CORE ASSESSMENT INSTRUCTIONS

DATA ANALYSIS ASSIGMENT

The Data Analysis Assignment is intended to engage students by asking them to reflect on the relationship between institutional arrangements in their lives, and: 1. institutional actions and events across multiple levels of activity; 2. cross-cultural institutional forms; and 3. institutional change over time. However, in accomplishing that task students are asked to analyze and develop conclusions about the theories and concepts regarding institutional arrangements introduced to them through the readings, lectures, and ongoing class discussions for the week.

Learning Objectives Supported:

• Describe the major social institutions found in most societies. • Analyze the social and individual functions and dysfunctions of each institutional form. • Explain the interactions of social institutions at the regional, national, and international

levels. • Apply influential institutional theories and concepts to specific cases. • Identify the strengths and weaknesses of different institutional solutions to social

problems. • Explain how social institutions shape individuals and their life chances.

Directions:

Students must choose one of the institutions discussed in this course as their essay focus. The essay must address the following issues:

• How has the American form of this institution developed since World War II? • Compare the American form of this institution to its expression in two other countries. • Discuss how this institution positively and negatively affects individuals. How might

individuals work to change it for the better? • Apply one institutional theory in an extended critical analysis to more clearly understand

the workings of this institution. • Evaluate how this institution is adapting to pressures from globalization or changes in

other institutions.

Your essay should incorporate the results of several sources of original sociological research, provide clear and well-developed examples for each of your major points, and critically evaluate the effects of this institution in the Information Age.

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1. The essay has to include all information that I have attached and should have at least 2500 words not including the references and title page.

2. Paper is due Saturday 12 noon 7 December 2013. 3. One of the References has to be textbook Skolnick, J. H., & Currie, E. (2007). Crisis In

American Institutions (14th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

The method of delivery for the survey was Survey Monkey, an online surveying tool. The first challenge arose with a decision. The group needed to decide if a pre-made survey could be used or not (Cooper, 2011). In the end, although there were brand loyalty surveys available, the group decided to custom-write our own survey. This enabled us to build the questions to specifically probe the research questions being investigated.

The second challenge for the iPhone survey was that the online survey's first, categorizing question "which brand of smart phone do you use?" had a flaw. It allowed people to choose more than one answer. This confused the data and made drawing conclusions on those multi-phone users impossible. This was remedied in the analysis by excluding those people from the survey. Since it was a small percentage (about 4%), it did not affect the results significantly.

To remedy this in the future, all possible answers to the question should be considered before distributing the survey. Luckily, an online survey allows error-proofing to ensure this type of issue is not repeated. In future iterations of this survey, this should be corrected. Another, low-technology solution would be to reword the question as "Which brand of smart phone do you use most?". Also, the other questions in the survey would have to be slightly adjusted to take this into account.

Another challenge with the survey was the conflation of issues between the non-iPhone users and the users of other smart phones. For example, when asking if the user is likely to switch, common sense, given recent news developments surrounding Blackberry's future, indicates that Blackberry users would be contemplating switching more than Samsung users. Yet these two groups are treated as essentially equal. Drawing individual conclusions about these groups is not realistic. Thus, this was resolved by combining the two groups and comparing that large group with the Apple group.

Another challenge for the research in this case is that people's phone have become more than mere products in many ways. The users become familiar and comfortable with a certain brand, and they can become quite attached to them. It is also possible that the general attachment level between iPhone, Samsung and Blackberry users is different. This may skew the results for the survey.

Another issue facing this poll is the research question itself. Attempting to ascertain the intent of iPhone users is a challenge. Questions about intent are always difficult to accurately penetrate. Measuring intent before an action actually occurs is a challenge. For example, political polls always face the issue that just because someone says they are going to vote one way does not necessarily mean that they will vote that way on election day.

This applies to the iPhone survey as well. The survey attempts to address this question by asking if they have taken any action into researching other phones or not. Further, probing research is recommended to address this.

Another challenge in this research was that mobile phone plan providers play a major part in people's phone decision. For example, if someone is very near to the end of their contract, they are likely to be investigating competing phone brands more aggressively. To understand this effect, an ongoing, rolling polling process could be put in place at the mobile phone providers to investigate people's intent near the time of their contract renewals. Obviously, though, this would be a complicated and costly undertaking.

