneurship and management journal,7(1), 57-69. Lu, J., Xu, Y. (2015). Chinese young consumers brand loyalty toward sportswear products: a perspective of self-congruity.Journal of Product Brand Management,24(4), 365-376. Shank, M. D., Lyberger, M. R. (2014).Sports marketing: A strategic perspective. Routledge. Haemers, I. (2016). Success story of a young fitness brand: Social media influence as an indicator of success in the fitness industry. Hlophe, N. (2013).The role of local context in the local strategies of global brands(Doctoral dissertation). Rothaermel, F. T. (2015).Strategic management. McGraw-Hill Education. Pangarkar, N. (2011).High performance companies: Successful strategies from the world's top achievers. John Wiley Sons. Luo, Y., Sun, J., Wang, S. L. (2011). Emerging economy copycats: Capability, environment, and strategy.The Academy of Management Perspectives,25(2), 37-56. Krger, N., Stieglitz, S., Potthoff, T. (2012, December). Brand Communication In Twitter-A Case Study On Adidas. InPACIS(p. 161). Gabel, A. E. (2015). Methodology for the Implementation of 3D Technologies in the Improvement of Athletic Wear. Shank, M. D., Lyberger, M. R. (2014).Sports marketing: A strategic perspective. Routledge. Mahdi, A., Abbas, M., Mazar, T. I., George, S. A. (2015). A comparative analysis of strategies and business models of Nike, Inc. and Adidas Group with special reference to competitive advantage in the context of a dynamic and competitive environment.International Journal of Business Management and Economic Research,6(3), 167-177. Mann, M., Byun, S. E. (2011). Accessing opportunities in apparel retail sectors in India: Porter's diamond approach.Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal,15(2), 194-210. Elangovan, N. (2012). Cluster Institutional Isomorphic Pressures: A case of Tirupur knitwear cluster.Research Journal of Social Science and Management,2(4), 95-102. Ratten, V. (2011). Sport-based entrepreneurship: towards a new theory of entrepreneurship and sport management.International entrepreneurship and management journal,7(1), 57-69. Miloch, K. S., Lee, J., Kraft, P. M., Ratten, V. (2012). Click clack: examining the strategic and entrepreneurial brand vision of Under Armour.International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing,4(1), 42-57. Kahle, L. R., Close, A. G. (Eds.). (2011).Consumer behavior knowledge for effective sports and event marketing. Routledge. Piller, F. T., Lindgens, E., Steiner, F. (2012). Mass Customization at Adidas: Three Strategic Capabilities to Implement Mass Customization. Cafagna, C., Diterlizzi, A., Voorhorst, F. (2014, June). MyWear: Customized green, safe, healthy and smart work-and sports-wear. InEngineering, Technology and Innovation (ICE), 2014 International ICE Conference on(pp. 1-5). IEEE. Merk, J. (2014). The rise of tier 1 firms in the global garment industry: Challenges for labour rights advocates.Oxford Development Studies,42(2), 259-277. Connor, T., Haines, F. (2013). Networked regulation as a solution to human rights abuse in global supply chains? The case of trade union rights violations by Indonesian sports shoe manufacturers.Theoretical Criminology,17(2), 197-214. Caniato, F., Caridi, M., Crippa, L., Moretto, A. (2012). Environmental sustainability in fashion supply chains: An exploratory case based research.International journal of production economics,135(2), 659-670. Brennan, N. M., Merkl-Davies, D. M., Beelitz, A. (2013). Dialogism in corporate social responsibility communications: Conceptualising verbal interaction between organisations and their audiences.Journal of Business Ethics,115(4), 665-679.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Mixed Methods Critique free essay sample

I raise some cautionary issues in this paper by critiquing the methodology in the journal article titled â€Å"Researching men: the politics and possibilities of a qualitative mixed-methods approach† published by Meth and McClymont (2011). Meth and McClymont (2011) explores the possibility and politics of using qualitative mixed methods approach in researching men. The methods employed in the study include focus group discussion, one-on-one interview, archival method (diary), visual methods, and evaluation interview. I deduced these methods from the data sources highlighted in the article (page 911) since the authors failed to explicitly highlight the various methods that make up their mixed methods. More importantly, I discuss a number of problems associated with their methodological choices. First, the authors were not clear in revealing the purpose and focus of the paper. Researchers engaging in mixed methods research need to have a clear sense of the logic and purpose of their approach. A clear focus ultimately underpins a practical strategy not only for choosing and deploying a particular mix of methods, but also for linking their data analytically (Mason, 2006). We will write a custom essay sample on Mixed Methods Critique or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Were the authors interested in revealing the possibility of researching men using mixed methods (page 910)? Or were they actually developing a mixed method framework for researching men (page 910)? Or were they exploring the various ways in which men are subjected to violence (page 911)? Inexplicit research focus complicates methodological issues since ‘mixed methods’ is in itself a complex method. As a consequence, I found it difficult to identify and integrate the various methods and their justification to understand the entire paper. To expand on the methodological complications inherent in the paper, the authors confuse mixed methods with repeat research. For instance, in xplaining why they were able to get a research participant to reveal sensitive information, Meth