Hospitality industry Essay

â€Å"Oxford Dictionary defines hospitality as â€Å"receiving and hosting customers, visitors and strangers with cordiality and good reputation.† Receptors hospitality services perceive this service sector accompanied by food and friendly service good drink and familiar atmosphere. On the other hand, those who provide these services sometimes have the impression that, despite their efforts, customers can sometimes be picky and ungrateful. Regardless of the position they occupy, it is clear that the scope of activities influence people life, growing up over time. International there is a constant development and continuous improvement of hospitality industries. To welcome those who travel the world, literally and figuratively extend our hospitality and it is taking up with their requirements. For many people, facade, appearance or location determines the first impression that remains and is the most important. The hospitality industry, more than any other, is facing strong to the people. What create that lasting impression customers is effective, efficiency and hospitality of the people who by attitude and their kindness, hospitality is people oriented. But starting from the original meaning of the concept of hospitality, the hospitality industry can be defined with respect broad a range of commercial accommodation activities and / or food service for people who are far from home does not matter if is for longer or shorter time. In other words, the hospitality industry are not only great hotels and restaurants, but also a wide range of commercial activities such as guest houses, snack bars and fast-food establishments. The essence of hospitality is to ensure food, entertainment and accommodation for those who are away from home. The foundation of this work were made in Europe in the Middle Ages, the monasteries functioned as a â€Å"guest houses† for pilgrims. Subsequently, the work was extended by establishing inns for travelers, located along the main thoroughfares. Development occurs inns and hotels related an strict development of travel and holidays. The evolution of transport technologies allowed mass range of consumer leisure or business, creating an urgent need of accommodation and catering for people in away from home. Is generally accepted that hospitality, as an attribute of good manners, represents an primary objective of tourism. Regarded as a true art, the art of hospitality is intended to structure the customer for the service unit in such way that consumer products and services feel really wanted is treated as a guest. In addition, more than practice it occasionally grown into a true profession. Hospitality as a profession can be defined therefore as â€Å"the process of providing psychological and physiological comfort and safety of the client, while the consumption of products required on the premises benefit. â€Å"In this context, this attribute can accept industrial-scale development? Seen in terms of scale and investment characteristics and the fact that this sector of economic life is one work intensive, dedicated to the hospitality industry is similar industries. In the specialty literature doubts persist in using this terminology, especially in relation to the scope of then  hospitality industry. Thus, a series of authors consider as part of this field only food and accommodation services, perhaps because those benefits are offered under the same premises works like industrial units, other authors, however, consider it appropriate a broader approach, including leisure services and even the marketing of products. (David P. Baron Business and its environment, fourth edition) In terms of ownership, tour operators are found in both the private and public sector Private Sector. Increasing the number of transactions and mergers within the industry came amid vertical or horizontal integration. Horizontal integration involves expanding within an industry sector, for example through the development of hotel chains or network by opening new routes. Companies grouped in this formula is in an integrated chain, controlled by a unique decision. They offer a homogeneous product sold under the same brand, using the techniques work together. Horizontal integration means not only achieve these general goals, but also contribute to better accommodate certain geographical dimensions of tourism. Purchase of tourism enterprises in the coastal and mountainous areas, for example, may allow the transfer of staff and a seasonal effective use throughout the year human and material resources. Vertical integration within an organization bringing together various industry sectors, for example, when a company buys hotel or tour operator travel agency opened retailers. Integration can occur from within by developing a new product or activities of the company’s internal resources or external acquisition or takeover by other companies. As with other industries, the expansion through integration of technical and financial benefit. Increase the size of a firm enables him to take full advantage of computerization, a very important element in terms of travel bookings or may mean developing scientific research that would provide a competitive edge. The public sector is required at different levels, to pursue the public interest and provide goods and services whose cost cannot be covered by the private sector. The public sector is involved in tourism, directly or indirectly, for different reasons: economic; social and cultural; the environment; Police; Tax. Types of ownership in the industry of hospitality are the followings: sole-trader, partnership, private or public companies (limited liabilities), franchise. Sole –trader- a form of business in which the owner has the unlimited liability , Partnership – can be two or more people who share skills and workload, Company – it has to be registered before to start the business, the owners are its shareholders who puts funds in the company by buying share . Franchise – the franchisor is selling the right to operate under its company license to the franchiser. The diversity of the Hospitality industry consist in its different types of products and services it is offering such as different food and beverage products (e.g diversity of cuisine, vegetarian meals, nutrient level of the dishes, halal meat, etc), different types of accommodation(e.g. hotels, guests houses, campus accommodation, villas, apartments, cottages), leisure services, conferences, meetings and banqueting’s. (Dr. Sam handout) 1.2/P2 Systemic analysis reveals multiple functions and businesses increasingly important that they have the organizational structure as the main organizational subsystem. If hospitality organizations known two dimensions of organizational structure: †¢ horizontal dimension, †¢ vertical dimension. The horizontal dimension reflects general division of labor in specific activities or components. Working in horizontal organizational structure can be grouped into: functional structures and autonomous units, drives hybrid matrix units. Structure functional groups similar positions to produce and sell a service. Functional structures typical small tourism enterprises are simple and operate in a simple and stable also. Structure of a small restaurant is shown in figure below Structure-based autonomous units grouped under a single manager, whose positions work occupiers unlike running, but focuses on: distinct service or  group of services; a customer or customer group, geographic area. Organizing such autonomous units is adopted by large enterprises, transnational, operating in an unstable environment and heterogeneous. Example: Hilton International. Structure incorporates hybrid autonomous units and functional departments centralized and located at headquarters. A hybrid organizational structure is typical for a large company that faces an uncertain external environment and heterogeneous. A strength of this type of structure is that it takes advantage of concentration and coordination of autonomous units and functional departments are centrally such as research department – development Matrix organizational Westfield area structure is achieved by using simultaneous mixing functional structure or structure-based autonomous units. A new feature of this type of structure is that some workers should report more people and not a single manager. Matrix organizational structure is designed to determine collaboration between product managers and functional managers. Function Management Product Managers Production Manager Director Marketing Manager CEO Hotel A 1 2 3 CEO Hotel B 4 5 6 CEO Hotel C 7 8 9 Matrix cells numbered in the diagram above represents workers or teams of workers from the three hotels. Of note is that the hotel manager had to work with three functional managers and each functional manager must cooperate with each of the three managers of hotels. Conditions requiring matrix organization are: 1. Strong pressure for dual focus on technology and product; 2. Pressure related to the amount of data and its processing capacity; 3. Pressure on the general resources of the enterprise. After their content, the relationships within an organization are: Relationships determines the effective exercise of authority. They are divided into: Hierarchical relationships ensure unity of action, giving the enterprise, from this point of view, the appearance of a pyramid. The relation established between functional and operational departments, hierarchically subordinated them. Staff relations are independent of the first two categories are established as a result of the delegation by senior management, usually on the top hierarchical organization of the task to solve their behalf problems affecting multiple compartments. Cooperation relations established between stations on the same hierarchical level, but belonging to different compartments. Control relationships arising between specialized departments control and other departments of the company. Spontaneous relations are a consequence of the existence of the informal organization structure. (Teare R. , Adams D., Messenger S. CASSELL Managing Projects in Hospitality Organizations 1992) 1.3/P3 The national trade association for hotel, restaurants and catering sector is represented by the British Hospitality Association (BHA). Almost every public hotel group or independent hotels, restaurants, pubs food services, motorway services and many hospitality associations are members of BHA, who promotes the interests of the hole hospitality sector to the EU commission, government, ministers MPs, MEPs, MSPs, and media. Exist 16 additional committee working with the sector and its specific issues such as Management of food and service Forum, Local Hospitality Association, National Committee of Restaurants Association, Club Panel, Committee of Area Operations  Motorway Services. It is offering support and development for more than 40,000 establishments and over 500,000 employee were trained in order to improve their skills and get qualifications in the hospitality sector. The hospitality sector in UK boost its profitability with a series of events like Olympic Games 2012 and will be delivering world class service to the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the Rugby World Cup in 2015. (www.bha-online.org.uk) People 1st is delivering a World Host customer service training (e.g. the successful event 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics). Modern and energetic offering a comprehensive training the program can be found on DVD and CD scenario. People 1st is offering training and development for a series of industry but regarding the hospitality sector its focus is on the success key of the business, quality front-line â€Å"customer service†. They offer support from the new entry peoples in the industry to the experience staff in order to increase their chances to promote to the top positions. People 1st created the successful lead GIF (growth and innovation funds) for the hospitality in UK who brings together the industry bodies, individuals or businesses in order to promote training, innovation and career in the industry and also economic growth. It advice the employers how to use the employees skills and gives them a high quality training program. It support also the government ministers, associations and multinational business. (www.people1st.co.uk) (https://www.google.co.uk/search?) HOSPA is a non-profit organization with the aim to help and support education, it support the careers development in management, finance, IT, marketing, accountancy and is keeping up to date with the industry new trends. Its monthly magazine focus on its members reflecting the new trends, offering topics to the professional resources. BIIAB is the owned BII organizations who offers qualifications to the license retail sector available across UK. â€Å"Members should be clear that we  represent them and their views in influencing Government policy and importantly other key stakeholders in the industry. It’s important that BII looks, to the next generation of members and establishes a credible route to market for young people who aspire to work in this great industry†. Tim sees the role of BII as raising the reputation of the industry as a valued career, said Tim Hulme ABII, Chief Executive. (http://biiab.bii.org/biiab-usefulinformation/whos-who-in-biiab) City and Guilds of London has been the main provider of qualifications for those woking in food preparation and cooking, food and beverage services, front of the house and accommodation services. On average its awards between 50,000 – 60,000 certificates a year in the sector. 2.1/P4 It is well documented that the hospitality industry is an important part of the UK economy. Is an estimate that over 500,000 people are employed in the industry. As the industry grows not only need more staff, are required a variety of skills for different occupations, who needs to expand and meet the customer expectations. E.g. the hotel managers are no longer seen as â€Å"good hosts† . they need to be good team leaders with strong technical and financial skills, capable to assume a wide variety of responsibilities from training to the development of customers and staff relations. They need to have as well a multi-cultural approach to business operations and the ability to cope with stressful situations. It is estimate that the number of young people will increase so training and development is crucial in order to support the acknowledgement process for unskilled and semiskilled people employed in the industry and also for volunteers, seasonal workers or part time workers. For the new entry in order to start a career in hospitality the minimum requirement are a good command of English, good communication skills, positive attitude, friendly approach, customer oriented and hard working. An increased attention need to be given to the methods of advertising, selection, recruiting, induction and training specially for the staff who comes from outside UK due to the establishment of European single market, and finding solutions to the problems of a decreasing supply of  young people coming in the industry and the effort directed towards reducing the high level of labor turnover experienced by the sector. If for new entry staff are not any specific academic requirements just the willing to work hard and a positive attitude, for public facing role employers prefer candidates who have previous experience even certifications and qualifications in a customer service environment and show good skills and the appreciation of service quality. The industry offer possibility to work in a full time or part time basis, fix program or shifts, employing many woman’s and young people and allow them to move throw the certain areas of the industry. (Managing Projects in Hospitality Organization, Treare Richard and Co., CASSELL) Core occupations The sector employs both a large number of core occupations (specific to the sector) and additional occupations (found in most sectors). The following provides employment numbers for the sector’s core occupations: †¢ Kitchen and catering assistants (402,200) †¢ Chefs and cooks (273,200) †¢ Waiting staff (235,200) †¢ Bar staff (196,100) †¢ Restaurant and catering managers (158,200) †¢ Housekeepers and related occupations (59,800) †¢ Hotel and accommodation managers (58,400) †¢ Travel agents (47,600) †¢ Publicans and managers of licensed premises (43,500) †¢ Leisure and theme park attendants (24,000) †¢ Conference and exhibition managers (22,400) †¢ Travel and tour guides (16,600) †¢ Hotel porters (12,100) †¢ Travel agency managers (8,500 (www.people1st.co.uk/research) 2.2/P5 City and Guilds London Institute offers qualifications for front of the house services, food and beverage operations, chef’s and food preparation, accommodation. The Business and Technician Council (BTEC) is another key organization which provides awards for all level of competence. The number of individual obtaining qualifications in areas of hotels, catering, travel, tourism and recreation is approximately 9,000/year. Hotel and Catering Training Company (HCTC) and the Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management Association (HCIMA) are others institutes who offer qualifications for the industry staff. Managers