Sunday, December 29, 2019

Voltaire’s Candide - 1924 Words

The Human Tissue Act 65 of 1983 regulates all aspects regarding organ transplants. This Act was last amended in 1989. Since then medical science has developed so big in size and to such an extent that organ transplants today are almost routine operations in many hospitals. Unfortunately the current methods of procuring human organs are not supplying the demand. A new approach, the commercialization of human organs for transplantation is a possibility with the potential to supply one hundred per cent of the demand for organs. There are however many arguments against the commercialization of human organs. Ethical aspects concerning commercialization of human organs also need to be investigated, in order to reach a conclusion†¦show more content†¦Such cases may be motivated by the desire to discharge a religious duty, to correct a wrong done in the past, to gain mental or moral satisfaction, or to be seen as a good Samaritan. Once the practice of organ donation by the genetically related and also by strangers, based on altruism, has been accepted as ethically sound the following components of organ removal stand morally vindicated. Here are 2 of which they are talking about: (a) A person’s expectation to enjoy life with the help of organs belonging to others is valid, and(b) the breach of a donor’s bodily integrity and the consequent harms are permissible. Judged on these values a person’s act of severing his/her organ in order to liberate a fellow being from a terminal illness or to save his/her life cannot be dubbed as immoral simply because the act is accompanied by a reasonable material consideration. â€Å"When a person sells an organ he or she acts both selfishly, in advantaging him or herself, and altruistically, in contributing to a public good.† The presence of considerations is not a sufficient reason to transform a simple act into a sin. Otherwise, selling water to t he thirsty would be an equally big sin in fact rather a bigger one (Marino 2002). Policies on organ transplantation reflect a unique social paternalism. Objections against the sale of organs such as the dilution of altruism in society, the risk that

Friday, December 20, 2019

The Problems Of The Democracies - 1204 Words

Peter Guresky Dr. Wysocki Honors Constitution 12 December 2015 Tocqueville describes the problems which arise in the democracies, which in his time have begun to emerge in the world. For Tocqueville, the most serious threat to democracy is individualism, and the solution to this problem is self-interest well understood. Though individualism causes citizens to focus on a small circle of interest and sever himself from society at large, self-interest well understood teaches citizens about the advantages which civil and political associations have to offer; namely a broadening of one’s interest beyond oneself and the positive effects this will have on society. According to Tocqueville, the inclination of democratic citizens to retreat from public affairs is a cancerous and disastrous propensity. He writes, â€Å"Individualism is a mature and calm feeling, which disposes each member of the community to sever himself from the mass of his fellow-creatures; and to draw apart with his family and his friends; so that after he has thus formed a little circle of his own, he willingly leaves society at large to itself† (618). As the results of this propensity, Tocqueville foresees the fate of America and other democratic nations as a world in which, â€Å"an innumerable multitude of men all equal and alike, incessantly endeavoring to procure the petty and paltry pleasures with which they glut their lives. Each of them, living apart, is as a stranger to the fate of all the rest . . . Above thisShow MoreRelatedThe Benefits and Problems of Democracy1750 Words   |  7 PagesThe benefits and Problems with Democracy In the famous words of Sir Winston Churchill, â€Å"No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.† As a staunch supporter of democracy, Churchill is admitting that although there may be a variety of flaws in a democratic government, it is still a far more suitable choice of governing as opposed to alternate formsRead MoreProblems With American Democracy Essay1034 Words   |  5 Pagespromised 150 billion dollars over then next ten years to advance clean energy technology. This merely scratches the surface of the energy problem the human race is going to encounter in the next hundred years. As the wealthiest country on Earth, I believe that the United States should be willing to allocate vastly more of its resources in an attempt to solve this problem. Perhaps the most disturbing product of our self-governed nation is our blotted military budget. President Obama has authorizedRead MoreDemocracy And The Problem Of Distributive Justice1443 Words   |  6 PagesDemocracy and the Problem of Distributive Justice The preliminary point into an inquiry of distributive justice is to disconnect the conjunction of â€Å"distributive,† and â€Å"justice†. For the purpose of this essay, I will inherit and accept John Rawls explanation of justice from A Theory of Justice. â€Å"Justice,† according to Rawls, â€Å"is the first virtue of social institutions.† Therefore, from a societal perspective, justice as the first virtue negates the utilitarian maxim that a loss of freedom forRead MoreProblems Associated With Democracy As Seen Through The Framers1203 Words   |  5 PagesProblems Associated With Democracy as Seen Through the Framers In Federalist 10, James Madison explains why the framers of the constitution chose a representative democracy, a republic, as opposed to a â€Å"pure democracy†. His argument being that a pure democracy consists of a small number of citizens who congregate and conduct and handle the government in person, but since the United States of America was geographically too large, it disqualified the option of administering a pure democracy. In additionRead MoreCan Democracy Remedy Africa s Problem? Essay1844 Words   |  8 PagesCan democracy remedy Africa s Problem? Democracy the representation of people by leaders they elect to bring their problems for solving or politics by discussion. What does this mean? This is a preamble that pushes for people to be awake and bring out legislation that will favour them. The title then asks, can democracy remedy Africa s problems? No. Why do I say no it’s because before we bring a theory not born of Africa to solve our problems we end up facing a fragmentation of knowledge. On oneRead MoreThe Third Condition For The Stability Of Democracy1564 Words   |  7 PagesThe third condition for the stability of democracies is Freedom of speech (Schofield 31). Freedom of speech must exist in a democracy for stability to prevail. The absence of that is a rise of political problems. Whereas the freedom allows every individual in the country to have his or her opinion on how the country should be led, when they begin threatening the leadership it is a matter of peace disturbance, and they are liable for prosecution. Through it, there are many complaints that will ariseRead MoreDemocracy And Politics Of South Korea1387 Words   |  6 PagesEunyoung Kang Akira Ruddle-Miyamoto POLS 101 5 May 2015 Democracy and Politics in South Korea Democracy that means the rule of people has been used as a political system since Ancient Greece. Even though its concept has changed as time goes by, it is still regarded as one of the best political systems and used in many countries. Unfortunately, most Asian countries did not use this political system until the middle of the 20th century, so they have a very short history compared with western countriesRead MoreDemocracy And The Ideal Of Democracy877 Words   |  4 Pages Urbinati’s essay entitled Representative Democracy introduction compared what we call modern democracy to the ideal of democracy that was created by the Athenian people. The Athenian people had their ideal proscpective of how pure and direct democracy should be in a government. The people in Athens changed the government because they saw problems in the way that the government was being controlled. Originally the government was ruled and controlled by citizens who were noble or who came from nobleRead M oreAn American Diplomat Richard Holbrooke1143 Words   |  5 Pagesconsidered a problem in September of 1996 which happened to be the time of elections in Bosnia. He stated that democratically elected regimes that are elected through regimes are often times the ones that have been reelected or reaffirmed through referenda, are ignoring the constitutional limits on their power and denying their citizens of essential rights and freedoms. It wasn’t easy to bring attention to this problem because for almost a century, democracy has meant liberal democracy in the WestRead MoreCould Dictatorships be a Better Option for Developing Countries?859 Words   |  4 Pagescalled democracy†, (Aristotle) the Greek or more precisely Aristotle defined democracy this way. In these recent times though, democracy has changed in shape and form and has constantly evolved since the last 100 years or so. So it is quite difficult to find a definition of democracy in modern times, which is acce pted universally. Every country delineates democracy according to its own customs and ethics, and considers it to be best. A common credence is that, a country prerequisites democracy in order

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Lucent Technologies Essay Research Paper LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES free essay sample

Lucent Technologies Essay, Research Paper LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES In 1996, AT A ; T decided to divide into three different companies. These new companies were the new AT A ; T, NCR, and Lucent Technologies. Lucent Technologies is one of the taking interior decorators, developers, and makers of telecommunications systems, package, and merchandises. They are get downing to emerge as a Fortune 100 company. Lucent Technologies builds local webs, concern telephone systems, and consumer telephones that entree the planetary webs. Lucent Technologies was launched with an initial public stock offering in April. AT A ; T owns an 82 % portion of the Company. KEY PERSONNEL Lucent engineerings has 125,000 employees worldwide. Approximately 82 % of its employees come from the United States and the other 18 % semen from foreign states. Lucent Technologies has offices in more than 90 states, and Bell Labs has offices in 13 states. The president and main executive officer is Henry B. Schacht. Schacht has been on AT A ; T? s board of managers since 1981. We will write a custom essay sample on Lucent Technologies Essay Research Paper LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He has besides held president and main executive officer places at Cummings Engine Company, INC. Lucent Technologies? President and main runing officer is Richard A. McGinn. McGinn joined AT A ; T in 1978. He has antecedently served as executive frailty president and main executive officer of AT A ; T? s web group. Business Structure Lucent Technologies is composed of four runing units. These four units are: Business Communication Systems, Consumer Products, Microelectronics Group, and Network Systems ( of which I hope to be a portion of ) . These units are designed to work together to supply advanced and cost-effective solutions for clients. Bell Laboratories supports each group. Bell Laboratories is a research and development organisation that is recognized throughout the universe for its accomplishments in scientific discipline and engineering. Currently, Bell Labs is concentrating on developing digital signal processor algorithms, Lightwave communications ( photonics ) , Networking, Silicon french friess, Software, and Wireless communications. Business Communications Systems design, industry, install, and service advanced voice and multimedia systems worldwide.11 Consumer Products design, industry, sell, and rent communications merchandises for consumers, little offices, and place offices. In 1995 in the United States, Consumer Products sold 31 % of the twilled phones, 28 % of the cordless phones, and 35 % of replying machines.12 The Microelectronicss Group makes integrated circuits, power systems, and optoelectronic constituents for Lucent Technologies. The largest unit of Lucent Technologies is Network Systems. The Network Systems design, develop, and industry networking systems and package for telecommunications suppliers and, wireless communications and are turning at an one-year rate of 33 per centum. Business Scheme The world-wide demand for communications systems is dining. Lucent Technologies is foretelling a 10 % one-year growing for the communications industry. The concern is prosecuting growing chances around the universe and is seeking to construct on Bell Laboratories established planetary relationships with its key clients. Much accent for promotion is being put on the countries of Wireless communications, Networking package, and multimedia convergence. With the progressively nomadic society, Lucent Technologies feels that there will be an increasing demand for wireless communications. The more sophisticated engineering becomes, the greater the demand for smarter webs. One of the universe? s largest manufacturers of networking package is Lucent Technologies. Multimedia devices trade with all sorts of communications. Lucent Technologies is seeking to develop inventions on multimedia that the clients want. Ad Scheme The company? s name, Lucent Technologies, was thought of after many interviews with clients and other stakeholders. Lucent means, ? Marked with lucidity, or glowing with light? . Lucent Technologies logo is supposed to be a bold, ruddy, hand-drawn invention ring.The company? s motto is, ? We make the things that make communicationswork. LUCENT? S COMPETITOR -DSC Communicationss -General Electric -Hitachi -Intel -Matsu*censored*a -Microsoft -Motorola -Nokia -Sony -Toshiba -U.S. Robotics18

