Noodles industry in India with market share Essay

‘Growing Up’ The Instant noodles market in India is finally coming of age after over 25 years The instant noodles category in India was, in a sense, created by Nestlà © with the introduction of their Maggi brand in mid-1980s. The concept of ‘2-minute noodles’, positioned as a quick snack option for children, found acceptance with both the children and their mothers as well. Having built and nurtured the category’s evolution, the brand name â€Å"Maggi† almost became a synonym for the instant noodles category itself. During the 1990s and 2000s, Maggi faced little competition. Despite the entry of players like Top Ramen (Indo Nissin Foods) in 1991, Ching’s Secret (Capital Foods) in 1996, and Wai Wai (CG Foods) in 2005, Maggi continued to retain its dominant position. However, in the past few years, we have seen consumer goods giants ITC (Sunfeast Yippee!), Glaxo-Smithkline (Horlicks Foodles), and Hindustan Unilever Limited (Knorr Soupy Noodles) foray into this lucrative market with differentiated product offerings. These brands have brought a competitive intensity to the space. This market now also comprises private labels like Feasters (AV Birla Retail), Tasty Treat (Future Group), and Smart Choice (Spencers). Even though ‘Maggi’ continues to dominate the market with a share in excess of 75%, the entry of multiple brands and the increasing aggression of existing brands has taken away several percentage points from Maggi’s market share. The category’s strong growth, and ever widening consumer acceptance, makes it a lucrative option for various players. The instant noodles market is estimated at ~INR 2200 crore (USD 402.7 million) and is projected to grow at a healthy annual rate of ~15% over the next few years. There are several reasons behind the growth this category has realized, in India, some of which are mentioned below. ï‚ · Changing consumer lifestyles – Over the years, the change in consumers’ preferences and eating habits, and their wider global exposure, along with an increasingly younger population, the growth in the middle class, with more nuclear families, and the growing time-poverty (as a result of the rise in the number of working couples) has given a boost to the convenience food segment. As a result, the instant noodles market has charted a high growth trajectory thanks to its availability, affordability, anytime-anywhere consumption and convenience, being a quick meal requiring minimal cooking. Instant noodles have also emerged from being a snack food or an occasional, alternate eating option to a mainstream food item of choice featuring regularly in consumers’ grocery baskets. ï‚ · Growing customer base – The emergence of instant noodles has added a new dimension to consumers’ meals; noodles are being consumed not just by kids (who are the core target audience) as an evening snack or a ‘tiffin’ meal but by consumers across all age groups, as an eating option beyond the ‘mundane’ ones. While it continues to be a home snack, it is also increasingly being consumed at workplace, colleges, etc. Geographically too, the appetite for instant noodles is growing with players now eyeing the semi-urban and rural markets. The category’s penetration is low in India (~20-25%), thus presenting a lucrative opportunity for growth. ï‚ · More options and variants: Players present in the space are innovating and adding value to establish a unique brand proposition in the consumers’ mind. Some of the major developments in this direction include: o Introduction of new flavors: To kindle the consumer’s interest in the category and also cater to the diverse and changing tastes of the consumer, instant noodles brands constantly enhance their product offerings by adding new flavors. In addition to the classic Masala and Chicken flavors, a wide range of flavors including Indo-Chinese, Chinese, tomato, etc. have been launched. 1 o Growing focus on health: Despite their fondness for instant noodles, consumers in India hold the notion that noodles are unhealthy, being made from ‘maida’ which is seen as not being as healthy as ‘atta’. To address this concern, brands are proactively introducing ‘healthy’ offerings as part of their product portfolio. Maggi and Top Ramen have their ‘atta’ noodles, while Horlicks Foodles was launched entirely on the health platform, with the noodles made from wheat or multiple grains and including a vitamin-supplying â€Å"Health Maker†. Additionally, HUL has also positioned its Knorr Soupy Noodles as a healthy, fun-filled snack. o More packaging variants: Brands have introduced packs in different sizes, right from single noodle packs of 50-75 gm. to value eight noodle packs. Further, to increase the category’s penetration, brands like Maggi and Wai Wai have extended product offerings in an even smaller pack size, priced at INR 5. o Category extension from pouch to cup noodles: A vital development in the market was the extension from pouch noodles to cup noodles that are ready-to-eat, on adding hot water, unlike pouch noodles that require to be cooked. The driving factor here is that convenience (the need for an on-the-go meal) is gaining in prominence in consumers’ lives owing to the rise in a younger working population and a migrant population, the increasing population of double income households with more working women, etc. Top Ramen offers different flavors in cup noodles, mini cup noodles, and mug noodles. Maggi and Wai Wai have extended to cup noodles as well. Modern formats, which provide high product visibility and good product displays, are acting as a good marketing platform for brands to promote their product offerings via consumer schemes like price discounts, bundled offers, sampling for new launches, etc. However, about 80-90% of instant noodles sales takes place through traditional formats (mom and pop stores), which is not surprising since noodles are a regular grocery item. Thus players need to invest significantly in distribution and establish a widespread retail reach and tap into a larger consumer base. Therefore, distribution remains an important enabler for this category. Another key challenge for players is to maintain price points and margins given the fluctuations in input costs. Usually, they opt to reduce pack sizes, while keeping prices constant, to counter the challenge. In its journey of 28 years, the instant noodles market has undergone several changes, viz. the entry of several new players, innovations in products and value-addition in packaging, the emergence of modern formats, a shift in consumption towards convenience foods, etc. Going forward, this market will continue to register a doubledigit growth and will witness higher competitive intensity. The strength of the distribution networks and media campaigns of the new entrants has the potential to be a game-changer and may eventually cause Maggi to face some serious competition, and perhaps even make this pioneering brand fight to defend its dominance. This category is finally coming of age and promises to be an interesting space to watch in the next few years. Authored By: Pragya Singh – Associate Director, Retail Ashima Anand- Senior Consultant, Retail

Effects of Divorce Essay

Divorce can be defined as the termination of a marital union, the canceling of the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and the dissolving of the bonds of matrimony between married couples (Wikipedia, 2013). Divorce affects the couple and children (if any). The divorce is the most serious social problem that affects almost the entire life of the children and the couple, it also makes troubles like: sadness, despair, and unforgettable moments (Williams, 2013). In this paper, I will be discussing the factors contributing to divorce in Canada and will also explain certain statistics used as well. The methodologies that I will be using are both the qualitative and quantitative approach. The reasons I am using both of them are because by using the quantitative research, I will develop mathematical hypotheses pertaining to the phenomena. Also to analyze this topic with the use of statistics to make it somewhat accurate, while for quantitative; because it will explain in word data about my information. I strongly believe that these two forms of methodology will properly explain the factors contributing to divorce. The history of the legalization of divorce in Canada predates that of its colonial overseer, England, where it was only in 1857 that divorce was legislated, mainly on grounds of adultery. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island respectively enacted divorce laws in 1761, 1791, and 1837, generally on grounds of adultery (Wu & Schimmele, 2009). It was not until 1968 that Canada enacted its first unified Federal Divorce Act, which was followed by the more liberal or no fault act of 1985 and it was mentioned that the sole reason for divorce is marriage breakdown, which is defined as either living apart for at least one year, or committing adultery, or treating the other spouse with physical or mental cruelty. Though divorce rates have not increased recently in Canada, the number of divorced persons is however increasing with population growth. In 2007, there were 972,183 divorced women and 712,531 divorced men in the population (Statistics Canada, 2007). The difference betwee n the men and women is because divorced men re-partner faster and more than women and also because women live longer than men.

Research Paper on Employee Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Research Paper on Employee Relations - Essay Example Rights and privileges of workers are put in place taking into account such limitations only. Maintaining good employee relations depends on how the rights and privileges of workers are treated by the organization. Finding good people often proves to be difficult for the organization, it is therefore essential to find ways to retain them as well. Good industrial relations or employee relations form part of such efforts. This study is an effort to analyze the essential tools and techniques used by organizations to manage the human resources in an organization and how the HRM has adapted itself to the changing economic scenario. In particular the objectives of this study are to have an assessment of; To get the optimum from a satisfied and participative individual is considered to be the ultimate objective of HRM policies. The global economy has made it almost mandatory for international corporations that an effective strategy is adopted for managing the human resources and the diversity. It is through their behavior that employees give expression to their commitment to work, level of motivation and their attitudes. Behavior includes all actions overt or covert, and verbal or non-verbal. This affects the overall efficiency of the person and the performance of the organization. ... Behavior includes all actions overt or covert, and verbal or non-verbal. This affects the overall efficiency of the person and the performance of the organization. Some of the organizations encourage Unions and Associations to represent the employees' issues and such organizations have a mechanism which encourages cordial relations between such unions and management as it helps in smooth functioning of the organization. But there are some other organizations which prefer to engage with individual employees for grievance redressal. Such a mechanism generally functions well in smaller organizations having lesser number of employees. The ultimate aim is to have a functioning relation with employees so that the company's functioning is not adversely affected. As a student of human resources management it is very crucial for me that I am fully aware about such a mechanism, the legal positions and how the system has evolved over the years. 1.3 Learning Outcomes We have learnt the basic concepts of human resources management during our study and do have a fair idea about the rules and regulations as well. Through this paper, an effort will be made to look around us and observe the functioning of some of the organizations, search for relevant news items in the contemporary media and sift through other views and findings from similar researches carried out by other scholars. The HR field has many dimensions and it affects almost all aspects of the organization, therefore analyzing all such fields will remain out of the scope of this study. But with the limited resources and the lessons learnt so far, I'll try to make the study as comprehensive as possible, so that I come out enriching my knowledge about the

Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 32

Art - Essay Example It also appears that the art is full of ideas and depictions, which are symbolic to the events that took place at the time. However, one can deduce that the art evokes spiritual emotions from the beauty and colors used in the art. The designer of the image adopted the use of the ‘arch’ and integration of the Doric and Ionic columns. Peebles and mosaics have been for decoration purposes. There is also the use of formal elements in order to evoke the above kind of impression. The main medium used is oil. This improves the beauty and quality of the work. Space has also been adequately used and appropriately organized in order to pass the intended message to the viewer. The other important thing is about the use of light and color. These two have been dynamically used to achieve contrast and drama. They have also been used to offer ‘transitions’ instead of using lines during painting. This is what makes the image very outstanding. The paintings is produced from oil color and light. It is through the use of the two that contrast is easily achieved. Another important thing is that the designer of the image appears to have created it in three dimensions in order to make it more outstanding. This is something achieved by painting using oil and light accordingly. Reflecting on the image, it should be observable that architecture is a form of art, and therefore, it is capable of borrowing a lot from the ancient, pre-modern and even from the post-modern periods in order to pioneer new but stylish images. In this case, the use of historical references on this image helps understand how most of the ancient architectural elements were used since they cannot be viewed today anyway (Fairbanks 103). This is because most of these ancient buildings have collapsed a long time ago. However, studying them offers insights to the architectural elements and how they can be applied in modern designs. Another

Brown and the Board of Education Research Paper

Brown and the Board of Education - Research Paper Example On May 1954, Landmark civil rights decision was issued by the Supreme Court. The decision declared segregated schools as unconstitutional, thus Doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ schools reached an end. In 1992, George W. Bush signed the Public Law to commemorate the Brown decision of 1954. Background: During much of the American history, federal government dealt with racial issues and disparities by drawing an invisible yet authoritative line between black and white populations. One such attempt was the racial segregation or hyper segregation of white and black children in public schools under the Doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ schools. In Brown v. Board of Education case, brown refers to the one of the most famous fathers of America, Oliver Brown. Oliver Brown decided to seek legal redress when his daughter Linda Brown Thompson was refused enrollment in a white elementary school in Topeka, Kansas. Oliver Brown filed the case against segregated schools in 1 951 in Topeka. The following paper traces the footsteps of plaintiffs as well as the origins of one of the most important Supreme Court decision in American history, which not only molded the future of Topeka, but ultimately changed the entire nation. Brown v. Board of Education: In accordance with various sources, Oliver Brown is considered as a Lead Plaintiff in Brown v. Board of Education case. However, Charles Scott Jr. claims that Oliver Brown was not a lead plaintiff but in fact his father along with Mr. Burnett and the NAACP drove the case. It is important to note that the legally mandated, segregation of public schools was not challenged for the first time by the Brown case. Previously, the segregation had also been challenged in the year 1849, by a Boston lawsuit. Furthermore, 11 lawsuits filed cases against legally mandated, segregation of public schools in Kansas, between 1881 and1949. On October 1, 1951, other law suits filed against segregation of school systems in Virg inia, Delaware, South Carolina and District of Columbia. These cases were combined with the Brown case in order to make the overall case strong enough to be presented in America’s highest court. The official name given to the combined cases was Oliver L. Brown et al. v. The Board of Education of Topeka, et al. The case for the Brown plaintiffs was meticulously and authoritatively argued in the Supreme Court by NCAAP legal counsel Thurgood Marshall, who became the first African American to argue a case in the American Supreme Court. On May 17, 1954, a unanimous landmark decision was issued by the United States Supreme Court regarding the Oliver L. Brown et al. v. The Board of Education of Topeka, et al case, which declared the hyper segregation of children in public schools unconstitutional. The Decision was read by Earl Warren, who at that time was the Supreme Court Chief Justice. Following is part of the statement he read: â€Å"We conclude that in the field of public educa tion the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Therefore, we hold that the plaintiffs and others similarly situated for whom the actions have been brought are, by reason of the segregation complained of, deprived of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.† (Patterson et al 2001). The Supreme Court declared that racial segregation has a detrimental effect not only on African American children

Examining Barriers to effective physical health care management of Literature review

Examining Barriers to effective physical health care management of people with schizophrenia - Literature review Example same to different factors such as the association between mental and physical illnesses and the complications resulting from the mental illness itself following persistent use of medication. Schizophrenia patients and other mentally ill patients often suffer many physical health-related problems. Various studies on the interaction between physical health and mental health indicate psychiatric patients often endure physical health complications. In their article, Heggelund et al (2011) posited that most of the patients with Schizophrenia and major depression often suffer from cardiovascular and respiratory disease. The authours attribute the occurrence of these diseases in these patients to higher rates of smoking. In addition, Harrison and Gill (2010) suggest that the people with Schizophrenia experience poor dietary habits, poor living conditions and cognitive impairment among others. Heggelund et al. (2011) observed that patients suffering from Schizophrenia tended to gain weight and become obese. A research conducted by Brown and Mitchel (2012) showed that the incidence of obesity was high in Schizophrenia patients, accounting for up to 42% compared with 27% of the general population. The high percentage of Schizophrenia patients developing obese has thus been a key physical concern largely because it leads to the development of diabetes among other diseases. The tendency by the Schizophrenia patients to become obese has been attributed to different factors. In their article, Connolly and Kelly (2005) suggested that one of such factors is because the patients, in many cases, consume poor diets that are rich in fat and low fibre content without any consideration of the health implication. The authors also argue that these patients tend to lead a sedentary life, and this often reflects symptoms such as apathy and somnolence. The accumulation of calories in their bodies coupled with poor diet and lack of regular exercise serve as the predisposing factors for

Different phases of the project life cycle require a flexible approach Essay

Different phases of the project life cycle require a flexible approach in leadership style and skills - Essay Example Whenever we talk about the methods implicated in the project management we in general refer those methods towards the management of people as well as resources. The management of people is the management of workers. Management of people guides us about the roles and duties that a worker can perform in a project for making a project successful. It also guides management what type of staff should reserve for a specific project (Kerzner, 2003). A project manager or leader plays an important role in the success and failure of a project. This paper explains different leadership tactics and qualities during the different life cycle stages of the project. This paper explains the contemporary leadership traits, skills, and behaviors principles, comprising interesting developing views in the changing project life cycle stages, It has placed the gap between extant theory and leadership in technology projects lacks practitioner reflection-in-action, in that existing literature does not prove wh at effective global project managers actually do within the dynamic situational context of multiple competing demands. First of all we will discuss the qualities of a leader, the important point to mention is that: this section will discuss the project’s manger or leader’s project handling qualities, tests and important abilities that he must have in the changing environment. Then next section explains the different qualities and project management styles those are necessary for the project in the each life cycle stages of the project. The last section contains the conclusion and references. Suggested different project management approaches are correct for different stages of project (Kenneth, 1998). This would suggest that different project management styles, and thus different competency profiles and leadership styles for the project manager would be appropriate for different phases of project. Why we emphasis the leadership or its qualities, the

Mencap Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mencap - Essay Example Background/history Mencap began in 1953 by a group of parents and carrier from Leeds (UK) who saw the urgency to respond to the plight of children with special needs. During this period, Leeds and even the entire Uk hosted very few support services for people with special needs. Such is the case that parents who gave birth to babies with disability were often asked to surrender them to particular institutions and forget them completely; painful words for any parent. Consequently, many babies were left to suffer such a fate. Tired of this disgrace, parents with special kids, living within Leeds, began holding meetings in their houses and later formed a committee to serve the Leeds society. This committee named National Society of Parents of Backward Children became functional on 8 April 1953, immediately after its inauguration (Mencap, 2013). The inaugural meeting took place at Leeds Museum and was attended by squire Holye , the then Executive Officer of Leeds Health Department(its former name). In 1956, the organization changed its name to Leeds and District Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and later took the name Leeds Mencap Organisation structure (local&international) The day-to-day running of Mencap depends entirely on six important groups of people. This includes 1) The members 2) The board of trustees 3) The staff 4) Districts 5) Regional and country committees 6) National assembly members

