A Call for Foreign Intervention essays

A Call for Foreign Intervention essays The world as we know it is a tumultuous place of anarchy, malevolence, and controversy occasionally inhabited by able intermediaries and keepers of the peace. Within societies, due to what appear as irreconcilable differences, periods of discrepancy arise. These divergences sometimes can result in bloodshed, war, harsh economic recession, or callous purging of the basic rights of man. Under the milder of these crises, outside involvement is superfluous, for time usually heals the tide conflict, and foreign intervention may sometimes only add fuel to the fire of hate. However, when man is alienated from his basic rights and left unable to break free, it is the obligation of those sovereignties in able position to come to the aid of the torn people using any means necessary, and not to rest until harmony has been restored. Otherwise, the end of a people may be at hand, and the ignorance of the world may be more heinous than the problem itself. This imperative is evident among the myriad of civil conflicts in the ocean of time, each obstruction but a drop among countless others. Yet certain controversies of scandalously monumental magnitude sometimes stick out among scores of others because of their overwhelming heinousness. Two such atrocities include The Holocaust: result of total ignorance, internal and throughout the national community and the present Yugoslavian conflict in Serbia and minor Kosovo, the harvest of centuries of bickering in an area populated with similar people who are yet so irreconcilably different. These two conflicts show how intervention can be such a necessary element of world peace. As we entered the camp, the living skeletons still able to walk crowded around us and, though we wanted to drive farther into the place, the milling, pressing crowd would not let us. It is not an exaggeration to say that every inmate was insane with hunger. Just the sight of an American brought cheers, groans,...

The Contractual effect of a company’s articles of association The WritePass Journal

The Contractual effect of a company’s articles of association The Contractual effect of a company’s articles of association IntroductionPart 1: The constitutional debateConclusionBibliographyBooksStatuteRelated â€Å"The extent of the contractual effect of a company’s articles has long been a subject of controversy generating much academic debate, interest and at times consternation.†Griffin, S Companies Act 2006 – altering the contractual effect of the articles of association? Company Law Newsletter (2010), pages 1-4. (Available on WestLaw).Provide an overview of the academic debate in relation to the contractual effect of a company’s articles, highlighting specifically where the differences of opinion can be found. Introduction The Contractual effect of a company’s articles of association has long been a contentious concept which is commonly referred to as the â€Å"statutory contract†, distinguishable from normal commercial contracts and uniquely applicable to each and every member of a company as a separate and binding covenant[1]. S.33 of the Companies Act 2006 now forms the basis of this â€Å"multi-party† contract[2] and is the successor to s.14 of the Companies Act 1985. S.33 states that: â€Å"the provisions of the company’s constitution bind the company and its members to the same extent as if there were covenants on the part of the company and of each member to observe it†[3]. This formulation represents only a slight departure from s.14 which made no specific mention of whether the company was a party to the contract. This small lexical difference aside the words of the new provision largely replicate the language of the old and, in Sealy and Worthington’s opinion, mean that â€Å"the same uncertainties seem destined to plague this area†[4]. Since s.33 has come into force only two cases have mentioned it directly[5] and so the likely effects it will have are still largely theoretical and based on the controversy which dogged s.14. This essay will provide an overview of the company’s articles of association and in part 1 will examine the academic debate which has surrounded both s.14 and now s.33. Part 1: The constitutional debate The academic debate on s.14 centers on the extent to â€Å"which it regulated a company’s obligation to adhere to the terms of its articles in relation to dealing with its members†[6]. The extent of a company’s contractual obligation was, as noted above, notably absent from the 1985 version and this was the catalyst for a vigorous debate into the precise boundaries of the company in relation to the articles. Astbury J argued that s.14 creates rights and obligations between the company and its members but qualified it heavily by saying that this only applied in relation to those articles which regulated the rights and obligations of members generally[7]. Griffin characterizes this, in light of the case law, as being that a member can enforce only those parts of the articles which relate to a â€Å"pure membership obligation†[8] . Purely procedural issues, such as a member’s right to vote at a company meeting would be denied where the meeting related to an internal procedure but accepted where the meeting related to a more substantial issue of constitutional significance[9]. As Griffin points out there was strong opposition to Astbury J’s restricted view of the extent of a company’s contractual obligation under s.14 with Lord Wedderburn arguing that the obligation extended to all obligations save those which related to merely â€Å"internal procedures†[10] and as long as it was pursued by a member qua member and Gregory argued that, without exception, a member should be able to enforce every obligation within a company’s articles irrespective of status[11]. The new drafting of s.33, which is more expansive than s.14 in relation to the companies’ contractual obligations, would seem to support Lord Wedderburn and Gregory’s arguments[12]. As Griffin notes the wording was inserted late into the Company Law bill by Lord Wedderburn himself in the House of Lords and on a literal reading does reflect his teachings[13]. Section 33 has now been in operation since 2009 and it is still unclear as to whether it will evolve towards Lord Wedderburn’s views or remain entrenched with Astbury J. So far the courts have steered clear of deciding if it does[14] and Randall QC has only seen fit to mention the â€Å"slightly changed† language of s.33[15]. Conclusion In conclusion the contractual effect of the articles of association, notwithstanding the altered language employed in s.33, will remain contentious for many years to come. The debates which plagued s.14 of the 1985 Act have not yet been exorcised by the Companies Act 2006 and the key question remains as to the precise extent of a company’s contractual obligations under the articles. The lack of cases in the few years that s.33 has been operational would seem to hint that the courts are unwilling to give effect to Lord Wedderburn’s scholarly intentions much less Gregory’s. Sealy and Worthington are right when they warn that the problems behind s.14 will be inherited by s.33: â€Å"†¦this provision [s.14] has been an endless source of varying interpretations and conflicting analyses†¦the same uncertainties seem destined to plague this area†.[16] Bibliography Books Gower Davies (2008) Principles of Modern Company Law Sweet Maxwell: London Sealy Worthington (2008) Cases and Materials on Company Law Oxford Uni Press: Oxford Journals Gregory, R (1981) ‘The Section 20 Contract’ Modern Law Review 44 p.526 Griffin, S (2010) ‘Companies Act 2006 – altering the contractual effect of the articles of association?’ Company Law Newsletter Lord Wedderburn (1957) ‘Shareholders’ Rights and the Rule in Foss v Harbottle’ Company Law Journal p.194 Scanlan, Gary Ryan, Chris (2007) ‘The Accrual of Claims for Breach of Contract Under s.14 Companies Act 1985 and s.33 Companies Act 2006: The Continuing Obligation’ Company Lawyer 28(12) pp367-371 Cases Cream Holdings Limited v Stuart Davenport [2010] EWHC 3096 (Ch) Fulham Football Club (1987) Ltd v Richards and another   [2010] EWHC 3111 (Ch) Hickman v Kent or Romney Marsh Sheepbreeders’ Association [1915] 1 Ch.881 Statute Companies Act 2006 Companies Act 1985 [1] Scanlan, Gary Ryan, Chris (2007) ‘The Accrual of Claims for Breach of Contract Under s.14 Companies Act 1985 and s.33 Companies Act 2006: The Continuing Obligation’ Company Lawyer 28(12) pp367-371 [2] Gower Davies (2008) Principles of Modern Company Law Sweet Maxwell: London [3] Companies Act 2006, s.33 [4] Sealy Worthington (2008) Cases and Materials on Company Law Oxford Uni Press: Oxford at p.250 [5] Fulham Football Club (1987) Ltd v Richards and another   [2010] EWHC 3111 (Ch) Cream Holdings Limited v Stuart Davenport [2010] EWHC 3096 (Ch) [6] Griffin, S (2010) ‘Companies Act 2006 – altering the contractual effect of the articles of association?’ Company Law Newsletter at p.1 [7] Hickman v Kent or Romney Marsh Sheepbreeders’ Association [1915] 1 Ch.881 at 900 per Astbury J [8] Griffin, S (2010) ‘Companies Act 2006 – altering the contractual effect of the articles of association?’ Company Law Newsletter at p.1 [9] Macdougall v Gardiner (1875-6) L.R.1 Ch.D.13 (CA) [10] Lord Wedderburn (1957) ‘Shareholders’ Rights and the Rule in Foss v Harbottle’ Company Law Journal p.194 [11] Gregory, R (1981) ‘The Section 20 Contract’ Modern Law Review 44 p.526 [12] Griffin, S (2010) ‘Companies Act 2006 – altering the contractual effect of the articles of association?’ Company Law Newsletter at p.2 [13] Ibid at p.4 [14] Fulham Football Club (1987) Ltd v Richards and another   [2010] EWHC 3111 (Ch) at para 59 per Vos J [15] Cream Holdings Limited v Stuart Davenport [2010] EWHC 3096 (Ch) at para 27 per Randall QC [16] Sealy Worthington (2008) Cases and Materials on Company Law Oxford Uni Press: Oxford at p.250

