Ray Bradbury’s “There Will Come Soft Rains” Essay

What would the world be like if mankind disappeared? This is the theme of Ray Bradbury’s story â€Å"There Will Come Soft Rains†. All of the characters in the story are machines, which through personification take the place of human characters. The theme of man’s destruction reverberates throughout the story. Bradbury uses personification to describe the mechanical creations of man that eventually lead to the story’s theme of the destruction of mankind. There are no human characters at all in the story; instead, there are machines with human characteristics. Miller notes that personification is constantly used to describe the house’s actions (1). This is seen in the first line of the story,† In the living room the voice-clock sang, Tick-tock, seven o’clock, time to get up, seven o’ clock! as if it were afraid that nobody would† (Bradbury 76). The distress of the voice-clock gives it a humanoid impression, which allows it to take the place of human characters. Another interesting example of personification is seen in the way that Bradbury describes the robotic mice. â€Å"Behind it whirred angry mice, angry at having to pick up mud, angry at inconvenience† (Bradbury 77). However, machines are incapable of feelings. Hicks observes that readers are reminded that the rodent readers are mechanical, and that feelings-â€Å"those highly praised human emotions†-cannot exist in machines (234). In fact, there is only one living character in the whole story. As Jennifer Hicks points out, the only live being in the house is the dog, who enters mid-story (234). The dog is not very seemly. â€Å"The dog, once huge and fleshy, but now gone to bone and covered with sores, moved in and through the house, tracking mud† (Bradbury 77). It is pathetic and dying, much like the human race. Life after the destruction of man is the main theme of the story. It is hinted in the story that an atomic bomb was the cause of man’s demise. Bradbury does not blatantly tall the reader that an atomic catastrophe occurred, but reveals it by describing the house and its surroundings (Miller 6). The reader is told that, â€Å"The house stood alone in a city of rubble and ashes. This was the one house left standing. At night the ruined city gave off a radioactive glow which could be seen for miles† (Bradbury 77). The â€Å"ruined city† and â€Å"radioactive glow† give readers enough clues to  conclude that atomic warfare was the cause of man’s downfall. While it is known that the earth is now empty, Bradbury also indicates that it was empty before the bomb. Peltier suggests that this world was empty even before the destruction, with mechanical mice vacuuming and a sing-song clock telling time. The dull, mechanical world was empty long before people were taken from it (238). This can be seen in the nursery, where â€Å"Animals took shape: yellow giraffes, blue lions, pink antelopes, lilac panthers cavorting in crystal substance. The walls were glass. They looked out upon color and fantasy† (Bradbury 78). Children do not even go outside to enjoy nature, but watch it on their mechanical walls, their lives growing more and more hollow and empty. Another point that Bradbury makes is that if man disappeared, nothing would care, or even notice. Peltier explains that â€Å"The title of the story, taken from the poem quoted within it, suggests that if humankind were gone, nature would not only endure, but it would also not even notice our disappearance† (237). Sara Teasdale’s poem best illustrates this. â€Å"And not one will know of the war, not one/Will care at last when it is done./Not one would mind, neither bird nor tree,/If mankind perished utterly;/ And Spring herself, when she woke at dawn/ Would scarcely know that we were gone (Bradbury 79). Indeed, life would go on after mankind, and would go on peacefully. Therefore, Bradbury’s use of personification describe the machines that eventually lead to the story’s theme of mankind’s destruction. Personification allows the machines to show us what the people who owned the house were like: cold, impersonal, and oblivious to the outside- characteristics that led to both man and machine’s downfall. The author uses the story’s theme of the destruction of man to show readers the effects of becoming too dependent on machines and withdrawing from nature and the world. The chilling thing about Bradbury’s story is the acknowledgment of human dependency on machinery today, and the realization that in such a technologically advanced world, the story could easily become reality.

Internet Web Servers and HTML Essay

In order to create a web page, a host must be first be found, or created. The Internet host is a site where the web page becomes available for view by users on the world wide web. While web pages can be hosted by an individual, most people prefer to use a host site as a service provider to do so for them. An Internet host provider does everything needed to make a web site available to others. The host provider will usually charge a fee for their services, although in some cases it is free. Most host providers can also sell a domain name (for instance www. johndoe. com). They will provide space on their server for web pages and may provide an interface control panel for installing scripts, which eases users’ accessibility to the site (such as providing a link for Email communication). After the Internet host provider has been selected, it is then up to the owner of the web site to provide the pages that will appear on the Internet. This is done by creating HTML (hyper text markup protocol) pages that are transferred to the server via FTP (file transfer protocol). An easy way to create web pages for a site is to use a software editor such as Microsoft’s Front Page. Front Page is available as part of the Microsoft Office Suite and can integrate documents from Word or spreadsheets from Excel into the web page. Front Page is user friendly; the software lets users input the text and pictures they want on a web site page as if they were using a word processing program (i. e. , there are buttons to make letters bold, italic, colored, etc. ) instead of having to insert the correct HTML code (which translates the look and placement of items on the Internet). Front Page then takes the information and converts it to HTML language. Once the pages are complete, Front Page will transfer the pages to the Internet host provider where they will be stored, using the account name and password via FTP. Once the pages have been uploaded to the web site, it is then visible and accessible to any user of the world wide web. References â€Å"Hosting Your Web Site†. Retrieved October 31, 2007 from the Dummies Web site: http://www. dummies. com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-3140. html. â€Å"Microsoft Office Front Page 2003†. Retrieved October 31, 2007 from the Microsoft Web site: http://www. microsoft. com/products/info/product. aspx? view=22&pcid=57bccce5-f934-422d-a11a-2afd0c0014db&type=ovr.

Assignment Communication Profile

During the course of the day, I spent just as much time listening as I did talking so I guess it is 50/50. I thought before doing this chart that I did not talk much but after I look at it I spend just as much time listing as I do talking. After noticing that most of my day is silent because no one is at home I think I need to find something to do during the day. When it comes to the different types of listing such as comprehensive listening, empathetic listening, critical listening and appreciative listening I noticed I use mostly appreciative listening and empathetic listening.Because I am A stay at home mom about the only conversations I have are with my daughter and her daddy so I spend most of my time soothing them and helping them with there problems and just being there to listen to them. I think I need the most improvement in critical listening because some times I tend to loose the whole idea of the conversations I am in and find my self daydreaming and blocking people out. I think improving on critical listing will help me a lot because not only will I be listing to what people have to say I would actually be paying attrition and understand what they are talking about.I think to improve on this listing skill I will need to get out of the house more often and communicate with different types of people. Over all I think my listing and communications skills could use some work. I think most of my problem is being stuck inside the house except for one day a month when I do errands and shop for food. I think getting out and meeting new people and communicating with friend would help me out a great deal. I think with a few minor adjustment to my normal day to day life will help me in a big way.Now when I go out I will pay more attrition to my communication skills. Because who knows what people think of me when I go out and they try to speak to me and I just smile and shake my head and they can tell I am not listing to what they are saying. Now since I am pa ying more attention to the way I communicate I have practiced it with my family and they told me I was acting different because now I actually take in everything that have to say.I also communicate more with them than I use to and they say I seem like a different person. I enjoy the time I have with my family now and pay more attention to my communication skills. They said before I was like a knot on a log I was always in a daze and never really said anything back to them when they were talking. Now I am on my way to better communication skills not just in my personal life but my social life as well.

2 Questions Needed to be Ansewered Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

2 Questions Needed to be Ansewered - Assignment Example Firstly, they encourage countries to tighten money supply and reduce fiscal stimulus (Friedman 4). Secondly, they advocate privatization of public enterprises (Friedman Web). They also advocates for liberal, free market economy. These institutions also force countries to adopt tax rate that prevail in other countries. They also demands countries to maintain their deficit to GDP ratio to international standards. In addition, they allow the removal of restrictions on the flow of international capital and the removal of barriers to trade (Quiggin 5). Countries are also required to maintain zero tolerance to corruption. In fact, after the 1980’s debt crisis, the IMF required the government to cut public expenditure, sell or close public institution operating at a loss followed by removal of regulatory policies (Quiggin 32). Several benefits exist to countries that follow the Golden Straightjacket. The first benefit is the increased acceleration of the economy and decreased political interference (Friedman 4). The Golden Straightjacket fosters more growth and higher average income (Friedman 4). This happens through increased trading activities, foreign investments, privatization and efficiency in resources used due to the pressure of global competition (Friedman 4). On the political front, the political and economic choices of those in power are limited by the global economic standards (Friedman 4). In fact, the government control on the economy minimizes as it adopts more policies that are liberal. This means the degrees of freedom on fiscal policies are limited (Friedman 101-111). On the other hand, some countries are against the Golden Straightjacket. Consequently, there is a consequence to such countries. Firstly, there is decreased investment. Secondly, there is reduced spending or withdrawing of m oney from such countries. Moreover, such countries are required to pay higher interest rates to borrow from foreign institutions (Chaudhry