The impact of Christian Religious Education Essay Example for Free

The impact of Christian Religious Education Essay Introduction: The context of studying religious in a society such as ours, Christian religious educations give me the opportunity to learn from religion (Christian religion) in an organized Manner. From my perspective, Christian religious education aims to support and develop my religious identity by giving me the opportunity to participate at Christian religious practices. Religious education like Christianity involves religious practices such as praying, caring for others, and dealing with the challenges of life. In these practices I see Christian religious education as an inspirational reality of God’s teaching; the only reliable tool that I rely on in the time of difficulties and challenges. The concepts of God, creation, redemption, or eternity are concepts that are difficult to understand unless with faith and the teaching of Christian religious education. From this standpoint, progress in Christian religious education refers to my participation at religious practices in a more proficient way. The aim of this paper is to get a clear view on the significance of studying Christian Religious Education and its impact on me as an individual. Growing up as a Kid: As a kid growing up I attended Catechism classes (first Holy Communion and Confirmation), as far as going to the seminary (Catholic seminary) after my graduation from high school. I attended catechism classes and was taught the Catholic doctrines and other Christian beliefs. Therefore, Christian religious education has impacted my life and my personal growth. Consequently, learning through religious education enables me to: Develop my knowledge and deepen my understanding of the Christian faith, especially my Catholic faith and other Christian beliefs. It helps me understand the relevance of the Catholic faith and the meaning of life. It fosters the values, attitudes and practices which are well-suited with my faith as Christian. Christian religious education develops my skills of reflection, critical thinking, and how to act in accordance when making moral decisions. It nurtures my prayer life as an individual. It helps me understand and appreciate significant aspects of other Christian traditions such as observing lent, the practice of station of the cross and advent season. The observance of all of these makes a positive difference to my Christian life and put my beliefs and values into action. The Influence of Christian Religion Education on me: The impact of Christian religious education on me is that it transfers Christian moral values and norms to me as person or individual growing up to become responsible and appreciating myself and others. It teaches me the actual duty of a Christian and acquaints me with religious practices and obedience to authorities in the neighborhood, homes, state and in the universal society. Christian religious education helps me to develop the knowledge and understanding of Christianity and especially, the catholic doctrine. Christian religious education specially the catholic doctrine have taught me some religious norms and it values and has encouraged me to learn from various religious beliefs, values and culture while at the same time, focusing my own beliefs regarding my religion. My study at the seminary and catechism classes has also help me to be mature personally and socially as well as refining my judgments and decisions on religious, moral and social issues, preparing me for life in a secular society. During my time in primary school I can clearly recall that Christian religious education in the context of catholic religious teachings popularly known as â€Å"doctrine† in catholic schools was a compulsory subject for us. It was mandatory subject, not an optional one. In fact anyone who could not pass doctrine in St. Francis high school (Pleebo, Maryland County) is assumed not to be able to do well or pass other subjects. As the result, Christian religious education gave me a stronger sense of my identity and it made me to know my place in the world that I live in through Christian religious and ethical teaching. Christian Religious education guides me through my spiritual journey. It motives me and helps me been focus on my spiritual life. If I don’t understand what I am implementing in my life, then I will end up losing focus in my Christian activities. Christian Religious education aids me in instructing me how to understand the existence of God and how to obey his commands. Christian Religious education assists me in keeping me from doing the wrong things and repeating the same mistakes over and over again. It instructs me to obey authorities and follow the teaching of the scriptures, so that I may teach the little one or my own kids the ways of life of my religion (Christian) and how to follow it teachings. Encourages me to look more into what I accept as true and reflect on that spiritual knowledge. It helps me understand the Word of God as expressed in the Christian scriptures and especially the teachings of the Catholic Church. And considering how situations can affect the way that I understand things in my lives and the world around me. Reflecting on the Catholic beliefs that my life has meaning, therefore, the essence of Christian religious education is to help me to value the teachings of the scriptures and that which God reveals in our lives. It helps me recognize such knowledge and understand issues which are never fully realized except in actual relationships with the scripture (God) or teaching of Christian religion education. It helps me truly develop and engage common issues in concrete actions. Why Christian Religion Education Matters to me? Christian Religious education makes a distinctive contribution to my well-being. It promotes my moral, social and above all my spiritual, development. It prepares me for societal challenges and future responsibilities. Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. Christian Religious education try to explain or give meaning to challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. It develops my knowledge and understanding of the nature of religion and belief including Christianity, and other principal religious issues, such as the TRINITY, (three persons in one God). God the FATHER, God the SON and God the HOLY SPIRIT, philosophy that are difficult to understand. Christian religious education offers me the opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development. It enhances my awareness and understanding of Christianity and beliefs, teachings and practices. Christian religious education had impacted my life, to be more precise, it helps me to understand issues of faith and the existence of God. There are things I cannot do because of my beliefs and faith. I cannot take away human life, because I have value for other and the life of people. I cannot encourage abortion or homosexual arts. Taking away other life is murder, murder is a crime. Christian religious education, specially my doctrine (catholic doctrines) forbids that. And Christian religious educations help enhance and foster my beliefs. Therefore, my value of God is deepening. Christian religious education today is vital. As the issue of extremism emerges, I begun to wonder how these people lost their moral direction and they have turn against society in the name of religion. One might want to look to their religion as one aspect of what shaped their thinking. Instead of judge them; I extend forgiveness, because my religion (Christianity) teaches me how to forgive. After all, Christ said in the Bible â€Å"he who is without sin should cast the first stone. † Christian religious education is priceless. Christian religion offer open debate about all moral and ethical points of view. It is open to free debate, unlike other religions which forbids open discussion of some critical issues. In order to combat ignorance, Christian religious educations enlighten my mind. It causes me to act as detects by the scripture or my doctrine. The reason a society falls is its lack of morality. Christian religious education taught me about morality, ethics and to love others, even if they don’t act very loving toward me. The skills, understanding and knowledge acquired from Christian religious education during my seminary and catechism class’s days, couple with my Christian ethics class at AMEU is very necessary. They help to broaden my knowledge and positively sharp my thinking to be mature in my attitudes. Christian religious educations help me to be open minded, value for others and self understanding. Experiencing self-assurance about my own beliefs and identity and increasing my perception of my religious, moral and spiritual ideas. Conclusion: In conclusion to this paper, I will say Christian religious education from all angle and from all area of society has shown without any doubt its significance on me as individual and society cannot be ignored. Christian Religious Education has prove to make available openings for spiritual expansion in the course of helping me to think about and act in response to questions of meaning and function in life, and questions about the s existence of God and morals in human society; to consider and react to critical issues especially issues of morality and real challenges of life. This has helped me to make clear and knowledgeable decision on religious and moral issues. Our society today is face with many moral issues, such as same sex marriage know as gay marriage and the issue of abortion. Christian religious education has helped to develop my sense of character and belonging, preparing me for life as individual in society. It gives me consciousness and understanding of my beliefs, including practices and values of Christianity. Christian Religious Education is a tool that strengthen my ethical attitude and values, including choices and behavior and my believed toward abortion, drugs and homosexuality. Bibliography: Novak, M. (2001): On Two Wings: Humble Faith and Common Sense. Fagan, P. F. (2006): The Impact of Religious Practice, Heritage Foundation Backgrounder No. 1064, [2] Brown, D. R. , and Gary, L. E. (1991): An Empirical Assessment, Journal of Negro Education, Vol. 60, No. 3.

Is music still true?

Is music still true? Is Music Still True? Authenticity is a major issue in popular music, and it also seems to verify the differences between ‘rock and ‘pop. To musicians, rock is the genre that has authenticity and is most trusted, while the pop genre tends to be more of a commercialized type of music, which most musicians today believe that the ‘pop music is about the glamour and the money. In the end it comes down to the listeners point of view. In this argument, authenticity is understood as ‘true to its origins. Some say that with the new technology today, its hard to make anything sound authentic. In some cases, for example Jack White from such bands as The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and The dead Weather, have stayed away from technology when it comes to the recording end. White also attempts to capture authenticity by using old instruments, to capture the essence of the old time sound. Like White, other artists as well find that the new technology today takes the ‘soul out of the music, as well as go far enough to use authentic old style instruments. Although some believe that you can use technology today to give it even more of a rich authentic sound. Most people believe that ‘soul is the key component to authenticity, while some believe that it is about reenacting the innovators of the past. Some believe that songs or artists can still have authentic meaning. One artists that has dealt with issues of authenticity was 60s folk star Bob Dylan. Dylans first electric album rainy day woman had a enormous impact on his fans. The fans were enraged at his desertion from the authentic folk roots that he was so well known for. He received some credit with the fact that his lyrics and song topics were still awarded as authentic. Dylans song were known to make a strong stand toward politics, and had simple lyrics but had complex understanding. Then there are artists like John Mayer, who keep to the authenticity on every level, but seems to add his own modern twist. Mayer is a well known blues guitarist who keeps to his ‘bluesy guitar riffs, but with a sound of a distorted guitar. Mayer at times has also been subjected to the ‘pop commercial genre, with his higher pitched voice and for his criticized lyrics. Artists like these prove that authenticity in music, does not mean that it has to be exactly like the origins it came from. Certain authors have pondered that this distinction may be misleading, but even so, have divided authenticity into several categories (Moore, 2002): first person authenticity, where original music is performed in a manner that makes the audience believe the music is authentic: that is, authentically created, and performed; and third person authenticity, where a performer of music succeeds in conveying the impression of having accurately conveyed the expression of an – absent – other (Moore, 2002). Authenticity is assumed, by many authors, to be inscribed to a musician or performer, yet this assumption is wholly wrong, in that authenticity is actually ascribed to musicians and performers. Authenticity, as a value, is something that must be constructed by each and every listener personally, according to their own response to the music in question. It is only after the listener sees the performance of the music by the musician, that they can begin to understand the musicians relationship to the piece, and their interpretation of the piece, and only then can the musician be said to have any authenticity. The following is based on this view of authenticity as an ascribed value. Eric Clapton and his music are used as an example by many authors on the subject of authenticity in music, and these discussions invariably fall into Moores (2002) second category of authenticity: third-person authenticity. Eric Clapton, a highly able and respected musician, gained a huge worldwide following in the 1960s for his interpretations and performances, solo and with his band, Cream. I say ‘interpretation as many of the songs that Clapton, and Cream performed, such as Crossroads, were not original songs, and were re-worked by Clapton. Crossroads was a song originally written and performed by the country blues star Robert Johnson (Moore, 2002). Johnson led a tragic life, dying early in mysterious circumstances, and living his life as a poor man, with only his guitar for comfort, on which he composed blues music, through which he explored his own life through distorting the sound of the instrument to provide an analogue for his own tortured soul (Moore, 2002). It is argued that, to a certain extent, when Clapton performed Crossroads, he did not authenticate Johnsons music by reinforcement, rather his interpretation of Johnsons song authenticated Claptons own musical presence (Moore, 2002). It was the appropriation of the ‘black blues tradition, of which Johnson was a part, which gave Clapton the material through which he constructed himself as an authentic performer (Moore, 2002). Claptons appropriation of the ‘black blues tradition was then cemented by his full discovery of this tradition, from BB King to Freddie and Albert King, from country blues through to Robert Johnson (Moore, 2002). This tracing of the origins of a practice back to the originator of the practice thus reinforces the tradition to the tracer: this phenomenon, and is well known in discussions of authenticity in popular music (Moore, 2002); this process is also necessarily circular, as Clapton was authenticated via his appropriation of Johnson, who was then authenticated by his appropriation by an artist he himself had a great deal of respect for (Moore, 2002), since only music that is worth acquiring will be appropriated. As Moore (2002) argues, Clapton conveyed the message ‘this is what it is like to be me to his audience, using the message ‘this is what it was like to be Johnson. Thus, authenticity of execution (Moore, 2002) arises when a performer succeeds in conveying the impression of accurately conveying the expression of an absent other (Moore, 2002), and Clapton is a particularly apt example of this third-person authenticity. Thus, during his performances of particular songs (for example, Crossroads) Clapton speaks the truth of his own situation, as during his performances, he can only convey his own particular expression of a particular song openly, honestly and therefore, truthfully. As to whether Clapton manages to convey the truth of the situation of absent others, this is a difficult one to answer. In order for an audience to believe that Clapton is conveying the truth of an absent other, the audience needs to know that Clapton has respect for that absent other, enough respect to have made a thorough study of the tradition to which that musician belonged, a study which allows Claptons interpretation of that particular piece of music to be authentic in the sense of being true to its origins. As to whether Clapton speaks the truth of his own culture and thereby represents present others when performing the music of absent others, this is an even more difficult point of discussion. This point needs to rely on a meaning for the word ‘culture in order to fully answer this question, and this is difficult. Can Clapton, a white man, from a white culture, ever delve deeply enough in to a tradition to be able to authentically convey music from an entirely different (‘black) culture? Cultural purists would argue not, but in todays multicultural society, the answer to this question is increasingly (and increasingly believably) likely to be yes, at least for white audiences, and for ‘blacks who agree with the idea, and principles, of cross-cultural artistic expression. However, it has to be recognized that there are certain tensions and resistance encountered in the process of cross-cultural appropriation of music, particularly in this case, as it concerns the black community, who see their musical heritage as something pure, a badge of identity entirely their own. This is entirely understandable, particularly in reference to appropriation of the blues tradition by whites, as blues is a black music, which arose out of unspeakable suppression and hardship at the hands of the white man. Tensions that arise from within the black community at the (mis)use of the blues tradition by whites should therefore be listened to, and could also be used as a lesson to learn from. A recent book by Todd Gitlin (2001) argues that we, as a society, are becoming so overwhelmed with information from the media, in so many varieties of the media, that we are becoming immune to its lure, and are even beginning to shy away from this media onslaught. It seems that one way people can avoid this media onslaught is to search out authentic performances from authentic musicians, as this would guarantee quality and purity of enjoyment. Authenticity of an artists like Clapton, really come down to the listeners and their opinion on whether or not the artists is authentic. Music has always been about the listeners, so they are the only ones who can really decide what is authentic. Most fans will say the authentic ones are the ones who ‘keep it real, which is just another way of saying keeping it true to the original genre. Which makes Authenticity in music a very long ongoing topic. There will always be those who say ‘he is to commercial for me and those who will think that that artists perfected and recreated a new side of the authentic origin. Artists, like Clapton, who appropriate music from other cultures, and who we can argue do this in a compassionate manner, are perhaps the guiding lights for many of todays media-overwhelmed generation; they serve, for many, as a good introduction to the traditions from which such music is drawn, from which point the interested can do their own research and discover the authentic music from which such adaptations are developed. Cross-cultural musical evolution can only be a process for good in terms of the development of music, as long as authenticity and the ‘donor culture are respected.

