Identity Construction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Identity Construction - Essay Example The body an example of an essential part of humanity that contributes to the development of the relative preferences in people a feature that studies establish validate the claim that it is increasingly becoming a channel for identity constriction. The discussion below relates the claim to a number of theories of personality to determine the role of the body in influencing consumption of products and services in the market (Aaker & Aaker, 2010). Chris Shilling for example in his theory asserts views the body as a project through which he explains the different diversities in people. It is natural that people are different; some of the difference are natural such as gender while others are artificial and people can therefore always manipulate such to fit different scenarios. Chris therefore seeks to investigate the role of these differences in people and the manner in which they affect the consumption of different products and services thereby making different group of people markets to different products and services. Through computation, individuals are markets to different products and services; this implies that any aspect of their life that affects their consumption of the good and services is of essence in tailoring the marketing strategies that the producers of such products and services employ. ... The nature of marketing dictates an effective understanding of the market group a feature that validates the extensive analysis of the consumers. Any factor that affect the creation of taste and preference therefore influences the marketing strategies of an organization in order to maintain the supply to the demand, which consequently refers to the profitability of an operation. In analyzing the body a project, Chris begins by analyzing the natural difference in humanity. Nature has an effective means of categorizing things, in humans one such means is the gender. Females taxonomical features most of which are conspicuously different from their male counterparts. The same is applicable to the male gender, from such a basic view of individuals; it becomes natural that the two therefore form markets to different products and service. A number of products and services that befit one of the genders while others are applicable to both. It is therefore a mandate of entrepreneurs to determi ne the difference and similarities between the two thereby developing enterprises that serve the diversities that the two present. The differences that arise from gender make the two potential markets to an assortment of products and services since the aspect influences preference. Women for example use sanitary pads; a feature that comes naturally. The victims of such monthly flows cannot influence their taxonomy. In the event of coping with the periodical flow and managing them more effectively, women become potential markets to the manufacturers of pads among other sanitary towels, a fundamental of a product that the female gender use that their male counterparts do not. Additionally, the clothes that the two

Physician Assisted Suicide Essay Example for Free

Physician Assisted Suicide Essay According to the opposing viewpoints database Assisted suicide occurs when a physician provides a patient with the means of ending his or her life-usually a prescription for a fatal dose of drugs. The patient takes the drugs independently of the doctor. Assisted Suicide (also known as physician assisted suicide) has been an issue that is becoming hot as scientists are getting the ability to prolong human life and find a new way to cure diseases previously not able to be cured and people have been talking about people dying due to those diseases. Doctors have had to explain the available treatment options and to obtain the patients consent prior to treatment since the early 1900s with the standard of informed consent. This lets the patient make their own choice with the input of their doctor, and not just do whatever the doctor says. The question with assisted suicide is, Should people who want to die be allowed to arrange an easy, no pain death? I believe that with the correct guidelines and laws, allowing someone to take their own life should be allowed and ratified in all states. The opposing argument does have pretty good points, but I believe that the pros of allowing assisted suicide outweigh the cons. First the opposing view saying that assisted suicide shouldnt be legal says that legalizing assisted suicide would make it too easy for others, such as people suffering from treatable depression, to commit suicide. People with treatable depression might take advantage of this, but people with untreatable depression that have no way out and it is unfair to them to not be able to decide what they want. With the legalization of assisted suicide there will be steps in order for a person to qualify for it, such as the ones already  set up by the Netherland which state To qualify for euthanasia under Dutch law, a person must be mentally capable of making the decision, act voluntarily, be ill without hope of recovery, and have a lasting wish to die. Physicians performing euthanasia must consult with at least one other doctor and must write reports on each case. These qualifications will make it much more difficult for people to take advantage of the system of assisted suicide. Another opposing argument is that people who want to live might not get good care if assisted suicide is a cheaper alternative. This would not be the case because the Hippocratic Oath, which according to Medicinenet is a statement of medical ethics tells physicians, first, do no harm. While you might have the few corrupt doctors who will try to do this, the protocol set in place will make it very difficult for doctors to do this. Lastly the opposing view points My first reason of supporting the legalization of assisted suicide is since because people already can refuse treatment even if they know they will die, why are the not allowed to actively seek out a pain free death? Since you can decline to have treatment done on you if you have a life threatening disease and you know youre going to die, I believe it is fair to ask to be killed and put out of your misery. People with untreatable diseases such as Ebola, and cancer that will cause death, and depression that is untreatable should have a way to die without the day to day pain and suffering of living with the incurable diseases. Next assisted suicide should be legal because if someone is going to kill themselves already we should allow a pain free option, as opposed to a suicide like shooting or hanging yourself. People will always want to kill themselves but with the legalization of assisted suicide I think it will actually cut down on the number of suicides. The process of going through and getting cleared to have an assisted suicide might be able to clear a persons head and have them think more about whether they actually want to die or not so they cannot make a rash decision. This will also allow for a suicide that will go much more smoothly than suicides done by now by yourself since the physicians and doctors who know what they are doing are prescribing you a drug that you take to allow you to die. According to the  opposing viewpoints database some physician feel that it is appropriate for them to end the suffering of a patient who is capable of making a rational decision and asks to die. According to a study done by suicide.org from 1950-2003 26 percent of suicides attempted resulted in a failed suicide and just caused injury. This fact is not good and would be nonexistent if assisted suicide was legalized. Lastly assisted suicide should be legal because humans have the right to decide whether they want to live or die. We have the right to bear arms, freedom of speech, and other freedoms. We are our own entity, and I believe that people should have the right to a much more practical death run by someone who knows what they are doing. All human beings should be treated as equal and able they have certain rights. I believe that one of those rights is the right to determine if they want to live or die, and I think that people should have the option to have a professional to help. The debate of assisted suicide is a hot issue and has allowed for some very good debates in the past couple of years. I think the opposing view has some good points, but in my eyes the pros of assisted suicide diffidently outweigh the cons of it. I think assisted suicide should be legalized because since people can refuse treatment even if they are going to die why cant the ask to die, we should allow a pain free option since if they are already contemplating it they might do it so we should allow a way for someone to commit suicide with a professionals help, and lastly because it is a right humans have to determine whether they live or die. Assisted suicide is something that people talk about and a lot of people have opposing views of it, with me being on the side saying it should be legal. Citation page Assistedsuicide.org: Suicide Statistics. _At Suicide.org! , , , , !_ N.p., 12 June 2013. Web. 10 Oct. 2014. . Oppsingveiwpoints.com: Assisted Suicide. _Opposingviewpoints_. N.p., 15 Feb. 2012. Web. 10 Oct. 2014. . Hippocratic Oath: Hippocratic Oath. _MedicineNet_. N.p., 22 Nov. 2009. Web. 12 Oct. 2014. .

