The reasons why UK (based in the borough of Ealing) residents travel Dissertation

The reasons why UK (based in the borough of Ealing) residents travel domestically versus internationalistly - Dissertation ExampleWhenever a person decides to leave his home to go on a journey somewhere for the sake of experiencing a change of scene, to explore a new environment, lie with new cultures or on a religious pilgrimage, then that person is a tourer (Cooper, 2005, 4). From the foregoing, it is quite obvious that the idea of going on a tour is a conscious decision that goes together with planning before one embarks on the actual journey. It is interesting to find out what influences such a decision. Among the options open to any prospective tourist is whether to travel locally within ones country or internationally. Knowledge of the factors that influence this decision is definitive to players in the touristry industriousness because they crowd out influence these decisions during their tourism promotion (Cooper, 2005, 4). The importance of international tourism as an income generating activity for countries cannot be gainsaid. In 2008 international tourism worldwide garnered a colossal 642 billion raised by 922 million tourist arrivals. This was despite a drop of 2% in tourist travel worldwide in June 2008 due to the recession that hit the world at the time. This shows that this is quite an important sector that any particular country can only take for granted at its own peril (WTO, 2009, 14). Moreover, countries such as Egypt, Greece, Lebanon, Spain and Thailand depend to a bully extent for their income on tourism. These countries have great long running histories with the pyramids and mummies in Egypt and the historical edifices and culture in Greece as examples. As for little island states like The Maldives, Bahamas, Fiji, Seychelles and Philippines, tourism is simply their lifeline (WTO, 2009, 15). In Borough of Ealing, in London Britain, just like in separate places, tourism plays an important role in provision of Employment. If one take s the wider national setting, by 2010 the tourism industry in Britain had already employed 2.65 million persons in 200,000 different companies. 80% of these companies were Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which were either instantaneously owned by youths under 35 years or mostly employed the youth in that category (Tourism Alliance, 2011). Borough of Ealing is an administrative division to the west of the city of London. Though it has its own administrative system, it is stable part of the larger London. Boroughs are administrative divisions within major cities so formed to make the administration of the wider city manageable and efficient (Heritage Dictionary, 2000, 142). Like other Boroughs, Ealing struggles to raise part of the revenue it uses for administrative, social welfare and development purposes. One of the sources of such revenue is of course local and incoming tourists. For the purposes of this paper, the focus is on tourism in Borough of Ealing in Britain in partic ular and the wider London and Britain in general. In Britain tourism is a very important sector with 14.1 million visitors arriving in 2009 just and raising over 21 billion in revenue (WTO, 2009, 15). On average tourism generates 19 billion annually out of which 3.5 billion goes directly to the exchequer. In fact in 2009 Britain was the 7th most visited tourism destination. It was also the 3rd largest source of tourists in the world after Germany and the United States. Moreover, London was the second gear most visited city in the world coming second only to Paris, France (WTO,

Implementation of ISO 9001 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Implementation of ISO 9001 - Case Study ExampleIndeed, ISO 90012008 is the International Standard for Quality Management Systems of businesses. The design and purpose of the ISO 90012008 applies in any ware or service, produced by any process anywhere in the world (9001Council 2013, p.1). The ISO 90012008 provides a set of principles for a company to ensure a common backbone approach in the vigilance of business activities for purposes of achieving consistent customer satisfaction. Upon implementation, the ISO 90012008 derives many benefits, which enables the improvement of operations in any business setup. Ideally, the ISO 90012008 involves developing quality management systems (QMS), management responsibility, resource management, product realization, measurement, analysis, and improvement (9001Council 2013, p.1). There are specific ISO 9001 requirements, which include establishing an organizations process-based QMS, documenting the organizations QMS, implementing the organizati ons QMS, maintaining the organizations QMS, and improving the organizations QMS (9001Council 2013, p.1). ... ddress the implementation of ISO 9001 on organization workmanship accomplishment in a case study that investigates the effects of ISO 9001 certification on organization workmanship surgical process using the construction industry. The case study compares the workmanship performance between ISO certified organizations and non-ISO-certified organizations (Iwaro & Mwasha 2012, p.53-67). Various companies search to achieve ISO 9001certification for different reasons, which may include complying with a contractual or regulatory requirement, to motivate the staff by setting clear goals, and to satisfy the customers needs. In addition, companies seek ISO 9001certification as a factor in risk management programs and for purposes of achieving a competitive advantage everywhere its competitors in the same industry who do not implement the ISO 9001 standards (ISO 2013, p.1). It is a lso a way of demonstrating the companys commitment to quality and willingness to improving efficiency. Moreover, companies seek the ISO 9001certification in order to boost the image and goodwill of the company to the employees, customers, and other stakeholders (ISOQAR 2013, p.1). In this context, the construction companies that sought to achieve the ISO 9001certification aimed at improving workmanship performance and workmanship factors in their respective companies. Indeed, through the implementation of the ISO 9001, these companies sought to enhance the designing process, improve workmanship quality, improve quality management system at bottom their companies, and establish a management technique that would enhance workmanship performance (Iwaro & Mwasha 2012, p.60). Ultimately, the companies, which implemented the ISO 9001, sought to establish the extent of the relationship between ISO 9001 certification and

Corporate Social Responsibility in India Essay Example for Free

Corporate genial Responsibility in India EssayThe basic principle of the sustainable development and Corporate Social Responsibility is the combining of needs important both(prenominal) from the point of view of an institution, as well as a group of entities operating in its environment (employees, shareholders, stakeholders, borrowers, local society) within its business policy. Thus, the goal of a contemporary organisation should be to maximise its shareholders value satisfying, at the same time, expectations of other stakeholders (stakeholders value) by integrating economic, cordial and environmental operations.There are many factors that make us interested in Corporate Social Responsibility 2 New problems and expectations of citizens, customers, public authorities and investors in the context of globalisation and significant industrial changes Social criteria have bigger and bigger influence on investment decisions made by units and institutions playing both the role of c onsumers as well as investors Bigger and bigger care for damages caused to natural environment by business activities Transparency of business activities support by media and IT technologies. Corporate Social Responsibility principles, as well as the quality of knowledge in their web sites and