Normal Occlusion And Its Characteristics

Normal Occlusion And Its Characteristics The development of human dentition from adolescence to adulthood has been the subject of extensive study by numerous dentists, orthodontists and other experts in the past. While prevention and cure of dental diseases, surgical reconstitution to address teeth anomalies and research studies on teeth and development of the dental arch during the growing up years has been the main concerns across the past decades, in recent years, substantial effort has been evident in the field of mathematical analysis of the dental arch curve, particularly of children from varied age groups and diverse ethnic and national origins. The proper care and development of the primary dentition into permanent dentition is of major importance and the dental arch curvature, whose study has been related intimately by a growing number of dentists and orthodontists to the prospective achievement of ideal occlusion and normal permanent dentition, has eluded a proper definition of form and shape. Many eminent authors have put forth mathematical models to describe the teeth arch curve in humans. Some have imagined it as a parabola, ellipse or conic while others have viewed the same as a cubic spline. Still others have viewed the beta function as best describing the actual shape of the dental arch curve. Both finite mathematical functions as also polynomials ranging from 2nd order to 6th order have been cited as appropriate definitions of the arch in various studies by eminent authors. Each such model had advantages and disadvantages, but none could exactly define the shape of the human dental arch curvature and factor in its features like shape, spacing and symmetry/asymmetry. Recent advances in imaging techniques and computer-aided simulation have added to the attempts to determine dental arch form in children in normal occlusion. This paper presents key mathematical models compares them through some secondary research study. Keywords: Dental Arch,Normal Occlussion,Mixed Dentition INTRODUCTION Primary dentition in children needs to be as close as possible to the ideal in order that during future adulthood, the children may exhibit normal dental features like normal mastication and appearance, space and occlusion for proper and healthy functioning of permanent dentition. Physical appearance does directly impact on the self-esteem and inter-personal behaviour of the human individual, while dental health challenges like malocclusions, dental caries, gum disease and tooth loss do require preventive and curative interventions right from childhood so that permanent dentition may be normal in later years. Prabhakaran, S., et al, (2006) maintain that the various parts of the dental arch during childhood, viz., canine, incisor and molar play a vital role in shaping space and occlusion characteristics during permanent dentition and also stress the importance of the arch dimensions in properly aligning teeth, stabilizing the form, alleviating arch crowding, and providing for a normal overbite and over jet, stable occlusion and a balanced facial profile. Both research aims and clinical diagnosis and treatment have long required the study of dental arch forms, shape, size and other parameters like over jet and overbite, as also the spacing in deciduous dentition. In fact, arch size has been seen to be more important than even teeth size (Facal-Garcia et al., 2001). While various efforts have been made to formulate a mathematical model for the dental arch in humans, the earliest description of the arch was via terms like elliptic, parabolic, etc and, also, in terms of measurement, the arch circumference, width and depth were some of the previous methods for measuring the dental arch curve. Various experts have defined the dental arch curvature through use of biometry by measurement of angles, linear distances ratios (Brader, 1972; Ferrario et al., 1997, 1999, 2001; Harris, 1997; Braun et al., 1998; Burris and Harris, 2000; Noroozi et al., 2001). Such analysis, ho wever, has some limitations in describing a three-dimensional (3D) structure like the dental arch (Poggio et al., 2000). Whereas, there are numerous mathematical models and geometrical forms that have been put forth by various experts, no two models appear to be clearly defined by means of a single parameter (Noroozi, H., et al, 2001). DEFINING THE DENTAL ARCH Models for describing the dental arch curvature include conic sections (Biggerstaff, 1972; Sampson, 1981), parabolas (Jones Richmond, 1989), cubic spline curves (BeGole, E.A., 1980), catenary curves (Battagel, J.M., 1996), and polynomials of second to eight degree (Pepe, S.H., 1975), mixed models and the beta function (Braun, et al, 1998). The definitions differ as because of differences in objectives, dissimilarity of samples studied and diverse methodologies adopted and uniform results in defining and arriving at a generalized model factoring in all symmetries and asymmetries of curvature elude experts even today. Some model may be suitable in one case while others may be more so in another situation. In this respect, conic sections which are 2nd order curves, can only be applied to specific shapes like hyperbolas, eclipse, etc and their efficiency as ideal fit to any shape of the dental arch is thus limited (AlHarbi, S, et al, 2006). The beta function, although superior, consider s only the parameters of molar width and arch depth and does not factor in other dental landmarks. Nor does it consider asymmetrical forms. In contrast, the 4th order polynomial functions are better effective in defining the dental arch than either cubic spline or the beta function (AlHarbi, et al, 2006). AlHadi and others (2006) also maintain that important considerations in defining the human dental arch through mathematical modelling like symmetry or asymmetry, objective, landmarks used and required level of accuracy do influence the actual choice of model made. OCCLUSION AND ITS TYPES Occlusion is the manner in which the lower and upper teeth intercuspate between each other in all mandibular positions or movements. Ash Ramfjord (1982) state that it is a result of neuromuscular control of the components of the mastication systems viz., teeth, maxilla mandibular, periodontal structures, temporomandibular joints and their related muscles and ligaments. Ross (1970) also differentiated between physiological and pathological occlusion, in which the various components function smoothly and without any pain, and also remain in good health. Furthermore, occlusion is