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Social responsibility of Almarai

Questions: Discuss About The Social Responsibility Of Almarai. Answer: Social responsibility of Almarai It is the ethical duty of all the business organizations to work for the benefit of society along with making profit. This can be achieved by maintaining a healthy relationship with the people of the society and the customers and all other stakeholders. The relationship with the society is one of the critical factors that help to determine the success of the business and it also helps to measure the performance of the business (Hopkins 2012). Almarai, being one of the leading food manufacturing companies of UAE has the social responsibility to ensure that all the food products are manufactured to protect the interest of the people and also protect the environment. With increased social responsibility it is possible for the company to attract more investors and thereby help in the matter of business expansion. It is also important for Almarai to maintain a healthy quality of the food they are manufacturing that will help the company to perform the social responsibility of the food products. According to Pedersen (2015), the corporate social responsibility of the company is to maintain the corporate social responsibility, which helps in the economic development of the nation. The company can also improve the quality of life of the working employee and also achieve social welfare business. It is the duty of the company to use the sustainable form of growth for the production unit. This will help the company to have one of th e high reputations in the dairy market of the UAE. Homburg, Stierl and Bornemann (2013), have mentioned that purchasing of the Fair Trade Certificate in matter of manufacturing the items will help the company to have active support for sustainable development plans. Aldosari and Atkins (2015) have argued that the idea of social responsibility in business defies the idea of profit within the business. However, the investment that is made by the shareholders depends on the social responsibly that is maintained by a company. Moreover, a food company like Almarai can be used as a medium to promote the ethical values of the company, which will help to increase the reputation of the company. Thus the social responsibility can be use a medium of making profit. Almarai is one of the leading brands of food of UAE and the primary strength of the company is the high reputed brand value it has in the local market. There are a wide range of foods that are available under the brand name of the company. The management of the company has strong base for investing in the social department. They are also engaged in all forms of charitable and social welfare activities, which also help to promote the value of the brand. The philanthropic programme that was started by the company in the year of 2012 includes distribution of blankets to the needy families. The company also has a statement of mission and vision that ensures that top quality food and beverages that has high nutritious value. It is also the social responsibility of the company to look after environmental needs of the society. This will ensure that the company does not exploit the natural resources. The company has taken special initiatives to save and conserve fresh water. There are specia l machines that are set up by the company, which help to minimize the consumption of the water and thereby ensure that there is no major loss. Respecting the needs and demand of the stakeholders and maintain high level of clarity is also one of the prime social responsibility of the company. The unemployment is one of the major social issues that is faced by the people of UAE. Almarai has devoted the recourses of the company so that it is possible to create job opportunities to the people along with providing wide range of career opportunities for the people. The company also provides special trainings to all the staff members so that it is possible to develop the working skills among the people. They also have special programme to develop technical and knowledge of workplace among the working staffs. The Almarai food processing academy provides education about the food processing industry, which assists the students to have a better future. The company also has made significant investment to promote higher education among the students. In firm has a huge contribution in the healthcare sector that has helped them to promote the high nutritional value of the foods they are manufacturing and also raise awareness among the people about the importance of maintain healthy die t in everyday life (Almarai, 2016). Reference Aldosari, A. and Atkins, J., 2015. A study of corporate social responsibility disclosure practices in Saudi Arabia. Almarai. (2016). Almarai - Almarai in the Community. [online] Available at: https://www.almarai.com/en/community/almarai-in-the-community [Accessed 10 Dec. 2016]. Homburg, C., Stierl, M. and Bornemann, T., 2013. Corporate social responsibility in business-to-business markets: How organizational customers account for supplier corporate social responsibility engagement.Journal of Marketing,77(6), pp.54-72. Hopkins, M., 2012.Corporate social responsibility and international development: is business the solution?. Earthscan. Pedersen, E.R.G. ed., 2015.Corporate social responsibility. Sage.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Essay Examples on Michelangelo Essay Example

Essay Examples on Michelangelo Paper 1st Essay Sample on Michelangelo Michelangelo was born in 1475 and died in 1564 he died at the age of 89. His full name was Michelangelo Buonarroti. He was an Italian painter, sculptor, architect, and poet . Michelangelo considered the male nude to be best subject in art, mostly because at the time men were considered in control of everything.Even while being an architect he tried to show humantension through windows or even doors. Michelangelo loved a challenge, whether it be intellectual physical,or artistic. In painting figures, he chose poses that were difficult to draw. He gave his work different meanings alomost unrecognizable only to what the spectator wanted it to be. He was very succesful at what he did yet when he died they found much of his work unfinished as if he had a mind block. Michelangelo was born in the small village of Caprese in Tuscany and grew up inFlorence. Florence was the artistic center of the early Renaissance. Michelangelo went to a grammer school because of the claims his parents had t o nobility.Although his dad disapproved art Michelangelo prefferd it to his school work From 1490 to 1492 Michelangelo livedwith Lorenzo de’ Medici (known as Lorenzo the Magnificent), at that time he was the leading artist of Florence. The Medici house was a meeting place for philosophers artists, and poets.This was a great time for michelangelo to study and observe other artists. Other artists taught michelangelo the art and love for writing. Which was Michelangelo’s most important piece was the Sistine chapel during the year of 1508 through 1512.Michelangelo was also very religious. So, he expressed his personal beliefs most clearly in his later work. His later drawings are of christian beliefs such as the crucifixtion of people.Throughout his career Michelangelo came in contact with powerful men. 2nd Essay Sample on Michelangelo Michelangelo was one of the most famous and successful people of his time. Michelangelo attended a school set up by Lorenzo the Magnificent in the gardens of the Palazzo Medici. There he would have had access to the Medici collection of antiques, as well as a certain amount of tuition from the resident master, Bertoldo di Giovanni. Michelangelo was a master in more than one area.Atfirst, Michelangelo was most famous for his sculptures such as the Pieta, Moses, David, and Pope Julius IIIs tomb.After Lorenzos death the school broke up and Michelangelo would perform informal autopsies in order to improve his mastery of the human form.The sculpture that made Michelangelos reputation is the Pietà ¢.The Pieta is a sculpture with Jesus lying in the lap of Virgin Mary.Michelangelo expressed the emotional, human aspects of Mary morning over the body of her dead son.Because of his study of the human body the Pieta was extremely detailed especially in the muscles and vein! s.When carving scul ptures he believed that the figures he carved were already in the marble and he had tofree them.He later worked on David, which was made out of a flawed stone and summed up everything he had learned.It symbolized civic pride . It took him four years to, in his own words, liberate the figure imprisoned in the marble.As well as being a sculptor, Michelangelo was also an outstanding painter.Pope Julius III hired Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.The nine scenes of the Sistine Ceiling alternate between large and smaller rectangular sections that are supported by pagan sibyls and Hebrew prophets. In order to convey the biblical tales, Michelangelo used his skill to idealize the fundamental nature of each scene into over 300 key figures and gestures. We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Michelangelo specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Michelangelo specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Michelangelo specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Sunday, November 24, 2019

10 Signs It’s Time to Quit Your Job

10 Signs It’s Time to Quit Your Job Let’s be honest: many of us aren’t in our dream jobs, for whatever reasons. And even if you are working in your ideal field, there’s a good chance that the experience isn’t what you daydreamed it would be. It’s important to know when it might be time to cut bait and start over in a new role. 1. You dread going to work in the morning.If you hit your snooze button 15 times or roll out of bed every morning frowning about what your day holds, this is a problem. Even the most chipper coworker in your office has less enthusiastic days, but if it becomes an everyday dread, this could impact your overall happiness and health.2. You can’t hide your disdain at work.If other people are noticing that you are cranky or unhappy, it’s not good. It could impact your relationship with your boss and be noted as a performance issue.3. You dislike your team.If you have issues working together with your immediate group on projects or their everyday habits are like nails on a chalkboard to you, the problem might not be them. It could be that you would fit in better somewhere else.4. You dislike your team leader.There are plenty of terrible bosses out there: mean, arrogant, and just plain incompetent. It’s also possible that he or she is a great person, but you just can’t flourish under their style of management. If you find yourself rolling your eyes every time you get an email from this person, it could be time to leave.5. Your personal life is affected by your job.Feeling overworked and unhappy can drag down other parts of your life. This can show itself in a variety of ways: feeling short-tempered with family or friends, having issues with sleep, or feeling anxiety over things that may not seem work-related. If you find that your general feeling of well-being is lower because of your work activities, it’s better to err on the side of self-interest.6. Your health is affected by your job.Stress-related illnesses are very much a thing. Working too hard or experiencing consistent stress can make you more susceptible to colds, flu, or any number of illnesses just waiting for a gap in your immune system caused by poor self-care. Anxiety disorders and depression are also conditions that can be made worse by staying in a job that causes you consistent stress.  Few jobs are forever, but your health is always going to be with you.7. Company morale is low.Shared misery can be a rallying point for coworkers when things are rough, but it could be that everyone is unhappy because something is seriously wrong at the upper management level. Even if you feel loyal to your company, it’s important to keep an eye on how things are going in general and to decide whether any issues are likely to be resolved in the short term. If not, you are not obligated to stick around if there are other opportunities.8. You don’t see how this job will advance your career.If you’ve moved up as far as y ou can in your current role without major personnel or company changes, consider whether there would be better chances for advancement somewhere else. Be proactive, instead of waiting patiently for someone else to retire or quit.9. You’re consistently bored at work.If you find yourself slacking or filling long hours between projects, it may be because you’re not being challenged enough by your job. Every job will have its boring moments, but overall it should be a role where the tasks make you feel engaged and productive. If that’s not happening, this job likely isn’t the right fit for you.10. You feel undervalued.We all have moments where we grumble that we aren’t being paid enough to deal with this *bleep*, but if you feel like your job responsibilities have seriously outpaced your paycheck, it’s time to re-evaluate. Do some research into salary ranges and compensation for your role at other companies. If you still feel like you are being under-compensated (and there’s no chance to negotiate more for yourself at your current place), it’s probably time to move on.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Associates and Joint Ventures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Associates and Joint Ventures - Essay Example Therefore it is pertinent to analyze this practice in detail and the information to be disclosed. It also is relevant to note the underlying legal and financial guidelines that ought to be followed in all such mergers. This paper analyses the impact of the acquisition in the light of accounting parameters and will try by logical similes and examples to arrive at the proper perspective in relation to the type of dealings. We can define a merger where two individual companies become a single company and unify their entity. Strong companies seek out the less fortunate ones and then unify them into the company. Some times very strong and prospective companies also merge to create a bigger market or capture a foreign market. A company can also purchase another company and this is a purchase or consolidation. The stocks of the acquired company are sold for an agreed amount. Some tax benefits accrue. For example the buying company can write off the assets they acquire to the actual value paid for the company, and the difference between the book value and that purchase value for the assets can be charged off as depreciation over several years. An Acquisition of one company by another is a little different from a merger but not much. All of the above reasons for combining two companies apply, but instead of swapping stock or consolidating under a new corporate entity, one company simply buys another. In an acquisition, a company can buy another company with cash, with stock, or a combination of the two. The difference between the merger purchase and an acquisition depends on whether the purchase is friendly and announced as a merger or announced as an acquisition or the purchase is unfriendly. When it's unfriendly, it's always an acquisition. We are more concerned with a Holding company. The Encyclopedia Britannica defines a holding company as: "Corporation that owns enough voting stock in one or more other companies to exercise control over them. A holding company provides a means of concentrating control of several companies with a minimum of investment; other means of gaining control, such as mergers or consolidations, are more complicated legally and more expensive. A holding company can reap the benefits of a subsidiary's goodwill and reputation while limiting its liability to the proportion of the subsidiary's stock that it owns. The parent company in a conglomerate corporation is usually a holding company."i Why Have A Holding There are many business needs like expansion, new markets, new niche, and effective marketing and price control to name a few reasons other than more profits. The accounting reasons to create such a holding may be on account of tax saving, complimenting capability and resources, and share capital, technology, and risk. Important Factors to be considered The screening of prospective partners: This is done at all levels of management, not only the analysis of the company's financial history or capital. Analyzing factors like human resources, technical competency and

