Task 1 Thesis Introduction

During the first 2 weeks of study in Thesis module,  we had sections to be introduced to "Thesis" and "research" and we also had discussed plagiarism. And we have also been having different ideas to develop and decide a topic of thesis, and also finding the specific issue in our own practice for the research field.

What is thesis?

Through dictionary definition: Thesis is a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved; a long essay or dissertation involving personal research, written by a candidate 

for a college degree.

According to Kean University site: A thesis statement declares what you believe and what you intend to prove. A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts. http://www.kean.edu/~roneilfi/How%20to%20write%20a%20thesis%20statement.htm

Through Wikipedia: A thesis or dissertation is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings. In some contexts, the word "thesis" or a cognate is used for part of a bachelor's ormaster's course, while "dissertation" is normally applied to a doctorate. 

I have learned some about research in class; such as the different types of research.

Quantitative Research: is the kind f research that ends with a conclusion of a number such as charts, diagrams etc.

Qualitative Research: is the kind of research that ends with a conclusion of why and reasons; for example: an action research gets a conclusion by quantitative research that half of this amount of people agree with the topic and the other half disagrees, so here qualitative research can continue the survey/action research deeper to get to know why the half people agree but the other half don't.

Why We Research?
Research is very important, it is the base of doing things and projects; it is also evidenced to aid the projects and things you do to continue processing.  Since research is a base, it is important to go through this base, because a building isn't going to last long without a base. 
Research also enriches a person, research makes the researchers know more and gain lots of knowledges and facts. 

The Requirements of Academic Research
There are 2 components we are going to achieve. Component 1: Research Outline. And Component 2: Thesis. These two components construct the entire thesis I am going to write. Component 1 is research outline which I have mentioned above is a very important; With this base, we will be able to easily write the thesis. 
Research outline consist
* Introduction
* Statement of the problem
* Review of the literature
* Aim(s) and Objective(s) of research
* Research questions and/or hypothesis
* Methodology
* References
Above are the requirements of academic research and they should consist. As Mr. Stiff had mentioned that Introduction should be written in the end after all the findings to "conclude" a good introduction. 

What is Plagiarism?

According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to "plagiarize" means

- to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own.

- to use (another's production) without crediting the source.

- to commit literary theft.

- to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source. 

In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involved both stealing someone else's work and lying about afterward.

What are Copyright Laws?

Copyright laws exist to protect our intellectual property. They make it illegal to reproduce someone else's expression of ideas or information without permission. This can include music, images, written words, video, and variety of other media.

At one time, a work was only protected by copyright if it included a copyright trademark (the © symbol). According to laws established in 1989, however works are not copyright protected with or without the inclusion of this symbol.

Anyone who reproduces copyrighted material improperly can be prosecuted in a court of law. It does not matter if the form or content of the original has been altered - as long as any material can be shown to be substantially similar to the original, it maybe considered a violation of the Copyright Act.

To avoid plagiarism is to not violate others' copyrights which is to properly reference the sources in literature, give the credits to the original creators or get the original creators' permission when publish ing others' work. 

Photography Thesis Ideas

According to Synonym.com, it gave a few tips on photography theses. 

Conveying a story: Photography is not about simply capturing a snapshot of an objective reality. As students will have learned during their courses -- and probably realized before they started formally studying photography -- photography uses real-world images to convey the world as the photographer sees it. In this way, a photographer can tell a story by preparing a scene for his camera. Some photography students experiment with ways to tell stories with photographs as their thesis. 

Understanding Emotions: Art expresses the infinite range of human emotions. These include basic contentment and fear of the unknown, to more abstract notions such as awe and the sublime. Photography students working on their thesis can experiment with expressing emotions with photographs. Different items evoke these emotions in different individuals, just as different individuals notice different items in any given situation. Students can use what they've learned to prepare scenes, or simply photograph everyday situations, and use their technical skills to emphasize the scene's elements that evoke the photographer's emotions. By emphasizing these elements in the photographs, they can communicate what the photographer felt, and why.

