Creating a Credible Culture Essay

Nowadays if organization is willing to be successful and to respond quickly to changing demands, it should paid thorough attention to organizational cultures. Smart leaders and executives realize that greediness isn’t a bet of wealth and success as well as outward appearance of success shouldn’t be the substitute of achievement. Suzanne Bates claims that â€Å"when we allow spin to be used as a synonym of deception and when cutting ethical concern can pass for courage, leading the old-fashioned way somehow seems dreadfully dull†. (Bates 2003) Good name and respect of organization are rather vulnerable and, thus, organizational culture is of great importance. The most important thing for organization is the creating of atmosphere of trust. Place being respected for honesty and integrity is associated with good and skillful people working in it. (Bates 2003) Building credibility stars from the top and must be nurtured and cultivated constantly to achieve the desired outcomes. The first rule is to modify the behavior that will be promoted in future. If a company wants to perform honestly, it has to practice it from the very start. Therefore, employees should be thanked for honest feedbacks, even if feedback is a criticism. Bates recommends starting from building ethical culture, because leader always face ethical dilemmas and should be skillful enough to cope with competitive pressure. Actions should on the first place and only then words. For example, it is possible to set guiding rules for serving as ethical compass. The next moment is to lead by personal example and to improve communication process. (Bates 2003) Success is associated with honesty and sincerity. Organizational leaders spend lots of resources to maintain the outward appearance of success, though they lack the core principles of culture: honesty, openness, credibility and trustful policies. As Bates says, â€Å"a credible culture can be a magnet that draws people and talent to your organization†. (Bates 2003) Therefore, developing and motivating credible culture is a path to success. References Bates, Suzanne. (2003). Creating a Credible Culture. Nurse Leader, January-February, 37-38.

Discussion On The Issue Of Goodwill Accounting Essay

AbstractionThe most controversial good will issue is whether the internally generated good will should be confirmed, which is a hot subject in fiscal accounting. In this essay, the writer will present the good will, which including internally generated good will and amalgamate good will. Then, will elaborate the sentiment that internally generated good will should be confirmed, accompanied with statements of the reason and necessity. Furthermore, it will exemplify by a UK list company. Furthermore, it will discourse how to corroborate internally generated good will. Finally, writer will do a decision. Cardinal words: good will, internally generated good will, amalgamate good will, verification,IntroductionPresently, there is no a by and large accepted construct of good will. While three representative positions are favorable attitudes concept, extra net incomes construct and maestro rating history construct ( Andrea, 2009 ) . More specifically, in favorable attitudes concept, goodwill arises because of good concern contacts, good staff dealingss and good feeling of client ( ibid ) . Furthermore, in the position of extra net incomes construct, good will is the discounted value that expected future benefits which non including good will exceeds the normal returns of entire investing ( ibid ) . Furthermore, as for the position of maestro rating history construct, good will is the difference between overall value of assets and value of single touchable assets and identifiable intangible assets. It believes that good will is non a sort of interest-bearing assets, but a particular prici ng history and shows the entire value of all the assets of the entity exceeds the amount of single value ( ibid ) . Based on above positions, good will could be identified that it is a present discounted value hard currency flow of future extra returns come from synergisms of combination of assorted elements of administration. Therefore, harmonizing to this definition, it might be stated that internally generated good will is the value generated under the bing synergisms by combinations of elements of concern ; while consolidated good will is the value produced expected synergisms of both parts of acquisition expect the combination of elements ( Michael, 2010 ) . The elements of each company might organize a new synergism because of combination after the amalgamation and acquisition activity. So that a company could obtain a new internally generated good will when it mergers others ( Andrea, 2010 ) . It perchance can be said that internally generated good will is the footing of amal gamate good will ; consolidated good will is converted signifier of internally generated good will. However, there are differences between two signifiers of good will. Specifically, amalgamate good will is a trading monetary value reached by two parties voluntarily through a clear and specific trade. It is formed in consequence of a certain degree of competition in a amalgamations and acquisitions market. Yet, internally generated good will is one-sided ( Michael, 2010 ) .Internally generated good will issueHarmonizing to the model for the readying and presentation of fiscal statements IAS 38 and IFRS 3 ( 2012 ) , internally generated good will can non be shown onto the statement of fiscal place, but consolidated good will must be confirmed in the statement of fiscal place. However, as cognition based economic system coming, the value formed by cognition and intelligence increased greatly. Goodwill occupies proportion of entire assets turning in an endeavor. Especially in some high engineering companies, good will has bit by bit become the chief organic structure of entire plus. Confronting intensified and complex competition, more and more endeavors are trusting on internally generated good will to rule the market ( Martin, 2008 ) . Therefore, it likely can be claimed that it is necessary to corroborate internally generated good will.The negative effects of unrecognising internally generated good willThere are some negatives if the internally generated good will is non confirmed. Specifically, in the undermentioned facets chiefly: foremost, misdemeanor of the rule of nonsubjective which can do a serious deformation of accounting information ( Martin, 2008 ) . More item, good will in the proportion of corporate assets is turning, and some have been dominant, which comparing to fixed assets in the proportion of corporate assets become smaller. In this instance, if it still insisted on rule of prudent accounting that internally generated good will is non confirm ed, it will divert from book value of and the existent value, which will take to a deformation of accounting information and violates the accounting rules of objectiveness and the importance ( ibid ) . Second, it does non run into rule of consistence. It could be said that good will is ever internally generated, irrespective spontaneous good will or consolidated good will ( ibid ) . As purchased good will is the internally generated good will of acquired company which merely have non been confirmed before amalgamation, but merely until the acquisition is confirmed ( ibid ) . Internally generated good will originally owned by the acquired endeavor is confirmed as internally generated good will of a new group when the amalgamation occurs. Yet, the new group would merely corroborate this portion without the verification of internally generated good will of the original acquisition of companies ( ibid ) . It likely can be stated that it is inconsistent with the accounting rule of consis tence. Furthermore, it violates the rule of accrual. More specific, the amalgamate good will is public presentation signifier of internally generated good will in market. It is ever existed, but it will non be confirmed until being acquired, which is inconsistent with the rules of accrual ( ibid ) . Furthermore, internally generated good will is the consequence of long term bring forthing and pull offing procedure, it should be confirmed in the fiscal statements, which consistent with the rules of accrual. Or it applies hard currency footing rules ( ibid ) . Finally, it is contrary to the relevancy and dependability of accounting information. Specifically, it might non reflect the extra profitableness of the company seasonably and accurately if confirm the good will merely when amalgamations and acquisitions occur. As it can non supply information about good will seasonably, neither satisfies the demands of fiducial responsibility to operators, nor satisfies the demands of intereste d parties to utilize accounting information for economic decision-making ( ibid ) . Therefore, it could be said that it is contrary to the relevancy and dependability of accounting information if internally generated good will is non confirmed.Rationality and necessity of verification of internally generated good willFirst, sing about the aim of fiscal coverage, internally generated good will is an of import manifestation of future extra net incomes of a company, and it has a great impact of creative activity of future hard currency flows. So supplying the information generated good will to information users, which is contributing assess the chances of future hard currency flows of information and benefit to supply the utile information to stakeholders to do rational determinations ( Nina, 2010 ) , which is the content of aims of fiscal accounting. Therefore, it might be stated that aims of fiscal accounting necessitating verification of internally generated good will. As for accounting rules, foremost, with the age of cognition economic system, the good will accounts assets for an increasing proportion, which can be seen from amalgamations and acquisitions activities. For case, Chelsea football nine plc, which is the UK listed company, had been sold to Roman Abramovich for 137 million lbs in 2003. While the book value of Chelsea football nine plc is 56 million lbs ( Chelsea, 2003 ) , that means 81 million lbs were used for purchase the good will. Therefore, it perchance can be said that harmonizing to the rule of importance, internally generated good will should be confirmed. Furthermore, verification of internally generated good will meets the rule of comparison. It is deficiency of comparison between one with amalgamate good will and one with internally generated good will if does non corroborate it ( Nina, 2010 ) . Furthermore, it matches the rule of fiting, as internally generated good will is a consequence of drawn-out precipitation informati on and past experience is accumulated ( ibid ) , it can be said that it has value and effectivity. While, the outgo of this procedure are identified as costs. Therefore, internally generated good will which can convey the extra returns merely if put onto the fiscal statements, so that reflect the rule of fiting grosss and disbursals ( ibid ) .Way to corroborate the internally generated good willThe nature of good will is that conveying the extra economic involvements to the company. Therefore, it might bespeak that good will merely exists among companies that obtained extra net incomes. In the interim, it need to forestall it becomes a manner to pull strings net incomes ( Michael, 2010 ) . Therefore, a sensible manner to corroborate good will should be that the company should use goodwill assess application to professional good will plus rating bureaus when a company obtain higher net incomes continuously than the industry norm over several accounting periods. There is internally ge nerated good will in a company when it shows there is positive difference between assessed overall values and assessed just value single touchable plus ( ibid ) .DecisionUnder IAS 38 ( 2012 ) , internally generated good will can non be shown onto the statement of fiscal place ; while under and IFRS 3 ( 2012 ) consolidated good will must be confirmed in the statement of fiscal place. It is non correspond with demands of aims of accounting and accounting rules in modern-day epoch, and it is rational and necessary to corroborate the internally generated good will. Therefore internally generated good will should be confirmed on the statement of fiscal place.

