Saturday, August 31, 2019

Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus Essay

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or Modern Prometheus (1831) is considered as one of the oldest yet significantly popularized literature that symbolizes the tandem of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. The horrendous creation, Frankenstein –the Modern Prometheus, is used to symbolize Mary Shelley’s time period wherein men are continuously advancing the level of possible knowledge present in their society. From the scientist Victor Frankenstein to the monster named as the Creature, Shelley creates an innovative argument that illustrates the trends of the progressive industrialization in European countries. Shelley’s Frankenstein involves with the societal dilemma of men’s overreaching efforts against the limitations of science and Mother Nature by initiating actions to dehumanize the conception of life. II. Brief Summary Shelley’s Frankenstein had give birth to physically deformed being with the sensations and needs similar to a human being. After abandoning his creation due to its horrendous look, Victor, the creature’s creator, heard the occurrence of death of his brother William. Frankenstein blamed the monster for his brother’s death, which further advanced to the death of his fiance – Elizabeth Lavenza. Victor tried to avenge the deaths of his beloved; however, he was not able succeed. By the end of the story, Victor felt very ill and eventually died. Walton found the monster after the death of Victor mourning the death of his creator. III. Judgment and Evaluation In Shelly’s version of Frankenstein, there were two essential literary implications that illustrate the purpose of the story: (1) the symbolism of men’s progressive scientific revolution and (1) concluding the outcomes of industrial revolution. IV. Support In the first argument, Shelley illustrates Vincent Frankenstein as the portrayal of men’s over-exceeding desire of power. Shelley utilized the role of Victor to illustrate the capacity of knowledge to violate the concept of life. Furthermore, Shelly even illustrated the possibilities of breaking the limitations of men over the godly and mortal realms. One of Shelley’s influential inspirations in the novel of Frankenstein was John Milton’s Paradise Lost (1667) wherein the character of god was referred to role of â€Å"the victor†, which defined as â€Å"the triumphant one, the winner, the ruler. † Meanwhile, Frankenstein was patterned from Milton’s lonesome illustration of Victor; hence, he became subdued by the hopes of creating a companion through science. â€Å"Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow (Shelley, 53). † In the second argument, Frankenstein also symbolized the social trends and the prevailing concepts of the European society during its scientific revolutionary age. Frankenstein illustrated the modern anxieties and fears about the possible outcomes of industrialization and science, and their impacts on ethics and morals of human. In the 18th century, readers considered Shelly’s Frankenstein as an allegorical illustration of ethical nature versus industrialization and scientific revolution.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Operations Performance Objectives

1. OPERATIONS PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES In accordance with Slack, Chambers and Johnston, performance objectives is a generic set of performance and indicators that can be used to set the objectives or judge the performance of any type of operation. In this context, there are five key most objectives that can or will be used to help improve the operations of a service industry (Dental health care as stated earlier). a)Quality Quality can be defined in so many ways. In simpler terms we will describe it as the element in a product that rises above the other and is able to satisfy the needs/specifications of a consumer and has some high value attached to it. Quality in operations performance objectives for a dental health care ensures that most appropriate treatment is delivered and that customers are all treated with courtesy (getting value for their money). This entails doing the right thing at the right time and meeting customer specifications, which leaves them satisfied. b)Speed Speed is defined as the elapsed time between customers’ placing orders and the goods/services being delivered to them. With speed, it means that the delivery of the service required is done within the shortest possible time. For example the time it takes for the dentist to screen the teeth of the patient to the time he gives an answer of what his findings are should be reduced and acceptable to the customer. In turn, this reduces likeliness of lagging behind and not being able to finish attending to all the patients in time. It does impact positively on the improvement of operations when time is highly considered. As the cliche goes, ‘time is money and time wasted is never gained, so use it wisely. ’ )Dependability Dependability is the delivery or making available of goods/services when they were promised to customers. It can also be defined as staying true to one’s word and trustworthiness. In this context it would mean avoiding cancellations of appointments with customers. It really pays highly to an organization for customers to know that they can depend on the services provide d to them at that particular organization. It helps in creating rapport with the customers, hence allowing for them to even encourage other people to come and seek for services from you. d)Flexibility This is the degree to which an operations process can change what it does, how it is done and when it is done. When something’s flexible, it simply means that there is room for change or adjustments. In this case, it means that the service industry (dental health care) should be ready to introduce new treatments and/or have many more treatment to match up to the customers’ ever changing and varying demands. This helps the industry to expand. e)Cost Cost can be defined as the monetary value attached to the services/goods provided and also attached to the production or offering of that good/service. Cost helps to identify how operation scan be run at a more affordable price right for the marketplace the industry operates in and be able to achieve good profit margins. To the producer or service provider, the lower the cost of production the means lower the prices for the customers, which means more savings. In conclusion, â€Å"performance objectives are the key to unlocking any communications or performance initiative. The answer is the foundation and structure of your work on any project: the performance objective. † Document Information Design Inc. 2004.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Assignment 1 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

1 - Assignment Example Dell states, in their SEC Form 10-K, that their business strategy â€Å"combines its direct customer mood with a highly efficient manufacturing and supply chain management organization and an emphasis on standard-based technologies. This strategy enables Dell to provide customers with superior value; high-quality, relevant technology; customized systems; superior service and support; and products and services that are easy to buy and use.† From just looking at the business strategy it shows that Dell, Inc. is a business which thrives off customer intimacy with the ability to make the right product for the customer, and the customer alone. As with any company there are risks that will threaten their ability to appease their stockholders. Some of these risks include: drops in the economy which affect net revenue; drop in international sales; infrastructure failures; loss of government contracts; wars, terrorism, natural disasters, and public health scares. There are controls out there for every one of these situations. Keeping prices reasonable here and overseas will make sure that even a dip in the global economy will not affect the sales too terribly bad. Furthermore, evaluations of personnel, equipment, and property will also ensure that there are no infrastructure failures. For government contracts, keep your bids a little lower than the competitors, this will also help out when wars, terrorism, natural disasters, and public health scares threaten profits. The SOX Act of 2002 definitely affects every major corporation basically stating that everybody on the board is held accountable with the CEO, Chairman of the Board signing off on the finalized SEC 10-K Forms each year. This affects the disclosures by telling Dell that they must report accurately since a third party will audit the records to see if they are off. Furthermore, it affects the disclosures by making sure that Dell keeps everything on the

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Comprehensive SWOT analysis for the Proposed performance Improvement Essay

Comprehensive SWOT analysis for the Proposed performance Improvement Plan - Essay Example Additionally, the improvement plan will also be a basis for sufficient financial resources for the Unit from the California Pacific Medical Center, a better image and reputation for the unit along with insulation from any pressures that might arise from other units in the medical center. The improvement plan will further allow the unit to offer differentiated services while offering cost advantages originating from the improved processes, which will be beneficial to the rest of the medical center. A weakness is an aspect or attribute that puts an organization at a disadvantage with the lack of particular strengths being considered as weakness (Schulz & Johnson, 2003). Weaknesses in the improvement plan may result in the medical surgical telemetry unit facing some vulnerability to various pressures. Weakness needs close assessment since some of them may have negative consequences to the organization. A number of the weaknesses intrinsic in the improvement plan of the in the medical surgical telemetry unit include: having an indistinct strategic direction, working with outmoded facilities, inadequate management vision including depth and skills as well as difficulties in raising capital to execute the implementation plan. Additionally, outdated technology in the unit, low morale on the part of the employees, poor previous record in executing strategies and poor image to the rest of the medical center are some of the weaknesses that may affect the implementation plan. Opportunities are seen as advantageous situations that can be used to benefit the organization and is offered from the outside environment so that the management can choose the manner in which they can best use it (Garcarz, Chambers & Ellis, 2003). Opportunities may arise as a consequence of favorable changes in the external environment or from a productive approach created by the management in making the environment beneficial. Some of the

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 27

Education - Essay Example Religion has played a great role in the marked improvement in academic performances of most African-Americans and has been one of the reasons for the reduced dropout rates of African-Americans over the years (Dewey, 1938). Ethics and morals are often associated with religion. Religion champions for virtues such as respect for one another, tolerance to varied views, active listening, engagement in constructive dialogue, hard work, honesty, and so on – all of which are attributes that promote success in the classroom set up and aids in keeping students in schools. It also promotes the ethos of opening up freely about concerns or problems with teaching, content, coverage, and so on. Religion has effectively inculcated in most of these students personal values outside school/ class rules that encourage proper academic results and achievements. An example in mind is when I conducted a brief interview/ survey of sampled students in class about what would prompt one to steer clear of what we termed ‘academic threats’ such as apathy in class, indiscipline, intolerance, drug abuse, unplanned pregnancies, and so on. 2% of my interviewees cited their childhood upbringing as the reasons to stay focused and on track, 3% cited the fear of repercussion (by school authorities, police, and so on), 5% cited example they have been laid for by their peers and family members while a whopping 90% of those I question cited religion.

