Fiscal Policy Essay

The United States impacts various policies not only at home but abroad. It has been a powerhouse for many years, and its strengths and weaknesses impact other countries. The deficit, surplus, and debt are three major areas influencing these policies. These three factors have a huge impact on many areas we will discuss. These include taxpayers, the future of Social Security and Medicare users, the unemployed, a University of Phoenix student, the United States’ financial reputation on an international level, a domestic automotive manufacturing, or exporter, Italian clothing company, or importer and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Italian Clothing Company The United States’ deficit, surplus, and debt play a factor a role in the conduct of business with any Italian clothing company. Italy relies on its manufacturing exports to provide for its economy, and the United States ranks as one of one of its prolific export partners. According to Economy Watch Content (2010), Italy’s famous brands such as Armani, Valentino, Versace, and Prada have created a niche in the global marketplace where there is a huge demand for high quality and superior goods. According to Colander (2010), the United States has run a trade deficit in the last 40 years. If the U.S. is unable to purchase from Italy, this affects the Italian economy. Financial Reputation of the United States on an International Level The U.S.’s deficit, surplus and debt impact the financial reputation of the United States on an international level because these are factors that promote or slow economic growth, future prosperity and foreign policy. The United States’ debt is the largest in the world for a single country, which has caused the financial reputation and creditworthiness of the United States to suffer (Amadeo, 2013). The dollar is considered to be a global currency and the one primarily used in international transactions and trade. When foreign investors lose confidence in the U. S. Government’s ability to manage the budget and pay off their debt, they raise interest rates on loans for the added risk. Government is  no longer able to borrow at affordable rates. Demand for investing in U.S. treasuries diminishes, lowering bond ratings and the value of the dollar. When the value of the dollar decreases, the dollar becomes less desirable, and foreign investors get paid back in currency that is worth less, which damages the special role of the dollar and the financial reputation of the United States (Boccia, 2013). Tax Payers To repay the nation’s debt budget makers frequently visit the option of higher taxation of the wealthy and businesses. Individuals and Corporations fear this option because staffing and insuring becomes more costly hurting the bottom line. A contributing factor to the current state of the U.S. economy is the gradual decline in taxes that the wealthy must pay. The U.S. must reduce the deficit or the debt will grow, and could become very costly to taxpayers possibly having to reach in their own pockets to pay off the debt. When the economy is doing well and the unemployment rates are low, the economy should be in decent standing due to the fact that the newly employed taxpayers have once again began paying into the taxes, but they also are stimulating the economy by spending their money and paying sales taxes. Future Social Security & Medicare Users According to the 2010 Trustees Report â€Å"the programs face massive permanent annual deficits starting in just five years. Coupled with a Congressional Budget Office report predicting Social Security and Medicare expenditures to increase around 75% by the year 2030, economists seem to have no certain answers now (John, 2010).† Social Security and Medicare benefits have their own funds so they do not affect one another nor does any other debt affect them. Social funds such as these have their own funding scheme that’s not tied to other federal bodies or accounts (Mankiw, 2011). A domestic automotive manufacturing (exporter) The effect that the U.S.’s deficit, surplus and debt have on a domestic automotive manufacturing exporter starts with the decline in auto sales. The deficit in the economy is followed by a decline in spending and lowered auto sales. A decline in auto sales reduces employment due to lower demand and adds to trade deficits. When the U.S. is unable to sell to other countries  we are forced into a surplus. Businesses fail leading to government bailouts. The government spends money going into debt to save these companies. Unemployed Individuals The deficit affects unemployed individuals because the people who need help, cannot get it, or cannot get enough to help supplementing their income until they find employment. A surplus provides help with unemployment benefits; WIC and other programs. Debt leads to higher taxes, making sustainability difficult for themselves and their families. University of Phoenix Student The deficit affects a University of Phoenix student because funding for financial aid could be compromised leading to more private loans. Loans become expensive, costing the student more. The surplus affects a University of Phoenix student by providing additional resources for school funding and programs. Debt means not having enough money to fund schooling leading to higher personal debt. GDP GDP is affected by deficits, levels of debt and budget surpluses. When the U.S. runs a high deficit, debt levels increase putting pressure on economic growth. The Reinhart/Rogoff research concluded that when a country’s gross debt exceeds 90% of GDP, â€Å"median growth rates fall by one percent, and average growth falls considerably more† (Sahadi, 2013). Budget surpluses impact GDP growth positively by providing additional resources for the government to invest in the country’s economy. Conclusion The U.S. government’s handling of federal budgets affects individuals and businesses alike worldwide from students to major corporations. Deficits lead to debt burdening the economy, negatively impacting nearly every aspect of the financial world. A surplus shows financial responsibility positively affecting the economy and creating prosperity. References Amadeo, Kimberly (Feb. 2013). What the U.S. Debt Is. Retrieved from http://useconomy.about.com/od/fiscalpolicy/p/US_Debt.htm Boccia, Romina (Feb.2013). How the United States’ High Debt Will Weaken The Economy And Hurt Americans. Retrieved from http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2013/02/how-the-united-states-high-debt-will-weaken-the-economy-and-hurt-americans Colander, D. C. (2010). Macroeconomics (8th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Italy Trade, Exports and Imports. (2010, March 27). Retrieved from http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/italy/export-import.html John, D. C. (2010). 2010 Social Security Trustees Report Continues to Show the Urgency of Reform. Retrieved from http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/08/2010-social-security-trustees-report-continues-to-show-the-urgency-of-reform Mankiw, G. (2011). Principles of Microeconomics (6th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning Sahadi, J. (2013, April 17). Debt’s impact on growth: Latest study doesn’t settle debate. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2013/04/17/news/economy/debt-deficits/index.html

Hormones and Behavior Essay

The endocrine system is the collection of glands that produce hormones. Hormones are chemical substances that act like messenger molecules in the body. They regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, and many other things. These hormones can affect an individual’s behavior in many ways. The Endocrine System is made up of several different endocrine glands the pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal gland. Each gland secretes different hormones that have many different effects on the body and behavior. The Pituitary gland is called the â€Å"Master Gland†. It is called this because its hormones influence other endocrine glands. Oxytocin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland. This hormone helps in regulating behaviors related to happiness such as sexual activity, social bonding, and helps to reduce stress. Oxytocin also plays a role in pregnancy and labor. The pituitary gland causes contractions in the uterus during labor and stimulates the ducts of the breasts to help eject milk. The Adrenal Gland is located underneath the back of the rib cage on top of the kidneys. The adrenal gland helps do several things such arouse the body, regulates salt balance, adjust the body to stress and affects sexual functioning. Epinephrine is a hormone released by the adrenal gland. This hormone is associated with fear and is what helps arouse the body. Epinephrine is most commonly known as adrenaline. When a person has hormone levels that are too high or too low, that indicates a problem with the endocrine system. It can be a sign of a Hormone disease. Hormone diseases can also occur if the body does not respond to hormones in the appropriate ways. Stress, infection, and changes in the  blood’s fluid and electrolyte balance can also influence hormone levels, according to the National Institutes of Health. The most common endocrine disease in the United States is diabetes. Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not properly process glucose, a simple sugar. This is due to the lack of insulin or, if the body is producing insulin, because the body is not working effectively, according to Dr. Jennifer Loh, chief of the department of endocrinology for Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii. Maintaining a healthy endocrine system helps your body perform many of its vital functions, such as growth, development, reproduction and immunity. The endocrine system may also affect some aspects of personality and behavior. To keep the endocrine system functioning properly, eat healthy and reduce stress. An unhealthy endocrine system can result in thyroid diseases, osteoporosis and a variety of other problems, both large and small. Here’s how to maintain the endocrine system.

Psychosocial Development as Seen in the Movie the Blind Side

Psychosocial Development Psychosocial development is an integration of the principles of personal, psychological and cultural or social development. The psychosocial view of problems focuses on the idea that problems are rooted in relationship issues. Heinz Kohut said humans have narcissistic needs that are satisfied by other people, represented as self-objects. If the child receives enough mirroring (positive attention) from self-objects (chiefly the mother), the sense of self develops appropriately and affects their social life.If there's too much mirroring, the child won't be able to deal with frustrations. If there's too little, the development of the self is stunted. In the movie â€Å"The Blind Side† Before meeting Tuohys, Michael was reserved and had very few friends. It is apparent that he did not receive sufficient mirroring from his parents while growing up which resulted in his ‘psychosocial dysfunction’. At school he was ridiculed because they thought he was dumb in the sense that he did not speak to anyone and he wasn’t cognitively smart.As he gradually bonded with Sean Junior he ‘came out of his shell’ and began expressing himself and communicating with others even more effectively than before. For example when he saw the children at the park playing and he went towards them, his approach scared them away, but after he was told to smile and present a warm approach to the children to let them know that he is friendly the children were willing to allow Big Mike to play with them. This improved his social abilities to a great extent. Michael was introduced to a different milieu, he not only learnt from the new family that adopted him but he also taught them something.This is seen when Michael stayed over for Thanksgiving and while everyone else was watching television and eating their meal in the living room he was seated around the table. When Mrs Tuohy saw him around the table she demanded that the entire fam ily sit around the table. This goes to show that this was a social grace or something customary to Michael that was not a part of the Tuohy’s socialization. One other theorist, Karen Horney suggested that Psychoanalytic Social Theory is built on the assumption that social and cultural conditions, especially childhood experiences, are largely responsible for shaping personality.People who do not have their needs for love and affection satisfied during childhood develop basic hostility toward their parents and others and, as a consequence, suffer from basic anxiety. In addition, watching the movie â€Å"The Blind Side†, I have observed the main character Michael as being socially handicapped as a result of his family background and experiences. Michael’s hostility was that of silence as it can be assumed that his need for love and affection was not satisfied during his childhood due to his parents’ absence.His father was not involved in his life at all but his mother was there for him or she wanted to be there for him but because of her drug addiction it disabled her ability to supply his needs as a child. According to Albert Bandura most human learning is observational learning, not conditioning and occurs by observing what others do and imitating what one sees. One need not actually perform the behaviour oneself. Taking for example in the movie where Michael was not cognitively intelligent in other subject areas but he was tested 98% in protective instincts.This might have been because of his past experience as a child and growing up he had to fend for himself, not because he saw persons fending for themselves but because he was left with no other option. This especially was due to the fact that he was a ward of the state and was placed in foster care but did not want to stay. His protective instinct could also have been adapted from observing how the gangsters from his community would defend themselves in gang fights , hustling in the streets etc. Therefore, his strong area of social development was in protecting himself/ his blind side.Another instance in which Big Mike’s psychosocial development was evident was in the connection between the time Mrs Tuohy saw him walking in the cold and asked him if he had somewhere to stay. Because of his hesitation she said â€Å"don’t you dear lie to me. † He ended up developing meaning from this dialogue and learnt that lying is wrong. In the ending after being questioned by Mrs Granger, out of rage and anger he repeated the same phrase to Mrs Tuohy (â€Å"don’t you dear lie to me†) when he tried to find out from her whether or not she was forcing Big Mike to go to the college of Mississippi.