Analysis Of ‘Memoirs Of A Geisha’

Analysis Of Memoirs Of A Geisha But only Chiyo ends up in a geisha house, an okiya, her sister becomes a prostitute. Chiyo stays in the Nitta-okiya. Here lives the most successful geisha of Gion: Hatsumomo. She is a real bitch and she tries to make Chiyo’s life as miserable as possible. Chiyo’s only friend in the okiya is Pumpkin. Pumpkin has the same age as Chiyo and together they go to a geisha school. Chiyo tries to escape from the Nitta-okiya but she failed. Now she has to quit her school and work as a maid in the okiya. Mameha is another successful geisha and she’s the biggest enemy of Hatsumomo. She becomes Chiyo’s big sister and teach her to be a geisha. c. Hope, destiny. d. Sayuri is the I person in the book. She’s the narrator. You see the things through her eyes. e. Hatsumomo: She’s the mean geisha from the Nitta-okiya. She’s very handsome but also very mean. Chiyo is a big rival for Hatsumomo and she will do anything to make her look bad. Pumpkin: Sheâ₠¬â„¢s Chiyo’s only friend in the okiya. She’s not very handsome but she’s not ugly at all. Chiyo named her Pumpkin because when she’s working on something, her tongue is hanging out of her mouth. Now everybody calls her Pumpkin. The Chairman: Chiyo meets the chairman when she’s only a child who is crying on a bidge because she misses her sister. The chairman says that the day is too beautiful to cry and he buys her an ice cream. He gives the change and his wiper to her. Chiyo keeps his wiper forever. Right at this moment Chiyo decides that she really want to be a geisha and that she wants to see him again someday. Nobu: Nobu is a weird person. He doesn’t want to know anything about geisha’s. He is the chairman’s business partner. When he sees Sayuri (Chiyo’s geisha name), he’s sold and want to see her more often. He is even thinking about become her Danna. A Danna is a protector of a geisha, the Danna pays everyth ing for the geisha en she’s keeping him company instead. f. The story takes most of the time place in Japan. Most of this is in Kyoto and the area around Kyoto. At the beginning the story is in the little village Yoroido. The story also takes you to the south of Tokyo and islands in the south of Japan. In the end you end up in New York. g. The story starts in the year 1929 and ends in the 1970’s. I know that because of some dates that were in the book and because of the age of the main character. The end date is a guess, I don’t know for sure. The story is told chronologically but in fact the whole book is a huge flashback because it is told after it happened. Sayuri/Chiyo looks back on her days as a Geisha.

The impact of rape on the victims Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The impact of rape on the victims - Essay Example Rape can also be regarded as sexual assault and it can happen to both men and women of different ages. Rapists usually apply force to subdue their victims and it can be seen that rape is all about power where the sexual offender seeks to derive sexual pleasure from another person without his or her consent. To this effect, rape is a criminal offence which negatively impacts on the lives of the victims. Effective measures need to be put in place in order to deal with this cancerous disease in different societies. Research has shown that most sexual offences such as rape are mainly committed by members of the lowest socio-economic classes with a relatively low standard of education. For instance, Robinson (23) suggests that cases of rape are more common especially in poor communities and they often go unreported. This practice is mainly influenced by lack of proper education among the members of the poor communities. The victims are often threatened with death if they report the case t o the law enforcement agents. As a result of this situation, it can be noted that the victims often suffer in silence for fear of their lives if they report the case. It can also be seen that rape is usually committed by the relatives of the victims. ... Robinson (24) also posits to the effect that rape is often committed for ritual purposes. Many people who are infected with HIV/Aids especially in African countries believe that this deadly disease can be treated if they sleep with minors. However, the unfortunate truth is that AIDS is incurable so instead of solving their own problems, they will be creating similar problems on other people. Rape is also committed by people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and these people use force in order to have sex with the unwilling victims. In some cases, the victims are also drugged so that they become powerless such that they cannot defend themselves. Men can also be raped by women though this problem is mainly rampant among females. However, some men are often ashamed of reporting such cases for fear of being ridiculed in their respective societies and this is the reason why some of these cases go unreported. Men usually feel inferior if they are raped by women especially tho se who come from patriarchal societies. There are several negative consequences of rape cases among different people who are victims. People who are forced into sex are often traumatized by the horrific experience they go through. For instance, minors often experience psychological problems that will affect their growth and development if they are raped and threatened with death. At the end of the day, these young people often suffer in silence but this affects their normal growth and development. In most cases, children who are victims of rape often behave in a queer manner such that they may perform dismally in their studies at school. If these children are not properly counseled, they may not develop in a normal way. This can in turn impact negatively

Melation and Aging Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Melation and Aging - Research Paper Example The level increases up to optimum when we are youths and latter starts declining. Many theories such as that from Hajak et al. (2003) have been put forward to explain the relationship between aging process and melatonin but none has explicitly explained the connection. This paper will explore some of the major issues involved in the hypothesis that melatonin can prolong and bring back the youthful memories. But in my findings, melatonin is just but a drug which can boost the melatonin hormone level in our body but not able prolonging or supplementing age. Introduction Melatonin is a hormone secreted in the brain from the amino acid tryptophan within the pineal. It is a naturally occurring compound and found in animals, human beings, plants and microbes. It was discovered in 1958 by Aaron Lerner and his colleagues. It is also called hormone of darkness simply because it is produced in darkness, highest percentage produced during night hours at bed side. It aging on the other hand mean s or it refers to post-maturational process that leads to decrease in homeostasis and increased vulnerability of the organism more so diseases. There has been close study on the relationship between the melatonin and the aging whether it improves or not. Zhdanova et al. (2006) claim that melatonin percentage in the body decreases as we grow old and their claims are just based on mere observation that older people do sleep less compared to younger ones. Their study also has explored other functions of melatonin not only the hypothesis but also what they termed as â€Å"a supplement to the aging but as a medicine to boost sleeping in aged people and also as treatment in† (pp. 899–907). Melatonin and Aging People all over the world wish to remain youthful and the issue of aging brings many problems and any solution to it will be gladly welcomed. Dollins et al. (2006) agree that theories and speculations relating melatonin and aging have been put forward but none of them h ave fully or clearly given their relationship. This compound no doubt is very vital in human life and one of study in the university of Granada, Spain carried out by Stone (2005) has proved that melatonin assist in controlling weight gain, also improves the blood lipids profile by reduction in triglycerides which increases level of good cholesterol HDL and at the same time lowering negative cholesterol called LDL. The general levels of melatonin vary greatly throughout one’s life span. The first time melatonin is created is when a child is three months old and that is when most people start to sleep. There is a rapid increase in the level and it peaks between the age of three and four years of age, this level fall back to a plateau and it remains constant throughout adulthood. The level starts to decline as we age up. The graph below shows circadian profiles of serum melatonin concentrations in human at various ages. Areas marked with black indicate period of darkness. By the time we are approaching seventies, the melatonin level decreases in our body to about a quarter of the original normal level when compared with time when one is young. It is thought that the drop may be associated with calcification of the pineal gland as we age

Reading Lesson 275 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reading Lesson 275 - Essay Example If the student was unable to finish their book in the allotted time period, the teacher will direct the student to depict as much of the story as they were able to get to. This activity should last for the remainder of period which will be approximately 12 minutes. If the students finish earlier, they can present their book to the class by showcasing the pictures or word on their posters. Materials Needed: One book with ten pages or less for each student Poster board or construction paper Markers and crayons Stickers, stamps, other decorative items Task Dimensions Lesson Plan: Task Dimension Task History I would assume that the students will have experienced previous lessons regarding reading and were familiar enough readers to be able to handle a book with 10 pages, but not yet masters of this particular subject. Task Response Form Students are required to read the book on their own and then will respond to this task by creating a poster depicting the story’s main ideas. Task Modality Written and motor will be modes of learning during this lesson plan.

Reflective account of two placement experiences Essay

Reflective account of two placement experiences - Essay Example mental balance and wellbeing. For instance, I was assigned to care for a service user with dementia. Accordingly, such individuals require specialized arenas of care, as they are medically categorized as being amongst the most prone of individuals in society (Darling, 2011:642). It hence takes individual input, gradual experience, acquired expert knowledge and excellent communication skills to effectively function in such a setting (Jasper, 2003:24). With no form of experience, expertise, expert knowledge and internship, I experienced amongst others nervousness and lack of confidence that made me scared. In dealing with such individuals, the lack of confidence did not aid much as provision of care for the service users, required individuals (medical students and professionals) who had a better idea of how to handle such service users. In such a setting, the presence of medical professionals was crucial, as the service users were not capable of helping themselves (Eva & Regehr, 2005:S47). Even with the presence of other first year nursing students, the lack of expert knowledge and experience hampered my overall handling of existing service users. I however take solace in the fact that if functioning in such situations was not with its high and low moments, I would invariably feel not effectively utilized in such clinical settings (Sandars, 2009:687). It was difficult for me to feed them, give them medication or any other care they needed because of the violent behavior that made me even more scared especially for the fact that I lacked experience. It was difficult even to get close to them at first because I was not confident and thought they would beat me up or even worse bite me. However, with time I overcame such issues as my mentor modeled me. She instructed me on what to do on top of the fact that I saw what she was doing and adapted slowly. I was not knowledgeable of such conditions but after