Effects of Font Size in Standardized Testing Research Paper

Effects of Font Size in Standardized Testing - Research Paper Example In an experiment to determine how types of font and font sizes affect people’s ability to read as well as the time they take to read a given piece of writing, researchers reported that font size of 14 is more legible than font size of 12. Similarly, people could read faster under font size 14 as compared to font size 12 (Bernard, Liao and Mills n.p.). This identifies impacts on ability to understand and respond to written materials such as written tests and is essential in determining effectiveness of a test. A test on course content is for example effective when it is free from confounds such as font size barriers. This paper investigates existence of font size effect on standardized tests. It aims at determining existence of a significant relationship between font size in tests and students’ performance. Such a relationship will establish a basis for determination of the most efficient font size for testing potentials and will allow for accurate determination of stude nts’ abilities through written tests. Results of the research are further applicable to employers in their employee selection process. It allows them an efficient basis for determining recruiters’ accurate potentials. ... In this experiment, font size defines the size with which words are presented in tests, while students’ performance defines students’ scores from tests. The research anticipates a significant positive relationship between the variables. Methods Participants The research participants will be a group of psychology students. A sample size of 45 students will be used. Materials Research materials will include sets of examination materials; test papers with different font sizes, answer booklets, and pens. Design The research proposes a quasi-experimental design with a within group testing. The sample will form a single group that will be subjected to repeated tests. Stratified random sampling design will be applied in generating the research sample because of its advantages of generating a representative sample without inducing bias (Lim and Ting 14- 17). Procedure Ethical approval will be obtained for the research before seeking the school administration’s consent fo r implementation. Stratified random sampling method will then be used to select students from different psychology classes but who share a common unit. The sampled students will then be informed of the scope of the research, its application, and involved ethical issues before asking for their voluntary consent to participate. The participants will then be subjected to an examination, under normal test conditions, but with different font size print outs that will be randomly allocated to participants. The fonts will be 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. The procedure will be repeated for four different tests. Quantitative analysis will be used for the data. Descriptive statistics will be generated to identify characteristics of students’ performance by

Ethical Theories and National Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ethical Theories and National Security - Essay Example In act utilitarianism, opinions of function are involved straightforwardly and openly to every option of the state of affairs. Consequently, the operation of performance bringing the finest and excellent effect is regarded as correct. Opinions of function in rule utilitarianism are incorporated in the determination of resolutions of the strength and legitimacy or ethical behavior (White and Klein 33). Therefore, in rule utilitarianism, an action is regarded as correct and acceptable or erroneous in regard to whether ethical behavior was involved or not. Deontological theories are principled assumptions creating particular rules of behavior and position the significance of whether an action is correct or erroneous in accordance to the rule of law and ethical standards. Deontology theories are categorized in to monistic and pluralistic deontology. Monistic deontology was proposed by Kant and it stipulates that deeds of accomplishment in compliance or meeting the requirements of being c orrect and legitimate conducted logically and under good judgment are considered the embodiment of ethically admirable and commendable deeds. However, on a critical point of view, monistic opinions lack an approach or technique or determining solutions to a disagreement. Under monistic deontology, a common rule may congeal to become an unconditional rule. Pluralistic deontology was postulated by W. D. Ross and he asserted that certain manifestations disclose various obligations and responsibilities that lack the capacity for attachment. These obligations are generally embraced (Pera and Tonder 31). Examples of these obligations include the need not to hurt others, to assist others, and to be truthful. Ethical egoism is categorized into psychological egoism and ethical egoism. According to the psychological egoism, individual’s acts and deeds of accomplishment are abridged self-centeredness. This theory asserts that people behave in particular ways with the expectation of bene fitting from that behavior. On a critical point of view, this theory is evocative and suggestive; therefore, it is prone to being refuted. The assertions in psychological egoism are also considered wide-ranging, and they affirm a diminutive assertion towards individual deeds of accomplishment. Ethical egoism on the other hand elucidates the fact that individual deeds should be conducted on self-centeredness perspective (Shafer-Landau 194). On a critical point of view, people have varying interest and hence an individual performing his deeds in accordance to his interest may not necessarily do so in consideration of other people. Ethical egoism and utilitarianism have some similarities in that in both deeds are done in accomplishing what is preeminent to an individual. Ethical theory to live by It is of significance for an individual to be governed by the assertions of a particular ethical theory. The most favorable theory to live by is psychological egoism. Psychological egoism posi ts that an individual is motivated to act or behave in a particular manner as a result of individual believes that that particular behavior or action will bear fruits. It shows that people act according to their individual interests. We live in a competitive and harsh world. People in the modern world have been faced with difficult financial situations. Therefore, to survive necessitates that one should first according to his needs and be optimistic his/her actions

Determinants of Effective Tax Rate in Thailand Research Proposal

Determinants of Effective Tax Rate in Thailand - Research Proposal Example Tax changes can be analyzed, and thus a conclusion can be reached. Furthermore, the researcher has also been able to grasp a solid understanding of the tax concepts through the research, gaining important concepts like solid definitions and clear indications of the corporate tax burden and how corporations in Thailand are affected. Two important ideas will be analyzed through the literature; that of tax policy, and that of tax rules and the evolution of the corporate income tax. By taking a close look at these concepts, the researcher should be able to make an informed decision about the success of the corporate tax burden, and demonstrate the fact that the corporate tax reforms are allowing Thailand to become a more successful nation economically. First, when taking a close look at the corporate tax burden in Thailand, it is important to consider tax policy. Tax policy will allow the researcher to determine how Thailand's reforms are economically measuring up to other Asian nations and their economic reforms. A comparative analysis is always beneficial in allowing a researcher to see whether or not certain systems are successful, and this is also true of the corporate tax system in Thailand. There are a few helpful articles that describe this concept. In the article "Tax policy and reform in Asian countries: Thailand's perspective," Sujapongse presents a complete overview of Thailand's tax system. Within this description, the major taxes that are required by the central government, as well as the local taxes required by the local government, are discussed. Furthermore, the author also discusses more recent tax reforms, including the value added tax (VAT), which has replaced the business tax to customs tariff reform. The autho r also discusses current and modern day issues dealing with taxes, including the concepts of decentralization impediments, direct taxation, indirect taxation, and tax base. After this discussion, the author then proceeds to provide the researcher with a picture of the government's plans. Basically, the government is planning to use more and more technology in while handling taxes, thus allowing for Thailand to have e-government services and e-taxes. Furthermore, the "Roadmap for Tax Reform" is also discussed, and this helps to demonstrate the framework for future plans of taxation networks in Thailand. Tax issues are also discussed, and the author predicts the future of Thailand's ability to reform taxes. This author agrees with the concept of this research, and argues that Thailand is on path to effective corporate tax reform, thus benefitting the overall economy. The tax reforms, when compared to the economic success of other Asian countries, demonstrate that Thailand's economy is benefitting greatly from corporate tax reform, and doing much better when competing with other Asian nations in the corporate world. Furthermore, Thailand's focus on technol ogy and the future also demonstrate the nation's desire to become a key player economically on a global scale. This article therefore backs up the researcher's argument that corporate tax reform is allowing Thailand to improve its economy, and thus help it become more important economically in the world. Another article that helps the researcher take a closer look at tax policy is the article "Thailand: Tax Measures to

Explain and assess the role that virtue plays in Aristotle's theory of Essay

Explain and assess the role that virtue plays in Aristotle's theory of justice - Essay Example Aristotle claimed that justice should be dispensed in an appropriate manner. He also believed in the strength of virtue in changing the society. Aristotle's book, ‘Nicomachean Ethics’ explained the theory of virtue. He mentioned two kinds of virtue: the moral variety, and the intellectual variety (Raphael 2003). When Aristotle mentioned the subject of moral virtues, he spoke in reference to a person's character, and the way he conducted himself in his daily life. He stated that an individual’s character is a learned function, and not one that he was born with. Essentially, he felt that virtue was merely the balance between different extremes. The Greek term for "happiness" is pronounced as  Eudaimonia, which basically refers to maintaining a pleasant spirit. In Aristotle’s view, the highest objective of man was to maintain joy. Aristotle stressed that the definition of happiness was not merely keeping a happy face on a constant basis, or running after ple asure filled activities so that one can maintain superficial joy. This is how the current society tends to define happiness (Raphael 2003). Happiness and the possession of good morals are factors that are linked, in Aristotle’s view. ... It is probable that the founding fathers of America had this definition of happiness in mind when they declared in the declaration of independence that â€Å"the pursuit of happiness† was to be considered as an objective in the new nation. In Aristotle’s  Nicomachean Ethics, the factors that were necessary to achieve  eudaimonia were defined as self capability and decisiveness. Aristotle affirmed that these characteristics could only be achieved through individual initiative and ambition, which he referred to as the "humanistic" criterion (Raphael 2003). Aristotle also rejected the concept that the greatest good was a god given characteristic that could not be achieved without some kind of divine assistance. H e also believed that happiness was the one characteristic or aspect that was its own reward. It could not be used as a means to realise another higher state of contentment, in other words. Those who discovered real happiness, according to Aristotle, would not feel the desire for something else or to experience some other state of contentment. Aristotle categorised virtues in practical terms. He was of the opinion that virtues dealt with the activities and zeal of the activities that people took part in, and what those activities made them feel like. He divided people’s feelings to fundamental pain and pleasure codes. He was endeavouring to instruct the citizens of Athens in the right way to carry themselves. He also believed that there was no one wrong or right way to feel. In the book on ‘Nichomachean Ethics’, Aristotle affirmed that if a person participated in 'good' acts, or assisted his fellow man, he would

Air Travelers Profiling Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Air Travelers Profiling - Essay Example Profiling systems are a part of the legal structure for security which has become an established part of what airport security and counter terrorism today has created for us. The Patriot Act and the Real ID act are just two examples of how civil liberties have become less important than the idea of securing a nation from its own citizens. Another negative aspect of the law is the ability of law enforcers to detain individuals without presenting them arrest warrants or allowing them to seek legal advice without granting them security clearance. Halperin (2003) reports exactly such an incident when he was held at gunpoint in a restaurant while federal officers checked for his legal status in the United States (even though he was an American citizen) and quizzed him about his out of state driving license.The law appears to have served its purpose in reducing attacks on American soil and American citizens. If simple safety is a measure of how successful the laws have been then there can be little argument that the laws have been largely successful in keeping us safe even though from the articles described by Hudson, it does not appear that Americans feel any safer. It must be remembered that the American governmental and administrative system is founded on the basis of checks and balances which control how much power the government can actually have.If the profiling rules are seen by enough people as being too harsh, or they are seen as being against the Constitution itself, I believe that we can trust the judicial system.