Feasibility & Marketing for small business Research Paper

Feasibility & Marketing for small business - Research Paper Example The location on Adelaide Street is ideal since there are few salons in the surrounding area. The street connects to other major streets in London, which makes the transportation of inventory and other commodities easy. The business site on Adelaide Street is a visible place just off the road with shopping malls on its opposite side. The malls increase traffic on the street, providing a better opportunity to reach out to more potential customers. The site for the business is 200 square feet, which is ideal for the various services that the business will offer. An additional 50 square feet is available as office space, enough to accommodate the managerial staff and business records. There is ample parking space of 280 square feet at the basement of the building. Considering the business viability of the area, this is a prime site. The business will incur site expenses at the rate of $9.50 per square foot (For Lease: Office / Medical / Clinic, 2014). For the total of 250 square feet, the business expects to spend a total of ($9.50) (250 square feet) = $2375. This cost is inclusive of building insurance and maintenance costs. The average annual expenditure on hairdressing and related personal care is $829 per household (Affairs, 2011). This expenditure forms 1.4% of the total expenditure of the potential customers (Affairs, 2011). These figures indicate a good market potential for salon services, which indicates that the salon business is an attractive opportunity in this area. The major direct competitors are Skin Care Nails and Spa, and Sheer Elegance Saloon and Spa. Skin Care Nails and Spa is a threat because of celebrity status and adequate resources at its disposal. Sheer Elegance Saloon and Spa has a wide variety of services and offers them at lower prices. The indirect competitors include Studio 83, which is 0.6 miles away, and First Choice Hair

Social Information Processing Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Social Information Processing Theory - Essay Example Media-Richness Theory agrees with Social Presence Theory because it classifies CMC as incapable of expressing rich verbal and non-verbal cues. Walther differs in opinion to these theories because he believes that, as long as sufficient social messages are exchanged and subsequent relational growth is attained, CMC can also produce close relationships. Walther proposes the Social Information Processing Theory which states that through CMC, people exchange interpersonal information, form impressions, and decide how to use these impressions to form or not form close interpersonal relationships. Social Information Processing Theory helps understand how I formed close relationships with people in my G+ communities, specifically Elena and Hermie. I have recently been active in G+ communities, especially those involved in health and fitness. Walther is right to say that even if CMC does not present exactly the same cues as face-to-face communication, online users compensate by using cues th at are available to them. Cues refer to a wide range of verbal and non-verbal impressions that are not always directly stated but rather personally observed. Impression formation, according to Social Information Processing Theory, refers to the formation of mental images about other people. When I interconnect with my G+ community members, my impression from them is formed through what they share with our community, whether they are words, or words with images, or any article, blog entry, images, and videos that say something about their ideas, beliefs, practices, and aspirations. From reading and seeing these expressions of themselves, I can form impressions of their personalities. For instance, Elena, one of my Health community members, is the same age as I am, but she studies in India. She is overweight and very much interested in losing weight through changing her lifestyle and mindset about beauty and health. I know her goals through my interactions with her through our communi ty and the health news and health changes she shares with us. Hermie is older, 55 years old, and she lives in the U.S., but, like Elena, she is into healthy and natural living. I like her because her posts are funny and inspiring. She shares inspirational messages and stories from other people and herself through our G+ communities. I understand the personalities of Hermie and Elena through the direct information we share with one another and form impressions about them through these online interactions. In turn, people who are in my G+ communities can also generate impressions about who I am through my own posts on the communities and on my own G+ account. For instance, when I share something about the benefits of virgin coconut oil and how it can be used for different health purposes, others who view my posts will understand that I am the kind of person who wants and prefers natural products over commercial ones. Elena, for instance, once wrote to me that she has been wanting to f ind something natural to help her lose weight and that since she saw my post on virgin coconut oil, she thinks that drinking two tablespoons of it every day has helped her break her weight plateau. From there, we continuously interact to get different kinds of information from one another. These kinds of information may be personal knowledge and experiences, or any form of sharing that we get from our communities. Social Information Processing

CJUS 310-DB4 Replies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

CJUS 310-DB4 Replies - Essay Example Further, you point out that mentors help adolescents perform certain tasks and as such, give them the direction they should adopt in life. While I do not disagree entirely with this argument, mentors play bigger roles in influencing the careers that the adolescents take. Some of the parents hire mentors to help their children perform certain tasks such as cooking and washing, among others. However, other mentors seek to influence positively the life of adolescents by providing them with information and knowledge on career choices, issues affecting them and how to overcome such challenges. Adolescents thus find it easy to confine in these individuals rather than other people. In your argument, you point out the various roles played by mentors in the society. According to your argument, â€Å"mentoring is a way to prevent delinquency.† While this is true, I seek to differ in that not only do mentorship reduce delinquency, but also play a big role in developing responsible adults in the society. It is inadequate classifying mentorship as only trying to prevent delinquency. Although adolescents face a myriad of issues, the reality is that some of them find ways of overcoming these challenges, and as such, are not victims of delinquency. Nevertheless, these require mentorship on how to mentor their peers and help them adopt safe lifestyles. Expecting for this, I agree with the argument that mentors have responsibilities. All mentors should be role models for the children in whichever capacity they serve. Subsequently, they should assume work that perfectly corresponds with their credentials. While some could be relatively educated and have relative jo bs, they could demonstrate the advantages of humbleness and the need for having plans in

African American Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

African American - Assignment Example With freedom came a chance for willing African Americans to access education thereby advancing self-development and consequently the entire society. Unlike during slavery, women gender discrimination and harassment decreased significantly albeit not completely. For the first time, African Americans were allowed to work in different sectors although unlike earlier they were supposed to receive payments for their work. Moreover, General William Sherman allocated free land to the African Americans under the â€Å"special field order # 15†. Freedom of movement meant that African Americans could work in places of their liking and participate in other important activities that were not necessarily within their localities. However, transitioning from slavery to freedom was aided greatly by the Freedman’s Bureau, thirteenth amendment, and fourteenth amendment. Freedman Bureau assisted African Americans in activities such as negotiating contracts with white people, settling disputes between whites and blacks, and ensuring access to food, land, education, and medical services. The thirteenth amendment was passed in 1865 with ascent of President Abraham Lincoln into power. The fourteenth amendment allowed African Americans to receive American citizenship. However, there were also some negatives effects of ending slavery such as loss of land by some of the white people. For instance, in the Southern Carolina white men who had fled during the civil war could not get back their land from the African Americans on returning after the war. Additionally, ending slavery led to hostility towards white men from some of the African American. Nevertheless, the end of slavery ushered in a new era of freedom for African Americans and the entire American community as

Reading, rhyming and phoneme detection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Reading, rhyming and phoneme detection - Essay Example The outcome of this research study provides SLPs and teachers with guidelines for teaching phonological and phonemic awareness to children with or without learning disabilities who are encountering problems with early reading and/or spelling. Furthermore, by providing a description of available measures that indicate problems in phonological awareness and literacy, the study analyzes three models for assessing children's phonological and rhyming awareness and their subsequent reading skills. The study confirms the importance of early rhyming skills. Was relevant background literature reviewed? Describe the justification for the study. Reading research has gained a lot of attention in the last few years because critical stages of phonological awareness can be developed through carefully planned instructions. This research is justified in that there is a need to find the connections between a child’s early phonological and rhyming skills and his or her progress in reading and sp elling. It is established that activities such as substituting different sounds for the first sound of a familiar song help in a child’s development of phonological awareness, which is a cognitive substrate to reading acquisition. It is known in this context that phonological awareness is not only cognitively related for analyzing words but also prepares children for later reading instructions in phonics and spelling. The authors of this article have discussed that the inability to process language by using phonological key knowledge poses as much of a barrier to learning early word reading as is posed by rhyming and alliteration. Moreover, the research outcomes reveal that weakness in phonological processing or weakness in rhyming... This study reports the results of four sessions during the period when the children were between the ages of 4 and 6 years and were tested with the use of two sets of predictive measures and one set of outcome measures. The predictive measures tested the children at the age of 4 years and 7 month and 5 years and 7 month on rhyme and alliteration detection ability. At the ages of 5 years and 7 month and 5 years and 11 month the researchers tested the children on their phoneme detection. The goal for the first set of tests was to measure reading, spelling and arithmetic ability. For the first set of tests, the researchers conducted the test at the home of the participants. All later tests were conducted at the participants’ schools. The intervention for the first set of tests gave the children different versions of rhyme-oddity tasks. The children had two practice trials followed by ten experimental trials. In each trial the child could choose between three words with pictures a nd pick the two words that rhymed with them; such as â€Å"fish† and â€Å"dish†. The researchers used the same tools to measure the children’s sensitivity to sound repetition as well. The third session of the test incorporated a little more challenging tasks for the children because now they were an year older (5 years and 7 month), which demanded their attention to the position of sounds in words. During this intervention the researchers used three pictures that they showed to all the children and then asked them to point out which words began with the same sound. For example â€Å"code† ended with the same sound as â€Å"rote†.

