Decision-Making and Corporate Restructuring Essay

Decision-Making and Corporate Restructuring - Essay Example This relevant process is described based on the perception and management style of its influential leader, Mr William S. Stravopoulos. In the past few years, Dow Chemical has been undergoing massive restructuring as indicated by the changes in its product lines. It is observed to be focusing on chemistry-related businesses for the company to achieve its goals - both in the short-term and long-term. For Mr Stravopoulos, making major decisions should start with the critical analysis of the products offered by the company and the business in which it is in as a whole. This initially entails the identification of the company's strengths or core competencies. This stage also requires distinguishing the areas in which the company can never excel due to the presence of formidable competitors or lack of technical know-how. Decisions are then made based on these areas identified by the company where its core competencies or weaknesses lie. As per the CEO's style, Dow Chemical opted to divest business units with lackluster performance and focus its resources on the core competencies noted. This sets the general direction of restructuring (Hodgetts) Moreover, decision-making should be planned carefully and done systematically. It involves systematic thinking in which a game plan is conceived. The game plan comprises of the step-by-step procedures or strategically phased courses of action. This means that after determining the company's business objectives, formulating of strategies for the achievement of these goals follows. In the case of Dow Chemical, its business objectives emphasize improvement of quality, reduction of operating cost, change of company culture and fostering of growth. To achieve these, the company came up with a corporate plan divided into two phases - the positioning stage and growth stage. The positioning phase focuses on the achievement of the first three objectives. When these are accomplished, the growth phase wherein the company aims for expansion commences. (Hodgetts) Another important factor in decision-making is the sharing of relevant information. Key people should be sufficiently aware of what is happening in the company. When people know what is going on, Mr Stravopoulos believes that they could make better decisions expediently. This is beneficial for the company because people are empowered to make good and timely decisions as well as lessen corporate bureaucracy. (Hodgetts) Furthermore, the CEO believes that well-informed decision-making is an integral part of the business. As such, Dow Chemical invests substantially in research and development (Hodgetts). Not only would extensive research and development contribute valuable information for decision-making, but they also drive continuous product innovation. In running a business, specifically for corporate restructuring, difficult decisions will have to be made. The Dow CEO is confronted with tough decisions like company downsizing, which is often a highly emotional undertaking (Hodgetts). However, such decisions would have to be made if the success of the company is desired. This means that in decision-making both the short term and long term aspects of the business should be taken into consideration. Employees may have a negative

Free

Free software Essay The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0). The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this. The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2). The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others (freedom 3). By doing this you can give the whole community a chance to benefit from your changes. Access to the source code is a precondition for this You are free to (1)study it, (2)redistribute it, and (3) modify it. 2. Why is Linux popular? Why is it popular in academia? Bell Labs offered it to educational institutions at nominal cost. The schools, in turn, used it in their computer science programs, ensuring that computer science students became familiar with it. Because UNIX was such an advanced development system, the students became acclimated to a sophisticated programming environment. As these students graduated and went into industry, they expected to work in a similarly advanced environment. As more of them worked their way up the ladder in the commercial world, the UNIX operating system found its way into industry The source code for the operating system is readily available so that students can understand more easily how GNU/Linux works and can modify the code further to understand its operation and change the way it works. 3. What are multiuser systems? Why are they successful? Sharing the computer’s power among many users and giving them the ability to share data and programs are central features of the system. a multiuser operating system allows many people to use all of the system resources almost simultaneously The use of costly resources can be maximized and the cost per user can be minimized—the primary objectives of a multiuser operating system. 4. What is the Free Software Foundation/GNU? What is Linux? Which parts of the Linux operating system did each provide? Who else has helped build and refine this operating system? The Free Software Foundation (www. fsf. org) is the principal organizational sponsor of the GNU Project. GNU developed many of the tools, including the C compiler, that are part of the GNU/Linux Operating System Linux is the name of an operating system kernel developed by Linus Torvalds and expanded and improved by thousands of people on the Internet. Torvalds’s kernel and GNU’s tools work together as the GNU/Linux Operating System 5. In which language is Linux written? What does the language have to do with the success of Linux? 95% is written in C. Because Linux is portable, it can be adapted (ported) to different machines and can meet special requirements. For example, Linux is used in embedded computers, such as the ones found in cellphones, PDAs, and the cable boxes on top of many 10 Chapter 1 Welcome to Linux and Mac OS X TVs. The file structure takes full advantage of large, fast hard disks. Equally important, Linux was originally designed as a multiuser operating system—it was not modified to serve several users as an afterthought. Sharing the computer’s power among many users and giving them the ability to share data and programs are central features of the system 6. What is a utility program? otften reffered to as commands These utilities perform functions that are universally required by users. The sort utility, for example, puts lists (or groups of lists) in alphabetical or numerical order and can be used to sort lists by part number, last name, city, ZIP code, telephone number, age, size, cost, and so forth. A utility (program), sometimes referred to as a command, is a program that performs a task that is frequently related to the operating system. A utility is simpler than an application program although there is no clear line separating the two 7. What is a shell? How does it work with the kernel? With the user? In a textual environment, the shell—the command interpreter—acts as an interface between you and the operating system. its the link between user and kernal to tell it what to do. or view what the kernal is doing. its the command line interface that accepts input from the user. 8. How can you use utility programs and a shell to create your own applications? Write a shell script, also called a shell program, or a batch file under DOS. A shell script is one or more command lines contained in a file. Make the file executable and give the name of the file as a command: The shell executes the commands in the file, as though you had typed each command individually 9. Why is the Linux filesystem referred to as hierarchical? The Linux filesystem provides a structure whereby files are arranged under directories, which are like folders or boxes. Each directory has a name and can hold other files and directories. Directories, in turn, are arranged under other directories, and so forth, in a treelike organization. This structure helps users keep track of large numbers of files by grouping related files in directories. Each user has one primary directory and as many subdirectories as required 10. What is the difference between a multiprocessor and a multiprocessing system? multi processor is a computer that has more than one processor (processing units) and multiprocessing system is the fact that it can process multiple tasks at the same time Multiprocessing is the use of more than one CPU in a computer system 11. Give an example of when you would want to use a multiprocessing system. Multiprocessing is the use of more than one CPU in a computer system so when you have more than one CPU you can take advantage of it. Multiprocessing sometimes refers to the execution of multiple concurrent software processes in a system as opposed to a single process at any one instant 12. Approximately how many people wrote Linux? Why is this project unique? The Linux kernel was developed by Finnish undergraduate student Linus Torvalds The Linux operating system, which was developed through the cooperation of many, many people around the world, is a product of the Internet and is a free 13. What are the key terms of the GNU General Public License? The GPL says you have the right to copy, modify, and redistribute the code covered by the agreement When you redistribute the code, however, you must also distribute the same license with the code, thereby making the code and the license inseparable.

The Destruction of Macbeth Essay -- Macbeth essays

The Destruction of Macbeth      Ã‚   In the beginning of the play, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Macbeth is merely a nobleman and a Scottish general in King Duncan's army. Macbeth later becomes the deserving Thane of Glamis and Cawdor and the undeserving King of Scotland (Dominic 255). In the beginning Macbeth is a man with good intentions and a good heart; sometimes he just has a hard time following his good instincts and heart. Macbeth's ambition and the persuasion of his wife lead him to commit several horrible deeds. Macbeth is brave, good-hearted, disobeying, easily persuaded, overly-ambitious, and literal-minded and unimaginative (Scott 281).      Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout the play, Macbeth is a character who shows extreme bravery. The reader can see his bravery through his efforts and victories on the battle field. The Captain speaks of Macbeth's bravery when he is describing Macbeth's triumph over Macdonald and his strong forces, "But all's too weak,/For brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name-/Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel/Which smoked with bloody execution,/Like Valour's minion carved out his passage" . . .(I.i.5). The captain then goes on to tell how Macbeth and Banquo fought successfully through an assault of fresh Norwegian troops. Macbeth is obviously a loyal general who fights hard and with courage for his country. Macbeth displays his bravery when he kills Duncan and Duncan's two guards. Killing someone is in itself a brave act. In order to actually go through with the act of murdering somebody takes much courage. Murdering a person is an act which requires bravery to commit, but it also requires bra very to face the consequences if one is caught. Another instance of Macbeth's bravery is when Macbeth fights... ...l him. Just because three witches tell Macbeth of his future, does not mean it is a true prophesy (Scott 281).      Ã‚  Ã‚   All in all, Macbeth is a good man who is too easily persuaded by his wife to commit several awful deeds. Macbeth's ambition and disobedience gets him killed. It is true that Macbeth is given a prophesy to be King, and it is true that pressure is applied by his wife, but his ambition is what kills him in the end. Macbeth is a brave, good hearted man, who possesses a weak mind which allows his ambition and the persuasion of his wife to lead him down the wrong paths, ultimately leading to his destruction.    Works Cited Dominic, C. Catherine. Shakespeare's Characters for Students. Detroit - New York - Toronto - London: Gale Research, 1997. Scott, W. Mark, ed. Shakespeare for Students. Detroit - Washington, D.C.: Gale Research, 1992.