Successful Factors of Malmaison Hotel Chain Essay Example for Free

Successful Factors of Malmaison Hotel Chain Essay I had worked in Malmaison hotel chain for 2 years in various departments taking up different roles, and over the two years, Malmaison hotel chain as an organization has demonstrated potential future market leader quality and showed excellent growth rate, good profitability and increased market share. However, the hospitality industry as a whole, over the past a few years has been far from as optimistic as the Malmaison hotel chain has been. In the West Midlands, for example, it has been common for bars, restaurants, hotels to changed ownership, merged, be acquired, or go bankrupt. Indeed, bars and restaurants are three times more likely to go bankrupt than other businesses in the UK, according to Accountants UHY Hacker Young (2007), Their report revealed that 15. 5% of businesses in the UK hospitality and catering sector (restaurants, pubs, and hotels) fail every year in comparison with just 5. 2 % for the economy as a whole. UHY Hacker Young (2007) had investigated over 150,000 businesses that had failed in the past one year, and found out lots of anecdotal warnings about the high failure rate of restaurants in the first year to be true. In the hospitality industry the owners and managers were struggling with raising second round financing; market research and financial planning were not completed in a proper fashion; loyal customer base that protects against fast changing consumer tastes in bars and restaurants was not developed entirely, all of these have contributed to the high failure rate in the UK hospitality industry businesses. In such an economic and market environment, why Malmaison hotel chain has been a success becomes an interesting subject to study. Malmaison hotel chain was founded in 1994 along with its sister hotel chain Hotel du vin which is also owned by the same company MWB, there are 21 chain hotels that are under the same ownership and there are 3 more hotels which are just opened by the end the 2007 and a further 4 more Malmaison hotels are due to open by the end of 2008. The company is also in negotiation for another 7 sites. Malmaison hotel chain is recognised as the UKs leading lifestyle hotel group that is top of the brands in a recent survey. According to Caterer ; Hotelkeeper (2008), the survey of 2000 business and leisure travellers by BDRC, revealed that 53% of all travellers said they preferred to go to Malmaison as their first choice, 46% chose Hilton and 40% chose Marriott. Malmaison has over 1,500 bedrooms across the UK. The gross value of these hotel property assets in the Groups latest published accounts to 30th June 2007 was ? 553 million, not to mention the reputation which has gained the group a valuable brand image that worth millions. Over the years the group has won a number of awards, such as best hotel groups in the UK, also it won the best place to work for in the hospitality industry 5 years in a row. It is believed that a key reason for Malmaison hotel chain’s success lies in its efficient and developed human resource management system, productivity and performance measurement and monitoring system, market research team work, strategic management, adaptability to changes and its financial control. These will be investigated and discussed in detail later in the research. . 0 Aim The aim of this research project is to explore what has Malmaison hotel chain done to accomplish such a success while operating in the current UK economic and market environment. 3. 0Project Objectives ?To review the current teaching and practice regarding human resource management, marketing management, financial management, and operational management in relation to the hospitality industry. ?To analyze the management fashion and operation processes of Malmaison and their impact on the performance and productivity of Malmaison. To make recommendations to the management team of Malmaison Hotel Chain to increase the efficiency, effectiveness and the performance of the organization. 4. 0 Literature Review 4. 1 Introduction There are obviously a large number of factors, ultimately all contributing to the success of Malmaison, however, in this research, a limited range of key issues will be addressed which are believed to be the most significant contributing factors behind for Malmaison’s success. The literature review research was supported by electronic resources and library research. There has not been much work been done on the reasons for the success or failure of the UK hospitality industry, and there is even far less attention being paid to hotels. Both strategic marketing management and human resource management are broad concepts, it is therefore, necessary to focus upon a few critical issues within these subjects that have particularly been focused upon in the operation and management of the Malmaison group. 4. 2 Job Satisfaction Job satisfaction is a critical factor that contributes to better performance, Professor Stephen Robbins’ study shows that happy workers are more likely to be productive workers. As a result, the correlation between job satisfaction and job performance is also rather strong (Robbins, 2007). However, George and Jones (2008, p93) pointed out: â€Å"job satisfaction is not meaningfully associated with job performance†. A study that was conducted by Iaffaldano and Muchinsky (1985) in the 1980s in this area concluded that job satisfaction only accounted for 2 percent of the difference in performance levels across employees. Another more recent review indicated a very similar result that job satisfaction only accounted for 3 percent of the difference in performance level across employees. (Judge, Thoresen, et al. , 2001) George and Jones (2008) also mentioned that work attitudes such as job satisfaction affect work behaviours only when employees are free to vary their behaviours. The study suggested that most of the employees are not free to vary their behaviours at work because organizations spend a considerable amount of time and effort to ensure that members perform their assigned duties dependably regardless of whether they like their jobs or not. However, it is worth mentioning that the hospitality industry might be an exception to this rule simply because the work attitudes of the employees account for a very heavy portion of the level of the service in delivering satisfaction to customers’ needs. It will, therefore be worth carrying out further research to study the correlation between job satisfaction and job performance in this particular industry. 4. 3 Motivation, Job Design and Goal Setting Wagner Hollenbeck (2005) suggested that: â€Å"one way for an organization to gain a competitive advantage over its rivals is to generate a more motivated workforce†, â€Å"a person who is highly motivated will start work sooner and leave work later relative to someone is unmotivated. While engaged at work, a highly motivated person will work faster, take fewer breaks, and be less easily distracted relative to someone who is unmotivated†. Job design and goal setting are two of the major factors contributing towards creating motivation, George and Jones’s (2008) study suggested that: â€Å"Job design can have a profound effect on employee motivation. The specific goals employees strive for and the more general corporate objectives that an organization pursues over time are important sources of motivation for employees. † Wagner Hollenbeck (2005) pointed out that the methods of work design developed with the motivational perspective in mind include job enlargement and job enrichment. Callinan, Forshaw Peter’s (2007) studies showed that a job’s core characteristics, which are skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy and feedback are believed to be key influences on employee motivation. Goal setting is also considered to be â€Å"communicating accurate information on work performance† and these â€Å"can be positive motivators for employees. † George and Jones (2008) have similar opinions on this subject. They believe that â€Å"two major characteristics of goals that lead to high levels of motivation and performance, one is specificity, the other is difficulty†, â€Å"specific goals lead to higher performance than do vague goals or no goals†, and â€Å"difficult goals (not impossible) lead to higher motivation and performance than do easy or moderate goals. However, there are limits to goal setting theory, Thus, studies by George and Jones (2008) show that there are three particular circumstances under which setting specific, and difficult goals will not lead to high motivation and performance, they are goals which involve employees’ skills and abilities, tasks which require employees’ complete attention and a considerable amount of learning, and when creativity is needed to perform the task. In hospitality, these 3 circumstances do happen very often, this research will be carried out with heavy focus upon these circumstances and issues to review how Malmaison Hotel balance these pros and cons within their organization. 4. 4 Groups and Teams A large amount of work has been done regarding group dynamics and team effectiveness. However, there is one area that is most interesting and related to, not only Malmaison hotel chain, but to the whole hospitality industry, that is the correlation between cohesiveness and performance of groups or teams. George and Jones (2008) suggested there are five factors that influence a group’s level of cohesiveness: 1. Group size, as it gets bigger, members tend to be less satisfied, group between 3 and 15 people are believed to be the right size that promotes cohesiveness. 2. Similarity/diversity of group member, depending on the tasks and situations, similarity and diversity can be beneficial to group cohesiveness. 3. Competition between groups, generally competition will be facilitating group cohesiveness but occasionally it can be dysfunctional and impair effectiveness when there is too much competition within a group. 4. Success, members will be more attracted to a successful group and proud to be a member. 5. Exclusiveness, when it’s difficult to get in a group, and the group has a high status, group cohesiveness tends to be high. However, they also pointed out that occasionally, too much cohesiveness within a group can impair the organization’s effectiveness if the group’s goal is not aligned with the goal of the organization or other groups within that organization, for example waiting staff‘s goals of providing good service in order to get decent tips are aligned with the restaurant’s goal of satisfying customers, but not aligned with bar tending staff’ goals. 4. 5 Leadership Leadership plays an important role in a hotel organization success. Thus, Peter Jones and Steven Gross-Turner pointed out in Managing Projects in Hospitality Organizations, hotels are in a turbulent environment, and â€Å"managers are in fact in the best place to identify what changes need to be made since they are the people who have direct contacts with employees and customers† (Jones et al, 1991). 4. 6 Organizational Structure Centralizing and decentralizing organizational structures are two most used structures nowadays. A decentralized structure will decentralize authority to lower level managers and non-managerial employees, give them the responsibility to make important decisions, keep the problem of slow and distorted communication to a minimum and make the job more interesting and rewarding while, at the same time, fewer managers are needed. (Blau and Schoenher, 1971) However, too much decentralization provides employees with too much authority and they might pursue their own goals at the expense of the goal of the organization. A centralized structure generally has more levels within the organization and provides employees with more opportunities to gain promotion and progress. For the hospitality industry, where employees perform primarily physically, more opportunities clearly will be attractive for those who desire a less physically demanding position. 4. 7 Conclusion Kotler (2001) pointed out that â€Å"today’s successful organizations to a certain degree all have one thing in common, that is they are dedicated to sensing, serving and satisfying the needs of customers in well defined targeted markets†. In the hospitality industry, when service is their major product, this philosophy is obviously critically important. However, how Malmaison strategically positions itself to compete with its rivals is an even more crucial and difficult issue that the proposed research will focus on. 5. 0Methodology 5. 1 Introduction A number of approaches will be taken to collect the needed data and information in order to serve the purpose of this research project, increase the quality of the results and findings and enhance the credibility of the research project. Malmaison hotel chain has over 20 hotels throughout the UK, each individual hotel will be unique and differentiated in terms of their focus and priorities depending on their local customs and culture. However, what this research project will be concentrating on is what the common factors are for the Malmaison hotel chain as a whole that turns the organization into a success. Therefore the Birmingham Malmaison will be the subject of the investigation. Birmingham is a multi cultural city and operating in a multicultural organizational environment has been becoming a trend for organizations world wide. The researcher gained two years working experience in this hotel, and therefore it is especially worthwhile doing the research project in such an environment. (Cox, 2001) To complete this research project, three stages will be taken in order to process the project, they are desk based research, field based research and the preparation of a detailed case study. 5. 2 Desk Based Research At this stage of the investigation, a heavy focus will be upon the articles that address the hospitality industry, hotel management, hospitality strategy, as well as the paper work that states hotel policies, financial and management accounts, board of directors statements, stock control data, and general manager’s letters to all the staff. These secondary data contain enormous amounts of information that indicates the hotel’s management style and attitude and forms the fundamental policy to the customers and market. These data are absolutely the first key for this research and will provides valuable information and evidence on the reasons for the Malmaison hotel chain’s success. In addition to that, some of these data are available to the public and can be quickly and easily collected. Some of these data are not available to the public, but, as a former member of staff, I could still gain access to this information. With the information and evidence collected, the primary data collection work will be much more focused and relatively easier having the support and assistance of the secondary data collected. 5. Field Based Research A series of interviews (8-12 people) will be carried out to gain a first hand insight of the impacts which the management style of Malmaison hotel chain has on its employees, and how it affects the performance of the organization. The interviews will take place in various departments across the organization in order to gain a full understanding of the operation sy stem in the Malmaison hotel chain. Some of the board of directors, the general manager, department managers, sector supervisors, and staff that work at the front line and have direct contact with customers all will be interviewed. The total number of interviews will be between 8 to 12. This will give the evidence and information on how each department functions and what are the impacts of them on each other. One or two suppliers will also be interviewed to provide evidence on how the Malmaison hotel chain cuts deals with suppliers and how they interact with each other and how is it affects the organization financially and what impact it has on the marketing and sales strategy of the organization. However, caution must be taken while conducting these interviews. Thus, Saunders (2002) suggests that it is in the researchers’ own interest to seriously consider the reliability, forms of bias, validity and generalisability of the information obtained. Therefore, carefully prepared interview questionnaires will be used and questions which appear in the questionnaires will also be cautiously selected to gain as fair a view as possible. The framework suggested by Easterby-Smith (1991) may be adopted to make sure that the data generated from the interviews is thoroughly reviewed and evaluated. The stages in this process will include: 1. Familiarisation 2. Reflection 3. Conceptualisation 4. Cataloguing concepts 5. Recording 6. Linking 7. Re-evaluation 5. 4 Preparation of the Case Study A case study will be generated at the final stage of the research by putting together the data that is gathered from the previous stages. The case study will bring up recommendations to the management team of Malmaison hotel chain and also, there will be discussions of to what extent the findings can be generalized and to what degree the Malmaison hotel chain management structure, human resource management policies and operational systems can be copied and utilized by other organizations within, or even outside the hospitality industry. . 0 Ethical Issues While conducting the research and interviews, the financial information of Malmaison will be discussed in the interviews, its financial statement will also be used later in the dissertation to analyse and measure its performance, and such information will be kept confidential. The final report will be identified as ‘Commercial in c onfidence’ and will not be available to a wider audience than those directly involved in its assessment. 7. 0 Task List TaskProblemsSolutions Research literature on hospitality management, current hospitality industry trends analysis in the UK. Limited amount of literature in the area of topic. E- journals, business review magazines, textbooks, newspapers, internet. Review literature and identify relevant and reliable articles. Time consuming to select relevant articles. Time management. Contacting general managers in Malmaison hotel chain to gain access to information. Very difficult to get access to key information and financial report and management accounting report. Utilize my identity as former employee in the organization. Selecting different individuals to conduct interviews. Too many employees to choose fromSelect people who may represent the department and be able to give valuable information and opinion. Arranging interviews with selected staff. Difficult to fit in everyone’s schedule and it’s time consuming since the amount of time between each interview when the person is available is unpredictable. Be patient and positive. Conducting interviews. Response may not be relevant. Textbooks on how to carry out interviews. Transcribe interviews scripts. Time consuming while large amount of information gathered in interviews with limited amount of transcribe skills.