Read Ch. 11 and the Resource section in the book Creating Graphics for Essay

Read Ch. 11 and the Resource section in the book Creating Graphics for Learning and Performance - Essay Example The standing out of the information improves leaner selection. Contrast can be used to help the leaner distinguish between information that is important to the one that is less important. Two color schemes are very important in the perception and visual acuity of the learner. The two schemes divide the color wheel in two halves, which are the warm and cool color and the spectral scheme. Colors that are found in the middle of the color spectra are linked to greater acuity. Warm colors are used to make an element even more noticeable. Organization The color chosen should be able to exhibit a hierarchy of importance. Color can be used to suggest a form of ranking. Color can be used to create layers of information resulting in the creation of hierarchy. The dark to sequence or the dull to bright sequence can be used to demonstrate the increase in significance. Integration Colors that are used should enable the learner to view and the bigger picture. Colors can be combined to form a contr ibution to the learner seeing the bigger picture. The choice of colors can be dependent on the color wheel. It provides a scheme of colors that tend to work together. One can be able to work with fewer colors effectively. The choice of colors can be based on inspiration from art. Works of art can be inspirational. The choice of colors can be based on color palettes. The color palettes are found in templates. The color schemes used are artist-created. The schemes should be mastered to enable to fully utilize them. The choice of colors may be based on psychological associations. Colors can evoke responses. The responses are emotional in nature. Colors can be used in accordance to the various colors that are associated to the various human emotions. Briefly, one should choose colors that enables learners identify important information easily and quickly by making such information stand out. The colors chosen should also bring out the main theme of whatever information is being displaye d. The choice of color should be made with the aim of establishing order or hierarchy in the arrangement of information more so in the order of significance to the learner. Should I base decisions on the psychology of color? Psychology of color refers to the physical and emotional impact that colors have. The notion can also be based on the harmony that is assigned to each different color. The psychological aspects are based on different cultural preferences, gender, and age. For example, bright primary colors are preferred by children. Freshness relates to blue and green. Orange associates excitement. More white colors are considered light. Less white colors are considered heavy. Yes, decisions on the color to be used should be based on the psychology of color. The decision also depends on the age group of learners. Adults have different color preferences and meanings as compared to children. Cultural preferences should also be tabled. Different colors have different meanings to di fferent cultures. Colors considered attractive to women convey a different message to men and vice versa. The targeted learner group will hugely influence the decisions. Colors evoke responses that are emotional. Colors create a warm and inviting feeling to the learners. The invited learner will feel more at ease hence enhancing the whole learning process. A bad combination of colors can result to distraction of the learner. Distraction of the learner inhibits performance of the whole learnin

Comparing and contrasing web and class learning Essay

Comparing and contrasing web and class learning - Essay Example It does not require the student to go to the school and attend regular classes, but it is done in one’s own comfort and one can gain much intellectually. This form of learning involves use of computer supported learning, virtual and also digital teamwork. The topic in the discussion is then transferred to the internet, privately owned computer network, extranet, CD-ROM, audio and videotape, and via satellite television (Prunuske, 2012). It is crucial to those who have no time to move from different places. It is an expedient way of training and learning. It is good for those who have a job to hold them during the day and still want to pursue their studies. This is because they can freely study from home after work or any time they are free without the pressure of attending classes. It is student focused form of training and learning. It authorizes all types of learners to get access the superlative materials, learning and referral resources, tutoring and teaching lessons from the instructors. In addition, with this program, no student is left out of the topic when he is willing either at home or even in hospitals. It just involves clicking into the internet (Prunuske, 2012, p. 14). This gives a chance to the learner to study any subject that he wills to. It does not matter where the instructor is located. It is also cheaper than regular learning therefore it is the best study method for those who are not financially stable. Classroom learning is the type of learning where students have to attend a place or a room selected for learning purposes. It is therefore very important for the learner to ensure that he is punctual with the lessons to ensure that they move together with the tutor and other students. It requires a lot of attention and concentration. It is the most used method by a large number of students especially where the technology level is low (Prunuske, 2012). The web learners will have time for

Poetry Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Poetry Analysis - Research Paper Example Take the church money out and head cross town to my friend girl's house where we plan our round. We meet our men and go to a joint where the music is blue and to the point. Folks write about me. They just can't see how I work all week at the factory. Then get spruced up and laugh and dance And turn away from worry with sassy glance. They accuse me of livin' from day to day, but who are they kiddin'? So are they. My life ain't heaven but it sure ain't hell. I'm not on top but I call it swell if I'm able to work and get paid right and have the luck to be Black on a Saturday night.   Interpretation & Analysis: Being the most visible voice among contemporary African American women, Maya Angelou’s works deal with subjects such as racism, sexism, civil rights, etc. She has also embraced various literary forms and genres to convey her creative thoughts. While ‘I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings’ and its sequels are autobiographical novels, she has also written numerous pl ays and poems. Her poems are known for their rhyme, metric and the tone of informality. The poem chosen for this analysis is titled Weekend Glory, a discussion of which follows. Weekend Glory is, in short, a celebration of work and life and the ideal balance between the two. Angelou contends that many people slog away at their office desks on weekdays and beyond, only because they lend themselves to be participants of a consumerist culture. For example, they buy expensive condo apartments, luxurious cars, etc, which places them in a perpetual debt cycle. The lines â€Å"posin’ and preenin’; and puttin’ on acts† conveys the author’s attitude toward such people, whom she sees as being ignorant and having misplaced values. Driven by an anxiety to move up socially, they seem to lose out on innocent joys of a simpler lifestyle. The author contrasts this typical modern lifestyle to her own life as a factory worker. While admitting that her own standard o f living is not top notch, she asserts that she lives a more colorful life than those fixated with career advancement. And nothing captures the author’s sense of success than her forays across town during the weekends – she gets her hair done, meets up with her friends, goes to a bar and enjoys the music and the experience there. This way she could spruce herself up for the new week of work at the factory. This sort of weekend glory may only be a consolation for the monotonous, boring nature of work awaiting her at the factory, but at least she revels in its rewards. More importantly, she is free of debt or illusion – which usually results from constantly comparing oneself with the Joneses. As for the technical aspects of the poem, it is written in a tight, compact form. This is typical of Angelou’s poetic works, which take after African American musical-lyrical tradition. The lines are short and crisp and are rhythmical throughout. But the size of stanza s are not consistent, ranging from 2 to 8 lines in length. Angelou usually gives emphasis to tone and flavor in her poems even if it compromises other metrics. And Weekend Glory is no exception to this. The tone is informal yet assertive and succeeds in capturing the author’s intended meaning. The overall effect is one of criticism towards work and careerism, while also showing empathy towards people. Works Cited: Angelou, Maya, Weekend Glory, poem from , first posted in January,