annual reports, the main sources of knowledge just virtually the federation for probable investors, counterparties and local communities. In the near afterlife, we should also expect that as a result of the globalisation of financial markets, Polish listed companies will gratify investors that are more aware of Corporate Social Responsibility and consumers that invest and co-operate better with companies supporting environmental and social development. The analysis of awareness rates and improvement in implementing the innovation of Corporate Social Responsibility in the sector of Polish companies covered all joint stock companies listed in the Warsaw stockpile Exchange4, excludi ng listed banks (covered in the analysis of the banking sector) and national investment funds.Results of the study are based on information disclosed and modeled in web sites and annual reports of the analysed companies and they refer to the hobby aspects account on Corporate Governance principles adopted by the lodge, including inspect rules reporting on the companys environmental policy, reporting on the companys social policy. The study covered possibilities of an access for investors, local communities, potential business partners to the information about the companys financial standing, and strategies in progress. The principles for reporting on Corporate Governance were stipulated in the resolution of the Stock Exchange Council of October 16, 2002 (58/952/2002) on best practice in public companies in 2002.Pursuant to this document, companies were obligate to publish and deliver, by July 1, 2003, their first statement confirming their will to observe the newly introdu ced rules. The study carried out by the Institute shows that over 90 share of companies publish their reports on incorporating (adopting) principles of Corporate Governance in their business strategies. However, we have to point out that the quality and availability of the information presented in web sites and in annual reports of companies for potential investors and society is relatively low. 4 The analysis was carried out from August October 2003. 5 The Gdansk Institiute for Market EconomicsAmong the listed companies under the study, only 40 pct disclose and publish detailed information about the structure of their Corporate Governance, and mostly in web sites, where companies present the information about the composition and structure of their management board (74. 4 %) and the composition and structure of their supervisory board (62. 2 %). Chart 1. 1. 1 Do domestic companies publish detailed information about the structure of their supervisory bodies? speed of light% 90% 8 0% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% progress structure Supervisory board structure Responsibilities of board member Definition of independence 25,6% 37,8% 51,7% 87,2% 99,4% 99,4% 74,4% 62,2% 48,3% 12,8% 0,6% Any supervisory board Commities 0,6%Individuals responsible for implementation, oversight and audit of economic, social and environmental policies YES NO Source Own study based on research carried out by the Gdansk Institute for Market Economics. The Institutes studies on the companies informing about the structure and responsibilities of their main bodies in charge of Corporate Governance also show that domestic listed companies have not appointed persons in charge of implementing and supervising their policy related to Corporate Social Responsibility, yet (only 0. 6%), companies usually do not disclose the information about the lively committees at their supervisory boards.Potential investors and business partners willing to establish co-operation with a given entrepreneur w ant to know external auditors analysing the companys financial statements and know whether they are reliable. 6 The Gdansk Institiute for Market Economics The Institutes study shows that 88 percent of domestic public companies presents information related to their audit policy in their web sites. The companies usually give procedures for selecting external auditors, principles for rotation (changes) of external auditors and point out that external auditors are independent of the company. Nevertheless, in Poland, companies remedy do not present statements on audit costs and costs of other services performed by auditors.The Institutes analysis also shows that most listed companies under the study (86. %) have undertaken to respect such shareholders rights specified in the Best Practice like right to express their opinion and make motions to the companys management board right to see minutes and reports from previous meetings (usually available to the shareholders at the companys of fice) publishing information on future General Shareholders Meetings and their agenda. Chart 1. 1. 2 Do domestic companies publish information about audit, shareholders rights, implemented principles of their label of Business take / Code of morality? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 12,8% 13,3% 98,9% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 87,2% 86,7% 1,1% 0% Does the Company disclose audit related Does the company disclose its policy on information? shareholder rights? Does the company disclose and report on its internal Code of Business Conduct/ Code of Ethics? YES NO Source Own study based on research carried out by the Gdansk Institute for Market Economics.Assessing the awareness and progress in implementing the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility by Polish listed companies, it is worth underlining that still a small percentage of companies has developed and adopted the Code of Ethics and the Code of Business Conduct, 7 The Gdansk Institiute for Market Economics where the companies define, for exam ple, principles for social, environmental policy, issues related to the protection of human rights, employment policy. The managements have to guarantee that the Code of Business Conduct is efficaciously implemented, monitored and improved. Therefore, the European Commission promotes companies which adopt and implement the Codes of Business Conduct prepared by international corporations.In the opinion of the European Commission, the Code of Business Conduct should 5 Be based on guidelines of the Convention of the International Labour Organisation, defined in the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work from 1998 and OECDs guidelines for international companies related to social partners and their stakeholders Incorporate mechanisms required to assess and verify the Code implemented Involve social partners and other groups of stakeholders influencing the companys operations in the dialog about the shape of the Code Expand the experience related to best practice i n European companies. The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility also assumes that the company should purposefully get involved in environmental protection. The study shows that domestic listed companies do not find it purposeful to present information about actions taken to protect t e natural environment. On the one hand, it h results from the fact that the companies are not aware of potential benefits they could obtain, according to the assumptions of Corporate Social Responsibility, for example if their environmental actions are positively perceived by their stakeholders.The research carried out by the Market and Opinion inquiry International (MORI) under the CSR Europe campaign on the sample of 12 thousand citizens representing 12 countries shows that around 70 percent of consumers buying a crossway or a service take into account the level which a given producer is involved in social and environmental activity to. At the same time, every fifth consumer is ready to pay mor e for goods produced by a socially responsible company. On the other hand, the lack of information about environmental actions taken by the companies results from relatively low financial expenses borne by these companies for environmental purposes.

