Assignment. Sustainable Tourism Essay

Marking Criteria 1. Relevance and appropriateness of title & Addressing posed assessment topic/task 2. Sound, logical, clearly developed and well supported argument 3. Clear essay structure (intro, body, conclusion; paragraph structure) & Adherence to good academic writing practice (presentation, grammar, clarity of expression) 4. Depth and breadth of research & Analysis, evaluation and integration of research 5. Referencing (minimum of 8 academic references; in-text citations and quoting; consistency of referencing style; construction of reference list) Choose one (1) of six topics: Sustainable tourism and†¦ 1. †¦climate change 2. †¦protected areas 3. †¦poverty alleviation 4. †¦mining 5. †¦ecotourism 6. †¦, cross-cultural understanding & peace Topic 1 – ST & climate change Many authors argue that tourism is a major contributor to climate change, particularly through its travel/transport component. As the consequences of climate change are starting to influence government policies (e.g. carbon tax) and consumer behaviour (i.e. through increased consumer awareness), explore the future of tourism and how it may change (or not) over the next 20 years. Draw on examples from government policy, travel behaviour data, climate change studies and/or tourism and sustainability debates to support your case. Topic 1 – support materials †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Unit topic 6 materials Unit topic 3 reading – What if governments banned tourism? Sustainable Tourism CRC reports: http://www.crctourism.com.au/BookShop/SearchResult.aspx?k=climate%20change CSIRO resources: http://www.csiro.au/Outcomes/Climate/Understanding.aspx Can ST include flying? Watch the debate: http://vls.uclan.ac.uk/play.aspx?videoid=5903 ABC TV series on climate change: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/changeyourmind/characters/ News report on some impacts: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-14/heatwavesbushfires-predicted-to-hammer-nsw/4009006 Official government website on Carbon Tax: http://www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/ Topic 2 – ST & protected areas About 10-15 percent of the earth’s surface is in designated protected areas, with the primary focus on biodiversity conservation. However, despite protection, â€Å"[t]he loss of biodiversity is still accelerating within and beyond the boundaries of protected areas† (Bushell & Eagles 2007, p. 1). Nelson Mandela, in his opening speech at the 5th World Parks Congress in Durban argued that â€Å"It is only through alliances and partnerships that Protected Areas can be made relevant to the needs of society.† In this context, critically review tourism’s contribution to biodiversity conservation and explore opportunities for alliances between protected areas and tourism to foster relevance of protected areas to local communities and the broader society. Use examples from around the world to illustrate your argument. Topic 2 – support materials †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Materials from Unit topic 7 World database on protected areas: www.wdpa.org Tourism and Protected Areas : Benefits Beyond Boundaries / Paul F. J. Eagles, Robyn Bushell Wallingford:CAB International, 2007: http://www.cabi.org.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/CABeBooks/default.aspx?site=107&page=45&LoadModule=PDFH ier&BookID=342 â€Å"Arguments for Protected Areas : Multiple Benefits for Conservation and Use†. You can access the book using this link: http://scu.eblib.com.au/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=517175 Tourism potentials for financing protected areas: Annals of Tourism Research, 2000, Vol.27(3), pp.590-610 http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/10.1016/j.bbr.2011.03.031 Protected areas, poverty and conflicts:A livelihood case study of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania: A livelihood case study of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. Forest Policy and Economics, 2012, Vol.21, pp.2031: http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/10.1016/j.bbr.2011.03.031 †¢ †¢ †¢ Topic 3 – ST & poverty alleviation Discuss the role of tourism in reducing poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Critically examine models such as pro-poor tourism or volunteer tourism and draw on international examples and case studies in your argument. Topic 3 – support materials †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ http://www.propoortourism.org.uk/ http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk/ Make Poverty History http://www.makepovertyhistory.com.au/ Micah Challenge & Millenium Development Goals http://www.micahchallenge.org.au/mdg UN website on MDGs http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/ http://www.miniature-earth.com/ Global Poverty Project http://www.globalpovertyproject.com/pages/about_us & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1mp0t0qc80 Topic 4 – ST & mining With the rapid expansion of natural resource extraction industries such as mining and oil and gas operations in Australia, they are increasingly encroaching on areas used for nature-based tourism. For example, the expansion of Gladstone Port in Queensland is threatening the integrity of the Great Barrier Reef; and mining and gas projects along the Kimberley Coast in Western Australia are likely to negatively affect the current tourism experience in this area. Similarly, the continuation of old-growth logging in Tasmania may reduce opportunities for nonextractive economic opportunities such as ecotourism. In a political and economic environment where governments currently see themselves as highly dependent on the short term revenues from natural resource extraction industries, the needs of the tourism industry may be seen as secondary. Explore avenues for tourism to strengthen its voice and image as a more sustainable alternative and to ensure that the strategic needs of the tourism i ndustry are recognised and being considered in the political arena. Topic 4 – support materials †¢ †¢ Great Barrier Reef – http://youtu.be/tYd5_u6ehlA Kimberley – http://www.wilderness.org.au/campaigns/kimberley/kimberley-tourism-report-launch-aug31st-2010 & the report http://www.wilderness.org.au/pdf/Kimberley_WhaleCoast_Report.pdf Topic 5 – Ecotourism Over the last two decades, ‘ecotourism’ has come under some scrutiny and has been subject to criticisms. Explore the concept of ecotourism (1) as defined in theory and (2) as applied in practice and outline (3) what you consider ecotourism to be. Through research, clearly identify key arguments by experts and practitioners who are pro ecotourism and arguments by experts and practitioners who are against ecotourism and support their positions with examples and references. Reflect on your personal position and critically examine the pro and con views against your position. Topic 5 – support materials †¢ †¢ †¢ Journal of Ecotourism – http://www.multilingual-matters.net.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/jet/default.htm Journal of Sustainable Tourism – http://www.multilingual-matters.net.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/jost/default.htm Unit topic 3 & 8 in particular & unit materials throughout Topic 6 – ST & cross-cultural undersanding The social and cultural dimensions of tourism sustainability have gained increasing attention over recent years in attempts to more equally balance and consider the economic, environmental and socio-cultural impacts of tourism. For example, research is exploring ways of capturing and monitoring the less tangible impacts of tourism activities particularly in cross-cultural contexts, such as the effects on local Aboriginal communities of tourists accessing Aboriginal lands without Traditional Owner permission. In this context, explore and critically examine arguments by tourism scholars who promote tourism as a means for promoting peace and cross-cultural understanding. Draw on examples from the literature and reflect on your own experiences as a tourist to illustrate your arguments. Topic 6 – support materials †¢ International Institute for Peace Through Tourism – http://www.iipt.org/ †¢ Alternative Tourism Group – http://www.atg.ps/index.php?page=1177263170.1198159598.1208362704 †¢ Authors such as Freya Higgins-Desbiolles: – – – Higgins-Desbiolles, F. (2010) In the eye of the beholder? Tourism and the activist academic. In P. Burns et al. (Eds.) Tourism and visual culture: Vol 1 theories and concepts (pp. 98-106). Wallingford: CABI. Higgins-Desbiolles, F. & Blanchard, L. (2010) Challenging peace through tourism: Placing tourism in the context of human rights, justice & peace. In O. Moufakkir & I. Kelly (Eds.) Tourism Progress and Peace (pp. 35-47). Wallingford: CABI. Higgins-Desbiolles, F. (2009) International Solidarity Movement: A case study in volunte

Weekly Routine

I am an engineer. My company is in Longtan Science Park. I live in Nan Kan. It’s a little far from my company and I have to drive a car to company every day. I get up at 7:00 a. m. and next I will try to wake my daughter up after ten minutes’ shower and set the television to cartoons in order to have her attention and it is painful to let her awaken during that time. I send my daughter to her kindergarten before I send my wife to the bus stop to take bus to Taipei. Then I buy breakfast at McDonald's drive-through and finally get on he highway to company, it’s about 8 o’clock usually. I arrive at company after 30 minutes’ drive. After a short break to catch my breath, I wipe my desk firstly and turn on my computer to check the emails for a while. Second, I go pantry room to have a cup of coffee before the weekly meeting at 10 o’clock and in general, the meeting will not finish until lunch time and it always depress me on Monday morning. I come back to work at 1:30 after taking a lunch break and my work ends at 5:30 p. m. Then I go home and spend a good time with my family except for Tuesday and Wednesday due to learning English in Trinity. I will turn on the air condition as soon as I arrive home and then I hasten restroom to wash my daughter’s hands and myself. My daughter starts to watch TV at 8:30 and it’s hard to extract her from it until 9 o’clock. Later I commence to review her lessons and it takes me half hour. Then I wheedle her into sleep and she falls asleep by 10 o’clock. I have my private time after she gets to sleep and ometimes I go internet and kill time and I go to bed at 12 finally. Daily life is almost the same and unchangeable on weekdays but I live a life of diverseness on weekends. I will not get up until 10 o’clock and after that I go brunch with my wife and daughter. We will tour by car or go for an outing somewhere to enjoy our vacation in the afternoon and then go to a restaurant to taste delicacies with family love and joy. I think I am the happiest father in the world as soon as I see the fulfilled smiles of my daughter at that time.