1984 by George Orwell Essay

â€Å"George Orwell once offered this definition of heroism: ordinary people doing whatever they can to change social systems that do not respect human decency, even with the knowledge that they can’t possibly succeed. † In George Orwell’s novel, 1984, the protagonist, Winston Smith is described in words of being the ordinary, everyday man to the dystopian society that Orwell envisions to us through Winston’s eyes. the life of a Oceanian citizen. However, in the closing of the novel he admits his admiration for Big Brother.My definition of a hero falls basically along those words but slightly more of a cliche thought to it in the way of the hero is willing to risk their life to abide by true morals in conquering the foundation of the inhumane treatment brought upon the blameless for the justice of everyone. The hero is suppose to be of selfless act and thought. With thorough analysis of Winston and his thoughts and actions throughout the novel, by Orwellâ €™s definition, along with my own i do not consider Winston Smith to be hero. First to address that in a dystopian state there is not a clear manifestation of true heroism.In a society where the extent of individuality is merely greeting a fellow citizen,even then limited to â€Å" greetings comrade†, there are just rebels. A rebel is what i would identify Winston as, not a hero. The supposed heroic actions Winston commits throughout the novel were not heroic at all, but frankly his personal rebellions rather than a need to rebel against the government in the hopes of altering the social society. Winston’s first encounter of rebelling against the Party was the day we wrote a journal entry in secrecy consisting of the phrase â€Å"DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER†.After writing this he knew immediately that he was well condemned to be caught by the Thought Police and due to this fact Winston began carelessly engaging in law breaking actions that put him at even greater risks. This thinking would be seen as careless and selfish, for all forbidden actions were only done to please himself. Actions and thoughts of that manner would not have been in the slightest consideration to commit to a hero who is undoubtedly wanting to change the condition of the government as a whole.Even though Winston contributed to committing acts against the government that are quite  courageous, it was all in a discrete manner. Instead of engaging in an open revolt, Winston’s sexual escapades with Julia and journal entries were in secrecy and remote locations that were never repeated twice, also in the room provided by Mr. Charrington. I interpreted Winston’s approach to act in confidence from everyone around him out of the fear of the reactions of people during the two minute hate, telescreens, hidden microphones, and brainwashed, spying neighbours outing you at the first open moment to save themselves very cowardice rather than make an open revolt.The ope n revolt would have spoken actions of a hero, â€Å"ordinary people doing whatever they can to change social systems that do not respect human decency, even with the knowledge that they can’t possibly succeed†. Basically even if Winston’s public revolt to get others to go against rather than conform to the Party’s laws and live in fear didn’t succeed, it would have been the effort that counts for what a hero would do to better a country, people, or even the world. The fear Winston felt and had thought of in the back of his mind that he mentioned all kept him regretting the actions he took part in.To further the concept of the substantial influence fear contributed to Winston’s choice of actions that defies the the meaning of a hero, is the time he was in his Room 101 and the his great fear of rats were thrust upon him for torture by O'Brien in the Ministry of Love, and he unhesitantly shouted to place the torture among Julia, a complete cowa rdly act. This alone speaks for itself that Winston is no hero, he is an ordinary person who falls under the control of the Party when under pressure of their tactics.In addition to his cowardly act, he also betrays Julia when he rats her out to the Party and tells of how it was all her, she was the one who influence the revolt. This contradicts the characteristics of hero because a hero is determined to stand by what they most care about and never act against their purpose, so for Winston this was not a demonstration of heroism, but a selfish act of fear to put complete blame on Julia, his former lover at the end of the book. To conclude my stance on whether Winston Smith should be considered a hero is he is not a hero at all, just the ordinary citizen living in a dystopian society.

Macbeth and Political Force Essay

Adversity is something that one will always go through from the moment they are born to the moment they die and this is a fact that everyone knows as they grow up. One many not know about adversity while they are young but they eventually understand the meaning to it. Many are able to overcome the many adversities that lie in their path but there are a few that are not able to endure it and give up half way. Those who are able to endure the pain and suffering that comes with adversity will then receive the reward of pride. Eventually after overcoming many adversities, one will gain much confidence and one’s identity will change depending on how they overcome it, how many they have overcome, and most importantly, why they have overcome that specific adversity. In Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the titled protagonist is shown as a loyal member to the kingdom of Scotland’s political force and is an example and role model to others as he is a man who completes his duties as a warrior and endures the many hardships and adversities for his kingdom and king. Presenting him a new opportunity of a future and a short cut to his ambition, Macbeth struggles with himself, as he is unable to react properly and indecisively must choose a path that will bring unnecessary problems and bloodshed for the future. Through Macbeth’s struggle of loyalty, Shakespeare reveals the many choices of paths that will lead to one’s destruction. Struggling to maintain his loyalty and values towards his kingdom and king, Macbeth falters and hesitates as he is presented with a shortcut to his ambition and wish. As a shortcut is presented to Macbeth to his wishes, Macbeth chooses the short and easy pass and therefore gives up on overcoming adversity and avoids any adversity that lie in his path. After fulfilling his duties as a political force and respected thane of Scotland, Macbeth is greeted with supernatural figures that present him all the glory and wealth that any man would want, a sudden different adversity that lie before him and is unable to react properly due t the difference from his original plain adversity. Life is full of surprises and therefore one should be ready for sudden changes and consequences that would happen in their life. Only then would one be able to brag and show off to others of the many different adversities that they have overcome. Once again trying to overcome this new type of situation, Macbeth tries to hold into his beliefs and values to serve the kingdom and king, but is influenced by the verbal abuse of Lady Macbeth. Macbeth’s values fall into the depths of hell. Many are not able to stay true to their beliefs and falter but eventually regain their balance and continue on, but Macbeth is one of those few people that are not able to regain their balance until the end. Now not knowing what to do, Macbeth follows the words of Lady Macbeth and follow the road to destruction. Choosing to move forward while ignoring adversity, Macbeth puts himself in a deeper hole by committing murder and deceiving others. Only thinking about the path he chose from the influencing Lady Macbeth, Macbeth has lost all motivation to overcome the adversities that fly towards him. After losing his righteous path and committing murder of King Duncan, Macbeth is filled with guilt and sorrow that drives him insane and causes him to lose the ability to see reality and illusion. Many, like Macbeth, lose control and cause themselves even more pain and this pain causes them to go insane but rather than continuing on, many find themselves back on the right path. Unable to stop the bloodshed, Macbeth continues to commit murder and causes him to dig a bigger hole. The murder of Banquo proves the path that Macbeth has chosen and this path causes Macbeth to eliminate anyone and everyone that lie in his path. Proceeding with his path of bloodshed and guilt, he no longer is able to endure the adversity that would lie in his way and depends on the witches. Those who have lost their way of life depends on something else and Macbeth now relies on the witches instead of his own will power that he once had to overcome any adversity. No longer able to control himself, Macbeth leads himself to the road of destruction that has no return. Though anyone has the ability to retrieve him or herself from any situation, those who have forgotten the endurance that they must face will cause them to give up. People who have avoided many adversities would have forgotten the feeling of overcoming adversities and especially sin the long avoided adversity would come back with much greater difficulty. Macbeth finally realizes the many problems he has caused himself but is still not able to overcome the adversity that he has avoided for so long. Still having his pride, Macbeth shows the die-fighting attitude many people would have if they caused many sins. Many are not able to convey their feelings very well and are misunderstood and Macbeth is unable to convey his message of defeat and would rather die than admit defeat. Also having much guilt within her but unable to move on, Lady Macbeth commits suicide to ease her pain permanently. Many run away from the fearful truth until the moment where they are not able to take any more guilt and pain. Being unable to bear any longer, the common and easy method to escape is to die which lady Macbeth has done. Macbeth’s death causes Macbeth to escape from his guilt and pain and his death also benefits the kingdom. The adversities that one must face are an important part of life and Macbeth realizes this towards his end. Adversity lies in everyone’s path and may cause most to falter and hesitate to re-visit their thinking process of if they are doing something right or not. Macbeth struggles with his loyalty and does not know what to do with his mixed feelings after the contact with the witches. Macbeth hesitates to make a decision and lets the witches control him as he is exposed with a new adversity. He loses the sight of his ambition and starts to listen to the witches and this causes him to lose the will to overcome adversity and causes him to ignore all adversity that lie in his path. Like everyone else, Macbeth has the opportunity to get out of any situations but he does not have the will power to go on so he keeps following the path of destruction that was provided by the witches. Everyone loses their path and loses their sight of reality but is able to regain their conscience and regain their balance to continue on with their path.

Leadership Behavior Research Paper Example

Leadership Behavior Research Paper Example Leadership Behavior Paper Leadership Behavior Paper The leadership style and behavior of Larry Ellison are as follow: Behavioral Approach: Larry Ellison behavior with its employees and subordinates are as follow; Ohio State Leadership Studies: 1 . Initiating structure: According to this study Larry Ellison shows behavior of Initiating structure because he always wants best talent and productivity. He wants to compete with Microsoft and required 100 % results from his employees. 2. Consideration: He shows little consideration toward it employees but when a project was successfully completed by his employees, he gave a high party to his employees on their achievement. Michigan Leadership studies: According to this theory Larry Ellison exhibits following behavior; 1 . Task-oriented Behavior: Larry Ellison is more task-oriented toward his employees than relations-oriented. He needs perfect work and sometime he became abused toward his employees, friends and foes when company decreases its productivity. 2. Relations-oriented behavior: Larry Ellison is little bit supportive and relation- oriented. But mostly he hired his own friends in the company so that he can easily work with them in a friendly environment. A Three-Dimensional Model: According to this model Larry Ellison show more Task-oriented, little Relations- Oriented and Change-oriented Behavior. Change-oriented behavior is that he always go for quickly adopting opportunities and theft the ideas of competitors and quickly transform his processes. Participation: Larry Ellison is Autocratic Leader. He transformed himself into a driven, disciplined warrior a self-styled New Age samurai, when his sales force sell future licenses to employees and failed to deliver them. Delegation: He gets back all authorities from its employees and become harsh leader when his ales force sell future licenses to employees and failed to deliver them. He delegates power only to his friend whom he hired in his company. Empowerment: Larry Ellison does not believe in empowering employees. He said if company wants to motivate employees it is needed to bring new human capital management tools rather than empowered employees. He said human capital is precious asset of company. Other theories and Behaviors Achievement-oriented Behavior: Mr Ellison focused on achievements, he always wants best results. Supportive: Mr Ellison always wanted things to be done the way he felt they should be done and mimed to always know how to respond and what action to take in almost every business-related decision. So even when a problem arose he always seem to know the proper action to take, demonstrating almost flawlessly situational theory. Situational Theory: The situational theory also plays a major role in Larry success. Situational theory is a leadership theory in which those in charge choose to adjust their leadership style to match a particular situation. Mr Ellison had a strong will that enabled his company to adapt quickly to the shifting markets demand and sudden competitive threats kicker than more structured organizations. After taking a big loss in the sasss, Oracle had to come up with some new changes and ideas. Mr Ellison approached this problem by creating a team of software specialist to come up with new projects. Leadership Member Exchange Theory their position through a series of exchange agreements with their members. Robert Miner and Edward Dates were a part of the In group of the organization, because they were two of the men who were closest to Mr Ellison. The book expresses Mr Ellison characteristics as of a cheerleader; by the way he builds an energetic environment that keeps employees on the Job until the products are completed. After the success of the projects, the inner groups are invited to very elegant, very expensive parties the other members, who werent as close to Mr Ellison, were all considered to be a part of the Out group. Power 1 . Legitimate Power: Larry Ellison is CEO of company so he has formal authority over work activities. 2. Reward Power: Larry only rewarded the brightest and most talented people of his organization. This sparked a strong competitive spirit within his organization. 3. Expert Power: Larry Ellison has full technical expertise in software development. 4. Information Power: Larry Ellison has complete information about its company and competitors. He is only weak in handling financial information of company. Influence Process: Instrumental Compliance: Larry Ellison influences his employees by giving direct rewards or punishment for required action. Outcome of Power and Influence Process: Power and Influence process of Larry Ellison is results in compliance in which he influenced the target persons behavior not their attitude. Larry was a charismatic, and has the ability to draw others to them. Transactional leadership: Transactional leadership focuses on the foundational management process of controlling, organizing, and short-term planning. This theory of leadership involves motivation, reward and punishment as the primary means of getting the follower to obey those in charge. Mr Ellison focused on objectives, roles of the organization and the performance of the employees on a daily basis. Mr Ellison was an authority compliant leader, who felt that the best way to be effective was to be directive to his employees, showing them exactly what he wanted. He also kept an open door policy f employees needed help on difficult projects to ensure that the products that they produced had little to no bugs in its systems. Conclusion: It is concluded that Larry Ellison is a man of mix characteristics he is both task- oriented and people-oriented. He sometimes used power of his money for his friends. He likes successful people including Bill Gates. He is an autocratic, transactional and charismatic leader. Outcomes of his behavior, power and influences include more compliance with little personalization.