Monday, August 26, 2019

Business Ethics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

Business Ethics - Research Paper Example In today's society, it is evidently true that many global companies struggle to survive given the lack of ethics in light of their modus operandi (Hunnicutt, 2009). The literature review of the research, therefore, will aim at outlining CSR not as a constraint, cost or philanthropy but as a source of innovation, opportunity and the acquisition of market leadership through competitive advantages presented by corporate social responsibility. An organization will experience an increment in customer loyalty and the volume of its sales when it supports CSR activities. Indeed, it happens when consumers feel that the company plays a big role in improving the welfare of the community and they think the best way of rewarding the company is by buying its products and services, thus resulting in an increase in the company’s volume of sales. Research conducted in the UK intimated that organization that support CSR programs have experienced an increase in sales of their products and services. The organizations were also required to satisfy the needs of the customers such as the quality, taste, price and safety (Archie, & Kareem, 2010). In addition, majority of the consumers are willing to purchase products that have a small impact on the environment and they do not buy products from companies that utilize child labor (Militaru, 2006). Also, a strong record of CSR helps to improve clients’ attitudes towards the organi zation’s products; clients will make more purchases and remain loyal to them. For instance, an estimate of 88 percent people who were interviewed in the Great Britain said they make more purchases from a company that engages in activities that improve the welfare of the society in which it conducts its production process. Companies that support CSR activities often find it easier to attract and recruit highly qualified and skilled employees, particularly in tight labor markets.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Safe Injecting Facilities Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Safe Injecting Facilities - Term Paper Example These Safe injections sites also known as drug consumption rooms (DCRs), safe injection rooms, and supervised injection sites/facilities/centers, began in Europe in the 1980s. They now exist in cities in Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Australia. The first safe injection site in North America, Insite, began operating as a pilot project in Vancouver, BC in 2003, and was recently given the go-ahead to remain open after a Supreme Court battle with the federal government (Keen, 2003). Injection drug use continues to be associated with an array of significant health and social consequences throughout North America. These consequences are tied directly to the consumption of illicit drugs of unknown potency and composition, and the sharing of contaminated injection equipment; and indirectly, through unprotected sex with drug injectors, and through injectors’ immersion in black-market pursuits that result frequently in violent exchanges with criminals and the police. Keen (2003) states that in the United States, injection drug use accounts for approximately 25% of all cumulative AIDS cases nationwide, but closer to 50% of all cases in several northeastern States. The number of new HIV infections reported nationwide among injectors increased 300% in the 1990s, from 6,474 new infections in 1993, to 13,969 in 1995, 17,344 in 1998 and 18,882 in 1999. Disease Injectors also suffer from very high rates of hepatitis C infection – 90% of people who have injected for 5 years or more are infected - and from endocarditis, an acute infection of the heart valves that is not commonly seen among young adults. Fatal and nonfatal drug overdose (OD) is also a prevalent medical problem among injectors, and hospital emergency rooms throughout the country attend to ODs virtually everyday. Emergency room (ER) visits involving heroin alone doubled from 33,900 in 1990 to 70,500 in 1996. Some medical experts have recently declared that the United States is in the midst of another heroin epidemic. On the other hand, injectors are known to use primary care services erratically and only after they are very sick, which drives up health care costs (Drug Policy expert Committee, 2000). The argument for safe injection sites Several research studies have shown that safe injection sites have advantages for drug injectors and for the community including reduction in many of the harmful aspects of drug use on the individual (spread of infections, risk of overdose) and to society (drug-related crime, public exposure to drug injecting paraphernalia), as well as positive benefits (increase in education about safety among injectors, more drug users accessing treatment and other services). Extensive research has been conducted at Insite in Vancouver, with positive results. The argument against safe injection sites Critics have argued against the introduction of safe injection sites largely based on the principle that drug addiction is wrong, and should not be condoned in any way. The political focus on reducing harm to drug users deflects the focus from where it belongs, which is on the prevention and treatment of drug abuse. Introducing safe injection sites is seen as a step towards drug legalization, and undermines law enforcement principles and practices. Researchers conclude that police surveillance may end up scaring away the very people North America's first sanctioned safer injecting facility is intended to help. While there have been methodological criticisms of the evaluation studies supporting safe injection sites, and Insite in particular, critics on the other side argue that there is no substantial basis for these criticisms. Ultimately, the strong views on both sides

European Security and Defence Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

European Security and Defence Policy - Essay Example Most decisions in the council are made by the majority votes while unanimity is needed in the sensitive issues like foreign policy (Churruca; 178; 2000). In order to assume full responsibility in crisis management the European council established permanent political and military structures (Nice December 2000).The first structure is the political and security committee (PSC) which acts as the preparatory body for the European Union council. The main role of the political and security committee is to check and follow the international state of affairs thereby helping in defining policies in the Common Foreign and Security policy. It prepares a rational EU reaction to a crisis and works out the political control and strategic bearing or direction to be under taken by the European Union (Hill; 2002). The second structure is the European Union Military Committee (EUMC), which is the highest military organ in the council. The body is made up of the chiefs of defence of states that form the European Union.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Chapter two and three Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Chapter two and three - Dissertation Example Several literatures exist on growth and development online education (Carroll and Burke, 2011) but there is limited study on the skills and competence of the faculty designers. Development and use of information and communication technology has brought significant changes in education sector especially distance and online education (Arinto, 2013). Uptake of Online courses has also been on increase due to its flexibility and convenience. However there exist a gap between course content development and delivery of the course content to the students, interaction of the involved students and use of technology. According the National Center for Educational Statistics, Universities and other higher institution offering has been on the rise (Carroll and Burke, 2011). Since 1990s education institutions have been taking advantage of development in use of internet and technology to supply their students with course materials in traditional face to face mode of learning as well as online course s. Students are also embracing the use of technology (Carroll and Burke, 2011). In the initial stages of online education involved only the course materials but this has changed over time and therefore the need for effective online education programmes. Recognizing the basic skills and competencies required for the faculty designers to develop online courses, including best practices and distinguishing features, could help to improve the quality of such courses. The online education practices ranging from use of technology, competence of the lectures, course materials and communication tools affects the outcome of the courses in different ways (Lee, Dickerson and Winslow, 2012). Instructional design theory will help in development of online education programmes that satisfy the needs of the students with references to psychological principles for student focused education system by American Psychological Association (APA). The competence of the tutors and course designers as well as best practices will ensure that the online education programmes meet the needs of the students as well as job market. Growth and development of online courses Uptake of online courses has been on increase since 1990s due to development of information and communication technology which is integrated with online application to ensure effective delivery of quality learning material and interaction of the lectures and concern student as well as other student across different geographical location. The teachers and the students through electronic media which in some cases is real time rather that meeting in conventional classrooms (Suarez-Brown at el, 2012). The online courses are flexible and accessible across the globe but they are faced with several challenges since the students interacts with the lectures in delivering the course content, delivering the tests and assignment, evaluation of students personal attributes and communication skills. Online courses allow the students to stu dy while still on employment or internship which is a requirement for most courses thus providing a excellent opportunity for the students and the lecturers. The increase in the number of higher learning institutions offering online courses can be associated with its flexibility and accessibility, high success rate of online student compared to conventional classroom students and extensive marketing of online course to different

Friday, August 23, 2019

PART 2 Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

PART 2 - Term Paper Example The law and the doctor’s code of ethics as well lays out the right of patients’ to confidentiality of their medical information or records. Breach of this confidentiality is punishable by law. If a hospital is proved to have made public such private information or voluntarily enabled third parties to access such information, its image can be damaged completely. Since health care is a very sensitive issue to individuals seeking treatment and they require their information to be treated with utmost confidentiality, it is very difficult for them to seek treatment to an institution where they are not certain of confidentiality. Therefore, a health organization can lose mush of its clients. This is also accompanied by financial losses as people will seek medical care elsewhere. Health organizations that operate through financial support from donors and well-wishers can lose this support if proved to be negligent of the right of patients in terms of confidentiality of the med ical records. On the other hand, breach of private medical information can also have adverse effects on the part of the patients. Some information is very sensitive and if it falls into the wrong hands, patients can be emotionally affected. For instance, disclosure of a patient’s HIV/AIDS status can lead to discrimination and stigmatization. There are a lot of negative effects that are associated with discrimination such as stress, or mental torture. Some people have even been reported to commit suicide as a result of discrimination and stigmatization. Disclosure of such information can also affect the social life of an individual as s/he may feel embarrassed if some private information falls way into the public. If private medical information of an individual falls into the hands of employers, some people may lose their job based on the severity of their medical problem. Some medical conditions have been proved to affect productivity of individuals in the workplaces as they may skip some days or take breaks from work to seek medical care. Therefore, an employer may terminate employment if such information falls into his/her hands. In addition, this may also directly affect other family members as they may also be discriminated against. For instance, a wife may be stigmatized or discriminated against if her husband’s HIV status is known by the public. In some parts of the world, certain medical conditions are regarded as a taboo and punishment from God hence may lead to discrimination (Cordess, 2001). In a nutshell, breach of patient’s medical records or information may have negative effects to the health care provider, patient, as well as other family members. References Banker, E. A. (2006). Institutional Review Board: Management and Function. New York, USA: Jones and Bartlett Learning. Cordess, C. (2001). Confidentiality and Mental Health. New York, USA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Assignment 2 Potential causes of breach of confidentia lity and assessment Confidentiality of patients’ medical records has been a sensitive issue over the recent past. As evidenced in many sources, there have been a lot of cases involving patients complaining of breach of confidentiality in terms of their medical records. In fact, many health care providers have in the past been sued and found guilty. This paper describes the possible causes of breach

