About Myself

Nuclear Power is produced when a nucleus absorbs a neutron and splits into two lighter nuclei. This releases enormous amounts of energy which in turn produces heat. In fact the Uranium, which is the most common element used to produce nuclear power today, has an energy content about 3 million times greater than that of fossil fuel. Consequently 1 gram of Uranium is equivalent to approximately 3 tones of coal. Nuclear reactors harness the heat which is produced from the energy released when the atom splits and convert it into electrical energy. Current Nuclear Power plants require the the use of the rare Uranium isotope U-235 and consequently only use one fifth of the total energy content. Next generation reactors forecast to be available in 2020's will use all the energy in Uranium or the more abundant Thorium. Nuclear reactors produce vast amounts of radioactive waste including large amounts of very long lived radioactive atoms. These radioactive particles are a product of the splitting of the atom. We are constantly exposed to low-level radioactivity from cosmic rays from outer space and naturally occurring radioactive isotopes which in general do not cause any harm. However at high levels of exposure there are numerous biological effects of radiation. These cause cell death, cancer induction and can cause genetic damage. The waste of nuclear reactors is highly radioactive and long lived, and as a consequence must be isolated from humans for around 100,000 years. The current consensus is that Nuclear Waste should be disposed in secure containers and placed deep underground. Future technology promises to turn the long lived radioactive particles into shorter lived atoms.

Administrative and Politics Dichotomy

For many years, the political-administrative dichotomy has been one of the most disputed theories of public administration. Despite serious debates and critiques, the differences between politics and public administration have been present over the past decades. The question still remains today whether or not politics and public administration can work together for one common good-to serve the people for which hey govern.Today, politics and administration are linked in many ways. A few examples are: administrators initiate policy, administrative acts have political consequences, and administrators shape policy after the fact and civil servants are not politically neutral. Skelley, B. D. (2008) Another aspect of the administrative-political divide is the philosophical ideals in the western culture of the Greek civic-culture (political) and political-administrative relationship has been an important question for over a century now. Skelley, B. D. 008) Woodrow Wilson, in his article â⠂¬Å"The Study of Administration† (1887), wrote of how to position public administration in relation to politics. His idea is the forefront to which the idea that public administration is somehow distinct from politics. Public administration is supposed to be the instrument used or the delivery vehicle for translating policies into action, while politics is about making the policies. Demir, T. & Nyhan, R. (2008) The dichotomy is still influencing public administration due to numerous public administrators are laiming neutrality from political influences.Neutrality refers to the ability to do government work, do it to the standard that has been set, rather than to one's own standard or for other loyalties or personal gain.

Baby with the Bathwater Essay

Red Rock Community College’s adaptation of Christopher Durang’s play Baby with the Bathwater, directed by James O’Leary, concluded its 8-show run with a sold out finale performance on Sunday April 23rd, 2005. When the lights came up on the bassinet in the otherwise darkness of the stage, the image more or less stands for everything that follows ? childhood, loneliness and abandonment. It seems that an icon of the entire human experience, not just the implied infancy, is being presented. When the lights come up even further, the bassinet gives way in significance to a married couple standing over it: John (Kyle LaBoria), the father that coos at â€Å"Daddy’s little baked potato,† and Helen (Amien Conway), the mother who object to him calling their baby a vegetable. Durang had an interesting way of making illogical disconnections seem perfectly logical. A good example of this is Nanny. Sweeping onto the stage with demonic energy and a warped tinge of Mary Poppins, Nanny (Nancy Thomas) good-naturedly offers bad advice for child rearing and in the next breath optioning Dad for â€Å"quickies in the kitchen. † I found Nanny to an existentialist theme in making comments like â€Å"There’s no such thing as right and wrong. There’s just fun. † Thomas brought maturity to the otherwise young cast and seemed to thoroughly enjoy her role. Nanny could have been overly campy, but Thomas kept it believable and entertaining and captured the subtle domineering nature of the character. Whereas Nanny was consistent from beginning to end, I have to convey my disapproval with LaBoria’s portrayal of John, the dad. LaBoria aptly depicted the fragility and weariness of a new parent, but failed to reach any depth or humor. I think it would have been better if John had been placed with a more deer-in-the-headlights feel. I saw John more villainous in this rendition and wished for more of a victimized appeal. This out-sized tale deserved better framework. The set was drab and too simplistic for this type of play. Being set in the 80’s, I expected more of a tacky retro aesthetic that would have supported the outlandish play with equally drastic visuals. Maybe the intent was to keep the focus on the actors by neglecting the backdrop? Either way, it did no justice. Director James O’Leary presence throughout the play was rather absent to me. He did make good use of stage movements and employed the full range the stage offered, but I am left here with lackluster feelings. I feel the momentum of the play was non-existent, only offering a general malaise of sub par perspective. While watching the play, I could sense a more implicit complexity wanting to get out. After all, most of Durang’s satires appear flat, but actually has a great possibility for much depth. O’Leary failed to tap into the contents true substance. My attention was finally sparked in Scene 4. Up to this point, Daisy has been spoken for. Getting a glimpse at the character through the personal dialogue of psychoanalysis offered an emotional grasp heretofore vacant. The use of lighting in this scene, alternating sides to provide division of time and mounting individual awareness, was good. After the lights came up and people began to file out, I reflected and acknowledged my approval for the play itself, but remained incensed towards the performances. I felt that I would have gotten more out of it in reading the script and foregoing the actual presentation. This interpretation would not receive a recommendation for me.

Multi-cultural Teams & Their Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Multi-cultural Teams & Their Leadership - Essay Example This paper aims to highlight the major issues that may hinder the success of such a team. Communication barriers are the first issue which may hinder the success of a multi-cultural team. The Swiss culture is said to have a bilingual culture where French, German, Romansh and Italian are said to be the official languages. However, the point of debate is the expertise of people in speaking and understanding all these languages. The Swiss culture, hence, lacks communication ease and conformity with all people in an organization or a group. Moreover, there are certain words like â€Å"achievement, commitment, common sense †¦management and skill† which lack corresponding vocabulary in German language. Thus, there is also a possibility of miscommunication and misunderstanding due to the language differences in a culturally diverse team. To overcome this barrier, the leaders and organizations may approach a language learning and training program for the workers. Moreover, the us e of soft facial expressions, appropriate tone of voice and continuous reminders of the important tasks may help in reducing the risks associated with the language and communication barrier (Adler 1997). Another problem which the multicultural group of workers can face is on reaching a common consensus. These people belong to different backgrounds and may have different perspectives on different issues. Thus everyone has his own views and they find it difficult to reach a conclusion on deciding upon certain things. These workers tend to be from a diverse background and disagree on many issues. Multicultural teams have to be managed properly so that they do not face difficulties when reaching this common consensus. These multicultural teams might be facing the problem of miscommunication and the manager should look after this. It is necessary that the manager helps the team to reach a common consensus by providing each and every worker with the necessary information about the other. The perspectives of the diverse workers are laid together so that every worker can understand it and follow the action plan. Members of a culturally diverse workforce tend to lack trust in each other than the members of a homogenous workforce. The reason for this is the diversity in the workforce that comes along with the people of different culture. The team in the superstore is related to all American, Swiss, Italian and German culture and the problem can start when one group of workers consider the other inferior. Lack of trust can occur when the Americans consider the people from other cultures to be inferior to them in terms of education and lifestyle. Similarly the people belonging to the Swiss culture would be more acquainted with the policies of the stores and hence might consider the other people inferior. It is here that the role of the manager comes into play to help them collaborate with each other. Trust can be reinforced if the managers provide the workers time to know each other. The workers should be made to work with each other so that they can get a grasp of each other’s culture. Halverson and Tirmizi (2008) put forward that trust is a major factor which helps the team members to define the role of each other. Hence it can be concluded that trust is a major factor which can help the multicultural workers to get together. Jealousy is also one of the problems that the workers in a multicultural force

The 10 Strategic Points for the Prospectus, Proposal & Dissertation Assignment

The 10 Strategic Points for the Prospectus, Proposal & Dissertation - Assignment Example the difference between the high school low and high achievers closely related to personality, internal and external attribution to high school and post-secondary programs events as well as how attribution influences the school dropouts’ behavior (Iver, 2010: Borman and Dowling, 2010). iii. Emotional intelligent model base on the high school dropouts self-awareness and regulation to build an internal motivation that encourages them to learn their society role and get motivated to go back to school later in life (Rose, 2013) iii. Problem-based learning models based on the learning process and concepts that serves as a guideline motivates dropout learners to develop an alternative opportunity to encounter the challenges experienced in high schools in post-secondary schools (Renzulli and Park, 2012) iii. Effectiveness of classroom management and educational psychology concepts based on establishing a conducive learning environment and classroom tips and techniques that support clear learning goals, behavior expectations and effective teachers-learners relationships (Miller, 2012). i. Historical events: In American and global history, there have been little concern by the government and the global initiatives that have been enacted to resolve high school dropouts’ issues and drive support for those dropouts who decide to attend post-secondary school programs later in life to increase national security as well as global literacy. ii. High school dropouts tend to develop negative attitudes that have provoked initiation of intervention measures such as GED programs to help in overcoming some of the challenges face experienced (Miller, 2012; Iver, 2010). iii. National Security – Today’s America education systems continues to lose its footage as the top academic powerhouse to put measures in place to fight against increased high school dropouts and remain a global leader in quality education (Renzulli and Park, 2012: Rumberger, 2011). iv. Global Literacy -