The Hospitality Industry Tamilnadu Tourism Essay

The Hospitality Industry Tamilnadu Tourism Essay This study has analysed the trends of the hospitality industry with special importance on Tamilnadu where the researcher has aimed at helping and growing the family business. This is done to get a better understanding of the Chennais market place, along with many other important cities in the state making it possible to go on board on selected strategies to effectively reach the local consumers. As Mohanty (2008) says, Hospitality is all about offering and comforting someone by all means to their needs. Good support from customers can be achieved by receiving and entertaining each and every single guest. In commercial context point of view, the word Hospitality refers to hotels, resorts, restaurants, clubs, catering etc. In todays world Economic Growth of a country depends on Hospitality industry along with Industrial and Agriculture. Tourism and Hotel sector is a widely expanding and booming segment in the market, and this industry offers huge job prospects to Indians. Due to globalisation there has been immense growth in Hospitality segment in India, especially in the metro and cosmopolitan cities. This has resulted in demand for well qualified and experienced candidates from this field in India and Overseas. India has become a ideal place of tourism and is the only country in the world with different cultures, languages and diverse topography along with political stability. India has become the place for Information technology companies and as Purushottaman (2005) says India has propelled to the top of the world in both Information Technology (IT) and Information Technologies enabled Services sector (ITES). Many MNCs from all around the world have opened their operations throughout India especially in South India. Initially Bangalore served as the Indian operations head office for many companies but then later on Chennai, capital of Tamilnadu state is becoming a business hub for major MNCs. This is due to involvement of many foreigners coming to India for business development. As a part of business development, business travels boomed to high and due to this the Hospitality sector developed along with more profitability. Nearly 50% of occupancy in all the hotels in major cities of Tamilnadu like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Tuticorin, Tirunelveli have come from business travellers. In this particular research, the author has evaluated the devel opment of the hotel industry with a focus on above mentioned cities in Tamil nadu, India. The performance of Hotel Industry is back on its development and growth path as it had been in decline for the past two years (i.e.) 2008 2009 due to global economic recession, which affected the hospitality business in India. According to HVS 2009 report, the foreign arrivals have declined by 20% in 2008 2009, resulting in decline of occupancy and performance of hotel industry throughout India. All the major cities in India like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata had an average of 10% marginal decline in occupancy rate. According to FHRAI and HVS 2009 report, though the industry has faced decline in performance, the demand for the industry will immensely grow from 2010 and has reported that an average 5% growth will be recorded from 2010. In Tamilnadu though the industry faced decline in its capital, Coimbatore and Ootacamand has raised its status to become one of the 12 major cities in India after the metro cities. According to HVS 2009 report, the occupancy rate of H otels at Coimbatore, Madurai in Tamilnadu has increased by 5% respectively, though the industry on a whole has faced decline. So this clearly indicates the rise of demand for Hotel industry in Tamilnadu. In Industrial aspect all the cities in Tamilnadu has developed along different businesses. In last year several new projects have been announced in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Ootacamund which is due to higher growth market and more are required to ease the current situation. General occupancy rate and cost of rooms is high in major cities as the demand for rooms have increased but then the number of available rooms is less than the demand (HVS International survey, 2004 ). India economy has boomed in the last 5 to 6 years which is due to flourishment in IT sector, Finance, Banking, Telecom , Biotechnolgy, Real estate, Retailing etc. As Joshi (2005) denotes many major hubs in the country lacks quality hotels and rooms. Though the industry has developed a lot in the previous decade still there is demand for number of rooms required is under lack. He also denoted that India will become one of the worlds fastest growing tourism market and as suggested by him, the number of foreign tourists have increased in the year 2006 and 2007. SWOT ANALYSIS of Hotel Industry in Tamilnadu. STRENGTHS Natural and cultural diversity: India on a whole is very rich in cultural heritage and values. While considering the state of Tamilnadu, its heritage and history dates back to B.C., it has many historic places and monuments. The state pocess three main tourist spots in the country namely Oatacamund, Kodaikanal, Courtrallam and its the place where Rameswaram lies, one of two most spiritually important places in India for Hindus community. The state is along the southern coastal line of the country and has got many beautiful and sunny beaches along is shore. The state has become the region for business as it has got all the transportation means required and the state capital has one of the busiest ports in India. The state has got 8 national sanctuaries, and it has got many hills station including Ootacamund Kodaikanal. Demand Supply gap: There has always been a mismatch between demand and supply of rooms in Indian Hotel Industry. This has been the reason for higher room tariffs and the level of occupancy. The demand is raised a lot as India is hosting the 2010 Commonwealth games, and most importantly the demand for Chennai will increase due to 2011 Cricket World Cup in India. Many star categorized hotels have come in important cities of Tamilnadu in the last decade. Economical Growth: Indias economy is growing to new heights and been predicted to be second after China by 2050. India has now become a part of G20 nations which in turn denotes the growth of the Indian economy. Chennai city being one of the major business hubs of India is Bourne to immense growth in near future due to increase IT firms, growing Industry in numbers, government tourism development, and other business activities. Coimbatore, the other city in Tamilnadu which was initially a hub for textile industry has now turning out to be IT hub with many MNCs started to have their operations there. Due to industrial and automobile growth, the state of Tamilnadu has now become more occupied with the state having 6 different automobile company plants. Overall the International and domestic economic growth has brought in huge opportunity for Hotel Industry in Tamilnadu. Many huge player in the global market with global chain have started to walk in to Chennai market and along the state (tamilnadu). Weakness Slow Implementation- Growth in the tourism sector is considerably slow when compared to other departments. Though the market needs have increased, the adequate infrastructure facility for Hotel Industry is still lacking. Lack of proper manpower has always been an issue in the industry. Regional Imbalance: Regional Imbalance of hotels is prevailing a lot throughout India and that prevails in Tamilnadu also. Still some of the tourist spots in Tamilnadu, there isnt adequate number of rooms for to increase the demand and develop that region to be major tourist spot. Due to this, those tourist spot regions are still under developing schemes and they lack the actual demand which they are capable of producing. Capital Intensive: Initial cost involved in Hotel construction project (i.e.) cost of land is very high and contributes 50% of the total project cost, whereas in other countries it is around 15%. This operates as a major restriction to the Indian hotel Industry, with Tamilnadu being no exemption to this context. Long Gestation Period: Due to lack of proper government development scheme being actuated many rural tourist spots with cultural importance and heritage places lack hotels. This is due to long gestation period for the hotel to get back its breakeven point and also the future growth of the firm is under immense doubt. As mentioned earlier land cost being high in India, time period for Hotel development needs to be very fast in order flourish in the market. As of now this long growth period is making a full stop to Hotel Industry development in those areas. Oppurtunities Rising Income: The tendency of spending has increased among Indians due to rise in income levels. People of different age groups are bound to spend on different purchases and are more bound to spend on leisure tourism on a whole. Economy Rise: As stated in The Financial express (2008), Overall Indian Hotel Industry is going through a healthy growth phase due to rising economy which has made many foreign companies and investors to enter India, which in turn has raised the occupancy in Hotels. Thus due to economy rise government have implied many schemes to develop tourism. It has also stated that in Conde Nast Travaller ranking, India is been ranked 4th among 167 countries in most preferred travel destinations. This denoted that India has making its mark on global tourism