Insurance Law Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Insurance Law - Dissertation Example Indeed in the current scenario of uncertainties and risks, both within and outside the home, insurance in various areas of business and personal domain has increasingly become critical part of improved lifestyle (Ward, 2000). But interestingly, while the concept of insurance is similar the format of insurance, especially the criteria of framework and regulation of insurance differs significantly in Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia and western countries like UK. In the recent times, Islamic insurance has rapidly emerged as one of the most popular and also a highly effective strategy to reduce financial risk of the individuals and the government as a whole (Anderson, 1976; Habshi & Othman, 1997; Ahmad, 1972). Indeed, the growth and penetration of Islamic insurance across the non Islamic countries has been seen as a positive trend in the insurance sector. The paper would therefore, be focusing on the question as to why should there be development of Islamic insurance in Saudi Arabia and UK? Meaning of Islamic Insurance Islamic insurance is mainly guided by Shariah or Islamic laws that forbid business based on unethical practices. Various products of insurance are strongly influenced by Shariah principles that prohibit gain through means like gambling, uncertainties or interest income (Mortuza, 1989; Ismail, 1997,98). Uncertainties are involved in life insurance as the outcome is unknown at the time of entering into contract and could vary. Gambling refers to gain of wealth under some defined conditions and interest income is unethical as it is not reward against hard work (Maysami, 1998; Sharif, 1997; Siddiqui, 1971). Thus, new concept of insurance emerged under ‘Takaful’ that worked within the precincts of Islamic laws. Islamic laws fundamentally rely on equitable distribution of wealth. Takaful is based on the ethical practices and is free from gambling, uncertainties and interest income (Ahmad, 2009: Anwar, 2008; and Saleh, 1986). It broadly ref ers to contributions made by individuals to be used in times of crisis or need. Rather than individuals, the family as a whole becomes the main beneficiary. Stagg-Massey (2007) state that Takaful has been taken from ‘kafal’ which is an Arabic word that means guaranteeing each other and taking care of each other’s needs. Thus, Takaful is a cooperative mechanism that promotes fair practice and spreads the risks and reduces financial loss suffered by an individual within the group. Need for Islamic insurance in Saudi Arabia and UK Middle East and African nations have lagged behind in insurance primarily because of the restraints imposed by religion and the prevalent poverty of the region. The development processes and growth have become major paradigms that necessitate insurance coverage. After 1970s, the discovery of oil and gases in the Gulf region has transformed the economy of the region. The large investment in the infrastructure and rapid growth in internation al trade has spurred the need for insurance amongst the working and non working population of the oil rich countries. Takaful not only facilitates the poor to survive with dignity under excruciating circumstances but also encourages ethical practices that are fair and justified (SAMA). Saudi Arabia being a leading Islamic nation is therefore morally bound to promote Takaful. In western countries like UK, insurance has fast transformed into major industry that is motivated by vested interests of making profit by exploiting the

Electrotherapy and Osteoarthritis Essay Example for Free

Electrotherapy and Osteoarthritis Essay Osteoarthritis has been described and defined as a condition involving the human bones that is caused by the breakdown of the joints, leading to the loss of cartilage, or what is known as the ‘cushion’ between the bone and the joint, in the affected joint or joints. Osteoarthritis is known to affect more than twenty million people every year in the United States of America alone. This degenerative disease affects persons aged above forty five, and it is found in both sexes, and it does not distinguish between races and colors and ethnicities. The hands, the feet, the spine and the large joints of the body fall prey to this debilitating disease, and until today, research has not been able to reveal the specific cause of osteoarthritis, although it is true that it can be directly attributed to the impact of ageing. Injuries in a joint, ageing and being overweight can also lead to the onset of osteoarthritis. The pain in osteoarthritis is caused due to the rubbing of the bones together after the cartilage that cushions them has been worn out. Some of the prescribed therapies to deal with the disease are exercise, stringent weight control, resting of the painful joints, pain relief medication, electrotherapy, and alternative therapies, and if the pain is excruciating, surgery. Electrotherapy is today one of the most accepted and used skills of physiotherapists, although it is by no means new. The use of heat, cold and electrical stimulation have been in use for a long time now, but the inherent problem is that the benefits and the advantages or disadvantages if any have not been analyzed or accounted for, and this means that the method is not as widely used as it can be. However, it remains a fact that electricity has been used by medical practitioners for hundreds of years now, and it is now one of the most common treatment approaches, giving new hope to millions of sufferers across the globe. (Kitchen, Sheila 2002) Take for example this table demonstrating the improvement in the management of pain in osteoarthritis using electrotherapy. Recent research has been able to prove that electricity would be able to bring immediate relief for both acute as well as chronic pain, and it must be remembered that in the case of osteoarthritis, the pain can be both acute and chronic. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of electrotherapy is not known yet, although it is true that the method can block the transmission of pain signals across the nerves, and can also cause the release of endorphins, or the natural painkillers that are created by the body to combat pain. There can be several different types of electrotherapy methods, and some of them are: TENS, or ‘transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation’, inferential current, and galvanic stimulation. One must note that all the three methods use electrotherapy to stimulate nerves and muscles, through the adhesive pads that are applied on the skin. Electrotherapy must never be used over malignancies, open infections, over pacemaker leads, and over the throat, because it may cause lowered blood pressure, and over a pregnant uterus, as it may affect the fetus. In the year 2004, a randomized double blind pilot study on the impact of electrotherapy on about sixty four osteoarthritis patients suffering from moderate to severe pain in their various joints was conducted. The aim was to study whether the therapy would be useful in alleviating the pain for these patients, and it was found that it would definitely be able to provide temporary relief from severe and intolerable pain. At the present time, stated the researchers who were involved in the experiment, pain relief for osteoarthritis is predominantly medication, and this approach could bring better relief. In the study, the approach was to apply micro to milliamp current to certain specific areas of the patient’s head. This would result in the release of endogenous opioids from the various pain management areas located within the human brain. For a period of two weeks prior to and tow weeks after the study, the subject pain was self assessed using the ‘value scale’, and none of the physicians, patients and the device operators were let in on which device was real and which, false, and the data thus collected revealed the interesting fact that electrotherapy was indeed beneficial in bringing down the pain of the patients of osteoarthritis. According to the Australian Physiotherapy Association, there is sufficient evidence available to prove that physiotherapy management of the knee joints is a very good idea, and that there is a lack of evidence to prove that electrotherapy, specifically shortwave diathermy, including ultrasound, microwave and shortwave may be useful in managing the pain. It may however be true that a recent Cochrane review was able to prove conclusively that TENS or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may be quite effective in controlling pain in these patients. However, better designed studies have to be made before it can be stated that TENS can be used to treat pain for osteoarthritis sufferers. (Bennell K, Hinman R, Crossley K 2001) It is important that the treatment plan must be made with the complete cooperation and consultation with the patient. The treatment goals would depend on the timescale of the treatment that he or she is undergoing for his osteoarthritis, the patient profile, and the affected joints. This would ensure that the patient achieves the maximum benefits of the treatment, so that he may be able to continue living a healthy and active life. Although research has shown that electrotherapy methods like laser therapy and ultrasound do not bring in any significant levels of improvement in the long term for the pain, they do bring in immediate relief from the pain. (EMHM Vogels, HJM Hendrick et al 2003) This cannot be taken to mean that electrotherapy does not bring relief for patients of osteoarthritis; it has been found that low power laser therapy has brought great relief for the pain of sufferers of osteoarthritis in Russia and in Eastern Europe. A study showed that electrotherapy brought relief for pain, mobility, tenderness and functioning in these patients, with relatively little adverse effects. In all probability, the mechanisms treated successfully using laser electrotherapy included peripheral nerve stimulation, resolution of inflammation, enhanced chondrocyte proliferation and increased matrix synthesis. (Ghassemi, M, Marks R 1999) There can be no doubt that the studies conducted so far are by no means conclusive, and the issue of handling the joint pains of those suffering from osteoarthritis with electrotherapy must be analyzed and studies further to bring in real statistics and real results. Perhaps, very soon, there may be available some sort of revolutionary treatment for the management of pain, which these patients would be able to use without fear of side effects or other complications, so that they may be able to continue to live an active and healthy lifestyle.

Adolescent Behavior Essay -- Music, Media

Introduction This chapter will review the factors that affect suicidal tendencies amongst adolescents as well as the role music plays in adolescent behavior. As there is a dearth of documentation on the emo culture, this review relied on articles and researches done in the United States and Australia. Music and the Adolescent According to Roe â€Å"music plays an important social role† in the development of adolescents (Roe K, 2000). Music acts as a buffer for adolescents; substituting as a means of distraction as well as entertainment. Roberts and Christenson (2001) assert that adolescent also use music as a way to take control of their moods and emotions. They maintain that music is also used as a means in the formation of their identities; this allows them achieve group identity and integration into subcultures. However, while Took and Weiss (1994) also agree that music is used as the means to join a social group, they ascertain that music is only used as a form to reflect the level of turmoil adolescents are feeling at that stage in their lives. Many researchers have conducted studies on popular music and its effects on school work, social interaction, mood and affect, with particular emphasis on behavior. They have developed numerous theories which explain the link between music and behavior and Wass et al (1991) has made indications that heavy metal music has links to homicides, suicides and satanic practices. Public criticism was wildly sounded when Gaines (1991) implied that there was a link between heavy metal and teen suicide pacts. The American Academy of Pediatrics (1996) has stated that the effect that popular music has on children and adolescents is of paramount importance and is a cause for concern. Brook... ...be assigned to each choice of response with 1 being assigned to â€Å"not at all† and 5 being assigned to â€Å"completely†. Data Analysis After the data has been collected, analysis of data will be done using Statistical Program for Social Science (SPSS) software. Charts and graphs will be used to illustrate the results of the questionnaires allowing the researcher to create a comprehensible analysis of the findings. The questionnaire will be analyzed by the five factors outlined earlier and not by each individual question. However, some questions, which the researcher finds as being significant to the research, will be analyzed individually. A pre test will be done on five participants to ensure that the questionnaire did not have errors and that the questions are clearly understood by the respondents. This will aid in determining the validity of the questionnaire.

Federal Trade Commission Act

The American government has engaged in the process of creating and enforcing legislation as the course of action for everyone to follow when dealing with labor issues and the workforce. In my research, I found several pieces of legislation such as the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, and the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Clayton Act (Federal Trade Commission, n.d.), and per text the Wagner Act of 1935, and the Taft-Hartley Act (DeCenzo, 2016). Congress passed this legislation as the determining element in how much control that management and/ or unions would have in protecting the rights of the workers and the organizations.The US government has been involved in the process of acting as a mediator between the organizations and unions with labor clashes. In the 1800's, there weren't many laws that would govern how unions would operate within the organization. So in the early stages of unions organizations thought that the unions were illegal and that they would interfere with the progress of the organization.The Sherman Antitrust Act was the initial legislation adopted that shaped labor unions. This act was important to the organization because it prevented any â€Å"restraint of commerce across state lines and the courts ruled that union strikes or boycotts would be covered by the law†. There is two additional act of the Sherman Act, they are the Federal Trade Commission Act the prohibit bias procedures concerning competition and misleading forms of practice, the Clayton Act focuses on certain issues such as mergers and joining boards members. The main strike in 1894 between the Pullman Palace Car Company and the American Railway Union, where workers walked off of the job because wages were cut by as much as forty percent. At that time the organization was able to obtain a ruling that stopped both the strike and boycott. And because of this labor unions discovered that it would be harder to organize successfully (Shmoop, 2018). The National Labor Relation Act of 1935, which is also known as the Wagner Act was endorsed to protect both employers, and employees, it is the main key to union rights. The Wagner Act distinctively insist that employers should bargain in excellent confidence on issues such as wages, hours, and employment environments. This gave unions control over bias labor habits. Therefore, the Wagner Act empowered unions to be able to grow and advance, plus to establish unions permitting them to protect and bargain together, which means the workforce has the right to come as one to make their demands known even without a union (DeCenzo, 2016) (Shmoop, 2018).Because the Wagner Act sheltered the unions it led to the Taft-Hartley Act which is known as the Labor-Management Act (DeCenzo, 2016). This act covered the concerns of the employer in preventing bias practices of the unions. It prohibited closed stops by declaring them illegal and empowering the states to pass laws that would decrease mandatory union representation. It also disallowed secondary boycotts by giving the president authority whenever differences may influence national security. Both parties must bargain in â€Å"good faith† by coming to the table intending to reach an agreement. But if they don't reach one the Taft-Hartley developed the FMCS to help in the talks (DeCenzo, 2016).All of these laws are vital to the organization and unions since they're the basis of the relationship that is between the workforce and the employer. While the NLRA has changed over time it is very important because it includes how both should work together throughout the bargaining process. And how the Taft-Hartley controls the duration of the relationship. But they safeguard that everyone should work together during the conditions of the association.As a result, unionized workers through combined efforts of both the union and organizations cooperative bargaining have produced better wages, benefits, safe environment, and health conditions for the workforce. They have also included better opportunities for the non-unionized workers (Walters, 2003).ReferencesDeCenzo, D. A. (2016). Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, 12th Edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons Inc.Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.).Retrieved from The Antitrust Laws: https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/antitrust-lawsShmoop. (2018). Retrieved from History of Labor Unions: https://www.shmoop.com/history-labor-unions/law.htmlWalters, M. a. (2003, 8 26). Economic Policy Institute.Retrieved from How unions help all workers: https://www.epi.org/publication/briefingpapers_bp143/.

