There is a growing trend among consumers in the UAE to purchase refurbished furniture instead of new items. This is due to a number of factors, including the desire to save money and the increased awareness of the benefits of circularity in businesses. The main reasons for choosing refurbished furniture are saving money, followed by environmental concerns. These findings suggest that there is a strong potential for businesses to capitalize on the demand for refurbished furniture in the UAE market. Photo by Reiseuhu on Unsplash What is refurbished furniture? Refurbished furniture is furniture that has been previously owned and used, but has been restored to good condition. It may come from a variety of sources, including private homes, garage sales, estate sales, antique shops, or even thrift stores. The term “refurbished” generally refers to furniture that has been cleaned, repaired, and refinished so that it looks like new. Sometimes, refurbished furniture may also be referred to as “recycled” or “upcycled” furniture. What are the benefits of refurbished furniture? Second-hand furniture can be a great option for those looking for quality pieces at a fraction of the price. It can also be a way to support businesses that are committed to circularity and sustainability. There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for second-hand furniture, such as inspecting the piece thoroughly, researching the seller, and negotiating the price. With these tips in mind, second-hand furniture can be a great way to get what you want at a price you can afford. Furthermore, there are perception gaps in the knowledge of refurbished furniture among UAE consumers which creates opportunities for businesses. The study results also reveal that refurbishers in the UAE can increase their competitiveness by enhancing stakeholder engagement and through circular business models that ensure end-to-end traceability of products. The environmental benefits of refurbished furniture have been found to include: Reduced energy consumption due to lower overall manufacturing needs Reduced water consumption Diminished pollution Lowered greenhouse gas emissions Saved resources due to reusing existing materials What are the challenges in the adoption of refurbished furniture? There are several challenges to the acceptance of refurbished furniture among consumers in the UAE. These can be broadly divided into three categories: 1) Lack of awareness: There is a lack of awareness among consumers in the UAE of the concept of refurbished furniture and its benefits. This is a major challenge to the growth of the refurbished furniture market in the UAE. 2) Perceptions of quality: There is a perception among many consumers that refurbished furniture is of lower quality than new furniture. This is a challenge to businesses operating in the refurbished furniture market as they need to work hard to change these perceptions. 3) Availability: There is limited availability of refurbished furniture in the UAE, which makes it difficult for consumers to find what they are looking for. This is a challenge for businesses operating in the refurbished furniture market as they need to invest in increasing their stock levels. What are the consumer attitudes towards refurbished furniture? There has been an increased interest from businesses and consumers in the idea of a circular economy, where resources are used and disposed of in a way that reduces environmental impact. One way this can be achieved is through the refurbishment of products, which extends their lifespan and reduces waste. According to a study, households in the UAE are positive about refurbished furniture. However, there are some concerns about the quality of these products, and whether they represent good value for money. The findings of this study suggest that there is potential for businesses to tap into this market by increasing awareness of the benefits of refurbished furniture, and by addressing some of the concerns that consumers have. What are the factors influencing consumer attitudes towards refurbished furniture? There are many factors that go into the decision of whether or not to buy refurbished furniture. Some people may be hesitant to buy refurbished furniture because they are afraid it will be of low quality or that it will not last as long as new furniture. Others may be more likely to buy refurbished furniture because it is cheaper than new furniture and they can save money. And, of course, there are those who purchase refurbished furniture because they believe in recycling and want to reduce the amount of waste produced each year.No matter what the reason, its popularity of refurbished furniture is on the rise and is here to stay. How to Go About Adopting Refurbished Furniture Here are some tips on how to go about adopting refurbished furniture: 1. Research local furniture stores that offer refurbished furniture. 2. Ask the store staff about the quality of the furniture and whether or not it is covered by a warranty. 3. Inspect the furniture for any damage or signs of wear and tear. 4. Ask about the store's return policy in case you are not happy with the furniture. 5. Be prepared to haggle over the price of the furniture. How can businesses improve the acceptability of refurbished furniture among consumers? The results from the study revealed that four critical success factors influence the acceptability of refurbished furniture, namely environmental consciousness, price, quality, and design/aesthetics. The findings offer important managerial implications for businesses wanting to improve the acceptability of refurbished furniture among consumers. What are the benefits of a circular economy? A circular economy is an alternative to the traditional linear economy, where resources are used once and then discarded. In a circular economy, materials are designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled so that they remain in use for as long as possible. There are many benefits of a circular economy, including reducing waste, conserving resources, and creating jobs. A circular economy also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by keeping products and materials in use for longer periods of time. Additionally, a circular economy can create new business opportunities and spur economic growth. What are the challenges of a circular economy? The challenges of a circular economy are that it is a new concept and businesses are still trying to figure out how to make it work. There are also challenges with traditional businesses not wanting to change their ways, and with consumers not being Educated on the benefits of a circular economy. How can businesses improve the circularity of their operations? The circularity of businesses has become a hot topic in recent years, as companies look for ways to become more sustainable and reduce their environmental impact. One way to improve the circularity of businesses is to increase the acceptance of refurbished furniture among consumers. In the UAE, there is a growing trend of refurbished furniture being accepted by consumers. This is thanks to a number of factors, such as the increasing awareness of the benefits of refurbished furniture, the availability of high-quality products, and competitive prices. There are a number of ways that businesses can increase the acceptance of refurbished furniture among consumers. Firstly, they can educate consumers about the benefits of refurbished furniture, such as its environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Secondly, they can improve the quality of their products so that they meet or exceed the standards of new furniture. Finally, they can offer competitive prices so that consumers see value in choosing refurbished furniture over new furniture. By taking these steps, businesses can increase the circularity of their operations and make a positive contribution to the environment. Conclusion In conclusion, refurbished furniture is becoming increasingly popular in the UAE as households become more willing to accept it. This is due to a number of factors, including the growing awareness of the environmental benefits of refurbished furniture and the desire to save money. With the rising popularity of refurbished furniture, it is likely that more businesses will start offering it, making it even more accessible to consumers. If you're looking for something new, but don't want to break the bank, refurbished furniture is the perfect solution. You can find some amazing pieces at a fraction of the cost of buying them brand new. So, the next time you're in the market for some new furniture, don't forget about the wonderful world of refurbished furniture. You might be surprised at what you find.