The Structure Of The Travel And Tourism Industry Tourism Essay

The Structure Of The Travel And Tourism Industry Tourism Essay Travel and tourism is one of the most vibrant and largest industries that extend ample job opportunities for individuals with the appropriate skills, understanding and attitude (Driver 2001). This industry has now explicated into one of the worlds most significant industries. This industry is one of the significant developing sectors of the UK economy (Costa 1995, p. 12). It has developed speedily since the Second World War and now has become one of the globes largest industries. UK travel and tourism industry employs more than 2.1 million people that evidence its importance for the country. The industry serves customers with an extensive range of products, services and facilities according to their specific needs. The industry operates in a specific manner that is essential to understand before entering it (Knowles, Teixeira Egan 2003, p. 47). The industrys significance can be understood with its efforts in terms of Visitbritain that is Britains national tourism agency, accountable for marketing Britain overseas (Coulter 2003, p. 20). This agency works with thousands of UK and overseas organizations, to market Britain effectively to visitors from all over world. It basically works for promoting UK tourism industry. This module is designed in a way that will assist in investigating the UK travel and tourism industry. It will enhance our knowledge towards the travel and tourism industry suppliers that include tour operators, travel agent, accommodation and transport organization (Costa 1995, p. 12). Throughout this industry analysis that will be taken here, it will become easy to recognize the structure of the travel and tourism industry, acknowledge the main industry suppliers and the process used by them to distribute their products. Here, the different components of the industry will be studied along with the discussion of their interrelation. As well, this paper will also assist in exploring different travel and tourism organisations of the industry from government and private sectors. The industry evaluation will also assist in learning about the latest industry developments and their affect on present industry position. Industry investigation will be completed in two parts. In first part of the paper an education information section of website will be developed that will illustrate the structure of the travel and tourism industry. In the second part of the paper, a travel or tourism organization will be selected to evaluate its functioning. This in turn will be completed with the help of developing an illustrated case study for a forthcoming special feature of online travel and tourism trade newspaper. This case study will help in identifying the specific functions of selected travel or tourism organization. In this way, this comprehensive model will assist in identifying UK travel and tourism industry structure and functioning. The Structure of the Travel and Tourism Industry Structure of UK travel tourism industry can be understood effectively by understanding its different aspects, components and functions. For understanding industry structure it is essential to evaluate its each and every aspect from suppliers to customers that can be done by assessing its different aspects individually (Costa 1995, p. 13). Meaning of Travel and Tourism Find a single definition of travel and tourism is not easy with which everyone agrees. Travel is movement of individuals from one place to another with the help of different types of transport whereas tourism embraces the all inclusive process of people visiting diverse destinations for a number of reasons along with industry support (Moutinho 2000). Although one thing on which everyone agrees is that travel and tourism is a big business and the industry generates significant profit. Travel and tourism is also a constituent of leisure as all of us go for holidays or visits throughout our leisure time (Thrift Walling 2000, p. 97). In accordance to the World Tourism Organisation, tourism is the momentary, short-term movement of individuals to places outside and inside their domestic locations, where they usually live and work (The Travel and Tourism Industry n.d.). Tourism involves movement of individuals for all kinds of reasons and their activities throughout their visits. These definitions evidence that who is tourists: People who are far from their home or residence. People who are on a temporary or short-term visit like holidays (Goodall 1997, p. 243). Individuals who are allied with travel and tourism activities. Overnight or day visit in leisure time. Trip related to business or visiting friends or relatives (Moutinho 2000). The main types of tourism in the UK industry are domestic tourism, incoming or inbound tourism or outbound tourism. Domestic Tourism: It is when individuals take holidays, short breaks and day trips in their own country. In the year 2000, overall 174.5 million trips were made by British people, within the UK (Jessica 2003). Incoming/Inbound Tourism: This type of tourism is related to international tourism when other country people are entering the UK. In 2000, overall 25.2 million overseas visitors came in UK with different intents (The Travel and Tourism Industry n.d.). Outbound Tourism: Outbound tourism pertains to when individuals travel away from their home country to visit some other international countries for holiday or business activities (Ward 2002, p. 41). The prominent industry suppliers are travel agents, tour operators and accommodation providers. All types of tourism are managed with the help of industrys suppliers and distributors (Moutinho 2000). Differences between the Three Economic Sectors The UK travel and Tourism industry is classified in three economic sectors: Public Sector: This economic sector of the industry provides services for public and it is collectively paid through government. For the effective operation of this sector, elected bodies like local council and Parliament are responsible. Most of the public services provided are non-profit making (Jessica 2003). Services offered through this sector involves museums and art galleries, youth and community centres, leisure clubs, public halls, playing fields, catering services, information centres, libraries etc. Visit Britain, DCMS, FCO, Regional Development Agencies and English Heritage are some of the examples of public sector tourism organizations (Rowe Smith 2002). Private Sector: The private sector of tourism industry includes diverse commercial operators managed by different individuals and companies. The substantial aim of these individuals and companies is to generate profits by offering different travel and tourism services and products to customers (Moutinho 2000). The significant private sector activities in regard to travel and tourism are in the domains of retail sales, entertainment, catering and accommodation, travel services and tourism. In modern era, number of private travel and tourism organizations operate in UK like Rank, Granada, Ladbrokes, Thomas Cook and Virgin (The Travel and Tourism Industry n.d.). These private sector organizations serve customers with facilities like travel agencies, theme parks, golf course, health and leisure clubs, restaurants and hotels (BDO Hospitality Consulting 1996, p. 8). Voluntary Sector: Organizations that belong to voluntary sector are directed and operated by volunteers. It includes non-profit making or charitable organizations such as travel or local sport clubs. These types of organizations provide some financial advantage to the industry in the form of rate and VAT relief and relief from income tax on investments (The Travel and Tourism Industry n.d.). Some of this sector organizations that file as charities are required to fulfil some specific conditions like they should operate with objectives like charity, non-profit making and advancement of education and sports. They need to operate with an objective to satisfy community in terms of benefits. In UK there are more than 200 national voluntary travel and tourism groups that embrace youth and community groups, touring groups, conservation groups, social sports clubs, heritage groups etc. Travel and Tourism Chain of Distribution The chain of distribution is a technique of offering products to the end consumers. It is applicable in each industry and subsequent is its traditional form: Producer Manufacturer Wholesaler Retailer Consumer The Traditional Chain of Distribution Usually, a manufacturer delivers its product or service to its consumer through wholesaler and retailer but it is not the case with travel and tourism industry (Moutinho 2000). In travel and tourism industry also a chain of distribution is followed that is as follows: Principals i.e. hotels, airlines and other transport companies Tour Operators Travel Agencies Consumers Travel and Tourism Traditional Chain of Distribution In travel tourism industry, traditional chain of distribution fit precisely into a class, for instance travel agent who performs specific business role. Although the industry is much more complex than this and in several instances the traditional chain (Rowe Smith 2002) has been contracted as follows: Principle Internet Consumer Principle Tour Operator Call centre Consumer Principle Tour Operator Television Consumer Principle Call centre Consumer These are some of the distribution channels used by UK travel and tour companies. As well, companies also not strictly follow one line of business because they used to buy or merge with other kinds of businesses. Tour operators now have bought or created airlines, travel agencies and hotels (BDO Hospitality Consulting 1996, p. 8). This is done for attaining significant commercial growth and market position. This buying or merger process by UK travel and tourism companies is recognized as vertical and horizontal integration (Rowe Smith 2002). The UK travel and tourism chain of distribution demonstrates that companies own the entire diverse component in the distribution chain and are able to manage the overall operation. This is done by UK travel and tourism organizations for attaining economies of scale and serving its customers with much more better prices (The Travel and Tourism Industry n.d.). The distinctive distribution chain of UK travel and tourism firms represents that smaller operators serve with high pressure and if they dont try to operate at large scale will be forced to leave the industry (Rowe Smith 2002). Vertical and Horizontal Integration Vertical Integration: Vertical integration takes place when two firms from different levels merge or are bought in the chain of distribution (Moutinho 2000). This may be a backward integration such as a tour operator purchases a hotel, or forward integration like a tour operator purchases a travel agency. One of the substantial examples of vertical integration in UK is of First Choice Holidays plc. It possesses several tour operating for example First Choice Holidays and Sovereign (Schmidt 2008). As well, it also has its own travel agencies chain in UK operated under the First Choice Travel Shops and First Choice Holiday Hypermarkets names. Additionally, it also has its own charter airline First Choice Airways (Rowe Smith 2002). This type of integration done by companies is known as vertical integration in which a company possesses companies at different levels of distribution chain. The well known multiple agencies of UK are owned by a key tour operator. Going Places is a substantial element of the MyTravel Group and Thomson Travel Shops are possessed by Thomson (The Travel and Tourism Industry n.d.). Horizontal Integration: When a company possesses or manages other business at the same level of distribution chain is known as horizontal integration such as takeover of a small independent hotel by a major hotel group or takeover of a small travel agency by a big travel agency (Moutinho 2000). In UK recently a merger has taken place between Thomas Cook and MyTravel tour operators. In UK, horizontal integration is very common in the hotels sector and it is done with a motive of attaining economies of scale by assuring the functioning and marketing of extensive number of individual hotels (The Travel and Tourism Industry n.d.). Most of the UK travel and tour companies are integrated vertically and horizontally and it is done to strengthen their present and future market position (Rodgers 2001). Impact of Vertical and Horizontal Integration on Customer Choice Vertical and Horizontal integration, significantly affects customer choice as with the customer become able in purchasing a whole package at reasonable price in spite of purchasing different services at high price (Moutinho 2000). With vertical integration, it becomes easy for customer to make long-term relations with a firm as it will offer all kinds of products and services to its customers due to its presence in different business in different level of distribution chain (Rodgers 2001). On the other hand, horizontal integration also strengthens company position and they serve their customers in a much more effective manner with additional services at wholesome price package (The Travel and Tourism Industry n.d.). In this way, it can be said that integration whether it is vertical or horizontal is beneficial for customer as it facilitates customers with more choices. With integration, industry players get more dominant and become better able to offer its customers with more choice at moderate prices and packages (The Travel and Tourism Industry n.d.). Tour Operators and Travel Agents A tour operator covers a holiday package that includes: Travel mode (road, rail, air or sea) Accommodation facilities through hotels, self catering villas, guest houses etc. Travel agencies that provide transfer facilities to customers such as car hire and excursions (The Travel and Tourism Industry n.d.). The significant role of tour operators is to aggregate the diverse component that develop a holiday and put it for sale to consumers as packages. They are responsible for making contracts and associations with hotels, airline companies and transport companies to make an attractive package (Moutinho 2000). In UK, there are approximate 600 tour operators in which most of them are small companies that specialize in specific destinations or type of services. All tour operators of UK can be classified into following four categories: Mass-market operators: These tour operators sell holidays in high volume and it includes some of the well-known key players of industry like Thomson (TUI), MyTravel, Thomas Cook and First Choice Holidays (Middleton Lickorish 2007). Specialist operators: These operators are not as well-known as mass-market operators. In UK, there are number of specialist tour operators that provide customers with holidays and short breaks to Rome, Amazon adventure tours, Italy etc. These types of operators are becoming more popular due to its offering of individuals type of experience. Well-known specialist UK tour operator is Super-break (Investigating Travel and Tourism, n.d.) Domestic Operators: These operators design holiday packages for the home market. The well-known domestic operators are coach operators like WA Shearings and National Holidays. Both of these offer valuable products to older age groups (The Travel and Tourism Industry n.d.). Incoming tour Operators: These tour operators provide holidays and travel products for abroad visitors to Britain. Some operate from international locations where customers are and some operate from UK (Middleton Lickorish 2007). Some of the well known incoming tour operators are Gullivers Sports Travel, Pathfinders and Evan Evans Tours. All of these offer all inclusive package tours of the UK that are sold through international travel agents. Travel Agents Travel agents offer outgoing, incoming and domestic tourists with extensive leisure and business travel products and services (Middleton Lickorish 2007). In UK there are around 7000 travel agencies that are members of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). In UK, there are different types of travel agencies that include multiple, independent, maniple, e-agent and holiday hypermarkets. Travel agents work as a link among customers and tour operators and other principles like airlines and hotels (Investigating Travel and Tourism, n.d.) Before purchasing a holiday package visitors go to travel agents for suggestions, bookings and better services. Travel agents are responsible for ensuring that they are serving a customer with right and appropriate holiday or travel service. They also offer customers with coach, flight, rail or ferry bookings, specialist services and independent travel arrangements. Scheduled and Chartered Air Transport Scheduled Air Transport refers to the services that operate with a published timetable, on specified routes and with government licence. These services does not get affected by the number of passengers and due to this, it is generally used by business travellers as they are also ready to pay premium price for their comfort and convenience (Middleton Lickorish 2007). In UK, budget, low-cost or no frills airlines, provide scheduled services on various domestic and global routes at low prices. One of the significant advantages of this transport is this that it is regular and provides scheduled flights to customers. It offers customers with seats in different classes according to their suitability (Rowe Smith 2002). In addition to these advantages, one of the substantial disadvantage of schedules air transport is this that it does not offer flexibility to visitors as it operates in scheduled manner and is not affected with any factor. Chartered air transport refers to the services that are associated to the package holiday industry, in which tour operators make a contract with an airline for a distinctive route for a period. Some major UK tour operators possess their own airlines and due to this the sales of charter flights is declining (Investigating Travel and Tourism, n.d.). Major charter air transport services of UK are Monarch, Thomas Cook and MyTravel (Rowe Smith 2002). Charter air transport provides its customers with an advantage in terms of flights on reasonable price for specific purposes. These are provided by tour operators that assist customers in developing long-term relations. In addition to these advantages it also has a disadvantage that it does not serves its customers with flexibility as blocks of seats or whole flight is booked. Relationship and Links between Travel and Tourism Organizations In UK, almost all travel and tourism organisations work with link-up or associations in some or other way. In present almost all people travel for some purposes that may be adventure, business personal or holiday that is managed by tourism business of the country. Travel is done through different transportation facilities and it requires accommodations facilities that are provided by tourism organizations (Middleton Lickorish 2007). There is a relationship between travel and tourism and due to this all tourism organizations offers different facilities for travellers. Both of these types of organizations work together due to the similarity of their fields and business operations. The relationship between travel and tourism organizations can also be understood with the help of recent developments that pertains to increase in individuals travelling with diverse reasons. Nowadays customers prefer to buy a wholesome holiday package that serves them with all travel and tourism facilities (Rowe Smith 2002). Due to changes in customers preferences and demands, links between travel and tourism organizations has strengthened. All these aspects of UK travel and tourism industry demonstrates its structure and pattern of operations. If a company wants to operate successfully in UK travel and tourism industry it has to go through all the above discussed aspects and patterns. UK travel and tourism industry chain of distribution is different from traditional distribution chain that is essential to understand for attaining assured business success. Functioning of a Travel and Tourism Organization Subsequent to the discussion of UK travel and tourism industry structure, it becomes evident that there is a substantial relationship between countrys travel and tourism organizations and its distribution chain different from other industries. The pattern of business in UK travel and tourism industry is different from other countrys industry and it is essential to be understood for entering it successfully (Pender Sharpley 2005). The industry structure provides information of all essential components of the industry but for understanding it in more detail here, an individual organization will be evaluated that is Virgin Atlantic. It is a British airline company (Waugh 2000). The company functioning will be understand be developing a case study so it can enhance readers understanding. Virgin Atlantic Case Study Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited is also known as Virgin Atlantic. It is a British airline and functions between the United Kingdom and North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. This UK airline is a well-known scheduled airline. The company operates with a CAA Type A Operating Licence to take passengers, cargo, and mail on plane with approximate 20 seats (Dickinson 2009). The company was founded in 1982 and in present it has become Britains second largest carrier that serves worlds 30 major cities, as well as New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Sydney, Miami, Dubai, Los Angeles, Johannesburg, Hong Kong, and Tokyo from its bases that are at Londons Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. The company has enjoyed significant popularity and recognition all around the world due to its business operations. The Virgin airline has initiated number of innovations that had built new service standards that other industry players also followed (Rowe Smith 2002). In spite of its substantial growth its service still remains customer driven with a prominence on value for money, excellence, fun and improvement. The company functioning can be understood effectively with the help of subsequent aspects of its functioning: Ownership: The company is a British airline specifically situated in London. It is owned by Sir Richard Bransons Virgin Group and Singapore Airlines. Both the company holds 51% and 49% shares respectively. It was established in the year 1982 by Randolph Fields who was from America and was a lawyer, and Alan Hellary, who was a former chief pilot for Laker Airways (Dickinson 2009). In 1982, it was established as British Atlantic Airways and since 1984, it has been operating as Virgin Atlantic. The airline offers its customers with three class system that are Economy, Premium Economy and Upper class (Rowe Smith 2002). Aims and Objectives: The company operates with subsequent aims and objectives: Operate with the basic foundations that are safety, security and consistent delivery. Serve customers with quality service and value for money. Concentrate on the business and leisure markets and drive competence and effectualness. Operate with simplicity and in a way that love to fly. Become a growing and profitable organization (Dickinson 2009). Always challenge the ordinary and push airline innovation to serve passengers with something special and different. The company works in a direction to attain continuous specialization in range of innovations. The company works for creating a virtual contact centre network for serving customers all around the world with consistent, well-organized, effective and transparent services (Pender Sharpley 2005). Establish a global view of business for developing an ability to control al business operations. Create a flexible workforce and schedule people around skills and altering work demands (Dickinson 2009). Develop a business process that assist in managing all up and down business situations. Product Range: From the time of its initiation, the company is operating with diversification strategy. In present, the company operates long haul services and it provides customers with aircrafts, clubs and several other products. It offers flights between different cities of the world for assisting customers in their travelling (Dickinson 2009). The company has also brought in a strand of firsts admitting individual seat-back televisions for all economy passengers. As well, it also serves customers with automatic defibrillators. It also serves its upper class customers with limousine pick-up and Drive-Thru check-in (Bamber, Gittell Kochan 2009). Virgin Atlantic also operates with Clubhouses and Virgin lounges at its several destinations. The Virgin Clubhouses are intentionally planned to challenge the traditional airline industry patterns and for creating a different and unique travelling environment (Singh 2008). In the year 2003, the company launched its Upper Class Suite product that involved a falling back leather seat for takeoff, a well-designed sitting and eating place, fully flat bed and proper mattress for sleeping. As well, it also includes a private on-board bar at where customers can drink with their friends and a personal massage room. All these products are offered at reasonable price that others airline companies offer only to their first class customers. Services: All aircrafts of Virgin Atlantic aircraft operate with three-class configuration that is Economy, Premium Economy, and Upper Class cabins. Economy class is the standard coach class and serves customers with basic amenities (Dickinson 2009). Premium Economy class has its own different check-in area, a much more comfortable seat and legroom with much more amenities. This class passenger is also provided with laptop power supplies. The upper class is for business class and has all facilities. This class seat is fully flat bed and it also serves customers with seat power leads. In addition to this service, all Virgin Atlantic aircraft provide customers with personal seat-back televisions that furnish then with lots of entertainment channels. Most of company aircrafts also have an Audio/Video on Demand (AVOD) system. The company also have service of Frequent Flyer Programme, which benefit customers according to their use of Virgin aircraft for travelling again and again. Virgin Atlantic also provide some other additional services like the Freedom meal service, in-flight beauty therapy service, arrival lounges, flying clubs etc. Distribution Method: The company is established by making use of its own course within a model coherent with asserting the corporations image of customer friendliness, fair dealing and relative ease (Robinson 2009). The company remains concentrated on the UK markets and its business has explicated with the help of additional product and services (Dickinson 2009). The company make use of above distribution methods that precisely with airline products and services that are offered through tour operators and travel agents. From its initiation, its distribution methods had altered number of times and it is getting contracted day by day. Virgin Atlantic, serve its customers in a more and unique way. Pricing Policy: Price is a key element of airline strategy and it need to be agreed by targeted customers. It should be in a way that reflects companys other marketing mix elements also (Pender Sharpley 2005). Virgin Atlantic serves its customers with number of products at different price levels and with different pricing strategies. Its business segment is served with higher price whereas its economic class is served with low price (Singh 2008). For its different customers, the company make use of different pricing strategies like price skimming, penetration pricing, marginal pricing and promotional pricing. All these pricing strategies are used by customers for serving different types of customers and their different needs (Eccles Costa 1996, p. 49). The company pricing strategy is designed in a way that tries to offer superior service by undercutting competitors prices (Driver 1999, P. 136). Marketing Activities (Promotional Activities): The company make use of different marketing activities for promoting its products and services in the UK travel and tourism industry. The company had made use of different marketing mix elements that are also apparent in its vision and mission strategy. In addition to this, for promoting its products and services, the company make use of different advertising strategies and channels of media (Eccles Costa 1996, p. 47). The company had launched different services that all are promoted in different ways and through print and television. In addition to this, it also makes use of different advertising campaigns and promotional offers for its customers so that they can be driven towards Virgin Atlantic craft services (Robinson 2009). Regulatory and Licensing Requirements: The company is an airline company and before initiating any of its operations it has to attain support and approval from several national regulatory bodies or firms. The first regulatory body is the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that governs the UK aviation sector. All airline companies services are regulated by CAA so that a diverse and competitive industry environment can be encouraged in the country (Driver 2001). Other substantial regulatory bodies from which approval is essential are the Air Transport Users Council and National Air Traffic Services. These authorities have altered traditional aviation laws and it had assisted companies in their old licensing laws (Pender Sharpley 2005). Membership of Associations with Benefits: Virgin Atlantic operates by associating with different associations as it provides the company with several benefits like market dominance, competitive advantage, environment-friendly image etc (Zeithaml, Bitner Gremler 2005). The company has an association with the Tourism Review and Implementation Group that was developed in 2004. This association has members from different fields like tourism, public sector and education. In addition to this, the company also operate with number of other associations that strengthen companys image in the mind of its domestic as well as international customers. Relationship with other Travel and Tourism Organizations: From its initiation, Virgin Atlantic has developed strong relationships with other travel and tourism organizations as it has tie ups with number of hotels, tour operators and travel agents that promotes both the companies. The company long-established success is the result of its effective relationships with other travel and tourism companies (Balmforth 2009). The company promotes its products and service by making contracts with tour operators that provide all-inclusive holiday packages to their customers. As well it also operates by associating