Minority and Women Entrepreneurs

Minority and Women Entrepreneurs Introduction In the bid to enhance collective growth for all industries by encouraging the development of entrepreneurship culture, governments develop policies that ensure equitable access and evaluation of contract bids that are placed by different firms irrespective of their size or ownership.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Minority and Women Entrepreneurs specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The main criterion for selection of the firm or business enterprise that wins federal government contract in the US principally rests on the capacity of the firm or enterprise to deliver on the scope of a given contract as postulated in the terms and conditions of a contract. The United States government leads across the globe in terms of purchasing of various goods and services. According to American Express (2010), it spends an average of 500 billion US dollars annually. 23-percent (US $115) of contracts for supply of the goods and services are allocated to small firms. This observation suggests that federal contracting encompasses an essential avenue that is utilizable by small firms to grow. Five percent of the total US government’s spending is on small firms owned by minority and women. This makes these two groups of people important for consideration in the discussion of challenges and opportunities in the US federal procurement. This paper seeks to answer the question of whether minority-owned and women-owned small businesses work harder than their peers do to get the same amount of contracts. The paper is divided into three sections. The first section discusses equality in terms of the effort of minority-owned and women–owned small businesses to successfully bid for a contract from federal governments. The second section discusses how minority-owned business strategies differ from the strategies for majority owners. The third section reflects on these differences to examine w hether minority-owned and women-owned firms and enterprises that engage in federal contracting encounter more hardships, hence requiring working harder in successful contracting. Equality in Success for Minority-owned and Women-owned Business The 2008-2009 global financial crisis produced negative impacts in the employment sector in the US. Estimations for employment forecasts conducted by Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) (2009) indicated that the global recession led to the loss of about 25 million jobs.Advertising Looking for research paper on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Failure of economic recovery to pick momentum made unemployment rise to 57 million (Ernst Young, 2011). This situation revealed the significance of creating more employment through small businesses as part of the US government’s agenda to prevent and manage higher unemployment rates as the economy struggled to re cover from the crisis. In the context of the minority-owned businesses and women-owned businesses, the two have an incredible share for the provision of employment in the US. In 2007, women owned 7.8 million small businesses, which accounted for 30 percent of all small businesses (Blank, 2010). The businesses reported sales and/or receipts of US$ 1.2 trillion. Those with paid workers employed 7.6 million people in total (Blank, 2010). According to American Express (2010), about 65 percent of small businesses engaged in federal contracting and secured their first contract, reporting sales of over $ 1 million each. This figure includes 63 percent of all prime small business contractors owned by women and 63 percent of prime small business contractors owned by people of color (American Express, 2010). Organizations such as a division of minority and womens business development (DMWBD) are established in response to the challenge of enhancing the capacity of the women-owned and the mino rity-owned small businesses to offer solutions to the challenge of unemployment. The organization aims at promoting â€Å"equality of economic opportunities for MWBEs and to eliminate barriers to their participation in state contracts† (DMWBD, 2013, Para. 1). This suggests that DMWBD fosters fair allocation of contracts to women-owned and minority -owned small businesses. Amid this effort, equality in the success for minority-owned and women-owned businesses requires working harder to secure the first contract. Minority and women-owned small businesses acquire equal achievements in business growth, which is driven by procurement market place variables that come at equal levels to that of their peers after securing their first contract. American Express (2010, p. 2) supports this affirmation by asserting â€Å"once they become active prime contractors, women and minority-owned small businesses match the average small business contractors both in terms of business size and wit h respect to the total value for federal contracts†. However, the research organization partly agrees and partly disagrees with this assertion. It posits that even though minority and women contractors have acquired similar levels of contracting in comparison with their peers, persons of color (who also constitute the minority) who win their first contract have to pay an extra price. Small businesses owned by people of color invest 35 percent more in comparison with an average minority business to seek a contract with the federal government (American Express, 2012).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Minority and Women Entrepreneurs specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Statistical evidence indicates that small businesses owned by men dominate in federal contracting. For instance, American Express (2010) confirms that even though small businesses owned by women and engaging in contracting for supply of goods and services to federal agencies are successful, they have not attained similar levels of success compared to men-owned small businesses. This observation is evidenced by 42 percent of women who are actively engaged in federal contracting reporting $1 million in sales compared to 47 percent small businesses owned by men reporting equal amounts of sales (American Express, 2010). This inequality creates the necessity for investigating the differences between small businesses owned by women and minority groups compared with their peers in a bid to establish the points of disparity or parity in awarding of federal contracts in the US. Differences between Women and Minority-owned and Majority-owned Businesses Data derived from the US Census Bureau in 2009 depicted a close relationship between small business populations’ racial and gender characteristic. According to the data, women represented 28 percent of all active contractors. This figure corresponded to 28 percent in their to tal share for population of people engaged in small business prime contracting or subcontracting with federal governments (American Express, 2010). From the context of minority groups, the data from the same organization showed that persons of color accounted for 24 percent of all active small business contractors against their population of 20 percent in the small businesses’ overall population. This data indicated that small business owners have equal opportunities of winning a federal contract irrespective of gender or racial demographic characteristics. However, considering the characteristics of the population of those who have applied for federal contract without success, inequalities in successful federal contracting are evident. Data from the US Census Bureau in 2009 shows that about half (48 percent) of the business population that applied for contract with the federal agencies without winning a prime contract (non-contractors) were minority-owned small businesses wh ile 39 percent were owned by women (American Express, 2010). This finding shows that minority and women-owned small businesses constitute the largest proportion of small businesses seeking to secure the first contract with federal agencies. A skeptical explanation for this difference may require claiming out that more minority and women-owned small businesses seek opportunities in contracting with Federal agencies.Advertising Looking for research paper on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Nevertheless, while noting that 10% of the federal agencies’ contracts are reserved for women and minority-owned business, higher inequalities in winning contract among these two groups of small business under normal market dynamics would even be higher. This assertion invalidates a claim that setting 10% stake in contracting for women and minority-owned business (each 5%) encourages more minority and women-owned businesses to seek contracting opportunities with federal states so that they constitute the highest population for non-contractors in comparison with their peers. Ernst and Young (2011) contend there are inequalities between small businesses owned by women and those owned by men. The organization reckons that by 2011, women-owned businesses’ revenues accounted for only 9 percent of the total US economy in comparisons with the 36 percent contribution from the revenues generated by men-owned small business enterprises. This suggests that in case women would rai se their revenue objectives to equalize with small businesses that are owned by men, they are likely to make a bigger economic impact. However, a scholarly question emerges on how exactly this mission can be accomplished. Trechiel and Scott (2006, p. 52) suggest that women owning small businesses lack adequate â€Å"negotiating, assertiveness, and decision-making skills†. Considering that these skills are important during contracting negotiations, a possible mechanism of reducing the number of women non-contractors is through the creation of programs for their empowerment. In support of this claim, Ernst and Young (2011, p. 22) insist, â€Å"treating women entrepreneurs as a homogeneous group is unlikely to yield positive results, as women’s experiences in cultural backgrounds, education, and life circumstances vary widely†. Therefore, normalization of the incapability of women to manage and execute a contract to deliver its objectives as prescribed by contractu al terms and conditions may reveal the prevalence of women small businesses in the non-contracting category of small businesses in the US. Minority-owned businesses face the challenge of negative representation of their ability to deliver the deliverables of a contract similar to the women-owned small businesses. Indeed, according to Samuels, Joshi, and Demory (2008), they encounter challenges that are articulated to business formation together with equal engagement in government contracting with their peers. In the effort to ensure the businesses overcome the challenge of formation, the US government has created policies such as affirmative action to increase the number of small business firms owned by minorities applying for government contracts. For instance, the government has established a policy requiring reservation of 5% of all contracts awarded by federal governments to minority-owned small businesses (Trechiel Scott, 2006). Nevertheless, such policies do not necessary tra nslate into increasing the number of small businesses owned by minority and engaging in government contracting. Minority-owned small businesses engage in government contracting in the effort to offset limitations that the private sector imposes on them. This does not imply that minority-owned small businesses have a better play in government contracting compared to their peers. Coleman (2005, p. 154) state, â€Å"barriers embedded in the contracting process itself can impede minority firms from winning government contracts†. For instance, the government may not view as appropriate breaking down various contracts into small fragment to allow minority-owned small businesses to bid competitively. Challenges of ineffective screening to eliminate false minority disguise together with bid shopping also constitute important impediments to equality in the participation of minority-owned small businesses in government contracting. This suggests that for minority-owned and women-owned small business to engage competitively in government contracting in comparison with their peers, they have to work extra harder as discussed in the following section. Hardships in Contracting Ability of Minority-owned and Majority-owned Business Winning federal government contracts is significant to both minority and women-owned small business. A research conducted using a sample of 1,508 participants by American Express (2010) found out that women and minority small business owners work harder to win federal contracts for three main important reasons. 70-percent of the sample claimed that winning a prime federal contract was essential for growth of the businesses. Indeed, 37 percent of the sample contended that seeking business growth opportunities was the prime reason for engagement in federal contracting (American Express, 2010). In all minority and women small business owners, 74 percent cited growth as the main reason they pursue federal contracts. The research by American Expr ess (2010) also indicated that women have higher probabilities of engaging in government contracting in the quest to acquire personal leadership together with management skills. Women of color cited the development of the ability to increase their contributions to wellness of the communities as another major driver into engaging in federal contracting (American Express, 2010). The results of the study provide evidence of the willingness of women and minority small business owners to invest more in making bids for contracts and even in ensuring compliance with their businesses to statutory requirements that are essential for successful bids. The main question is, ‘how hard do they work and at what cost?’ Seeking a response to the above query formed the basis for the American Express (2012) study that deployed a sample size of 740 participants who were drawn from small business owners’ population in the US. The organization’s findings indicated that 35 perce nt of all active small businesses owned by women won contracts worth US $1 and above in 2011. 15-percent reported having won contracts worth US$10 million and above. 37-percent and 20 percent of minority-owned small businesses reported having won contracts with the federal government worth US $1 million and above and 10 million and above respectively. These findings evidence that women-owned and minority-owned small business were fairing equally in terms of achievement in federal contracting. However, equality only occurs when equal achievements correspond to equal inputs in terms of the effort required to successfully bid for a federal contract. Different amounts of efforts to win federal governments’ contracts nullify equality in contracting achievements for different small businesses in the US. Samuels, Joshi, and Demory (2008) further claim that women and minority small business invest both energy and time seeking federal governments’ certifications together with a dditional designations for them to qualify either as a prime contractor or subcontractor. Some of these certifications include women-owned small business certification, registration with GSA, minority-owned small business certification, designation for acceptability in the 8(a) program category of businesses, and veteran-owned small businesses among others. While it is important for small businesses owned by minority and women to seek more than one designations, such an endeavor is non-beneficial to the enterprise when it does not increase the probability for successful bidding for a contract. This suggests that increased successful contracting opportunities as discussed by American Express (2012) have an extra effort attached to them in comparison with their peers. Putting extra energy in seeking a designation of 8(a) business category or acquiring the designation for ‘service-disabled veteran-owned business’ proves effective in enhancing contracting abilities of minor ity-owned small businesses. American Express (2012) agrees with this postulation by reporting that 64 percent of the sample studied embraced ‘service-disabled veteran-owned business’ designation as an important extra effort incorporated by minority-owned small businesses in the bid to enhance their competitiveness in winning federal contracts. Similarly, women-owned businesses benefit from seeking registration with GSA. 41-percent of the sample of women-owned small businesses studied by American Express (2012) held that GSA registration was ‘very important.’ Consequently, it is sound to infer that compared to the peers, small businesses owned by women and minority in the US require an additional mechanism of enhancing their competitiveness in winning bids for the federal government contracts. Although this effort does not require financial inputs, winning contracts in some isolated cases requires higher monetary investments compared to their peers. The cont racting process involves expenditure of business financial resources. In 2010, the expenditure for small businesses that were actively seeking federal contracts averaged at US $103,827 (American Express, 2012). However, minority-owned small businesses had to invest more than the industry’s average contracting investment. They invested US$139,709 (American Express, 2012). This figure was about 35 percent higher than the industry’s average. Compared to women-owned businesses who only invested an average of US$86,643 (17-percent less than the industry’s average), this high commitment of business financial resources meant that minority owned-small businesses were the ones required to work harder to secure a federal contract. Thus, equal achievement in contracting for women-owned small businesses and minority-owned small businesses do not necessarily reflect equality in the overall benefits accruing from contracting. A similar comparative analysis may also apply to b oth women and minority-owned business when compared to their peers. Considering the time required to bid successfully for a federal government contract, women and minority-owned small businesses require working harder to secure the first contract. Average small business contractors take lesser time than women and minority-owned small businesses to secure their first contact. According to Ernst and Young (2011, p. 43), â€Å"it took minority business owners an average of 1.7 years (20 months) and 6.1 unsuccessful bids before they notched their first victory in procurement in 2011† (p.43). Comparably, a small business average contractor took only 16 months (1.3 years) to secure the first contract. This was accompanied by 4.4 failures for successful bidding. Women-owned businesses did not require working harder than average small businesses to a win a bid successfully. They only used 1.2 years with only four failures in successful bidding (Ernst and Young, 2011). However, the sa ved amount of energy may have been utilized elsewhere, for instance, in seeking registration with GSA to increase probabilities for success in contracting. Although women and the minority-owned small businesses face several challenges requiring them to work harder than their peers do, it does not imply that the peers do not also face higher expenditure in securing contracts with federal governments. The costs of living in many nations across the globe have been on the rise since the end of the global financial crisis experienced in 2008-2009 (Ernst and Young, 2011). This situation has resulted in the general increase in costs of doing business including contracting. Amid this challenge, minority-owned small businesses increased their investments in seeking contracting opportunities in federal governments by 29 percent between 2009 and 2010 compared to 21 percent industry average and 23 percent of the investments made by women-owned small businesses (American Express, 2012). Therefor e, despite the rise in investments in financial resources together with the time required for securing the first contract across all small business enterprises, this growth was more pronounced amongst women and minority-owned small businesses in comparison with their peers. Conclusion A government has a noble mandate to ensure equitable distribution of resources and business opportunities with a nation. This concern resulted in the establishment of policies for ensuring that particular disadvantaged groups of small business in the US acquire a share in accessing federal governments’ contracts. One of such policies was the allocation of 5% of total contracts awarded by the federal government to women-owned small businesses and an equal share to minority-owned small businesses. These two groups of businesses also possess the freedom to engage in bidding for the remaining 90% stake of contracts awarded to small businesses. To win a contract in this stake, especially where a smal l business seeks to bid successfully for the first contract, the paper revealed that women-owned and minority-owned small businesses have to worker harder than their peers do. Working harder encompasses commitment of more financial and time resources in the contracting process. It also entails spending time and other resources in seeking multiple designations or certifications to enhance the competitiveness of a women-owned business enterprise or minority-owned business enterprises to win the first bid. After winning the bid, such firms acquire an equal ability to contract similar to their peers without necessarily having to work harder. Reference List American Express. (2010). Women and Minority Federal Small Business Contractors: Greater Challenges, Deeper Motivations, Different Strategies, and Equal Success. New York, NY: American Express. American Express. (2012). Women and Minority Small Business Contracts: Divergent Paths to Equal Success. New York, NY: American Express. Blank , R. (2010). Women-Owned Business in the 21st Century. New York, NY: US Department of Commerce, Economic and Statistics Administration for White House Council on Women and Girls. Coleman, S. (2005). Constraints Faced by Women Small Business Owners: Evidence from the Data. Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, 7(2), 151-174. DMWBD. (2013). Minority and Women Business Development. Retrieved from https://esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/mwbe Ernst, J., Young, H. (2011). Scaling Up: Why Women-Owned Business can recharge the Global Economy. New York, NY: Ernst Young. OECD. (2009). Policy Responses to the Economic Crisis: Investing in Innovation for Long-Term Growth. Paris, France: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Samuels, L., Joshi, M., Demory, Y. (2008). Entrepreneurial Failure and Discrimination: Lessons for Small Firms. Service Industries Journal, 28(7), 883-897. Trechiel, M., Scott, J. (2006). Women-Owned Businesses and Access to Bank Credit: Evidence from Three Surveys since 1987. Venture Capital, 8(1), 51-67.