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Apple Marketing Strategy Essay Example for Free

Apple Marketing Strategy Essay 1. Apple Marketing StrategyApple has been so successful in these last years thanks to his fresh, imaginative way to think and do its business: awinning combination of exceptional products, great style and design, great strategy, innovative marketing, sleekand enticing communications.Apple owes its overwhelming success in the last years to the iPhone and to the smart iPod and iTunes productcombination, a combination of a great hardware piece with great style, great software, great performance, userfriendly interface, with a good e-business service. The iPod + iTunes halo effect and new great Mac computers andMac OS software did the rest in increasing Apple revenue stream. In the 5 years between 2003 to 2008 the Apple share value increased 25 times, from $7.5 to $180 per share. At july2008 prices, before the US Financial Crisis, Apple stock market capitalization was $160 billion.In January 2010 Apple shares topped the $210 mark.But even the best companies with the best products have bottleneck factors which often avoid full exploitation ofthe opportunities.The iPod.Few people are aware and few market analysts too that for the first 3 years the iPod was an absolute flop. TheiPod was launched in october 2001, and between 2001 and 2004 iPod sales were between 100-200 thousand unitsper quarter, very far from todays 10-20 million units per quarter, and the iPod sales were not even covering theproduct research development costs. Then, in June-Aug 2004 something happened, and iPod sales began to grow strongly, quarter after quarter. Today,we all know where the iPod stands, and what a remarkable success it is.The iPod made the fortune of Apple, and it stands out as the major turning point in the company growth.Few people know that the iPod + iTunes business idea was not conceived inside Apple, but was proposed to Appleby an outside source, a music lover and Engineer named Tony Fadell.More on Tony Fadell and on the iPod marketing on iPod Marketing StrategyThe iPod marks another outstanding result in marketing:the annihilation of competitors. To know more see the analysis onThe iPod competitorsIt should be noted that, since the second generation of iPods in 2002, the iPods were made compatible not only withthe Mac operating systems but with Microsoft Windows operating systems as well.We should ask ourselves (and to Steve Jobs): how many iPods would have been sold if the iPods would had beencompatible only with Mac operating systems?Where the iPod is manufactured and assembledThe iPhone. The pipeline of new products which came out from Apple in the last years is impressive, and overwhelming. In 2007,with the successful launch of the iPhone, Apple has marked another milestone in its development and growth.And moreover, the iPhone enters a market the market of mobile phones a market which is mature, and saturated.Nonetheless, Apple has been able to develop a revolutionary product, and to change the paradigm in the mobile 2. Phone market.The iPhone is 5 years ahead of all its competitors. A wonderful product, amazing user interface, great design. It isnot only a mobile phone, it is a product between a mobile phone and a laptop computer. Even calling it asmartphone is not enough.In July 2008 Apple launched the second generation iPhone, the iPhone 3G.The iPhone 3GS.In June 2009 Apple launched its third generation iPhone: the iPhone 3GS.The iPhone 3GS has a 3 megapixel autofocus camera, video recording and editing capabilities, voice control, longerbattery life, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA internet connection. iPhone 3GS is twice faster than the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3GSprices: $199 for the 16GB model, $299 for the 32GB model.more on the new iPhone 3GS on the iPhone 3GS page.More on iPhone Marketing on the iPhone Marketing Strategy page.Apple did great. no doubt. However Apple has done some serious mistakes.The most serious mistakes Apple has done concern marketing and distribution strategies in Europe.Apple has overlooked the European markets, and missing big numbers in unexploited sales. With better marketingstrategy, better communication and distribution, Apple could have made 300% more revenues in Europe in the last 4years. Apple Marketing in EuropeWe met with with Erik Stannow, Apple Vice President of Marketing for Europe EMEA. We have been talking withErik Stannow about the marketing and distribution issues of Apple in the European markets and we gave somevaluable suggestions to improve the Apple marketing strategy and distribution in Europe.Well, it seems that in Cupertino they dont care so much about Europe.Steve JobsIf we talk about Apple success, about Apple great products, we need to talk about Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs has beenand is the great mind behind all this.Steve Jobs is a genius, he is a magician, too. He is the most skilled guy in introducing new products one morething the most skilled in presenting the key features, and he is a great communicator. Even more important, Steve Jobs has Vision. Vision in the strategy, Vision in the product development, Vision in thealliances.Apple Communication Strategy.Apple communication is sober, intriguing, simple, clear, minimalist and clever. And it has a style of its own. Both inthe tv ads, both in print ads, both in the online communications. A lesson to be learned by many companies in theworld. Well, of course when you have great products it is much easier to entice the costumers, but neverthelessdoing it with style and cleverness is a very good point. It boosts sales, but enhances the brand value too.The famous I am a Mac, I am a PC tv ads are a milestone in communications. Smart, simple, effective andhumiliating (for Microsoft ).More on Apple Communications and on the Apple Commercials I am a Mac I am a PC on the AppleCommunication Strategy page.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Impact of ICT on Country Development