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Essay -- Hyperactivity C

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  You have probably heard and may even have used the term hyperactivity. The notion is a modern one: there were no hyperactive children 50 to 60 years ago. Today, if anything, the term is applied too often and too widely. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) estimates that all teachers have in their classrooms at least one child with ADHD (Simmons, RG. 1993).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Actually, hyperactivity is not one particular condition: it is â€Å"a set of behaviors† such as excessive restlessness and short attention span that are quantitatively and qualitatively different from those children of the same sex, mental age, and socioeconomic status (Gutskey, T.R. 1991).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Today most psychologists agree that the main problem for children labeled hyperactive is directing and maintaining attention, not simply controlling their physical activity. The American Psychiatric Association has established a diagnostic category called attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to identify children with this problem. What are the signs of ADHD   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Professionals who diagnose ADHD use the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association (1994) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: the fourth edition of this manual, known as the DSM-IV, was released in May 1994 (Soar, R.S. & Soar, R.M. 1994).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The primary features associated with the disability are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. A child with ADHD is usually described as having a short attention span and as being distractible. In actuality, distractibility and inattentiveness are not synonymous.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Distractibility refers to the short attention span and the ease with which some children can be pulled off task. Attention, on the other hand, is a process that has different parts. We focus (pick something on which to pay attention), we select (pick something that needs attention at that moment), and we sustain (pay attention for as long as is needed). We also resist (avoid things that remove our attention from where it needs to be), and we shift (move our attention to something else when needed). When we refer to someone as distractible, we are saying that a part of that person’s attention process is disrupted.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Children with ADHD can have difficulty with one or all parts of the attention process. Some children may... ...to become effective. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Deliver negative consequences in a firm, business-like way without emotion, lectures, or long-winded explanations (Cohan, E.G. 1986).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I believe that teachers and parents need to be aware of the symptoms of ADHD. It is essential to understand how those symptoms impact the child's ability to function at home, in school, and in social situations. When the adults in the child's life understand the nature of the disorder, they are better able to structure situations to enable the child to behave appropriately and achieve success. It is important to remember that the child who has difficulty with attention, impulse control, and in regulating physical activity needs help and encouragement to manage these problems. I feel that a classroom environment that is rich in structure, support and encouragement can nurture success in all students. Completing this research paper has been an effective tool in reinforcing these concepts. Brain scan images produced by positron emission tomography (PET) show the differences between an individual with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (right) and someone without the disease (left) (Zametkin et. al. 1990).