Undertaking A Site Visit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Undertaking A Site Visit - Essay Example ive for Engineers to visit the site quite often to assess if progress being made is in compliance with the safety standards or else they may visit the site in the event that there has been an accident. Indeed, site visiting is not an overnight event hence this essay seeks to outline and explore some of the measures that can be taken when embarking on this particular kind of visit. A contract to construct a project like a shopping complex is often given to a contractor who can in turn subcontract some of the tasks to the others. Basically, the contractor responsible for undertaking the project has all the knowledge about what would be happening at the site but there is every need for Engineers to visit the place to see if there is compliance with expected standards so as to avoid risk of danger such as accidents or injuries or can visit in the event that there has been an accident. First and foremost, it is imperative for the visiting person to gather as much information as possible about the place he is intending to visit. The first thing necessary to do is to obtain as much information as possible about the place from the work provider. The people who are always on site are better informed to have all the instructions and knowledge about the whole area. This is very important since it will give the visitor insight into some of the risks he may expect to enco unter. Besides relying on information from the work providers, it is also important for the visitor to conduct personal research so as to gain in-depth knowledge about the area being visited. The advent of new information and communication especially internet has brought about dramatic changes in the way we do business. Google maps are very useful as far as searching information about any subject is concerned. Conducting personal research is advantageous in that the visitor would familiarise with the place even before visiting since there would be more information that can be accessed online. Google searches

Can the United States be said to be dominant within the international Dissertation

Can the United States be said to be dominant within the international financial institutions of the IMF and the World Bank - Dissertation Example IMF (International Monetary Funds) and World Bank are the most prominent international financial institutions that were formed after the World War II with an objective to transfer capital funds from robust to starving countries in the world. Kapur (1999) says that the World Bank was established to serve the purpose of a financial cooperative with the patronage of economically strong countries of the world. The Bank was determined to raise funds from international market at lower rates and disperse them to the economically weaker countries for which it was not easy to borrow from international market at those rates as the Bank. IMF and World Bank have strong economic and political ties. A country willing to become a member of the latter needs to be a member of the former institution. The management framework of both these financial institutions is similar with the striking difference of share allocation system that ascertains the number of shares owned by each member country. Mistry illustrates that share allocation to the members of the World Bank follows no certain rules or obligations, however in the IMF, the share allocation is determined by Quota system where every country owns a specific number of fixed shares. Again in both these institutions, the borrowing countries hold a smaller ratio of the total shares as opposed to the shares owned by the economically stronger countries that enjoy influence over the entire minority. These institutions can exercise a great degree of influence both economically and politically.... Kapur (1999) says that the World Bank was established to serve the purpose of finance cooperative with the patronage of economically strong countries of the world. The Bank was determined to raise funds from international market at lower rates and disperse them to the economically weaker countries for which it was not easy to borrow from international market at those rates as the Bank. IMF and World Bank have strong economic and political ties. A country willing to become a member of the latter needs to be a member of former institution. The management framework of both these financial institutions are similar with the striking difference of share allocation system that ascertains the number of shares owned by each member country. Mistry (1995) illustrates that share allocation to the members of the World Bank follows no certain rules or obligations, however in the IMF, the share allocation is determined by Quota system where every country owns a specific number of fixed shares. Again in both these institutions the borrowing (developing) countries hold a smaller ratio of the total shares as opposed to the shares owned by the economically stronger countries that enjoy influence over the entire minority. These institutions can exercise a great degree of influence both economically and politically over the countries that choose to borrow from IMF and World Bank. Cox (1993) illuminates that the power and influence of these international financial institutions is due to the reasons that their conditions most prominently enhance their power over the borrowing countries, they are formed by economic super powers so as to maintain their power, and their key members mostly represent countries with high economic strength.

Finance and Accounting Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Finance and Accounting - Term Paper Example SwissChoc SA (owned by a family friend) is prepared to give him exclusive rights to sell their products in the USA for a ten year period in return for an upfront payment. â€Å"The distributor is an independent selling agent who has a contract to sell the products of a manufacturer. The distributor cannot represent him- or herself as the producer but may display the producer's trade name in signage and in the sales situation† (US Legal, 2012). Since the information provided is not adequate, we have to make certain reasonable assumptions while working out the statements required in this respect. However, the lack of details in these areas is not materially going to affect the reliability of the statements. The assumptions made in this connection have been stated in the report to enable the user to bring in additional details, if it is felt necessary to have a more detailed report on the project. There is uncertainty in the price front as the details given with regard to prices at which the product could be sold are not specific. Instead George has given a price range with minimum and maximum prices for the products to be marketed. There are difficulties in predicting the correct prices due to interplay of the brands, price levels (cheap and costly with various price levels in between), market segments, tastes and flavors. Therefore, sensitivity analysis has been undertaken to highlight impacts due to variations in price realization with justifications for adopting a particular method for working out the reasonable upfront fee payable to the manufacturer – supplier SwissChoc SA and the return on investment that could be expected from the business venture of George. Cash flow statement for the first year of operations In The Statement – I, â€Å"Cash flow statement for the first year of the operations of Mr. George†, while considering various factors contributing to the cash flow, both in flow and out flow we have made certain assumptio ns after carefully considering various implications related to the business. Sale Price: The sale price is considered at $ 135 per kilogram of the chocolate. This is the mean price as per the price range given by George adopted for the purpose of our calculations. The mean price is worked out as below. Highest price = $ 150 Lowest price = $ 120 Average price adopted for calculation = (Highest price + Lowest price)/2 or (150 + 120) / 2 = 135. The chocolates are consumed mostly by the college and school going students. If the tastes and flavors are acceptable to them pricing is not going to be a prohibiting factor in taking a buying decision by them. Since George is an experienced person with business school background along with his wife, his price estimates should be realistic. Moreover, the Swiss made chocolates are reputed for their taste and quality. Therefore, there will not be any resistance from the parents for their children eating these chocolates. The price comparison for t his product would be very difficult as in the case of other fast moving consumer goods with different brands and varieties. The George’s internet business model by marketing completely through credit cards means that the people targeted are high end and sophisticated customers, where the quality and service are more important rather than the price. Therefore, adopting the average price, if not the highest price would be very reasonable. Capital account of George: The amount shown under capital

Considering meeting the needs of children of different year groups Essay

Considering meeting the needs of children of different year groups within the discipline policy - Essay Example This included sanctions, praise and clarification of the rules within each classroom. The findings showed the key elements of the discipline policy were constant through the school. However, variances were in evidence when it came to reward systems and sanctions and the execution of them. This led the author to think that maybe the whole school policy within a school may require an element of consideration towards the needs of children in different year groups. This study compares whole schools’ rewards’ and sanctions’ policy relative to student behaviour, the implementation of these policies and how they meet the needs of the children in specific year groups. This comparative study is justified from personal experiences working as a teaching assistant in several schools. There always appeared to be similar systems in place where children would earn some semblance of reward points and then choose a reward from the gift box at the end of the school day or week. Having moved within school year groups it became apparent that were variations on reasons, how many and why reward points were given to the children. From the perspective of national objectives on schools’ learning environment, it is desirable that classrooms are conducive to optimal learning and teaching techniques. Both rewards and sanctions system are important parts of creating a classroom conducive to learning and teaching at optimal levels. Researche rs have consistently argued that a rewards system engages students and thus enhances learning (McLean 2001). It has also been a major national concern that approaches to learning and teaching techniques are consistent across the school, so that all students reach their full potential. In this regard, a systematic approach to rewards and sanctions’ system is therefore important so that all students are receiving the same message relative to outcomes

Mobile Telecom Networks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Mobile Telecom Networks - Essay Example Network economics play a vital role in modern economy, which would be greatly diminished if without the existence of transportation, communications, information, and railway networks. Many earlier literatures have analyzed the major economic features of networks, such as Gandal et al. (2000), who studyies the development of CD technology and concludes that the number of CD titles available greatly affects consumers' willingness-to-pay for CD players. Shurmer (1993) uses consumer survey results to analyze network externalities in software by questioning consumers directly about their attitudes towards software standards. Park (2003) studies the role of network effects in the standard war of the video recording systems. ... In contrast, there are very few works on direct network effects, which have been are defined as those generated through a direct physical effect of the number of purchasers on the value of a product. 2. Network effects and mobile telecommunication industry 2.1 Network effects and compatibility In the mobile telecommunication industry, the 2G (second generation) mobile networks are believed to exhibit the direct network effects: the value of a network increases when people can call a larger set of persons. In the presence of such effects, mobile users would prefer to subscribe to the operator with a larger installed base, which offers a more attractive product. , iIn turn, inducing more customers are induced to subscribe to its networks which producinges a yet bigger installed base advantage. and theAccordingly the service providers accordingly tend to compete more aggressively to increase their market share than would otherwise be the case. But However, along with the diffusion of the 3G networks, indirect network effects begin to play an increasing role, since its their usage heavily relies on the available data services. This could be an interesting topic for future studies. Compatibility is one critical factor conditioning the impact of network effects on market outcomes. It is defined as a measure of the extent to which utility derived by users of a given network product is influenced by the number of users of competing network products (Katz and Shapiro, 1985). The incentive for compatibility is subject to depends on the relative sizes of the demands for each competing network goods. When companies have similar installed bases, they make their

