“Houzit” Marketing management plan Essay

Marketing objectives The market for home-wares in Brisbane is estimated last year at $175 million per annum with an anticipated growth rate of the percent in the coming year. Here I outline the following marketing objectives: 12% market share (up from 11%) Increase in sales by 8.5% over last year’s result No expansion stores are planned during this phase of consolidation and on average the stores achieved $24,680 per week for the year. Marketing activities Here we present the marketing activities that show potential for the organization’s growth in seasonal demand that occurs during this period. Increased marketing – focus on magazine advertising and PR In-store promotions– in-store displays will feature advertising visuals and ink the featured products with other areas in Houzit’s assortment. Web based promotions- the company’s web page will also carry the advertising visuals on the home page and will use the PR copy in article marketing on popular article content sites. The webpage will be targeted towards the key words found in the PR article and featured in the advertising of ‘stylish bathroom’ and ‘exotic mirrors’. These keywords will also be secured via pay-per-click traffic directing. Focus in bathroom fittings and mirror categories with linkages to the other two categories of bedroom fittings and decorative items. Key driver in achieving the marketing objectives is through the opportunity of having advertising space together with a PR write up in one of the leading home-ware magazines and their website. For the next six months the marketing plan calls for increased marketing to match the growth in seasonal demand that occurs during this period. Integration of organizational activities Advertising visuals and links will be displayed throughout at Houzit’s assortment and web homepage. Company Web address line of ‘Find us at http://www.houzit.com’ will be displayed on all materials. PR copy- used in article marketing on popular article content sites. The webpage will be targeted towards the Key word throughout. These keywords will also be secured via pay-per-click traffic directing. Distribution and pricing Online retailing a new distributional channel- Company have decided to update the webpage so that the customers can order and pay online. The Price of imports will be monitored against competitors and exchange rate on daily basis because imports were usually an area of high margins for the company and any loss there could be a serious issue. KPIs Market share = store sales/total estimated market sales Marketing cost of customers acquisition = cost of marketing / Total new business acquired Delegation of roles and responsibilities Marketing manager – enjoy taking responsibility for the in-store promotions because it keeps me connected with key personnel and trend in merchandise category sales. Tony – he is a specialist search engine optimizer and webpage designer Marie – advertising /PR Lamberts consulting – market research and marketing audits Communication Strategies Marketing communications is a rather generic term for a very important function of marketing. Communicating and disseminating information has become increasingly important. While public relations are a form of marketing communications, the role encompasses much more, including content development, product positioning and brand messaging. Thus we will use the below methods to communicate effectively:- 1. Shared emails 2. Formal meetings 3. Informal meetings 4. Team visits – stores 5. Progress chart Assessment Task 2 – Case study analysis Staffing support plan Strategies: 1. Setting goals Will organise weekly meeting by providing to employees where can achieve greatest return that to work toward and has the potential to increase productivity in the workplace. 2. Providing Feedback We believe that consistent feedback from mentors and coaches not only helps improve employee performance, but it ensures employees are not caught off guard when disciplined for poor performance. 3. Celebrations and Rewards Celebrations and rewards will build respect for the mentor or coach and help employees see that the individual is not only there to criticize but also to share in employee success. 4. Collaboration Managers will provide for new employees to collaborate with as they begin working with a Houzit. I believe that managers help employees learn to navigate an organization and how to complete tasks effectively. Resources Marketing outcome model: ROI – Return on investment Feedback Providing the feedback using the Star model: An easy way to remember the elements of effective feedback is to use the acronym STAR. ST – Situation or Task. What was the problem, opportunity, challenge or task? A – Action. What was said or done to handle the situation or task? Remember to provide developmental feedback and areas for improvement. R – Result. What was the impact of the employee’s efforts, and how did their actions influence the end result? Here’s an example of using the STAR model to provide positive feedback. ST – â€Å"Thanks for completing the spreadsheet on resource allocation I requested.† A – â€Å"You provided all of the data I asked for and got it to me on time.† R – â€Å"I was able to bring the data to a  planning meeting with our director, where we used it to create a strong resource plan for next term.† Scenario 1 One-on-one coaching will include Role-play activities Testing and reviewing answers Meetings to encourage the employee to perform and homework in which answers are reviewed The manager provides the individualized coaching to her employee. May set up a time line with preset intervals to review progress Scenario 2 Performance measurement and Corrective actions such as: Ask the employee to rate themselves Provide a written performance review to the employee Make sure that can back up any positives and negatives with specific examples Conduct a review meeting within 48 hours of the written performance review Note and file any employee comments and then ensure that the final version goes on file. Customise the one-on-one coaching template of Houzit company’s requirements and hand to employees to complete prior to a performance review. Identifying weaknesses: To evaluate our employees’ weaknesses we will consider factors such as: Tardiness Communication problems Lack of enthusiasm or drive Poor comprehension of materials or program Difficulty getting along with others. We will work with each employee to come up with measurable goals for improvement. For example: devise a system to track each employee’s progress and check in regularly. If an employee has a problem with attendance or tardiness, for instance, create an attendance chart and offer positive reinforcement, such as praise or recognition for good attendance each week. For employees with technical problems or a lack of understanding, offer training on computer programs or systems. Other ways to track employees’ progress may include having employees keep track of their daily or weekly  sales numbers. For more subjective areas, such as people skills, consider holding office seminars on topics such as diversity, compromise or communication or paying for employees to attend training. Offer incentives for the training — such as lunch for all participants or a certificate. Assessment Task 3 – Marketing performance report Marketing objectives The estimate for home-wares is currently $199 mln p.a up from $175 mln This year’s predicted growth 10% and expecting to continue for the next 5 years Average weekly sale has grown $28,200 although expectation was 8.5% growth on $24,680 Market share targeted 12% Last 6 months marketing expenditure: Advertising- $250,000 PR- $30,000 In store promotion- $60,000 Internet marketing-$100,000 The cause of the profit increase was we have successfully implemented the new strategies by actively engaging to achieve the marketing objectives. There was a seasonal demand that occurred during the last year by giving growth in share from10-12%. Increase in share will be remained in next force able 5 years, which is giving more opportunity to Houzit stay in the market specifically continue to focusing on magazine advertising and PR, together with in store promotions. Also, we should invest more on web based promotions in the next marketing period. With a growing market we should maintain the market share to bring to the Houzit solid and controllable growth. Targets We should maintain our high performance as much as we can. There will be a large growing increase in interstate migration consequently the home-wares and the building activity for at least next five years. REFERENCES 1. Joshi, Rakesh Mohan, (2005) International Marketing, Oxford University Press, New Delhi and New York 2. Philip Kotler, Philip.; Kevin Lane Keller (2006). Marketing Management, 12th ed.:).Pearson Prentice Hall 3. Clancy, Kevin J.; Peter C. Kriegafsd (2000). Counter intuitive Marketing. The Free Press 4. Porter, Michael (1998). Competitive Strategy (revised ed.). The Free Press. 5. Kotler, Philip.; Kevin Lane Keller (2006). Marketing Management, 12th ed. Pearson Prentice Hall 6. Ries, Al; Jack Trout (2000). Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind (20th anniversary ed.) 7. Porter, Michael (1998). Competitive Advantage (revised ed.). The Free Press

Institutes for cat preparation

Institute FOR CAT PREPARATIONThe great author, Alexandre Dumas, one time said â€Å" nil succeeds like success † . It is, but a victor, who takes all the awards, and non the losers. To win is an unconditioned leaning of adult male in any competition. In today ‘s universe, instruction is the chief race. Every individual demands the best. Hence, the ferocious competition. If the competition be, to merely come in a good school, one can conceive of how strict the ‘rat race ‘ will be. After school, ( 10+2 or intermediate ) , one attempts to acquire into the best college and make the best alumnus degree class. But, the occupation market, being what it is today, a Post-graduation becomes necessary. In India these yearss there is no famine of classs and colleges. But how many are reputed, supply good instruction, have all installations etc. ? A really of import calling these yearss is Business direction. To acquire into a good B-School itself is a dashing undertaking. With merely a few thousand seats in all B-Schools combined, it is a large challenge for the lacs of campaigners. So, we have entrance tests. The ‘CAT ‘ ( Common Admission Test ) , conducted by the ‘IIMs ‘ ( Indian Institute of Management ) , is one of the toughest entryway trials. Conducted by the IIMs, this alone trial, checks one for one ‘s IQ, general English and general math and other soft accomplishments. This trial has a specialized marker system, besides carries negative points. There are about 75 B-Schools besides the six IIMs which accept CAT tonss. Since CAT needs particular readying, there are training institutes for CAT itself. How to Choose an Institute: CAT coaching is done fundamentally at three degrees ; schoolroom, correspondence & A ; online. The latter two may be followed up with a personal contact plan clang class. Following guidelines will be utile: * Make certain the institute is of reputation. It has all the basic installations to take up CAT coaching. Some institutes offer free demo categories. That may be good, but do n't trust on them as a free demo is any manner traveling to be good. * Do non travel by their word on how many pupils they have placed, low fees or strength of ex-IIM module. * The institute may run training for non-IIMs as good, but what is your demand? Most institutes offer, at a small excess cost, developing for both. In such a instance a GK subdivision is included which may assist in GD/PI subsequently. Act consequently * Mark your pick between correspondence, schoolroom & A ; on-line classs. Online classs are suggested the least as synergistic and at-length classs are better. * If your metropolis does non hold a schoolroom coaching, travel for a correspondence class and take mock cats along with synergistic clang class. ( it may non be a bad pick to travel to a nearby large metropolis for that. ) * Last but non the least, does the institute provide GD/PI ( Group Discussion/ Personal Interview ) session subsequently on. they are every bit of import as the written trial. * If you require a survey loan, travel straight to a bank, non through the institute. Such is the demand for CAT readying that Pre-CAT institutes have sprung up like Mushrooms all over. Some of the outstanding 1s are: O IMS Learning Resources Pvt. Ltd: possibly the oldest in game, it is headquartered in Mumbai. It has a presence in over 50 metropoliss. Outstanding 1s are Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhubneshwar, Baroda, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Jammu, Jaipur, Kolkata, kanpur, Lucknow, Mumbai, Madurai, Nagpur etc. the institute gives its USP as the most no. of arrangements. o Career Launcher: A Delhi based institute, it is one of the younger institutes. Has many subdivisions in Delhi. Has subdivisions in Mumbai, Pune, NOIDA, Lucknow, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Kolkata, Burdwan, Durgapur, Bangalore, Hubli, Ahmedabad etc. every bit good. o Ascent Education: It is a Chennai based institute.it besides provides classs in correspondence & A ; on-line classs in multiple locations. o T.I.M.E. ( Triumphant institute of direction instruction ) : Headquartered in Hyderabad, it imparts schoolroom coaching in most major towns of India. Harmonizing to the T.I.M.E. , it imparts low-cost class. It has been a recent success. Has been founded by IIM & A ; XLRI alumna. o Career Forum: This institute provides training in Pune and 6 other metropoliss. It besides provides correspondence classs. O Brilliant Tutorials: A veteran of IIT JEE, this Chennai based institute besides provides reputed classs in CAT every bit good. Possibly the most advertised one, it claims a high success rate. o Other outstanding institutes are PT ( professional tutorials ) , The Princeton Review, Magnum, Bulls oculus, Prudence academy, Indo-Scottish Study Circle, Mastervision Nucleus ( Bangalore ) etc. One can besides acquire information from the Net ( Google, Yahoo ) , by word-of-mouth from their equals, Educational addendums of major national dailies. Now-a-days it is possible that MBA entryway preparation institutes outnumber the B-Schools themselves! Remember what person said, † If you fail to fix, fix to neglect † . There is no ground to believe that if you go to a little CAT-prep school, live in a little town or you are Differently-abled u ca n't check CAT. Hard-work, regularity & A ; pattern are the key to ‘Belling the CAT ‘ !