The childrens hospital impatient pharmacy Essay Example for Free

The childrens hospital impatient drugstore EssayMy next set visit was in the childrens hospital impatient drugstore . It was so exciting for me since it was my first hospital visit . It was so exciting to experience a dissimilar type of pharmacy practice since I am considering that my future job be at a hospital pharmacy. I showed more(prenominal) interest present compared to the other practices that I have attended.I started my first visit to the site on the 13th which is a Thursday. The first day, I was taken by my GPS to a totally different address. Lucky for me that I exited the school a little sooner than usual so I had enough time to look for the hospital. It was not fun looking for the right manner to the hospital fro m my lost location especially that I am not a good number one wood under stress. To put the story, I got to my site visi on time. Thank God It was totally new work, yesI mean the hospital . Wow All the doors to the pharmacy needs a special pass code . After I entered the pharmacy, I introduced myself with the preceptor who was not the same person that was introduced to me from the school. She explained how the only fully automated pharmacy system functions.I should admit that I did not understand half of the things she said. It was like I was in a totally new worldly concern. A world that is half free of human helpdistributing medication was through the help of an automated machine. My preceptor introduced me with the staff in the pharmacy. It was such a big pharmacy that was combined with parental and compounding pharmacy which provided the need of the hospital for any medication . Karen, my preceptor showed me the actual work around the pharmacy. She explained to me the system of drug manner of speaking around the hospital. For each section of the hospital, a machine for dispensing drugs is mounted. It is equipped with a computer that is accessible for all hospital personnel.The pharmacist would enter the prescription on t he computer system and the nurse would get the medication directly from the machine. This machine, the Medline also allow the nurse to return the medication if necessary. These machine are being refilled by the technicians 2 times every 24 hours. The pharmacy also designed a delivery tube that could deliver the prescription to and from any place in hospital. The delivery system is fast, free and accurate. After my brief introduction to the hospital and the medication delivery system, my preceptor assigned me to look for the expired medicines from the stock.It was much more medication than what the other pharmacies have on their shelves. I basically spent the rest of my first visit and second visit identifying the expired medication. It allowed me to see the person medication through my own eyes and it helped me learn faster. On my third day, I was introduce to the out patient pharmacy of the hospital. It runs basically the same way as any other retail pharmacy that provided the out patient with their medication.It was so interesting for me to try different types of pharmacy experience. I always ideate myself with a pharmacy where the technicians count the pills and the pharmacists that check them. But now, I could see a whole new feature. A feature that is faster and a corporation more accurate in dispensing medication. The best system that I experienced in this hospital would be the feature of the pharmacy . Looking at the whole system one more time, this system could be convenient for city .The automated dispensing machine replaces the retail stores.

The Count of Monte Cristo Essay Example for Free

The Count of Monte Cristo EssayI. The Count of Monte CristoII. CharactersEdmond Dants The athletic supporter of the novel. Dants is an intelligent, honest, and lovely reality who turns bitter and vengeful by and by he is framed for a crime he does not commit. When Dants beats himself free and staggeringly wealthy, he takes it upon himself to act as the agent of Providence, rewarding those who have helped him in his plight and punishing those responsible for his years of agony.The Count of Monte Cristo The identity Dants assumes when he emerges from prison and inherits his vast fortune. As a result, the Count of Monte Cristo is usually associated with a coldness and bitterness that comes from an existence based solely on vengeance. passkey Wilmore The identity of an eccentric English nobleman that Dants assumes when committing acts of random generosity. Lord Wilmore contrasts sharply with Monte Cristo, who is associated with Dantss acts of bitterness and cruelty. Appropri ately, Monte Cristo cites Lord Wilmore as one of his enemies.Abb Busoni Another of Dantss false personas. The disguise of Abb Busoni, an Italian priest, helps Dants gain the trust of the people whom the count wants to manipulate because the unwrap connotes religious authority.Sinbad the Sailor The name Dants uses as the signature for his anonymous gift to Morrel. Sinbad the Sailor is also the persona Dants adopts during his time in Italy.Mercds Dantss beautiful and good fiance. Though Mercds marries another man, Fernand Mondego, while Dants is in prison, she never get outs loving Dants. Mercds is one of the few whom Dants both punishes (for her disloyalty) and rewards (for her enduring love and underlying goodness).Abb Faria A priest and brilliant thinker whom Dants meets in prison. Abb Faria becomes Dantss intellectual father during their many years as prisoners, he teaches Dants history, science, art, and many languages. He then bequeaths to Dants his vast enigmatical fort une. Abb Faria is the most important catalyst in Dantss transformation into the vengeful Count of Monte Cristo.Fernand Mondego Dantss