Journal Article Review Assignments Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Journal Review Assignments - Article Example One of the principal objectives of institutions of higher learning such as colleges and universities is to impart skills that enable its clients [the student] of whatever level to think critically while analysing problems in order to find implementable solutions that best fit the dynamic nature of the changing and challenging dimensions in the 21st century. As the title suggests, this article critiques the Teaching Practices used by instructors to achieve that very end. The authors’ argue that instructors teaching critical thinking at these same institutions do not explicitly understand the very nature of critical thinking, and as such lack the expertise to effectively transfer such knowledge [critical thinking skills] into their students’ immediate and later endeavors (Shim & Walczak, 2012, p. 16). The study, as the two co-authors explain, investigates the effects of different teaching practices used by instructors in different institutions of higher learning to sharpen the critical thinking ability of students. Shim and Walczak cite evidence from varied authors with prior interest in the same, effectively unearthing massive disagreements from how to define the concept at hand to its components. Accordingly, instructors apply varied instructional practices with no clear-cut boundaries on their suitability on course related tasks, the level of study, disciplines and/or institutions. To be sure, a standardized measure informing appropriate roadmap on the same is non-existent. Buoyed by the evidence gathered, the two dug deep into the transfer of critical thinking skills through a survey investigating the benefits derived from varied instructional methods commonly used by instructors. Like their predecessors, their findings seem to validate organized presentations, interpretation of abstract concepts, posing challenging questions and certain types of class assignment in bolstering critical thinking. The study, however, went against past studies disapproving class presentations and group projects towards the same course (Shim & Walczak, 2012, p. 24); a clear lead as to where the lack of problem solving skills needed in the workplace emanates from. Reference Shim, W., & Walczak, K. (2012). The Impact of faculty teaching practices on the development of students’ critical thinking skills. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 24(1), 16-30. 2. Arkoudis, S., & Tran, L. (2010). Writing blah, blah, blah: Lecturers’ approaches and challenges in supporting international students. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education , 22(2), 169 - 178. While the institutions of higher learning that do admit international students into their programs reap significantly in terms of revenue and sociocultural value exchanges, which includes but not limited to enhanced institutional reputation, the sustainability of such institutions with regards to the diverse needs of the students, particularly concerning an even out academic environment, remains much in doubt. Arkoudis and Tran (2010) point out that despite English language being a mandatory entry requirement for the international students in certain universities, such as those in Australia, the Language and Academic Support (LAS) programs established to assist such students in horning their English language skills are more often inaccessible, leaving a non-consultative flow of endeavors from both lecturers and their students; individual efforts that rarely converge towards the desired objective from ends. In this particular study, the authors, thus, set out to investigate the strategies used by lecturers with the view of offering

Overactive bladder Essay Example for Free

Overactive bladder Essay Overactive bladder is a condition, especially observed in older adults and is associated with a sudden and uncontrollable need to pass urine (urinary urgency), urge incontinence (leakage of urine before the woman has a chance to reach the toilet) and increased frequency of micturition (Rovner, Walls, 2007). An overactive bladder is a condition that results from sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscles in the wall of the urinary bladder. Another type of urinary continence is known as stress incontinence which is associated with involuntary loss of urine when the woman gets involved in activities, like coughing, sneezing, laughing etc, which cause only a slight increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Vaginal childbirth is often cited as a big risk factor for development of problems related to urinary incontinence by causing weakening of the pelvic tissues and structures around the urethra which can prevent it from holding back urine even when a mild physical activity causes slightest increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Vaginal childbirth can also causes weakness of various tissues and ligaments supporting the uterus, resulting in prolapse of uterus out of vaginal opening. All these problems associated with the weakness of pelvic floor structures may cause significant social, psychological, occupational, domestic, physical, and sexual problems for the woman. Thus overactive bladder can be considered as an important problem which can significantly influence the health related quality of life of affected women. In this essay, a comparison would be done between what the public reads about the problem of overactive bladder in the written media, and the way medical community supports or refutes the information that has been presented by the media. This would be done by presenting the summary and main points of the two articles, one after the other, followed by the comparison of two articles. The article by Sheehan (2008) titled, â€Å"Your most embarrassing ‘female’ problem solved† describes the symptoms of the various pelvic-floor disorders including bladder incontinence, (both stress incontinence and urge incontinence) and uterine prolapse. The article describes the problem in simple language, which even a layperson can understand. It helps in alleviating fears out of the mind of lay person by explaining that these disorders occur commonly, affecting almost one in every three women under the age of 54 years. One of the main reasons for development of stress incontinence is the weakening of the tissues and structures around the urethra, which can prevent it from holding back urine whenever there is even the slightest increase in intra-abdominal pressure related to minor degree physical activities like coughing, laughing etc as well as with more-energetic activities like sexual intercourse or exercise. Pelvic-organ prolapse, can be defined as protrusion of the pelvic organs through the vaginal opening. Though the main risk factor associated with weakening of pelvic floor tissues is vaginal delivery particularly that associated with a large baby, prolonged labor and the use of forceps or vacuum extraction, other risk factors which can contribute to the risk of development of pelvic tissue weakness include obesity, hysterectomy, estrogen deficiency (e. g. menopause), constipation etc. Uterine prolapse can result in significant distress to the women by causing pelvic and back discomfort, increased frequency of urinary tract infections, and problems related to emptying the bladder or bowel. Besides explaining the symptoms and pathophysiology related to the development of various pelvic floor disorders, this article also highlights various treatment options for these disorders. Kegel exercises or the exercise which aim at strengthening the muscles of pelvic floor by regularly squeezing-and-holding the pelvic floor muscles can especially prove to be helpful both for problems related to incontinence and uterine prolapse. For overactive bladder, kegel exercises can prove to be really helpful if combined with behavior modification strategies. Behavior modification aims at re-training the bladder by helping the patient schedule her bathroom trips, helping her resist the urge to urinate between trips, thereby gradually increasing the intervals between trips. Prescription medicines like Detrol (tolterodine) and Ditropan (oxybutynin) can help by reducing the activity of hyperactive tissues. For overactive bladder use of botox injection, though yet not approved by the FDA, is also being commonly used. It is thought to provide relief from overactive bladder by paralyzing the overactive bladder muscles. Stress incontinence symptoms can also be relieved through the use of a small diaphragm like device known as pessary, which is placed inside the vagina in order to support the uterus and other pelvic structures. Surgical procedures involving the use of a synthethic mesh or sling to support the utrethra also help in providing relief. Though the vaginal delivery is more likely to be associated with development of incontinence and prolapse, having a caesarean section may not necessarily prevent their development. Besides, caesarean sections are associated with their own share of complications including bleeding, scarring, prolonged recovery, risk of development of infections etc. Summary of Professional Article (Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners) This review article by Bradway et al (2008) titled, â€Å"Lower urinary tract symptoms in women—A common but neglected problem† is a review article which focuses primarily towards providing the nurse practitioners (NPs) an understanding of female lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This article also highlights the present evidence regarding the prevalence, epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms, impact of these symptoms on the patient’s quality of life, diagnosis and treatment, and treatment barriers for LUTS in women. Though these symptoms are commonly present, they are often overlooked, and may not be adequately addressed in many women. This article emphasizes the fact that LUTS forms a global women’s health problem, which requires a stronger a nursing focus in order to fully understand its impact on the quality of woman’s life. The nursing staff also needs to understand the likely barriers which might prevent them from giving adequate care to these individuals and to develop strategies for acceptable and effective evidence-based management. The article divides LUTS into seven categories, with the three main ones being related to storage, voiding, and postmicturition symptoms. Storage symptoms, which are related to bladder filling, include increased urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, and urinary incontinence (UI). UI has been further subdivided into urge urinary incontinence (UUI), stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). This article has described overactive bladder (OAB) as a syndrome complex associated with LUTS mainly in relation to the storage symptoms, including urinary urgency, with or without UUI, along with increased frequency and nocturia. Voiding symptoms include slow stream, hesitancy, straining, and terminal dribbling etc. This article presents good evidence emphasizing how LUTS (and specifically OAB) can cause considerable emotional distress, have a negative impact on health related quality of life (HRQL), and can interfere with daily activities. Women with overactive bladder often restrict their physical and social activities, due to the fear of embarrassment in public, leading to social isolation and depression. LUTS can also profoundly affect the woman’s sexual behavior and her sexual quality of life. Treatment strategies for LUTS and OAB include a combination of patient education; pelvic floor muscle training exercises (Kegel’s exercises); behavior modification (management of fluid intake, controlling the frequency of micturition etc); and pharmacotherapy with antimuscarinic agents (e. . , oxybutynin, tolterodine, trospium, darifenacin, solifenacin, etc). Refractory cases may require surgery. The article highlights the importance of developing an awareness regarding the high prevalence of LUTS for the nursing professionals in clinical practice. Nurses also need to be aware that a large percentage of patients may not seek treatment, due to occurrence of embarrassing symptoms which may prevent them from discussing the problem with their health care provider. The nursing staff needs to develop an empathetic attitude towards these individuals and discuss the various available therapeutic options with them. Comparison of the two articles The two articles are basically same in the sense they both describe the same problem i. e. symptoms related to lower urinary tract dysfunction resulting from the weakness of the muscles of the pelvic floor. The main problems described in both the articles include urge incontinence, stress incontinence and uterine prolapse. However the two articles differ from each other based on the target audience they are meant to cater to. The article by Bradway et al (2008) is meant for the medical health professionals, especially the nursing staff. On the other hand, the article by Sheehan (2008) is meant for layperson, or a person who has no medical knowledge. This is the kind of article which may appear in woman’s magazine. It aims at making the layperson understand the problems commonly encountered in women, resulting from weakness of pelvic floor muscles. Though this article also describes more or less same things as the article by Bradway et al (2008), the terminology used by Bradway et al is more difficult and is meant for a person who already has knowledge regarding this topic. The article by Sheehan (2008) highlights simple changes in lifestyle which the woman can make on her in order to prevent the occurrence of this problem. For e. g. according to Sheehan (2008), â€Å"Dietary changes are also helpful: Eat more fiber to normalize the stool and avoid caffeine, carbonated beverages, dairy, spicy foods, and acidic fruit (like oranges and pineapples), which can irritate the bladder. On the other hand the article by Bradford et al (2008) highlights the interventions required on part of the nursing staff to prevent the occurrence of the disorders related to weakness of pelvic floor. According to Bradford et al (2008), â€Å"In terms of clinical practice, and given the large percentage of patients who do not seek treatment, increased attention is warranted as to the obstacles that prevent patients and healthcare providers from discussing the problem†. Though the information provided by Bradford is well supported by good evidence, the article by Sheehan (2008) gives generalized information not supported with high quality research studies. Even though the names of few renowned gynecologists and physicians have been included, the exact sources from where these references were taken have not been mentioned. If a person wants to go into further details of the subject he/she can readily do it with the help of article by Bradford et al (2008) but not with the help of article by Sheehan (2008)