in the hospitality industry are educated and trained through a wide variety of routes. The awarding bodies involved at these level include BTEC, the Council of National Academic Awards (CNAA), the HCIMA and the university sector. Separate arrangements exist in Scotland in the form of the Scottish Vocational Education Council (SCOTVEC). Exist two significant reports published who concerned mainly on management education. The first analyzed the management education in USA, Germany, France, Japan and UK. The founded argued that management group in the overseas are more likely to have been educated to a higher level and are more likely to have benefited from formal and systematic policies for continuing education and development than in the UK. The report recommended that leading organizations should act as role models of good practice and that individuals should secure higher level of education. The second report provided a thorough appraisal of management in the UK. Its findings showed that although there was general willingness opportunities to consider new of approaches, Britain’s management development opportunities of their competitors. it was recognized that management education could greatly improve the effectiveness of managers on average a British manager received only few days formal training per year. NVQ (National Vocational Qualifications) have been designed to offer qualifications in the industry from entry levels to the top management positions, so everyone can become better and improve skills and knowledge by getting NVQ accredited. (Managing Projects in Hospitality Organization, Treare Richard and Co., CASSELL, p243) 3.1/P6 PESTEL analysis The political environment The political environment is important for tourism companies, because there are laws, rules and tactics. Therefore, it is important to establish the place of political power in tourism and how political power to influence the future and the effects of these tactics. It is also important to identify the level at which an organization operates in a political tour. For example, a Belgian tour operator will face a political environment of local government, national government and EU legislation. Additionally, you will have to face political environments in the countries whose destinations are included in bid. Economic Environment. Tourism service providers will find that international economic environment affect the demand for their services and financing costs of such services. Examples of this are given by hotel chains like Best Western (U.S.) and Intercontinental (Japan), carriers, and Eurotunnel (UK / France) and Korean Air (South Korea) and holders of tourist attractions like Disneyland (USA, France). Socio-cultural Facto influencing the socio-cultural tourism organizations are related to the size and population, social class, attitudes and values. Demographics deals with the study population and the population is important for tourism organizations for two reasons: First, the population is a key factor influencing demand for tourism organizations. Secondly, labor organizations supporting tourism is derived from the population. For example, a country with large population represents a potential market for tourism services and one in which economies of scale can be achieved. Technological environment- collecting technology, dissembling technology, shorting reprocessing and use technology is a technological environment  provides tourism organizations both opportunities and threats. Opportunities resulting from technological development can be found in cheaper supplies in improvement of goods and services or to better marketing. Legal environment – such as vast protocols, rules and regulations, standards, contractual issues, planning system, facilities permitting, product stewardship legislation, landfill restrictions (liquids, tires, pretreatments),. Environmental factors – peak oil (oil reserves), virgin resource and landfill availability, exploitation impact (damages to the ecosystem), climate changes (future temperature, rise and impact), weather change, carbon balance recycle vs. virgin material. (Davin P. Baron, Business and its Environments, fourth edition p428) 3.2/P7 It has long been committed and only hotels under construction are increasingly using all kinds of green technologies. In addition, these environmental initiatives applies not only to expensive hotels in the world, but also in CIS countries. One of the most developed areas – reducing the cost of electricity, more hotels now use LED bulbs, which although more expensive, but consumes 3-4 times less electricity. Life in LED too. To consume less electricity utility to create a mini panel. In regions with good wind level, many hotels are increasingly equipped with turbines. Rarely used other alternative energy sources. More hotels in Astrakhan use generators on biodiesel. In the book â€Å"Gaia Napa Valley† heat lighting technologies used, increasing use of cars with alternative engines. So, increasingly, to go to a hotel used by electric vehicles and taxis and freight cars with hybrid engines. For example, California, Ambrose Hotel offers clients limousines on hybrid engine. Household chemicals – is an area that is too stupid to be updated. Being introduced more and more secure means of washing. A number of hotels in bathrooms are courteous customer requests to throw in a basket all the towels that need washing, so do not wash towels mountain again. As the scale of hospitality enormous amount of  harmful substances into the atmosphere when washing is absolutely clean linen and towels. Attention is paid to environment friendly building materials to use when building new hotels and repair old ones. â€Å"Green† directions are important, for example, it is wise to use water to regulate the heating-cooling processes inside, reducing plastic packaging. For example, already referred to American Hotel Gaia Napa Valley established the so-called â€Å"gray† water (runoff from showers and sinks), which is passed through a small filter is used to fill the pond and watering of vegetation great site. Environmental initiatives also bring revenue by improving the image of the hotel. Hotels online websites on the internet and on site to form a section of â€Å"environment – demanding† comments that describe achievement, environment and individual health care. The business are bound to become greener as a desire to reduce their costs, and in an effort to attract more visitors – because people are more aware of environmental issues. (http://ecology.md/md/section.php?) CRS (Corporate Social Responsibilities) The social responsibility perspective focus on role of business identified by concerns that extend beyond economic efficiency. Those role may steam from societal needs to otherwise adequately addressed or from the consequences or market imperfections. They may also stem from concerns that government is either unable or unwilling to address. E.g. some companies have voluntarily institute programs to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions in response to global climate change. From this perspective social responsibilities arise from the needs and the legitimate concern of individuals, and business must assets those needs and concerns to determine the extent of its responsibilities. Business leader advocate corporate social responsibilities for a variety of reasons. Some are argue that there are some objectives that can be achieved only through direct corporate actions. Business for example may be more efficient than the government or educational institutions at training workers for certain jobs. Other business leaders call restraint of the pursuit of profits and for self-regulation in the hope that will forestall additional government intervention and regulation. These calls are viewed by some as a necessary  response to pressures arising from the nonmarket environment. Some calls for corporate social responsibility are directed to the public with the intent of increasing public support for businesses. Some who call for corporate social responsibility believes that unless the business uses the rhetoric of social responsibility and more intervention by the government will result. That intervention could not only harm business interest but would also impair efficiency, competitiveness and the well – being of society. (Davin P. Baron, Business and its Environments, fourth edition p647) 4.1/P8 The Yield Management is a concept, an approach to maximize profit based on careful tracking of the evolution of prices and tariffs and set, taking into account actual sales and availability of the company. By applying Y.M. aims at determining the highest tariff to be charged within cost and available capacities and also ensure that all those customers wishing to benefit from a particular product or service and willing to pay the fee to be able to do. Basically, Y.M. provides: Maximizing the average profit for a product available based on customer expectations on price and setting its highest value that customers are willing to pay; Seasonality of demand reduction by transferring its excess of other peak times Y.M. is based on the analysis and interpretation of the demand curve, concept representing an expression of the relationship between price and demand. Customers are divided into different segments according to the wishes and their willingness to pay, yielding several price levels. As an expression of applying the Y.M. Tourist practice, Scott Hornick identified five functional components: market segmentation; Structuring pricing policy; Demand forecasts; Willingness and ability to lead; Negotiate appointments Market Segmentation entails identifying distinct groups of tourists with different behaviors that are important for travel company on the activity, the price or decisions. Pricing policy considering the possibility of offering a different price categories for each customer segment, according to market changes and requirements. Demand forecast is made taking into account previous sales, size and structure of customer segments and the prices that they are willing to accept. Willingness to lead, as well as negotiating appointments, refers to the attempt to quantify the characteristics of the application. Company must take into account any changes that occur, and the fact that some customers are willing to negotiate prices. (Marketing Hospitality, third edition, 2002, Cathy H.C. HSU, Tom Powers) Following the emergence of new tools are needed for globalization manage processes, multi-ethnicity and culture and support employees and businesses to meet all stakeholders. The planning and management of destinations and profile companies must take account a number of changes in society and the world economy. According to economic theory, globalization is seen as a process evolve gradually. The models can be used to illustrate the scope and involvement in international transactions. Anne-Mette Hjalager (2007, pp. 437-457) constructs a model descriptive four stages of globalization of the tourism industry in order to make understand the complexity of the dynamic interactions take place outside of borders. The level of analysis is the community interest and their stakeholders: tourism companies, communities, national and local etc. Consequently, globalization is seen as a result of both the singular decisions taken by the companies profiled and policy makers national and local. The first stage includes national tourism system tests to access new markets. The purpose of â€Å"missionaries† tour is to attract customers by firms, destinations or countries where tourism product will be sold or consumed. Force communication emerge beyond the promotional campaigns international markets for consumers, being a strong bond between tourism associations and other collaborating organizations. Communication is possible overcoming  barriers in many countries where some tourist organizations are reluctant to changes. The second stage describes the integration and incorporation of tourism businesses across national borders. Investments beyond their own country is a subject treated extensively in the literature of globalization. In tourism, reproduction and external expansion of successful business concepts recognized most consumers are a powerful force majeure globalization. Transfer of capital and concepts is pregnant in this industry, and the pros and cons of cultural and economic hegemony discussed in a largely predominant when the transfer is done by countries developing. Two methods are developed global integration more first business integration through investments, mergers and acquisitions, and then trade overall concepts through franchises and licenses. The third stage refers to the spatial fragmentation and relocation production processes. In recent years there was an increasing emphasis on creating profitability through extensive fragmentation and optimize the entire value chain. While a great deal of resources are local only national, international markets affecting the availability of increasingly more composition of the local tourism product and the production process. In this service with a high degree of absorption of work, the supply of human and is immaterial importance. Finally, in the fourth step, it is questionable identity industry and new types of markets and business concepts that will exceeds previous definitions of tourism. Many organizations and many researchers are involved in trying to define and explain logically tourism traditional economic statistical categories. Although the model suggests a logical progression to the final stage the more complex, in practice, they overlap. (http://store.ectap.ro/articole) 4.2/P9 Future trends in the Hospitality Industry Can be summarized as follows: More green and eco – lodgings, Development of meg – hotels (multipurpose facilities with casino, shops, theatre, theme park), More boutique hotels, Intelligent hotels with advance technology using the guest fingerprint in order to perform all the operations (charge, check – in and out), Increasing the employee salaries in order to retain the existing staff, The effect of information – technology shows more than ever that knowledge is power. Providing an outstanding service, people safety and security, the technology that enhance competitors, globalization, the people demand, development of tourism lodgings, report between quality and quantity and price and value all this are current and future trends which affect the hospitality industry. Lifestyle and Quality plays an essential role in attracting and retaining the customers reason why service quality force industry organizations to search for competitive advantages, rise above guests expectations, build relationships with each customer, review their policy. In order to achieve a better customer satisfaction and loyalty, attract and retain the guests. The researches in the sector shows that a high rate of customer satisfaction drives to a bigger financial outcome in the industry. (Dr. Sam handout) Conclusions Purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the hospitality industry its benefits, the scope and the extension that have had over the years, becoming an essential part of everyday life. Our world is in a constant motion, a world full of changes, opportunities and issues. In the hospitality industry customers are changing, the technology is changing, markets are changing reason why hospitality organizations are trying to become more customer– focused, to develop and improve their performance, encouraging innovation. The new trend and existing trends derives the sector to success by offering solutions, being a basic element of prosperity helping to increase the performance and preparing the industry to face challenges. The industry has a big impact on economic growth and is creating employment and offers support for people to develop their skills training them throw the hospitality professionals bodies, aimed and promoting them to the top positions. One big issue of the industry  regarding the employees is the salary. The organizations should take is count the long working hours, stress, the factors affecting the environment of working place, review their health and safety rules and protection in working place, motivating them by increasing the salaries and paid holidays, keep them happy in order to have happy customers and increase their revenue. The benefits of working in the sector include learning new skills, be trained by professionals, learn to be professional, be open to challenges, improve your behaviors and learn how to make money anywhere in the world. Is a quick growing sector offers flexibility and you can have fun while you are getting paid. References : Dr. SAM handout Marketing Hospitality, third edition, 2002, Cathy H.C. HSU, Tom Powers ISBN +-471-34885-6 Teare R. , Adams D., Messenger S. CASSELL Managing Projects in Hospitality Organizations 1992, ISBN 0-304-32505-8 David P. Baron, Business and its Environments, fourth edition p647, ISBN 0-13-047064-3 http://biiab.bii.org/biiab-usefulinformation/whos-who-in-biiab http://ecology.md/md/section.php http://store.ectap.ro/articole https://www.google.co.uk/search www.people1st.co.uk www.bha-online.org.uk helpful http://www.pointofsalesystems.com.au/page/hospitality.html