Energy Management Case Study: Siemens

In June 2009, Siemens took its effort in solar and wind to the next level by leading the Deserted initiative. This transcontinental project aims to generate solar power in North Africa, where it is most abundant, and then transport it to Europe. The project fits particularly well with Siemens because it requires not only experience in the primary wind and solar technology but also in the complementary technologies such as power grids and switchboard. Which have traditionally been strong business field for the company. Nuclear energy: 1.Nuclear reactors are the strongest power plants possible and the most economically feasible 2. Recently Siemens has taking up its nuclear activities anew and is expending to become involved in international agreements. With Siemens becoming a potential new partner in the Russian market that holds dozen of new sectors and china that have plans to have 100 new reactors in operation or under construction by 2020 Hydrophone: 1. Harnessing the power of ocea n waves has attracted significant attention since ocean cover 71% of the earth surface. 2.US department of energy established the hydrophone program, designed to conduct R&D that will improve the technical, societal and environmental benefits of hydrophone and provide cost competitive technologies. Geothermal power: 1. This technology has a major advantage that it can be installed wherever energy is actually needed. Geothermal plants require minimal fresh water and external fuel pupils, and due to their layout are highly scalable. Smart grids: 2. Smart grid technology seems to be a natural opportunity for Siemens, based on the company's long history with electronic technology and products.Wolfgang Then believes that the market for smart grids will increase due to climate change and economic stimulus programs. 4) Threats: 1) Carbon-based fuel amount to 39% of Siemens profits, facing the reality that fossil fuel are finite, supplies will eventually run out, it Just a matter of when. T he threat is that Siemens contingency plan in renewable energy consist of 11% of its profit. ) Alternative energy: Most alternative energy creation methods have one major drawback: they can generate energy only in places were natures provide the required energy input.Wind energy The size of the wind turbine is not scalable due to technological constraints. To increase capacity, multiple wind turbines there for must be spread out over large distance from one another. Densely populated urban areas do not have adequate space to house wind parks, and rural areas have expressed annoyance with the patterns and agriculture productivities. Wind turbines possess limited efficiency. Wind turbines require large and highly specialized assembly facilities. The first ever float turbines main concerns are the durability and maintenance of the equipment against aggressive environmental condition at sea. Siemens is considering to utilize its size, contingency, competency, and cutting edge technology to further increase its market share and global footprint in wind energy. The question is whether wind energy will turn out to be the leading alternative technology, and if it does, whether wind technologies alone can generate enough profit to keep Siemens aloft. Solar energy Like wind energy solar power most be extracted were it occurs naturally.Solar panels have a low efficiency. Reaching only about 25% under optimal laboratory conditions. Solar panels due too China has become the leader manufacturer of low-cost Combination of cheap labor and available industrial infrastructure; it drove prices Down by almost The method of disposing of nuclear waste in old caves and salt mind is not 100% safe, in addition there has been reports of increased leukemia rates in areas close to nuclear reactors, changes in the micrometer due to the vast amount of steam released into the atmosphere.Hydrophone: For the technology to work, the seashore needs to be flat with only a slight slope, and requi res long stretches of littoral waters. Also tide turbines are restricted to uninhabited beaches, since moving parts under the water surface, can create hazards for swimmers, water sports, and coastal ships. Some drawbacks to wave power include the efficiency of current application necessary resistance against hostile environment (storms and salt water corrosion), cost of electricity, possible impact on marine life, and hazards to shipping. ) Candidates such as geothermal energy and hydra power, not to mention next generation nuclear reactor have evolved quite rapidly in recent years and seem poised to pose a serious threat to wind and solar applications, Siemens most relied upon alternative energy source. 4) Siemens is considering multiple options as its gateway from the problem and has to place some significant bets. If Siemens bets badly, the company risks being relegated to the sidelines as newer, more innovator firms squeeze slower-moving incumbents out of the market.Ill) PEST A nalysts: 1) Political/Regulatory/Legal: l. Politician from the US and Germany 2 of the biggest industrialized countries in the world are supporting the development of alternative energy. II. A group of 20 Coos recommendations to 68 leaders in their 2008 climate policy: A paradigm shift to low technological innovation, this will open the door for new energy companies to enter the market Ill. Combined with a growing global awareness of the impact of green-house gases on climate change as well as increased concerns regarding energy security.Energy issues are now receiving renewed interest from government and corporation alike. IV. President Obama visited the wind-turbine blade factory in Fort Medicine, Iowa to show his support receiving importing political recognition. V. Producing industrial- call wind turbines requires large and highly specialized assembly facilities. The entry-level barriers are high. VI. The effort of Siemens research in nuclear energy were put on hold in the sass when the German government passed a law that would gradually withdraw the country from nuclear-power generation.However Germany is reconsidering this decision. The German parliamentary election 2009 spawned new hopes that the German nuclear industry might be revalidated. VI'. Russia, China and the US are in the market producing and licensing multiple new nuclear reactor (12, 100, 35 respectively) . VIII. Siemens was recently plagued by a bribery scandal and because the US and the EX. Have lows that make such business practice illegal, Siemens was sentenced to 1. 6 billion in finds by the German and the US authorities. However bribery is commonplace in countries such as Nigeria, Russia and China. ) Economic: l. The prices of oil have been trending upward in recent decades. Crude oil prices spiked at an old-time high of $145. 15 per barrel on July 3 2008(up from $50 only 18 month earlier). II. Solar panels have reached a production cost of less than $1 per k output. Ill. US are Jumpin g the band wagon partly because they believe that millions of new green Jobs may help to reduce high unemployment. ‘V. Chinese companies are entering strongly to the wind energy and solar market due to a combination of cheap labor and available industrial infrastructure.China drove prices of solar panels down by almost 50% from 2008 to 2009. V. The Obama administration set a side funding to build smart-grid technologies as part of its recent economic stimulus plan. 3) Social/Cultural: l. Social awareness of the impact of green-house gases on climate change as well as increased concerns regarding energy security. II. Burning of fossil fuel releases carbon dioxide(CO into the atmosphere, which has linked to global warming. In addition many cities have become contaminated by smoke and people are suffering health problems caused by increased pollution.Ill. US government believes that investing in alternative energy will create millions of new green Jobs. IV. Rural areas have expre ssed annoyance of the sound made by wind turbines as well as their interference with wildlife migratory patterns and agricultural productivity. V. Nuclear power has serious limitations issues include nuclear accidents like Coherently and Fuchsia and how to store nuclear products which can be harmful to any living organism. L. New alternatives-energy technologies are Wing to replace carbon-based fossil fuels. II.Better materials have enabled specialized companies to build ever-larger wind turbines and new improved solar panels though increasing efficiency and reducing cost. (example: the 3. 6 mm wind turbine, first-ever floating wind turbine, cost efficient Chinese solar panel, turnkey high-tech solar plants). Ill. R in various companies has spurred immense efforts to find optimal ways not Just to capture but also to store and distribute energy generated from natural resources. IV. US department of energy recently announced 40 million dollar in founding to support design and planning work for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NSP).V. Harnessing the power of the ocean waves has attracted significant attention since oceans cover 71% of the earth surface. Furthermore the US department of energy established the hydrophone program designed to conduct R that will improve the technical, societal and environmental benefits of hydrophone and provide cost competitive technologies. VI. The new smart grid technology include self-monitoring ND possibly self-repairing capabilities, smart sensors and meters, and a communication network similar to the internet. V) Competitive Analysis: 1) New Market Entrants: l. A paradigm shift to low carbon economy by 2050 has a potential to drive forward the next chapter of technological innovation, this will open the door for new energy companies to enter the market. II. Since the market of wind energy has high future potential new players are entering the competition most notably from china and In recent years China has become the leadin g manufacturer and global Japan. Ill. Exporter of low-cost solar panels. V.Concerning the nuclear energy I-J, Japan, Taiwan, south scoria and India are difficult market to inter because they possess their own technology and production capabilities and for security reasons. V. Start-ups are investing significant resources in R to engage in smart-grid technologies (2 of these start-ups, Grid Point and Silver Spring Network, have managed to raise $220 million and $170 million, respectively). 2) Supplier Power: l. Sound and wind will not cease to exist within a time frame significant to humanity.II. One of the attractions of wind power and solar turnkey COPS plans is that, once installed, the turbines need constant maintenance which means lucrative long-term service contrast for the original maker and installer of the equipment. Ill. Smart distribution will greatly reduce the current problems with power demands, and can serve to integrate both tradition and alternative energy into a com mon power supply and distribution network. 3) Buyer Power: K made this market perfectly competitive. II.Knowing that energy from carbon based fuel is still at disposal and at constant price competition in this market will remain high which will give consumer a buying power. 4) Product Technology Development: . Introduction off new 3. 6-Mm wind turbine featuring a 120-meter diameter rotor equipped with 58. 5-meter long rotor blades. First ever wind turbine off the coast of Norway II. The turnkey high-tech solar plans include SSP (concentrated solar power) and CISCO (integrated solar combined cycle system) plants. Ill. The next generation nuclear power plant (NSP). IV. Technologies in hydrophone (e. . , the Appeals Wave Energy Converter) to harness the power of ocean waves. V. The smart grids technologies that will help to avoid power outages, make the grid more reliable, reduce maintenance and save energy. VI. Craig Veneer a key figure in decoding of the human genome, actually view a lgae as the most promising path in renewable energy source. These microscopic plant cells are present in an infinite supply and can generate energy quickly effectively and in an environmental friendly manner. 5) Competitive Rivalry: l. Siemens leading competitors are ABA, GE and Lastly.Never less it is always intriguing to meet in the same room and talk about collaborative ways to improve worldwide energy efficiency. II. GE launched a multimillion dollar accommodation initiative to leverage its wide-ranging technological capabilities to address problem in he green-energy arena. Ill. Enron (Germany) and Vestals (Denmark) is the major competitor of wind energy in the U and GE in US. While China and Japan are also trying to enter the market in Asia. IV. Rivalry within the solar energy market is strong and almost perfectly competitive.V) Gap Analysis: 1) Customer Gap: One example of a customer gap that may be facing Siemens is when they introduce their floating wind turbine. This gap wi ll expand if the durability and maintenance costs exceed its value. Trying to close this gap Siemens is now testing this technology to evaluate whether it is feasible or not. 2) Provider Gap 1 (Listening Gap): Cutting down the number of sector from 1 dozen to Just 3 helped Siemens close down its listening gap by concentrating on fewer divisions, moreover the energy market is a very complicated buyer and seller will exchange all the details before the buying process is done.It's so difficult to find a listening gap in this market. 3) Provider Gap 2 (Design & Standards Gap): understand customer requirements and the presence of upper management in all transactions ( buying and selling ) to improve focus on customer requirements 4) Provider gap 3 (performance ) Turnkey COPS plants and wind turbines need a long term service provider for Constant maintenance. Siemens will try to narrow this gap by providing a on-duty engineers to maintain a standard in all its plants.In addition working o n the new developed Smart-grid will help ensure a positive outcome and narrow this Gap. 5) Provider Gap 4 (Communication Gap): Siemens claimed to be the only company worldwide that support customers with efficient products, solutions, and know-how along the entire chain of energy conversion from the production of oil and gas to power generation and the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. To narrow its communication AP Siemens must maintain these standards and deliver a price competitive product and services.VI) Alternative Courses of Action: The question raised by Siemens is what to do and where to invest? Do they try to improve their current alternative energy projects? Or try to expand to different sources? Will it be efficient to invest in new alternatives source or acquire smaller companies with innovative technologies and promising market segment? 1) Alternative one: Increase investment in research of the algae plant that shows a promising path. Disadvantages: i t might turn out to be Just rubbish and all investments made could e lost.Advantages: Siemens could be a first mover in this field of renewable efficient and environmental friendly energy source, which could change the world as we know it. 2) Alternative two: Increase further its footprint in the wind market by introducing multiple giant and floating turbines. Disadvantages: it might turn out to be inefficient compared to its coast and maintenance and another first mover in some other field might be more efficient and resourceful. Advantages: by increasing its footprint in the wind market Siemens will remain the only leader and increase its market share. Alternative three: Giving wind energy its rightful share but increasing investment in solar panels by acquiring new research companies that are currently working on making new improvement in the solar business one kind has a (microscopic forest) that collects liquid water to produce steam. Advantages: Siemens will insure that the in vestment will pay off on the long run knowing that the sun is there for another 5 billion years. Disadvantages: the initial gains on this technology might not be realized under the Siemens name. W) Recommended Course of Action: Our recommendation lies on the 3rd alternative.VIII) Reason for Choice: By giving wind energy its rightful share and nuclear power a miner share, focusing on solar source innovation is a very desirable choice knowing that first sun is infinite secondly solar panels are very cost efficient which will give a higher ROE than any other source of energy and finally it is environmental friendly and social acceptable. Recommendations: a. What should be done? Siemens should retain all its work flow and progress but focus more on energy coming from the sun as this energy will be the a panacea for the world's economy as well as environmental concerns.