The Basic Tourism System Tourism Essay

The Basic Tourism System Tourism Essay Fennell defined tourism as the interrelated system that includes tourists and the associated services that are provided and utilized facilities, attractions, transportation and accommodation to aid in their movement (Fennell, 1999). 2. Tourism Defined Tourism, according to the Oxford dictionary, is the theory and practice of touring or travelling for pleasure. According to Leiper (1979) the foundations of tourism are thought to have Greek origins, with the term describing a circle, reflecting a key component of tourism, returning to the point of departure (Leiper, 1979: 391). The Leipers model which is also known as the basic tourism system is shown in the figure 1. Figure 1. The Basic Tourism System Source: Leiper (1995) Leiper.N. (2004) Tourism Management (3rd Edn) Frenchs Forest: Pearson p.53 A tourist, as defined by the World Tourism Authority is someone who moves away from home on a temporary or short-term basis for at least 24 hours and less than a year, it can be internal movements within a country (domestic tourism) or going to another country (international tourism) (Law, 2002: 2). McIntosh (1977) described tourism as the science, art and business of attracting and transporting visitors, accommodating them and graciously catering to their needs and wants (McIntosh and Goeldner, 1977: ix). Today, tourism is one of the worlds largest and fastest expanding industries. In 2010, the overall global tourism export exceeded US$ 1 trillion (World Tourism Organization, 2011). Tourism exports are accountable for 30% of the worlds commercial exports and as a category ranks fourth in size after fuels, chemicals and automotive products (World Tourism Organization, 2011). 2.1 Relationship between Tourism and Transportation Transport has a direct connection with the tourism industry. Progression in transportation technology has helped a lot to form the modern tourism industry we are evolving today. Since the beginning of time, people have been traveling by various modes. Tourism and transportation are inexorably linked (McIntosh et al, 1995). Without the element of transport there is by definition, no tourism. This means that, although transport contributes for only a part of the tourism business, without it there is no tourism business. However, transport is essential not only to tourism, it is also essential to the economy and indeed to society (Lockwood and Medlik, 2003). For that when we think of tourism we think of people who travels for main purpose of visiting ,that is, a particular place for sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, taking a vacation and having a good time (Goeldner et al, 2009). These visitors will use all forms of transportation available. Furthermore, tourism is the entire world industry of travel, hotels, transportation, and all other components, including promotion that caters for the needs and wants of travelers (McIntosh et al, 1995). Thus, tourism can be seen as a whole range of individuals, businesses, organizations and places which works together in some way to deliver a travel experience (Leiper, 1979). In accordance with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism is the worlds largest industry surpassing autos, steel, electronics, and agriculture (McIntosh et al, 1995). Tourism set off important indirect development effects that improve the quality of life of citizens and enhance a countrys overall economic prospects. Crouch and Ritchie (2000) interestingly summarized (Figure 2) the various factors that together make the attractiveness of a tourist destination experience. Furthermore, they emphasized on the importance of the service infrastructure layer, which includes transport services, in the tourist destination experience. The destinations general infrastructure services in this category in fact represent one of the most important factors. The tourism phenomenon relies heavily on public utilities and infrastructural support. Tourism planning and development would not be possible without roads, airports, harbors, electricity, sewage, and potable water. The infrastructural dimension is thus a necessary element for tourism development and the factors below are all basic elements for attracting visitors to a destination. Kaul (1985) also recognizes the importance of infrastructure, more specifically transport as an essential component of successful tourism development meaning that it encourages the creation of new attractions and the growth of existing ones. Figure 2: The tourist destination experience Source: Crouch and Ritchie (2000) Transportation considered as one of the four main categories of tourism (transportation, accommodation, food and beverage services and other tourism goods and services). Dwyer and Forsyth, (1993) said that transport activities are fundamental for tourism because they provide the connection between generating and destination regions and the ability for tourists to move around the destination, that is, by making use of inland transportation services. The transport industry is also recognized as a central factor in destination development. Transportations included items such as ships, airplanes, buses, trains, limousines, taxis (Nariida et al, 2009), car traveling, (Rodrigue et al, 2009), cog railroads, aerial tramways, and similar passenger transportation facilities. Any and all of these modes may be relevant for tourism or recreational travel. Recreational facilities can include parks, stadiums, sporting facilities, and beaches. Furthermore, tourism sites are attractions for tourists as well as local residents and may include recreational facilities as well as cultural attractions (such as historical, musical, or educational facilities). Each type of recreational or tourism facility can have special and specific transportation needs (Petraglia and Weisbrod, 2004). Car traveling is usually an independent mean of transport. The driver is the one who decides where, when and how he is going to get to a destination. It is usually cheaper since roads fees are not directly paid but rather from taxes. It is the only transportation mode that does not require transfers, in the sense that the whole journey, from door to door can be achieve without even stopping (Rodrigue et al, 2009). Consumers choose cars based primarily on convenience and comfort (remote door openers, navigation systems, sound systems and cup holders) rather than maximum speed (Litman, 2007). Improving the quality of alternative modes is important for attracting discretionary travelers and therefore redu cing traffic problems such as congestion, accidents and pollution emissions (Litman, 2008). Ships as we know water travel is a major of tourism and contributes considerably to the development of travel as well as airplanes. Airplanes such as (Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Royal Jordanian) providing the seats which an individual traveler, business person or tour operator may purchase. On the other hand, rail travelers worldwide often prefer rail travel, (McIntosh et al, 1995). The operators of high-speed rail services find reliability and punctuality important factors that contribute to higher market shares (Jorritsma, 2009). Recently, train operating companies are delivering acceptable (and contractual) standards of service delivery in terms of information, comfort, cleanliness and quality of service on trains and at stations (Lyons et al, 2011) which are very important elements that tourists will consider in their decision process. High Speed Rail advantages are many, including getting people quickly and comfortably (Kinstlinger, 2009). But in Mauritius since we do not have tr ains therefore we will not lay much more emphasis on them. Consequently, having adequate taxi, limousine services are essential in a tourist area. Ideally, taxis should have removable and washable seat covers so the car always presents a clean appearance to the passenger. Also the taxi driver to make the best impression should show some courtesy by dismounting from the drivers seat and open the door for the passenger. He or she should assist his/ her passengers concerning their luggage or any other stuff and be courteous all times. Training taxi drivers in foreign language would ease communication and therefore create more foreign language ability (McIntosh et al, 1995). Usually, it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing a service to those who may have no other form of transportation. Therefore, Taxi service is a very important source of demand response transportation in many communities (Ridley, 2006). Moreover, buses are the most likely transit mode, which inten ded for tour use should have large windows, air conditioning, comfortable seats and rest room facilities. Springs or other suspension systems in the coaches should be designed so that the joggling of passenger is kept to a minimum or eliminated. Personnel assigned to buses should be selected for suitable temperament, courtesy and spirit of hospitality (McIntosh et al, 1995). Bus Rapid Transit is considered a more affordable alternative to rail for improving transit service quality and attracting travelers who would otherwise drive on congested urban corridors (VTPI, 2007). Bus organization, bus industry advocates believe that this form of transportation is particularly well suited to certain needs of tourism, especially one way trips of 150 miles or less. Furthermore, rental cars an important aspect of automobile travel is the rental car industry, whose growth has been paralleling or exceeding the growth in air travel. Taxi and Limousine service companies play an increasingly import ant part in tourism. Local transportation companies perform essential services for airlines in servicing departing and arriving passengers as well as providing similar services for bus, rail, and shipping lines (McIntosh et al, 1995). When taking a look at the position occupied by the various modes of passenger transportation one find that air travel dominates long -distance and middle-distance tourism. The nations economy and the tourism industry need a healthy air transportation system. The private automobile dominates for shorter trips and is the most popular means of travel for most domestic journeys. The auto is also very important in regional and international tourism. Affordability, flexibility, and convenience make auto travel the most popular mode of transportation all over the world. Air is the primary competitor to the automobile when it comes to travel, especially for long trips. The advantages of air travel, the quantity of service, speed and comfort must be weighed by travelers against the automobiles advantages of price and accessibility (McIntosh et al, 1995). But in Mauritius since it is an island, it is mainly accessible from air and the sea, therefore this type of competition does not exist. Furthermore, it is important to consider demand and supply when talking about transportation as they are together forming the transport market (Lockwood and Medlik, 2003). Many of the components of the tourist trip for example, transport and accommodation are demands derived from the consumers desire to enjoy what a destination has to offer in terms of things to see and do (Cooper et al, 2008). So, demand and supply are the main components which made up the transportation industry. 2.2 Transport Supply and Demand It is very important for a country to have the most efficient transport system. Efficiency means to say that the transportation system need to satisfy the transport demand for freight and passengers by using the best systems and the most appropriate balance between public and private transport and between modes of transport (For example; rail or road). The objective is to decrease overall transport costs for the collectively including direct costs (operating costs of the rolling stocks, the costs of infrastructure and the costs of time, security and comfort) and indirect costs (such as noise, pollution, accidents etc.) Transport supply can be defined in terms of infrastructures (capacity), services (frequency) and networks (coverage). Capacity is often assessed in static and dynamic terms the number of passengers, volume (for liquids or containerized traffic), or mass (for freight) that can be transported per unit of time and space is commonly used to quantify transport supply (Rodri gue et al, 2009), and these depend on the four basic elements in any transportation system: the way, the terminal, and the vehicle and motive power (Cooper et al, 2008). Transport demand is expressed as transport needs, even if those needs are satisfied, fully, partially or not at all. Similar to transport supply, it is expressed in terms of number of people, volume, or tons per unit of time and space (Rodrigue et al, 2009), other refers it to the amount of mobility and accessibility people would consume under various conditions (ITE, 2003). There is a demand for tourism products and demand for alternative non-tourism products (Lockwood and Medlik, 2003). Tourism demand and non-tourism demand will not only determine whether we travel but also which travel mode we choose, should we decide to travel, and indeed which particular service and carrier we choose. Principal among these features, other than physical transplant, are the following: speed, frequency, comfort, safety, availability, user information, access and price. For each mode is dictated by the weakest element in the system (Cooper et al, 2008). Speed in assessing the value placed, on speed it is important to take account not only of time saved but also of reduced journey time. For most people the ideal is to travel without any perceptible duration of time, not only because it would give up more time for doing other things (including doing nothing) but also because it would remove the many unpleasant aspects of travel that have to be endured when transiting to other places. This mean that we all display a stronger preference for speed and for paying a premium price for speed, than can be explained by the value place on time saved (Lockwood and Medlik, 2003). Transport system performance is often evaluated based on travel speed and distance (Litman, 2008A), some transport system changes intended to increase travel speeds and save travel time tend to reduce other forms of accessibility and increase travel time costs for other users (Victoria Transport Policy Institute, 2011) So, speed is an important feature to consider when t aking about transportation as people are limited in time and since lost time cannot be recovered tourists will rather prefer to have a rapid transportation system while visiting a destination. Frequency is another feature of transport that is to be considered as a good frequency of transport will mean that there is a greater possibility to use transport. But still if a particular route is not profitable there will be an inevitable decrease in the frequency level. Most public service vehicles notably trains, are so large in relation to expected traffic that economic operation can usually be achieved-except on a few high volume routes only by reducing frequencies to levels that are often unacceptable in the marketplace (Lockwood and Medlik, 2003), and for availability. Service availability trends reflect changes in demand, mileage, taxi fares and to a lesser extent transit fares (Consulting, 2000). Therefore frequency and service availability is mainly based on the demand for transportation. Comfort, safety and convenience significantly influence transportation decisions. Consumers choosing a motor vehicle are as likely to decide base on seat comfort and the ease of using navigation systems as on more quantitative factors such as speed, price or fuel efficiency (Litman, 2011). Tourists will travel in