Definition of a Trend

What is a Trend?
-A trend is a look that has the appeal of newness because it has been missing or scarce in the
marketplace.
It occurs when there is a building of awareness on this new idea and its presence produces an
increasing demand or need for that particular new idea among consumers.(Brannon 2000,6-7)

Examples: Smart phones and Laptops

Fad
-Is a short-lived idea or temporary event that is usually called as a “flash in the pan” because the
popularity and reception of consumers for this idea fades away easily over a short period of time.

Example: A new hairstyle

Process of Identifying a Trend

According to Samuel (as cited by Brannon 2000, 7), a look becomes a trend if it undergoes the
following stages:

1.Fringe Stage
-In this stage, a new idea or product starts to appear in the market. Only a small group of people
(trendsetters) or businesses notice it and try to develop it further.

Example: A new type of eco-friendly shoes is created, but only a few environmental enthusiasts or
small businesses knows about it.

2. Trendy Stage
-More people, including early adopters (those who like trying new things), start to notice and talk
about the idea. Businesses test it to see if it could become popular.

Example: Social media influencers and small fashion brands start promoting the eco-friendly shoes.
Companies run ads or trials to check if more people are interested.

3.Mainstream Stage
-The trend becomes widely accepted, and many people (even those who don’t usually try new things )
join in. Big brands take advantage of its popularity.

Example: Major shoe brands start selling eco-friendly shoes, making them popular everywhere. Over
time, people either move on to the next trend, keep buying them or different styles of eco-friendly
shoes emerge.

Elements and Characteristics of a Trend

1.Duration of Time
-Trends have longer staying power and enjoy a longer period of popularity. The lifespan of products or
ideas that becomes trend do not disappear quickly as opposed to a fad.

2. Acceptability
-Trends are popularly accepted by many industries and people. Trends tend to stay longer because
they receive popular support from the consumers and companies who believe on these trends as
accepted ideas or patterns that can endure time.

3. Cultural basis
A trend is rooted on the people’s cultural traditions, beliefs, and values. A trend persists and continue
because people have seen it as a part of their society’s culture.
4. Transitory increase or decrease
- A trend shows a transitory increase or decrease of a particular idea, event or phenomenon (Brannon
2000).

Differences of a Trend and a Fad

1.Duration of Time
-A fad product enjoys a few months of unexpected popularity but disappears just as quickly as it
appears while trends can remain popular for decades.

2. Number of industries affected

- A fad usually affects just one industry and doesn’t spread to others. It becomes popular for a short
time but doesn’t have a big impact. A trend, however, can influence multiple industries and has a
longer-lasting effect.

3. Industry Acceptance

Fads can be risky for businesses because it’s hard to know if something will be a short-lived fad or a
lasting trend. Smaller companies are more flexible and can take chances on fads, while bigger
companies usually wait to see if the product becomes a trend before investing in it.

4. Consumer adoption and perception of overall quality

-Fads are usually low-quality and not built to last, so people don’t expect them to stick around for
long. On the other hand, trends are higher quality and more useful, so they stay popular for years.
Fads often lose popularity quickly, especially if they were over-hyped but didn’t meet expectations.

5. Reason for rise

-Trends become popular because they meet real needs and fit into people’s lifestyles, making them
useful and practical. Fads, however, rise because of emotions, hype and excitement, but they often
don’t live up to their promises or provide lasting benefits.

6. Incubation period and life span

-Trends take time to grow and stay popular for a long time, sometimes even years or decades. Fads,
on the other hand, become popular very quickly but disappear just as fast.

7.Scope
- Trends affect many products or brands and appeal to different groups of people. Fads usually focus
on one specific product or brand and only attract a small group of people.

8. Cultural Roots
- Trends are connected to deeper cultural values, traditions, or lifestyles, which make them
meaningful and long-lasting. Fads, on the other hand, spread quickly across different places but don’t
have a strong connection to any specific culture, so they fade away fast.

Understanding Local Networks

For Anders Kariqvist (1995,82), it represents the idea of connections between entities in space.
Contains a set of objects and a mapping or description of relations between the objects or nodes
( Charles Kadushin. 2012, 14).
According to David Batten (1995,vii), it is a system in which some elements are connected to other
elements in a systematic way.