a phenomenon that has been generally classified by experts into three types, namely, normal occlusion, ideal occlusion and malocclusion. Ideal Occlusion Ideal occlusion is a hypothetical state, an ideal situation. McDonald Ireland (1998) defined ideal occlusions as a condition when maxilla and mandible have their skeletal bases of correct size relative to one another, and the teeth are in correct relationship in the three spatial planes at rest. Houston et al (1992) has also given various other concepts relating to ideal occlusion in permanent dentition and these concern ideal mesiodistal buccolingual inclinations, correct approximal relationships of teeth, exact overlapping of upper and lower arch both laterally and anteriorly, existence of mandible in position of centric relation, and also presence of correct functional relationship during mandibular excursions. Normal Occlusion and its Characteristics Normal occlusion was first clearly defined by Angle (1899) which was the occlusion when upper and lower molars were in relationship such that the mesiobuccal cusp of upper molar occluded in buccal cavity of lower molar and teeth were all arranged in a smoothly curving line. Houston et al, (1992) defined normal occlusion as an occlusion within accepted definition of the ideal and which caused no functional or aesthetic problems. Andrews (1972) had previously also mentioned of six distinct characteristics observed consistently in orthodontic patients having normal occlusion, viz., molar relationship, correct crown angulation inclination, absence of undesirable teeth rotations, tightness of proximal points, and flat occlusal plane (the curve of Spee having no more than a slight arch and deepest curve being 1.5 mm). To this, Roth (1981) added some more characteristics as being features of normal occlusion, viz., coincidence of centric occlusion and relationship, exclusion of posterior t eeth during protrusion, inclusion of canine teeth solely during lateral excursions of the mandible and prevalence of even bilateral contacts in buccal segments during centric excursion of teeth. Oltramari, PVP et al (2007) maintain that success of orthodontic treatments can be achieved when all static functional objectives of occlusion exist and achieving stable centric relation with all teeth in Maxim intercuspal position is the main criteria for a functional occlusion MATHEMATICAL MODELS FOR MEASURING THE DENTAL ARCH CURVE Whether for detecting future orthodontic problems, or for ensuring normal occlusion, a study of the dental arch characteristics becomes essential. Additionally, intra-arch spacing also needs to be studied so as to help the dentist forecast and prevent ectopic or premature teeth eruption. While studies in the past on dentition in children and young adults have shown significant variations among diverse populations (Prabhakaran et al, 2006), dentists are continuously seized of the need to generalize their research findings and arrive at a uniform mathematical model for defining the human dental arch and assessing the generalizations, if any, in the dental shape, size, spacing and other characteristics. Prabhakaran et al (2006) also maintain that such mathematical modelling and analysis during primary dentition is very important in assessing the arch dimensions and spacing as also for helping ensure a proper alignment in permanent dentition during the crucial period which follows the co mplete eruption of primary dentition in children. They are also of the view that proper prediction of arch variations and state of occlusion during this period can be crucial for establishing ideal desired esthetic and functional occlusion in later years. While all dentists and orthodontists seem to be more or less unanimous in perceiving as important the mathematical analysis of the dental arch in children in normal occlusion, no two experts seem agreeable in defining the dental arch by means of a single generalized model. A single model eludes the foremost dental practitioners owing to the differences in samples studied with regard to their origins, size, features, ages, etc. Thus while one author may have studied and derived his results from studying some Brazilian children under some previously defined test conditions, another author may have studied Afro-American children of another age group, sample size or geographical origins. Also, within the same set of samples studied, there are also marked variations in dental arch shapes, sizes and spacing as found out by leading experts in the field. Shapes are also unpredictable as to the symmetry or asymmetry and this is another obstacle to the theoretical generalization that could evo lve a single uniform mathematical model. However, some notable studies in the past decades do stand out and may be singled out as the most relevant and significant developments in the field till date. The earliest models were necessarily qualitative, rather than quantitative. Dentists talked of ellipse, parabola, conic section, etc when describing the human dental arch. Earlier authors like Hayashi (1962) and Lu (1966) did attempt to explain mathematically the human dental arch in terms of polynomial equations of different orders. However, their theory could not explain asymmetrical features or predict fully all forms of the arch. Later on, authors like Pepe (1975), Biggerstaff (1972), Jones Richmond (1989), Hayashi (1976), BeGole (1980) made their valuable contributions to the literature in the dental field through their pioneering studies on teeth of various sample populations of children in general, and a mathematical analysis of the dental arch in particular. While authors like Pepe and Biggerstaff relied on symmetrical features of dental curvature, BeGole was a pioneer in the field in that he utilized the asymmetrical cubic splines to describe the dental arch. His model assu med that the arch could not be symmetrical and he tried to evolve a mathematical best fit for defining and assessing the arch curve by using the cubic splines. BeGole developed a FORTRAN program on the computer that he used for interpolating different cubic splines for each subject studied and essentially tried to substantiate a radical view of many experts that the arch curve defied geometrical definition and such perfect geometrical shapes like the parabola or ellipse could not satisfactorily define the same. He was of the view that the cubic spline appropriately represented the general maxillary arch form of persons in normal occlusion. His work directly contrasted efforts by Biggerstaff (1972) who defined