rival for Mercdss affections. Mondego helps in framing Dants for treason and then marries Mercds himself when Dants is imprisoned. Through acts of treachery Mondego becomes a wealthy and powerful man and takes on the name of the Count de Morcerf. He is the depression victim of Dantss vengeance.Albert de Morcerf The son of Fernand Mondego and Mercds. Unlike his father, Albert is brave, honest, and kind. Mercdss fealty to both Albert and Dants allows Monte Cristo to realize her unchanging love for him and causes him to think more deeply about his sole desire for revenge.Signor Bertuccio Dantss steward. Though Bertuccio is loyal and adept, Dants chooses him as his steward not for his personal qualities that because of his vendetta against Villefort.III. SettingsThe movie takes place in a number of settings, but most of the plot occurs in Marseilles Chateau dIf, and Paris (France), Rome, the island of Monte Cristo, and Greece.IV. SummaryEdmond is sailing in French waters along with his best friend, Fernand, when their captain falls ill. They stop for help at a nearby island, which happens to be where Napolean Bonaparte is in hiding. Bonaparte pulls aside Edmond and asks him to deliver an innocent garner to an old friend in Marseille, France. Edmond agrees, as that is the price for the use of Napoleans physician. The captain unfortunately dies, so the crew returns home to Marseille. Edmond is made captain for his bravery in seeking a physician, and the first mate comes to despise him for it.Fernand finds out about the letter, and reads it while Edmond is sleeping, and is angry that Edmond did not tell him about it. Edmond, not knowing that Fernand knows about the letter, rushes to greet his fiance, Mercedes, and tell her that they hatful now be married as he was just promoted to captain. This is also the point in the movie wh en you realize that Fernand is in love wiht Mercedes, but she loves Edmond.Fernand, placid angry, decides to work together with the furious first mate, and get Edmond arrested for treason, which he didnt commit. Fernand works also with a very important magistrate, Villefort, whos father is the man Edmond was to deliver the letter to. (Villefort does not know of this). Thus, Edmond is arrested, and thrown into a remote island prison by the name of Chateau Dif. There, he meets Priest, who teaches him many valuable lessons about life, how to sword fight, and give Edmond a proper education. All this is in turn for Edmond helping to dig, in order to escape the prison.For 13 years, Edmond is held captive in the Chateau Dif, and unknown to Edmond, a letter was send to his family and Mercedes saying that he was executed on grounds of treason. Finally, Edmond escapes when the priest dies, and becomes part of a crew on a merchant vessel, along with his good riend Jaccapo. after 3 months, Edm ond is released along with Jaccapo, and they go in search of finding out what has happened to Edmonds loved ones. They find out that Edmonds father commited suicide, and the Mercedes wed Fernand a month after learning of Edmonds execution.Edmond has by this time (with the help of the priest while in prison) figured out that he was framed by Fernand and the others. Thus, he and Jaccapo sail to a remote island that the Priest told Edmond about, and there they find a treasure, making Edmond extremely wealthy. Edmond decides to become a count in order to get revenge on those who betrayed him, so he becomes The COunt of Monte Cristo, being the treasure he found The Treasure of Monte Cristo.Soon after, he saves Fernand and Mercedes son Alber from captivity, and thus enters the lives of those he is trying to hurt like they hurt him. Mercedes begins to suspect that The Count is really Edmond, and when she confronts him privately, he denies it but slips and she realizes that he really is Edm ond. Then, they kiss, and realize that they are still in love, so Mercedes goes back ot her Chateau to inform Fernand that she is leaving him, when Fernand tells her that he has gone bankrupt (which is really Edmonds doing, but he doesnt know this) and is leaving the country. (By this time, Villefort has been convicted of murdering his father and sent to jail, also doings of Edmonds). Mercedes preceds to inform Fernand that Alber is not his son, but Edmonds.Fernand becomes angry and goes out to his old, abandoned villa to collect the gold he had supposedly stolen from The Count of Monte Cristo, only to find that it is not there (Edmonds doings, again). Then, Edmond shows up, and tells Fernand where he has been all these years, and they begin a duel, only to be stopped by Mercedes and Alber. Mercedes then tells Edmond that Alber is really his son, not Fernands. Fernand then shoots Mercedes in the shoulder (she lives) and runs off. Edmond follows him and they begin sword fighting agai n. Fibally, Edmond kills Fernand, and goes back to Mercedes and Alber and Jaccapo. At the very end, Edmond buys the Chateau Dif thanks the Priest for his wisdom and help.V. Value ImplicationThe Count of Monte Cristo is the great tale of betrayal, adventure, and revenge the world has ever known. One of the moralistics in that story is what goes around comes around. The people who betrayed the count ended up by paid with their lives as he cleverly took his revenge on each one. Plus, the fact that the count actually really did find treasure and good friends (in the form of pirates) meant that he was a good person who attracted good people. Regardless of the fact that the pirates could have treated him badly and even shot him when he found the treasure, they didnt, they became his friends and they benefitted from his success. The main moral is that the bad deeds we do in life do not go unpunished and the good ones get rewarded.

