Examine the portrayal of cultural poverty in “Saved” and “The Wasp Factory”

Cultural poverty can be defined as lacking society's principles in many ways. â€Å"The Wasp Factory† and â€Å"Saved† deal with dysfunctional families living in a community that is deprived of hope and aspiration. Their way of life is violent and gothic due to the deficiency of society's ethics and morals. This is reflected in the characters attitudes and minds which to them is all they have ever known. Their isolation from education and society's support structure limits their knowledge of how to live in a community. Lack of education is probably the most defining factor determining how a society advances and improves. Frank's world is completely his creation, with his own morals, principles and rules. He doesn't know how to socialise as he has never experienced life through the point of view of another human being. His total upbringing by his father was completely orchestrated mentally and physically. Frank epitomises the extremes of society's norms at the time that â€Å"The Wasp Factory† was written when Margaret Thatcher was in power. Thatcher's belief when she was in power was that it's â€Å"Every man for himself† which created social isolation between different families, as can be seen in the families of both â€Å"The Wasp Factory† and â€Å"Saved†. Frank's family sounds highly dysfunctional when we discover how he talks of how Eric's mother haemorrhaged and bled to death when Eric was born. His opinion of how Eric was the first murderer of the family is very sinister and thought provoking, â€Å"Old Eric beat me to it, killing his mum before he had even drawn breath†. Frank doesn't even exist in society which is one of the reasons why he has no education because he could never go to school. The same can be said of the characters in â€Å"Saved† who are illiterate and uneducated which can be shown through their vocabulary. No signs of education can be seen in any of the characters due to their personalities and lifestyles. Also the accent that comes through the vocabulary makes the characters seem different, as in our society we are not use to hearing their accents and generally their lifestyles seem isolated from society. We never hear of how they survive, where their income comes from nor even simple daily routines such as house hold duties. Even though the characters speech in â€Å"Saved† is altered, it brings the reader closer to the characters and they seem more human, which is why we understand the characters more personally and understand their different lifestyles. Social isolation is another aspect that affects the characters in â€Å"The Wasp Factory† and â€Å"Saved†. In â€Å"The Wasp Factory†, Frank understands how his island is just a miniscule part of the planet and knows that he limits his own knowledge of first hand experiences of other places, but the reason why his life is surrounded and clouded by the fact that he will never leave the island is deeper. He believes he has been treated cruelly by society and believes that it is influential and contaminating. This is largely due to the fact that when Eric left the island, he was exposed to the social pressures. He says, â€Å"Eric chose a path and followed it – that path led to the destruction of most of what he was†. Frank believes that Eric developing a mental illness as we learn in â€Å"What Happened to Eric† and his personality change is a result of his leaving the island and returning with a changed heart, indicating the world is a cruel and life-changing place. Frank sees his island as a haven, his protection from the cruelty and dangers of the outside world. He even says, â€Å"I don't bother people, and they best not bother me†, which shows he created isolation purposely, and that he isn't a shy or unsociable person. In â€Å"Saved† the setting reflects the characters isolation from society. â€Å"Saved† is set on a completely bare stage, which helps to create its detachment. At the time that â€Å"Saved† was written, the economy in Britain was in decline and unemployment rose, and this is reflected in the play. The society that the play is set was very capitalistic. Capitalism is a social system based on the principle of individual right, and is reflected in the play as the social class the characters are in is segregated. Bond is also trying to address a political issue with this play, Violence will only stop when we live in a just society in which all people are equal in all significant respects. Capitalism can't do this because its political ethos is competitiveness. The stoning of the baby is a consequence of this, but the eruption of violence has nothing to do with the preceding action or with the object of violence, the baby. It's just the result of the general situation (being bored, having no aims in life) and some of their cries while they murder the baby are ruling-class slogans. Aggression is not directed against the source of alienation, but against human nature, in this case the baby as the epitome of neediness and hope for the future. The young people express that they are not interested in children. Both books have similarities and differences in the way women are portrayed. The Wasp Factory†, Frank is brought up entirely by his father, and the effect this has on Franks view of women is very negative – he says, â€Å"My greatest enemies are women and the sea – women because they are weak and live in the shadow of men† (Pg 43). Frank also has a view that women like to see men helpless as he says â€Å"I expected she would just let me crack my skull on the pavement because women like to see men helpless† (Pg 79). Frank's mother also left the family when he was very young, which may be another reason why he resents the existence of women. In â€Å"Saved† the women are portrayed as weak and insecure. Pam is a very fragile character, and is easily hurt or made happy. Her emotions swing from one extreme to the other, in scene ten, she talks to Len about him seeing other women, â€Å"Yer ain' a bad sort†, and the next minute she is screaming at him, â€Å"Yer're a stubborn sod! † (Pg 95). Pam's relationship with Fred is definitely one way, at the beginning of scene 6 we see Pam practically begging Fred to come home that night, â€Å"I don't care if yer bin with yer girls, come ‘ome after† (Pg 59), and Fred basically doesn't really care and just says, â€Å"There's plenty a blokes knockin' about, why don't yer pick on someone else? (Pg 58). Even after the murder of her baby, Pam puts her relationship with Fred above the fact that he contributed towards the baby's murder, which is a reflection on how much she really cared for her child. Relationships are important in society as they help build foundations on how to communicate and acknowledge the fact that everyone is different. In â€Å"Saved† there is not one strong relationship based on trust. The only relationship which can be examined is between Harry and Mary, but even this has its flaws. Harry says that he only lives with Mary as she does the â€Å"washin' an cookin† (Pg 116), and he has no trust towards her as he thinks that if he left, Mary would easily find a replacement, â€Å"she would soon ‘ave someone in my bed† (Pg 119) One thing that is common in the main characters of both books is the lack of hope and aspiration. It is hard to visualise how the characters would develop as time goes by as they all seem to be in a daily routine which limits their awareness beyond their own surroundings and excludes them from their community. In â€Å"Saved† the only character who is idealistic and positive is Len. The author writes, â€Å"Len does not know what he will do next, but then he has never done†. Len's optimism is apparent because he has seen people at their very worst and most hopeless, yet he chooses to remain and not leave. We might believe that for Len to go further in life and to make something of himself he would have to break free of his current situation but he continues to believe that things will eventually work out for himself and for Pam. Bond says that the play is â€Å"irresponsibly optimistic†. This is true as the ending might be a new beginning for both Len and Pam (Possibly because Pam now has her Radio Times back). In â€Å"The Wasp Factory† Frank is optimistic about many things. Firstly he has a sense of optimism that has been enforced by his father. Frank understands that he was never going to be educated in public schools, but he believes that he is just as well educated as others, â€Å"I probably know more about the conventional school subjects than most people of my age†. Frank is also optimistic about Eric coming home as he has a very strong link with him, even though he is certified insane. The ending of the book is also positive; Frank says â€Å"I thought one door had shut behind me years ago, now the door closes, and my journey begins† (Pg 184). Even with the discovery of his new identity, Frank is confident that his â€Å"Journey† will still continue, and that although he realises he is a girl, he is still the same person, â€Å"But I am still me, I am the same person† (Pg 182). It could be said that human beings adapt to their surroundings, which is scientifically true in the case of animals such as rabbits where their fur turns white in winter. Humans are all born into society, and it is true that your surroundings can have an effect on a persons mind and personality. In â€Å"The Wasp Factory† and â€Å"Saved†, the characters are limited in their awareness and they have no perspective in life. They are living in their own isolated areas with no interaction with other people in their community and this limits their knowledge.

Love and Happiness

According to the Webster dictionary love is to share one’s life, and downfalls; not just ones personal property; love is an affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; a strong feeling of attraction. Being honest about you and allowing the other person involved in the relationship to really get to know who you really are. Happiness is an agreeable feeling or condition of the soul arising from good fortune or propitious happening of any kind; the possession of those circumstances or that state of being which is attended with enjoyment. To love and be loved is the beauty of life; many people yearn for peace, love and happiness myself included. Love brings happiness that is what we are made to think from very early stages in life. Must we make others happy for us to be happy; therefore there are some dangerous myths in life that can keep you from being happy; it’s a bad life where we try to please others throughout life; if this fouls people usually bitter resentful and in most cases hateful to people we fail to please. If we do not resist the planked seed of co-dependence we are doomed to live for others. Collins II Love is a present experience; it has no opposite and is the union and connection of all things. Love is vast; infinitely vast; love expands with wisdom, patience and kindness. It is so expansive that it even contains room for all fears to nestle into. Love embraces all fears; within love, seeds of fear can either grow or remain unchanged or these seeds can transform and blossom into more love. Love welcomes both the unchanged fears and the transformed ones. love has room for all things at all times; for judgment, weakness, and disappointment, as well as for joy, compassion and peace. All experience nestle and find room within the open cradle and forever accepting, expanding nature of love. Happiness is much more than what an article could describe; some people describe happiness as the feeling you experience when you realize that everything is exactly as it should be; some define it as the state of feeling that you experience after reaching your goal; while others define it as having inner peace. Happiness is perspective dependent emotion; it means that what could make someone happy could not be of importance to someone else. Happiness is just like love it is energy and when it’s shared it brings out the best results; try thinking of a moment when you share a joke with a friend the laughter brings out the best that makes you feel good and happy. Although this is what gives a good feeling; a happy person in fact can attract a lot of love because in fact its easily reflected in every activity; otherwise this creates a strong bond between love and happiness; however people will always return your Collins III charming smile, even though they are frowning and looking angry people will scowl at you. There is a common edge that â€Å"life is hard and we have to struggle to be happy; with this in mind I tend to differ to our expectations of struggles and problems. It’s amazing when things are moving so swiftly for us; we subconsciously wait for the storm to come. Life was meant to be easy but pessimism interferes with the flow of happiness in our lives. Open your heart to love and happiness and you will experience a breakthrough in love and happiness; there are time when you feel a lot of joy in your heart; but nevertheless the peace you feel within your heart should beneath your soul. You choose to be happy and worry less; meanwhile you will have successful romantic relationship if you are positive about yourself; however you and others will enjoy life as well as relaxing, being together without going out of your way to impress other. This is a misconception that loves and happiness is truly a goal to attend in the future; a lone each passing day you should bring a new and unique experience to you and your love one; to share one’s life and down falls; not just ones personal property; happiness is a agreeable feeling or condition of the soul arising from fortune or propitious happening of any kind. Happiness is a perspective dependent emotion. Commitment is needed in order to build a beautiful relationship; without commitment love and happiness would not be able to grow.