Theoretical and conceptual frameworks are important concepts in academic research. They provide the foundation for a research project and guide the researcher in developing research questions and hypotheses. In this video, the difference between the two frameworks is explained, as well as their connection to one another. Photo by Filipe Sabino Theoretical frameworks are sets of concepts, definitions, and propositions that form a structured view of a specific phenomenon. They are a carefully curated collection of existing theories, models, and frameworks that provide a foundation of core knowledge. Theoretical frameworks are presented early on in the literature review section of a dissertation or research paper. For example, if a research project aims to understand what factors contribute to people trusting investment brokers, a theoretical framework would be needed to define the concept of trust and identify existing theories related to the research aim. In other words, a theoretical framework provides a comprehensive overview of existing theories that establish a path for building arguments in your work. Researchers develop theories to comprehend phenomena, establish correlations, and make forecasts. A theoretical framework presents the established theories that endorse your research, highlighting the relevance of your paper or dissertation topic and establishing a firm foundation in established concepts. Related: How Literature Review Helps in Research Essentially, your theoretical framework validates and contextualizes your subsequent research, serving as a critical initial step for your research paper, thesis, or dissertation. A well-structured theoretical framework prepares you for success in the later stages of your research and writing process. On the other hand, conceptual frameworks are visual representations of the expected relationships and connections between various constructs or variables. They provide an opportunity for researchers to make explicit their understanding of how key constructs and variables are connected. A conceptual framework is often used to develop research questions and hypotheses based on the researcher's understanding of both theoretical literature and empirical research. In other words, a conceptual framework outlines the anticipated association between different variables, sets the objectives for the research process, and demonstrates how they converge to establish logical conclusions. The two frameworks are not mutually exclusive, and it is possible to include both in a dissertation or thesis. The theoretical framework provides a foundation of theory on which the study is built, while the conceptual framework visualizes the anticipated relationships between constructs and variables based on the researcher's understanding of the existing literature and the specific context and focus of the research. It is important for researchers to understand the difference between theoretical and conceptual frameworks to develop a strong research project. The theoretical framework lays the foundation for the study and ensures that the research is grounded in existing theories and models. The conceptual framework provides a visual representation of the relationships between constructs and variables and guides the development of research questions and hypotheses. In summary, the theoretical framework and the conceptual framework are closely related but serve different functions. The theoretical framework provides a foundation for the theory on which the study is built, while the conceptual framework visualizes the anticipated relationships between constructs and variables. It is important for researchers to understand the difference between the two frameworks to develop a strong research project.

Photo by Maxim Hopman on Unsplash Investing in the stock market can be a great way to grow your wealth over time, but it's important to follow a set of rules to maximize your chances of success. Here are some key rules to follow when building and managing your stock portfolio: Keep your portfolio diversified by holding a maximum of 15-20 stocks. This will help to balance out the risk across different companies and sectors. Allocate at least 4% of your total capital in stock and never invest more than 8% of your total portfolio in a single stock. This will help to spread your risk across different stocks and limit your exposure to any one company. Balance the risk in your portfolio by investing in a mix of stocks from different industries. Try to have a maximum of two stocks in any one industry and make sure they are opposite of each other in their business operations. For example, you could invest in a safe FMCG company like Unilever and a smaller (but profitable) company such as Marico. Avoid averaging out bad stocks. If you have a stock that is performing poorly, it's best to cut your losses and move on rather than trying to average it out. Focus on 5-6 sectors and never allocate more than 25% of your total portfolio to one sector. This will help to spread your risk across different sectors and limit your exposure to any one industry. If you're a moderate risk taker, invest the majority of your portfolio in blue chip stocks with low debt, as well as midcap and smallcap stocks. This will give you a mix of stability and growth potential. Consider investing 10-15% of your total corpus in gold. Gold is not dependent on a specific country and its prices do not fluctuate as much as other assets. Don't invest more than 4-5% of your total portfolio in any one stock. Instead, select a good mix of 20 stocks and stick to this rule. When picking a stock, focus on the cash flow rather than the PAT (profit after tax). Invest in companies that have high free cash flow on hand. Don't just sell a stock because the price has gone up. If your research tells you that the company has sound fundamentals and is doing well, continue to hold the stock. This can give you returns of 10X, 50X, or even 100X in the future. Remember that you make money by waiting and not buying or selling. Try to hold your stocks for a long period of time to maximize your returns. To cope with market fluctuations, consider building a portfolio that includes both bonds and stocks. When the stock market rises, sell some stocks and put the proceeds into bonds. Conversely, when the stock market falls, sell bonds and buy stocks. Look for large, undervalued companies that may have been overlooked by the market. These companies may have the capital and resources to ride out any economic downturns and regain profitability. Choose stocks with a P/E ratio lower than 25x. This will help you avoid overvalued stocks and focus on companies that are trading at a discount. Diversify your investments using portfolio theory, preferably with a portfolio of 50 stocks. This will help to spread your risk across different companies and sectors. Avoid herd behavior, overtrading, hot tips, and foolproof schemes. Instead, adopt a long-term investment strategy and stick to it. Consider using dollar-cost averaging as an investment method. This involves investing a fixed amount of money in a stock at regular intervals, regardless of the price. In conclusion, following these rules when investing in the stock market can help you to build a diversified and balanced portfolio that is well-positioned to weather market fluctuations and deliver strong returns over time. Remember to keep your portfolio diversified, balance the risk, focus on cash flow, and adopt a long-term investment strategy. By following these principles, you can increase your chances of success in the stock market and achieve your financial goals. Thank you for reading this post. I hope you found it informative and helpful. If you'd like to learn more about investing in the stock market and other financial concepts, please consider subscribing to our ScroogeMarketer newsletter.