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Leadership and management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Leadership and management - Essay Example On the other hand, leadership focuses on the most important resource, which is people. Therefore, it remains as the process of not only developing but also communicating a vision for the future (Armstrong, 2012). The role of the leader is to design various responsibilities which engage an individual values and competence. Responsibilities are perceived to be motivating when they remain meaningful despite stretching them. Leaders use responsibilities to engage intrinsic motivations by for example creating something new, exercising individuals’ abilities, assisting others, and offering value to the clients (Armstrong, 2012). A good example to illustrate the difference between a leader and a manager is using the case of GE/Durham plant. The plant is responsible for assembling Boeing 777 engine. It has about 170 employees with just one manager. Consequently, within the plant, there are nine teams, each with one leader. The team decides among themselves who performs which work, they schedule training, overtime, and vacation. They also tackle productivity or lack of ethics among the team members. Hence, all of them are leaders. Even though, there are no direct incentives, what motivates the technicians is the desire for perfection and the pride of producing the best engines in the aviation industry. In this case, the work of the manager is to listen and inform the teams (Armstrong, 2012). From the example, it is evident that leadership is purely based on influence as well as shared meaning. It is also an informal role regarded as an achieved position. Part of every team member responsibility requires indepe ndent thinking and initiative. The responsibility of a leader is to decide on the direction of the team. Therefore, a leader is responsible for setting the ultimate objectives, goals, and aim for the team. The leaders will then not only inspire but also motivate the team so that they

Monday, November 18, 2019

Competitive advantage through quality management in Universities Essay

Competitive advantage through quality management in Universities - Essay Example It is clear that no institution can possibly have infinite resources, and this is the context in which management becomes relevant and important. Especially, in the case of a university, which is viewed by our contemporary society as a non-profitable platform to impart knowledge to the upcoming generation, the resources can even become sparse. Yet when it comes to educating our future generation, the limitation of resources cannot be an excuse for lower quality. At any cost, a society needs to develop its youth so that the nation can progress and ensure the well-being of the people. In this backdrop, an educational institution like a university has to become immensely resourceful on how to put to optimum use its available resources. Yet another benefit of quality management, which is equally important, is that it the present scenario, any organization needs to be competitive to survive and be successful, and ensuring quality can guarantee this requirement. Daunoriene (2011) has identified the key benefits of quality management as â€Å"increasing profit, reducing costs and developing competitive advantage† (p.717). Though this essay is focusing on the importance of quality management to â€Å"developing competitive advantage† alone, it can be seen that cost reduction and enhancing income will also eventually add up as essential ingredients of â€Å"competitive advantage† (Daunoriene, 2011, p.717). ... Though this essay is focusing on the importance of quality management to â€Å"developing competitive advantage† alone, it can be seen that cost reduction and enhancing income will also eventually add up as essential ingredients of â€Å"competitive advantage† (Daunoriene, 2011, p.717). It has already been made clear that for a university, quality management is synonymous with knowledge management and the management of knowledge creation. This will involve a maximum and effective utilization of infrastructural resources as well as â€Å"intellectual resources† (Ahmadi, 2012, p.691). Here, knowledge is defined as â€Å"a combination of data and information to which the expert opinion, skills and experiences are added to help make correct decisions† (Ahmadi, 2012, p.695). Ahmadi (2012) has listed the various elements of knowledge management as â€Å"customer orientation, organizational learning, promote corporate culture, leadership and smart decisions, red esigning processes, generating new knowledge, converting tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge, and attention to the knowledge of people and the elite† (p.691). Keeping in view these specific elements, it has to be examined how they can contribute to competitive advantage. The four steps involved in this could be â€Å"identification and production of knowledge, storage and coding knowledge, knowledge dissemination and publication, and utilization of knowledge and getting feedback† (Ahmadi, 2012, p.692). These steps can also be converted into a six-stages process in which the stages are â€Å"knowledge identification, knowledge acquisition, knowledge development, knowledge sharing and distribution, operation and maintenance of knowledge, and using knowledge† (Ahmadi, 2012, p.692).