Stock Fund Performance Analysis for Selected Companies Term Paper

Stock Fund Performance Analysis for Selected Companies - Term Paper Example The movement of the each of the stocks and the reasons for changes in the price level of each stock are analyzed. Lastly a comparative analysis has been done of this overall portfolio with respect to Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and one industry specific sector. The ultimate goal of this project to understand how the internal and external factors of business and economical environment positively or adversely affect the stock prices as well as the overall performance of a diversified market portfolio. This overall project has been done in two phases. In the first phase of the project investment strategies was developed to choose the particular industry and the stocks also. Out of the 10 stocks 6 stocks are taken from the US stock market to get the benefit of foreign exchange risk. All the transactions were made through a standard currency as US dollar. The stocks were taken by the proper research of the selected industry. The main objective of selection of the stocks is to gain profit from the total investment. The stocks which have possible short term growth are chosen. Introduction In the second phase of this project, weekly stock price and the weekly performance of the portfolio has been tracked to understand the movement of each stock and to calculate the fund value of each week. Pre-investment estimate3d risk was compared with the actual return or loss from each stock. Three stocks are taken from three different countries, India, China and Brazil. So to evaluate risk adjusted return from these three different stocks, foreign exchange risk is also considered. This is because, over the investment tenure, the foreign currencies have been devaluated against the US dollar Total performance of the fund has been evaluated and analyzed. Finally the performance of the fund has been measured by comparing the overall gain or loss of the fund with standard industry index i.e. Dow Jones Industrial Average. Percentage change of the total fund value has been compar ed with the value of the fund in first week. The best and the worst performed stocks are also analyzed to identify the reason for this performance. Stock Fund creation 1. Overview of the industry Telecommunication industry is one of the most growing industries in the world. The growth of this industry has been started since the last decade i.e. in the beginning of 20th century. New technology advancement by the leading companies of this industry has been influencing the growth. The investors also like to include stocks from this industry to reduce the risk as it has reported higher return in earlier than other mature industry. 2. Brief profile of the companies and reason for selection AT & T: It is a holding company that is telecommunications service provider in the United States and other many foreign countries across the world. The company provides services including wireless voice, data communication, local exchange services, roaming services etc. The company targets individual c ustomers as well business clients. The company founded in 1983 and currently headquartered in Texas. It also provides internet based advertising services and customer information services to the business clients. It

Athabasca Pass Canadian National Historic Site Paper Research

Athabasca Pass Canadian National Historic Site - Research Paper Example The British Columbia side of the site is provincial crown land administered by the British Columbia Ministry of Forests† ("Athabasca pass national," ). Athabasca mean â€Å"where the reeds are† in Cree which is the description of the delta where Athabasca river enters into Athabasca lake. Apart from the exotic beauty that Athabasca Pass embraces, the site holds archaeological remains that include artifacts relating to the fur trade from the nineteenth century. The historical geographical importance of Athabasca pass relates to it being a link between the east and the west. The natives of this area have always used this land as a transportation route. Between 1811 and 1850, Athabaska Pass was an important trade route for fur. David Thompson first searched for this route in order to get around the barrier mounted by the Piegan Indians at Howse Pass. Until the mid 1850’s; both the British and American barters used this route for their commercial activities due to its strategic location on the Continental divide. Later on due to certain conflicts between the British and American traders, Hudson’s Bay Company which was a pioneer in the fur trade industry withdrew from the profession. This incident rendered the Athabasca Pass idle. However, later on in 1848, a new mail service emerged which started using this route. This new mail service used to bring mail from New York to Panama by steamboats and then transported these mails to t he Oregon Coast by another boat. This path made the mail service quite efficient. In 1855, the mail service suspended their use of this route, after which the pass was used occasionally. George Simpson, Governor of the Hudsons Bay Company, named the pond at the top of the pass as "Committees Punch Bowl" in 1824. In 1826, Botanist Thomas Drummond studied the diverse flora and fauna of this region for the first time. Later in 1827, a Scottish botanist named â€Å"David Douglas

Comparisons of Athenian and Spartan Governments Essay

Comparisons of Athenian and Spartan Governments - Essay Example There were two prominent cities in ancient Greece that possess distinct and contrasting governmental systems. Athens and Sparta were the two most powerful city states then and their influence, especially in the field of governance, was widespread in the region. Since the two states have different systems of government, both are worth studying and comparing for the purpose of deriving ideas and lessons on modern states should be run. Sparta’s government has often been construed as similar to the modern autocracy. This impression is brought about by the structure of the government itself. At the helm are the Ephors who were elected yearly by the people. The Ephors were composed of five individuals who did not belong to the royalty. They enjoyed unlimited power when it comes to executing the laws of the state. Due to the blanket authority that the Ephors practiced and also because of their small number, the Spartan government may at best be considered as an oligarchy. Oligarchy l iterally means the rule of a few. However, it must be noted that while the Ephors may have unlimited power and while they may be on top of the governmental hierarchy, they could not actually monopolize political power for several reasons. First of all, being an Ephor is not a birthright and it is also not a position that one can held on to for life. As pointed out, there is a clear length of time that an individual can rule as part of a collective, which is one year. An election would be held every year, which means that an individual may no longer retain his seat as Ephor. The thought of becoming an ordinary citizen after a year of being on society’s highest power structure might discourage an individual Ephor from committing abuses. Since the rule is collective in essence, there was already a degree of check and balance from within the ranks of the five Ephors. If the Spartans are not satisfied with the way the Ephors are managing the affairs of the state or with how they a re treating the citizens, they would just wait for the next elections and the individual Ephors could be subjected to removal or replacement. Under such setup, it is clear that autocracy may not be the most accurate term to describe Sparta’s government. An oligarchy, notwithstanding the fact that it is just for a year, may be the best description. While the Ephors controlled all the executive functions of the Spartan government, there was also the Council of Elders, which may be considered as the equivalent of the senate. The Council of Elders was composed of 28 members who are aged 60 and above. The age requirement definitely borne out of the belief that one’s life experience is reflective of his wisdom. Aside from the 28, the Council of Elders also includes the two kings who, upon the increased powers of the Ephors, have been relegated to figureheads and their only actual governmental function was to become part of the Council. The Council of Elders is responsible fo r making the laws as well as deciding on important issues that affect the state and society. However, whatever decision that the Council of Elders arrive at would not be deemed as a final governmental policy unless this has been approved by the General Assembly. The General Assembly was composed of all male citizens with ages 30 and above. This much larger body, however, â€Å"did not debate but only voted on the issues put before it by the Council of El

General Background for business plan Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

General Background for business plan - Thesis Example She considered the idea that construction litigation is in need of forensic experts in terms of mitigating claims for damages and other construction management services, and from there she founded CSI. The Owner & Management Team: Lily Iftner CSI is currently owned by Lily Iftner, a licensed civil engineer. She is also the brainchild of the business whose background includes a four-year experience in a construction site wherein she served as an insurance investigator. With motivation, she started her own business wherein she becomes one of the expert witnesses in terms of structure damages, and legal disputes in construction methods and materials. Because of the growing demand and changes in the industry, she needs to hire diverse construction professionals in order to deliver quality research, inspection, analysis, and report. The management team is composed of professionally licensed forensic engineers, particularly civil engineers with hands-on experience about scientific and prof essional structural issues. CSI Seattle Services CSI services are all about research, inspection, analysis, and report of construction and structural deficiencies in compliance with the standards and laws applicable. They serve in order to mitigate claims for damages in a quality and cost-effective way. ... CSI also presents sets of solutions so that clients can select the best possible solutions with corresponding evidences. They are also a â€Å"strong advocate of continuing education and community involvement, and maintain active participation in local construction industry organizations† particularly in Seattle (â€Å"Who We Are†). THE BUSINESS: Business Description According to Winkler and Chiumento â€Å"construction litigation can arise from any number of sources including delay claims, construction defects, professional liability allegations (errors and omissions), mechanics’ liens, personal injury, property damage, and insurance, subrogation, or professional bond claims† (179). Based on industry expert, construction litigation is growing and in demand considering that it now takes $5 billion USD in conflicts resolution and these costs are increasing 10% each year (Michel). This quantitative data is such an advantage for CSI considering that their cli ents would settle on larger amounts just for this dispute prevention and resolution. Definitely, the groundwork of this business is trust. The more the clients trust the business the better, for they will continue to seek the services the business offered. Value Proposition (s) Competition is always present in almost all business industries nowadays. And in order to survive, the business must develop value propositions which will create a strong gap between the company and the competitors. Value Proposition 1: CSI employed construction professionals who are highly equipped with experience and academic credentials - To have skillful employees suitable for the business, CSI developed specialized training and professional development which is

The concept of language standardisation and an analysis of its Essay

The concept of language standardisation and an analysis of its application to the history and development of the English languag - Essay Example Some languages such as Greek, Sanskrit and Spanish have been given greater importance compared to others because of their richness of expression, whereas other languages have been regarded as inferior to them because of their lacking in these elements. According to Wardhaugh (2006, p.1), language standardization is the process whereby the language is â€Å"codified†. This process of codification of the language can be done by a number of ways such as the development of language, spelling books, dictionaries and at times even literature too. Elaborating upon this view, standardization of language encompasses presenting and storing the language in an official way so that this variety of the language can be given the status of the preferred and most accurate variety. Each language manifests itself in an array of varieties, and is essentially regarded as an aggregate of all these different varieties (Wardhaugh 2009, p.23). Hudson (1996, p.22) refers to the variety of language as t he â€Å"set of linguistic items with similar distribution†. He claims that Canadian English, London English and the English that is spoken in football commentaries are all a variety of the language English. ... For instance, for Ferguson (1971, p.30) a variety is a body compromising of human speech patterns and a large collection of elements and their organization which is able to function in any formal context of conversation and is adequately identical to be evaluated by the available methods of synchronic explanation. This follows that a complete homogeneity is not needed and there is always some variation on existence at which ever level language is interpreted, be it a dialect of the language or a group or the language as a whole. Language, when subjected to the process of standardization, starts to undergo a continuous progress with respect to this process. Standardization is not an ideology that has an impact on language in a particular era and then finishes to further have any effects on it as time progresses. On the contrary, the process of standardization is never a universal and complete process; rather it is in state of being enhanced and improved in the populations (Stein & Ost ade 1994, p.19). Standardization does not necessarily have the same impact on every language. It affects those languages more which are not only in use by the majority of the population but also encompass a sense of nationhood or the notion of a shared identity. Observing the standardization of language from the vantage point of a student of linguistic change, it can be seen that standardization entails the creation and promotion of non-localized norms of language usage. Analyzing the variations in language from a sociolinguistic perspective, it can be established that it is not easy to fathom the process of language standardization (Stein & Ostade 1994, p.19). Duranti (1997, p.45) furthers upon the concept of language