As you navigate your career, it's important to consider ways to set yourself apart from the competition. One effective strategy is to build a personal moat – a unique and accumulating competitive advantage that drives increasing, compounding value over time. Photo by Carl Heyerdahl on Unsplash There are several ways you can go about building your personal moat. One approach is to ask yourself what comes naturally to you, but may be more challenging for others. This could be a specific skill or knowledge area that you possess. In today's internet economy, there is a growing demand for professionals with rare and valuable skills. By honing in on something that you excel at, you can set yourself apart and become a valuable asset in your field. Another way to build a personal moat is to use the Ikigai framework. Ikigai, a Japanese concept that translates to "reason for being," helps individuals identify their unique passions and purposes in life. By finding the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, you can discover your own personal Ikigai and use it as the foundation for building a strong personal moat. In addition to identifying your unique skills and passions, you can also build a personal moat by looking to the future and identifying areas that are likely to become more valuable over time. This could be a specific industry or technology that is on the rise or a skill that is not yet in high demand but is likely to become more sought-after in the future. By positioning yourself in these areas, you can build a strong foundation for long-term success. Exclusive relationships can also be a powerful tool for building a personal moat. This could be a strong network of professional contacts, a mentor or sponsor who can advocate on your behalf, or access to exclusive opportunities or resources. By leveraging these relationships, you can create a competitive advantage that is difficult for others to replicate. Finally, consider picking something that is legibly impressive or valuable but has no playbook. This could be a new approach to a problem, a unique perspective on an industry, or a creative solution to a common challenge. By breaking new ground and leading the way in your field, you can establish yourself as a thought leader and build a strong personal moat. Ultimately, the key to building a personal moat is to discover what comes naturally to you, get so good at it that others can't ignore you, and then leverage that to accrue social and financial capital. By following these strategies, you can create a competitive advantage that will serve you well throughout your career. Concluding thoughts Building a personal moat is a powerful way to set yourself apart in your career and create unique and accumulating competitive advantages. Whether it's identifying your unique skills and passions, positioning yourself in growing industries or technologies, leveraging exclusive relationships, or breaking new ground with innovative ideas, there are many ways to create a personal moat that will drive your success. Subscribe to ScroogeMarketer for more relevant content.

Photo by Pixabay In today's fast-paced and competitive business environment, developing a successful marketing strategy is crucial for any company looking to thrive. In a video discussing the topic, marketing expert Philip Kotler offers several key pieces of advice for businesses looking to develop a strong marketing strategy. Kotler advises businesses to focus on creating a strong marketing strategy that capitalizes on the popularity of similar products and emphasizes the importance of brand recognition. This can help companies stand out from their competitors and build a loyal customer base. He also recommends dividing the marketing process into nine steps, which include defining the target market, conducting market research, planning the marketing campaign, and implementing marketing strategies. By breaking the process down into manageable steps, companies can more easily develop and execute a comprehensive marketing strategy. In addition to creating a strong marketing strategy, Kotler emphasizes the importance of being aware of upcoming technology changes and trends and being skilled at scenario planning. This can help companies stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changing market conditions. He also advises companies to be vulnerable to attack, as this can help them identify and address potential weaknesses in their marketing strategy. Finally, Kotler advises companies to focus on creating a product that is successful and long-lasting and to build a strong network of customers. Key counter arguments Not all companies have the same needs or goals, so a one-size-fits-all marketing strategy may not be effective for all businesses The importance of brand recognition may be overstated, as some companies have been successful without a strong brand A focus on technology and trends may not be necessary for some companies, particularly those in established industries with a proven track record Some companies may not have the resources or expertise to engage in scenario planning Being vulnerable to attack may not always be a desirable trait for a company, as it can lead to negative consequences such as loss of customer trust and damage to the company's reputation. Despite these potential counterarguments, Kotler's advice offers a valuable framework for companies looking to develop a successful marketing strategy. By following his recommendations, businesses can better position themselves to capitalize on opportunities and stay ahead of the competition. To learn more about marketing strategy and other important topics, be sure to subscribe to the ScroogeMarketer blog.

Background The ‘Born Global’ internationalization phenomenon is the tendency of certain firms to internationalize from their very inception. These firms are often characterized by their innovative business models, use of technology, and focus on global markets. Born global companies are often considered the fastest-growing segment of the global business industry. Born global companies are considered to be the new wave of internationalization that is distinct from the traditional internationalization path. Born global companies are able to expand internationally through their internal resources and capabilities. Photo by Iyus sugiharto on Unsplash Examples of Born Global companies Zoho Corporation is a multinational technology company that makes some of the best computer software in the world. It is best known for its online office suite, which makes it super easy to get your work done. Logitech International is a multinational manufacturer of computer peripherals and software headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Newark, California. The company is perhaps one of the earliest examples of a successful born-global firm. The born global concept is relevant to your studies in the following ways: Born global companies are often regarded as the most profitable and fastest-growing segment of the global business industry. They are considered the new wave of internationalization that is distinct from the traditional internationalization path. Born global companies are able to expand internationally through their internal resources and capabilities. Born global companies are able to go international from the beginning and are able to do so through internal means and resources. Born global companies are able to adapt to different cultural, political, and economic environments and are able to operate in those environments with little or no need for external support. There are a number of factors that have contributed to the rise of born global firms, including the increasing interconnectedness of the world economy and advances in technology that have made communication and