Friday, November 15, 2019

Promoting Eco Tourism In Malaysia

Promoting Eco Tourism In Malaysia Malaysia is a central of constitutional monarchy system in Southeast Asia. It is based on 13 states and three federal territories and has a total large are of land of 329,847 square kilometres. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur while Putrajaya is the base of the federal government. The population in 2009 is at over 28 million. Since its independence, Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with Gross Domestic Product growing an average 6.5% for the first 50 years of independence. It is an institution member of the Association of Southeast Asian Country and the Organization of Islamic Conference, and a member of Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Non-Aligned Movement. The economy of the country has traditionally been established by its natural resources, but is now also expanding in the sectors of science, tourism, commerce and medical tourism. It has a diversity range of flora and fauna, and is considered one of the 17 different parts of countries. Malaysia is a impressive diverse country, with a great number of species. Two of three parts of Malaysia in large land of trees with a high quantity of lowland arise below an altitude of 760 meters. Like Borneo, East Malaysia was originally covered with lowland rainforests even though it is largely has been cleared causing most of the wildlife to escape into the upland rainforest. Rainforests in Malaysia are made of different types of living variety, mainly dipterocarp forests. The forest is the existing place of the largest flower in the world, Rafflesia which also has a unique unpleasant smell. Due to the declination of forests in Malaysia, the government has taken actions to solve the problem. Malaysian forests also consists of 1450 square mangroves in different parts of area. 1.2 Background of the Study Malaysia is known for its richness in different perspectives of natural landscapes and environment especially among all the national parks. Tourism has becoming one of the most important elements in contributing into Malaysias economy sector. Malaysia has some of the best national parks ready to be explored for its breathtaking view and inspiring landscape. However, there are disappointments especially among Malaysians that do not see local national parks as a place to spend their holidays. Most Malaysians prefer anything else but having an engagement with the nature. People are still looking nature parks as an unexciting place to spend their holidays. Instead, it is more popular among foreign tourists. The reason why we Malaysians do not appreciate the nature that we have, it is because Malaysians do care less about nature. We are not educated enough about the importance of preserving the nature and understanding the concept of natural tourism. 1.3 Problem Statements Ecotourism among youths in Malaysia is always the poor relation of tourism. Due to the growing travel eagerness and power spending among young people has recently brought ecotourism to a failing attraction among youths. The tourism market among young people is mainly attracted to materialistic aspect like shopping and dining for a much higher cost. The problem is based on various aspects of youths, starting with the young people that are not exposed enough to ecotourism. Young generations in Malaysia are not taught to love the environment since small. They are only concentrated on academic wise and ignoring the importance of keeping our nature spirit alive. Young people in recent time are not adventurous in traveling while in fact they are many destinations in Malaysia to be visit. When people are no longer interested in ecotourism, people who are actually involved in ecotourism are lacking in their duties due to no support in financially and economically by the tourism ministry. They tend to loose interest in taking care of the ecotourism places and is not taken care of. The tourism ministry in Malaysia is not in fact being very supportive and not changing perceptions of social class boundaries. They are not taking any supportive action to improve ecotourism among young generation 1.4 Research Objectives The objective of this study is to acknowledge the relationship between educational background and the effective aspect based on ecotourism among Malaysian youths. To mark the stage of exploration regarding the theme of ecotourism for Malaysian youths. To study the purpose in incorporating the ideas of youths view the range of vision and maintenance to the community. Provide young people a chance to volunteer and adapt to new surroundings and get equally comfortable with their surroundings through ecotourism. To require an opportunity to select an environment in variety and work together with the nature also teach exciting learning of environment for our future generations. To search the involvement of youths in Malaysia guided by using quantitative methodology. To provide the importance of ecotourism by adding implications and develop planning and practice. Understanding the awareness among Malaysian youths in ecotourism, also increase an improvement in understanding responsible ecotourism destinations and better managed to the world. 1.5 Research Questions Does level of knowledge affect the awareness level of Malaysian youths towards Ecotourism? Does educational background affect the awareness level of Malaysian youths towards Ecotourism? Why do Malaysian youths are not responsible in Ecotourism? How does the Ministry of Tourism being supportive to Ecotourism? 1.6 Hypothesis Statement Shell Malaysia Sustainable Development (SD) Grants Programme (2008) seeks to assist qualifying Malaysia-based NGOs, local academic institutions, schools, societies and individuals in executing their SD initiatives. They conduct an environmental conservation projects to conserve biodiversity, natural resources and ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs, and aerial in nature. The company is doing this to increase environmental awareness amongst the youth who live within the environmental heritage of Tanjung Kupang. Kelab Alami is a club build for the youth of Mukim Tg Kupang, Gelang Patah, Johor. The club works to increase environmental awareness amongst the young of this area so that they can understand and appreciate the natural heritage that is their backyard. Not only are they engaged in a constant series of environmental education programs, but they are trained as Youth Rangers who monitor the surrounding ecosystems and conduct regular habitat studies and experiments in the sea grass and mangroves also guided by scientist advisors. They are also trained as ecotourism guides for visiting schools or tourists so that they can share their environment with others. According to Richards (2005) of ISTC/UNWTO he implies that the movement of in young people in higher education is an important source of income in many countries. Many countries mentioned the relationship between tourism and the wide range of student exchange programme in operation scheme for intercultural exchange for university students. A link was also made between student travel and special interests related to the area of study, such as cultural heritage and architecture, which are important markets for the country. Student tourism also refers to ECOTOURISM TOURISM FEATURES High spending tourists Supports local Economy Conserve local heritage travel by schoolchildren, often related to learning about the history and culture of their own country. According to Richards, youth travel are well integrated in Malaysia, under the Eighth Malaysia Plan (2001-2005), student tourism has become a priority development area: In view of the tremendous potential for education tourism and student tourism, greater efforts were made to promote Malaysia as a centre of educational excellence. During the review period, a Committee on Education Tourism was established to spearhead the development of education tourism, which includes marketing and promotion of education as well as the facilitation of administrative procedures for students and parents. Apart from participating in nine educational promotion activities organized by international agencies, Malaysia also conducted a total of 15 exhibitions and road shows in selected countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions. Students are often viewed as a low income market, for which special provision needs to be made in terms of discounted tourism services. As stated by Manurung R. (2000) about the awareness in raising an education towards youth and the effective planning in Effort Improvement Several criteria. He agreed that it must be deal with an issue in planning ecotourism development specifically the different uniqueness of natural experiences like ecosystem and geographical area for flora and fauna. He also stated that infrastructure in Malaysia are often lack of care with limited transport to ecotourism destinations, dividing departments of local land, threats to the ecosystem and the societys acceptance of tourists. According to M.R. Yacob, A. Radam (2009), there are three institutional central figure involved in promoting tourism and ecotourism. The government, the private sector and the society. The government is related through the Ministries of Transportation and Telecommunication, the State Ministry for Tourism and Arts, the Environmental Impact Management Agency and local government. The government is the highest organization of tourism development, while travel agents, and other component part are the implementation of the body. The central government encourage the visual of diversity in Malaysia as a whole, but every area of organization has the power to do promotion of their own products. The movement between the three figures must be increased as the State Ministry for Tourism and Arts could not handle all tourism issues. However, the new characteristic political figure does not mean that the central government is free from duty to tourism, considering that tourism development is dimensional, subjective and component system. Restricted supply of funs, unorganized use of funds, safety precaution problems and the infrequency of leaders in government who have high levels of dedication and motivation to handle tourism development are simulative. The lack of professional resources and promotional funds are concerns. Even more, every challenge is seen as an opportunity. Promotion of tourist attractions or destinations must be increased, especially because of the poor image of Malaysia at the moment in the eyes of potential tourists. Promotion should be re asonable and standardized, for if the real situation is different to show by the promotion, it would only worsen the image of the whole country. Hence, M.R. Yacob, A. Radam (2009) stated that by being part of Asian nations, it can be used to promote ecotourism in Malaysia. In ecotourism, the officials of State Minister of Environment work together in managing environmental level, also being responsible for distinctive natural policy. In another point, Potential Impact Management Agency was set up to participate in ecotourism resources between two marine parks in Peninsular Malaysia. Because of this, this research approximate the value of ecotourism resources by using environmental economic devices features dependent method. Visitors are willing to pay by the research result that it may provide official advice to marine parks and to help develop management policies that improve ecotourism contribution to sustainable development in Malaysia. Abdullah M., Kamaruzaman J., Altaf H.S., Am at R.Y. (2008) together made a research on local community in their participation in ecotourism activities and resource protection and in protected areas that can be pursued through working together in the same management. Currently, the natural resources are degrading due to unselective use by the locals and visitors mainly in the form of exceeding the limits and tourism unsuitable activities. The study investigates the problems that affected natural resources and local community involvement in management to make things with such problem. MFC Jamil, BS NorAini Yusof (2010) stated that the investigations that the relationship between organizational culture and financial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in ecotourism area are affected. R.A. Aziz (2009) claims that general domestic tourism has been boosted by the increasing number of corporate retreats, family recreation, youth camps held at various tourist destinations around the country, the more affordable domestic air travel to various local destinations. The various affordable package tours being introduced and promoted to sustain interests and attract local as well as foreign tourists besides shopping, sports and recreational activities. The tourism products and services include cultural and heritage including geological tourism, eco-tourism, agro-tourism, homestay programme, thematic events and meeting incentives, and health tourism to cater to the varying interests and preferences. Infrastructure and communication facilities are expanded and upgraded. Road, rail, air and sea transportation improved. A total of approximately RM1.8 billion has been allocated under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to further develop and enhance Malaysia tourism industry. However, promoting heritage tourism could have environmental costs physically, socially and culturally. If it is not well-managed and regulated, heritage exploitation and consumption approach adopted in the pursuit for tourist dollars has created ir reparable damage to the physical character of many heritage places and sites. Development and construction of various tourist-related facilities and infrastructures near or sometime within the heritage resource itself have also contributed to the damage of the social and economic structure of the area where the heritage is located. Amran Hamah (2004) stated that an educational tourism programme was developed by MOCAT and the Ministry of Education in 2001 to encourage local travel through the establishment of tourism clubs in schools. By doing so, students are being targeted as the catalyst to persuade their families to travel more regularly within the country. Recently, this Program Pelancongan Pelajar or Students Tourism Programme (PPP) has managed to attract tour operators as partners in the implementation and promotion of the programme. Potentially, this programme could be extended to include educational establishments and tourism destinations within the region. In the long run, it would be able to encourage more social contact and cultural exchanges as well as understanding between the youths in the region. There are weaknesses and opportunities of Malaysias tourism industry. The weakness is its low yield economic return, forced upon by the underselling of hotel rates, hence affecting the profit margin of most 4 to 5 star hotels. Consequently, the low profit margin has affected HRD and training and hotel refurbishment programmes, which in turn, has affected service quality. At sensitive areas such as islands and hill resorts, environmental degradation has also worsened over the last few years due to the lack of management and enforcement. Until the economic outlook for hoteliers improve, the tourism industry is expected to play safe and keep what they have rather than embark on cross-border selling of tour packages. As mentioned earlier, the opportunities for multi destination or cross border tourism have been vastly improved by the advent of budget airlines which are able to profitable serve destinations. In addition, the branding associated with World Heritage Sites and the growing interest in themed tours also provides new opportunities for intra regional travel. In the long term, youth travel within the country and possibly within the region will not only boost Asian cohesion but also develop a travelling culture amongst the nation and region s youth. In turn, the social benefit of youth travel has the potential to be transformed into an economic benefit in the future. Another main reason for their reluctance to be actively involved in tourism is the lack of mechanism for direct revenue capture given that almost all income from tourism are channelled back to the Federal government coffers. During a conference for youth tourism M. T. Mirza (2005) only focused on Japanese students by staying a t Malaysian Homestay Association. The local young people is neglected and not supported by the Youth Organization. J. Jamil, M. Badaruddin, P. Ahmad (2007) developed an allocation by the Central government is more focused on physical developments such as road infrastructure, housing estates and public facilities in Penang Island. This scenario makes the tourism sector being left behind and its status is not guaranteed as the infrastructure construction is still been given the first priority. Competition of space and land use between infrastructure project and tourism attraction are always stiff. However, physical infrastructure will always take the lead. The government has no initiative to make replacement or maintenance work if the tourism areas are damaged or intruded by other physical economic developments. In Penang Island a survey result shows, out of seven tourist attractions that have been taken over for infrastructure development, only one have been replaced or given an alte rnative tourist site. 1.7 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework Destination Education Attractions Target Market Economy Impact Environment 1.8 Significance of the Study The suggestion that is put forward to have significance in spite of the fact that the study in ecotourism among youth in Malaysia is much related to the roots of heritage and cultural aspect. It gives an impact towards economy and local environment. The development of ecotourism programmes among youth is an area that has received non-sufficient treatment both in theory and practice. The recreation field is used for the purpose of demonstrating fundamental differences between young explorer and young tourists. Ecotourism services are to develop meaningful programmes, utilize a recreation in satisfying the future generations as well as profitable organization. This will guide to professionalism in conducting an appropriate ecotourism programme including establishment of the sustainable design of ecotourism. 1.9 Scope and Limitations The scope for this study mainly based on ecotourism industry that is growing fast in Malaysia in the 21st century. The importance of this sector to the economy of a developing country like Malaysia is significant, but difficult to measure with any precision. According to Malaysian Tourism Industry, young travellers grew from 14.6% in 1980 to 20% in 2001, and had been projected to reach 25% by 2005. As a matter of fact, youth travel is believed to be the fastest growing travel market segment, surpassing even ecotourism and cultural tourism. Mirza Mohammad Taiyab (2005). Ecotourism in Malaysia is a way to travel with definitions including an element of education and far from being uninhabited wilderness. The tourist accommodation is likewise sited some distance from the village, and is built in the traditional style using local materials taking advantages of any breeze. This study will look into the governmental issue of kind of infrastructure they build for ecotourism market. The limitation was the sources to be found. The searches were done by Google Scholar with journals and articles, KDU Library and online book. Research for references were very limited as the topic above does not fulfil full requirement online. Besides, several journals and articles need to be purchased or log in as a member in order to read. CHAPTER TWO 2.1 Literature Review Definition of Ecotourism People among youths travel and explore inside the country and other country for holiday. The are several purposes to travel by visiting friends, on holiday, study abroad, understand different cultures as well as for relaxation and adventure. Youth travel is a part of their process of changes to adulthood. Young people who are used to stay at home youth travel is considered as an additional segment of the education process which familiarize youths with their own country. The definition of youth travel market figure in ecotourism is not widely accepted due to the lack of seen through quality in measuring its size and characteristics. Youth travelers are recognized today as a great value to make an important contribution to the local economy. By visiting new places in their own country, they can develop personal skills, social connection and cultural chain in their search for new experience. The youth travel market in ecotourism can be divided into two categories. A youth travel that de pends on their own self and youth travel with a number of people sharing experience together. Youth group travel consists of a group of six or more young people traveling together. A few experienced people in the industry has divide an additional to the youth group travel component into two groups. Youth which travel in groups in school also often referred to as student travel and also youth which travels in a group outside school. School-based youth group travel is specifically authorized by the sponsoring school, school board or school district. Based on a study by Opperman (1992), he claimed that until the year of 1990, after 15 years of implementation of the Tourism Master Plan, tourism development was still unequally distributed amongst the region as suggested. Rapid development are more accumulate in West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia than on the East Coast. King (1993) however stated that Sabah and Sarawak were far behind in attracting tourists. Leong (1997) claimed that the disparity of tourism development among the region of tourists was caused by lack promoting in the tourism market. According to Din (1982) he also noted that the plan has a small reference to the (New Environmental Paradigm) NEP in terms of suggesting how would the government agencies play their role to encourage Bumiputeras to get involve in tourism industry. The criticism has been responded by the federal government and in 1990 National Development Policy (NDP) has been launched. The NDP also stressed on the importance of nationally integrated devel opment. The strategies were brought from NEP objectives to eradicate poverty and restructure national society. Sixth Malaysia Plan (1995) proposed a two-pronged strategy of tourism development to increase foreign tourists inflows and to promote domestic tourists to reduce foreign exchange outflows on account of Malaysian travelers. The loss of many invaluable heritage by beeing natural and cultural seem to lead by the process of too many old buildings and monuments are destroyed to make way for new and modern ones. However, promoting heritage tourism could have environmental costs physically, socially and culturally if it is not well-managed and regulated. In many developing countries heritage exploitation and consumption approach adopted in the pursuit for tourists has created irreparable damage to the physical character of many heritage places and sites. Development and construction of various tourist-related facilities and infrastructures near or sometime within the heritage resource itself have also contributed to the damage of the social and economic structure of the area where the heritage is located. Since the identified heritage are the very basis for the heritage tourism in the first place, it is important to rehabilitate, conserve, protect and even preserve those heritage. In so doing the natural or cultural resources would not be damaged or run down and thus could benefit future generations. Also, to do so would not only be in accordance with the objectives of sustainable development, but would also facilitate the inherent characteristics of the different areas besides promoting sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism being defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the wellbeing of its inhabitants (World Heritage Alliance Principles). Such tourism would help preserve both the environmental integrity of the sites as well as the cultural heritage of surrounding communities. Sustainable tourism also contribute to the sustainability of the local economies where livelihoods are often based on the cultivation of their natural environment and the income from the tourist industry. Most local communities in tourist destinations are enthusiastic to participate in tourism activities. Tosun (2006) found that the majority (more than 80 percent) of the local community in a local destination would like to take the leading role as entrepreneurs and workers at all levels, besides encouraging other locals to invest in and work for the tourism industry. Confidence, support and motivation must come from the participants and authority in ensuring the sustainability of the homestay project. Obviously, not every form of community participation can contribute to the realization of the expected benefits of tourism. In fact, most of the homestay projects in Malaysia require participation of not just the host family but the whole community including the school children and the youth club. For example, school children participate in the greeting ceremony as kompang players (a traditional musical instrument) while members of the youth club organise the traditional games demonstration. As a result, the homestay program helps in maintaining the traditional values of team work that creates the feeling of togetherness as well as nourishes social values within the community. The youths, and children may also generate their own income by taking part in cultural activities such as playing traditional musical instruments and performing dances. Melaka International Youth Dialogue (2007) organized by the World Assembly of Youth (WAY) bring young people and youth leaders together from around the world to discuss themes including globalization and human capital development. MIYD selected a realization of the vast opportunities available to young people in ecotourism sector. Their objective is to: Develop youth policies and laws to enhance youth participation in tourism sector Create an enabling environment for youth participation in tourism sector Establish credit schemes to provide soft loans for youth who are already in the industry and tourism industry player. According to Dr T. Shanka, J. Musca (1998) more Malaysians (46%) took day trips compared with Singaporean students who took overnight trips (53%). Respondents from Malaysia (35%) or single (30%) or those aged between 20-24 years of age (31%) also would recommend the Albany/Esperance region overnight trips. Based on a supporting element of research by Dr. Prakorb Phon-ngam (2007) Youth tourism has a long history in Malaysia. Young people independently travel through the networks of youth hostel and railways for their own pleasure. Tourists can even check in for short courses in university campus, they could choose to stay in university dormitory, hostel, or with host family. As for Malaysian tourism planning research group, 2006, Youth Tourism becomes very important in many countries around the world, as can be seen recently, there was a Youth Tourism conference in Malaysia on May 3rd to May 5th 2006, organized by the Tourism of Malaysia. The main focuses of the conference were to pro vide a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences with all the best practices in relation to youth tourism. By establishing youth ecotourism to identify problems, issues and prospects are in as a focus area for the ecotourism industry and to recommend policies. All the product development programs and strategic marketing approaches the youth to improve the quality of youth ecotourism as a commercial venture as well as a catalyst for cultural exchange and regional integration. CHAPTER THREE Research Methodology 3.1 General Methodology http://scholar.google.com/scholar www.pdftop.com/ebook/ecotourism+malaysia/ The Star ; February 17th 2004 New Straits Times ; February 19th 2004 Yahaya I. ; A.R.A. Rasid (2009) Homestay Program and Rural Community Development in Malaysia Din, K.H. (1982). Tourism in Malaysia: competing needs in a plural society. Annals of Tourism Research King, V.T. (1993). Tourism and Culture in Malaysia. In Hitchcock, M., King, V.T. Parnwell, M.J.G. (Eds.) Tourism in South-East Asia Leong, F.P. (1997). Tourism development in Malaysia: the role of domestic tourism in national integration Oppermann, M. (1992) Spatial structure of tourism in Peninsular Malaysia: a preliminary study. Tourism Recreation Research Marzuki A. (2010) TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA. A REVIEW ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT POLICIES Amran H. (2004) POLICY AND PLANNING OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA RA AZIZ (2009) Abdullah M., Kamaruzaman J., Altaf H.S., Amat R.Y. (2008) MR Yacob, A Radam (2009) Journal of Sustainable Development Richards G. Survey on Student and Youth Tourism among National Tourism Administrations/Organizations Ricardo M. (2000) Ecotourism in Indonesia Mirza M.T. (2005) The Role and Importance of Youth Tourism In The Malaysian Tourism Industry. MFC Jamil, BS NorAini Yusof (2010) World Applied Sciences Journal Jamil J., Badaruddin M., Puad A.(2007) CRITICAL TOURIST DESTINATION: THE IMPACT OF THE MALAYSIAN DEVELOPMENT AGENDA TOWARDS NATUREBASED TOURIST ATTRACTION Tosun, C. (2006) Expected Nature of Community Participation in Tourism Development Tourism Management Dr Tekle Shanka and Mr John Musca Australia and New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference 1998 AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS INVOLVEMENT IN DOMESTIC TOURISM A WEST AUSTRALIAN CASE Dr. Prakorb Phon-ngam Vice President for International Affairs and Quality Assurance (2007) GMS Discoveries: Borderless Issues for Regional Strengthening and Sustainable Development