Alcohol Is the Worst Drug in the United States

Alcohol is the Most Dangerous Drug in the United States Alcohol is more harmful than any other drug. Despite this fact, alcohol is still legal in the United States. There are many types of illegal drugs that are well known for their harmful consequences to humans but it is, in fact, alcohol that causes more harm than all of the illegal substances. A 2010 study by the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs ranked alcohol as â€Å"most harmful† drug on a list of 20 drugs. Alcohol ranked higher than crack and heroin when the potential harm to individuals and others was examined. Alcohol causes physical, psychological and social problems.Alcohol is a depressant that affects every part of the human body. Alcohol affects the part of the brain that controls coordination, memory, judgment and decision-making. Each year, more than 5,000 people under the age of 21 die from underage drinking. Another 1,900 die from car accidents. And still more people die from alcohol-related homicide s, suicides and other alcohol-induced accidents. Alcohol costs the U. S. over 184. 6 billion dollars in 1998, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. This cost was more than the estimated cost of all other illegal substances put together-$143. billion-during 1998. Although alcohol has been dubbed the most harmful drug, it is not the drug that does the most harm to an individual. In fact, alcohol earned this dubious honor because of the effect that alcohol has on the people around the alcoholic. Herion, crack cocain and metamfetamine are much more harmful to a person’s body than alcohol is. In a later study in the British Medical Journal, alcohol was found to be the fourth most dangerous drug after heroin, crack and crystal meth. This same study deemed alcohol to be the second most dangerous drug to society.Some people say that alcohol should be banned. Despite the overwhelming evidence that alchol is very bad for indivduals and their loved ones, a lcohol remains legal in the U. S. During the 1920’s the US banned alcohol during a time called Prohibition. This policy is considered to have been a failure because it lead to more organized crime, increased alcoholics and negatively impacted the economy. Alcohol continues to be advertised on television and radio, apparently enticing people to continue to buy and drink alchol. Alcohol will always be legal. Alcohol is a big part of our American culture.It is embraced and celebrated by people of all ages every day. Our country is not prepared to make the consumption of alcohol illegal. Doing so would clog the court systems, lead to corruption of officials and cripple the U. S. econmy due to the lost tax money generated by the sale of alcohol. People do need to be educated on the dangers of alcohol so each person can make the best decision for themselves and their family, which would be to avoid alcohol alcohol all together. References Alaraki, M. (2010). Alcohol is society†™s most dangerous drug. Retrieved from http://www. dailyfinance. om/2010/11/01/alcohol-is-societys-most-dangerous-drug/ Nutt, D. J. , (2010). Drugs harms in the UK: a multicriteria decision analysis. The Lancet 376(9752), 1558-1565. Doi: 10. 1016/50140-6736(10)61462-6 Grohol, J. M. (2010). Alcohol the Most Dangerous Drug? Probably not. Retrieved from http://psychcentral. com/blog/archives/2010/11/01/alcohol-the-most-dangerous-drug-probably-not/ Neurobonnkers. (2012). The largest ever study in to drug harms places alcohol in the top four. Retrieved from http://neurobonkers. com/2012/08/06/the-largest-ever-study-in-to-drug-harms-places-alcohol-in-the-top-four/

Starbucks Risk management items for this supplier global expansion Essay

Starbucks Risk management items for this supplier global expansion project and risk breakdown structure, which outlines the orga - Essay Example This writing analyses some of the risks, and risk management strategies employed by Starbuck due to adoption of global supply by Starbuck. Starbucks have always considered the nature of demand of their coffee thus using this as the base of selecting the best suppliers as a way of minimizing global supply risk. As much it may be hard to engage international supply because of many risks associated with the transaction, Starbuck went ahead and realized that risk and return are allied and therefore the more risky the business is, the higher the returns (Katrinli, Gunay & Biresselioglu, 2011). Starbuck is committed in her strong values of ensuring equal treatment of individuals both with respect and high degree of dignity as well as conservation of the environment and this applies to their supply chain. Supplier Code of conduct created by the company was driven by the need for their suppliers to embrace Starbuck’s values. This helps in reducing a lot of risks associated with global supply. Unless a global supplier adopts and strictly follows the Starbuck’s Coffee Sourcing Guidelines, they may not qualify as the preferred suppliers for the company (Berman, Christner & Bell, 2010). Starbuck normally communicates to her suppliers and letting them know about their Supplier Code of Conduct. a supplier must always show commitment to the welfare, economic sustainability, measuring, reporting and verify compliance to the Supplier code of conduct. Also, suppliers must adhere to the local laws and international labor and human rights standard as well as good businesses strategies that enhance environmental protection. The company may carry out an independent audit or just random audit to verify supplier’s compliance (Trent & Llewellyn, 2010). Relationship between Starbuck and her global suppliers of green coffee is so much established in such a manner that the risk of non-delivery on purchases is minimal. As a way of ensuring continuous production of high quality green coffee and leadership sustainability Starbucks empowers her international coffee producers. Furthermore, Starbuck purchases coffee either through the fixed price or price to be fixed purchase commitments dependent on the market conditions (Katrinli, Gunay & Biresselioglu, 2011). Global supply chain is exposed to risks compared to local supply chains because they are longer and complex. In that regard, there is probability of experiencing more uncertainties and challenges thus making information technology very relevant and useful for Starbuck. Information regarding risks such as legal setbacks, custom fees, taxes, political conflicts and cultural differences may be gotten from the newspapers, the internet and other media or through whistleblowing. Thorough coordination and understanding of suppliers’ information is very useful. Such kind of information sources may reflect political turmoil and perhaps currency depreciation and other activities showing that the company is not doing very well (Trent & Llewellyn, 2010). Financial statements of a particular supplier may also be used by Starbucks to assess the level of risk associated with dealing with the company in question. Also, Starbuck may hear from the public opinion or media various serious allegations such as poor environmental dealings and unfriendly labor laws practiced by their suppliers. This is enough information to reflect the activities and the supplier’s attributes. Furthermore, St

Diagnostic Imaging Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Diagnostic Imaging - Essay Example Briefly, multi-slice computed tomography means that the scanner can acquire more than one slice at a time. This is possible because the detector system is composed of more than a single row of detector elements (Attachment B). My aim is to explore the numerous advantages that a multi-slice computed tomography offers over other techniques like single slice spiral computed tomography, the current applications of multi-slice computed tomography and the future trends, as well as determining if there are any drawbacks to this procedure. I feel that this topic is very relevant to radiologic technologists because traditional computed tomography has rapidly evolved over the decades and continues to do so. It is therefore imperative to keep abreast of recent advances in computed tomography, as well as to know the further evolution of this imaging modality. There are many advantages of multi slice computed tomography (refer Table 1). When compared to single slice spiral computed tomography, multi-slice computed tomography seems to have a considerable edge. This is especially seen in case of lung examination with multi-slice computed tomography.1 Some of the observations are: reduced artifacts caused due to breathing and pulsation, the ability to get multiplanar sections through the lung parenchyma with a high resolution, and the possibility to simultaneously evaluate high resolution and standard imaging protocols from just a single data acquisition.2 Three-dimensional techniques like volume rendering and virtual bronchoscopy is also possible with multi-slice computed tomography.3 I, therefore, feel that these advantages gives multi-slice computed tomography a better diagnostic accuracy. However, some of the disadvantages with multi slice computed tomography that one must consider are: difficulty in reviewing and reporting the images, since the volume