Impact of ICT on Country Development Executive Summary In this presentation we give advice to the Government of Malambia, a least developed country with a GDP per capita of US$480 and whose population of 39 million people majority of whom live in the rural areas. In the capital city, a monopoly network of fixed telephones under the direct control of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, has reached only 9% out of over 5 million. The rural areas have a teledensity of 0.25%. This advice includes how the country, which has recently discovered a huge source of oil in an undeveloped location 100 kilometres from the capital to a prosperous ICT driven country. This advice is laid out in National strategy for communications development in a chronological order beginning with justification to break monopoly and need for competition policy in Malambia. It shows the legal requirements and explains the privatised commercial environment. In the next chapter the proposed establishment of a national regulatory authority is discussed showing: types of regulatory bodies, the role of regulatory authority which will include among others; monitoring use of frequency spectrum, approval of communication equipment, Management frequency spectrum, protection of consumers, licensing and pricing of telecommunications operators, managing Internet protocol addresses and number portability and Universal access, frequency planning and policy, and Interconnectivity, Under the same chapter we discuss possible structure regulatory body, the needed rules and regulation, the Legal, requirements for the regulatory authority, its independence and structure of the regulatory authority. In the next chapter we examine rolling-out ICT coverage in Malambia and we look at, Internet service provision, Connectivity of broadband, Introduction of VOIP services, Oil and its impact on ICT development and strategies for ICT expansion strategies. In the next chapter we propose radical proposals for network interconnectivity with emphasis on; general agreements on interconnectivity, requirements for smooth interconnectivity, interconnection services, handling interconnectivity disputes and interconnection billing and charges In the next chapter, we examine the likely impact of new ICT services for a rapid economic growth in terms of new technologies, new services in transformation of socio-economy, converged ICT services and give examples. Finally we make recommendations which we believe will be useful and urge policy makers in Malambia to examine them and apply them. Preamble At the end of 2009, over 145 Regulatory Bodies were identified as being in place worldwide but Malambia currently doesnt have one. The Telecommunications industry in Malambia is still in monopolistic environment with the incumbent only telecommunication network offering fixed telephone services under the control of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. Luckily for the people of Malambia a huge source of oil was discovered recently in an undeveloped location 100 kilometres from the capital. One expert estimates this oil to produce revenue by 2015. The discussion in this paper is advice to the government of Malambia on how the country can transform itself from its current lowly developmental status with emphasis on telecommunications in its many forms. Specifically the paper will discuss the following: A national strategy for communications development A description of the proposed regulatory structure Suggestions as to how the coverage level of the population can achieve 65% by 2015 Radical proposals on network interconnection New services that will assist with transforming the countries economy It is suggested that the government and people of Malambia give the proposed changes support through the legislature and the different processes to achieve the transformation in telecommunications that will give the country the impetus to economic and social progress in the modern era of communications. National Strategy For Communications Development The Need To Break Monopoly The liberalisation is the opening of a monopolistic market to competitive provision of facilities and services removal of legal constraints which prevent communication service providers from entering markets and providing competitive services. Market liberalisation seeks to remove administrative and regulatory encumbrances that are related to business start-up, operation, trade, payment of taxes, closure and capital flows and profit repatriation by reducing the time and cost associated with various government and other requirements (Canto 2010: 1). Malambia needs to liberalise the telecommunications sector to make change to previous legal restrictions in telecommunications policy and come up with a new Communication laws, the creation of a Communication Regulatory Authority, the streamlining of national policy to international standards, and the preparation of policy for investment and business control. In most World Trade Organisation (WTO) member countries, liberalisation has come to mean the opening of a monopolistic market to competitive provision of facilities and services, whether the former monopoly operator is a state enterprise or a private enterprise (World Bank, 2006). Justification For A Competition Policy In Malambia A monopoly granted either to an individual or to a trading company has the same effect as a secret in trade or manufactures. The monopolists, by keeping the market constantly under-stocked, by never fully supplying the effectual demand, sell their commodities much above the natural price, and raise their emoluments, whether they consist in wages or profit, greatly above their natural rate. (Smith 1776) ICT reforms in Malambia should geared towards breaking the monopolistic government owned telecommunications company and allow many operators to compete for service delivery. Competition helps the country in many ways such as; competitive prices as consumers can choose the company of their choice, introduction of different products and services and innovations. As competition among service providers increases more customers are brought into the business bracket and therefore the government gets more taxes which are used to develop other sectors of the economy. With prospects for oil revenues many international telecommunications companies will come to Malambia only if the telecommunications environment is liberalised. Legal Requirements In short, competition policy in Malambia will encourage efficiency, optimum allocation of resources and technical advancement but this will need to be secured by law. First, the single most important factor to successful privatisation or liberalisation is clear government goals for the telecom sector and the adoption of policies to achieve those goals. Second, one critical issue for successful liberalisation is an open and transparent regulation. The WTO agreement requires that the regulator be independent of state operator, as this allows accountability, transparency and equity (Canto 2010: 5). Malambian government will therefore need to prepare an anti-monopoly Bill that will be discussed and forwarded to the Parliament to be signed as an act of Parliament and then by the president into law. Modern competition law has historically evolved on a country level to promote and maintain competition in markets principally within the territorial boundaries of nation-states. National competition law usually does not cover activity beyond territorial borders unless it has significant effects at nation-state level (Martyn 2006: 1).When protected by law most international companies feel secure to invest in a country and Malambia will not be exceptional. The Privatised Commercial Environment An environment in which it is possible to establish a company with a number of shareholders under a legal name and trade mark is referred to as a commercial environment. Privatisation is the transfer of assets or service delivery from the Government agencies to individuals or groups of individuals. The transfer be exclusive to the operation, management or total ownership of formerly government owned entities. Privatisation of Malambia ICT services will bring about numerous benefits such as better and diversified products and services, cheaper services as there will not be price fixing, innovations in products and service delivery in order for companies to get or retain clients, wider coverage as competing firms search for clients and of course more revenues to the government in terms of taxes. A privatised environment calls for private investors to invest their capital in companies as companies need to use the capital to upgrade their hardware, invest in new technologies and acquire the essentials for the companies to because there are no government subsidies to use. Private investors want to make sure there will be returns on their investments and will make sure there is fair-play, a level playing field and security for their investments. Fair-play among the different operators is ensured by a regulatory body that monitors and evaluates how the operators follow and abide by the rules, regulations and laws in place. Proposed Establishment Of Malambia Regulatory Authority In order to enforce the application and use of the communication laws, rules and regulations in the liberalised market, attract regional and international investors and protect consumers from cartels and overpricing through collusion in ICT sector in Malambia, there is need to set up an Independent Communications Regulatory Authority to ensure a smooth transition from a single government operator to multi-operators in the ICT sector. Malambia should use the regulatory body to: create and deliver fair, accessible, faster and modern service to consumers; allow access to a wide range of communications services; attract regional/international investors; put in place reasonable prices and quality of communication services; protect consumers from high tariffs; allow smooth coexistence of different operators; ensure the independence for policy-makers and operators. Types Of Regulatory Bodies There are different types of regulatory bodies: a single-sector regulator, a converged institutional design, a multi-sector regulatory authority likes the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) and a non specific telecommunications regulatory authority (ICT regulation toolkit 2010): It is recommended that converged institutional design which refers to regulatory bodies that oversee a range of services which include telecommunications, information and communications technologies and broadcasting, will be best suitable for Malambia considering the fact that it will be changing from a one operator monopoly type of market, bearing in mind the availability of resources especially human resources. The Role Of Regulatory Authority In Malambia In discussing the role of the regulatory body in Malambia emphasis is placed on its role in the privatised and liberalised telecommunication sector. Other sector may be considered by the policy makers. The regulatory body should have the following policy principles: a. Always make consultations with all stakeholders and evaluate the possible impact of their action prior to imposing regulations actors in the sectors. b. Make research on markets always and remain abreast with technological understanding. c. Avoid intervention, but do so promptly, effectively and firmly when required. d. Ensure interventions that are proportionate, consistent, transparent, accountable and which is based on evidence when investigating and implementing the resolutions. e. Where specific statutory duty to work calls for it, Intervene for a public policy and goal which cannot be achieved by markets. f. With stated policy objectives, regulate and articulate publicly discussed annual plan. g. In regulatory matters, seek less intrusion to attain its stated policy objectives. Monitoring Use Of Frequency Spectrum This refers to the support and supervision of the operation of communication networks and stations according to the legislation. This will allow economical and sustainable provision of communication services to their customers by identifying transmitter, monitor compliance with regulations and whether the transmission meet the specified technical requirements. This will prevent unlicensed and defective transmitters from interfering with legally permitted transmitters. Approval Of Communication Equipment The Regulatory Authority ensures that all communication equipment entering the country conform to acceptable national, regional and international standards to ensure the quality and safety of users. It will the ensure quality of services provided by operators, safety and compatibility among the different users. In this regard the regulatory authority will ensure that the quality Malambians is above reproach and is acceptable. Management Frequency Spectrum There is need to set up a clear policy on frequency spectrum management to ensure a rational, efficient and economic use of frequencies. This should be by virtue of existing legal and regulatory framework that governs ICT in the country and applied by the Regulatory Authority. The frequency spectrum may cover three sections which are frequency assignment, frequency spectrum monitoring and frequency spectrum enforcement. Protection Of Consumers Communication licenses include conditions that protect the consumers such as billing practices, dispute resolution, consumer complaint mechanisms, price regulation, emergency services, and mandatory services to consumers and limitations of liability for service defaults. The Regulatory Authority should make and publicise a code of conduct for service providers showing the required behaviour, duties and responsibilities in ICT sector. Consumers should be protected from excessive prices, poor service delivery and unreliable service provision such as poor lines or intermittent telephone lines. Licensing And Pricing Of Telecommunications Operators The legal framework should empower the Regulatory Authority to receive and process applications for communication licenses, monitor the pricing, arbitrate disputes and interconnectivity between the different communications providers, if requirements are met. Operators licenses are normally issued through open tender to allow equal opportunities to the bidders and get the best offers from operators in the communication service providers. Internet Protocol Addresses And Number Portability Regulatory Authorities are responsible for developing national numbering plans in conformity with international standards bearing in mind the need to synchronise with regional and international norms. Regulatory Authority in Malambia shall set these numbers in tandem with the recommendations of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), telephone numbering plan and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The Regulator will put in place the numbering system bearing mind the international standards and regional norms. The Regulator will also set requirements and registrars which must be met an entity to be licensed for IP address. Universal Access Universal accessrefers to the ability of all people to have equal opportunity and access to a service or product from which they can benefit, regardless of their social class, ethnicity, ancestry