Product life cycle and its stages Essay

In today’s world, where market is unpredictable, strategies play crucial role in defending a firm’s product position. â€Å"The main reason why companies must continually develop new products is because products have life cycle†, (Bittel, 1980). Just as operation managers must be prepared to develop new products, they must also be prepared to develop strategies for both new and existing products. First and foremost, before proceeding into the product life cycle strategies, lets define what a product life cycle is. According to Griffin and Ebert (2002), a product life cycle is a series of stages through which it passes during its profit -producing life. Depending on the product’s ability to attract and keep customers over time, a product life cycle may be a matter of months, years, or even decades. Anyway, there are four phases that every product undergoes in a market since it was produced and launched to its out-of market position. They are the introductor y, growth, maturity and decline phases. Below follows the figure of a product life cycle and all phases’ detailed descriptions shall be described later. Also, considerations must be given to how far the product is along the product life cycle. A new concept / product just entering the product life cycle may require intensive distribution to start with to launch it on to the market. As it becomes more established, perhaps the after sales-service will play a more important role which leads to a more selective distribution, with only those dealers that are able to offer the necessary standard of after sales-service being allowed to sell the product. In simpler words, in every phase of a product life cycle, a product should undergo different, suitable strategy in order to stay competitive in the ever changing market. Below follows the product life cycle stages along with their definitions and beneficial strategies†¦ Introductory Stage: According to Stevenson (1999), the introduction stage begins when a product  reaches the market place. When an item is first introduced, it may be treated with curiosity by the buyers. Demand is generally low as buyers are not yet familiar with that item. This often leads to the drop of the product’s price. Therefore, along with time, production and design improvements, many new products became more reliable, less costly, and also the increase in awareness in buyers lads to the increase in demand. Also, according to Griffin and Ebert (2002), during this stage, marketers focus on making their target markets aware of the products and their benefits. Also, during this stage, the particular product is represented with innovation (diffusion of innovative curve), product development (Ansoff Growth Matrix) and problem children (Boston Consulting Group). Among the common characteristics, according to Smith et al – 1997 are: – new products; – low sales; – low market share; – Specific type of customers willing to buy new products. During this phase, as compared to the other phases, profits are negative or low because of low sales and high distribution and promotional expenses. Promotional expenditures are high as the company is eager to inform customers’ about the product’s availability and get them to try it. Since the market is not ready for new products at this stage, the firm focuses on selling such items to those who are the readiest to buy. A company that wishes to be a market leader for its product must choose to launch a strategy that is consistent with the intended product positioning. The company, when deciding on which strategy to implement for the product’s long-term, life and will have to continuously formulate new pricing, promotion and other marketing strategies. Growth Stage: It is the second stage of product life cycle process. Only if the new product satisfies the market’s demand and need, it will enter this stage. According to Heizer and Render (2001), in the growth phase, product design has begun to stabilize, and effective forecasting of capacity requirements is necessary. Adding capacity or enhancing existing capacity to accommodate the increase in product demand may be necessary. Also, customers who have tried the product earlier may remain loyal. In the face of such opportunity, new competitors will start entering the market and they will introduce new product features and hence, expanding the market, leaving the product’s price constant or fall slightly. Here, a company, in order to stay competitive in the market, should keep on promoting its product. In addition, profits start to increase. The firm has several strategies to stay in the rapid growing market as long as possible. Also, the firm improves the product quality, adds more distribution channels, changing the advertising theme – from promoting the product to the market to reminding the market on the availability of the product as well as to increase awareness. The firm also lowers the price in order to attract more buyers. During this stage, usually firms that have successfully passed their product’s introduction stage have high market share and are highly profitable. On the whole, as said by Smith et al – 1997, this phase is represented by: – sales and profits growth; – more widespread usage; – development of the market; – high market share; – Increasing competition. Maturity Stage: The third stage for a product to go. As stated by Pride et al, (1988), sales are still increasing at the beginning of the maturity stage, but the rate of increase has slowed. Later in this stage, the sales curve peaks and begins to decline. Many products maturity stages lasted longer than the previous stages. Industry profits decline throughout this stage. During this stage, sales growth starts to slow down. Hence, the firm as well as its market competitors starts lowering down their prices, increases advertising and sales promotions. Also, the intense market led weaker competitors to quit. Only those strong enough will be able to precede the competition. A company should consider a different strategy when its product cines ti maturity, either by redesigning the market or its product. Modifying market is when the company tries to increase consumption if the current product. The currently matured product can also be redesigned its package or style. It is an effective way of strengthening a firm’s market share. Consumers may also be encouraged to use the product more often or in new ways. Pricing strategies are flexible during this stage, such as markdowns pr price incentives. Marketers may offer incentives and services to declare offering such matured products, especially from competitors. Sales promotions and aggressive personal selling can e effective during this period, when competition may require large promotional expenditures. On the whole, just as adopted from Smith et al (1997), this phase is represented by: – market maturity and a slow-down in sales growth’ – conversion of late majority of customers, and – trying to increase market penetration and share. Decline Stage: The final stage of the product life cycle. According to Lancaster and Jobber (1994), it is when sales begin to fall and already slim profit margins are depressed even further. Customers have begun to become bored with the product and are looking forward to newer, latest products. Dealers begin to de-stock the product in anticipation of reduced sales. Here, sales and profits sank lower, due to various reasons such as advancement in technology, shifts in consumer tastes or intense competitions. Such factors have forced many companies to quit the market and for the other remaining companies, they may have to redesign their strategies to stay longer in the market by raising the price to cover cists, re price to maintain market share, or lower the price to reduce inventory. The firm can also cut down or tighten the product’s advertising and promotional budget so it will be easier for the company to lower down the price. In addition, the company can also â€Å"downsize† its market and focuses on smaller segment as well as their trade channels. In other words, distribution of the declining product will be narrowed to te most profitable existing market. Also, the product will not be highly promoted, although advertising and promotions may be used to slow down the decline. Instead, the firm may even decide to drop the product entirely at the end. Just like the above three phases, this stage is also represented by: – declining sales and profits; – rationalism in the marketplace through mergers, acquisitions and take-over; – some products will be milked for the profits; – often products may need to be harvested; and – in a few cases, product extensions can be developed. Detecting Maturity and Decline: â€Å"The need in strategy development is to detect changes in the trend of  industry sales, to detect when the product life cycle will enter a new phase†, (Asker, 1984). In other word, it is very essential for a firm to view and analyze all market factors involved when its product’s growth phase of the product life cycle changes to a flat maturity phase and when the maturity phase changes into a decline phase. Below are some factors that supply as market indicators that serve as an aid for a firm in detecting its product maturity and decline†¦ – Price pressures caused by overcapacity and the lack of product differentiation; – As the product matures. Buyers have become familiar with the related product and hence, they are unwilling to pay finest price for the product in order to obtain brand security; – Technology advancement and substitute products may lead to the decline of a product. A suitable example for this case is the black and white television sets which due to technological development have lead to the production of color televisions – a definite unpredictable effect on sales of black and white television sets; – When the number of potential first time buyers for a particular product decreases, the market along with the company sales and profits happen to decline; – The market is fully penetrated and there are no sources of growth from existing and new users; and – Existing customers may start to be disinterested in the product and are probably looking forward to switch brands. Actually a product life cycle is conceptually simple yet powerful. However, it is not easily applied. The stages described above are not easily forecasted or predicted or even easily determined. Furthermore, it is difficult to determine and analyze the product definition and finally, even  if the stages in the life cycle are determined, the strategy implications are not always obvious. Therefore, on the whole, I would like to conclude that a company should be aware of the life cycle stages of each product it is responsible for. The company should also predict on how long the product is expected to linger in that stage. Such thinking is very important for setting up strategies such as let say, if the product is expected to remain the maturity stage for a long time; a replacement product might be introduced later in the maturity stage. On the other hand, if the maturity stage is expected to be short, however, a new product should be introduced much earlier.

Free Essays on Prohibition In The Roaring 20’s

When you think of the roaring 20’s, you think about people having a good time and partying, but most often people don’t think about what was going on behind that. Prohibition was started in 1920’s and was named â€Å"the noble experiment†. Though it was a failure, it was meant for good. They thought the banning of alcohol would reduce crime rates and improve health, among other things. It was such a big failure in fact, it raised the amount of alcohol people drank in the end. It also led many drinkers to start on other drugs such as opium, marijuana, cocaine and other harmful substances. It was not very likely that they would have used these drugs if Prohibition had never occurred. It makes you think how different things would be if Prohibition never became a law. Would the use of drugs be as prevalent as it is today? This was truly an age of downfall for all of America. It is so hard to tell whether prohibition was a good thing or a bad law to pass, but either way people found a way to get around it. It all started because the people who originally started prohibition found the drinking behavior of Americans to be a problem. They didn’t want it to spread all around and grow with the immigration of Europe. With good intentions, they believed banning alcohol would make better workers and in the end, more productivity. They also believed it would decrease violence. So on January 12, 1920 America went dry officially. In the next twelve years, complete corruption, violence, and other scandals occurred. You would think after this alcohol would be very hard to get, but it was just the opposite. It became much easier to get alcohol then ever because so many people made a profit bootlegging. Alcohol was such an easy thing to come by, and believe it or not, during prohibition it was much easier to get. Since this law wasn’t enforced as much as it should have been, crime grew even larger. People were willing to ... Free Essays on Prohibition In The Roaring 20’s Free Essays on Prohibition In The Roaring 20’s When you think of the roaring 20’s, you think about people having a good time and partying, but most often people don’t think about what was going on behind that. Prohibition was started in 1920’s and was named â€Å"the noble experiment†. Though it was a failure, it was meant for good. They thought the banning of alcohol would reduce crime rates and improve health, among other things. It was such a big failure in fact, it raised the amount of alcohol people drank in the end. It also led many drinkers to start on other drugs such as opium, marijuana, cocaine and other harmful substances. It was not very likely that they would have used these drugs if Prohibition had never occurred. It makes you think how different things would be if Prohibition never became a law. Would the use of drugs be as prevalent as it is today? This was truly an age of downfall for all of America. It is so hard to tell whether prohibition was a good thing or a bad law to pass, but either way people found a way to get around it. It all started because the people who originally started prohibition found the drinking behavior of Americans to be a problem. They didn’t want it to spread all around and grow with the immigration of Europe. With good intentions, they believed banning alcohol would make better workers and in the end, more productivity. They also believed it would decrease violence. So on January 12, 1920 America went dry officially. In the next twelve years, complete corruption, violence, and other scandals occurred. You would think after this alcohol would be very hard to get, but it was just the opposite. It became much easier to get alcohol then ever because so many people made a profit bootlegging. Alcohol was such an easy thing to come by, and believe it or not, during prohibition it was much easier to get. Since this law wasn’t enforced as much as it should have been, crime grew even larger. People were willing to ...