Finally, there is a general stickiness to Apple users' tendencies; that is, there is a high proportion of them who are unlikely to switch at all. Part of this is aesthetic, and part of this applications-based. A major part of the Apple users' tendencies, though, is that they have infrastructure engaged in their Apple experience. iTunes is the backbone software of the Apple user system, and switching brands means that this seamless, effective system is eliminated. Just the prospect of this change may mean Apple users are unlikely to change.

This stickiness may have skewed the results. Perhaps there is a baseline unwillingness of a significant portion of Apple users to even consider changing, and all the features, peer-pressure and industry trending have limited effect on those users.

In general, it is recommended that more research be conducted to inform us of the actual intent of Apple users; although, this survey represents a good start.

Business Research Project Part II: Business Problem and Research Question 1

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Business Research Project Part II

Business Problem and Research Questions Part II

James Copeland, Victor Dionisio, Brian Donaldson, Vickie Dufault and Andrea Johnson

QNT/561 Applied Research and Business Statistics

University of Phoenix

Instructor – Dr. Joseph Hamel

November 4, 2013

Business Research Project Part II

Apple has found multiple flaws with a number of their popular products, including issues internally through their financial reporting. They are fighting through their financial reporting issues, such as the allegations of tax fraud; however, the issues with its customers and products appear to be most important. It is Apple’s line of products and the opinions of its customers who are vital to the organization’s success. In particular, the area of focus is research with the iPhone.

The iPhone has long held a significant margin over the Android market but in recent years that gap has been narrowed. Apple is interested to see the reasons behind consumers choosing more Android phones. This research plan is a commitment to finding these reasons through the use of surveying Smart Phone users. In the following summary, this research plan will further detail the questions of the survey, the sample chosen as well as how we will access them, the collection process as well as the format of the survey.

Articulation of the Research Problems and Objectives

The first stage of the research plan is the articulation of the research objectives and problems. The objective of this plan is to identify the problems faced by Apple and discovering the ways to minimize those problems. Another objective is to have a better understanding of the people’s perception about the company’s products and their likings and disliking. The company is facing several problems, such as problems with their operating system, dissatisfaction among the customers regarding the price, product quality, allegations of tax fraud, and dilemmas in dealing with its suppliers and distributors.

Description of the Problem

According to many users the new operating system of Apple iOS 7 is a downgrade from its previous versions. It is known that Apple charges a higher price for its products. Apple is trying to get access in China and their high price and other compatibility problems both are detrimental to their expansion plan in China. Apple is currently facing allegations of tax fraud by the Federal government, and they are fighting the investigation. The company is also facing problems in dealing with its suppliers and distributors because many of them do not abide by the labor rules of the company (Worth, 2013).

Research Plan

This step contains several distinct components, and this is a one of the more complex steps. One of the major components is to decide where to collect the information. Such information is crucial in completing the research and making business decisions. Apple will construct a sampling plan that ensures the collection of data that is representative of the overall population. The overall research plan includes the selection of research approach and the instruments to collect data. After developing the sample plan Apple will figure out how to contact and communicate with the participants to collect relevant information. Then, information will be collected as par requirement. After analyzing the data or information the findings will be presented or disseminated. These findings will be used to make decisions (Kotler, 2003).

Collection of Information

First, Apple will have to fix the timetable within which the research will be completed. Then the company will determine the markets to collect the information from. After choosing the research method Apple will go for the collection of information. As both quantitative and qualitative information are required so, quantitative market research methods like surveys and statistics and qualitative methods like in-person interviews; focus group discussions will be conducted.

Analyzing the Information and Disseminating the Results

After collecting the information, it will be analyzed using various methods for a greater understanding. After analyzing the information the output or result will be disseminated. Apple should focus on assessment of the findings, and they must be very clear about their intentions on using this information. The overall research will be within the framework of Apple’s research objective.

Making the Decision

The previous steps will be done to accomplish the objectives of the company and to make decisions. The company is facing several problems or dilemmas and the purpose of this research is to find out the solutions of those problems. After completing the research, Apple should be able to make decision that will be helpful in minimizing or eliminating the problems.

Considerations

This research plan is not a fixed one. It will evolve over time, and it may require up gradation. Apple may choose to change their research methodology, data collection techniques, communication strategies, etc. Other important things to consider is the timetable within which the research should be completed and the budget.

