Fundamentals of Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Fundamentals of Communication - Essay Example His self concept is bolstered by the amount of success that he attains over a period of time and by the kind of appreciation that the people hold for him in essence. It makes him realize that he is doing something right and hence should be hailed by all and sundry. There is a dire need on his part that the people around him get his message and thus deliver their appreciation back to him. It would raise the bar that surrounds his environments as well as makes him feel elated on most of the occasions. One of the concepts that come about within this discussion center on the premise of bringing in his self identity in close contact with what he aspires to achieve, backed up with the motivational levels that shall make him feel successful at the end of the day. An individual might showcase a number of self identities and concepts that keep on changing as and when the need so arises. What is really required is a vision to set things right within the personality of the individual under cons ideration and thus find the one (self identity/concept) that closely matches with his profile and then go about doing the basics right towards the people at large and the society without any problems whatsoever. The self concept discussion is observable because many different representations are showcased every now and so often by the individual under consideration. This would mean that he is doing his best to tell everyone what kind of successes lie in store for him if he is being his real self and telling to the world about his strengths without any issues. The need here is to contemplate the fact that the self concept will remain detectable without any problems coming to the fore. It would also mean that he is being true to his own individual personality and not representing someone who he is not. If the same happens, his self concept and self identity domains would lose track and hence a totally new personality would emerge on the horizon.

Persuasion and Public Opinion in Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Persuasion and Public Opinion in Society - Essay Example that compete furiously for attention and support of the masses in shaping public opinion, which implies that public communications seek to frame issues in particular ways to influence public considerations, thereby discrediting all other competing considerations. On the other hand, public opinions regarding issues of public concern in public discourses and debates often exert a considerable level of influence on the ultimate considerations that eventually gain popularity thereby shaping public policies. However, public opinions keep shifting from time to time2, especially due to the decaying effect of communications over time, leading to the potential implication that professional public communicators should be cautious of public opinions. This paper will highlight why professional public communicators might need to be wary of public opinions by focusing on a thorough exploration of public opinion, private opinion, cultural perspectives, as well as the role of rhetoric in discourse a nd debate. Public opinion refers to the sum total of attitudes and beliefs held by individuals collectively, and though this term has shifted in meaning over the years, it has remained a focal aspect in political spheres all over the world since the 17th century. Whereas public opinion in any society could be a synthesis of views held by all, or a section of the society in question, it could also be an aggregate of multiple contrasting views from different corners of the society. Historians and political scientists alike have often conceptualized public opinion as the most fundamental tool in the practice of governance and politics claiming that it plays a significant role in shaping government policy3. Public opinion has been equated to national will, which implies that there can only be one opinion on an issue at a time; the political elite are obliged to grant the people what they will in the true spirit of democracy4, since failure to heed the voice of the people might be

Google SWOT Analysis

Google SWOT Analysis 1. Introduction In the recent years, with the development of globalization and world economy, the market competition becomes fiercer and fierce. Modern corporations are paying attention to their external and internal environment, as well as the achievement of corporate social responsibility. In this way, they can improve themselves according to relevant analysis. This essay will use SWOT framework to analyze Google’s external and internal environment, use PESTE framework to analyze MacDonald’s and the influence of social responsibility on Fonterra’s decision making. At last, an overall conclusion will be made. 2. SWOT analysis for Google Google is an American multinational high-tech corporation and devotes itself to internet search, cloud computing, advertisement technology and other fields. It develops and provides large number of products and services based on internet. Its major profits are from advertisement services. After about twenty years’ development, it is recognized as the largest global internet search engine with billions of users. SWOT framework is used to confirm the corporations’ competition strengths and weaknesses, external opportunities and threats so that they can connect the internal resources with external environment together (Kurttila, M., Pesonen, M., Kangas, J., Kajanus, M. 2000). Strengths. The most powerful strength lies on its brand image. According to the most valuable brand list, Google was rewarded as the most valuable brand around the world with another 40% growth last year. In the past few years, Google ranked in the top of the brand list. In order to maintain its brand value, it manages to improve itself all the time. For example, Google X lab even tried to use fire balloon to provide Wi-Fi service for remote