sector. Threats Global Recession: In the last couple of years though the market for Hotel Industry has increased, the occupancy level has decreased due to global recession. Due to this situation, the percentage of business travellers dropped heavily as the companys restricted the travel expense for its employees. The dependency level on foreign tourists is always risky, as the economic depression has affected in all the developed companies and developing countries across the world. Hence there has been a huge fluctuation in International tourism. Rising Competition: Major International Hotel chains are entering Indian market as it is becoming the destination for economical growth. The existing market players are also bringing in lot of new facilities and offers to attract customers. Hence striving a place in customer mind will prove to be a hectic job. Thus there will be a rise in competition among the exciting Hotel market. . Aim: The main of this research is to explore the fundamental factors influencing the performance of the Hotel Industry in India, with special emphasis on Tamilnadu. Personal aims include: Preparation for myself in this hospitality line which will guide me to develop my family business to new heights in the market. To encourage Hoteliers make best use of the information resources gathered in this research. The need for the study emerges as more and more Hotel chains have started involving themselves in different type of complex business models and also they emphasize the need for cost-efficiency. Objectives: To assess the past and present performance of Hotels in Tamilnadu. To categorize the core factors of the identified trends. To understand the future growth opportunities for the hospitality sector in Tamilnadu. To provide proposals for the further development on this sector with regards to the state of Tamilnadu. Literature Review The term Hotel in British law is defined as the place where a bonafide traveller can receive food and shelter provided he is in a position to for it and is fit condition to receive (Yashroy.U, 2008). The origin of hotels came to India from British people. Until late 1920s all the hotels in India were maintained by British and Swiss people. The fact of Chennai being a metropolitan city dates back to 1639 when Chennai was used as main port for trading by East India Company which was maintained by British (Chennai Hotels, 2007). In current industrial world, one of the most successful industries is Hotel Industry. Demand has always been more than supply in all the cities. As FDI restrictions been eased off by government many MNCs have opened their operation in India especially in Tamilnadu. Indian economy rise in global market and rise of business activities in India has insisted for a need of quality hotel rooms for corporate and industrial people. This trend of hospitality development is significant all over India. Leisure travelling has increased in India, which also contributes to the factor of growth in Hotel Industry. Almost all the major hotel players in the world have their operations in India, which itself indicates the growth of Hotel Industry in India. While considering the state of Tamilnadu Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin are the major cities and Ootacamund, Kodaikanal, Courtrallam, Yercaud, Kanyakumari are the main tourist spots in the state. Demand supply mismatch has increased along all the above mentioned places in terms of Hotel rooms. In the last few years the number of inbound tourists (foreign tourist) has increased and has been around 4.9 million in 2007, while outbound tourists (Indian going on foreign tour) have been around 8.3 million in 2006 (ITOPC, 2008). In the outbound tourists segment lot of travel has been business travel while others have been leisure travel segment. Since both the inbound and outbound tourism has increased, the need for quality hotels in India has been rising. India being a country of wide culture and composite of world class heritage is the main reason for its tourist attraction in the global arena. Considering the tourism in Tamilnadu, the domestic leisure travel is based on seasonality for the tourist spots and for cities is based on full swing business travel. Beside the rise in income level of the people has been a main reason for rise of leisure tourism in Tamilnadu. But still the majority of Star class hotels are used for business travels and Budget hotels are used for leisure travel. Inbound Tourism Statistics Foreign Tourists In India (Number) 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 January 283750 228150 274215 337345 385977 459489 532088 584765 February 262306 227529 262692 331697 369844 439090 498806 560658 March 248965 225558 218473 293185 352094 391009 444186 509926 April 185338 155378 160941 223884 248416 309208 333945 369677 May 151098 132998 141508 185502 225394 255008 267758 290785 June 176716 143100 176324 223122 246970 278370 310104 344526 July 224432 186432 225359 272456 307870 337332 377474 August 196517 161477 204940 253301 273856 304387 360089 September 162326 151721 191339 226773 257184 297891 325893 October 181605 212191 260569 307447 347757 391399 440715 November 209685 243566 290583 385238 423837 442413 510987 December 319271 417527 479411 541571 575148 Total 2282738 2073025 2726214 3457477 3918610 4447167 4977193 2660337 Source: Ministry of tourism, Govt.of India (ITOPC, 2008). Domestic Travel Statistics Tourists Statistics Tamil Nadu Year Domestic Tourists 2004 42279838 2005 43213228 2006 58340008 Source : Ministry of tourism, Govt. of India (ITOPC, 2008). Outbound Tourism Statistics Statistics of Indian National Going Abroad Year No of Outbound Indians Percentage Change over the previos year 2000 4415513 7.3 2001 4564477 3.4 2002 4940244 8.2 2003 5350896 8.3 2004 6212809 16.1 2005 7184501 15.6 2006 8339614 16.1 Source: Ministry of tourism, Govt. of India (ITOPC, 2008). The categories of hotels in India are of five segments. Those segments are Premium Luxury segments, Mid Market Segment, Heritage Hotels, Resorts, Budget Hotels, and Unclassified Hotels. Premium and Luxury Segment This segment is based on major players in the local and International market. The whole slot in this segment comprises of 5 -star and 5 -star deluxe hotels which mainly serves business travellers and upmarket foreign travellers. These hotels fall into luxury segment and they offer a high quality and higher range of services. They tariffs and other service cost in considered to be expensive and is situated only in metro cities and major tourist spots. This segment alone contributed 30% of total number of rooms back in 2004. When comparing with Tamilnadus context, it contributes 15 % of total number of rooms which is nearly half to the national segment ratio (Bhatia, 2004). Mid-Market Segment This segment is based on local players in the market and small chain of hotels within the domestic market. The 3star and 4star hotels falls under this segment, and they mainly cater to the average domestic and foreign leisure traveller, along with domestic business travellers as they nearly offer all the services as of premium hotels under low cost than the premium as the tax component for this sector is less than that of luxury and premium segments. This segment contributes 30% of the total number of rooms in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai major cities in Tamilnadu (HVS International, 2009). Budget Segment This segment has emerged due to liberalisation in economy and is been mainly catered to middle class people with higher disposable income. This class comprises of 1 star and 2 star hotel. This type of hotels holds the major percentage of existence in the state of Tamilnadu. This segment caters for domestic travellers who prefer reasonably priced accommodation with limited luxury, and offers special seasonal discounts for domestic tourist packages. Low cost and good service is the main forefront of this hotel segment. Heritage Segment This segment is classified in the recent years to denote the hotels in palaces, castles, forts, and other buildings which were constructed before 1950. These traditional structures symbolise the ambience and luxury lifestyle of the past golden era (Ghosh, 2005). They have come to limelight with their lesser initial capital and for mirroring the traditional lifestyle of the past. These values have proved to be a major point of attraction and business for these hotels. While considering the context of Tamilnadu there are more than 10 hotels in existence (HHIMT, 2006). Unclassified or Other Segments This segment of hotels and motels are spread out throughout the country. If taken into account these contribute 50% of rooms occupancy in India. Their main point of sales income is low pricing policy. However some of them came into prominence on account due to increase in tourist congestion in major cities and tourist spots. These hotels officially now contribute 19% of the Industry. Performance measures in hotel management The performance of hotel property and chains can be measured in several ways. The simple method would be evaluating room rates and occupancy ratios. Another important measure with regards to occupancy rates is the Average Daily Room Rate (ARR). This is manipulated by dividing the revenue with the total number of rooms occupied. This occupancy ratio is also relatively important as that of ARR because it is an important indicator of profitability. The rate of occupancy is manipulated with number of rooms occupied by number of rooms available (Sola et.al, 1997, p.85). Market concept of Hotels As mentioned by many authors, Hotel is an commercial hospitality institution which offers services and loads of facilities to its customers on various cost factors aspects (Ghosh, 2005). Facilities Service Location Price Image (Source: Ghosh, 2005, p.131) All the five factors denoted in the factor are the terms related to hotel marketing concept. The term Location refers the geographic location of the hotel whether is the hotel is present in a city, rural area, or a tourist spot etc. It denotes to attractive features of the form, accessibility to the hotel, convenience factor, along with the surroundings. The term facilities refers to classy rooms, restaurants, leisure features, bars, banquet halls and recreation facilities (Weissinger, 2000).  . The term Service refers to the quality of the facilities offered and the extent to which it reaches to the consumers, availability of that service offered (Hoque, 2002).  Price factor implies the value given to its facilities and services offered to customers. The Image is a vital marketing factor as it portrays the hotel in the market and to the customers. This image is obtained from the above mentioned factors. For to maintain this factor all other factor have to be streamlined (Ghosh, 2005). Performance of Hotels in Tamilnadu The main focus the occupancy patterns of hotels two major metropolitan cities and two major tourist spots of Tamilnadu. The two major cities to be discussed are Chennai and Coimbatore and the two major tourist spots are Ootacamund and Kodaikanal. The percentage of occupancy rate in Chennai has risen by 12% in the current 2009 -2010 financial year after a decline in 2008 09 by 13% due to global recession. While in the case of Coimbatore, though the industry was also affected by recession in 2009, it dropped only by 5 % considering its growth ratio for the past decade with an average rise of 6% per year. The industry has also risen in current 2009 10 financial year by 10%. Both the cities are expected to have 16 new hotels, commercial serviced apartments for MNCs over the next 5 years. Both the cities have become an IT hub in the southern part o India. Chennai is amongst the seven major metropolitan cities, while Coimbatore and Ootacamund has become one amongst the twelve other major cities in the Hospitality and Industrial growth list (HVSFHRAI survey, 2009). The performance of Hotel Industry in Chennai city saw a decline in first half of 2009 as there was cost cutting activities taken by IT ITeS sectors and other business sectors along with decline in travel and entertainment. Though there was decline the city had the opening of two new star hotel property Taj Mount road Lemon Tree. The industry by the end of 2009 saw a rise in occupancies as the businesses boomed again and many new projects associated with travel and occupancy was announced. As mentioned earlier Chennai has always had a steady rise in Hotel Industry (HVSFHRAI survey, 2009). The performance of Hotel Industry in Coimbatore has been growing with steady Growth phase and Demand. Coimbatore is popularly known as Manchester of the south. The city itself is based on diversified economy consisting auto ancillary sector, textile sector, textile manufacturing and majorly in the past 6 years service sector has boomed in the city. The lower cost business operations have raised the city to prominence as a business destination in Tamilnadu and now across India. The occupancy rate has risen from 64 % in 2005 to 79% in 2009 though had a drop to 72% in the start of 2009 due to global recession. Coimbatore also has close proximity to Nligiris which implies that the demand for the Leisure segment will rise in the next few years. The current Star rated occupancy of 350 rooms is expected to rise to nearly 875 rooms which add pressure to the need of upgrade with the performance of hotels in a short term (Times, 2009). The existence of Ootacamund or in short term called Ooty, one of the major tourist destinations in India and has clearly marked as one amongst the other twelve major cities in India with its tourism Industrial growth. It is one of the primary hills station in South India. It is easily accessible via road and railways from Coimbatore, Chennai Bangalore. Ooty has retained its name as a Hills station tourist destination and hence many innovative and eco friendly hotels have come up nearby to the wildlife destinations. It is surrounded by natural sceneries, lakes, wildlife sanctuaries and many others. Domestic travel to this destination is being increasing at a higher pace (Kumar, 2010). The hotel occupancy has increased from 44% in 2005 to 59% in 2009 (HVSFHRAI survey, 2009). Kodaikanal is another major hill station in Tamilnadu. Tough Kodaikanal is categorised under developing urban areas, it still remains untouched by urban development and dense population as that of Ooty. It has got access from all the major cities in Tamilnadu and from Kerala as well. Though the number of Hotels in Kodaikanal is less than that of Ooty, they offer iunparelled experience in terms of comfort and services. It is surrounded by hills, huge lake, and number of parks, museums, and heritage places. There are two five star hotels, three four star hotels, more than 10 three star hotels in Kodaikanal. It is an intense developing tourist spot in India (Agarwal, 2007) Principle factors for growth of Hotels in India (Tamilnadu) The factors which influence the occupancy rate of Hotels , and their average room cost across the country are Domestic travel, International Arrivals, Health and Medical tourism, Business travel, MICE Meetings. Incentives. Conferences. Exhibitons. The Domestic travel is the vast growing market in India. Domestic Guests market is considered to be the most important segment for Indian hotel Industry, which accounted to 71.7 % of all guests in 2004- 05 (HVS, 2006). The effective guidance role for domestic travel is played by Budget airline, or low cost carriers. These have played a vital role in short business trips, short visits etc. Due to this a person from Chennai can go to Delhi in the morning, do his work over there and come back in the same day evening. This has made peoples work more convenient and easier than before, initially the cost factor played a vital role in choosing airlines. They were only used by higher business people as the ticket fare was costlier but then after the entry budget airlines in the market the frequency of air travel and the number of domestic travellers has been increasing from the initial entry period. The number of destinations has increased due to rising air trafiic. So connectivity to various destinations from one single destination is now very much possible. Now all the major private carriers, government carriers, and other small players in the market deal with budget airlines. They are Jetlite, Jetkonnec t, Spice Jet, Simplifly deccan, Air India Domestic formerly Indian Airlines, Go air, Paramount, Indigo and other new players which are in the queue for launch (Goyal, 2009). Tourists Statistics Tamil Nadu Year Domestic Tourists 2004 42279838 2005 43213228 2006 58340008 Source: Ministry of tourism, Govt. of India (ITOPC, 2008) International arrivals have been increasing steadily as the Business travels due to MNCs, leisure trips, and other trips have increased. Many Private and Government Indian carriers are now been operated to various destinations in the world which plays a vital role for the rise in International arrivals. Governments tourism scheme Incredible India is the most successful plan implemented by tourism ministry. This campaign has brought in many foreigners. This particular scheme has offered many advantages for tour packages. Hence the tour operators are doing aggressive marketing and attractive package offers to attract foreign tourists to India. The table below suggest that year 2008 has attracted around 5.4 million tourists from around the world, which is 5.6% more than previous year. The estimated foreign exchange earnings generated in the year 2008 was 50730 crores which are 14.4 % more than that of the previous year. The foreign exchange earning in terms of US dollars was 11747 US mi llion$ which is 9.3% rise than the previous year. Hence the rate of tourists arrival and the income has increased which in turn has resulted in growth of Indian hotel industry. In accordance to an official review the impressive inflow is one of the main reason for the rise in airline passengers, which in turn as the result of intensive advertising campaign done by the Ministry of tourism (Travel Tourism, 2005). Year Foreign Tourists Arrivals (in nos.) Percentage Change Over Previous Year Estimated Foreign Exchange Earnings (Rs. In Crore) Percentage of Change Over Previous Year Estimated Foreign Exchange (in Million US$) Percentage Over Previous Year 1999 2481928 12951 - 3009 2000 2649378 6.7 15626 20.6 3460 15.0 2001 2537282 -4.2 15083 -3.5 3198 -7.6 2002 2384364 -6.0 15064 -0.1 3103 -3.0 2003 2726214 14.3 20729 37.6 4463 43.8 2004 3457477 26.8 27944 34.8 6170 38.2 2005 3918610 13.3 33123 18.5 7493 21.4 2006 4447167 13.5 39025 17.8 8634 15.2 2007 5081504 14.3 44360 13.7 10729 24.3 2008 5366966 5.6 50730 14.4 11747 9.3 Source: Ministry Of Tourism India (2009). Medical tourism has now become one of the developing concepts whereby people from foreign countries come to India for medical treatment and relaxation. Major surgery treatments include Heart surgery, Plastic surgery, transplant surgery, Cosmetic surgery and Dental care. Patients from all