Womens Suffrage Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Womens Suffrage - Research Paper Example A series of activities followed the enlightening, which had been presented by the publication of this book. People began advocating for the equal rights among women and men The origin of the women suffrage movements could be traced in France during the French revolution, where Olympe de Gouges and Nicolas de Condorcet were involved in advocating for women suffrage during the national elections. This movement began spreading across continents and regions and almost all societies experienced such movements advocating for equality. These movements continued to become popular among different regions and they were increasingly utilised to advocate for other rights. Various debates arose within the regions focusing of the need to provide women with the right to vote. During the early 19th century, there was an increasing debate on women suffrage which resulted in a convention calling for women suffrage. The convention was conducted in 1848 in America, and it challenged America to revolutionise the social system in all aspects of life. Proponents of women suffrage believed that, suffrage was the most effective approach for changing the unjust system which failed to offer women the right to vote (Nardo, 2014). Since the movement began, some progress was made and women were accorded many freedoms which they lacked. These included education opportunities, property rights, and many other social freedoms. Although these were achieved through advocating for equal rights, the right to vote still remained elusive to the supporters of suffrage. The granting of the rights to vote remained limited to certain states within the United States of America. By the turn of the 19th century only four states had granted women the right to vote. The organizations which were advocating to equal rights remains focused on other forms of freedoms including the broad economic and political freedoms for social change (Buhle & Buhle, 2005). The

Overview of the campaign at the battle of King's Mountain 1780 Essay

Overview of the campaign at the battle of King's Mountain 1780 - Essay Example Ferguson sent a warning to the frontiersmen: if they did not â€Å"desist from their opposition to the British army, and take protection under his standard, he would  march his army over the mountains, hang their leaders, and lay their country waste with fire and sword†1. The patriots responded by gathering a force of about 1,400 militiamen, with no formal military training, belonging to ten counties. Under the command of Col. William Campbell,  of Washington County, Virginia, the Overmountain Men pursued Ferguson’s forces to King’s Mountain on the afternoon of 7 October. The patriots divided forces into four columns, encircled the mountain and attacked the defensive position of the Loyalist forces on the exposed, rocky ridge. Using their skill in sharpshooting and moving under cover, learned in the frontiers wars, the patriots overwhelmed Fergusons’s forces and decisively won the battle in a little over one hour of combat. Accepted figures give the casualties as 225 Loyalists killed, 163 wounded and 716 captured, while only 28 Patriots were killed, including Colonel James Williams, and 68 wounded.  The Battle of King’s Mountain was a turning point in the Revolutionary War. Cornwallis retreated from Charlotte, North Carolina and was forced on the defensive. The patriots gained time to recoup and went on to win the

What is wrong with the education system Research Paper

What is wrong with the education system - Research Paper Example Moreover, the quality and quantity of services provided by teachers can be directly linked to the aspect of teacher tenure and union of education, considering that these aspects focus on the welfare of teachers while overlooking the welfare of students and the education system as a whole. Teacher Tenure The biggest factor in consideration with teacher tenure is the fact that it enhances complacency of teachers being covered by the tenureship policy, since they cease to fear placing their jobs under risks. In consideration to enhancement of complacency among teachers, it becomes certain that quantity and quality of services being offered by these teachers may be compromised. More so, teachers who are seen to openly compromise quality and quantity of work cannot be easily fired, since, compared to regular teachers, it is more expensive and hard to fire tenured teachers. This is due to the fact that there is a lengthy and complex documentation process that seeks to prove that unsatisfac tory and poor performance of the tenure teacher to be fired. Other than proving and documenting the poor performance claims of a tenured teacher, a court of law must critically scrutinize the allegations agree to the claims (Nixon, Packard and Douvanis, 2007, p. 43-45). Administrators often seek to weed out poorly performing teachers in an effort to improve education standards; however, weeding out under performing teachers who are tenured is more costly than retaining them. This aspect of retention leads to accumulation of non-performing teachers and thus consequently affecting the education system as a whole. The education system is in a crisis considering the fact that teachers’ performance is critical to the success of the students and the education system as a whole. The profession of teachers needs to recruit and retain the brightest and best teachers with promotion, security and other benefits being emphasized on merit. Although teachers need security and employment as surance from unjustified lose of job probably from political influences, the systems should not overprotect them to the extent that performance issues are compromised (Philips, 2009, p.3). Retaining the best teachers needs to start from the principals being able to evaluate and fire their teachers with regards to student achievement and performance standards of teachers. Poor performance of teachers needs to be critically dealt with given the fact that many students come from unstable homes and therefore highly in need of well performing teacher in order to boost their quality of education irrespective of their unstable lives. Teachers should be judged based on the teaching services they render and their ability to impact positively on the lives of students in the classrooms they teach. Teacher tenure negatively impacts on the education system although the policy was basically meant to establish fair procedures to protect teachers from political, discriminatory, and personal treatme nt by employers. The policy has however been misused to protect incompetent teachers rather protecting competent teachers to enable high retention of best teachers for fostering high education standards. However, employers can overcome incompetence factor by hiring competent teachers who are qualified with regards to real performance issue. Teacher tenure should only be used to protect teachers from injustice and politics school boards and external powers may use against them and ensure teachers

Assessing the Dependency of Teamwork Dynamics to Cultural Differences Essay Example for Free

Assessing the Dependency of Teamwork Dynamics to Cultural Differences Essay A debate whether a heterogeneous or a homogeneous team is easier to handle and manage has been going on for years. Companies, firms and even organizations are starting to make teams as the basic unit of their operations. Due to this trend, organizational researchers started to study the correlation between the composition of the team and the teams’ output (Earley Mosakowski, 2000, p. 26). Organizational composition in terms of the homogeneity and heterogeneity of the team composition is commonly studied through the comparative advantages that each type of composition can give to a working team (Schippers, Hartog, Koopman, Wienk, 2003, p. 779). This research paper will try to address the issue at hand in the same manner as most organizational researchers do; this research paper will compare homogeneous and heterogeneous team compositions through the advantages they can give to their teams. The hiring structure of most organizations, companies and firm includes a set of qualification that seeks to sift through the applicants not in terms of credentials but also in terms of their backgrounds (Prat, 2000, p. 3). These sets of qualifications are commonly structured in their own ways to create a homogenous or a heterogeneous team, depending on the position of the hiring party in terms of its team composition preference. Before moving on to the advantages of the two-team compositions, it should be noted that the basic differences between the two-team compositions are its team members’ culture. Culture embodies the system of shared meanings (Gibson C. B. , 2004). It can even be said, that culture attributes the different reactions of the team members in different managerial approaches and team objectives (Gibson C. B. , 2004). Furthermore, the probability of success and efficiency in team is dependent to the culture of its team members. Identifying the difference between leading a homogeneous team or a heterogeneous team can be easily discussed through the extent by which team members share a certain culture. In modern day organizational researches, culture sharing is not the only difference. Factors such as efficiency, efficacy of the leading model, output capabilities and even conflict resolution mechanisms are considered in organization researches that address homogeneous and heterogeneous team compositions. Describing the actual leadership process in these two team compositions would lead to the discussions on team cohesiveness. Team cohesiveness is the degree by which members of a group (both hetero and homo) are attracted to the team (Wendt, Euwemab, Emmerik, 2009, p. 359). It can be said, that team cohesiveness embodies the reasons for joining a team and expected incentives for joining the team (Wendt, Euwemab, Emmerik, 2009, p. 359). Team cohesiveness is present in both homogeneous and heterogeneous team compositions. However, the burden of insuring that the team would function is not directly related to the team composition; it is also determined by the leadership style in the team. Leading leadership styles such as directive and supportive styles have two very different effects to the team depending on the team composition. The exclusivity of the shared culture in homogeneous teams can work better with directive leadership such as seen in autocratic countries (Wendt, Euwemab, Emmerik, 2009, p. 360). On the other hand, supportive leadership can work better with heterogeneous team composition since the differences in the shared culture of the team can be compensated for by the support that the leadership style offers (Wendt, Euwemab, Emmerik, 2009, p. 360). Interchanging the two leadership styles in heterogeneous and homogeneous team compositions can result to high probability of team inefficiency and failure. Following this logic, it can be said that the leadership style would determine the difference between these two team compositions; a certain â€Å"fit† must be properly addressed. After discussing the needed â€Å"fit† in the leadership style and the team composition, advantages in terms of properly leading a homogeneous team or a heterogeneous team can now be established. Having a heterogeneous team implies that a team leader would have members with different recognitions of shared culture. Due to this, the team leader can expect different opinions and a wide range of ideas to be articulated by the team members (Gibson Vermeulen, 2003, p. 207). This setup is seen in companies that operate on a high technology level. Technology based companies tend to function in a transnational level; this allows the companies to have an experience in having a heterogeneous team to deal with their operations. The diverse pool that the company can easily access to creates a working environment, which is perfect for the creation of cohorts. According to other related researches, team members tend to speak out their idea or opinion if they have at least one team member that supports their idea (Gibson Vermeulen, 2003, p. 207). This finding is the coined as the cohort formation in workplaces. Following this logic, leading a heterogeneous team has an advantage of being able to pool a good number of ideas and opinions due to the different shared cultures among the team members. Practically speaking, a heterogeneous team can come up with more possible solutions needed to address a problem as compared to a team with members that share a uniform culture. Heterogeneous team through its cohorts also has the advantage of creating a workplace, which is more conducive for a more receptive learning behavior (Gibson Vermeulen, 2003, p. 209). The cohort formation that arises from a heterogeneous team creates subgroups that are more receptive to learning through experimentation; reflective communication and codification (Gibson Vermeulen, 2003, p. 209). The psychological support provided by team members that share culture allows other team members to learn more (Gibson Vermeulen, 2003, p. 210). These advantages of heterogeneous teams make many organizations, companies and firms to invest in the creation of a heterogeneous team. This trend is best seen in transnational companies’ attempts to outsource team members from different places around the globe to insure that their team has cohorts to cultivate better brainstorming activities (Earley Gibson, 2002, pp. 230-232). Unfortunately, the advantages of having a heterogeneous team stop at the cohorts. Heterogeneous team, which is too heterogeneous in the sense that it does not allow the formation of cohorts tends to be counterproductive since its team members without some to share his or her culture with, becomes too protective of their ideas (Gibson Vermeulen, 2003, pp. 212-213). In this situation, organizational researches recommend the full dismantling of the team or the inclusion of other team members that may allow that formation of cohorts within the heterogeneous team. Advantages in a homogeneous team are the extreme solutions to the disadvantages of a heterogeneous team. The probability that too much heterogeneity can impede team growth and efficiency can be cancelled out by adapting a homogenized team since the shared culture of the whole team will eradicate the cultural diversity that may have started the problems of a too heterogenic team (Mello Ruckes, 2010, p. 1022). This is the primary advantage of homogeneous team- cohesion. Team cohesion is at its prime state if the subject team is a homogeneous team (WordPress. com, 2009). The strong sense of group cohesion in a homogeneous team allows the whole team to easily accomplish tasks and yield maximum productivity rates (WordPress. com, 2009, p. n. pag. ). The shared culture of a homogeneous team creates a sense of unity among the team members; that translates to achievements that are most probably unattainable for a common heterogeneous group. This is the primary and appears to be the only advantage in a homogeneous group. Unfortunately, it also has its share of disadvantages. The major disadvantage of a homogenous team is that the team is prone to make probable dumb decisions due to the strong sense of groupthink mentality present in this team composition (WordPress. com, 2009). This attributes of homogeneous team composition allows homogeneous teams to be the perfect team composition for productivity and goal oriented organizations, companies and firms. Conclusion: Heterogeneous and homogeneous team compositions have been existing ever since basic groups have been formed. The reason for their existence is the fact that each of this team composition provides a perfect fit for different organizational arrangements (Gamage, 2006, p. 57). The interplay between organizational cultures, team composition and the type of leadership determines the needed fit implied in this research paper. Conclusively, this research paper takes the position that homogeneous team composition is an advantage for organizations, companies and firms that are goal and production oriented, while heterogeneous team composition is an advantage for organizations, companies and firms that seek to provide solutions. The cohesive team culture cultured and enforced in homogeneous team composition allows a consolidated movement of the whole team towards the attainment of their team’s objectives. On the other hand, the differences of the team members of a heterogeneous team allow the utilization of the multi perspective orientations in the advantage of the whole team. The different ideas and cultural inclinations of a heterogeneous team allow the development of holistic solutions. These points when summed up results to a general idea that the team compositions’ effectiveness are dominantly dependent on the factors such as type of leadership and environment such as context of application. Bibliography Adams, S. K. (2007, July 30). Disciplinarily Hetero- and Homogeneous Design Team Convergence:Communication Patterns and Perceptions of Teamwork. Retrieved August 6, 2010, from www. scholar. lib. vt. edu: http://scholar. lib. vt. edu/theses/available/etd-08272007-114555/unrestricted/MastersThesis. pdf Adler, N. (1991). International dimensions of organi-zational behavior (2nd ed. ). Boston: PWS-Kent. Burke, S. , Wilson, K. , Salas, E. (2010). Varying Team Composition to Examine the Effect of CulturalDiversity on Team Process and Cultural Adaptability. Retrieved August 6, 2010, from www. ftp. rta. nato. int: ftp. rta. nato. int/public//PubFullText/ ///MP-HFM-142-18. doc Casmir, R. (1992). Third-culture building: A paradigm shift for international and intercultural communication. Communication Yearbook , 407-428. Cox, T. (1992). Cultural diversity in organizations. San Francisco: Berrett Koehler. Earley, P. C. , Mosakowski, E. (2000). Creating Hybrid Team Cultures: An Empirical Test of Transnational Team Functioning. The Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 43, No. 1 , 26-49. Earley, P. , Gibson, C. B. (2002). Multinational Work Teams: A New Perspective. Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. . Elron, E. (1997). Top management teams within multina-tional corporations: Effects of cultural heterogeneity. Leadership Quarterly , 393-412. Gamage, D. (2006). Professional Development for Leaders and Managers . Dordrecht: Springer Publications. Gibson, C. B. (2004). Building Multicultural Teams:Learning to Manage Homogeneity and Heterogeneity. Retrieved August 6, 2010, from http://web. gsm. uci. edu: http://web. gsm. uci. edu/~cgibson/Publication%20files/Articles/Crossing%20cultures%20chapter. pdf Gibson, C. , Vermeulen, F. (2003). A Healthy Divide: Subgroups as a Stimulus for Team Learning Behavior. Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 48, No. 2 , 202-239. Leadershipreview. org. (2002). Research Synopsis: Creating Hybrid Team Cultures. Retrieved August 6, 2010, from www. leadershipreview. org: http://www. leadershipreview. org/2002winter/nelson_winter_2002. asp Mayo, M. (2005, September 2). Networks and Effectiveness in Work Teams: The Impact of Diversity. Retrieved August 6, 2010, from www. latienda. ie. edu: http://latienda. ie. edu/working_papers_economia/WP05-10. pdf Maznevski, M. (1994). Understanding our differences: Performance in decision-making groups with diverse members. Human Relations , 531-552. McGrath, J. (1984). Groups: Interaction and performance. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall. Mello, A. S. , Ruckes, M. E. (2010). Team Composition. Retrieved August 6, 2010, from http://finance. fbv. uni-karlsruhe. d: http://finance. fbv. uni-karlsruhe. de/download/Ruckes_TeamCompositionJB. pdf Prat, A. (2000, August 16). Shoul a Team Be Homogeneous? Retrieved August 6, 2010, from www. econ. lse. ac. uk: http://econ. lse. ac. uk/staff/prat/papers/sharedeer2. pdf Schippers, M. C. , Hartog, D. N. , Koopman, P. L. , Wienk, J. A. (2003). Diversity and Team Outcomes: The Moderating Effects of Outcome Interdependence and Group Longevity and the Mediating Effect of Reflexivity. Journal of Organizational Behavior, Vol. 24, No. 6 , 779-802. Wendt, H. , Euwemab, M. C. , Emmerik, I. H. (2009). Leadership and team cohesiveness across cultures. Retrieved August 6, 2010, from http://hettyvanemmerik. com: http://hettyvanemmerik. com/ScientificPublications/+Enl2009=Article_LQ_Wendt_Euwema_Van_Emmerik_Leadership_and_team_cohesiveness. pdf WordPress. com. (2009, March 10). Homogeneous or Heterogeneous Teams and Creativity. Retrieved August 6, 2010, from www. wordpress. com: http://asifjmir. wordpress. com/2009/03/10/homogeneous-or-heterogeneous-teams-and-creativity/