The Survey

The initial survey is intended to investigate the risk to Apple of Smart Phone users to switch their device to a competitive device. In ascertaining this risk, three main areas are investigated: the user’s intention, the degree to which action has been taken to switch, and some of the influences on that switch decision. The derived survey questions are below.

The survey uses multiple choice (both single-choice and multiple-choice) and Likert scale questions. The Likert-style questions have been structured to have a consistent answer profile, ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree to improve accuracy of responses (Cooper, 2011). These answers can be assigned numerical values to enable statistical analysis. This analysis can be seen later in this paper.

1. What brand of Smart Phone do you currently use?

IPhone

Samsung

Blackberry

Other (please specify other type or NONE if you do not have a Smart Phone)

2. What do you use your Smart Phone for most?

Business

Personal

3. I am satisfied with my current Smart Phone.

Selections: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree

4. I have looked into other Smart Phones and their features.

Selections: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree

5. I am thinking of switching to another Smart Phone brand.

Selections: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree

6. What would you say is the main reason you would switch Smart Phone manufacturers?

Features

Applications

Reliability

Cost

Compatibility with other products

7. Brand image is important to me when I choose a Smart Phone.

Selections: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree

8. The overall popularity of a Smart Phone is important in my Smart Phone choice.

Selections: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree

9. My friends' opinions are important to me when I choose a Smart Phone.

Selections: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree

10. What is your age?

Selections: 18 to 24;25 to 34;35 to 44;45 or older

Population and Samples

Population and samples for this research project would consist of iPhone users. These users would be new to the iPhone and also a selection based on term of use to range from beginner to expert. Apple’s customer base ranges through many ages, locations, sex, and demographic so a wide range of samples will need to be selected to capture a true representation of the Apple population. According to Weebly businesspeople and adults are among the top percentile of iPhone users and of Apple’s target market (Weebly, 2013). These areas will need to have a higher concentration in the sample selection than children, teenagers, and a college student more prone to Apple’s other suite of products (Weebly, 2013).

Selection

The primary sample market for the survey would be any iPhone user; however, as the research team is composed of a number of demographic and geographic groups, the colleagues, and acquaintances of the team will be used as the sample population. Via an electronically distributed survey, these subjects will be approached to take the short survey.

An electronic, Internet-based survey is a desirable method of Internet already, so the mechanics of an online survey will not hinder results. Second, by presenting the survey electronically, it efficiently screens out low-technology subjects not within the targeted population. For example, a mail survey would be an inefficient way of reaching iPhone users.

The main advantage of an Internet-based survey is cost. Given that the distribution lists will be furnished by the research team itself, the lists will have no cost. Further, there are numerous online survey firms who provide limited, free access.

Data Collection Process

The primary source of data that will be collected for our research will consist of Smart Phone users. These users will consist of new iPhone users as well as long-time users. The research instrument that will be used will be through the survey method. This will give insight regarding the stability of Apple’s customer base as well as the important factors necessary to keep its end users loyal to the product.

In the course of the data collection process, there will be a secondary source of information that will consist of previous end users of past iPhone versions, also known as other Smart Phone users. Again, the research method of choice will be through survey. Conducting the survey with previous end users will be through the Internet with e-mail obtained through Apple’s customer base as a viable option. Obtaining market research with previous iPhone customers will give insight into the reasons for why a previous iPhone user is no longer using the product as well as information as to what current Smart Phone they are using.

Survey Format

The survey questions are in a multiple choice answer format. Some questions are bases on how much a person agrees such as strongly agree, or strongly disagree; this is based on the Likert style of questioning. There are also questions more specific, such as why the consumer would switch phones, such as the brand. The idea behind this format is to make it user friendly, as easy to use as possible while providing the information needed for the research.

Survey Distribution and Collection

The survey will be distributed over an electronic format, such as the Internet. The target consumers for this survey are users of Smart Phones. Smart Phone users are more familiar and comfortable with the use of the Internet as the platform for the survey questions. The results will be collected at the end of the survey period; the results are automatically collated and analyzed by the survey team.

Conclusion

Understanding the various flaws within the Apple product line and the fight through their financial reporting, there are allegations of tax fraud. The most important of these are the issues with their customer base. Apple holds the opinions and satisfaction of its customers in a high regard. After reviewing this area the plan, survey questions, population, sample, selection, data collection, and the administration of the project are complete. Apple will be able to move forward and understand the reasons customers are choosing more Android phones.