-A network is a system where things (called actors or nodes) are connected in a systematic way. These
connections allow actors to interact or exchange something.
For example:
In a friendship network, each person is an actor, and the friendships between them are the links.
In a computer network, computers are the actors, and the cables or wireless connections are the
links.

Three Basic Elements of a Network

1.Actors (Nodes)
-they are the entities that are interconnected in some systematic way. Actors in networks are
generally composed of humans (such as friends, peers, colleagues, co-nationals, and others),
nonhumans (such as computers, nonhuman organisms, ecological systems, and other), or both
humans and nonhumans (such as individual persons and particular computers) or collectivities (like
corporations, teams, universities, governments, or other networks).

2.Links (Ties) among the actors.

- Any collection or group of objects is not automatically a network. What will make a network is the
existence of links among its objects or actors. Links refer to the connections among the actors in
networks. They define the relationships that exist among the actors. Links can be any relationship like
marriage, friendship, kinship, professional, and others.

3.Flows
- Refers to the things that are being exchanged (given and received) by the actors through their links.
Flows are usually information (data or knowledge) and resources (such as money, people, goods, and
equipment). But flows may also be belief, power, norms, attitudes, and values.

How are networks classified?

HUMAN AND NONHUMAN NETWORKS

-Networks, in terms of their actors can generally be divided into human and nonhuman networks.

Human networks are networks whose actors are humans. Examples are networks involving family
members, peers, classmates, colleagues, and co-nationals.

Nonhuman networks are networks whose actors are nonhumans. Example are networks involving
televisions, radios, mobile phones, nonhuman organisms, computers, and railways.

Networks that involve both humans and nonhumans as actors. Examples are ecological systems that
involve both human and nonhuman members of nature, and networks involving humans and
machines such as those found in some factories.

SOCIAL AND COMPUTER NETWORKS

Social Networks are human connections where people interact and socialize. These have always
existed but are now often supported by technology.
Modern social networking uses tools like the internet, mobile phones, and platforms such as
Facebook, Twitter, and email to make communication faster, easier, and more widespread.

Example:
Traditional Social Network: A group of friends meeting at a coffee shop to chat.
Modern Social Network: The same group of friends staying connected via a WhatsApp group, sharing
updates instantly, regardless of distance.

SOCIAL AND COMPUTER NETWORKS

A computer network is a system of connected computers that exchange information and share
devices like printers. These networks can range from small local setups (like at home or school) to
global networks (like the internet). Social networking often relies on computer networks for
communication and interaction.
Example:
Local Computer Network: A school's computer lab where all computers are connected to share a
single printer.
Global Computer Network: The internet, which allows people worldwide to send emails or use
platforms like Facebook for social networking.

LOCAL AND NONLOCAL NETWORKS

A local computer network corresponds to what is called LAN, which stands for local area network. A
LAN covers a relatively small area such as a classroom, school or a single building.. LANs may be wired,
wireless, or a combination of both. A LAN is wired when it uses the transmission technology; of
Ethernet, which connects devices through data cables. It is wireless when it uses the transmission
technology of WIFI, which connects devices through radio waves.

Non-local network
-refers to a network or system where communication or interactions occur without being confined to
a specific location. WAN covers a larger area, such as cities, an entire country or the entire world.

Strategic Analysis and Intuitive Thinking

Analytical thinking is a logical problem-solving method that breaks issues into smaller parts. It uses
research, frameworks, or models to find solutions. This method is ideal when there is enough time,
stable conditions, and clear distinctions between the observer and the problem. It is often used by
managers for planning and can be taught in classrooms.
Examples:
Business Example: A manager analyzes declining sales by breaking the problem into components like
customer preferences, pricing, and marketing strategies. After researching, they propose new
promotions to address the issue.
Legal Example: A lawyer studies a case by examining laws, evidence, and witness statements to
develop the best argument for their client.

SWOT Analysis
Strengths: High grades and good time management skills.
Weaknesses: Struggles with public speaking.
Opportunities: Scholarships available for top students.
Threats: High tuition costs and competition for limited spots.
Using SWOT analysis, the student might decide to apply for scholarships and practice public speaking
to strengthen their chances of success.