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Treatment of Women in Hamlet and Trifles Essay -- Comparison Compare C

Treatment of Women in Hamlet and Trifles Of all Shakespeare’s thirty-seven plays, perhaps the best known and loved is Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Many people think that it is unforgettable because of its poetic language and style. But, while these are factors that mark the play as a classic, it remains timeless because it explores many of the issues that are still important to people today. These issues, including loyalty to family and country, protecting loved ones, and deception are still prevalent around the world, and are especially prominent in the United States government. Another play that addresses major issues that are still relevant to society, especially women, is Susan Glaspell’s Trifles. Because Glaspell’s play shows women that they are certainly just as capable as men of completing any task, it encourages women to take a stand against the supposed supremacy of their husbands. It also forces men to consider more seriously the opinions and concerns of women. While Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale in Trifles do this in a quiet manner, they still remain defiant against their husband’s beliefs that they are only competent enough to worry about â€Å"trifles† (Glaspell 1618). Therefore, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark and Trifles explore many issues that are still relevant to society today by questioning, supporting, and criticizing some of them, especially loyalty, gender roles, protecting loved ones, and deception. First, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark seriously questions the extent to which one should be loyal to one’s family. It obviously holds this value as one to consider seriously because it is the issue on which the play is based, Hamlet’s loyalty to his father. Thus, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark asks its readers to... ... April 2004. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/columnist/benedetto/2004-04-03-benedetto_x.htm. Cantor, Paul. Shakespeare: Hamlet. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 1989. Crocker, Lisa. â€Å"Studies in Liminality: A Review of Critical Commentary on Glaspell’s Trifles.† 30 July 1996. University of South Florida. 28 March 2004. http://itech.fgcu.edu/faculty/wohlpart/alra/glaspell.htm#knot Evans, Elizabeth M. â€Å"Biographical Influences on Glaspell’s Trifles.† 30 July 1996. University of South Florida. 28 March 2004. http://itech.fgcu.edu/faculty/wohlpart/alra/glaspell.htm#knot. Glaspell, Susan. Trifles. Literature. 5th ed. Ed. Robert Di Yanni. New York. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2002. 1616 -1626. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Literature. 5th ed. Ed. Robert Di Yanni. New York. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2002. 1395-1496.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Foundation and Empire 1. Search For Magicians