Family communication | The Glass Castle

Family communication | The Glass Castle   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In The Glass Castle Jeanette tells us about the story of her life as she had lived it. She and her siblings had lived a life that she describes as having a lot of stressors. Her story has memoir in which she proves to the reader that living with bad parents and poverty do not really determine that the kids will lead a miserable future just as their parents. In this book, Walls reveals her life as difficult during her bringing up but yet love existed within the family. In this paper, we are therefore going to look at those stressors that the family went through;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jeanette sees her mother coming out of a dumpster with some lagged clothes tied around her neck. Her mother lucks a home to live in and this lives her with no choice but to look for any place that she can lay her head and also find something that can fill her stomach. It is very sad for Jeanette to see her mother this way as it would feel for anyone to watch their mothers go through this type of embarrassments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Back in her childhood life, Jeanette suffers some serious burns as she boils hotdogs and her dress catches fire from the stove she is using. This lives her to spend many days in a local hospital near her home area in Arizona. Her parents prove to be so irresponsible as they dont take as much care as it would be imagined even by the hospital staff. The rumor goes throughout the hospital but Jeanette does not discuss this issue with the parents.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Her father takes the risk of grabbing and sneaking his little daughter out of the hospital escaping all the bills that he was intended to pay for the hospital to release the daughter. This happens even before she heals completely. The escape lives the family with no choice but running away from their hometown for they would highly deal with the low. They have to travel long distance and through hot deserts. They later settle in several towns in which the father is unable to pay house rent and this makes them keep on vacating.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The father becomes a drunkard and cannot hold onto his job despite his intelligence and talent on mechanical background. This makes the families life a living hell full of poverty and problems that never come to an end. His promise to his children to build a good house for the family fails as he cannot raise the amount to put up such a house. The fathers behavior and failure lives the children helpless and end up begging their mother to work and bring food to the table.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Luckily, the mother holds a degree in teaching but cannot get herself a job for she is lazy and the children have to drag her out of bed. This behavior has severally made her loose her job despite the fact that her residential area lucks qualified teachers. She later secures a job but her salary does not fully help the family. The father demands for her paycheck and spends the money on his drink and his own benefits.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This miserable state keeps on taking place for a long time living the children to go on sleeping on uncomfortable hard boxes and watching their parents fight in daily bases. The childrens bellies rumble every time due to hanger. They feed on anything that would fill their bellies and not for the sake of having a balanced diet meal like in other families. For this case, the mother has to teach them how to take rotten food down their throat while they hold the noses.The family went through these stressors and it affects their relationship since the kids see the father as irresponsible and harsh as they fear him. It also affects the husband-wife relationship since the mother has to fight her husband daily. The communication is on its negative side for the mother does not hold any ability to fight for her right to manage the salary she earns. The children also suffer silently as they have to spend their nights on hard boxes but cannot communicate to the fa ther and express their grievances.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Despite all poverty and stressors that they experience, the family has a genuine and strong love towards each other. They remain loyal and the familys father Rex is very encouraging, tender and wise when handling his children and wife whenever he is sober. As Jeanette gives the reader her memoir, she explains her life so well to ensure that she gives the real story that has experienced in her growing up.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jeanette and her siblings grow in the worst conditions that no one can ever deserve or think of but it does not change their feelings towards their parents. They continue loving them without realizing how cruel they have been until when they grow up and mature (Jeannette, p134). Jeanette spends her teenage life in the west side of Virginia where the father is forced to retreat to their home area after experiencing a miserable life in Arizona.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Here, the life of this family does not get better but continues to hit its worst points as they live under a roof that leaks. Rex tries to mend the roof but it does not do them any good either. In fact, they also have to face challenges as they have nowhere to dispose their rubbish and waste. The family is forced to put up with a smelly condition as they dispose the wastes in small holes that they dig.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Food also continues to be another problem for they cannot afford to buy any and they almost go without it. Jean is forced to go to high school and dig leftovers from the garbage as her father continues to drink irresponsibly as usual. As their lives get worse and miserable, Jeanettes mother ends up doing the most awful things one can ever imagine. Jeanette and her siblings find a ring made of diamond and decide to sell it so that they could buy food. The mother does not agree with this idea since she wants to maintain her dignity. This action lives the family in the some state of lacking food and starving.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When Jeanette or her siblings go out playing with other kids, they are mocked and addressed as kids who are health epidemic for they live in garbage places. Her family and their neighbors always fight for they keep on picking on their perverted situation. Hours spent in school are also not favoring to her either; she has to steal other kids food or hide in the bathroom at lunch hours while the others take their food. After lunch, she comes out and collects the leftovers and eats them for she has no choice over it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  She later gets tired of this life and decides to go to New York where she gets further studies. She lives her family with the aim of getting knowledge that will secure her a good job and enable her to take care of her family. While she is in New York, her father gets ill and is admitted to the hospital suffering from Tuberculosis. She visits him and pleads with him not to leave the hospital before he fully recovers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Later, she receives a call from her parents that they were homeless and had no place to go. She decides to move in with them for she still has great love for them despite the life they had offered in during her child life (Jeannette, p100). People around Jeanette discourage her about this idea saying that it was not good to give the homeless a place to stay for it makes them lazy and reluctant on finding their own home; his pisses her off but she does not show it to them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jeanette is forced to change the idea of attending a private school while her parents have no home. Instead, she opts to stay and take care of them but her brothers go against her decision telling her that her mother owned a whole lot of jewelry she could sell and that she has a land in Texas where her husband and her could go and live. Her husband behavior does not change and she is forced to live him. She has although kept a secret land away from her family and when Jeanette discovers this; she is really annoyed with her.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After her brothers death, Mary then goes to live in his land her in which her life does not change. She continues living miserably especially now that her communication with her children and husband had been disturbed. It is true to say that the love of the daughter towards the mother by now has changed unlike before when she was still a young girl and innocent to place judgment on her parents treatment towards them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jeanette later marries Eric whom she has dated for five years. She moves in with him to a better house since Eric came from a rich family. She tries her best to take care of her younger sister who tends to take the wrong direction in her life. Jeanettes life has changed and she feels that her siblings should follow her steps for they have faced the same miserable lives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Her mother cannot hold on the problems she is facing and goes ahead to borrow money from Jeanettes husband a step that annoys her to a great extent. What annoys her most is the fact that she has kept the land that she owns away from the family despite all the poverty and problems that they went through during their earlier life. As if this is not enough, she goes ahead to borrow money from Jeanettes new husband so that she could purchase the other half of the land.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Later, Jeanette visits her father who tells her that she is suffering from a disease that he contracted while fighting with a Nigerian who happened to be a drug dealer. He later suffers from a hurt attach and is placed in a machine that supports his life. He spends his last moments with Jeanette who holds his arm recalling of how he had told them that he would prefer his body placed on a mountain when he dies- he later dies after an hour and the machine turned off. Jeanette grieves her fathers death and in one year, she lives her husband as she saw him as not the right man for her. Work cited Jeannette Walls. The Glass Castle: A Memoir. Scribner, 2006: 45-250