or physical disabilities. There should be a clause in each operators license obliging them not to discriminate certain areas because they are remote, poor or inaccessible and the regulator should monitor their implementation by ensure ICT services are spread according to the universal access principles in order to connect remote area so that each all people of can be provided with the benefits. The Regulatory Authority should also manage the Universal Access Funds and collect revenue from various sources, which targeted subsidies to implement universal programs. These funds shall be administered independently. Frequency Planning And Policy Regulatory Authority for an efficient development of implementation policies and plans relating to should plan and put in place policies for the spectrum utilisation. It is possible to use frequencies generate incomes and jobs with proper planning and management. Proposal Of Regulatory Structure In Malambia A regulatory Authority should be established in Malambia to ensure that ICT sector is regulated and that consumers are protected from unfair and get the service they pay for. There needs to be in place an affective Regulatory Authority to ensure credibility to ensure continued entry into the market and compliance with and enforcement of existing regulations. The authority shall issue Individual licenses delivery, monitor compliance to the rules and regulations, avoid cartels and anticompetitive tendencies on part of providers, ensure quality of service and ensure users are not cheated through high charges above the market prices. Putting In Rules And Regulation As indicated in the preamble, the current single fixed-line provider in Malambia is a government Institution under the ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. The current law cannot serve the commercial environment envisaged in the country. There is need to change the law and consequently, a regulatory authority and its independence. This calls for the following: making new policies and regulations that regulate network operation, frequency, numbers, IP addresses, liaise with regional and international organisations and manage disputes. Legal Framework Countries develop and adopt different laws and legal system depending on the local situations and the interests of those that make laws; the development of the Malambia regulatory framework, rules, laws, and regulations that identify contractual obligations and property rights of government and stakeholders must be developed basing on the local conditions while adopting best international norms and values. Requirements For The Regulatory Authority The Regulatory Authority in Malambia should incorporate International standards used and applied throughout the world. This will require the Regulatory Authority should ensure its independence, predictability, transparency, accountability, and capacity. Independence Of The Regulatory Authority The Regulatory Authority should be separate and independent in operation and strategic terms from the government agencies and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications so that it can carry out its duties without undue influence from the government control. This will give operators and the public confidence in the neutrality of its decisions and will attract investors. Structure Of The Regulatory Authority Under the supervision of the Director General, the Regulatory body should have the department shown below:   Spectrum and International Department   Legal Affairs   Licensing E-Commerce   Technology Development Department   Regulatory Affairs   Finance   Support Services   Corporate Communications Rolling-Out Ict Coverage This chapter examines the possibility of widen the coverage of ICT throughout Malambia. It is expected that with increased revenue from the discovered oil more investment opportunities will attract even more investors. But with or without oil the country should start planning for the rollout through private investments. There is no doubt that ICT development is an engine in increasing the awareness of nationals and their role in development, education sector and competitiveness. The growth in the use of ICT in society should benefit the country in many forms; commerce and banking through e-banking and e-commerce, faster and cheap communication, through e-education, e-health and telemedicine. Internet Service Provision The role of the Internet in increasing the efficiency of economies in different countries as well as fastening and easing communication and thereby raising countries economies and consequently GDP cannot be overemphasised. Internet provision as a solution in developing and reaching undeveloped or underdeveloped areas has been successful in many poor countries including while increasing revenues both at national and individual levels among the population and Malambia should be no exception. Issuing licences to multi-operator Internet Services Providers (ISP) in Malambia will reduce the price of connectivity while promoting competition among players. Connectivity Of Broadband Leased line prices are high in many developing countries which operate under monopolistic single provider marketplaces. The Internet broadband connectivity and wireless mobile telephone reduce the cost of communication. The aim should be to increase Internet penetration, promote investment in wireless connectivity, and urge landline operators to deliver reliable services through leased lines and improve the quality of overall services provided. Introduction Of VoIP Services The Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) greatly reduces the cost of telephone calls and many operators around the world are using this to carry their international traffics. The Regulatory Authority will decide whether to licence this medium of communication bearing in mind the views of telephone operators as the use of VoIP may impact their profitability. The Regulator shall then decide how the two media can coexist and whether will be forfeited at the expense of the other. The decision of the Regulator should be independent from any external influence whether government or otherwise. Oil And Its Impact On Ict Development According to an expert from Texas, in the USA, the discovered oil reserves in Malambia, ‘will produce revenues by 2015†. Bearing in mind that the current Malambian GDP per capita is US$480, there is possibility that peoples incomes will rise while the government revenues will increase multi-fold. This will avail the resources needed resources to put in place the necessary infrastructure while increasing peoples disposable incomes through job creation and other horizontal synergies related to the oil industry and therefore their ability to demand and pay for services. Oil has many products such as: aviation fuels, petrol, kerosene, diesel, LPG, lubricating oils and bitumen. All these products will be used for different purpose to enhance the living standards, purchasing power, and lifestyle of Malambians hence the need to for improved quality of service in ICT. With a population 39 million whose incomes and the standard of living are improved the purchasing power will be a magnet to international investors in the ICT sector. Ict Expansion Strategies The expansion of ICT services in a liberalised economy is the responsibility of service providers, who according to the terms of licences they bided for, follow the clause stipulating spreading their services to cover the entire nation without overlooking areas because of the geography, remoteness or development. The Regulatory Authority will ensure that those terms are followed and no areas of the country are excluded. This will ensure that Malambians of all walks can access the ICT services. To attain the expansion of ICT coverage in Malambia there will be need for train of people to help others in the use of the different ICT applications. For example groups of people should be trained to help the majority of Malambians who cannot access and use the internet in â€Å"Internet Cafes†. Universal access, for instance using the Universal Access Fund, should be used to fund and make improvements in service delivery in Malambia particularly areas that are under serviced or people are illiterate to train peers who will in turn train others. Radical Proposals For Network Interconnectivity Introduction The Regulatory Authority in Malambia will define the rules of interconnection and also establish the rules by which the former monopolist interacts with the other new operators. Where there is fair-play Malambia will attract investors. The Regulator must allow the new ICT Operators to recover their investments through a pre-determined exclusive period. General Agreements On Interconnectivity The agreement is be based on what type of service is provided by providers namely fixed to fixed phone network, mobile to mobile phone network, fixed to mobile phone network, mobile to fixed phone network, and ISP to mobile or fixed phone network. It is possible for two or more networks to exchange traffic and inputs in legally referred to as interconnectivity and this should be facilitated by law. The Regulatory Authority put in place principles of connectivity and makes them known. Agreement among operators regarding interconnectivity should be forwarded to Regulatory Authority together with interconnection fees. The Regulator will then monitor the implementation, competition and intervene when necessary. Interconnection is non-discriminatory and an operator should not enter into agreement with another operator for interconnection fees different from the ones published by the regulatory authority. Whereas monitoring domestic interconnectivity within the country is easy and beneficial to the service providers, the regulatory body should find modalities for easing international interconnectivity between Malambia and other countries networks for the Malambians who call or receive international calls. This may be achieved by reaching agreements and understandings with regulatory bodies of other countries or using the WTO regulations. Requirements For Smooth Interconnectivity Connectivity is based on the principles transparency and non-discrimination; Agreement on interconnectivity should involve willing parties; The acceptable standard of quality of networks should be agreed on; Adequate capacity for interconnectivity should be provided by operators; The cost of interconnectivity should be agreed on prior to interconnecting; Technical matters and international standards on interconnectivity between Network providers should be agreed on; Dispute between and among interconnected parties should be resolved by Regulator. Interconnection Services National and International Call Termination; also known as voice termination, refers to the handing off or routing of telephone calls from one telephone company, also known as a carrier or provider, to another. The terminating point is the called party or end point. The originating point is the calling party who initiates the call. National and International Call Transit/ Roaming; Indirect Access Services; Refers to the access that a subscriber whose service is directly connected to the network of one carrier may have to the services provided by another carrier or service provider (Ovum 2003) Source : Byung W. Kim, Chang Y. Choo, Seong H. Seol (n. d.) Economic Effects of Indirect Access Regime in the Mobile Telecommunicaion Market [online] available from [1 April 2010] Other services the Regulatory Authority must take care in interconnectivity are: Physical Interconnection; Access to the Information on the Operator and Directory Enquiries; Access to Emergency Services; Additional services (Premium Rate and Free Phone services); Co-location. Handling Interconnectivity Disputes The Regulatory Authority should resolve disputes among operators through negotiations and application of the standards and laws. There should be room for negotiations before cases are taken to the Regulatory Authority. Operators should not abuse consumer rights and the Regulator should apply the law where it occurs. Parties that are not happy with resolutions of the Regulatory body may appeal to the courts of law. Interconnection Billing And Charges Interconnectivity bills and charges may be done several ways such as: Parties can make their own reconciliation, Bills may be exchanged within an agreed period of time at the end of a billing period ; Exchanging invoices after reconciliation; Interconnectivity agreements should indicate the currency of payment whether local currency or international; Payment agreements should stipulate the payment after receipt of invoices. It common practice that providers pay a certain amount amongst themselves for calls. Impact Of New Ict Services For A Rapid Economic Growth Introduction When innovative technologies, ICT services and improved technologies are initiated in Malambia, the national economy will be enhanced. Synergies will be created with these technologies and services which will improve the socio-economic wellbeing of Malambians. This is likely to improve the living standards, health, commerce, fiscal state of the government and investment climate in the country. New Technologies With new technology in the countrys communication networks living conditions will be improved. Some of those technologies are listed as following: a. Multimedia applications such as WiMAX will be introduce in Malambia and their use will impact the different spheres of Malambians. b. Improvement of ICTs in Malambia will lead to provision high speed and quality, the multimedia audio and video and information streaming through technologies like WiBRO. c. Subscription to Pay per view Television (PTV) whether analogue or digital cable and satellite based TV services and digital terrestrial methods will ease access to information. Other modern technologies, which may bring rapid development and transformation, in Malambia, are: NGNs, W-CDMA, ADSL, GSM 1900, HC-SDMA, UMTS, CDMA, EV-DO and many others. New Services In Transformation Of Socio-Economy In Malambia The ICTs reforms in Malambia should be the socio-economic development and transformation. There is relationship between access to telecommunication and per capita GDP. With better communication Malambians will trade and get informed. All ICT services in Malambia will transform the socio-economic transformation of the people while giving confidence to international investors. This makes it imperative to the reform of ICTs in the country. Underdeveloped as the country is, Malambia needs to introduce different services to better its economy. Where such services have been introduced sustainable development been realised. The services that should be the acquisitions of Internet domains and sites, ICT Research and technological development, development and design in semiconductor, e-democracy, e-learning, e-government, telemedicine, e-procurement, e-commerce, video conferencing. There are many benefits to the people of Rwanlawi from the use mobile phones technology such as: Business will increase and become cheaper with the use mobile phones and use of SMS to make orders for products and service as sellers and buyers will be in touch at any time of the day. It will be important in Telemedicine, the Doctors can check on the status of the patients where they m