a mode of transport in respect to the satisfaction the will get from it and here when taking about comfort, the tourists will somehow benchmark the product available in their own countries so as to choose a mode of transport they will prefer to travel in. Prideaux (2000) argued that if the ability of tourists to travel to preferred destinations is inhibited by inefficiencies in the transport system such as uncompetitive prices or lengthy and uncomfortable journey, the likelihood that they will seek alternative destinations may increase. The quality of information can affect the functional availability and desirability of mobility and accessibility options. For example, motorists need actual and appropriate information on travel routes, roadway conditions (such as when congestion, construction and accidents delay traffic), vehicle services, and the availability and price of parking. Potential transit users need information on transit routes, schedules, fares, comfort factors (such as whether vehicles will have seats or stations will have washrooms), and access to destinations. There are many ways to provide transportation information, including maps, brochures, websites and telephones systems (Litman, 2008A). Also Information centers, welcome centers, and information displays are all ways in which visitors can be informed and guided to use appropriate travel routes and transportation facilities (Petraglia and Weisbrod, 2004). Finally, Price cost are the final essential elements in transport to consider. As the most price-sensitive user of fuel, airlines are again proving to be the first to suffer. In the case of surface transport, the effects are masked by the unfair taxation which so distorts the market that accurate forecasting requires advance knowledge of how politicians are going to tax as well as subsidize the various competing forms of transport (Lockwood and Medlik, 2003). Price is also a very important feature to consider as tourists will look for competitive prices so as to travel. Therefore these are the main features that are considered so as to travel, whether it is a tourist or not. These features are considered by anyone who needs to travel and these features will determine the satisfaction of the customer. Customer satisfaction is the aim of any industry as satisfied customers are more economical to an organisation as they not only generate repeat business but they also recommend the service or product to others. 2.3 Service Quality, Customer Perception and Satisfaction A review of the existing literature indicates a wide variance in the definitions of satisfaction and service quality. The customer could judge the quality a service delivered as good but they may not have had satisfaction from the experience (Randall and Senior, 1996). Crompton and Mackay (1989) acknowledged that satisfaction and service quality are not the same thing, stating, Satisfaction is a psychological outcome emerging from an experience, whereas service quality is concerned with the attributes of the service itself. Parasuraman et al. (1988) agreed but stated that customers use the same criteria to judge both, as they are interrelated. Customer satisfaction can be experienced in diverse situations and interrelated to both goods and services. It is a highly personal assessment that is greatly affected by customer expectations. Satisfaction also is based on the customers experience of both contact with the organization (the moment of truth as it is called in business literature ) and personal outcomes (Mack and Peter, 1989). Hunt (1977) defines satisfaction as a kind of stepping away from an experience and evaluating it. Oliver (1997) notes that satisfaction is the consumers fulfillment response, it is a judgment of a product or service feature, or product or service itself in its ability to provide a pleasurable level of consumption related fulfillment, including levels of under or over fulfillment. Most of service quality writers have considerable difficulty in understanding how customers judge services. One of the original service quality theories is that customers are satisfied when their judgement of the service they have received (perception) equals or exceeds what they expected: Customer Satisfaction Equation Customer Satisfaction (CS) = Perceptions (P) = Expectation (E) Gap analysis theory (Zeithaml et al., 1990) Olivers expectancy disconfirmation (Anderson Fornell, 1994; Olivier 1997) 2.3.1 Customer Expectation Zeithaml et al. (1990) considered that the factors that influence customers formulation of their expectations are word of mouth, personal experience, external communications and past experience. Parasuraman et al. (1988) tried to set customer expectations to context by suggesting that they are what an organisation should offer. So, a customer should expect the product or service to be in a specific standard. C:UsersnathanielDownloadsMGT613_Handouts_(Lecture_1_-_45)_img_55.jpg Figure 3: Basic Perceived Service Quality Model Based on figure 3, a basic perceived service quality model, we can say that the customers will decide whether they is satisfied by matching their expectation of the service to the perception derived from the service experienced. In an attempt to know the customer satisfaction, we must know what is the perception of the customer. 2.3.2 Customer Perception The final part of the customer satisfaction equation is their judgement of the service they have received: their perceptions. Olivier (cited in Taylor, 1997) defined customer perception as a comparison to excellence in service by the customer. It is often considered that customer perceptions of a service are made at the end of a service encounter. Customer perceptions of a service are a complex series of judgement made during and at the end of the experience but are modified by a range of factors including their mood, importance of the encounter. The tourism and leisure industry has to be aware of these elements, especially when designing methods of receiving feedback from customers. Customer satisfaction therefore needs us to think in a holistic manner by considering various factors that can affect it. 2.4 Transportation services in Mauritius. 2.4.1 Air Transportation Mauritius is an island and therefore the main access to the island is the air. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, the airport of Mauritius, consists of one runway which cover a distance of over 3,047 m. The airport is situated in plaisance nearly the south of the island. Air Mauritius is the name of the national airline of the island. Air Mauritius Limited, doing business as  Air Mauritius, is the  flag carrier  of  Mauritius. The airline is headquartered at the Air Mauritius Centre in Port Louis, Mauritius. The company is the fourth largest carrier in  Sub-Saharan Africa,  and has an important standing in the  European,  African, and  Indian Ocean  region markets; the airline won the 2011 Indian Ocean Leading Airline Prize, making it the seventh year in a row for it to win the award. Out of a five-star ranking, the carriers inflight service is awarded 3 stars by Skytrax. As of July 2011, the Air Mauritius route network consists of 26 destinations in  Africa,  Asia,  Europe, and  Oceania.  Shanghai  became the 26th destination served by the company in early July 2011.  In February 2012, the airline announced the suspension of some non-profitable routes, starting with  Milan,  Melbourne, and  Sydney, effective May 2012. As of April 2012, Air Mauritius has  codeshare agreements  with the various following companies, which are the actual operators on the routes specified: Air France, on the Port Louis-Paris-Port Louis route and on several  European  routes radiating from Paris Emirates, on the Port Louis-DubaÃÆ' ¯-Port Louis route Malaysia Airlines, on some routes radiating from  Kuala Lumpur South African Airways, on the Port Louis-Johannesburg-Port Louis route   The Air Mauritius fleet consists of the following equipment, with an average age of 8.8 years: Mauritius has well organised its air transport so as to reach the markets that it has targeted for the tourism industry development. 2.4.2 Maritime Transport The Maritime transport in Mauritius is mainly focused on cargoes and merchandising. Tourism is not really at stake when talking about maritime transportation but still there are passenger ships which go to Reunion Island, Rodrigues and also Agalega Island. So these ships take tourists to the island. Cruise ships are another way where tourists can visit the island. The CRO (Central Statistics Office) published statistics for the year 2011 where it can be noted that total arrivals by sea included 29,900 cruise travellers (around 14,220 tourists, 5,500 excursionists, 330 Mauritian residents and 9,850 crews) aboard 18 cruise ships, which visited our port during the first nine months of 2011. Therefore we can conclude that there are tourists who travel to Mauritius by sea. 2.4.3 Public Transport The public transport in Mauritius consists mainly of the buses, the taxis and the car rentals. The most usual way of transport for Mauritian people is the bus. Bus is a quite easy way of transport in the island. The two main bus companies in Mauritius are the NTC (National Transport Corporation) and the UBS (United Bus services). These two companies deserve almost every regions of the island. Here is a list of all bus companies in Mauritius; NTC National Transport Corporation UBS United Bus Service RHT Rose Hill Transport TBS Triolet Bus Service IO Individual Operators MBT Mauritian Bus Transport Another way of transport and more comfortable is the taxis. A taxi  is a  mode of transport  that falls between  taxis  and  buses. These  vehicles for hire  are typically smaller than buses and usually take passengers on a fixed or semi-fixed route without timetables, but instead departing when all seats are filled. They may stop anywhere to pick up or drop off passengers. Often found in  developing countries,  the vehicles used as share taxis range from four-seat cars to minibuses.  They are often owner operated. Taxis are found in almost every corner of the towns, cities and villages in Mauritius. These taxis are individually owned as there are no taxi companies in Mauritius. In spite of those the taxis are well maintained and very comfortable. Mauritian taxis do not use a taxi meter even if they have it in their taxis, so it is usual here before entering a taxi to decide of the price before. A taxi driver knows usually all the interesting places of the island and therefore can help the tourists to go to a destination. Car rental can also be a good mode of transport in Mauritius. A car rental agency generally rents  automobiles  for short periods of time (generally ranging from a few hours to a few weeks) for a fee. In Mauritius it has become quite common to rent cars as various car agencies are offering this service now. Below is a list of car rental agencies that are available in Mauritius; Avis Rent Car Ada ABC Car Rental Budget Rent A Car Hertz Easy Drive Rent A Car Europcar National Car Rental In Mauritius these are the main in land public transport that is available for the citizens and also for the tourists. There are also some companies like Mauritour and Summertimes who offer small buses on rent to tourists who come to Mauritius and these buses are mainly for tourists. 2.5 Importance of Public transportation and inland transportation. Khadaroo and Seetanah (2008) link the importance of an effective and accessible transportation system to the length of time any given tourist would stay in one particular area in a destination. They go on to argue that if the ability of a tourist to travel within a preferred destination is hampered by inefficiencies in the transport system, then the tourist, may seek out alternative destinations. In regards to this identification by Khadaroo and Seetanah (2008) transport to and from the airport is viewed as perhaps the most essential element of a tourist city. This linkage plays an important role delivering visitors from the airport to the main area of accommodation, most commonly in the central city. Law (2002) stated that in the absence of such facilities, as with the city of Florence, it can be a deterrent for potential visitors (Law, 2002: 71). Public transport and other inland transportation services, like taxi or rented cars, provide an important role in enhancing accessibility to the various tourism attractions within a city. Meanwhile, Khadaroo and Seetanah (2008) noted that inadequate public transport provision in an urban environment can result in limiting the amount of attractions visited, resulting in negative implications on the potential tourism revenue of a city. This inability to derive maximum benefits with an inefficient transport network was also emphasised by Kaul (1985). Kaul recognised that transport plays an important role in the successful creation and development of new tourist attractions within a city and also regarded transport as a catalyst for many city transformations. Within this recognition was the fact that transport and accessibility were essential for profitable tourist attractions. Leask et al., (2000) also noted the significant connection between tourist attractions and tourism transportation, stating that transport and tourism have a close relationship due to the need for access (Leask et al., 2000: 212). In the past accessibility to attractions has been based primarily on access by private modes, however, by not providing public transport connections, the number of visitors that can reach an attraction are consequently reduced. Gimeno and Vita (2006) also recognised that the easier it is made for tourists to travel between points of interest, the visitor gains more ability to participate in activities, which in turn will generate enhanced tourism revenue for the destination (Gimeno and Vita, 2006: 14). When talking about public transportation and inland transportation, we should also think of who are those tourists who will travel in the p ublic transportation services available in a destination. Lew and Mckercher (2006) noted that tourists have access to four basic modes of transport within a destination personal vehicle, commercial vehicles in organized tours, public transportation and walking. However, conventional public transport system tends to remain majorly inaccessible/ non-preferred mode of transport to tourists for various reasons (Law, 2002): unfamiliarity with the system and the associated risk of entering terra incognita (unknown territory) should they choose the wrong bus route or get off at the wrong stop (Lew and Mckercher, 2006: pp. 408), need for negotiation with the staff in local language and a system design optimized to cater to everyday needs of the local population (Lumsdon, 2006; Thompson Schofield, 2007) Specialised or custom made tourism transport potentially offers a higher level of accessibility to tourists within the destination. While a large segment of such services is covered under tourist packages offered by private operators, there remains a definitive demand for tourism-specific public transport within the destinations. A large segment of tourists choose not to opt for tourist packages due to lack of flexibility in the choice of both tourist spots and lodging, higher costs and a reduced adventure factor. As such intra-destination public transport can become a vital factor in tourists choice of destination and their ability to access their nodes of interest within the destination. These types of tourists will use the transportation services available in the destination to travel by themselves. Therefore in this research I will aim at categorizing the tourists who prefer travelling by them and not to choose a ready-made package for their travelling at the destination. Another important facto