Friendships in “Of Mice and Men” Essay

Throughout life, one establishes friendships to better ensure their future. The novel Of Mice And Men, written by John Steinbeck, is about a group of traveling labor workers and the hardships that they overcome. The friendship between George, one of the main characters, and Lenny, a retarded man and of Candy, a crippled man, and his old dog, although different, they each share many of the same feelings toward each other. Also, by establishing these friendships, each partner is benefited and is given life motivation. However, all good things must come to an end, and when each partner is separated from their companion, their significant bonds are broken. Because of their established friendships, George, Lenny, Candy and his dog are able to live happy lives filled with joyous and exciting times. Throughout the book, many feelings are expressed between the relationship of George and Lenny and of Candy and his dog. Ever since they had lived together, George and Lenny loved and cared for each other every waiting day. Because [they] [had] each other, George and Lenny became more loving and compassionate, not just towards themselves, but also towards others (104). Unlike the other traveling workers who journeyed alone, George and Lenny were together, fighting off the hardships of The Great Depression with a loving relationship. This bond kept each others hearts pure and refrained them from turning bitter. Ever since Candys dog was a puppy, he and Candy had shared a trustworthy connection filled with loyalty for each other. In Candys younger years of life, when his partner was a good sheep dog, they had started a trusting relationship, which they carried out throughout the rest of their lives (24). Since Candy had his pup ever since it was born, Candy was its only master. Because canines are extremely loyal to their master, this loyal bond was able to flourish. Finally, because Lenny has been with George all his life, he feels a bond of trust between them and is completely loyal to George. During their early years, when George wasnt so kind to Lenny, he could have told Lenny to walk over a cliff and over hed go (40). Although George never did something this cruel, he did do some grueling things. He even got Lenny into fights. However, as time went on, he too became loyal and a trusting relationship grew. Even though these partners are very different, they still share many of the same feelings towards each other. In the relationship of George and Lenny and of Candy and his dog, each partner gains something and this is the motivation for the friendship. Because of Lennys mental state, as he travels with, and becomes friends with, George, he benefits by having a guardian to follow him around and keep him safe. Ever since they were young, Lenny just come along with George, and from that day forward he benefited from Georges safety (40). Lenny is retarded and his mind cannot process enough useful information to allow him to live a successful life, contributing to society. If George had not allowed Lenny to travel with him then Lenny would either end up homeless, in prison, or dead. In addition, because Candys dog is now useless, he benefits off Candy by receiving a guardian to protect him and guide him through the rest of his life. Although he had been an excellent canine in his day, because he aint no good to anyone now, his life would be futile if he did not have a guide for his remaining years. However, Candy did not care for him entirely out of kindness, he too benefits from their relationship. Because Candy is a cripple, he wants to feel like he is needed, and having someone that depends on him, allows Candy to live a joyous life. Although Lenny does not have much to give, George still benefits off their friendship by receiving a loyal companion to accompany him on his journeys. Because [they] travel together, George does not have to be burdened with the loneliness that could drive a man insane. George observes the other traveling labor workers become hard and lonely because they have nobody to converse with on their journeys. Although he benefits from their relationship, George pays dearly with his guardianship over Lenny. By establishing these relationships, each partner is benefited and given life motiv ation. Both the friendship of George and Lenny and of Candy and his dog lose their significant bonds when the partners are separated. Because Candy and his dog provide companionship for each other, when his dog dies Candy is left alone and unstable. Once his dog had been put up for the death sentence, Candy was left alone, pondering their wonderful memories together as he lied rigidly on his bed and stared at the ceiling (48). Candys purpose in life was now over, for he had no one that depended on him. Now the only thing that drove  him was the hope that Georges dream would come true, and that George, Lenny and he would get their own little plot of land. After George kills Lenny, although this was an act of kindness, George loses his purpose as a guardian. After he had pulled the trigger, George shivered and looked at the gun, for he knew that his guardianship was now over (106). George understood that it was his responsibility to kill Lenny. Although this act of kindness will burden him for the rest of his life, George still did the honorable thing. When Lenny died, George loses his dream of having a place of their own. By now, the dream had spread to more than just George and Lenny and when Lenny and their little place die away George becomes miserable and hurt (94). The time that followed this tragedy was the first time of Georges adult life with out Lenny. Also, up till now Georges purpose in life was to care for, and keep Lenny safe. With Lenny dead, George feels that his life had no purpose, for he could not keep Lenny from dangers grasp. When each friendship becomes separated, the still living partner feels no more purpose for life. Because of their established friendships, George, Lenny, Candy and his dog are able to live happy, joy filled lives as they overcome the hardships of The Great Depression. Although their significant bonds are broken when the partners are separated, when they are together, the partners benefit and share many feelings towards each other. Some say opposites attract, and buy using this scientific law to create friendships with different people; our society would be a friendlier and overall better place. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck New York : Covici-Friede, 1937