Madame Tussauds Tourism Analysis

Madame Tussauds Tourism Analysis Leisure and recreation are as old as human beings and were present in the lives of our Stone Age ancestors. Man is always busy in work for its survival but there is a growing desire to get a good work balance with leisure time. With the blessing of latest technology we are in the era that has variety of leisure attractions to relax. Madame Tussauds situated in London is among the most popular leisure attraction. It is a museum of different kind that entertain its visitors with wax models of their choice from history and from present which they have ever dreamt to meet. In this piece of work I have discussed the history of the museum and its establishment in London including its unique characteristics. The possible key challenges faced by the attraction in coming future and the ways to combat these challenges by giving proposed management including range of aspects Different ways of managing visitors because customer satisfaction is the key point in business. Various ways of targeting market specially by using SWOT Analysis. Making market strategy after analysing customers demands. Making human resource department more effective to fulfil the wishes of consumers DEFINITION OF LEISURE: Different authors and researchers define leisure; some of the definitions for the Leisure are as follow: Time that an individual sets aside for activities, such as sleeping (Collins 1997) From Leisure and Tourism, Barker, By Collins 1997 Time that is free from work, when you can do what you like (Oxford Dictionary Press) A From Concise Oxford School Dictionary, By Oxford University Press Leisure is the opportunity available to an individual after completing the immediate necessities of life, when he or she has the freedom to choose and engage in an experience that is expected to be personally satisfying From Edexcel Leisure and Recreation Course Specification The term leisure is an ever changing concept that reflects the current social and economic conditions and aspirations, adapting in response to consumer demand and expectations The idea of leisure being described as a state of mind originated with Aristotle. He believed that leisure was a form of self-indulgence and self-improvement. Leisure is seen as a mans greatest possession because it is essential for self development. It forces us to step back from the constant pressures of daily life in order for us to see what really important (Aristotle internet website). IMPORTANCE OF LEISURE: Each person has their own opinion of what leisure means to them and there is no set definition of the word as it covers a wide range of things. leisure time and how it is spent is an individuals choice and the way in which they spend it whether it be home based, active or passive. As long as the individual gets satisfaction from this leisure time then it has been used to its potential. Leisure is important because everyone needs a little bit of relaxation in their life. Having leisure helps a person relieve stress, have time to themselves, and just to recharge their body and mind. Leisure is very important for ones mental and physical health. It provides an opportunity to spend time as you want away from regular work stress with family and friends. It is very important for an individual to take time out for itself as it bring about a positive flow of energy in an individual. Leisure as a function has changed enormously over the last 100 years. With the arrival of new technology some forms of leisure have increased their range of activities hugely. 100 years ago art was considered to be drama, stage shows, architecture and so on. Now it include many different forms. Broadcasting, Film Production and Video were all aspects of the Art Council that received funding in the last year. These have only been considered arts in the last century. The Government, private companies and investors have also discovered the commercial side of leisure. From this information it can be concluded that over the last 100 years leisure has evolved from something that is the opposite of work to something that is vital in our everyday lives. Madame tussauds is among the popular leisure attraction of the present time, it is standing at its place from last 200 years but getting more popular with time for the kind of unique entertainment it is providing to its visitors. Celebrities wax images draw visitors towards itself. IT is a kind of place which has all kind of attraction in it from past to present both for history lovers and for modern young youth. It helps to make visitors dreams come true when they want to touch or meet the personality they like ,which otherwise my not be possible for them because either it has become history or is very big celebrity of modern time ,whom one cant meet. Is it real or is it wax? Sometimes its hard to tell the difference when youre at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum . This unique museum of its own kind has entertained about 500 million visitors since it first opened. The Target Market for Madame Tussauds is to attract all types of consumers, from all social classes. As well as Domestic and O verseas visitors. According to Pamela Pilbeam, there may be a simple reason for the enduring popularity of Madame Tussauds: There is nothing so fascinating for a human being as others of the species. Since the arrival of the waxworks in London in the 1830s, visitors have had the opportunity to gawk at, rub shoulders with and even touch some of the most famous and infamous others royalty and revolutionaries, murderers and media stars. London is a cosmopolitan city having people all around the world with different cultures. The management of Madame tussauds when targeting marketing has taken advantage of this feature of the city and has kept different types of wax sculptures which visitors want to see for example to attract Asian visitors there are various political, sports, and entertainment figures in the museum. According to the student pack of Madame Tussauds, it identifies their Current Market as Demographics Segmentation according to social class. Kotler (1994) believes marketing a product/service, includes potential customers for using this specific product/service. Therefore, organisations will effectively market their product/service according to the Segment of market. This has been known as Target Market. Additionally to Lancaster Reynololds (1999), indicate that, in order to acquire target segment, the organisations has to break down the amount of the total market into different sub-groups / segments, according to their needs and wants, in-order to make the product/service attract consumers within that market segment. Madame Tussauds used segmentation and target marketing, because it provides many returns to their organisation, such as: It allows the exhibition to identify their customer groups with different requirements and wants The exhibition objective can be achieved easily. For example; profit maximisation and long term growth When there are market gaps in a market, it is assessed and then satisfied, this can be done by using unique product / promotional offerings By handling marketing mix, in order for competence recognise the target needs. This will lead to an increase customers satisfactioN HISTORY: The holy Roman Emperor the doges of venices ,the dukes of burnswick and other rulers met the same end.A full size wax model of Henry 111 of England was made for his funeral in 1272.The custom grew for models to be kept after the funeral service at the relevant Royal tomb in West minister. In the seventeenth century it became common for wax models to be included in funeral processions of notable non -royal citizens. Marie Grosholtz the future Madam Tussauds (1761-1850) was trained by Curtius and she worked as his assistant. Madam Tussaud was born in Strasbourg on Dec,1761,her father Joseph Grosholtz who fought as a soldier for seven years at war died before her birth.After Maries birth her mother got a job as house keeper at Dr.Phillip Cutius house in Berne.Mr . Curtius was a skilled physician who takes help of wax models while demonstrating anatomy.Marie was always treated warmly by Curtius, who transferred his great art of wax modelling to Marie.Marie was always greatful and reffered him as his uncle. In 1765 ,Curtius moved to Paris followed by Ann and Marie, where he was able to organise his first exhibition of wax models in 1770 and by 1776 due to the fame of exhibition,it moved to Royal palace.During this time Marie was in the tutionage of Curtius and started modelling her own wax works. Her first wax figure was of Francois Volatire and then she made models of Benjamin Franklin and Jean Jacques.After the fame of her work she was appointed as a art tutor for Elizabeth ,king Louis XVIS sister. It was the time when France saw its revolution and Marie Tussauds was imprisoned and was forced to make death masks of the aristocrats as to show her allegiance to feudal nobles. During French revolution she modelled many prominent victms of the revolution. After the death of Mr .curtius in 1794,Marie inherited his vast collection of wax models.In 1800 Marie got married to Francois Tussauds,who was an engineer.She had two sons Joseph and Francois.To flourish her business,Marie decided to took her wax work on exhibition.Along with Joseph she brought her exhibition to London and Ireland which included wax models and death masks. That tour lasted for about 33 years.Finally Madam Tussauds decided to settle on Baker Street in London. Visitors paid six pence so that they can get a chance to meet famous names of the day. The Most important characterstic of the gallery was The Chamber of Horrors which exhibits wax models of the people victimised during French Revolution and some newly created models of other murderers and criminals. With time wax models of different prominent personalities were added to the museum.The museum in the beginning had 400 different wax models. Some of the models of the exhibition were damaged twice firstly by fire in 1925 and secondly by the bombardment of German army. Madam Du Barry is the oldest wax model of the museum. In the year 1842 Madam Tussaud added her own model which has been displayed at the entrance of the museum. Madam died on 15th April 1856. Bridge kate in her book A Life In A Wax praises Madam Tussauds as Cultural Innovator .The architect behind the first and fore most enduring world wide branch to be identified simply by reference to its founders name. BRANCHES Millions of people visit Madam Tussauds every year but it is still popular as it was ever.It has now become one the most popular visitor attraction in London. Due to its popularity it branches has been and will be expanded to other parts of the world. Its branches are opened in Hong Kong, New york, Las vegas ,Berlin, Shanghai, Washington DC and Amsterdam for the tourists, they also contain the wax models of prominent figures in them. DIFFERENT ATTRACTIONS IN THE MADAM TUSSAUDS Party Room Figures such as Samuel L Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Leo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman David and Victoria Beckham and Robert Pattinson are kept here. It is designed to feel like you have stepped into a celebrity party, with wax figures dotted around the room. High School Musical Hannah Montana Launched in 2008, this room has a figure of Zac Efron as the character of Troy Bolton from the High School Musical franchise. This zone also includes Miley Cyruss wax figure. There is also a karaoke facility, in which a