Moet & Chandon - Integrated marketing communications plan Essay

Moet & Chandon - Integrated marketing communications plan - Essay Example Over the years, the company has used brand ambassadors to popularize their champagne, with the current ambassador being the tennis icon, Roger Federer. However, the company has not realized its sales growth potential due to myriad factors including financial crises and growing competition. At times, there have been changes in the market that have presented the company with an opportunity to push its sales further. At the moment, the company hopes to maximize on the findings that â€Å"people are (beginning to become) fed up with austerity and are thus looking for indulgence. Indulgence represents a chance for wine makers and more so champagne makers’ such as Moet & Chandon in the UK. The focus here is to develop an integrated marketing communications plan that would help in capitalizing on the changing market orientation towards indulgence and thus offering a chance for Moet & Chandon to further grow in the UK market. The plan focuses on establishing a name, and placing Moet & Chandon at a competitive position within the next twelve months. Context Analysis-SWOT Analysis Strengths Moet & Chandon though a French company has made it to establish itself as a global company. This is evidenced by the availability of is famous champagne brands all across the globe. This is one of the company’s strengths and one that has helped in establishing the company as the market leaders in the champagne business, at the moment Moet & Chandon has claim to 25? of the global champagne market. The flagship luxury champagne brands are well established and easily identified. The company also benefits from a firm support. This support comes from independent parties within various retail segments who have over the years sold the company’s champagne as the ideal and most preferable and even classy champagne. The other strength is adapted product the company has made it to adapt its products to various consumer needs and this has informed its growth and preference b y a huge and frequent number of champagne users all over the globe. Lastly, the company’s champagne has what can be referred to as a good health of luxury sector. The company’s champagne is identified as the mark of luxury and is a renowned accompaniment of luxurious events or experiences. This is particularly important as it epitomizes indulgence which has been identified as a trend in the near future. Weaknesses One of the weaknesses and one which is not unique to Moet & Chandon is that the production of champagne is dependent on seasons. There might be times when the market demand is high but the overall production is curtailed by the season dependent vineyards. The other weakness is that there is always a need to have a lot of stock, this is not easy and is in the long run very expensive. Lastly, there are fluctuations in the market demand (market volatility) meaning that there lacks consistency in sales (seasonality of sales). Opportunities Going forward, the comp any identifies a host of opportunities which would guarantee growth if at all the company develops a proper and realizable plan while taking advantage of its strengths. One of the opportunities is close relations with customers. This is a great opportunity as the company is able to fast introduce its products to customers who understand the company’

Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice - Essay Example However this is not necessary, as research shows certain cases where women are convicted to such acts just in order to gain internal satisfaction, which indicates psychological disorders. Prostitution, which is considered to be a common societal dilemma today, was not, always, a criminal offence in England. In eighteenth century; the prostitution offences were specifically soliciting, living off immoral earnings, and running 'houses of ill fame', but these were enforced selectively. Manifestly neither the proprietors, nor the women who catered for gentlemen in these establishments, were perceived as members of a criminal class or professional criminals; and at this end the profits were handsome. The less salubrious 'houses of ill fame' were more vulnerable, though even in some of the poorest districts the police did not interfere with them. (Chesney, 1970) Women could be violent. Some beat, or otherwise ill-treated, servants and apprentices; on occasions such violence went too far and landed them in court. (Crime and Punishment in Eighteenth-Century England, 1989) Women fought each other; less commonly they fought with men and, like Jane Smith, a few fought with the police. Like their men folk Irish women had a particular reputation in this respect. (The Unwritten Law: Criminal Justice in Victorian Kent, 1991) Today a chivalry perspective holds the view that male officers are reluctant to arrest females, thus reducing the number of female offenders counted. Also it is observed that most women offenders are never caught because of the types of crimes they commit. (Otto, 1950) Finally, some observers claim 'paternalism' toward female offenders in the juvenile and criminal justice systems that effectively operates as a filtering-out mechanism. Official accounts, which are largely based upon arrest and court data, are the basis for the compilation of most crime and delinquency statistics. Court data introduce the potential problems of diversion, paternalism, or chivalry, which may distort the number of female offenders. The number of female arrests presents the 'danger of using the terms arrest and crimes committed interchangeably, and arrest statistics may not be the most reliable source of data for determining actual crime rates.' (Rita James Simon, 1975, p. 36) Three different aspects can examine the dilemma of female crime; first, all the specific offenses which are historically associated with female offenders. (Carol Smart, 1976, p. 6-8). The second area of focus includes those offenses for which women and girls are more frequently arrested as indicated in the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reports (1978). Third, a number of offenses that are generally considered unusual from female characteristics. Violent Crimes Most crimes of violence by females take place in the family setting where the victims are usually the

Leadership and Management for Service Improvement Essay

Leadership and Management for Service Improvement - Essay Example This stage of our group formation had been lagging for a while before I emerged as a facilitative leader. When this stage passed, our relationships became more harmonious with agreed upon values and rules of operation. Each member began to take responsibility, as they understood their other team members, with the group leader taking a back seat to proceedings. As the group leader, I think I took up a democratic style of leadership. These types of leaders make decisions at the final stage but include the other team members in the process of decision-making (Gillam, 2011: p65). While I took care of coordinating the team and their work delivery, I allowed them to carry out their research without giving instructions. However, whatever went into the report was finally decided upon by me, with any additional material needed communicated to the team member responsible. The benefits of this sort of leadership are numerous. The team members got job satisfaction since they all participated in drafting the final assignment. This style also helped to develop their research skills. The members of the team felt that they controlled the destiny of their assignment marks thus felt more motivated to do their best (Hartley & John, 2010: p26). However, since participation by all members takes time, the decision-making process was slow. Coulin’s absence caused the assignment’s timeline to stretch. ... Overall, this leadership style made me feel in charge although giving everyone a chance to give their opinion brought on some conflict. During the initial stages of the holiday, my inability to access the University’s homepage on my computer proved to be a hindrance. It actually raised a storm with some of the members when I told them that I had not handed in the assignment because of this problem. In the future, it would be better if this sort of assignments were held face to face rather than online since team members are generally least interested in the assignment over the internet. It is possible that some had multiple pages on their computer screens and were multi-task during teamwork (Muller et al, 2006: p9). The team’s five-team members could be fitted into at least five Belbin’s team roles (Gold et al, 2010: p15). Ken could be considered a resource investigator, as he was enthusiastic, extroverted, and communicative. He explored the different sources of i nformation that we had and, through his contacts in the library, was able to get more information sources. Stacy was the implementer, as she was efficient, conservative, reliable, and disciplined. Danny was the shaper, given her dynamic and challenging nature. She never lacks the courage and drive to overcome obstacles. I acted as the leader and doubled up as the coordinator. My confidence and maturity cut me out of this, in addition with my clear goals, promotion of decision-making and proper job delegation. Finally, Coulin was supposed to be the plant, especially given her unorthodox, imaginative, and creative mind. However, she was rarely available and brought about a lot of frustration for the other team members. On the days when she showed up for meetings, though, she was very

Personal & Business Taxation PowerPoint Presentation

Personal & Business Taxation - PowerPoint Presentation Example Basically, there are domains for the taxation in UK, they are personal taxation and company taxation. Personal taxation is required for a UK resident who spent 183 days in UK during a tax year and he earned a net income which is taxable according to the law in place in the taxable year. Company or business taxation is applicable if the company situates in the UK and it is payable as given below Though this is the general tax rate for a company, UK tax law has given a tax-rate relief for small businesses in order to encourage entrepreneurship and enhance job creation as well as small-business innovation. Removing tax barriers and thus to ensure small business growth was one of the main aims for this tax relief (Freedman, 2003, p. 22). But this has been widely questioned whether this tax relief make any contribution to economic growth or whether this targeting is achieved. In UK, the small business rate relief is normally administered by the concerned local authority. A business man, no matter whether it is sole proprietorship or partnership or other form of business, will be eligible for tax relief if his taxable value is below  £18,000 (but  £25,500 in London). If the rateable value of a small business is just  £6,000 or lower, the small business rate multiplier will be used along with a 50 percent relief. If the rateable value is between  £6,001 to  £11,999, the small business rate multiplier will be used and the rate relief will be between 0 to 50 percent. If the rateable amount is above  £12,000 and less than  £18,000, there won’t be any relief, but only small business rate multiplier will be used (Business Link,

How does the plate tectonics theory help explain the existence of Essay

How does the plate tectonics theory help explain the existence of fossilized marine life in rocks atop the Ural Mountains Be sure to include a description of the specific process(es) - Essay Example With time, the fossils collected and accumulated on the sea bed. Geologists describe the area on which the mountains exist to be at the edge of two active tectonic plates: Baltica and Siberia. The tectonic plates are considered to be constructive plates. The two tectonic plates collided and their forces pushed the plates against one another in a constant force. The force was so intense that it pushed the earth’s crust beyond its elastic limit. With time the earth’s crust got compressed as folded upwards resulting to the Ural Mountains. This was a gradual process that lasted for many years. The area that was formerly covered by the Palaeoralic Ocean was now part of the Ural Mountains. It took with it the fossil remains that was on the sea bed. The water that was contained in the ocean was displaced as result of rise in altitude of the area. Considering that the fossils had been in existence for over millions of years and that they were several of kilometers deep, it was impossible for the environmental factors like rain to completely wear out the fossil remains (Wright, 1977). In addition, the weight of the water along with other forces had compacted together the fossils forming semimetal rocks which currently exist on the top of Ural Mountains. This theory unlike other theories is credible and fully arguable especially in its endeavor to explain the existence of sedimentary rocks atop the Ural