-PEST (Political, economics, social and technological)

PEST Analysis is a way to look at how external factors affect decisions. It examines:
Political: Government laws, policies, and regulations.
Economic: Money-related factors like inflation, interest rates, and financial resources.
Social: Culture, population trends, and social behaviors.
Technological: Advancements in technology, like gadgets and the internet.
There are extended versions like PESTEL (adds legal and environmental factors) or STEEPLE (adds
ethical and demographic factors). PEST is often used alongside SWOT Analysis, where it helps identify
opportunities (positive external factors) and threats (negative external factors).

Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) is a method of comparing the pros (benefits) and cons (costs) of different
solutions to a problem using money as the common unit. It calculates the net benefit by subtracting
the costs from the benefits. The option with the highest net benefit (more advantages than costs) is
considered the best choice. CBA is commonly used in business and economics to make rational
decisions.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) is a method to compare the pros and cons of different solutions, like
Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). However, instead of measuring all outcomes in money, it focuses on how
effective the solutions are. It creates a ratio that compares the monetary cost to the effectiveness of
each solution. The best option is the one that provides the most effectiveness for the least cost.

Subjective Expected Utility Analysis is a method in decision-making that helps choose between
different options when the outcomes are uncertain. It measures the value (utility) of each option
based on how much the result will benefit or satisfy the decision-maker.
Positive Utility: The result benefits or satisfies the decision-maker.
Negative Utility: The result does not benefit or satisfy the decision-maker.
This approach uses personal judgment (subjective) to estimate the likelihood of different outcomes
and their associated utilities.

Intuitive thinking relies on perception, feelings, and past experiences rather than logic or structured
analysis. It is a personal and customized way of solving problems, often leading to quick solutions that
may be hard to share or replicate. This approach works best when the individual has prior experience
in a similar situation. It cannot be easily taught and depends heavily on expertise and judgment.
Examples:
Workplace Example: A manager quickly senses a conflict brewing in the team and resolves it by
instinctively assigning tasks to balance workloads, based on their past experience managing similar
situations.
Cooking Example: A chef, without measuring or analyzing, adjusts the flavor of a dish by adding a
pinch of spice, relying on their experience to know it will taste better.

Analytical process usually involves the following steps:

Identifying the problem and the issues surrounding them.
Information gathering or Data Collection
Developing and Proposing solutions
Trying out solutions or new ideas based on data collection
Evaluating if the solutions worked and taking necessary

Global Networks, Labor and Migration

Globalization is the most powerful force for change in the world today affecting all societies. It entails
the movement of capital, free flow of goods and services, the increased mobility of individuals, and
the expansions of multinational corporations and international organizations.

Examples of Globalization

Economic-is the development of trade systems within transnational actors such as corporations or
NGO’s

Financial-can be linked with the rise of a global financial systems with international financial
exchanges and monetary exchanges.

Cultural-refers to the interpenetration of cultures which, as a consequence, means nations adopt

principles, beliefs, and costumes of other nations, losing their unique culture to a unique and
globalized supra-culture

Political-is the development and growing influence of international organizations such as WHO, which
means governmental action takes place at an international level

Sociological-information moves almost in real-time, together with the interconnection and

interdependence of events and their consequences.

Technological-the phenomenon by which millions of people are interconnected, thanks to the power
of digital world via platforms such as facebook, Instagram, Skype or Youtube.
Ecological-is an account for the idea of considering planet Earth as a single entity-a common good all
societies should protect since the weather affects everyone and we are all protected by the same
atmosphere.

Geographic-is the new organization and hierarchy of different regions of the world that is constantly
changing.

Effects of Globalization
The effects were widely seen in every economy because of the borderless concept of globalization
such as:

1. We are enjoying imported products and the best services from foreign companies. And those
products are extremely helpful for every task we used to do.

2. Knowledge became easily shared by the brightest minds through the internet.

3. Technologies become an aid in communication, transportation, education, and finance.

Global Networks
Globalization made people for liberal, open, dynamic, innovative and mature with the exchange of
ideas and practices between people of the world. Global networks include the following:

Development of the WWW through the internet.

Networks of individuals, communities and organization that operates globally.
Use of cyberspace and other technological innovation that gave rise to global village.