Wireless Security Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Wireless Security - Research Paper Example This method is convenient because one can work from anywhere in the house or in his business using his or her laptop. It also makes it possible to connect various computers to the internet, which does not require the use of many disorganized wires or cables as can be in wired networks (Onguardonline.gov, 2012). Wireless local area networks (WLANs) have become explosively popular, which have dramatically altered the way in which people access data, surf the internet and read their e-mails. WLANs are now everywhere in libraries, coffee shops, hotels, airports, college campuses, and many other public places. WLANs initially became accessible in 2000 and since then, they have deeply penetrated into people’s everyday lives, becoming widely used amongst individuals and businesses. However, despite its popularity, there are many security threats that are associated with the wireless technology, thereby preventing them from being widely spread. WLANs have been the key targets for atta ckers because of the mode of wireless transmission and the vulnerabilities exposed to the traditional standards of wireless networks. Owing to the fact that indicators are not restricted to a wire or a cable in a wall, invaders can capture an unencrypted wireless message and read or even alter the private contents of the message. Because the earlier mechanisms used in wireless security did not adequately provide defense against such attacks, WLANs provided an avenue for attackers to access an organization’s network and take away important information (Us-cert.gov, 2008). The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is the most influential and widely known organization for wireless communications and computer networking. The IEEE dates back to 1884 and it began its work on developing architecture standards in computer networks in the early 1980s. This work was known as Project 802, which quickly expanded into various types of network technology. The IEEE 802.3 w as one of the most famous standards developed, which set stipulations for Ethernet local area network technology. In 1990, a committee was formed to come up with a standard for WLANs that would operate at a speed of one and 2Mbps. A number of different proposals were recommended before a draft that went through seven different revisions was developed. In 1997, the IEEE approved and adopted the IEEE 802.11 standard. This was the first WLAN standard which defines the physical (PHY) and the media access control (MAC) layers for a LAN that is wireless connected. It deals with local area networking where the associated devices communicate via air to other devices that are close to each other (Intelligraphics.com, 1995). Although a speed of 2 million bits per second was preferable in 1990 for wireless networks, it was no longer satisfactory for use in modern wireless networks. The IEEE body reviewed the 802.11 standard to determine the possible changes that could be executed to increase t he speed. A new IEEE 802.11b amendment was formed in 1999. The amendment included two higher speeds – 5.5 Mbps and 11Mbps to the original speeds of 1Mbps and 2Mbps in 802.11. The new standard (IEEE 802.11b) could support devices that of up to 375 feet(115 meters) away from each other using 2.4GHz radio frequency spectrum. During the same period, the IEEE as well provided another standard with higher speeds. The standard developed was IEEE 802.11a, which indicates a maximum speed of 54Mpbs using the 5GHz radio frequency spectrum. The remarkable achievement of the IEEE 802.11b impelled the IEEE to revisit the 802.11b and 802.11a standards to find out whether they could develop a third intermediary standard (Ciampa, 2009). Ciampa (2009) further explains

Marketing Mix for U.S.A car market Chery Cars China Essay - 2

Marketing Mix for U.S.A car market Chery Cars China - Essay Example The analysis also recommended that Chery cars will have to adopt for a geocentric strategy as well as adaptive marketing mix while launching its brands in the US market. Chery has become seventh largest manufacturer of automobiles in China (Chery, 2014b). The corporation owned by the Chinese government and product portfolio includes passenger cars, minivans and SUVs (Chery, 2014a). The firm’s headquarter is in Anhui and is partnered with Qoros, since 2007. The automobile sector in USA is dominated by established vehicle manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors and Chrysler. Tough road conditions as well as high frequency of long travel among US customers have increased the demand for SUVs, MUVs and other large space vehicles. The USA car market sales were estimated at 15.6 million vehicles in 2013, a 7.6 percent growth over last year (Reuters, 2014). A pie-chart below will show the market share of top car brands in USA. Marketing mix can be described as tactics or actions used by a firm for promoting its product or brand in the market (Economic Times, 2014). The car manufacturer will have to opt for effective marketing mix strategies. A standarized marketing mix involves using similar branding and marketing approaches and selling similar products worldwide. However, adapted marleting mix is adjustments of marketing and selling strategies in different target markets with the objective of larger ROI and market sharee (Williams and Cutis, 2012). While the compnay has been following a majorly standarized approach in its home market as well as develoiped nations, Chery cars will be opting for both standarized and adapted marketing mix for USA market. The passenger cars are sold under the brand name Chery Marque and commercial vehicles are sold under the brand name Karry. At present, the company is not planning on changing the core product. Thus, a global localization strategy will be followed with the

Issues in Hospitality Industry Essay Example for Free

Issues in Hospitality Industry Essay What are the main issues in hospitality industry? The issues were discussed at the last meeting of International Society(ISSC). Asking from the guest their shortage, they gave some problems necessary for them. Main part: Capital available, Emerging market, Technology, Travel permit residence. Capital available: Capital provides asset liquidity and enables the development of new hotels. Increasing institutional investment into the hotel sector is enhancing asset values and consequently lowering returns. Expectations of revenue and profitability growth are stimulating capital availability for new development. This environment is expected to continue as long as the hotel industry’s cyclical expansion continues. Signs of a cyclical plateau are starting to appear, and the implications of capital availability will be profound. Many factors affect the amount, timing, and availability of capital. In the US the fractured economic conditions that existed after 2001 eroded operating results and values over the ensuing few years, but this in turn set the stage for the current cyclical upturn. Modest potential for new supply, together with the industry’s high degree of operating leverage, have now made hotels highly attractive relative to other commercial asset classes. As a consequence, a large migration of institutional capital to the hotel sector was not long in coming. Investors have bid up hotel prices and bid down required yields to relatively low levels. The momentum of the hotel investment market has been enhanced by significant liquidity in the mortgage markets. Emerging market: The World Tourism Organization estimates that global tourism visitation (as measured by arrivals) has increased from 770 million in 2005 to 983 million in 2011 and is expected to continue to increase reaching 1,561 million by 2020. China alone is expected to generate 100 million outbound tourists by 2020 up from less than 15 million currently. As the number of international travelers increases, the beneficiaries (i. e. , countries and specific destinations) of international tourism will also change. In many cases, historically popular destinations may make gains in the aggregate number of visitors, but the proportion of total share is likely to decrease. A growing interest in â€Å"new† and previously less accessible destinations (such as Vietnam and China) as well as the strong growth of more traditional destinations (e. g. , Singapore) is driving this shift as well as more practical considerations such as location and modes of transportation. What is driving this rapidly expanding outflow of visitors? Among the leading reasons, travel is being seen as luxury rather a consumer staple at most income levels and as incomes in emerging markets rise, so does the demand for traveling. Regarding the increasing share of Asia it can be attributed to a large extent to the growth of China outbound travel which concentrates in Asia (in 2004, over 70% to Hong Kong / Macao and almost 20% rest of Asia) Demographics are also supporting this interest, again notably among emerging countries, where populations tend to be younger (as opposed to the western world where seniors and near seniors are the fastest growing age brackets) and the middle class is rapidly expanding. Awareness of foreign destinations through electronic images, the rapid acceptance of new telecom products and international branding/marketing has a direct appeal to this younger, more affluent demographic. The four BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) provide an interesting perspective of this demographic shift. Technology: The challenges of keeping up with the fast pace of technology is difficult and expensive. Guests can now use the Internet’s interactive reservation systems, and hospitality companies are sometimes criticized for the (alleged) large number of keyboard clicks required to make a reservation. The number of reservations made via the Internet continues to increase. Surveys in the United States show that currently 20% of all reservations are made through the Internet, and this percentage is increasing every year. With such high percentage of reservations done through the Internet, a hospitality cannot afford not being connected. If the potential guest cannot book online, a reservation will be made at the competitors web site. Guest-room Innovations Multiple telephone lines, interactive opportunities for ordering room service, and guest-room check-out are examples of amenities that guests increasingly desire, but that are very expensive to install and implement. Data Mining This technology allows marketing and sales personnel to find new ways to use guest-related data. (data mining: using technology to analyze guest and other related data to make better marketing decisions. ) Yield Management This computerized process allows managers to match guest demand with room rates (high demand means higher rates because of lessened discounts; low demand result in higher discounts. (yield management: demand forecasting systems designed to maximize revenue by holding rates high during times of high guest-room demand and by decreasing room rates during times of lower guest-room demand). Yield management is critical to maximizing a hospitality’s profitability. The concept are applied to every revenue department and across department. The yield managers job is to maximize the revenue per available room by selling rooms to the right customers, at the right price, at the right time.