areas. Such creativity idea has inspired its brand value. In last year, Google Project Glass made great progress (Friesner, T. 2011). And Google would promote more revolutionary products for commercial world and its clients which indicated its brand value. The second strength is its people-oriented service and it is the best reason for Google users’ selection. Its search results are not prejudicial because it refuses payment for ranking and insists on offering search results which are closest to users’ psychological demand. The inte rface of Google remains clean and neat with quick loading rate. And searching results are not involved with any commercial operation and people would not see any mandatory advertisement. In addition, Google cares about details. Its logo looks like a little nifty. The colorful circle letters seem quite amiable (Jian, X. 2007). The humorous that Google shows anywhere makes users relaxing. Weaknesses. The appearance of search bomb exposed the cynicism of Google. It was out of some internet joke from politics or entertainment. When users type WMD in the search box, Google page may show presentation of â€Å"error†. The title may show â€Å"unable to display mass destruction weapon†. But Google does not intend to make any measures. Brin and Page stated they would not influence information searching. However, such attitude will result in loss of some users because they doubt Google’s problem resolving ability. In addition, the relaxed work environment and loose lifestyle are not suitable for everyone. Some old workers complaint they are discriminated because the environment tends to be personalized and full of youthful spirit (Halligan, B., Shah, D. 2009). In addition, such environment could not motivate its employees to a large extent. Opportunities. Exploring other fields is possible direction for Google’s future development, just like Baidu entered into B2B market. With strong infrastructure base, Google is able to launch new products and services for its users. For example, it introduced Android’s software to update its platform for mobile services. Google TV, Google glass, Double Click for Publishers, and other products have stimulated its users (Moussa, S., Touzani, M. 2010). It is widely regarded as a creative corporation. In this way, it can expand its market share now and then. In addition, Google can transfer its internet search into entity search. For example, Google can build its entity book database with books contents instead of only book’s cover and price. Although it will increase its cost, it can help people access what they want. As a result, Google can expand its market share and win users’ hearts. Threats. Leaders with talents have created the wonderful brand. But can Google maintain its initial core value when the leaders leave away? The humanism and creativity are from inspiration of Brin and Page. It is critical for Google to find proper successor to maintain its brand value. When Microsoft is using operating system to bundle browser to promote its IE system, now it is paying great attention to search engine. It will pose great threat when Microsoft bundle the search engine with its operation system. Google will lose great number of users. It has to take active measures to improve its customers’ brand loyalty. 3. PESTE framework on MacDonald’s As the largest multinational chain restaurant, MacDonald’s has more than 30,000 branches around the world. It mainly sells hamburger, chips, fried chicken, soft drink, salad, fruits and other fast food. However, its external environment is changing so that MacDonald’s has to make some measures to maintain and develop its business (Bivolaru, E., Andrei, R., Purcaroiu, G. V. 2009). PESTE framework can help analyze its macro environment effectively. Political factor. Political stability is critical for MacDonald’s normal operation. As a typical and widely recognized American culture, it can represent American flag in some degree. Since September 11 event, America became the leader of anti-terrorism which made itself the major target for terrorism activities (Yeu, C. S., et al 2012). With strong chain network around the world, adding that its restaurants always have intensified customers, it has large possibility that terrorists will regard it as the target. According to the global media press, explosion events occur in MacDonald’s restraints every month. In this way, it will damage its brand image and result in potential loss of customers. Economic factor. In the United States, competition in fast food market has turned white-hot. The financial crisis has influenced negatively in the fast food industry. On the one side, brands without competitiveness and brand value have to exit the industry while MacDonald’s itself will suffer more negative impact from shrinking consumption power. With limited market capacity, the owners open more and more branches. Every fast food restaurant is trying to attract potential customers by continual products creation and marketing creativity. MacDonald’s strongest competitor, Burger King is aggressively promoting its management reform. Wendy’s restaurant has promoted new salad production line. In addition, the number of chain stores under the brand of Mike Walls is more than the MacDonald’s. What are worse, railway fast food restaurants and other Sandwich restaurants are increasing by 12% every year (Paul, R., Roy, S. K. 2014). Under such circumstance, it is h ard to maintain its current market share. Social and cultural factor. With so many chain stores around the world and gaining profits in every region, MacDonald’s takes responsibility as well, such as the conflicts among different regions and ethics. With different cultural backgrounds, people’s values and consumption customs varies too much. For example, in May 2001, about 500 protesters held activities in MacDonald’s in New Delhi and other largest commercial cities. They threw cow dung toward MacDonald’s restaurants and looted one of them. And they