The stages of a business plan development

The stages of a traffic invention studyThis document is inclined to clearly stipulate and adjudicate what I have contributed to the aim in taking place a touchableistically thought out demarcation plan and what my intent and my involvement toward my lumberjack group members was. I am going to describe my own role in helping the group to achieve its goal in creation of the successful dividing line plan. Also I pull up s masterminds provide evidence of my contribution to the cohesiveness of the team and how I facilitated the completion of the team goals. My team includes Miss Stacey Coetzee, and Mr. Thokozani Nkambule. We 3 argon good friends and we believe that running a business takes a lot of hard work and strong commitment. With that in mind, this is the individual reflective cut through of how the business plan for Coffi Bean came just about, and how I have contributed toward it.Team WorkA team is a group of concourse who work together on the same task. According to Dawson and Andriopoulos (2009), team formation and social dynamics go though flipper stages, called forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.FormingThis is the initial stage of putting the team together where individuals run across about each early(a) and the team requirements as easy as the challenges, expectations, and the overall structure of the team (Dawson Andriopoulos 2009 p141). This is also the information gathering and exploratory stage. Any superstar who has ever been put into a team or has been asked to form one will most definitely familiar with this phase and should be suitable to consult to it.StormingThis is probably the noisier phase during which the members of the team all have their own judgments and directions that they want to go in (Dawson Andriopoulos 2009 p141). Oftentimes team members debate, critique, and confront each other to decide on the best course of action. Im sure my group members back tooth attest to the fact that we have definitely gone through our storming phase (or a few of them). This phase can be a bit uncomfortable and/or unpleasant but its still quite necessary for the ontogenesis and development of the team.NormingThis is the phase where the team really starts to function and work together as a team. Individuals start to understand each others work habits and ethic and everything seems much more(prenominal) natural. Responsibility and roles be much more clearly defined, expectations are set, and collaboration is in in full swing (Dawson Andriopoulos 2009 p141).PerformingNot all teams pull in this phase but those that do are the high-performing teams which have grown to become both knowledgeable and efficient at what they do. Supervision goes down as individuals are now capable of making appropriate decisions. This is essentially where the team really starts shining and delivering superior results (Dawson Andriopoulos 2009 p141).AdjourningThis phase refers to the team breaking up subs equently the task has been completed (Dawson Andriopoulos 2009 p141). Most groups in all different types of settings will go through most of the stages over the course of a team forming process.When the lecturer first asked us to divide ourselves into groups in which we would have to develop a business plan, our group remained in the forming stage for quite a while. It took us m whatever days and mevery meetings to figure out what we were doing and make up a team. We were four persons in the group but one of the members eliminated themselves for apparent reasons. In order to perform, I had to get persons which were somewhat more knowledgeable in certain aspects of business then I am, and unfortunately but g stationfully everyone already had chosen people so the people that were left just decided to combine. Each member had or rather felt that they could specialize better in a field which they were more equipped in, and by this each member was automatically assigned to a specific pa rt in the business plan. I was initially responsible for performances plan and the industriousness overview as I felt more fitted in this aspect of business, and as I always have what people need and how things should be done. Stacey was assigned to concentrate on the marketing aspect, whilst Thokozani was granted doing the financial section and the position acquisition, because of his excellent capability in explanation field. We each typed out our own sections, as we felt we should all be put for explanation on the others disclosure and for approval reasons.Although the forming stage did take a while, we were able to cover most of the norming stage at the same time because we started knowing each other quite well. Once we finally formed our team, the residue of the stages went much easier. We were able to finish up the norming and began performing rather quickly. Our group performed quite well together and spent very little time, if any, in the storming stage.We are currently finishing up the adjourning stage right now until the completion of our individual reflective reports.Process of the InitiationFirstly I came up with the idea of a coffee shop as my mother is always argumentative about how she likes her coffee and what she enjoys most about it. This was my sole inspiration, aside from the idea of a sports bar which I thought was a bit far-fetched as it required a lot of attention and reliable people. Each group member came up with an idea and we evaluated each, but our main focus was to concentrate on service, evidently we had to choose from an internet caf, the sports bar, a mountain bike shop and the coffee shop, one member had suggested a casino and a clothing shop, we had brainstormed all these ideas and the adjacent time we met we all gave our opinions on which would be more realistic and we decided on the coffee shop, we agreed upon the name Coffi-Bean which we felt is just a little bean about to erupt, solely because of its potential to gro w extensively and because we had agreed on a slightly newly urbanized area Southdowns.Industry and Competitive AnalysisI was responsible for the operations plan of the team and the analysis of Porters five forces. I was involved in decision making, providing ideas and opinions, running the sessions and the analyzing of Porters five forces. I motivated team members and myself to reach goals, and did planning before moving on to next parts of the business plan. Even though, this business plan was very hard and required a lot of work and was very time-consuming, our team worked very well together which made it easier.Incorrect decisions can waste investment funding and delay time to market, or worse, create corporate chaos that affects the very floor of the firms financial stability (Drummond, Ensor Ashford 2008, p 140). Thats why Stacey uncovered a market falling out in the newly established location where the supply was smaller than demand. Relating to our business, gap analysis c an be defined as an approach to identifying the unmet needs of consumers, in which respondents are asked to envisage the ideal coffee shop and then to rate various coffee shops on key attributes if no existing coffee shop measures up to the ideal, a gap exists which could be filled by a coffee shop (Drummond, Ensor Ashford 2008, p 146). Through detailed research of