7 Hardest College Classes

7 Hardest College Classes We’ve drudged through tons of online forums, social media networks, college websites and Google results to bring you the 7 hardest paths of knowledge the modern educational system has to offer. If you’re looking to tie your brain in a knot then you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to start with #7 and then work our way down to #1, and yes you guessed it, it has to do with math. #1: Rocket Science This is really more of a category than a class. The brainy genre encompasses many difficult math, physics and engineering courses that make the masses cringe. At the end of the day however, thanks to private space companies like Virgin Galactic, SpaceX and Blue Origin this subject is about to go mainstream. In a small matter of years we’ll be mining asteroids, colonizing Mars and building fleets of rockets for an emerging 21st century industry! The only reason Rocket Science places 7th on the list is because it’s still a fringe subject. The masses don’t really know if a new space age is about to begin or not. A tiny percentage of students are studying to become astronauts or rocket engineers right now but that’s probably going to change. #2: Beam Me Up: Quantum Mechanics/Physics Speaking of which†¦by the year 2050 this may start being taught in elementary schools, but until then this class is a real butt-kicker. Prepare to get really familiar with Einstein and the men and women who are advancing his theories and philosophies. Watch out, because it can get pretty abstract pretty fast. Prepare to have both hemispheres of your brain recruited to the umph-degree. #3: Let’s Get Metaphysical This isn’t PHIL 101 folks. We’re talking much deeper down the epistemological rabbit hole. The goal? To basically try understand the true nature of causation†¦to grapple with the differences between the subjective and objective universe/experience. Only those who seek the most profound of intellectual challenges dare take advanced Metaphysics. #4: Advanced Thermodynamics Most people think of weight loss these days when they hear the word thermodynamics. You know, â€Å"More energy out vs. calories in means you’ll get thinner!† It’s a bit more complicated than that. Rumor has it that Purdue University sports the hardest engineering courses in the land. In reality, studying the transference of heat on our plane is hard just about anywhere. Engineering is rough stuff, but it’s worth it! If you can handle it and keep your GPA high, you’re looking at potentially big $$$ upon graduation (or after internships). And, international appeal. Good engineers are in short supply everywhere but China and India pretty much. #5: Sigh†¦Economics Judging by the performance of central banks and Wall Street, current economic theory isn’t panning out so well (Keynesian). Maybe more people should study advanced economics? Well, over at Harvard (where many of our economic leaders study) Economics 1126 or the â€Å"Quantitative Methods in Economics† is a real challenge. If you choose to become an economist, please do a better job! Since when did it begin making sense to live in a debt=wealth world? So far it looks like mainstream economic theories of today are failing, mainly because they can’t adapt to the speed of technological innovation. Those who pass this class with flying colors are probably going to work in a think tank somewhere but collect a sizeable paycheck. #6: Organic Chemistry: The Doctor Destroyer Tons of people who believe they’re destined to be doctors one day see their dreams dashed and diverted by Organic Chemistry. For undergraduates, this is where you have to really take coffee and the library seriously. It’s often considered in hushed tones and whispers to be among the most difficult classes before you begin your post-graduate studies. Then of course we can talk about advanced physiology and anatomy classes as well, which are brutal. #7: Math Yep, just math in general. For many students algebra 101 feels like Organic Chemistry or Quantum Mechanics. It’s hard! Especially for the super-creative types that would rather write, paint and create than write out pages of equations for the purpose of†¦? So, what’s the hardest math class? That question was asked over at College Confidential and here’s some classes students talked about at length. Linear Algebra Complex Analysis Advanced Engineering Math Partial Differential Equations The Study of Algorithms The list goes on and on from there. That rabbit hole just keeps going and going like the Energizer Bunny created it. But there you have it ladies and gentlemen. Feel like conquering the highest and hardest levels of human knowledge. Now you know which classes to take. But let’s hear it, what do you think are the hardest classes at your college?