Marketing and Strategic Analysis of Virgin Active

Marketing and Strategic Analysis of Virgin Active 1. Introduction The UK has had an overwhelming increase in the leisure industry market involving gymnasiums. This report will include a strategic review of Virgin Active and also evaluate the challenges and opportunities faced by Virgin Active. The topics, included in this report will be: description of the organisation, comprehensive strategic analysis (detailed analysis of internal scan, environmental scan and core competencies), a SWOT analysis of Virgin Active and challenges faced by the organisation. Furthermore, alternative strategic options and managing change will also be discussed. Strategic management is important for all organisations, with out regards to their size or position in the market. The definition strategic management has not been agreed, however, the outcome of defining strategic management is similar. Armstrong (2002, p. 38) suggests strategic management is, that managers are looking ahead at what they need to achieve in the middle or relatively distant future. Also, Constable (1980) suggests strategic management as the management process and decisions that determine the long-term structure and activities of the organization (Thompson, 1993, p. 6). Both definitions focus on the importance of decisions to be taken for the future, by managers, so that the organisation is sustainable. This report will analyse the effectiveness of Virgin Actives strategies and also, strategies they can initiate. 2. Virgin Active 2.1 The Business Virgin was founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1970 and is one of the most well known brands in Britain. Their portfolio is diverse and ranges across from market to market such as trains, soft drinks, publishing, cosmetics, holidays, mobile phones, extreme sports, music, space tourism and the finance industry. (Appendix 1) The organisation has over 200 companies globally, and has approximately 50,000 employees. The total for Virgin in 2008, exceeded  £10 billion (Virgin, 2009) Sir Richard Branson (1990) was anxious to build the best, state-of-the-art club on the market, providing genuine value for it customers, in first class surroundings. Hence in 1999, Virgin opened their first gymnasium. Customers were attracted to the facilities and high level of customer service, and demand has grown steadily over the years. There is now 167 gyms and, approximately 900,000 members worldwide (Virgin Active, 2009). Despite Virgin Actives success, like all other organisations, they have competitors. Virgin Actives main competitors are Living Well and Fitness First, who are also globally known and placed. 3. Strategic Analysis 3.1 Internal scan The brand name Virgin, is a very valuable asset for Virgin Actives. Richard Branson (2002) said; In our customers eyes, Virgin stands for value for money, quality, innovation, fun and a sense of competitive challengeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ We often move to areas where the customer has traditionally received a poor deal, and where the competition is complacentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ We also look to deliver old products and services in new ways. The brand name Virgin is extremely well known throughout the UK. A brand name is an indication of what to expect from a product a quality statement of a value-for-money signal (Hollensen, 2006). The most successful move Virgin Active have made so far, is the  £20 million invested, for a major refurbishment and upgrade programme. Despite these strengths, these can become weaknesses of the organisation. Frequently companies can become overly convinced with their brand name, and start putting less attempts in developing the business. Thus, the organisation is under threat of not developing, or being able to sustain gloomy days in the future. The development in staff can also decline. Although  £20 million was invested by Virgin, none of it was spent on employees. And so, a opportunity for Virgin is to invest more time and finances on staff training. Leaders in the UK often lack dedicated attention from their supervisors to help develop in a planned fashion through continuous learning, both from job experience and more formal training activities (Addison, 2006, p380). It is important to have up-to-date staff development and training, as technology and the environment is constantly changing. If employees performance is weak, then the main priorities and strategies of the organisation become weak. 3.2 Environmental scan External environment must be taken in to consideration, when developing a organisations strategies. The environmental analysis determines the organisations opportunities and threats. Thompson (1993, p. 246) said, managers should always be attentive to changes and their decisions and actions should be both reactive and proactive as appropriate (Appendix 2). Thompson is defining the significance of managers adapting to different strategies depending on the environmental changes. The social environmental issues in the gymnasium market, is always changing and plays a crucial rule on deciding strategies. Virgin Active have forecasted expectancy growth, so they have a special discount for elderly people (55 years old plus). These grey consumers are relatively rich. The over-fifties own around three-quarters of the worlds financial assets and control half of the discretionary budget (Hollenson 2006, p. 48). Yet, there is also many elderly who are financially restricted due to the increase i n utility bills, and were unfortunate to have no savings. This is why Virgins strategy of decreasing prices for the elderly has been effective and also, as the elderly have started becoming more fit in this day and age, it has also had a positive outcome. Additionally, the smoking ban in Britain, showed signs of a healthier Britain. Also, due to many campaigns and advertisements issuing obesity and illnesses, the majority of the public have become self aware of health issues. Due to Hollywood/Bollywood and the general media, people are also becoming self conscious about their appearance. The stereotypical students have also changed theyre appearance, from the well known drinking, junk food eating, smoking danger zones to a more healthy-living lifestyle, recent surveys show. About one in four students is now teetotal, says National Union of Student Services and among the rest of the student population there is a growing appetite for exercise facilities and healthy eating (Coughlan, 2006). Technology is ever changing, hence why Virgin Active spent  £20 million to update their systems and keep up-to-date with modern technology. Taking these aspects into consideration is vital whiles planning strategies. According to the environment, changes in strategies should also be taken into consideration. 3.3 Purpose, objectives and strategy When developing an organisations purpose, it should take into consideration why do they exist, whom will they serve and how its value will be increased. It is vital to consider the organisations future challenges and opportunities. According to Lynch (2006,p. 340), there is three sections that help build the purpose of the organisation and should be examined at an early stage. The purpose of a organisation: shaped by vision, leadership and ethics Virgin Actives vision is to promote wellness by bringing positive change in youre life (Virgin Active, 2008). This vision shows that it is going beyond its current climate, which is achieving sufficient revenue. Leadership in an organisation is crucial as the directors choices and the social responsibilities policies influence the purpose they define. Virgin Active is run by an independent board and is mostly shareholder owned. The Executive Director, Mathew Bucknall, has combined industry experience and who also developed Virgin Active by overtaking Holmes Place, an established, popular gymnasium in the UK (Murray, 2006). This shows that the business is run by specialists who have great expertise in their field. Meaning, taking these elements in to account the objectives of the organisation is to expand their gyms by promoting health and wellness. Virgin Actives mission statement (Appendix 3) , shows that their goal is to be known around the world as a fun unique gym, available to everyone, who is offered, regardless of age or body size. Also, their goal is to expand their business in Europe within in the next three years (Virgin Active, 2008) . Also, without a capable strategy, Virgin would not have been able to become globally known (e.g. South Afica). Strategies used by Virgin Active in order to expand and also become available to all ages where: By offering different memberships to customers with various needs, E.g. offering 2 month old babies to 15 year olds a class called Club-V. Virgin Active recently invested  £20 million throughout their clubs to up-date workout machines and for refurbishment. They also took over Holmes Place, gaining all their current locations throughout Britain, tremendously helping their goals for expansion. 3.4 Core competencies A core competency makes the company different from others. Hamel and Prahalad (1990) said, core competency has three issues; it provides customer benefit, it is hard for competitors to imitate and it can be leveraged widely to many products and markets. Virgin Actives core competency would be their brand name. As mentioned before, their brand name is what makes them stand out from other gymnasiums and is generally what customers would pay extra for. Virgin Actives competitors can not take away the well known reputation that the name Virgin holds, for example, respected and trustworthy. However, the smaller gyms such as LA Fitness also have a selling unique selling point (core competency). LA Fitness are very well known for their as their personal trainers are highly qualified and highly skilled in getting the results the customer wants. This shows that all organisations have their unique selling point, which should be sustained by effective strategies. 4 SWOT Analysis 4.1 Strengths Virgin Actives most crucial strength is there successful brand name and also their strong management skills. Every venture Virgin has taken part in, it prioritises its consumers needs and wants. Virgin is an organisation that is market-driven. Market-driven organisations focus on the consumers concern throughout the company. All departments recognize the importance of the customer to the success of the business (Jobber 2004, pp. 8-8). Virgin has an exceptional reputation throughout Britain. A brand name is an indication of what to expect from a product a quality statement of a value-for-money signal (Hollensen Svend, 2006). The managing director, Mathew Bucknall invested the  £20 million for refurbishment and upgrades. This was a powerful strategy for Virgins present and future. Virgin Active accommodate all ages by providing different memberships; with special classes for the elderly to special classes for children Club V (Special child care fitness for children and entertainment) Allowing parents work out freely. Other gymnasiums do not offer this, including Fitness First. Due to the acquisition of Holmes Place, Virgin Active has gained central locations for its gyms, increasing the reputation and accessibility to the consumers. 4.2 Weaknesses Virgin Active do not reduce their price and also sale volumes are limited as the gymnasiums can become overcrowded. Virgin Active depend on the brand name, too much. Fitness First and Living Well are two large competitors The club has increased their fee, for a normal member, from  £45 in 2005 to  £61 in 2007. This is due to the refurbishment, however, no member was given a news letter. Members were given a small letter Members are not informed in the correct method about changes, as fees increased from  £45 to  £61 from 2005 to 2007 (due to refurbishment) and members were given a small letter, not a sincere letter or a newsletter. 4.3 Opportunities Although Virgin Active give discounts to the elderly, can take more advantage of the increasing grey population by having special classes, helping the elderly and making things easy for them. Virgin Actives current opening times are 6:00 am to 10:30 pm, Monday to Friday, but as many people find it hard to go to the gym in these times e.g. taxi drivers, bus drivers, restaurant workers, bar staff etc, the gym should have a couple of late night openings available for consumers that cant attend before 10:30pm. 4.4 Threats The gymnasium may have to invest in new services, as with a rising life expectancy, the elderly that are members me not stay satisfied with the current service. A decrease in an active population is also a threat. Fitness first, one of Virgin Actives competitors has given women a specialised section for weight training, this could become a threat in the long term as women may enjoy the privacy. small percentage would pluck up the courage to enter the male dominated free-weights area (Kiernainder, 2006). 5 Strategic Challenges One weakness from the SWAT analysis affecting the way Virgin Active operates is its two main competitors, Fitness First and Living Well. These competitors can have a direct impact on Virgin Active, in many ways, such as both competitors have branches world wide. A issue that is confronting Virgin Active, is that of Fitness First. Fitness First has recognised that 54% of customers going to the gym are women, thus giving them more priority. The organisation have decided to give a free-weights section, dedicated just to woman. small percentage would pluck up the courage to enter the male dominated free-weights area (Kiernainder, 2006). Also, they have health clubs run by women, for women (Fitness First, 2008). This has proved to be a success, and Virgin Active should consider to implement afew changes, to make sure they are reaching their goal, of a business that evolves around the consumer. It is important that a organisation is doing the best it can, so that customers truly believe th ey have made a good choice by joining. Living Well is also a globally known gymnasium, but, they do not offer anything special except from one day free passes which Virgin Active and Fitness First do not offer. Fitness First offer a free day pass, but afterwards, the customer must pay for their memberships. Virgin Active does not offer neither. The membership for Fitness First and Living well are relatively cheaper than Virgin Active. Virgin Active do not invest in training staff, hence customers could leave, due to bad customer service. See Appendix 4 6. Strategic options and choice Virgin is a global brand. Meaning, Virgin Actives strategy should be based upon expanding the business and developing the numbers of members. This form of strategy option is defined as the expansion option. The model (See Appendix 5) identifies the essential characteristics of this strategy option. Strategies must remain sustainable, for Virgin to continue with its expansion. As mentioned before, their goal is to open more clubs in Europe, they are already globally operated and have also recently acquired Holmes Place. Yet, there is more strategies that Virgin can consider without major costs included. As the grey population is rising, the organisation can take advantage of this and provide special classes, made for the elder. This would make it less complicated, easier, and user friendly for the elderly. In addition, Virgin Active could start opening later hours a couple of days a week, as this would differentiate them from there competitors and increase customers as the very few gy ms that are open till late, are reasonably busy. This would be a good strategy option for customers who currently cant make it to the gym, due to work. Another, relatively low cost strategy, would be to cater for woman. As Fitness First have already started a exclusive section for woman only, this would be a good choice to make Virgin Active diverse and would give them a unique selling point over most competitors. These are fairly low cost strategies that would bring more customers, meaning expanding the company. 7. Management of implications and uncertainty Every business should implement their strategies, in other words put them into practise The prime aim in implementing strategy is to deliver the mission and objectives of the organisation (Lynch, 2006, p. 610). Taking uncertainty into account is important when undertaking strategies. Driskill and Goldstein (1986) defines uncertainty as the perceived lack of information, knowledge, beliefs and feelings necessary for accomplishing organizational tasks (Palenchar and Robert, 2007, p. 126). The uncertainty table (Appendix 6) defines the two types of uncertainty as fuzziness and ambiguity. Fuzziness is present when definitive, sharp, clear or crisp distinctions are not made ( Emblemsvag and Endre, 2002, p. 844). Ambiguity is present when there is a inconsistency in deciding among different alternatives or a couple or more alternatives have been left unspecified. Virgin Active has ambiguity uncertainty, because there is uncertain issues the might deal with, such as customers may want to st art exercising outdoors rather than indoors or the more elderly may want to join the gym. Another threat could be, people becoming more green or because of nowadays easy lifestyle people may become lazy or obese, having a knock on affect on memberships. Managers maybe making the correct decisions, but staff who execute these strategies might not be doing it in the correct way. This could lead to deficiency. Managers must be ready and aware for changes that could take place, and should try utmost to apply correct strategies depending on the current issue taking place. An example of this could be, that there is no certainty that people will feel the same, as they could go towards being green. There are already fifty Green Gyms operating in the UK (Valle, 2007). Green Gyms are allowing people to exercise in the outdoors, without destroying the environment. Green Gyms are targeting people who want to make new friends, loose weight, and improve the environment. Research shows that, because the activities they undertake are not repetitive and aimless like other types of physical training, Green Gym participants tend to become more active in their daily life (ibid). To tackle this uncertainty, Virgin Active could have some outdoor classes, instead of indoor. The outdoor classes could be yoga or jogs in a remote park. And if it becomes popular, Virgin Active could advance more outdoor activities. The process of implementing a strategic change and doing it in such a way that it lasts, is evidence of the close relationship between an organisations personnel and any external specialists concerned. (Sadler.1993) Virgin Actives main purpose was to expand their club by promoting wellness. Virgin Active have implemented their objective, which is open to everyone, without age or build being a problem. The strategies the club achieved were; The Club-V for infants, discounted memberships for the elder, the acquisition of Holmes Place and spending  £20 million for improvement to the gymnasiums. The Virgin brand name, is definitely a asset to Virgin Active. Although the brand name is a strength, it can also become a weakness as some businesss become to proud of the brand name and forget to put effort into the organisation. There is also none indications of staff development. Invested my management, was  £20 million but none of the finances were spent on staff. Uncertainty can also impact on the strategies being planned. Thats why scenario planning were suggested so Virgin has an idea of issues which may occur in the future or impact current strategies. This is very useful as it produces problems and solutions. For any business to be successful, it is vital that they are ready for change and that correct planning has taken place to ensure the success of which ever strategies are chosen. 8. Appendices Appendix 1 1968 First issue of student magazine 1970 Start of Virgin Mail Order operation 1971 First Virgin record shop opens in Oxford Street, London 1972 First Virgin Recording Studio opens at The Manor near Oxford 1973 Launch of Virgin Record Label. Virgin Music Publishing is established 1977 Virgin Records signs the Sex Pistols 1984 Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Cargo are born 1985 Virgin Holidays is formed 1987 Virgin Records America is founded. 1988 Virgin Megastores opens new stores. Virgin Hotels launches. 1990 Virgin Megastores arrives in Japan 1991 Virgin Publishing (Virgin Books) is formed 1992 Virgin Records is sold to Thorn EMI 1993 Virgin Radio hits the airwaves with Virgin 1215AM 1994 Launch of Virgin Vodka and Virgin Cola 1995 Virgin Direct Personal Financial Services opens for business. 1996 V2 Music is created. Virgin.Net launches. Virgin Trains is launched. 1997 Virgin Radio is acquired by Chris Evans. Virgin Cosmetics launches 1999 Virgin Mobile launches Virgins first telecomms venture. 2000 V.shop, Virgin cars, Virgin Wines and Virgin Travelstore all launch 2001 Virgin Money brand is created. Virgin Experience launches 2002 Virgin Money introduces the Virgin Credit card. Virgin Mobile in the USA. 2003 V.Shops merges completely with Virgin Megastores 2004 Virgin announces the launch of Virgin Galactic developing space tourism for everybody 2005 Virgin Mobile launches in Canada 2006 Two new businesses in South Africa Mobile and Money http://www.virgin.com/aboutvirgin/allaboutvirgin/thewholestory/default.asp Appendix 2 Definition of reactive and proactive outcomes Reactive outcomes. The environmental analysis will highlight important strategic changes over which the organisation has no control but to which, if they happen, it will need to be able to react. Proactive outcomes. The environmental analysis will identify positive opportunities or negative threats. Then, the organisation will have to develop a proactive strategy to deal with the situation. (Ref: Lynch, 2006, p. 79) Appendix 3 Virgin Active mission statement: To challenge the norm, shake up the fitness industry, and restore average gym offerings with the revolutionary concept of a life centre.   Our huge all-encompassing facilities deliver innovative solutions for health and wellness, while providing excellent value for money. Accessible to everyone; young, old, big, small, Virgin Active is a place where individuals can uncover their personal potential and have fun in the process! (Virgin Active, 2008) Appendix 4 1 Members who left due to bad customer service. 2 Members who left due to other reasons. Appendix 5 Expansion method matrix Company Inside Outside Internal development Exporting Overseas office Overseas manufacture Multinational operation Global operation Merger Acquisition Joint Venture Alliances Franchises Merger Acquisition Joint venture Alliances Franchise Turnkey Licensing Home Country Internati-onal (Ref: Lynch, 2006, p. 467) Appendix 6 Management of implications and uncertainty Uncertainty Fuzziness The lack of definite or sharp distinctions Vagueness Cloudiness Haziness Unclearness Indistinctiveness Ambiguity One-to-many relationships Discord Disagreement in choosing among several alternatives Dissonance Incongruity Haziness Conflict No specificity Two or more alternatives are left unspecified Variety Geniality Diversity Imprecision (Ref: Klir and Yuan, 1995)