Refletion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Refletion - Essay Example I intend to join college to continue with my career goals. I believe that the appropriate use of mathematical coding practices will play a key role in my success: Application of best practices will assist me in my research project in college i.e. when performing data analysis, when completing mathematical formula among others. I will also continue using coding practices in my University while performing data analysis or when tackling certain mathematical problems. In other classes i.e. Chemistry classes and Physics lessons, I apply mathematical formulas to complete certain tasks: Mathematical coding has played a key role in assisting me to complete these problems as well as instances of data analysis. The most important practice in mathematical coding is ensuring that it meets the recommended coding standards, which may involve asking questions such as: Is the coding system efficient? Is the coding practice usable, maintainable and dependable? This is important because it ensures that a lot of time is wasted by using inefficient coding practices that may lead to generation of inaccurate

The relationship between Eddie and Catherine Essay Example for Free

The relationship between Eddie and Catherine Essay These other variable s are: Cross-sectional area of the wire (0. 02mm) Material (Constantan 36 SWG) Temperature (The voltage does not need to be kept constant but to be able to calculate the resistance of the wire it must be measured at each length because Ohms Law is true providing the temperature is constant. ) Safety Ensure that all connections are secure before the power is switched on. Do not touch the wire being used as a resistor until after the power has been turned off. It is recommendable not to touch the wire for a short while after the power has been switched off because the wire may be hot. Ensure that the work area is dry because water is a very good conductor and could cause electrocution. Take care when using scissors to cut the wire/sellotape. All accident must be reported to the teacher immediately. Potential Difference (Volts) Current (Amps) Resistance (? ) Length of Wire (cm) 1 2 Average 1 2 3 Average 1Conclusion and Graph It was previously predicted that the greater the length of wire the greater the resistance. I also predicted that the resistance of the wire was directly proportional to the wires length. The graph produced from the averages of the resistances obtained in the experiment proves the prediction because in the graph a straight-line through the origin was produced. The graph plotted was Resistance versus wire length graph (R against L) therefore the resistance is directly proportional to the length of the wire (R ? L), as predicted in the prediction. The prediction predicted that the greater the length of wire the greater the resistance. The resistance will be greater because, in longer wires, electrons have the pass more ions (opposition) when travelling through the wire. This means that there is a greater probability that an electron will collide with an ion. The more collisions the more times an electron is knocked off course and thus more time to travel through the material. Using this theory, it seems that the resistance of a wire can be quantified, because it seems that if an electron has to pass twice as many ions as in the original wire then the electron will collide with twice as many ions and will, consequently knocked off course twice as many times with the result being that the electron takes twice as long to travel through the wire. Doubling the length of wire doubles the number of ions in the wire and therefore it will take an electron twice as long to go through a piece of wire twice as long. In a similar manner, it will take an electron three times as long to travel through a wire three times as long. This can then be applied to a piece of wire x times as long as the original wire because we can see that it will take an electron x times as long to pass through a wire x times as long (on average). Thus, we can deduce that: R = x L (x is a constant) Evaluation The think that the experiment performed was successfully as there were no anomalous results plus the results produced a perfect line of best-fit. The fact that there we no anomalous results shows that the method was suitable and was carried out accurately. It also suggests that the points mentioned in the preliminary work regarding leaving the power supply on for the minimal time to keep the temperature constant which achieved accurate results and suggests that the choice of voltage and wire lengths was made successfully. However, some slight inaccuracies did occur in the experiment and this led to a line of best-fit i. e. there was not a straight-line joining all of the points together being drawn. The inaccuracies it seem could have been attributed by the following: Inaccurately judging the wire length, the length of wire may have been slightly inaccurately judged because judging the wire to be completely straight and taut using just our eyes was extremely difficult. Temperature change this variable was the most difficult to keep constant and it seems that this variable was, in fact, not kept constant. It seems that the wire will heat up as soon as the power is switched on and current is allowed to flow because, as soon as the electrons start colliding with the ions in the wire, the wire gains internal energy. Thus, it seems that, as soon as the power was switched on, the wire began to heat up, however slightly. Thus, whilst the temperature rise was kept as negligible as possible by leaving the power switched on for the minimum possible time, it seems that the temperature would have risen and this factor may have affected the results. Meters, the ammeter and voltmeter used measured the current and volt across the wire to the degree of one hundredth of an amp and volt, respectively i. e. the current and voltage measurements may be inaccurate by the degree of up to, one hundredth of an amp/volt. Similarly the resistance values calculated from the current and voltage measurements may be slightly inaccurate. Contact with crocodile clips, this factor may have affected the accuracy of the results, but this is extremely unlikely as it was ensured that the crocodile clips made definite contact with the wire being used as a resistor. These factors may have produced extremely slight inaccuracies and the results were only slight inaccurate and so it seems that the minor inaccuracies that the above factors may have caused may have caused the results in the investigation to be slightly inaccurate. Further work in the experiment could be to find the resistance of the Constantan wire used in the experiment. To find the resistance of the wire we need the two equations below, which were found from extra research. The equations tell us that the resistance of a wire is: i) Directly proportional to its length (L) i. e. R ? L ii) Inversely proportional to its cross-section area (A) i. e. R ? 1/A Combining the two statements we get: R ? L x 1/A The above can then be written as an equation if we insert a constant: Therefore, R = x L/AÃ'Ž Where x is a constant called the resistance of the material (for a fixed temperature and other physical conditions). The resistance of a material is numerically the resistance of a sample of unit length and unit cross-section area, at a certain temperature. To find x we can rearrange the equation R = x L/A to get x = AR/L. Thus, to find the resistance (x) of the Constantan wire used in this experiment we must substitute for A, R and L in the equation x = AR/L. The wire being used in the investigation should have a uniform cross-sectional area, but, to confirm this, the diameter of the wire can be measured using a micrometer. In this investigation the diameter of the wire was 0. 02mm and so the cross-sectional area of the wire can be estimated, by assuming the wires cross-section is circular, using the equation: Cross-sectional area = ? r2 Where r is the radius of the circular cross-sectional area, which is half of the diameter Other ways to further the experiment would be to use wires made from different materials to find differences in resistance that each wire produced. It could then be decided which of the wires was the best conductor. Cross-sectional area could also be investigated, if the experiment was furthered, and it could be investigated whether the resistance of a wire is inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area. To investigate the effect of cross-sectional area on resistance of similar wires (i. e. wires of the same length, material, etc. ) with different cross-sectional areas will be used. The effect of temperature on a wire could also be investigated. I believe that the experiment was performed successfully and that the results obtained were accurate. The predictions that were made were also confirmed by the results and the wire obeyed the rules that it was expected to. This experiment we can confirm that the resistance of a wire is directly proportional to the wires length. Tarique Sabah Physics Coursework Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Electricity and Magnetism section.

What Are the Benefits of Workplace Diversity?