Petty Cash Fund

Petty cash fund is a relatively small amount of cash that businesses keep on hand for the purpose of small transactions such as providing change to customers, postage expenses, highway tolls etc. In such transactions, the use of checks is time consuming, costly or illogical. Usually a custodian is appointed to administer the petty cash and it is his/her duty to account for the expenses incurred out of petty cash fund. Whenever the custodian makes any payment from the fund to an employee or a customer etc. he or she must record the amount being disbursed, the name of the person to whom the payment is being made and the reason for the disbursement. Following are the typical transactions connected to petty cash fund. 1. Creation: Petty cash fund may be created by drawing a check on the company's checking account and handing it over to the custodian of the fund. The journal entry is to debit petty cash and credit cash at bank. 2. Disbursements: Individual disbursements from petty cash ar e not recorded via a journal entry. Instead journal entry is passed at the time of each replenishment and at the end of the period for the total amount disbursed. 3. Replenishment: When the balance in petty cash becomes low, a journal entry is passed debiting various expense accounts and crediting petty cash for the sum of disbursements made. Then petty cash is replenished usually via a check. 4. Raising Fund Level: When the volume of transactions to be handled by the petty cash grows, the fund level is raised. The journal entry is to debit the petty cash and credit cash at bank. Steps Familiarize yourself with the purpose of the petty cash fund. The fund should be used for very small expenses, like buying stamps or envelopes, paying a small delivery fee, or paying a cab fare. It should not be used for large purchases; these should be paid for by check in order to leave a record. Decide on the amount of the petty cash fund. The fund should generally not hold more than a few hundred dollars; 100 dollars is a common amount for many small businesses. Keeping too much cash in the fund makes it a target for theft and misuse. Assign responsibility for the petty cash fund to someone. This person is called the petty cash custodian. Write a check to the petty cash custodian to establish the fund. The custodian should cash the check and keep the cash in a locked cash box. Spend money from the petty cash fund. To do this, employees should request the necessary cash from the custodian. The custodian will then fill out a voucher for the amount disbursed and place it with the remaining cash. Place the receipt from the purchase into the cash box. The receipt should be attached to its corresponding voucher. No journal entries need to be made for cash spent out of the petty cash fund ? this is the entire point of maintaining the fund. Replenish the petty cash fund when it gets low. The custodian will take the vouchers to whomever writes the checks to fill the fund. The vouchers should be examined for legitimacy, and then a check should be written to the custodian for the total amount of the vouchers. When this check is cashed, the cash is placed in the locked cash box. Continue to spend money from the petty cash fund, replenishing the fund when necessary. Debit- withdrawal, deductionpetty-little/smalldisbursed-payout, spend,expend Petty cash fund is a relatively small amount of cash that businesses keep on hand for the purpose of small transactions such as providing change to customers, postage expenses, highway tolls etc. In such transactions, the use of checks is time consuming, costly or illogical. Usually a custodian is appointed to administer the petty cash and it is his/her duty to account for the expenses incurred out of petty cash fund. Whenever the custodian makes any payment from the fund to an employee or a customer etc. , he or she must record the amount being disbursed, the name of the person to whom the payment is being made and the reason for the disbursement. Another internal control is to keep as little cash on hand as possible. It is often necessary, however, to keep some cash on hand. Cash kept on hand at a business to pay for small items such as postage due, a birthday card, or fuel expenses is known as Petty Cash. Petty Cash is generally kept in a petty cash drawer and payments are made for miscellaneous items out of this cash. Petty Cash is paid out in exchange for a petty cash voucher signed by both the recipient of the cash and the petty cash controller. The voucher should indicate the amount of cash paid out and the purpose of the disbursement. The recipient of the cash should provide a receipt for the purchase made out of petty cash which will be attached to the petty cash voucher. Replenishing Petty Cash At some point the Petty Cash fund must be replenished. It is at this point that the petty cash fund will also be reconciled. The procedure to replenish and reconcile petty cash begins by counting the cash remaining in the Petty Cash drawer. Next, all vouchers are totaled. The combined total of remaining cash and Petty Cash Vouchers should equal the established value of the Petty Cash fund. Finally, the Petty Cash vouchers should be organized into expense categories.

Remote Sensing Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Remote Sensing Report - Essay Example The NDVI varies from -1.0 to 1.0 for every pixel in a representation and is vital in discovering regions of ranging levels of plant biomass/dynamism. This means that higher values symbolize high biomass/dynamism. The vegetation indices normally depend on the actuality that green vegetation indicates an authentic combination of low reflectance at perceptible red wavelengths and elevated reflectance at near infrared wavelengths. In similar manner, a ratio of close to infrared (NIR) by red  ® light will issue out an approximation (RVI) of the amount of green vegetation present in every pixel. These therefore may be computed as follows: RVI=NIR/R This ratio is well known as the â€Å"Ratio Vegetation Index† thus the notion RVI. The ultimate aim of this report is to examine how the ratio vegetation index is computed using Lake Nakuru in Kenya as example. It also looks at the unsupervised and supervised classification and examines their advantages and disadvantages. Part 1: Vegeta tion Indices Methodology The methodology used in this research is a fieldwork quantitative analysis carried out on the vegetation structure of Lake Nakuru. The ratio vegetation index is calculated where all the steps involved are indicated. Quantitative analysis is one of the best fieldwork methodologies that provide accurate results that are reliable in conclusions and decision-making processes. Analytical Steps The steps for calculating the ration vegetation index are as follows The first step is calculating a ration vegetation index from Landsat TM Data This means that the computed ratio vegetation index (RVI) for the Nakuru Thematic Mapper (TM) representation. For Landsat Thematic Mapper data, the band 3 gauges red, light as TM band 4 gauges near infrared. Lake Nakuru is a little shallow alkaline lake situated south of Nakuru town in Kenya. It is a small lake but it is the world’s most famous place where the greatest bird sight on earth. It is where more than one million pink flamingos gather to the lake to eat the excessive algae, which flourishes in the warm waters of the lake (Jones, Settle and Wyatt, 2006). Scientific scholars have approximated that the population of the flamingos at Lake Nakuru uses about 250, 000 kg of algae per hectare of surface area every year. However, it is not only the flamingos found at Lake Nakuru although they are the most abundant; Pelicans and cormorants are also present in large numbers. In reality, Lake Nakuru is actually a home for more than 400 different species of birds, which means that it is the leading place with variety of bird species than any other place in the country. The second step is adding color to the Ratio Vegetation Index representation (Bonner, Rohde and Miller, 2001). This is done through reloading the Nakuru image although this time one clicks on the raster options tab to add dialog and show as a pseudo color image. Then select raster/Attributes on the viewer menu bar for Nakuru-rvi.img. The f ollowing raster editor should be displayed Select edit/colors from the Attribute Editor Menu. The following color Editor should be displayed: From this color tab, try changing different colors at the start and end colors, and choose the Apply button. The Nakuru-rvi.img representation has to change color. Try