The Character of Mrs. Ramsay in To The Lighthouse Essay -- To The Ligh

The Character of Mrs. Ramsay in To The Lighthouse Virginia Woolf's novel, To The Lighthouse, is full of symbolism that describes the surroundings and the life of Mrs. Ramsay who is the central character. She helps to bring the world out of chaos and darkness with her positive nature and by being the source of light for the other characters. She is also a peacemaker, beautiful, maternal, and almost divine. Mrs. Ramsay's first word in the novel is "yes" which reflects her affirmative and positive nature. Throughout the novel, her character and spirit is connected to light, which is universally a positive symbol. The other characters associate her with light through implied juxtaposition because she brought positive energy to everybody who knew her. An example is Paul who after being told by Mrs. Ramsay that she believed in him felt his situation was turned around in a better way. "He would go to her and say, "I've done it, Mrs. Ramsay; thanks to you." And so turning into the lane... The house was all lit up, and the lights after darkness made his eyes feel full, and he said to himself childishly, as he walked up the drive, Ughts, lights, lights." (p.78) By being the symbol of light, Mrs. Ramsay also brings things from chaos into order. This can be seen with her desire to be organized. The house was always organized such as if she left a brush or comb on a dressing table, she expected it to still be there the next time she looked for it. (p. 136) The characters' world is filled with chaos, examples being that the setting is during WWI and that the lighthouse was being taken over by nature until Mrs. Ramsay put it back into order. The order that she brought with her contrasts to the disorder that came about af... ...ck into stability. Life stand still here, Mrs. Ramsay said. "Mrs. Ramsay! Mrs. Ramsay!" she repeated. She owed it all to her." Another example of Mrs. Ramsay's kindness is when James is on the boat with his father, Mr. Ramsay: "[Mrs. Ramsayl alone spoke the truth; to her alone he could speak it. That was the source of her everlasting attraction for him, perhaps. She was .a person ~ whom one could say what came into one's .head~" (p. 187) She is a person who put others before her. Mrs. Ramsay's character is so divine that it is unreal. She spends most of her time shining the light on for everybody else that she hides her own personal needs to herself. She takes the world out of chaos, but there might have been chaos going on inside of her and nobody knew about it, so they could not help her. Perhaps that was the reason of Mrs. Ramsay's unexpected death.