person can sing Mileys songs. Movie Room (Premiere night) Hollywood famous figures live here including Steven Spielberg, Jim Carrey and Audrey Hepburn,Brad Pitt,Angelina Jollie,Jim Carry,Nicole Kidman and many more.Bollywood stars who are modelled are Salman Khan,Amitabh Bachan and Aishwarya rai. Besides there is Shrek, Spiderman, along with the smallest figure ever made of Tinker Bellabout five and a half inches in length Sports Zone It is another exciting zone for sports lovers specially for those who want to see their sports icons face to face. It has wax models of Mohammed Ali.One can also get a chance to ride bike with Lance Armstrong.Wax model of David Bekham and many other famous players are added there to increase the excitement. The Royalty In the Royals visitors get a chance to stand next to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Charles, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William of Wales and Prince Henry of Wales. Cultural Figures This area has numerous cultural personalities including Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Pablo Picasso and Charles Darwin. Stars From The Music Industry Music icons include Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Britney Spears, Leona Lewis, Kylie Minogue, Amy Winehouse, Tom Jones, Bob Marley, Justin Timberlake and Freddie Mercury. The Beatles in this area appear on the album cover of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. Leaders From The World of Politics Here visitors can get a chance to meet Barak Obama, Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill, Nicolas Sarkozy, Ronald Reagan, Tony Blair, Benazir Bhutto, Martin Luther King, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Gandhi, the controversial figures of Hitler ,Sadam husein and Robert Mugabe. Chamber of Horrors and Scream This attraction is not suitable for pregnant women and children under 12 years of age. contains the models of killers and criminals from the time of French Revolution .It also contains the death masks made by Madam Tussauds. Area Showing the Secenes and History of Madame Tussauds This area shows the history of exhibition. How was a wax modle made by Madam Tussaud. London ride Here visitors sit in taxi rides and are taken through the history of London which starts from Tudor and ends at 1980s. Top of Form Bottom of Form Warhols Women It has models of Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe in the classic pose where her skirt is blown upward, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Jerry Hall and Jackie O. Top of Form Bottom of Form KEY CHALLENGES TO BE FACED BY THE EXHIBITION Swar brooke(2002) states without visitor attractions there would be no need for other tourism services and tourism as such would not exist without them. Different attractions provide their customers with services that are available with in the attraction for example some give their visitors a day out, others give educational services, some give their customers ancillary operations but Madme tussauds is one that entertain its visitors with combination of all above mentioned services due to which it is important that this work is put into place to deal with consumers content health and safety and to make sure of their repeat visits. To maintain this standard of excellence the tussauds organisation may possibly face some challenges in future specially in the following: Marketing and competition Customer care Human resource management SWOT ANALYSIS: This can be used in order for the organisation to achieve their objectives. This procedure is an effective method of identifying businesses Strengths and Weaknesses, and to examine the Opportunities and Threats they face. Often carrying out an analysis using the SWOT framework that will be enough to reveal changes, which can be usefully made. Swift (2000) According to Hannagan (1992) he defined SWOT analysis as: A SWOT analysis helps to focus attention on the key areas in an organisation that need to be taken into account in producing a marketing planà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. A SWOT analysis is a summary of the marketing audit. It highlights internal differential strengths and weaknesses form the customers point of view as they relate to external opportunities and threats. SWOT are mainly consists of the two factors that are internal and external in which Strengths and weaknesses are internal while opportunities and threats are from external competitors and environment. Madame Tussauds attraction is the main factor and strength which makes their position stronger than other competitors. By using SWOT analysis business can make future prediction and make possible changes in order to grow and compete in the future. MARKETING AND COMPETITION : In todays world of business and economics markets have become very competitive therefore understanding consumer is no longer enough .Organisations must start giving attention to their competitors , if want to have share in the market. (kotler 2003). As it is stated before, Madame Tussauds it is a large organisation within the travel and tourism industry, therefore it face high standard of challenger not only in London but all around UK,which can become stronger in the future. that is why more effective marketing is required to survive in the competition However, it uses circulation channel for more knowledge of their product national and international. They mainly deliver the awareness of their product/service through the Internet, as it is global. However, other sources of promoting and awareness of their product is mainly done through Media, in the form of posters at tube stations and bus sides which is mainly and to communicate the brand to a wider audience, public relations, portraits, business development and Banqueting Co-operate Entertaining, The prime objective of the organisation is to stay London top paying attraction, therefore a marketing strategy should be in terms of its target, current and potential market study and their process of promotion in order to attract their product to their customer by distribution. However, the aim of promotional planning in the long run is not just to inform, but to promote customers to purchase products/services or, to adopt ideas. Therefore, effective promotion is usually attained by well researched for tracking sales levels and attitude patterns toward consumers needs, this means objective must link to the target aimed. This can be achieved by updating, convincing and highlighting the organisation current and potential target market. CUSTOMER CARE: Ensuring that customers are provided with quality services every time is a key in organisational success. Like other tourist attractions Madame tussauds may also face the challenge of delivering quality customer care. The organisation should note that words of mouths from satisfied customers is a free advertising and improved reputation and above all an increased revenue. Tussauds organisation should maintain a high standard of customer care training with in the exhibition to achieve goals like Increase sales Gain a competitive advantage Maintain consumer loyalty Attract new consumers Gain customer satisfaction Enhance the visitor attraction image For achieving high standard of customer care the organisation must improve Their queuing process in term of not making consumer to wait for a long period to enter the exhibition Signs around the exhibition for direction (such as direction for facilities for disabilities segment) Having more staff speaking different languages Having effective management that can handle crowd HUMAN RESOURCES Human resource management can also be a challenge as selection and recruitment costs will be much more due to the high presence of staff at visitor attractions. Competition in the service sector offering permanent employment can detract suitable applicants from applying for positions within visitor attractions. With the high staff turnover consistency will be difficult to maintain within visitor attractions, which inevitably will have a negative effect on the quality of service delivered to customers. This is due to the fact that to be able to deliver quality services to consumers requires skilled and well-trained employees. As many employees of visitor attractions are employed on short-term contracts, operators may be less willing to invest in training and development for seasonal staff. In Scotland the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions encourages its members to invest in training and development for all staff, whether full or part time, seasonal or permanent. Many operato rs of attractions dislike spending money on training and development for seasonal employees as there is the possibility of the employees not returning the following year. Operators are being encouraged to invest in training and development as this has proven to lead to a stronger more motivated workforce. If employees are enable and empowered to deliver a quality service, employee turnover should reduce, and employees affected by seasonality would be easier retained for the next season to come. They mainly deliver the awareness of their product/service through the Internet, as it is global. However, other sources of promoting and awareness of their product is mainly done through Media, in the form of posters at tube stations and bus sides which is mainly and to communicate the brand to a wider audience, public relations, portraits, business development and Banqueting Co-operate Entertaining, The prime objective of the organisation is to stay London top paying attraction, therefore a marketing strategy should be in terms of its target,current and potential market study and their process of promotion in order to attract their product to their customer by distribution. However, the aim of promotional planning in the long run is not just to inform, but to promote customers to purchase products/services or, to adopt ideas. Therefore, effective promotion is usually attained by well researched for tracking sales levels and attitude patterns toward consumers needs, this means objective must link to the target aimed. This can be achieved by updating, convincing and highlighting the organisation current and potential target market. At the same time one of their target is to carry out a promotional action plan to target market, attract all types of consumers both domestic and overseas CONCLUSION: Operators in todays business environment face many challenges as we have seen in bring quality services to visitors of their attractions. By putting in place suitable measures and processes, and ensuring their employees are capable of knowledge about efficient customer care training, confidence and motivations in which to perform at their best, operators can gain an competitive edge in their market, and deliver customer satisfaction each an Kotler, P., Marketing Management, Prentice Hall International, United States of America, 1994 Hannagan, T. J., Marketing for the non-profit sector, Macmillan, Great Britain, 1992Swift, I., Marketing, Hodder and Stoughton, Great Britain 2000,Swarbrooke J, The Development and Management of Visitor Attractions, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002 Berridge Kate A life in a wax Pamela Pilbean The History of Wax work by Pamela Pilbean 2003,,, From Leisure and Tourism, Barker, By Collins 1997, Lancaster, G. and Reynolds, P, Introduction to Marketing, Kogan Page, Great Britain by Biddles Ltd, 1999,(Oxford Dictionary Press) A From Concise Oxford School Dictionary, By Oxford University Press