Mandatory Questions and Answers Essay Example for Free

Mandatory Questions and Answers Essay Outline the guidelines, procedures and codes of practice relevant to personal work? (1.1.1) Follow a set routine so you don’t make any mistakes. Confidentiality. Explain the purpose of planning work, and being accountable to others for own work? (1.1.2) Throughout the day I will always find out what job is the most important for me to do first and do my other work afterwards. Any delay in the important jobs could impact on someone else’s work e.g. (Every hour we have to go online and collect VBS’s for the drivers otherwise they cannot get on the docks to empty or load their container which delays them from their next job meaning it impacts on their work. ) Explain the purpose and benefits of agreeing realistic targets for work? (1.1.3, 1.1.4) It gives a good working practice and gives you something to aim for. Describe types of problems that may occur during work and how would you seek assistance in resolving problem? (1.1.8, 1.1.9) Part of my job is dealing with POD’s and it is important that I chase for outstanding ones otherwise we cannot prove the delivery of container was made which could delay payment or some other issues like insurance claims. Explain the purpose and benefits of recognising and learning from mistakes? (1.1.10) One of the mistakes I have done could have lost the company money but luckily it didn’t. The way I have learnt from this is because I wasn’t very careful but now I take more precautions e.g. checking twice when sending out invoices so I don’t send it to the wrong person. Explain the purpose and benefits of agreeing and setting high standards for own work? (1.2.1, 2.1.1) The benefits for setting high standards for your own work means that it is always done to the best of your ability. Describe ways of setting high standards for work? (1.2.2) * Making goals and sticking to them. * Writing a list of what needs to be done. * Aiming to do certain things by a certain time/day. Explain the purpose and benefits of taking on new challenges if they arise? (1.2.3) It means I get to learn more about the company and interact with everyday tasks; I will be more involved and have a lot more options. Accounts, POD’s and traffic sheets are some examples of what I would do which also gives me more option in the future. Explain the purpose and benefits of adapting to change? (1.2.4) Sometimes change can make things more efficient and easier to complete tasks. Explain the purpose and benefits of treating others with honesty, respect and consideration and what types of behaviour show this and what ones don’t? (1.2.5, 1.2.7) Good behaviour * Friendly * Considerate * Confident Bad behaviour * Being unmotivated * Refusing to do work * Being cold towards other employees Explain why behaviour in the workplace is important? (1.2.6) Being friendly to others makes it a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere to work in meaning there are no uncomfortable and awkward moments so you can enjoy being at work. Explain the purpose and benefits of encouraging and accepting feedback from others? (2.1.2) Shows you where your good and bad flaws are and what you can improve on. Explain how learning and development can improve own work, benefit organisations and identify career options? (2.1.3) It can improve your own knowledge and make you understand your job role better. Describe possible career progression routes and development opportunities? (2.1.4, 2.1.5) I could possibly work in a bank or something with accounting as an option which would be a potentially good career or I could stay in this area of work. Describe what is meant by diversity and why it should be valued? (3.1.1) Diversity refers to the fact that we are all different. Diversity should be appreciated and valued because nobody is the same as anyone else. Describe how to treat other people in a way that is sensitive to their needs? (3.1.2) You should be kind and be caring towards people. Look out for their needs as you would like them to look out for yours. Treat others how you would like to be treated. Describe how to treat people in a way that respects their abilities, background, values, customs and beliefs? (3.1.3) Don’t judge anyone by their race, religion systems, mental capabilities, physical appearance. Get to know them before you take judgement on them. Describe ways in which it’s possible to learn from others at work? (3.1.4) You can watch how they act with certain people e.g. you learn different mannerisms and personalities. Describe the purpose and benefits of maintaining security and confidentiality at work, what are the company and legal requirements and how do you deal with any concerns? (3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4) Confidential information is only allowed to be looked at by your employer and other staff but not to be discussed outside of work as this could breach your contract. Explain the purpose of keeping waste to a minimum? (3.3.1, 3.5.2) It is better for the environment. Describe the main causes of waste that may occur in a business environment? (3.3.2) I would say paper is the most common cause of waste the business as there is so much information to take down, re-write and make notes. It is all recycled though. Describe ways to keep waste to a minimum? (3.3.3, 3.5.1, 3.5.2) Recycle and reuse. Identify ways of using technology to reduce waste? (3.3.4) * Shredder * Moving paper files on to the computer * Using a compost pot for wasted food Outline the purpose and benefits of recycling and what are your organisational procedures? (3.3.5, 3.3.6) Reduces carbon footprint and pollution Describe the benefits and procedures and organisational procedures for the recycling and disposal of hazardous materials? (3.4.1, 3.4.2) The benefits of recycling can be extremely beneficial to all different things. The only hazardous object we have that we recycle is the toner from our printer and it goes when a man picks it up to recycle and give to a charity. Explain reasons for knowing the purpose of communication? (4.1.1) The purpose of communication is to understand each other and connect. Communication is the means in which information is circulated. Explain the reasons for knowing the audience to whom the communication is being presented? (4.1.2) You modify your presentation style to suit the audience so you get optimum results. Describe the best methods of communication and when to use them? (4.1.3, 4.1.4) 1. In person – for an immediate response to your question/query 2. Telephone – when you are not near the person you wish to receive information but would like a quick response. 3. Email – when you are replying to a request and need to send them something or when you need something sent to you. Identify different sources of information that may be used when preparing written communication? (4.2.1) Websites on the internet, a dictionary and previous correspondents could be used to prepare written communication. Describe the communication principles for using electronic forms of written communication in a business environment? (4.2.2) It is environmentally friendly and easier to use. Describe the reasons for using language that suits the purpose of written communication? (4.2.3) You use different languages to address the matter in the right context for example; informal or formal letters/emails. Describe ways of organising, structuring and presenting written information so it meets the needs of the audience? (4.2.4) PowerPoint presentations can be very good for presenting and gives you a lot of room for information. You can use a wide range of different effects that make the information look more interesting. Describe ways of checking for the accuracy of written information and the purpose of accurate use of grammar, punctuation and spelling? (4.2.5, 4.2.6) If you are using the computer you can use spell check on almost any document to make your grammar correct. Explain what is meant by plain English, and why it is used? (4.2.7) Plain English is a general term for communication styles that emphasise clarity, brevity and the avoidance of technical language. The intention is to write in a manner that is easily understood by its target audience: appropriate to their reading skills and knowledge, clear and direct, free of clichà © and unnecessary jargon. Explain the need to proofread and check written work? (4.2.8) In case you have made any mistakes or your work doesn’t make sense. Explain how to identify work that is important and work that is urgent? (4.2.9) Urgent means as soon as possible and important means take a little more time and care over it but do it quickly. Describe organisational procedures for saving and filing written communications? (4.2.10) We scan all the documents so there is always a back up file on the computer and then we file the paperwork into a folder and archive. Describe ways to verbally present information and ideas clearly? (4.3.1) Use number points, examples and be clear when presenting information. Explain ways of making contributions to discussions that help move them forward? (4.3.2) Always ask questions, recap information and listen carefully.

Outline the arguments about the reliability Essay Example for Free

Outline the arguments about the reliability Essay Outline the arguments about the reliability of documentaries as ways of representing reality. Illustrate with reference to a range of documentary material. Documentaries aim to show information in a way that is most believable to a viewer. Realism is extremely important to a documentary and is often shown by; an authoritative presenter, the use of voice-over commentaries, recorded interviews, visual evidence via location shots or archive film, hand-held cameras and limited used of special effects. It is argued that documentaries are like plays, novels and poems the are fictional in form and have no measurable social ability whereas others argue that documentaries are the only type of genre that can really capture the spontaneity and immediacy of real life. As most viewers see a documentary as a serious programme, normally tackling a serious issue, they assume the programme will be factual and informative and this gives it certain credibility. Documentaries can appeal to a range of different audiences, as most of them are about certain topics. For example wildlife programmes would appeal to anyone with an interest in animals yet other under-cover documentaries such as The Whistle Blower can appeal to anyone who would watch documentaries. Most documentaries would require both an active and passive audience, this is because programmes such as The Whistle Blower would interest people who want to help sort out the security problems at the airport, yet other people would also watch it and not be able to do anything about it, although I think it would make them re-think about making a journey from that airport. With documentaries there are some limitations to assuming that what we see is actually real life this is because when documentaries are using like video diaries or surveillance cameras the participants can sometimes be aware of this and can act differently to how they would normally act if they didnt know the cameras were there, they could also show some biased opinions or exaggerate their actions, subconsciously or not. This suggests that documentaries with hidden/secret cameras may have more credibility as being real. This technique is shown in The Secret Policeman when they are trying to expose the way in which racism is dealt with in the police force. This document can be seen as biased as they are only really concentration on one side of the argument, they are telling viewers right from the start about police officers being suspended for racism and they are setting out to catch officers being racist, this gives the viewers a ready-made conclusion in their heads that they police force definitely are racist. This documentary does, however, represent reality to some extent because they use secret footage of the police officers and have filmed them talking in real-life locations such as pubs, clubs, in the street and whilst travelling in a car, which shows a normal world. Although many documentaries do portray certain features that question their representation of reality, other documentaries are clearly focused on showing things as close to the truth as possible. Feature documentaries such as one on animals and wildlife for example are well researched and their main aim is to simply inform the audiences rather that try to influence them in any way. Even though most documentaries try to portray as close to the truth as possible other motives behind the documentaries could suggest that they arent, in fact as reliable or close to reality as they could be.

