Conducting Case Study Research in Sociology

Conducting Case Study Research in Sociology A case study is a research method that relies on a single case rather than a population or sample. When researchers focus on a single case, they can make detailed observations over a long period of time, something that cannot be done with large samples without costing a lot of money. Case studies are also useful in the early stages of research when the goal is to explore ideas, test, and perfect measurement instruments, and to prepare for a larger study. The case study research method is popular not just within ​the field of sociology, but also within the fields of anthropology, psychology, education, political science, clinical science, social work, and administrative science. Overview of the Case Study Research Method A case study is unique within the social sciences for its focus of study on a single entity, which can be a person, group or organization, event, action, or situation. It is also unique in that, as a focus of research, a case is chosen for specific reasons, rather than randomly, as  is usually done when conducting empirical research. Often, when researchers use the case study method, they focus on a case that is exceptional in some way because it is possible to learn a lot about social relationships and social forces when studying those things that deviate from norms. In doing so, a researcher is often able, through their study, to test the validity of the social theory, or to create new theories using the grounded theory method. The first case studies in the social sciences were likely conducted by Pierre Guillaume Frà ©dà ©ric Le Play, a 19th-century French sociologist and economist who studied family budgets. The method has been used in sociology, psychology, and anthropology since the early 20th century. Within sociology, case studies are typically conducted with qualitative research methods. They are considered micro rather than macro in nature, and one cannot necessarily generalize the findings of a case study to other situations. However, this is not a limitation of the method, but a strength. Through a case study based on ethnographic observation and interviews, among other methods, sociologists can illuminate otherwise hard to see and understand social relations, structures, and processes. In doing so, the findings of case studies often stimulate further research. Types and Forms of Case Studies There are three primary types of case studies: key cases, outlier cases, and local knowledge cases. Key cases are those which are chosen because the researcher has ​a  particular interest in it or the circumstances surrounding it.Outlier cases are those that are chosen because the case stands out from other events, organizations, or situations, for some reason, and social scientists recognize that we can learn a lot from those things that differ from the norm.Finally, a researcher may decide to conduct a local knowledge case study when they already have amassed a usable amount of information about a given topic, person, organization, or event, and so is well-poised to conduct a study of it. Within these types, a case study may take four different forms: illustrative, exploratory, cumulative, and critical. Illustrative case studies are descriptive in nature and designed to shed light on a particular situation, set of circumstances, and the social relations and processes that are embedded in them. They are useful in bringing to light something about which most people are not aware of.Exploratory case studies are also often known as pilot studies. This type of case study is typically used when a researcher wants to identify research questions and methods of study for a large, complex study. They are useful for clarifying the research process, which can help a researcher make the best use of time and resources in the larger study that will follow it.Cumulative case studies  are those in which a researcher pulls together already completed case studies on a particular topic. They are useful in helping researchers to make generalizations from studies that have something in common.Critical instance case studies  are conducted when a researcher wants to understand what happened with a uniq ue event and/or to challenge commonly held assumptions about it that may be faulty due to a lack of critical understanding. Whatever type and form of case study you decide to conduct, its important to first identify the purpose, goals, and approach for conducting methodologically sound research.