Brain Structures involved in Risk-Taking

Evolutionarily speaking, humans, as a species, may long have possessed a risk-taking personality (Zuckerman, 2000). Being risk-takers, our ancestors have been able to survive and pass on their genes to their offspring. Their primary means of survival, which is hunting for wild animals for food, and also their means for propagating their genes, mating, are examples of risky behaviors manifested by humans of centuries ago. However, despite our innate nature of being risk-takers, individuals differ in their levels of risk-taking trait, believed to be a function of heredity.According to Zuckerman (2000), the sensation-seeking trait which encapsulates the risk-taking behaviors, is 60% genetic –higher than the average, which points to 30% to 50%. But aside from genetics, he also mentioned that other factors which might affect a person’s level of risk-taking are the biochemistry of neurotransmitter systems and the structure and function of the brain. Brain structures There has been a significant amount of research covering the relationship of various areas of the brain with risk-taking behavior.Most of them have identified particular brain structures as being connected with the persistence of risky behavior in humans. The primary structures that have been identified are located in the Frontal and Parietal lobes, suggesting the involvement of working memory and imagery in the selection process, respectively. Risks were found to produce higher activation than certain alternatives in both of these lobes (Gonzalez et. al. , 2005). This indicates that considerably more cognitive effort is involved in the selection of a risky gain than that of a guaranteed one.In particular, structures such as the: (1) inferior pre-frontal cortex (Paulus et al. , 2001), (2) nucleus accumbens, (3) orbital frontal cortex, (4) the insula (Critchley et al. , 2001), (5) the ventrolateral and ventromedial frontal cortices (Elliott et al. , 1999; Rogers et al. , 1999; Elliott et al. , 2000), (6) the amygdala (Trepel, et al. , 2005), (6) the anterior cingulate cortex (Elliott et al. , 2000), and the (6) parietal cortex (Paulus et al. , 2001) have been reported to be activated in studies on risk-taking.The pre-frontal cortex, located in the frontal lobe, was found to affect the estimation of future outcomes and appraisal of risky choices. Significant prefrontal activation was observed in many other risk-taking studies (Ernst et al. , 2002; Paulus et al. , 2003; Krain et al. , 2006; Van Leijenhorst et al. , 2006). The dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex, in particular, was found to be responsible for a person’s ability to plan for future actions –a required step in a decision-making task under a risky situation. On the other hand, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex has another specific function in decision-making under risk.This area of the brain is activated when the person faced with a risky decision-making task anticipates losses in the said task (Tre pel, et al. , 2005). However, this area may be less influential than another area identified, the nucleus accumbens (located in the brainstem), in terms of evaluating reward (Galvan et. al. , 2006). This area of the brain was found to be correlated with subsequent risk-taking behaviors since the activation of the nucleus accumbens is consistent with the idea that risk-taking behavior may be reinforcing.This is due to the findings that anticipation of risky outcomes activates reward-related systems (Kuhnen & Knutson, 2005). The amygdala, on the other hand, is also responsible for emotion and learning (Trepel, et al. , 2005). It is one of the areas that influence reward processing in risk-taking tasks (Steinberg, 2007). According to Trepel (2005), people who have lesions in this structure are more prone to choose the option which entails more risk.This is because the amygdala is shown to be an essential structure in the anticipation of losses in a risky decision-making situation. The right insula was observed to have significantly stronger activation in subjects who selected a risky response in a risky-gains task. In addition, the degree of activation of the insula was correlated to the probability of selecting a safe response after a punished response. The degree of harm avoidance and neuroticism of the subjects’ affected the activation of the insula as well (Paulus et. al. , 2003). Objectives of the StudyThis research study aims to demonstrate the differences in activation in the brain structures of people from different developmental stages and genders while perceiving or engaging in a risky behavior using an fMRI imaging technique. Also, the participants’ risk-taking behaviors will be assessed through a scale and the results will then be compared with those of the results of the fMRI scan. The researchers would also like to determine if there are certain brain structures that have developed further because of individuals heightened tendency to engage in risky decision-making.It is hypothesized that results of this experiment will be similar to the findings of the previous researches, that the prefrontal cortex and other associated regions would be the areas responsible for risky decision-making. Also, it is assumed that there would be differences based on the participants’ ages, when it comes to risk-taking trait and that these differences would also manifest in the development of the certain brain parts responsible for their behavior. For the people assessed as risk-takers, those areas that are responsible for their increase in risk-taking behavior are more developed than the other parts of the brain.METHODOLOGY Participants A total of 18 participants will take part in this experiment. This will comprise of six adolescents (age 7-11), six young adults (age 21-29) and six middle-aged adults (age 38-50). Each group will be further composed of three males and three females. Adolescents are defined as participants age d 7 to 11, while adults are those aged 23-29. Subjects would be screened to make sure that they have no history of neurological or psychiatric disorder. Adolescent participants will be volunteers from the Psych 101 subject pool while the adult participants will be volunteers from internet advertisements sent by the researchers.Participants below 18 years old would be required to have their parents’ consent before participating. Materials Cognitive Appraisals of Risky Events Scale (CARE). The CARE is a 30-item self-report measure that consists of six factor-analytically derived scales that represent six categories of risk-taking behavior (Fromme, Katz, & Rivet, 1997; Appendix B). Its scales involve (1) Illicit Drug Use, (2) Aggressive/Illegal Behaviors, (3) Risky Sexual Activities, (4) Heavy Drinking, (5) High Risk Sports, and (6) Academic/Work Behaviors.The CARE uses a seven point Likert scale (1=not at all likely; 7=extremely likely) to rate three types of outcome expectanci es: (1) Expected Risk (ER) or likelihood of a negative consequence, (2) Expected Benefit (EB) or likelihood of a positive consequence, and (3) Expected Involvement (EI) or the likelihood of engaging in the activity in the next six months. The CARE has also been used to assess participation in prior risk-taking behavior (Katz et al. , 2000). Risk Perception Questionnaire.The risk perception questionnaire will measure the risk perception or the perceived adverse consequence and risk preference which describes whether one believes the benefits inherent in an activity outweigh the costs, or vice versa (Gardner & Steinberg, 2005). Along with the CARE, participants will be asked to rate the risk involved in engaging to these behaviors. For each scenario, the participants will be asked to provide a rating from 1 to 7: (1) If you did this activity, how scary are the things that could happen?(1 = Risks are not scary at all; 7 = Risks are very scary); (2) If you did this activity, how much ar e you at risk for something bad happening? (1 = I would be very much at risk; 7 = I would not be at risk); (3) How would you compare the benefits (or pleasures) of this activity with the risks (1 = Risks much greater than the benefits; 4 = Risks equal the benefits; 7 = Benefits are much greater than the risks); (4) If something bad happened because of this activity, how serious would it be? (1 = Not at all serious; 7 = Very serious).The higher the ratings for each scenario would mean higher risk and risk perception for the behavior to elicit. Procedure – Pretest The aim of the pretest is to come up with one highly representative scenario for each of the six domains of risky behaviors used in the study of Fromme, et al (1997). After consolidating as much scenarios possible of risk taking in coordination with the domains from literature, the researchers will administer a pretest mechanism to figure out which scenario to use for the fMRI part of the experiment.A very brief prete st form will be given to the participants asking the scenarios that come to mind when they imagine each of the six domains. The question for the preliminary form will be very direct and open-ended in questioning. This pretest sheet will be administered to at least 50 adolescents, 30 young adults, and 30 middle-aged adults – different from the pool that the researchers will use for the fMRI part. Once all data are consolidated, the researchers will determine the central themes that are used to depict any of the six domains.The central themes that come up will be used as the scenarios that will be read aloud for the participant when they become asked to appraise different risk-taking situation during the fMRI task. Procedure – Experiment A brief introduction to the research will be given to the participants. The participants will then be asked to fill up a written consent form. The participants will be asked to be tested in the Clinical Neuropsychology Research. They wil l be led to a private room and, after giving out informed consent and completing a demographic questionnaire.When the participant enters the experiment area, he or she will be asked to complete the Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Events Scale (CARE) (Fromme, Katz & Rivet, 1997) with the Risk Perception Questionnaire. The participants will be asked to rate the following factors: Risky Sexual Behavior, Heavy Drinking, Illicit Drug Use, Aggressive and Illegal Behaviors, Irresponsible Academic/Work Behaviors and High Risk Sports in terms of expected risk, expected benefit and expected frequency of behavior. After the pen and paper part of the experiment, the participants will then be asked to schedule an fMRI.They will be asked their contact numbers so that the researches can remind them of the schedule for their interviews. The researchers will ensure that confidentiality and anonymity will be granted for the participants of the experiment. During the fMRI session proper, the researchers will explain thoroughly the process that they will go under. Each participant will be asked to take off all metal accessories that they may have because it might disrupt the data that will be collected by the machine, both seen at the Appendix at the end of this proposal.They will also be asked to wear a hospital gown when they go under the fMRI machine. They will be instructed that they must avoid movement because it might also disrupt the data that would be collected. Once inside the fMRI machine, the researchers along with licensed medical practitioners will give instructions to the participant via microphone in an adjacent room filled with the controls for the machine. The researchers will narrate the scenarios which were found to be most fitting according to the pretest and then ask the participants to think of what they will do in those situations.So that the researchers are assured that the participants will really appraise the tasks, they will be told that they must know the ir answers fully after being inside the machine because they will be asked to explain them to a panel. They will also be given two minutes for each situation to think about what they will do. Six situations will be presented, each will reflect the domains of risk-taking as provided by literature. During the time given for them to think, the machine will take images of their brain.As what research claims as optimal (Horwitz, 2000), images will be taken 2-3 mm apart for every 5-7 seconds to maximize spatial and temporal resolution respectively. This aims to see which brain areas are used when thinking about what they would do in risky situations. After the images of brain activation are taken using the fMRI, the participants will be briefed fully on the nature of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, the data from both the questionnaire and the fMRI images will then be assessed for analysis.The researchers will try to determine whether the results from the self-report translat e to the activation of certain brain parts that have been found to take part in the decision making process of risk taking and appraisal. The areas that the researchers will look out for are orbito-frontal cortex, the prefrontal cortex, the nucleus accumbens. The insula, the ventrolateral and ventromedial frontal cortices, the anterior cingulated cortex and the parietal cortex. Supporting structures like the calcarine sulcus, precuneus, thalamus, cingulated gyrus and superior temporal gyrus will also be closely observed for activation in the brain image.The data will then be compared to the responses of the participants in the CARE scale and the Risk Perception Questionnaire. The cumulative score of each participant should correspond to the brain areas that are hypothesized to be related to the decision making processes involved in risk taking behaviors like the prefrontal cortex (for estimation of future outcome), the nucleus accumbens (for the activation of reward-related system d uring risky-gains situation), the right insula (for harm avoidance and risk appraisal).