Research Paper on Franchising

Research Paper on Franchising Dimensions Influencing Decision Process of Franchising Adoption by Mid-Market Hotels in China Abstract There is a need to explore the dimensions that influence some of the decision-making processes of Chinese mid-market hotels as they get into franchises. It is necessary to conduct a benefit analysis of franchising as a means of participating in hotel operations in the Chinese market. This encompasses all the businesses in the hotel industry that are either making an initial entrance or expanding operations from their present Chinese base. Some of the greatest drawbacks, also doubling up as negative dimensions, include adapting to the preferences and tastes of the market, acquiring reliable business partners, and protection against IPR violations. The other further dimensions include stiff competition, value added services, the legal environment and customer service. Introduction Franchising, despite having enjoyed a relatively obscured existence in the early 90s, has experienced a wildfire success in the recent years. This article shares some of its findings from reliable retrospective studies on franchising in the Chinese mid-market hotel industry. With over 10% of its hotel industry having been taken over by franchised hotel chains, China currently has one of the world’s fastest growing franchise industries in the world. Additionally, the country enjoys playing the world’s largest host of the franchise industry with over 200,000 franchised retail outlets belonging to almost 2600 international brands (Chao, 2008). Led by the historical success of brands such as Lining and Nike sportswear, the Chinese franchising industry has been expanding at an intriguing rate of over 35 percent per annum over the past decade. Hotel industry franchising hit Chinese popularity in the early 00s as businesses in the sector began reaping the benefits of the model. Franchises act as strategic corporate alliances that facilitate an investor’s capability to participate and operate in an established organization with a heavy customer base (Altinay, 2003). A company could also have other desirable characteristics such as successful business plans, efficient distribution systems, and financial commitments. There are a lot of world-renowned hotels such as the Hilton and Intercontinental Hotels that utilize the franchise system. Unlike China, the US hotel franchise industry booms at a record high of over 70%. These work as a chain of properties interconnected together through a single brand name with central management (Hoover Ketchen, 2003). A majority of American entrepreneurs who purchase and open hotels realize the many advantages of belonging to a single franchise. They include instant brand recognition for new properties and the credibility of association with renowned entities. Whether in China or the US, investors are faced with the urge of selecting the best franchise from selected list. They consider, among others, issues such as location, the target market, the cost of franchising, general reputation, and the financial standing (Hu Meng, 2004). The following are the dimensions that influence the decision making process of adopting franchises by mid-market hotels in China. Available Background Information on Franchises Choosing a hotel franchise in China requires an adequate amount of background research. This calls for the creation of a foundation that will see the adequate analysis of the property in question. It is, therefore, vital that hoteliers consider additional dimensions such as location and the target market. Therefore, a majority of hotel owners in China would think twice about franchising with brand names notable only to the western world. Similarly, hotels seeking to identify themselves with the middle class usually avoid franchises renowned for the rich and the famous. This is reason enough why mid-market hotels in China avoid brand names such as Serena, Intercontinental, and Hilton Hotels (IHG, 2012). The franchising royalty fees and other expenses, inclusive of the general system reservation, required prior to franchising can prove steep. It is, therefore, worth conducting a background check on all existing chains to ascertain which one offers the best value for franchising. Startup costs in China tend to vary vastly depending on a chosen brand’s value and global reputation. The global hotel industry consists of a number of notable companies that offer services that assist franchisees evaluate their affiliation options (Inma, 2010). When performing their cost-benefit analyses, it is vital to consider the number of new consumers a given affiliation can attract. Background studies can reveal areas that would expose a franchisee to unfavorable regulations hidden in the franchise contract. Different hotel franchises have been noted to poses unique policies identified to affecting the operations of an interested hotel property. A majority of franchises, for instance, usually require a service of standardization that might not rule in the advantage of potential owners (JLJ, 2007). Similarly, most franchises usually poses regulations attached to the prominent placement of the franchise logo in a way that might affect the brand of the given property. Furthermore, prior research would reveal that immature termination of franchise contract usually results in dire penalties. Similarly, legal documents associated with franchising and licensing often shields the affected franchisor from court battles. Therefore, the above dimension should always be considered when selecting a hotel franchise in the Peoples Republic of China (Jackson, 2006). Financial and Economic Health of Potential Franchisors Affiliating with a given hotel franchise has historically proven to be a lifetime investment. The economic health of potential franchisors should be considered prior to entering into affiliation agreements. This dimension is important in a way that it reveals that long-term reliability of the business deal under binding. The future of a franchise, for instance Premier Inns, and its growth potential are vital dimensions when evaluating for a possible affiliation. These work as the centralized benefits that the brand would offer its new hotels (Paswan Kantamneni, 2004). Globally recognized franchised contracts act as long-term deals; usually extending to several years. This implies that the long-term viability of such a franchise contract among, say Premier, Accor and Ibis, is very vital. It has also become helpful that hotels contact potential franchisees and utilize the available online resources when evaluating Chinese hotel franchises. The decision to adopt and affiliate with a given brand would likely pose a huge effect to the future of a hotel property. Therefore, dire consideration of the above dimension and effective due diligence would assist in forging a solid business relationship (Zhang Pine, 2005). Competition The current Chinese economic success has led to the rise of a fast growing middle class with the hankering of vast domestic travel. Cashing in on such tour booms are hotel chains that are rising so fast. Indeed, franchises are coming up and affiliating on daily basis. One such player is Budget hotel franchise: Hantings Inns. This is a chain founded by Chinese business mogul Ji Qi almost a decade ago. Presently, the company enjoys a vastness of over 100o hotel properties all over China distributed across four leading brands (Mak, 2008). The Hantings Inns boss expects his business empire to have become the world’s biggest hotel franchise by the year 2020. As competition would have had it, the franchise takes an adequate amount of inspiration from leading low cost western chains that accommodate business travelers such as Accor, Ibis, and Premier Inns. The competitive nature of the Chinese hotel industry has led to the growth of other low cost hotels. They all aim at keeping everything simple in such a way that clients have a lot to choose from at affordable prices (Tang, 2004). Entrepreneurs, therefore, choose those franchises that notable for investing more in their rooms thus coming up with a competitive strategy that is cost effective. The increased scale and rate of development within China over the past two decades has prompted global investors to watch the market with interest. The number of people travelling in and out of China has increased to over 60 million per year. Therefore, China is currently Asia’s number one source of franchising investors. This implies that international hoteliers are slowly but surely moving into China to tap into the hotel franchising industry (Zhang Ray Pine, 2005). For instance, Accor has tried to acquire a stronghold in the Chinese market with Grand Mercure regionally known as Mei Jue. Similarly, hotel chain Marriott has devised an investment plan that would see its affiliate hotels double over the years. All these franchises are targeting the average Chinese traveler in a bid to win their loyalties. The loyalty that brands struggle to build is translated to the loyalty of Asian travelers around the earth (Li-Tzang SooCheong, 2010). However, foreign investors find it difficult competing with the likes of Hantings for the Chinese mid-market. Domestic hotels would find this an interesting dimension to consider when seeking an entrance into an affiliation with either domestic or international franchises. However, some of the good news would be that with many partners to choose from, the cost of franchising will sure start dipping. This seemingly favors local brands since they are faster, cost effective and knows their Chinese consumers better (Yung, 2007). Value Added Services Individual hoteliers and their customers have their own expectation when picking between hotel brands and products. This is based on relevant historical backgrounds of various trading experiences of parent brands in the past. As a shopper, the independent hotelier seeks the maximum value for his intended affiliations. Therefore, they are not confined to low-level satisfaction but the ultimate joy in the newly acquired deal (Phillips, 2006). Over the years, Hantings and other franchises have set the benchmark for their partners’ services in key Chinese cities. Similarly, the Holiday Inn Hotels developed value added services such as the inclusion of a call center and a Chinese language website for potential partners and customers. Presently, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts boast of being one of the best mid-market hotel brand names in China. The emergence of Chinese Hotel Awards has also influenced the growth and development of franchising in a way that only the best brands are chosen (Moore, Ratneshwar, Moore, 2012). High-end hotels such as the Intercontinental Hotels have also assisted in providing benchmarks for value added services in the mid-market hotels. Presently, mid-market franchises have been revealing their best in ensuring that their brand promises are delivered to their customers and potential affiliations. Having researched on the nature of relationships and investment in the Chinese people, potential partners show a strong affinity in further selecting only those brands that touch and deliver on demand (JLJ, 2007). Managing and franchising of hotels in China proved much simpler before the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games since there were a few choices. However, hotel demand increased with an increase in room inventory and disposable incomes. Overtime, new hotel chains came up leading to the present of incredible franchises. The most visible factor has been in operation costs, especially regarding labor and energy (Tuunanen, 2011). As these two aspects rose significantly, they posed a great effect on the nature of the hotel industry. The major challenges in China remain keeping teams adequately motivated and using the hotel’s value added services to fill it. It is challenging individual hoteliers to forge excellent relationships with franchise that insist on the quality of service and overall hygiene. It seems encouraging enough that individual hoteliers look for helpful franchises with excellent work ethics (Su, 2006). A lot of research and training needs to be conducted to ascertain each franchise’ commitment to success. Beijing, China’s second largest city has seen the rise of new hotels and developments on beaches and luxury areas. The challenging factors remains, however, the competitive environment that has seen many hotels crop up. This has led to cut throat competition in value added services such as extra advertisement and room service (Xiao Wang, 2009). Additionally, such competition provides an opportunity for franchises to rethink their competitive bargains in new and innovative products. These come as challenges of managing and affiliating hotels in China. However, if they can get the desirable partners, the hoteliers would be able to provide excellent value added services that retain customers (Miles, 2006). Customer Needs The Chinese hotel industry comprises of many faces. To the workers it is a source of employment. To the owners, hotels exist as an entire empire that has to keep moving forward. To customers it comprises of everything from their beds during travel to a part of their temporary homes during vacations. While catering for the needs of the public could be difficult, doing so in the hotel industry has with it a number of challenges (Noone Mattila, 2009). Besides learning the likelihood of delivering exceptional customer services, franchisors also look for partners that preach on the skills that deal with the needs of every customer. Beyond the dà ©cor and hotel amenities that contribute to the satisfaction of customers’ needs, nothing should be able to ruin the experiences of franchisors than poor customer service from the franchises trying to host them. In such strategic times, mid-market hoteliers usually discuss the key characteristics of effective customer service and activities that exceed their customers’ expectations (Okoroafo, Koh, Liu, 2010). They also concern themselves with discovering the level to which their decisions to franchise can affect their businesses and personal lives. All affiliated parties know that some of the best ways of offering excellent customer service is through effective communication with domestic clientele. As logic would have it, this dimension exposes the franchises’ need to work out an informative consumer need diagnostic technique (Qui, 2004). Using this as a guide to selecting potential partners, hotel franchises then try their best in identifying their individual communication techniques and those of their customers to attain the best possible outcome for satisfaction. Based on the form of franchise in question, supporters of such alliances argue of the probability that customers remain allied to brands they feel comfortable with. Taking, therefore, a franchising approach equips individual hotels with the best work force that adjusts to various changes in customer tastes and preferences. Franchising also provides for hotel franchises to adapt more effectively to changing customer regulatory requirements (Moore, Ratneshwar, Moore, 2012). Presence of IPR Violations It is the greatest challenges Chinese business environment currently face. The widespread of IPR violations has slowed the process of making decisions on hotel franchising. While clear regulations on Intellectual Property Rights have been put in place, their enforcement continues to grow weaker by the day. The responsibility to explore and track various kinds of brand violations falls squarely on property owners (WTTC, 2006). Many Chinese hotels have fallen prey to franchising copycats that utilize logos to attract customers. They find it important to assess the genuine details of franchises before entering into an affiliation. Most of the large chain brands also encounter many imitators racking in billions of under their brand names. Some of these copycats and fraudsters are usually ex-franchisees whose contracts are terminated for falling short of meeting laid standards (Saunders Riordan, 2009). Although registering brands would not guarantee most franchisors the recourse coming from IPR violations, failure to adhere to this would lead to dire outcomes. China is notable for granting logos and trademarks on a first-come-first-serve basis. This has sparkled the existence of scenarios where individuals register other organizations’ trademarks and go ahead to demand due fees for their use (Pine, 2003). Individual hotels would want to equip themselves with the knowledge of the existence of such fake franchising deals to reach out for the best affiliations. It would prove a matter of importance for individual hotels to register their trademarks, brand and domain names before entering into a franchising deal. They should also do the same, including the registration of patent rights, before going into the Chinese hotel industry (Zhu, 2008). Legal Environment The government’s initial attempts to develop legal guidelines for franchising in China were the 1997 Franchise Rules. These were issued in 1997 through the Ministry of Commerce then known as the Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Ministry. As hotel businesses seeking to get into franchises would note, the rules appeared to be the initial steps in offering guidance for such business models in new China. Unfortunately, these initial regulations only favored the domestic franchises (Li-Tzang SooCheong, 2010). This, thereby, locked out any foreign franchisor willing to invest and operate in China. This shows the governments protection of domestic franchisors at the expense of their foreign counterparts. A further move towards this ensures that foreign entrepreneurs look for equally effective local brands when getting into the Chinese Mid-market hotel industry (Liu Qiu, 2005). Major international hotel franchisors have began to enter the Chinese market and proceeded to develop and acquire scores of hotel units throughout the economy. It was not until the mid 00s that China came up with a legal implementation, which ensured that foreign companies established legal entities in China. This commercial legalization of foreign investment encourages foreign hotels with western ideologies to spread across the country through franchising (Chen Liu, 2003). The 2004 Commercial Measures, however, were general in nature and favored domestic franchisors at the expense of their domestic counterparts. They only had themselves in structuring ways in which they could develop and implement their systems in accordance to Chinese law. The following are some of the vital elements of the current Chinese franchise regulations that firm follow when choosing to affiliate (Dant Kaufmann, 2003). First, the scope of the Chinese franchise regulations has become drafted in such a way that it applies to all affiliation activities taking place within Chinese territory. This provision covers all domestic and foreign franchisors/franchisees intending to do business in China. This does not imply that the Chinese legal system is strict when dealing with foreign investors (Terry, 2007). However, it has been very common for new laws to be implemented without amending the existing regulations dealing with the similar areas. Such a situation should cause utter confusion within the hotel business community or other entities affected by the same laws. Mid-market hotel owners should always consult with the relevant legal authorities before entering into affiliations (Altinay Okumus, 2010). Secondly, the regulations ascertain that no unit other than registered enterprises should get into the franchising business as franchisors. This implies that franchisees could comprise of natural individuals. However, potential franchisees would view this regulation as one in need of further clarification on the nature of business enterprises (Altinay Brookes, 2012). Lastly, the law obliges all franchisors to offer franchisees with all possible operational information. These would comprise of long-term guidance, support, training and other value added services prior to deal signing. However, potential franchisees should note that the law does not clearly state what is mandatory in such material. Therefore, they are always on the lookout for franchisors that include all the information franchisees need to know when starting a franchise chain of hotels in China (Guo, 2006). Availability of Reliable Partners Mainland China swarms with entrepreneurs that are more than willing to invest in franchised hotels. However, almost a handful of them have proven competent enough to manage them. This means that most domestic franchisees and potential franchisees lack adequate understanding of the franchising ideology. This follows the lack of modern and informative management experiences. For instance, popular Chinese franchises now face the risk of closing up businesses for failure to meet various quality and management standards (Altinay, 2006). Most brands, despite having painstakingly been developed over the past decade, have become damaged by their poor product quality, inferior infrastructure, and subpar quality of service. The provision of long-term guarantee on business guidance and training has rose into becoming a critical area of concentration for most hotel franchisors. Hantings Inns, which is currently one of China’s fastest developing mid market hotels, requires all of its franchises to undertake various seminars and trainings. These essential training courses bring managers of potential franchisees up to the company’s regulation (Doherty, 2007). Conclusion Franchising came as an opportunity for smaller hotels to gain considerable amounts of financing. This assisted them to expand faster through the employment of a highly charged workforce. These individuals then enhanced the running of business operations from specified locations ensuring that the parent received royalties from all returns. The benefits of hotel franchising reflected the overall objective of franchising; to dominate global markets through acquiring and maintaining as large a customer base as possible (Alon, 2012). For individual hotel property owners, franchising requires low financial risk compared to opening and running independent businesses. A franchise usually poses small startup expenses for entrepreneurs as well as absorbing much of the risks and uncertainties associated with starting a hotel business. Franchisees, therefore, pay for an entrepreneurs’ hard work in creating a renowned business model.