Combined joint task force-horn of Africa Research Paper

Combined joint task force-horn of Africa - Research Paper Example Terrorism has been one of the key issues in countries such as Yemen, Djibouti, Sudan, Ethopia, Eriteria, Somolia, and Kenya, commonly known as Horn of Africa. Lot of efforts and key strategies have been formulated over a period of time to counter this menace One such effort to combat terrorism was the establishment of a Combined Joint Task Force which was formed to address the issues of terrorism in Horn of Africa.The paper understudy is aimed at giving an overview of this task force and its operations typically in Kenya The paper understudy is aimed at giving an overview of this task force and its operations typically in Kenya with a view to address the efforts launched in by this team in combating and reducing terrorist activities. Moreover, it also accentuates on the manner in which the contribution of Kenya with respect to war on terrorism has attracted the United State’s attentions and interest in the region. The establishment of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa took place on 19  October, 2002  (Combined Joint Task Force- Horn of Africa, 2011)  in North Carolina under the oversight of United State Central Command. CJTF - Horn of Africa conducts operations in East Africa, namely in Yemen, Djibouti, Sudan, Ethiopia, Criteria, Somalia and Kenya to build and foster an effective counterterrorism partnership. This was done to promote regional security, ensure stable conditions within the horn of Africa AOR, oversee conflict and dispute prevention, and safeguard and protect the interest of the United States and its allies. Prior to the creation of the CJTF – Horn of Africa, Kenya was plagued by rampant, unchecked terrorism that had impacts within the local, regional and global theaters. Once established however, Kenya’s ability to combat terrorism within the horn of Africa AOR bolstered dramatically.  Ã‚   The discussion of CJTF - Horn of Africa would remain incomplete without its role in Kenya which holds a very substantial and significant place in the war against terrorism. Many experts have regarded Kenya as a harbor of increasing terrorist activities and branded it as a helpless state victimized by waves of terrorism throughout the country. In 2003 the Government of Kenya accepted that western countries had been targeted by a possible member of the Al Qaeda network, affirming the potential of Al Qaeda operating within national boundaries. Beginning with a bombing attack on the American Embassy  (Ploch, 2011), the country’s capital showed signs of terrorist activities as far back as 1998.  Ã‚  The acknowledgement from government however, came very late. Since then, Kenya has become a regular victim of groups having international terrorism expertise. Further investigation determined that poor immigration laws and security legislature have greatly contributed to  the terrorism flourishing in the region. The cells in Kenya were completely under control by foreign groups from within the Gul f States and Somalia.  Ã‚  These groups eventually involved locals, helping them to establish their businesses and using these as fronts for their networks. The leaders of these Kenyan Cells were found to have connections with the Al Qaeda network and disappeared soon after the attacks on the US embassy. The government, in cooperation with FBI, then made endeavors to destroy these Al Qaeda controlled cells in various parts of country, including arrests in July and November of 2001 of Yemeni and Somali people.  Ã‚  Despite of all these efforts, the situation in Kenya never fully regained control and an Israeli airliner was shot down in Mombasa in  2002. The investigation led to another connection with Al Qaeda and revealed terrorist control over major elements of the national security system, as evident by their transportation of surface-to-air missile which was fired at an American military jet at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia  (Menkhaus, 2011). After this devel opment, the Kenyan government officially acknowledged the

Novel project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Novel project - Essay Example This book very aptly describes different types of client with different requirements in a humorous way and uses the various Indian doctrines and the some prominent religion of the contemporary India to influence and shape up the characters of the book in order to wangle The Marriage Bureau for Rich People. Throughout the book, Zama has displayed generous details of both Hindus and Muslims rituals and their ideologies, which, more or less, falls on the same platform. After having the pleasure of reading the novel, it was easy to identify the doctrines and beliefs that are held by the people of India in a comic and chuckle some way. One set of dogma that is depicted in the story is the one based on religion and traditions such as morale teaching, upholding religion, family institution, community, respect for elders and patience. Whereas, the second creed that is been portrayed by Zama is based on politics and economic statuses. For, rich have different ‘needs’ than a poor. Furthermore, this book expertly includes and excludes complication that arises as a result of these ideologies. How do we know of these ideologies in the book? Well, Zama has deftly portrayed these doctrines in his book with the help of character’s thoughts and words. For instance, Mr. Ali clients sometime consist of wealthy people who have come to find a ‘specific’ type of girl for their eligible, highly educated and smart son. Most of the rich lot came with the hope to find a beautiful and equally or more so wealthy daughter in law, since for them marriage means transfer of money through dowry. For them the bride is the barter and their demand for dowry usually comprises of large amount of wealth, wedding cost to be bore by the bride’s parent and sometimes brand new and shiny car, maybe an Accord?. However, these snobs demand for a bride to be submissive and surprisingly, of poor or middle class, well not so surprisingly since, their aim is to take the girl/maid and make

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language Essay Example for Free

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language Essay When you say that something is impasse, it means that something that is being negotiated cannot be resolved or the two contending parties have reached a deadlock. It is a French word that could also mean or pertain to a situation that cannot progress at all due to misunderstanding between the parties concerned. One example of this situation would be the discourse between the employer and the employees regarding their Collective Bargaining Agreement. Labor history could prove that several negotiations of this kind has encountered several deadlocks hence, has become an impasse. It is basically due to the fact that at some points, the two parties concerned are not willing to sacrifice or give in to the conditions of the other. This scenario is very dangerous for it may result to boycott, demonstrations or protests as far as the employees are concerned. And on the other hand, it may result to retrenchment, as far as the employer is concerned. For there are two opposing interests, there would also be equal reactions to the issue concerned. As for me, if I would be the one to resolve this issue, I would find common grounds between the employees and the employer where each of them would benefit with the resolution of their problem. It may be in the form of an increase in the wages for this has been the long concern of workers around the world, and I believe is more just for both of the parties concerned. Through this, I believe this impasse would be resolved. REFERENCE Impasse. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language,: Fourth Edition. 2000: Houghton Mifflin Company: USA.