The effects of shortstaff on quality of care Research Proposal - 1

The effects of shortstaff on quality of care - Research Proposal Example A motivating environment facilitates output and can be identified by high patients’ utility levels while poor environment leads to poor services and hence poor quality of care to patients. A research to determine association between the level of staffing and quality of services by a care facility identified dependence. Based on the research’s results, insufficient staffing of a care facility increases the number of reported deaths, hinders rescue processes, and increases cases of cardiovascular complications, pneumonia that is acquired within the care facilities and other negative occurrences that could be anticipated from a facility (Agency, 2007). Other factors also exist that affect the quality of care to a patient, measured in terms of achieved results and patients’ level of satisfaction. A patient’s age, type of illness and physiological conditions are other identified factors to overall quality of care (Clarke and Donaldson, n.d). This however induces uncertainty in the proposed association between staffing and quality of care and it is necessary to ascertain the link for nurse staffing policies, and public knowledge towards informed decisions when seeking nursing care. The proposed research therefore seeks to ascertain existence of a significant relationship between staffing and presumed effects of understaffing on quality of care. The proposed research will consider two variables, ratio of number of patients to personnel in a care facility, and patients perceived quality of care. The patients to personnel ration will define the derived quotient from dividing the number of patient by the number of personnel in a facility and will be the independent variable. The ratio will be measured on a categorical scale to be determined. Patients’ perceived and observed factors that are associated with staff ratios at respective facilities will be the independent variable and will be measured

Mandatory Sentencing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Mandatory Sentencing - Research Paper Example The paper tells that crime does not pay. We can seldom argue with this premise, and the need to inculcate this idea among the local populace of our cities and towns. However there is also a fear that in our zest to single out and punish those who are guilty of crimes against society and humanity, we are creating situations where too many people are behind bars. Indeed the rate of incarcerations in the USA is one of the highest in the world, which is shameful for a country that considers itself the world’s foremost superpower and protector of human rights. Mandatory sentencing has been cited as one of the reasons behind the overpopulation in our prisons, creating situations where crime is further exacerbated by the formation of gangs, hardcore and small time criminals being grouped together, and the fact that some criminals are in need of medical attention rather than a life of incarceration that does not remedy their particular situation or suit their particular needs. Mandato ry sentencing is a form of judicial punishment in which the terms and duration of the punishment have already been set in Law depending on the crimes committed and the charges filed and proven against the accused law breaker. This being the case, there is usually no or little room for a judge to intervene and set his own ruling depending on the individual circumstances of the case. Originally the need for mandatory sentencing was seen in cases of drug dealing and related offences. But later the effect of mandatory sentencing minimums was extended to gun related crimes as well, as they initially proved an effective deterrent to crime. However as we shall see much of the initial laws have been repealed and the sentencing reduced on humanitarian grounds. Even today, the debate rages on as to whether mandatory minimums still have a place and effect in law or not. There is much to support both points of view, as we shall see. The History and Uses of Mandatory Sentencing In the USA it was the 1951 Boggs Act that started the Federal mandatory minimum penalties for drug trafficking. The length of some of these sentences was then increased in 1956. However the comprehensive reforms of the 1970 Drug Abuse and Control Act repealed the earlier Boggs Acts. This was followed by the enactment of the Rockefeller Drug Laws in 1973 which helped establish minimum 15 year and life sentences for various kinds of drug offences. Obviously the intent would have been to get the offenders off the streets for a considerable amount of time and in doing so make it safer for the targeted population. Laws such as Michigan’s 650 Lifer Law took a much harder stance on drug offences and established a minimum of life imprisonment without possibility of parole for possession and dealing with 650 grams of drugs such as cocaine and heroin- it also increased the penalties for smaller offences. In 1984, the Comprehensive Crime Control Act resulted in the creation of a U.S Sentencing Commissio n. It also phased out parole and set mandatory sentences for gun related crimes. Two years later, in 1986 the Anti-Drug Abuse Act creates new federal minimum mandatory sentences for drug related offences. One year later, in 1987 the US Sentencing Commission enacted some guidelines to help the Courts in convicting and sentencing all federal drug related offences. In 1988, the Omnibus Drug Abuse Act not only added a mandatory minimum penalty for the possession of crack but also included conspiracy convictions in the mandatory penalty scheme. This has had little positive effects on the system since ruthless drug dealers do not care who they choose to carry out their dirty schemes to transport drugs across borders and it could often be an unwary traveler that has been trapped for no fault of his own except

Strategic project management case study Assignment

Strategic project management case study - Assignment Example The country depicts human resource weaknesses in the health, education, and adult literacy sectors. The country has the right atmosphere of establishing measures that would help it to catch up with the developed nations in terms of education, technology, economic development, and adult literacy. As such, I present a project that will ensure that every student joining a public college accesses a laptop with a view of updating the technology of the nation. The project dubbed â€Å"One Laptop one Student Campaign† will seek to bridge the digital gap between Kenya and the developed countries. This will enhance technological development in Kenya. After doing a pilot project on the country, the project will aim at providing a reliable, low power, and cost effective laptops to all students in public colleges free of charge. Just like the "One laptop per child" project (Beaumont 2010, p. 1), the â€Å"One Laptop one Student Campaign† will adopt the principle that giving computers to students will consequently enhance educational progress in Kenya. The project will require the support of sponsors, the government, academicians, parents, and students. In ensuring the sustainability of the project, I will address myself to electricity shortages, cultural restrictions, low internet network, adequate equipment, and training, usability, and government restrictions. Ultimately, I will consider the merits and demerits of the project an d its probable impact on the education sector. This will determine the sustainability of the project. It is arguably true that in developing countries like Kenya, public college students belong to the low economic class compared to the private college students who belong to the wealth class where they can easily access laptops. The â€Å"One Laptop one Student Campaign† seeks to ensure the availability of laptops at home and in school for all students entering college education. The implementation of this project will

Communication Skill Assessment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Communication Skill Assessment - Assignment Example y especially when goals are not relayed properly; low morale that comes from misunderstanding of tasks leading to confusion that may have effects on self esteem; and mistakes that come from misunderstanding. Communication skills are the ability to pass information in away that is effective and efficient to others. People with good verbal and written communication skills are instrumental to organizations as they help relay information for the company’s benefits (Business Dictionary.com, 2014). Upon taking a communications skill assessment test on mindtools.com, I got a score of 55 points. According to the assessment, I am not an excellent communicator and neither am I a bad one. The score meant that I am a good communicator but still have problems in a few areas (Mind Tool, 2014). The test had a total of fifteen multi-choice questions/statements that had to be responded to by marking inside a circle. The possible answers would range from not at all, rarely, sometimes, often to very often (Mind Tool, 2014). The first statement dealt with how confusion is handled in terms of ability to predict their causes and solutions even as the second covered the amount of information given when working with written information including memos and emails. The third and the forth statements dealt with reactions when something is not understood. The fifth and sixth dealt with perspective and perception. The issue of written information is covered in the seventh and the eighth statements; here the focus is mainly whether consideration is made to use emails to effectively communicate. It also deals with whether revision is considered when dealing with written medium such as memos and reports. Gestures and illustrations are dealt with under the ninth and tenth statements. Here it is a matter of paying attention to people’s body language and use of diagrams and charts to express thoughts. The next three statements dealt with meditation before communication, what the person being

CEO remuneration and a firm performance Dissertation

CEO remuneration and a firm performance - Dissertation Example Typically, it is a combination of salary, incentives, and shares of and call options on the stock of a company, ideally configured to consider the government rules and regulations; a company’s goals/strategy and its executive’s desires, tax law and recognitions for the performance. Executive compensation is viewed through the observable outcomes. It should be designed to give appropriate and befitting incentives. Many shareholders do not want or expect executives to take risk with an aim of getting large profit; in fact nowadays there is a significant emphasis on risk control and strengthening of audit committees to ensure that any risks are understood, assessed and managed properly. The financial collapse in 2007 has changed shareholders’ perception in the light of many ‘reckless’ actions taken by executives, particularly in the financial services sector. That is why the compensation of chief executive officers has increasingly been receiving a lot of attention. As basic salaries are not viewed as an adequate method of influencing the performance of the top executives, the other, different types of rewards were brought in. It is feared that top executives, driven by high profits, were/are acting in their own and not a company’s shareholders’ interests thus encouraging the separation of control and ownership in modern companies. That is why Remuneration Committees have now changed inventive plans to ensure that they do not reward short term behaviour or aggressive ‘risk taking’. The executive remuneration or compensation landscape has greatly and rapidly changed during recent years with executive pay remaining a focus point for the UK Government as well as European Commission, shareholders, and media. Draft new rules and regulations will give shareholders new powers to vote down pay arrangements and alter the way organizations will report on the remuneration of directors, which will considerably alter the environment of executive remuneration. Taking into account the changes in the attitude to the remuneration brought about by the last recession and current tightening legislation, the aim of his research paper is to analyse the correlation between Executive Remuneration and a firm performance. 1.2Aims and objectives 1.2.1Aims of the Study To identify and discuss contemporary issues in Executive Remuneration topic; To determine the impact of Executive Remuneration on a firm’s performance To access executive remuneration and its impact on a firm’s evaluation To establish the correlation between Executive Remuneration and firm’s performance. 1.2.2. Objectives of the Study To evaluate the arguments in Executive Remuneration To evaluate the impact of the Executive Remuneration on a firm’s performance using the following proxies: - Return on Assets - Return on Equity -Dividends Yields Share price. To verify the type of correlation between Executive Remunera tion and firm’s performance. 1.3. Main research questions The main purpose of this research is to determine the correlation and the impact, if any, of Executive Remuneration on a firm performance; hence this work is aiming to answer the following questions: What are the determinants of Executive Remuneration? 1.3.1 Objective 1- the determinants for executive