Computer Break-In Ethics Essay

Computer Break-In Ethics Essay What do I define as Ethical? To me, ethical is equivalent to morally right. It can be thought of as the expression done when you consider the feelings of those who are or will be directly affected by your actions. Therefore, ethical behavior is to act in a way that is loving and respectful of the potentially affected person. Spafford uses a deontological assessment as his ethical system to consider and judge the computer break-ins; this assessment determines what is right by examining the process (action) over outcome (result). According to Spafford, another way to define ethical behavior is to ask: Would we view that act as sensible and proper if everyone were to engage in it? When paired side by side, Spaffords definition of ethical behavior is one and the same in comparison to my definition where the action is the subject analyzed and if loving and respecting the potentially affected person is the sensible and proper thing to do if everyone engaged in it. As the years go by, new technology is being developed and implemented. More and more companies upgrade their entire computer systems, computer professionals upgrade their skills, and database administrators become even more alert and responsive. Not to mention that all that advanced technology becomes increasingly complex and must come with solid security. I am suggesting that the security argument for a break-in becomes more and more obsolete especially 30 years from the publishing of Spaffords article. In fact, it will be obvious that the perpetrator had unethical motives because he or she is intelligent enough to know that such technology must come with tight security which is obviously critically monitored; thus, the excuse for probing to find a fault is inapplicable. Just as the security argument gets less applicable with the influx of new technology, the student hacker arguments loses its potency also. The first argument where student hackers claim they are doing no harm and changing nothing they are simply learning about how computer systems operate has two major problems: disbelief from perspective and little education scope. The computer lab director (or whoever is in charge) is automatically inclined to think the worst possible scenario after hearing news that a student hacked into the new University network. From his perspective, he simply cannot trust the students word that no harm was done. A good example is that of a home owner who just heard a burglar broke into his home. He immediately thinks of the valuable assets such as the television, jewelry, kitchen appliances and other such items. The very unlikely assumption is that the burglar is actually doing him a favor by testing of the locks in his house whether it is functional or not. Furthermore, there is little education about entire computer system operations gained in hacking. I can concede the fact that the hacker may learn proprietary information but full scope education of computer systems cannot be achieved through hacking. The second student hacker argument outlines that computers are expensive, and that they are merely furthering their education in a cost effective manner may have a slight edge in the modern society where technology becomes expensive but ultimately fails for the reason explained earlier that full scope, fundamental education is not possible through hacking particularly when the system is most likely complicated as it would be in futuristic times. The final student hacker argument where their creations [viruses] are intended to be harmless and that they are simply learning how to write complex programs is broken into two sub-arguments that I will analyze; I will start by addressing the second sub-argument. The second sub-argument may se em convincing in the fact that the student is learning how to write complex programs in an age where computer system are extensively complex, however, the entire argument fails when analyzing the first sub-argument. No company, institution, or individual cares if the virus was intended to be harmless because restoring the system is expensive. The economic factor in restoring system integrity of an already intricate system drains the entire argument of any influence. The argument that hackers break into systems to watch instances of data abuse and to help keep Big Brother at bay already presents a reason that is reasonable at the publishing of Spaffords article. This means that the argument gains a bit more credibility in the futuristic age where data abuse by corporations and government agencies will be almost rampant. One error of this argument presumes the hackers can prevent data abuse without offsetting network activities; secondly, the argument will always fail to provide comfort for any individual that his sensitive information is entrusted to hackers whose names are unknown. Even with the previously mentioned flaws, the social protector argument is relevant, at least considerable, in an age where even the simplest action of eating can be provided by robots.

New Beginnings in Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf :: Whos Afraid Virginia Woolf

New Beginnings in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf  Ã‚   Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf is a disturbing and powerful work. Ironically, it is disturbing and powerful for many of the same reasons. As the audience watches George and Martha tear savagely at each other with the knives of hurled words, sharpened on pain and aimed to draw blood, the way in which these two relentlessly go at each other is awful to see, yet strangely familiar. Like wounded animals, they strike out at those closest to them, and reminds one of scenes witnessed as a child between screaming parents from a cracked door when one is supposed to be in bed. In this age of psychoanalytic jargon, George and Martha are the quintessentially dysfunctional couple. Yet, with all their problems, Albee reveals that there is a positive core of feeling that unites these two troubled people and that helps them look beyond their self-created hell. The truth of their relationship is exposed layer by layer as the play progresses, like the peeling of an onion, and though the pattern of this truth appears vague at first, with each cycle of revelation, the pattern becomes more distinct, and the picture is fully revealed in the final, cathartic scene. One of the most consistent themes of the play is the question of George and Martha's "child," and all that this child, and children in general, symbolizes for them. The "child" seems not only a desire for fecundity within their relationship, but also a projection through which they express many of their personal desires, needs, and problems, and, in this context, the child's subsequent "death" signifies a mi lestone in their understanding of their marriage and of themselves. By the end of play, after much suffering and flagellation, George and Martha appear ready to deal with their lives in a new way. George and Martha have a history. They are also emotionally trapped by this history, especially that of their respective childhoods. As a consequence, both are plagued by low self-image and self-doubt. The audience learns of this history slowly, in bits and pieces. Martha tells Nick and Honey in Act 1 how she lost her mother early and grew up very close to her father. She was married briefly, but her father had the marriage annulled. She returned to live with her father after college, and met and fell in love with George.

Definitions of Self in Community in Morrisons Sula and Song of Solomon

Definitions of Self In Community in Sula and Song of Solomon        Ã‚  Ã‚   "In that place, where they tore the nightshade and blackberry patches from their roots to make room for the Medallion City Golf Course, there once was a neighborhood" (Sula 1). Toni Morrison begins the novel Sula with these powerful words, describing more than a physical place, but a spiritual place where a community once stood. She begins with the destruction of the community, ultimately beginning at the end because her novel traces the history of this community. In Song of Solomon. Morrison takes the opposite path. She traces the history of self that ultimately ends in a type of destruction when Milkman leaps off the cliff. In both novels, however, she explores the tension between self and community and the sacrifices each demand from the other. Morrison's characters are both empowered and restricted by the heavy sense of community that operates in her novels. In all of her novels the characters are pulled along by and enmeshed in the communities in which they live. In Sula and Song of Solomon the struggles of me community and me characters with in the framework of community are me driving force behind much of me novel. Both the characters and the larger communities are irrevocably changed throughout me course of the novels the as tension to define both individual and community surfaces. From the opening lines of Sula which foreshadows me ultimate deem of me community, Morrison calls attention to me sense of community in the Bottom. In "Eruptions of Funk. Susan Willis says, "The opening line from Sula might as well have been me novel's conclusion, so complete is the destructioni it describes. This is the community Morrison is writing to reclaim" (315)... ... Pessoni, Michele. â€Å"‘She was laughing at their God.’: Discovering the Goddess Within Sula.† African American Review 29 (1995): 439-451. Rigney, Barbara Hill. The Voices of Toni Morrison. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 1991. Rubenstein, Roberta. â€Å"Pariahs and Community.† Toni Morrison: Critical Perspectives Past and Present. Ed. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and K. A. Appiah. New York: Amistad Press, Inc., 1993. 126-1 58. Smith, Valerie. â€Å"Song of Solomon: Continuities of Community.† Toni Morrison: Critical Perspectives Past and Present. Ed. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and K. A. Appiah. New York: Amistad Press, Inc., 1993. 274-283. Willis, Susan. â€Å"Eruptions of Funk: Historicizing Toni Morrison.† Toni Morrison : Critical Perspectives Past and Present. Ed. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and K.A. Appiah. New York: Amistad Press, Inc., 1993. 308-329.      

Oedipus and Creon in Sophocles Oedipus the King Essay -- oedipus Soph

Oedipus and Creon in Sophocles' Oedipus the King   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At first glance, Oedipus and Creon are two very different people. But as time progresses their personalities and even their fates grow more and more similar. In Sophocles’s play â€Å"Oedipus the King†, Oedipus and Creon are two completely opposite people. Oedipus is brash and thoughtless, whilst Creon is wise and prudent. In â€Å"Oedipus the King†, Oedipus effectively portrays the idea of the classic â€Å"flawed hero†. He becomes arrogant and brash. He accuses Creon and Tiresias of treachery. Even worse however, Oedipus goes against the gods. This causes them to punish him severely. Creon is the exact antithesis of Oedipus. He thinks before he acts. Creon is wise and loyal. In Sophocles’ other play, â€Å"Antigone†, however, he undergoes a drastic personality change. He becomes more and more like Oedipus. Creon commits acts of hubris, kills and humiliates people for no reason whatsoever. Once he realizes the folly of hi s ways, he punishes himself for going against the gods and destroying all that he loved, This is strikingly similar to the story of Oedipus. At first Oedipus and Creon seem like entirely different people. But through the course of events, they share almost identical personalities and even fates.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In â€Å"Oedipus the King†, Oedipus is a brash and arrogant ruler while Creon is his patient, thoughtful right hand man. After Oedipus and his sons all die and Creon becomes king of Thebes, he begins to grow wilder and even more out of control than Oedipus was. In â€Å"Oedipus the King† Oedipus accused Creon of bribing Tiresias, the blind prophet, to make a prediction that will doom Oedipus. He accuses Creon of â€Å"plotting to kill the king† (189). He does this without any concrete evidence or proof. Oedipus rationalizes that because Creon induced him to â€Å"send for that sanctimonious prophet [Tiresias]† (190), he is responsible for the prophecy. Oedipus assumes that â€Å"if the two of you [Creon and Tiresias] had never put heads together, we would never have heard† (192) the prophecy. Creon even calls Oedipus a man is full of â€Å"crude, mindless stubbornness† (190). Oedipus lashed out at Creon for â€Å"betrayin g a kinsman† (192). He did so without any evidence or proof. He just did accused Creon without thinking about the consequences. Although Creon stands against rashness and unthinking now, he soon becomes another Oedipus. ... ...e world that you can name† (237) Creon receives a very similar punishment. He too, loses all he deems valuable in the world. Creon will not allow Haemon to marry Antigone. He condemns their marriage and greatly distresses his son, Haemon. As a result of Creon’s actions, Haemon commits suicide, â€Å"his blood spilled by his very hand† (120). Eurydice, Creons’s wife, also kills herself. She is so wracked with anguish by Haemon’s suicide, that she â€Å"stabbed herself at the altar† (126). Creon â€Å"murdered†¦ his son†¦ and his wife.† (127). He has nowhere to â€Å"lean to for support† (127) and no-one to â€Å"look to† (127). The chorus sums up his and Oedipus’s fate when they say â€Å" The mighty words of the proud are paid in full with mighty blows of fate, and at long last those blows will teach us wisdom† (128) Creon and Oedipus were obviously very similar people. They both rose through chance and circumstance and they both fell because of their brashness and hubris. Creon started off as a very different person to Oedipus. But once he became king, he immediately became an almost identical person to Oedipus. He was rash, unthinking and uncaring. This resulted in his downfall just as it caused Oedipus’.

