Portfolio
Privacy in the Digital Age: A Rhetirical Intervention of Online Privacy Controversies.
This paper offers a thorough examination of online privacy issues, drawing on the works of Zeynep Tufekci and Herman T. Tavani. It delves into the historical development and current challenges of digital privacy, addressing ethical dilemmas, regulatory challenges, data ownership, and the necessity of digital literacy. The paper advocates for a balanced, context-aware approach to privacy, employing concepts like Dissoi Logoi and kairos to highlight the diversity of perspectives on data collection and usage. It discusses the ethical framework of data collection by social media companies, the need for stronger data protection laws, the importance of transparency and accountability in tech companies, the recognition of data ownership as a fundamental right, and the role of education in enhancing digital literacy. Concluding with a call for ethical data practices, comprehensive regulations, transparent corporate policies, and improved digital literacy, the paper contributes to the discourse on online privacy and urges proactive engagement for a more secure and ethically responsible digital future.
A Journey from a Start-up Adhocracy to Market Culture: The Decision-Making Process at Etsy
This paper examines Etsy's strategic decision to shift from a short-term, performance-based structure to a long-term, 10-year strategic plan, a change led by CEO Josh Silverman and implemented by a small core team including Senior Staff Product Designer, Michael Yap. Motivated by shareholder pressure, competition, and changing consumer behavior, this transition required extensive research, including customer insights and competitive analysis. Etsy's move from an Adhocracy to a Market culture reflects its evolution from a startup to a publicly traded company, focusing on stability, efficiency, and long-term goals. This strategic pivot is seen as crucial for Etsy's continued competitiveness and growth in the e-commerce sector.
Media Representation of Gender Stereotypes in Advertising
This paper delves into the pervasive presence of gender stereotypes in advertising across various platforms, including television, print, digital, and social media. It explores how these stereotypes often misrepresent the diversity of human experiences and reinforce traditional gender norms. Women are typically depicted as emotionally sensitive, dependent, and preoccupied with beauty, while men are portrayed as dominant, aggressive, and career-focused. Such portrayals not only limit the potential and self-esteem of individuals but also perpetuate unequal power dynamics in society. The paper examines the evolution of these stereotypes, their psychological underpinnings, and the broader societal implications. It discusses the impact of these stereotypes on individual identity and opportunities, showing how they limit personal growth and societal progress. Despite some progress and more progressive portrayals in recent years, the paper underscores the ongoing prevalence of traditional gender stereotypes in many advertisements, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and advocacy in promoting more inclusive and diverse representations of gender.
Making the Case for Genetically Modified Food Under Specific Intervention Criteria
This project, collaboratively developed with Alexis Elefante, Sarah Fitzgerald, Amanda Full, and Bethany Pucino, provides a detailed analysis of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food systems, covering ethical, economic, and environmental impacts. It discusses the benefits of GMOs for agricultural productivity and food security, along with concerns like animal welfare, farmer dependence on biotech companies, and environmental risks like biodiversity loss. Advocating for a balanced approach to GMO usage, the project emphasizes stringent welfare standards and equitable biotechnology access. Additionally, it addresses public perception challenges and the importance of ongoing research and education. The group also completed a PowerPoint presentation to effectively communicate their research findings. The project concludes that the positives of GMOs, particularly for food security and adapting to challenging conditions, generally outweigh the potential negatives.
The Application of the 7-S Model in Organizational Change
This paper focuses on implementing resident-oriented care in nursing homes through the McKinsey 7-S framework, which encompasses structure, strategy, systems, staff, skills, style, and shared values. Conducted in three Dutch nursing homes, the research employs a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate this implementation. The findings underscore the importance of strategy, systems, staff, and skills at the ward level for successful change. The paper also highlights the 7-S model's role in diagnosing organizational needs and managing complex changes, particularly in healthcare settings. It illustrates the model's effectiveness in guiding a hospital's transition to digital health records, ensuring all organizational aspects are aligned with core values and strategies for a smooth transition and better adaptability to healthcare advancements.