Not the Sound of Silence Footnoting the Pop/Rock Sounds of the Library :: Essays Papers

Not the Sound of Silence Footnoting the Pop/Rock Sounds of the Library While in the University of Arizona's Music Library evaluating their reference collection for a class project, I came across the following book and annotated it for my pathfinder: Green, J. (2002). The Thematic Guide to Popular Music, Nashville: Professional Desk References. This massive guide categorizes music by lyrical theme(s) and/or song titles. For instance, there are listings of songs by days of the week, women's first names and cities around the world. The perennial themes of love, romance and relationships are broken down into 25 sub-categories. Paging through it spurred me to wonder about songs written about or songs referring to libraries or librarians. While there were song listings galore referring to books (e.g., "Book of Love" by the Monotones and "Little Red Book" by Burt Bacharach/ Hal David), librarians and libraries were not even a category, subcategory or even crossed-referenced! This void gave me the impetus to do my own brief exploration and survey, drawing upon the vast resources of the web, friends, and my record collection, of the brief instances where the music world danced in library land. Tori Amos-"Tales of a Librarian" Classmate and Health Science librarian Virginia Sanchez filled me in on this one. I looked it up on Allmusic.com and found it was a collection of her hit songs. The record reviewer MacKenzie Wilson even writes, "Tales of a Librarian: A Tori Amos Collection is not only one of the most intriguing titles for a hits compilation, but the package itself captures only the best from Amos' years spent with Atlantic." BiblioTech editor Lori Ito Hardenbergh recently mentioned that songs on this album are even organized according to the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system! Check out the following link from Library Journal, which succinctly provides "an abstract" to her recorded tales: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA341766 The Librarians A now defunct power-pop band from Oakland, CA who used librarian stereotypes as part their shtick. For example, their band logo includes an illustration of a pair of black-framed glasses with one shattered lens. A photograph of the same motif appears on the back cover of their lone CD (properly clogging the used CD racks of the Bay Area). While they do have a song titled "Peace & Quiet, " I would have bestowed them all with "Superstar Reader" awards if they recorded a concept album where every song had a library theme.