Torsional Effects On Irregular Buildings Under Seismic Loads Construction Essay

Torsional Effects On Irregular Buildings Under Seismic Loads Construction Essay This chapter presents a brief review of literature available on the subject torsional effects on irregular buildings under seismic loads. Efforts were made to collect related research material. Review of literature encompass research papers on the topic in general and specifically aims at latest trend to control asymmetry, design requirements, configuration requirements, torsional irregularity, performance of irregular buildings, and behaviour of appropriate structural system. At the end of the chapter, selection of lateral force procedures is also described. 2.2 RELATED RESEARCH WORK Latest available research papers are studied related to subject of thesis. Few of research papers are described here under 1) Torsional irregularity of any structure can be determined by calculating the deflections at the ends in every storey. Codes and guidelines give the definite numbers or coefficients to limit the excess torsion in irregular structures. In this paper adequacy of code provisions regarding the torsional irregularity coefficient is checked and concerned over limits are expressed. For this particular research works different groups of buildings are made with different changes in plans such as position of shear walls, number of grids and number of storey etc. Four groups are made namely A, B, C and D with different locations of shear walls in plan. At first, variation of torsional irregularity with respect to number of grids is investigated. Analysis has been performed for each variation of gridlines in a particular group and conclusions carried out. Graphs are plotted by changing the number of grids lines in each group A, B, C and D against irregularity coefficients. It is observed from theses graphs that in each particular group A, B, C or D there exist different numbers of grid lines against which maximum results are obtained in that particular group. Maximum value of irregularity coefficient is determent in group C in which shear walls is away from the gravity center but not at the edges. Irregularity coefficient reach a maximum value for certain number of grid lines then decrease by increasing the number of axis. In second stage, torsional irregularity coefficient is calculated by changing the number of storeys. General trend which graphs shows that with increasing the number of storey for any particular structures, keeping position of shear walls and number of axis same, torsional irregularity coefficient decreases. Curves for structure group C for 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 storey shows that lesser number of storey yields more critical results because as the number of stories increases center of rigidity shifts toward center causing lesser torsion consequently gives less critical results. In the last, position of walls is changed to determine the effects on the torsional irregularity coefficient. Graphs are plotted for each individual structural group against the torsional irregularity coefficient. Curves of different storeys predict the lesser the number of storeys more critical will the results. By changing the location of the shear walls in any particular key plan indicate that critical results are obtain for shear wall placed in between the center and edges of the structures. (Guany Ozmen, 2004) 2) Parametric analysis of irregular structures under seismic loading reveals the effect of torsion as per Turkish Earthquake Code. For the purpose center of stiffness were changed and torsional irregularity was created. Different number of storeys was considered which were analyzed using static force procedure and dynamic force procedures. Results for both of the methods were compared and conclusion drawn. Effect of non-orthogonality was also studied by changing the orientation of the non-orthogonal walls. All these cases were studied for five different directions of earthquake. From these research results limitations in Turkish earthquake code suggested to be improve. (Semih S. Tezcan and Cenk Alhan, 2000) The earthquake forces produced in the irregular buildings are unpredictable and can not be determine with greater accuracy thus such structures are more critically prone to earthquakes. A series of five, framed and walled structures are taken with different irregularity coefficients. This paper shows the behavior of different modules against earthquake forces and results drawn. Paper suggests more elaborative measures need to be taken by codes and standards to take over the issue of torsional irregularity. (Ozmen G and Gulay F.G. 2002) 3) Codes and Standards direct that along with the static force procedure non linear analysis are need to be performed to know the exact behavior of the structure. In this paper investigation is done by creating two different models. In first model eccentricity made only in one direction by shifting mass, whereas in second case eccentricity was produced in both directions. Near-fault zone effects were investigated alongwith far-fault results. Research work shows that displacement demand of the structures remains the same irrespective of distance from fault. The paper concludes that non linear analysis needs to be performed necessarily linear classic analysis alone are not sufficient for analysis of torsionally irregular structures. ( Emrah Erduran, February 2008) 4) To control seismic response of unsymmetrical building viscous damper are placed. With help of modal analysis effect of plan wise distribution of damping were investigated and torsional dynamic behavior were examined. For input seismic earthquake suitable performance indexes were represented by mean of norms. These norms help to distribute plan wise distribution of extra dampers with help of parametrical analysis on asymmetrical plan. Design formulas are prepared to represent the results for norms which were verified by experimentation, which is representative of seismic response of asymmetrical systems. (L. Petti , M. De Iuliis, 2008) 5) Accidental eccentricity applications provided in codes are evaluated and compared with alternative interpretations. An effect of accidental eccentricity is evaluated on the strength of different components. Flexible side elements behavior is investigated and protection measures are described to limit the forces such a comparison is made using different codes. A proposal is made with respect to codes provisions regarding accidental eccentricity, minimum value is specified laterally responding systems. Evaluation of results based on inelastic dynamic analyses indicates that all codes satisfactorily fulfill the requirements to control the response of torsionally unbalanced buildings. Similarly ductility demand and element deformation demand for all the codes are considered. This response demand has a consistence relationship with time period and geometric of the buildings. Codes requirement in design of stiff side elements are verified and found to be satisfactory. ( A.M Chandler, J. C Correnza and G.L. Hutchinson, 1995) TORSIONAL IRREGULARITY Torsional irregularity is defined in Building Code of Pakistan 2007 (BCP 2007) and is reproduced in Table No.2.1. and Table No. 2.2 Table 2.1 Plan Structural Irregularities IRREGULARITY TYPE AND DEFINITION 1.Torsional irregularity to be considered when diaphragms are not flexible Torsional irregularity shall be considered to exist when the maximum storey drift, computed including accidental torsion, at one end of the structure transverse to an axis is more than 1.2 times the average of the storey drifts of the two ends of the structure. 2. Re-entrant corners Plan configurations of a structure and its lateral-force-resisting system contain re-entrant corners, where both projections of the structure beyond a re-entrant corner are greater than 15 percent of the plan dimension of the structure in the given direction. 3. Diaphragm discontinuity Diaphragms with abrupt discontinuities or variations in stiffness, including those having cutout or open areas greater than 50 percent of the gross enclosed area of the diaphragm, or changes in effective diaphragm stiffness of more than 50 percent from one storey to the next. 4. Out-of-plane offsets Discontinuities in a lateral force path, such as out-of-plane offsets of the vertical elements. 5. Nonparallel systems The vertical lateral-load-resisting elements are not parallel to or symmetric about the major orthogonal axes of the lateral-force-resisting system. Table 2.2 Vertical Structural Irregularities IRREGULARITY TYPE AND DEFINITION 1. Stiffness irregularity soft storey A soft storey is one in which the lateral stiffness is less than 70 percent of that in the storey above or less than 80 percent of the average stiffness of the three storeys above. 2. Weight (mass) irregularity Mass irregularity shall be considered to exist where the effective mass of any storey is more than 150 percent of the effective mass of an adjacent storey. A roof that is lighter than the floor below need not be considered. 3. Vertical geometric irregularity Vertical geometric irregularity shall be considered to exist where the horizontal dimension of the lateral-force-resisting system in any storey is more than 130 percent of that in an adjacent storey. One-storey penthouses need not be considered. 4. In-plane discontinuity in vertical lateral-force-resisting element An in-plane offset of the lateral-load-resisting elements greater than the length of those elements. 5. Discontinuity in capacity weak storey A weak storey is one in which the storey strength is less than 80 percent of that in the storey above. The storey strength is the total strength of all seismic-resisting elements sharing the storey shear for the direction under consideration. 2.4 CONFIGURATION REQUIREMENTS Regular structures have no significant physical discontinuities in plan or vertical configuration or in their lateral-force-resisting systems such as the irregular features. Irregular structures have significant physical discontinuities in configuration or in their lateral-force-resisting systems. Irregular features include, but are not limited to, those described in code. All structures in Seismic Zone 1 and Occupancy Categories 4 and 5 in Seismic Zone 2 need to be evaluated only for vertical irregularities of Type 5 (Table 2.2) and horizontal irregularities of Type 1 (Table 2.1). Structures having any of the features listed in Table 2.2 shall be designated as if having a vertical irregularity. (UBC 1629.5.3) Where no storey drift ratio under design lateral forces is greater than 1.3 times the storey drift ratio of the storey above, the structure may be deemed to not have the structural irregularities of Type 1 or 2 in Table 2.2. The storey drift ratio for the top two storeys need not be considered. (UBC 1629.5.3) The storey drifts for this determination may be calculated neglecting torsional effects. Structures may have irregularity in plan or elevation listed in BCP 2007. 2.5 STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS Structural systems shall be classified as one of the types listed BCP-2007 and defined under. Bearing Wall System A structural system without a complete vertical load-carrying space frame. Bearing walls or bracing systems provide support for all or most gravity loads. Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear walls or braced frames. Building Frame System A structural system with an essentially complete space frame providing support for gravity loads. Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear walls or braced frames. Moment-Resisting Frame System A structural system with an essentially complete space frame providing support for gravity loads. Moment-resisting frames provide resistance to lateral load primarily by flexural action of members. Dual System A structural system with the following features comes in the category of dual system: 1. Essentially complete space frame that provides support for gravity loads. 2. Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear walls or braced frames and moment-resisting frames (SMRF, IMRF, MMRWF or steel OMRF). The moment-resisting frames shall be designed to independently resist at least 25 percent of the design base shear. 3. The two systems shall be designed to resist the total design base shear in proportion to their relative rigidities considering the interaction of the dual system at all levels. 2.6 DRIFT AND STOREY DRIFT LIMILATION Drift Drift or horizontal displacements of the structure shall be computed where required. For both Allowable Stress Design and Strength Design, the Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement, ΆM, of the structure caused by the Design Basis Ground Motion shall be determined in accordance with this section. The drifts corresponding to the design seismic forces ΆS, shall be determined. To determine ΆM, these drifts shall be amplified. A static, elastic analysis of the lateral force-resisting system shall be prepared using the design seismic forces. Where Allowable Stress Design is used and where drift is being computed, the related load combinations shall be used. The resulting deformations, denoted as ΆS, shall be determined at all critical locations in the structure. Calculated drift shall include translational and torsional deflections. The Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement, ΆM, shall be computed as follows (BCP 2007): ΆM = 0.7 R ΆS (2.1) Alternatively, ΆM may be computed by nonlinear time history analysis. The analysis used to determine the Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement ΆM shall consider P-Ά effects. Storey Drift Limitation Storey drifts shall be computed using the Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement, ΆM. Calculated storey drift using ΆM shall not exceed 0.025 times the storey height for structures having a fundamental period of less than 0.7 second. For structures having a fundamental period of 0.7 second or greater, the calculated storey drift shall not exceed 0.020 times the storey height, with exceptions of: 1. These drift limits may be exceeded when it is demonstrated that greater drift can be tolerated by both structural elements and nonstructural elements that could affect life safety. The drift used in this assessment shall be based upon the Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement, Ά M. 2. There shall be no drift limit in single-storey steel-framed structures classified as Groups B, F and S Occupancies or Group H, Occupancies. In Groups B, F and S Occupancies, the primary use shall be limited to storage, factories or workshops. Structures on which this exception is used shall not have equipment attached to the structural frame or shall have such equipment detailed to accommodate the additional drift. Walls that are laterally supported by the steel frame shall be designed to accommodate the drift. The design lateral forces used to determine the calculated drift may disregard the limitations and may be based on the period determined, neglecting the 30 or 40 percent limitations. 2.7 SELECTION OF LATERAL-FORCE PROCEDURE Any structure may be, and certain structures defined below shall be, designed using the dynamic lateral-force procedures. (UBC 16.8) Simplified Static The simplified static lateral-force procedure may be used for the following structures of Occupancy Category 4 or 5 (UBC 1629.8.2) 1. Buildings of any occupancy (including single-family dwellings) not more than three storeys excluding basements that use light-frame construction. 2. Other buildings not more than two storeys in height excluding basements. The static lateral force procedure may be used for the following structures: (UBC 1629.8.3) 1. All structures, regular or irregular, in Seismic Zone 1 and in Occupancy Categories 4 and 5 in Seismic Zone 2. 2. Regular structures under 73.0 meters (240 feet) in height with lateral force resistance provided by different systems. 3. Irregular structures not more than five storeys or 20 meters (65 feet) in their height. 4. Structures having a flexible upper portion supported on a rigid lower portion where both portions of the structure considered separately can be classified as being regular, the average storey stiffness of the lower portion is at least 10 times the average storey stiffness of the upper portion and the period of the entire structure is not greater than 1.1 times the period of the upper portion considered as a separate structure fixed at the base. Dynamic Lateral Force Procedure The dynamic lateral-force procedure shall be used for structures, including the following: (UBC 1629.8.4) 1. Structures 73 meters (240 feet) or more in height 2. Structures having a stiffness, weight or geometric vertical irregularity of Type 1, 2 or 3 or structures having irregular features not described in code. 3. Structures over five storeys or 20 meters (65 feet) in height in Seismic Zones 3 and 4 not having the same structural system throughout their height. 4. Structures, regular or irregular, located on Soil Profile Type SF that has a period greater than 0.7 second. The analysis shall include the effects of the soils at the site . Structures with a discontinuity in capacity, vertical irregularity Type 5, shall not be over two storeys or 9 meters (30 feet) in height where the weak storey has a calculated strength of less than 65 percent of the storey above. Where the weak storey is capable of resisting a total lateral seismic force of ÃŽÂ ©o times the design force prescribed. Where ÃŽÂ ©o = Seismic force over strength factor given in Table 16-N of UBC 97