Performance Review Memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Performance Review Memo - Essay Example The different writing styles are now deeply entrenched in my writing and can be selected interchangeably depending on various course requirements. For example, most of the assignments given required that we use either APA or MLA referencing styles. Moreover, the course has helped in the acquisition and improvement of such skills as teamwork that would have otherwise not been learned. The group work helped in learning how to collaborate with other members in achieving a certain goal. The nature of the work, for instance, allowed us to divide the various aspects amongst ourselves and later compiled the work together. Group members were given the liberty to choose the areas that they felt adeptly knowledgeable therefore making the quality of the work better. In addition, and most importantly, the course has improved the ability to develop good research questions and strategies for meeting the research objectives. This ability was enhanced by the step-by-step approach employed by the lecturer. To help in the effective functioning of the group, we broke down the assignment into four parts one for each of us. Delegation of duties is one role that we highly appreciated in a bid to hasten the process of research. All the group members were helpful in achieving the set objectives. Most importantly, each of us selected the areas of the assignment that we were most conversant with. I contributed highly in the area of consumer education as a response to reducing theft of beauty products at the fresh market. Ali’s contribution in the group was most visible in the aspect of employee education as an effective tool of reducing theft of beauty products at the Fresh Market. This is an area that he is well versed in and most of his points came from real experience coupled with supporting literature review. Sara’s contribution was as important as everyone else’s and she did her job

Juvenile Justice System of the Future Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Juvenile Justice System of the Future - Essay Example It will also talk about the challenges faced by juvenile delinquents at present time and how to improve the current juvenile justice system. A concrete plan or proposal on how to improve the current justice system is given by including the objectives, goals and how to measure the success rate. Keywords: juvenile delinquency, youth offender, crime rate, criminal justice system, trial court JUVENILE DELINQUENCY The number of juvenile delinquents or otherwise known as children in conflict with the law has significantly increased for the past decade. It has become one of the alarming problems that requires immediate attention by countries all over the world. The current situation of the justice system needs major overhaul as many children who are behind bars are not given proper care and guidance by the government to ensure that youth offenders emerge as better citizens after serving imprisonment. The primary purpose of serving sentence is for retribution for the wrong doing that they ha ve committed against the law and social order. However, the justice system should oversee that public safety will not be compromised because they are dealing with children. Towards the end of their ordeal, government support must at hand to guarantee that the youth offenders are rehabilitated and turn-out to be disciplined and responsible individuals after going through the process of trial and serving. It has been said that the nation’s hope lies on children so we must treat them with utmost compassion. Challenges of Juvenile Delinquency at Present Time â€Å"At present time, the juvenile justice system conducts the trials of the youth offenders in adult courts. In effect, they are also penalized in the same degree of judgment that is expected of adults† (Corriero, 2006 p.3). In a Supreme Court decision entitled Roper Vs. Simmons, 543 U.S. 551 (2005), Justice Anthony Kennedy held that executing juveniles and imposing capital punishment for crimes committed while under 18 years of age is unconstitutional. According to him, â€Å"From a moral standpoint, it would be misguided to equate the failings of a minor child with those of an adult, for a greater possibility exists that a minor’s character deficiencies will be reformed.†( Corriero, 2006, p. 3). It is at this tender age that the youth offender still cannot exercise his discretion to decide what is right from wrong. The level of responsibility that they possess to justify their actions is nil and they cannot fully comprehend the effect of their actions. Children as seen have the tendencies to reform and change for the better compared to adults. If they will be exposed to trial, pre-trial detention and imprisonment, more likely than not, they will experience abuses, cruelty and violence, which will leave them defenseless and unprotected. How to Improve the Juvenile Justice System Judge Michael Corriero stated that: â€Å"At the turn of the 20th Century, our juvenile justice proce ss reflected a concept of childhood based on the notion that children are innocent, vulnerable, dependent and incapable of making matured decisions. As we enter the 21st Century, after decades of disillusionment with the juvenile court process, the ideas and beliefs that had inspired the progressive and humane treatment of children, especially disadvantaged children, have been largely abandoned in terms of fixing criminal responsibility. America and its children deserve a justice system that not only holds children accountable for their

Strategic Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Strategic Management - Case Study Example   It works in numerous industries such as electronics, financial services, films, games as well as music. The company is acknowledged for creating value for customers, which is highly admired. It is because of this fact that Sony has managed a combination of resources such as capabilities as well as core competencies that have permitted the company to design a strong sustainable competitive advantage. It was noted that the company in the month of May’ 2011 decided to sell nearly 27 million television sets in the month of July of the year 2011. However, it could manage to sell only 22 million television sets in the month of July 2011. Intangible resources of the company are those non-physical assets that are used by it in order to manufacture goods and services, or are expected to create future productive advantage s. The Sony brand is generally quite recognizable as well as trusted in the globe. It focuses upon superior quality, style as well as innovation. The companyâ€⠄¢s employees are considered to be the key drivers towards success. However, it has been found that the company had reduced 30000 jobs and commenced joint manufacturing venture. Furthermore, since the year 2000, the company has been losing its market value by a considerable amount (BusinessWeek, 2011). Question 1(iii) Sony Strategy Using the Competitive Advantage (Porter) Framework A company which is able to maintain its profits and thereby surpass the average of its industry is said to possess a competitive advantage against its rivals. According to Michael Porter, there are two types of competitive advantage. They are identified to be cost advantage and differentiation advantage (Worldscibooks, 2012). It has been observed that Sony is taking measures in order to improve the image as well as audio quality of its Bravia range of LCD televisions that forms the basis of its current television line-up. It is customizing its product offering so that it is capable of meeting specific reg ional market requirements. The company aims at enhancing the functions as well as performance of LCD models so that it is capable of differentiating itself from the other competitors (Sony, 2012). Sony aims at following differentiation advantage which generally takes place when a company is capable of establishing a premium price in the marketplace from its differentiated products surpassing the cost of offering the differential characteristics (Blackwell Publishing, 2011). Sony needs to recognize the customers and the way in which its products can meet their needs. When the performance of the television business of Sony is undermining, it becomes imperative for the company to adopt differentiation advantage so that it can maintain competitive advantage in both the short as well as the long-run. The company even make use of various 3D contents in order to speed up the growth of 3D entertainment (Scribd, 2012). Question 2 (ii) Comcast Strategies from the Perspective of the Resource-B ased View of the Firm Framework Comcast Corporation is performing quite well in areas of media, communication as well as entertainment sectors.  

Spring Awakening Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Spring Awakening - Essay Example Discussion of sex was taken as something extremely personal and confined to closed door conversations. Parents and elders did not use to discuss issues relating to sex with their children at all. This attitude of the society was giving rise to social dilemmas within adolescents in the communities. Adolescents were experiencing emotions pertaining to sexual desires but they didn’t know the meaning behind those emotions and feelings. The play â€Å"Spring Awakening† addressed such a bold issue and brought this taboo topic to limelight in public to make them understand the changing requirements of changing times (New York Times, 2006). The theme of the play is sex orientation among teens and the arousal of feelings and emotions of youth and the desire to meet the sexual requirements of an adult human body. The play was performed in 1892, as a musical act where various scenes were articulated based on various songs that were played to entertain the audience and also to help them understand the acts being performed in a better manner. Though the play exhibited youngsters, teenagers and adolescents but its meaning and the underlying message was directed towards parents and mentors. The theme of the play demanded a change in the mindset of the audience and the need to understand the needs of maturing minds of growing children, children that are reaching puberty. The parents need to talk to their children and help them get across this very special, beautiful and significant phase of their lives. Without proper counseling and guidance children may astray away from the correct path of life and shall destroy their future forever, under the influence of intense feelings and emotions. The play revolved around the central characters of children that are depicted to be entering the adolescent phase of their lives, becoming adults and developing sexual needs and body features of a grown up. The characters in the play are shown to

Industrial and Organizational Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Industrial and Organizational Psychology - Essay Example I/O, therefore, serving as a guide tool to ensuring better performance of individual and a better running organization, covers major aspects of organizational management such as human resource management. The human capital serves as the primary factor that contributes to the over-all efficiency of the organization. I/O tools are used in personnel selection, motivation, and further development. It also helps in improving relationships between teams, and within individual workers. McCarthy (2002) outlined the brief historical flow of the growth of I/O Psychology. His accounts started with Wilhelm Wundt, who established the first psychology laboratory in 1879. It served as a precursor to the recognition of I/O psychology although other issues related to I/O had long been raised before Wundt's. During the pre-WW1 era several key figures made contribution in the field of I/O psychology. Among which Frederick W. Taylor's, experimented in 1883 at the Midvale and Bethlehem Steel plant led to the development of his Scientific Management philosophy in 1911. McCarthy (2002) also mentioned Hugo Munsterberg, as being considered as "the father of industrial psychology" who led the way to the application of psychological findings from laboratory experiments to practical matters. His book Psychology and Industrial Efficiency published in 1913 addressed personnel selection and equipment design. During World War I, Walter Dill Scott did some research on best placement of sol diers in Army. The Hawthorne Studies in 1924 led to the publication of the concept of Hawthorne Effect in 1939, which is highly contributory to industrial psychology. It states that the there is a change in behavior, such as increased attention, following the onset of a novel treatment and this effect eventually wears off as the novelty dissipates. From then to present several other studies more elaborative within the field of Industrial and Organizational psychology came out and other names emerged. Farr (2006) laid a comprehensive discussion on the birth of a formal institution that recognizes Industrial and Organizational Psychology. In his Presidential Address to the Society for Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Inc., at St. Louis on April 11, 1997, Farr reviewed how the society was born from its original mother organization, the APA.. Several members of APA with strong interests in the applicability of psychology, include James McKeen Cattell and the founder of the Journal of Applied Psychology, G. Stanley Hall; while Hugo Munsterberg was elected a member at the first meeting of the charter group. The first applications of psychology that might be labeled as industrial psychology occurred in the early 1900s; Walter Dill Scott in Chicago began work related to advertising, and published books related to this topic in 1903 and 1908. Munsterberg conducted research on the use of aptitude and work sample tests in personnel selection and later published Psychology and In