Photojournalism: Not all photography is purely artistic. Photojournalists use their skills to capture real-life scenes that tell, and supplement, very real stories. Photojournalists -- especially those covering chaotic or violent situations -- do not always have the freedom or ability to frame scenes that other photographers could. Students specializing in photojournalism can choose to do their thesis on ways in which photojournalists can capture discrete events amid fluid scenes. Students can use protests and demonstrations as a laboratory for these techniques.

Article by Micah McDunnigan, Demand Media 

http://classroom.synonym.com/photography-thesis-ideas-4385.html

Ideas for my Thesis Topic

In my field of study, my majors are graphic design and photography, to choose a topic for the thesis I am going to write had made me have some ideas in my mind. During class by Mr. Stiff, I had known the principles of how to choose a good and right topic; Topic needs to be related to my field of study. Issues that I want to address and research about. The more narrow and specific the topic the better. Be unique and interesting. Topics that make myself interested in. Consider of self development on what I personally need to be improved... I've had several ideas for my thesis topic; they are:

1: Why is analogue photography gradually fading away? Different between analogue photography and digital photography.

This topic isn't absolutely a fact that analogue photography is fading away in the current time; through Wikipedia Analogue Photography page: "Analog photography has in fact become much more popular with younger generations who have become increasingly interested in the traditional photographic practice; sales in film-based cameras began to soar, and youth were seen to embrace some 19th-century technology Urban Outfitters, a popular clothing chain has picked up on the trend and now offers more than 60 product combinations relating to cameras, most of which are film-based." 

However analogue photography isn't as popular as the 80's; in current society, analogue photography is used by a small amount of people; instead most popular photography mediums nowadays are phonography which is taken by the smartphones' build-in cameras; DSLR is another most poplar used camera for the professional photographers to work with. 

The reason behind this idea is because I wanna achieve my photography field by knowing and deeply studying analogue photography to easily experiment with analogue photography in the dark room. And there's an argument between the analogue photography and digital photography - which one is better?

2: Perception of photography. Photography in art memory.

What do people think about photography? Is it a medium to record and document reality by vision or is it supposed to be an art form? This topic argues whether photography should be considered as art or not. An active research can properly help develop the thesis. 

3: What is the trend of contemporary photography? Is selfie considered documentary photography or art photography?

I got this idea while talking to Mr. Stiff in person, the original idea was the argument whether photography should be considered as art or documentary, because it is a medium that records and documents the reality of vision, but the photographers can convey the reality of vision in an art form by planing and organising a scene and a photo shoot; although it is only my opinion perceiving and understanding photography, different people have different opinions; some might think that photography is just art, nothing to do with documentary. 

What is Corporate Social Responsibility?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate social responsibility (CSR, also called corporate conscience, corporate citizenship, social performance, or sustainable responsible business/ Responsible Business) is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model. CSR policy functions as a built-in, self-regulating mechanism whereby a business monitors and ensures its active compliance with the spirit of the law, ethical standards, and international norms. CSR is a process with the aim to embrace responsibility for the company's actions and encourage a positive impact through its activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere who may also be considered as stakeholders.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the way that leading companies nowadays do business, not only because it is clearly the right thing to do, but also because it is accompanied with long term benefits. One of the benefits CSR is reputable for is its ability to enchase, if not build, your business’s image and reputation. 

Corporate initiative to assess and take responsibility for the company's effects on the environment and impact on social welfare. The term generally applies to company efforts that go beyond what may be required by regulators or environmental protection groups. 

Corporate social responsibility may also be referred to as "corporate citizenship" and can involve incurring short-term costs that do not provide an immediate financial benefit to the company, but instead promote positive social and environmental change. 

Companies have a lot of power in the community and in the national economy. They control a lot of assets, and may have billions in cash at their disposal for socially conscious investments and programs. Some companies may engage in "greenwashing", or feigning interest in corporate responsibility, but many large corporations are devoting real time and money to environmental sustainability programs, alternative energy/cleantech, and various social welfare initiatives to benefit employees, customers, and the community at large. 
Corporate Social Responsibility is the relevance of "purpose" as a purchase factor has risen globally, and it gets the brand or company's image more sustainable.