How well Durex is managing their product line and make recommendations Essay

How well Durex is managing their product line and make recommendations for the future - Essay Example The same set of benefits from more products lead to ambiguity and consumer choose one on the cost of other, which often decline the market share for one product in favor of other. The onion is designed from the philosophy and commitment of business for providing aid maintaining health of people while allowing living happily. Company is maintaining product’s life with augmented product line and that’s strategy seems viable increase product life. Product life cycle refers to the actual position of the brand and its product line the market (Grieves, 2005a). Four phases of the time shows the future potential of growth for making investments (Terzi et al., 2010). These four phases include (Grieves, 2005b): Maturity where brand successfully achieved its potential growth and generating high revenues while moving towards expectancy by loosing essence by the time. Here investment is made to operate and reinforce the brand. The product life cycle is derived from the fact that Durex is earning high revenues and expanding the maturity phase by continuous extensions in product and communications as the blue line in the given graphic shows the extensions of brand to survive in long-run. Griffin (2012) described BCG (Boston Consulting Group) matrix as the evaluation tool for the relative to other brand present in the market. BCG technique is utilized to plot the potential of the product in the market and make investments accordingly (Schawel & Billing, 2014; Johnson et al., 2011). Four quarters of the matrix presents following categories (Doherty & Lu, 2012): The matrix shows evidence that brand is in the phase of moving from Stars to cash cows and relatively occupy a very large market share, so the competition level for the brand is not very vital in short-term. By looking at the market growth, Dettol is at the top position, which give the idea that in long-run brand will have to face competition also for investment decisions of

GOV.13US & MO CONSTITUTIONS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

GOV.13US & MO CONSTITUTIONS - Essay Example The decision to eliminate the U.S citizens from voting for the senators was thought to allow for judicial appointments and the ratification treaties. The twenty first amendments stated that the importation and transportation of alcohol to any state or the possession and the use of any intoxicating liquors was prohibited while the eighteenth amendment mandated national prohibition of alcohol and ushered in the prohibition period. During this period, the manufacture, the sale and the distribution of alcohol was prohibited (Jeffers, 2000). The nineteenth amendment gave women the right to vote. Women obtained the right to vote while this is still practical in 2013. Women are still objectified in 2013 with great numbers of women coming out to vote during elections. For example, the U.S government has forty four women representatives in the senate government. This demonstrates that women are still objectified today. 4.   How would you like to get your paycheck with no taxes taken out?   What amendment started federal income tax?   Is our current tax system fair?   What do the political parties generally say about taxes? The sixteen amendments legalized the collection of tax on income. The current system is fair since it give reasonable requirements for the collection of tax. Majority of the U.S political parties give total support for the collection of income tax. They believe that the collection of the income tax affects dramatic changes in the country’s way of life. The twenty sixth amendments lowered the voting age from the age of twenty one to the age of eighteen years. During the Vietnam War, there was the slogan’ old enough to vote’. During this time the eighteen years old children were recruited to the army and granted the right to vote. The twenty third amendments granted the Washington D.C the right to vote and cast votes for the vice president and the president during elections. Before then, they could not vote for the president because

Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 22

Reflection Paper - Essay Example It also gives me an idea of the consequences on my goals of the decisions I make. In a way, the process helps us to become mature because it the process teaches us to become responsible in our choices and decisions. Above all, the process enhances our chance to become successful in our undertakings as it seeks to articulate our objectives and measure our performance accordingly allowing us to apply remedial measures for our shortcomings. My mission statement is a reflection of my goals as well as my values and the realistic talents that I have to realize those goals and objectives. My goals are aligned to my values and I believe that this is necessary so that I would persevere to achieve my goals. Having a goal that does not reflect my values would make me less motivated to push myself and more likely, such goal/s will not be achieved. Most of the time, goals are lofty and difficult to achieve. But they are really made that way to be lofty so even if we do not achieve them in full, we still made good with ourselves. My personal statement is basically an articulation of my values as expressed in my goals and objectives. It states who and what I am through the intention of the things that I intend to do and accomplish. Of course I would like to be successful in my personal career, take care of my future family and contribute to the greater good of society. In the process, I also would like my family to be proud of me. I also would like my parents to have the satisfaction that their sacrifices for me were all worth it. In a personal level, I also would like to enjoy the process of learning and improvement. Learning after all is not just to get grades but also to understand the world around me. It is also to develop new skills so that I will be better equip to face the world when I become a professional. I also would like to get use to the idea that I am achieving the goals that I have set for

Reaction Paper to McFerson's African Women Essay

Reaction Paper to McFerson's African Women - Essay Example These women are the nomad community’s architects. They construct and are the owners of the nomadic houses. The construction of these houses is a form of wedding ritual and is one of the events women perform collectively. In some areas, women in Somalia work collectively to fetch water, collect firewood, make food and take care of the children. Pre-nuptial gifts are from the groom’s family or himself to the girl she wants to marry or bride. In a number of cases, pre-nuptial gifts together with dowry are given by the husband as a fraction of the total wealth for the new household (McFerson 443). The nature of the pre-nuptial gifts depends on the events that occur in the marriage union, for example, if the marriage union collapses without the wife’s fault or if the head of the household dies, the pre-nuptial gift is used to support the wife. Similarly, in Western cultures, there are a number of gifts that bypass amid the groom and bride and their respective relatives during marriage. There are rules that regard the nature of these in the occasion of divorce or death, and they vary with area or time (McFerson 444). The traditional Ashanti society has a high regard for ancestors, ancestor worship and matriliny. They use ancestors as an element of worship. The ancestors are perceived to be superior and powerful to human beings. Additionally, they honor and acknowledge the presence of the ancestors (McFerson 446). The poem presume the dead or ancestors are immortal and appear in the form of wailing children, the firebrands, the grass, dying fire, whimpering rocks, forest, and in the house. This community feels the presence of the ancestors. That is why the poem insists the dead are not dead. The poem highlights matriliny in the form of inheritance. That is why ancestors or the dead are in the form of wailing

Comments(another one) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Comments(another one) - Essay Example Downsizing is in the true meaning the unemployment of people but the unemployed individual may believe that the company from which they were fired did not have a choice and this was a step which had to be taken. Other examples of newspeak are also seen in today’s world. For example, the spying technology which intrudes the privacy of others is justified by the government by explaining that this is an important step for the security of the people but in reality this is an encroachment into the personal space of others. Doublethink has also been correctly explained with the concept of cognitive dissonance put forward by Leon Festinger and it has further been strengthened in the paper with the example of persecution in the United States. Other examples of doublethink include immigration where on one side a person thinks that immigrants reduce the opportunities for the citizens of the country they migrate to. On the other hand, there is another perspective on this issue where a person is forced to think that these immigrants leave their homeland owing to serious problems and they migrate to a new place only with the hope of a better future. Therefore, immigration is a stand on which a person tends to have contradicting thoughts. Thus, it is a well-balanced paper which correctly defines the purpose of the concepts of newspeak and doublethink in the novel followed by examples which can be seen in today’s world for the two

Reaction Paper to McFerson's African Women Essay

Reaction Paper to McFerson's African Women - Essay Example These women are the nomad community’s architects. They construct and are the owners of the nomadic houses. The construction of these houses is a form of wedding ritual and is one of the events women perform collectively. In some areas, women in Somalia work collectively to fetch water, collect firewood, make food and take care of the children. Pre-nuptial gifts are from the groom’s family or himself to the girl she wants to marry or bride. In a number of cases, pre-nuptial gifts together with dowry are given by the husband as a fraction of the total wealth for the new household (McFerson 443). The nature of the pre-nuptial gifts depends on the events that occur in the marriage union, for example, if the marriage union collapses without the wife’s fault or if the head of the household dies, the pre-nuptial gift is used to support the wife. Similarly, in Western cultures, there are a number of gifts that bypass amid the groom and bride and their respective relatives during marriage. There are rules that regard the nature of these in the occasion of divorce or death, and they vary with area or time (McFerson 444). The traditional Ashanti society has a high regard for ancestors, ancestor worship and matriliny. They use ancestors as an element of worship. The ancestors are perceived to be superior and powerful to human beings. Additionally, they honor and acknowledge the presence of the ancestors (McFerson 446). The poem presume the dead or ancestors are immortal and appear in the form of wailing children, the firebrands, the grass, dying fire, whimpering rocks, forest, and in the house. This community feels the presence of the ancestors. That is why the poem insists the dead are not dead. The poem highlights matriliny in the form of inheritance. That is why ancestors or the dead are in the form of wailing

Financial analysis Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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The power of tweens Essay Example for Free