Policy Analysis and Political Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Policy Analysis and Political Strategy - Essay Example In part two, the paper will look at potential supporters and opposition of the proposed strategy. Also, it considers the potential resources to be used in implementing the strategies. Part One This part provides analysis to the environment policies using the eightfold path. The eightfold path is a six step problem solving strategy namely; problem definition, assembling evidence, alternatives, criteria, outcomes and trade offs (Vladimir, 65). Problem definition involves identifying the main problem. In this scenario the main problem is how the individuals’ harm to the environment leads to its overall degradation. The problem definition has three subdivisions which include; market failure, externalities, use of deficit and surplus. Market failures are caused by technical properties of a good or a service which are crucial in identifying the cause of the problem. Market failure is marked by hardships in collecting the payment from all beneficiaries of the policy like in the case of a policy on reduced emissions. The second market failure feature is the difficulty in collecting payment from all potential beneficiaries of a good, for example, when the consumers of fresh air are also those who pollute it. The third market failure is the hardship to identify the real qualities of a good, for example, it is hard to know the carbon content emitted by a certain company (Tickner, 101) In addition, to the market failure there are other failures, which help, in defining the problem, these include; government policies, discrimination and low living standards. These failures lead to environmental degradation, for example, low living standards may lead to destruction of forests as individuals look for a source of income from the trees as fuel or as building materials as well as their use of the trees as cheaper fuel options. The government’s failure leads to environmental degradation failing to impose strict laws to protect the environment as well as penalties in the case of environmental degradation. It occurs when the government fails to pass and implement workable policies to protect the environment. Assembling evidence is the second step in the eightfold strategy. It involves gathering all the required information to help in solving problems and formulating policy strategies. In the environment scenario, the information on all major pollutants is required. The major pollutant to the environment is the Ozone. This is a gas found near the ground (troposphere) it is formed when nitrogen oxide and other organic matters mix in the air, nitrogen oxide originates from burning gasoline, fossil fuels and coal. The Ozone near the ground causes a lot of harm in terms of health as it causes disease such as asthma attacks, flu, sore throats or even sudden death. The second major pollutant is the Carbon monoxide; this comes from burning of fossil fuels and can not be seen or smelled it is exhumed by vehicles. It reduces the oxygen in the body; also, it causes dizziness and tiredness and when inhaled in high concentrations is fatal and can cause death. The third pollutant is Nitrogen dioxide; this is reddish-brown gas that results from vehicle emissions and burning of fossil fuels. It results mostly from cars and plants and is also formed when nitrogen reacts with oxygen at extremely high temperatures. It causes coughs to those exposed to it while its

Reasons for Colonization in Archaic Greece Essay Example for Free

Reasons for Colonization in Archaic Greece Essay The Greek Archaic Period (800-500 BCE) is known predominately for the establishment and development of individual city-states (poleis) within the country, as well as the colonisation movement which lead to an expansion in Greek land ownership throughout the Mediterranean region. This essay will discuss the reasons for and changes caused by colonisation, as well as the impact it had on militia warfare and how it aided the rise of tyranny. Firstly, after the collapse of the Mycenaean civilisation, the people of Greece formed small tribes which slowly developed into individual city-states, that is, poleis. Although each polis was separate and distinct from one another, the problem of overpopulation was inevitability encountered by the nation as a whole as it caused a shortage of land, familial disputes and social unrest. Leaders of each polis therefore decided to establish colonies in unclaimed or unoccupied land throughout the Mediterranean. Additional reasons for colonisations include rivalry between political groups, a desire for adventure, banishment of citizens and the search for trading ventures. Moreover, colonisation resulted in cultural integration, and at times amalgamation, between Greek and native culture. Local artistic characteristic were used in conjunction with traditional Greek style in the creation of pottery, jewellery and armour. Colonisation also resulted in inharmonious relations between local inhabitants however, with many natives being enslaved after their land was conquered. Another consequence of colonisation was the introduction of coinage as a means of exchange between different colonies and countries. Although this invention helped advance trading activities, it had profusely negative effects on the lower-class of Greek society who were exploited through their rich counterparts as a result of hoarding, high credit rates and the severity of the law in regards to debt repayment. Furthermore, as an effect of increased trade and economic prosperity, richer poleis’ replaced traditional methods of hand-to-hand combat with a new form of warfare – a mass phalanx of heavily armed soldiers or hoplites. Middle-class citizens could afford to provide or sell better quality armour and weaponry for their armies who depended on discipline and effective cooperation to win battles. An additional impact on military warfare through colonisation was an improvement in military strategies through the use of slaves. For examples, atives that had been captured and subjugated by the Greeks could be used in warfare as â€Å"light-armed men† (Tyrataeus, â€Å"Fragment 10†, l 67) to aid in battle. Finally, colonisation aided in the rise of tyranny in several ways. After the introduction of coinage, economic changes within the polis took place with rich merchants and traders forming the new wealthy commercial and industrial class. However, despite their financial status, these citizens were being kept out of political power by the eupatridae (well-born aristocrats). Widespread public dissatisfaction with the existing aristocratic elites resulted in their power being challenged and eventually overthrown by a tyrant – a popular member of the middle class with military support who then ruled over the polis. In conclusion, colonisation during the Greek archaic period resulted in many political, social and economic changes, enabling Greece to transform from a primitive agricultural economy to one of extreme power and influence based on trade, industry and money.