transportation easier and cheaper than ever before. There are a number of advantages that born global firms have over their more-traditional counterparts. Perhaps the most important is that they are able to tap into global markets from day one. This gives them a significant competitive advantage in terms of both cost and time. They can also benefit from a more diverse customer base, as well as a greater pool of talent to draw from. There are some challenges that come along with being a born global firm, however. One is that these companies can sometimes find it difficult to establish a strong brand identity in such a large and competitive marketplace. Another is that they can be spread too thin, with operations in too many different countries and regions. This can make it difficult to maintain quality control and keep track of all the different moving parts. Despite these challenges, there are many reasons to believe that the born global phenomenon is here to stay. Companies that are able to successfully navigate the challenges will be well-positioned to take advantage of the many opportunities that come with being a truly global business. Globalization Forces There are three globalization forces that have influenced the concept of born global companies. They are market, political, and cultural forces. The following are descriptions of the three forces: Market forces refer to the economic conditions that determine the level of demand for a product or service. Market forces are the main driver of the born global concept. Political forces refer to the political conditions of a country, such as the political environment and political stability. Political forces also refer to the political and legal environment of a company. Cultural forces refer to the cultural norms, values, and beliefs of a society. They also refer to the cultural norms, values, and beliefs of a company. The Globalization Process There are two types of globalization: (1) internal and (2) external. Internal globalization refers to the globalization of a company through its internal resources and capabilities. External globalization refers to the globalization of a company through its external resources and capabilities. Internal Globalization Internal globalization refers to the globalization of a company through its internal resources and capabilities. Internal globalization can be further divided into three categories: (1) product globalization, (2) human capital globalization, and (3) company globalization. 1) Product Globalization Product globalization refers to the globalization of a company’s product through its internal resources and capabilities. The main objective of product globalization is to be able to provide products that are consistent across all markets. For example, a globalized product is a product that is produced in one country and marketed in other countries. Product globalization allows companies to expand their business across different countries without the need to build or acquire factories or plants in other countries. 2) Human Capital Globalization Human capital globalization refers to the globalization of a company’s human resources through its internal resources and capabilities. Human capital globalization allows companies to recruit and retain employees from different countries. This is especially important for companies that are interested in hiring employees with specific skills and expertise. 3) Company Globalization Company globalization refers to the globalization of a company’s organizational structure through its internal resources and capabilities. Company globalization allows companies to organize their operations in a way that is consistent across all markets. External Globalization External globalization refers to the globalization of a company through its external resources and capabilities. External globalization can be further divided into three categories: (1) market-oriented, (2) government-oriented, and (3) network-oriented. 1) Market-Oriented Market-oriented external globalization refers to the globalization of a company through the market forces that exist between the company and the target market. Market-oriented external globalization involves acquiring other companies and integrating them into the company’s operations. Market-oriented external globalization is often the most expensive and risky type of external globalization. 2) Government-Oriented Government-oriented external globalization refers to the globalization of a company through the government-owned and controlled companies that exist in the target market. Government-oriented external globalization involves acquiring or partnering with government-owned and controlled companies in the target market. 3) Network-Oriented Network-oriented external globalization refers to the globalization of a company through the business networks that exist in the target market. Network-oriented external globalization involves partnering with business networks in the target market. Network-oriented external globalization is less expensive and less risky than market-oriented external globalization. 3 key drivers of born global internationalization: 1. Technological advances have made it possible for companies to operate globally from day one. 2. The growth of global markets has created opportunities for companies to sell their products and services around the world. 3. The rise of the Internet has allowed companies to reach customers and suppliers anywhere in the world at a low cost. 4 types of Born Global companies There are four main types of born global companies. The following are descriptions of the four types of born global companies: Pure-born global companies are those that are fully integrated and operated in the same manner across all markets. Pure-born global companies are often regarded as the fastest-growing segment of the global business industry. Hybrid-born global companies are those that are integrated and operated in the same manner across most markets but are different in a few markets. Hybrid-born global companies are often regarded as the fastest-growing segment of the global business industry. Semi-global companies are those that are operated in the same manner across all markets but are not integrated across all markets. Semi-global companies are often regarded as the fastest-growing segment of the global business industry. Semi-born global companies are those that are integrated across most markets but are operated differently across some markets. Semi-born global companies are often regarded as the fastest-growing segment of the global business industry. 3 Stages of the Born Global Concept The following are descriptions of the three stages: Birth refers to the period when a company goes international from the beginning and is able to do so through internal means and resources. Growth refers to the period when a company expands its operations across different countries. Transformation refers to the period when a company adapts to the different cultural, political, and economic environments and is able to operate in those environments with little or no need for external support. Conclusion The globalization of business is an unstoppable force that is constantly changing the way we do business. The born global concept is one of the latest changes to the globalization of business. The born global concept is a new way of thinking about globalization that is based on the idea that companies can be born global. The "Born global" firms are more likely to engage in international activities from the outset, to have a more global orientation, and to use more internationalized marketing and organizational structures. These firms are also more likely to be innovative and take risks. The born global concept is a new way of thinking about globalization.