References

Cooper, D.R. (2011). Business Research Methods. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Kotler, P. (2003). Marketing Management (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc., Prentice Hall.

Weebly. (2013). Apple Inc’s target market. Retrieved from http://appleinccasestudy.weebly.com/apples-target-market.html.

Worth, D. (2013, october). Retrieved November 2013, from v3.co.uk: http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/analysis/2301290/apple-ios-7-problems-and-complaints-more-issues-raised

Looking at the brand of smart phone the over whelming majority consists of iPhones with Samsung second and Blackberry third. Taking the combination of Samsung and Blackberry is 55% of the total iPhone selections. This question is represented by 84% of the total sampling pool as 18 respondents skipped this question. This is consistent with current analysis stating “if a physical keyboard and a focus on communications above everything else are a deal-breaker for you, then the Apple’s iPhone will never fit your needs” (iMore, 2013, p. 1). Concluding the Blackberry would be of choice for these users. Based on the results it is apparent these features are not at the top of the list of our respondents.

The next question is an understanding of the use of the smart phone selected. In this analysis 97% of the respondents responded with 59% of them using their smart phone for personal use. Forty-one percent selected business with the comparison of this selection being marginally different. It is safe to assume with a larger sampling pool the mix would be equivalent as a mix use of business and personal.

The next question is the satisfaction with their current smart phone selection. 97% of respondents answered this question with three skipping. Looking at these details it reveals 38% of respondents strongly agree that they are satisfied with their current smart phone. This shows 88% total are satisfied and 5% not satisfied and 6% remaining neutral. This reveals of the respondents of iPhones, Samsung, and Blackberry users, the majority are satisfied with their selection.

Understanding from the previous question that 88% are satisfied this next question dives into whether these respondents have looking into another smart phone and their features. Sixty-one percent strongly agree or agree with this statement. Even though 88% are satisfied, these respondents are still aware of the market and various competitors and features.

Further expansion is the next question of if these respondents are thinking of switching to another smart phone brand. Fifty-six percent said no, 21% said yes, and 23% are neutral. This is also very informative that of 88% satisfaction and 61% are looking; 21% of them are thinking of switching. Either this 21% from the prior question are in the looking or not looking area. It seems to make another decision it would require the user to review other brands. There is a slow trend showing that even with a high satisfaction level, there are questions left unanswered if some of those users are looking and willing to switch. In other surveys, “42% of iPhone owners had owned an iPhone previously while 43% of Samsung owners had previously owned an Android phone” (Forbes, 2013, p. 1) This builds that of users willing to move there is a proved theory that Samsung converts basic of non-feature phone users and Apple gets Android users to convert to iOS (Forbes, 2013).

Of the respondents that would switch 63% would switch because of features. Other areas at 50% or less of features include applications, reliability, cost, and compatibility with other products. Features is the number one driver of change and would be the number one are for smart phone manufactures to remain focused on to drive business in their respective brand.

This next question understands the importance of brand image when choosing a smart phone. 35% agree and 39% disagree with 26% neutral. There is not enough data here to represent a definitive selection.

The importance of overall popularity if the smart phone becoming the respondents selection brand reveals 30% agree, 46% disagree, with 24% neutral. This is another question that appears to be a disagreement but the swing of the 24% neutral could change this assumption with this sample selection.

Expanding on popularity the question was also asked about friend’s opinions. 33% say their friend’s opinions are important, 44% are not, with 23% neutral.

Looking at the overall survey sample data with 100% respondents answering, 42% are 35 to 44 as the majority. Thirty-four percent are 45 or older and 25% below 34. Looking at a broader analysis complete by Edison Research it is inconsistent that the largest age group of smart phone users are 18-34.

References

Forbes. (2013). Apple and Samsung who could in the smartphone war. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckjones/2013/08/20/apple-and-samsung-who-could-win-the-smartphone-war/.

Google. (2013). Smartphone users age 2013. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=smartphone+users+age+2013&espv=210&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=3qKbUsytDpXroAT-kIF4&ved=0CDsQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=798#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=mLsm72Mte2OnGM%3A%3BzVzEKfMB0GQrEM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fheidicohen.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252FEdison_Research_Arbitron-Smartphone-Ownership-by-Age.png%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fheidicohen.com%252Fcontent-marketing-the-multi-screen-consumer%252F%3B892%3B570.

iMore. (2013). iPhone vs. android vs. blackberry vs. windows. Retrieved from http://www.imore.com/iphone-vs-android-vs-blackberry-vs-windows-phone-which-phone-should-you-get.