Factors gave rise to Globalization

- Advancement in education
- Advancement in Science and Technology
-Social and Political Liberation

Cooperation is a two people carrying their own “similar” baskets to a common destination for
mutually beneficial individual gain, increasing impact, volume and leverage. Meanwhile, Collaboration
is a two people carrying their two baskets (or maybe even more and often very different) by sharing
the load between them, to a shared destination for the mutual benefit of the individuals, collective
and entity.

Labor
Labor is the quantity of physical, mental, and social effort castoff to create goods and services in an
economy. It provides the expertise, manpower, and service needed to generate raw resources into
finished stuffs and services.

Labor is measured through the means of labor force or labor pool. To be

considered part of the labor force, one must be legible, willing to work, and are on the right age to do
so because there are some who are not ready to work however, turn themselves in working just to
provide for their families.

Types of Labor
1. The Unskilled Labor
-This job does not require intensive training because it is more on skills or manual labors such as farm
workers, it can also be service work, such as janitorial or others.

2. The Skilled Labor

-This kind of labor requires some educational degree or training. An example is manufacturing jobs.

3. Part-time Labor
-categorized by the nature of the relationship with the employer. This means they are managed or
supervised by a boss. They also receive a set weekly or bi-weekly wage or depending on the number
of hours of service and it equivalent amount.

The Contract Labor

-It is when a contract stipulates the work to be done. It’s up to the worker to define and identify on
how his/her works gets done. The amount paid is either contract or a set fee for the work. Benefits
are not included.

Slave Labor
-It is an illegal employment. It happens when the worker is forced to work without consent or against
their will.

Professional Labor
-These are referred to individuals with highest level of knowledge-based education and managerial
skills. These people have usually invested the most of their careers and make the highest wage
earners.

Migration
Ever since, people have been on the move in search of jobs or economic opportunities, to join family,
or to study. Some people have to move to run away conflict, harassment, terrorism, or human rights
violations. Still others have to move in response to the opposing effects of climate change, natural
disasters, or other environmental factors such job related and social status. Migration as it stands has
been one of the causes of the said mean.

Types of Migration
1. Permanent Migration
-It refers when someone moves from one place to another and has no intention to return to their
original place.

2. Temporary Migration
-It is limited by time. This happens because of work related or this could be for seasonal employment.

3. Forced Migration
-It involves the migrant having no choice but to move. Some of the examples are refugees migrating
due to conflicts or disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, typhoons or wars.

Challenges Faced by Migrants

1. Coercion
-Undocumented migrant workers may not be willing to report a workplace injury because they are
afraid of being reported to immigration authorities or losing their jobs and not being able to find
another employer willing to take them on.

2. Lack of Benefits
- Because they are often paid in cash off the books, migrant workers are not eligible for company
benefits such as pensions and insurance plans. They also miss out on unemployment, disability and
Social Security benefits from the government.
Breaks, overtime, sick pay and minimum wage laws may not be followed because there is no recourse
for the worker.

3. Dangerous Conditions
- Workers may be housed in unsanitary conditions, which are especially dangerous for children. If the
company provides food for its employees, it is often low quality and not very nutritious. Migrant
workers are also subject to harsh conditions on the job, such as working in extreme weather for long
hours with no breaks.

4. Cultural Difference
-Cultural differences present problems for migrant workers even when they are away from the job
site. Local residents may discriminate or resent migrant workers for taking the available jobs in the
area. Migrant workers are often isolated from their neighbors because they do not speak the
language and shop mostly at ethnic stores.The language barrier can also make it difficult to
understand legal documents such as leases and tax forms.

5. Educational Issues
-Children of migrant workers often miss school and fall behind their peers
because they have to work along with the rest of the family. Child labor laws are typically not
enforced among the migrant population, so there is no protection for the children. Even when the
child does not perform any actual work, he may spend the day at the job site with his parents because
there is no available daycare. Families tend to move according to the seasons, which makes it even
more difficult for the children to keep up in school.

Planetary Networks: Climate Change

Planetary networks refer to the interconnections and interrelations among the various elements in
the natural environment enveloping and affecting Earth as well as beyond Earth’s surface. It includes
the rain, the wind, the sun’s rays,gasses and other climate-related elements.