Environment Analysis for Boost Juice Bar Essays

Environment Analysis for Boost Juice Bar Essays Environment Analysis for Boost Juice Bar Paper Environment Analysis for Boost Juice Bar Paper This created an advantage in Boosts marketing process. Weather: Australia has long, dry and hot summer. Fresh and cool Boost juice is highly preferred in weather like this. Competitive situation analysis (1 ) Competitors Direct competitors I Indirect competitors I Viva Fusion; Pulp Juice;Kick Juice Bar;And other juice bars. Sell bottle juice;Smoothies retail sellers;Low fat yoghurt retail sellers. (2) Porters five forces (3) Competitive advantage Boost is in a monopolistic competition with target market of young Stores Australians. Although Boost is growing faster and bigger than its competitors, it still need to be aware of them. Boosts greatest advantage is its friendly relationship with customers, including good service at the branch, fun web page targeting young buyers and the Boost guarantee which encourages customers to give feedbacks. Company analysis (1) Mission statement Objective 1 : to become the leading company in juice bar industry; Objective 2: to make Boost a global phenomenon (Boost juice bar 2011 (2) Company resources Financial strength: Boost has its advantage in the low cost production and invention. It also has made an agreement with Riverside Company in which Riverside becomes Boosts overseas investor. With Riversides Asian fund, Boosts expansion into international market is fully supported. Production capability and flexibility: shortage in fruit supply due to nature disaster is a gig threat to Boosts production. Besides that, Boosts production is very flexible that can suit all customers requirement. Marketing strength: Boosts major marketing strength is provided by its brand. It understands young customers need and want hence present them a wide menu of juice and smoothies. The low cost of workers training also puts Boost in an advanced position. SOOT Strengths: Well-known brand;Low cost of operation and production;Low price;High profitability;Good reputation as healthy food provider;Short production process;Love requirement of staff skill;Owning cultural preference. Weakness:Highly relies on supply chain;No price advantage. Opportunities: Healthier life style trend in Australia;Partnership with Riverside;Succeed overseas operations.   Threats: Relies on seasonal factor too much;Open market allows more competitors to entry;Hard to take market share from other countries local brand. Conclusion Overall, Boost owns a stable position in fruit juice and smoothies market. The macro environment is mostly friendly to the company and allows it to grow freely. Its competitive position is positive. Although facing a market thick of competitors, Boost seems to be able to hold its place.

Essay on Fables journals

Essay on Fables journals Essay on Fables journals Journal entries 1.) The wind and the sun fable shows that Gentle persuasion meaning is stronger than force. Don't force, rather persuade with light. In the fable the warm sun proves to the cold wind that persuasion is better than force when it came to making the man to remove his coat. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring for example: a smile takes only a moment, but could change somebody's mood for the whole day. A few words of encouragement or reassurance can stay with a person and continue to help them to overcome difficulties for many years. 2.) A wolf in sheep’s clothing. The moral of the story is that appearance can be very deceptive. I learned that oftentimes, some things are not what they always appear to be, if you pretend to be what you are not. You will get caught. I can definitely relate to this part of the fable. I used to be friend with someone who I thought was the nicest, kind, and friendliest person turned out to actually be sneaky, mean, and jealous and was really out to harm me. I really wonder what make them act that way, especially when you haven’t done any wrong things to them. 3.) The dog in the manger. I thought that it was really selfish of the dog for not letting the Ox eat the food. The food was useless to him so why not share or at least give it to someone that’s in need of it. I never knew dogs were this even capable of doing such thing. I mean I see these kinds of act a lot the time but only by people. For example this afternoon while on my way back home. There was a driver on the

Marijuana, Users, & What You Lose Essays - Entheogens, Euphoriants

Marijuana, Users, & What You Lose Essays - Entheogens, Euphoriants Marijuana, Users, & What You Lose The topic of marijuana use is very broad and has an intricate effect on society as a whole, however, for the purpose of this paper; the literature review is based on facts covering a brief overview of the existence, use, and effect of marijuana. The history of the Cannabis plant and the outcomes associated with the use and abuse of marijuana is the major focus of this paper. What Is Marijuana? Marijuana is a drug obtained from dried and crumpled parts of the hemp plant Cannabis. Cannabis is botanically classified as a member of the family Cannabaceae and the genus Cannabis. There are 3 known species of Cannabis: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. (Lorimer 214) Cannabis sativa is a tall plant, generally between 8 and 12 feet. The leaves have long thin fingers and are light green. The more equatorial varieties have more yellow pigments to protect the plant from intense light. Sativa seed pods are long and thin and turn red as they mature in a warm environment. In cooler environments, the buds may be slightly purple. Sativa plants smell sweet and fruity and the smoke is generally quite mild. (Grolier Electronic Encyclopedia) For thousands of years, the plant cannabis sativa, otherwise known as hemp or marijuana, has been harvested by people and utilized in many different ways. It has been grown to provide food for villages and towns, and used for clothes, rope, and sails on early ships. The Bible was written on hemp paper, as well as the first draft of the US Constitution. (House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology, Ninth Report 1998) Marijuana is known by a variety of names such as kif (Morocco), dagga (South Africa), and bhang (India). Common in the United States, marijuana is called pot, grass, weed, Mary Jane, bones, etc. (Lorimer 214) The plant contains THC, which gives smokers the psychic effects they seek. The leaves of this plant are smoked but the most highly prized part of the plant is the top, smoked by rolling inside tobacco paper or placing in a pipe. (Grolier Electronic Encyclopedia) It is consumed worldwide by an estimated 200,000,000 persons for pleasure, an escape from re ality, or relaxation. (Berger) The use of marijuana is widespread by all classes, races, and cultures. (Smith) The first definite record of the marijuana plant in the New World dates from 1545 AD, when the Spaniards introduced it into Chile. It has been suggested, however, that African slaves familiar with marijuana as an intoxicant and medicine brought the seeds with them to Brazil even earlier in the sixteenth century. (Lorimer 215) There are no records that the Pilgrims brought marijuana with them to Plymouth, but the Native Americans introduced the Pilgrims to tobacco and other forms of drugs such as Marijuana. The Jamestown settlers did bring the plant to Virginia in 1611, and cultivated it for its fiber, the hemp, which was used to make rope. (Erriod's Cannabis Vault) Marijuana was introduced into New England in 1629 and from then until after the Civil War, the marijuana plant was a major crop in North America. The Marijuana Plant played an important role in both colonial and national economic policy. In 1762, Virginia awarded bounties for hemp culture and manufacture, and imposed penalties upon those who did not produce it. George Washington was growing hemp at Mount Vernon three years later, presumably for its fiber. The fact has been argued that Washington was also concerned to increase the medicinal or intoxicating potency of his marijuana plants. The argument depends on a curious tradition, which may or may not be sound, that the quality or quantity of marijuana resin (hashish) is enhanced if the male and female plants are separated before the females are pollinated. There can be no doubt that Washington separated the males from the females. Two entries in his diary supply the evidence: May 12-13, 1765: Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole by Swamp. (Andrews 34) August 7, 1765: '-began to separate the Male from the Female Hemp Do-rather too late. (Andrews 34) Washington's August 7 diary entry clea rly indicates that he was cultivating the plant for medicinal purposes as well for it's fiber.