Investment Appraisal Reading

Investment Appraisal Reading Section 1 Introduction 1.1 This report is an investment appraisal for the property Pink Plaza. Pink Plaza is a 17 year old six storey office building located in the centre of Reading. 1.2 The report includes both a short and long term appraisal of Pink Plaza. The short term appraisal assumes a five year holding period, whilst the long term appraisal assumes a major refurbishment of the whole building after the lease expiry of the ground and first floors (from March 2019). In each scenario an investment value for Pink Plaza has been calculated. 1.3 Pink Plaza was constructed as prime office space in 1989. It is located in Reading town centre and is in close proximity to the mainline railway station. The property is a six storey office block currently let to 4 different tenants. Each storey has a gross internal area of 34,432 sq ft, of which 31,204 sq ft is useable office space. The property has never been refurbished. Section 2 Reading Office Market 2.1 Reading is an established regional commercial centre, located approximately 40 miles west of central London, and 4 miles north of junctions 10, 11 and 12 of the M4 Motorway. The town has good rail, road and air links. 2.2 In terms of employment 9% of the Reading workforce is employed in financial intermediation compared to 4.7% in England and Wales. 2.2 The Reading office market benefited particularly from the rapid growth of high-tech industries in the 1990s. However 2000 saw rapid consolidation in this sector of the market with the sudden end of the â€Å"Dot Com† boom. As a result take-up of office space in Reading fell significantly. Since then take-up has gradually begun to improve with 2005 seeing the highest Reading town centre office take-up (107,331 sq ft) since 2001. 2.3 With the end of the â€Å"Dot Com† boom the Reading office market saw a considerable increase in the amount of surplus office space available. Since then the market has stabilised with the amount of available office space still high but the lack of occupier demand putting developers off building any new speculative office developments. Office supply in the town centre now stands at 761,109 sq ft (2004: 809,647 sq ft). Section 3 Reading Rental Values 3.1 Recent deals on Grade A space suggest that prime market rents in Reading town centre are  £23- £25 per sq ft. This can be seen with Apex Plaza (Barclays Bank plc) achieving a rent of  £23.50 per sq ft, Davidson House (Lloyds TSB) achieving a rent of  £24 per sq ft and Abbey Gardens (Huntswood Ltd) achieving a rent of  £25 per sq ft. Therefore within this appraisal it will be assumed that a prime market rent within Reading is currently  £24 per sq ft. The current rental value of Pink Plaza is estimated to be  £20.90 per sq ft. This figure is based on rental evidence from four comparable properties. 3.2 Apex Plaza -3.2.1 Apex Plaza is a landmark office building in central Reading. It consists of four linked office buildings totalling approximately 205,000 sq ft. -3.2.2 It was originally built in 1989, and is located in a prime position next to Reading railway station. In 2004 Apex Plaza underwent a  £2 million re-fit. -3.2.4 On 2 October 2006 Barclays Bank plc took 6148 sq ft of office space within Apex Plaza on a 14-year lease at  £23.50 per sq ft. -3.2.5 Apex Plaza is a very good comparable property with similarities in size, location and age. However due to the fact that it underwent a re-fit in 2004 its rental value of approximately  £23.50 per sq ft will be higher than that of Pink Plaza. 3.3 Aquis House -3.3.1 Aquis House is a 5 storey office property of approximately 50,000 sq ft. The property is located directly opposite the railway station in the centre of Reading. -3.3.2 The property is on the site of the former Reading central post and sorting office and was redeveloped in 1994. -3.3.3 On 1 May 2006 Horwath Clark Whitehill took 9815 sq ft of second-floor office space on a 7-year lease at  £21 per sq ft. -3.3.4 Aquis House is a good comparable property due to its similarity in terms of location. The property was redeveloped in 1994, five years after Pink Plaza was built, and therefore its rental value of approximately  £21 per sq ft will be higher than that of Pink Plaza. 3.4 Minerva House -3.4.1 Minerva House is located in central Reading. It comprises of office accommodation arranged over 5 floors totalling approximately 59,200 sq ft. -3.4.2 The property was originally built in 1987 and now requires a major refurbishment. -3.4.3 On 1 July 2005 Provecta Car Plan Ltd took 465 sq m of office space on a new three year FRI lease at  £17 per sq ft. -3.4.4 Despite similarities in terms of age and location the property currently requires major refurbishment. It can therefore be concluded that Pink Plaza would command a higher rental value. 3.5 Abbey Gate -3.5.1 Abbey Gate was constructed in 1986 and comprises of a headquarter specification office building arranged over the ground and three upper floors together with storage space on the fourth floor, totalling approximately 44,203 sq ft. -3.5.2 The property is reasonably centrally located with Reading railway station approximately 0.6 miles away. -3.5.3 On 4 November 2005 an undisclosed tenant took 13,117 sq ft of third floor office space on a sublease expiring in May 2010 at  £20.80 per sq ft. -3.5.4 Abbey Gate is three years older than Pink Plaza and is less centrally located. Pink Plaza would therefore be expected to command a higher rental value. 3.6 Conclusion From looking at evidence from four comparable properties it is possible to establish a current rental value for Pink Plaza. Its rental value appears to be between  £20.80 and  £21 per sq ft. It has therefore been concluded that the current rental value for Pink Plaza is approximately  £20.90 per sq ft. From this estimate it can be concluded that Pink Plaza is currently over rented as passing rents in the building range from approximately  £22 per sq ft up to  £28 per sq ft. Section 4 Rental Growth 4.1 Office rental growth The Investment Property Forum forecasts rental growth for all offices between 2006 and 2010 to be approximately 4.5% pa. 4.2 Depreciation 4.2.1 Depreciation has been defined as â€Å"the rate of decline in rental/capital value of an asset (or group of assets) over time relative to the asset (or group of assets) valued as a new contemporary specification.† (Law, 2004) 4.2.2 There have been a number of previous studies of the impact of depreciation on real estate, particularly in the UK. Law (2004) analysed all of these studies and found that the seemingly consistent results were an illusion as they all used a variety of measurement methods and data. 4.2.3 The figure used for depreciation in this report is based on findings from the Investment Property Forum report, ‘Depreciation in Commercial Property Markets (2005). 4.2.4 It must be highlighted that results are complicated by the period of analysis that the report uses, with analysis starting in the aftermath of the major U.K. real estate recession of the early 1990s. 4.2.5 The report, using a 19 year sample, from 1984 to 2003, establishes office rental depreciation to be approximately 1.0%. 4.3 Conclusion 4.3.1 From these findings the assumed net rental growth rate used in this appraisal will be 3.47%. 4.3.2 This figure is established using the following formula: -Net rental growth rate = ((1 + Rental Growth) / (1 + Depreciation)) -1 = ((1 + 4.5%) / (1 + 1.0%)) -1 = 3.47% Section 5 Reading Office Yields 5.1 In the second quarter of 2006 it has been reported that in the Thames Valley prime yields are just below 5% net initial yield (NIY). Within Reading prime yields appear to be higher than this figure. This can be seen in the example of Prudential Campus, 121 Kings Road: 5.2 Prudential Campus, 121 Kings Road -121 Kings Road is located in central Reading. It comprises of office accommodation arranged in three linked blocks with five floors totalling approximately 179,929 sq ft. The property was completed in 1992 and was formerly Huntley Palmer factory. -On 9 August 2006 Oppenheim Property Fund Management purchased the freehold interest from IM Properties plc for  £66 million, as an investment, reflecting a NIY yield of 6.17% and an ARY of 7.22%. 5.3 Using figures from the CBRE UK Prime Rent and Yield Index it can be seen that there has been a steady compression of yield levels in the South East office sector and in the overall national office sector since 2004. Graph 1 below demonstrates this. Graph 1 5.4 This yield compression can be linked to the strong investor demand for U.K. property that has been seen during this period. Direct property has performed extremely well during this period and once again 2006 sees direct property outperforming gilts and equities. 5.5 Despite continued investor demand for U.K property, latest forecasts predict that yield compression in the office sector will gradually slow. But higher levels of rental value growth over the next few years will provide valuable support to maintain current yield levels. 5.6 This report has forecasted an ARY for a refurbished Pink Plaza of 6.75%. This figure is based upon current prime ARY comparables and by forecasting an ARY trend line using the CBRE UK Prime Rent and Yield Index. 5.7 Clearly the unrefurbished Pink Plaza cannot expect to achieve such a low yield as an equivalent prime (new or refurbished) property in Reading. There are a number of comparables that can be used when forecasting an ARY for an unrefurbished Pink Plaza. 