Monkey, S. (n.d.). Survey Monkey. Retrieved 11 24, 2013, from Smart Phone Brand Loyalty Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.net/analyze/usR0XS_2F41iIdXLvFulGEwFI_2F0R8R0mRSfKvKXwRGZxE_3D

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Data Analysis Assignment

Student A Social Institutions Patrick McGinty

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………………………….pg. 3

MILITARY DEVELOPMENT AS AN INSTITUTION SINCE WWII……………...pgs. 3-5

U.S. vs. EVERYONE ELSE……………………………………………………………...pgs. 5-7

POSITIVEs & NEGATIVES OF THE U.S. MILITARY……………………………...pgs. 8-9

INSTITUTIONAL THEORY……………………………………………………………….pg. 9

ADAPTING TO THE PRESSURES OF OTHER COUNTRIES……………………….pg. 10

CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………………………..pg. 10

WORKS CITED……………………………………………………………………………pg. 11

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ABSTRACT:

What is a social institution? A social institution is a complex, integrated set of social

norms organized around the preservation of a basic societal value. “Sociologists often reserve

the term "institution" to describe normative systems that operate in five basic areas of life, which

may be designated as the primary institutions. (1) In determining Kinship; (2) in providing for

the legitimate use of power; (3) in regulating the distribution of goods and services; (4) in

transmitting knowledge from one generation to the next; and (5) in regulating our relation to the

supernatural. In shorthand form, or as concepts, these five basic institutions are called the

family, government, economy, education and religion.” (Sociology Guide, 2011)

The U.S. Military has and always will be a powerhouse in the world and a strong social

institution. In saying this, our military is like no other in this world. Historically, the U.S. Army

came into being on 14 June 1775. Later that same year, the U.S. Marine Core and Navy were

formed. In 1790, the Coast Guard was formed. The last service to join the Department of

Defense was the U.S. Air Force in 1947. These five military organizations compile the defense

mechanisms for the United States and its citizens.

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MILITARY DEVELOPMENT AS AN INSTITUTION SINCE WWII:

The military is a social institution that has been around in one way, shape or form for

many generations. World War II was the last war fought in which the President asked

Congress for a declaration of war. Furthermore, it changed the way the military viewed war

and war capabilities.

WWII made the military realize that in order to be the powerhouse in the world, many

things were going to have to be re-structured and changed. Many of these changes have

made us the country in which we are today. In further paragraphs I am going to talk about a

few of them.

“World War II marked the end of an era in the military history of the world. After

Hiroshima and Nagasaki, all nations would live under the shadow of atomic power, with its

potential destructiveness multiplied enormously by the development of the hydrogen and

thermonuclear bombs. The appearance of the nuclear weaponry stimulated the search for a

new military philosophy and brought a whole meaning to deterrence.” (Coakley &

MacDonald, 2011)

In one way, shape or form, women in the military has always been present but not

always accepted. Although they were not able to enlist in the beginning they involved

themselves as nurses to aid wounded warriors. It was in WWII where women played the

strongest role in the military and were tasked to accomplish occupations that they were not

normally used to working. Some of which included, working in the war industries building

ships, aircraft, vehicles, and weaponry.

They also worked in factories, munitions plants and farms, and also drove trucks,

provided logistic support for soldiers and entered professional areas of work that were

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previously the preserve of men. Thousands of others joined defensive militias at home.

Women also performed many kinds of non-military service in organizations such as the

Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), Office of Strategic Services (OSS), American Red

Cross, Cadet Nurse Corps, and the United Service Organizations (USO).

In 1947, The National Security Act was established. This act was enabled to meet the

need for a military reorganization. It combined and replaced the former Department of the

Navy and War Department with a single cabinet-level known as the “Department of

Defense.” The act also later created the National Security Council, the Central Intelligence

Agency, and the Air Force.