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Tourism PESTEL Analysis | Canary Islands

Tourism PESTEL Analysis | Canary Islands PESTEL PESTEL as acronym stands for political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors, which influence the processes within a n organization. It is an analysis, which concentrate on the environmental factors that influence the operational firm. Therefore, it is a mandatory and helping tool for managers to have better insights about the threats and opportunities and understand its majority that exist in a running business, which are affected by such factors. This analysis thus, provides a greater vision for managers for current and future purposes to compete on the market completely and effectively. The understanding of the environment that influences the business is crucial to have an overview and control of the organization to manage the plans with environmental effects. The firm, which does neglect the forces of environmental changes, hardly succeeds and survives the competition. The right apprehension of Pestel also provides a great strategy to managers about th e existing external forces that affecting the business environment. (P)olitical factors The political environment that exists in a nation can have tremendous impacts on the execution of a business including the lodging business. Governmental issues influence the day-by-day lives of numerous subjects all over the Canary Islands and companies it is a must to develop ways to adjust to the political circumstances in the nation. The political methodology received by a nation influences the quantity of nearby guests and their capacity to go around the nation. The hotel industry of Canary Islands is highly dependent on the local and international visitors. Year by year, the Canary Islands has been captivates a great amount of tourist from abroad. Canary Islands are Autonomous groups of Spain with a membership as well in the European Union. In the Council Decision of 20 June 2002 (2002/546/EC), taken on the basis of Article 299(2) of the EC Treaty, the Kingdom of Spain was authorised from 1 January 2002 until 31 December 2011 to exempt or reduce partially from the AIEM tax (Arbitrio sobre las Importaciones y Entregas de Mercancias en las islas Canarias) some products produced locally in the Canary Islands. The AIEM tax is generally imposed on products imported into or obtained in the Canary Islands. In the annex to the Council Decision is the list of products to which the above mentioned special measure applies. The difference in taxation between goods taxed on a regular basis and those to which is applied an exemption or partial reduction cannot be higher then 5%, 15% or 25% depending on the product. In the Council Decision of 20 June 2002 the reasons underlying the adoption of the special arrangements were presented. The main sources of the problems faced by the Canary Islands are isolation and fragmentation of the market. This causes various difficulties mainly connected with higher production costs (transport, energy, supplies of raw materials, treatment of waste, etc). It also contributes to the low diversification of the economy which is weaker and more susceptible to negative changes than European and global markets. In other words the special measures were introduced to counter disadvantages faced by the Canary Islands and thereby allowing the economy of the Islands to develop. They were especially targeted at strengthening domestic industry by increasing its competitive position, which is disadvantaged because of the location, structure and size of the market. Also, they are unable to benefit from globalisation. The AIEM aims at reducing those disadvantages of the market of the Canary Islands. Data provided by the Spanish Government shows that positive effects were observed after the special measures were introduced, however the problems underlying the special tax scheme continue to exist. Therefore continuation of special measures is justified. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:777c256b-adfe-11e3-86f9-01aa75ed71a1.0002.01/DOC_1format=PDF (E)conomic factors The second factor, which influences the working process and the accomplishment of Hotel Costa Calero is the economic ones. GDP growth forecast for 2015 and 2016 to 3.3% and 3.0% respectively. Overall, the greater economic dynamism encourages the creation of more than 60 000 jobs in the biennium 2015- 2016. the consolidation of the price of a barrel of oil at relatively low levels compared to the average of 2014 can be a significant boost to the Islands economy in 2015 and 2016 the European Central Bank surprised with a policy of quantitative expansion of higher volume than expected, and has left open the date of termination of the program. These actions will promote a reduction in financing costs to the private sector, especially in economies such as Spanish where fragmentation of the European financial system resulted in higher interest rates for households and firms in other eurozone countries. This will support growth in new credit operations and enhance the good performance of domestic demand. Depreciation of the euro against the dollar, that will put the exchange rate around $ 1.1 / â‚ ¬ 2015 on average BBVA Research estimates suggest that this depreciation of the euro 20% of its value in 2014 could boost the 0.8 pp Islands economy in 2015, the result of improved export competitiveness Canary faces several challenges, most notably an unemployment rate still above 30%. Return the regional appeal, increase the participation rate of young people and, above all, of those over 54 (see Box 3) and accelerate job creation consistent with increases in productivity must be considered a primary goal for the sake of reverse the divergence of per capita income about major European regions. On the revenue side, the approved budget reflects an increase in non-interest income of 3.5% compared to the initial forecasts of 2014, driven by increased resources Economic and Fiscal Regime of the Canary Islands (REF), which will be helped by the recovery in consumption and changes policy of the Tax on imports and delivery of goods in the Canary Islands (AIEM). The tourism sector is the main engine of the Islands economy (around 30% of GDP ) and, during the last five years, 2014 closed again, posting record figures in the number of visitors. Indeed, the Canaries received 11.4 million foreign tourists, up 8% from the previous year. By country, the UK (4 million) and Germany (2.7 million), remain the main source markets. Moreover, total tourist spending in the region also set a record with more than 14,200 million euros. This represents an increase of 7.1% %, the fall in the average stay (-0.3 days) it is primarily responsible for this development. Also, other factors help explain this phenomenon. Although geographically, the fall of stay has been widespread among the major source markets, this decline has been most pronounced among travelers aged between 45 and 64 years and tourists with high income levels, which added a decrease in daily spending, https://www.bbvaresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Situacion_Canarias_Abr15_Cap31.pdf (S)ocial Factors Canary Islands have a population of 2.104.815 wherefrom Lanzarote dispose of 141.940 inhabitants. Major percentage of this population is from Spaniard origin (109.178 in Lanzarote) and the rest of includes of German, Italian, Romanian, Moroccan, English, Columbian and from Chinese origin (These major nationalities from the population of Lanzarote are noted in the paper by their number of beyond one thousand from the residential nationality origin in 2014 (datosdelanzarote.com, 2014)). http://www.datosdelanzarote.com/itemDetalles.asp?idFamilia=9idItem=6531 This means, that Lanzarote is a culturally multiple island due to its historically and up to present migration into the island/s. The age structure in the Canarias is as follows; the age group from the total population under 16 is 22.2%, in Lanzarote is 27.3%, the working force from age 16 and under 65 is 56.9 in the Canary islands and 63.1% in Lanzarote from the citizens and finally people of age above 65 is 20.9% in the Canarias and 9.6% in Lanzarote (ine.es, 2014 and datosdelanzarote.com, 2014). http://www.ine.es/jaxiT3/Datos.htm?t=2853 http://www.datosdelanzarote.com/itemDetalles.asp?idFamilia=6idItem=6648 Education in the Canary Islands is compulsory for children below the age of 16 (gobiernodecanarias.org, 2010), which is a free for this aged population. Primary education is compulsory, however the rate of school leavers is 35% of the population between age 18 and 24, which might be caused the inefficient share of knowledge, demands of skill obtaining, low levels of standard education, however, according to Social and Political Pact, by 2020-2025 85% of the population would be compulsory to dispose a certificate from intermediate education (ec.europa.eu, 2012). http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/studies/pdf/rup_migratory/canarias/ex_sum_canary_en.pdf http://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/educacion/5/DGOIE/PublicaCE/docsup/Estudiar_en_Canarias_Ingles.pdf (T)echnology Technology is one of the variables that could directly influence the business operations. The use of development in IT helps to maintain a smooth communication and operation in the organization and with customers as well. It largely influences the marketing and promotion of the products, so the say the service. The way of communication is changing to web based techniques. Hotel Costa Calero can be reached through their official website and social media such as Facebook, however their website should develop their channel, because of their discomposing appearance from their disordered outlook. The location of Canary Islands make possible to get around it by plane only. There are eight airports altogether in the Canary Islands and have an extensive network of highways. Numerous airlines established long distance flights to the islands such as its low budget known Ryanair, which is a great opportunity for those visitors who have limited budget for vacations. There are large ferryboats that link islands as well as fast ferries linking most of the islands. The increased use of tablets and smartphones is creating a convergence of e- and m-payments. M-payments are increasing at a rapid pace with non-banks slowly increasing their share of transactions. From 2011-2015, m-payments are expected to grow by 60.8% to 47.0 billion transactions. The mobile payments space is increasingly competitive, with banks and non-banks striving for market dominance and consumer loyalty. The slight slowdown in e-payments growth (from 19.2% in 2012 to 15.4% in 2013, a total of 29.3 billion transactions) has been due to a shift towards m-payments use, driven by increased penetration of smart phones and the internet, advancements in technology, and innovative products and services. Going forward, e-payment transactions are expected to grow in Europe as progress is made on the European Union’s revised Payments Services Directive (PSD II). https://www.worldpaymentsreport.com/The-Convergence-of-E-and-M-Payments The Canary Islands have been able to transfer successfully to their African neighbours their own expertise and technological developments, mainly in the renewable energy and water technology sectors, for providing basic services such as electrification and water supply services to isolated rural communities. The Canary Islands Government is deploying in the region technology parks specialising in adaptive technologies for development. Water treatment:production of 600,000 m3desalinated water per day. The first desalinating plant in Spain was inaugurated in Lanzarote in 1965. Solar energy:more than 2,500 sunlight hours per year, with a radiation of 5-6 KWh/m2per day. Photovoltaic systems operate with the production of more than 1,700 hours. Wind power:constant winds with average speeds of 6 to 8 m/s provide wind farms the equivalent to 3,000-4,000 wind hours. Geothermal energy:there are two projects currently in progress. These renewable energies can be implemented into the hotel industry to Hotel Costa Calero specifically for electricity purposes and to expand and develop it to other firms and association for variant countries. http://www.canaryislandshub.com/en-us/sectors/naturallaboratory.aspx (E)nvironmental factors This factor became important in the last fifteen years because of increasing scarcity of raw material, pollution targets, doing business as an ethical and sustainable company, carbon footprint targets set by government. These are just some of the issues marketers are facing within this sector. More and more consumers are demanding that the products they buy are sources ethically and if possible from a sustainable source. The European Union emphasizes waste management as one of the most important issue of political movement with the elementary factors such as reduction in the volume of waste generated, optimization of recycling, reuse and safe disposal. Waste treatment Waste treatment companies2 , both of urban and non-urban origin, managed 44.9 million tonnes of waste in the year 2012, which is 10.0% more than the previous year. 96.1% of the managed waste corresponded to non-hazardous category, reaching 43.1 million tonnes (10.9% more than in 2011). Conversely, hazardous waste stood at 1.8 million tonnes (8.6% less than in 2011). Of the total waste, 53.6% was sent for recycling, 39.6% for dumping and 6.8% for incineration. In total, 24.1 million tonnes of waste were recycled in 2012, the main categories being Metallic (10.1 million tonnes), Paper and cardboard (4.9 millions) and Animal and plant (2.2 million) waste. In the Canary Islands altogether the population created 44.9 million tonnes of waste in 2012, which is increased compared with the previous year with 10%. 96.1% of the gathered waste complemented to non-hazardous category, which 43.1 million tones from the total. The hazardous waste from the total was 1.8 million tons. From the total waste 53.6 % was processed in recycling mode, 39.6 % was dumped and 6.8% was incinerated. This means, in total 24.1 million tons was recycled in 2012 wherefrom the waste was metallic (10.1 M), paper and cardboard (4.9 M) and animal and plant (2.2 M). (L)egal factor The Canary Islands have extremely transparent fiscal regulations, fully approved by the European Union and Double Treaty Agreements signed by Spain. Recently, several actions have been adopted to combat tax avoidance and offshore tax As an European region, the Canary Islands are subject to the European legal system, and, as an autonomous community of the Kingdom of Spain, all the national regulations are applicable in their territory. The EU legal system has one of the highest standards of international legal security, which results in higher protection for companies based in the Canary Islands in many aspects, including data protection, free competition and financial regulations, evasion by the OECD and the G20 governments. These transparent fiscal regulations , administered by the Economic and Fiscal Regimen of the Canary Islands (REF), benefit companies through legal process cost reductions. Instead of VAT, Canary Islands use IGIC, which is an indirect tax and it makes possible to create and sustain efficient businesses among different countries that dispose with the ease and balance the isolated geographical location of the Canarias. http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/activity/outermost/doc/plan_action_strategique_eu2020_canarias_en.pdf Moreover, currently Costa Calero lacks of the mobile application service, which might be advised to keep up with this technological trend.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Meet The World :: Japan Japanese Culture Cultural Essays