There is no one formula for writing a winning essay, but there are some key strategies that students can use to make their essays stand out. Following these tips can help students write an essay that will be remembered by the admissions committee. Photo by Wulan Sari on Unsplash Brainstorming ideas When it comes to writing a stand-out essay for college, brainstorming ideas is key. This is where you'll come up with the main points of your essay and flesh out your thoughts. Here are some tips to get the most out of your brainstorming session: Relax and let your mind wander. The best ideas often come when you're not actively trying to think of them. So take a break from thinking about your essay and allow your mind to wander. You might be surprised at what ideas come to you when you're not forcing them. Write down everything that comes to mind. Don't worry about whether or not an idea is good at this stage, just get it down on paper (or in a document on your computer). You can always weed out the bad ideas later. Brainstorm with someone else. The more minds you have to play with, the more ideas you'll come up with. Look at your brainstorming session as an experiment. It's okay if you don't get any good ideas out of it -- it's just something to try on for size. Narrowing down your topic The process of choosing a college can be daunting, but it all starts with finding the right fit. Once you've found a school that feels like home, it's time to start the application process. And the first step to a stand-out essay is finding your focus. There are a lot of things to consider when narrowing down your topic, but here are a few tips to get you started: What are you passionate about? Your essay should be about something that you're passionate about, so start by brainstorming a list of potential topics. If you're stuck, try thinking about what excites or interests you in your daily life. What are your strengths? Think about what makes you unique and use that to inform your topic choice. Are you particularly good at writing, art, or music? Outlining your essay Whether you’re a high school senior finalizing your college list or a college freshman trying to get a jump on next year’s essay, starting with a good outline is always a solid strategy. An outline helps you organize your thoughts so that you know what topics to cover in each paragraph. When you have a good essay outline, you don’t have to worry about what comes next—you can simply follow your plan and start writing. Here are some tips to make an essay outline: Introduce your topic. Discuss the main points of your essay. Provide arguments supporting key points. Summarize your essay's main points. Conclude your essay. Editing your essay No matter how great of a writer you are, everyone can benefit from editing their work. Whether it's for an essay, term paper, or even your college application, a little bit of editing can go a long way. Here are some tips to help you edit your essay and make it stand out: Take your time: Don't try to rush through the editing process. Give yourself enough time to go over your essay multiple times and make sure you're catching all the mistakes. Use a spell checker: This is an easy way to catch any spelling errors you may have missed. Read it aloud: Sometimes hearing your own words can help you catch errors that you otherwise wouldn't have noticed. Conclusion In conclusion, if you want to write a stand-out essay for college, there are a few things you can do. First, start early and give yourself plenty of time to write. Second, figure out what you want to say and then say it in your own voice. Third, be honest and be yourself. And fourth, proofread your essay before

Synopsis What if economics were less about abstract theory and more about real-world problems? What if it were about discovering Freakonomics-the hidden forces that influence everything we do? In their first book, Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner show that economics is, in fact, just such a science. Using plain English and a wide variety of everyday examples, from cheating schoolteachers to legalized abortion, they explore the inner workings of a seemingly complex world. In doing so, they overturn some of the most cherished assumptions of conventional wisdom. Freakonomics is a groundbreaking collaboration between Levitt and Dubner, an award-winning journalist and author, and it was an instant New York Times bestseller. About the authors Steven D. Levitt was awarded the John Bates Clark Medal, given to the most influential American economist under forty. He is also a founder of The Greatest Good, which applies Freakonomics-style thinking to business and philanthropy. Stephen J. Dubner is an award-winning journalist, and radio and TV personality. He has worked for the New York Times and published three non-Freakonomics books. He is the host of Freakonomics Radio and Tell Me Something I Don’t Know. Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/apples-food-fresh-fruits-290312/ Chapter 1 Incentives are a very important part of life. There are three types of incentives: moral, social, and economic. Moral incentives are when you do something because it is the right thing to do. Social incentives are when people do something because they want to fit in or be liked by others. Economic incentives are when people do something in order to get something they want, such as money. In a study of the Chicago public school system, Levitt found that a significant percentage of teachers helped their students pass the annual standardized tests. This is because the system provides incentives to schools and teachers whose students get high scores. One of the questions I love to ask is who cheats and why? Well, his studies show that even those who seem most honorable or who seem to have the least opportunity to do so often cheat because of incentives. Chapter 2 The Ku Klux Klan was very powerful before its secrets were revealed to the public. Once everyone found out about what they did, their power dwindled. The Klan relied on people being afraid of them, and once that fear was gone, they lost their power. Chapter 3 This chapter is about how crime rates have changed over time, and how incentives (economic, social, and moral) play a role in this. It discusses how crack cocaine was introduced in America in the 1970s, and how it negatively impacted black Americans by setting them back 10 years in terms of progress. It also caused an increase in crime rates nationwide. Chapter 4 The author discusses different theories about crime rates, and how they were met. He then talks about the most controversial result of his research- that crime rates fell as a result of the 1973 Supreme court decision which legalized abortion. The author's theory is that pregnant women tended to live in conditions associated with the later criminality of their children, including low levels of education, single parenthood, and poverty. Thus abortion rights more than any other factor prevented criminals from being born. The author states clearly that proposing abortion as a means of future crime prevention would have huge moral implications. His intent is merely to provide data and thereby illustrate the unintended consequences of a change in public policy. Chapter 5 There are a lot of parenting experts out there, and they all have different opinions on what the "right" way to raise a child is. These experts are often convincing, but they also inspire a lot of fear in parents. Parents are often scared of raising bad kids, even if the risks of doing so are actually quite low. Experts are good at scaring people with immediate threats, even if the dangers are far off. When it comes to protecting kids, parents often buy products that don't actually do much to keep their children safe. For example, car seats are often seen as a vital way to protect kids in car accidents, but they actually aren't that effective. Chapter 6 In this chapter, the author discusses the question of perfect parenting. He looks at the names parents choose for their children and asks whether these names predict the children's future life outcomes. He tells the story of two children, Winner and Loser, who were given very different names by their father. Interestingly, Loser went on to have a successful life, while the Winner became a criminal. The author discusses Roland Fryer's research on the segregation of black and white culture in America. Fryer found that black and white families give their children strikingly different kinds of names. This "black-white naming gap" is a recent phenomenon. The author concludes the chapter by discussing the statistical differences between black and white names.