What Are the Benefits of Workplace Diversity? As the whole world market changed into globalization, the diversity management becomes a major issue to manage. So diversity management plays an important role in the successful running of the operation in an organization. Basically the diversity term refers to the difference in the peoples value which makes them unique. These differences includes their gender, race, religion, culture, physical or cognitive ability, national origin, age or family structure. Diversity is defined as an aggregate team-level construct that represents differences among members of an interdependent work group with respect to a specific personal attribute. (Joshi, A., Roh, H.(2009)) In a diverse environment people can benefit and learn more from others ideas. Many organizations found that recognition of these differences as prerequisites for high performance and continuous improvement, and this could lead towards the effectiveness and creativity of the organization. So these companies always encourage a culture that supports and inspires personal growth both within the workplace and beyond. Mentoring, training, career mobility, and work-life balance programs are just a little of the initiatives that bring to life the forward-thinking approach. On the other hand there might be some drawback of the diverse environments like having much disorganization between different groups could cause lack of productivity and promote few well-built relationships. Diversity Management: Diversity Management is the key issue especially for HR department of an organization because if they run it very well they can increase the profitability of the organization or the vice versa. Actually differences between people persuade about how they feel or behave on an action. And of course these differences also influence the way people work. If the organization takes these differences into account, it helps them to make optimal use of all capacities or capabilities in their employees, and thus have an optimistic influence on both the quality and amount of work that gets done. This is the utmost aim of Diversity Management. In the text book, Beyond Race and Gender, R. Roosevelt Thomas defines managing diversity as a comprehensive managerial process for developing an environment that works for all employees. A successful strategic diversity plan also directs to increased profits and lowered operating cost. In an organization, we have to be aware and sensitive to the differences among employees. What can be unpleasant to one group may be fine for another. For example, showing the base of shoes is not a massive deal in the United States. However, in other countries its an unlikable gesture. If youre aware of that, you might not want to offend someone by allowing the bottom of your shoes to show while in his presence. Thats a minor example, but when these kinds of offends occurs at larger, may caused significant problems. Productivity can also be suffered, people could get hurt and a toxic work atmosphere may result. A process intended to create and maintain a positive work environment where the similarities and differences of individuals are valued, so that all can reach their potential and maximize their contributions to an organizations strategic goals and objectives. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Diversity and Inclusion) How diversity management program runs in an organization through HR department could be well explained through below diagram Europe has an increasingly diverse working population, with people of many different backgrounds playing a greater role in the European labour market. This diversity reflects not only population changes due to immigration and mobility between regions and EU member states, but also an increasing recognition of the problems and issues facing a range of marginalised groups in the labour force, such as women, people with disabilities and older workers. International Journal of Human Resource Management, Feb2009, Vol. 20 Issue 2, p235-251, 17p, 1 Diagram Diagram; found on p245 At conclusion Diversity management means recognizing that people are different and using that difference to enhance the profitability and/or effectiveness of your organization. The successful management diversity allows organizations to: Attract and retain talent Increase productivity by reducing the hours wasted on dealing with internal disputes Develop a competitive edge. Encourage creative thinking by valuing the diversity within teams. What Are the Benefits of Workplace Diversity? By Neal Litherland, eHow Contributor .I want to do this! Whats This? .. Ever since John Kennedy was the president of the United States, the concept of workplace discrimination, and the flip side of that coin which is workplace diversity, has been a common issue. However, workplace diversity offers many positives for employers and employees. .Perspectives Having a mix of cultures, ethnicities and ages in the workplace can bring a variety of points of view to any project. As such, problems can be thought out and viewed from fresh eyes. Tolerance Working with people who come from different backgrounds and walks of life enhances the personal tolerance levels of every individual employee. Fairness A more diverse workplace is viewed, from an outside perspective, as being more open to accepting qualified applicants. Often an employer is seen as color blind, hiring purely on the merit of its employees. Skill Set When a workplace has a number of different demographics it gives the company a much broader skill set to draw upon, including cultural understanding and foreign language. Legal Protection One of the clearest, though not as often quoted, benefits of a diverse workplace is that it is less likely that an employer will be the subject of discrimination claims. Building the Case Since the early 1990s evidence has been mounting to suggest that there are numerous benefits associated with the adoption of sound diversity management programmes by employers. You will need to understand the benefits for adopting such an approach, if and when you decide to start building the case for implementing a diversity management programme within your organisation. Over the last number of years, a variety of researchers have detailed the benefits of adopting a diversity management approach such as: Improved performance/productivity (Agocs and Burr, 1996; Richard, 2000) Increased creativity/flexibility (Cox and Blake, 1991; Robinson and Dechant, 1997) Higher quality problem-solving (Cox and Blake, 1991; Hubbard, 1999) Improved understanding/penetration of markets (Cox and Blake, 1991; Robinson and Dechant, 1997) Increased staff morale and job satisfaction (Agocs and Burr, 1996) Improvements in staff retention/less absenteeism (Agocs and Burr, 1996; Robinson and Dechant, 1997) Less law suits (Robinson and Dechant, 1997) Human Resource associations have also identified benefits of diversity management. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, the following are five key factors that make diversity initiatives important to businesses: Diversity initiatives can: Improve the quality of your organisations workforce and can be a catalyst for a better return on your investment in human capital. Capitalize on new markets since customer bases are becoming more diverse. Attract the best and the brightest employees to a company. Increase creativity. Increase flexibility, ensuring survival. Source:  http://www.shrm.org/diversity/businesscase.asp In 2000 and 2001, Mi.st [ Diversity Consulting conducted a survey of business leaders throughout Europe and found that the four benefits of diversity most often mentioned were: Improved team effectiveness and cooperation (interpersonal) Increased productivity (individual) Improved customer intimacy (consumers and markets) Broader access to labour markets (recruitment) Results from this survey were analysed and all the benefits of Diversity and Diversity Management were summarised in the following table: Results Externally Internally Consumers/Markets Increased market share Ease of entry into new markets Improved customer intimacy Individual Increased productivity Improved morale and commitment Shareholders Enhanced rating Improved attractiveness Interpersonal Improved team effectiveness and cooperation Easier integration of new staff Labour markets Broader access to labour markets Improved employer image Organisational More openness to change Enhanced effectiveness of complex organization Community Improved public image Source: Michael Stubor (2002): Corporate Best Practice: What some European Organizations are Doing Well to Manage Culture and Diversity. In G. Simmons (Ed.), Eurodiversity: A Business Guide to Managing Difference, Butterworth-Heinemann, London Alongside the benefits outlined above there are other background forces that drive the adoption of a diversity management approach by employers. Two common forces are described below: Labour Force Supply Issues The composition of the labour force in the EU is changing on an ongoing basis. Two of the most important changes in recent years are: The ageing of the workforce The enlargement of the EU giving rise to a larger presence of ethnic minorities As a result, employers need to be able to successfully accommodate a more diverse range of employees.   Costs of Discrimination Cases Although, anti-discrimination legislation has now been introduced in a number of European countries, employees are still facing prejudices that circulate in the workplace. This gives rise to employees taking discrimination cases against their employer, which can be damaging for the employer in terms of negative public opinion and high costs. An effective diversity management approach should give rise to an environment that benefits all employees, where they feel valued and empowered and are enabled to reach their full potential. In such a positive environment it is highly unlikely that an employee would bring a discrimination case against their employer. Footnote: References   Agocs C. and Burr C. (1996):  Employment equity, affirmative action and managing diversity: assessing the differences, International Journal of manpower, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp30-45. Cox T. and Blake S. (1991);  Managing Cultural Diversity: implications for organizational competitivenes  s, Academy of Management Executive, Vol. 5, No. 3, pp45-56. Hubbard E. (1999):  Diversity and the Bottom Line: Facts, Figures and Financials, Diversity Factor, Vol. 7, No. 4, pp29-33. Richard O. (2000):  Racial diversity, business strategy, and firm performance: A resource-based view,  Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 43, pp164-177. Robinson G. and Dechant K. (1997):  Building a Business Case for Diversity, Academy of management Executive, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp21-31. Implementing Diversity Management A major aim of this website is to support the development and implementation of diversity management programmes in the workplace. This is achieved in two main ways: Providing general information to users about diversity management issues, policy and practice   this is achieved through the main areas of website which provide information on: What is diversity management Building the case Policy and legislation Diversity management themes Case studies Awards Links to useful websites   Providing support to the process of design and implementation of diversity management in enterprises   this is achieved through two main applications:   The diversity management toolkit The e-learning course on diversity management If you wish to implement a diversity management programme, the diversity management toolkit provides support in two main ways: It describes a  5 stage process  of how to implement a diversity management programme in your workplace It provides  tool support  for each of the activities you must undertake when implementing a diversity management programme in your workplace The e-learning course on diversity management is designed to raise awareness of diversity management amongst the participants in a diversity management programme. A major task in implementing diversity management is to ensure that all employees affected by the programme are fully aware of diversity issues and the approach which is being taken to them. The e-learning course is designed to inform employees of the basic issues and approaches to diversity management and to justify the need for an active diversity management policy in your organisation. Madison Co. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Fortune Small Business Magazine recently had an article about a small company in Connecticut, Madison Co., that had an employee go through a major change. Over the course of time, one of its supervisors, Ann Ferraiolo had altered her look, and, then one day, came to work after an operation and was now Tony, a male. As a manufacturing company, the company president, Steve Schickler, understood what could happen. Instead, he decided to intercede early to make things more comfortable for his supervisor, and let other employees know the company position. He and his human resources director made sure every employee knew to treat Ferraiolo with respect, both before and after the operation. They decided to support the supervisors sex change, and the company has never missed a beat. Xerox Mentoring Programs à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Xerox was ranked No. 35 in 2009 by DiversityInc. It was one of the first international organizations to publicly make diversity a center of their mission back in the 1970s. This led to many mentoring and fast-track programs, and now minorities make up around 20 percent of its management staff, women make up nearly one-third, and black women, a group Xerox has worked with the most, recognizing their disadvantage in many organizations, makes up 20 percent of that group. This is a case where a subgroup of an already disadvantaged group might need to be addressed more thoroughly when looking at diversity issues overall. Why the Toolkit is important It is best to view the development and implementation of diversity management policy in your organisation as a project. This means that it should be treated in the same way as you would any other project. You will need to build support for the project, analyse the needs and opportunities, develop your own solutions and then implement and monitor the project as it progresses. This implies the need for effective project management tools and techniques. The DiManT toolkit provides you with a set of information, methods and techniques, which have been specifically designed to ease the process of implementing a diversity management project. The way that you use the toolkit is up to you. You may pick and choose only what is relevant for your purposes. You will find a search facility to help you locate the tools that you need. However, if you want to begin the process of diversity management programme implementation from the beginning, you are advised to use the follow the process outlined in the toolkit. There you will find a complete guide to the activities you should undertake. The process is described in terms of a set of phases of activities, each of which has specific aims and each of which is supported by a number of tools. Click on the diagram for more information. Policy and Legislation There is an increasing amount of policy and legislation initiatives in relation to diversity management at both EU and national levels. In this section you will find short descriptions of and reference to the main legislative and policy actions at both of these levels. Initiatives in the area of equality, disability, employment, ageing, gender and others are relevant here. They provide the backdrop for the development of diversity management programmes at workplace level. EU Legislation National Legislation Themes Age Disability Ethnicity and Race Gender Religion Case Studies This section provides a set of real life case studies of a range of diversity management issues. Two types of cases are presented: Company case studies Legal case studies The legal case studies section gives brief overviews of a range of legal cases which relate to diversity management. In the main, they relate to court judgements taken under antidiscrimination, disability and employment law, and they illustrate the ways in which violations of these laws are treated. The company case studies present a best practice view of how a range of organizations have developed and implemented diversity management programmes. They provide insight into what are the elements of good practice and into how diversity management programmes evolve in practice. Diversity management has become one of the primary challenges for HRM as organizations become diversity worldwide. (Benshchop, 2001: 1166; DNetto Sohal, 1999: 530) Resistance to  diversity programs may not only come from the majority but also minority groups. Diversity planners may be failing to include or consider the majority groups in their strategies and this is one of the reasons of backlash and discrimination. (Frase-Blunt, 2003: 138) Ireland Degraded Employee Wins Case Mr Gabriele Piazza had claimed that the Clarion Hotel had directly discriminated against him due to the fact that he was gay. He said he was harassed in relation to his conditions of employment, in particular on three occasions. He said that there had been a number of incidents when reference was made to his sexual orientation in a degrading manner. The incidents had happened in front of various staff members who had found the situation funny, however he had not, he said. Mr Piazza said that in one incident, it came to his attention that emails from his manager were being sent to the human resources manager. He found the mails personally offensive and degrading. In one, he was referred to as just a bloody woman and a spoilt child. When he challenged the HR manager about the emails, she ripped them up dismissively in front of him. In another incident, an employee made a comment of a sexual nature which Mr Piazza found offensive and degrading. He asked the person in question to stop making the comments, however the level of harassment increased. Mr Piazza insisted that in the six months of his employment, he received no help or assistance from his manager or any member of the hotels management team. Following an investigation by the Equality Tribunal, Mr Piazza was found to have been discriminated against by the hotel on the grounds of his sexual orientation. He was awarded à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬10,000 compensation for harassment, distress and a breach of his rights under the Employment Equality Act, 1998. The hotel was also ordered to provide an equality training seminar to all staff, including management, within three months. Source: http://www.irishhealth.com/?level=4id=6159 Council Employee Wins Race Case A council housing department worker has been awarded more than  £44,000 after winning a racial discrimination case. Surveyor Lakhbir Rihal complained four years ago that less-qualified white colleagues were promoted over him at the London Borough of Ealing. The council lost an employment tribunal case but appealed to the Court of Appeal, which upheld the decision. The tribunal found a glass ceiling prevented ethnic minority staff from securing senior management roles. Paul Kenny, a senior official of the GMB union, which supported Mr Rihal, said: The leader of the council should do the decent thing and resign. Because the council failed to act, they have cost Ealing ratepayers hundreds of thousands of pounds. The union said it wanted the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) to conduct an investigation into race relations in the councils housing department. Ealing Councils interim head of legal services, Chris Hughes, described the Court of Appeals decision as disappointing. He said: We pursued this case because we believed the original employment tribunal had erred in law in its decision. The council remains committed to equal opportunities for all its staff, a fact which is reflected in the current statistics of black and ethnic minority staff in the housing department. At present 38% of senior staff working in the housing department are black or ethnic minority, which clearly reflects the population trends in the borough as a whole, a fact which was not before the Court of Appeal. Culture of White Elitism Tom Dent, director of Housing and Environmental Health, added: The background to this case is now over four years old. Since then we have been improving our services in housing and were encouraged by last years external auditors report which found that we were compliant with the Commission for Racial Equalitys code of practice in the rented housing sector in both service delivery and employment. But Lord Justice Sedley said the lack of ethnic minority managers suggested a clear possibility there was a culture of white elitism in the upper echelon of the housing department. Mr Rihal, who has worked for Ealing Council for 12 years, told BBC London: I would like the council to take notice of these things and to at least give a fair chance to Sikh people like myself who are highly qualified. He still works for the council and is applying for promotion. Source: BBC NEWS http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/england/london/3771403.stm Business Case for Diversity and Equality Todays business environment is changing. The average age of the workforce is rising steadily and women now make up nearly half the workforce in the UK, double the numbers of 25 years ago. Projections show that in less than ten years time there will be two million more jobs in the economy 80% of which will be filled by women. McJobs for all the Family 05-02-2005 McDonalds is pioneering a scheme that allows employees to share their job with family members. The Family Contract allows husbands, wives, grandparents and children over 16 to job-share and swap shifts without notifying management. The concept of diversity not only values and respects individuals, but recognises that everyone has different needs. Under the contract, which is the first of its kind in Britain, each worker clocks on and is paid separately through his or her own bank account. It is being tried in six cities around Britain. Co-habiting partners and same-sex partners can apply and, if it proves successful, McDonalds said it would expand it to include friends and extended family such as cousins. David Fairhurst, the head of McDonalds UK human resources operation, said: A lot of our staff wanted more flexibility. Many are youngsters at college who have very different term hours and holiday hours. Many older staff have children, with all the demands that entails; many look after relatives. So we decided to offer them the flexibility in a family context. McDonalds, which has 67,000 staff in 1,250 British restaurants, said flexible working reduced the number of sick days. It said the scheme was supported by the Department of Trade and Industry. The first family to sign up for a Family Contract were Rita Cross, 42, and her two daughters Laura, 18, and Natalie, 16, in Cardiff. Laura said the main advantage of the arrangement was its flexibility. We get up in the morning and decide which of us really wants to go to work, she said. Mrs Cross said it helped the whole family. We get a better work and life balance. Id love my husband to join up too, so that we can all plan our work and family life as one unit. BIBILIOGRAPHY Mor Barak, Michalle E. : Managing diversity: towards a globally inclusive workplace 2nd edition ( Sage Publication ) page 140. International Journal of Human Resource Management, Feb2009, Vol. 20 Issue 2, p235-251, 17p, 1 Diagram Diagram; found on p245 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Diversity and Inclusion. (n.d.). Diversity management. In Glossary. Retrieved May 8, 2009, from http://www.diversity.hr.va.gov/glossary.htm http://www.irishhealth.com/?level=4id=6159