5.8 Minerva House -Minerva House is located in central Reading. It comprises of office accommodation arranged over 5 floors totalling approximately 59,200 sq ft. The property requires major refurbishment. -On 10 June 2006 Schroders plc purchased the freehold interest from Miller Developments Ltd for  £12 million, as an investment, reflecting a NIY of 6.75% and an ARY of 8.0%. 5.9 Reading Bridge House -Reading Bridge House is located in central Reading. It comprises of office accommodation arranged over 9 floors totalling approximately 114,960 sq ft. The property was built in 1975 and was refurbished in 1986, since then no further work has been carried out. -On 1 December 2006 Jones Lang LaSalle Limited purchased the freehold interest from Exemplar Properties Limited for  £30 million reflecting a net initial yield of 6.40% and an ARY of 7.65%. 5.10 Added to this comparable evidence it is forecasted that in the Thames Valley office sector investors will continue to chase well-located, rack-rented stock with a significant percentage seeking active management and refurbishment/development opportunities. Therefore it is likely that there will be continued yield compression for properties that match these characteristics such as Pink Plaza. 5.11 The ARY for Pink Plaza unrefurbished is estimated to be 7.75%; this is based upon comparable evidence and forecasted information. Section 6 Building Costs 6.1 The BCIS provide current estimate building costs for office refurbishment. Unfortunately the BCIS only provide estimate figures for (a) 3-5 storey and (b) 6+ storey buildings. Pink Plaza is a 6 storey building. Within this appraisal the figures provided for a 3-5 storey building will be of greater accuracy and would be more appropriate to use than those of a 6+ storey building. The BCIS estimates that it currently costs  £37.64 per sq ft to refurbish an office building of 3-5 storeys. This figure is a mean average and may differ significantly from the actual cost of refurbishing Pink Plaza. 6.2 The building will be available for refurbishment in March 2019, the refurbishment will take up to two years (including sale period) and therefore the building cost is inflated over a 14 year period. The assumed growth rate is 5.84%. This figure is an average of the building cost inflation forecast for 2006 to 2011. Section 7 Other Costs 7.1 The management cost of this property is calculated as 1% pa of the value of the rental income. 7.2 The cost of rent review is assumed to be 4% of the new annual rent at each review. 7.3 The cost of purchase is assumed to be 5.75% of the purchase price. 7.4 The cost of sale is assumed to be 2.5% of the sale price. Section 8 Target Rate of Return 8.1 The Target Rate of Return (TRR) is 3% above the rate on a medium term Government bond. 8.2 The current rate on a medium term Government bond is currently 5.09%. 8.3 TRR= Risk Free Return + Risk Premium = 5.09% + 3% = 8.09% Section 9 Pink Plaza- Lease Considerations 9.1 It has been reported that during 2005, in the U.K office market, 26% of expired leases were renewed. 9.2 In terms of occupiers exercising break clauses it has been reported that in the office sector the propensity to break for over rented units is 61%. More detailed analysis has shown that it was tenants in larger office units that have been taking advantage of the option to exercise their breaks. 9.3 The standard void rate for South East offices is approximately 14 months. Within this report it has been assumed to be 15 months. This is due to the high supply of office space that exists within Reading (See 2.3) in comparison to other areas within the South East region. 9.4 In the U.K office sector the tenant default rate was 0.6%. 9.5 Large Financial Institution A occupies a net usable space of 62,408 sq ft on the ground and first floors of Pink Plaza. They currently pay  £1,750,000 pa which works out as  £28.04 per sq ft. Their thirty year lease began in March 1989 and provides for upwards only rent reviews (UORRs) every 5 years. There are no breaks. Therefore it is assumed that the space will be occupied until March 2019. 9.6 A Major Bank occupies a net usable space of 62,408 sq ft on the second and third floors. They currently pay  £1,750,000 pa which works out at  £28.04 per square foot. Their twenty-five year lease began in March 1990 and provides for UORRs every five years. There is a break at years ten and twenty. It has been assumed within this report that the Bank will exercise its break clause in March 2010. This is due to the fact that the property is currently over rented and that it has been found that tenants in larger office units are more likely to exercise their break clauses. There will then be a void period for five quarters until it is re-let for the current market rent on a seven year lease. It has been assumed that this lease will have an UORR in year five, and will expire in June 2018 with the occupiers then vacating the premises ready for the refurbishment in March 2019. 9.7 Large Financial Institution B occupies a net usable space of 31,204 sq ft on the fourth floor. They currently pay  £775,000 pa which works out at  £24.84 per sq ft. Their ten year lease began in December 2000 and provides for UORRs every 5 years. There are no breaks. It is assumed that the accommodation will be occupied until December 2010. It has then been assumed that the space will remain vacant for five quarters until it is re-let for the current market rent. The new lease will be a seven year lease with a UORR in year five. The lease will expire in March 2019 with the occupiers vacating the premises in time for the planned refurbishment. 9.8 Large Solicitors occupies a net usable space of 31204 sq ft on the fifth floor. They currently pay  £700,000 pa which works out as  £22.43 per sq ft. Their fifteen year lease began in March 1998 and provides for UORRs every 5 years. There is an opportunity to break at year ten. The company has just recently laid off 10% of its staff. It has been assumed that the solicitors will exercise their break in March 2008 due to the property being over rented and the fact that they are downsizing. It has then been assumed that the space will remain vacant for five quarters until it is re-let for the current market rent. The new lease will be a nine year lease with a UORR in year five. The lease will expire in June 2018 with the occupiers vacating the premises for the planned refurbishment. Section 10 Summary 10.1 Based upon the specific requirements set out in the clients instructions and the figures that have been forecasted within this report, a short term investment appraisal of Pink Plaza estimates an investment value of  £66,859,450. Therefore if the client, based on their current requirements, decided to purchase Pink Plaza as a short term investment with an assumed five year holding period their maximum offer should be equal to this figure. 10.2 The long term investment appraisal estimates an investment value for Pink Plaza of  £70,129,034. This assumes a 15 year holding period with a major refurbishment planned after the lease expiry of the ground and first floor in March 2019. Therefore if a long term strategy is adopted for Pink Plaza the clients maximum offer should be equal to this figure. 10.3 It should be noted that these figures do not include any purchase costs which are currently estimated to be 5.75% of the purchase price. 10.3 Many of the figures used in this investment appraisal are based upon short-term forecasts and current comparables. Forecasting 15 years in advance on the basis of this data is problematic. Therefore close attention should be paid to the Reading business market in relation to the wider office market. Current trends suggest that Reading will maintain its position as a key location for business services. Constraints on town centre supply will also favour growth in this sub-market and with Pink Plazas prime location in Reading there is reason for optimism.

The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst Essay -- James Hurst Scarlet Ibis

The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst Foreshadowing, symbolism, and image are all elements which compose style.   All are very important; foreshadowing adds suspense, and symbolism contributes to interpretation.   Image contributes "visual aids" which, also, aid interpretation.   In this classic short story, "The Scarlet Ibis," by James Hurst, foreshadowing, symbolism, and image combine to create a true literary masterpiece. Foreshadowing is one of the elements of style which make "The Scarlet Ibis" great.   For example, the author states, "The last graveyard flowers were blooming, and their smell drifted [through] our house, speaking softly the names of our dead."   This passage clearly foreshadows the death of Doodle.   Also, Hurst comments on Doodle's full name, "William Armstrong," that "such a name sounds good only on a tombstone," again foreshadowing Doodle's death.   Later, Doodle's cries of "Don't leave me!   Don't leave me!" are a parallel to the moment when the terrified little boy once again cries out, "Don't leave me!" when his older brother does actually leave him.   Moreover, Aunt Nicey says... ...n image of desolate grief that the lone brother feels for his lifeless sibling.   Image is truly the most important element in the style of this story. In "The Scarlet Ibis," foreshadowing, symbolism, and image are demonstrated to their full potential.   The frequent foreshadowing hints darkly at Doodle's death, and the unmistakable symbol of the scarlet ibis for Doodle heightens the effect of the image created when the brother huddles over his "fallen scarlet ibis."   Foreshadowing, symbolism, and image really contribute to this story's unique style.