When it comes to teaching, there are a million different ways to do it. Some people swear by traditional methods, while others always look for new and innovative ways to engage their students. And then there are those like me who think outside the box and use memes to teach in the classroom. That’s right, memes. In recent years, memes have become a popular way to communicate online. They are often used to share feelings or ideas in a humorous way. The content that is shared online is always changing. This is due to the creativity of users who remix, parody or caption popular images or videos to create memes. Even though memes may seem basic, they are actually quite sophisticated from a linguistic point of view. They are able to express and share ideas and opinions. But could they also be used as teaching tools? I believe so. The use of memes can help students engage with the material in a fun and creative manner. For example, memes can provide students with a better understanding of math concepts or make historical events more relatable with the help of a meme. Because of their popularity, memes have even found their way into the classroom as a teaching methodology. In this article, I will explain why educators should use memes in the classroom. Origins of memes Memes have their origins in the world of academia. The term 'meme' was coined by Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book, The Selfish Gene. A meme is defined as "a unit of cultural transmission or imitation." The word comes from the Greek 'mimema', meaning imitated. In other words, a meme is typically an image or video with text superimposed over it. The text usually contains some sort of clever pun or play on words. Memes are often designed to be funny, but they can also be used to communicate serious messages. The rise of the memes The rise of the meme has been meteoric, to say the least. In just a few short years, memes have gone from being an underground internet phenomenon to a mainstream form of communication. This is due in part to the widespread adoption of social media platforms like Meta (Facebook), Instagram, and Twitter, which have made sharing memes incredibly easy. The earliest meme on the internet was the sideways 'smiley' :-). The practice of using tone of voice marks to show emotion spread quickly and subsequently other icons, such as :-( and ;-) were added. The first appearance on the web of a digital viral message is the Henny Lopez meme - rows of dancing hamsters GIFs - by an artist in 1998. 3 ways memes can be used as a teaching methodology It is possible to do it in a number of different ways. One of their advantages is that they can be used to help students grasp concepts that may otherwise be challenging to grasp. As an example, I use memes while supervising students for dissertations. Here's an article I wrote explaining the history of philosophy through memes. The meme is a great way to convey a complicated concept in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. In addition, learners are more likely to pay attention to it and actually learn something since it's funny as well. Another way to use memes in the classroom is to get your students thinking critically about the world around them. There are tons of scientific and social memes out there that can start some great discussions in your classroom. Finally, memes can also be used as a way to assess your student's understanding of a concept. Here are some of the examples of memes that I have used in the class 6 benefits of using memes in the classroom Memes can be used to introduce a topic in a fun and engaging way. Memes can help students to better remember information. Memes can be used to review or recap a lesson. Memes can be used to encourage creativity and critical thinking. Memes can be used to promote student collaboration. Memes can be used to assess student understanding. Challenges of using memes in the classroom When it comes to using memes in the classroom as a teaching methodology, educators could face a number of challenges. Time-consuming: Creating memes can be time-consuming, and teachers may not have the time to create them. Inappropriate content: Some memes can be crass, offensive, or simply not appropriate for the classroom setting. Lack of control: Once a meme is created, it can be difficult for teachers to control how it is used and shared. Limited appeal: Not all students will find memes appealing or interesting. Conclusion Memes can be a fun and engaging way to teach students in the classroom. By using memes, students can learn new information while also enjoying a laugh. Additionally, memes can help students to remember information more effectively. When used in the classroom, memes can be a powerful teaching tool. Critics of using memes in the classroom argue that they can be distracting and that not all students will understand them. They also worry that using memes could make some topics seem too casual. However, proponents of using memes argue that they can be valuable teaching tools when used sparingly and thoughtfully. So far, there is no research on the effectiveness of using memes in the classroom. In conclusion, using memes as a teaching methodology can be beneficial for students. Memes can help students to better understand and remember information, and they can also be used to assess student understanding. However, it is important to use memes in a way that is respectful of students’ cultures and experiences.

Linchpin is all about being indispensable in your job or business. Seth Godin has lots of experience in this area, and he shares his ideas in this book to help you figure out if you are dispensable or not. Usually, the answer is yes, but it's not impossible to become a Linchpin. To do that, you need to integrate the key features from the book. Photo by Jenny Ueberberg on Unsplash The Fundamentals Seth Godin starts by saying that it's likely you have something important to share with the world, but society is making it hard for you to do so. It brainwashes you into believing that your job is to follow instructions instead of being creative, and your lizard brain, or instinctive part of your brain, is the voice that keeps you safe but also holds you back from being a genius. Modern Work Encourages Dispensability The goal for capitalists has always been to have as many easily replaceable laborers as possible. This is still true today, but with the internet and laptops, laborers can now do things in a new way and produce value. Employers now have to decide if they want employees who will follow orders or buy into the new American Dream. What a Linchpin Looks Like Seth Godin describes a Linchpin as someone who is fearless and knowledgeable. They can move into chaotic situations and create order. They are also inventing, connecting, and making things happen. They free themselves from asymptotes, which are the upper limits to success. Art Is Possible in Any Environment Seth Godin talks about how artists can be creative in any situation. He says that art is risky and daring and that if an action is not risky, it is probably not art. He also says that art has a degree of complexity to it and that this complexity comes from not being told by others what to do and how to do it. Additionally, he points out that you cannot be an artist if you are working for someone else, and that you must be your own boss. You Don’t Find Your Passion. Your Passion Should Be Applied to Everything Seth Godin doesn't think that you need to find your passion in life. Your passion is inside you and you should always try to find ways to add more passion and fire to your life. Passion and art together make you a Linchpin. You should also make sure that your passion and art are focused on the right areas. However, you may have to give up some of the things you love in order to focus on your passion. Seth provides an example of how some authors refuse to change their writing, even though it's not very popular. Their art is useless if it's not being consumed. Don’t Give Yourself Plan Bs People often encourage others to have a plan B, in case they fail with their original plan. Seth Godin says that this anxiety is killing creativity and imagination. He suggests embracing anxiety and not feeding it, in order to overcome it. Becoming a Linchpin Lets You Be Generous The most successful people in the world are those who are generous as a demonstration of love and respect. When we are generous, it shows that we have more to share in our world than we thought. As we become more generous, others will be more likely to be generous towards us. How Do I Know What Art Is for Me? In order to be successful in life, you need to find the perfect art. But you also need to find the best map for you. Nobody can tell you how to do it, but you can figure it out yourself. The world is difficult to change, but you can apply your art and passion to the world that you have around you. What Does a Linchpin’s Work Look Like? In the capitalist world, there are two ways for a Linchpin to work. First, Linchpin can hire factory workers themselves. These people are willing to work for cheap, and they want someone to tell them what to do. Second, the Linchpin can find a boss who understands the value of a Linchpin and rewards them with freedom and respect. Failure Is Inevitable, and We Must Use It Effectively Failure is a part of life. It's okay to make mistakes, but you should learn from them and not dwell on them. You should also be open to feedback, both good and bad. Finally, you should imagine a future where you've changed details to make things better. Being a Linchpin Is Not a Lonely Existence A linchpin is somebody who is good with people. They have five essential traits which are openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability. If you want to be a linchpin, you should focus on these traits. 7 Abilities to Focus on if You Want to Become Indispensable There are seven things you should focus on if you want to become a Linchpin, according to Seth Godin. They are creativity uniqueness shipping your creativity managing a complex situation inspiring others having a unique talent, and being brilliant at what you do. Don’t Give Up Some people will lose and things won't always work out, but it's important to remember this and plan ahead. Seth Godin says we should do more art and give more gifts. This way, we can learn from our failures and do more of the right things. Trying and failing is better than simply failing.