The power of tweens Essay Like no other time in history, the purchasing power of children ages nine to fourteen has increased to become a force to be reckoned with.   With celebrity tweens like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen paving the way into the massive tween audience, today it is the likes of Miley Cyrus who is well on her way to becoming a billionaire off the incredible spending power of the tween population.   While music and movie stars benefit largely from the new purchasing power of tweens, many other industries benefit as well, including the electronics industry, the clothing industry, and the food industry. As tweens spend their allowance money, as well as their parents’ money on items often marketed directly to them, there also remains differences in the purchases of male and female tweens that influences not only how companies market their products, but how tweens spend their money.   And, while tweens’ spending power continues to increase at a rate previously unseen in society, they still lack the spending freedom afforded to their older teenage counterparts as well as adults. To truly take advantage of the tween market, it is necessary to create a credit card designed especially for tweens that will allow them to purchase as they like, while simultaneously being overseen by their parents.   Through this creation, tweens could learn how to become more experienced in spending money, and parents could be more involved in the consumer life of their children.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The power of tweens in the marketplace can no longer be ignored by industries, who are now making a greater effort than ever to reach the profitable demographic.   In just a decade, the influence of tweens on marketing has become significant, as not only do they possess purchasing power of their own, but they also influence the purchasing decisions of their parents.   Between the years of 1990 and 2000, industry spending on advertising to tweens exploded during the decade, increasing from a mere $100 million to more than $2 billion (â€Å"How Marketers Target Kids†).   This huge increase in spending on advertising to tweens speaks better than anything else in showing how powerful a market they have become.    In the essay, â€Å"The Selling of Rebellion† it is demonstrated how the marketing world has attempted to sell the ideas of breaking loose of boundaries through consumerism to young tweens.   â€Å"Breaking the rules† has become desirable, after decades of advertisers suggesting those that break the rules transcend the boundaries of the common world.   This tactic is especially useful on young consumers like tweens.   In his essay, John Leo points out how Madison Avenue targets the youthful desire for freedom and individuality, and coopts its rhetoric for purposes that are uniquely conformist (Leo).   This marketing strategy manages to sell the illusion of freedom, while encouraging â€Å"transgression† on the part of tween consumers.    To Leo, transgression allows tweens to break the boundaries while staying within the greater circle of conformity, to rebel and while conforming.   To a tween, both of these concepts are extremely important and have led to significant spending in recent years on products that appeal to both needs.   The total income that tweens had to spend in 2003 was reported to be upwards of $42.3 billion dollars, with marketing analysts predicting increases of around 2 percent a year in both the United States and Europe (â€Å"Tween Teen Trends†).    While the total income tweens spend on items reflects some of their purchasing power, the true extent of their purchases is far greater and tween spending worldwide is higher than ever at an estimated $170 billion (â€Å"Tweens Empowered and with Money to Burn†).   With such obvious purchasing power, the massive tween market has become a priority of advertisers that spend increasing amounts of money to reach them, often with very profitable results. The unique age of tweens has many of them considering themselves no longer children, and advertisers capitalize on this fact.   Industry analysts have found that children eleven and older no longer consider themselves children, and the Toy Manufacturers of America have changed their target market from birth to fourteen years old to birth to ten years old (â€Å"The ‘Tween Market’†).   This shows that tweens’ tastes have grown more sophisticated in just a few decades, due in no small part to the efforts of advertisers and market research groups.    A 2000 report from the Federal Trade Commission in the U.S. revealed how Hollywood routinely recruits tweens to evaluate its story concepts, commercials, theatrical trailers and rough cuts for R-rated movies, which has gone a long way in instilling a sense of adulthood in the young children, and helping to instill a greater sense of independence and separation from their parents, especially in the way they spend their money (â€Å"The ‘Tween’ Market†). While many adults and parents question the motives of industries that target their children, as well as the methods used, it has become an irremovable fact of society that tweens are being treated more as adults than children, especially when it comes to taking full advantage of their purchasing power.   However, despite the fact that their purchasing power is treated with the same level of respect as adults, the products that tweens continue to purchase reflect their young age.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Some of the most popular products that tweens spend their money on continue to be the same things children have always spent money on.   It is estimated that spending on food accounts for roughly 17.0% of tweens’ disposable income in 2008, which includes things like candy, fast food, and soft drinks; in the U.S. alone there will be a reported 1.1 billion extra tween snacking occasions in 2008 relative to 2003, which means tweens will be spending more money than ever on candy and junk food (â€Å"Tween Teen Trends†).    Even though tween spending has grown more sophisticated in recent years, the overwhelming total of tween pocket money goes to confectionery goods and snacks, with an estimated $18.2 billion in tween money spent on confectionery in 2004, with a further $8.9 billion and $5 billion spent on soft drinks and sweet or savory snacks (â€Å"Tweens Empowered and with Money to Burn†).   These numbers reflect the common purchases of both male and female tweens, both of which spend indiscriminately on candies and sodas often marketed straight to them.   However, there have been more efforts made in recent years to target to the specific genders of tweens, and the purchases they make have reflected specific preferences by each group.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Females have long been known to mature faster than males, and the tween age is a representation of this.   Female tweens spend far more money on certain items that are not necessarily toys or candies, but rather things that help reflect their move into adulthood.   Fashion and cosmetics are extremely important to tween girls, and according to recent research of a three-month period in 2003, 90 percent of tweens and parents of tweens reported spending money on clothing items, averaging roughly $100 per purchase in most cases; shoes and sneakers also ranked considerably high on the list, reflecting the importance tweens place on fashion and staying trendy (Clack). Even more so than their male counterparts, female tweens use their purchasing power to develop their unique sense of identity and attempt to cultivate an older self-image.   This is reflected in the advertising by the fashion industry geared towards tweens, which often uses provocative marketing campaigns that feature very young models and sell a very adult concept of sexuality to the young tweens (â€Å"The ‘Tween Market’†).   With role models like Britney Spears and the Miley Cyrus, the adult sexuality portrayed by such stars also goes a long way in influencing tween girls to emulate such behavior. This has led to makeup becoming another major growth area in the tween girl market, though instead of the expensive adult cosmetics, tween girls prefer to purchase products such as shimmer, eye shadow, and lip gloss (Clack).   The emphasis on fashion is not to say that tween girls do not make some similar purchases to boys, as both genders spend a great deal of money on entertainment such as CDs and movies, but when it comes to technology, tween boys far outpace the girls in their spending habits. While cellphones, PDAs, and Ipods have become standard purchases of both tween boys and girls, one of the most significant burgeoning markets in the past decade has been the videogame market.   Due largely to the male tween population, the video game industry became the most profitable entertainment industry in the United States, outpacing both music and movies.   U.S. annual shipments more than doubled from 69 million in 1996 to 159 million in 1998, and during this time, U.S. sales increased from 3.6 billion dollars to 6.2 billion dollars; in 1996 video games represented 2% of toy shipments and 15% of sales dollars, and by 1998 it grew to 4% of toy shipments and 22% of sales dollars. Today, total video game sales grew 43 percent in 2007, up from $12.53 billion in 2006, and in December, historically the industrys strongest month, Americans spent $4.82 billion on video games, up 28 percent from a year earlier and up 83 percent from $2.63 billion in November, helped by the success of handheld units like Nintendo DS and the latest generation of home consoles (Ortutay). The tween demand for sophisticated toys, as well as the constant introduction of new games consoles, has been good news for the video games industry, as research shows that tweens spent $4.3 billion on video games, which accounted for over 13% of total videogames sales, where tweens’ spending on traditional toys and games dwindled to only 6% of total sales (â€Å"Tweens: Empowered with Money to Burn†).   The popularity of video games and the purchasing power of tweens have combined to create a situation in which male tweens spend far more money on technological items than ever before, especially in the form of videogames. Despite the hefty price tags, new video game systems bring tweens and adults alike together in front of the television to partake in the videogame fun, proving that videogames remain an aspect of popular culture that brings all ages together like few others can.   The shared interest and purchases that tweens have with adults, often their own parents, seems to suggest that a greater effort should be made to educate and control their purchasing power. Credit cards are used more than ever, and their popularity is reflected in the massive credit card debt that has been racked up in the United States over the past few decades.   It is estimated that at the end of 2002, Americans carried over $750.9 billion in outstanding credit card debt (Weston).   While some consumers are successfully managing to pay off their debt, many are in trouble and forced to make changes in their spending.   For tweens, having a highly regulated credit card could possibly lead to preventing many of the credit pitfalls experienced by the older consumers.   By introducing a credit card aimed directly at tweens and controlled by their parents, tweens would be able to continue their purchasing habits while under the guidance of their parents. While the common tween may feel this to be restricting their newfound purchasing power, as it is, few tweens have their own source of income to begin with and get the majority of their money from their parents.   It only makes sense that this also reflects in the fact that the vast majority of tween purchases, around 72 percent, are made with decisions made jointly by both the parent and the tween; a smaller margin of purchases, around 19 percent, are made solely by the parent on behalf of the tween, while only 8 percent of tween purchases are made by the tween alone (Clack).   By presenting tweens with a credit card that was controlled by the parents, they could be made more independent and make more purchases on their own. This way, tweens would be given the benefits of having to learn the value of money and parents could better regulate and discover what their children are purchasing from the invoices.   They could even place limits on their child’s spending on the card, which would prevent the tweens from making any costly spending mistakes.   Instead of relying on a profit-motivated bank that makes money on interest rates and penalty fees, tweens could instead rely on their parents to help educate them to such things, proving a considerably more cost effective means of learning the system of credit cards rather than the way that many adults often do, which is to fall into a massive hole of debt. The new purchasing power of the tween market cannot be denied, but it is in the best interests of their parents to make sure it can be controlled.   The fact that the majority of tween purchases are made jointly by tweens and their parents, a tween credit card regulated by their parents could be an ideal way of ensuring that their children avoid spending too much money on things they do not really need, and also avoid falling into the trap of overwhelming credit card debt.   A tween credit card could teach them the value of money at an early age, as well as make them feel more independent and grownup.    Feeling more independent and grownup is very important to tweens, and if parents fail to do the job, hungry marketers are more than happy to do it for them, gearing complex marketing campaigns towards tweens with disposable income.   If anything, a credit card designed for tweens and controlled by their parents will allow them to each take the power back from marketers that target the tweens youthful ignorance and the parents’ ignorance to their children’s purchases.   In the end, the purchasing power of tweens may be a global phenomenon, but they are still children and the responsibility for their actions should continue to remain with their parents, which a tween credit card could most assuredly do. Works Cited: Clack, Erin E. â€Å"What a Tween Wants Now: Market Research Experts Reveal Whats New With This Important Demographic.† Reach Advisors. 1 Apr 2004. 29 Apr 2008. http://www.reachadvisors.com/childrensbusinessarticle2.html. â€Å"How Marketers Target Kids.† Media Awareness Network. 2008. 29 Apr 2008. http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/parents/ marketing/issues_teens_marketing.cfm. Leo, John. â€Å"The Selling of Rebellion.† Exploring Language, 10th Ed. Longman: 2003. Ortutay, Barbara. â€Å"Nintendo tops video game sales in 2007.† MSNBC. 17 Jan 2008. 29 Apr http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22718374/. â€Å"Tween Teen Trends.† Datamonitor. 19 Jan 2005. 29 Apr 2008. http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?productid=1094144g=1. â€Å"Tweens: empowered and with money to burn.† Euromonitor International. 10 Mar 2006. 29 Apr 2008. http://www.euromonitor.com/ Tweens_empowered_and_with_money_to_burn.     Ã¢â‚¬Å"The ‘Tween Market’.† Media Awareness Network. 2008. 29 Apr 2008. http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/parents/marketing/marketers_target_kids.cfm. Weston, Liz Pulliam. â€Å"The Truth About Credit Card Debt.† MSNBC. 2008. 29 Apr 2008. http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Banking/creditcardsmarts/P74808.asp.