Conflict between the Functions of Human Resources :: Human Resources Essays

What is conflict? Conflict is a natural disagreement resulting from individuals or groups that differ in attitudes, beliefs, values or needs. Conflict exists in organisations because, by their very nature, organisations require social interaction between people with different goals, values, and backgrounds. Recent structural, economic and philosophical changes in the world of work have escalated the likelihood and level of conflict within the workplace organisations. Distinctions must be made, though between positive and negative aspects of conflict in the workplace. If constructively managed conflict may lead to clearer ideas and increased organisational effectiveness. If unchecked, however conflict may become unduly disruptive. Human Resource Planning: Human resource planning is concerned with getting the right people, using them well and developing them in order to meet the goals of the organisation. Conflict may arise when deciding who are the right people to chose, and the skills and competences they will need to help the company to meet their objectives. Especially if there is more than one person involved in the decision making peoples opinions may differ and this may cause conflict over the final decision. They are also concerned with strategies and future plans for the organisation again people may feel their strategy is more suited to the company while others feel the opposite and again conflict arises. This department is linked with recruitment and selection because as pointed out this dept needs the right people to carry out their task of getting employees to meet the organisations goals. Conflict between these departments may arise if recruitment and selection are not recruiting the right person which wastes time and money and disables this department because this dept cannot go on to develop people if they are not right for the job in the first place. Recruitment and selection: This department can incur quite high costs and conflict may arise when decisions are made on how much of the budget should be spent and the most appropriate and cost effective way to spend it. For example ‘advertising’ decisions are to be made on how and when to advertise. Also when deciding on what the jobs that are to be recruited for will entail, judging which applications best meet the criteria set down for the post and finally selecting the best candidate for the post all of these factors include decision making and decision making between a group of people can often lead to conflict when disagreements between them arise. Performance management: Conflict may arise when deciding the best techniques to use to manage employees also how much employees should be paid in relation to performance – related pay. Also after hearing feedback from employees should and what requests they have made be granted.