asked Atal Bihari, president of India to shut up all the chain stores in India. The cause of the protest was MacDonald’s used beef ingredient to make fried chips but most Hindu believers regarded cattle as holy article. Hence, MacDonald’s has to compensate for India believer, vegetarians and other relevant institutions (Kulkarni, S. S. 2012). Besides, such event damaged MacDonald’s economic loss and brand image as well. Technological factor. The modern technology develops quite fast and the productivity is increasing as well. The scientific inventions and new technology application can shorten the new product development circle. When the product updating accelerates fast, MacDonald’s has to develop new products faster. In addition, with advanced and standardized chain operation model, MacDonald’s can establish its market by qualified products, amiable service and clean dining environment. It can arrange scientific training plans to improve its staff quality as well. Environmental factor. Consumers now are inclined to pursue green and harmless products. Hence, MacDonald’s attaches great importance to green and healthy dietary. Simultaneously, people are caring about environmental protection and putting an end to white pollution. For example, in the last year, bird flu was found in Beijing Restaurant and many customers did not dare to have dinner in its restaurant which damaged its brand image in some degree (Azim, P., Azim, S. 2012). In addition, MacDonald’s was accused of producing white pollutions and many environmental protectors protested its action. As a result, MacDonald’s exchanged its plastic into paper package. 4. Corporate social responsibility analysis on Fonterra Fonterra Co-operative Group was founded in October 2001 with head office in Auckland New Zealand. Fonterra is a merger of the two largest diary corporations in New Zealand. Now it is the largest corporation in New Zealand and the sixth diary producer around the world with annual sales of $8 billion. On August 2, 2013, Fonterra claimed that one factory found clostridium botulinum in its whey protein concentrate which caused brand damage to Fonterra (Gray, S., Le Heron, R. 2014)Although Fonterra concentrated on establishment of corporate social responsibility, there are still many aspects that it should make measures to improve. When Fonterra is creating benefits and shouldering legal responsibility on shareholders, it must be responsible for its employees, consumers, community and environment (Greening, D. W., Wall, J., Elias, S. R. 2012, December). 4.1 Fonterra’s social responsibility analysis from the classical viewpoint Although the primary is to implement economic responsibility, Fonterra must obey all the laws and regulations and drive its employees, partner, suppliers and other relevant parts to act behave as well. Ethics responsibility is the expectation from the society. Fonterra should reduce its negative impact of its operation activities, products and services. Dairy products are critical for people’s health so that Fonterra must take 100% attention to concentrate on its products quality. The optimization of industrial technology updating and industrial structure, development of Green Corporation, capability of a large employer, protection of environmental protection and social security must be attached great importance to (Kong, D. 2012). In addition, Fonterra should take active part in public interest and support community education, health, humanism care, culture and art, urban construction etc which can make it a good citizen. 4.2 Fonterra’s social responsibility analysis from the socio-economic viewpoint The economic benefits that Fonterra can bring are cost reduction and government grants. Firstly, Fonterra can raise the payment for its employees’ welfare standard which can improve their working enthusiasm and increase productivity. Simultaneously, the good image that Fonterra has can attract more talents and investors and increase its competitiveness. In the long run, Fonterra can reduce its operational cost and improve its sustainability. Secondly, Fonterra can bear social responsibility to increase its market value and gain the government grant or tax preference. The contribution toward employees, government, investors, public benefits and environmental protection is positively correlated with corporation value (Fu, S. 2014). Information users will expose relevant information to the external world to indicate its good performance and increase its market value. Speaking of the social benefits, it is reflected on corporation image and organizational culture. Hence, Fonterra can shoulder social responsibility to improve its social reputation, build brand loyalty among customers group. Good image will increase the trust and independence toward Fonterra’s products, especially for Dairy Corporation. Customers will consider the social responsibility together with its commercial reliability (Stahl, G. K.et al 2013). The implementation of social responsibility will expand to its product design, manufacturing period, product quality test and after sales service. In addition, by providing its employees with safe and comfortable working environment, building good labor-capital relationship, Fonterra can build a stable and loyal employees team and it can enhance their responsibility as well. Organizational culture will be built. 5. Conclusion This essay has analyzed Google’s internal strengths and weaknesses, McDonald’s political, economic, environmental, social and cultural, technological and environmental aspects and Fonterra’s social responsibility. In this way, readers can get a better understanding of their marketing environment and social responsibility issues. 