Microeconomics Research Paper

Nicholas Benyola Professor Mansourian Econ 201- 25 17 May 2012 Microeconomics Research Paper Minimum Wage In the United States, minimum wage has remained at a low number for several years. Minimum wage is defined as the lowest possible income that an employer can legally pay an employee. This ensures that all people are fairly paid and not defrauded by companies or businesses. Minimum wage is considered a price floor and the minimum wage laws determine the lowest price possible that any employer must pay for labor.In an economic model, the quantity of supplied is greater than the quantity demanded and the minimum wage is above equilibrium price and quantity. Minimum wage prevents labor supplied and labor demanded from moving toward equilibrium price and quantity. Although the government is trying to maintain a good balance of income distribution, there are is a high amount of people that work year round and still fall under the national poverty level. The government tries to stop the rich from getting richer, and the poor from getting poorer, so they make sure that everyone is earning the same amount of money.Even if our balanced income distribution is at a good number, an increase of the minimum wage price would help our country in a lot of ways. Raising the current minimum wage is one way to reduce poverty, will help businesses grow, and could help a lot of communities as well. The first advantage of increasing the minimum wage is that it will help poor people to earn a higher income. For many workers, minimum wage is simply not enough money for them to be able to support their families. A higher minimum wage would guarantee a higher quality of life for the people who work in basic jobs such as cleaning and preparing fast food.These workers' economic situations are usually a result of their lack of education and training, and it is often difficult for them to get more education or training because of their economic situation. For many working Americans, an in crease in the minimum wage will make the difference between living in poverty and not. An increase has the potential to help the standard of living for the poorest of people. This is a true statement, but opposition says that this only drives up the standard of living and inflation rate in the world. Inflation is defined as the overall general upward price movement of goods and services in an economy.Although some people who earn the minimum wage are teenagers, almost two-thirds are adults. The average minimum wage worker brings home about half of his family's earnings. Increasing the minimum wage will help these workers to make up for lost ground due to inflation and it will help make work pay. Though inflation is one of the main problems in our economy and even though inflation and minimum wage are directly related, increasing minimum wage will give opportunity for a lot of lower class families to make enough to afford important things, such as insurance.If someone takes a trip to the doctor, with no insurance, they will most likely have to pay around eight- hundred dollars out of pocket. This would take anyone at least three months on minimum wage with two incomes to pay off these medical bills. Barak Obama’s plan to institute a health care plan for everyone will relieve a huge burden on people and also allow them to stay above the poverty line. Heidi Shierholz, an economist at the Economic Policy Institute says, â€Å"Jacking the federal minimum wage from $7. 25 to $8. 25 would give a raise to 10 million workers, including many currently earning their state minimum wage† (Shierholz).This research supports that a minimum wage increase would help millions of people who work not only at the minimum wage but below it and just above it as well. While an increase of a few thousand dollars per year would rarely lift a person or a family out of poverty, it could ease the struggle to pay for groceries, child care or rent, and it adds meaning and digni ty to labor. A higher minimum wage is not enough, but it is very essential for the working poor. Minimum wage was created to keep businesses from taking advantage of their employees.Most of the workforce making minimum wage is young adults because companies feel that they can take advantage of them. Of the total affected workers, women suffer the most which is evidence that companies still have gender discrimination in the workplace. Companies are not only paying people small amounts of money but are also treating the women of America unfairly. If discrimination ended in the workplace then businesses would grow because they would have a more diverse workplace. Employees who are earned a higher wage would take their job more seriously.They would call in sick less often and would be more productive on the days they are at work. An employee working for a lower wage may spend a great deal of time job hunting, looking for a position that pays more but if employees are already earning a h igher wage, they would not have to be searching for a higher paying job. This would reduce employee turnover for companies. John Montgomery, economic analyst for ABC states that, â€Å"From the business perspective, wages come in as one of the most expensive running costs, and have to be paid whether you are taking money that day or not.However, if there were no minimum wage, there is no doubt that many unscrupulous businesses would exploit staff wherever they could† (Montgomery). Of these adult workers, over half work full time and another third work between twenty and thirty hours per week. This statistic shows that a big majority of adults on minimum wage are working at least twenty hours a week. So, if minimum wage increases, it could be a huge benefit because it could add a ten increase to a final salary and this would affect millions of people in our workforce in a positive way.For most small companies there is a major upside to a minimum wage increase because it can st imulate the economy. Usually when people make more money, sometimes they make lifestyle changes and they buy more which generates more revenue in the economy. Raising the minimum wage would be beneficial not only to business but to communities as well. Many poor families rely upon economic aid from social services to survive and these organizations not only cost the community tax payer but they also take away from services provided by local businesses.With an increased minimum wage, low wage workers would be less reliant on social services and more willing to spend their money in the local economy. Over time people would be making more money and then would be able to afford more things in their community. The lower class is dependent upon dollar stores because their low income does not support flexible spending. This creates unequal revenue to producers, so an increase of minimum wage would help communities as a whole because more business would have the chance to grow.Kai Filion, P olicy Analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, notes that â€Å"A recent study by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago examined 23 years of household spending data and found that an increase in the minimum wage lead households with a minimum wage to significantly increase their spending. † This research supports that even a slight increase of minimum wage would increase spending throughout communities which would be beneficial for the entire country because it would increase the local tax base.Many government programs that try to help people with low income place a tax burden directly on others. Raising taxes is not a necessary step in establishing a higher minimum wage because government should not be taxing companies, but asking them to pay more to their employees. An increase in payment to employees would increase business expenses which would help companies pay less in taxes. Therefore, an increased minimum wage has potential to aid in the growth of communit ies around the world.For Americans, we must support an increase of minimum wage to further promote a healthy economy and a decrease in poverty. Minimum wage is one program that promotes active participation in the labor market and if the amount of citizens on welfare is going to decline, they should be offered more jobs that can pay a livable wage. If minimum wage workers were paid a living wage, they would spend it in the local economy which would turn in to a powerful economic stimulus and the government would save money on a lot of expenses.Raising the current minimum wage is one way to reduce poverty, will help businesses grow, and could help many suffering communities throughout the nation. This step toward economic equality may be essential for workers of all classes to have opportunity for a better standard of living. Works Cited * â€Å"Minimum Wage Increase Would Help Sluggish Economy, Say Experts. † The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost. com, 07 June 2011. Web. 16 May 2012. . * â€Å"Http://www. abc. net. au/news/2012-05-16/unions-push-to-increase-state-min