Religion in American Politics Essay -- Role of Religious Lobbies

The United States of America has the most diverse religious population in the world. In places like Iraq, Syria, Israel, Afghanistan, Yemen, and other countries too numerous to mention, countless lives are lost over religious differences. In America, a Protestant can live happily next door to a Jew, who might live across the street from a Muslim, or a Catholic, or a Sikh, or even a Humanist! This is in no small way attributed to the fact that the US Constitution’s First Amendment includes what is known as the establishment clause, which states that â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,† effectively separating affairs of religious institutions from secular, governmental institutions. That is, however, no guarantee that American politics will turn a blind eye to religious beliefs. In fact, in the past few decades, political agendas have been turning more and more religious in nature(Paraschivesc u 2012:22). In 1960 John F. Kennedy was elected the first Roman Catholic President of the United States, putting an end to the 171-year tradition of presidents, beginning with George Washington, that were from Protestant backgrounds. While many conservative Protestants scoffed at Kennedy as trying to break down the wall of separation between church and state and bring Catholic teachings into American government, Kennedy eloquently replied by saying, â€Å"I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute—where no Catholic prelate would tell [a Catholic] president how to act and no Protestant minister would tell his parishioners for whom to vote.† Kennedy went on to elaborate that no faith-based educational institution should be granted money by t... ...olitical system for as long as Americans are religious. References Chapp, C. B. (2012). Religious rhetoric and American politics: The endurance of civil religion in electoral campaigns. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. Fowler, Robert Booth, and Allen D. Hertzke. 1995. Religion and Politics in America: Faith, Culture and Strategic Choices. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press. Hertzke, Allen D. 1989. â€Å"The Role of Religious Lobbies.† Religion in American Politics. Ed. Charles W. Dunn. Washingtonc D.C.: Congressional Quarterly. Kosmin, Barry A., and Seymour P. Lachman. 1993. One Nation Under God: Religion in Contemporary American Society. New York: Harmony Books. Paraschivescu, M. (2012). ‘We the People’ and God, religion and the political discourse in the United States of America. Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies, 11(33), 21-38.

Life Cycle Analysis Essay -- science

Life Cycle Analysis "A buildings environmental impact extends from global factors, such as ozone depletion, to the quality of the environment inside the property. These impacts arise from decisions made at all stages of the buildings life, including materials manufacture, site selection, design, construction, occupation and ultimately demolition." Source: Greener Buildings, Environmental Impact of Property - Stuart Johnson. A Report On Environmental Life Cycle Analysis ( L.C.A. ) Introduction The world is becoming an ever more environmentally vigilant society and pressure by governments, NGOs ( Non - government organisations ) and the general public is being put on all aspects of industry to become more "Green". The construction industry has a great impact on the environment both at the construction stage and the buildings future life, as stated in Stuart Johnsons opening statement above. As with all industries the construction industry as a whole has and continues to devise ways in which the relationship between the built and the natural environment can improve. One such development is the technique of Environmental Life Cycle Analysis. Life Cycle Analysis Life cycle analysis is used to explore the life cycle of a building material. It is computer based and its methodology was developed by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry ( SETAC ). The life cycle analysis will show the environmental impacts of different materials at different stages of its life from the materials extraction through processing, manufacture, use, maintenance and disposal. An example of the type of software used in L.C.A. is SimaPro 3.0 which was developed by PRe Consultants in the Netherlands. SimaPro provides information on the generation of pollutants and the following environmental effects of different materials and is measured using eco-points. "The main issues of life cycle analysis for materials consist of establishing: * hazardous contents * risks to occupants, trades people and the general environment * ecological degradation from extraction of raw materials * recycled content * pollution from manufacturing * CO2 released during manufacturing and embodied energy * transport implications * durability ( life to replacement ) * recycling and disposal" Source: Specifying for Greener Buildings - Stephen Curw... ...s 1993 ( CHIP ) HMSO * Specification for Environmental Management Systems. BS7750: 1992. BSI. * RIBA Environmental Policy and Information for Members. Peter Smith. RIBA. 1995. Conclusion It is clear to see that the need for environmental life cycle analysis is great if the continuing decline of the environment is to be slowed. Firms within the construction industry must hold their hands up and accept responsibility for the huge environmental impact caused by the building, and support the full life cycle analysis of as many materials as possible, they also need to design for the long term and not just for short term gain. BIBLIOGRAPHY Life Cycle Analysis of Housing - Maf Smith Building for a Future - Autumn 1995 Specifying for Greener Buildings - Stephen Curwell Architects Journal - January 1996 Cost Planning of Buildings 6th Ed. - Douglas J. Ferry & Peter S. Brandon Blackwell Science - 1991 Environmental Impact Assessment : A Comparitive Review - Wood Spon - 1995 Buildings and Health ( The Rosehaugh Guide ) - March & Venables RIBA Publications - 1990 Green Architecture - Vale & Vale Thames and Hudson - 1991 BREEAM 1/93 New Offices.

A Review of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, by John Perkins Essay

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, by John Perkins, is supposed to be a book about the author’s real life activities as a covert agent of the United States. Unlike other agents, Perkins alleges that he and others, operated to undermine the economic stability of other nations. While this book uses a number of references, few of these books seems to have any economic relevance at all. One book, The Blood Bankers: Tales from the Global Underground Economy, by James S. Henry, does make similar claims to those of Perkins; however, unlike Perkins, Henry investigates worldwide economic crimes that are both overt and subversive in nature. Perkins states that he was recruited to work as a covert agent of the government shortly after graduating from college. In his role as an economic hit man, Perkins was expected to meet with leaders of various countries, to convince them to make large investments and to accept loans for which they can ill afford to make the payments. These machinations resulted in these countries being in debt to larger powers, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, often in more ways than one. After a time, Perkins claims, he grew uncomfortable with his role and left his position as an economic hit man. Perkins claims that now that he is no longer a part of this corrupt operation, he feels compelled to tell his story. Perkins claims that he has good reason to write this book. By telling his story, he claims that not only can he make people aware of what is happening all over the world, but that he can also create solutions to the world’s economic problems. If this book has any one flaw, however, it is in Perkins’ credibility. Despite his claims that he was responsible for economic subterfuge, Perkins never backs his claims with undeniable facts, statistics, or figures. Neither does he connect his work with any other texts or documents that have a firm factual grounding. His bibliography is not scholarly in nature; rather, virtually all of his sources are secondary. The points that Perkins makes may have some validity. While this book was interesting to read, however, a critically thinking reader would have to question his role in the events that he claims occurred.

Dmg Shanghai

1. Why do you think that it is so important to cultivate guanxi and guanxiwang in China? Guanxi and guanxiwang are essential to business in China. It is an important mechanism for building long-term business relationships and getting business done in China successfully. Because China is a big country for mechanism.By establishing connections in relationships would help do a better job and mechanism; and the society of China lacks a strong rule-based legal tradition, thus guanxi and guangxiwang is becoming a necessary and regulations Guanxi is based on reciprocity, which is the undertaking of higher authority to accept an obligation to return a favor in the unspecified future whenever they benefit from the guanxi network. The development and expansion of the guanxi is a form of social investment that enriches the executive's resources and future potential.The importance of cultivating guanxi and guanxiwang in China is to realize the imperativeness of personal connection between two in dividuals who are bounded by an implicit psychological contract to follow the social norms of guanxi. The norms include self-disclosure, dynamic reciprocity, and the long-term equity principle. Establishing connections in relationships would help do a better job in completing an assignment and may be able to bend the rules for a temporary time period.The society of China lacks a strong rule-based legal tradition, thus guanxi and guanxiwang is becoming a necessary and important mechanism for building long-term business relationships and getting business done in China successfully.2. What does the experience of DMG tell us about the way things work in China? What would likely happen to a business that obeyed all the rules and regulations, rather than trying to find a way around them as Dan Mintz apparently does? As we look through the case of DMG in Shanghai, we recognize the influence of guanxi more apparently.Dan Mintz, the founder of DMG, had no prior experience in the fields of ad vertisement. He had no contact in China, even no Mandarin language. However, he had guanxi with two young Chinese who have connections with people of various levels. Making their connections as bedrock of the company’s guanxiwang, they were able to emerge as one of the China’s fastest growing advertising agencies. DMG shows us that culture is an important thing in China. Guanxi refers to the business connections that are so important to companies doing business in China.Guanxiwang refers to the relationship network that companies cultivate. Both of these are important to the Confucian ethics – loyalty, reciprocal obligations, and honesty in dealing with others – that drives business in China. Dan Mintz believes that guanxi and guanxiwang are important because they help companies get around restrictions that limit the ability of companies to function. It also is very useful when you have a business that delivers a good job; they bring the message over what gives you the opportunity to get good assignments from major companies.So a business in China without the relationships network is doomed to fail, because if you can’t work around the law and have doors opened for you it is almost impossible to get a successful business. China cares very much about its culture, especially because its rich history goes back centuries around 500 B. C. The DMG experience in China shows that culture as an imperative factor when conducting business there: foreign or domestic. The guanxi and guanxiwang factors are very important pieces of China’s culture. Both are essential to someone who is trying to start a successful business in China.Even though DMG may have obligations with higher authority, it has helped them to get a good reputation and support for the future, especially when meeting connections, such as with Bing Wu and Peter Xiao. When relationships are created in China, it helps businesses work around the laws and policies and it can open doors for any business that normally cannot be conducted anywhere else. Overall this is an advantage that DMG was able to acquire due to the fact that Wu was a recognized national champion and Xiao has political connections. . What are the ethical issues that might arise when drawing upon guanxiwang to get things done in China? What does this suggest about the limits of using guanxiwang for a Western business committed to high ethical standards? Guanxiwang plays a crucial role in business ethics, specifically referring to Western businesses moving to China. According to the case, it is impossible to get anything done without an intermediary, a third party introducing how to do business in China.In this case, for example: Bing Wu and Peter Xiao. Chinese will simply not do business with strangers unless someone is able to draw guanxiwang, which is the intermediary in the networking circle. As indicated in the case, the reciprocation obligations almost like a bribe, for exampl e, I’ll hit you and you hit me back! Business ethics in China rests upon a rich and diverse cultural moral heritage that emphasizes personal virtue and a right ordering of personal relationships in social organization and institutions.There are several ethical issues that can be provoked by drawing upon guanxiwang (Hill, 2009, p. 105). First of all, there will not be many business opportunities. For those who are starting up a business, guanxi companies that exist can be barriers for entering a market. For example, the existing businesses can use guanxi to initiate confrontations among them or to acquire restricted rights for using essential facilities to operate business activities from the government. Overall, it might hurt the system of free market competition.