First Amendment And Music Censorship Essay -- Censorship

The First Amendment to the Bill of Rights exists because the Founders of our country understood the importance of free expression. The First Amendment states "Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press . . ." (Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution 17). One of the ways the American people use this freedom of speech and expression is through the creation of the art form known as music. Music's verbal expression bonds our society through our emotions and experiences. This fundamental right of freedom of expression is being threatened by public and governmental groups who believe they have authority to monitor and decide what others should experience. The censorship of music lyrics is a violation of our First Amendment right, and public groups should not be allowed to bypass this right to censor obscene lyrics produced in the music industry. Through the decades, artists such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones have raised controversy over their seemingly explicit acts that are now viewed as legendary. Parents banned their children from watching Elvis Presley and his outrageous hip movements though today these moves are copied by Britney Spears, pop groups, and dancers all over the world. In 1956, Ed Sullivan deemed Elvis "unfit for a family audience." However, in 1970 Elvis met the President in the Oval Office, and now his face appears on a postage stamp (RIAA; History 2 of 4). On June 15, 1966, The Beatles released their album Yesterday...and Today featuring a shocking cover with the foursome surrounded by raw meat and butchered baby dolls. Immediately the album was withdrawn from music shelves everywhere and returned only with a new approved c... ... something we have not yet discovered. We have seen the objections of yesterday as the legends of today. Now we must stand strong to make our own decisions and see things through our own eyes and touch it with our two hands, because it is through experience and challenge that we all grow and discover new ideas. Works Cited: Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. 1791 - 1991 The Bill Of Rights and Beyond. Commission on the Bicentennial of the Unites States Constitution, 1990. Duin, Julia. "Warning Labels Don't Keep Kids From Shock CDs." Insight 12 Jan. 1998: 1-2. Hald, Karen. "Music - A Human Right." . Recording Industry Association of America . "Freedom of Speech." Brief History . Recording Industry Association of America. "Parent's Page." Background . Walters, Shari. "About Music for Teens." Parental Advisory Labels . First Amendment And Music Censorship Essay -- Censorship The First Amendment to the Bill of Rights exists because the Founders of our country understood the importance of free expression. The First Amendment states "Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press . . ." (Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution 17). One of the ways the American people use this freedom of speech and expression is through the creation of the art form known as music. Music's verbal expression bonds our society through our emotions and experiences. This fundamental right of freedom of expression is being threatened by public and governmental groups who believe they have authority to monitor and decide what others should experience. The censorship of music lyrics is a violation of our First Amendment right, and public groups should not be allowed to bypass this right to censor obscene lyrics produced in the music industry. Through the decades, artists such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones have raised controversy over their seemingly explicit acts that are now viewed as legendary. Parents banned their children from watching Elvis Presley and his outrageous hip movements though today these moves are copied by Britney Spears, pop groups, and dancers all over the world. In 1956, Ed Sullivan deemed Elvis "unfit for a family audience." However, in 1970 Elvis met the President in the Oval Office, and now his face appears on a postage stamp (RIAA; History 2 of 4). On June 15, 1966, The Beatles released their album Yesterday...and Today featuring a shocking cover with the foursome surrounded by raw meat and butchered baby dolls. Immediately the album was withdrawn from music shelves everywhere and returned only with a new approved c... ... something we have not yet discovered. We have seen the objections of yesterday as the legends of today. Now we must stand strong to make our own decisions and see things through our own eyes and touch it with our two hands, because it is through experience and challenge that we all grow and discover new ideas. Works Cited: Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. 1791 - 1991 The Bill Of Rights and Beyond. Commission on the Bicentennial of the Unites States Constitution, 1990. Duin, Julia. "Warning Labels Don't Keep Kids From Shock CDs." Insight 12 Jan. 1998: 1-2. Hald, Karen. "Music - A Human Right." . Recording Industry Association of America . "Freedom of Speech." Brief History . Recording Industry Association of America. "Parent's Page." Background . Walters, Shari. "About Music for Teens." Parental Advisory Labels .