Meet The World Have you stayed in other countries or met the people who have different cultures from yours? Yes, I have. I stayed in England for a year, and I have been living in the U.S for seven months. I went to two different English schools when I was in England. All students were of course from outside of England. Most of them were from Europe which is Spain, Italy and so on. Others were from the Far East like Korea, Thailand and Japan. I even met a few people who are sons of millionaires from East Asia such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan. When I was in Chicago, I met people who were from Korea, China and Mexico. As you know, I met English and American people as well. I also made friends who were from other countries like Argentina, Brazil and all over the world. In addition, I experienced and learned lots of things from their cultures. Some cultures are totally different from my culture. They sometimes made me surprised, and I realize that I will never get accustomed to them. On the other hand, t he other cultures are very important for everyone to understand. To meet many people and to experience different cultures is how my life and my way of thinking have greatly changed. I think you might feel like traveling other countries! First of all, what I felt when I met people was they were very casual when communicating with other people. Their actions seemed to lazy to me though. For example, I saw them in my class in the U.S. Students eat snacks, drink juice, and put their legs on the desk during the class! They go out of a classroom without asking the teacher. It was my first culture shock. In Japan, we have to respect teachers, so we must not drink, eat, or put legs on desks. We do not learn such things. In contrast, we have already known good manners. My second example is, people especially Europeans hug, kiss cheeks and shake hands. When I first went to England, I was a high school student. I was so nervous when I had to hug and kiss men! But I got used to doing that soon. Besides, I noticed that most of Europeans kiss twice to each cheek, but Swiss people kiss three times. To shake hands became a custom among the young Japanese.

Memnoch the Devil by Anne Rice Essay -- Anne Rices Memnoch the Devil

Memnoch the Devil by Anne Rice Killing, kidnapping and battles, all parts of Memnoch the Devil by Anne Rice. The main character, Lestat, is a well-known and flamboyant vampire. In Memnoch the Devil, Lestat is faced with a grim reality, causing his world to collapse around him. He learns throughout this book, about the world, and the divine forces that encircle the world’s existence. This book illustrates how Lestat’s morals, ignorance and understanding are greatly affected by outside forces. In the beginning of the book, Lestat, the quick and cunning vampire referred to as â€Å"the Brat Prince† by his followers stalks a wealthy artifact smuggler. Lestat soon becomes obsessed with his mortal victim, Roger, following him and trying to live his life through Roger’s eyes. Lestat quickly develops a love for Roger, due to Roger's take on life, and his robust actions. Lestat comes to the reality that Roger is sick and evil, through his past was full of murders of family members and mercenary like acts. Even all of this added to the fact that Roger was a smuggler of godly artifacts, Lestat’s love for Roger still lived on. Lestat observes his own actions and concludes that he himself is sick and evil as well, due to his obsessive stalking. Lestat sees his morals are in fact worse than those of Roger, when he brutally slays and mutates his carcass. With this Lestat concludes that he was in fact the sick and evil one, more so than Roger was. Lestat is soon encountered by Roger’s a...

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Thomas Bateman: A Derbyshire Antiquary :: Medieval Archaeology Essays

Thomas Bateman: A Derbyshire Antiquary Thomas Bateman was born in 1821 at Rowsley, in the Derbyshire Peak District. His archaeological career, though relatively brief, is noteworthy both for its abundance, and the fact that his barrow-openings in Derbyshire and Staffordshire provide virtually the only evidence for the early Medieval archaeology of the Peak District and the elusive Peak Dwellers. Thomas's father, William Bateman, was an amateur antiquarian and pursued his pastime in accomplishing the excavation of a number of barrows on the family estate at Middleton. When William Bateman died in 1835 aged only 38, Thomas's upbringing and education were taken in hand by his grandfather. Thomas was educated at the non-conformist academy at Bootle, and from 1837 assisted in running the family estate, while in his spare time exploring the peakland, hunting, shooting, collecting flints and examining the many local ancient monuments. Bateman became a keen student of archaeology and read and was greatly influenced by Sir Richard Colt Hoare's seminal work Ancient Wiltshire. In 1841, Thomas reached his majority and set up his own house in Bakewell. He pursued an illicit affair with Mary Ann Mason, the wife of a boatman on the Cromford Canal, and for a some years they lived together as husband and wife, though they never married. Bateman's archaeological career began by observing the demolition of Bakewell's Medieval church. In 1843, he joined the newly formed British Archaeological Association, set up as a reaction to the influence of the Society of Antiquaries. Bateman attended the Canterbury Archaeological Congress of 1844 with Mary Mason, passing her off as his wife. At about this time, Bateman built his own country house, Lomberdale, at Middleton, where he continued to live with Mary Mason. The house incorporated many of the architectural fragments rescued from Bakewell Church and Bateman set up a museum there to hold his growing archaeological and ethnographic collection. Barrow Digging 1845-1861 Bateman's career as a barrow digger began in the 1840's. While at the 1844 Canterbury Congress he, along with other delegates, excavated a number of barrows in the countryside around Canterbury. In 1845, Bateman excavated 38 barrows in Derbyshire and Staffordshire, and was dubbed the Barrow Knight in a poem by fellow antiquarian Stephen Isaacson. In 1845 and 1846 Bateman toured the north of England with Mary Mason, and carried out excavations in York, where construction of the new railway was levelling a part of the city walls.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Green Case