The Tourism Trends In Mauritius Tourism Essay

The Tourism Trends In Mauritius Tourism Essay Nowadays tourism has become the major focus, mainly for small developing countries which have an effect on local people in terms of socio-cultural, environmental and economical impacts. Residents perceptions are very important and there is a need to understand how these perceptions can contribute towards tourism development. The reason of this study is to provide a theoretical background for assessing local people attitudes on the impacts of tourism development in Bel Ombre, Mauritius. Tourism and sustainable development are interrelated; and has been usually identified with the fast rising demand of tourists acting together with the natural environment. Tourism has the capability to protect as well as to destroy a destination. Studying the impacts of tourism is a critical element of accepting how tourism affects the economy, socio-cultural and environment aspects in Mauritius. A well elaborated literature shows the character of the main interaction of tourist and host, uniqueness of host-tourist relationship and their connection with the impacts generated by tourism development. Researchers were more interested towards the interaction between the tourists and the local people. Though, there are preceding studies that have considered the issue from tourist perspective. To achieve the purpose of this study a questionnaire was designed and a survey was undertaken among the local residents. Concerning the analysis part, quantitative approach was useful and the aim and objectives were related to the majority of relevant literature. 1.2 Problem statement The main reason for doing this study is because tourism is one of the major sectors in many countries, including Mauritius, with the highest growth potential. It is the worlds largest employer and one among the major sources of substantial foreign exchange earnings (Blank, 1991; Richards, 2003; Mwandosya, 2007). It is through this observation that many people believe that the industry is well placed as one of the major means through which development of local communities can be achieved (Scheyvens, 2002; Beeton, 2006). One approach to enhance this development through tourism is to involve local communities and ensure that their potential role is tapped and maintained through active participation in the industry (Beeton, 2006). It is imperative to note that involvement and participation of these communities is central to the sustainable development of the industry not only because tourism has had a close connection with the local communities, particularly as hosts and guides (Scheyven s, 2002), but also because the destinations of tourists are communities and it is in the community that tourism happens (Blank, 1989 p.115). Participation is a process through which stakeholders, among them the local communities who are often the intended beneficiaries of community tourism, influence and share control over development initiatives and the decisions and resources which affect them (Havel, 1996). Participation, therefore, seeks collaboration or partnerships and the commitment necessary to ensure sustainability of tourism development initiatives (Wolfensohn, 1996). Paradoxically, the outcomes of participation are usually a reflection of a certain level of involvement of relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process which in turn enables people to make informed commitments to a particular tourism project (Havel, 1996). According to Akama (1999) as cited in Manyara and Jones (2007, p.629), local communities are hardly involved in tourism development and they are usually without a voice in the development process (Havel, 1996). This situation according to Mbaiwa (2005) is contrary to the principles of sus tainable tourism development which, among other things, emphasize the involvement and participation of local communities. 1.3 Aims and Objectives of the study The aim of this study is to assess the residents attitudes and perceptions about the impacts caused by tourism development in Bel Ombre. The objectives of the study are: To assess the extent of local peoples perceptions and attitudes in the tourism development To assess the positive and negative impacts of tourism development To assess the extent of local peoples involvement and participation in tourism development in their local areas To investigate if local people are aware of the impacts of tourism development. 1.4 Tourism trends in Mauritius Since the 1990s, Mauritius adopted economic reforms aimed at establishing a market-based and private-sector-driven economy that marked significant growth in many sectors of the countrys economy. Such reforms for example, helped to improve the performance of the countrys tourism industry and enhanced growth of the sector through improved marketing and promotional campaigns, improved tourism services, improved air access to Mauritius, accommodation facilities, and other tourism supporting infrastructures. More specifically, growth in the Mauritian tourism industry can be measured by looking at the trends in tourism receipts, tourist arrivals, tourism annual growth, number of hotels and hotel rooms, contribution of the sector to countrys GDP, and direct jobs created by the industry. To give a clear picture of the performance of the tourism industry in Mauritius and to be able to gauge the achievements already realized by the industry. While the tourism industry continues to be one of the key foreign exchange earners in Mauritius, the industry depends primarily on the flow of international tourists to the country. The countrys main source markets are Britain, Germany, the United States, Italy, France, Spain, and some new markets emerging around China and Asian countries. The majority of international tourists come to Mauritius for cultural, adventure and beach resort all together making Mauritius a quality destination. It is, however, interesting to note from the statistics below that, in Mauritius, earnings from international tourism have grown more rapidly than tourist arrivals in nominal terms due to the to promote Mauritius as a high quality destination. Arguably, the increasing tourist numbers to Mauritius may be a convincing indication of increasing opportunities for local communities to earn revenue from tourism and these revenue opportunities could eventually contribute significantly to greater local interest in the development of the industry (Victurine, 2000). Table 1:- Tourist arrivals, nights and receipts, 2009 2012 Year Tourist arrivals (Number) Tourist nights (000) Tourism receipts 1 (Rs million) 2009 871,356 8,639 35,693 2010 934,827 9,495 39,456 2011 964,642 9,730 42,717 3 2009 1st Qr. 232,908 2,250 10,265 2nd Qr. 180,596 1,791 7,984 1st Semester 413,504 4,041 18,249 3rd Qr. 195,381 2,280 7,436 4th Qr. 262,471 2,318 10,008 2nd Semester 457,852 4,598 17,444 2010 1st Qr. 249,971 2,943 11,021 2nd Qr. 189,179 1,855 8,788 1st Semester 439,150 4,798 19,809 3rd Qr. 207,506 2,275 8,358 4th Qr. 288,171 2,422 11,289 2nd Semester 495,677 4,697 19,647 2011 1st Qr. 262,626 2,960 11,949 2nd Qr. 201,978 1,975 9,355 1st Semester 464,604 4,935 21,304 3rd Qr. 209,779 2,325 8,845 4th Qr. 290,259 2,470 12,568 3 2nd Semester 500,038 4,795 21,413 3 2012 2 1st Qr. 261,995 2,950 13,768 3 2nd Qr. 205,158 2,010 9,780 1st Semester 467,153 4,960 23,548 Source: www.gov.mu 1.5 Outline of Study Chapter 1- Introduction This chapter gives an overview of the study and the outline of the dissertation. It includes the introduction, problem statement, aims and objectives of the research. Chapter 2- Literature Review The literature review entails the theoretical background; the main aim in writing this is to assess existing literature related to the study, what other researchers have done, including empirical evidence to provide a foundation to the study. It consists of all the theoretical aspects like the perceptions and attitudes of local people towards tourism development. The impacts of tourism development are also discussed along with how the community participation can reduce or increase these tourism impacts. Chapter 3- Methodology This comprises of the methodology of how the research was conducted, the questionnaire design, method used to collect the data, sampling techniques used, the data analysis and limitations of the study. Chapter 4- Results and Discussions In this chapter the data collected through the use of questionnaires, will be analysed by making use of graphical, mean and standard deviation. Package for the Social Science (SPSS) Software was used to make these analyses. Chapter 5- Recommendations and Conclusions The last chapter identifies the possible solution to come across for the problems of the poor involvement of locals. The perceptions of residents on the impacts generated from tourism development, thus leading to the conclusion of the project. CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction This chapter seeks to address a number of issues related to community involvement and participation in the tourism industry by examining some key points emerging from various studies, reports and other sources of information. It starts with a discussion about the perceptions and attitudes of host community towards the impacts of tourism development. Some critics about Doxey Irridex Model and Butler Tourism Area life cycle will also be discussed. The chapter also identifies factors which influence local communities and attract their participation in the tourism industry. It continues with a discussion about the tourism impacts that arise due tourism development in a small community. The chapter concludes by highlighting key issues raised by the literature that form the basis of this research. 2.2 Sustainable Tourism Development Sustainable tourism development (STD) is a long-term approach that cultivates economically viable tourism without harming residents environment or society while simultaneously ensuring fair distribution of costs and benefits (DBEDT, 2006a). Decisions are based on economic, environmental, and cultural impacts; how wealth is generated and distributed; and the relative power and interactions among the stakeholders (Bramwell, 2006; Twining-Ward Butler, 2002). STD balances industrys goal of profit with the needs of the environment and stakeholders (Bramwell, 2006). Stakeholder cooperation is necessary for sustainable tourism; otherwise only the most powerful will benefit (Dyer, Gursoy, Sharma, Carter, 2007). To keep stakeholders satisfied with tourism development and their community, the environment and culture must be protected (Ahn et al., 2002; Hjalager, 1996). When tourism development enhances, rather than erodes the natural environment, a more sustainable tourism product can be off ered to support the destinations economy (Batra Kaur, 1996). A government that effectively manages tourism creates benefits for all stakeholders (Jamal Getz, 1995). Effective management is avoiding negative impacts through a combination of general protective measures; regulations to control development; and financial restraints (Cohen, 1978; Hjalager, 1996). Improvement of the environment can be achieved by ensuring that development is harmonious with the overall plan for the destination (Batra Kaur, 1996). Necessary tourism infrastructure such as roads, airports, parks, and visitor centers are also the responsibility of government (Jamal Getz, 1995). Maintenance of infrastructure and facilities is expensive and residents, through property taxes, should not be the only group to bear this burden (Wong, 1996). Residents benefit when tourists spend money in the local economy and create jobs, as well as from the development of infrastructure that residents also utilize (Wong, 1996). Residents in mass tourism destinations such as Hawaii depend on tourism for their standard of living (Liu, Sheldon, Var, 1987). Because tourism development usually involves a tradeoff between economic benefits and environmental or cultural costs, residents cope by downplaying the negative impacts based and emphasizing the economic gains to maintain satisfaction with their community (Dyer et al., 2007; Cavus Tanrisevdi, 2003; Faulkner Tideswell, 1997). Residents with the most economic gain are the most supportive of the tourism industry (Harrill, 2004). Cavus Tanrisevdi (2003) found that the development process controlled by planners was the primary factor in residents negative attitudes towards tourism. When residents perceive that the costs of tourism outweigh the benefits, feelings of resentment and irritation towards tourists can develop and lower community satisfaction (Doxey, 1975; Faulkner Tideswell, 1997; Ko Stewart, 2002). Residents who feel that they have a voice in tourism planning are more positive towards tourism (Cavus Tanrisevdi, 2003). According to Choi Sirakaya (2005), sustainable tourism is the development pathway to minimize the negative impacts of tourism. There are many ways to make tourism more sustainable but few tools for evaluating and testing a sustainable tourism framework (Choi Sirakaya, 2005). Audits and resource valuation evaluate tourisms costs and benefits so that they can be fairly distributed to stakeholders (Warnken et al., 2004; Wen, 1998). Limiting tourism growth (such as carrying capacity or limits of acceptable change) can also make development more sustainable (Cohen, 1978; Butler, 1980; GÃ ¶ssling, Peeters, Ceron, Dubois, Patterson, Richardson, 2005; Christensen Beckmann, 1998; Ahn et al., 2002). In these approaches, government management and stakeholder cooperation are necessary to reach a consensus for how to manage future tourism development. This is why Understanding residents perceptions are critical to fairly distributing the environmental, social, and economic costs and benefits of tourism; thus, ultimately increasing sustainable tourism development (Twining-Ward Butler, 2002). 