Educational Opportunities for Class 10th Students Essay

1. 0 Introduction As soon as a young child comes out of school finds self at cross roads. He is confronted with the problem of choosing career whether in Engneering, Medical, Non medical, paramedical, vocational, Humanities. This unit will provide you overall view of educational opportunities after 10th & 12th standard , Internship, Apprenticeship to excel in professional front. You will also become familiar with scholarships- like NTS,KVPY,UGC & others available at various stages of education for meritorious students. This unit helps you to know websites that gives information regarding higher education , entrance examinations. Objectives: After reading this module the teacher will able to : †¢ Make the students aware about the need of educational planning. †¢ Explain the students about various educational opportunities after 10th & +2 education. †¢ Help students in exploring various sources of higher education & Scholarships. †¢ Ways of disseminating the educational information to students 1. 1 Needs For Educational Planning â€Å"India is suffering from massive shortage of skilled manpower†- This was the News headline of a leading National Daily in July 2011. It is the matter of quality & not quantity of Manpower. As on today, the population of India is 1. 21 billion and half of the population is below 18 years of age. And responsibility lies with policy makers, administrators, educators, career counselors, teachers,& parents to channelize the energy of these youths & convert them into skilled human resource And it is the â€Å"Education† that determines the level of prosperity, Welfare & security of its citizens. Combined efforts of educators, teachers, career counselors and of course parents to bring awareness among students in an effort to make most realistic choice of courses of higher education depending upon his/her interest, aptitude, ability & financial background. 1. 2 Educational opportunities after10th standard:- Generally . We know that you are already aware about the three streams that you can choose from after Class 10 – Science, Humanities and commerce here you have to pursue your education for 2 years to become eligible for your graduation level academics.. Science Arts Commerce Includes study ofsubjects like Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Biology Includes study of subjects like Geography, Philosophy, History, Sociology, and Political Science Includes study of subjects like Accounting, Tax, Business Economics and Finance. You need to have good grades in Class 10 and equally good marks in Mathematics to secure a seat in 10+2 Average grades in Class 10 can help you seek admission in the Humanities stream in 10+2 Need good grades after Class 10 and also in Class 12 to pursue higher education in commerce Appear for competitive exams and start a professional career like engineering or medicine Less scope of joining a professional career and have to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. However, one can always a vocational course or pursue his or her interests simultaneously Start a professional career by  registering for CA foundation course You can make a shift to other streams Commerce or Arts after Class 12 You cannot make a shift to other streams like Science or Commerce after Class 12 You cannot appear for engineering or medical streams or change to sciencestream after Class 12. However, you can shift to Arts after Class 12. One can pursue 3 years diploma course either in engineering or Non engineering stream. Nearly there are 190 diploma courses. From Aviation, automobile, biomedical ,ceramic technology, dress making,†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦to textile engineering, web designing,X-ray technician. ( From A†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Z) Those who can’t afford expensive training and who can’t get chance to pursue higher education and those who are having inclination towards technical education & most important those who want to earn at an early age can opt for Industrial Training Institute. – ITI’s . Earlier there were traditional courses like Fitter, Welder, Turner but in the present scenario there is immense demand for trades like-COE ( Center of Excellence),Laser technology, hospital mangament, retail management. After completing basic ITI one can opt-advance training course (CTS/POT) & become eligible to work as an instructor in Govt ITI. Even one can opt for JOC- Job Oriented Course after that he/she can start self-employment. 1. 3 Educational opportunities after 12th standard:-For science stream students they pursue career in Engineering, Medicine/Medical, paramedical, Health care, Information Science, Veterinary science, Genetics, Forensic Science, Fishery, Dairy Technology, Oceanography, Biological Science, Meteorology, Bioinformatics, speech Therapists, Space Technology, Nanotechnology & so many specialized fields. Even students choose R& D-Research and Development of the concerned field.For Careers in Humanities-there are Anthropology, Archeology, Geography, Fine Arts, Journalism, Library Science, Psychology, Psephology, Research Assistant, Sociology, Teaching at all level-nursary, primary secondary, senior secondary, & even+2 students .Career in NGO.Careers in Commerce- Accounting, Banking, Economics, CA,CS,ICWA, Stock Broking, Mathematics & StatasticsCareers in Designing-Gemology, Interior, Fashion, Jewellary Designing & Visual Merchandising. Careers in Management- Management comes every where-From Business to sales to HR to Rural , Event management, IT Management, Logostics to Export ManegementCareers in Defense Service- Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, By appearing NDA & NA Entrance Exam conducted by UPSC, Coast Guards, Corps Of Engineer, Paramilitary Services.Careers in Mass Communication- Advertising, Disc Jocky, Radio Jocky, Video Jocky, Public Relation, Video Editing, publishing & Printing. Even after pursuing their graduation students can opt career in Civil Services-Competitive Exams conducted by Union Public Service CommisionCompetitive Exams conducted by State Public Service CommisionCompetitive Exams conducted by Staff Selection CommisionIndian Economic/Stastical Service ExaminationIndian Geologist Service ExaminationCombined Defence Service ExaminationExams conducted by Indian RailwaysBanking Exams- both clerical & Officer Cadre. COMMON WRITTEN EXAMS- Conducted by IBPS- Institite Of Banking & Personal Selection. 1. 4 NIOS-National Institute for Open Schooling: It provides elementary education at 3 levels for school drop outs, neoliterates,& out of school learners through Accredited Agencies. Open schooling and basic education at a distance have got established, in the last two decades, as strong systemic intervention mechanisms to cater to the quality educational needs of millions of deprived people, with very low cost.Secondary Level-Children below 14 years of age & Adults above 14 years of age.Higher Secondary Level.Vocational courses. 1. 5 Scholarships opportunities For Students Scholarships are available for meritorious students & to those who belong to economically weaker section. Even Scholarships are available for scheduled caste & scheduled Tribes & Other Back word community students. Prime Minister’s 15 point program provides better facilities,& free coaching for higher studies for Minority community students. Scholarships are available at various levels of education at secondary level, under graduates, post graduates, post doctoral research.NTS- National Talent Search Scholarship. (For 10th onwords) till your graduation & onKVPY-Kishore Vaignanik Protsahan Yojana (For 11th & 12th Students) & onwordsPost Matric Scholarship for OBC’sPost Matric Scholarship for studies in Hindi from Non Hindi Speaking States.PG scholarships for professional courses for SC & ST studentsPG Indira Gandhi scholarship scheme for single girl child.Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship For SC/ST StudentsJRF & SRFPost Doctoral Fellowship For Women CandidatesDr. S Radhakrishnan Post Doctoral Fellowship 1. 6 Sources Of Educational opportunities- †¢ News paper supplement of all Leading news papers like, The Hindu, Deccan. Herald, The Times Of India, Indian Express & even regional news papers carry updated information in the current trends in education & higher studies every week. †¢ Surfing to Internet- at various social sites, Reading the Blogs written by well known educators & career counselors. †¢ Emplyment News in English & Rojgar Samachar in Hindi †¢ By viewing channels like-EDusat, Gynan Darshan, UGC,IGNOU Channels broadcasting educational updates, IGNOU’s Audio video catalogue †¢ University Career Bulletin †¢ Local District Employment Exchange. †¢ University Employment Information & Guidance Bureau. at the jurisdiction of concerned University. †¢ District Central Library 1. 7 Address of Websites related to higher education, Apprenticeship, Internships & training www. ignou. ac. in www. education. nic. in www. ncert. nic. in www. employmentnews. gov. in www. aiuweb. org www. dget. nic. in www. ugc. ac. in www. aicte. ernet. in www. iamrindia. com www. davp. nic. in www. upsc. gov. in www. nbtindia. org. in www. webindia123. com www. career360. com WWW. shiksha. com www. meritnation. com www. upsc. gov. in www. careers. icbse. com www. indiastudychannel. com www. goiit. com www. highereducationinindia. com www. indiaeducation. net Tanuja Rampure, Shimoga (Karnataka), India.