Mubadala Development Company (MDC) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Mubadala Development Company (MDC) - Essay Example This is followed by a critical analysis of its organisational culture in relation to its stated mission and vision and the way it is implemented in its operations so as to ensure optimal performance of the organisation. Recommendations will also be given at the end so as to suggest the best possible ways that can be implemented to ensure that there is compliance between the organisational culture and its stated goals. Basically, the report seeks to explore the extent to which the concept of organisational culture affects the overall performance of the whole organisation MDC is a company owned by the government of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. MDC is a catalyst for investment by the government of Abu Dhabi and according to its website, it has so far invested in areas including aerospace, health automotive, telecommunication, building of ships and energy among others. It is a catalyst of economic diversification in Abu Dhabi and the company’s strategy is based on the ma nagement of long term, capital intensive investments that deliver strong financial returns and tangible social benefits for the Emirates. MDC was established in October 2002 as a Public Joint Stock Company in Abu Dhabi through a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The Government of Abu Dhabi is its sole shareholder. As a Public Joint Stock Company, Mubadala functions much like an incorporated entity in the United States or a â€Å"plc† in the United Kingdom.

Marketing Discussion Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing Discussion - Assignment Example For example, I got ripped off when the seller sold me an 8 oz bottle of mineral water at $5 each stating the water has health-revitalizing ingredients. Next day, I later learned that the all mineral water competitors, regardless of price sell the same type of mineral water. I could have bought a lower priced competitor’s product and save money for a snack food. Two days later, I took advantage of a store’s â€Å"discount sale† promotion and saved 70 percent on my purchase. Further, the average company can honestly make profits and similarly offer value to its current and prospective customers. To increase customer demand, the company must advertise the benefits of buying its products. For example, AMD grabbed a huge share of the Intel’s computer chip market segment because Microsoft refused to incorporate the changing needs of its current clients (Jagpal, 2008). REFERENCES: Jagpal, S. (2008). Fusion for Profit: How Marketing and Finance Can Work Together t o Create Value. New York: University Press. Lilien, G. (2012). Principles of Marketing . New York: Decision Pro Press. Question 5) Nike, Gatorade, and other companies implement both emotional and intellectual marketing strategies (Moehlman, 2010). Nike persuades its current and prospective customers that its shoe products are high quality products and fashion trend makers, a necessary ingredient of sport lifestyles (Hill, 2009). Gatorade insists that Gatorade is a high quality sports ability enhancing beverage, thirst quencher plus energy drink (Nestle, 2007). Further, the product advertising’s promise of a better sports life makes the consumer feel they are reaping the advertisement’s promises. For example, the Nike shoe wearer feels proud he or she intelligently bought and current feels the quality comfort. Consequently, other competitive products offer different benefits. For example, including Coke and Pepsi beverages, offers different benefits that include lower p rices and availability of the products. The companies maximize the point of differentiation in marketing communications by focusing on a market niche. Nike focuses on selling sports shoes. Gatorade markets sports drinks. REFERENCES: Hill, C. (2009). Strategic Management Theory. New York: Cengage Learning Press. Lilien, G. (2012). Principles of Marketing . New York: Decision Pro Press. Moehlman, M. (2010). Target Market. New York: BeWrite Press. 6) The United States sports shoe industry includes many competitors. The sports shoe industry caters to the shoe needs of athletes, sports buffs, and sports shoe lovers. Nike is the industry leader (2011 $24.13 billion) generating the highest 2011 revenue. Adidas is the challenger (2011 $18.82 billion) because of its lower revenue. Further, Adidas will exert additional efforts to reach Nike’s higher revenue level. To increase revenues, the three company types (leader, follower, and nicher) allocate significant budgets to advertise thei r products’ many advantages (Lamb, 2011). The three sports shoe competitors offer quality luxury products at competitive store prices. Each competitor offers comfort, reasonable price, and quality shoe products. The company having the best advertising appeal, pricing, availability or location, will win the current and prospective clients’ mind, heart, and money (Graf, 2009). Puma is the nicher (2011 $3.9 billion) by creating unique, individual, personalized products

Malicious Software, Unknown Threats & Potential Solutions Research Paper

Malicious Software, Unknown Threats & Potential Solutions - Research Paper Example Malicious intentions result into destruction of system hardware, information, and software whereby, disclosure of confidential information results, through unauthorized users having access to the system and information. Unauthorized usage also results in modification and interruption of the information system. Interception occurs when information that resides in a computer system is copied by unauthorized user (Abdullah, 2010, p.3). Other threats include malware, which is constituted by viruses, computer worms and Trojan horses that are generally common in the computer networks and websites. The possibility of making money through malware distribution and solution has propagated the online distribution, which is a major threat. This is the case since the popularity of viruses, computer worms and Trojan horses consequently increases popularity of similar antivirus that is traded for commercial purposes (Ryuya, 2011, p.514). Defects with respect to homogeneous binary files are an indic ation of presence of unknown threats and malicious software. Indications of threats may include infections such as viruses, Trojan horse programs and even original file format alterations (Weber, et al., 2002, p. 2). Motivation Malicious software and unknown threats have time and again presented new threats that call for new ways of detection and prevention within the information technology environment. Unknown threats and malware software call for modern malware detection solutions such as proactive malware detection system that enables prevention of future attacks and those that were previously unknown. Modern detection system also reduces the rate of false alarms, since successful detection of attacks is made (Volynkin, State University of New York at Binghamton: Electrical Engineering. 2007, p.47). Dynamics of malicious software are characterized by strains such as code red-2, which is a fast spreading worm that can be solved using a complex mathematical model that is based on a pproach of compartmentalization. The solution is made possible through predicting the state of the system for the purpose of converting unaffected targeted nodes into noninfectious and infectious nodes (Hemraj and Dinesh, 2007, p. 491). Hackers have gone ahead to exploit zero day threats, since these threats have no characteristic signature that can be detected. The exploitation takes advantage of polymorphing code of the unknown threat that varies with every page loaded. However, technological firms have competitively undertaken to advance models for detecting malicious and unknown threats for their customers. Through intensive marketing and competition, new knowledge regarding malicious software attacks has been created by software firms. Although software firms seek to gain profitability in software applications, solutions for complex and dynamic malicious software attacks are gaining a positive insight (Michael and Mikhael, 2010, p.597). Invisible malicious codes on the web exec ute when the browser loads web pages containing the software. Malicious codes use cross-site scripting to retrieve codes that are more dangerous from third party sites, which plants the malware, steals data and takes control of the system through leveraging operating system and web browser vulnerability.

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Strategic Management - Essay Example These initiatives normally revolve around resource allocation, utilization, and performance in the external environment of the business. Additionally, strategic management provides the opportunity for an organization to specify its mental picture, policies, objectives, mission and plans. It allocates the required resources for the execution of its programs, projects and plans (Sachs & Ru?hli 2011 p. 1). Furthermore, strategic management ensures the organization develops a balanced scorecard for the evaluation of its general performance. The scorecard also enables it to determine if it is progressing towards its set objectives and make the necessary changes or adjustments. However, for an organization to perform its strategic management process successfully, it must have the right paradigm. Importance of an organization’s "paradigm" for strategic management Several contemporary organizations today are operating in complex environments where there are frequent and sudden changes of structures. They need to decamp from their traditional management structures to adapt new approaches to management. Incidentally, the operating environment for most organizations faces stiff competition and massive explosion in the field of information technology. This requires that the company update its management paradigm to fit in the new era adequately (Kachru 2009, p. 48). The enhanced utilization of information technology has led to the emergence of knowledge or information based economy. This is partially responsible for the increase in complexities of organizations. Consequently, many organizations have resorted to changing their paradigms to adopt new organizational structures. This includes the changes in leadership and management practices. Additionally, technologies such as the internet, e-mail, voice mail and telecommuting have also contributed in the rebranding of the structures of organizations to encompass virtual offices, companies and teams (Kachru 2009, p. 92 ). The shift to the new organizational paradigms has several uses to the organization. The adoption of new technologies in the field of information science is making both intra-organizational, as well as inter-organizational communications simpler (Kachru, 2009, p. 93). Consequently, this eliminates the previous communication boundaries leading to a global market place that is borderless. The elimination of the market place boundaries can significantly reduce the command chains within organizational structures and paradigm. As a result, the organization will have free control spans by replacing its departments with stronger teams that have been empowered. This paradigm assumes an organizational structure whereby a flatten hierarchy replaces vertical boundaries as cross-functional teams replace functional departments. This is important to the organization because it consolidates the activities of the organization around centralized processes (Kachru 2009, p. 84). The creation of the organizational paradigms without boundaries eliminates geographical barriers to the organization. This places an organization in a suitable position to interact freely with its clients and other business partners in the entire globe. For good strategic management, an organization needs to shift its paradigm to benefit from the following processes a. Reduced dependence on the leadership of command and control b. Hierarchy breakdown that leads to a lean change in the systems of management c. Enhanced commitment to the application and utilization of virtual technologies d. Increased teamwork reliance e. Attain flexibility f. Interactive system of knowledge transfer through electronic and mutual interest instead of authority systems New forms of management