Staying Connected Essay -- Technology, Social Medias, Smart Phones

What is the first thing we do when we get on our smart phone? Check Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It is amazing how society stays connected today. With the technology we have, social networking has reached new heights in popularity and usefulness. The applications to social media are endless; from sharing pictures, songs, microblogging, and online dating, there is something in it for everyone. With the endless possibilities of social media, people can use it as a wonderful thing or abuse it to become a bad thing. With great power comes great responsibility, and social media is no exception to the rule. Social media can have a negative impact on society for several reasons. One of the first and main issues is privacy. People put so much information on the internet that they would never tell a stranger. People put questionable pictures on Facebook that are later regretted when viewed by an employer or boss. On Facebook people fill out biographies of themselves from date of birth all the way to where they live. They might as well put their social security number on there for anyone to see. The number of identity thieves has risen drastically over the past decade. With internet stalkers looking up and knowing everything about their victims, it is easier than ever to steel someone’s identity. Another problem with putting information on the internet is that companies take this information and sell it for advertising purposes. From a sales person’s view, this is the perfect opportunity to save money. Marketing teams have been trying to figure out how to specifically target each potential customer as cheaply as possible. Today they have figured out the key to this: social media. Have you ever wondered how the advertisement that pops... ...ocial media has redefined the way we live, for better or worse. It has the potential to be one of the greatest inventions in history. But until citizens become responsible as a whole, we cannot handle this power quite yet. Overall social media does more harm than good today, but with future corrections and revisions this could change for the good of mankind. Works Cited Lee, Ellen. â€Å"Social Sites Are Becoming Too Much of a Good Thing.† San Francisco Chronicle (2006) Rpt. in Issues across the Disciplines. Ed. Jennifer Pickel. Vol. #11. New York City: The City University of New York LaGuardia College, 2011. 152-55. Print. McCarthy, Ellen. â€Å"Oh, What a Tangled Online Dating Web We Weave.† Washington Post, 2009. Rpt. in Issues across the Disciplines. Ed. Jennifer Pickel. Vol. #11. New York City: The City University of New York LaGuardia College, 2011. 152-55. Print.

Savannah :: Personal Narrative, Descriptive, Description

As I walked into the hot, sticky gym to say goodbye on the last day of the summer at Camp Glenn Taylor, the air seemed to be trying to smother me. Outside, the rain was bouncing off the sidewalks, keeping the campers inside that day. The kids didn't notice me at first. They were too busy chasing each other around the gym with the frenzy of being trapped indoors for a day. Then, someone spotted me, and I was suddenly swarmed by hugs coming from all directions. Wriggling through the arms of the other campers was Savannah. She buried her dirty, snot-covered face into my side. I chuckled to myself, remembering my first day with her three months ago. The counselors had decided to take the campers for a hike. We corralled them into the cabin and instructed them to apply bug spray because of all the mosquitoes in the woods. Left and right, little fingers squeezed out the spray, gradually covering each body. But not the mischievous Savannah. No, she insisted upon carrying her bug spray with her and zapping the mosquitoes in mid-air. Unfortunately, this also generated a large quantity of insect repellent into the air. Every time I took a breath, my lungs were filled with noxious fumes. I could taste the bitter air on my tongue. It stung my eyes. "Savannah," I called, "Stop using that bug spray! It's making me sick!!!" Savannah scampered behind a tree, and I could hear the "sssssss" of the aerosol can. "Savannah, I'm warning you, leave that can alone. Either put it on your body or give it to me. Do not spray it into the air again." Before I'd hardly finished my last sentence, Savannah was bolting down the trail ahead of me, out of sight. I let out a sigh of exasperation. The summer ahead of me suddenly seemed to get longer. The most distinctive feature of Savannah, besides her ornery personality, is her face. She looks like a sprite or a tree-nymph. She has a heart-shaped face, which is dark brown: a combination of sun tan from many hours of playing outside and dirty from the same thing. Her almond eyes are deep and dark, but almost always carry a twinkle of mischief. Her face is framed by long brown stringy hair that falls below her shoulders. Savannah is a girl of few words, in English at least.

Case Study of Bg Group

A. METHODOLOGIES: 1. The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) Approach: This method offers a wide range of advantages. For instance, the Capital Assets Pricing Model (CAPM) is employed in the calculation of the Cost of Equity. Thus, the discounted rate of 7. 58 percent used in figure 1. 12 Appendix is likely to be precise. The total value of the firm is $4. 73 billion. Nonetheless, in view of the probabilities of forecasting errors in the estimation of cash flows, the degree of precision does not guarantee an accurate result.Another drawback of the approach would be the failure to allow for the impacts of real options available to management on future cash flows. Hence, this method is considered as an alternative for crosschecking. The assumptions are the dividends grow constantly in perpetuity at 3 percent and the debt ratio is also constant at 28. 1 percent. For further analysis, please refer to item 2a and 3c in the Appraisal. 2. The EBIT Multiples Approach: Under this methodol ogy, the debt-equity ratio was not required. Thus, the value of the firm is approximately $4. 3 billion after liquidity discount was taken into account. This yields an insignificantly different result compared to the result under the WACC method. However, since the average EBIT multiples strongly depend on the comparable companies in the industry, reliable information is less likely to be available in practice. Therefore, another approach is employed. 3. Adjusted Present Value (APV) Approach: The APV method is more complicated than two methods mentioned earlier inasmuch as it takes account of unlevered value of the firm and the interest tax shield.Recent complexity of the method notwithstanding, APV provides management with an explicit valuation of interest tax shield and an assumption of constant debt-equity ratio is unnecessary. According to figure 1. 10, the total value of the firm before synergies is $5. 02 billion. Nonetheless, this method ignores the costs of financial distres s, which might lead to an overvaluation of the firm with a significantly high debt ratio. 4. Conclusion: Under different methods employed above, the range of difference appears to be immaterial.Thus, the value of the firm before synergies is expected to be approximately $4. 89 billion on average. For the purpose of consistency, APV method is selected for further analysis of the value of the firm both before and after synergies. B. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS: 1. Free Cash Flows (FCFs) Valuation: The present value of the cash flows is calculated based on the WACC rate and it is estimated at $1. 28 billion. The rate is used by reason of the assumption of different components, for instance cost of equity and cost of debt. For further information of the assumption, please refer to the Appraisal. . Terminal Values and Long-term Growth: The terminal value before synergies is $3. 45 billion whereas this amount after synergies is $8. 36 billion. In details, the synergies revenues and the backhaul sy nergies savings are the major contributors to the significant difference. Additionally, the terminal value represents the market value of free cash flows from AirThread Connections at all future dates. This, thereby, lends the analyst the plausibility to believe that the discounted rate is equal to the WACC rate of 7. 58 percent.Lastly, to be conservative, that is, in the worst scenario, the figure of growth rate obtained in the Appraisal is around 3. 0 percent. 3. Non-operating Investment in Equity Affiliates: This amount of $1. 72 billion is equal to Equity in Earnings of Affiliates times the historic P/E multiple for the industry at 19. 1. These investments are valued under the market multiple approach because a thorough due diligence is not possible to be conducted. 4. Value of Operating Assets: This value is equivalent to the present value of the target company on a going concern basis.It is estimated at $5. 02 billion before the synergies and at $10. 38 billion after the syner gies. However, since the value of non-operating assets is not taken into account, the total value of the target company is not fully reflected. 5. Enterprise Value: The Enterprise value is equal to the sum of the value of operating assets and the value of nonoperating assets. i. Before Synergies: In this case, the synergies related business revenues and the backhaul synergies savings are not considered. The FCFs ppear to be more immaterial accordingly. It, therefore, leads to a lower Intermediate Term Value of $1. 57 billion and a lower Enterprise Value of $6. 74 billion. ii. After Synergies: With the effect of synergies, the FCFs and, thus, the Enterprise Value of $12. 1 billion appear to be more material. Importantly, the significant difference is contributed by the cost-saving efficiency in backhaul costs and the network utilization. Thus, more advantages would occur. Firstly, administrative expenses such as auditing fees are reduced.Secondly, the market share will, in essence, i ncrease and monopoly gains due to large regional client bases from the target company could be expected. The company will be able to set a higher price and to increase a sheer volume of sales. Also, the company will gain more reputation and the cost of capital will be lower accordingly. Lastly, due to its new size, the company will have more bargain power and the relationships with banking entities will be better. Consequently, the cost of borrowing tends to decrease. Case Study of Bg Group A. METHODOLOGIES: 1. The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) Approach: This method offers a wide range of advantages. For instance, the Capital Assets Pricing Model (CAPM) is employed in the calculation of the Cost of Equity. Thus, the discounted rate of 7. 58 percent used in figure 1. 12 Appendix is likely to be precise. The total value of the firm is $4. 73 billion. Nonetheless, in view of the probabilities of forecasting errors in the estimation of cash flows, the degree of precision does not guarantee an accurate result.Another drawback of the approach would be the failure to allow for the impacts of real options available to management on future cash flows. Hence, this method is considered as an alternative for crosschecking. The assumptions are the dividends grow constantly in perpetuity at 3 percent and the debt ratio is also constant at 28. 1 percent. For further analysis, please refer to item 2a and 3c in the Appraisal. 2. The EBIT Multiples Approach: Under this methodol ogy, the debt-equity ratio was not required. Thus, the value of the firm is approximately $4. 3 billion after liquidity discount was taken into account. This yields an insignificantly different result compared to the result under the WACC method. However, since the average EBIT multiples strongly depend on the comparable companies in the industry, reliable information is less likely to be available in practice. Therefore, another approach is employed. 3. Adjusted Present Value (APV) Approach: The APV method is more complicated than two methods mentioned earlier inasmuch as it takes account of unlevered value of the firm and the interest tax shield.Recent complexity of the method notwithstanding, APV provides management with an explicit valuation of interest tax shield and an assumption of constant debt-equity ratio is unnecessary. According to figure 1. 10, the total value of the firm before synergies is $5. 02 billion. Nonetheless, this method ignores the costs of financial distres s, which might lead to an overvaluation of the firm with a significantly high debt ratio. 4. Conclusion: Under different methods employed above, the range of difference appears to be immaterial.Thus, the value of the firm before synergies is expected to be approximately $4. 89 billion on average. For the purpose of consistency, APV method is selected for further analysis of the value of the firm both before and after synergies. B. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS: 1. Free Cash Flows (FCFs) Valuation: The present value of the cash flows is calculated based on the WACC rate and it is estimated at $1. 28 billion. The rate is used by reason of the assumption of different components, for instance cost of equity and cost of debt. For further information of the assumption, please refer to the Appraisal. . Terminal Values and Long-term Growth: The terminal value before synergies is $3. 45 billion whereas this amount after synergies is $8. 36 billion. In details, the synergies revenues and the backhaul sy nergies savings are the major contributors to the significant difference. Additionally, the terminal value represents the market value of free cash flows from AirThread Connections at all future dates. This, thereby, lends the analyst the plausibility to believe that the discounted rate is equal to the WACC rate of 7. 58 percent.Lastly, to be conservative, that is, in the worst scenario, the figure of growth rate obtained in the Appraisal is around 3. 0 percent. 3. Non-operating Investment in Equity Affiliates: This amount of $1. 72 billion is equal to Equity in Earnings of Affiliates times the historic P/E multiple for the industry at 19. 1. These investments are valued under the market multiple approach because a thorough due diligence is not possible to be conducted. 4. Value of Operating Assets: This value is equivalent to the present value of the target company on a going concern basis.It is estimated at $5. 02 billion before the synergies and at $10. 38 billion after the syner gies. However, since the value of non-operating assets is not taken into account, the total value of the target company is not fully reflected. 5. Enterprise Value: The Enterprise value is equal to the sum of the value of operating assets and the value of nonoperating assets. i. Before Synergies: In this case, the synergies related business revenues and the backhaul synergies savings are not considered. The FCFs ppear to be more immaterial accordingly. It, therefore, leads to a lower Intermediate Term Value of $1. 57 billion and a lower Enterprise Value of $6. 74 billion. ii. After Synergies: With the effect of synergies, the FCFs and, thus, the Enterprise Value of $12. 1 billion appear to be more material. Importantly, the significant difference is contributed by the cost-saving efficiency in backhaul costs and the network utilization. Thus, more advantages would occur. Firstly, administrative expenses such as auditing fees are reduced.Secondly, the market share will, in essence, i ncrease and monopoly gains due to large regional client bases from the target company could be expected. The company will be able to set a higher price and to increase a sheer volume of sales. Also, the company will gain more reputation and the cost of capital will be lower accordingly. Lastly, due to its new size, the company will have more bargain power and the relationships with banking entities will be better. Consequently, the cost of borrowing tends to decrease.