Focault- Discipline and Punish

Table of Contents Introduction2 Brief Overview2 Main arguments of discipline and Punish4 †¢Power4 †¢Prisons as part of civilisation4 †¢Punishment5 †¢The Body and Soul5 Evaluation of Discipline and Punish6 Conclusion7 ? Introduction: M. Foucault. 1975. Discipline and Punish: The birth of the prison. New York: Random House Inc. Below is an in depth book review of Discipline and Punish, The Birth of the Prison. The author who compiled the analysis on this is Michel Foucault, whom provided enlightenment on many different aspects of sociology and philosophy- many which are still immensely relevant to societies today.I will be using this book review to channel an outline of Foucault’s work, viewpoints and purposes as such. Along with this I will include my personal critique of my literary experience of the book. I will consider important factors of logic, coherence, evidence, expertise and originality. These specified fields are all crucial to useful and meaningf ul sociological theories. In brief, my aim is to clarify the argument presented by Foucault and provide my account of its validity. Brief Overview:Michel Foucault’s, Discipline and Punish, provides the reader of the historical timeline which ends at the institution of imprisonment that most modern societies have adopted today. The just of his intentions for the book are presented in the first section. Much of this includes his aim which is to trace the penal system back to its roots in order to define and identify its significance in the present. These roots begin in the seventeenth century. Here public torture and execution prevailed as the form of punishment.As aspects of society changed, especially power structures, so did this system of punishment- much like in an evolutionary manner. At this point it is probably important to highlight that a better alternative to the concept of the penal timeline, is rather a cycle- thus making visible the state it was in at birth and pl otting its journey to maturity. The model of the prison is not yet a comprehendible result or solution in the beginning sections. Punishments were rather inhumane and gruesome methods of torture and execution which were â€Å"public spectacles†. The point of this was the solidification of the power figures amongst their people.This notion of power stirred amongst people who were ultimately discontent with the inefficiency of these structures. Whilst attempting to resolve this, a â€Å"reform† was created. Sadly, the preoccupation of the reform blinded people to the inhumanity, suffering and pain being brought upon these so-called criminals. Following this we see the transition to private and secret forms of punishment which was cut-off from public visibility. Coercive practices resulted in submissive criminals, with credit given to new techniques established by adapting and altering out-dated methods.The separation and the shift of focus from the body to the soul were early defining factors of the modern system. These also form an immensely important theme that is recurrent throughout the book. Foucault’s theoretical cycle of the penal system then moves on to preparation of criminals for their lives after incarceration and attempts to reintroduce these people back into society as respectable civilians. Considering noted critiques on this section, it remains unclear as to whether this was successful at its time of occurrence.An issue arising along with this stage is that of judgement- who is qualified to pass judgement and what standards are used for comparison? Finally, in the closing sections of the book we reach the heart of the book where we see the introduction of the first prison- highly influenced by the panoptic, and the penultimate stage which Foucault dates February 22, 1840. This date marks the success of the first carceral system which â€Å"perfected† the failures and short-comings of all the previous phases. Currently t his institution has embedded itself in society and is the back-bone of order, laws and norms.The fact that at the moment there is no better alternatives to this, offers the assumption that the modern penal system has succeeded or human sciences are still advancing in order to further evolve current organisation- hence my prior labelling of this phase the â€Å"penultimate†. I feel that the purpose of the book is to inform the reader on a long list of various facets relating to sociology. These include the carceral system, the classical period, discipline, norms, power and penalty- to mention only a few. These all have significant importance in human sciences.My reaction or evaluation will conclude that Foucault has cleverly addressed establishments in sociology whilst using the penal system as a commonality to provide a practical sample- which in turn favours the readers understanding of sociology in general. The audience for this theoretical work is most likely to target sch olars of human sciences and philosophy. It may also spark interests of inquiries into the classical period given its historical flair. Main arguments of Discipline and Punish: Power: Foucault uses power as a central point of reference for punishing.All or most aspects of the book revolve around this, or come back to it at a point. According to him, as power structures change, so does the penal system. It adapts to requirements. In the section of the book titled â€Å"Body of the condemned†, we see how torture and punishment was used to reinforce the power of the sovereign. Knowledge is also important to power, because it is seen as the support for power. Those with greater knowledge, tend to yield or accumulate greater power. â€Å"Power produces knowledge . . . power and knowledge directly imply one another . . . here is no power relation without the correlative constitution of a field of knowledge, nor any knowledge that does not presuppose and constitute at the same time power relations. † Foucault describes that power can range from modifying ones self-control to complete coercion. It is embedded in society and all relations. As long as power relations exist, there will always be inherent authority and control. Here we see the effects of the â€Å"power to judge†. Those possessing power and knowledge use their controls on society to establish norms whereby they evaluate the actions of people.Post-judgement and examination incarceration is determined by how far the perpetrator strays from â€Å"normal†. In Foucault’s opinion, society has allowed sceptic officials to take the power to judge- people such as medical professionals, psychologists, etc. In essence, it is argued that power controls society, yet it cannot be controlled. Prison as a part of civilisation: It is emphasised time and time again throughout the book that the prison is part of society and the two cannot be separated. Prison is based on the judicial system (laws and rules governing our daily lives), which is embedded and weaved into society.Often Foucault mentions prisons along with institutions such as schools, hospitals and armies etc. They are all organised using the same framework of control and judgement- which emphasizes his stance that it is a part of society. The penal system of prison is too far incorporated into our lives to deny the connection which exists. Punishment: â€Å"The art of punishing must rest on a whole technology of representation† Foucault argues that each punishment should teach a lesson. It should not only take away a delinquents liberty and freedom, it should make them work, keep them active, enforce good habits.Prior to this, the penalty should correlate with the crime committed in order to create relevance. It need not be an attempt to control the body, but rather install regulation directed at achieving a goal- such as reintegration into community after incarceration. Discipline must be continuo us and must take the role of coercion. This we see from Foucault that it can be done using timetables and ranks- here differentiation of various series is important. The Body and Soul: Punishment was initially assigned to the physical body using methods of torture for example.In addition to this, the body could be used to stir fear amongst people during public executions. The body and the visible are reinforcing factors. However, with the changes in power, the body is no longer a target of direct punishment. The body now, as Foucault says, is supervised, controlled and organised. Although the body is replaced with the soul, it will still share an adjacent bond with punishment. Foucault argues that he produces a â€Å"genealogical account for the modern soul†- meaning that he intends to identify where the soul originated. There are two factors to this process in Discipline and Punish.First it is what is revised above- is the soul takes over from the body as the directive for p unishment. Secondly, the shift from body to soul and the new methods of discipline have ultimately generated or created the soul. Unlike the body, there are no limits to how you can penalize the soul. Evaluation of Discipline and Punish: Firstly, I will start by commenting on the extent to which the book achieves its desired goal. Foucault initially wanted to provide a power of speech for those confined to a discourse. This includes those who do not have the knowledge required to accumulate power.I feel that their issues have been brought to light, however the reasons exceeding this is for the purpose of gaining insight into the functioning of society in sociological terms. This does not give attention to their possibly ambiguous labelling of being â€Å"abnormal†. They have purely become a vessel to greater knowledge. Foucault rejected norms as positive determinants. It was seen by him as negative and oppressive. The unusual phenomenon is not a natural process instinctually followed by humans. Foucault strived to highlight this irregularity through his book.However, when commenting on individuality (which opposes norms) there is an inherent negative notion towards the concept. What then, if against norms and individuality, does Foucault conceptualise as an alternative? This is a possible indication of an argument which is incoherent and conflicting. Ultimately, as we see towards Foucault’s final sections, that his intention was not to ignite conspiracy and doubt in the minds if the reader regarding the prison, but rather to create understanding of its operation and the factors contributing to its processes.This was done with the utmost success. The historical context and actual case studies used provide valid and convincing confirmation. His views at this point are adequately supported. In terms of possibilities suggested by the book Foucault leaves us with the premise that the carceral system is very destructive in more ways than one. He also p rovides a new way for us to think of this system- as strong and highly powerful. We see that Foucault is optimistic toward change- thus highlighting prospective opportunities for the carceral system as well as the human sciences as a whole.The subject matter of the book has to this day not received further research- nothing of such extensive significance. Foucault has successfully provided us with a realistic account into the historical penal system and at the same time addressed common topics in sociology- much like his section on individualism. The material available to us regarding the penitentiary system tends to focus on specific regions or prisons-commonly those in the United States. A book which is well versed on the issue at hand is Situational Prison Control by Richard Hartley. However, it still does not divulge into the history and â€Å"birth† of the phenomenon.Foucault successfully identified a research topic which was in need of attention and enlightenment. I fee l an aspect Foucault neglected to focus on was future summations for the penal system and all it entails. We do not see any of his suggestions for possible ways forward or resolutions to the problems that exist. He has a tendency throughout the book, to highlight many downfalls yet no solutions. A few of personal proposals would have stimulated the readers thinking, ultimately opening doors for advancement for progress. Along with the above, I feel there is a lot that needs to be said on social divides amongst society.Foucault briefly touches on classes and social and economic situation but almost immediately redirected the train of thought. There is more to various demographics which influence all institutions throughout societies. Foucault failed to report on this and the way that their changes affect power relations and ultimately the penal system. Some of these demographics may include gender, age, race and ethnicity. Conclusion: I constantly referred back to specific criteria w hen considering the main arguments or theories of Discipline and Punish. This was helpful in concluding my opinion on whether Foucault has successfully argued his theory.My review concludes that a good research problem was identified and stated. The causes of this were also made apparent to the reader. Foucault carefully planned the way he would take-on this topic by testifying clear and concise points of view. At times it felt as though the argument was not coherent in that it would jump from one context to another. However, the main arguments and themes- such as the body and the soul were constantly referred to. This redeemed coherence with a well tied together and relevant argument- especially in the last section where everything is positioned into place.The evidence Foucault uses to elaborate his views and arguments are sufficient to enhance the validity of his study and specific arguments. He often provides actual occurrences in history- much like his introduction reporting on Damien’s execution in 1757 and referring to the opening of Mettray prison colony. Extensive referencing has been made available allowing further validation of facts. This in turn contributes to his ability to convince and persuade. Michel Foucault most definitely possessed the right attributes and expertise to work on this research problem.He had extensive training and experience in human sciences, from which he created his career. His direct encounters with the penal systems and prisons also granted him access to knowledge not readily available to others- thus making his expertise relative to the issue at hand. Keeping the short-comings I have mentioned in mind, I feel that Foucault’s arguments are valid and they all have been researched to the point where its concrete significance cannot be denied. Their continued relevance over the years supports my conclusion and it has in general been presented in a clear and concise manner.