1. What factors contributed to Andrew Keller starting the biodiesel business? Were you surprised at the reasons he gave for starting the business? Do you think the decision to start the business was wise? Why or why not? There were a number of factors that contributed to Andrew Keller starting the biodiesel business. Keller had always been concerned with the environment. He was interested in coming up with a greener alternative to home heating and fueling. This was a business venture that not many had taken on so Keller felt that it was a good opportunity.There were also some very personal reasons that Keller started this business. Through a phone call one day, Andrew and his wife found out that they would be taking in three children. Keller knew he needed to do something in order to support them and this is why he took on this venture. Yes, some of his reasons he gave for starting the biodiesel business. I figured that his only reason for starting this business was to impact the Ear th in a positive way. It was surprising to read the more personal reasons.I do feel that the decision to start the business was wise. Starting up this business caused him to take a huge risk but sometimes in life you have to do that. If you have a good idea, you need to just go with it because it can turn out to be really successful. 2. Discuss how Andrew Keller is a social entrepreneur. What do you think were his strengths in running the company? What do you see as his main weaknesses? Discuss an action that Andrew undertook that was both good for sustainability and the business.Discuss an action that Andrew undertook that may have been good sustainability but not good for the business. Andrew Keller was not as fortunate financially compared to other entrepreneurs. To many people, the time of the year when Keller started the business may not look very smart but it actually was. Keller’s goal was to test the market and try to get early customers. He learned greatly from this experience. This is known as the soft market entry approach. It gave him the chance to make improvements before the season for home heating began in the Northeast.Due to the fact that most people already have the fueling and heating company that they have made business with for years, it is hard to start up one. Keller was very smart when dealing with customers. In order for him to be successful, Keller needed to educate customers on his product and how it will benefit them. A major strength that helped Andrew with running his company is the relations he had with people. When opening a business, it is almost necessary to you to have connections and Keller definitely did.Another one of Keller’s strength was that he is great marketer. He was really good in finding ways to reach out to his customers. His main weakness has to be that he was more focused on how he was benefitting the environment and the social aspects of it rather than the profit he was making. He neglected the fi nancial side of the business. An action Keller took that was both good for the sustainability and the business was when he started the Congreenience store. It promoted the sustainability for the company, educated more people, and brought much more business.Keller was always focused on doing the right thing for environment which was good for the sustainability but not always good for the business. He wasn’t very much focused on making profit. 3. Do you think that Andrew Keller is well suited to be a successful entrepreneur, why or why not? I do think that Andrew Keller has the potential to be a successful entrepreneur, but he does lack some qualities that are necessary for an entrepreneur to have. He definitely has the knowledge and skill but doesn’t really have the mindset that entrepreneurs should have.One of the main reasons Keller started this business is because he was concerned with the environment but in reality, it is not only about that. Keller should have been more concerned with the profit side. A successful entrepreneur is usually very much focused on becoming successful and making a lot of money and I think that Keller wasn’t really focused on that as much as he should have been. I do not think he is well suited enough to be a successful entrepreneur.He does have certain qualities that are good to have but he needs to be more aggressive with the business and not just the sustainability of the company. 4. What similarities do you think a sustainable business start up shares with a â€Å"normal business† start up? What differences do you think there are? Discuss an example of a business challenge that both Simply Green and a conventional fuel dealer share? Discuss an example of a business challenge that was unique to Simply Green and would not have impacted a conventional fuel dealer from the chapter.A sustainable business and a normal business have many financial similarities. They both start out needing capital. Also, th ey need to come up with a marketing strategy to plan how they are going to educate customers on their product. A business plan is also necessary in order to be successful and make profit. Differences include the fact that a sustainable business focuses on the sustainability of the environment and the company and a normal business does not do that. Unlike a normal business, a sustainable business looks for employees who care about the environment.A challenge that both Simply Green and a conventional fuel dealer share is the licensing and regulatory process of entering the fuel industry. Every fueling and heating company has to be regulated. A challenge that was unique to Simply Green and would not have impacted a conventional fuel dealer from the chapter is that Simply Green was entering a market that is very competitive and most people stay loyal to their fuel dealers for very long. Since Simply Green is a sustainable company, it is much harder for them to attract customers.Simply G reen had to put it more effort when selling their product to customers. 5. Discuss the charitable actions that Simply Green took in regards to customer accounts from failed fuel businesses in a triple bottom line context. Was this a smart business move? Why or why not? Simply Green was known for serving the community and this is a way they built their customer base. Several fueling companies went out of business and Simply Green took it into their hands to service the customers of these companies who are now out of business. They helped people in need.This was definitely a smart move because all those companies’ customers were now Simply Green customers. For their charitable actions, they received an award as well. This made them more popular and brought them more business. 6. Explain how Andrew Keller used low cost public relations to educate potential customers and promote Simply Green. Simply Green used different types of marketing strategies and public relations to educat e potential customers. Their main focus was to do this without spending too much money. They did this by going almost any place to talk to people and promote their product.Andrew Keller said, â€Å"We didn’t care if it was a first graders’ classroom that we were going to, we would go in and talk. † 7. Describe how you might use personal contacts to start a business venture. What would that involve? How would you start? What type of people would be most useful to draw on for information and resources when starting a sustainable business? When starting a business, it is always important to have connections. I would use personal contacts to start a business venture because you may know someone who knows someone and that is how you form connections.When starting a business, you need as much help and information you can get so you need to take advantage of people who you think may be able to provide that information. I would start by listing names of people who I thi nk may have useful information for me. People who have already opened a business and been successful with it would be the most useful. Also, it is important to be willing to talk to anyone. As Andrew describes it, â€Å"it was important not to be afraid to ask people that might know somebody or that might have an in with somebody that might have information we were looking for. †

Friday, August 16, 2019

Healing the World Through Literature Essay

Literature has influenced our lives in many ways. One is the way we perceive the events around us. The media have always been telling and informing the public about wars. Instead of informing us about how we can heal the world, all we hear is whose fault it was as soon as a war breaks out. The question here is: How can literature help to heal the world in terms of war and peace? This is important because there are so many wars in the world and instead of fighting we can use them to help create peace and heal the world. We will then be able look back to the past and think how we can progress for the next time. It will also help us create peace by allowing everyone to understand each other. Thomas Hardy, Anthony Hecht and Muriel Rukeyser are three authors that help show how literature can heal the world. The first poem, Thomas Hardy’s â€Å"The Man He Killed† focuses on the senselessness and futility of war, where a man has killed another quite simply because they were fighting on opposing sides at war. It was written in the point of view of one of the soldiers who was enlisted in the infantry. In the opening stanza he states, â€Å"Had he and I but met by some old ancient inn, we should have sat us down to wet right many a nipperkin! † (Hardy 347) By this he means if they met outside of a pub, they would have enjoyed some drinks together, but because of the war, they are forced to shoot at one another. Then it explains how they met as soldiers in opposing sides and one had to die so they both shot each other, but the narrator shot killed the other. In the third stanza, he explains why he had to kill him. Literature could help us with war by displaying this poem. The poem shows how even when people just meet that because of a war, they are forced and required to kill another man instead of having peace. People fight in wars for all different reasons. Some people were born to join the army and be soldiers while others just join to get by in life with financial support from the army. In the lines thirteen through sixteen, towards the end of the poem the author is saying how both the men enlisted into the army because they were out of work, and they needed to sell their traps to get money, and now because of the war one of the men was killed unwontedly by another man who joined because he was out of work as well. In the second poem called â€Å"More Light! More Light! † by Anthony Hecht, it talks about two different stories in the poem. In the first story there is a man who was being charged for a crime he prays to his God he didn’t commit. He states, â€Å"I implore my God to witness that I have made no crime† (Hecht 349). He was being burned to death and one of the soldiers who was burning him because of his crime felt badly for the prisoner’s suffering. So he threw gun powder hoping it would catch fire and to end the prisoner of his misery but the gunpowder did not ignite, and the prisoner was burnt to death. â€Å"And that was but one, and by no means one of the worst; permitted at least his pitiful dignity; and such as were by made prayers in the name of Christ, that shall judge all men, for his soul’s tranquility† (Hecht 349). The second story is about three prisoners who were brought to the woods, two Jewish prisoners and one Polish prisoner. The German guards forced the Polish man to bury the Jewish men alive, but the Polish man refused to do it. So the German guards instead changed the roles, and the Polish man was shot in the stomach, buried up to his head, and was left there for three hours to bleed to death. The second story seemed to be much worse than the first because the Polish man was suffering and was only left there with his thoughts and prayers as he slowly died. â€Å"No prayers or incense rose up in those hours which grew to be years, and every day came mute ghosts from the ovens, sifting through crisp air, and settled upon his eyes in a black soot† (Hecht 350). Literature help with war and peace because this poem shows the past how the Jews and Polish men and women were tortured by the Nazis and war. And this poem can teach us how even during the darkest times of war some people like the Polish did not keep his dignity. And not be forced to kill another man because war, even if the result of not listening is your own death. In the third poem â€Å"Letter to the Front† by Muriel Rukeyser, talks about being a Jew in the twentieth century. This poem explains how Jewish people should be proud of being Jewish, and they shouldn’t hide it. The Jewish people went through a lot with World War II, with all the deaths and sufferings, but the Jewish population shouldn’t try to hide what they are. â€Å"Wishing to be invisible, you choose death of the spirit, the stone insanity† (Rukeyser 351). Hiding meant reducing God to nothing more than what you are. The author is saying that the Jews should be proud of who they are and what they believe in. To believe in God and pray for freedom to all people, and pray to live the impossible which can only happen with faith to their God. Not by hiding who they really are and their beliefs. Literature can help with War and peace by using this poem to show that belief in your God can help you get through any situation and not by hiding from your beliefs and who you truly are. Some people are already used to wars and violence that it doesn’t affect them. In order to find peace, we must first make an effort to understand all types of people. In terms of race, ethnicity, culture, values, religion, beliefs, etc. When people see life through someone else’s eyes they understand what they go through. That would be the only way to avoid violence. Literature can heal the world after devastation from war. Maybe one day we won’t have to worry about the war because there would be peace. Work Cited: Hardy, Thomas. â€Å"The Man He Killed. † Writing about the World. By Susan H. McLeod, John Jarvis, and Shelley Spear. Boston, MA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2005. 346-48. Print. Hecht, Anthony. â€Å"More Light! More Light! † Writing about the World. By Susan H. McLeod, John Jarvis, and Shelley Spear. Boston, MA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2005. 349-50. Print. Rukeyser, Muriel. â€Å"Letter to the Front. † Writing about the World. By Susan H. McLeod, John Jarvis, and Shelley Spear. Boston, MA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2005. 351-52. Print.