Determinants of Exchange Rate in Malaysia

Determinants of Exchange Rate in Malaysia Chapter 1: Introduction 1.0 Introduction As the world develops and getting more integrated, business trading or even international trading has became a very common activity. Currency or most commonly known as money is use or circulation to pay in exchange for goods and services, money are use as a medium of exchange. There are two kinds of money form, the banknotes and the coins. Banknotes are more commonly used because of its convenience. Money is indeed a very important invention in human kind history. As times goes by, more and more different kind are introduced by countries and these different currency are controlled and printed by their national banks. As the world getting more integrated, the relationship of these currencies is getting more complicated. The dominating currencies include the US dollar, British Pound Sterling and the Euro Dollar. Malaysia is a developing country located at the South East Asian; Kuala Lumpur is the capital city for Malaysia. Malaysia has gain independent from the British colonist in the year 1957. In 1967, the National Bank of Malaysia had introduced the Malaysia dollar and it had been using it as the official currency to trade in Malaysia. During the decades, the currency had developed and minor changes were made. Now, the currency is already known as the Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Ringgit Malaysia (RM) had always been stable and developing during the course of decades. However, during the Asian currency crisis, Ringgit Malaysia (RM) was badly affected and the volatility of the currency is severe. Due to the effect of the Asian currency crisis, the Ringgit Malaysia (RM) is fluctuating between 3.80 and 4.40 a US dollar. The Malaysia currency was implying the floating rate regime until end of 1998, the government of Malaysia decided to peg Malaysian Ringgit to US dollar at a rate of RM3.80 to a US dollar. In this research, a study will be conduct with a topic of â€Å"The determinants of exchange rate in Ringgit Malaysia.† In this chapter, brief explanation will be done for background of study, problem statement, research question, research objective, significant of study and outline research. The other chapters of literature review, data and methodology, data analysis and also conclusion. For Malaysia, exchange rate is one of the most important factors affecting the development of the countries’ economy. It will influence the interest of investors because exchange rate risk plays will affect the profitability of their investments. Many studies had on exchange rate but very little is about the Ringgit Malaysia. However the factors influence the movements of Ringgit Malaysia that will be discussed in this research are Inflation rate, Interest rate, Gross domestic product, and Balance of Payment. 1.1 Background of Study On the day of June 1967, it is an historical moment for the Malaysian history because the new central bank of Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia had introduced the Malaysian dollar. The Malaysian dollar was use to replace the Malaya and British Borneo dollar. The word ringgit means pointy inBahasa Malaysia. It came from the idea of the serrated edges of silver  Spanish dollars. Silver Spanish dollars was commonly spread in area the 16th and 17th century throughout the area during Portuguese colonial era. The word â€Å"Ringgit† means dollar in Malay, Singapore dollar and Brunei dollar are sometimes also referred as the ringgit. In August 1975, ringgit and sen were formally used as the official names. The sign used â€Å"$† (or â€Å"M$†) is finally replaced by â€Å"RM† (Ringgit Malaysia) in around 1997, â€Å"MYR† is being used internationally as the code for Ringgit Malaysia. The ringgit is separated into 100 sen. As for Malaysian coins, the denominations will be 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen, and RM 1. For the denominations for banknotes, it will be RM 1, RM 2, RM 5, RM 10, RM 20, RM 50, RM 100, RM 500 and RM 1000. Ringgit Malaysian had replaced the Malaya and British Borneo dollar, the new currency was initially priced to British pound with the ratio of 1 sterling to RM 8.57 as same as the old currency. Five months from the launching of the new Ringgit Malaysia in November 1967, the pound sterling had depreciated approximately 14%. The Ringgit Malaysia was not influenced much as it is not pegged to pound sterling but the value of Malaya and Brunei dollar fall in value too. Despite of the appearance of the new currencies in Malaysia, the three neighbors countries which includes Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei still keep the Interchangeable Agreement which stated the currency union that Malaysian Dollar was able to change at the equality with the Brunei Dollar and Singapore dollar. Yet in May 1973, the Malaysia government decided to withdraw from the agreement, Malaysia Ringgit will no longer pegged to Singapore dollar or Brunei dollar. However, the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Brunei Currency and Monetary Board still preserved the interchangeable of their two currencies. In the 1990s, Malaysia experienced a economy boost. A lot of investors were making tons and tons of money from the Malaysia Capital Market. However, when the Asian Currency Crisis happened in 1997, the unanticipated wave kept many investors stocked, they wasnt prepare to face such ciao. The currency market was badly affected, ringgit was much affected too. Many economists came out and analysted the reason behind this crisis, many even put the blame on the famous speculator, Mr George Soros. At that period, Ringgit Malaysia was valued between 3.80 and 4.40 to the US Dollar,the former Malaysia Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir decides to  peg the national currency to the US dollar in September 1998, fixed its 3.80 to the US Dollar. This peg lasted as long as seven years. After the crisis, Ringgit Malaysia had yet to regain its value against most major currencies. During 2004, ringgit seems to be undervalued by 15 to 20 percent. In the same year, because of the depreciation of US dollar, ringgit was weakens by 17.9 percent against euro and 10.2 percent against Japanese Yen. In July 2005, China had announced that the Chinese’s currency, Renminbi will no longer peg to US dollar. After the announcement, Malaysia also announced the end of the peg of Ringgit Malaysia with US dollar. According to Bank Negara, Malaysia will now allow the currency to float in a managed  range  against numerous major currencies. This has made the price of the ringgit increasing closer to its supposed market value, the national bank has intervened to maintain the stability of Ringgit and not to allow too much fluctuation. After following the free float regime, the ringgit  value went upto as high as RM3.16 to a U.S. dollar in April 2008. On 24 April 2010, TheStar online reported, the ringgit value has increased about 6.7 percent yearly against US dollar. According to Business Times, January 15, 2011, ringgit had hit almost a 14 years high of RM3.052 for a US dollar. Ringgit Malaysia shows a movement of appreciation year by year. It is also a good sign of stability of economy in Malaysia. 1.1.1 Development of Ringgit Malaysia 1.1.1. a. Development of Bank Notes First series of Malaysian Dollar Malaysian dollar banknotes were initially issued by Bank Negara Malaysia on 6 June 1967. The dollar banknotes are denominated in $1, $5, $10, $50 and $100. On September 1968, the Malaysian national bank, Bank NegaraMalaysia had also issued $1000. Additionally, the image of Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia was printed on the first banknote of Malaysian dollar. Also, Tun Ismail bin Mohamed Ali’s signature was printed on the first dollar note of Malaysia who was the Malaysian Governor of Bank Negara at that moment. On 16 August 1972, Bank Negara Malaysia adopted an new administrator to include the national language, Bahasa Malaysia into the printing of the new banknotes while remaining the old designs. (Jack, H. 2008) Second series of Malaysian Dollar In 1982, Bank Negara Malaysia had designed and issued the second series of Malaysian Dollar, the Malaysian traditional decorative was used as design on the new Malaysian dollar. The second series of Malaysian dollars come in $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1000. However, the numbers of $20 bank notes were less compare to the other amount of the currency. In 1997 when the Asian Financial Crisis happened, large amount of number of $500 and $1000 were transferred out of the country. In about 1993, $1 coin was introduced to substitute the $1 notes. Since then, $1 notes were discontinued. Third series of Malaysian Dollar In 1996, in the spirit of Wawasan 2020 Bank Negara Malaysia had issued the third series of Ringgit Malaysia. They are denominated in RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100. To deter and avoid counterfeiters, additional hologram strip was added on the RM50 and RM100 notes. A new series of RM10 note was issued by Bank Negara Malaysia in 2004. Security features previously implied in RM50 and RM100 notes like the holographic strip is added to the new series of RM10 note. Also, RM 5 note with distinctive transparent window designed was introduced; they are made in polymer material which was never had in Malaysia. Bank Negara Malaysia also suggested all paper notes will be replaced by polymer notes in the future. Fourth series of Malaysian Dollar Bank Negara Malaysia had released a new design of RM50 banknote which will enter the circulation at the beginning of January, 2008. The banknote RM50 remained the unique colour of green-blue but changed a new design. The new design is to support the national mission which expresses the moving up of value chain for economy of the country. Malaysia economy is under the transformation of higher value-added activities such as agriculture,  manufacturing  and services. One the right of the currency, the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong,  Tuanku Abdul Rahman is remained. The national flower, hibiscus is also designed to present at the centre of the banknotes. To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Independence day, the logo of 50th Anniversary and features  Malaysias first Prime Minister,  Tunku Abdul Rahman declaring independence is also printed on the reverse of the banknotes. New security features include a watermarked portrait of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a security thread, fluores cent elements, and multi coloured latent were also added to prevent counterfeiting. On 2011, Bank Negara Malaysia announced the re-introduction of RM20 banknote. 1.1.1. b. Development of Coinage First series of Malaysian Coinage In 1967, the first series of Malaysian sen coins were introduced. They are denominated in 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, and 50 sen. After that, in 1971 the 1 Ringgit Malaysian coin was introduced to the public. First, the Ringgit Malaysian coins are varied by diameters. Practically all the coins were minted in almost consistent obverse and reverse designs. The frontage is depicting the Malaysian Houses of Parliament, the official star and crescent moon from the Malaysian flag, Jalur Gemilang. Malaysian coins are all minted from cupronickel with the only exception of 1 sen. The 1 sen coin was minted in bronze  in the year 1967 to 1972. From 1973 onwards, the national bank of Malaysia minted the 1 sen coin with steel clad combined  copper. Redesigning was made on the50 sen coin. For the 50 sen coin, minor modification was made to add the Bank Negara Malaysia letterings at the edge of it. The first Malaysian coins series was halted in 1989 because the second series of Malaysian coin s was introduced. The first series of Malaysian coins are still in the circulation till now, but the number had reduced significantly. Second series of Malaysian Coinage In 1989, the second series of Malaysian sen coins was introduced and entered into the circulation. Second series of Malaysian coins was redesigned, but principally retaining the design of edges, diameters and composition of the previous series. However, changes were made for the 1 Ringgit Malaysian coin. Modification include drawing of Malay cultural items on the front of the coin. On the upper half of the bank of the coin, the the  national flower, Hibiscus was printed. The designer of this series of coins was Mr Low Yee Kheng. The size of the 1 ringgit coin was also changed, from the original diameter of 33mm to 24mm. It was then minted from an alloy of copper,zincandtin. On December 2005, Bank Negara Malaysia decided to withdrawn the 1 ringgit coin from circulation because it was demonetised. The standardisation of the 1 ringgit coin from the two different versions was the problem behind it. Bank Negara Malaysia announced that a rounding mechanism of prices to the nearest 5 sen will apply to all the billing all around the country. This policy will start effective from April 1, 2008 onwards. With the latest policy from Bank Negara Malaysia made the 1sen 1 sen coin irrelevant. Items selling are still allowed to be priced in multiples of 1 sen, but the total bill will be rounded to the nearest 5 sen. Third series of Malaysian Coinage On 25 July 2011, the third series of Malaysian coins is being announced by the Bank Negara Malaysia. The new series of coins are released on 2012. The third series of Malaysian coins are being issued as commemorative coins. A theme â€Å"Distinctively Malaysia† is carried by the third series of Malaysian coins. Motifs of flora and fauna drawn are used in the design in this series of coins also the various cultures in Malaysia. It also reflects the diversity and richness of Malaysias national identity. These coins are denominated in 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen. According to Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim, the productions of the coins are reduced by approximately 50% because of the change in metal composition. The diameter of the coins have also changed, colour on the 20 cent and 50 cent had changed from silver to yellowish gold. New designs like the fourteen dots symbolizing the thirteen states and the Federal of Malaysia are included in the new series. The five horizontal lines on the coins indicate the five principles ofRukunegara. As for the 50 cent, the round shape of the coins with nine indentations represents the original BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA lettering. Besides, the 50 cents from the third series will have a latent image security feature. When the 50 cent coins are tilted slightly, denomination 50 and SEN can be seen. 1.2 Problem Statement Exchange rate risk is a one of the key risk that international investors will take account when evaluating an investment. Therefore, determinates of exchange rate is a very important topic. Factors affecting the exchange rate are critical in determining the price of Ringgit Malaysia. A stable and predictable exchange rate will help the economy of a country to grow. If we know the significant factors affecting the exchange rate, we will be able to predict and determent what is the price of Ringgit Malaysia. Many studies have been conducted to determine the determinants of exchange rate and most studies are done used different methods and approaches on how to evaluate the exchange rate. However, the results obtain by some of these studies such as Louis Kujis (1998), Eiteman et al (2001), Otuori, O. H. (2013) and Fracis Fong (2006) differs. This is due to the fact that the results are influenced by the changes of countries’ internal conditions and the macroeconomic environment. U nfortunately, most of the studies concentrate only on major currencies like US dollar and pound sterling but not Ringgit Malaysia. Furthermore, Ringgit Malaysia had also shown potential and its immunization against financial crisis like the sub-prime mortgage in mid 2008. However, there has been little reference when analyzing the Ringgit Malaysia’s price determinates. Besides that, by using the same determinants and quantitative methods, the result for Ringgit Malaysia might differ from the result obtain towards the major currencies, as there could possibly be other factors not important in the developed countries that affects the Ringgit Malaysia or vice versa. Therefore, this paper is to attempt to fill in the gap by investigating determinates of Ringgit Malaysia hence make it possible to predict the price of Ringgit Malaysia. 1.3 Research Question The key research question asked is thus: â€Å"What are the factors affecting the exchange rate of Ringgit Malaysia against US dollar?† 1.4 Research Objective To explore the determinates of Ringgit Malaysia To evaluate the relationship between price of Ringgit Malaysia and major macroeconomic variables 1.5 Significant of Study Many studies had done to investigate the factors affecting the exchange rate. It had no doubt that exchange rate will an important topic to study. Exchange rate is influence by both countries’ internal conditions and also the macroeconomic variables. Most studies done are concentrating the major currencies like the US dollar, Euro dollar and British Pound Sterling. The result obtained from this research will be compare and check with these prior researches. Furthermore, most of these prior studies are done on developed countries’ currencies; this paper will also attempt to check for any similarity or differences between the currencies from developed countries and developing countries. In conjunction, the lack of studies done concerning the exchange rate of Ringgit Malaysia, this paper is done with the hope of assisting and helping more research that will be done on exchange rate of Ringgit Malaysia in the future. 1.6 Scope of Study This paper studies the impact of interest rate, inflation rate, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Balance of Payment (BOP) toward the exchange rate of Ringgit Malaysia. Quarterly data are used in this paper. 40 observations were used to carry on this study. However, due to the lack of data point from some variables, the sample size of this study had readjusted to 32 with a sample period of 2006 to 2013. 1.7 Outline Research Chapter 1 consists of the general background and aim of this paper. Besides, this chapter has briefly explained the problem to be investigated, the objectives and the significance of this study. Chapter 2 provides the literature review and more detailed facts about how the investigation will be carried. Hence, prior research theories that are related to this topic are presented. Using the theories previous discovered by other researchers, a framework will be constructed to analyze the volatility of exchange rate of Ringgit Malaysia from the data collected. The journals collected are from different sources; there include the online databases, journal articles and books. Chapter 3 presents the methodology and the data used in this research for analyzing the volatility of exchange rate of Ringgit Malaysia. Here, this chapter also explains how the investigating had been done. Furthermore, this chapter is divided into parts such as theoretical framework, sample of analysis and the hypothesis-testing framework. Chapter 4 describes and explains the empirical results and data analysis of the result obtained. It consists of statistical reports, and how do these reports related to the topic studied. Above all, this chapter mainly analyzes the relationship between the dependent variables and its determinants. Chapter 5 will summarizes and highlights all the key finding of the study. The conclusion will be a summary of the overall analysis and investigation done in the study.