Heriot-Watt Programme Mandate Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Heriot-Watt Programme Mandate - Assignment Example Moving into the twenty-first century Heriot-Watt developed Focus on the Future: Heriot-Watt University, 2008 a policy document to guide the institution's future development. Its overall goal is made clear in the introduction to the document, â€Å"Our vision for the next decade is to become a world-leading university – a university which will produce the next generation of global leaders in business and technology.† The following programme mandate document outlines a program that is directed towards meeting those goals in the framework of the energy sector. Of necessity, considering the global business environment and the inherent nature of the energy industry, there is considerable emphasis placed on environmental issues. Regardless, this is an energy programme mandate proposal first and foremost. Its adoption would address pressing needs in the energy sector in emerging technologies while also recognizing the political and philosophical framework that the energy sector operates within. This means that the proposed programme will appeal to partners in the industry, potential academic and institutional partners, and students considering Heriot-Watt who are interested in a cutting-edge program in terms of technology and the wider social environment that they will be practising their chosen discipline in. Therefore, it will contribute to Heriot-Watts intention to remain a leader in technological and scientific research and also attract students, meeting the goal of â€Å"growing our academic base by 50% in ten years.† Furthermore, the Ethical Energy Programme will enhance the reputation of the university and offer its students a broader-based understanding of energy issues than traditional programmes. First, the programme components will be presented in two sections. The hard components of the programme are the actual directions that research will take in scientific and technological avenues.

Fire Safety Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fire Safety - Essay Example Barr, & John Eversole are of different opinion that: "the lines separating urban and rural fire/rescue departments are increasingly blurred by the combined effects of the suburbanization of America" (Barr & Eversole, 2003, p. 580) modernization/suburbanization in America was so helpful to reduce the difference between urban and rural fire rescue departments and it reflected in the capability to handle critical situations. Due to the absence of higher level safety performance, US fire fighters face deaths and injuries from higher level fire risks. When considering other high risk occupations it can be seen that there is higher level performance for overcoming higher level fire risk and thus the death rate among the fire-fighters is lower. When comparing the fire fighters death in USA in between the period of 1995 to 2004 it can be seen that there is seven fire fighter deaths per 10000 fires and at the same time in UK and New Zealand, the fire fighter death is only less than one per 10000 fires. The cases of civilian deaths relating to fire accidents in between the period 2000 to 2002 were of 1.32 per 100,000 populations. In case of UK and New Zealand it is 1.05 and 0.95 per 10000 populations respectively. In USA the direct fire loss and costs from high fire events in between the period 2000- 2002 was of 0.022%.

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Strategic Management - Essay Example These initiatives normally revolve around resource allocation, utilization, and performance in the external environment of the business. Additionally, strategic management provides the opportunity for an organization to specify its mental picture, policies, objectives, mission and plans. It allocates the required resources for the execution of its programs, projects and plans (Sachs & Ru?hli 2011 p. 1). Furthermore, strategic management ensures the organization develops a balanced scorecard for the evaluation of its general performance. The scorecard also enables it to determine if it is progressing towards its set objectives and make the necessary changes or adjustments. However, for an organization to perform its strategic management process successfully, it must have the right paradigm. Importance of an organization’s "paradigm" for strategic management Several contemporary organizations today are operating in complex environments where there are frequent and sudden changes of structures. They need to decamp from their traditional management structures to adapt new approaches to management. Incidentally, the operating environment for most organizations faces stiff competition and massive explosion in the field of information technology. This requires that the company update its management paradigm to fit in the new era adequately (Kachru 2009, p. 48). The enhanced utilization of information technology has led to the emergence of knowledge or information based economy. This is partially responsible for the increase in complexities of organizations. Consequently, many organizations have resorted to changing their paradigms to adopt new organizational structures. This includes the changes in leadership and management practices. Additionally, technologies such as the internet, e-mail, voice mail and telecommuting have also contributed in the rebranding of the structures of organizations to encompass virtual offices, companies and teams (Kachru 2009, p. 92 ). The shift to the new organizational paradigms has several uses to the organization. The adoption of new technologies in the field of information science is making both intra-organizational, as well as inter-organizational communications simpler (Kachru, 2009, p. 93). Consequently, this eliminates the previous communication boundaries leading to a global market place that is borderless. The elimination of the market place boundaries can significantly reduce the command chains within organizational structures and paradigm. As a result, the organization will have free control spans by replacing its departments with stronger teams that have been empowered. This paradigm assumes an organizational structure whereby a flatten hierarchy replaces vertical boundaries as cross-functional teams replace functional departments. This is important to the organization because it consolidates the activities of the organization around centralized processes (Kachru 2009, p. 84). The creation of the organizational paradigms without boundaries eliminates geographical barriers to the organization. This places an organization in a suitable position to interact freely with its clients and other business partners in the entire globe. For good strategic management, an organization needs to shift its paradigm to benefit from the following processes a. Reduced dependence on the leadership of command and control b. Hierarchy breakdown that leads to a lean change in the systems of management c. Enhanced commitment to the application and utilization of virtual technologies d. Increased teamwork reliance e. Attain flexibility f. Interactive system of knowledge transfer through electronic and mutual interest instead of authority systems New forms of management

Fire Safety Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fire Safety - Essay Example Barr, & John Eversole are of different opinion that: "the lines separating urban and rural fire/rescue departments are increasingly blurred by the combined effects of the suburbanization of America" (Barr & Eversole, 2003, p. 580) modernization/suburbanization in America was so helpful to reduce the difference between urban and rural fire rescue departments and it reflected in the capability to handle critical situations. Due to the absence of higher level safety performance, US fire fighters face deaths and injuries from higher level fire risks. When considering other high risk occupations it can be seen that there is higher level performance for overcoming higher level fire risk and thus the death rate among the fire-fighters is lower. When comparing the fire fighters death in USA in between the period of 1995 to 2004 it can be seen that there is seven fire fighter deaths per 10000 fires and at the same time in UK and New Zealand, the fire fighter death is only less than one per 10000 fires. The cases of civilian deaths relating to fire accidents in between the period 2000 to 2002 were of 1.32 per 100,000 populations. In case of UK and New Zealand it is 1.05 and 0.95 per 10000 populations respectively. In USA the direct fire loss and costs from high fire events in between the period 2000- 2002 was of 0.022%.

Men Are Superior to Women Essay Example for Free

Men Are Superior to Women Essay Men are Superior to Women for the Appellation of ChineseThe cultures in china, Men are stereotyped as a muscular, tough, and strong figure. Until now, the positions of men are still the same. In the traditional Chinese point of view, they deem that men are better. I don’t deny this opinion because I am a man. As a result, my assumptions for the man culture in china in the following aspects, parental training, education and social expectations. First of all, in my country, parents or grandparents used to treat sons better than daughters. According to my culture, â€Å"men should take care of the outside (means earn money), and women should take care of the business inside (means domestic). † My assumption is in the poor area, when a lady is young; she is not got the best from her parent. They used physical punishments when she was misbehaved; she can not allowed to sleep on the bed or couch, instead, she had to sleep on the ground; while she can not allowed to receive education. Besides parental training, education is another area that I think being a man is better in china. My assumption is there are more choices for men in either high school or college most of the time. It is because in china, the educational system in high schools is divided to two major which is art and science. There are no such requirements that woman couldn’t take the science streams. As well as the education and parental training, there are conscious different in social expectations between males and females in china. It is always true that there are more social expectations of males than females. My assumption is A male without a job is seen as somebody who is simply not fulfilling his or her major social role, whereas a woman without a job is more acceptable. The responsibilities for men are taking care of their soul mate and their family. After leaving school, men just work. All the entire life is about work. However, there are no such things for woman. No one will blame a woman who does not have a job. Even so, once I born as a male, I deserve the challenge. Is it become a men are easier than women? There is no certain answer for this question. I strongly believe that men cultures make their life easier in the following aspects, parental training, education and social expectations. As a result, my assumptions for the men culture in china in the following aspects, parental training, education and social expectations. I am proud of being a man and I know my assumption is negative for the women. Indeed, I do not deny that most of the Asian’ nations limit the female’s opportunities. Thus, encouragement needs to be given to girls to help them get past the societies limits on girls. Today, woman power going up and a lot of people talk about men and woman should be more equal. My positive assumption for the future is Chinese culture will start change due to china opens the door to accept new thing form the west. It should be good for women and I hope women’s life will be better. Now they start trust that men and women are equal in importance, either one side has a heavier proportion.