the dental arch form through a set of quadratic equations and Pepe who used polynomial equations of degree less than eight to fit on the dental arch curve (1975). In Pepes view, there could be supposed to exist, at least in theory, a unique polynomial equation having degree (n + 1) or less (n was number of data points) that would ensure exact data fit of points on the dental arch curve. An example would be the polynomial equation based on Le-Granges interpolation formula viz., Y = n Ã¢â‚¬Å"i=1yi Ã‚ [j ¹i](x-xj)/xi-xj), where xi, yi were data points. In 1989, Jones Richmond used the parabolic curve to explain the form of the dental arch quite effectively. Their effort did contribute to both pre and post treatment benefits based on research on the dental arch. However, Battagel (1996) used the catenary curves as a fit for the arch curvature and published the findings in the popular British Journal of Orthodontics, proving that the British researchers were not far behind their American counterparts. Then, Harris (1997) made a longitudinal study on the arch form while the next year (1998), Braun and others put forth their famous beta function model for defining the dental arch. Braun expressed the beta function by means of a mathematical equation thus: In the Braun equation, W was molar width in mm and denoted the measured distance between right and left 2nd molar distobuccal cusp points and D the depth of the arch. A notable thing was that the beta function was a symmetrical function and did not explain observed variations in form and shape in actual human samples studied by others. Although it was observed by Pepe (1975) that 4th order polynomials were actually a better fit than the splines, in later analyses in the 1990s, it appeared that these were even better than the beta (AlHarbi et al, 2006). In the latter part of the 1990s, Ferrario et al (1999) expressed the dental curve as a 3-D structure. These experts conducted some diverse studies on the dental arch in getting to know the 3-D inclinations of the dental axes, assessing arch curves of both adolescents and adults and statistically analysing the Monsons sphere in healthy human permanent dentition. Other key authors like Burris et al (2000), who studied the maxillary arch sizes and shapes in American whites and blacks, Poggio et al (2000) who pointed out the deficiencies in using biometrical methods in describing the dental arch curvature, and Noroozi et al (2001) who showed that the beta function was solely insufficient to describe an expanded square dental arch form, perhaps, constitute some of the most relevant mathematical analyses of recent years. Most recently, one of the most relevant analyses seems to have been carried out by AlHarbi ad others (2006) who essentially studied the dental arch curvature of individuals in normal occlusion. They studied 40 sets of plaster dental casts both upper and lower of male and female subjects from ages 18 to 25 years. Although their samples were from adults, they considered four most relevant functions, namely, the beta function, the polynomial functions, the natural cubic splines, and the Hermite cubic splines. They found that, whereas the polynomials of 4th order best fit the dental arch exhibiting symmetrical form, the Hermite cubic splines best described those dental arch curves which were irregular in shape, and particularly useful in tracking treatment variations. They formed the opinion at the end of their study of subjects all sourced, incidentally, from nationals of Saudi Arabia that the 4th order polynomials could be effectively used to define a smooth dental arch curve which could further be applied into fabricating custom arch wires or a fixed orthodontic apparatus, which could substantially aid in dental arch reconstruction or even in enhancement of esthetic beauty in patients. COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT MODELS FOR ANALYSING THE DENTAL ARCH The dental arch has emerged as an important part of modern dentistry for a variety reasons. The need for an early detection and prevention of malocclusion is one important reason whereby dentists hope to ensure a normal and ideal permanent dentition. Dentists also increasingly wish to facilitate normal facial appearance in case of teeth and space abnormalities in children and adults. What constitutes the ideal occlusion, ideal intra-arch and adjacent space and correct arch curvature is a matter of comparison among leading dentists and orthodontists. Previous studies done in analyzing dental arch shape have used conventional anatomical points on incisal edges and on molar cusp tips so as to classify forms of the dental arch through various mathematical forms like ellipse, parabola, cubical spline, etc, as has been mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs. Other geometric shapes used to describe and measure the dental arch include the catenary curves. Hayashi (1962) used mathematical equations of the form: y = axn + e Ã‚ ¡(x- Ã‚ ¢) and applied them to anatomic landmarks on buccal cusps and incisal edges of numerous dental casts. However, the method was complex and required estimation of the parameters like Ã‚ ¡, Ã‚ ¢, etc. Also, Hayashi did not consider the asymmetrical curvature of the arch. In contrast, Lu (1966) introduced the concept of fourth degree polynomial for defining the dental arch curve. Later, Biggerstaff (1973) introduced a generalized quadratic equation for studying the close fit of shapes like the parabol a, hyperbola and ellipse for describing the form of the dental arch. However, sixth degree polynomials ensured a better curve fit as mentioned in studies by Pepe, SH (1975). Many authors like Biggerstaff (1972) have used a parabola of the form x2 = -2py for describing the shape of the dental arch while others like Pepe (1975) have stressed on the catenary curve form defined by the equation y = (ex + e-x)/2. Biggerstaff (1973) has also mentioned of the equation (x2/b2) + (y2/a2) = 1 that defines an ellipse. BeGole (1980) then developed a computer program in FORTRAN which was used to interpolate a cubic spline for individual subjects who were studied to effectively find out the perfect mathematical model to define the dental arch. The method due to BeGole essentially utilized the cubic equations and the splines used in analysis were either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Another method, finite element analysis used in comparing dental-arch forms was affected by homology function and the drawbacks of element design. Another, multivariate principal component analyses, as