local and national market demand curves, we identified market gap opportunities that aligned with our strategic and tactical business growth objectives. The gap in the market was identified after Stacey brought to our attention that the coffee and restaurant industry was booming at that present time, and that there was a demand for small cozy places that were not forming a part of the large generic chains. She also convinced us that the coffee business in general does not show signs of slowing down. And because of the new innovations such as flavorings and additives, the business would be viable and it should continue fo r some time.Looking stick out at our business plan, I still believe that we have chosen the right industry to be in because at present, time is right for inception a coffee house. I did some research and found out that Coffee houses were having a great deal of success, which was and still is evidenced by the full houses every day of the week. And because Southdowns is a new area in Centurion it had no such places yet.A competitive analysis is a critical part of any business plans marketing plan. With this evaluation, we can establish what makes a product or service unique, and therefore what characteristic your business plays up in order to guide the target market (Hitt, Ireland, Hoskisson 2009, p58). Competitive analysis can be defined as identifying the competitors and evaluating their strategies to determine their strengths and weaknesses relative to those of your own coffee shop (Hitt, Ireland, Hoskisson 2009, p58). Looking back at the business plan, I have pin-pointed accu rate key competitors. The biggest competition there was, was MuggBean located all the way in Centurion Mall. And a customer from our area had to drive 10 to 20 minutes, in order to reach that coffee house. The majorities of these presidencys were and are located on the central side of town. And sole(prenominal) a few were beginning to open in the newly established area.Presentation ExperienceA professional and well-written business plan is the foundation towards the growth and success of a business. However a good and high quality business plan presentation is an essential for companies seeking for funds. A business plan presentation is usually a type of lecture, given by an individual or group, on a specific work-related topic (Scarborough, Douglas Zimmerer 2009, p217). The ideas presented should include industry research and plan outcomes, such as a new advertisement for a product designed to increase profits (Scarborough, Douglas Zimmerer 2009, p217). The success of a busines s plan often depends not only on its contents, but also the quality of the presentation itself (Scarborough, Douglas Zimmerer 2009, p217).Presenting the business plan was a terrorisation task. While I have no problem saying in front of large group of people on just about any topic, opening our business plan and individual thoughts for criticism was very nerve wracking. I felt like the panel was looking at me like a deer caught in headlights. Straight after the presentation I felt uneasy and uncomfortable that maybe the panel hated the presentation and that they would say, oh, dont get him to speak again- he was boring But after I have received the groups feedback, I realized where our problems were. I as well as my team members were rendering too much from the slides and at the same time failed to include many of the important aspects of the business plan into our presentation. That said, I have learned that for all my time to come presentations I will be more clear about my obj ective, I will understand my audience, I will focus on the content and not the add-ons, I will get the audience to relate to the content and to always try and convey my point without reading from the slides.Alternative ScenarioLooking back, I speculate our predictions for return on our investment and for future growth were just about right. We did take into account the losses that skill occur despite this we kept in mind what we had learned that risk taking is all about business and thats what makes a success. Our chosen business was designed so that it could evolve with changing time, we cerebrate on flexibility and constancy as our mere attraction was to seek loyalty in our market. We had researched coffee houses and concluded that they are viable as people are becoming more demanding in our time on relaxation and a comfortable atmosphere, by identifying this we perceived that it is an ideal business chance. Although competition might be tight, we concentrated more on the fact that their arent any coffee houses in that specific shopping centre which also attracted us to that location and because Stacey is so keen on entertaining there arent any entertainment shops which we felt was a competitive edge the coffee house would have and although there is no cover charge for all entertainment events, Thokozani felt this was a good way to obtain funds on adding these extras. We might have disregarded our publicizing costs a little, as we initially didnt want to spend a lot on our first opening as we were uncertain of the outcome, but most certainly the potential of the coffee shop is considerably a good opportunity.Even though I think that our business plan was just about right in order to achieve our growth objectives, there are still few points or alternative additions that I would have preferred to be included in it. No two business plans are alike, a business plan for one coffee shop say a casual, fast-food establishment will be much different than that for another coffee shop such as a formal sit-down place. Therefore it is the unique aspects of a restaurant that help to give it a competitive advantage. First, the business plan should have had the section that carefully explained food and beverage production. Where will food be prepared? What safety procedures would be implemented to protect employees and customers from the dangers of food poisoning? In preparing certain menu items (dishes), how will consistency be maintained (i.e. computerized normal file, use of requisition forms, etc.)? Secondly, when Thokozani prepared the sales projections for our business plan, he should have taken into consideration the estimated number of meals and/or drinks that would be served daily/weekly/monthly, as well the average daily seat turnover and the average check.Usefulness of the Business PlanThe business plans usefulness is not limited to helping the entrepreneurs bone up funds to support the opening of the business (Madura 2009, p208). The business plan will be used as a guide for making business decisions throughout the life of the business. It provides a sense of direction for businesses future development (Madura 2009, p208). The success or failure of any firm is partially interdependent on its business plan. A complete business plan normally includes an assessment of the business environment, a management plan, a marketing plan and a financial plan (Madura 2009, p208).The restaurant business is a very challenging business field to enter. When starting a new business, we as owners will have a lot of decisions to make. Creating a high-quality business plan will allow an owner to have a guide to reference as challenges near (Fullen 2005, p184). A restaurant without a written and