Have you ever been asked to write a literature review but didn't know where to start? In this article, I'm going to talk about the different parts of a literature review and how to write each one. I'll also give you some tips on how to make the process easier. What is Literature Review? A literature review is a survey of the different scholarly sources on a specific topic. This can help you to identify different theories that you may want to look into, as well as methods that have been used and potential gaps in the current research. In other words, quality research is about learning from what others have done before you. The most important part of your research is the literature review, where you learn from others and lay the foundation for your own work. Photo by George Milton on Pexels There are five steps to writing a literature review. The first step is to find relevant literature. The second step is to evaluate the sources. The third step is to identify themes, debates, and gaps. The fourth step is to outline the structure. The fifth step is to write the literature review. What is the purpose of doing a literature review? When writing a thesis, dissertation, or research paper, you will likely have to do a literature review. This is a chance to show that you are familiar with the topic, that you have a theoretical framework and methodology, and that your research is significant. You should also show how your research is different from other researchers' work and how it contributes to the scholarly discussion around your topic. Writing literature reviews is an important skill, especially if you want to go to graduate school or pursue a career in research. Example of literature review Mulla, T. (2022) ‘Assessing the factors influencing the adoption of over-the-top streaming platforms: a literature review from 2007 to 2021’, Telematics and informatics, 69(101797), pp. 1–13. doi: 10.1016/j.tele.2022.101797. Step 1 - You need to find some relevant literature You need to have a topic before you start looking for literature. If you're writing a dissertation or research paper, you'll search for literature related to your research question. Example: What is the impact of TikTok videos on body image among Generation Z? Make a list of keywords To do a good research project, you need to start by finding good keywords. These are words that help you focus on what you want to learn about. For example, if you're interested in social media, you might want to add keywords like "Facebook," "Instagram," "Twitter," and " Snapchat." Also, related terms, like "body image" and "mental health." Search for relevant sources To do research, you need to use keywords to find sources. Useful databases to search for journals and articles include your university's library catalog and databases like Google Scholar. You can use boolean operators to help find articles that are relevant to your question. When you find a good book or article, you can check the bibliography to find more sources. Step 2 - Evaluate and select sources When researching, it's necessary to figure out which sources are most relevant to your question. Not everything you find will be readable, but it's important to evaluate which sources are most important. In order to do good research, you need to ask questions, understand key concepts, and know about the theories and methods used in your field. You should also read landmark studies and major theories to get a sense of the current thinking in your field. Finally, you need to critically evaluate the research to see its strengths and weaknesses. Take notes and cite your sources It is very important to keep track of your sources so you don't plagiarize. An easy way to do this is to make an annotated bibliography, where you write a paragraph about each source summarizing and analyzing it. This will help you remember what you read and save time later. Step 3 - Identify themes, debates, and gaps To organize your literature review, be sure to understand the connections and relationships between the sources you've read. Look for trends and patterns, themes, debates, conflicts and contradictions, and gaps in the literature. This will help you work out the structure of your review and show how your research will contribute to existing knowledge. Examples of trends and gaps There is a lack of good research on how social media affects body image, especially for young women. However, there is an increasing interest in the visual aspects of social media, so there is a gap that could be filled by more research on platforms like TikTok. Step 4 - Outline your literature review’s structure There are different ways to organize a literature review, depending on how long your review is. You can combine several of these strategies. For example, if your review is long, you might organize it thematically, but discuss each theme chronologically. Chronological The simplest way to learn about a topic is to trace its development over time. However, if you choose this strategy, be careful to avoid just listing and summarizing sources in order. You should try to analyze patterns, turning points, and key debates that have shaped the direction of the field. Give your interpretation of how and why certain developments occurred. Thematic If you have found some recurring central themes, you can organize your literature review into subsections that address different aspects of the topic. For example, if you are reviewing literature about inequalities in migrant health outcomes, key themes might include healthcare policy, language barriers, cultural attitudes, legal status, and economic access. Methodological If you want to learn more about something, it's a good idea to look at lots of different researchers from different disciplines. That's because different kinds of research can give you different insights into a topic. For example, you can compare qualitative and quantitative research, empirical and theoretical scholarship, or sociological, historical, and cultural sources. Theoretical A literature review is a review of different books, articles, and other types of writings. It can be used to discuss different theories, models, and definitions of key concepts. You might argue for the relevance of a specific theoretical approach, or combine various theoretical concepts to create a framework for your research. Step 5 - Write your literature review Introduction The introduction of a literature review should explain what the review is about. Tip: In a nutshell, you should reiterate your central problem or research question, and give a brief summary of the scholarly context. You can emphasize the timeliness of the topic ("Many recent studies have focused on the problem of x"), or highlight a gap in the literature ("While there has been much research on x, few researchers have taken y into consideration"). Body There are many different ways to write a literature review. You can divide the body into subsections based on the themes, time periods, or methodological approaches that you discuss. There are some things to remember when writing a research paper. First, summarize and synthesize the main points from each source. Next, analyze and interpret the findings. Finally, critically evaluate the sources. Be sure to write in well-structured paragraphs with transition words and topic sentences. Conclusion In conclusion, a literature review is a critical summary of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers. This overview provides the reader with an understanding of the major points and key debates surrounding the chosen research topic. When writing a literature review, it is important to remember to use academic sources, such as peer-reviewed journal articles, to support your claims. By taking the time to write a comprehensive and well-organized literature review, you will be demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of the field of study. FAQ What is a literature review? A literature review is a comprehensive overview of all the knowledge available on a certain topic as of a certain date. It includes both primary and secondary sources. A literature review is not an annotated bibliography. This article will explain a literature review and offer insights into the form and construction of a literature review in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Why do literature review? A literature review surveys scholarly articles, books, dissertations, conference proceedings, and other resources relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory. It provides context for a researcher's own work. The purpose of a literature review is to: Place each work in the context of its contribution to understanding the research problem being studied. Discuss the controversies and debates surrounding a research area. Outline the current state of knowledge on a topic. Help readers understand your own work within this larger context.

