The 2002 failure of Enron corporation and Arthur Anderson Co, their Essay

The 2002 failure of Enron corporation and Arthur Anderson Co, their auditors - Essay Example This study discusses what happened with Enron, defines the problems that plague the high profile corporation, present solutions and alternatives, as well as give a sweeping opinion on how the problems could have been solved or avoided in the first place from this researcher's perspective alone.Enron Corporation was an American energy company and considered as one of the world's leading electricity, natural gas, pulp and paper, and communications group of companies. It claimed $111 billion revenues in 2000 and Fortune magazine accorded it "America's Most Innovative Company" for six consecutive years, employing around 21,000 people. Enron started out as Northern Natural Gas Company in the early 1930s at Omaha, Nebraska. It became an organized holding company Internorth in 1980s, and then it purchased Houston Natural Gas in 1985 of which Kenneth Lay became the chief executive officer. The merged company was named Enron and was involved in transmission and distribution of electricity and gas throughout the United States. It also engaged in the development, construction and operation of power plants, pipelines, and other infrastructure worldwide. It later market and promoted communication bandwidth commodities and other "derivatives" and grew in opulence behind inflated, fraudulent and non-existent financial reports. Enron declared bankruptcy in late 2001. By 1995 accountants at Arthur Andersen knew Enron was a high-risk client who pushed them to do things they were not comfortable doing. Critics have identified the complicated management approach as one of the culprits that caused Enron's collapse. Initially, the company performed extensive diversification to expand its product and service lines. Because of the strategy, the company experienced robust growth and gained reputation as a multi-dimensional firm. In addition, the firm continued to evolve its business model. Considering the unpredictable circumstances and calculated risks, Enron was successful on paper. This was reflected in the financial reports suggesting the extent of growth in the financial capability of the company. Specifically, the level of stocks reported by the company has skyrocketed. The information provided by the Enron 10-K annual report suggests that it was only in 1997 that the company experienced a decline. According to James Hecker, one of the investors of Enron, Andersen had knowledge on the nature of Enron's operations. The company even branded Enron as a high risked firm that is willing to do all means required to achieve its goals. Moreover, Hecker described the relationship of the Andersen employees to Enron. In the exact words, Hecker said: "Managers in the doorway, thinking out of the box. And I was thinking to myself, I'll bust by butt and then I'll bust my rocks (Schepp, 2002)." This satire showed how generously the employees of Andersen working for Enron were compensated and provided with great incentives. Moreover, Hecker described Enron as a lovely face and a fragile place. Basically, Hecker has knowledge on the true status of the company. Hecker even mentioned in the satire that the managers will soon bring their alibis to court. Precisely, Hecker highlighted the events that will happen years later