Analyse The Tourism Industry In Africa Tourism Essay

Analyse The Tourism Industry In Africa Tourism Essay This section will set out the means by which the case study will be conducted. First, the models which will be used to analyse the tourism industry in Africa will be explained Subsequently, this section will look at the methodology for the regression analysis. The models which will be used in the case study fall into two broad catagories. On the one hand, some models help define what the overall strategic framework for the African tourism industry might be, on the other, further models help formulate the best plans in more specific terms. Models to help formulate an overall strategic framework include Smiths problem identification theory, Oldham, Creemers and Rebecks model based on organisational objectives, and Hamel and Prahalads contingency view of matching model to circumstance. In addition, other models such as a simple SWOT analysis or PESTEL overview can help link strategy to circumstance Models which help generate add detail to the framework include Yoons Structural Equation Model and the similar models developed first by Crouch and Ritchie and later by Dwyer and Kim based around destination competitiveness and a hierarchy of priorities. This section of the dissertation will look in more detail at the models which will be used in the case study, briefly outlining their theory and making clear how they work. 3.1 Overall Strategic Framework Models This section outlines models which can help formulate overall strategic frameworks, and which will be used in the case study of Africa, below. The section will look at the notion of Butlers lifecycle planning and destination visioning. Strategic planning needs to incorporate a long term perspective, the development of a holistic, integrated plan to manage change through goal formation and also formalise a decision process around the distribution of destination resources. Such a plan should also allow quick responses to changing situations. Kotler et al have been influential in helping shape this overview of what such planning must incorporate. Strategic planning is particularly important for sustainability, as goal setting allows all stakeholders to have input into the future of the destination and help create a clear shared vision. There are, however, problems, for example the views of different shareholders with different value systems might be difficult to reconcile (Cooper 2002). The Life Cycle approach offers a technique for destination management strategy and a way to incorporate a long-term perspective. By differentiating between different stages in the life of a destination, management approaches can be tailored to these stages. The notion was developed by Butler (1980), who suggested that destinations cycle through six sequential stages: exploration, involvement, consolidation, stagnation and decline / rejuvenation (see figure 1) (Dong et al 2004). Stage Tourist Characteristics Local consequences Exploration Visitors explorers, travel individually, irregular patterns, predominant attraction natural Locals do not understand needs of visitors Involvement Start of variation in tourist numbers, low/high season. Man made facilities appear Residents start to dedicate resources to visitors, some advertising Consolidation Visitor numbers reach plateau. Package tours. Local economy dependent upon tourism. Stagnation Destination well established but loses fashion. Peak capacity reached. Tourists psychocentric Local economy dependent on tourism Decline Some destinations decline decrease in market Impact on local economy as visitors decline Rejvenation others recover by changing attractions, new natural resources Further pressure on local economy Figure 1: Butlers life cycle (adapted) It is possible to adapt the idea of the life cycle to integrate sustainable tourism with appropriate management strategies at each stage of the cycle with holistic planning (Bramwell and Lane 1993). One useful approach is Life Cycle Analysis (Jain 1985) which combines the notion of the life cycle with Porters competitive position (dominant to weak). This is set out in figure 2 (Cooper 2003). Competitive Position Stages of Industry Maturity Embryonic Growth Mature Aging Dominant Fast growing Start up Fast growing, leadership Renewing Defending position Defend position, Renew, cost leadership Defend position Focus Renew Adapt Strong Start up Differentiate Growth Fast growth Catch-up Differentiate Attain cost leadership Renew Focus Change with industry Find and retain niche Grow with industry Harvest Favourable Start up Differentiate Focus Grow Differentiate Focus Grow with industry Find and hold niche Renew Turnaround Differentiate Grow with industry Retrench Turnaround Tenable Start up Grow with Industry Focus Harvest, Catch-up Find niche Hold niche Focus Grow with industry Harvest Turnaround Retrench Divest Retrench Weak Find niche Catch up Grow with industry Turnaround Retrench Withdraw Divest Withdraw Figure 2: Jains Life Cycle Matrix (adapted from Cooper, 2003) Another useful approach is that of Destination Visioning. This was suggested by Ritchie (1994) as a way to address the needs of strategic planning for tourism. This approach places power in the hands of the community, including local government, residents and businesses who have a central role in creating a strategic plan for the destination. There are three key ideas involved in Ritchies destination visioning. First, the vision needs to bring together the views the entire community as well as other stakeholders. Second, all involved parties need to agree about the vision, and third, the vision needs to incorporate long-term development plans. Cooper (2002) elaborates a practical strategy for delivering this vision with firstly a destination audit the commissioning of research to look at the nature of tourism in the region currently, the second stage position stagements for key areas including market, investment, environment, and followed by visioning workshops perhaps the most imp ortant element with workshops held around the area to find out the views of all community members about tourism in the area. This feeds into the next stage Development of the Vision where results are analysed and used to prepare a development plan. Finally, this is followed by the implementation scale. While there are acknowledged difficulties with Destination visioning for example problems in making sure all community views are gathered, and difficulties gaining agreement on some areas, it seems a useful tool for developing a sustainable tourism plan (Cooper, 2002) The case study will also bear in mind Oldham, Creemers and Rebecks (2000) model based in purpose and objective, and the more contingent approach championed by both Pazstor (2001) and Hamel and Prahalad (1994). While there has been much discussion regarding whether strategic frameworks are a useful tool for developing organizations and ventures, perhaps due to the rapid change in the business environment, it is assumed in this study that they can add value and help formulate a better plan to deal with the future. They will be used in the case study to provide an overview for the tourism industry in Africa. 3.2 Models to Add Depth and Detail This section sets out further models which will be used to add detail and depth to the case study by helping flesh out the overall strategic framework for African Tourism as it faces the next 10 years. Models of micro and macro environments can be useful, as are resource based views. A model by Yoon, and one based on ideas from Porter, developed by Crouch and Ritchies (1999) and Dwyer and Kim (2003) are also discussed. Many useful models look at the macro and micro environments. The macro environment equates to the external environment and involves the identification of threats and opportunities to the enterprise. Tools such as PESTEL (which looks at Political, Economic, Social, Technical, Enrivonmental and Legal issues) or STEEP (Socio-demographic, Technological, Economic, Environmental and Political influences) are useful here. Other approaches extend these analyses by including international communications and infrastructure for example. The micro environment, on the other hand, looks at the immediate competitive threats to the enterprise. Here Porters five force model to understand competitive position (see figure 4) is useful (The hospitality leisure sport and tourism network 2011 online) Suppliers STRATEGIC POSITION Barriers to Entry Substitutes Buyers Competitive Rivalry Figure 3: Porters Five Force Model Porters model is based upon an economic model called Structure-Conduct-Performance (SCP), which assumes that the structure of an organization and the industry in which it operates dictates how that organization behaves, and in turn this determines profit (performance) (Henry 2008). The model helps an organization or enterprise determine the merits of any course of action by looking at the way the five forces Porter identifies are interacting. While Porter developed the model from the point of view of organizations already operating in an area, it is also valuable for organizations or enterprises determining whether to enter a competitive environment (Henry 2008). Another useful approach is to look at organisational resources and competencies. The Resource Based View (RBV) looks in detail at the internal resources of the enterprise to work out how these can be used to gain maximum advantage. Porters value chain EXPLAIN concept can be used to understand these core competencies (The Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Network 2011 [online]) Yoons Structural Equation Model concerns the perspective of stakeholders in the tourism enterprise. It sets out the relationship between five areas: tourism development impacts, environmental attitudes, place attachment, development preferences about tourism attractions, and support for destination competitive strategy. The first three are exogenous, the latter two endogenous. Residents support for any future tourism, in the model, is determined by the way they perceive various aspects of tourism. Each of four elements or dimensions influences the total tourism impact, which in turn impacts upon the support for future tourism development. Yoons model is based in social exchange theory, which suggests that people are more likely to take part in an exchange if they think they will benefit from the exchange and will not occur too many costs. Residents need to perceive the benefits of tourism outweighing the disadvantages in order that they give their support to future developments. The model is set out in fig 4 (Yoon et al 2001) Economic Impact Social Impact Support for Tourism Total Impact Cultural Impact Environmental Impact Figure 4: Yoons Model Crouch and Ritchie develop a model based on idea of competitive and comparative advantages, including human, physical and knowledge resources, capital, infrastructure, historical and cultural resources. In this model, attractions are the basic building blocks of a destinations appeal to the public, and act as key motivators for visits. They can include cultural and natural elements. The model moves beyond merely listing advantages to incorporate a way to understand the relationships between the factors in a Conceptual Model of Destination which looks at the micro environment (the competitive situation), the macro (global) environment, core resources and attractors for primary destination appeal elements, supporting or secondary destination appeal elements and also qualifying determinants. Dwyer and Kim develop a model, strongly influenced by Crouch and Ritchie (Kozak and Andreu 2006), based around destination competitiveness that allows comparisons to be made between countries. They base competitiveness between destinations in terms of the various characteristics of a destination which make it desirable to visit. They also suggest that these factors can be managed in a process of Destination Management, promoting the appeal of core resources, strengthening their quality and adapting to contingent conditions (Dwyer and Kim 2003). Tourist destination attractiveness include natural resources (scenery, parks etc) and artificial resources (museums, hotels, culture). Administrative factors should increase attractiveness of basic resources and amplify their appeal. Administration should be conducted efficiently and with adaptation to contingencies (Navickas and Malakauskaite 2009). Factors form a hierarchy, with natural resources the base of a pyramid, followed by created re sources, then administration. Above these levels is the need for a cohesive policy and development. This pyramid will be used to structure the case study discussion. The similarities between the two models are drawn out in figure 5: Dwyer and Kim (Integrated Model) Crouch-Ritchie Model Natural Resources Cultural / Heritage Resources Core Resources (Climate, Culture, Activities Mix, Special Events, Entertainment etc) Supporting Factors and Resources (General Infrastructure, quality of service, accessibility of destination, hospitality) Supporting Factors and Resources (Infrastructure, Accessibility, Hospitality, Enterprise) Destination Management Destination Management Situational conditions Destination Policy, Planning, Development Competitive (micro) environment Global (macro) environment Demand Conditions Qualifying and Amplifying Determinants Figure 5: Dwyer and Kim, Crouch Ritchie Models (adapted from Dwyer and Kim 2003) 3.3 Regression Analysis In addition to the tools outlined above which will be used to inform the case study, this study will also include data interrogation. Data will be collected from Africa as a whole and East and West Africa as sub regions to determine the change over time for key variables upon tourism. A regression analysis will also be included on the data. Regression analysis is a statistical technique used to predict the value of one variable when we know the values of other variables. It models the relationship between two or more variables (Cohen 2007). Simple linear regression helps identify the most representative straight line connecting two sets of variables, which multiple regression maps the relationships between more than two variables. The latter will be used in this case. (Buglear 2004). 4. Case Study: African Tourism 4.1 Overview of Africa and Tourism using Business Models and Tools The methodology has set out a number of useful tools for analysing the resources of Africa as a tourist destination, which can be used in turn to develop an overall strategy for tourism, both in Africa overall and with references to differences between East and West. The following will discuss Africa in these terms, first using tools identified in the literature review such as PESTEL, STEEP and Porters Five Forces to look at Africas current position, and then taking a wider strategic view, again drawing upon tools and models discussed in the methodology.   Ã‚  While tools such as PESTEL and STEEP distinguish different areas of consideration, to some extent these divisions are artificial, and the areas overlap to some extent. 4.1.1 The Political Situation Most available information relates to the political and economic climate in Africa, and what it means for tourism.   