Compensation and Benefits Plan

Compensation and Benefits Plan November 20, 2011 Compensation and Benefits Plan In this submission Learning Team B (LTB) supports and expands on one team member’s proposal to add a school psychologist at Manzano Day School in Albuquerque, New Mexico to fill an operational gap. LTB outlines a proposal for compensation and benefits plan that meets the needs of the employee and the organization. Specifically, the proposal recommends and justifies an approach for direct pay, incentives, security and health benefits, pay for time not worked, and employee services; moreover, it identifies any obstacles or potential resistant in implementing each recommended approach. Direct Pay When developing a set salaray for the position of School Pshcycologist at Monzano Day school. One must consider the demographics and comparison of other schools in the area. For many years New Mexico public schools have been ranked worst in the country as a result of over crowding, lack of funding, lack of staff, lack of resources and corupt behavior. When comparing the pay scale for a school psychologist working for the Albuquerque Public School(APS) system an individual with a PhD. in Pschology starts at an annual salary of $54,000 (www. aps. edu/human-resources/salary-schedules/salaries/a4-salary-schedule) which is based on a 208 days (8hrs/day) work schedule and then is adjusted according to years of experience and other skills according to a grade step in pay. Manzano Day School would match the same payscale and grading as the public schools offer, in addition to non quanitative incentives as small classroom sizes, multitude of resources, adaquate funding for education and a strong support from the community, board of directors and administration. Incentives Nonprofit organizational goals differ from for-profit firms and require different types of leaders and reward systems. Inability to distribute profits prohibits profit sharing, gain sharing, and stock-ownership incentive plans (Roomkin & Weisbrod, 1999). Firms are increasingly sing variable-pay systems such as pay-for-performance plans to control costs and increase employee efficiency (Cascio, 2010). Such a system is not a good fit for the school psychologist because it would likely reduce intrinsic motivation and could influence objective failure (Bregn, 2010). The major purpose of a school psychologist is â€Å"to achieve positive outcomes for students and systems† (Shriberg, Satchwell, McArdle, & James, 2010, p. 8). Position activities do not have sole influence over outcomes making it difficult to identify conditions to meet to attain a specified bonus incentive (Bregn, 2010). The change in social, emotional, or psychological outcomes is difficult to target, measure, and reward (Roomkin & Weisbrod, 1999). When the link between performance and rewards are weak, the merit-pay system fails (Cascio, 2010). The school psychologist is an intended change agent who leads the charge â€Å"toward positive ends for children, families, schools, and communities† (Shriberg et al, 2010, p. 20). Thus, employee involvement in decision making, empowerment, recognition, training opportunities, and offerance of a supportive nurturing company culture are important nonfinancial rewards (Cascio, 2010). Manzano Day School operates nine calendar months annually; providing the school psychologist a 12-month salary is a unique yet feasible incentive that will help the company attract the right candidate and enhance his or her job satisfaction. Another inherent incentive that produces the same effects is free tuition for the school psychologist’s children if he or she has any. Security and Health Benefits †¦ Randa’s part†¦ Pay for Time Not Worked †¦ Lacy’s part†¦ Employee Services The Age Discrimination in Employment Act requires employers to offer the same group health insurance to every employee no matter what age they are. Employers offer a wide variety of benefits. For companies to be successful in the competitive labor market, firms are fair when offering benefits to employees. This year is the first year employers are offering domestic partner benefits regardless of the person’s sexual orientation and marital status (Casico, 2010). For many years insurance companies only paid out benefits to married couples of the same sex, but because of the diversity of the labor market, firms are being more diverse. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 % of private sector workers, and 33% of local and state government workers have health care benefits for domestic partners of the same sex. The benefits vary, depending on the employer and employee characteristics, and whether the domestic partner is of the same or opposite sex (Bureau, 2011). In March 2011, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported paid leave benefits to be the largest available benefit offered by employers, and employers offers 91 % of paid benefits to full-time workers in private industry (Bureau, 2011). Employees offer other work life benefits such as Elder care, child adoption, onsite childcare, subsidized childcare, the ability to convert sick days into personal days, and flexible work schedule (Casico, 2010). Benefits are important and people are committing more to companies because of the benefits. Conclusion Ultimately†¦ need to add some summarized thought that ties the paper together†¦ LTB outlined the compensation and benefits plan proposal for a school psychologist position at the Manzano Day School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Specifically, the proposal recommended and justified an approach for direct pay, incentives, security and health benefits, pay for time not worked, and employee services; furthermore, it identified any obstacles or potential resistant in implementing the recommended approach. References: Bregn, K. (2010). The Logic of the New Pay Systems Revisited-in the Light of Experimental and Behavioral Economics. International Journal Of Public Administration, 33(4), 161-168. doi:10. 1080/01900690903304175 Bureau of Labor Statistics (2011), Employee Benefits in the United States, Retrieved November 17, 2011 from http://www. ls. gov/news. release/ebs2. nr0. htm Cascio, W. F. (2010). Managing human resources: Productivity, quality of work life, profits (8th ed. ) Roomkin, M. J. , & Weisbrod, B. A. (1999). Managerial Compensation and Incentives in For-Profit and Nonprofit Hospitals. Journal Of Law, Economics, & Organization, 15(3), 750-781. Shriberg, D. , Satchwell, M. , McArdle, L. , & James, J. ( 2010). An Exploration of School Psychologists' Beliefs About Effective Leadership Practice in School Psychology. School Psychology Forum, 4(4), 8-21.

Gender Communication Essay

The concept of gender is often poorly differentiated with sex, at times even being utilized synonymously with sex. The terminology gender commonly appears within both popular and academic discourses regarding social event dynamics. However, regardless of the form in which the term appears, authors seldom specify what they imply by the terminology. It is widely assumed that readers and listeners already comprehend the connotation and hence explanation is ruled out as being unnecessary. The sex/gender disparity embodies some feminists’ attempts at breaking the link between the organic sex category and the social gender category. As per this social molding viewpoint, gender refers to the customary sense which ultimately becomes dependently linked to the body. When gender becomes understood to be culturally molded, it becomes likely to evade the essentialist notion which suggests that gender emanates for the organic body (Clancy, 2004). However, despite the fact that the disparity between culturally molded gender responsibilities and ahistorical organic sexes attacks the idea that females’ organic configuration make up their social fate, it encounters some difficult dissociation of culturally-derived genders out of sexed bodies. Women and men exhibit dissimilar but similarly valid communication styles. The speaking modes displayed by both women and men have gender differentials. Essentialism belief holds that, since biological disparities between men and women exist, men and women are obviously dissimilar with regard to personality and character. Strict organic essentialism proposes that ones gender construction is not influenced by nurture. Essentialists assume men to be aggressive, strong, violent, logical, brave, lustful, independent and disciplined. Conversely, women are viewed as being passive, weak, cowardly, gentle, emotional, having no sexual appeal, having no stamina and self-control plus extremely invested in their associations with other persons. Aristotle suggested that men are more courageous, virtuous and noble as compared to women. The 1900s saw philosophers like John Locke and Emmanuel Kant argue that the social separation of female and male gender is reasonable owing to the innate disparities between female and male bodies. Scientist in the 1900s studied studies on female and male bodies and proposed that since male craniums were bigger in comparison to female craniums and feminine pelvises proved bigger than masculine pelvises, males are more suited for business, politics and general community life, whereas females whose little craniums supposedly signified lesser intellect, were most suitable to child bearing and home tending (http://www. humboldt. edu/~mpw1/gender_theory/perspectives4. shtml). The ramifications of essentialist gender perspectives are extensive. Conventional gender responsibilities are somewhat based upon some fundamental organic determinism; a viewpoint that views biology as being destiny. Consequently, females have had the principal responsibility of housework and parenting, with men being the wage earners. Even presently, males outnumber females in government and business and women and girls are not as powerfully urged to practice occupations in science, technology and math as are men and boys. Essentialists hold that gender is the same as sex, or that the two concepts are naturally-derived (God-given) and indivisible. Gender and observable sex indicators, such as, vagina and penis are inseparable. This theory holds that merely two gender types exist from birth and they are not altered throughout life. No continuum exists between these two genders since any appearances or behaviors not coherent with such suppositions are considered as being perverse. Essentialism holds that females are dissimilar with men owing to their anatomy, particularly their minor sex traits, hormones plus reproductive structures. Gender disparities in verbal capability and visuo-spatial, aggression plus other actions, as well as other mental and physical characteristics are attributed to pubertal or prenatal hormone contact. Essentialist stances may exist within developmental psychobiological, sociological, neuropsychological and ethological work. Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) female and male brain picture Disparities or other mental aspects, for instance, are at times regarded as mirroring inborn disparities. Gender disparities in spatial, verbal and Mathematical capabilities are usually regarded as being organically based (http://www. humboldt. edu/~mpw1/gender_theory/perspectives4. shtml). Constructivists hold that gender as well as sex are derived from social relations and do not exist without social contact. It admits social influences upon persons’ gender. It assumes that manhood or womanhood implies endorsing some general function unique to an individual’s sex. Personal uniqueness, sexual inclination, as well as modes of socially interacting is determined by some set of individual constructs. This implies that gender and sex do not have natural foundations because nature itself is essentially socially defined. The constructivist quality of Gender and sex is rendered invisible through typical social life dynamics and this makes the two notions seem natural as opposed to artificial (Gergen, 2007). Persons construct fresh knowledge, through assimilation and accommodation processes, out of the experiences they undergo. Assimilation involves integrating fresh experiences into previously existent frameworks with no alteration of such frameworks. Such events could happen when person’s experiences reflect their inner world representations; however, they may as well happen whenever alteration of some defective understanding happens, for instance persons may fail to detect events, could misinterpret others input, or could conclude that some occurrence is offer some unimportant information regarding the world. On the contrary, whenever persons’ experiences disagree with their inner representations, they could alter their viewpoints of such experiences with a view to conforming to their inner representations. Accommodation involves restructuring ones intellectual outside world interpretation to suit fresh experiences (Glasser, Smith, 2008). It is the means though which learning emanates from failure. When persons act based on the anticipation that the world functions in some specific way only for such expectations to be violated, such individuals usually fail. However, through accommodating such fresh experience as well as restructuring their model regarding the functioning of the world, persons learn through experiencing disappointment or the failure of others. . Constructivists suggest that gender representations systematize an individual’s personality uniqueness, social awareness and interpersonal actions. The notion of classifying as either female or male is the vital initial action in the classification of human beings following birth, and owing to contemporary technological advances, even some months prior to birth. Sexual inclination; whether bisexual, homosexual or heterosexual, at puberty it too viewed as a vital gender representation element that is vital to interpersonal actions and societal lives (Rosser, 2003). Men interact with the world as persons within hierarchical communal order whereby they are either placed down or up. Conversations in Such worlds comprise of negotiations whereby persons attempt to attain and uphold the dominant position when they can, as well as shield themselves from the attempts of others to shove them about and drag them down. Life, in such circumstances comprises of some contest or efforts to uphold autonomy and evade failure. Women approach the world as individual within some system of linkages. Ni such a world, dialogues comprise of consultations for intimacy whereby persons attempt to look for and offer support and confirmation, as well as to arrive at a consensus. Persons attempt to shield themselves from the attempts of others to drive them farther. Therefore, life consists of some community and efforts to uphold intimacy as well as evade segregation. Despite the fact that hierarchies exists in such world too, such hierarchies are associated more with friendship as opposed to accomplishment and power (http://openlearn. open. ac. uk/mod/resource/view. php? id=166569). Females too are inclined towards attaining status as well as evading failure, however, such objectives do not occupy all of their time, and women seem to seek for such goals while disguised as maintaining connection. Men too are inclined to attaining participation as well as evading segregation, however, they do not focus on such objectives; they seem to seek for them while disguised ads opposing them. Thus, Women and men seek entirely different entities during communication, and they as well functions as per varied rules. Men’s self-worth originates form the capacity to attain outcomes; whereas women’s self-esteem originates form her sensations as well as the fineness of their relationships. Therefore, women fair better in personal contact and communication; communication has primary significance (Armstrong, 2006). For womenfolk, relationships take precedence over technology and work. Individual expression, particularly regarding their emotions, is extremely crucial. Sharing of personal emotions has greater significance than attaining goals as well as success. Interpersonal contact and talk grants tremendous satisfaction. References Armstrong, A. (2006). Foucault and feminism. Retrieved on 25th May 2009 from . Clancy. (August 7th 2004). Essentialism: draft of 3W encyclopedia entry. Culturecat. Retrieved on May 25, 2009 from . Gergen, M. (2007). Positioning in general relations: from constructivism to constructionism. Retrieved on May 25, 2009 form . Glasser, H. M & Smith III, J. P (June 30th 2008). On the vague meaning of â€Å"gender† in education research: the problem, its source, and recommendations for practice. . Humbolt edu. Perspective used to look at gender. Retrieved on May 25, 2009