The Genome Revolution :: Genetics Biology Hereditary Essays Papers

Ever since the rediscovery of Gregor Mendal’s pea plant experiments through which he determined the laws of hereditary, new interests in the Genome Revolution ignited. Opinions were across the charts from being drastically pessimistic to the contrasting optimistic. Through the years up to recent day, issues concerning the impact of the fields of medicine, reproduction, insurance, law and even our sense of self have completely filled the minds of those who are in touch with the happenings of the Genome Revolution, whether they are against or for it. The affects of the Genome Revolution will be felt both individually and also as a society. In the Rio Grande Valley, the mentality of the people is for the most part that of indifference, because they feel they are not affected by most occurrences through out the world. For instance, when the horrible catastrophe of 9-11 occurred, the rest of the country was frightened of another attack, but my peers and myself disregar ded the possibility of the attack being in our particular part of Texas. With the Genome Revolution moving along at full throttle, the Rio Grande Valley will receive a shocking revelation: that people in the Valley will be affected by the changes and discoveries in this particular field of science, and that they may be able to afford to sequence their own genome. With the advancement of the Genome Revolution, the consequences will start being felt in the near future. The field of Medicine will greatly be furthered with the help of genome sequencing. By making it possible to make plants with drugs in their DNA structure, people will be able to take the drug in a purer, safer form because the plant is not susceptible to human or animal diseases such as potatoes that contain a drug for liver cirrhosis. With the Rio Grande Valley being so close to the border of Mexico, many diseases tend to get passed over to the United States causing the people in the Valley to take precaution of these dangers by using injected vaccinations. I know that I would rather eat a fruit that contained the vaccine for influenza than get a shot every year. On the other hand, the seeds of a plant such as this could somehow get released uncontrollably into the environment and effect it in an unpredictable way.

Ethnic Literature Essay

American literature is just that American literature. American literature is stories of people lives that are based on American standards. Early American standards where based around slavery and oppression but now they are based on freedoms like freedom of speech and press. America has been through many time periods that has shaped it into the wonderful nation that we have today. True American literature is about life in the United States. This paper will create an understanding about American ethnic literature. What is literary canon? How does literary canon relate to what is going on in society? Is traditional American literature multicultural? Literary canon is a classification of literature that is used to describe books or literature that is considered to be important of a time period or place. For writing to become canonized, it has to become widely respected by influential literary critics, scholars, teachers, and anyone that is respected in opinions and judgments regarding literary work. A canonized piece of literature becomes very popular and is studied by students in thousand of classrooms around the world (Casey, 2009) Canonized literature reflects the norms or standards that society follows for a certain time period and location. As society changes so does the type of literature that is canonized (Casey, 2009). For example the biggest topic that people are writing about now is the so called end of the world but about one hundred years ago it was about freedom and anti slavery. In my opinion traditional American Literature is multicultural because the American population is a mixture of so many other cultures. The United States is a melting pot of cultures of the world and that is what makes the US so interesting. Please define â€Å"ethnic literature† and then indicate what you think the value is in studying it, in your opinion? What special challenges do ethnic writers have within the American literary experience? Ethnic literature is piece of writing that is written by people from different cultures, languages, or religion. For example, Native American literature includes â€Å"memories of creation stories, the tragic wisdom of native ceremonies, trickster narratives, and the outcome of chance and other occurrences in the most diverse cultures in the world† (Vizenor, 1995, p. 1). People with the mix of Spanish, Native American, and African cultures have created Hispanic American literature (Kanellos, 1995). In my opinion, there are many reasons why ethnic literature should be studied. Reason One: When you read â€Å"true† literature writing from other religions, you can gain â€Å"true† understanding of what the religion is all about. For example I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The LDS or Mormon Church as known by many is a very misunderstood religion. A study of â€Å"true† ethnic literature in this case would eliminate any misunderstanding that people have about the LDS Church. Reason Two: There are certain cultures that we do not know anything about and when we read about them, we will be able to understand why they do certain things. I want to call this cultural understanding. We have all heard the saying, â€Å"You can’t judge a book by its cover. † then we shouldn’t judge a religion or a culture by the things they do until we understand why they do those things. How do ethnic writers define literature? How does that differ from the canon of traditional American literature? â€Å"Traditional† American literature and ethnic literature differ based on the back ground of the author. â€Å"Traditional† American literature is influenced by culture within the United States. Ethnic literature is influenced by culture outside of the United States. The author Mark Twain comes to mind first because he is a talented American author that wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and later Adventure of Huckleberry Finn. Both of these novel get their story lines and settings from Twain life and growing up in Hannibal Missouri. Twain based these novels culturally in the United States and not in another country. If Twain would have based these novels in another country they would be considered ethnic literature is stead of â€Å"traditional† literature. These novels would have been totally different based in another culture. Life in the United States is far different then life in Africa or Nigeria. Parts of Africa are considered third world countries. Traditional America literature is based in the US. What historical, socio-political, and cultural topics might be covered by ethnic writers? How does this differ from the canon of traditional American literature? Slavery and Voting Rights are major topics covered by ethnic writers. How are the American literary themes of liberty, opportunity and equality addressed in ethnic literature? American history is full of stories about liberty, opportunity, and equality for other ethnic groups. For example Blacks had to fight for the same freedoms that where give to Whites in the early years of our wonderful nation. Many novels where written trying to Early American standards where based around slavery and oppression but now they are based on freedoms like freedom of speech and press. America has been through many time periods that has shaped it into the wonderful nation that we have today. True American literature is about life in the United States. References Casey, J. (2009). Canon Issues and Class Contexts: Teaching American Literature from a Market Perspective. Radical Teacher, (86), 18-27. Dickstein, M. (2007). Going Native: When American literature became good enough for Americans, what happened to the literary canon?. American Scholar, 76(1), 150-155. Kanellos, N. (1995). Hispanic American literature. A brief introduction and anthology. New York, NY: Addison-Wesley. Vizenor, G. (1995). Native American literature. A brief introduction and anthology. New York, NY: Addison-Wesley.