Analysis Of Tourism In Mozambique Tourism Essay

Analysis Of Tourism In Mozambique Tourism Essay The energy crisis and global recession, in 1973/4 highlighted the structural deficiencies in the third world economies. The need of foreign exchange and employment, along with the concerns of inequalities, leakages and constant levels of poverty (Sharpley Telfer, 2002). Even so, in the past two decades the Sub-Saharan Africa tourism has experienced a remarkable growth, a difference from 1.5% in 1970 to 4.5% in 2003 and is expected that the Africas share will increase to 5% of total international arrivals by 2020. Although, Mozambique tourism sector could not benefit from this recovery, because the two wars had occurred in between, a period that other nations including the neighbouring have managed to develop their own tourism industry. This essay is to explain the key factors that may contribute to the success or failure of tourism planning. Conscientious about planning different terminology and thoughts, a range of illustrations and description that applies to Mozambiques tourism p lan (history, political, economy, social and development), and its aims will help a better understanding around the topic. Planning The absence of planning may cause unregulations, leading to a range of negative socio-economic and environmental impacts. So, in order to create and respond to the tourism concerns it is important to include a rational plan (Mason, 2003). Different approaches of planning have been presented: Boosterism; Economic; Physical/Spatial; Sustainable; Community and so on. Kadt, (1979), noted that the consequences of tourism planning are a result of the nations overall political economy, because it is what will determine the equality in the distribution of tourism benefits. Nonetheless, planning is a process for anticipation and implementation of changes that would maximize positive developments (William, 1998, cited by Mason, 2003). However, Mason, (2003) argued that planning is a very complex term and can be applied in many contexts, for example: in relation to individuals, groups, organisations and governments, but at same time to different geographic areas (urban, rural), or as well at lo cal, regional and national levels. In accordance, Cullingsworth, (1997:5, cited by Hall, 2008) stated that planning is also, a sort of decision and policy making because they are connected and interrelated, planning is the process where goals are set and policies are made to implement them. However, it deals with interdependent and systematic decisions, rather than individual decisions. Many activities in the process cannot be isolated (bargaining, negotiation, politics, values) and the process of planning is only one part of the overall plan. Therefore, planning is more complex than Drors (1973) perspective of set of decisions for actions in future (Hall, 2008). Besides, various such as Mason, (2003); McCabe et al., (2000:235) argued that the important is the process element of the plan, as it provides direction by enabling individuals to indentify the path that is to be taken and the outcomes or end results. On the other hand, Gunn, (1998) argued that by focussing on the physical design, there is a risk of failure in recognising the key principles of the planning process; the fundamentals that originated its creations, but he also added that by focussing on the process of planning rather than considering the product itself may possibly lead to planning being considered vague and theoretical. Destination case study: Historical Tourism has been important to Mozambican economy since the Portuguese colonial period and was developed around three themes: sun and sea, wildlife and urban (dynamic environment). During the colonial period the Mozambique tourist arrivals were mainly from southern Africa and Portugal and were close to 400,000. However, since the colonial war conflict in 1973, tourism infrastructure and several animal species were destroyed, therefore the number of tourist and the tourism activity declined (Visser, 2004). After the peace-accord in 1992 initiatives to recovery the tourism industry has been applied (Sun, Sand and Sea, complemented by Eco-tourism; Culture; Water sports, Adventure and Urban Tourism). Political Frelimo has been in power since the countrys independence from Portugal in 1975 and has the majority of the parliamentary seats 191 out of 250. In 1990 a new constitution that provided for multipartysm was implement (www.news.bbc.co.uk, 2010). The country shift from one-party autocracy to multi-party democracy. Implemented institutional reforms for the re-schedulling of debt and loans; it open up to the markets by adopting adjustment measures of liberalisation which included public/private cooperation (Kulipossa, 2006). There was a shift from centralised government approach based in a dictator state where single decisions were made and all the infrastructure belonged to the state (horizontal policy coordination across Ministries), to a decentralised approach (vertical policy coordination between different levels of govern) where the power of management was shared with regional and local levels since they were better positioned to deal with local needs and more able to implement polic ies and integrating the communities as part of the process . The government decided to open the nation market to private sector as they were better financially to build and reconstruct the infrastructures that were in need and because of their ability to bring foreign exchange to the country. Even the govern of Mozambique being responsible for Tourism Policy and Implementation Strategy, is still fragile in experience and financial resources. To reduce the existing gap of linking policies with the actions, the nations government are dependent of foreign help, needing to defer the responsibility of tourism recovery, national or local economic development to the Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Associations, (Rylance in Spenceley, 2008). Economy According to Rylance in Spenceley, (2008:29), the nation economy varies from inefficiency, poor infrastructure and high levels of corruption, which discourage foreign investment. Nevertheless, between 1993-2004 there was a growth of 7.2 GDP, an annual average of 8 per cent over the last decade. Additionally, there was a decrease on annual inflation from more than 54 per cent in 1995 to 13.5 per cent in 2003 and 9.1 per cent in 2004. Despite the achievements Mozambique remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The per capita income in 2004 was equal to $320 (UNDO, 2004 cited by Rylance in Spencely, 2008:29). Furthermore, the country remains very dependent of international help through donations and is largely dependent of the agriculture sector which employs 83 per cent of the population and is responsible of 80 per cent of the exporters and for 26 percent of national GDP (SNV Mozambique, 2007:3 cited by Rylance in Spencely, 2008). The influence and power of negotiation is we akened by the nations vulnerability and dependency upon a greater number of foreign companies. On the other hand, Mozambique governments have been accused of problems of corruption on the legislation and collection of revenues. Critics assert that Mozambique is pursuing mega projects that do not generate social benefit (www.news.bbc.co.uk, 2010). Nonetheless, during 2006 the tourism sector generated revenues around US$ 144 million, it is expected that the industry will became one of the major foreign exchange earner as it is increasing in its foreign investment (Jossai, 2010). Social: It has been recognised that as an economic sector, tourism has both positive and negative impacts over the society. However, with an adequate anticipation and implementation of strategic plan tourism can be developed with reduced impact in the natural areas: the several benefits of the industry upon the society can be maximised, and the disadvantages can be minimised or even eliminated. With this understanding Mozambican policies and planning developers have adopted sustainable actions aspiring a balance in the tourism development, humans, animals and ecological communities. The focus was to reduce poverty by adopting tourism sector as a tool for development, either by local supply of services and goods to tourism enterprises or by enterprises employing the poor; plus providing the means for improvement of health, education and sanitary conditions. Though, it may be assumed that the government have failed to provide the right tools for local involvement as it was incapable to support people with training and knowledge to reduce the barriers of getting locals involved in the tourism economies, did not have option than lead it to the NGOs and associations that have started to do so (Rylance in Spenceley, 2008). This is due to the government lack of capacity and low involvement in implementing and manage policies. Moreover, the shortage of available finance for small enterprises and the time needed to start a business, discourages the majority of locals from contributing to the sector. For example: to open a business in Mozambique it takes on average 153 days (World Bank, 2004 cited by Spenceley, 2008). McEwan, (2004, p7) argues that local tourism enterprises are prevented from getting involved in the business and remain very dependent of foreign investment and international aid. In fact foreign investment involves 70 per cent of the Mozambique tourism projects and local borrowing from banks, has high costs 15 per cent interest in real terms (Rylance in Spenceley, 2008). Development As a reflection of predominance of business travellers, visiting friends/relatives and regional weekend trip of leisure segment, the average stay in Mozambique is around 2.3 days, comparatively low to Kenya 8.4 days average length. There are 2.030 tourist establishments in Mozambique which directly employed over 35.000 people. The southern borders are the visitors main entrance but investors are starting to show some interest in the northern areas (Pemba, Quiribas archipelago and Nacala). In 2001 the number of international tourist arrivals was just about parallel to the visiting numbers during the colonial period. The accommodation sector has a total of 12.000 beds, near 5,000 cope with the luxury standard or 3 star above on the international market. In compare, the city of Cape Town has something like 30,000 beds and Mauritius 19,600 beds. The national air lines are expensive and limited: operating three Boeing B737 which serves domestic connections from Maputo to the other main ci ties of the country (Beira, Nampula, Quelimane, Pemba, Lichinga, Chimoio and Tete) and regional routes to Johannesburg and Dares Salaam (Williams, 2006). The accommodations and tourism facilities (hotels, tourism resorts) are very expensive favourable for the wealthier customers. Furthermore, the human capital (residents, poor people) are mostly employed in low levels jobs such as cleaners and bar staff which reduces their chance of economic benefits as their wages and level is equally low (SNV Mozambique, 2006 cited by Rylance in Spenceley, 2008). The major investors of Mozambiques tourism industry have recognised the uniqueness of the country, that is the fact of being the only in the neighbours that do not have Anglo-Saxon colonial past since was colonized by Portugal, and from the fact of having a mix of cultural environment and rich heritage of Arabic, Swahali, Portuguese and African influences (Williams, 2006). Conversely, as the majority of tourist are English speakers, this advantages is also a barrier since tourist and locals have communication gaps. In addition, the nation has a limited offer of tourism products, constrained to the safaris games products. The investors and tour operates still reluctant in diversify and reach the unexploited areas by developing new tourism products and attract new markets. As a withdrawal affect the country competitiveness with exception of Malawi, is very low in comparison to the bordering neighbours (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Suazilandia, Zambia). Although, there are indications of economic improvement since the civil war: increase in the national GDP, reduction of inflation and levels of percentage of poverty however, the wealth distribution of income still irregular by favouring elite groups and elements of government. In addition the country continues dependent on food import and, also vulnerable to the global prices (EIU, 2010). One aspect of the tourism industry is the negative impact that it causes to the destinations. It, has been suggested by many, such as: Kadt, (1979); William, (1998); Mason, (2003); Hall, (2008); Spenceley, (2008), that the destination plan should encompass the tourism alternative approaches. Moreover, even the existence of different plan approaches or reasons of plan, it is assumed that they are imperative for the insurance of pathways to be taken as a mean to anticipate and correct possible events. In this basis, by adopting the national strategic plan for tourism, Mozambique allowed itself for any readjustments if necessary. The focus of the Strategic Plan for the Development of Tourism in Mozambique 2004-2013, (2004), was the business modern management approaches, tourism towards to product service quality and conservation, rehabilitation of wildlife in specific areas, co-operation with the neighbouring countries to consolidate and expand conservations areas, promote professional hunting industry and support communities to actively and effectively participate in tourism process, with the aim of four million arrivals per annum by 2025. The government priority was to reduce poverty and prevalence of HIV infection which even high is still lower than the regional average. This was intended to be done by building country prestige, broadcast possible investments, job opportunities, income generation, developing health and education (Ministry of Tourism, 2004). Seeing that, foreign currency plus capital investment into the tourist destination, permits a faster urban, social, economic regeneration and that worldwide tourism is the industry that employs most people and had shown some ability in adapting quickly to crises that have affected the world economy. Tourism was identified by Mozambique Government as a mean to promote local economic development (Gunn Var, 2002). To minimise the negative effects of the industry on environment and culture, while as well maximi ses the economic and community benefits, the tourism policy is guided by the Tourism Law. (2004) which regulates licensing, provides the basis for sustainable growth and criminalises child sexual tourism; Action Plan for Absolute Poverty Reduction (PARPA), (2006) which sets social policies and programs to promote economic growth through tourism; National Tourism Code of Conduct, (2007), elaborated between the Ministry of Tourism and the Mozambique Confederation of Business Association (CTA) (www.sustainabletourismnetwork.co.za, 2010). The objective was to generate new employments for the enhancement of people quality of life; increase the numbers of international visitors and investors by improving the balance of trade; fairly distribute the tourist benefits, and expand the industry in zones that present greatest potential, by providing a more equitable development of the nation, putting the emphasis on the relation between tourism and its environs; in addition for the tourism growt h and for the creation of benefits to its people, the country was seeking for greater national unity through tourism; in order to protect regional architecture, monuments, conserve resources, balance planning of areas, and incentive the development of handcrafts and folklore, the tourism strategic plan recommends protection of cultural and natural resources (Ministry of Tourism, 2004). Conclusion: An analysis of tourism in Mozambique, indicate that existing tourism mix are the beaches and unspoilt interior that offers greatest potential for the development of wildlife market. Conversely, the poor infrastructures contributes for low tourism products and, inhibits investment. Bearing in mind the nation natural resources as the tourism potential (2700 km of tropical coastline with diversity, rare ecological systems and rich historic cultural heritage), shall be said that the coastline is unplanned and uncontrolled becoming then, the biggest threat for the tourism sector. Moreover, the actions taken by the private business that are mainly interested in the immediate circumstances and profits, exclude factors of the market such as the preservation of public goods (parks, historic sites, beaches, infrastructures), externalities (simultaneous production and consumption of tourism, which restrict access to the coastal land, fishing and historic places) and external costs (not reflecte d like as the opportunity costs), causing the inability of the market system Market failures. Which prevent the nations achievement of the economic efficiency and reflect the social costs. The key factors for Mozambique tourism planning are political, economic and social. Its success or failure depends upon all organism together being able to share and achieve goals that would be difficult to achieve by themselves. Rylance in Spenceley, (2008) argues that there are differences between the policy and practices of tourism-led LED in Mozambique. Although, admits that there is a lack of statistical data for a firm conclusion. Nonetheless, the fact of government investment in megaprojects that do not generate social benefits may indicate a deviation from the key principle of the strategic plan: the business modern management approaches and the perspective of development first instead of tourism first (Burns, 1999). In conclusion, it may be said that tourism in Mozambique is in its early stages. It is very incipient, high levels of corruption, limited in air transport and road accesses, lack of experience and has expensive tourism services and facilities. Still, it can be sa id that it is hard to predict the directions it will take, and if the target arrivals by 2025 are realistic or not; so far there is potential, willingness and the initial steps were taken.