With an eye on the environment and social issues, many businesses are no longer solely focused on turning a profit. A top priority for many organizations today is corporate social responsibility, which focuses on how businesses deal with their environmental, social and economic impacts. 

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs benefit businesses two-fold: they help businesses operate in ways that benefit society and help improve public perception.

There are many types of CSR, it can encompass a wide variety of tactics, from donating money to local charities to not producing goods in third-world sweat shops.

Environment: One primary focus of corporate social responsibility is on caring for the environment. Businesses, both large and small, have a large carbon footprint. Any steps that can be taken to reduce those are considered both good for the company and society as a whole. Examples include everything from curbing pollution to developing clean energy solutions.

Philanthropy: Donating to national and local charities is another way business are practicing social responsibility. Whether it involves giving money or time, businesses have a lot of resources from which charities and local community programs can benefit. 

http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4679-corporate-social-responsibility.html

CSR is about how companies manage the business processes to produce an overall positive impact

on society. - Mallen Baker

Corporate Social Responsibility is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large

It is A concept whereby companies decide voluntarily to contribute to a better society and a cleaner environment. A concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis.

Examples of CSR Campaign Done by Brands

Brand: Tide 

Title: Loads of Hope

In times of disaster people turn to the most basic of human needs - and one of those is clean clothes. The Tide Loads of Hope program provides relief by means of a mobile Laundromat where the team washes, dries and folds clothes for families for free.

Tide’s Loads of Hope program started in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when Procter & Gamble teamed up with Feeding America to help New Orleans families. The campaign brings laundry facilities to places struck by disaster, and volunteers wash, dry and fold clothes for free. The mobile fleet contains machines that can handle more than 300 loads of laundry a day. It recently tended to communities afflicted by floods in Mississippi and Tennessee, and it has washed more than 33,000 loads of laundry since it started. Tide has also sold more than 65,000 vintage-style T-shirts to raise money to help families affected by natural disasters. 

Tide had over 58,000 loads of laundry cleaned for families affected by disasters, and counting.

"In times of disaster people turn to the most basic of human needs—and one of those is clean clothes." 

The Tide Loads of Hope program provides relief by means of a mobile laundromat. One truck and a fleet of vans house over 32 energy-efficient washers and dryers that are capable of cleaning over 300 loads of laundry every day. 

"Because, as we’ve learned, sometimes even the littlest things can make a big, big difference."

In Tide Lots of Hope program, we can help by buying a tee online and the money goes to support Tide Lots of Hope program.

In this program, Tide has got two partners:

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters every 9 minutes across the United States.  The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

Frigidaire

Frigidaire has been an integral part of Loads of Hope since its inception, helping to make the program possible through their generous donation of Frigidaire Affinity front load washers and dryers, which not only use 70 percent less water and energy but also ensure clean is clean with a sanitization cycle that kills 99.9 percent of bacteria found in laundry per load. "Frigidaire is proud to help Tide bring comfort and clean clothes to those in need during a time of tragedy and disaster," said Marty O'Gorman, General Manager of Frigidaire. "We know that during these trying times, it's the little things that give people hope and a sense of normalcy, and we are proud to partner with Tide to support this important cause.

http://www.tide.com/en-US/loads-of-hope/index.jspx

Tom's One for One program

Tom's Shoes is another notableexample of a company that has social responsibility at its core. The shoe company donates one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased.

"We are in business to help change lives. It's a big job, and we don't do it alone. With our customers and Giving Partners, we're transforming everyday purchases into a force for good around the world." claimed by Tom's. 

Why do they donate shoes? In health: Shoes help protect children's feet from cuts, infections and diseases. When children are healthy, they can attend school, fight minor illnesses and grow up to reach their potential. In education: Shoes are often required for school attendance in many countries. Providing school uniforms, which often includes shoes, to children that cannot afford them can increase school attendance by 62%.* Education is the key to mobility and vital to breaking the poverty cycle. 