BEL RIOSE†¦ In his relatively short career, Riose earned the title of â€Å"The Last of the Imperials† and earned it well. A study of his campaigns reveals him to be the equal of Peurifoy in strategic ability and his superior perhaps in his ability to handle men. That he was born in the days of the decline of Empire made it all but impossible for him to equal Peurifoy's record as a conqueror. Yet he had his chance when, the first of the Empire's generals to do so, he faced the Foundation squarely†¦ Encyclopedia Galactica *All quotations from the Encyclopedia Galactica here reproduced are taken from the 116th Edition published in 1020 F.E. by the Encyclopedia Galactica Publishing Co., Terminus, with permission of the publishers. Bel Riose traveled without escort, which is not what court etiquette prescribes for the head of a fleet stationed in a yet-sullen stellar system on the Marches of the Galactic Empire. But Bel Riose was young and energetic – energetic enough to be sent as near the end of the universe as possible by an unemotional and calculating court – and curious besides. Strange and improbable tales fancifully-repeated by hundreds and murkily-known to thousands intrigued the last faculty; the possibility of a military venture engaged the other two. The combination was overpowering. He was out of the dowdy ground-car he had appropriated and at the door of the fading mansion that was his destination. He waited. The photonic eye that spanned the doorway was alive, but when the door opened it was by hand. Bel Riose smiled at the old man. â€Å"I am Riose-â€Å" â€Å"I recognize you.† The old man remained stiffly and unsurprised in his place. â€Å"Your business?† Riose withdrew a step in a gesture of submission. â€Å"One of peace. If you are Ducem Barr, I ask the favor of conversation.† Ducem Barr stepped aside and in the interior of the house the walls glowed into life, The general entered into daylight. He touched the wall of the study, then stared at his fingertips. â€Å"You have this on Siwenna?† Barr smiled thinly. â€Å"Not elsewhere, I believe. I keep this in repair myself as well as I can. I must apologize for your wait at the door. The automatic device registers the presence of a visitor but will no longer open the door.† â€Å"Your repairs fall short?† The general's voice was faintly mocking. â€Å"Parts are no longer available. If you will sit, sir. You drink tea?† â€Å"On Siwenna? My good sir, it is socially impossible not to drink it here.† The old patrician retreated noiselessly with a slow bow that was part of the ceremonious legacy left by the aristocracy of the last century's better days. Riose looked after his host's departing figure, and his studied urbanity grew a bit uncertain at the edges. His education had been purely military; his experience likewise. He had, as the cliche‚ has it, faced death many times; but always death of a very familiar and tangible nature, Consequently, there is no inconsistency in the fact that the idolized lion of the Twentieth Fleet felt chilled in the suddenly musty atmosphere of an ancient room. The general recognized the small black-ivroid boxes that lined the shelves to be books. Their titles were unfamiliar. He guessed that the large structure at one end of the room was the receiver that transmuted the books into sight-and-sound on demand. He had never seen one in operation; but he had heard of them. Once he had been told that long before, during the golden ages when the Empire had been co-extensive with the entire Galaxy, nine houses out of every ten had such receivers – and such rows of books. But there were borders to watch now; books were for old men. And half the stories told about the old days were mythical anyway. More than half. The tea arrived, and Riose seated himself. Ducem Barr lifted his cup. â€Å"To your honor.† â€Å"Thank you. To yours.† Ducem Barr said deliberately, â€Å"You are said to be young. Thirty-five?† â€Å"Near enough. Thirty-four.† â€Å"In that case,† said Barr, with soft emphasis, â€Å"I could not begin better than by informing you regretfully that I am not in the possession of love charms, potions, or philtres. Nor am I in the least capable of influencing the favors of any young lady as may appeal to you.† â€Å"I have no need of artificial aids in that respect, sir.† The complacency undeniably present in the general's voice was stirred with amusement. â€Å"Do you receive many requests for such commodities?† â€Å"Enough. Unfortunately, an uninformed public tends to confuse scholarship with magicianry, and love life seems to be that factor which requires the largest quantity of magical tinkering.† â€Å"And so would seem most natural. But I differ. I connect scholarship with nothing but the means of answering difficult questions.† The Siwennian considered somberly, â€Å"You may be as wrong as they!† â€Å"That may turn out or not.† The young general set down his cup in its flaring sheath and it refilled. He dropped the offered flavor-capsule into it with a small splash. â€Å"Tell me then, patrician, who are the magicians? The real ones.† Barr seemed startled at a title long-unused. He said, â€Å"There are no magicians.† â€Å"But people speak of them. Siwenna crawls with the tales of them. There are cults being built about them. There is some strange connection between it and those groups among your countrymen who dream and drivel of ancient days and what they call liberty and autonomy. Eventually the matter might become a danger to the State.† The old man shook his head. â€Å"Why ask me? Do you smell rebellion, with myself at the head?† Riose shrugged, â€Å"Never. Never. Oh, it is not a thought completely ridiculous. Your father was an exile in his day; you yourself a patriot and a chauvinist in yours. It is indelicate in me as a guest to mention it, but my business here requires it. And yet a conspiracy now? I doubt it. Siwenna has had the spirit beat out of it these three generations.† The old man replied with difficulty, â€Å"I shall be as indelicate a host as you a guest. I shall remind you that once a viceroy thought as you did of the spiritless Siwennians. By the orders of that viceroy my father became a fugitive pauper, my brothers martyrs, and my sister a suicide. Yet that viceroy died a death sufficiently horrible at the hands of these same slavish Siwennians.† â€Å"Ah, yes, and there you touch nearly on something I could wish to say. For three years the mysterious death of that viceroy has been no mystery to me. There was a young soldier of his personal guard whose actions were of interest. You were that soldier, but there is no need of details, I think.† Barr was quiet. â€Å"None. What do you propose?† â€Å"That you answer my questions.† â€Å"Not under threats. I am old enough for life not to mean particularly overmuch.† â€Å"My good sir, these are hard times,† said Riose, with meaning, â€Å"and you have children and friends. You have a country for which you have mouthed phrases of love and folly in the past. Come, if I should decide to use force, my aim would not be so poor as to strike you.† Barr said coldly, â€Å"What do you want?† Riose held the empty cup as he spoke. â€Å"Patrician, listen to me. These are days when the most successful soldiers are those whose function is to lead the dress parades that wind through the imperial palace grounds on feast days and to escort the sparkling pleasure ships that carry His Imperial Splendor to the summer planets. I†¦ I am a failure. I am a failure at thirty-four, and I shall stay a failure. Because, you see, I like to fight. â€Å"That's why they sent me here. I'm too troublesome at court. I don't fit in with the etiquette. I offend the dandies and the lord admirals, but I'm too good a leader of ships and men to be disposed of shortly be being marooned in space. So Siwenna is the substitute. It's a frontier world; a rebellious and a barren province. It is far away, far enough away to satisfy all. â€Å"And so I moulder. There are no rebellions to stamp down, and the border viceroys do not revolt lately, at least, not since His Imperial Majesty's late father of glorious memory made an example of Mountel of Paramay.† â€Å"A strong Emperor,† muttered Barr. â€Å"Yes, and we need more of them. He is my master; remember that. These are his interests I guard.† Barr shrugged unconcernedly. â€Å"How does all this relate to the subject?† â€Å"I'll show you in two words. The magicians I've mentioned come from beyond-out there beyond the frontier guards, where the stars are scattered thinly-â€Å" â€Å"‘Where the stars are scattered thinly,†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ quoted Barr, â€Å"‘And the cold of space seeps in.†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ â€Å"Is that poetry?† Riose frowned. Verse seemed frivolous at the moment. â€Å"In any case, they're from the Periphery – from the only quarter where I am free to fight for the glory of the Emperor.† â€Å"And thus serve His Imperial Majesty's interests and satisfy your own love of a good fight.† â€Å"Exactly. But I must know what I fight; and there you can help.† â€Å"How do you know?† Riose nibbled casually at a cakelet. â€Å"Because for three years I have traced every rumor, every myth, every breath concerning the magicians – and of all the library of information I have gathered, only two isolated facts are unanimously agreed upon, and are hence certainly true. The first is that the magicians come from the edge of the Galaxy opposite Siwenna; the second is that your father once met a magician, alive and actual, and spoke with him.† The aged Siwennian stared unblinkingly, and Riose continued, â€Å"You had better tell me what you know-â€Å" Barr said thoughtfully, â€Å"It would be interesting to tell you certain things. It would be a psychohistoric experiment of my own.† â€Å"What kind of experiment?† â€Å"Psychohistoric.† The old man had an unpleasant edge to his smile. Then, crisply, â€Å"You'd better have more tea. I'm going to make a bit of a speech.† He leaned far back into the soft cushions of his chair. The wall-lights had softened to a pink-ivory glow, which mellowed even the soldier's hard profile. Ducem Barr began, â€Å"My own knowledge is the result of two accidents; the accidents of being born the son of my father, and of being born the native of my country. It begins over forty years ago, shortly after the great Massacre, when my father was a fugitive in the forests of the South, while I was a gunner in the viceroy's personal fleet. This same viceroy, by the way, who had ordered the Massacre, and who died such a cruel death thereafter.† Barr smiled grimly, and continued, â€Å"My father was a Patrician of the Empire and a Senator of Siwenna. His name was Onum Barr.† Riose interrupted impatiently, â€Å"I know the circumstances of his exile very well. You needn't elaborate upon it.† The Siwennian ignored him and proceeded without deflection. â€Å"During his exile a wanderer came upon him; a merchant from the edge of the Galaxy; a young man who spoke a strange accent, knew nothing of recent Imperial history, and who was protected by an individual force-shield.† â€Å"An individual force-shield?† Riose glared. â€Å"You speak extravagance. What generator could be powerful enough to condense a shield to the size of a single man? By the Great Galaxy, did he carry five thousand myria-tons of nuclear power-source about with him on a little wheeled gocart?† Barr said quietly, â€Å"This is the magician of whom you hear whispers, stories and myths. The name ‘magician' is not lightly earned. He carried no generator large enough to be seen, but not the heaviest weapon you can carry in your hand would have as much as creased the shield he bore.† â€Å"Is this all the story there is? Are the magicians born of maunderings of an old man broken by suffering and exile?† â€Å"The story of the magicians antedated even my father, sir. And the proof is more concrete. After leaving my father, this merchant that men call a magician visited a Tech-man at the city to which my father had guided him, and there he left a shield-generator of the type he wore. That generator was retrieved by my father after his return from exile upon the execution of the bloody viceroy. It took a long time to find- â€Å"The generator hangs on the wall behind you, sir. It does not work. It never worked but for the first two days; but if you'll look at it, you will see that no one in the Empire ever designed it.† Bel Riose reached for the belt of linked metal that clung to the curved wall. It came away with a little sucking noise as the tiny adhesion-field broke at the touch of his hand. The ellipsoid at the apex of the belt held his attention. It was the size of a walnut. â€Å"This-† he said. â€Å"Was the generator,† nodded Barr. â€Å"But it was the generator. The secret of its workings are beyond discovery now. Sub-electronic investigations have shown it to be fused into a single lump of metal and not all the most careful study of the diffraction patterns have sufficed to distinguish the discrete parts that had existed before fusion.† â€Å"Then your ‘proof' still lingers on the frothy border of words backed by no concrete evidence.† Barr shrugged. â€Å"You have demanded my knowledge of me and threatened its extortion by force. If you choose to meet it with skepticism, what is that to me? Do you want me to stop?† â€Å"Go on!† said the general, harshly. â€Å"I continued my father's researches after he died, and then the second accident I mentioned came to help me, for Siwenna was well known to Hari Seldon.† â€Å"And who is Hari Seldon?† â€Å"Hari Seldon was a scientist of the reign of the Emperor, Daluben IV. He was a psychohistorian; the last and greatest of them all. He once visited Siwenna, when Siwenna was a great commercial center, rich in the arts and sciences.† â€Å"Hmph,† muttered Riose, sourly, â€Å"where is the stagnant planet that does not claim to have been a land of overflowing wealth in older days?† â€Å"The days I speak of are the days of two centuries ago, when the Emperor yet ruled to the uttermost star; when Siwenna was a world of the interior and not a semi-barbarian border province. In those days, Hari Seldon foresaw the decline of Imperial power and the eventual barbarization of the entire Galaxy.† Riose laughed suddenly. â€Å"He foresaw that? Then he foresaw wrong, my good scientist. I suppose you call yourself that. Why, the Empire is more powerful now than it has been in a millennium. Your old eyes are blinded by the cold bleakness of the border. Come to the inner worlds some day; come to the warmth and the wealth of the center.† The old man shook his head somberly. â€Å"Circulation ceases first at the outer edges. It will take a while yet for the decay to reach the heart. That is, the apparent, obvious-to-all decay, as distinct from the inner decay that is an old story of some fifteen centuries.† â€Å"And so this Hari Seldon foresaw a Galaxy of uniform barbarism,† said Riose, good-humoredly. â€Å"And what then, eh?† â€Å"So he established two foundations at the extreme opposing ends of the Galaxy – Foundations of the best, and the youngest, and the strongest, there to breed, grow, and develop. The worlds on which they were placed were chosen carefully; as were the times and the surroundings. All was arranged in such a way that the future as foreseen by the unalterable mathematics of psychohistory would involve their early isolation from the main body of Imperial civilization and their gradual growth into the germs of the Second Galactic Empire – cutting an inevitable barbarian interregnum from thirty thousand years to scarcely a single thousand.† â€Å"And where did you find out all this? You seem to know it in detail.† â€Å"I don't and never did,† said the patrician with composure. â€Å"It is the painful result of the piecing together of certain evidence discovered by my father and a little more found by myself. The basis is flimsy and the superstructure has been romanticized into existence to fill the huge gaps. But I am convinced that it is essentially true.† â€Å"You are easily convinced.† â€Å"Am I? It has taken forty years of research.† â€Å"Hmph. Forty years! I could settle the question in forty days. In fact, I believe I ought to. It would be – different.† â€Å"And how would you do that?† â€Å"In the obvious way. I could become an explorer. I could find this Foundation you speak of and observe with my eyes. You say there are two?† â€Å"The records speak of two. Supporting evidence has been found only for one, which is understandable, for the other is at the extreme end of the long axis of the Galaxy.† â€Å"Well, we'll visit the near one.† The general was on his feet, adjusting his belt. â€Å"You know where to go?† asked Barr. â€Å"In a way. In the records of the last viceroy but one, he whom you murdered so effectively, there are suspicious tales of outer barbarians. In fact, one of his daughters was given in marriage to a barbarian prince. I'll find my way.† He held out a hand. â€Å"I thank you for your hospitality.† Ducem Barr touched the hand with his fingers and bowed formally. â€Å"Your visit was a great honor.† â€Å"As for the information you gave me,† continued Bel Riose, â€Å"I'll know how to thank you for that when I return.† Ducem Barr followed his guest submissively to the outer door and said quietly to the disappearing ground-car, â€Å"And if you return.†