and McClymont (2011) wrote: This transformation of disclosure illustrate the intrinsic value of repeat research and the varying benefits (and limitation) of each method, with each offering a particular space for knowledge production to take place (page 917) Deducing from the quote, repeat research is used in place of mixed methods. However, there is a distinction between repeat research and mixed methods. Repeat research is an ambiguous term. It may refer to the use of a single research method repeatedly, perhaps at different places or even the same place. It may also refer to triangulation of methods, which involves the use of more than one method to address a single research question (Spicer cited in Seale, 2012). There is little room for ambiguity when using mixed method because the method is in itself complex. Questions of methodological rigor arise in the paper. The authors did not actually describe the specific methods that make up their mixed methods research. They clearly described what ‘mixed methods’ are in the context of their research (page 911) but failed to describe the focus group discussion, interviews, visual methods and documentary evidence they used. Meth and McClymont (2011) assume that by using these methods in their research, readers will grasp what they really are. However, in methodological approaches, there is a big difference between describing what methods a researcher chooses to use, and explaining how the chosen methods are used. Also, researchers are obliged to justify their choices of methods. The justification for mixed method is not limited to why a researcher uses a mix of methods, but also how each method is vital in the entire research. The authors focused on justifying ‘mixed methods’ in its entirety and ignored justifying the use of each specific method used. Another point of critique is the sampling of the research participants. Meth and McClymont (2011) make a lot of sampling choices without explaining or justifying those choices. First they selected 20 men in the South African city of Durban but did not reveal the rationale for such selection. Obvious questions in this sampling choice are: why men and not women? Why 20 men and not 5, 50, or 100? Why the South African city of Durban? Apparently, they explained why they selected an informal settlement (Cato Crest) by indicating that the settlement have high incidence of violence (page, 911), and ignored justifying the selection of South African city of Durban. Regarding the research participants, even though the authors claim to use 20 male participants in their research, the entire paper centers on the stories and experiences of a single participant (a man called Sakhile). This raises questions of representation even within the 20 men selected. In discussing the use of visual images, the researches asked Sakhile to take twelve images illustrating his experience of violence (page 916). Again the question that arises is: why 12 images? The methodological error is rooted not in the selections per say, but in the failure to justify such selections. Finally, the ethics of research were not thoroughly considered in the methodology. Any research which deals with participants disclosing sensitive issues to researchers or using visual images require ethical considerations (Ali cited in Seale, 2012). Consent from and anonymity of Sakhile (the research participant) is essential because of the degree of sensitivity associated with disclosing his HIV status, especially in African societies. Meth and McClymont (2011) are rigorous in seeking the consent of the participants by requesting that all participants sign a consent form prior to their participation (page 918). They also provided full information regarding research requirements from participants and issues of anonymity (page 919). However, I know about Sakhile’s sensitive story because the authors failed to live up to the promise of keeping such information secret. With increasing information technology, perhaps people who know Sakhile in Durban city have read this paper. More importantly, the authors failed to highlight ethical issues associated with taking pictures of others and places. Sakhile has no idea the ethical issues involved in taking pictures of places and people when the researchers handed the disposable camera to him. Failure to point out visual ethics involved in using visual methods is a methodological concern. In conclusion, Meth and McClymont (2011) deserve commendation for revealing practical ways of doing mixed method research. They also clarify through their research that mixing method is not always about blending quantitative nd qualitative methods, but can be a pure blend of qualitative methods (page 911). However, paying attention to improving their research focus, revealing sampling rationale, providing detail explanation of specific methods used, and improving ethical considerations are ways of improving their methodological rigor. References Ali, S. (2012) â€Å"Visual Analysis†, in Seale, C. (ed. ) (2012) Research So ciety and Culture 3rd Ed. , London: Sage Publication Mason, J. (2006) Six strategies for mixing methods and linking data in social science research, Working Paper, accessed http://eprints. crm. ac. uk/482/ 12/10/2012 Meth, P. and K. McClymont (2009) Researching men: the politics and possibilities of a qualitative mixed methods approach, Social and Cultural Geography, 10(8) 909-925 Spicer, N. (2012) â€Å"Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Methods†, in Seale, C. (ed. ) (2012) Research Society and Culture 3rd Ed. , London: Sage Publication Tashakkori, A. and Teddlie, C. (2010) Putting the human back in human research methodology: The researcher in mixed methods research, Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 4(4), 271-277