Tourists are, for example, highly sensitive to political instability, and can fear for their personal safety. It has been suggested (Okech 2010) that only democratic countries with a respect for law and human rights can create the stability which is necessary for tourism development. The political history of Africa is complex, with many countries facing severe political problems which have their roots in colonialism and its aftermath. The Cold War and, more recently, Globalisation, have also had an impact. However, international news coverage can lead to a skewed notion that Africa is a state of ongoing political crisis. In fact, most of the countries which make up Africa, despite problems, are not in meltdown. In addition, the 1990s saw a movement dubbed Africas Second Liberation or Second Independence with more than 20 countries moving from authoritarian regimes to more democratic decision making.   To some extent however, countries are still marked by (Exploring Africa 2011 [online]) lack of democracy and plagued by rivalries between ethnic, religious and regional groups. Human rights abuses, corruption and authoritarian regimes still exist.   Ã‚  This can prove a disincentive to more main-stream tourists. Despite these problems, Many African governments are aware of the potential of tourism. Tourism allows governments to profit financially as they gain both through taxes and indirectly through duties upon items tourists buy including drink, petrol and hotel accommodation. To this the income from foreign exchanges and tax on those employed in the tourism sector can be added (Okech 2010).   Countries are consequently   investing heavily in tourism development, attempting both to promote their countries and to redeem the image of the destination. For example, Nigerias Federal Capital Territory have allocated large resources to tourism (Kareen 2008). This new focus on tourism has been further fuelled by international development agencies such as the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the British Department for International Development and the SNV Netherlands Development Organisation. However, investment from outside needs to be matched by government policy in order that investment can contribute to economic and social development in the most joined-up way.   Ã‚  Cross-border initiatives are also increasingly important, as tourists frequently travel across a number of African countries during their stay.   The New Partnership for Africas Development (NPAD [online] 2010), for example, sees a number of African companies join together together with a shared   recognition that tourism has great potential for economic development. Through   Ã‚  the Tourism Action Plan the NPAD set out a strategy for managing this potential. The strategy encompasses including key objectives such as creating a regulatory environm ent, strengthening planning, improving marketing and communications, promoting research and development, formulating education and skills training, and improvements to infrastructure (Rogerson 2007). Many individual countries have a range of strategies to boost tourism. Some offer incentives; for example Tanzania has reduced visa costs. Some governments develop incentives for industry by offering, for example, help with marketing cash subsidies, business finance or skills development.   Lack of funding is always an issue especially in countries like Africa where there are high levels of poverty, and tourism might seem less of an immediate priority. In addition to initiatives by individual countries, there is a move towards establishing links between African countries to help tourism, as visitors often want to see more than one country. An example is a recent links between Angola and Nambia, another the Peace Parks trans-frontier conservation areas, parks which cross boundaries and which need joint management by governments. The Peace Park foundation was created 1997 and there are now 10 established parks. Governments are learning from more established destinations,   for example South Africa (Euromonitor 2010) However, it is also recognised that governments need to take pro-active approach which takes into account input from all stakeholders, and that there is a need to draft policies and through consultation with all residents. There is an equal need for planning control, investment incentives in order to include even the poorest areas in initiatives (Okech 2010). However, while this aim is clearly desirable, it has to be questioned whether African countries will be able to implement this in practice, given some history of less than fair business practices and the existence of bribery and corruption in the past. This is an under-researched area where more primary research would be welcomed. 4.1.2 Economic Aspects In terms of the economy, Africa overall has acknowledged problems including economic stagnation, international debts, deficits, rising inflation and lack of growth (Rogerson 2007).   Ã‚  There are some signs that the economy is slowly improving, especially in terms of international trading relations, and particularly relationships with China and India.   For example, Africa-China trade was 10.6 billion dollars in 2000, 40 billion in 2005 and rose to 107 billion in 2007. Already over 700 Chinese companies operate in sub-Saharan Africa. China has also been involved in the development of Infrastructure including roads and other transport links. Oil producing regions in Africa, for example Sudan, Nigeria and Angloa, are growing in international importance (Euromonitor 2010). International investment has doubled in size between 2004 and 2005 due largely to the trend for China and other Asian countries to increase their presence and second the improvements to African infrastructure gen erally and particularly to the financial infrastructure including expansions of the debt and equity markets (Nelson 2007).   In addition, Africa seems to escaped the worst of the international recession: Africa as a whole has shown higher GDP growth than the global average, with a slight rise in average spend. However, the recession still had an impact due to a decline in visitors from regions hit by downturn more severely.   Despite these favourable signs for the future,   the African economy has declined in most countries over last few years with lower standards of living and higher levels of poverty. Naturally related problems including drought and famine play a part; in addition political factors contribute to this less than favourable outlook: for example Kenya suffered a decline after political violence in 2007/8 (Euromonitor 2010).   There has been some increase in poverty levels overall,   and falls to standards of living (Okech 2010).   There exist wide diversit ies between the different African countries in terms of Gross Domestic Product (Kareen 2008) Against this background, there is widespread hope that   tourism offers a way to   boost economy (Rogerson 2007). Where tourism infrastructure does currently exist, it is often foreign-owned.   There is evidence to suggest that this hope is well-founded: some countries in Africa, for example The Gambia and Ethiopia, have experienced 20% growth in tourism over the last 20 years. Rates of increase are different in different regions, but the trend is towards growth. Overall, over the same time period, Africa has been increasing its market share of the tourism industry with 60% of international tourists now visiting for leisure purposes. In 2005 Africa had the best performance for growth of international arrivals of all the world tourism organisation UNWTOs areas.   Tourism offers opportunities to all, as the market is growing, and has tripled between 1970 and 2003 with increases set to continue (Nelson 2007).   Tourism offers particular opportunities to Africa as it is relativ ely poor in exportable commodities.   This is confirmed by existing research. While there is a lack of published studies in the area, those that do exist back up the idea that tourism can work for Africa. For example, Fayissa, Nsiah and Tadasse (2007) found that tourism has contributed to the GDP and economic growth of African countries, and recommended strengthening the tourism industry for economic advantage. Other researchers writing about the benefits of tourism wider afield suggest that tourism is beneficial for economic growth particularly for developing (rather than developed) (Eugenio Martin et al 2004).   Other researchers found tourism played a positive role for the economy by increasing competition amongst providers of tourism services Krueger, 1980). In 2008, Kareen found, through analysis of panel data for 36 African countries, that tourism and economic growth are significantly related. He also suggests that tourism as an export product can be used to predict futur e economic growth in Africa. In addition, he suggests that there is a two-way relationship between tourism expenditure and economic growth with one feeding into the other. Higher tourism expenditure leads to higher growth, and acccalerated economic growth in turn leads to more tourism. He concludes that this relationship needs to be more widely recognised and integrated into strategy (Kareem 2008). Kareems study is a welcome addition to an area which currently lacks research. However, it is primarily concerned with statistical analyses of panel data, and less with discussing the implications for promoting tourism in Africa. More discussion would be welcome to clarify what his findings mean for the industry as a whole. The negative economic impact of tourism also needs to be kept in mind. The bulk of purchases made by tourists are non-exportable. By consuming produce of interest to the local market, tourism can make these more scarce and more expensive for local people   (Kareen 2008). Mass tourism can also have a negative impact on sustainability and the environment, which will be discussed later. One particularly important area of the economy and the impact of tourism is in the area of employment. Tourism is labour intensive, and creates a large amount of jobs including guides, interpreters, positions in travel, hotel vacancies, catering and entertainment, cultural and sports jobs. In addition it boost a number of jobs in the informal economy including prostitution and drugs.   Ã‚  Currently, tourism provides between 2 and 6% of jobs in Africa, with women representing 50% of the workforce.   Ã‚  While tourism offers the potential for increased employment, there are a number of problems to be negotiated. Current employment opportunities tend to be low or unskilled, and the infrastructure is lacking with little job security, little formal training or employee development, and few prospects for career development or personal improvement. Factors such as these cause a demoralised workforce and can impact upon productivity. In addition employment is seasonal with most travel t aking place in the northern hemisphere Winter, and with a quieter period between April to August.. This particularly effects beach destinations including Kenya in East Africa and Gambia in the West.   Many employees lose their job in low season. A further problem is that the concept of tourism is not universal. Many people in Africa, especially those in the more remote villages, do not understand the idea, and therefore fail to see the opportunities for employment and economic enhancement   (Kareem 2008). Economic considerations cannot be seen in isolation however. It should be noted that poverty, which is rife in Africa, is not just about income. It forms a complex two-way relationship with disease, literacy, the environment, education, access to justice, disempowerment and infant death (Okech 2010) 4.1.3. Other Factors While politics and economics are perhaps the most important factors to consider in devising a tourist policy for Africa, other factors play a part. One currently important socio-economic factor is the growth of interest in and demand for eco-travel, sustainability and pro-poor tourism.   Interest in these areas have been worldwide, as people have become increasingly aware of the consequences of mass market tourism. While it can bring economic advantage to tourist destinations, there are also many negative consequences including damage to the region environmentally, displacement of people, cultural upheaval, and (through foreign ownership) funds not benefiting local people. The original focus of sustainable tourism was upon protecting the environment, for example native species and bio-diversity were damaged by construction of hotels, roads and similar, but this focus has widened. The remit now includes social, economic and cultural facets, and encompasses varied areas including the greening of the industry by a new focus upon waste management and energy efficiency, protection of all resources from the environment to local cultures, the awareness of the importance of involving local communities in initiatives, and pro-poor measures (Kandari and Chandra 2004).    Africas environment is one of the key attractions for visitors, as it has many areas of natural beauty and interest (Spenceley 2008). Key natural attractions include Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Okavango Delta in Botswana and the Namib Desert in Namibia (Bennett et al 2001). However, there are other issues which impact upon these natural attractions, and which make incorporating a sustainable perspective into tourism strategy imperative.   Parts of Africa are subject to severe climatic conditions, and the natural attractions are also threatened by human action, for example the destruction of the rain forest and savanna, and changes to the levels of bio-diversity amongst plants and animals. These environmental issues have led to political and cultural changes, for example as early as 1977 Gambia formulated the Banjal Declaration as a response to loss of wildlife. This aimed to protect biodiversity, conserve existing resources and ensure that species do not become extinct (Weaver 2001 ) Despite the relatively small size of the tourism industry in Africa currently, there has been widespread recognition of the need to promote sustainable development in the industry. The World Bank, for example, is committed to sustainable management in Africa in order to Enhance Livelihoods, Protect Peoples Health and Reduce Peoples Vulnerability to environmental risks. The African Region Environmental Strategy (ARES) also makes the support of environmentally oriented tourism a priority (World Bank 2001) Pro-Poor tourism is a fairly recent concept, which aims to ensure that revenue flows back go grass roots levels and entrepreneurs (Kareem 2008).   Pro-poor tourism is an initiative which hopes to increase benefits to poor locals from tourism, and tries to integrate these economic benefits in a way which will reduce poverty long-term. It characterizes an approach rather than a product or sector. It relates to sustainable tourism, and they have areas in common, but pro-poor tourism is different, with a higher focus upon poverty.   Many African countries are characterized by high levels of poverty, and there is a consequent need for strategy to incorporate pro-poor measures into tourism (Ashley et al 2001). Pro-poor tourism also helps the tourist fee