well-thought-out business plan runs an extremely high risk of failure in its first year of operation (Fullen 2005, p184). In my opinion the part of the business plan which we didnt really look into were our actions to take when and if the unforeseen competition has to enter the market, unexpected expenses has arise or if our financing opportunities has to change based on the current economic situation. If by some chance these hardships do not occur, it is easier to adjust a restaurant business plan for that than it is for dealing with situations we did not anticipate and plan for.ConclusionOverall, I really enjoyed going through all the stages of the business plan development, because I was able to apply what I learned in class to a real-world situation. Many classes teach you a bunch of stuff but never give you the opportunity to see it for yourself. For instance, Ive learned so much about formulation of marketing, management and financial strategies, but have never had to go through that in real life. Other classes teach you things, but you never use it until years later, at which time you have forgotten some, if not all of it. I was able to take what I learned each week in class and use it to help me with the business plan. I think this quick application of the principles allows for greater development as a leader will be able to use what I have learned now and years in the future. I can also use our group formulation and development as an example when Im in future groups and build upon the successes and learn from the failures. This business plan made a big impact on me and the rest of my group.Sources ConsultedDawson, P Andriopoulos, C 2009, Managing Change, Creativity and Innovation, Sage Publications, London, UKDrummond, G Ensor, J Ashford, R 2008, Strategic Marketing Planning and Control, Butterworth-Heinemann Publications, OxfordFullen, S 2005, Opening a restaurant or other food business starter kit, Atlantic Publishing, FloridaHitt, M Ireland, D Hoskisson, R 2009, Strategic management fighting and globalization concepts cases, Cengage Leraning Publications, OhioMadura, J 2007, Introduction to Business, Cengage Learning Publications, OhioScarborough, N Wilson, D Zimmerer, T 2009, Effective Small Business Management, Prentice Hall, London

Traditional Folk Media For Rural Development In India Media Essay

Traditional Folk Media For Rural Development In India Media EssayIn the introduction to his rise titled Traditional Folk Media for Rural Development D. K. Sujan writes Whenever you and I think of India, we visualize a vast land spread from the lofty Himalayas in the jointure to the green belt of Nilgiri in the south, from the Indian granary of Punjab to the paddy fields of eastern deltas, with rugged mountains and plateus in between. This land of ours lies in the tropical belt where climatical conditions vary from place to place and time to time. The variety of climate and topographic situations give birth to different cultures, traditions, and philosophies, affecting every mode of smell and deportment of the peopleOne of the key challenges in spreading the message of rural development in India is the diversity that is witnessed when one travels the argona of the country. Folk forms from different places put down striking similarities to each another(prenominal) alone they va ry depending on region. This variation results in an inconsistency of rules under which these forms are created or presented.It would be habituateful to understand to clear de fair the terms that are going to be judiciously used within the scope of this paper. The word common people is synonymous with people or society. According to Sujan, the word household itself con nones the harmonious co conception of man with nature, his rearing of nature and being reared by it (Sujan, 172).In the words of C.S. Sreekumar, folklore originated when the weary agri heathen labourer was in the habit of singing songs to overcome the weariness of work. In his words Folklore is a medium with which the soul of a people expresses itself colour plenteousy (ww.sikhspectrum.com). Now when dodgeistically folklore is lose with dance or music or art, resulting in artistic fulfilment and entertainment, the end result is called Folk liberal arts. Unlike its predecessor primitive art, folk art possesses a very interesting and different outlook and character. Folk art comes into being later a culture begins to sophisticate, It is languid and very informal and does not require any formal training or license to practice. Another characteristic of it is that folk arts are ingrained into the fabric of the social culture of rural India. It is perhaps the worlds most original art form as they were part and parcel of the earliest civilizations themselves. Sujan claims that all fine arts have their grow in the folk age. Village children pick up the songs and dances when they begin to pick up the language itself (Sreekumar, www.sikhspectrum.com) folk art often performs a particular lick or possesses a particularised purpose, the needs and peculiar problems of the village people find expression in folk art. Village life is routinely full of religious customs and ceremonies. Folk arts is very closely associated to religion and myth. Most of the stories are based on an mythological framewo rk and often the specific purpose of the folk form becomes to illustrate the Myths and legends in a manner that is interesting and convincing. Folk media is a term that seems oddly, redundant as one is prompted to ask, simply isnt all media folk?Another characteristic of it is that it is not static. The folk medium of a village is affected by the standard of life and developments in that village. In short, folk arts reflect the changing tastes of the rural population as their encounters with urbanity become more frequent and intense. While satisfying these needs, it also holds the responsibility of attaining a genuine aesthetic level, owing to its status as an art form. There is no doubt that Folk art forms possess their own individuality and character. Their existence is dependent on its intrinsic merit i.e., flight of fancy of the artist, its symmetrical form, its tonal quality etc.To define the word tradition, they are the outcome of the mode, philosophy, ways, and behavioral pattern of a society. Tradition exists in every span of time. Even today we have traditions. Thus, the challenge is that they are easily replaceable. For example, normative patterns in discourse often become traditions.Regarding the stereotyping that rural folk media is subjected to, especially the masses Sujan has this to say Whenever we speak of conventional folk media we aptly visualize a rural open-stage dramatic art with performance of puppetry in its various forms like kathas, gatha, bhajan mandlies, etc. The man of yesteryears praised gods and goddesses with hymns and bhajans, thus giving birth to the earliest musical expression. Music is the basic fine arts element in folk performances. Early man carved his gods out of stone or sculpted him out of mud. This shows that another important element of fine arts was sculpture. The caveman painted pictures of his gods and his own deeds in order to communicate his message to future generations, In this way, the third pillar of fi ne arts, after music an sculpture came