Benefits of Social Media Recruitment

Benefits of Social Media Recruitment With the advent of social media, companies have more information than ever on job candidates, and the process of evaluating those candidates can be lengthy. In the past, companies tried to determine candidate fit through their rà ©sumà ©s. Today, employers perform web searches on candidates, learn more about them from social media, and examine their work samples. These processes introduce noise and are potentially risky the Protected Class issue Id mentioned before often leading to inconsistent results as well. Also, it is a challenge to derive useful information, such as passion around a particular technology or relevant professional connections. To ensure no ethical or legal boundaries are crossed, our proprietary technology removes the noise, such as Protected Class data, ensuring both the privacy of the job seeker is protected while helping the employer get a better perspective on the best candidates for the position. Companies are increasingly using  social recruiting  t o source candidates for employment, as well as to investigate applicants they are considering hiring. Its important to be aware of how companies are using social media to recruit, so you can use employers recruiting tactics to your advantage and position yourself to be discovered by companies seeking candidates. A new survey released by  Jobvite, a company that provides applicant tracking software, shows that 92% of employers are using or planning to use social networks for recruiting this year. This is up slightly from last year at 89%. The study retrieved insights from over 1,000 companies, mostly based in the U.S., in a wide variety of industries. Social networks are viewed by corporations as a means to recruit both passive and active candidates in a personal yet professional way. Companies such as  Ernst Young  Ã‚  are building employer brands on social networks to position themselves as the best place to work and to interact with potential candidates. Aside from passively marketing their companies, recruiters are messaging prospects directly, getting introduced through connections and posting jobs in groups. They are using these networks to fish where the fish are. Here are some more details regarding how recruiters are using the top three social networks, and how you can best shape your profiles and posts to increase your chances of getting hired. 1. LinkedIn.  Nearly all (93%) of recruiters are using LinkedIn to discover talent. This is up from 87% in 2011 and 78% in 2010. Furthermore, 89% of recruiters have hired through LinkedIn. LinkedIn was made for recruiting, and the site has an entire suite of recruiting solutions.  LinkedIn Recruiter  allows recruiters to reach passive candidates by expanding the reach of their personal networks, contact candidates directly and manage a pipeline of talent. The smart advice is to fully utilize LinkedIn in your job search. Its essential to have to have a flawless (and completely filled-out) profile so that recruiters take you seriously. You should also optimize your profile by adding specialty keywords into your headline (for example eCommerce and Social Media Expert), summary, and throughout the rest of your profile so that when recruiters search for candidates with certain skills, you come up. I also recommend that you join industry groups to connect with recruiters that are loo king for industry-specific candidates. 2. Facebook.  Out of the three networks, Facebook saw the biggest gain in overall usage by recruiters to find job candidates, moving from 55% in 2011 and 2010, to 66% today. One in every four recruiters has successfully found a candidate on Facebook. Companies are using Facebook to discover talent and arent hiring directly from the site. But they are creating Facebook pages and promoting them, as well as jobs, through the  Facebook Ads  platform. Recruiters are using Facebook groups, advertising and their corporate Facebook careers page in order to source candidates. For instance, Marriotts Jobs and Careers page has an application that lets you run your own Marriott Hotel kitchen, which increases their page engagement and attracts more people to like the company. As a job seeker, you have to make sure youve turned on your privacy settings, are careful what you post regardless, and youre tapping into your friend network to get referrals. You can also use the BranchOut or BeKnown applications to map job openings to your network. If nothing else, you should like a company so you can follow updates and comment. 3. Twitter.  More than half of recruiters (54%) now use Twitter as part of their talent search. This is up from 47% in 2011 and 45% in 2010. Only 15% of recruiters surveyed have actually hired a candidate through Twitter. Companies are using Twitter to post job entries through their own accounts (i.e.  CitiJobs). They are also using third party companies, such as  Tweet My Jobs  and  Twit Job Search, to promote their listings. Job seekers should follow companies they want to work for on Twitter and watch out for job listings, while also interacting via Twitter with employees who work there. Again, its important to have a strong profile and several Tweets under your belt before you start truly utilizing Twitter to help you pursue work. If Im a recruiter, Social media can be a great source for discovering passive candidates those who are employed but open to changing jobs for the right opportunity who represent nearly half of all currently employed talent. Because the desired opportunities rarely exist on job boards, and job seekers are participating in communities all over the web (sites like GitHub for engineering talent, for example), social media can become a fascinating place for employers to find talent that they may not be able to find otherwise. At Reppify, we simplify this process even further by first identifying this talent and then connecting with this talent to suggest those candidates who best match against specific job criteria. If Im a job seeker, Leveraging your network wherever possible is key. The average user on a network such as LinkedIn, for example, has around 200 connections. With hiring on the rise again, job seekers will need to use their connections to help get ahead of the competition and get through to those jobs where they are most qualified. Soon, this will also begin working in reverse as employers adopt new technology and tools, those right jobs will begin to find you. ADVANTAGES OF UTILIZING SOCIAL MEDIA IN TERMS OF RECRUITMENT: It is more efficient. Organizations can use social media to tap potential recruits much more easily by advertising vacancies and searching for recruits on LinkedIn, for example. However, LinkedIn and other social media applications can actually be used for much more than simply a job post site. Indeed, social recruiting can be used to increase effectiveness and forge new and deeper relationships between employees and employers. Rather than simply recruiting the person with the best-looking CV, social media can ensure that that person is also the best fit for the company. Technology is essentially being used to provide better quality links to potential employees, developing and maintaining a relationship over a number of years, which can be tapped in to at later date. There are a number of ways in which this can be done, for example, LinkedIn, Facebook and other social networks offer the chance to form a community based on a topic determined by the organization. However, while an organization like Goldman Sachs globally invests over 100,000 hours each year in conversations with prospective employees, it is not always practical for organizations to put this much effort into their recruitment. That said, social media does make it simple for any organization to proactively develop some kind of relationship with potential employees to the best if its ability.  Ã‚   Social media applications are also being used to rate and compare employees, determine cultural fit and extend internal initiatives, like the referral scheme, to an external audience and using social media to compliment their hiring process: 75 percent are using LinkedIn for background checks and 48 percent are using Facebook for background checks. In fact, more than two-thirds of all HR professionals now run internet searches on job applicants. According to Microsoft, one in four HR employees has rejected a candidates application based on their social networking profile, while only 37 percent of people see it as their responsibility to protect their online reputation.   Top 10 tips for social media recruitment: Rip up the old organizational chart:  The corporate social media function crosses disciplines. The customer service, public relations, marketing and sales teams, they all have a stake in how the social media function impacts daily operations. Dont give the job to the junior staffer:  British furniture retailer Habitat learned a hard lesson in 2009: dont entrust the brands Twitter feed to an impudent intern. Since the infamous hash tag incident, in which Habitat tried to spam the Twitter verse by using trending hash tags from the Tehran protests, companies have started putting a dedicated, always-staffed Dont outsource:  This is a job thats far too vital to be placed in the hands of an outside agency. The insights that come with speaking directly to customers is crucial feedback that can better inform a companys sales, PR and marketing functions, plus product development and innovation.   Give the social media team the power to report to the board:  The social media outreach team has a finger on the pulse of customers, prospective customers and critics. This is vital detail that needs to be communicated as far up the management chain as possible.   Be prepared:  A lone gripe posted to Facebook, Twitter or on a blog can quickly become a PR nightmare. Have a response strategy drafted up and be ready to use it. Find your voice:  Veteran journalists speak of the need to develop a resonant voice, one that puts the reader at ease, entertains and informs. Its no different with your social media communications strategy.   Be courteous, professional and respectful:  This is a medium that gives some companies fits because they do not know how to respond to customers venting their frustration. Take the high road.   Treat each gripe as an opportunity to learn:  In the old days you had to organize focus groups, promising them tea and biscuits, to learn what the public thought of you and your products and how you conduct business. Now, that detail is available without strings.   Monitor, monitor, monitor:  What is the public saying about you? About your competitors? You need to listen intently before you can begin to engage, and ultimately, transform your brand into a more transparent and socially adept organization. Reasons Social Recruiting Beats Traditional Recruiting Recruiting top talent has always been a challenge. But with new social recruiting tactics, many companies are turning to online communities and platforms to source candidates quicker and easier. 1. Making Human Resources Human Again, Digitally: Social recruiting has a major advantage over traditional recruiting: its more human. Compared to the post a job; wait for hundreds of resumes; let ATS filter through keywords; never get back to anyone process many use today, social recruiting is a transparent, active approach where only the best candidates are sourced. In addition, recruiters can determine first impressions and cultural fit even perform a bit of a background check before approaching the candidate. 2. Ability to Connect with Top Talent Now: Social recruiting has made it possible to interact directly with job candidates. These days, the best candidates are easily found online and recruiters can weed out job seekers who are not a match for the position in a simpler way. Use social media outlets to find recommendations from previous employers can save you time you might have spent contacting references and former employers. 3. Leads to Better Connections Faster: In the traditional hiring process, it could be several rounds of resume reviews and phone screens before applicants and employers got to really connect on a personal level. Thanks to social media and video interviews, this connection is happening more instantaneously and with less time wasted. Now employers can see if a candidate will be a good match for the company sooner, helping both job seekers and hiring managers save valuable time and resources in the search for the perfect fit. 4. Make Your Job Openings Go Viral: The prime advantage of social recruiting vs. traditional recruiting is that social recruiting allows your job openings to have viral qualities. Viral qualities can include the language of your job description, the visuals you use, engaging or funny videos, and social connect ability features. You cant use any of these tools with traditional recruiting and why wouldnt you want to? 5. Helps You Get to Know More About the Candidate Than Just Whats on Paper: While social recruiting does have its challenges (its a legal compliance nightmare if done incorrectly), it helps you learn more about a person and their demeanor. Social recruiting lets you engage with candidates and assess not just their skills but their personality and ability to fit with the culture of your organization. 6. Discovering Candidates Who Want to Be Discovered: Companies are increasingly using social recruiting to source candidates for employment, as well as to investigate applicants they are considering hiring. Its important to be aware of how to use social media to recruit to discover candidates that have positioned themselves to be discovered. Social recruiting allows you to see how the candidate represents themselves and what companies they are connected with. 7. Allows Recruiters to Connect With Talent in a More Informal, Engaging Manner: Social recruiting allows talent acquisition professionals to engage with a community of talent in a more informal, engaging manner versus Were hiring, youre great, lets talk.   Ultimately, what were trying to do is initiate a dialogue and information exchange with people and social channels are an excellent way for this to happen. 8. Relationship-Driven Connections: Social recruiting supports the development and maintenance of relationships that can reach far beyond the immediate hiring need. By connecting and interacting with candidates through social channels, recruiters are able to create real connections and build relationships with interested individuals. You never know who may turn into a great new hire in the future! 9. Availability of Relevant Candidate Data: The combination of the quantity and quality of relevant candidate data in social networks is a game changer. Social connections are now mapped out in a way that makes it possible for employers to supercharge the referral process like never before. Employees dont have to conjure up candidates social networks can present quality referrals with a single click. CONCLUSION According to the research on this topic I do think that the use of social media by employers will continue to be the trend; and while there will be instances of Facebook password requests of candidates by potential employers so they can examine their profiles for objectionable content, these will likely remain edge cases. Most employers will pursue intelligent policies that effectively leverage relevant information from social media, such as project work on an open-source engineering site, to select the top qualified candidates.