Faisal - finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Faisal - finance - Essay Example Therefore, the most appropriate financial theory that is applicable to the company is the trade-off theory. The company is trying to balance cost and benefits associated with both equity and debt. Source of capital in the company is equity, bonds, bank loans and finance leases among other financial liabilities. Each of the above sources of capital has both advantages and disadvantages. It is possible to compute value of the company by calculating weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and shareholder value. WACC refers to an average rate of interest at which a company is expected to pay all its providers of capital. The seven drivers of shareholder value are growth in sales, operating profit margins, tax rate, working capital growth, fixed capital growth, cost of capital and the period of competitive advantage. The total value as estimated by the shareholder value drivers of the company was â‚ ¬16603.7 million in 2019. When the shareholders drivers are increased by 5 percent the company value of the company will increase to â‚ ¬21,443.61 million. The disadvantages of shareholder value analysis include difficulty in computations, difficulty in implementation, failure to include social needs and possibility of making errors in calculation of shareholder value analysis. ... Capital structure According to Taylor and Sansone (2007), capital structure is determined by the composition of target collateral pool, investment flexibility, condition existing in the market for the collateral, weighted average cost debt capital and the desired ratings of the bonds in the capital structure. Capital structure can be analysed by comparing company’s debts and equity used to purchase company’s assets. The capital structure of TUI AG is defined by shareholders funds, various categories of corporate bonds, finance lease as well as bank loans. To understand the theory behind the capital structure, it is important to explain the various sources of finance and the impact on the company. Leverage ratio of TUI AG is 62 percent (figure 3: in the appendixes). This indicates that 62 percent of the total assets were funded through debt. Table 3- Sources and Amount of capital of TUI AG for 2010 Source of capital Amount in million â‚ ¬ Equity 2434.2 Bonds 3038.3 Ba nk loans 1001.5 Finance leases and other financial liabilities 472.1 Source: TUI AG 20104; CIA 2011; TUI AG (20106) Finance theory There are a number of theories that have been used to discuss capital structure in companies. There are Modigliani-Miller theorem of capital structure (capital structure irrelevance), the pecking Order Theory and Trade-off theory of Capital Structure. Modigliani-Miller theorem of capital structure states that in absence of bankruptcy, transaction costs and taxes in an efficient market and asymmetric information, the value of the company is not affected by how it is financed. This theory is not applicable at this time because there are taxes. There are tax benefits because the value of the firm is decided after tax has been deducted. Table 1;

Logic Questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Logic Questions - Assignment Example 2. Every event in the world is caused by other events. Human actions and decisions are events in the world. Therefore, every human action and decision is caused by other events. This is a deductive argument. This argument is valid and sound because the claim is logical that the actions and decisions of humans are caused by other events in the world. Similarly, humans react to the events going on around them, which often incite further events that can also be responded to. 3. If God exists, then life has meaning. God does not exist. Therefore, life has no meaning. This argument is a deductive argument. It is an invalid and unsound argument because life has meaning regardless of whether or not God exists. If human beings were created by a higher being, they were created for a purpose; their existence is proof enough that their lives have meaning. If humans were not created by a higher being but through natural means, their lives have meaning by being on earth and creating their own meaning. 4. All cows are purple. Socrates is purple. Therefore, Socrates is a cow. This is deductive argument. This argument is invalid and unsound because we are physically able to determine that Socrates is not a cow. Furthermore, we are able to conclude that Socrates and cows are not purple. Since the premises are not true, the conclusion cannot be true. 5. William James and John Dewey both called themselves pragmatists. They are the leading American philosophers. Therefore, all American philosophers are pragmatists. This is an inductive argument. This argument is invalid and unsound because the identities of these two men as pragmatists cannot be applied to a larger group. Since a lot of philosophical thought is based on theory, pragmatism would not be logically applicable to all American philosophers. 6. Believing in God makes people moral - that is, believers tend to do good and avoid evil. This argument is deductive. It is an invalid and unsound

Nirma Case Study Essay Example for Free

Nirma Case Study Essay SUCCESS STORY Karsanbhai Khodidas Patel, the founder of Rs. 2500 crore (US$ 500 million) â€Å"NIRMA† group. Believed in value for money equation Sells 8,00,000 tonnes of detergent powder every year Market share of 35% Market Size : Market Size Closest threat to HUL with 35% market share. Nirma and Nima with 32 variants are distributed through more than 2 million retail outlets, generating gross sales in excess of Rs.2600 crore. The company has reported 4% drop in sales and 13% decline in net profit Margins Achievements : Achievements 7th largest consumer brand by ACNielsen 03. First brand to recognize and harness the power of the Indian rural market. First Indian brands to merit a Harvard Business Review case study Products : Products Consumer Soaps Detergents Edible salt Scouring product Nirma shikakai Nirma shampoo Nirma toothpaste Industrial LAB ( Linear Alkyl Benzene ) AOS ( Alfa Olefin Sulfonate ) Sulfuric Acid Glycerin Soda Ash Pure salt Vacuum Evaporated Iodized Salt SSP- Single Super Phosphate Sodium silicate Soaps : Soaps Nirma Bath Soap Nirma Premium soap Nirma Beauty Soap Nirma Lime Fresh Soap Nima Rose Nima Sandal Nima Lime Nima Herbal Nirma Herbalina Detergents : Detergents Nirma Washing Powder Nirma Detergent Cake Super Nirma Washing Powder Nirma Popular Detergent Nirma Popular Detergent Cake Nima Green Powder Promotion : Promotion Featured a lady washing a garment Daughter was featured on the pack Focuses on value-for-money One of the oldest and catchy jingle first aired on radio in 1975, was broadcast on television in 1982 Nirma Consumer Care Limited Brand value : Brand value Initially every pack of Nirma came with a money back guarantee. Believes in bonding with the consumer. The jingle has been used by Nirma for the last 25 years. Recent Developments : Recent Developments The company has relaunched Nirma Yellow Washing Powder and Nirma Beauty Soap, two of its strongest brands. Nirma Yellow Powder is being re-launched with improved formulation and new advertising. This is an extension of the original ad which will return after the launch is over. Nirma Beauty Soap is being re-launched with a new shape, fragrance and a smarter, brighter pack to improve shelf visibility Acquired Searles Valley Minerals Operations and Searles Valley Minerals