Communicating Using Social Media Essay

Technology has developed tremendously the past decade, more so than it has in the past, and a variety of businesses are being challenged in this area. People from all over the world are constantly innovating new ideas, brainstorming on how to interact more efficiently, than and as fast as they or it possibly can. In order to do this, individuals must communicate with one another, using resources and updated tools to drive out the competition. Technology has changed business in many ways, but its affect on communication is arguably the most significant (Morley, 2013). Also, the skill to speak plainly and supportive is one of the talents that businesses look for in employees. The use of technology can assist students, companies, and computer gurus with communicating, which will lessen the time it takes. The use of social media in the workplace has elevated concerns about loss of time and productivity. However, our study reveals that at the workplace, social media is being increasingly used by professionals for multitasking and for better time management. (Revathy, 2012) Technology can also have penalties that diminish relationships without the tool as a mediator. There are positive, negative, and gray areas when discussing social networking, social media, and how it has affected businesses or the populace in general. Technology and communication are what make up social networking, which has become a â€Å"norm† for Generation X & Y. The findings came just a few months after the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that Americans between the ages of 8 and 18 spend on average 7 1/2 hours a day using some sort of electronic device, from smart phones to MP3 players to computers — a number that startled many adults, even those who keep their Blackberry’s within arm’s reach during most waking hours..(Stout, 2010) These generations are leading our country globally, internationally, and locally. Because it has been more recent that Smartphone’s and Apple products have flooded the market, there have not been a lot of comprehensive studies done on the impact it is having and I will alleviate on my findings. Social networking can lessen costs, make communication better, and is beginning to assist greatly with marketing departments all over the world. Digital technologies swiftly transform our communication style, the way we purchase and industry interactions in several departments. Compared to older technologies, new technologies have been adopted and implemented more quickly by individuals and businesses. Organizations that use social media are able to reach their consumers promptly, effortlessly, and receive quick responses. The ability to have questions answered immediately allows customer support staff to work faster without irritating the customer. The downside is that employees are less likely to engage in social activities away from their computers (Webster, 2010). While information and communication technologies influence brand loyalty and brand awareness, there is a secure relationship between demanding market-oriented configurations and improving customer loyalty, recognition, and satisfaction. When the influence of social media-focused information & communication technologies on the costs was determined, it was revealed that these technologies reduce administrative costs, supplier/partner costs, internal communication costs, and customer management costs, which in turn positively influences the business performance (Gecti & Dasan, 2013). It is a lot cheaper to do business in a social media environment when regarding promotions, expenses, and revenue made. Marketing, sales, and promotional activities done in social media environments provide businesses an opportunity to act independently of their physical environments (Gecti & Dasan, 2013). This article also spoke of employees having better relationships with one another, being able to conne ct online has helped their line of communication drastically; so their attitudes and work environment has improved as well. It was enlightening to see that these technologies definitely affect brand recognition of the corporation and customer devotion to services and products. Large and small companies seek to form a connection between their customers, products or services; particularly through advertisement and other creative activities. When sudden transfer of information, instant feedback, and broad areas of influence are considered especially in social media environments, businesses execute marketing-focused activities in these environments (Gecti & Dasan, 2013). The latest technologies guide the way; facilitate a new perspective, and guarantee positive and negatives for the nations’ wealth and businesses’. This brings to mind the surfacing of new applications for many telecommunications, companies, and individuals. Social media is exceptionally significant in viral marketing and in the encouragement of new products. Consciousness and successful use of social media has produced ample solutions in these areas and has generated a novel line of work for the information technology industry. As information travels faster and faster and more reliably, barriers of distance disappear, and businesses are realizing how easy it is to outsource jobs overseas (Mcgrath, 2013). There are additional positions being implemented daily into social networking and the people that are already in place in this segment are constantly growing. Someone is responsible for collecting the responses made by consumers and interpreting them so that they can pr omote â€Å"liked† items. By using Face Book and Twitter, generally you can determine whether a product is going places or not. Comments, news, or shares about products or companies in social networks, blogs, and news sites so on are constantly monitored through specially developed software to collect information and to provide instant response. In this way, businesses have a chance to store and manage the unstructured information (Kietzman, 2011). Traditionally, consumers used the Internet to simply expend content: they read it, they watched it, and they used it to buy products and services. Increasingly, however, consumers are utilizing platforms—such as content sharing sites, blogs, social networking, and wikis—to create, modify, share, and discuss Internet content. This represents the social media phenomenon, which can now significantly impact a firm’s reputation, sales, and even survival. Yet, many executives eschew or ignore this form of media because they don’t understand what it is, the various forms it can take, and how to engage with it and learn (Keitzmann, 2011). As all these positive aspects of social media can and is changing the way we think and buy. The major concern is that is moving so fast that the leaders making huge decisions that can affect our daily lives are reluctant in catching up with the new ways. This hesitance will cause a negative influence on communication in business and technology. Hopefully, eventually these two extremes will coincide and all generations can find a way to join together in moving forward at the same pace. Until then, future leaders of America will have to step up and find innovative ways to implement training in these areas. I believe that the more important thing to remember through all of the â€Å"change† is that we are doing it together and to be open minded to the idea that there may be a more efficient way to do something. Whether it is gain feedback or to simply get a shift covered, technology is changing fast and if he/she does not get on the fast train with the rest of the world, then companies may suffer extraneously. The negative sides to social media and technology in business communications consists of the obvious: misunderstood messages, misinterpreted texts, email, IM, etc., isolation, no actual social life, too public, and simply too difficult to comprehend. It’s worth noting, however, that today only 5 percent of communications occur on social networks. Moreover, almost all digital human interactions can ultimately become â€Å"social,† and jobs involving physical labor and the processing of transactions are giving way, across the globe, to work requiring complex interactions with other people, independent judgment, and the analysis of information. As a result, we believe social technologies are destined to play a much larger role not only in individual interactions but also in how companies are organized and managed. While the adoption of social technologies is growing rapidly, a huge untapped potential for them to create value remains (Bughin, Michael, James, 2012). That statistic was from last year and it was only five percent that companies actually engage in social media. I am positive the numbers have grown significantly, but I am also sure that there is a large percentage that does not want anything to do with this world. Some employers may feel social is inappropriate for the office because its name implies socializing rather than working (Poluck, 2012). There are many different ways that people can misunderstand emails or texts, especially when you cannot see the person. There are a lot of emoticons and symbols used to replace emotions, but without being able to look into someone’s eyes or see their body language, it is almost impossible to tell if they meant what they said the way that you think you should have interpreted it. People could waste valuable time trying to encrypt these messages when they could have picked up the phone. Having a pleasurable conversation with our family, friends or significant others, we lock our eyes to our computer and mobile device screens instead of listening and giving feedback. Technology has its advantages, but we should take a footstep back and grasp what it is doing to our skills, talents, and relationships. The question on researchers’ minds is whether all that texting, instant messaging and online social networking allows children to become more connected and supportive of their friends — or whether the quality of their interactions is being diminished without the intimacy and emotional give and take of regular, extended face-to-face time (Stout, 2010). Our children will be educated in a completely different era than we were, than our parents, and their parents which can be intimidating when you look carefully at how fast all of this happening. Also, another disadvantage that Morley says, â€Å"Instant communication can make it harder for workers to deal with one task at a time when their work is constantly being interrupted by comments and questions that relate to other projects or even personal issues. In fact, some employees must make an effort to turn off communication devices while they work to meet deadlines (Morley). Maybe companies are strategically planning ways to welcome new technologies or implementing training programs so that employees are aware of how to communicate effectively online. In my experience, I have not been in an organization that implemented a training program for communication, let alone a training of how to â€Å"tweet† professionally. If a company already has policies on misconduct, then mostly they could enforce the same rules when applying to social networking in the workplace. I did work for one hotel that took one of its sales persons and gave her the title of coordinator over social engagement. As I was leaving last summer, she was handling all trip advisor comments and applied them to the employees when it was good or bad. If there were good comments on particular employees, she would recognize and reward, which did motivate them. Through my research, I found limitless articles, journals, CDs, books, etc. that offered training on communication individually, group settings, and in the workplace. If I were to choose, I would definitely choose one that focuses on communicating respectively, but that also starts with the basics so that all ages and cultures can catch up to speed. Start with different departments and treat it as any training session, make it fun and interactive. If people are not given the knowledge, we cannot expect them to act any differently. People are representing their companies when they are working and when they are not. If those individuals are â€Å"connected† to people at work and you put your entire personal life online, then you can expect co-workers at your job to know the details of your weekend. Human resource department can also use these open networking sites to look up your page and see if you will be a good candidate or not. Whether it is positive or negative, the use of social media with technology in business communications is happening, regardless who likes it or who is not â€Å"ready† for it. References Bughin, J., Chui, M., & manyika, J. (2012). Capturing business value with social technologies. McKinsey Quarterly (4), 72-80. Geà §ti, F., & Dastan, I. (2013). The impact of social media-focused information & technologies on business performance via mediating mechanisms: An exploratory study on communication and advertising agencies in Turkey. International Journal of Business and Management, 8(7), 106-115. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1357565373?accountid=32521 Jan H. Kietzmann, Kristopher Hermkens, Ian P. McCarthy, Bruno S. Silvestre, Social media? Get serious! Understanding the functional building blocks of social media, Business Horizons, Volume 54, Issue 3, May–June 2011, Pages 241-251, ISSN 0007-6813, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2011.01.005. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0007681311000061) McGrath, Jane. (2008). How has technology changed the way we conduct business? HowStuffWorks.com. Retrieved from http://money.howstuffworks.com/technology-changed-business.htm Morley, Amanda. (n.d). Effects on Technology in Business Communications. Chron. Demand Media. Retrieved June 16, 2013 from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/effects-technology-business-communications-23045.html Pollack, J. (2009, May 23). ‘Something’s got to change’; social media the internet’s moving too fast for companies to not keep up with it – old traditions, such as memos, don’t work in the age of mass and immediate communication, tech executive says. Telegraph-Journal. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/423358594?accountid=32521 Revathy, L. N. (2012, Mar 26). Business communication shifting to social media. Businessline. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1321923181?accountid=32521 Stout, Hillary. (2010, April 10). Antisocial Networking? New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/fashion/02BEST.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 Webster, Shannon. (n.d.). What are the positive and negative effects of using technology to communicate? Chron. Demand Media. Retrieved June 16, 2013 from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/positive-negative-effects-using-technology-communicate-21241.html