Law, Ethics & Corp. Governance Essay

1. Describe what steps you would take to address the following scenario involving skills, competence, and abilities: The employee seems to be unable to learn the computer applications that are basic to her job responsibilities, but, consistently â€Å"tells† her boss that she is â€Å"a good worker and a genius† and that he does not â€Å"appreciate her†. Even after a few months of training and support, she is unable to use the computer tools to be productive and efficient in completing the required tasks. This can be a difficult situation for an employer to make because many employers try to see the positive and have faith in all their employees. If this situation took place within my company, I would continue to observe the employees attitude as well as dedication. Many times, employees are not capable of performing certain tasks, however, with a humble mindset, it is possible to work with them and guide them while working. This specific employee seems to have a self-assured mindset that she is not doing anything wrong. Instead of opening up and allowing her boss to assist her, she becomes arrogant. I would go a different route and have a professional come and train her from another company to see if that would help. If this specific assistance does not help, I will have to write the employee up to warn her that she must submit to the work load within a certain time frame. I do not believe this is being harsh to the employee. If she is hired to do a specific task and cannot get the task accomplished, then she is incapable of doing the work. I will be able to provide a written statement and have her terminated. Employers cannot waste time on employees who talk about their capabilities, yet not perform them. According to â€Å"Law and Ethics in the Business Environment† Chapter 2, she is able to voice her opinion publically in court, however, she must have written proof to back her up whys he should not be terminated. 2. Describe what steps you would take to address the following scenario involving management, behavior, and performance: The employee tends to burst into a rage when criticized and is frequently late to work as noticed by her boss and other staff members. When her boss attempts to address her behavioral issues and the company late policy, the employee’s response is that she â€Å"knows her rights and what to do† if she is wrongfully discharged. She also says she took a business law class in undergrad that taught her â€Å"everything she needs to know about exceptions to the employment-at-will doctrine and wrongful discharge in violation of public policy†. I would provide counsel and verbal warning to the employee. It is important to get all of the facts and bring that person into your office without making a big scene. Being honest and upfront about the tardiness and improper behavior will get much respect from the employee and show firm leadership. I will discuss what has been taken place and how important it is to have the whole department working on one accord. I will also discuss that their tardiness is not fair to the other employees. I would take the time to ask if there is anything wrong, or if there is something happening in the workplace or personal life that is causing what is perceived as â€Å"a person with a bad attitude who is unhappy at work. I believe listening and showing empathy will let the employee know you care about their well-being but yet, still mean business. There may be some personal issues that they just need to get off of their chest. If I get a sarcastic response from them, then I must be strong, but not attacking, and let them know that the behavior shown is not acceptable and needs to improve. I would be sure that I am focusing on the problem, not the person. In situations like these, staying calm and let them do the talking will show the humility in you as a leader. In situations like these, I would point out their strengths, and try to first focus on the good aspects of their performance rather than a perceived bad attitude. Documenting and date this conversation as a verbal warning to the employee, yet not making it a threat. This is not a written warning, but shows that you did talk to the person about difficult employee issues. The more the employer documents, the easier it will be to terminate if it gets to that point. The biggest mistake is to not document. Documentation and building a case is the proof that shows you talked to this employee many times but to no avail (Sheahan, 2012). 3. Describe what steps you would take to address the following scenario involving labor and laws: The employee takes a day off from work, without management consent, for her religious holiday observance that falls on a day that is during â€Å"tax season†. The day off occurred during an incredibly busy period for the company during which the employer had notified all employees they were not allowed to take off without prior management approval. Also, there is no labor union for accountants. However, she begins talking to her co-workers during lunch breaks and sometimes during regular work hours, encouraging them to organize and form a union to â€Å"protect ourselves†. This can be a difficult situation because it involves the employee’s religious rights. According to an Act in 1997, â€Å"GUIDELINES ON RELIGIOUS EXERCISE AND RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION IN THE FEDERAL WORKPLACE†, Agencies shall not discriminate against employees on the basis of religion, require religious participation or non-participation as a condition of employment, or permit religious harassment. And agencies shall accommodate employees’ exercise of their religion in the circumstances specified in these Guidelines. These requirements are but applications of the general principle that agencies shall treat all employees with the same respect and consideration, regardless of their religion. At the same time, employees are not to engage in religious acts with employees by forcing their beliefs and opinions on them. This can cause immediate termination. Regardless of religious observation day or not, an employee is not to take a work day off without employers permission. The employer has every right to terminate the employee. It is understandable to observe religious acts as an individual but there has to be communication between employee and employer. The employer has to make accommodations for that specific day. 4. Describe what steps you would take to address the following scenario involving policies and procedures: The employee’s supervisor consistently asks her out on dates; the employee initially refuses to go out on a date with her supervisor. The employee later discusses the issue with her girlfriend who encourages her to accept his offers. During her new employee orientation, the employee was informed of the company policy which prevented employees from dating their supervisor and was given an employee handbook with the written policy. The employee and her supervisor later begin having a consensual relationship. Based from the research according to Saalfeld Griggs PC Publications, a supervisor dating an employee is prohibited within many companies. Although romantic relationships in the workplace are common, employers have legitimate reasons for concern about employee dating. The biggest fear is a sexual harassment lawsuit arising from either a supervisor who has a habit of asking subordinates out on dates; an employee who files a lawsuit after a consensual relationship goes sour; or the perception of co-workers that a supervisor is playing favorites with his or her â€Å"significant other. A policy that prohibits a supervisor from dating a subordinate must also describe the penalty imposed if the policy is violated. Men often hold more senior positions in a company, therefore, a policy that always penalizes the subordinate (e.g. by requiring termination or transfer) may create sexual discrimination liability. When enforcing a â€Å"no dating† policy, the employer must be careful to penalize both sexes equally. An employer who selectively enforces the policy, or enforces it more harshly against one sex compared to the other, may be liable for sexual discrimination. In a consensual relationship between a supervisor and a subordinate, the subordinate often is the recipient of preferential treatment. Employees have asserted claims for sexual harassment based on the theory that they can’t receive the same benefits because they are not â€Å"sleeping with the boss.† The policy is in writing and both the employer and employee decided to go against this policy. If one or the other is not able to transfer to another department, they must suffer the consequences of being released from the company. Reference Page: 1. Halbert, T., & Ingulli, E. (2012). Law & ethics in the business environment (7th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. 2. Sheahan, K. (2012). Bad Employee Behavior. Article retrieved from: http://www.ehow.com/facts_6739049_bad-employee-behavior.html 3. Sutton, R. (1999). Regulating Workplace Romance. Article retrieved from: http://www.sglaw.com/publications.php?id=36&pubtype=showarticle