Although African Americans have participated in every major U.S. war, the battle for

integration and for recognition of the accomplishments of black soldiers has been a slow

process. It wasn't until after World War II that the U.S. armed forces became integrated,

under a 1948 executive order by President Harry S. Truman. Truman's decision to

desegregate the armed forces was the beginning of the many changes that took place in

American society that led to greater equality for all Americans. (ABC CLIO, 2011)

The Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1958 is a United States federal law

which was created to provide for more effective administration for the Department of

Defense (DoD). The goal of this act was to streamline channels of authority in DoD, and still

maintain the authority of the Military Departments. It also transformed the decision-making

authority from the Military Departments to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of

Defense. It also strengthened the command channel of the military over U.S. forces from the

President to the Secretary of Defense. (Wikipedia, 2011)

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Another major development after WWII was the series of alliances that the United

States began to form. These alliances conformed, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

(NATO), which later became the centerpiece of American policy. This policy allowed the

U.S. to aid those countries in which they allied and vice versa. The Korean and Vietnam

wars allowed America to aid and conform those alliances.

U.S. vs. EVERYONE ELSE:

North Korea and Russia are two if the biggest enemies that the United States military

currently has. North Korea also known as the “Hermit Kingdom” is known for its communist

actions and its isolation of its people. “Besides being a brutal, authoritarian regime which has

left its population among the poorest and hungriest on the planet, the government of North Korea

has been openly belligerent toward the rest of the world. In order to get food (or merely to get

attention) North Korea will, at times, launch missile tests which fly over Japan or kick

international inspectors out of its nuclear power facilities.” (Porter, 2011)

Like the United States, the Koreans are well known for their nuclear weapons. Currently,

the North Koreans have more nuclear weapons than the United States. It has also been said that

the Koreans have ties with Al Qaeda and are possibly supplying them with weapons of mass

destruction against U.S. military forces. “North Korea is said to have installed heavy artillery all

along the border with South Korea. These guns are ready to rein destruction down on Seoul and

other South Korean cities. This capability and North Korea's unpredictability, mean the United

States has to think twice before bombing North Korea's nuclear facilities or taking any other

provocative action.” (Porter, 2011)

The North Korean military is currently ranked twentieth in the world. Korea currently

has five different military organizations, they are as follows: The Korean People’s Army Ground

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Forces, The Korean People's Naval Command, The Korean People's Air and Air Defense

Command, Artillery Guidance Bureau and the North Korean Special Operations Force. Like the

U.S. military each has its own distinct function in the military structure. Korea has mandatory

military service of 21 months and those who do not abide except the consequences of

imprisonment.

“Through most the final half of the 20th Century, the United States and the Soviet Union

were the principal actors in an epic battle, referred to as a Cold War, for global domination. This

battle was, in the broadest sense, a struggle between communist and capitalist forms of economy

and social organization.” (Porter, The Relationship of the United States with Russia, 2011) Even

though Russia has now nominally adopted democratic and capitalist structures, the history of the

Cold War still hinder the U.S. and Russian relations today.

The Soviet Union mirrors the United States as being one of the first countries to develop

nuclear weapons. Currently, Russia’s military is currently ranked third in the world right below

the number one U.S. and number two China. Like the U.S., the Russian military is divided into

the following branches: the Russian Ground Forces, the Russian Navy, and the Russian Air

Force. There are also three independent arms of service: Strategic Missile Troops, Military Space

Forces, and the Russian Airborne Troops.

In Russia, a person can be conscripted at the age 18 – 27, i.e. a man can't be drafted after

he turns twenty-seven. The Russian Federation has a mandatory 12 month draft, in order to not

be drafted the following circumstances need to be met: (1) Studying in a university or similar

place. All full-time students are free from conscription, but they can be drafted after they

graduate (or if they drop out). Graduated students serve one year as privates, but if they have a

military education, they have the option to serve two years as officers. Persons who continue

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full-time postgraduate education, or have an academic degree (Candidate of Science, PhD, and

Doctor of Science) are not drafted. (2) Getting a medical certificate that shows that a person is

unfit for service. (3) Having more than two children. (Russian Federation, 2003)

The Russian Ground Forces are distributed among into four military districts: Western

Military District, Southern Military District, Central Military District, and the Eastern Military

District. Previously from 1992 to 2010, the Ground Forces were divided into six military

districts: Moscow, Leningrad, North Caucausian, Privolzhsk-Ural, Siberian and Far Eastern.