Culture Diversity In Pakistan Cultural Studies Essay

Culture Diversity In Pakistan Cultural Studies Essay Pakistan is a country of over 165 million people with diverse social, ethnic, linguistic and cultural circumstances. The country came into existence after division of British Indian colony in 1947 on the basis of Islamic identity of people living in this region but different social and ethnic groups have maintained their distinct character. Mostly language is the basis of ethnicity in Pakistan. Punjabi is the predominant ethnic class which consists of 48% of Pakistans population. Sindhis form about 12%, Siriki (a variant of Punjabi) forms 10%, Urdu speaking (Urdu speaking population usually refers itself as Mohajirs as they migrated from India in 1947) 8%, Balochis 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1% and others 8%. 95% of Pakistans population is Muslim (75% Sunni Muslims and 20% Shia Muslims). Amongst the remaining 5% Christians are the biggest religious minority who are around 3% of the total population. Other religious groups include Hindus, Sikhs, and Ahmadis. Pakistan is predominantly a rural society where over 65.5% of population lives in the rural areas. Agriculture is the main employer of the labour force which employs over 43% of the work force. The culture and social norms of Pakistan are defined by the agrarian nature of society. The relations between men and women are dominated by the demands of agricultural sector and practices. Women in rural areas are economically more active as compared to their urban counterparts. 16.5% rural women are economically active as compared to 7.3% of the urban womenfolk. Women almost entirely manage the dairy and livestock sector in the rural areas of Pakistan. In rural Punjab the relations between men and women are more open as women play an important role in farming and without their help the farm productivity will drop significantly. Women go out of their homes to work as cotton pickers, fruit harvesters, and livestock farmers. Since men need womens help in agriculture sector therefore they have a greater liberty of movement. The relations between men and women are undergoing a change in rural Punjab after the return of migrant workers from Middle East who now insist on enforcing strict Wahabi edicts on sex segregation. This change is fuelling extremism as the economic hardships are increasing due to decrease in household incomes. Rural to urban migration, necessitated by growing poverty, has given rise to a number of female headed households which is a new phenomenon in rural areas of Punjab because traditionally women have always been treated as inferior to men and not involved in decision making. Muslims of Punjab are either converts from Hinduism or descendants of migrants from Central Asia who have lived with Hindus for centuries therefore the Hindu edict that guest is incarnation of god has a wide acceptability. Guest is treated with honour, respect and delight. Even strangers are offered food and shelter in times of need to please god with expectation that god will rewards with good harvest. Giving long term protection / shelter is generally not a part of culture in Punjab. Customs relating to marriage, death and festivals are heavily influences by Hindu traditions. A typical marriage, mourning or festival in Punjab is very similar to the corresponding Hindu occasion less the religious component, e.g. though a marriage ceremony has the same components but a Muslim marriage will have the Nikkah ceremony whereas Hindu marriage will have vows beside fire. ` Punjab has a culture of tolerance and friendship which is manifest by its sufi saints and poetry with message of universal love towards mankind irrespective of cast, religion and colour. The leading Punjabi sufi poets, such as Sultan Bahoo, Bulley Shah, Waris Shah and Mian Muhammad are all against the strict religious interpretation of Islam as propagated by Mullah. Punjab has historically been confronted with foreign invasions from North (Afghanistan and Central Asia) therefore they are quite open to foreigners and are very progressive in their cultural and social values. Urban Punjab is not much different from rural areas as most of the city dwellers are migrants from villages. Sindhis are the second biggest ethnic group in Pakistan after Punjabis. In terms of proximity to Hinduism they are even closer than Punjabis. A large number of Pakistani Hindus live in Sind province. Sindi culture is quite similar to Punjabis where they have great respect towards fellow human beings. Sindh also is the land of great mystics such as Sachal Sarmast, Shah Abdul Latheef Bhitai and Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. The predominant profession of rural Sindhi population is agriculture. However in contrast to Punjab Sindh has a large number of big landlords who own most of the cultivable land. Majority of people work as landless peasants on lands owned by big landlords. This has given rise to abuse of human rights at the hands of landlords and a culture of oppression of weaker segments of society. Women in Sindh work in the fields and tender animals like their Punjabi counterparts but are subject to more control by men. They are an object of male and tribal honour. Marriage by choice is still not an option for women whose nuptial affairs are settled by male members of the family. Honour killing, where women are killed for illicit relations with men, is often resorted to restore family and tribal honour. Sindhis are not as open to foreigners as Punjabis mainly due to limited interactions with foreign cultures. Despite being on the coastline of Arabian Sea, Sind has been invaded only once from the sea. (Arabs led by Muhammad Bin Qasim attacked Sindh in 712 AD). Modern day Sindh has strong undercurrents of movement of emancipation from the clutches of landlords. The occasional violence seen in Sindh is against the existing distribution of resources. Sindh is safe from the ongoing wave of extremism in Pakistan mainly due to liberal religious views of majority population. The tolerance and harmony that Muslims and Non Muslims enjoy in Sind is not seen elsewhere in Pakistan. Major Urban centres in Sind are dominated by the Urdu speaking migrants from India. These are the people who migrated from areas presently in India at the time of partition in 1947. They were the most advanced segment of Pakistani society at the time. They made Karachi (the capital of Pakistan before it was shifted to Islamabad) as their new home. Due to their acumen in trade and business Karachi became the financial capital of Pakistan. Mohajirs are the most liberal community in Pakistan. Their women folk are the most liberated women in Pakistan. They work in offices, hold executive positions in businesses and banks. Mohajir women are in front ranks of all walks of life including politics, senior management and community service. Mohajirs are represented by their own political party (MQM Mohajir Qaumi Movement) which is a middle class based political party and has introduced new middle class leadership in Pakistan. Urdu that is the language of Mohajirs is the national language of Pakistan. The word Urdu literally means the camp language because it was developed in the military camps of Mughal kings of India. Urdu has long been associated with Muslims of India. Despite being the language of a small minority it was declared the National language of Pakistan. This decision caused the first language riots in Pakistan in 1948 in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Despite this Urdu remains the National Language of Pakistan and is spoken in most households who are aspiring upward social mobility. Mohajirs consider themselves culturally articulate and have business relations across the world. They are open, frank and friendly towards foreigners. Their social occasions such as marriages and deaths etc are similar to the practices followed elsewhere in Pakistan but are less ostentatious in showing their wealth. The most significant thing that a new visitor to Mohajir area will note is their habit of chewing beetle leaves. Beetle leaves are seasoned with chemicals, colour and spices to chew. The red residue is then spitted in open areas and often walls and streets of Karachi are red with this waste. Pushtuns living in the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (formerly known as the North Western Frontier Province) province trace their roots to Afghanistan. The Pushtuns are bound by their tribal code known as the Pushtun Wali (literally meaning the Pushtun way of life). Pushtun Wali has nine major components i.e. courage, taking revenge, giving shelter, generosity to defeated, self respect, justice, hospitality, tolerance and loyalty. The capital of Pushtuns of Pakistan, Peshawar is the melting pot of many cultures and civilizations. Peshawar is a city that represents Indian, Afghan, Central Asian and British civilizations at the same time. Pushtuns have produced great poets and mystics like Rahman Baba, Khushaal Khan Khattak and Pir Baba, who have all propagated the message of eternal love and adherence to Pushtun ways of life. Pushtuns are most affected by the rise of extremism in recent years. Peshawar is the centre of global war on terrorism. Thousands of Pushtuns have lost their lives in the war on either side of the extremist divide. Pushtun women observe the most extreme form of sex segregation. Women are often not allowed in public life and those who move outside their homes are covered from head to toe. Women have limited role in agricultural activities. Their role is limited to work inside their homes. However the export of labour to Middle Eastern countries in the 70s compelled men to move out of their villages and many functions previously performed exclusively by men are now being performed by women. Pushtun women become more influential and independent as they grow older. Pushtun way of dispute resolution is through a consultative process known as Jirga. Influential people of the community sit in this jirga and decide on the disputes. Often people with wealth, education and experience are all represented in a jirga. One can qualify to sit in jirga either by virtue of age, wealth or education hence this aspect of Pushtun life is quite democratic. Baluchs live in the Baluchistan province of Pakistan. They have a nomadic culture as barring a few places Baluchistan is a barren area. Water is scarce and the only means of sustenance is sheep and camel raring. Women and men work alike with herds of sheep and goat. The area of Baluchs is scarcely populated and they live in small settlements in primitive conditions. The Baluchs, like Pushtuns are proud people who guard their independence jealously. They fought valiantly against the expansion of British Empire however the British ruled Baluchistan through a series of treaties with local rulers. Baluchs also resolve their disputes through the jirga mechanism but the Baluch jirga is less representative in its constitution as mostly people sit on these jirgas as representatives of their families. The Baluch society is essentially tribal in nature and every tribe is headed by a Chief. The position of chiefs is hereditary. The tribal chief or Sardar as he is known has control over the resources of his tribe. Women are economically active but their contribution is not recognized. They do not participate in decision making at the household level. Family and tribal honour is associated with women and any woman who violates the tribal code is punished with death. Seraiki speaking people are scattered on the border areas of Punjab, Sindh and Kyber Pukhtoonkwa provinces. They have a tradition of Sufism and are liberal in their social life. These areas are resource rich but most of the land is owned by big landlords in these areas. The southern parts of Punjab that are inhabited by the Seraiki people, produces Pakistans best mangoes and cotton but the life of ordinary person is difficult. Due to economic hardships that ordinary people face, the women are economically active and contribute to the household incomes through their work as farm labour and cattle farmers. However like other areas of Pakistan their contribution is hardly acknowledged and they do not have a place in decision making at the household level.