How does it work? Shoe giving is integrated into our partners' everyday work such as: health checkups; distribution of medicine and vaccines; microfinance programs; youth leadership programs; school support; and vocational training for older teens.

The shoes they are giving to the children are: 

Black Canvas

This unisex, slip-on with a sturdy sole is given in more than 50 countries.

Winter Boots

To keep kids' feet warm and dry in cold climates and give them in the United States, Eastern Europe and Central America.

Colorful Canvas

In Argentina, they give canvas shoes in a variety of colors and patterns to keep with the local tradition.

They currently give shoes in more than 60 countries. In Haiti, a major health issue is hookworm, which can cause intestinal pain, weakness and cognitive impairment. Giving Partner IMA World Health added TOMS Shoes to their prevention strategy in 2011. In El Salvador, Giving Partner Save the Children distributes TOMS Shoes to add value to their community programs, including childhood development, education, health and nutrition. In Peru, They work with Giving Partner Buckner International to make a difference in children's lives. 

http://www.toms.com/our-movement/l#where-toms-give-sight

Westjet 

WestJet Airlines Ltd. is a Canadian low-cost carrier that provides scheduled and charter air service to 85 destinations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Westjet airline had helped their costumers achieve their christmas wishes, the blue coloured Santa Claus instead of read had presented their airline's colour.

Brand: Coca-Cola

Title: Anti-Obesity

Coca-Cola, one of many companies often blamed in the obesity debate, is taking a decidely active turn in its marketing around the globe to adress the issue. Alongside its stream of happiness-themed work, the beverage giant has produced ads promoting a "calories in, calories out" message in highly creative ways -- from charming to downright deceptive.

While obesity is a pronounced problem in the U.S., it's not yet as prevalent in all corners of the world. According to a Harvard analysis, more than 30% of the U.S. and Mexico are obese, but in countries like China, India and much of Africa, that figure is less than 10%. In France, Italy and Brazil, the figure is between 10% and 20%. Still, with obesity rates quickly rising – according to the World Health Organization obesity has nearly doubled since 1980 -- it's in Coca-Cola's best interest to get out ahead of the issue with a global approach to ads promoting movement.

Happiness is Movement

The Cyranos/McCann Worldgroup was also behind this lively animated film directed by Johnny Kelly, the man behind the celebrated feel-good message from Chipotle, "Back to the Start." In this spot, Coke's happiness mantra ties directly to the idea of being healthy. An uplifting tune and whimsical animatronic images look back on a man's joyous moments--from meeting the love of his life to conceiving his child, posing the chicken-and-egg themed question -- are you happy because you move, or do you move because you're happy?

Calorie Dictionary by Coca-Cola Canada

In this spot out of McCann and directed by Everynone for the Canadian market, Coca-Cola puts a fun calorie-counter on our everyday activities -- another reminder that happiness is about keeping that blood flowing, sometimes in the simplest of ways.

What If by Coca-Cola from Public Spain directed by Nacho Gayan.

Coke pulled a Facebook with this mysterious spot out of Publics Spain, starring a mysterious race who claims an irresistible power over humanity. Who are they? Wait for it. . .chairs! The somewhat silly scenario sets the perfect stage for people to -- um -- stand up, to the sedentary overlords.

Grandpa by Coca Cola 

The ad, accompanied by the soundtrack of 'It’s Not Unusual' by Tom Jones, shows the similarities and differences in how the young men live. The modern man is shown eating junk food, such as crisps and microwave meals, while the 1950s man eats an apple and a home-cooked dinner.                         It ends with the line, "Live like Grandpa did: move more, live well, take it easy, and don’t forget to enjoy life," before revealing that the two men are grandfather and grandson.                                         The ad was created by David The Agency in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The campaigns draw attention to their drink choices having low calories and made with natural sweeteners, in order to get young people active and take obesity seriously. Now, this might seem to some a “common sense” fact, but nonetheless the heart of the campaign is dedicated to help minimize obesity, hence society.