6. References Azim, P., Azim, S. (2012). Impact of Constructive Marketing Strategies on Return (Revenue Profitability): A Case Study of Mcdonald’s. Journal of Asian Business Strategy, 2(7), 153-169. Bivolaru, E., Andrei, R., Purcaroiu, G. V. (2009). Branding Romania: a PESTEL framework based on a comparative analysis of two country brand indexes. Management Marketing, 4(4), 101-112. Friesner, T. (2011). History of SWOT analysis. Marketing Teacher, 2000-2010. Fu, S. (2014). The role of Chinese social media in reputation management: the case of Fonterra (Doctoral dissertation, Unitec Institute of Technology). Greening, D. W., Wall, J., Elias, S. R. (2012, December). Developing Theory in Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship. In Proceedings of the International Association for Business and Society (Vol. 23, pp. 91-97). Gray, S., Le Heron, R. (2014). Globalising New Zealand: Fonterra Coà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ operative Group, and shaping the future. New Zealand Geographer, 66(1), 1-13. Halligan, B., Shah, D. (2009). Inbound marketing: get found using Google, social media, and blogs. John Wiley Sons. Jian, X. (2007). The Google Development Mode of the Library. New Century Library, 2, 005. Kong, D. (2012). Does corporate social responsibility matter in the food industry? Evidence from a nature experiment in China. Food Policy, 37(3), 323-334. Kulkarni, S. S. (2012). McDonald’s ongoing marketing challenge: social perception in India. Online Journal of International Case Analysis, 1(2). Kurttila, M., Pesonen, M., Kangas, J., Kajanus, M. (2000). Utilizing the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in SWOT analysis—a hybrid method and its application to a forest-certification case. Forest Policy and Economics, 1(1), 41-52. Moussa, S., Touzani, M. (2010). Ranking marketing journals using the Google Scholar-based hg-index. Journal of Informetrics, 4(1), 107-117. Paul, R., Roy, S. K. (2014). Case Study 11: Marketing of Services: The McDonald’s Way. In Marketing Cases from Emerging Markets (pp. 99-112). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Stahl, G. K., Pless, N. M., Maak, T. H. O. M. A. S. (2013). Responsible global leadership. Global leadership: Research, practice, and development, 240-259. Yeu, C. S., Leong, K. C., Tong, L. C., Hang, S., Tang, Y., Bashawir, A., Subhan, M. (2012). A Comparative Study on International Marketing Mix in China and India: The Case of McDonalds. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 65, 1054-1059. Appendix. Google’s brand value

George Orwells Nineteen Eighty-Four 1984 Essay -- essays research pa

It has always been man’s dream to see and understand the future in an attempt to prepare himself for events which will eventually unfold. This hope is the premise for futuristic novels like George Orwell’s 1984, which, step by step, moves through the life of a rebellious citizen trapped in a world of deceit and propaganda. Very few people have been exposed to such a treacherous environment as Oceania, where Winston, the main character, resides. Therefore, it was necessary for the author to interject certain literary devices to allow for the ability to better relate to a character in Winston’s situation. To accomplish this, Orwell utilizes the theme of individuality versus tyranny, foreshadowing, and irony, in order to fully extract all possible motives behind Winston’s actions.Many countries, such as the United States, are founded on principles of individuality reigning over tyranny, more specifically, the freedom of choice. However, in the futuristic Oceania, run by â€Å"Big Brother†, such freedom and individuality is, for the most part, completely suspended. To act impulsively, or choose to oppose Big Brother, is a â€Å"thoughtcrime† of dire consequence. This is the basis behind the Inner Party’s control of Oceania. Winston however, from the commencement of the novel, showed that he was not willing to conform to such a tyrannical society. From his writing â€Å"DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER† in his diary as the novel opened, to his relationship with Julia, which was considered sexcrime in Oceania, Winston proved his thoughts were antiparallel to those of the Inner Party. The fact that Winston was so ready to rebel was quite courageous in that he knew people who opposed The Party, or were to educated, like Syme, were vaporized. The members of the Inner Party recognized the abilities of an educated man to see through the propaganda of Oceania, and would therefore tolerate nothing but ignorance. Winston, however, continued to oppose the state, and commited, in many ways, both thoughtcrime and sexcrime. He joined the Brotherhood, run by Oceania’s first public enemy, Goldstein, and even reads a book published by the man. This action follows Winston’s open attempt to befriend O’Brien in a society which would not condone such outward behavior. The reasoning behind the condemnation of friendship was that it was believed that friendship could lead to alliances that would threate... ...at such a situation could actually become a reality where that mere thought of a situation could bear vaporization. Though the United States has remained a society based around choice, the antithesis of the fictional Oceania, it cannot be denied, that as technology gains more and more influence over common lives, the destruction of choice by misused technology becomes more and more realistic. Orwell uses literary devices like foreshadowing, themes, and irony to constitute a world he invented in 1948. Though the overall mechanics of Oceania are false, many of the inventions and beliefs put forth by the novel, have come to exist. Between computers, mind-control experiments, and the overproduction of technological propaganda, the purpose of Orwell’s novel, a forewarning of possibilities facilitating in society’s inability to control the monsters it creates, is well served. Society must continually advance, for the health and survival of civilization. But, as evidenced by a common hope that no situation similar to that of Oceania occurs, this continuous advance must be made with continuos knowledge and restraint, in order to preserve a way of life society to often takes for granted.