How Small Business Drives US Economy

How Small Business Drives US Economy What really drives the U.S. economy? No, it is not war. In fact, it is small business firms with fewer than 500 employees that drives the U.S. economy by providing jobs for over half of the nations private workforce. In 2010, there were 27.9 million small businesses in the United States, compared to 18,500 larger firms with 500 employees or more, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These and other statistics outlining small business contribution to the economy are contained in the Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories, 2005 Edition from the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA Office of Advocacy, the small business watchdog of the government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to federal government agencies, Congress, and the President of the United States. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats and it funds research into small business issues. Small business drives the American economy, said Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy in a press release. Main Street provides the jobs and spurs our economic growth. American entrepreneurs are creative and productive, and these numbers prove it. Small Businesses Are Job Creators SBA Office of Advocacy-funded data and research shows that small businesses create more than half of the new private non-farm gross domestic product, and they create 60 to 80 percent of the net new jobs. Census Bureau data shows that in 2010, American small businesses accounted for: 99.7% of U.S. employer firms;64% of net new private-sector jobs;49.2%   of private-sector employment; and42.9% of private-sector payroll Leading the Way Out of the Recession Small businesses accounted for 64% of the net new jobs created between 1993 and 2011 (or 11.8 million of the 18.5 million net new jobs). During the recovery from the great recession, from mid-2009 to 2011, small firms led by the larger ones with 20-499 employees accounted for 67% of the net new jobs created nationwide. Do the Unemployed Become Self-Employed? During periods of high unemployment, like the U.S. suffered during the great recession, starting a small business can be just as hard, if not harder than finding a job. However, in March 2011, about 5.5% or nearly 1 million self-employed people – had been unemployed the previous year. This figure was up from March 2006 and March 2001, when it was 3.6% and 3.1%, respectively, according to the SBA. Small Businesses Are the Real Innovators Innovation – new ideas and product improvements – is generally measured by the number of patents issued to a firm. Among firms considered â€Å"high patenting† firms – those being granted 15 or more patents in a four-year period small businesses produce 16 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms, according to the SBA. In addition, SBA research also shows that increasing the number of employees correlates with increased innovation while increasing sales does not. Do Women, Minorities, and Veterans Own Small Businesses? In 2007, the nation’s 7.8 million women-owned small businesses averaged $130,000 each in receipts. Asian-owned businesses numbered 1.6 million in 2007 and have average receipts of $290,000. African-American-owned businesses numbered 1.9 million in 2007 and have average receipts of $50,000. Hispanic-American-owned businesses numbered 2.3 million in 2007 and have average receipts of $120,000. Native American/Islander-owned businesses numbered 0.3 million in 2007 and have average receipts of $120,000, according to the SBA. In addition, veteran-owned small businesses numbered 3.7 million in 2007, with average receipts of $450,000.

English has now become the lingua franca of the business world. What Essay - 1

English has now become the lingua franca of the business world. What are the implications of this for business and for native and non-native speakers of English - Essay Example For companies based in English-speaking societies, using English to coordinate and control business activities across the globe is less problematic. Yet, implementing a global language for the whole company is difficult for companies based in Asian or Latin Europe societies; however, even in these companies, requiring a language besides English as the international business lingua franca remains problematic (Garzone & Llie, 2007, p. 28). This essay discusses the implications of English as the lingua franca of the business world for the management, and native and non-native speakers of English. The chosen business genre is negotiation. Lingua franca is a language or expression that non-native speakers can use to effectively transfer information or exchange ideas with other non-native speakers. English as a lingua franca is defined by Firth (1996 as cited in Koester, 2010, p. 123) as: In order to explain business communications in the context of lingua franca, the concept of Business English as a Lingua Franca (BELF) was developed (Koester, 2010, p. 123). The increasing significance of English as Lingua Franca (EFL) is caused by a variety of occurrences. These involve the broader application of English as a global business language, English becoming a leading Internet language, the growing population of international students, and the continuous development of information and communication technologies (ICTs) (Bargiela-Chiappini, 2000, p. 311). Nowadays, EFL is the prevailing linguistic system that fulfils a need for communication. Even though workforce diversity is essential to businesses across the globe, international employees have to openly, clearly, and effectively communicate with one another. In order to cope with the intensifying global competition, an increasing number of European companies are implementing English as their official corporate

Man made Surface water drainage settling lagoon Literature review

Man made Surface water drainage settling lagoon - Literature review Example On the other hand, artificial, sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) for the collection and temporary storage of surface runoff, are constructed for the purpose of attenuation or reduction of released water flow volume as well as water purification. These include Basins, Ponds and alternative forms of attenuation. Thus, Basins are of two types: detention basins and extended detention basins. Ponds are of five types: lagoons, balancing or attenuating ponds, flood storage reservoirs, retention ponds and wetlands. Alternative Forms of Attenuation include the use of over-sized pipes as in rainwater harvesting, tanks, and green roofs. Combined infiltration/ attenuation systems consist of swales and filter strips (SUDS, 2011). Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the different types of lagoons. The naturally formed coastal lagoons will be examined, followed by a study of the artificial surface water drainage settling lagoon, and the various types of surface run-off storage water bodies, legislation, their management, purpose and concept. Coastal Lagoons are Natural Formations Coastal lagoons are found on all continents, particularly in the low latitudinal zone. They occupy 13 percent of the world’s coastline. These lagoons â€Å"occupy shallow coastal depressions and are separated from the ocean by a barrier† (Kjerfve, 1986 p.63). They are at risk of being completely infilled by sediments, or separated from the sea by littoral drift. In the British Isles there are comparatively few examples of this type of habitat. The coastal lagoon’s physical characteristics and differences are predominantly based on the nature of the channel connecting the lagoon to the adjacent coastal ocean; they are classified as choked, restricted, and leaky systems. Choked lagoons have a single entrance channel which is proportionately smaller in cross-sectional area as compared to the surface area of the lagoon; they are commonly found in coastlines with medium to high wave energy. On the other hand, leaky lagoons have several entrance channels, and have a n aturally large ratio of entrance channel cross-sectional area in relation to the surface area of the lagoon. They are strongly influenced by the ocean’s salinity and tidal variability, and have an occasional significant wave energy. Restricted lagoons form the middle of the spectrum, between the choked and leaky extremes (Kjerfve, 1986). Coastal lagoons are similar to and also different from Manmade surface runoff water collection and storage systems such as ponds, basins and lagoons. Coastal lagoons are characterised by their salt water, and by being impacted by features such as the sea’s tides, the extent of build up of the reefs separating the lagoon from the adjacent sea, and other factors relating to oceanic conditions. These conditions do not affect manmade lagoons. However, natural coastal lagoons as well as manmade lagoons are similarly influenced by rainfall. At the same time, they differ in the surface runoff water that drains into them. Coastal lagoons are m ostly polluted by the soil and other natural debris. On the other hand, the surface runoff that enters ponds, lagoons and basins frequently contains waste materials and sewage from industry, agriculture or other human activities besides soil impurities and natural deposits. Artificial Surface Runoff and Waste Water Drainage Settling Lagoons Ponds constructed for

The Ethical Dilemma of Maximizing Pleasure. Utilitarianism Dilemma Essay

The Ethical Dilemma of Maximizing Pleasure. Utilitarianism Dilemma - Essay Example My predicament provides quite a simplified and inaccurate version of John Stuart Mill’s principle of utility which states that actions promoting happiness or pleasure are considered to be correct whereas actions promoting unhappiness or pain are considered to be wrong (John Stuart Mill 330). According to Mill’s principle, my choice of going to Nuit Blanche instead of studying was the right one as I was able to maximize my pleasure. But, this situation is too simplistic and does not provide a moral argument for Mill’s principle. Let us consider the following thought experiment where a trolley is out of control and it is approaching five people who cannot escape the impact. Fortunately, you are next to a switch which could change the path of the train and save the five people. But, the other track is under construction and if you were to flip the switch, you would kill one construction worker. In this situation, Mill’s principle of utility would argue that s aving five people would result in maximizing the most happiness or pleasure and therefore it would be morally justified to kill the construction worker. Thus, the central idea of Mill’s principle states that the morality of an action is contingent upon its consequence. I believe that Mill’s principle is problematic because the notion of happiness or pleasure is subjective to every human being and this subjectivity creates problems when solving ethical dilemmas. In order to present my position clearly, I will first provide the benefits of Mill’s principle. I will then elaborate on some of the common objections and problems that his principle faces and demonstrate my issue with the principle and how its application fails in contemporary society. Mill’s Principle: Mill contributed to utilitarianism through reinforcing the view that individuals ought to take actions that produce the greatest happiness among people while keeping within reason. In contrast to o ther contributors to utilitarianism, Mill was of the view that the concept of happiness had differences qualitatively i.e. being directly proportional to intelligence of the individual. He argues that happiness is superior to contentment and one who experiences higher forms of happiness would not trade them for lower forms, â€Å"Few intelligent creatures would consent to be changed into any of the lower animals for a promise of the fullest allowance of the beast’s pleasures, no intelligence would consent to be a fool† (John Stuart Mill 21). He further argues that those who have experienced only the lower happiness are not in a position to objectively contribute to the question of which one is better (23). The gist of Mill’s principle is consequentialism; that actions are right based on the degree to which the greatest good for the greatest number of people is promoted. Benefits of Mill’s Principle: Mill’s argument of utilitarianism gives a yardsti ck to judge actions as either being right or wrong on the basis of the amount of happiness caused and to how many individuals. It thus can be applied in guiding actions that potentially raise ethical questions, where it can be argued that acting for the benefit of happiness for the majority of people is the right course of action; individuals should always choose to that which produces the greatest utility. While traditional consequentialism would seem to excuse any form of action as long as it produces pleasure, Mill’s principle is based on qualitative reasoning, establishing that there are higher and lower forms of happiness, hence sadist actions such as torture cannot be excused on however much happiness they cause to majority of people. Shortfalls and Objections