This article is about social media buzzwords and what they mean. It is written for people who are learning and involved in social media marketing. Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash Organic Organic content is content that is shared on social media without any money being paid to promote it. Boosted/Promoted/Paid You're paying for a piece of content to get more people to see it. Meme Memes are funny pictures that are shared online. People often write funny things about them. You can learn more about memes on a website called KnowYourMeme.com. A/B testing A/B testing is when you compare two social media posts to see which one is better. The most common way to do this is to change just one thing (like the headline or image) and see which one performs better. You can do this with organic and paid posts. Algorithm In social media, some people use the word "algorithm" to mean the set of rules a social network uses to choose which posts to show you. For example, if Facebook decides that it wants to show posts with a lot of comments, they adjust the rules of its algorithm accordingly. Analytics Analytics is the way to look at data to see patterns. In social media, analytics is when you look at metrics to see how you are doing and then use that information to make your social media strategy better. Application Programming Interface (API) It's a set of tools that make it easy for programmers to create software that interacts with social media networks. Lots of different social media tools (like those for managing Facebook pages) rely on APIs to work. Evergreen content In content marketing, evergreen content is content that is always interesting and valuable, no matter when it is posted. This type of content is great for recycling and sharing on social media because it doesn't lose its relevance over time. For example, an article about the challenges of being a social media marketer is more likely to be evergreen than one about a new Tik Tok feature. Cross-channel In social media marketing, each social network is also a marketing channel. For example, a cross-channel social strategy is a strategy that aligns your objectives across all the social networks you use. Listicle Listicles are articles that are made up of lists. They are often popular on social media because they are easy to digest. Newsjacking Newsjacking is when you post about current events on social media. You can use this to seem timely and relevant, and also to get more exposure for your content. For example, when there was a power outage during the Super Bowl in 2013, Oreo got a lot of engagement with this tweet. Ephemeral content Disappearing content is used in social media marketing to be spontaneous and timely while motivating users to engage through FOMO. Dark post A dark post is a social media post that doesn't show up on the advertiser's timeline and is only seen by people the advertiser is targeting. Dark social Dark social is when people share links privately on social media, instead of publicly. This makes it hard to track the traffic from those links. A study found that 84% of content sharing happens on dark social. Relevance score A relevance score is a number from 1 to 10 that tells you how well your target audience is responding to your ad. The score is based on how positively or negatively people respond to the ad and how well the ad is doing overall. The higher your relevance score, the more relevant your ad is to your target audience and the more likely it will be shown to them. Average response time It is the average time it takes a brand to reply to questions or complaints on social media. Boosted post A boosted post is a post that you put money behind to make it more likely to be seen by more people. It's like paying to make your post more popular. You can target a specific audience and set an exact boost duration and budget. Vanity metric A Vanity metric on social media is a statistic that is not useful for gaining insights. Impressions are a good example of a vanity metric because they are often larger than reach, but don't tell you how popular or engaging a post was. Clickbait Clickbait is content that tries to convince you to click on it, usually by being exaggerated or withholding information. Social networks consider clickbait spammy and lower its reach accordingly. Brand advocate Brand advocates are customers who support your company on social media by leaving positive reviews and messages. They may also encourage others to try your products or services through word-of-mouth marketing. Clickthrough rate (CTR) The clickthrough rate is the number of people who click on your post as a percentage of the number of people who see your post. Conversion rate (CVR) The conversion rate is the percentage of people who see your post or ad and then do something that you want them to do, like buying something or signing up for a newsletter. If your goal is to increase conversions, then the conversion rate (CVR) is an important metric for figuring out how effective your post or ad is. Cost per click (CPC) Cost per click is a measure of how much you're paying for each click on your ad. If your goal is to drive traffic to a landing page or piece of content, a low CPC means you're getting more traffic at a lower price. CPC can vary based on many factors, including who you're targeting, where you're targeting, and how relevant your ad is to your target audience. Cost per mille (CPM) "Cost per mille" is another way to measure how much you're spending to get your ad seen by 1,000 people (‘mille’ means 1,000 in Latin). It's important to watch this metric if your goal is to get your ad in front of as many people as possible and spread brand awareness. Engagement rate Engagement Rate is a way to measure how interesting or motivating your posts are on social media. It's calculated by dividing how many people interacted with your post by how many people saw your post, then multiplying by 100%. It's difficult to compare engagement rates between different social media platforms because what counts as an "engagement" and what counts as "seeing your post" is different on each platform. "Seeing your post" could refer to reach or impressions, while "engagements" may include likes, comments, shares, reactions, and more. Social listening Social listening is a way that social media managers track conversations around key topics, terms, brands, and more. They do this by using a specialized software tool that gathers mentions, comments, hashtags, and other relevant posts from across social media. Brands often use this information to see what trends people are talking about and what they are saying about the brand and its competitors. User-generated content (UGC) UGC means fan-created content that promotes a brand. Brands use UGC to get users engaged with social media campaigns and to build trust and loyalty with followers. For example, Toyota asked people to submit videos of themselves playing street music as part of a campaign.