Diversity in Management Essay -- BTEC Business Marketing GCSE Coursewo

Diversity in Management Diversity in management, or lack thereof, is having the same mixture of women, blacks, and other minorities in management positions as there is in that local population. What this paper will talk about is some of the facts that business will have to face in regards to diversifying there workforce and there management. Also, it will discuss that while our workforce is becoming more diverse, the upper and middle management of many companies are not. We have to remember that having diversified workforce is not something a company should have, actually it is some thing that has happened or is soon going to happen due to the fact that we have a more diversified population. (Sutherland, 1996) This is why it is important that we train our management to deal with this inevitability. To the extent of the lack of diversity in management, it is somewhat alarming to see that while we have a rapid increase in the diversity of our population on Long Island, and a pretty diversified workforce, we don’t have well-diversified management in most companies on the island. On Long Island, two-thirds of the companies surveyed in conjunction with a recent Newsday article have no blacks, Hispanics, or Asians at anything above the vice president level. Also, of all the companies surveyed only 13 percent of them said that they had more than one minority in their executive suite. Also while women have seen an increase that has actually out numbered the number of men in professional ranks, women only account for a mere 10 percent of the total number of executive officers in the top 25 companies on Long Island. While women are getting the short end of the stick in the respect to jobs, women and other minorities are also not getting paid as much as men are. Of the 500 highest paid executives on the island and queens only 19 of them were female. That works out to be about 3.8 percent of the 500 executives. In the highest paid and the fastest growing type of business which happens to be technology, management here is represented less than in any other type of business. All women and most minorities excluding Asian Americans hold few to no jobs in this field that includes the manufacturing of computers, communication devices, and other kinds of electronic equipment. Along with technology, the stock brokerage field and securities firms all al... ...at broadcasters must now reach out more into minority communities when hiring new workers. (www.diversityonline.com) While where has been some progress in helping diversify our workforce and management it is obvious that we have a long way to go before the amount of minorities and women in a given local area equal the amount of minorities and women in managerial roles in a given company. It is unfortunate that there is such a lack of diversity because if we continue to limit the number of minorities in management positions and the number of minorities in a given community continue to rise than companies might not be able to meet the needs of their customers. That it is why it is imperative that more companies incorporate some form of a diversity program. If companies don’t start using programs like this it will not only hurt that company and community but it will also hurt the economy. Works Cited 1. www.diversiryonline.com. The Diversity Monitor, February 2000. 2. Gordon, Craig. Newsday Vol.60 No.219. Sunday, April 9, 2000 3. Sutherland, Tyler. April 1996, http://cctr.umkc.edu/wicc/wdpaper.html 4. The Workplace Diversity Initiative, http://www.shrm.org/diversity/

I Think Im Pretty Sure I Remember What You Did Last Summer :: English Literature Essays

I Think I'm Pretty Sure I Remember What You Did Last Summer After we ran over that old lady in Diego’s car, well things haven’t been the same. I still have nightmares of her chasing me with that handbag. I told them to go to the police but Diego didn’t want to be put up for manslaughter. I can’t get the image out of my mind. I knew we shouldn’t have dumped her body in the Port River. If Luke weren’t so pissed that night he wouldn’t have distracted Diego. Ben’s not the same anymore, he keeps on having these mental fits. I feel sorry for his parents, I mean the old lady even killed Michael for gods sake! Alastair’s been acting really weird too. Every time he sees an old lady he goes absolutely crazy. Anyway a good thing happened the other day, it was a far cry from all those murders that old bitch committed, she should be dead I mean I shot her in the head five times before pushing her in front of that semi-trailer. Anyway, the good thing is a radio station rang up and said that I’d won a trip to Kangaroo Island and that I could take five mates along. So let me see†¦I took Alastair, Ben, Diego, Luke and Jason. We all went in Diego’s car. Alastair sat up front, Ben, Luke and I were in the back and we tied Jason to the roof racks with the entire luggage and Adam wanted to come so he ran behind us. We deliberately took the long way. When we arrived it was fantastic, I reckon it was a five star shack. Adam died of a heart attack when we got there so we burnt his body and pissed on his ashes, you know†¦to make sure he didn’t come back to life and kill us all. Anyway we met the bloke who owned the shack, his name was Bill Oldladison and he was a pretty nice guy. He let us borrow his fishing gear and all. That night Luke decided to raise the alcohol level in his blood so he reached into his bag of booze and sucked on a bottle of Jim Beam. Alastair got hungry and asked Diego to go to the local pizza bar and get two party size pizza’s but Diego didn’t want to go because he was waiting for some soccer show about Boca Juniors to start on SBS so he gave the keys to Luke.

Love Presented in Poems by Wilfred Owen Essay -- Wilfred Owen Poems Po

Love Presented in Poems by Wilfred Owen Explore how the theme of love is presented in Birdsong and a selection of poems by Wilfred Owen. Loving attitudes, though perhaps not as prominent as themes such as violence and pride, are intimately observed and explored in Sebastian Faulks' Birdsong and in many of Wilfred Owen's War poems. Each aspect of love, as seen through the eyes of this First World War soldier and Faulks' characters, is as interesting as it is diverse, allowing an impervious insight into the psychological effects that the War had on these men. Such a formidable event as war has a devastating effect on all parties involved. In total, the First World War saw the deaths of 420,000 English, 450,000 German, and 205,000 French civilians. Through the bleak and most shattering of ordeals, love will show itself in the strangest fashions; surfacing in new and unforeseen places, and overriding all tribulations. I believe the two texts I have selected support this view, portraying clearly many different features of the love that war made apparent, love that was forced to survive horrendous difficulties, and the love which was occasionally lost. Propaganda for The Great War sold a message of equality, duty and devotion, striking a patriotic chord throughout England with slogans such as: "Everyone should do his bit", and "God bless dear daddy who is fighting the Hun and send him HELP". This image of fearlessness, commitment and love for your country was heavily supported and can be appreciated when reading the poetry of Jessie Pope. Her poems are often used to demonstrate the sentiments on the home front, and are commonly taught in opposition to the ideas of the major war poets, including Wilfred... ...nder feelings, such as the personification of "The kind old sun" in Futility and "the haunting flares" in Dulce Et Decorum Est; Faulkes using emotive language and character relationships to portray the sadness and the loss encountered during the war. Both are successful in their attempt to show love enduring everything, and of love being borne from human nature's lust for survival. Footnotes  ¹Owen's poem Dulce Et Decorum Est was originally dedicated to Jessie Pope, but under the advice of Sassoon, Owen settled for using "My friend" to represent her, believing that a name check was perhaps too strong. Bibliography Essays read: www.studyworld.com/ literature/dulce_et_decorum_est.htm www.whatalovelywar.co.uk/jessie.htm/ Books studied: Wilfred Owen: The War Poems. (Chatto & Windus LTD, 1994) Sebastien Faulkes: Birdsong (Vintage, 1994)