Theater Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 9

Theater - Essay Example Leo points out in chapter 40 that outstanding art (or â€Å"good art†) is blended in both lucid, coherent and understandable form while substandard art (or â€Å"bad art†) is muddled, inarticulate and illogical. Leo asserts that the degree of art incoherency depends on the range that distinct piece of art is confined to a particular group or class and, therefore, loses meaning or significance to individuals exterior to the confined group. I concur with this assertion since anything which includes touches on entire mankind needs a global wide approach to be universally accepted. In chapter 12 Leo proclaims that art can only be pertinent if it can be related to most humankind aspects. Leo asserts that devout ideas (or â€Å"thoughts†) are habitual to mankind, and therefore art can only be universal if it blends in this devout expression. In his point of view, Leo affirms that aesthetic aspects ought to be both devout and ethical. Leo ends up concluding that the chief objective of art ought to be denoted as per his personal ethical standpoint. I do not concur with this assertion since Leo dogmatized this aesthetic approach that it could only be defined according to his approach. A script can be compared to a podium, platform or pulpit upon which a performance is unfolded to an audience. It can also be compared to a sailor’s compass which navigates and subdues the path the sail trails on. A script can also be compared to a barometer device since it reflects how the entire drama or play will unfold. A script can also be compared to a Childs’ tabula rasa which is akin to a blank sheet of paper ready to be modelled by unlived circumstances and occurrences. A script is simply a draft of the play or drama. Apparently, it doesn’t include the motif’s (or theme) of the play. It does not include distinct characters and their roles. It also does not include key aspects such as musical rhythm or specific rhythm at specific

Context aware Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Context aware - Essay Example to Chian(2009)â€Å"When designing context aware tools, especially for mobile computing technologies it is crucial to recognize the reciprocal relationship between context and activities†. However three features of context awareness can be jotted down here: c) As per Cisco (2012) â€Å"By providing the location of rogue access points and devices, the system simplifies and enhances detection. This helps in improving the overall security of the enterprise network†. d) Storage Layer: The context data generated in this layer can be used to identify the application services. All historical data is storage in database. According to Gay (2009) â€Å"The storage layer stores not only the context data of the current status but also the historical context data in the context-aware system†. c) Context Storage: this component aims to storages the historical data of the system in a database. As per Shiffrin, (2005) â€Å"Operations that increase the strength with which item information is stored on a given study trial also increase the storage of context information on that study

Theater Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 9

Theater - Essay Example Leo points out in chapter 40 that outstanding art (or â€Å"good art†) is blended in both lucid, coherent and understandable form while substandard art (or â€Å"bad art†) is muddled, inarticulate and illogical. Leo asserts that the degree of art incoherency depends on the range that distinct piece of art is confined to a particular group or class and, therefore, loses meaning or significance to individuals exterior to the confined group. I concur with this assertion since anything which includes touches on entire mankind needs a global wide approach to be universally accepted. In chapter 12 Leo proclaims that art can only be pertinent if it can be related to most humankind aspects. Leo asserts that devout ideas (or â€Å"thoughts†) are habitual to mankind, and therefore art can only be universal if it blends in this devout expression. In his point of view, Leo affirms that aesthetic aspects ought to be both devout and ethical. Leo ends up concluding that the chief objective of art ought to be denoted as per his personal ethical standpoint. I do not concur with this assertion since Leo dogmatized this aesthetic approach that it could only be defined according to his approach. A script can be compared to a podium, platform or pulpit upon which a performance is unfolded to an audience. It can also be compared to a sailor’s compass which navigates and subdues the path the sail trails on. A script can also be compared to a barometer device since it reflects how the entire drama or play will unfold. A script can also be compared to a Childs’ tabula rasa which is akin to a blank sheet of paper ready to be modelled by unlived circumstances and occurrences. A script is simply a draft of the play or drama. Apparently, it doesn’t include the motif’s (or theme) of the play. It does not include distinct characters and their roles. It also does not include key aspects such as musical rhythm or specific rhythm at specific

Comparing Regulation of bank provision for two countries Essay

Comparing Regulation of bank provision for two countries - Essay Example Part of the functions of the Central Bank of Iraq, as can be gleaned from the above, is the regulation of the banking system to make sure that players abide by the rules and the law. It also serves to shape the policy relating to the money supply, as well as occupies the role of the lender that banks and other entities can turn to when there are no other venues to source loans (Central Bank of Iraq; Munro 4). The way that the Iraqi Central Bank has vast power over the money supply is evidenced in recent news, for instance, relating to the bank imposing rules to regulate the way banks and other entities in Iraq are able to purchase US dollars (Albawaba Business). In similar fashion, the Central Bank of the UAE is likewise founded on the basis of a founding law, passed this time around in 1960, and its powers mirror the powers that are bestowed on the Iraqi Central Bank. The founding laws are said to be based on the principle that the UAE Central Bank ought to be autonomous and self-functioning, and on the principle of the importance of sound monetary policy crafted outside of the usual pressures associated with temporal politics. The independence of the Central Bank is an aspect of its independence to set monetary policy for the whole of the UAE. Moreover, as in the case of the Iraqi Central Bank, the intention of the law and of attempts to modify the founding laws of the UAE Central Bank, is to make sure that it operates along the lines of international law and international banking standards, as can be gleaned from the Basel Committee formulations. As with the Iraqi Central Bank too, the UAE Central Bank has vast powers to regulate the mem bers of the banking system, to impose the rules, and to make sure that players adhere to those rules. On the other hand, while the Iraqi Central Banks more recent moves involves the restricting in foreign currency trades, especially with the US dollar, the

Captain Corellis Essay Example for Free

Captain Corellis Essay By focusing on at least three characters from Captain Corellis Mandolin, consider the importance of the range of viewpoints used in the novel. Throughout the novel, Louis de Berniere gives every character a clear identity. By this every individual is representative of those that were present at the time of the war. This identity entitles them to show the reader different prospective and viewpoints on how they feel. Thus it portrays a sense of reality as it is not all fiction and does consist of facts from the war. However I do feel that there are central characters in the novel that make it seem more interesting and therefore grip the reader to make us want to read on. These characters dont only represent the individuals in the horrific war but manage to make the storyline seem more intriguing. Dr Iannis, Pelagia, Carlo and Mandras are selected well by Berniere to highlight different views of different people from different places. Captain Corellis Mandolin opens with an insight into Dr Ianniss daily routine. He is perhaps the most educated individual on the island and therefore well respected and known by all those who live amongst him. He is symbolic of the independence of Greece and through him we gain an incite into the historic and patriotic pride of Cephallonia. The deep desire and passion for the island is portrayed by the doctor are clear as he begins to describe the infamous island; Cephallonia rises improvidently and inadvisedly from the Ionian Sea, it is an island so immense in aniquity. rocks themselves exhale nostalgia However his views about the island, its past and its peoples beliefs prove to be inevitably subjective also showing us the history itself is subjective. This part is included by the author in the very first chapter to make readers know Dr Iannis and understand the way Cephallonians live and think. This clearly indicates the fact that this place isnt just a common ground but is, in fact a true beauty of nature to Dr Iannis. Having the doctor describe this makes us realize his view on the country and how he feels it should be written down in history as. Also the doctors occupation tells us that he is a man who likes to help others and therefore his character becomes more appealing and loved by the audience. His simple but actually quite basic procedures of operating such as carefully inserted the straightend hook into the hirsute orifice makes the patient very thankful and increases the doctors need to be with his people. The method itself sounds very complex yet in reality the operation is a simple one but as Dr Iannis is carrying it out, Bernieres adds sophisticated language to show the high level of intelligence the doctor has. Education is the reason why the doctor and his daughter stand at the top of the islands hierarchical system, and are therefore respected more than the commoners. The war brings out a side of Dr Iannis which is slightly more opinionated. We later realize that he is more into politics than he at first seems. He predicted that Greece was going to be attacked before war was even apposed upon them. To get his view across he prepares or rehearses a speech for Kokolios about Communism and its connection to Capitalism however doesnt manage to tell him as Lemoni interrupts. Pelagia is a young, ambitious women who takes after her father. She too would like to be a doctor even though she knows that women of her time have restrictions opposed onto them by a male dominating society. Her first patient was her fianci Mandras; its an irritant when the lice have gone, but oil of paraffin takes about two weeks to work This keen interest Pelagia has in medicine makes her question her future. As she goes to help Mandras with his poor health and severe condition, she realizes that she has learnt enough from her father and is in doubt about there being such a thing as a doctor who was also a woman. However it is this knowledge and education that Pelagia obtains which makes the division between Mandras and herself wider. In addition this event of her lover returning home in this condition makes Pelagia hate war even more and blames it for standing between her love and his love to fight. Pelagia is described as an attractive woman and many men on the island fall in love with both her beauty and intelligence, combining to make a perfect ideal for a woman. However, Pelagias perfection is her own downfall as she is confused about what to do when the captain is the one she loves. As of this the Doctor continued talking to Pelagia about her situation, and reminded her that she was betrothed to Mandras and that technically the captain was an enemy. He told her that love was a temporary madness; it erupted like volcanoes and then it subsided. Then he pressed her hand harder and told her that marrying the Captain would be impossible until their homeland was liberated. One can only forgive a sin after the sinner has finished committing  , he said and argued that there was an equation to be balanced, with love on one side and dishonour on the other, adding that Mandras may still have been amongst the living. To this Pelagia responds by saying i You make everything squalid. You dont know how it isi. Even though later on Dr Iannis tells her that he knows how it is, because her mother had been betrothed to someone else, and he shared all her feelings. She still doesnt realize why all this has to happen to her and says to her father that The captain has never tried to compromise me. The doctor says that Corelli is a good man but there are restrictions set and Pelagia can not go ahead with this as it is immoral and the war again is standing in her way. Mandras effectively speaks behind the veil, in secret, to the reader. What he actually went through and the way he returned from the front are revealed in his stream of thought. He starts by pointing out the indecency of his mother and his fiance seeing him naked amidst the infections, rashes and parasites infesting This portrays war as an inhumane and revolting event to be part of. All those who go to war in one way or another are infected. Whether thats physically or mentally. Then he goes on to describe what he thinks death is a brother and not an enemy He has obviously been very affected because he goes on about death being beautiful, a saviour and a good friend. However, he does not go so far as to say that it keeps him going; Pelagia does. Mandras proceeds to venerate her beauty and to say that she meant home to him, but that he has noticed that she is disgusted with her returning hero. From this he concludes that she does not think he is good enough for her and feels her love for him as changed into a formality. He realizes she may no longer have deep feelings for him, but cant understand why. Bernieres makes Mandras a lucky survivor from the war front so his description is the only valid one of the war. He describes the walk as an unpleasant travesy through the remnants of the war; decaying donkeys, charred bodies, crippled tanks and vast amounts of abandoned, useless equipment