Parent Involvement in Education

Children learn first at home with the support and encouragement from their parents. When your child becomes a student, as a parent you still need to be involved inside and outside the classroom. Attending school sponsored functions, working in the classroom as a volunteer, monitoring homework and communicating with your child about their day are features that will express to your child the need for them to succeed. But why is parent involvement important in education? The answer to this research question will be sought out by using different internet sources. Articles will include general information about parent involvement, not looking at specific states or countries. I have been in a classroom since childhood. With my experiences in college I have seen parents who are involved and those who are not. As a coach in a neighboring district from my hometown I have been able to compare and contrast the amount of parent involvement between districts. Introduction As parents, children learn and grow from the encouragement and guidance that is given to them along the way. The definition of parent involvement is extensive and includes different aspects of education and how parents participate in their children’s lives in and outside of school. The research paper will attempt to explain the importance of parent involvement in education through research done using different internet sources. Throughout the research report readers will see that parent involvement in directly related with student achievement. The level of achievement is apparent due to the amount of time and effort that parent put into being present in their child’s education inside and outside the classroom. When presenting the information the positive outcome will be apparent but the obstacles that hinder the benefits need to be address. These issues include the current rising number of single parents that have to work two to three jobs in order to support their family and the amount of effort that teachers and schools put into providing opportunities for parents to become involved at school. Research included in the report will include information provided by the Michigan Department of Education. The information includes Joyce Epstein of John Hopkins University six types of parent involvement that benefits your child and the National PTA’s six types and created six national standards for parent involvement that branched from Epstein’s. Epstein’s six types include parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at homes, decision making and collaborating with community. The National PTA’s standards include communicating, parenting, student learning, volunteering, school decision making and advocacy and collaborating with community. Parent involvement is an issue that all are concerned will affect the future of world. President Obama recently proposed to improve our education system. His speech to teachers, parents and students included an address of parent involvement. Proposed Program Research will begin with collecting information from different internet sources. Information retrieved from sources will be reviewed. Four questions will be evaluated when determining appropriate information. * What are the types of parent involvement? How does parent involvement effect student achievement? * How can teachers/schools help encourage parent involvement? * What are obstacles of parent involvement? The information gathered will be the fundamental information to apply to the research report. Due to school being out of session and time constraints, observation of students’ achievement due to parent involvement is not suitable. Qualifications and Experience Growing up with a mother as a teacher, a lot of my life has been spent inside a classroom. Volunteering in the classroom and at school sponsored event I have seen the decline of parent involvement. Within the past five years the amount of parents and/or family members that bring students to events has dropped drastically. I have seen children bring their book bags to school with the previous days notes still inside, untouched. Witnessing my mother touch lives of children has led me into the same profession. My college education courses have given me the opportunity to observe students at Freeland Middle School and Willie E. Thompson Middle School. Parent involvement showed through the amount of homework turned in by students. Patterns developed with students’ overtime. Attending a district for thirteen years and now coaching in the neighboring district I have seen differentiation in parent involvement numbers. My district is multi-cultural and predominantly poor to middle class. The district I coach in is mostly Caucasians and middle class. When these two schools play each other in sporting events the amount of parent, family and community support is evident.

The changes in the global pattern of tourism

The global pattern of tourism has changed drastically over the last fifty years. Changes such as the number of global tourist arrivals, distances travelled, and the cost of travel have meant that ‘tourism' is today one of the world's most important industries. There are a number of reasons for this change, for example, technology and social situation. In the seventeenth century, doctors recommended benefits of water, which triggered the building of spas. People began taking relaxing trips to these spas. When the industrial revolution struck, huge changes in transport took place, such as better rail links in the United Kingdom. These railway lines provided links to expand. Also, people began to earn more money, and with disposable income, annual holidays became increasingly popular. During World War 2, people were not allowed on beaches. Once the war had finished, people celebrated by going to the beach. This made seaside resorts become much more popular. In 1970, the jet plane carried 307 million passengers. By 2006, this had increased to a huge 2. billion! This shows just how much tourism has increased in the past half century. In 1950, international tourist arrivals were only 20 million. In 2005, it was measured to be over 700 million! Europe in particular was responsible for a considerable amount of this increase, approximately 400 million. In 2005, there were 441,528 thousand international tourist arrivals. The Mediterranean was responsible for 36% of this number. This shows that southern Spain is a very popular tourist destination. I think this is due to the climate in the Med. The Mediterranean is well known for its hot, dry summers, which naturally attract visitors. Most arrivals here are on holiday for leisure purposes, rather than business. It is not just in Europe, however, that tourism has increased. In 1990, the world saw 439 million international tourist arrivals. In 2005, this has increased to 806 million. This shows an average annual increase of 3. 3%. There are many reasons for this increase. Economic factors, such as rising incomes, decreasing costs of the flight itself – due to the expansion of budget airlines. Also, many airlines have introduced reward schemes, or loyalty bonuses, which are appealing to the customer. Social factors, such as the increase of the number of days paid leave workers can take. This gives people more spare time for a holiday. Many students in recent years, after finishing school, which to take a ‘gap year' to go travelling, before going to university, or getting a job. Finally, there are also political reasons for which tourism has increased. Some governments invest heavily in advertising campaigns to encourage tourism. Also, international sporting events, such as the world cup or the Olympics, attract millions of people from all over the globe. Forecasts from the World Tourism Organisation are showing an approximate 650 million increase in global arrivals between 2007 and 2020. Another noticeable change is the distance people are travelling to go on holiday. In 1841, Thomas cook introduce the first ever package holiday, from Leicester to Loughborough, which was only 12 miles away. These travellers attended temperance meetings. Fifty years ago, tourist arrivals in the Middle East and Africa were virtually none existent, as the travel links simply were not there. I believe one of the main reasons that tourist arrivals have gone up so considerably is due to the travel links expanding. Thanks to the invention of the train, Thomas Cook was able to expand his holidays. However, in 1970, with the invention of the jet plane, mass tourism began. There was no limit to where people could go on holiday, so the distances travelled dramatically increased here. People travel to places such as Spain, specifically the Mediterranean, as it is only 725 miles, which is approximately a 2 hour flight. Today; people can travel literally across the world, from London to Sydney, a distance of 10,552 miles. The third main change in the pattern of tourism over the last fifty years is the cost of travel. People first began taking holidays after the industrial revolution, as they had disposable income. Although prices for travel such as trains were cheaper in the 1950's, people have a much higher income in today's society, so they are much more affordable. In the early 1990's, the first budget airline was introduced. They offered low cost flights in exchange for passenger services, such as in-flight meals and extra leg room. This appealed to many working class people, who wished to go on holiday for less. Flights on budget airlines can be extremely cheap, especially if you fly on an unpopular time and date. You can purchase some flights from the UK to Ireland as cheap as 1p plus VAT. Return flights to Spain can be as cheap as i20. Package holidays also made holidays more appealing to people who were not as well off as some. They combine the cost of flight, accommodation and travel, and are usually with a group of several other tourists. Package holidays range from your typical relaxing fortnight on the beach in Majorca, to cockroach races in Brisbane! At the story bridge hotel in Brisbane, every January 26th, they race cockroaches! This tradition began in 1981, when to drunken men argued that the cockroaches from their part of town were fastest. Today, people literally come from all over the world just to race there cockroaches! Also, many people today choose to go on â€Å"all inclusive† holidays. This is when the holiday resort provides all food and drink in the price. This is appealing to people as when on holiday, many people do not wish to cook or worrying about finding places to eat. All inclusive holidays start from just i290 to Ibiza; this makes luxury more affordable for the working class. Recently, ecotourism has become more popular. This is when people travel to less economically developed countries such as Kenya, or India. They volunteer once in the country, often doing conservation work. Flights to these areas are not very expensive, as they are less popular. Fifty years ago, few people travelled far to go on holiday, as it was so expensive. Overall, these are the three key changes in the pattern of tourism. A dramatic increase in the number of global tourist arrivals, an increase in the distance travelled, and cost of travel being more affordable, have meant that tourism is very different today than it was fifty years ago. I feel that the main catalyst for increasing tourism in general, was the invention of the jet plane. Carrying 2. 1 billion passengers in 2006, it is clearly responsible for a large part of transporting these tourists. Of course, another reason for the patterns in tourism is the fact that people are earning more money. Thanks to this disposable income, more people can afford to treat themselves to a holiday. I also feel there are now more incentives to go on holiday today, such as these â€Å"package†, or â€Å"all inclusive† holidays, as these save the consumer money. Fifty years ago, people used to travel 12 miles down the road to go on holiday, today they travel to the other side of the world. I feel this shows just how big these changes in the pattern of tourism are.