performed by Buschang et al (1994) so as to determine size and shape factors from numerous linear measurements could not satisfactorily explain major variations in dental arch forms and the method failed to provide for a larger generalization in explaining the arch forms. ANALYSING DENTAL ARCH CURVE IN CHILDREN IN NORMAL OCCLUSION Various studies have been conducted by different experts for defining human dental arch curves by a mathematical model and whose curvature has assumed importance, particularly in prediction, correction and alignment of dental arch in children in normal occlusion. The study of children in primary dentition have led to some notable advances in dental care and treatment of various dental diseases and conditions, although, an exact mathematical model for the dental arch curve is yet to be arrived at. Some characteristic features that have emerged during the course of various studies over time indicate that no single arch form could be found to relate to all types of samples studied since the basic objectives, origin and heredity of the children under study, the drawbacks of the various mathematical tools, etc, do inhibit a satisfactory and perfect fit of any one model in describing the dental arch form to any degree of correction. However, it has been evident through the years of continu ous study by dentists and clinical orthodontists that children exhibit certain common features during their childhood, when their dentition is yet to develop into permanent dental form. For example, a common feature is the eruption of primary dentition in children that generally follows a fixed pattern. The time of eruption of various teeth like incisors, molars, canines, etc follow this definite pattern over the growing up years of the child. The differences of teeth forms, shape, size, arch spacing and curvature, etc, that characterize a given sample under study for mathematical analysis, also essentially vary with the nationality and ethnic origin of a child. In one longitudinal study by Henrikson et al (2001) that studied 30 children of Scandinavian origin with normal occlusion, it was found that when children pass from adolescence into adulthood, a significant lack of stability in arch form was discernible. In another study, experts have also indicated that dental arches in som e children were symmetrical, while in others this was not so, indicating that symmetrical form of a dental arch was not a prerequisite for normal occlusion. All these studies based on mathematical analysis of one kind or another have thrown up more data rather than been correlated to deliver a generalized theory that can satisfactorily associate a single mathematical model for all dental arch forms in children with normal occlusion. CONCLUSION Factors that determine satisfactory diagnosis in orthodontic treatment include teeth spacing and size, the dental arch form and size. Commonly used plaster model analysis is cumbersome, whereas many scanning tools, like laser, destructive and computer tomography scans, structured light, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound techniques, do exist now for accurate 3-D reconstruction of the human anatomy. The plaster orthodontic methods can verily be replaced successfully by 3-D models using computer images for arriving at better accurate results of study. The teeth measurement using computer imaging are accurate, efficient and easy to do and would prove to be very useful in measuring tooth and dental arch sizes and also the phenomenon of dental crowding. Mathematical analysis, though now quite old, can be applied satisfactorily in various issues relating to dentistry and the advances in computer imaging, digitalization and computer analysis through state-of-the-art software program s, do herald a new age in mathematical modelling of the human dental arch which could yet bring in substantial advancement in the field of Orthodontics and Pedodontics. This could in turn usher in an ideal dental care and treatment environment so necessary for countering lack of dental awareness and prevalence of dental diseases and inconsistencies in children across the world.

Friedman’s Discussion of Globalization and Flattening Essay

Globalization is regarded by its critics as a force which is extending the gap between the world’s rich and poor. In some ways, this has been true, especially throughout the first decade of the post-Cold War Era. The opening of gateways to the East created a relationship between the corporate partners throughout the globe that concentrated the spoils of free-trade into the hands of the wealthy. But in Thomas Friedman’s 2005 meditation on the topic, The World is Flat, there is evidence that in fact, the intended products of globalization such as a greater distribution of knowledge resources and a leveling of the technological playing field are beginning to surface. This latter product of free trade, the ‘leveling’ effect is that which informs Friedman’s title theme. The world has become flat by its increasing smallness. The economic, political, cultural and tele-communicative interconnectivity of nations is gradually eroding many of the geographic obstacles to popular progress. The strands of globalization, the New York Times journalist observes, have contributed to a broadening of access to independent entrepreneurialship and opportunity. Though many of the subjects of the author’s analysis are large American multi-national corporations, there is an evident transition in which knowledge-based internet startup enterprises from across the globe are undermining the more monopolistic proclivities of the American market. In nations such as India and China, American exploitation of lower operational, environmental and labor-oriented costs in the technological sector has caused a proliferation of such resources to the general public. This, in turn, is becoming a hotbed of alternative market action which will ultimately dismantle the superiority of the American economy. According to Friedman’s analysis, a core detriment to the U. S. economy, but a boon to independent operations overseas, has been a disregard for American private conceptions of property rights. From counterfeiting of American name brand consumer goods to pirate telecommunication infrastructural apparatuses, the bureaucratic vulnerabilities to effective globalization are numerous. Both partners in a free-trade circumstance stand to lose economic opportunity in the presence of such market subversions. Thomas Friedman’s text is eye-opening insofar as so many of the matters which