Global warming means the Earth is getting hotter because of harmful changes in the atmosphere. One
reason is the thinning of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet
(UV) rays.

How are climate and weather differ?

-Weather tells the environmental condition in a specific place. It can be rainy, sunny, windy or snowy
while Climate describes the weather conditions expected in a particular place in a specific time of the
year.

Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns in the Earth’s
climate, primarily driven by human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions.

While climate change has occurred naturally in Earth's history, the rapid and unusual changes
observed today are alarming. For instance, Europe, once covered in glaciers 20,000 years ago, is now
much warmer. Globally, warming temperatures and altered precipitation patterns are causing:

Rising sea levels

Shrinking mountain glaciers
Accelerated ice melting in Greenland, Antarctica, and the Arctic
Changes in the timing of plant blooming.

Green House Effect

-This process disrupts the Earth's natural greenhouse system by releasing greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere, which trap heat and contribute to the warming of the planet.

Six Ways Climate Change will Affect PH Cities

1. More Intense El Niño
-El Niño happens when the surface of the ocean in the southern Pacific Ocean becomes much warmer
than usual. This extra heat gives the atmosphere a lot of energy, which can upset the usual weather
patterns around the world.

2. Sea Surface Temperature to Rise

-By the end of the century, sea surface temperatures are expected to rise by 1 to 4 degrees Celsius.
This can lead to more powerful storms because storms get their strength from heat rising from the
sea. In the Philippines, 4 and 5 degree Celsius spikes above the normal sea surface temperature have
been recorded. Warmer seas kill coral reefs and can thus lead to a decline in fish catch, putting food
security in danger.
3. Ocean Acidification
-The shift in the Ph levels of our oceans can lead to widespread coral reef death. Because of the
imbalance, shrimps are not able to develop skins, oysters cannot develop shells. Fish larvae may not
be able to develop bones. This further endangers food security and the livelihood of fishermen.

4. Sea levels to rise by 4 to 6 meters

-Current data show an increase in sea surface heights. Scientists say this is due to the melting of ice
sheets in northern portions of the globe like Antarctica and Greenland. Sea level rise by 4 to 6 meters
can submerge low-lying communities like Tacloban City which stands only 3 meters above sea level.

5. Tropical Cyclones to Intensify

-The creation of tropical cyclones is already being recorded in areas where the phenomenon had
never been observed. On Nov 8, 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), said to be the strongest
storm in recorded history, devastated cities in Visayas.

6. Rainfall, River flow and flooding to Intensify

-The monsoon rains in the Philippines are becoming more extreme due to climate change. Some areas
will experience heavier rainfall, while others will face severe droughts. These unpredictable changes
make it harder for industries like farming and fishing, which depend heavily on stable weather.

EFFECTS OF CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION PATTERNS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROBLEM OF

CLIMATE CHANGE

A carbon footprint shows how much you contribute to pollution that causes climate change. It
measures the greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) that come from things you do every day.

Primary footprint is a measure of direct emissions from burning fossil fuels. This includes your home
gas, oil, and coal use, home electricity, private transportation, public transport, flights, and food and
drink.

Secondary footprint includes your share of public services,

financial services, recreation and leisure, house buildings and furnishings, car manufacture and
delivery, and clothes and personal effects.

Several factors affect your footprint:

1.The number of people in your household
2.What kind of heat you use in your home
3.Miles driven per year and fuel efficiency of your automobile
4.Number and duration of flights
5.Your average monthly electric
6.Gas and fuel bill
7.Recycling habits.

Tips for reducing your carbon footprint at home and at work

Inside your home:
1. When appliances are not in use, turn them off and unplug them. Even small appliances like cell
phone chargers waste energy when plugged in all day. It is called ghost-electricity.

2.Take shorter, cooler showers and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.

3.Recycle everything you can.

4.Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFL low energy bulbs,which use just 20% of the energy of a
normal light bulb and last 15 times longer.

5.When replacing older appliances, always opt for appliances that use less power and receive a good
energy rating.
The Effects of Consumption and Production Patterns on Climate Change
Production refers to how people generate and manufacture the products they need to use, sell, or
consume.

Consumption refers to the use of economic or consumer goods and resources.