Excavating an African Burial Ground: Lack of Funding Could Mean Loss o

Excavating an African Burial Ground: Lack of Funding Could Mean Loss of Information Forever As children growing up in the United States, educated through our public schools, we learned about the institution of slavery, which was an integral part of life in our country for nearly 300 years. We do not usually question the historical facts we learned about slavery or ask how we know so much about the history of these people (the enslaved Africans in America) who left behind so little written record. In the classroom, archeologists do not receive much credit, but it is largely through their work and research that we have been able to learn about â€Å"America’s diverse ethnic heritage† (Singleton 155). In the 1960’s, excavations of slave cabins inspired a new area of research. Today’s field of African-American Archaeology was born from these first digs, only three decades ago. Archaeologists carefully and skillfully collect artifacts, which are â€Å"tangible material remains and by-products of behavior† (Singleton 156). Through historical and ethnographic analysis and interpretation, archeologists are able to put together pieces of the daily lives and living conditions of the first African-Americans. One such African-American archaeological dig, called the African Burial Ground Project, is currently taking place in New York City. In 1991, the construction crew for a new, $276 million federal office building stumbled across the skeletons of what are now known to be early African slaves. The United States General Services Administration (GSA), the government agency that handles the funding and administration of all federal property, began further exploration of the site. Today we know that this â€Å"plot of land is just a sliver of the 18th ... ...es 21 Mar. 1999: Sec. 14, pg. 6. Gaines, Patrice. â€Å"Bones of Forebears; Howard U. Study Stirs Ghanaian Chiefs to Honor Ages-Old Link to U.S. Blacks.† The Washington Post 3 Aug. 1995: B01. LaFee, Scott. â€Å"Grave Injustice; Archaeologists are Beginning to Unearth the Buried, Tragic Secrets of America’s First Slaves.† The San Diego Union-Tribune 15 Sep. 1999: E-1. â€Å"New Chief of African Burial Ground Project.† The New York Beacon 16 June 1999: 12. Satchell, Michael. â€Å"Only Remember Us.† U.S. News & World Report 28 July 1997: 51-52. Singleton, Theresa A. â€Å"The Archaeology of Slave Life.† Before Freedom Came: African-American Life I the Antebellum South. Ed. Edward D.C. Campbell, Jr. and Kym S. Rice. Charlottesville: The University Press of Virginia, 1991. 155-175. Staples, Brent. â€Å"Manhattan’s African Dead.† Editorial. The New York Times 22 May 1995: A14.

Tragedy in Allen Ginsberg’s Sunflower Sutra and Tom Waits’ Small Change :: Sunflower Sutra

Tragedy in Allen Ginsberg’s Sunflower Sutra and Tom Waits’ Small Change In both Allen Ginsberg’s â€Å"Sunflower Sutra† and Tom Waits’ â€Å"Small Change†, tragedy is the major premise for the sad and melancholy tone the authors share. In his poem, Ginsberg describes the fall of a mighty flower, the sunflower. Once a bright yellow beacon of life, it now is â€Å"broken like a battered crown.† Having been covered by the dirt and grime of industry, by human â€Å"ingenuity,† this sunflower is really representing a demise in humanity. Rather than choosing nature as a prime example for life, choosing the â€Å"perfect beauty of a sunflower,† we have chosen industry and technology, and have forgotten that we are flowers. Ginsberg berates the dust and grime which have rained down from the locomotives onto â€Å"my sunflower O my soul† and wonders â€Å"when did you forget you were a flower?† This poem really is not about a flower, but the tragedy of losing one’s inner beauty, the vivacity an d brightness which makes one shine. Thus Ginsberg delivers his â€Å"sermon of my soul† to whoever shall listen in hopes that we, unlike the sunflower, do not turn gray in despair and gloom but shine brightly among the soot of the world we live in (Ginsberg 36-37). Similarly to â€Å"Sunflower Sutra,â€Å" the lyrics from â€Å"Small Change† pose a tragedy, which, though more concrete of a scene, shares all the gloom and weariness of the gray sunflower. In a Ginsberg-esque lyrical style, Tom Waits’ rambles through his lyrics (his mind), posing vivid descriptions of the depths of life. His victim is not a flower, but someone by the name of â€Å"Small Change,† who, when killed by his own thirty-eight, gains the headstone of a â€Å"gumball machine† on the street. The real tragedy in this song lies in the first line of the third verse: â€Å"And no one’s gone over to close his eyes.† Though there is enough cruelty in the world to kill â€Å"Small Change† for a â€Å"fistful of dollars,† there is not enough kindness to shut his eyes to the cruelty which has slain him. Tragedy in Allen Ginsberg’s Sunflower Sutra and Tom Waits’ Small Change :: Sunflower Sutra Tragedy in Allen Ginsberg’s Sunflower Sutra and Tom Waits’ Small Change In both Allen Ginsberg’s â€Å"Sunflower Sutra† and Tom Waits’ â€Å"Small Change†, tragedy is the major premise for the sad and melancholy tone the authors share. In his poem, Ginsberg describes the fall of a mighty flower, the sunflower. Once a bright yellow beacon of life, it now is â€Å"broken like a battered crown.† Having been covered by the dirt and grime of industry, by human â€Å"ingenuity,† this sunflower is really representing a demise in humanity. Rather than choosing nature as a prime example for life, choosing the â€Å"perfect beauty of a sunflower,† we have chosen industry and technology, and have forgotten that we are flowers. Ginsberg berates the dust and grime which have rained down from the locomotives onto â€Å"my sunflower O my soul† and wonders â€Å"when did you forget you were a flower?† This poem really is not about a flower, but the tragedy of losing one’s inner beauty, the vivacity an d brightness which makes one shine. Thus Ginsberg delivers his â€Å"sermon of my soul† to whoever shall listen in hopes that we, unlike the sunflower, do not turn gray in despair and gloom but shine brightly among the soot of the world we live in (Ginsberg 36-37). Similarly to â€Å"Sunflower Sutra,â€Å" the lyrics from â€Å"Small Change† pose a tragedy, which, though more concrete of a scene, shares all the gloom and weariness of the gray sunflower. In a Ginsberg-esque lyrical style, Tom Waits’ rambles through his lyrics (his mind), posing vivid descriptions of the depths of life. His victim is not a flower, but someone by the name of â€Å"Small Change,† who, when killed by his own thirty-eight, gains the headstone of a â€Å"gumball machine† on the street. The real tragedy in this song lies in the first line of the third verse: â€Å"And no one’s gone over to close his eyes.† Though there is enough cruelty in the world to kill â€Å"Small Change† for a â€Å"fistful of dollars,† there is not enough kindness to shut his eyes to the cruelty which has slain him.

Were the 1920’s the “Golden Twenties” as Often Portrayed?