Mechanics Of Cricoids Pressure Health And Social Care Essay

Cricoids force per unit area is used to temporarily obstruct the upper terminal of the gorge. Cricoids force per unit area was described by Sellick in 1961 as a method to cut down the hazard of aspiration during exigency anesthetic initiation and has become the standard attention during rapid sequence initiation. Before the everyday usage of cricoids force per unit area, maternal decease from inspiration of tummy contents was the taking cause of decease from anesthesia in England and Wales[ 2 ]. After Sellick ‘s article, cricoids force per unit area was incorporated into overall attack to minimising the hazard of aspiration. Evidence that cricoids force per unit area is effectual came a decennary subsequently from four corpses ‘ surveies and from instance studies of regurgitation seen on release of cricoids force per unit area after tracheal cannulation. Cricoids force per unit area should be performed during resuscitation when endotracheal cannulation is delayed or non possible, peculiarly when patients are manually ventilated via bag and mask. Cricoids force per unit area should be performed during initiation of anesthesia for both exigency surgery ( full tummy ) and for elected surgery when lower oesophageal sphincter is likely to be unqualified, ( e.g. last half of gestation or gastro oesophageal reflux disease possible ) , and in patients with delayed gastric voidance ( e.g. diabetic autonomic neuropathy ) .[ 3 ]Mechanicss of Cricoids PressureThe cricoids gristle is the lone upper airway cartilaginous construction that is a complete ring. The lower part of the cricoids gristle is where the gorge begins. In executing cricoids force per unit area, one must use backwards force per unit area on gristle that will compact the gorge to its implicit in vertebral organic structure ( normally C5 ) . Theoretically, this will obstruct the o esophageal lms, forestalling the transition of regurgitated stomachic contents into throat and subsequent aspiration into the pneumonic tree[ 4 ]. Based on several surveies, 44 N ( 9.81 N = 1kg = 2.2lbs ) has become accepted as the gilded criterion for the bar of regurgitation in grownups[ 5 ]while the force per unit area suggested to be applied in kids is between 22.4 and 25.1 N[ 6 ].ApplicationSellick1 described the patient place for the application of cricoid gristle force per unit area as supine with the caput somewhat down and with the caput and cervix to the full extended as if positioned for tonsillectomy. The anterior convexness of the cervical spinal column in this place may help oesophageal occlusion but can do laryngoscopy hard[ 7 ]. One-hand Method The standard cricoids force per unit area as described by Sellick was carried out as a individual handed technique with anterior force per unit area being applied maintaining the index finger on the gristle with pollex and in-between finger on either side of the gristle at that place by forestalling sidelong motion of the cricoids1. The disadvantage of this technique is that the drawn-out cervix will be given to fall in the arch and leas to flexure of the caput on the cervix. The position of glottis is therefore reduced and lingua blocks the throat[ 8 ]. Another individual handed method has been described by Cowling where the thenar of the manus was placed on the breastbone and cricoids force per unit area was applied by index and in-between finger[ 9 ].These alterations still did non win in forestalling deformation of the laryngoscopy position, hence a two-handed cricoids force per unit area was proposed and was described by different writers. Two-hands / Bimanual Method Baxter suggested that the two handed technique would increase the efficaciousness of esophageal occlusion[ 10 ]. The cricoids force per unit area is performed as with the unassisted technique except the helper ‘s other manus provides antagonistic force per unit area beneath the cervical vertebrae thereby back uping the neck8 in the absence of a pillow. The purpose is to increase the support of the drawn-out arch of vertebral column so as to acquire an optimal laryngoscopic position every bit good as maintain effectual cricoids force per unit area. But there were grounds stating that the glottis position may besides be interfered therefore taking to technique alteration. Williamson placed the left manus behind the patient ‘s caput[ 11 ]while Wraight hold the patient ‘s caput in extension[ 12 ].Brimacombe5 et al suggested the usage of a contra-cricoid-cuboid assistance to ease extension of the cervix.The Cricoid YokeTo assist clinicians use the equal sum of force per unit area on the cricoids gristle and to maintain the helper ‘s custodies off from the laryngoscopic field, Lawes et Al[ 13 ]has developed the cricoids yoke. This device was applied to the cricoid gristle via a moulded sponge shock absorber, and gently depressed against the patient without custodies, to increase the incidence of decently applied cricoids force per unit area. The yoke when used by persons with no anaesthetically experience produced consequences that were equal to consequences seen when experient operators applied manual cricoids force per unit area. The use besides will avoid inordinate forces or compaction of the incorrect anatomical site. Lawes13 besides indicated no laryngeal deformation, even in bad patients when the cricoids yoke is in usage. But, the handiness and cost among other factors were the grounds why the cricoid yoke did non derive popularity and manual cricoids force per unit area has become the pillar of pattern[ 14 ].Contraindications3There ar e several contraindications to the usage of cricoids force per unit area including injury to anterior cervix which may interfere with specifying the landmarks. Unstable cervical spinal column hurt could increase hazards of neck motion but can be performed if a bi-manual technique has been practiced. Using cricoids force per unit area might non be suited with patient actively purging as it will increase the hazard of oesophageal rupture. Harmonizing to The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation ( ILCOR ) guidelines, the cricoid force per unit area is merely to be applied every bit shortly as an excess ( 3rd ) savior arrives where if merely one or two saviors are present, airway and take a breathing are higher precedences. Cricoids force per unit area sometimes could do hard cannulation as it may curtail laryngoscopic position, particularly likely if applied falsely.THE DILEMMAComplicationsThe inauspicious effects range from minor effects like sickness, purging, minimum haem odynamic changes to severe complications like esophageal rupture, complete air passage obstructor and break of the cricoid cartilage14. Based on Risk Benefit Analysis by Ellis et al4, there were grounds saying the complications still could happen despite using the force per unit area, but there are no definite grounds on why this is happening ( either due to improper applications of the techniques, or the techniques itself ) . Failed to forestall Aspiration 11-14 % of anesthesiologist[ 15 ]and 11 % of operating section helpers and anesthetic nurses[ 16 ]had witnessed regurgitation with cricoids force per unit area applied Medico-legal claim in United States reported that aspiration occurred in 67 instances despite the application of cricoids force per unit area in 17 of these[ 17 ] Anatomically Displaced 49 % of the CT scan reappraisal retrospectively indicated sidelong supplanting of the gorge[ 18 ] 53 % of the MRI scans review prospectively showed sidelong supplanting of the gorge[ 19 ] Effectss on Mask Ventilation Based on 10 published articles, cricoids force per unit area did cut down tidal volumes, addition extremum inspiratory force per unit area or prevented airing There are besides 2 instance studies depicting complete air passage obstructor with cricoids force per unit area.[ 20 ]21 Effectss on Insertion and Function of LMA Brimacombe concluded that cricoids force per unit area reduces successful interpolation ( from 94 % to 67 % ) and besides impedes tracheal cannulation through LMA ( from 76 % to 40 % ) 5 In patient with can non cannulate and can non air out state of affairss, release cricoids force per unit area is recommended Ruptured gorges Ralph and Wareham reported a instance of oesophageal rupture in 81 years-old adult female who began purging against the force of cricoids force per unit area applied before the patient lost consciousness[ 22 ]. Vanner and Pryle observed oesophageal rupture in 3 corpses ( 30 % )[ 23 ] Cricoids Cartilage Fracture 3 reported instances with 1 instance led to fatal airway obstructor while the other 2 instances caused supplanting of cricoids gristle with known old hurt[ 24 ],[ 25 ],[ 26 ] Cervical Spine Movement 2 surveies reported a important motion of the spinal column[ 27 ],[ 28 ]Confusions, Knowledge, Attitude of CliniciansIn a national postal study on the pattern of RSI, of 220 respondents ( staff anesthesiologists 60 % , occupants 40 % ) , wholly reported to utilize cricoids force per unit area during rapid sequence initiation[ 29 ]. It shows the cosmopolitan credence of the cricoids force per unit area use, but in really variable manner of making it. Confusions The Pressure ( N ) The standard force per unit area to be applied on the cricoids gristle is still a large argument. With the less usage of the cricoids yoke, the manual cricoids force per unit area application brings a broad assortment to clinicians in finding how much force per unit area to set on. The initial force of 44 N was recommended by Wraight et al12. Vanner so came with preciseness of 20 N to be applied before patient loss consciousness and full force ( 40 N ) at the oncoming of anesthesia[ 30 ]. But in 1999, Vanner and Asai recommend 10 N for the awake patient and increasing to 30 N one time the patient is unconscious[ 31 ]. The Technique Cricoids force per unit area should non be confused with optimum external laryngeal use ( OELM ) or rearward upward right force per unit area ( BURP ) on the thyroid gristle which is used to better visual image of the vocal cords when intubating3. Cognition Several survey-based surveies have examined the cognition of clinicians towards the applications of the cricoids force per unit area, theoretically and practically. These surveies has come to conclusion demoing that the bulk doctors, nurses and other forces related to rapid sequence initiation are unable to use cricoids force per unit area right. For illustration, a survey by Koziol et Al showed that merely 5 % of 102 perioperative nurses could indentify the right sum of force to use while the other 78.5 % and 16.5 % were underestimated and overestimated, severally[ 32 ]. Attitude Despite giving preparation to the clinicians, a followed-up survey showed that clinicians are unable to retain the improved accomplishments after 3 months post developing[ 33 ].DecisionThe individual publication by Sellick changed anaesthetic direction worldwide. In many parts of the Earth, cricoid force per unit area is considered compulsory portion of a rapid sequence initiation particularly in high hazard of regurgitation patient. But the current evidence-based medical specialties do non supply a convincing support sing the widespread usage of cricoids force per unit area to forestall aspiration. On the other manus, there is besides no strong grounds to propose that cricoids force per unit area causes injury. More randomized controlled tests should be conducted to look at the necessity of cricoids force per unit area contraption. Meanwhile, confusions, cognition and attitudes of clinicians should be address clearly to supply a decently applied cricoids force per unit area to ease cannulation with rapid sequence initiation while waiting the definite reply towards cricoids force per unit area quandary.

Reason And Experience Essay

Many rationalist philosophers argue that we have at least some innate knowledge of concepts such as God, Maths and causation. However, an empiricist would disagree, arguing that we have no knowledge at birth, our minds are tabula rasa and all our concepts are essentially derived from sense experience. Most rationalists subscribe to the view that maths is innate; Plato argues this using the concept of equality and geometry. He presents us with the scenario of judging whether two sticks are equal in size, we use equality, a concept which we haven’t experienced as nothing in the world is exactly equal, rather â€Å"almost equal†, although this concept still contains equal – thus, he argues that equality is an innate concept. He presents another example of when Socrates discussed geometry with a slave child. Socrates presented the child with a question on geometry which he happened to answer correctly, all without any prior knowledge or experience of geometry. Plato suggests that Socrates triggered innate knowledge within the child. An empiricist would respond to the concept of equality by stating that â€Å"almost equal† does not contain the concept equal, rather â€Å"almost equal† is itself a simple concept derived from sense experience upon comparing objects. The sticks would always differ in length by some amount; therefore we can form the concept of equal by abstracting two sticks which differ by no length. In regards to the slave boy argument, Socrates enquires the boy through leading questions, a method where he can learn the rules and relationships and apply it to the original question. In Descartes’ â€Å"Trademark argument†, he claims that we have an innate idea of God. He claims that we are imperfect and finite minds, and God is something which we could not have come up with as he is both infinite and perfect. We also haven’t experienced anything infinite or perfect in the physical world, thus Descartes concludes that our concept of God is innate. Hume objects to this argument, stating that we formed the idea of God through abstraction and negation, since we are familiar of things which are finite and imperfect, we can then imagine the opposite, something which is infinite and perfect. Descartes follows up to this, saying that the initial concept of perfection is necessary to make comparisons in order to recognise imperfection. Upon closer inspection, we can see that there is an inconsistency in Descartes’ argument, he claims we have a clear and distinct idea that God is perfect and infinite, yet he claims as finite minds we cannot form a clear idea of God’s infinity. Descartes expects us to acknowledge that the idea of God is positive – meaning the concept of infinity and perfection is not formed through opposite their opposite meanings, yet we only have a negative idea of God as we are finite, we therefore must be the cause of the idea. Another prominent cause of division between rationalists and empiricists is the concept of causation. Rationalists argue that causation cannot be experienced through sense impressions; to illustrate this, an example of one ball striking a second ball is often used. The second ball appears to have moved off, initially it may seem as though it was the cause of the first ball, but in fact the movement of all the balls were controlled by magnets. Rationalists would conclude that causation is an innate concept as it cannot be acquired through sense experience, as shown in the example it seemed as though the first ball was the cause of the second ball moving off even though this isn’t the case. Hume tackles causation by arguing that patterns which repeat themselves are regarded as causation. To illustrate this, if we heard thunder immediately before clapping our hands, we would think nothing of it. If the same thing happened a minute later, we would still regard it as coincidence. Although if this continued to happen for a fourth, fifth or sixth time, we would begin to think that clapping our hands was the cause – yet the only difference between the first and the sixth time was the repetition. Hume concludes that that the feeling of causation is simply the result of repetition and is simply nothing more than a habit. Taking all this into account, it appears that the many ideas which rationalists claim are innate actually originate from sense experience, just like all other ideas. Having even some innate ideas is not possible, as John Locke stated, at birth are minds our tabula rasa, therefore there are no innate ideas in the human mind. If there were, it would mean there are propositions which everyone would assent to, including children and â€Å"idiots† – but there clearly aren’t.