Friday, November 8, 2019

Italian Restaurant Review Essay

Italian Restaurant Review Essay Italian Restaurant Review Essay Authentic Italian cuisine is something many try, and fail to replicate. Cabattos does the best job of providing their customers with the full Italian experience. Not only is their restaurant a comfortable, romantic environment, their food is made completely from scratch and the staff treats you like part of their family. For starters, Cabattos embodies a very comfortable environment, although the restaurant is very rich and luxurious, it remains comfortable and has a very â€Å"at home† feeling. It is in an old house and decorated with many antiques such as paintings, mirrors, a stone fireplace, and an intricate wood staircase. Despite the overwhelmingly elegant appearance, the dim lighting, plush chairs, and warmth from the fire place create a relaxed mood. At Cabattos it is the small things such as having a coat rack on the wall, and the absence of a hostess stand that help customers feel comfortable. Italian people are very family oriented as most people know, and the sett ing at Cabattos represents this by being so welcoming and making everyone that walks through the door feel like they belong. Although Cabattos has a beautiful atmosphere, what really sets them apart from other restaurants is their homemade food. Cabattos puts very delicate care into their food and see their food every step of the way from making their pasta noodles from scratch, to the time is hits your plate. They excel at every dish with their homemade pasta sauce, tender meatballs, perfectly baked vegetables, and meat that just falls apart, it is clear their food is of outstanding quality. The menu is categorized for maximum comprehension by pasta, and strain of meat making it very easy to find something you would enjoy despite the confusing Italian names. Also, the menu includes elaborate descriptions of each dish down to the spices and types of cheese. There is a broad price range from around $20 for a main dish like chicken parmesan to $80 for a dish with veal or

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Short Essay on Katherine Porters Pale Horse, Pale Rider

Short Essay on Katherine Porters Pale Horse, Pale Rider I chose to write a short essay on Katherine Porters' story "Pale Horse, Pale Rider". Upon researching for any literary criticism or reviews on this short story I realized it was going to be much harder than originally anticipated. After four hours of searching the web and not wanting to pay money for papers on the subject matter I was looking for, or pay for any historical book reviews, I finally settled on a criticism on Pale Horse, Pale Rider on Amazon.com. In summary the review cited her work and analyzed her writing and how it made him feel after reading the short story. He stated that the book certainly deserved more than five stars than the rating page allowed, which was the maximum for any book. He cited Katherine Porter's novel as of one of the finest American novels of all time. Mitchell went on to state that before nonfiction books about dying and coming back to life became popular, Katherine Anne Porter wrote this brilliant story about life and death during the influenza e pidemic near the end of World War I.MITCHELL FREIHe stated that unlike any other book he had read, she successfully captured the perspective of the beauty of death eclipsing the beauty of life. He went on to further describe the theme which is to explain how our perspective shifts back towards favoring life, as the memory of death retreats. He stated that Porter's novel had a broader meaning, one which inevitable death ends each of our lives, but, what life means in this context. One of the fascinating plot complications Mitchell stated that she used in the book was to show how "duty" to life usually means increasing the likelihood of death. As a result he stated that , each of...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Homelessness in San Francisco Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Homelessness in San Francisco - Research Paper Example In some worst-case scenarios, the homeless persons opt to seek accommodation in extra ordination places that include abandoned cars and buildings, along streets, in movie theaters, and other places of the kind (Todd, 2006). Moreover, people who are housed by others for a short while, and are bond to leave after sometimes are also considered homeless. Therefore, homeless veterans in San Francisco are people who do not have adequate nighttime accommodation; thus, they do seek accommodation in irregular inhuman places. Homelessness is not a problem of a particular sex or age, but is a plague that affects the entire humankind. Notably, children, adults, the elderly, girls, and women alike are facing the plague of homelessness (Baumohl, 1996). Generally, the most common phenomena that lead to homelessness include domestic violence, mental illnesses, addiction disorder, acute poverty, civil wars, and child abandonment. However, the war veterans in San Francisco who fall victims of homelessness usually find themselves in such situations due to mental illness, physical injuries, and other related aftermaths of war. Their lives on streets subject them to extra ordinary environment with numerous life threatening plagues. Most of the homeless war veterans, in San Francisco, are also subjected to unsafe, precarious, and dangerous environments. They never get access to healthy food, quality healthcare (if get any), secure housing; thus, they are often subjected to deteriorated emotions and abuse of human ri ghts (Burt et Al. 2006). Sometimes Well-wisher or some societies often give these homeless war veterans some material supports. However, these supports are periodic; thus, they are never enough. Therefore, it would be proper if the war veterans who are suffering homelessness are initially identified and supported beyond what is currently being provided to them by the society and well-wishers (Baumohl, 1996). However, it is worth

Friday, November 1, 2019

Strategic Analysis on Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Strategic Analysis on Industry - Essay Example The report concludes with key drivers for change and success in the selected industry. The UK Hotels and Motels Industry comprises of establishments that are providing short-term lodging including hotels, motor hotels, resort hotels, and motels. In addition to the lodging services they also offer services, such as food and beverage services, recreational services, conference rooms and convention services, laundry services, parking, and other services1. The UK hotels and motels industry could be segregated into different groups according to the type of customers they serve including domestic consumers, domestic business and international business & consumers. Evaluation of the UK hotels and motels industry suggest that the main revenue drivers other than providing accommodation are from services such as casinos, conferences, matrimonial gatherings, social functions, shops and telecommunication services. A recent survey carried out by Data Monitor, a research company, highlighted that the total revenues of the UK Hotels and Motels Industry were $35 billion in 2008 that implies a CAGR of 5.6% over the period 2004-2008. However, the same report expects that the industry will slow down because of the poor economic conditions currently prevailing in the global market and lower spending on travel and tourism. The industry is expected to grow at a lower CAGR of 3% till 2013 to reach a level of $40.1 billion2. The international political scenario is negating the growth prospects of the hotels and motels industry. The political risks have direct correlation with the investment decisions of international hotel companies in developing countries. Political instability in a country creates social unrest that could affect the flow of travellers to that country that may in return affect the sales of hotels and motels. These political risks could also be viewed as