Predicting the 20 Most Populous Countries in 2050

In 2017,  the UN Population Division released a revision of its  World  Population Prospects,  a regularly-issued report that analyzes world population changes and other world demographics, estimated out to 2100. The recent report revision noted that the world population increase has slowed a bit, and is expected to continue to slow, with an estimated 83 million people added to the world every year. Population Overall Grows The United Nations forecasts the global population to reach 9.8 billion in the year 2050, and growth is expected to continue until then, even assuming that the decline in fertility would increase. An aging population overall causes fertility to decline, as well as women in more developed countries not having the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman. If the fertility rate of a country is lower than the replacement rate, population declines there. The world fertility rate was 2.5 as of 2015 but declining slowly. By 2050, the number of people over age 60 will more than double, as compared with 2017, and the number over 80 will triple. Life expectancy worldwide is projected to rise from 71 in 2017 to 77 by 2050.   Overall Continent and Country Changes by 2050 More than half of the forecast growth in world population will come in Africa, with an estimated rise in population of 2.2 billion. Asia is next. Asia is expected to add more than 750 million people between 2017 and 2050. Next are the Latin America and Caribbean region, then North America. Europe is the only region anticipated to have a lower population in 2050 as compared with 2017. India is expected to pass China in population in 2024, Chinas population is projected to stay stable and then to slowly fall, while Indias is rising. Nigerias population is growing the most quickly and is forecast to take over the United States number three position in world population around 2050. Fifty-one countries are projected to see a decline in population by 2050, and ten are estimated to drop by at least 15 percent, though many of them are not largely populated. The percentage per person is higher than in a country with a large population, such as  Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (territory counted independently from the United States population). The least-developed countries grow more quickly than those with mature economies, but also send more people as immigrants to the more developed nations. What Goes Into the List Following is a list of the 20  most populous countries in the year 2050, presuming there are no significant boundary changes. Variables that go into the projections include trends in fertility and its rate of decline over the next decades, infant/child survival rates, numbers of adolescent mothers, AIDS/HIV, migration, and life expectancy.   Largest Populations by Country in 2050 India: 1,659,000,000  China: 1,364,000,000Nigeria: 411,000,000United States: 390,000,000Indonesia: 322,000,000Pakistan: 307,000,000Brazil: 233,000,000Bangladesh: 202,000,000Democratic Republic of the Congo: 197,000,000Ethiopia: 191,000,000Mexico: 164,000,000Egypt: 153,000,000Philippines: 151,000,000  Tanzania: 138,000,000Russia: 133,000,000Vietnam: 115,000,000Japan: 109,000,000  Uganda: 106,000,000Turkey: 96,000,000Kenya: 95,000,000   Source World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, June 21, 2017.