Personal Narrative- Finding Christ Essay -- Personal Narrative, essay

The turmoil of life brought me down many hard paths from which I never fully recovered, until I met Jesus Christ. I could see that I was ending up in the wrong place, and I did not know how to get out of it. I had not been faithful to what was in my heart. I knew I was missing something. I knew I was missing Christ. The summer before I entered high school was filled with memories that I will never forget. I met a woman named Jennifer on the last day of my eighth-grade year. She was the Campus Life Minister for my school. She was concerned with where my life was going. Jennifer had seen me before at the school and she knew that I had a lot of trouble in my life. I was a student who made good grades, but I did not really care about anything. Jennifer pulled me aside one day and asked me if I knew about Jesus Christ. I told her that I did. I was raised a Catholic and I had been taught that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Jennifer told me that there was more to God than just Him being the Son. She asked if she could meet with me and tell me more. At that point I was really que... Personal Narrative- Finding Christ Essay -- Personal Narrative, essay The turmoil of life brought me down many hard paths from which I never fully recovered, until I met Jesus Christ. I could see that I was ending up in the wrong place, and I did not know how to get out of it. I had not been faithful to what was in my heart. I knew I was missing something. I knew I was missing Christ. The summer before I entered high school was filled with memories that I will never forget. I met a woman named Jennifer on the last day of my eighth-grade year. She was the Campus Life Minister for my school. She was concerned with where my life was going. Jennifer had seen me before at the school and she knew that I had a lot of trouble in my life. I was a student who made good grades, but I did not really care about anything. Jennifer pulled me aside one day and asked me if I knew about Jesus Christ. I told her that I did. I was raised a Catholic and I had been taught that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Jennifer told me that there was more to God than just Him being the Son. She asked if she could meet with me and tell me more. At that point I was really que...

The Constitution and The Articles of Confederation Essay -- bankrupt,

Bankrupt, and on her knees for solutions, America was in a state of distress. Politicians alike recognized that The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1777, desperately needed revision as well as modification. Under the Articles, a Continental Congress had been shaped, which was allocated virtually no authority to collect revenue, handle domestic affairs, or control commercial trade. Shortly after the Revolutionary War, America, had no way of compensating soldiers, or honoring investors and foreign nations for their loans. Losing faith in the nation as a whole, the States asked the Continental Congress to organize the Constitutional Convention. Held in Philadelphia from May 14th to September 17th of 1787, fifty-five delegates from nation-wide convened at the capital to amend the voids never addressed in the original federal document. The Articles, was identical to a poorly tailored quilt. The entire quilt and each individual pattern, symbolized the unification of the fe deral and state governments. However, the quilt was tattered, and the seams frayed. The power of the federal government was reliant solely on the compliance of every state government. The founding father divided themselves into two parties, the Federalist, and the Anti-Federalist. The Anti-Federalist desired to patch and reinforce the Articles, while the Federalist supported the creation of a completely new quilt, the Constitution. Both parties argued upon hours on end, unable to answer the various fundamental questions such as, â€Å"How much power should be given to a central government?†, and â€Å"How should a central government function?†. For four months, the delegates debated how to promise rightful liberty to a nation, while promising stability, and pote... ... to recognize their own strength, as well as attempting to act in unison. Moreover, in the presence of immoral or dishonorable intentions, men would fail to communicate or assemble because doubt, and distrust would be incarnated â€Å"in proportion to the number whose concurrence is necessary.† Federalists not only the Constitution keep the Union secure, but Hamilton claimed that it would also amend the current issues regarding debt (Madison). Hamilton argued that commerce of the states should be managed in the hands of â€Å"a government capable of regulating, protecting, and extending the commerce of the Union.† Thus giving the general government a chance to relieve the Union’s post-war debt. Also, that failure to ratify the Constitution may incite a, â€Å"reunion with Britain,† most likely, â€Å"by the establishment of a son of the present monarch, George III (Hamilton).†