Black Man with a Nose Job Essay

The article, Black man with a Nose job by Lawrence Otis Graham basically talks about how Mr. Graham got a nose job. The reading has plenty of controversies whether he is less black due to him narrowing his nose. This was a really interesting article because there were several critiques regarding his nose in which he described very well. This man was born into a generation were the concept of oxymoron included such things as a black man with a nose job. The reading starts on were Graham and his father are in the car driving to his doctor. During the way over there he faces with several people who are really concerned about him. Moving on from this, graham thinks about how his father would take it. As they arrived to the plastic surgeon he starts to see catalogs and magazines to what nose he would like to have. As he chooses the doctor gives his opinion to him whether it will look good or not. Once he was in the Manhattan’s upper west side to have his rhinoplasty done, Graham stopped and thought that having this done it was an assault to his identity and people. Growing up in a white neighborhood were all of them would get a cosmetic surgery Graham says, it was done to look better in his situation these alterations were made due to issues of ethnicity and heritage. As said in the book he never compared to a white man but surely he did with his own people. Overall, this article is really interesting because it has plenty of other topics such as on how other people of different races as well have done a surgery and have not seem to be different from their own people. As mentioned in the book one’s racial identity is not embodied in one’s nose. This means that it shouldn’t be a problem because you are the same person who grew up in that race. The article mentioned self hatred of being an accusation done for anyone who has done a surgery. This is really hard to explain but in my opinion self hatred in general can be a problem for people who have a low self-esteem about themselves. If you were born with several, in my opinion people shouldn’t change it. People should be happy and appreciate were they come from. These issues will never change because we are in a world where the media really portrays many things for looking better. Everyone will always want to have what other people have but just as the article says it will not make you less of which ever ethnicity you come from.

Spanglish Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Spanglish - Essay Example For example, Spanglish might sound like "Vamos a la store para comprar milk" to mean "Lets go to the store to buy milk." A bit more complicated form is the making up of words, or basically switching between languages within a word, by translating a word or phrase literally. The most amusing form of Spanglish is when an English word is Hispanicized (e.g., â€Å"troca† or â€Å"troque† for truck). In all cases, the resulting language or product does not bear the generally acceptable correctness of grammar rules and word usage. The proliferation of a hybrid street language like the Spanglish in dominantly English-speaking United States poses a serious threat not only to the socio-cultural aspect of the country’s development, but also to its economic and political growth. Why is Spanglish a threat to the overall development of the U.S.? Foremost, the language of politics and commerce is English. In a highly globalized economy of nations, there is only one language used: English. It is in no way, therefore, that a mangled and prostituted English in the form of Spanglish can help facilitate the nation’s coping up and rising above the challenges brought about by globalization. Secondly, it is culturally unwell for any nation, much less the U.S., to uphold and encourage the proliferation of â€Å"languages† like Spanglish as doing so would show the people and the world as a whole a lack of healthy cultural identity. Many groups and academicians tag it as an appalling mutilation of the Spanish and English languages, and is an obvious indication of laziness or inability to learn the language properly. These lead to the conclusion that Spanglish is a language of the incompetent and uneducated people, and as thus, is nothing but a hip or a trend totally useless in the mainstream world. Spanglish, given the limits and its lack of clear-cut rules of word usage and grammatical composition, is definitely not even a

Memorandums Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Memorandums - Essay Example Krahnke et al. (2003) suggest that the US workforce is quite complex not only linguistically but also culturally. Authors further state that in 2002, the California legislature enacted a bill that forbids the regulation of language in the workplaces unless business or safety requirements dictate it. Park (1994) argues quoting Barnaby Zall, a law expert that the Supreme Court has never called a language-related rule as national origin discrimination. Gibson K. (2006) emphasizes that there is no need to restrict the language use. As businesses accept the people in workplace with different ethnicity, race and religion; similarly, they should embrace other languages as well. 5. Though there have been diverse views on the subject but I still stick to the only-English rule at work places. The main reason is that it is necessary for cohesive and smooth functioning of the job at work places. In the US, most of the people have working knowledge of English while it cannot be said for any other language including Spanish. 6. The questions/troubling points for the Yes/No side are: a. What to do if non-English speaking people feel like discriminated if they are not allowed to speak in their language? b. What to do if English-speaking people feel they are being made mockery of as they cannot understand other language? References Krahnke, K., Hoffman, L., Krahnke, K. (2003). Managing Language Use in the Workplace. The Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management, 2003 – Vol. 4(1) Page 148. Retrieved September 26, 2011 from http://www.ibam.com/pubs/jbam/articles/vol4/article4_9.htm Park, R. (1994). Language in the Workplace. The Social Contract Press. Retrieved September 26, 2011 from http://www.thesocialcontract.com/artman2/publish/tsc0404/article_368.shtml Gibson K. (2006). English Only Court Cases Involving the U.S. Workplace: The Myths of Language Use and the Homogenization of Bilingual Workers’ Identities. Retrieved September 26, 2011 from http://www.hawaii. edu/sls/sls/wp content/uploads/2011/06/Gibson.pdf MEMORANDUM TO: Professor FROM: DATE: September 27, 2012 RE: Is Downsizing a Sound Strategic Initiative? PART A 1. My initial gut reaction that emerges after reading the issue is that downsizing is a sound strategic initiative. 2. ‘Yes side’ appears more persuasive to me. 3. The reaction to this has come to me after experiencing economic sluggishness post 2008 that has spread not only in the US but also Europe and other parts of the world. PART B 4. Cameron (1994) argues that downsizing is done for survival of the organization before it is too late to rectify the situation. The author also argues that objectives towards downsizing should be in line with the long term objectives of the organization. Hornstein (2009) argues that the results of downsizing are not in line with the expectations. Downsizing brings a negative effect on employee morale, leads to knowledge loss and disrupts skills gathered in past years. Author ci tes growing body of research to indicate that downsizing does not even help to reduce costs. Margolis and Molinsky (2009) argue that downsizing is a necessary evil and must be exercised with caution. They give stress on being compassionate and direct; however, it should be performed with respect and dignity. 5. Economic conditions in general and in a specific situation may force organization to resort to downsizing tactics for the survival. I still feel that it is an important strategic initiat

How can technology bu used to improve hotel and restaurant Essay

How can technology bu used to improve hotel and restaurant operations(operations management for thr hospitality industry) - Essay Example Technological innovation has transformed every field of business today and the hospitality industry is no exception to the rule. In the past ten years, the improvement of technology has not only helped the global hospitality enterprises to grow rapidly, but also guided the consumer attitudes and consumer behavior. Therefore, the overall volume of the hospitality industry was promoted from quantity to qualitative. The modernized hotel collects the guest rooms, food and beverage, communication, amusement, commercial culture and other various kinds of services and facilities – it is an integrated consumption place. The hotel needs organization on a large scale as there are many there are many service items. Additionally, the amount of information that flows into a hotel everyday – like every modern organization – is large. If a hotel wants to improve labor produce, lower costs, improve the service quality and management level and promote the economic benefits of the organization, it must carry on the modernized information management through the computer. As we entered the Internet era, the sustainable development of the information and communication technologies is having a profound impact of the hotel industry. In 1963, Hilton Hotel of the United States installed a small IBM computer for the automatic managing of hotel rooms. This marked the beginning of using modern information technology in the hospitality area. As Law & Jogaratnam (2005) report, ‘with the increasing demand for intensive information from customers and hotel practitioners, hotels have adopted computer-based IT facilities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service quality’. With the use of IT in their businesses, hotel managers expect that their profit margins and financial returns will increase. IT starts and ends with

"The terrible Transformation" Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

"The terrible Transformation" - Essay Example The main contestants were the African Americans and the Europeans who had travelled to Africa in search for gold but initiated slave trade. The Terrible Transformation covers the earliest transformation of Free states into slave states including the process which initiated when servants became slaves for being black. The years presented in this documentary were 1450-1750; the years which brought the terrible transformation in the North American continent due to the European settlers (Bellows, 1998). Their world was largely destroyed and transformed by the European explorers who took over their land and wealth as well as began the slave trade by brining several Africans into America. This was the beginning of the slave trade which entered America and changed the whole social and economic system. It transformed the system from a free colony to a state where the colour of skin decided whether a person would be a free citizen or would be enslaved for life. Europeans took their position in the conflict as they entered Africa seeking gold. The trade was first focused on gold but ended up on humans. European settlers were travelling and colonizing the world, and as they entered Africa their focus shifted on human trade instead of gold. These Africans were basically needed for the plantations in America. They were held captives by the Europeans and when they reached America, they were given no respect or rights and the torture continued. The shift of the Europeans had eventually changed from having non-Christian labourers to non-white labourers (Bellows, 1998). The Europeans took this position in the conflict in order to expand their colonies and rule throughout. Africans took the position in the conflict because they were brought for gold and eventually ended up being tortured and forced into slavery. The effect of this practice of slave trade changed the