Terra-Cotta Girl :: essays research papers

Terra Cotta Girl   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The poem has clear, wide-open drama while managing ambiguity and open-endedness. A sort of modern local color piece tinted with Southern elements, it nevertheless makes its characters real and sympathetic, treats important themes that are both topical and general, and offers an apt objective relationship with universal implications. Technically a lyric, the poem filled with narrative and drama: an off-the-farm college girl, a Southerner, and perhaps a Georgian like Sellers herself, has fallen in love with a â€Å"quiet girl down the hall† (9). The girl’s conservative mother â€Å"has seen to† (10) having her daughter seek for an expert help. Ungraceful, conflicted inwardly, and beset outwardly by parental pressure, the girl now waits to see a counselor. No character speaks, but the role of each is well defined. At least five characters, perhaps six, come into play: two girls, their two mothers, and one or maybe two counselors. Onstage is the â€Å"terra cotta girl† (1)--and maybe her mother as well. The other, â€Å"quiet† (9) daughter and her mother, along with a counselor (perhaps the same one), running a parallel to the scene we are witnessing. Although the poem shows us the girls as living â€Å"down the hall† (9) from each other in their college dormitory, it also suggests another indirect possibility that, at the very moment of the present action, this other girl, the quiet one, is just â€Å"down the hall† waiting to see another counselor during two parallel sessions that the mothers have â€Å"seen to† (10). Perhaps, the other girl’s mother is with her, too. The other girl may be â€Å"quiet† precisely because the narrator chooses not to give her a separate story. If this is the case, her â€Å"terra cotta† lover stands in as her delegate. The phrase â€Å"quiet girl† draws the image of a shy character, who may be less able to handle her current torture, and not as strong as â€Å"terra cotta girl†. Formally, the poem has thirteen short lines with different numbers of syllables and accents. The poem is unrhymed but engages such alliterations as â€Å"flat farm feet† (2) / â€Å"furrows† (3), â€Å"soil has seen† (10), and â€Å"weep for the waste† (12). All of the alliterated sounds are voiceless, which projects the current situation of the girls. The thirteen breath units of the poem divide into two clear sentences. With no stanza break in the poem, these sentences establish the language of the drama.

Whirlpool Corporation †A Lawful, Ethical, and CSR Minded Business Essa

Whirlpool Corporation – A Lawful, Ethical, and CSR Minded Business Whirlpool Corporation – A Lawful, Ethical, and CSR Minded Business During the past several years global companies, like Whirlpool Corporation, have gained global awareness of the complex and evolving legal, ethical, and social expectations of their stakeholders. While many companies have started to tackle these new set of requirements by modifying their mission statements, business policies, and workplace practices, leadership companies continue to wrestle with the challenge of integrating these three vital topics into their overall business operation. Companies that successfully integrate plans to incorporate the legal, ethical and corporate social responsibility concerns within all areas of their business stand to gain financial and social benefits through the identification of new business opportunities, the strengthening of their brands and corporate reputation, the attraction and retention of top employees, and the recognition as a trusted partner (Integrating CSR: New Risks, New Rewards, 2004). In this particular paper, the author will attempt to describe how legal issues, ethics, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) impacts the management planning of Whirlpool Corporation. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of over $13 billion. They employ 68,000 people, and have nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries. Whirlpool Corporation is also the principal supplier to Sears, Roebuck and Co., of many major home appliances marketed under the Kenmore brand name (Fast Facts, 2005). Embedded in Whirlpool Corporation and their Board of Directors is the deeply held value that continues to guide them: "There is no right way to do a wrong thing" (Continuing Legacy, 2005). This basic code of conduct underlies the company's long tradition of strong and independent corporate governance. Whirlpool's Board of Directors is currently comprised of eleven directors, nine of whom are indepen... ...al responsibility and education. Retrieved June 25, 2005, from http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/social_responsibility_education.html. References Whirlpool Corporation. (2005). Social responsibility and the environment. Retrieved June 25, 2005, from http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/social_responsibility_enviroment.html. Whirlpool Corporation. (2005). Social responsibility and mexico. Retrieved June 25, 2005, from http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/social_responsibility_mexico.html. Whitman, D. (2003, April). Building a global loyal following. Retrieved June 26, 2005, from http://static.highbeam.com/a/appliance/april012003/buildingagloballoyalfollowing. Yahoo Finance. (June, 2005). DiversityInc. magazine recognizes whirlpool for diversity strengths. Retrieved June 25, 2005, from http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050616/deth006.html?.v=14.

Wed Searching Behaviour of Students :: Essays Papers

Wed Searching Behaviour of Students In the article â€Å"A visit to the information mall: web searching behavior of high school students†, the authors aimed at describing the searching behavior of high school students and recommending changes in the design of the web that may improve the learning experience of students (Fidel et al, 1999). The authors conducted a field research to analyze the web-searching behavior of high school students for the three weekly assignments. The field research was a case study involving activities including: observation in class and at the terminal with students thinking aloud; interviews with various participants including students, the teacher who assigned the assignments, the one and only one librarian and the principal of the school; and discussions within research team. 8 students who enrolled in a horticulture class voluntarily participated in the research for the team members to observe them searching online information on a one-on-one basis and interview them at the end of the observation period. Since the students were observed in the horticulture class for three successive weeks and not all the 8 students were present during the three weeks, the team totally observed 21 search sessions in the observation period. After recording observations and interviews, the authors found that the students performed focused searching, in which they just looked for information to accomplish the assignments without deviating from this task such as guiding searches according to assignment sheets and ignoring entertaining diversions on the screen. The authors also discovered that the students performed swift and flexible searching, where they scanned sites quickly and determined the relevance of sites by skimming the first screen and the graphics of the sites. In order to make sure that one can always start a new search and ask for help, the students used landmarks to continue exploring new sites with a safe and familiar site. Overall, they were satisfied with their searches and results but impatient with slow response. The reasons why the students enjoyed searching the web were because the web had a variety of formats such as pictures and sounds, covered a multitude of subjects, and provided easy access to information. However, the authors had also observed that the students encountered difficulties while searching, by which the authors considered that it implied the need for training to students, teachers and all involved and the need for designing the web to customize user seeking and searching behavior in order to improve the