Importance of sports Essay

The importance of sports in the life of a young student is invaluable and goes much further than the basic answer that â€Å"it keeps kids off the streets.† It does in fact keep kids off the streets, but it also instills lessons that are essential in the life of a student athlete. Sports play a pivotal role in the makeup of a young athlete, especially in the middle school to high school years where student athletes are much more mature and mentally developed. Where else can a young, impressionable youth learn values like discipline, responsibility, self confidence, sacrifice, and accountability? Television, which may be the most influential tool in the lives of young adults, does not show enough of these qualities, nor is it on the Internet, or radio. Rather it is up to the parents, teachers, sports teams, clubs, and after school programs to help mold, develop, and instill these qualities into the lives of student athletes. I believe in order for this to happen, school sports programs must have a few components in place. The first thing they need is a good core of coaches that understand the great responsibility that is placed upon their shoulders to help shape and prepare these student athletes not only in sports, but in their everyday lives. Yes, I did say coaches, because it is a responsibility that lies on the shoulders of more than one person and it is going to take more than one person to help lead these student athletes to success. The second component also involves the coaches: It is the ability to capture the admiration and the trust of the athletes. This is crucial because if you can capture a person’s admiration and trust you can motivate them to perform at a higher level not only in sports, but also in their own lives. If you can get the athletes to believe in you and your philosophies you can begin to see significant changes in grades and behavior. It all starts with coaches that have a plan and methodology behind the principles they are teaching. As I said earlier, there is a great responsibility on the coaches to help young student athletes make a smooth transition into society. The third and I believe the most crucial of all is the support that comes from the community, and administration. This is very important because student athletes need to know they are appreciated and there is no greater way than for the community, booster club, and commissioners/treasurers to show that appreciation than to get involved in youth athletics. In order to accomplish this it’s going to take investment and the most valuable investments are  money and time. The more invested, the better the results. I can attest that there is no greater investment than the future of our young student athletes. When these things are in place, I believe student athletes will benefit and the results will be evident not only on the field, but long after they step off of it.

Assignment for School Essay

1. List and explain the meaning of the twelve standards of policing proposed by Robert Peel. Explain why each of these standards is still important today. (respond with a minimum of 200 words) The twelve standards of policing proposed by Robert Peel are: 1) the police must be stable, efficient, and organized along military lines (2) the police must be under governmental control (3) the absence of crime will best prove the efficiency of police (4) the distribution of crime news is essential (5) the deployment of police strength both by time and area is essential (6) no quality is more indispensable to a policeman than a perfect command of temper; a quiet, determined manner has more effect than violent action (7) good appearance commands respect (8) the securing and training of proper persons is at the root of efficiency (9) public security demands that every police officer be given a number (10) police headquarters should be centrally located and easily accessible to the people (11) policemen should be hired on a probationary basis, and (12) police records are necessary to the correct distribution of police strength (Bohm & Haley). Having an organized police force and well trained police force is essential for the public and their safety. You want to make sure that all of the policemen are not only physically capable of doing their job, but also have the basic knowledge of the field and the laws and what to do in certain situations that they might be put in. Ensuring that police officers are hired on a probationary basis will help to ensure the public that they will have the best they can on the force and make sure that they have police officers that do their jobs correctly while providing public safety. If we had a police force that was unorganized and under trained (under qualified for the position) the crime rate would likely increase due to lack of a well ran police headquarters. Bohm, R., & Haley, K. Introduction to criminal justice. (Seventh edition ed., p. 141). 