to be painting. Man performed various rituals before the gods and deities to appease them. This was abhinayam or acting, the fourth strong pillar of fine arts. The fifth pillar, of course, is poetry, which often enhances other fine arts.This elucidates how folk arts and folk media came into being. Whenever there is a folk bhajan mandali to communicate pious feelings and sing the greatness of god, it makes use of music. This music may hold twain naad and vaad. One rear easily see that whenever we refer to folk media such as puppets, nautanki, or gatha, we find that some combinations of the five flavors of fine arts, that is,music, sculpture, painting, acting, and poetry, is present. Incidentally, puppets have the privilege of using all of these five basic elements.It is the urgent need for development of the country which compels us to find ways and means for better, faster, and clearer communication. There are merits and demerits of folk me dia in development contexts. It was utilized during the conception and inception of the First Five year Plan, having been considered even earlier by economists, social scientists, and communication experts. twain leaders and researches in social and communications sciences are making ceaseless efforts to find more telling communication media for faster development. Incorporating folk media is an important aspect of these efforts.Mass Media and Traditonal Folk MediaLet us consider the existing and fast-developing mass media and also the traditional folk media, looking at the advantages and drawbacks of both. This actually means that we should visit the antecedents of both traditional folk media and mass media before merging them together. However, the marriage and amalgamation of these two traditions- new-fashioned and historical is a must.Whenever we say Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, we simply scan the cultural and religious background of the people. While uttering th e above names we clearly visualise various cultural patters related to these religious orientations. On the other hand, when we say Indian we again visualize a cultural pattern which is Indian. At this juncture the cultural pattern which is related to Hindus, Muslims, etc., disappears.In the same way, when we talk of puppetry, lila, harikatha, folk songs, nautankis, we clearly visualizw the cultural and traditional background of each of the traditona folk media separately. One the other hand, whenever we say modern media we clearly visualize radio, TV, etc. Finally, instead of saying traditional folk media or modern media, we say mass media or mass communication. We naturally visualize all the media together.There are separate cultures and backgrounds for Hindus, Muslims, tribals and city dwellers, but together they are termed Indian. Puppetry, kawwali, nautanki, television, and radio are separate entities, but all of them when taken together constitute mass media. All have a certai n power to communicate development messages. Instead of involving ourselves in research to find out the effectiveness and impact of folk media separately, would it not better to integrate traditonal folk media and modern media.The writer suggests that the modern media of South India should adopt regional folklore and communicate to the masses through an amalgamated technique including both traditional and modern entities. community like their traditions and their ways of communication. We should not disturb them in this follow and should adopt the traditional ways into electronic waves. For example, a nautanki of Uttar Pradesh can be telecast through regional television centres. In the same way, a string puppet tamasha may be telecast on TV in Rajasthan. Experimenting with this integration of modern and traditional media will require very much study and planning. Putting together such media presentations may be done separately for various traditional folk media with the help of i ndigenous expertise.Both traditional folk media and modern media are needed for developmental programs, especially for rural development. In this way, the audience for these media include both the beneficiaries and the functionaries. The functionaries help design the developmental programs and the beneficiaries accept and adopt the outcome of developmental programs. Each media should include some of the basic pillars of fine arts along with the think message.Let us examine the comparative strength and effectiveness of traditional folk media and modern media.Traditional Media FormsModern Media FormsCannot be universalisedCan be universalised transmit deep cultural rootsNot culturally specific in any expressionVariety of interest patternsUniversal interest ethnic barriersCultural freedomMechanization is possibleMechanization is a mustTraining intensiveTraining extensiveLimited area coverWider area coveredMay be converted to electronicsTotally electronicDirect rapport with the audienc eRapport through field studies exactlyBy examining these comparisons one can discover that both have their merits. No doubt the nature of the development problem, if analyzed, can provide insights as to which forms may best accomplish a specific communication objective. Media choices require careful consideration of specific information needs and of the limitations of available message-delivery and message-development resources.To sum up, traditional folk media and modern media should be integrated for use in development contexts. This may help interfusing interest patterns of various regional entities. It may also be regions and places, enhancing the feeling of oneness in the country. It could be a force to generate respect between various cultural groups. Finally, this media combination could facilitate fulfilment of specific development objectives.ConclusionIt is proposed that instead of being much involved in analysis and counter-analysis of traditional folk media, we should en courage further development of traditional media in itself and then make full use of these media in combination with modern media. We may call it interadaptation of media.Interadaptation of media, inturn, will help depolarize the interest patterns of a nation. By fusing some aspects of subcultures, different groups will come to complete each other, understand each other, and come nearer to each other. For example, if we telecast a Rajasthani story (traditional form of communication) on television network, it will not only help to create an interest in the puppets of Rajasthan but also in the people who create them. Folk media, when broadcast or telecast, could increase an understanding of the life of tribal people as well. It could be used to inculcate a feeling that these far-off tribals are also citizens of India, paving the way for a depicted object feeling and national integration of these groups. Apart from fulfilling the specific objectives of communication, the interfused a pproach using traditional folk media and modern media will help in creating reciprocal respect for each other. All these prospects make folk media, in combination with electronic media, a viable communication form to use in making effective messages for development.Traditonal Folk Media for Rural Development, D.K. Sujan, Perspectives on Development Communication, Editors K Sadanandan Nair, Shirley A White