Pylori associated gastritis

Helicobacter Pylori associated chronic gastritis resulting in duodenal ulceration or Peptic ulcer Dsease. Gastric pain at night and when hungry: ulcer Is duodenal as the pyloric sphincter is open. Single punched-out lesion In the duodenum where of peptic ulcers occur. H. PyIori most common cause of peptic ulcers. Erythematous stomach and history of dyspepsia: This indicates inflammation associated with chronic gastritis: result of long term hyperacidity in the stomach and duodenum. Patient was a smoker. Smoking reduces blood flow and Impedes healing of the epithelium and mucosa.Presence of curved and spiral-shaped bacilli within the superflclal mucosa of the antrum (no mention of the body of stomach) indicates H. Pylori infection. This induces hyperacidity, increasing the risk of duodenal and gastric ulceration (H. PyIori in of people with peptic ulcers). Large numbers of neutrophils in the lamina propria extending into the epithelium forming pit abscesses and large numbers of plasma and lyrnphocytic cells with germinal centres Infiltrating the lamina proprla Is characteristic of chronic gastritis as the body mounts an Immune response.Gastric epithelium regenerates rapidly, replacing damaged cells. Extensive blood supply to mucosa. Predisposing factors: H. Pylori infection 80% of peptic ulcers Smoking- reduces blood flow, impedes healing. High-dose corticosteroid use (inhibits prostaglandin production) More commonly seen in people with alcohol cirrhosis (alcohol stimulates gastric acid secretion), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (reduces 02 blood perfusion), chronic renal failure and hyperparathyroidism (promote gastrin secretion). 3) Natural history: o Peptic ulcers usually heal within weeks but reoccur within months(75% after one year) unless treated.Longer healing indicates quicker reoccurrence unless stimulus is removed. o A longer period of symptoms before presentation is associated with poorer response to treatment. Complications: o smaller vessels- anaemia o large vessel- malema or haematemesis o major artery: life threatening. o Perforation- spillage of GIT contents into peritoneum: leads to infection (peritonitis) o Obstruction- pyloric stenosis from continuous healing and scarring near pyloric valve. (10% of patients) Leads to hour glass deformity of stomach. o Carcinoma development- (1% of gastric ulcers, never duodenal ulcers)

Task 3 Answer

Task 3 Name: Section: Author’s Purpose Activity Directions: Read the descriptions of each item and determine the author’s purpose in writing it (to entertain, persuade, or inform). Then, in a sentence or two, explain your answer. 1. A story about a family trying to stick together and survive through the Great Depression in the Midwest in the 1930s Author’s Purpose: to entertain Explain Your Answer: Write a sentence or two. Because it is a story and wants to entertain. 2. A section in a history book describing the conditions and causes of the Great Depression in the Midwest in the 1930sAuthor’s Purpose: to inform Explain Your Answer: Write a sentence or two. It is giving an idea or information about great depression. It is written to inform. 3. An instructional booklet describing how to operate an MP3 player Author’s Purpose: to inform Explain Your Answer: Write a sentence or two. Because this text describing how to operate MP3 player using instructi onal booklet. Then, the purpose of the author is to inform. 4. An article where the author argues that an IPOD music player is better than a ZUNE Author’s Purpose: to persuade Explain Your Answer: Write a sentence or two.The authors showing that IPOD music player is better than ZUNE. Try to encourage the reader. [email  protected] 5. A poem about why the IPOD is the greatest consumer electronic device ever made Author’s Purpose: to entertain Explain Your Answer: Write a sentence or two. The text is a kind of poem and the poem is written to entertain. 6. The story of a young athlete who takes steroids and his life and future fall apart Author’s Purpose: to entertain Explain Your Answer: Write a sentence or two. Even though the readers can get information and lesson, it is a story wants to entertain. . A medical report describing the effects of steroids on the human body Author’s Purpose: to inform Explain Your Answer: Write a sentence or two. The author describe the effects of steroids on human body, therefore, the purpose of the author is t inform. 8. A speech written by Jose Canseco listing the negative effects of steroids and urging young athletes to not use steroids Author’s Purpose: to persuade Explain Your Answer: Write a sentence or two. The authors attempting to influence the readers that steroids have different effects. The purpose of the author is to persuade. [email  protected] 9. A booklet containing the school rules and the consequences for violating those rules Author’s Purpose: to inform Explain Your Answer: Write a sentence or two. The text (student booklet) gives information to the reader. Therefore, the purpose of the author is to inform. 10. A story written about a young boy who moves to a new school and is bullied, but he gains self-confidence by joining a sports team and learns to stand up for himself. Author’s Purpose: to entertain Explain Your Answer: Write a sentence or two. To enterta in is the main purpose of the story.

Ethnocentricity Essay

The cultures of people in different countries can affect the marketing strategies that a company will use as it enters new international markets. The company has to consider vary many factors of the new international, market place, some of these are political factors, social factors, economic and technological factors. Looking at the social cultural factors ethnocentricity is a major factor especially if the new marketplace is in a country with diverse cultures. This is a major challenge because most of these people hold so much to these cultures that it is very difficult to make them adopt your product and your marketing strategies. To enter a market like the Japanese market one must understand that they do not consume other products like pork as an example because that’s some of their cultural beliefs This means that in order to enter such markets one has to understand the practices of the people in these regions, their cultures and other influences like customs ethnic differences attitudes towards the products or services e. . c. The cultural activities of these people desires and their likes and preferences, these equip the individuals of the communities with certain value systems and on the other hand compel individuals and the community to comply with certain demands and participate in certain activities. In U. K for example a large population like football and most of them are at least attached to teams in their locality i. e. Manchester Everton etc. This should be used as a good ground for marketing products and distribution. Britons also have other tastes and preferences that differ with other people i. e they are not all that attached to rap music unlike the Japanese and Chinese who have their indigenous types of music the British like rhythms and blues. Some of these diverse likes and preferences will affect the planning and the channels of distributions that will be used. The Japanese people for example produce most of their goods especially electronics locally using cheap labor and locally available materials making it hard for a foreign product to penetrate that particular market. This should be a challenge to the marketer to introduce products that are rare I this particular market and price them lower than the competing brands and use vigorous distribution systems by the use of many levels of distribution probably the three level distribution channel i. e(manufacturer –wholeseller-retaillet-consumer) so that the product can reach all people in the target market. The French on the other hand are the direct opposite of the Britons in culture and hence in order to penetrate the French market a company should adopt products that have some attributes attached to them i. e social classes. This is because the French culture is that they believe that they are way above the rest and that their civilization is the best hence the type of product that fits them is a prestigious product hence to penetrate this market there is need to position the product ahead of the rest as a market leader. In order lure many people to adopt the product. Ethnocentricity has also a great impact on the type of media to use in communication of the product preferences to people of diverse cultures i. e the way the company will advertise its products and services in Britain will be different from the way the product will be advertised in Britain and the advertising media to use. The advertising medias range from print visual, audio- visual, billboards and small adverts done in between movies i. in between football matches. In France and Britain the best media to use are the print media and audio visual like T. Vs. However, billboards can also be used especially if they are to be set up in roundabouts in towns to remind the people on the product. China and Japan on the other hand need entirely advertisements over the Radio because this is the best media to reach a large number of people.

First Love by John Clare

First Love â€Å"First Love† by John Clare is a poem that explains something that everyone will usually endure in his or her life; the emotional journey of falling in love for the first time. The brief 24 line poem attacks the emotions of the reader and lures the reader into the poem by envisioning or reminiscing of the reader’s first love. John Clare writes about how he falls in love for the first time and his perspective from the first meeting to the end. The poem is structured with a rhyming scheme of every other line in an abab pattern.The poem is broken into three phases of a first love: the meeting of one’s first love, then the connection and being with the person, and finally the end of the first love. The poem begins with â€Å"I ne'er was struck before that hour. † This opening line suggests that the writer has been struck by love at first sight. He continues to support this with saying how it is sudden and sweet. The implication here is that it i s young first love. With each line, the writer continues to support the next.With the implication of young first love, he supports this youthfulness with a simile writing in the next line; the girls face like a sweet flower. This can be transcribed as a young lady growing up to be a woman. The next two lines express how she took his heart and took his breath away; turning him pale. This was such a shock to him that he could not move and was paralyzed to the point his legs couldn’t move. In addition to shock, he could also mean that he didn’t want to leave or stop looking at here.The last two lines of this stanza, represents when she looks at him, he could do nothing but melt and molded towards being with her. This is the change everyone goes through when falling in love. Your life changes and must adjust to the new relationship. The second stanza begins with â€Å"And then my blood rushed to my face. † He is expressing his feelings stating how he blushes when ar ound his love. A majority of people have been blinded by love. John Clare writes of this loss of vision by stating his eyesight is taken away and could not see a single thing.In addition to the blindness, his reality is distorted when during the day everything else doesn’t matter; a type of tunnel vision for his first love. The mention of his eyes and chords translate to being able to see the love in his eyes so strong it speaks and sings of his heart. The two of them have a connection so strong that words verbally spoken are not necessary. Their connection is translated through words from his eyes. This stanza comes to a transitional close with burning blood around his heart, meaning that his first love has hurt him.The final stanza begins with â€Å"Are flowers the winter's choice? † Like a great deal of poems, one of the seasons is pulled into the poem. However, not in a pleasant way; winter is cold just like his love being cold towards him; poetically the cold shou lder is love’s bed always snow. John Clare is not sure that his love’s listening to him, and feels that he will never find another love like her. The cold shoulder and her not listening to him, has caused pain. This pain feels, to him, like someone ripped his heart from his chest.He ends the poem with a line meaning he can never love again. In conclusion, this poem is a perfect hopeless romantic poem that tells the story of meeting a first love, the connection and being with the person, and finally the end of the first love. The passion and meaning placed in this poem expresses clearly how John Clare feels about his first, last, and only love. I believe that the feelings he places in this poem helps readers relate more than other poems; probably making this one of the most relatable poems ever to a general audience.

From the assigned readings present an executive summary of the law in Term Paper

From the assigned readings present an executive summary of the law in 200 words or less, and discuss how the law is applied and - Term Paper Example One of the sub-groups of the CMS is responsible for enforcing the Program of CLIA. All the registered and non-registered medical laboratories in the U.S. are legally bound to implement the Amendments mentioned in the CLIA. In the year of 1965, the Medicare and Medicaid programs were drafted and signed into law. This draft was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson as a health insurance cover to people who are aged 65 and over. Medicare is not sufficient enough to protect many senior citizens of U.S. against long hospital stays or major health related expenses. Individuals are required to first pay $800 of hospital care and the first $100 of outpatient physician visits. If they are required to stay for more than sixty or ninety days, additional $250 per day is required to be paid for hospital care (Pauly, 2008). The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which is a regulatory body, can guide employers over the issue of the health benefits. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission can authorise employers either to decrease or drop health benefits for retirees reaching the age of Medicare eligibility. Second part of the assignment: Health care has become a serious and dangerous problem in the United States of America. The costs of health have no point to stop and provide relief to Americans.