From the point of view of farmers, minorities and labor, were the 1920’s the â€Å"Golden Twenties† as often portrayed? BY: ROBERT TANNER U. S. History 101. 5 Jim Blackwood 11/25/2009 Bibliography Allen, Frederick L. Only Yesterday: An informal history of the 1920s. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1931. Drowne, Kathleen, and Huber, Patrick. The 1920’s. Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 2004. Irving L. Bernstein. The Lean Years: A History of the American Worker 1920-1933. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1960. Sage, Henry J. The Roaring Twenties. October 11, 2006): Internet. http://www. sagehistory. net/twenties/Twenties. htm. November 25, 2009. Williams, Betty. The 1920’s. London: Batsford, 1989 The 1920’s or the â€Å"Roaring Twenties† were a time in U. S. History of great change. This period could be described as the â€Å"Golden Twenties†, where many discoveries and inventions of great importance were made, prosperous industrial growth, increas e in the standard of living, rise of consumerism, and significant changes in people’s lifestyles. But were the 1920’s â€Å"Golden† for everyone? In my essay I will first take a look at the â€Å"Golden† aspects of the twenties, highlighted by some of the inventions and discoveries that took place during the era, which helped define and shape the twenties, and follow that up with the farmers’ point of view on the twenties. First off, let’s take a look at some of the stuff that defined the 1920’s. The 1920s, or the â€Å"Roaring Twenties† were a decade in which nothing big happened, no major catastrophes of large events, at least until the stock market crash of 1929, yet it is one of the most significant decades in U. S. history because of the great changes that came about in American society. The Twenties were known by various images and names: the Jazz Age, the age of the Lost Generation, flaming youth, flappers, radio and movies, bathtub gin, the speakeasy, organized crime, confession magazines, Hemingway and Fitzgerald, Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, Bobby Jones, the Great Crash, Sacco and Vanzetti, AL Smith, cosmetics, Freud, the â€Å"New† woman, the Harlem Renaissance, consumerism, all these images and more are part of the â€Å"Golden† Twenties. In fact, the 1920s may have been the decade of the greatest social change in American history. Reacting perhaps to both the disillusionment from the First World War and against the strictures of Victorian culture, Americans abandoned old ideas with a vengeance and adopted new concepts wholesale. It was also a time of deep divisions: wets (for repeal of prohibition) against dries, town against country, natives versus foreigners, Catholics against Protestants; the decade also saw a resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan and an American sense of alienation from the rest of the world. The decade began amidst the ashes of the Great War, blossomed into a riotous age of spending and profit making, cheap automobiles and new consumer products. Everybody seemed to be on a roll. Then in 1929 the Crash hit the stock market, and for many complicated reasons the Great Depression followed. It was a decade of huge figures, heroes of the kind we don’t see any more, or not often: Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, Bobby Jones and others. Americans started going to the movies and listening to the radio in enormous numbers, and they found themselves becoming more affluent as the markets rose, seemingly without end. It was a time of new awakening for African-Americans, many of whom had fought in France, and the Harlem Renaissance opened Americans to Black literature, poetry, music and other arts of a quality never seen before. Literary figures like Fitzgerald, Hemingway and Thomas Wolfe brought white American literature to a new plane as well. The Progressive movement was not dead in the twenties, a Progressive Presidential candidate got almost 5 million votes in 1924, but it was not an activist decade. Everybody knew what Harding meant when he called for a return to â€Å"normalcy,† even hough there was no such word in the dictionary. The Twenties began on a somber note, rose to great heights of excitement. Then on Black Tuesday, October 29, 1929, it all came crashing down, and things were never the same again, but then again, they never are. â€Å"1† A â€Å"Golden Age†, Americans in the 1920s had discovered many things. They had more leisure time, and they discovered radi o and movies. The first â€Å"talkie,† â€Å"The Jazz Singer† was produced in 1927; color pictures followed a few years later. Americans of that era loved film stars like Charlie Chaplin, and they honored heroes like Charles Lindbergh. They had more time to participate in and watch sporting events, and Babe Ruth became the first athlete to earn a salary of $100,000 for a season. When reminded that that was more than President Hoover made, the Babe replied, â€Å"I had a better year. † It was also a golden age of literature as well. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Thomas Wolfe, Marjorie Rawlings, the Black writers mentioned above and many others brought American literature to new heights. â€Å"2† As for Business in the 1920s: It was the Age of the Consumer. During the 1920s everybody seemed to be buying everything. Cars, radios, appliances, ready-made clothes, gadgets and other consumer products found their ways into more and more American homes and garages. Americans also started buying stocks in greater numbers, providing capital to already booming businesses. All the signs pointed upwards, and starry-eyed men and women began to believe that it was going to be a one-way trip, possibly forever. Henry Ford’s assembly line not only revolutionized production, it democratized the ownership of the automobile. Ford showed that handsome profits could be made on small margin and high volumes. By 1925 his famous Model-T sold for under $300, a modest price by the standards of the 1920s. Americans had never had it so good. Thanks to pioneers like Charles Lindbergh, the airplane began to come of age in the 1920s. Although used for various purposes in the World War, airplanes were still exotic gadgets until after Lindbergh’s flight, when planes began to carry mail as well as passengers for travel rather than just for thrills. Regularly scheduled flights began, and airports were constructed to handle passengers and small amounts of cargo. The end was in sight for railroad domination of the transportation industry. â€Å"2† Not everyone prospered in the 1920s. Farmers, becoming increasingly more skillful and efficient in producing food, found that laws of supply and demand still plague them. The more they produced, the lower prices tended to fall. In the early 1920s bread was at its lowest price in 500 years relatively to other necessities. It was still tough to make a living down on the farm. The 1920s afforded unprecedented economic opportunities for many Americans, but not for the nation's farmers. They had enjoyed unusual prosperity during World War I, owing to the increased demand for American agricultural products in war-torn Europe, but in the 1920s they were plagued by low prices for agricultural products, high costs for producing these goods, and heavy debt. Increases in the American farmers' productivity created surpluses that drove commodity prices down and lowered their income. While prices for agricultural products remained low, costs for land, machinery, equipment, labor, transportation, and taxes were rising, creating greater disparity between a farmer's costs and income. The pervasive â€Å"farm problem† of the 1920s was complex. The market compensated a farmer's increased productivity and efficiency with a lower standard of living. Collectively, Americans devoted too many resources: land, labor, and capital, to agriculture. Consequently, the supply of agricultural products far outstripped the demand for them. The problem, however, is much easier to diagnose in retrospect than it was during the 1920s. Arguing that the problem with American agriculture was overproduction seemed paradoxical to contemporaries who closely associated the independent farmer with the essence of American virtue and character, someone to be emulated, not discouraged, from increasing his crop yields. Instead of realizing the link between low prices and overproduction, farmers blamed their adversity on insufficient credit, high interest rates, inadequate tariffs, and declining world trade. Overwhelmed by the seriousness of their problems, farmers looked to the federal government for assistance. Farmers' demands for federal help ran against the popular political mood of the 1920s, which demanded a reduction in government involvement in business. Moreover, the growing urban character of the nation weakened farmers' political influence. Yet agriculture had powerful allies in Congress. In 1921 two Republican legislators from Iowa, Sen. William Kenyon and Congressman L. J. Dickinson, organized the â€Å"farm bloc,† a bipartisan group of congressmen that exerted political pressure for legislation to alleviate the farmers' economic misery. During President Harding's administration this legislative caucus advocated generous credit, higher tariffs, and cooperative marketing, all proposals that treated symptoms rather than the core problems, production surpluses and price disparities. From 1920 to 1921, farm prices fell at a catastrophic rate. The price of wheat, the staple crop of the Great Plains, fell by almost half; the price of cotton, still the lifeblood of the South, fell by three-quarters. Farmers, many of whom had taken out loans to increase acreage and buy efficient new agricultural machines like tractors, suddenly could not make their payments; throughout the decade, farm foreclosures and rural bank failures increased at an alarming rate. Agricultural incomes remained flat, with rural Americans' wealth falling far behind their urban counterparts. Rural electrification increased at a snail's pace, with more than 90 percent of American farms still lacking power into the 1930s. The proportion of farms with access to a telephone actually fell during the Roaring Twenties. So, it’s no great exaggeration to say that for rural America, the Great Depression began not in 1929 but in 1920, and it continued for an entire generation. The roaring prosperity of America's cities during the 1920s made the privation of rural life all the more painful, by contrast. The divide between Haves and Have Nots in the 1920s was the divide between city and country. â€Å"3† In Conclusion, the 1920s, â€Å"Roaring† Twenties, or â€Å"Golden† Twenties, can be viewed as two distinct points of views. That of the urban society, which experienced an increase in the standard of living, rises of consumerism, and significant changes in their lifestyles. Times were good, and era of the 20s could truly be viewed and defined as the â€Å"Golden† Twenties. On the other hand, there was the farmers’ point of view, which could be described as the exact opposite. By becoming increasingly more skillful and efficient in producing food, the farmers had found that the laws of supply and demand were not working in their favor. The more they produced, the lower prices tended to fall. Hence, times were tough, and it was hard for them to make ends meet. Overall, one would almost have to reword the 20s, maybe by calling them the â€Å"Golden† twenties for some but not all. Endnotes ( Henry J. Sage, The Roaring Twenties. (October 11, 2006): Internet. http://www. sagehistory. net/twenties/Twenties. htm. 1 2 Kathleen Drowne, and Patrick Huber. The 1920’s. Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 2004. 3-29 3 Irving L. Bernstein. The Lean Years: A History of the American Worker 1920-1933. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1960. 216-350

How to Meet Customer Needs Essay

A marketing campaign should have the goal of meeting customer needs in mind. There are certain things you can do to make sure you meet your customer needs, and those are explained below: First and foremost offer good customer service. The customer is not always right, but they should always be respected and valued. So, make sure that your customers know they are important to you, and that you want to meet their needs. If they know this, they will be more forgiving, and they will be more willing to stay loyal to you and help you meet their needs by informing you of what those needs are. Another great way to meet customer needs is to find out exactly what it is that your customers expect from you, and how they want their needs met. You can do this by issuing customer surveys. Have customers do a small three question survey with room for comment as they check out, or by mail, etc. you can attach some sort of incentive to it. This will give you a clear idea of what your customers want, and what areas you could improve on. Surveys are a marketing campaign of sorts, they get your name out there, and they help people know you care. Another way to meet customer needs through your marketing campaign is to make sure your customers are aware of how you will deal with their complaints. Mention your methods of dealing with complaints in the campaign. For example, say â€Å"If you are not satisfied you get 100% of your money back.† This is a marketing campaign that has proven very effective because people do not feel risk, and thus are more open to purchasing something. Another great marketing campaign that can help you to meet customer needs is through offering repeat business cards. These are like punch cards where they get incentive for coming in, buy however many, get however many free. This helps you identify repeat customers at the check out, and gives your employees a chance to ask them if there is any sort of changes they would like to see made to your level of service, etc. It also gives customers the feeling of being appreciated, and they get a reward for being loyal, which makes them happy as well. Last but not least, as part of your marketing campaign, you can meet customer needs through allowing for and providing opportunity for comments to be made. Include a toll free phone number that can be called with questions. Provide a comment card in the bag you put their item in after purchase, etc. Marketing is not all about getting your name out there. One big part of marketing is meeting customer  need. This can be taking the product to them, instead of having them come to you. It can mean offering incentives with multiple purchases. It can mean giving the customer the right and enough information to find you and your business. To find out what your customer’s needs are, ask them, and then put your marketing team’s heads together to come up with a way to meet those needs through your marketing campaign. You will want to build strong products, and inform your customers through marketing of any improvements you make. You will also want to allow them to make suggestions for improvement, and thank them for any comments they do make. After all, your customers are who keep you in business, so make part of your marketing campaign be listening to their suggestions, and acting on valuable ones.