The history and effects of child sexual abuse

The history and effects of child sexual abuse Child sexual abuse is definitely not a new or modern phenomenon and even though it was not necessarily acknowledged before the 1800s, it does not mean that it did not exist. Throughout history, documentation about child sexual abuse has existed, with references especially to Greek and Roman civilisations, as well as in colonial America and Europe (Bolen, 2002). Jean-Claude Chenais (1981), in a study using multiple data sources has been pivotal in the attitude changes in Western societies over the issue of child sexual abuse over the last hundred years. His studies have shown that due to a number of different contributing factors, in some European countries like Germany and France, child sexual abuse was so frequent as to be considered normal (Bagley King, 2004). As cited in Bolen (2002), in his research on classical childhood analysis of different historical eras, DeMause (1988), states that: The history of childhood is a nightmare from which we have only begun to awaken. The further back in history one goes, the lower the level of child care, and the more likely children are to be killed, abandoned, beaten, terrorised and sexually abused. In her research of historical child sexual abuse, Florence Rush has found that it is predominantly a phenomenon of the patriarchal systems in history, where children were considered as property of the father. In Talmudic law it is the tradition that a female daughter can be betrothed by her father by means of sexual intercourse after the age of three. Even though not encouraged, sexual acts including intercourse with a child younger than three years is not a crime. Such sexual activity with young girls was not discouraged by the Catholic Church either in history, as in a Papal decree of the sixth century stated that for a marriage to be valid it was copulating that was the overriding factor and consent only desirable. The age of the girl was taken into consideration for the purpose of betrothal where if the girl was not at least seven years old than this was considered invalid. Also, through history we find however that sexual abuse was not limited only to girls. Especially in Greece , it was popular to use boys for sex. It was also common to castrate young boys and buy or sell them as sex slaves (Bagley King, 2004). In its broad sense, child sexual abuse is when an older person forcibly engages in sexual activity with a child. The definition of the terms sexual assault on children or child molestation is different in different legal jurisdictions (Rowan, 2006). As cited in Kinnear (2007), child sexual abuse is defined by Fraser (1981) as being the exploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of an adult, whilst Baker and Duncan (1985) claim that [a] child (anyone under 16 years) is sexually abused when another person, who is sexually mature, involves the child in any activity which the other person expects to lead to their sexual arousal. In their 2003 report on the maltreatment of children, the Childrens Bureau of the US Department of Health and Human Services defines it as the involvement of the child in sexual activity to provide sexual gratification or financial benefit to the perpetrator, including contacts for sexual purpose, molestation, statutory rape, prostitution, pornography, exposure, incest, or other sexually exploitation activities (U.S. Department for Health and Human Services, Administration for Children, Youth and Families, 2005). The age of consent is also different from one country to another. However, it is commonly understood, that a child is not able to understand or willingly consent to sexual experiences with an older person. It is also acknowledged that there exists sexual experimentation between young people and therefore molestation charges are only enforced when the older person is sixteen or eighteen and that child is three or five years younger (Rowan, 2006). There are certain factors which categorise sexual encounters as abuse according to the World Health Organisation. As well as the age difference it also includes in the definition the misuse of a position of authority by the adult which then leads to sexual acts. The child must also be unwilling to participate in such acts even if he or she did not offer resistance. It also requires the attempt to touch the genitals or breasts of a child or make the child touch the ones of the adult. If the adult attempts to touch the child by exposing himself or if the child is undressed, made to, as well as the attempt to seduce or tempt to take to another place whilst psychology threatening the child (Fegert, 2003). Sociological definitions of child sexual abuse differ from the clinical or legal ones and whilst some are universally acknowledged some are less so even though equally important and influential (Lawrence, 2004). One of the definitions widely accepted by child protection services is that of Schechter and Roberge and it states that Sexual abuse is defined as the involvement of dependent, developmentally immature children and adolescents in sexual activities they do not truly comprehend, to which they are unable to give informed consent (Schechter Roberge, 1976). When researching child sexual abuse, it is common to associate this with the phenomology of pedophilia. When assessing and treating sex offenders however, professionals know that it is important to explore different variables that have an important role in such deviant sexual behaviour. The sexual preference and history, including any of crime or violence, are taken into consideration. Any other disorders such as endocrine or neuropsychological ones as well as any other biological factors are to be explored (Langevin, 2003). By definition, a pedophile is generally an individual who for no less than a period of six months fantasises about having sexual encounters with young children or is sexually aroused by the thoughts of such fantasies. Usually the sexual urges of such individuals are focused on children younger than thirteen years of age. Pedophiles can be frustrated from these urges and often suffer from interpersonal difficulties because of these sexual impulses. However, even i f not necessarily always the case, some pedophiles will act upon such fantasies and are usually only apprehended or brought to attention because of this. Most pedophiles are usually not necessarily disturbed enough about such fantasies about children and as a consequence do not seek voluntary medical help (Hall Hall, 2007). The key factor in the assessment of pedophilia is the age of the children for whom interest is shown. In its most strong forms, exclusivity is shown towards prepubescent children with no sexual urges or interest in other adults. Not all pedophiles however commit sexual offences with child victims and not all sex offenders with children are pedophiles (Seto, 2004). Dr Langevin (2003) noted however, that even though there seem to be a number of factors that are common between pedophile priests and other pedophiles in terms of sexual preferences, pedophile priests generally have less antisocial behaviour characteristics. In light of the huge amount of media coverage of the clergy abuse crisis in the last few years, it seems that even though much interest by the community has been sparked on the topic, little research has been carried out by psychological and clinical bodies. This may be due to a long existing mutual indifference between the Church and the mental health field. Only a few studies have actually addressed the issue of the pedophile priest or the priest who sexually abuses children. Despite the surmounting media coverage and attention of the issue providing an alarming public assumption that most priests are pedophiles, an American study estimated however that only 2% of priests are pedophiles whilst another 4% being ephebophiles. However, it is also taken into account that a probably large number of sexual abuse cases by the clergy are not reported (Plante, 1999). Michael Rezendes (2002), part of the Boston Globes Spotlight Team was one of the first journalists who brought attention to t he issue of child sexual abuse allegations against the American clergy. A year of investigations carried out by this team resulted in the resignation of Cardinal Bernard Law on the 13th December, 2002. This was mainly due to the exposure of a series of shortcomings and mistakes, in his handling of a well known pedophoile in Boston; Rev John J. Geoghan, where after being reported of sexual misconduct with children, he was reassigned. However, it was clear that Geoghn was only a sign of a more serious problem. The Spotlight Team investigated further into the Archdiocese of Boston and by the time of Laws resignation, had published over 800 stories. An earlier singular case which also received worldwide publicity however dates back to 1984, where Fr Gilbert Gauthe of Lafayette, Louisiana was charged on multiple counts of child sexual abuse. This was the first criminal case of its kind to receive such level of media attention and publicity and also was the first time that a civil suit was initiated against a diocese on the grounds of failure to protect children from a known abuser in its clergy (Murphy, Buckley Joyce, 2005). Dr Richard Sipe, a psychotherapist and psychiatrist as well as a former Roman Catholic Priest, wrote extensively on the subject of child sexual abuse and reports that even as early as 1976, before the big scandals broke out on the media, there opened a programme, the first, perhaps, in the world dedicated to the treatment of psychosexual disorders for clergy. This included the treatment of disorders which involved the sexual abuse of children. The need for such a programme and its preparation, years before i ts opening, shows that knowledge of Catholic Clergy who had problems of sexual misconduct was already widespread in the 1960s and 70s (Sipe, 1995). With such an increasing interest in the phenomenon of priests as sexual abusers of children, the Catholic Church seemed to be spiralling into a crisis as portrayed so by the media, with an increasing number of people coming forward with new allegations all over the world. Philip Jenkins (2001), as cited in Dokecki (2004) explores the terms of moral crisis as opposed to moral panic. In order to fully understand weather the Catholic Church was being victimised by a new panic born out of media frenzy or if the panic was due to a moral crisis deeply rooted in actual facts and reality of the problem, one must also explore the issue in its full context. It is worth noting and reflecting upon the possibility of child abuse scandal by clergy as being a classic example of social construction. This is not to belittle the seriousness of priests com mitting such lewd acts with children, but it is more a manner of asserting how the media portrayal of such events can impact the way it shapes the social response to it (Jenkins, 2001). The way that this issue in the US has been widely covered and reported by the media, it has undoubtedly generated a growing popular feeling of mistrust in the church. This might have been a trigger in the claim that the Catholic Church has been inefficient in its response to such abuses and allegations, as the increasing number of cases began to crop up all over America as well as the rest of the world. By 2004, the time of the Globes investigation of the Boston cases, it was reported that between 1950 and 2002, four thousand three hundred priests were alleged to have abused or molested almost eleven thousand children or adolescents (Paine Hansen, 2002). A study of child abuse committed by clergy which was conducted by the John Jay College for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002 recorded these figures. However, this only reflects the numbers for those victims who actually reported their abuse and came forward to the Church authorities. Studies have shown that a great number of victims, especially males, never come forward to disclose their abuse to anyone and even more never report it to the authorities. It is also important to note that not all dioceses participated in this study and not all kept official and accurate records (John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 2002). In the matter of establishing whether the problem of child sexual abuse by clergy in the Catholic Church is just moral crisis as opposed to just moral panic, numbers alone do not suffice. It is often normally recognised for organisations and public entities to take defensive measures when dealing with such serious accusation against its employees or members. Most importantly the defense would most certainly be targeted against a blanket condemnation of the whole organisation. Sometimes, such corporations genuinely fail to recognise and acknowledge the fact that the destructive effects of such allegations have deeper roots than simply moral panic (Dokecki, 2004). Studies of other organisations entrusted with the care of children show that the prevalence of child sexual abuse is also of concern. In his study as reported in The Washington Times (1991), Patrick Boyle outlined that between 1971 and 1989 there were one thousand, one hundred and fifty seven reports of child sexual abuse out of a million volunteers (all adults) and four million member scouts; with the majority believed to be boys aged between eleven and seventeen. Case studies also seemed to indicate that in order to safeguard the image of the Boy Scout organisation, certain information was covered up in order to prevent the possibility of a crisis scandal. The police were not involved if the alleged abuser left the organisation. However, it was common practice for these offenders to move to other states and join new troops whilst those reported to the General Headquarters still managed to bypass the system and re-roll in new States (Boyle, 1994). Other studies of different organisa tions for youths and children also show sexual abuse incidents reported. These include institutions like the Big Brother Organisation, the YMCA as well as other athletic organisations and centres for child care-giving in day care institutions or families. In sporting organisations, the perpetrators were found to be involved in the majority of cases with a school; i.e., teachers or principals who appeared to have multiple victims, with one coach reported to have four hundred counts of sexual abuse. The majority of these cases occurred in the US, the UK and Ireland. In both the sports organisations and the Big Brother one, however, it seemed that legal action was taken against the perpetrators and screening processes put in place for all future volunteers (John Jay College, 2002). As seen from the community, the sexual abuse crises in the Catholic Church presented a larger moral shock than any other abuse scandal, predominantly because of the social status priests hold within the same community. The priest is believed to be not merely a man serving the pastoral functions for his church, but also a delegate of Christ on Earth. The priest is often held in a position of trust within society; where people look upon him as a source of comfort and advice. In Catholic communities the clergy are viewed as central and present in everyday life through their work within the parish and as reference points for the safeguarding of the souls (Cozzens, . However, priests do not only function in a society as preachers of the word of God. In most cases, they will take on the role of therapists, care-givers and educators. They do not only earn their loyalty from the altar, but mainly from being there for the sick, the troubled, the dying and the dead. It is understood, because o f such an intimate involvement in social and community life, that any case of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy will have relational and social implications as well as personal ones (Frawley-ODea, 2007). According to Lebacqz (1985), from an ethical perspective, priests are professionals and as such, a relationship of mutual trust needed. The clergy however go beyond our normal understanding of their sacramental office and thus in the relationship between priest and child, the typical power discrepancy is significantly amplified. This is so because the context of the relationship is the church and also the professional is a priest and the client a child (Dokecki, 2004). From their early years children are socialised to view the Church as a mother and a priest as a fatherly figure; hence also priests being called father.