Didls on George Bernard Shaw Essay

In this letter by George Bernard Shaw, the author conveys vivid detail that is emphasized about the death of his mother. Within this text, the author’s attitude towards his mother and her cremation is utilized by the use of diction, detail, and imagery that serves to express the authors feeling of sentimentality and rebirth from the enchanted tone he attributed his mother with. Throughout the excerpt, the author begins his oration in an admirable tone. The author portrays his attitude towards his mother’s cremation as a positive outlook in life. With the excessive usage of diction, the author describes what lies beyond the oven door of the crematory oven as â€Å"wonderful†, while other people sought it as horrifying to see it. Shaw describes the oven being â€Å"No roaring draught. No flame. No fuel.†; rather, with the appearance of â€Å"cool, clean, sunny† of the coffin. Shaw evokes a sense of diction that is viewed with full of life. The cremation is depicted as a â€Å"beautiful fire† like â€Å"pentecostal tongue† suggests the mother as a spirit ascending from the coffin with the rebirth of life itself. By the presentation of diction use with the mother being rebirthed with attribution of new life, the author’s attitude can be best described in a blissful manner. Although Shaw describes the rebirth of his mother with the excessive usage of diction, he also attributes the cremation with vivid detail of imagery. Shaw’s usage of imagery with his mother’s cremation gives the reader an insight of the author’s attitude towards his mother. When Shaw describes the coffin of â€Å"streaming ribbons of garnet colored lovely flame, smokeless and eager, like pentecostal tongues†, his view of imagery suggests fire is a symbol of life and that there is a spirit ascending from the coffin. Shaw also notes his â€Å"mother became that beautiful fire,† before the cook â€Å"swept her up into a sieve and shook her out: so that there was a heap of dust and a heap of bone straps,† makes the imagery that Shaw conveys to his mother as a spirit being humorous. What Shaw portrays through these details is that by the burning of his mother, the corpse is then observed full of energy and life itself, allowing her rebirth into a spiritual figure a mockery of flesh and bone. By the use of imagery, Shaw is trying to emphasize that the quality of the cremation makes it better compared to a burial. Despite Shaw’s admirable and blissful attitude throughout his oration, there was detail among the letter that gives the reader a more insightful thought of the attitude portrayed to his mother and her cremation. When Shaw addresses â€Å"O grave, where is thy victory?†, it gives the reader the sense that the grave is provided only with death compared to the cremation that allows the spirit to somewhat escape the body and be set out as free, giving the crematory positive connotations. This puny detail shows the difference of the grave and crematory that gives an insightful attitude towards what the author is trying to convey about his mother and her crematory. In all, Shaw’s strange appreciation of the event attributes him with the recognition of victory of life over death from releasing the spirit of his mother through the fire of the crematory.

Online Ordering System Essay

Nowadays, Information Technology is continuously evolving and it’s getting more advanced. Technological evolution and advancement makes the world become more highly modernized as different creations, innovations and inventions are made. Adapting these technological advances, contributes a lot of benefits in different fields and one of those fields is the business particularly the hospitals. Hospital is an institution which provides care to people who has illnesses. It plays a vital role in the community where people run to it whenever they have health problems. Hospitals promote improvement of community health service by providing high quality health care services and help those people who need good and effective service. Different hospitals in the world aims at giving the best medical services that they need to satisfy their clientele and through the use of technology they are able to make it possible. In Tanzania, the Health Management Information System was set up in 2006 to be use in hospitals of the Evangelica Lutheran Church Tanzania (ELCT). By using the Health Management Information System software, hospitals can easily collect, store and analyze the data of patients. (IICD. (2010, June 29). Development of Management System for Health facility – Tanzania. Retrieved February 8, 2011, from http://www.iicd.org/projects/tanzania-health-management-system) In Cotabato, the provincial health officer Dr. Edgardo R. Sandig introduced a computerized Hospital Operation Management Information System, to monitor the outbreak of disease in a certain area in the province and those people who are admitted in the hospital will be given immediate attention and solution. (dela Cruz, E, B. ( 2006, October 6). South Cotabato IPHO intensifies campaign on dengue. Philippine Information Agency. LOCAL STUDY Online Ordering System Abstract/Complied Abstracts The influx of an online ordering system greatly affected what tends to be done in a matter of the blink of an eye. An online ordering system permits a customer to submit online orders for items and/or services from a store that serves both walk-in customers and online customers. The online shopping system presents an online display of an order cutoff time and an associated delivery window for items selected by the customer. The system accepts the customer’s submission of a purchase order for the item. This section deals with the summary of the thesis. This thesis is about Online Ordering for Blue Magic its include the item name, price and design. In this thesis also include how to order it. 2012, 12). Local Related Literature Online Ordering System. LOCAL STUDY Ordering Online System Technology is the making, usage and knowledge of tools, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or serve some purpose. Nowadays, people introduce new technologies that facilitate them in every aspect in life, making life easier. Compared to technologies we had before, it is really convenient to utilize new ones for they have endless features. Like the way of teaching before and nowadays, teachers use manila papers, cartolina, etc. The even use chalks or board markers for teachings but when the experts discovered that both of the said tools for teaching are hazardous because of the chemical content, the experts warned people to find alternative ways of teaching. Since we are in the age of new technologies, they found the best way of teaching by accompanying computers in education.

Circus the Circus

Blue Ocean Strategy Institute BOS007 The Evolution of the Circus Industry (A) xOverall winner of the 2009 European Case Clearing House Awards xWinnerofa2006EuropeanCaseClearingHouseAwardinthecategory â€Å"Strategy and General Management† 06/2009-4999 This case was prepared by Matt Williamson, INSEAD MBA 2000, under the supervision of Professors W. Chan Kim, Renee Mauborgne and Ben M. Bensaou, all at INSEAD. It is intended to be used as a basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of an administrative situation.Copyright  © 2002, INSEAD-EAC, Fontainebleau, France. To order copies of INSEAD cases, see details on the back cover. Copies may not be made without permission. This document is authorized for use only by Janis Rozenbergs at Vidzeme University until August 2013. Copying or Blue Ocean Strategy Institute â€Å"If you ask a kid to draw a circus, they draw a tent. † Pam Miller, Big Apple Circus, New York. Indeed, t he circus tent is a unique and evocative icon that has featured prominently in circuses for centuries.Relying heavily on a flamboyant entry into town, the big top was their primary tool to attract audiences to the spectacle taking place inside. Nevertheless, while the symbolism of the tent is important in the contemporary interpretation of circus, most early shows, particularly the European precursors of what would be recognized today as circus, took place in theatres and dedicated buildings. The Origins of the Circus The circus was created in 1768 by Philip Astley, an Englishman who set up a ring format for equestrian events, still in use today.Classical circus is considered to consist of four elements, whether inside a tent or a large arena: equestrian acts, clowns, acrobats and jugglers. The word circus originally denoted a competitive arena for horses, with the Roman Circus Maximus the most imposing classical example. 1 The circular space is perfectly suited to a galloping act, and largely unnecessary for any other form. 2 The centrifugal force generated by a horse galloping around a small diameter ring enabled the equestrians in the show to stand on horseback and perform other similar tricks.Juggling, tumbling and trained animal events had been popular through the ages, but by adding a clown to the mix to parody the other events and add some humor, Astley transformed these separate acts into a real show. 3 Astley’s innovation spread quickly throughout Europe and showed up in America in substantially the same form in the summer of 1785. Building on the basic equestrian component, legends such as P. T. Barnum and lesser-known players like W. W. Cole and George Bailey sponsored elaborate acts from trained zebras to trapeze artists.Around the core circus, promoters grafted sideshows such as menageries, human and animal ‘curiosities’, and carnival games to enhance the spectacle of their shows. Barnum, perhaps the most celebrated huckster of modern times, was so successful that many of his efforts have entered the modern lexicon. He marched Jumbo the Elephant across the newly dedicated Brooklyn Bridge and proclaimed General Tom Thumb, a midget from Connecticut, the smallest human ever to have lived. The Development of the Traditional CircusThough an extremely popular form of entertainment during the 19th and 20th century, the circus conjures an image of drifters and dreamers with gaudy clothes, aggressive hawkers and a standard routine of acts. Whereas whole towns had once turned out to see historical revues and the latest mechanical marvels along with other events as the circus passed through town, 1 Personal communication from Fred Dahlinger Jr. , Director, Collections and Research, Circus World Museum, May 9, 2001. Author’s interview with Dominique Jando, Associate Artistic Director, Big Apple Circus, May 8, 2001. 3 John Culhane, The American Circus (New York, USA: Henry Holt and Company, 1990), p. 1. CopTyhr iisgdhot c ©um20e0nt2isINaSuEthAoDriz-eEdAfCor use only by Janis Rozenbe1rgs at Vidzeme University until August 2013. 0C6o/2p0yi0n9g-o4r999 ———————– [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] ———————– posting is an infringement of copyright. [email  protected] harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860.