Odysseus: Character Analysis

Odysseus: Character Analysis Odysseus Leader Odyssey Odysseus: a leader of past and a pioneer of the present era Odyssey, the leading character of The Odyssey is quite complex, fascinating and inspiring. Odyssey is quite dominant as a leader who is certain of his words and actions. However, there exists some uncertainties in his character which, at times, take the form of contradictions in the character of a great leader, overshadowing his true potential. Throughout the Odyssey, the lead character, Odysseus, has been presented as an ideal leader who treats his men well and deals efficiently with problems that are presented before him. Now there might arise a question as to how can the ideal leader be defined. An ideal leader has often been defined as one commands the respect of those being led, but also gives respect. He must be intelligent and cunning, and able to think logically with the intentions of keeping the well being of those under him. An ideal leader must have an ability to lead a military victoriously, but at the same time realizes as to when military action is unnecessary, and therefore must be avoided. Odyssey, at various occasions presents that he not only has attained these qualities but also demonstrated his keenness to enhance these qualities to the best of his ability. For example, Odysseus did not need to send his men probing the unfamiliar island, but still felt it necessary. This decision is one that had to be made, but given past experiences, the reader would expect Odysseus to choose otherwise, especially when his men felt hesitant. They were all silent, but their hearts contracted, remembering Antiphates the Laistrygon and that prodigious cannibal, the Kyklopes But seeing our time for action lost in weeping, I mustered those Akhaians under arms, counting them off in two platoons, myself and my godlike Eurylokhos commanding. (X, 217-224) Another instance when Odysseus demonstrates his leadership ability is when he is faced with the escape from Polyphemuss cave. His quick thinking and strategic approach gave him victory over the giant, two traits Homer emphasizes in Odysseus. Odysseus is able to lead his men to blind the Kyklops, but shows how no mortal man can be perfect, no matter how heroic, by shouting back at Polyphemus and telling him who had truly blinded him. Odysseuss similarity to some of the known leaders of ancient Greece can be used to express how Odysseus was presented as the ideal Greek leader. The first of whom being the democratic leader of Athens, Pericles, and second being Alexander the Great. Pericles was much like Odysseus in a sense of his ability to manipulate and influence those under him, a necessary skill in any democratic society. He was able to influence the other elected officials into believing what he wanted, and stemmed his success from that ability. Although not an especially admirable trait, the ability to influence men into what is needed to be done in the eyes of the leader is most certainly necessary, especially when it involves military authority. Alexander the Greats decisiveness is paralleled only by Odysseus, which is another trait that all strong leaders must possess. Another element to a leader that is often present is that of arrogance, as Alexander the Great believed himself to be half immortal, and he ld himself in comparison with Hercules. Alexander was even known to sleep with copies of Homers books under his pillow, and drew heavy influence from Homers characters, including Odysseus. At the same time Odysseus has been shown to be a complex person who suffers greatly on his return from Troy. As the gods challenge him with a wide variety of trials, Odysseus creates a positive influence for anyone in the ways he responds to each new test. In some instances, Odysseus shows himself to be a remarkable hero. In other ways, however, he shows himself to be a fallible human being – the true qualities of a leader. In other words, analyzing Odysseus throughout The Odyssey, one can see that Odysseus is a multifaceted character who displays both strengths and weaknesses. The epic hero of The Odyssey, Odysseus is a fascinating character full of contradictions. On one side he is eager in returning to his home to his faithful wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus, whom he has barely seen. Then on the other side he is perceived also perceived as a person who sleeps and lives with not one but two beautiful goddesses during his travels. On one hand, he shows little remorse for his infidelities, while on the other he still hates the suitors attempting to court his wife. These contradictions extend even to his intellect. Blessed with great physical strength, which he amply demonstrates, despite his hard years, he has an equally keen mind that bails him out of many dire situations. There is no better improviser or strategist in Greek mythology, though the label attached is often cunning or deceiver, indeed, many Greeks saw Odysseus habit of lying as a vice and a weakness. His penchant for disguise compliments his ability to make up plausible stories about his background. Although Odysseus ingenuity comes across as his chief weapon, his weakness is the frequency with which he falls victim to temptation and makes grave tactical errors, none more so than when adding insult to injury to Polyphemes and revealing his true name (his main fault!). Still, Odysseus is aware of this flaw, and bids his men to tie him up when they pass by the Sirens, the paragons of temptation. By the end of his journey, he has learned to resist temptation, willingly suffering abu se by the suitors to meet his eventual goal of destroying them. However, temptation hurts his crew, as well, in their encounters with Circe, the bag of winds from Aeolus, and the oxen of Helios. Despite his occasional mistake, Odysseus is a courageous and just leader who inspires admiration and respect from his shipmates and servants; the faithfulness of his dog and swineherd after so many years shows this. The near-constant protection he enjoys from the goddess Athena (the goddess of cunning and wisdom thus representing his counterpart in Mt Olympus) seems justifiable for a man who has endured so many hardships, and cast away so many luxuries, to reunite with his beloved family. Odysseus is considered to be one of the greatest mythological heroic leaders. Not only is he presented as the model for the ideal Greek leader, but has influenced many other leaders throughout history, including Alexander the Great. Odysseus was a model for ancient Greek leaders, and still influences our views of leadership today, although we may not even notice it. Employee Turnover: Literature Review Employee Turnover: Literature Review Employee turnover refers to the number of incoming and outgoing workers from an organization or company. The turnover of employees can occur following a myriad of factors, such as an excessive workload, not having sufficient authority, low salary, or the inefficient facilities of the organization. This study refers to the problems of employee turnover. Suggested causes of employee turnover include: Job dissatisfaction A lack of employee rights Management gives the workload of two people to an individual (excessive workload) A lack of decision making power Poor leadership A lack of allowances, bounces or fringe benefits Preferential treatment of employees No future in the company (i.e. repeatedly not being promoted) LITERATURE SEARCH Now we will search about the literature we are required for the study of Employee turnover, I referred to different articles, books, online databases and found the following researches previously done on the Employee turnover. From a study I found that causal relationship is if and then statement for example If price increase then demand will be decrease. In other words we can say causal relationship explore the effect of one thing upon other. From the study four models which show the causal relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment of employee turnover. We study that satisfaction build commitment in employees. And commitment creates satisfaction in employees. We understand that there is a positive relationship between job satisfaction and employee turnover. If employees are satisfied by their jobs it will leads commitment in employees towards organization (Magid Igbaria,Tor Guimaraes,Journal of Management Information Systems,Volume 16 Issue 1, June 1999 table of contents) From another study we understand that the attitude and behavior of employees affect the organization outcomes and profit. We can see if the organization is not encouraging the employees according to their rights then there will be higher rate of employee turnover. We can say that organization behavior, employee turnover, employee satisfaction can affect profitability and buyer satisfaction. We collect data from different sources like employee survey, manager survey, and customer survey and from the record of company for showing that how employee attitude and behavior can affect the company objective. From collected data we can observe that if human resources works well then there will be fewer turnovers in employees and business results will be better. (Daniel J. Koys, Personnel Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, pages 101-114, March 2001) From this study we understand that satisfaction level and perception of employees about jobs can be examined by checking the behavior of employees and organization. We examined that if employees are treated well they have good image of organization and satisfied with their jobs. If employees are satisfied with the behavior of organization that organization treat them fair attitude then satisfaction level about jobs of employees will be higher and turnover will be low. (John E. Dittrich and Michael R. Carrell 1978, University of Colorado, USA, Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, Volume 24, Issue 1, August 1979, Pages 29-40) From another study we understand that mental understanding, economic conditions and concepts about jobs of employees are the reasons of employee turnover. There is need to develop a structure or system in the organization for making policies to build the positive image about job in the minds of employees that will reduced the thinking of employees about economic conditions and satisfied the employees to continue their jobs that will cause the results low turnover of employees. (Baysinger,Barry D, Mobley,William H (APR 1982), Employee Turnover: Individual and Organizational Analyses). From this another study we get understanding that employee turnover is a big problem and it is a difficult task for human resources manager to reduced employee turnover in asia.we study that the attitude of employees are not positive, employees having negative attitude, because they think there is shortege of labour and it is not a difficult task for them to find a new job thats why employee turnover rate is very high that is a big issue for human resurces manager in asia.we study that the employee turnover rate in singapore is highest among asia.singapore companies developed a good setup to reduced the employee turnover rate in their home companies.from the abstarct we find that there are reasons of employee turnover like low organization commitment, lacke of justice for employees, and hope of new job in the mind of employees. (Naresh Khatri, Chong Tze Fern, Pawan Budhwar, Human Resource Management Journal, Volume 11, Issue 1, pages 54-74, January 2001) From this study we examined that there is high employee turnover rate in private clubs and industries. It is said by management that the reason for this is that employees are leaving their jobs on hourly basis that leads to high rate of employee turnover. Managers of private clubs and industries are appointed to find the reasons of employee turnover. Because manager having vast experience in their relevant field they can easily suggested that what are the reasons of employee turnover. We find that it is difficult for a team manager to create positive environment in industry to build the image of clubs and industries in the mind of employees to control the employee turnover rate. (Naresh Khatri, Chong Tze Fern, Pawan Budhwar, Human Resource Management Journal, Volume 11, Issue 1, pages 54-74, January 2001) We do another study we get understanding that how employee turnover can be control.here 153 New Zeland companies are selected to determine their employee turnover rates.153 companies of New Zeland use the skilled based and grouped based compensation plan to control the employee turnover rate.its means that they compensate their employees according to their skills,experience and qualifications.we observed that if employees are compensate according to their rights,thet are provided bounses,incentives then the employee turnover can be reduced. (James P. Guthrie, University of Kansas, Group Organization Management December 2000 vol. 25 no. 4 419-439) From this another study we find that there is problem of employee turnover is discussed. We can find here how employee turnover can be measured in different situations and importance of employees in organization.employee is the backbone of organization. It is discussed here how turnover rate can affect the organization effectiveness to chieve its objectives.there is need to reduced the employee turnover rate to prevent organization cost. (Kevin Morrell, John Loan-Clarke, Adrian Wilkinson (DEC 2002), International Journal of Management Reviews, Volume 3, Issue 3, pages 219-244, September 2001) From this study we can find what the relationship between organizational change and employee turnover is. Organizational change means the environments are not suitable for employees and employees are not compensating according to their rights thats why employee turnover rate is higher. If the organizational changes are in favor of employees then turnover can be reduced and it is also important for manager that the turnover can be controlled. (Kevin M. Morrell, John Loan-Clarke, Adrian J. Wilkinson, (2004) Organisational change and employee turnover, Personnel Review, Vol. 33 Iss: 2, pp.161 173) From this study we get understanding 353 nurse leavers the hospital in the national health and service of England nad Wales.it describe why the nursing turnover rate is so higher in hospital of national health and service.its reason is that the understanding and image of hospital is not good in the minds of nurses thats why their turnover rate is so high.the analysis of this research is that how employee turnover rate can be reduced.it can be reduced by improving the understanding of image of hospital in the minds of employees.it is also benificial for management and organization that their nursing turnover can reduced and it will be cost effective for hospital. (Kevin Morrell, John Loan-Clarke, Adrian Wilkinson(NOV 2004), British Journal of Management, Volume 15, Issue 4, pages 335-349, December 2004) We do another study Here we find what kinds of expensess and how much expensess can be faced to an organization due to the high employee turnover.here we study that if any employee leaves the organization then organization have to face expensess like recruitment, selection and training again.and it will be time consuming for organization.if employee leaves the organization then it will be difficult for management to hire suitable and productive employees and trained him easily and guide him. (J. Bruce Tracey, Ph.D, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration  Timothy R. Hinkin, Cornell Hospitality Quarterly February 2008 vol. 49 no. 11) From this another study we observe that how salaried employees having share in development activities of organization.here we study conducted analysis of a survey through this we understand that 667 employees think that on job traing which is providing to employees positively increased the commitment of employees towards organization and create positive image about organization and will result in reducing the rate of employee turnover.so the employee turnover can be reduced through providing them job related training and prepared them for marketable place and improve their skills.promoted the employees and build good relationship to reduced the turnover rate. (George S. Benson, MAR 2006, Human Resource Management Journal, Volume 16, Issue 2, pages 173-192) Here in this study we find that salaries issues and incentives are the reasons of employee turnover and low productivity. For this we collected data from 400 retail shop of UK.here in UK all the 400 shops compensate their employees on hourly basis, and there is no reward for workers on their productivity basis. When there is no productivity reward for workers then it create negative image. The employees who are productive will leave the firm and only low productive employees remains with the firm. When employees are satisfied with their jobs then productivity will increased. (Chevalier, Arnaud, Siebert, W. S, Viitanen Tarja, May 2003 University College Dublin. Institute for the Study of Social Change (Geary Institute) In this study we find that when the top management or leaders of an organization change the policies or structure at grand scale without proper planning or the frequency of these changes is high this results in high employee turn over and also cause senior employees to leave as it becomes difficult for them to cope with these changes as they have practiced old policies for a long time