2. Explain the main components of community policing. Identify the four steps in a community policing approach to problem solving and give an example of each. (respond with a minimum of 200 words) The main components of community policing are community partnership, problem solving and change management. Establishing and maintaining mutual trust between citizens of a community and the police force are essential to community policing. The community, as well as the police, needs to identify potential problems, propose solutions and implement a solution. There is a four step problem solving process referred to as SARA: Scanning- indentifying the problem; Analysis- understanding underlying conditions; Response- developing and implementing solutions; Assessment- determining the solutions effect (Bohm & Haley). An example for scanning would be observing the problem of people speeding through school zones and seeing the potential dangers for students crossing the street. Analysis would be to understand the potential dangers for the students that may be crossing the street during this time and the risk of being hit, or other problems that could occur from people speeding through a school zone. Response would be to develop a solution, place a police officer to conduct traffic and ensure that drivers are following the correct speed for the school zone. Assessment would be to look back after about a week to see if placing the police officer in the school zone had a positive effect on people speeding through the school zone. Bohm, R., & Haley, K. Introduction to criminal justice. (Seventh edition ed., p. 229). 3. Review the Law Enforcement Officer Code of Ethics in Figure 6.1 on page 200. In your opinion, which three Canons are the most important and why? (respond with a minimum of 200 words) The most important Canons in my personal opinion would be (1) the primary responsibility of police officers and organization is the protection of citizens by upholding the law and respecting the legally expressed will of the whole community and not a particular party or clique (2) police officers should be aware of the legal limits on their authority and the â€Å"genius of the American system,† which limits the power of individuals, groups, and institutions, and (3) police officers are responsible for being familiar with the law and not only their responsibilities but also those of other public officials (Bohm & Haley). I chose Canon number one because public safety is the number one goal for a police officer. Making sure that the officer will uphold the law to everyone in a fair manner is also a must, in other words an officer needs to be mentally capable of arresting their mother if it was deemed necessary. The reason I chose Canon number two was because an officer should never take advantage of their authority towards a citizen. There are a lot of officers that take advantage of their authority towards citizens and that causes the public to lose respect towards other officers, it is something that needs to be enforced. I also chose Canon number three because an officer needs to be familiar with the law so that they are able to enforce the law, if an officer does not know the laws then they will not always enforce it when someone is breaking it. Making sure that you keep other officers and public officials in line are important, if you are an officer and you see another officer breaking the law do not be hesitant to call it out as you see it; that is your job after all. Bohm, R., & Haley, K. Introduction to criminal justice. (Seventh edition ed., p. 200). 4. List and describe some of the ways to control and reduce police corruption. (minimum 100 words) There are many different ways to control and reduce police corruption. One way would be to select and maintain officers that have high moral standards. After hiring them ensure that you train them not only on the physical aspects and knowledge of the laws, but also giving ethical decision classes towards the law would be very helpful. Also having police policies and discipline towards the breaking of those policies will help to reduce police corruption. Having a proactive internal affairs unit that will conduct internal investigations will help to keep an eye on officers to ensure that they uphold their proper duties. (Bohm & Haley). Bohm, R., & Haley, K. Introduction to criminal justice. (Seventh edition ed., p. 267). 5. â€Å"Police Corps,† a military-style police academy, has been employed in some U.S. cities. The cadets of the mentally exhausting 6-month program eat, sleep, and live together in rooms near the academy with no televisions and with the constant threat of surprise inspections. Their days involve marching in military formation with a platoon leader barking out cadences, weight lifting, and classes on self-defense as well as law and criminal procedure. Afternoons are spent at the firing range, where they train with pistols, MP-5 submachine guns, and AR-15 assault rifles. After ending their days at 10 P.M. with little or no time for themselves to relax or study, they are occasionally awakened at 2 A.M. as instructors push them for practice in high-speed driving and patrolling tactics. At some point in the course, the cadets are put through 24 to 72 hours of sleep deprivation to teach them the effects of stress and lack of sleep on their bodies. The punishment for not following orders correctly is pushups. Supporters of the style maintain that the Navy SEAL–type training will help officers become more disciplined and community-oriented. Critics contend that the program is too extreme and isn’t necessary for a community police force, that it â€Å"isn’t needed in our society unless we’re in a warfare environment.†