2.3 Host Community Attitudes and Perceptions about Tourism Development This study aims at identifying the relationships between residents socio- cultural, economic and environmental aspect and their attitudes towards tourism by focusing on a small community where tourism is in the development stage. By conducting this research, the author hopes to come across the residents attitudes and capture their current perceptions about tourism development in their area. Moreover, this research is being done because most authors agree that initial community attitudes toward tourism are critical to community involvement in the industry (Murphy 1981), the formation of destination image (Echtner Ritchie 1991). Attitudes are defined as a state of mind of the individual toward a value (Allport 1966, p. 24) and as an enduring predisposition towards a particular aspect of ones environment (McDougall Munro 1987, p. 87). Attitude of host community to tourism based development can improve if there is a boost in the tangible and indescribable settlements the host community can receive by being in based development (Choi Sirakaya, 2006). As Attitudes are based under this understanding, this is why some researchers came to a conclusion that residents attitudes toward tourism are not simply the reflections of residents perceptions of tourism impacts, but the results of interaction between residents perceptions and the factors affecting their attitudes (Lankford et al.1994). Some preceding researches have proved that some most important impacts of tourism are identified along with its variables, however the theory is underdeveloped: Currently there is limited understanding of why residents respond t o the impacts of tourism as they do, and under what conditions residents react to those impacts (Ap 1992, p. 666). Husband (1989) also addressed this issue by saying There is, so far, no theoretical justification of why some people are, or are not, favorably disposed to tourism. Various issues can persuade perceptions of the host community about positive outcomes of tourism development. Support will depend on the degree of benefits perceived. The participation of community will be discussed later on in the literature review. The acceptance of local values can also be an important factor that leads to the achievement of a tourism based development (Alexander, 2000). However over a certain period of time many findings detected that host community perceptions in the direction from tourism may have more positive attitudes. People who depend on tourism industry or having a better economic benefit may possibly have a higher degree of positivity than other inhabitants who do not benefit from a tourism development (lankford and howard, 1994; Jurowski, Uysal, and willimas, 1997; Sirakaya , Teye and Sonmez,2002 ). Lindberg and Johnson (1997) mentioned that people having higher economic impacts from tourism may have more positive attitudes. However Travis (1984) has stated that its not only an economic characteristic such as the opportunity for jobs creation or capital generation that needs to be considered by the host community. The socio-cultural and environmental aspects are also very important. For Choi and Sirakaya (2005), the most community should also have a better environment in term of infrastructures and improved amenities such as leisure and recreational activities. They describe tourism as consisting of various supports and any development in the tourism field should ensure the protection of the culture of host community, alongside the protection of the environment. In order to clarify the relationship between the impacts of tourism and residents attitudes toward tourism, several models have been developed. One of the most influential models is Doxeys Irridex model (1975) which suggests that residents attitudes toward tourism may pass through a series of stages from euphoria, through apathy and irritation. to antagonism, as perceived costs exceed the expected benefits. This model is supported by Long et al.s (1990) research results, which indicate residents attitudes, are initially favorable but become negative after reaching a threshold. To have a better comprehension about the relationship between the impacts of tourism and residents attitudes toward tourism, several models like Butler Tourism Life cycle Area and Doxey Irridex model have been developed. One of the most dominant models is Doxeys Irridex model (1975) which suggests that residents attitudes toward tourism may pass through a series of stages from euphoria, through apathy and irritation. to antagonism, as perceived costs exceed the expected benefits. This model was supported by Long et al.s (1990) research results, which indicated that residents attitudes are initially favorable but become negative after reaching a threshold. The Irridex model indicates that residents attitudes toward tourism will change overtime. It suggests that residents attitudes and reactions toward tourism contain a sense of homogeneity (Mason et al. 2000). Conversely, this concept was challenged by some research findings that reported heterogeneous community responses and diverse residents attitudes simultaneously existing in a community (Brougham et al. 1981,Rothman 1978). 2.4 Critics about Doxey Irridex Model and Butler Tourism Area Life cycle Butler (1980) took a more complicated approach. He argued that tourist areas go through a recognizable cycle of evolution; he used an S-shaped curve to illustrate their different stages of popularity. Butler stated that there are six stages through which tourist areas pass. These include the exploration stage, involvement stage, development stage, consolidation stage, stagnation stage, and decline stage. His study also reveals that evolution is brought about by a variety of factors, including changes in preferences and needs of visitors, the gradual deterioration and possible replacement of physical plant and facilities, and the change of the original natural and cultural attractions, which is responsible for the initial popularity of the area. Furthermore this model is supported by Murphys (1983) research results, which reveal the distinct attitude differences among residents, public officials, and business owners in three English tourist centers. Although Butlers model addresses th e difficulty of residents attitudes toward tourism, researchers still lacked theories explaining relationships between residents attitudes and tourism impacts until Ap (1992) applied social exchange theory to tourism. 2.5 Social Exchange Theory According to the theory, exchange will start, only when there are irregular inaction forms. Ap (1992) suggests that residents evaluate tourism in terms of social exchange, that is, evaluate it in terms of expected benefits or costs obtained in return for the services they supply He also argued that when exchange of resources is high for the host actor in either the balanced or unbalanced exchange relation, tourism impacts are viewed positively, while tourism impacts are viewed negatively if exchange of resources is low. Social exchange theory has been examined as a theoretical framework by researchers to describe residents attitudes toward tourism impacts (Perdue et al. 1990, McGehee Andereck 2004). However mason and Cheyen (2000) stated that that the representation of Butler assumes a degree of homogeneity of community reaction. Butler (2006) supported his model by suggesting that a consistent evolution of tourist area can be conceptualized. Different phases at a particular destination may not be understood without mistakes. The demonstration hence should be concerned only to some extent as the phase itself differs from one tourist area to anotherb(Tosun,2002). The Doxey irridex model gives a clear view of how host community attitude changes over a period of time. It mentions host community perceptions, reactions and attitudes in the direction of tourism (Manson et al.2000). This can be a conflicting principle because some research came to a conclusion that various host community attitudes and perceptions may exist in the community, (Brougham et al.1981, Rothman 1978). Akis, Peristanis Warner (1996) disapprove the Irridex Model and The Tourism Life Cycle and view it as too simple, because both models give a few hint of changing host community perceptions and attitudes over time. Other researchers like Lankford and Howard (1994, P.135) opposed against the model of Doxey(1975) because positive and negative factors that affect the perceptions and attitudes of host community are not given much consideration. As the tourism industry keeps on changing, this may be a reason why we must give this industry continuous support for its related development. Andereck vogt( 2000) stated that it is considered that optimistic attitudes towards tourism may entail the encouragement for further tourism development. If there is any delay in tourism project development this can be due to frustration towards tourists. Mill and Morisson (1984) even mention that, an acceptance of tourism cannot be built unless the benefits of tourism are made relevant to the community. Attitudes and perceptions of host community at a destination is of utmost importance in the accomplishment of tourism development alongside the development of the industry at large also, (Hayword,1975), (Heenan, 1978), and Hiller (1976). There is a broad belief perception and attitudes of host community in the direction of tourism outcomes are apt to become essential planning and policy concern for flourishing development and expansion of existing and potential tourism programs, (Ap,1992). Host community attitudes and perception is very important as it will influence their behavior towards tourism, (Andriotis and Vaughan, 2003). 2.6 Host community involvement and participation Community participation has become a common element in many development initiatives, such as community-based programmes, which assume participatory methods and has been promoted by development organizations, notably the World Bank, to address the inefficiency of highly centralized development approaches particularly in the developing world (Baral and Heinen, 2007). Today, many development initiatives solicit the participation of all concerned stakeholders, at the relevant level, not only for the sake of efficiency and equity of the programmes, leverage of donors and demands of local communities, but also for sustainability of these initiatives (Ribot, 2004). Consequently, the real outcome for soliciting such community participation is to create and produce an enabling environment needed by these stakeholders, especially local communities who have been vulnerable to negative impacts of tourism attributed partly to the fact that many tourism resources occur in their areas, to have a real stake in development activities (Havel, 1996; Songorwa, 1999). This requires involving local communities in decision-making and strengthening their ability to act for themselves. One approach to achieve this is through investments in human capital, such as education and health, investments in social capital such as local-level institutions and participatory proce sses, and support for community based development efforts planned and implemented from bottom up (Havel, 1996, p.145). However, given the fact that the central point underlying peoples participation may be the degree of power distribution, these efforts are less likely to succeed unless responsive institutions and the legal and policy framework that facilitate and support local participation are in place (Havel, 1996; Tosun, 2004; Wang and Wall, 2005). It is probably important to insist from here that a key consideration in tourism development is sustainability, which cannot be achieved without community support (Vincent and Thompson, 2002). While sustainability is the core objective of community participation (Vincent and Thompson, 2002; Johannesen and Skonhoft, 2005), proponents of community tourism further argue that community participation seeks to improve the welfare of the local community and, perhaps most importantly, win their support in conservation of tourism resources (Songorwa, 1999). This means community participation is inevitable and imperative for tourism development because most tourist attractions lie within local communities or in their vicinities and in most cases co-exist side by side with the communities, for instance, in wildlife areas. Community participation via decision-making is an essential determinant to ensure that the benefits that local communities get from tourism are guaranteed, and their lifestyles and values are respected. It is, however, important to note that community participation in decision making is not only desirable but also necessary so as to maximize the socio-economic benefits of tourism for the community. It is perhaps one of the most important elements of tourism management to enable communities who often serve as tourist destinations and for that matter suffer from the negative impacts of tourism, to get involved and eventually participate in planning decisions regarding tourism development. This is important in order to create better handling of the negative impacts of tourism development (Li, 2004; Tosun, 2000). It is equally important to note, therefore, that integration of local communities into the decision-making process is not a final goal itself but only one of the many ways throu gh which community participation can be achieved (Li, 2005, p.133). Another way to involve and attract community participation and ultimately their support in tourism development is through local job creation (Zhao and Ritchie, 2007). Since tourism offers better labour-intensive and small scale opportunities (Chok and Macbeth, 2007; Scheyvens, 2007) and since it happens in the community, arguably, it is thought to be one of the best placed potential sources of employment opportunities for local communities, inclusive of women and the informal sector (Blank, 1989; Li, 2005; Johannesen and Skonhoft, 2005; Scheyvens, 2007). Community participation via employment opportunities, as workers or as small business operators, can be a catalyst to the development of tourism products and services, arts, crafts and cultural values, especially through taking advantage of abundant natural and cultural assets available in communities in developing countries (Scheyvens, 2007). Tosun (2000) stated that community participation through working in the tourism industry ha s been recognized to help local communities not only to support development of the industry but also to receive more than economic benefits. However, it is important to understand that in some cases community participation is seen as a way of getting people to carry out activities or share their costs while the benefits are not clear to those expected to participate (Havel, 1996). This implies that a key factor to the success of any community-based tourism project is the incentive to benefit sharing which is usually attractive enough to make people highly motivated to participate. As Havel (1996) asserted people will not participate unless they believe it is their interest to do so Involvement and participation of the community in decision-making is advocated so that communities can have some control over tourism resources, initiatives and decisions that affect their livelihood (Wang, and Wall, 2005). On the other hand, the idea of involvement and participation of local communities in the tourism benefits is easily reflected in increasing incomes, employment, and education of local communities about tourism and entrepreneurship (Timothy, 1999). One way to accomplish this is to increase public awareness of tourism through education campaigns and train local communities for employment in the industry. While increased public awareness creates a more hospitable environment for tourists and improves the image of the destination, providing entrepreneurial training empowers local communities and ultimately increases their capacity to receive significant benefits from tourism (Timothy, 1999). This enables tourism-oriented businesses and locals such as taxi drivers, gue sthouse managers, restaurant owners, and street vendors, th