and are not able to change themselves quickly. (Baron, J. N. and Hannan, M. T. and Burton, M. D. (2001) Labor pains : change in organizational models and employee turnover in young, high-tech firms., American journal of sociology., 106 (4). pp. 960-1012.) According to integrative and expanded contextual model there are different variable which lead an employee to make the decision to stay or leave in an organization, it divides these variables in the following manner. Structural/Process Variables: Career growth opportunities, Rewards according to individuals performance, ease of communication, and finally the challenge involve in performing the duty. Environmental Variable: One environmental variable is that how much better opportunities are available in the market. Mediating Variable: What methods are adopted to keep the employee interested in there job. Demographic Variables: Finally the social (occupation, age, education, and sex) variables and there fulfillment. (THOMAS N. MARTIN, JR. Southern illinois University-Carbondale) This study discusses employee engagement behavior, according to it racial base pairing of supervisor and junior in an organization shows this result. At low levels where supervisor and junior are of same race tend to stay together in an organization for longer period as compare to supervisor and junior of different race, but at the higher levels of management members of different race tend to remain for longer period in the same organization. Maslows Hierarchy Of Needs | Marketing Essay Maslows Hierarchy Of Needs | Marketing Essay Research has been conducted on Maslows Hierarchy of Needs theory parallel to the theory of Personality Trait. Consequently, theoretical and practical implications of these theories have been discussed in regards of Chinese and Australian market. Trait theory focuses on the identification and quantitative measurement of personality in terms of specific psychological characteristics (Schiffman et al, 2011). Maslows theory of needs identifies five basic levels of human needs, which rank in order of importance from low-level (biogenic) needs to higher-level (psychogenic) needs (Schiffman et al, 2011). It provides an overview of the consumer market of China and Australia, as well as compares the products and contrasts them in terms of the different aspects of consumer behaviour of both the regions. This report also analyses the position an Australian exporter might have in China and the product it focuses on is tourism and how to market it to the Chinese population. Contents Introduction The aim of this report is to discuss the difference in consumer behaviour in China and Australia in terms of two personality theories the Trait Theory and Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Theory. China is one of worlds growing economies at the moment and comparing and contrasting consumer behaviour in Australia and China will help marketers decide what type of products they should concentrate on to expand and be a part of globalisation. It may even open up doors for Australian exportation to China for various products. The report explains the trait theory and Maslows theory as well as describes how some of the Chinese products relate to it in terms of consumer behaviour. This is followed up by contrasting them with Australian consumer behaviour and finally it discusses the opportunities for Australian exporters in China. Trait Theory Trait theory in psychology, as an approach of researching individuals personality, is prevalent in the field of management as well in terms of its relationship with peoples behaviour. Generally speaking, a trait can be considered as a comparably constant and stable characteristic that leads individuals to behave in certain ways. According to Gordon Allport, portrayed as the originator of the doctrine of traits (Zuroff D, 1986), traits are divided into three main categories: cardinal traits, central traits and secondary traits, which determine a persons characteristics in different levels. In the present days, the trait theory is more relating to the Big Five framework of personality traits, known as a robust model of acknowledging the relationship between traits and behaviours (Poropat, 2009). The five critical elements in Big Five can be recognized as extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness. Based on the association between personalities and behaviours, trait theory is broadly applicable to the study of consumer behaviour, especially in the aspect of culture referring to the global marketing. Different consumer behaviours are associated with divergent cultures which exert great impact on individuals personalities. Unlike the independent self-model that Western (especially North America) culture fosters, East Asian (particularly China) tends to be more collective between individuals and group members (Kanagawa, Cross, Markus, 2001; Yulia E Jeanne L, 2010), leading to different conventions and patterns of goods consumption. 2.1 Luxury goods Even not being in the individualism-asserted country, consumers in China are still under the impact of scarcity, which means they would pursue limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants. As the increase in purchasing power and divergent cognitions in brand of Chinese consumers, their demands for luxury goods have expanded in an accelerating rate. Luxury goods companies are expanding rapidly in China based on their forecasting global growth in the next 10 years. It has been reported (CLSA, 2011) that handbags, leather goods and jewellery are going to experience fast growth in the following several years; the fact is Chinese buyers have already been the biggest customers while Richemont, Gucci and Hermes also have large amount of sales made in China (about 22%, 18% and 11% respectively). 2.2 Cars Social status is a significant element existing in Chinas convention, leading the brand to be a critical consideration when choosing motor vehicles like cars. The consumer market research of Western multinationals in Asia comes to a conclusion that consumers in China are most interested in brands and trademarks (Backman M Butler C, p191-192). Although home-grown brands of Chinese car industry are increasingly emerging, the Western giants such as PSA Peugeot and Mercedes still have relatively more market share compared with home-branded companies in China. Chinese consumers tend to have more preference and confidence in famous-branded cars to show their social status as well as the wellbeing. 2.3 Media Products Personal and cultural values can be recognized as another important determinant in trait. According to Morriss (1956) Way to Live survey, the way act and enjoy life with group participation ranked in the second place, which means that Chinese people prefer to make group decision rather than independent one. Generally speaking, consumers in China are more likely to make group purchase of media products. To be more specific, the purchase of media products is not a simple decision to make for it is relatively large-portion spending of income in families. Given that an individual has introduced one preferable type of media products he has, counterparts (including friends, colleges and family members) are potentially to purchase the identical or similar product as well. However, the growing importance of self-valuation orientation cannot be ignored in the present years, which requires the subsidiary of multinational companies to get more emphasis on the personalization in designing their products. 2.4 Special Belongings Since the traditional cultural values, especially the god worship, have great influence on large amount of people, special belongings or so-called lucky charms are prevalent all around China. This product ought to be unique and meaningful to certain individuals. Under the force of convention, flexibility and performed to be local is a vital strategy to obtain success in such particular industry. Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Theory Maslows hierarchy of needs, also known as Maslows macro theory, consists of a pyramid of needs, where people move up the pyramid by fulfilling the levels one by one. It starts off with physiological needs such as food and shelter, followed by needs for safety, social affiliation, self-esteem, and finally self-actualisation. According to Schiffman et al (2011), consumers tend to satisfy lower level needs first and it is necessary in order to move up the pyramid. When the initial need is satisfied, consumers face a new need which is of a higher-level. This continues on until the consumer presumably reaches the top of the pyramid of needs. When it comes to products however, it differs from culture to culture. For example, a product may be treated differently in Australia in comparison to another country, such as China. For consumers, their needs motivate their future needs, so for example, if they satisfy one particular need that will stop existing for them and give birth to another need. This allows them to pursue another need which seems more important to them (Kotler, 2000). For example, if a person needs a new phone, he/she will go buy it. This diminishes his/her need for a phone so that need will no longer be pursued. This means the initial need has been satisfied. However, now the person may think that they need to buy a case for their phone. So he/she will pursue this need now instead which seems more important in comparison now because the first need has been satisfied (appendix A). According to some researchers, lower level needs continue to motivate consumers and cause them to buy more products (Engel et al, 1995). Since this report talks about consumer behaviour in China and Australia in terms of personality theories, it can be said that Maslows theory will affect the different cultures in similar ways when it comes to certain products such as a phone and/or its case. Marketers use Maslows theory to target consumers. Sometimes a single product can satisfy multiple levels of the hierarchy. For example, a necklace from Tiffanys will fulfil a persons social affiliation as well as self-esteem needs its a pride and social issue for the consumer (appendix B). In the same scenario, a jacket from Louis Vuitton not only fulfils a persons physiological needs, but also their social and self-esteem needs (appendix C). Some researchers have come to the conclusion that Maslows theory is not fully valid as it did not go through all the necessary empirical research (Churchill Peter, 1998). Despite these claims, many think that Maslows theory helps marketers. Consumers buy different products for different reasons, sometimes one product can satisfy multiple needs. For example, Johnny Walker Black Label, a brand of alcohol, not only serves as a drink, but also as a symbol of prestige and social affiliation (appendix D). China is a collectivist society, as opposed to Australia which takes an individualistic approach. When applying Maslows theory of needs, it is essential to keep in mind that in Chinese cultures, the consumers will react to the affiliation step differently compared to Australian culture. Difference in the consumer behaviour 4.1 Media With the changing environment and continuous pace of Chinese consumer market, products are very often being accepted by the consumers before it has successfully established its place in the market. Traditionally, advertisement on television helps a lot in gaining attention of the Chinese consumers. However, the consumers react best while they get a recommendation from someone close to them. In China it is still very high likely to get peoples response via television commercials whereas in Australia the response rate is higher in radio advertisement. 4.2 Personal Characteristics Considering the factors of the Big five Model, Chinese people emphasis more on the concept of Face which is the influence of others. They are more likely to buy expensive/ luxurious product to keep up their face. They would always go for branded items or try something unusual and expensive. Researches show that the most popular brands of China are Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci etc. On the other hand Australian people look for something reliable and longer lasting. The trait theory describes about consumers different characteristics which influences their purchase behaviour. For instance, people in China are low in dogmatism and so they have the drive towards new launch. This reflects the idea that, whether or not they will make a purchase just because its the newest, most popular item available or because it is truly what they need and/or want. On the other hand people with high dogmatism will stick to the brands they feel comfortable with. Purchasing behaviour of a consumer is also influenced by the way the product is advertised by the marketer. It entirely depends on how the market identifies its potential customer. For example the Billy Martin and George Steinbrenners emphasises on both taste and its less filling quality (appendix E). Traditionally, Chinese people are more likely to drink with a gathering of friends and family. So they would not respond very well to this television commercial. To sum it up, along with all the characteristics, culture and social norms are equally important for a product to be successful. If the product represent the existing values of specific region its more likely to receive better response. 4.3 Maslows Theory According to the Maslows hierarchy theory income is one of the major elements effecting consumer behaviour. As wages are continuously rising from the past few years in china, theres been a drastic change in peoples behaviour. The basic needs are met, so people are looking forward for the upper level of Maslows hierarchy pyramid. On the other hand, Australians expenditure has dropped down due to few financial strikes over the last few years. So, the Australian consumer market is concentrating more towards the Physiological needs level of Maslows hierarchy. Marketing Opportunity for Australian Exporter The increasing westernization of China, coupled with the rapid growth rates experienced by a developing economy, has seen a marked increase in international investment within the Chinese economy; representing a global perspective of strong economic potential from such a large market base. The nature of the Chinese economys growth facilitates an increase in wealth per capita and allows for higher disposable incomes, which means that consumers have a greater ability to satisfy higher levels of Maslows hierarchy of needs. Tourism represents a positive marketing opportunity for an Australian exporter due to the dramatic social, cultural and economic change that has taken place, as well as the potential influence that this market base might have on the entire tourism industry (S Chen and M Gassner 2012). The China National Tourism Administration forecasts that by the year 2015, China will have 100 million international travelers (World Travel Online 2011). Providing a diverse range of all-inclusive package tours empowers Chinese tourists to make consumer choices based on their personal characteristics and values. Packaged offerings could take advantage of the gift buying culture in China by including specific shopping stages throughout the trip, helping to fulfill the social needs of Chinese tourists (M Chiang 2012). This differentiated approach to package tours not only provides Chinese Tourists with a greater variety of options, but also helps them to learn about the wide range of Australian tourism p roducts (D Buhalis and E Laws 2001). The marketer could also emphasize the importance and evolving nature of the relationship between Australia and China as a reason to choose Australian tourism products over other western offerings. Furthermore, since mostly the Middle Upper class of Chinese society will be the target market for the exporter; select Australian tourism products could be marketed as being luxurious or lavish, which can help to satisfy the ego level of Maslows hierarchy of needs. 6. Conclusion In conclusion, it can be seen that the cultures in China and Australia are different as well as similar when it comes to consumer behaviour they react differently to advertisements and then to products. It is very important for marketers to account for this fact as explained with the help of Trait theory and Maslows theory of needs. This report also explains how tourism is a rising product that Australia can promote tourism to China as there is great potential for many joint ventures. It is important to also account for the similarities if the marketers want to get maximum advantage out of the consumers. 