he discusses may be directly implicated in the experiences of our everyday lives. In fact, this is the ‘flattening’ principle of which the author speaks, dictating that the public experience rather than simply large institutional abstractions are shaping the context in which we live our lives. Such is to suggest that the technological, educational, informational and recreational freedoms which have traditionally be reserved for those on the upper echelon of both their domestic setting and international geography are increasingly becoming democratic. However, in contrast to Friedman’s general tenor of optimism, his sarcasm only hints at the current consequences of globalization for so many individuals. This discussion is a reflection on Friedman’s text as informed by my own conception of globalization which brings future opportunity at the expense of current human dignity, personal satisfaction and even American prosperity. Therefore, the discussion will be oriented toward elucidating globalization’s internally contradictory nature. Just as it enriches one demographic in a developing nation, it facilitates the targeted abuse of another. Just as it endows us with a heretofore unseen capacity for self-sufficiency, it likewise robs us of the capacity to control the level of satisfaction which we achieve when relating to the commercial world. In the flattening of the global horizon that Friedman lauds as the eventual path to a shared standard of living and prosperity, there is the need for a greater analytical emphasis on the negative forces that are driving individuals to increasingly attempt to find their own pathways to social and commercial interaction. Friedman’s discussion, as we will see, is focused on demonstrating the permeation of benefits to the collective world community in free trade. This is quite supportable from a macrolevel standpoint. Indeed, nations engaged in free trade would do well to support one another in a mutuality of benefit. Certainly, as was illustrated by the economic phenomena of the 1990s’, the expansion of a single large market through a boom of technological progress will have the effect of disseminating to the rest of the free world. This was certainly proved to be true by the dynamic of that decade, when â€Å"there was a massive investment in technology, especially in the bubble era, when hundreds of millions of dollars were invested in putting broadband connectivity around the world. † (Friedman, 6) The result is what is seen as surfacing today. More than the United States, it is the world community which is producing the knowledge workforce of the future. And though Friedman is forthcoming in making that foreboding case, it is important that we expound upon this subject further in this discussion by acknowledging that globalization and the ‘flattening’ effect are not of a uniform pattern. Even as the proliferation which the author discusses is taking place, it has done so with a multitude of consequences that can neither said to have been desire nor can be said to have stimulated greater equality. Friedman, whom by his text we may suggest is a supporter of the ultimate purpose of globalization, makes the technological attribution that â€Å"it was actually the coincidence of the dot-com boom and the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that launched the fiber-optic bubble. † (67) Friedman observes that the collective telecom industry invested roughly 1 trillion dollars in half a decade on ‘wiring the world. ’ (67) The deregulation in the 1996 American domestic legislation, which allowed so many larger companies to enforce hostile consolidation measures in a vast array of theretofore legally unapproachable markets, would coincide with the unfettered capital investment in global internet penetration that has ultimately elevated private sector rights over public rights while simultaneously helping to bring other nations to an eventually greater infrastructural promotion of internet access than would be found in the United States. In some manner, this is borne out by a pattern with incredibly broad-based implications for American consumer and job markets. Today, we have seen and experienced the wholesale transfer of our Customer Service industry to fledgling globalizing economies such as that in India. Here, major computer retailers, cable company operators, wireless communication device providers, bank/credit cards merchants and virtually every other monopolistic corporate industry in America is forced to maintain its competitive advantages by commissioning outsourced Customer Service agents located in India. It is their charge to replicate the experience of an American calling a support technician with an intimate relationship with the product in question. This is accomplished with, as Friedman reveals, intensive training in the adoption of linguistic, dialectic and etiquette-related behaviors designed to facilitate comfort for the American caller. â€Å"The Indian call center operators adopt Western names of their own choosing. The idea, of course, is to make their American or European customers feel more comfortable. † (22) Amongst the many indicators that cultural flattening would play a part in this transition of labor, the concept of taking on an Americanized name in the interests of facilitating the core consumer target is not only remarkable but intensely objectionable from the outside perspective, particularly when this outside perspective is informed by the sense of autonomy and individuality typically affiliated with western philosophy. However, for the subjects described in Friedman’s book, an aspect of the western philosophy perhaps more indicative of its cultural interest is the economic opportunity afforded to the hundreds of thousands of young Indian post-graduates competing for the chance to answer phone calls from Americans concerned with all manner of technical support or target marketing. This relatively low-level and typically micro-managed field in America has become amongst the most competitive entry-level positions in India. And in one sense that Friedman captures in the theoretical framing of his text, this is an opportunity for personal economic mobility which for the young student in India might have been seen as extraordinary and rarified just a decade ago. This may hardly be said to be true today, where â€Å"245,000 Indians are answering phones† 24 hours a day and charged with responsibility of representing themselves as being located somewhere in the United States. (24) From a personal perspective, this has produced an