POSITIVEs & NEGATIVES OF THE U.S. MILITARY

The U.S. military can have a positive and negative effect on personnel. When personnel

decide to join the military it can be a scary and indecisive time. They are doing something new

that they have never done before. From personnel experience let me tell you that joining the

military was the best thing I ever did. It taught me discipline and teamwork. I didn’t have to

depend on anyone but myself and I was part of a family. Yes, of course basic training sucked, as

they all do, but, after that it is a piece of cake.

Basic training is there to teach the standards and codes of conduct in the military. The

instructors break you down just to turn around and build you back up. It also weeds out the good

people from the bad. After basic and technical training, your first duty station is where you will

find what the real military is about. Military members have numerous amounts of benefits that

normal Americans don’t have such as, one hundred percent health benefits, paid housing, tax

relief and retirement just to name a few.

Some of the negative effects of joining the military can be the constant deploying and

possibly even giving your own life for your country. Although dying for your country is a great

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honor, some military members are not always willing to do so. Deploying is something that not

everyone wants to do, either due to leaving family and friends or just being scared they might not

come back. Another negative aspect is finding out your job is not what you thought it would be.

Like for me, when I initially joined the military, I was slotted for a completely different

job than what I got. I ended up being Security Forces. Little did I know what I was in for in the

coming years. When all other agencies were working Monday through Friday, 7-4, I was

working twelve to sixteen hour shifts three to six days a week depending on appointments and

exercises. The cop life is definitely not the best, but, like I said all jobs are not like that.

Not all personnel can conform to the military lifestyle. People don’t like the fact that

they are part of the military 24-7 and are the property of the government so anything that is done

wrong can not only be charged by civil law but military law as well. This is where a lot of

people fall into trouble because there previous lifestyles catch up them and they revert back to

their old ways.

INSTITUTIONAL THEORY:

The military and civilian lifestyles are part of two different worlds. There are many

differences between the military and civilian lifestyles, yet there are many similarities as well.

The issues at hand can range from pay, to health benefits, to politics and beliefs. The best benefit

of the military is the job security. A military member does not have to worry about getting fired.

In the civilian world, a job doesn't guarantee a paycheck. However, a military member cannot

quit his job if he doesn't like it, whereas a civilian is free to leave their job at will. (Wright, 2008)

For many soldiers and their families the lifestyle of the military is another world. Life on

a military post is uniform. The houses look alike, the people look and dress alike, and every day

is much the same as the one before. (Wright, 2008)

 10    

The social structure of the military consists of a chain of command. A chain of command

is you, you’re supervisor, your supervisor’s supervisor, and so on. In every problem and

situation you are required to follow your chain of command. Also being a part of the military

requires you to follow a direct set of rules, which guides you in your day to day operations.

The objective of any military is to protect its country and its citizens. The military acts as

a defense mechanism when anyone decides to attack it. Although the military

ADAPTING TO THE PRESSURES OF OTHER COUNTRIES:

Today the American Nation is fighting the War on Terrorism. In this war, adversaries are

not only foreign states but also extremists employing irregular means. These adversaries seek to

erode American power, influence, and resolve. They threaten the security of American society,

endangering its freedoms and way of life. This war is fueled by an ideology that promotes

intractable hatred of the democratic ideal, especially in its Western manifestations. (Department

of the Army, 2005)

In order to counter the challenges that face America and its military, the U.S. is

increasing its versatility and flexibility, pursuing iterative solutions, and developing a

sophisticated understanding of the new environment and its implications. Military forces are

committed to global requirements beyond those associated with the War on Terrorism. They are

operating to counter challenges ranging from the traditional to potentially catastrophic.

(Department of the Army, 2005)

 11    

Military forces deter potential adversaries, reassure allies and friends, and assist when

disaster strikes. The versatility of military forces and their readiness to deploy on short notice,

make them relevant throughout the range of military operations.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, the military engages in a struggle for its relative importance among

institutions, its survival, and the broad ability to shape itself to carry out its purposes. Although

this is not an easy task, the military as a whole works within one another to ensure it citizens are

safe each and every day. Military members and families sacrifice and do what they have to do in

order to serve America and its people.

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Russian  Federation.  (2003).  Russian  Military  Doctrine.  Retrieved  April  26,  2011,  from  Russian  Federation:   http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/doctrine/991009-­‐draft-­‐doctrine.htm  

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