Comparison Between of Mice and Men Novel & Movie

Of Mice and Men Differences amidst Movie and Book After having enounce the original version and the more than juvenile study readjustment of John Steinbecks majorly successful novel, Of Mice and Men, the apparency of deflections among the deuce is at times subtle speckle alike cosmos very intelligible during different portions of the word-painting. In the pip at that place are several major departures amid the movie and the al-Quran with three being particularly apparent. We are sh hold the differences through the depictions of characters, Lennies sanity and, simply, the strokes themselves.When watching the subscribe, the first difference the viewer can see between the book and the movie is how the characters are portrayed. A notable work step forward would be Carlson. In the film, Carlson seems to play a oft large part compared to the information granted in the book ab come by of the closet his character. He is introduced much sooner in the movie and appear s to be a part of many more talks. On the opposite side of Carlsons portrayal is Crooks. In the book Crooks is characterized as a much more active character.An example of this would be when Crooks interjects in the farmers conversation to let Slim go to sleep that he had finished preparing the tar for resort the mules hoof. The film foxrs changed this scene so that Crooks was not involved at wholly and that George prepared the tar instead. Another big difference between the book and the movie are the acts themselves. Going cover song to the previous(prenominal) point of Crooks and the tar, the scene when George took the mule into the atomic number 5 to fix its hoof is altered drastic wholey.The printing process given to those who have read the book as well is that it was changed because Steinbeck used it as a way to flesh disclose Curleys married womans character. This scene was likely changed because there is no narrator and instead we are given a visual explanation of C urleys wife through her actions. Also, almost the entirety of chapter 4 is removed or altered in the film. We are shown only a debauched conversation between Crooks and Lennie which is interrupted by George who scolds Lennie for going into Crooks room. In the book, Crooks, Candy and Lennie completely have a grand conversation about the farm and the dream of having their own land.Crooks opens up to the men and seems to leave his vanquish so to speak which is followed by Curleys wife entering and tearing him down. This is a strange scene to leave out based on how authorised it seemed to be considering it shows more of Lennies character as well as Curleys wifes cruel side. Finally, at the closedown of the novel Slim, Curley and Carlson find Lennie dead and George with the hoagie in his hand. George lies and tells the men that Lennie had Carlsons gun and that he took the gun from Lennie shot him in the back of his neck.Slim tries to console George by telling him You Hadda George . and the 2 walking away for a drink. Curley therefore asks Carlson whats bugging the two. This scene was completely cut out of the movie and replaced with Georges flashbacks which seems very odd considering how important it was to the novel and the idea that not all dreams are meant to be. The final major difference between the movie and the book is Lennies personal sanity. In the book, the reader is given multiple instances clearly showing that Lennie is not totally there so to speak. The silk hat example possible is when Lennie hallucinates about aunt Clara and the giant rabbit.This scene is removed in the film and instead Lennie seems to on the button be a very confused person with a low thinking capacity. The film seems to try and have Lennie appear to be a character who is innocent and has just been dealt a bad hand in life. In the book, however, Lennies outbursts seem to be much darker in their description, particularly the off of Curleys wife. These three differences b etween the film and the novel are ways of seeing how the director of Of Mice and Men chose to show in a visual way both(prenominal) things differently from Steinbecks descriptions.One cannot expect an adaptation to be a complete degree Celsius copy of the original it is based on and it would seem as though the film was successful in bringing out the meat of Steinbecks story. These changes could, to some, seem each miniscule or large depending on how the reader (now the watcher) interpreted the book. The movie also won critical acclaim and clear many people to Steinbecks writing, something that would make people who disliked the film because of its differences valuate it a bit more.

How Effective is “The F Word”?

When having a baby wiz of the most difficult split of the process is deciding on a nominate for the little one. Parents want to be careful in choosing, no one wants there child picked on or treated unfairly because of a wee they have chosen. In the hold The F reciprocation the author, Firoozeh Dumas expresses her thoughts and feelings nigh coming from Abadan, Iran to the States with her endemic line. She explains how her hit that has much meaning in her country was postcode but a hindrance for her seek to communicate established in this country.In the F Word the author uses contrast between names in America and names in her home land to specify the legalness of this article. How could our parents have ever imagined that someday we would bar up in a country were syllabic names reign supreme, a land where William is abbreviate to observation, where Susan becomes Sue, and Richard somehow evolves into Dick ( Dumas751). hither the author uses logos to make the reader t hink, why is it that we mobilise William by the short name of Bill? Its a logical question, the listening may want to know the answer to.It makes one wonder, do the names in this country have every meaning or are we just trying to make things as primary as possible. If simple is what we, as Americans are after, is that why we dont like to pick acentric names for our children? In terms of ethos, the author effectively tells how she researched her idea by adopting a bran-newly simpler name Julie. People very remembered my name, which was an entirely refreshing new sensation. All was hearty until the Iranian Revolution, when I found myself with a new set of problems.Because I spoke English without an artistic style and was known as Julie, people assumed I was American . This meant that was often privy to those real feelings about those, damn Iranians (Dumas 753). The authors says later she went confirm to using her native name because she felt like a fake. Eventually, Firooze h went back to the name Julie after college when she could not obtain a line. This is where the author begins to use emotional appeal to her argument. Dumas says, in one case I changed my name on my resume call it coincidence, but the job offers started coming in.Perhaps its the resembling kind of coincidence that stops an African American from getting a cab in saucy York (Dumas 753). Thats very strong statement on the authors part because most people associate African Americans not being able to hale a cab as a racial bed. That is an issue that would make a lot of people discommode and generates plenty of emotion, thus this is a very effective use of pathos. This article was written for an audience of Americans. In the authors argument it was her name that genuinely caused her a problem when she came to America.She did a good job of adding the pathos, ethos, and logos in her article to draw the audience in to how life was for her in a new country with such a unique name. The article also tells the audience how something as simple as a name could be viewed as a form of racism. Americans should show enough respect and politeness to try and understand ones heritage. Everyone knows at least one person who has been discriminated against. The author now uses her native name and is comfortable in doing so.