Issues Facing Medicare

Issues Facing Medicare Medicare plays an important role in the United States system of health care by providing more than 45 million American citizens with insurance cover. Medicare is a program established to provide health insurance to individuals regardless of the status of health and income level. Although it is mainly established to cater for health needs of the elderly (65 years and above), the program caters for the needs of about 7 million permanently disabled adults.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Issues Facing Medicare program established to provide health insurance. specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Registered members contribute a certain amount of money throughout their working life so that together with their spouses, their health needs are catered for after they have retired. In order to meet the financial obligations faced by the Medicare system, funds have to be sourced from beneficiaries, revenues from the federal governm ent and tax. At present, nearly all people aged 65 and above are insured by Medicare. Although it is a popular program, Medicare is currently faced with many challenges and issues. Issues Facing Medicare The greatest challenge facing Medicare is lack of sufficient funds to cater for health needs of the future generation. This is because of the high cost of health care and the increased number of baby boomers in the United States. Annual increase in the cost of health care has in turn increased expenditure. Studies conducted in 2010 show that the number of Medicare beneficiaries is likely to rise from 47 to 78 million by 2030. For instance, the estimated population of Baby Boomers expected to join Medicare in 2011 (individuals born between 1946 and 1964) was 77 million. To handle this number, Medicare needs some improvements. According to the Medicare Board of Trustees, if changes on the Medicare program are no put in place, the likelihood of the program being insolvent/bankrupt by 2 024 is high. The following measures have been suggested if the Medicare Trust Fund is to be financially stable beyond 2024. The salaries of physicians should be reduced by 40% and payments made to other companies providing services to the programs will also be deducted. According to government experts, available funds in Medicare Part A Trust Fund will not be enough to cater for full benefits of the large population. The experts also argue that the program requires additional revenue if it is to maintain the current benefits. This implies that beneficiaries will be forced to bear the burden of increased premiums. Today, 30% of the cost of healthcare comes from the pockets of the beneficiaries. These costs increased annually. Like health care expenditure, increased spending in Medicare is caused by the high cost of services offered in health systems, new technologies, and increased utilization of services.Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The increased amount of funds utilized in the Medicare program influence smooth running of other programs. For instance, annual expenditure is expected to increase to about $3 trillion in 2030. The federal government will be forced to adjust the budget to accommodate the requirement of the program. This will affect funding of other important sectors like education and defense. Because of the increased number of retirees, Medicare will lack funding because the workers will be few. This is because Baby Boomers include the largest percentage of employees in the United States. The economy of United States is largely determined by Baby Boomers because they are innovative. In addition to lack of funds, the program will need to hire more professionals to cater for the large number of retirees.

the forest people essays

the forest people essays In his book, The Forest People, Colin Turnbull achieves the taste and feel of life inside a Mbuti community, but in doing so offers a skewed anthropological look at the peoples of the African Congo. When reading the book, I did truly feel a part of the Mbuti world, but I also noticed a lack of anthropological accuracy when it came to portraying effect had on Pygmies by the lives and cultures of surrounding natives. Not only does Turnbull lack respect non-Pygmy culture, but he also doesn't much account for the possibility of change as he idealizes the Mbuti belief and living system in the state it currently exists. As illustrated quite early in the book when Cephu's daughter dies of dysentery, the Mbuti people copy some of the patterns of ritual grief used by their villager Negro neighbors. It is clear from their behavior that the Pygmies hold little stock in the cultural beliefs of the villagers, and play along simply to not upset the good food source they can use the Negroes as. How ever, the way that Turnbull portrays this relationship is extremely one-sided, often times not even giving the "Negroes" the dignity of a tribal name. His treatment of their beliefs is similar, and gives only the vaguest reasons for their behavior, citing belief in spirits and fear of the forest. Since Negro customs obviously affect pygmy behavior, it seems curious that Turnbull should come so close to completely ignoring cultural reasons driving it. Forces moving culture are much clearer and completely defined when Turnbull follows the pygmies into the forest and away from the influence of surrounding villages. Here, the ritual of the molimo is seen in its pure state, as are other rituals such as marriage and the elima. From the Mbuti (and therefore Turnbull's) point of view, it is there in the middle of the forest that everything is right with the world, and no polluting influence of the villagers or of change can approach them. However, this is a f...

Marketing Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Marketing Management - Essay Example A wide range of food programs and food festivals are organized in Singapore which witnesses a strong level of participation from a wide array of expert level international chefs from various corners of the world. This automatically makes the market of Singapore a birth place of various kinds of innovative food based delicacies as well as bakery products. Discussing on the lines of the bakery products, it can be said that the market of Singapore can be divided on the lines of bread based offerings, cakes, biscuits as well as breakfast cereals (Euromonitor.com, 2011). However, it also has to be said that the Singapore has a large number of Muslim population, which forms the Halal market in the region. It is highly interesting to state that the South East Asia, which includes the region of Singapore, is homes to around 250 million Halal oriented consumers. Talking about the valuation of the south east Asia market formed by the 250 million Halal consumers, it can be highlighted that the market stands at an astounding 93,000 million USD (Daganhalal.com, n.d.). It is also very important to highlight the fact that the region of Singapore, which falls under the category of South East Asia has a tremendous and growing potential for becoming one of the leading Halal based food markets, mainly because of the fact of the region being a major transhipping centre. Also, it has to be said that the Muslim presence in the Singapore region comprises to over 60% of the entire population of Muslim located all over the world (Min, Global Halal Food Industry, p. 7). Source: Global Halal Food Industry. Hence, it can be said that there exists a unique opportunity in the bakery market to cater to the inward as well as outward growth that is emerging from the Halal market of Singapore. Market Trends Discussing the trends that are currently evolving in the market of Singapore, it can be said that the trends are similar to that of the bakery market of south East Asia. It is to be mentione d that the bakery industry existing in these markets is highly dependent on the series of factors. The factors are a mixture of macroeconomic as well as lifestyle trends like strong growth of the regional economy, growing living standards of the masses, influence of western oriented lifestyle as well as busy lives of the masses (PRWeb.com, 2013). The factor of shortage of time in the hands of the masses in regards to preparation of traditional meals is playing a tremendous catalytic role in spreading the growth of the bakery industry in the market of Singapore. The bread and bakery industry of the region has a highly diversified consumer portfolio. Talking in regards to the future market trends for this particular sector in the Singapore region, it can be said that the manufacturers and retailers will try to attain a growth in the business by leveraging on the highly diversified consumers base. In order to develop a competitive edge in the business as well as for better positioning of their products, the manufacturers and retailers of the bread industry will try to introduce innovative products which will be segmented and targeted specifically to consumers on the basis of their age group. Market Growth While discussing the factors of market growth, it has to be brought in to focus that the bakery market of Singapore grew at a rate of 7.9 % on a compound annual basis between the 5 year period of 2004 to 2009 (Datamonitor.com, 2012). During this period the bread and

Valuing a start up business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Valuing a start up business - Essay Example History forms a very good foundation in evaluating and valuing a business. However, young companies have little or no history; many have only one or two years of data available on operations and financing (Audretsch & Link, 2012). This unavailability of data further compounds the valuation of a start up since data forms the major building block of any business valuation. The amount of data accumulated from the start-up business dictates the ease with which the business can be valued. This means that the duration that a start-up has taken is very important in assessing its value. If a business has existed for quite long it becomes easy to value it as opposed to shortly existed business. Nonetheless, there are a number of alternative approaches that can be used in valuing a start-up business depending on the business in question. Selection of the approach is based on the nature of the business and the market. One of such approach is valuing cash flow from existing businesses. In this approach the cash flow of already established business is evaluated. This will help know the expected return of the business and payback time of the business (Schell & Tyson, 2012). The cash flows of any business is examined using its present, future values and interests. Various ways of measuring cash flows are employed in order to analyze financial instruments like loans, bonds, and dividends. These ways of measuring cash flows are Internal Rate of Return, Net Present Value, Annuities and Perpetuities. They are called time value of money techniques. Perpetuities-These are annuities which last forever under assumption. This means that when valuing company the dividend is considered as a perpetuity. These cash flows grow uniformly throughout the time. Net Present Value- this involves evaluating unequal cash flows, both positive and negative. A time value of money technique can be used in this case to generate the present value of future cash flows. This