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Assignment #2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

#2 - Assignment Example One time when dad was the only one at home, I tried talking to him about my day. I had a really bad day but I don’t want to just blurt it out to him because to me, the feelings are painful and I want to be assured that I will be listened to. So I asked him how his day went. He replied with a brief story about what happened at the office. When he didn’t ask me, I tried asking him another set of questions and none of them seemed to give him the signal that it’s time for him to ask me. When I got upset, I told him, â€Å"Aren’t you even going to ask me about my day?† I felt really bad. But he apologized and said, â€Å"Sweetie, I didn’t even know you wanted to say something. You kept asking me. If you want to tell me about your day, go right ahead.† Only then did I realize that men don’t instinctively know this â€Å"non-spoken rule† among women. For them, if you ask a question, it is a message that you just want information and not comforting. As it was pointed out by Maltz and Broker, one tendency of a woman when it comes to communication is to ask questions. (A Cultural Approach, 38) In my experience in that conversation with my dad, this proved to be true. I believe that this miscommunication was due to gender differences because whenever I ask my mom or my girlfriends about their day or feelings, they always return the question to me. We always ask each other questions but I don’t recall my dad or brother asking me. As it was explained in men’s features, men make more direct declarations of fact or opinion than do women. (A Cultural Approach, 38) When they want to say something, they don’t ask me first, they go right ahead. Another factor that may have affected the miscommunication in my example is sex role. As it was said in Explanations Offered, having been taught to speak and act like â€Å"ladies† women become as unassertive and insecure as they have been made to sound. (A Cultural Approach,

Monday, October 28, 2019

Clearwater Technologies Essay Example for Free

Clearwater Technologies Essay Clearwater set a per-seat manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) that decreased with higher quantity seat purchases, reflecting the customer perception of declining manufacturing cost per seat. Clearwater also saw this as advantageous because it encouraged customers to maximize their initial seat purchase. Clearwater typically sold its products through value-added resellers (VARs). A VAR was typically a small local firm that provided sales and support to end users. The value added by these resellers was that they provided a complete solution to the end user/customer from a single point of purchase and had multiple information technology products available from various vendors. Using VARs reduced Clearwaters sales and service expense significantly and increased its market coverage. These intermediaries operated in several steps. First, the VAR combined the QTX from Clearwater with database software from other suppliers to form a turnkey customer solution. Second, the VAR loaded the software with customer-specific information and linked it to the customers existing sales history databases. Finally, the VAR installed the product at the customers site and trained the customer on its use. Clearwater sold the QTX to resellers at a 50 percent discount from the MSRP, allowing the VARs to sell to the end user at or below the MSRP. The discount allowed the VARs room to negotiate with the customer and still achieve a profit. The Upgrade Initially, the expectation had been that the 30-seat unit would be the largest volume seller. In order to gain economies of scale in manufacturing, reduce inventory configurations, and reduce engineering design and testing expense to a single assembly, Clearwater decided to manufacture only the 30-seat server with the appropriate number of seats enabled for the buyer. Clearwater was effectively giving away extra memory and absorbing the higher cost rather than manufacturing the various sizes. If a customer wanted a 10-seat server, the company shipped a 30-seat capable unit, with only the requested 10 seats enabled through software configuration. The proposed upgrade was, in reality, allowing customers to access capability already built into the product. Clearwater knew that many original customers were ready to use the additional capacity in the QTX. Some customers had added seats by buying a second box, but because the original product contained the capability to expand by accessing the disabled seats, Clearwater saw an opportunity to expand the product line and increase sales to a captive customer base. Customers could double or triple their seat capacity by purchasing either a 10- or a 20-seat upgrade and getting an access code to enable the additional number of seats. No other competitor offered the possibility of an upgrade. To gain additional seats from the competitor, the customer purchased and installed an additional box. Because customers performed a significant amount of acceptance testing, which they would have to repeat before switching brands, the likelihood of changing brands to add capacity was low. The objective of this mornings meeting was to set the price for the two upgrades. As QTX product manager Rob Erickson stopped to collect his most recent notes from his desk, he reflected: What a way to start the week. Every time we have one of these meetings, senior management only looks at margins. I spent the whole weekend cranking numbers and Im going in there using the highest margin weve got today. How can anybody say thats too low? He grabbed his notes, calculator, and coffee and headed down the hall. From the other wing of the building, financial analyst Hillary Hanson was crossing the lobby towards the conference room. She was thinking about the conversation she had late Number MSRP to VAR Unit Unit of Seats End User Price Cost* Margin** 10 $8,000 $4,000 $500 87. 5% 20 $14,000 $7,000 $700 90. 0% 30 $17,250 $8,625 $900 89. % TABLE 1 *Unit cost reflects additional $200 for memory capability for each additional 10 seats. **Margin _ VAR Price _ Unit Cost VAR Price Number Original Original Actual Actual of Seats Unit Cost Unit Margin Unit Cost Unit Margin 10 $500 87. 5% $900 77. 5% 20 $700 90. 0% $900 87. 1% 30 $900 89. 6% $900 89. 6% TABLE 2 Friday afternoon with her boss, Alicia Fisher, Clear waters CFO. They had been discussing this upcoming meeting and Alicia had given Hillary very clear instructions. I want you to go in and argue for the highest price possible. We should absolutely maximize the profitability on the upgrade. The customers are already committed to us and they have no alternative for an upgrade but with us. The switching costs to change at this point are too high since theyve already been trained in our system and software. Lets go for it. Besides, we really need to show some serious revenue generation for the year-end report to the stockholders. Hillary had not actually finalized a number. She figured she could see what the others proposed and then argue for a significant premium over that. She had the CFOs backing so she could keep pushing for more. From the parking lot, Brian James, the district sales manager, headed for the rear entrance. He, too, was thinking about the upcoming meeting and anticipating a long morning. I wish marketing would realize that when they come up with some grandiose number for a new product, sales takes the hit in the field. Its a killer to have to explain to customers that they have to pay big bucks for something thats essentially built in. Its gonna be even tougher to justify on this upgrade. At least with the QTX, we have something the buyer can see. Its hardware. With the upgrade, there isnt even a physical product. Were just giving customers a code to access the capability thats already built into the machine. Telling customers that they have to pay several thousand dollars never makes you popular. If you think about it, thats a lot of money for an access code, but you wont hear me say that out loud. Maybe I can get them to agree to something reasonable this time. I spent the weekend working this one out, and I think my logic is pretty solid. Price Proposals Once everyone was settled in the conference room, Rob spoke first: I know we have to come up with prices for both the 10-seat and 20-seat upgrades, but to keep things manageable, lets discuss the 20-seat price first. Once that number is set, the 10-seat price should be simple. Because the margin on the 30-seat unit is the highest in the line, I think we should use that as the basis to the price for the upgrade. He went to a whiteboard to show an example: If a customer is upgrading from a 10-seat unit to a 30-seat unit, they are adding two steps of capacity costing $200 each to us, or $400. $400 /1-0. 90 _ $4,000 to the reseller, and $8,000 to the end user. We keep the margin structure in place at the highest point in the line. The customer gets additional capacity, and we keep our margins consistent. He sat down feeling pleased. He had fired the first shot, had been consistent with the existing margin structure, and had rounded up the highest margin point in the line. Brian looked at Robs calculations and commented: I think thats going to be hard for the customer to see without us giving away information about our margins, and we dont want to do that, since they are pretty aggressive to begin with. However, I think I have solved this one for us. Ive finally come up with a simple, fair solution to pricing the upgrade that works for us and the customers. He walked over to a whiteboard and grabbed a marker: If we assume an existing 10-seat customer has decided to upgrade to 30-seat capability, we should charge that customer the difference between what the buyer has already paid and the price of the new capacity. So . . . New 30-seat unit $17,250 Original 10-seat unit $8,000 Price for 20-seat upgrade $9,250 Its consistent with our current pricing for the QTX. Its fair to the customer. Its easy for the customer to understand and it still makes wads of money for us. It also is easy for the customer to see that were being good to them. If they bought a 20-seat box in addition to the 10-seat box they already have, it would be costing them more. He wrote: New 20-seat unit $14,000 A new unit provides customers with redundancy by having two boxes, which they might want in the event of product failure, but the cost is pretty stiff. Upgrading becomes the logical and affordable option. Hillary looked at the numbers and knew just what she was going to do. That all looks very logical, but I dont see that either of you has the companys best interests at heart. Brian, you just want a simple sale that your sales people and the customers will buy into, and Rob, you are charging even less than Brian. We need to consider the revenue issue as well. These people have already bought from us; are trained on our hardware and software and dont want to have to repeat the process with someone else. It would take too long. Theyve got no desire to make a change and that means weve got them. The sky is really the limit on how much we can charge them because they have no real alternative. We should take this opportunity to really go for the gold, say $15,000 or even $20,000. We can and should be as aggressive as possible. All three continued to argue the relative merits of their pricing positions, without notable success. Jefferies listened to each of them and after they finished, he turned to a clean whiteboard and took the marker. Ive done some more thinking on this. In order to meet the needs of all three departments, there are three very important points that the price structure for these upgrades must accomplish: 1. The pricing for the upgrades shouldnt undercut the existing pricing for the 30-seat QTX. 2. We want to motivate our buyers to purchase the maximum number of seats at the initial purchase. A dollar now is better than a potential dollar later. We never know for sure that they will make that second purchase. If we dont do this right, were going to encourage customers to reduce their initial purchase. Theyll figure they can add capacity whenever, so why buy it if they dont need it. That would kill upfront sales of the QTX. 3. We dont want to leave any revenue on the table when buyers decide to buy more capacity. They are already committed to us and our technology and we should capitalize on that, without totally ripping them off. Therefore, while Hillary says the skys the limit, I think there is a limit and we need to determine what it is and how close we can come to it. If we assume that those are the objectives, none of the prices youve put together thus far answers all three of those criteria. Some come close, but each one fails. See if you can put your heads together and come to a consensus price that satisfies all three objectives. OK? Heads nodded and with that, Jefferies left the conference room. The three remaining occupants looked at one another. Brian got up to wipe the previous numbers off the whiteboards and said: OK, one more time. If our numbers dont work, why not and what is the right price for the 20-seat upgrade?