7. References Beckman. M, Butler. C, 2003, Big in Asia, p191-192, Martins Press, Great Britain Churchill, Gilbert A. Peter, J. Paul, 1998, Marketing: Creating value for Customer, 2nd Edition, Irwin/McGraw Hill (Boston) Engel James F., etc., Blackwell R.D., Miniard P.W., 1995, Consumer Behaviour, 8th Edition, U.S.A, Dryden Press D Buhalis and E Laws , Tourism Distribution Channels: Practices, Issues and Transformations 2001 Jennifer L. Aaker, Dimensions of Brand Personality, Journal of Marketing Research, Vol. 34, No. 3 (Aug., 1997), pp. 347-356 Frans Giele , Chinese Consumer Behaviour, An Introduction, 6th February 2009. Kotler, Philip, 2000, Marketing Management, Millennium Edition, Prentice Hall (Upper Saddle River, N.J.) Meera Komarraju , Steven J. Karau, Ronald R. Schmeck, Alen Avdic, 2011, The Big Five personality traits, learning styles, and academic achievement, Elsevier, p472-477, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, United States Schiffman, Leon, OCass, Aron, Paladino, Angela, DAlessandro, Steven, Bednall, David, 2011, Consumer Behaviour, 5th Edition, Pearson Australia Pty Ltd. Sergio Picazo-Velaa, Shih Yung Choua, Arlyn J. Melchera, John M. Pearsona, Why provide an online review? An extended theory of planned behavior and the role of Big-Five personality traits, Computers in Human Behavior, Volume 26, Issue 4, July 2010, Pp 685-696. World Travel online, China is forecast to be the number one source of tourists by 2015, 1 April 2011 Yulia E. Chentsova-Dutton, Jeanne L. Tsai, 2010, Self-Focused Attention and Emotional Reactivity: The Role of Culture , p507-519, Georgetown University, Stanford University, American Yang Kuo-shu, 1986, Chinese Personality and its Change, p106-170, Oxford University Press, Hong Kong Zuroff. David C, 1986, Was Gordon Allport a Trait Theorist, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Cultures of Collecting: Pros and Cons Cultures of Collecting: Pros and Cons Why do people collect? What are the oppressive and the more therapeutic aspects of the ‘cultures of collecting’? The phenomenon of collecting is a universal feature of societies across the world. Current research recognises that museums organised over the last 150 years ‘represent all sorts of possibilities for exploring other times, places and ways of life,’[1] yet as Gosden and Knowles state, there has been little ‘in-depth’ research into the meaning and status of collections[2] . This essay seeks to define the major approaches to studying the phenomenon of collecting, and how these approaches have been informed by a historical understanding of collections that has developed over time. Particular focus will be given to a Euro-centric understanding of collecting and how collecting has been used to represent autonomy and preserve cultures which are under threat. Susan Pearce, from the University of Leicester, suggests that in modern post-Renaissance western society, museums are the ‘political and cultural institutions entrusted with holding the material evidence, real things, which constitute much modern knowledge.’[3] Pearce’s paper examines how and why museums are perceived to embody set knowledge and values, while recognising that study of museums and collections has three distinctive approaches. Firstly, each museum object and specimen can be seen as individual, secondly, there exists the professional care approach that seeks to better understand the mechanisms and motivations behind the collections themselves, and thirdly there are interpretive approaches which examine the nature of collections. Scholarship recognises that the inclination to collect can be most clearly identified to have originated in the eighteenth century (eg: Benedict, 2001[4]). Benedict identifies her study as an examination of the representation of curiosity, of curiosities, and of curious people[5], again like Pearce suggesting that the cultures of collecting are to be considered in direct relation to all three distinctions. Curiosity that Benedict argues lies at the heart of collecting was manifested in a variety of forms in the eighteenth century. In his review of Benedict’s book Dennis Todd writes that these manifestations can be seen in novels, satiric poetry and drama, journalism, trial transcripts, prints, and reports of scientific experiments; as well as in museums, exhibitions, and cabinets of curiosities; and in works by Shadwell, Swift, Pope, Defoe, Walpole, Beckford, Samuel Johnson, Radcliffe, Godwin, and Mary Shelley[6]. Collecting in early societies has been identified as being closely associated with exhibiting as a process through which to display a collector’s knowledge and education. For example, Wolfram Koeppe, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, states that pre-Renaissance societies had a taste for collecting the strange and the curious, and that this inclination had long been part of human evolution.[7] Suetonius (died 122 A.D.) records that Augustus, the Roman Emperor had his houses embellished, not only with statues and pictures but also with objects which were curious by reason of their age and rarity, like the huge remains of monstrous beasts which had been discovered on the Island of Capri, called giants bones or heroes weapons.[8] The desire to showcase collections as symbols of power, knowledge and authority has meant that some collections have tended to possess less artistic merit and are more assertive and thus oppressive in their content and organisation. For example, Afric an museum contents have proven to be a strong area for museum researchers to focus on. The Scramble for Art in Central Africa is a study of a group of collectors, such as Torday, Frobenius and Schweinfurth, who worked in the Belgian Congo at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and were interested in how objects such as carved figures or metal items reflected local social forms. As Gosden and Knowles explain, ‘this is a process by which Africa was invented for the West, arriving back in the northern hemisphere stripped of context and presented in private collections and museums so as to create particular impressions of African tribalism and designs.’[9] By removing objects from their original context and moving them to suit the commercial and social aspirations of a very different culture, the objects’ meaning is thus obscured and essentially altered. Although collecting objects in this way can, in some cases, preserve the existence of the objects, the motives behind the desire to possess the objects in the first instance are questionable. Many collectors in early twentieth-century England were unscrupulous in their acquirement and handling of unusual and collectable items. For example, the archaeologist and antiquarian collector known as Edward Cunnington developed a poor reputation for removing objects that he particularly ‘liked’ and keeping them at his own premises[10]. Benedict highlights the phenomenon of collecting to be intrinsically linked to ambition both personal and national, often with hegemonic motivation. In the eighteenth century, curiosity was associated with an ‘empirical bent of mind’ in relation to new social opportunities and a new commercial culture that echoed ‘curiositys desire for novelty and for the personal, intellectual, and moral development.’[11] Todd writes that collecting ‘had an air of menace’: that ‘in its restless exploration of new realities, curiosity was dangerous, subversive [..] By definition, it was motivated by a discontent with what one knew or with what one was. Its essence was ambition.’[12] It is the opinions of many scholars that European countries have attempted to build strongholds for themselves by using collections to their economic and imperialistic advantage, thus asserting their independence from, and authority over, other countries. Cultural imper ialism as constructed through Eurocentric means of production, imbued with Western ideologies, has resulted in biased interpretations of historical events. This means that ways of representing and exhibiting material can often tend to favour and reinforce historical events which place Western societies in a strong and favourable light, focussing less on historical events or material that suggests otherwise. In Photography, as suggested by Mark Sealy Director of ‘Autograph’, the Association of Black Photographers a ‘Eurocentric hierarchy’ has developed from ‘the propagation of canonical figures to sustain hegemonic control across the cultural and commercial industries.’[13] Sealy highlights Photography and the associated control of the distribution of images as being a ‘vital component in the execution of Western, colonial policies, especially in relation to extreme, exploitative and aggressive imperial desires that endorsed systems such as slavery, suppression of tribal peoples and national independence movements.’[14] Although in the more obvious cases such as British photography of African culture this approach may be valid, the view that Eurocentric hegemonic control is all-pervading is damaging to the artistic credibility of collections which seek only to further and sustain the culture that they represent. Understanding the phenomenon of collecting as a means of preserving and repatriating heritage can afford a more insightful perspective on the motivations of collections. In present cultures across the world the impulse to collect grows stronger in light of fading cultural distinctions and the spread of Westernised society. With a shrinking island of opportunity for indigenous cultures to reassert their position and maintain their existence in specific geographical areas or types of landscape, collections can become celebrations of originality and uniqueness that is consistently threatened by the universality and uniformity of Western ideals. Collecting becomes a near-desperate attempt to keep hold of livelihoods and traditional ways of life. A good example of a culture under threat is the Cree Indians of Moosonee, Canada, whose ‘Cree Village’ reconstruction offers tourists the opportunity to see a history of 300 years of the fur trade history. However, such museums can o ften fall short of Western expectations, being overpriced or poorly organised[15]. Kylie Message in her 2007 publication, New Museums and the Making of Culture, speaks of the term ‘survivance’; meaning ‘more than survival [..] raising our social and political consciousness.’[16] As a way of defending against the threatening spread of Western living, a museum called the National Museum of the North American Indian in Washington, DC has exhibits which actively try to erase the stamp of Euro-centric Imperialism on its culture. Opened in 2004 the museum was developed collaboratively between architecture groups and Native American Indians, with the main exhibits integrating religious, mythical themes and a series of displays created by diverse communities.[17] These include a welcome wall that spells the word ‘welcome’ in hundreds of native languages, objects, stories; all put together with the universal goal of political advocacy and the need to pr omote cultural rights. In contrast to the socio-political aspirations of indigenous cultures, the therapeutic qualities of collecting or collections are noted by Lois Silverman to include significant benefits or positive changes for individuals or groups. Participating in programme activities at museums can offer the chance to ‘experience’ the problems and demands of lifestyles over time, and can be related to one’s own difficulties. Being able to observe the shapes, forms, and meanings of certain arrangements of objects can offer revelatory experiences, and afford the psychological space to better endure one’s own difficulties, while promoting positive change[18]. This phenomenon although only recently qualified as such has long been a feature of the museum experience. For example, in his essay On Experience, Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592) reflects: For in my opinion, the most ordinary things, the most common and familiar, if we could see them in their true light, woul d turn out to be the grandest miracles of nature and the most marvellous examples, especially as regards the subject of the action of men.[19] The role of memory in the understanding of cultural heritage is also closely linked to the therapeutic aspect of museum experience. Programmed events or tours are designed to dispel feelings of disassociation and to help the viewer engage with what they see rather than view it as a relic or something that bears little relation to themselves or their understanding of the world. Such an experience can precipitate remembrance of past events in the viewer’s own life that can help them to come to terms or better cope with life-threatening illnesses and behavioural health issues. In conclusion, the notion of collecting is a diverse concept, our understanding of which is often historically informed. Contemporary understandings of collections and collecting involve forays into the therapeutic and psychological effects of collections which can be experienced by the viewer. Caution must be exercised in the study of Western representations and interpretations of foreign cultures: although, arguably, it is already too late, as Imperialist ideals are entrenched in the Western methods of design, portrayal and interpretation of ‘other’ cultures. It is a stirring thought that Eurocentric ideology has had such a damaging effect on the welfare and existence of other cultures. As Sealy so keenly expressed ‘the greater Africa’s exposure through the lens of European anthropologists, the greater was Africa’s cultural erasure.’[20] Since the eighteenth century understandings of the collector have changed from the image of the dusty anti quarian, to the more diverse and culturally aware motivation to collect that places socio-political aspirations at the forefront of collections. These understandings of collecting continue to be discussed by scholars today, and continue to develop according to changing social and academic trends. Bibliography Anderson, M.L., 1999, ‘Museums of the Future: The Impact of Technology on Museum Practices.’ Daedalus. Vol 128. Issue: 3. 129. American Academy of Arts and Sciences Benedict, B.M., 2001, A Cultural History of Early Modern Enquiry. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press Bennett,T. 1995 The Birth of the Museum :History,Theory,Politics . Ch 2 The Evolutionary Complex Dean, D., 1996, Museum Exhibition: Theory and Practice. London: Routledge Gosden, C., and Knowles, C., 2001, Collecting Colonialism: Material Culture and Colonial Change. New York: Berg Hooper-Greenhill, E., 1995, Museum, Media Message. New York: Routledge Jameson, F., 1991, Postmodernism, Or the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism. Durham:: Duke University Press Koeppe, W. Collecting for the Kunstkammer . In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000. Available from: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/kuns/hd_kuns.htm  [Accessed 31/10/08] Krauss,R., 2004, ‘The Cultural Logic of the Late Capitalist Museum,’ reprinted in D.Preziosi and C.Farago eds Grasping the World, pp. 600-611 Message, K., 2007, New Museums and the Making of Culture. Berg Publishers. Miles, R., and Zavala, L. (eds), 1994, Towards the Museum of the Future: New European Perspectives. New York: Routledge Millgate, M., 2004, Thomas Hardy: A Biography Revisited. New York: Oxford University Press Pearce, S., ’Studying Museum Material and Collections,’ International Journal of Heritage Studies, Vol 1, Issue 1, (1994), pp.30-39 Salloum, H., ‘Among the Cree Indians of Canada.’ COntemporayr Review, (Jan, 1998). [online]. Available from:  BNET http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2242/is_n1584_v272/ai_20539966/pg_4  [Accessed 31/10/08] Sealy, M., 2007, ‘White Noise Photography and Visual Power.’ [online[. Available from:  http://thedemocraticimage.opendemocracy.net/participate-blog-for-us/  [Accessed 31/10/08] Sherman, D., and Rogoff, I., 1994, Museum Culture: Histories, Discourses, Spectacles. London Routledge Silverman, LH., ‘The Therapeutic Potential of Museums as Pathways to Inclusion.’ In Sandall, R., 2002, Museums, Society, Inequality. London: Routledge Todd, D., 2002, ‘Curiosity: A Cultural History of Early Modern Inquiry.’ Criticism. Vol 44. 2. P. 189+. Wayne State University Press Witcomb, A., 2003, Re-Imagining the Museum: Beyond the Mausoleum. New York: Routledge 1 Footnotes [1] Gosden, C., and Knowles, C., 2001, Collecting Colonialism: Material Culture and Colonial Change. New York: Berg, p.49. [2] Ibid. [3] Pearce, S., ’Studying Museum Material and Collections,’ International Journal of Heritage Studies, Vol 1, Issue 1, (1994), pp.30-39 [4] Benedict, B.M., 2001, A Cultural History of Early Modern Enquiry. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press, p.1. [5] Ibid. [6] Todd, D., 2002, ‘Curiosity: A Cultural History of Early Modern Inquiry.’ Criticism, Vol. 44, p.189. [7] Koeppe, W., Collecting for the Kunstkammer . In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000. Available from: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/kuns/hd_kuns.htm [Accessed 31/10/08] [8] Ibid. [9] Gosden, C., and Knowles, C., 2001, Collecting Colonialism: Material Culture and Colonial Change. New York: Berg, p.49. [10] See Michael Millgate, 2004, Thomas Hardy: A Biography Revisited. New York: Oxford University Press, p.227. [11] Todd, 2002, p.189. [12] Ibid. [13] Sealy, M., 2007, ‘White Noise Photography and Visual Power.’ [online[. Available from:http://thedemocraticimage.opendemocracy.net/participate-blog-for-us/[Accessed 31/10/08] [14] Ibid. [15] See Salloum’s article ‘Among the Cree Indians of Canada.’ Contemporary Review, (Jan, 1998). [online]. Available from: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2242/is_n1584_v272/ai_20539966/pg_4[Accessed 31/10/08]. [16] Message, K., 2007, New Museums and the Making of Culture. Berg Publishers. [17] Ibid. [18] Silverman, LH., ‘The Therapeutic Potential of Museums as Pathways to Inclusion.’ In Sandall, R., 2002, Museums, Society, Inequality. London: Routledge, pp.69-78. [19] Cited in Koeppe, 2000. [20] Sealy, M., 2007, ‘White Noise Photography and Visual Power.’ [online[. Available from:http://thedemocraticimage.opendemocracy.net/participate-blog-for-us/[Accessed 31/10/08].