Pest Tesco Pakistan

Marketing Planning in a Global Environment Group Assignment No: 1 Topic: What is the purpose of a Political, Economic, Social and Technical (PEST) environmental analysis for companies in relation to their global (marketing) strategy? Present a PEST analysis for ONE of the following four companies: the computer chip manufacturer Intel the train operator Scotrail the food etc. retailer Tesco the book shop retailer John Smiths {draw:frame} Group Members: Bushra Yaseen Naureen Ruftaj Mahmood Ali Suhaib Hussain Baluch Submitted to: Sushil Mohan Dated: 26/February/2010 {pcut:paragraph_to_cut} Introduction: The assignment aims to apply the PEST analysis for TESCO (a British international grocery and general merchandising retail chain) if they were to launch the stores in Pakistan. The assignment takes into consideration all the factors (Political, Economical, Social & Technological) which might affect Tesco when it starts operating in Pakistan. {draw:frame} {draw:custom-shape} {draw:frame} What is PEST? Why Pest is used? PEST is an abbreviation of political, economical, social and technological analysis which describes the macro environment factors used to conduct a strategic analysis or performing market research. Political Analysis includes political stability, legal framework for contract enforcement, intellectual property protection, trade regulations & tariffs, pricing regulations, taxation – tax rates and incentives, wage legislation – minimum wage and overtime, product labelling requirements, environmental regulations. Economical Analysis includes type of economic system in countries of operation, government intervention in the free market, exchange rates & stability of host country currency, efficiency of financial markets, infrastructure quality, skill level of workforce, labour costs, business cycle stage, economic growth rate, unemployment rate, inflation rate, interest rates. Social Analysis includes demographics, class structure, education, culture (gender roles, etc. ), entrepreneurial spirit, attitudes (health, environmental consciousness, etc. Technological Analysis includes recent technological developments, technology's impact on product offering, impact on cost structure, impact on value chain Structure, rate of Technological Diffusion, technological Knowhow. Advantages of PEST Analysis It facilitates an understanding of the wider business environment. It encourages the development of external thinking and strategic thinking. It can enable an organization to anticipate the future busine ss threats and take action to avoid or minimize their impact. It can enable the organization to spot the new business opportunities and make use of them fully. {draw:frame} Introduction of TESCO Tesco, the leading Britain retailer commenced its business in 1919 in East London by Jack Cohen. Tesco now has 4308 stores with approx 440,000 employees. It is basically a retail service provider but it has diversified itself in telecom sector, health sector, clothing sector, hosieries, dental plans, DVDs, Internet services, financial services, pharmacy, car insurance, music downloads and software. Tesco is providing the products and services as per changing consumers’ needs and demands therefore; Tesco wants to facilitate its customers as much as it can. Mission: ‘Creating value for customers, to earn their lifetime loyalty’. Vision and Values: Our core purpose is to create value for customers to earn their lifetime loyalty. We do this through our values and code of conduct, the way we choose to work at Tesco. Our values are summed up in two phrases – ‘no-one tries harder for customers’ and ‘treat people how we like to be treated’. Tesco’s stores are divided into the six following types: Tesco extra stores are larger in size (located away from main city centres) and have all Tesco’s product range. Tesco superstores are mainly having grocery items and a small range of non-food items. Tesco Metro stores are located in city centres and high streets. These stores are medium in size and offer limited range of items. Tesco Express stores are smaller in size to facilitate the customers on Esso petrol stations and small shopping places located in residential areas. One Stop stores are smallest in size and are part of Tesco Express. Tesco Homeplus stores offer all of Tesco's ranges except food in warehouse-style units in retail parks. *Marketing Objectives:* Increased Profitability Growth in Market share Emergence in new markets Customer advocacy Respected company/ brand awareness. Employees growth and motivation Emerging in new markets is the main focus of Tesco’s future planning. Initially the global expansion plan of Tesco was not successful but later on Tesco started the localization of its products and stores as per global markets. The global market strategy of Tesco is the growth in grocery items, non-food items, international expansion and other services offered by it. Tesco’s Global Presence (Appendix C) Political Factors The following are the Political factors regarding the Pakistani government which are likely to influence the operations of Tesco when they decide to launch its store chain in Pakistan. Political Instability: The political instability is the major factor of low foreign investment in the Pakistan. It creates uncertainty in the minds of investors. Because political uncertainty refers to the reaction by people to any change in the political scenario. The reaction can be in the form of protests or rallies in which the properties of government along with others have been destroyed in the past by the angry mob of people. This has resulted into the loss of millions and billions of Dollars to the companies. Tesco needs to keep in mind that in Pakistan if there is any instability politically, foreign companies get affected the most. It is very difficult for the government to provide foolproof security to their stores. Threat of change in Government: The rules and policies (Tax rates) given by the government also changes by the change of the authority or government. Bargaining Power on Taxing: Since the Government is encouraging the Foreign Investments and new entrants in the field of departmental stores (Cash & Carry) therefore, Tesco can use its power of being a huge foreign investor to have tax rates which are lesser than others. Keeping in mind the current situation of foreign investments (very low) the government might offer a lesser tax rate to Tesco. Fluctuation in Trade policy: There is very high frequency of changing trade policies in Pakistan. The fluctuation in trade policy results into an imbalance between exports and imports. Economic Factors Inflation Rate: The inflation rates gives an idea about the price increase over the past few years and it tells that at the moment in Pakistan it stands at 10. 3% approximately which is quite high. For a country that has such high inflation rates, it gets really difficult to operate at lower prices. Cost of Security: Tesco would have to spend a lot of money on the security because as Tesco is a foreign brand a lot of security threats would be faced by Tesco. Since the government is unable to provide foolproof so Tesco would have to engage a private company for its stores which would increase cost. Fluctuating Exchange Rates: Devaluation of money (Cost of Capital goes down) and increasing exchange rate discourages the investors to invest in Pakistan’s market. Cost on Energy: The country is also suffering from Energy crisis (Electricity) so this would give rise to a problem of Electricity in Stores. There is load shedding of electricity of minimum of 6-8 hours in urban areas. Therefore, an alternative source of generators would have to be used by Tesco for their stores. Which would result into an increase in cost of Tesco and since Tesco stores remain opened for 24 hours, therefore, their charges for electricity (which would be on generators) would be doubled Intense Competition: Tesco is likely to face a very intense competition from all areas. There are cash and carry stores already located in the major cities of Pakistan (one in each) like Makro and Hyper star. Apart from that there are a very huge number of retailers present in every town (almost in every other street). For consumers, switching costs might increase if they plan to purchase a product from Tesco. The switching cost can be higher in terms of time and the distance. Purchasing Power: Tesco might need to look into the purchasing power of consumers in Pakistan. The purchasing power would help Tesco to determine the size of the potential market (revenues). Socio-Cultural Environment Behaviour of Pakistani Consumers: First of all society and the culture of Pakistan and its markets are not as much adaptive to changes. So it would be difficult for Tesco to get sales. Convenience of Time & Distance: The habit of Pakistanis is to buy goods from the nearest market on the day to day basis in order to save time and cost of travelling to a megastore which might be located far away from them. The Power of ‘Credit Sales**’: Another problem which Tesco might face is that there is a trend in Pakistan of consumers that they buy groceries from local retailers on credit and pay them back after they get their salaries. Bulk Shopping: Most Pakistani consumers lack the concept of bulk shopping. It is not in their culture to shop in high quantities. Since the purchasing power of majority of people is not very high so they prefer to buy items day by day (as and when needed). Creating Demand for ready cooked Tesco’s food products: It has been observed that in UK and other European countries there is a huge demand of Tesco’s ready cooked meals. But if we look at the social behaviour (taste) of Pakistani consumers it still reflects the conventional ways of food consumptions (3 heavy meals / day). Consumers like to cook themselves at their homes. The existing culture as far as the consumption of food items is concerned might pose few problems for Tesco. *Culture for *24 hour* shopping*: Tesco might find it hard to attract consumers at night because it is not in the culture of Pakistani people to shop late at night. They shop during the day timings or evenings and prefer to stay home take rest at night so Tesco would certainly need to do something to change this habit of Pakistani Consumers. Technological Environment Online Shopping: Tesco would have to invest a lot of money if they decide to serve customers through online shopping. The reason being that it is very difficult (Costly) for them to set up an Information Technology infrastructure which would enable them to serve customers through internet. Payments through Debit Card: Another area in which they might need to focus on is payments through debit cards like they have this facility in their stores in other countries. Since megastores generate a lot of revenue through impulse buying as well so the consumers might not carry cash for such purchases. In order to avoid losing customers, Tesco would have to create an arrangement with the banks in a way that it enables the customers to use their debit card while making purchases at Tesco. Installation of Security Equipment: By considering the current security situation of the country, Tesco would be required to install latest expensive security equipments such as Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), scanners, metal detectors. Etc Solar Energy as source of Electricity: Since electricity is a problem in Pakistan, what Tesco can do is that they can install the solar energy lit appliances to utilize solar energy to generate electricity. Since the weather of Pakistan is mostly sunny, we believe Tesco can make use of this technology to benefit itself. Conclusions & Recommendations After carrying out the PEST analysis for Tesco on Pakistan we came up to few recommendations. It is advised that Tesco should launch its retail chain in Pakistan because Pakistan like other developing countries is a high potential market (in terms of revenues) for the investors. We have also observed that Carrefour has launched Hyperstar which is doing very well in terms of revenue generation and profits. Since it is not a good time as far as the political environment is concerned and foreign investors are not willing to invest in Pakistan so this might help Tesco to have tax rates lower than others or they might negotiate with the Government of Pakistan to raise a barrier for new retail store entrants for particular years so that Tesco establishes itself properly and achieves economies of scale (which would serve as a barrier to new entrants) Since Tesco is open 24 hours a day so they would need double resources (in terms of Technological & Human Capital) but it might not be a good option in Pakistan because mostly consumers in Pakistan do not prefer to shop late at night because issues like security and others. So we suggest Tesco to operate 12-16 hours per day. This way Tesco would be able save a huge amount of cost which would have been incurred by just operating 24 hours a day. We believe Tesco should launch its operations into Pakistani market in order to follow their growth strategy through international expansion. We are very sure that Tesco will be able to gain a decisive amount of market share in order to show its dominance in Pakistan. APPENDIX A {draw:frame} APPENDIX B Application of PEST Business planning , {text:list-item} Marketing planning, {text:list-item} Product development, {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Organizational change, {text:list-item} Research reports. {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} APPENDIX C {draw:frame} This table is taken from Tesco Preliminary Results 2008/09 Additional Information REFERENCES Websites: http://www. tescocorporate. om/plc/ir/pres_results/analyst_packs/ap2009/prelim09/prelim09. pdf http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/PEST_analysis http://www. mindtools. com/pages/article/newTMC_09. htm http://www. cbr. gov. pk/ *Author & Textbooks*: Kotler, P. , and Keller, K. L. (2006) Marketing Management, 12th ed, Prentice Hall, London. AGUILAR, F. J. (1967) Scanning the business environment. New York: Macmillan. Johnson, G. , Scholes, K. , and Whittington R. (2008) Exploring Corporate Strategy Text Cases, 8th ed, Prentice Hall, London. Narayanan, V. K, and Fahey, L. (2001) Macro environmental_ Analysis_: Understanding the Environment Outside the Industry, in The Portable MBA in Strategy, 2nd ed, John Wiley & Sons, New York.