incredible dearth of quality service in the United States, where the usability of our products has become increasingly distant from the quality of the Customer Support which we have received. One of the qualities of our technology which Friedman believes has helped to diminish the relevance of geographical distance to serviceability has been the institution of automated Customer Service. For those of us who have been transferred and given insufficient options for contending with specific categories of problem, this has hardly been an added convenience. And the infallibly polite computerized operator is equally as unflappable or emotionally unresponsive as is the outsourced Customer Service representative. In a particularly telling passage where Friedman observes a woman in an Indian call center as caller after caller hangs up the phone in rage, we can see that there is something about this experience that can be excruciating and even unfair. It may be noted that Friedman does a very effective job at distinguishing between the economic, the sociological and the technological factors which have rendered our current level of global flatness. He acknowledges that there were world events which would make the type of collaboration now essential between the United States and India a natural matter of happenstance. Friedman describes the so-called Y2K crisis in which it was feared that a lack of programming foresight would result in the incorrect resetting of the world’s computer-based internal clocking mechanisms, creating the likelihood of widespread technical failure throughout the world. Thus, â€Å"with Y2K bearing down on us, America and India started dating, and that relationship became a huge flattener, because it demonstrated to so many different businesses that the combination of the PC, the Internet, and fiber-optic cables had created the possibility of a whole new for of collaboration horizontal value creation: outsourcing. † (108) So we must yield to the fact that, truly, globalization can hardly be avoided. The scope of consumer need does truly require a greater scope of consumer service, and the Indian economy does have the correct workforce makeup to address this need. But when combined with the expansion of private rights, courtesy of such legislation as the 1996 Act, this has created a frustrating sense for the consumer that ‘flattening’ requires a considerable decline from the experiences to which Americans have grown accustomed. Perhaps the overarching presence in Friedman’s text is the intimation that these factors which are impacting our lives and the affecting the shift of world order are of an inevitable nature. The ten factors which are identified as the flattening mechanisms of the changing globe are largely technological and economic forces with broad social and cultural implications. However, these latter qualities are merely the secondary consequence of a circumstance committed to by former. Such is to say that the proliferation of western culture, though certainly not accidental, is merely incidental. Referring once again to the problematic case of outsourcing Customer Support services, we can see that the imposition of American culture is only due to the need to cater to the American consumer. In reality, though Indian culture is threatened by subversion, it is American culture which is being co-opted for reasons having little to do with cultural expression. As a result, the American identity has been trivialized and largely represented as being tantamount to the conveyance of commercial interest. One of the core revelations offered by this text, at least when placed in the context of the general American’s everyday experience, is that the flattening which has occurred must necessarily come at the expense of the American’s staunch sense of individuality and belief in personal entitlement. Works Cited: Friedman, T. (2005). The World is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

When People Start To Acknowledge Individuals For Their

When people start to acknowledge individuals for their intellectual ability and respect their human dignity, then reformation will gradually start to occur. But until then, racism will always exist. If racism still exists, people of color will consistently be victim to the system. For example, when Africans first came to America in the late 16th century, not as slaves but as voyager companions with Spanish and Portuguese voyagers, one of the most prominent of these African travelers was Estevanico who journeyed across the southeast from current day Florida to Texas (Bonds, 2008). Past slaveholding families have shaped their inheritances on the foundation and produced wealth that African-Americans have not been apprised of because†¦show more content†¦African-American males have fallen victim to law enforcement organizations, as they use racial profiling as a tactic to discriminatively enforce laws and regulations. According to the New York Times (November 27, 2014), the Federal obligatory minimum sentencing procedures for crack cocaine criminals are a prominent example of institutional racism. There is approximately a 100 to 1 convicting variance between crack cocaine and powdered cocaine. Which means that an individual can be apprehended for very little amounts of crack cocaine. They will also get the same obligatory minimum sentence equivalent to a person that is convicted for 100 times the quantity of powdered cocaine. Instead of the government trying to find a better solution than locking up the drug utilizers, they chose to put them in cages which did nothing for them. If blacks weren’t deprived of education, there would be less drug users and abusers in African-American communities. Inner city schools suffer from insufficient funds due to limited budgets. Which then causes these schools to obtain outdated textbooks, teachers lacking the credentials to teach a specific curriculum, outdated technology, and shabby classrooms. These results generally come inShow MoreRelatedTheories Of Grief And Loss1302 Words   |  6 Pagesby everyone from all cultures. Grief is when individuals process the loss of a valuable friend, family member or someone they know. Greif can be from someone crying to celebrating the life of an individual. Loss can happen through terminal illness, loss of relationships or the death of a human or animal. One theory is by Kubler-Ross she identified five stages of grief which are Denial and Isolation, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. Individuals can spend different amounts of time onRead MoreAudre