A Strategic Communication Campaign on Coca Cola Company 2012 Essay - 20

A Strategic Communication Campaign on Coca Cola Company 2012 - Essay Example The Coca cola Company is the world’s largest multinational beverage producer, distributor and retailer in non alcoholic drinks. It is the legal owner of syrup concentrate that is used for the production of over 500 drinks notwithstanding  Ã‚   the ownership of anchor bottler; the Coca – cola Refreshments. Being the world’s most valued brand, the Company’s mission is to ensure that the world is refreshed, inspired towards moments of optimism and happiness, and   making intention on   creating   more value and making a difference. As such, the Company vision entails making frameworks that guide their business towards sustainable growth. Thus, the company has ensured that their products come in varying shapes, sizes in reference to price tags (Thompson Para 2). In 2012, the Coca cola Company launched a Public Relations (PR) campaign that was aimed at making soda personal in New York City. The aggressive campaign emphasized on the fact that the accessibility and consumption of large soda was meant to be an issue pertaining to personal freedom. Additionally, the campaign argued that the legislation that had at the time banned the use of large sodas for individuals was only aimed at infringing the right to purchase the much in terms of quantity an individual would afford to buy, as well as, consume (Downs, 4) Essentially, the campaign was organized in response to claims that had been put forward by Mayor Bloomberg. In his argument, Bloomberg noted that the Coca cola Company was producing large quantities’ of sodas that posed numerous health risks to consumers and compelled them to use more money on sodas rather than spending the money on other important issues (Thompson Para 2). In this regard, the Coca cola Company reacted to the issue through the creation of a new group known as ‘New Yorkers For Beverage Choices’. The main function was to ensure that they would plead with most people who used the internet against giving consent to Mayor Bloomberg who was determined to ban drinks that exceeded 16 ounces (Thompson Para 3). As a matter of fact, the target audiences in this strategic campaign are potential consumers and potential competitors.

British Constitution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

British Constitution - Essay Example The Blacks Law Dictionary is particularly elaborate giving the specifics of a constitution. According to the Blacks Law Dictionary, definition of constitution the British constitution applies to this definition to some smaller extent. Most nations have written constitutions, such as constitutions of most modern democracies. The constitution of Britain, by contrast, is unwritten or uncodified. Its traditions are informal and based on several different laws. Unlike other democracies, Britain has no official document that explains the governance of the nation. The lack of a written document links to the British history. Britain never experienced a revolution like other countries, and never had any regime change. Because of this, their constitution continued to evolve for such a long time and this combined with the relative stability of Britain, development of a constitution never occurred. Experts pertaining to constitution usually refer to several laws, treaties and conventions, which they compile to make up a constitution. The several compilations that make up a constitutio n include Acts of Parliament, Treaties, conventions, Royal prerogative, works of authority, European Union law and the Common law. Their constitution is by standards less democratic, not intelligible and not accountable enough to govern a country in the modern democratic world (KING, 2009). Unlike constitutions of most democracies that dictate distribution of power to various organs, in Britain such power resides in the arms of the crown. Power that is unlimited and unaccountable derives from the crown where the queen exercises some of it and most of it by the government. The queen exercises four constitutional powers. These are only limited to her, and nobody can exercise them on behalf of her. They include the power to chose and appoint the countries prime minister, the power to dissolve a sitting parliament, dismissal of government and the power to withhold royal assent to legislation

Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Research Paper - Essay Example The same is also the case with Mark Twain. The present paper aims to elucidate the life and contributions made by the distinguished nineteenth century American writer and humorist Mark Twain. The main objective behind making an investigating into the life of the author above-mentioned included the unveiling and acknowledging the great services rendered by this wonderful personality in the field of American literature, which has left a remarkable impact on the future writers, poets and humorists at large. In addition, second part of this study will elaborate two of the literary pieces created by Mark Twain by making the literary analyses of the same. Both the works selected for the present study appear to be contrary to each other in nature and scope, and portray two entirely divergent scenarios. Actually Twain maintains command over creating literary pieces in two entirely different ways as well as on absolutely divergent topics, which are present an unconditionally different scenari o from one another in nature and scope; it could be witnessed by going through his Two Ways of Seeing a River on the one side, and his Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court on the other. Part I: Samuel Langhorne Clemens alias as Mark Twain enjoys a respectable place among the list of the most talented writers and humorists the American soil has ever produced. By dint of his exceptional talent and dexterity to draw out the realities of life in both serious and comic manner, he has captured the attention and attraction of the readers belonging to various areas and regions of the world. Moreover, because of the universality of theme as well as depth of his ideas that his works still contain validity and significance, and are hence equally popular even this day as they had been popular during the nineteenth century in his life. Twain was born in Florida in November 1835 to Jane and John Marshall Clemens (Clemens 14). He was born only few days after the visit of Halley’ s Comet (New York Times 2009); consequently, the child was predicted to be a famous personality in his future years. Twain was sixth of the seven siblings, though only three of his siblings could survive adulthood (Autobiography 19). He lost his father in 1847 at the age of 11 (Autobiography 216), which left significant affect on his mind. However, the noteworthy author carried on his struggle to survive by first working as the apprentice to a printer, and later started working as contributor to the Hannibal Journal by developing humorous sketches of the prominent personalities since 1851 onward (Clemens 26). The Muscatine Newspaper published his eight stories by 1854-55, which turned out to be supportive for him to start his career as a professional writer. Like the renowned biologist-evolutionist of all times i.e. Sir Charles Darwin, the voyages also leave an indelible impact on the young Twain. It is predominantly the case with his voyage to New Orleans in 1856, where the pilot H orace Bixby encouraged him to embark upon the same profession, which could bring joys and adventures to his life along with offering him respectable and considerable earnings in the wake of it (Clemens 32). As a result, he decided to become the steamboat pilot that turned out to be supportive in respect of observing the ebbs and flows of the river life on the one side, and estimate the beauties the deep waters offer to man on the other. Twain obtained the professional diploma of steamboat

Field Work Experience Within HR Department Essay

Field Work Experience Within HR Department - Essay Example This essay intends to provide a vivid description of the field work experience obtained in a LNG company (Liquefied Natural Gas) named Liquefied Natural Gas Limited. The researcher of the essay illuminates the different managerial practices in the organization detailing out the individual as well as corporate strategies undertaken by the organization to earn its competitive domain globally. Moreover, the field work also helps in identifying the major areas of discrepancies, which if rectified can help the company gain corporate excellence. The LNG is an Australian company having its headquarters in Perth in Western Australia. The company operates in three sectors namely oil and gas project development, investing in existing oil and gas discoveries and technology development and licensing. Liquefied Natural Gas Limited has a corporate strategy to become the leader in the mid-scale LNG sector. The company also plans to supply fast-track energy related solutions to the gas suppliers and energy users who do not have proper gas supply. The company has been managing its resources quiet well through proper decision making. The managerial approaches have largely been observed to be positive. However, the researcher concluds that human resource management related activities in the company should be monitored much more efficiently. Through the regular training and monitoring of the employees, the company will be able to upgrade the employee knowledge base as well as develop its competitive advantage.

Management Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Management Development - Essay Example The field of human resource development is particularly related to organizational learning and transfer of learning, each of which is a significant objective. The last twenty years have yielded a large amount of research about which factors are key influential factors in the process of transfer of learning (Mailick, 1998, pp. 57-68). This has led to the practices of management training becoming highly popular over the past few decades, since its link to increasing aptitude and improved management practices for both middle managers and top managers. However, research (Mumford, 1994, pp. 20-33) shows that most of the substantial resources that companies are allocating to such management training will be wasted, since institutional learning and training hardly transfers into the organization’s workplace. For this reason, the programs have not had a significant impact yet, which leads researchers to further study into such features of human resource management (Ashton et al, 1975, pp. 1-9). The past few decades have been a misguiding era due to the conflicting management beliefs, findings, and practices in the global economy. While there is still much debate about the effectiveness, methodology, and validity of management development (Mumford, 2004, 71-84), companies are still investing millions in executive management education. This does not pertain only to academic training. The corporate training programs are innovatively designed to cater to several needs of the trainees, such as punctuality of delivery, profound information coverage and job relatedness. For this reason, these training sessions provide learning, which is presented in the context of an organizational workplace, administered at the appropriate time, and sized in small and effective doses, which are easy to comprehend. However, these programs have also failed to produce desired results of significant magnitude, which is why the true effectiveness of management development is still in quest ion. Discussion The operations of a business being international in the new global economy (ILO, 1998, pp. 10-28), further complicate the management and technique required for survival far beyond how they would be for a domestic firm. Research (Hill, 2007, pp. 28-51) shows how the strategy of the organization (what to do) is receiving more attention on an international scale than its own implementation (how to do it) or the training of international managers (the people who will do it). The shortage of qualified and capable international managers is a large reason why these companies cannot successfully practice such international strategies, even though the quantity of available research (Rothwell, 2006, pp. 66-79) on the IHRM policies that MNEs practice is insufficient to support this fact. This research is especially limited regarding international markets other than those of the west and their IHRM practices, thus constraining the validity of this discussion. One major criticism that the existing research (Garavan et al, 1999, pp. 191-207) on management development observes is that the core problems that affect the implementation of management have not received sufficient attention. This pertains especially to the academic perspective about management, which tends to restrict its scope particularly in the UK. This does not allow for room to