Lorde s Career As A Poet Broke1507 Words   |  7 Pagesintersectionality. She did not want to focus primarily on blackness, but wanted to acknowledge that black people were not only black, but had individual identities. As many authors wanted to keep their attention on blackness, Lorde wanted to focus on their complex personalities. What makes Lorde slightly different from other poets of the Black Arts Era, is that she sometimes spoke for all people. However when she spoke for all people, she usually spoke for black women first. In Lorde’s selected works â€Å"Coal†Read MoreThe Sport Of Boxing And Sports957 Words   |  4 Pagesmillions of people are part of some kind of sport worldwide. Many sports require more than one person in the team such as soccer and bask etball. In the other hand there are sports that are exercised with only two persons, which are the opponents. Many times spectators just watch these sports but never think, much less, experience the challenges that athletes face. In the sport of boxing there are many effects psychologically that boxers face every time they set there feet on a ring. In life people go toRead MoreIdentifying The Patterns Of Social Acceptance858 Words   |  4 PagesIn the context of parties of people, I was particularly interested in finding the patterns of social acceptance, and the ways that people incorporate themselves into groups. An example of such acceptance can be the pattern of individuals who completely ignore groups around them by staring at their phone; compared to those who strike conversations with people they haven’t met before. Addressed, also, are ways that people use more passive technique to identify themselves and how this resembles theirRead MoreDr. King s Letter Essay1085 Words   |  5 Pagesconscious intentions in trying to acknowledge the situation. The purpose of my reflection paper is to analyze the content and recognize my initial reactions. 1. The main thesis of Dr. King’s letter was to acknowledge his presence in Birmingham, and most importantly and as stated, he aimed to refute the comments made by the eight white religious leaders who criticized his protest decision, claiming it as unwise and untimely (King, 1963). Dr. King had a desire to acknowledge the social injustice issuesRead MoreThe Various Models Of Disability Essay1499 Words   |  6 Pagesbehaviors on disability as well as the impact therof in terms of my development as an integrated health professional. The literature applied to the scenario Disability can be defined in various ways, depending on the context. Most definitions acknowledge the following components: an impairment of body function or structure; activity limitation or participation restrictions. There are four broadly recognised models of disabilities which will be discussed in this paper. The traditional model aimsRead MoreThe Injuries Of The Wounded Worrier Program1489 Words   |  6 Pagesback home with wounds that leave mental scarfs and then have to confront society alone. This often leads them to deal with more distressful situations, and in many cases leads to unfortunate outcomes. The wounded worrier program works with these individuals to help them back into society with an easy transition. Some of the problems that they have to deal are PTSD, stress, depression, physical limitations that can lead to even suicidal tendencies. The wounded worrier program has many programs thatRead MoreAnalysis Of Audre Lorde And Bell Hooks733 Words   |  3 Pagesemphasizing our society to acknowledge oppression from all genders, not only from men. Moreover, they talk that females are not only can be seen as the victim, they are also as perpetrators. Lorde talks about the â€Å"mythical norm† and says â€Å"In America, this norm is usually defined as white, thin, male , young, heterosexual, Christian, and financially secure† (Lorde, 651). Meaning that if you are different or less than this norm, there is a good change that you will be oppressed by them. â€Å"When women and men understandRead MoreThe Importance Of Socratic Dialogue1114 Words   |  5 Pagesit’s important to keep an open mind when engaging with others, but that sentiment is often misinterpreted to mean that a person should be open to accepting any view differing from their own, which would do more harm than good. Violence has always been prevalent in our world, from the American revolution in the 1700s to the neo-Nazis rallying in our streets as we live and breath. While one might think that accepting everyone’s differing views will bring people together, and lessen the amount of violenceRead MoreSummary Of An Inspector Calls 957 Words   |  4 PagesInterviewer: So tell us, what was the start of your career and were you influenced by your family? Did it ch ange your education? Interviewee: I was brought up in the Catholic confidence of my mom and Irish maternal grandma, in which I went to Christian Brothers College, North Melbourne, registered and entered the Victorian Public Service on 28 March 1913 as an agent in the Department of Agriculture then later in 1923 I was to move to the Treasury. Soon later when I turned 19, I became the secretary

The Key Elements Of The Organizational Culture At Starbucks

Starbucks is one of the most successful coffee chain which was founded in the year 1971 in the Seattle’s Pike Place market. This small stores tend to offer the best bean coffees in the city and draws the customers. In the year 1981, Howard Shultz became a part of the franchise. Since the early years, Starbucks garnered the attention which many companies desired. Further, numerous start-up companies aimed to emulate the success of Starbucks, but failed to reach even closer to that kind of success. There existed numerous factors and important decisions which made Starbucks a success in the past. This paper will be focusing on the key elements of the organizational culture at Starbucks along with the effective decision making process. The†¦show more content†¦Innovation: Starbucks has strived to gain an edge over its competitors. This is done by creating innovative methods to provide efficient products and improved services to the customers (Simon, 2009). The degree of i nnovation at Starbucks had continued to increase as the years have passed by. The new recruits are encouraged to increase the efficiency of the products and services at the company. Contribution to the Society: Starbucks actively exercises Corporate Social Responsibility and the profits are made ethically. Further, the manufacturing processes at Starbucks are environment friendly. The stakeholders value such practices at the organization. â€Å"We’re finding ways to minimise our environmental footprint, tackle climate change and inspire others to do the same† (Starbucks, 2017). Starbucks is also partnered with American Red Cross and various other NGOs. Respecting the Diversity: Starbucks acknowledges the significance of diversity at in the organization. Starbucks aim to create an atmosphere where each and every individual is treated with respect and dignity regardless of their race, social background, gender or color. The diverse working force at Starbucks has been a huge contributor to the success of the organization. Effectiveness of Management The success of Starbucks is evident of the effective management practices at Starbucks. There remains a significant role played by the management in maintaining a healthy and amicable environment at theShow MoreRelatedStarbucks s Organizational Culture And Its Impact On Organizational Success1210 Words   |  5 Pages Preston Lindsay Assignment 1: The Starbucks Strategy MBU 516: Managing People and Performance Dr. Stanley Randolph The Effectiveness of Starbucks’ Organizational Culture and its Impact on Organizational Success in Global Economy It is thoroughly clear that since 1990 The Starbucks Company had a major impact on, first the American, then the global coffee shop market. In the US alone, America housed just under 200 â€Å"freestanding† coffee houses, today, there are well overRead MoreStarbucks s Organizational Culture, Leadership, And Management Traits1260 Words   |  6 Pages Assignment 1: Starbucks’ Strategy Kitwana Abercrumbie Dr. David Wells MGT 500 Modern Management April 15, 2017 Starbucks is the world’s leading place to grab a cup of coffee, and the number one company worldwide in the food service industry. Although it is an American company, it is also the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Thanks in part to strong global sales, Starbucks was recently named by Fortune as one of the World s Most Admired Companies . ThroughRead MoreEssay about Mgt 5001528 Words   |  7 PagesStarbucks’ Strategy Assignment 1 By: Allen Jones Luna 28 October 2013 MGT 500: Modern Management Professor: Dr. Tony Muscia Suggest the key elements of Starbucks’ Organizational Culture that contribute to its success in a global economy. Indicate management’s role with creating and sustaining the organizational culture. Organizational culture has a significant impact on the overall performance of a company. Organizational culture is â€Å"theRead MoreOrganizational Culture Has Been Driven And Empowered By The Founder And Ceo1361 Words   |  6 PagesOrganizational culture is the set of shared, taken for granted implicit assumptions that a group holds and that determines how it perceives, thinks about, and reacts to its various environments (Barney, 1986). In this paper, I will examine the elements of Starbuck’s organizational culture that contributed to its success in a global economy, assess the effectiveness of its management decisions in providing innovative offerings for its customers, determine one key management competency, and speculateRead MoreEssay about Starbucks Organizational Behavior1463 Words   |  6 PagesStarbucks Organizational Behavior A companys understanding and use of organizational behavior concepts can make or break it. Just as important, if a company ignores these same concepts, it can easily spell disaster. Starbucks intertwines and successfully uses three main organizational behavior concepts to increase the strength of the organization: organizational culture, organizational structure and motivation. The implementation of these concepts has definitely benefited the company, creatingRead MoreAssignment 1 Starbucks Amended1334 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ Starbucks’ Strategy Suggest the key elements of Starbucks’ organizational culture that contributes to its success in a global economy. Indicate management’s role with creating and sustaining the organizational culture. Starbucks was originated in Seattle, Washington in 1971 in which the first shop was opened in Pike’s Place Market. Since then Starbucks has rapidly expanded to over 17,000 stores across the globe with shops in over 50 countries. In doing so Starbucks has become the leadingRead MoreStarbucks Strategy1531 Words   |  7 Pages Running head: STARBUCKS’ STRATEGY1 Dr. Shavers Assignment 1: Starbucks’s Strategy Modern Management Strayer University October 21, 2014 Submitted by: RUNNING HEAD: STARBUCKS’ STRATEGY2 Starbuck’s Coffee is a multi-billion dollar company. It was founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington. It was a single store located in the Park Place Market area of Seattle. The idea started with three friends, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegel, and Gordon Bowker. They opened a small shop and beganRead MoreOrganizatinal Commitment and Communication Paper952 Words   |  4 PagesOrganizational Commitment and Communication Starbucks is committed to displaying leadership, power, and motivation within its organization. Howard Schultz the owner of Starbucks has worked hard to develop a beneficial program that would draw top people who were eager to work for Starbucks while displaying an act of commitment to excellence. This analysis will explain how different leadership styles would affect group communication in your chosen organization; analyze the different sourcesRead MoreMGT330 Case Study Starbucks Structure w1237 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿ Case Study: Starbucks’ Structure Cynthia Duff MGT330: Management for Organizations Instructor: James Worsley October 13, 2014 Case Study: Starbucks’ Structure Starbucks Coffee, we all know the name and most love the coffee and atmosphere it brings to our daily lives. Starbucks started out like most organizations a small coffee shop in 1971 in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market and grew. This small shop started out as a single owner who the employees answered to which is known as departmentalizationRead MoreStarbucks Paper1331 Words   |  6 PagesStarbucks Coffee ACCT 227 Cost Accounting Professor Karen V. Wiebke, CPA March 22, 2009 Starbucks Coffee Seeing a Starbucks sign reminds a person of the tantalizing flavors that are brewed from the store that sells millions of people their first cup of coffee every morning. Upon walking into the store, it is inviting and welcoming. The staff is friendly and helpful and the crowd is eager to enjoy that bittersweet java on the taste buds. When an order is made, the staff prepares each