Harley-Davidson Inc Essay Example for Free

Harley-Davidson Inc Essay This case study analyzes the differentiation strategy adopted by Harley-Davidson Inc. to differentiate itself from the competition. Further, it will address the issues and challenges faced by Harley- Davidson Inc. due to changing demographics and financial turmoil. And last but not least the case study will give an idea of what strategies Harley- Davidson Inc. could apply in the future so that it could sustain and enhance its competitive position. There are two generic business level strategies to yield a higher rate of profit over a rival according to M. Porter. First, a firm can focus on cost leadership, which generates economic value by having lower costs than competitors. Second, a firm can focus on product differentiation and generates economic value by offering a product that customers prefer over the products of competitors. In other words the firm provides something unique that is valuable to buyers beyond offering the product at a low price. Harley-Davidson Inc. does not focus on cost leadership, but on product differentiation. Its tangible dimensions of differentiation are among other things its classic style that had characterized Harleys since its early years, the ability to personalize the motorcycle according to ones taste, the super-heavyweight cruiser bikes it sells and the wide price range. Moreover, H.D. offers a wide pre- and after- sales service that obliges dealers to carry a full line of Harley replacement parts and accessories and to perform service on Harley bikes, it offers test ride facilities, rider instruction classes, motorcycle rental, assistance for owners in customizing their bikes through dealer-based design centers and chrome consultants, insurance services and exclusive dealerships. Its intangible dimensions of differentiation are its unique image, status, exclusivity and identity. Thus, H.D does incorporate the American lifestyle, stands for individuality, freedom, toughness and adventure and can be seen as the ultimate biker status. Some people might even state that it represents something close to a religion or a family. H.D. created the HOG, a community where Harley Owners meet and interact with other Harley owners and where Harleys employees participate eagerly. That way H.D. could create a strong loyalty among Harley owners by creating a Harley experience and a unique relationship with its customers. Harley still focuses mainly on the Baby Boomer generation, customers that are now age 35 and 54, male and middle class and on heavyweight cruiser motorcycles, which prioritize the statement of style over either comfort or speed. In summary H.D. applied a differentiation strategy wherein it targeted specific products at niche segments (heavyweight cruiser motorcycles). The brand has a cult status among its loyal clientele and characterizes adventure, freedom, tradition and power. By differentiating its product from the products of competitors H.D. was able to command a premium for its products. Further, H.D. resources and capabilities are compared to those of one of his competitors taking the example of Honda. H.D. represents one of the oldest motorcycle brands in the US. They are designed, engineered, assembled and built in the U.S.A. Honda designs and builds its motorcycles in Japan. Whereas Honda is known for the best weight to power ratios, emphasizes speed and power and aims at a younger clientele, H.M. is known for its cruiser motorcycles which prioritize the statement of style over either comfort or speed and are mainly bought by customers between age 35 and 54. Further, H.D. competes with Honda by also building performance motorcycles (Buell Motorcycles) and Honda competes with H.D. by also building cruisers targeting H.D. Due to the smaller corporate size and inability to share RD across cars and bikes H.D.s ability to invest in technology and new products is limited. Thus, most of Harleys product development efforts in the past were limited to style changes, new paint designs and engineering improvements. In contrary, Honda has been continuously pursuing advancement of new technologies and new products. Thus, it puts emphasis on innovation in Fuel and Engine Technology. Because of the advanced nature of their research, Honda has a strong first-mover advantage over competitors such as H.D. It will be difficult for H.D., which does not actively pursue his own research to catch up with Honda. Moreover, Honda does also have a strong brand loyalty (64% vs. 48% Industry Average) and it offers multiple lines (cars, motorcycles, mowers). Further, Honda does cultivate mass production, whereas H.D. offers highly customized products, which allows H.D. to premium pricing. Moreover, Honda successfully continues to broaden the sales distribution base beyond the North American and Japanese markets to Asia, Russia and Europe. H.D. sells the American lifestyle and is rooted in American culture. The European motorcycle market focuses on performance bikes (70%) and not on H.D.s specialty, the cruisers (only 30%). Those circumstances lead to difficulties for H.D. regarding its position in the European market. Difficulties Honda does not have. To extend its European presence H.D. bought the MV Agusta Group, which has two families of motorcycles, a line of exclusive, premium, high-performance sport motorcycles and a lightweight motorcycle to comply with the demand on the European market. H.D. is thus facing the threat of growing advantages of determined competitors. Market shares on the international market continue to grow for other firms. Demographic changes represent a threat to H.D. because of the aging customer base H.D. does have. The owners continue to age (Baby Boomer generation and soon they are too old to ride their bikes. Another threat is the economic recession. Customers are staying away due to less buying power. H.D. had to cut jobs and to close production facilities. Further, EUs motorcycle noise standards and pollution and emission standards that are not up to level of some countries represent a threat to H.D. Because of the aging customer base H.D. should market and position their products to the right market segment. Since the original H.D. customers are soon to be too old to ride their motorcycles H.D. could apply a multi-generational and multi-cultural marketing strategy that also includes young adults and women. In order to survive H.D. needs to supply different types of bikes with different brand images to appeal to different and changing types of customers. H.D. could then further take action in increasing their market share internationally by expanding their current presence and reaching new international markets and creating value for its brand outside the U.S. Further, H.D. should focus on the Harley brand by leveraging unique H.D. strenghts. It should abandon the Buell line of sport bikes and the Agusta line. Moreover, H.D. should develop its technology to increase automation. This will lead to cheaper labor and to a more efficient customization. What H.D. should not do is lowering its customization level since customization also represents one of H.D.s highest assets for their brand. To get access to high-level technological capabilities H.D. could merge with groups like Renault/Nissan who bring Japanese manufacturing skills or Volkswagen, who has excellent Eastern European experience.

A Visitor Management Plan For Central London Tourism Essay

A Visitor Management Plan For Central London Tourism Essay There is no doubt about the fact that London is kind of home for many tourist. Though London as a whole has attracted many tourists internationally, yet the importance of Central London in this matter is very specific. Museums and parks and entertainment horizons of Central London had always been the centre of Attraction for many European and International tourists. The civilisations attached to London and the popular cultures being a part of it make it the most conformable place and an obvious choice to visit, for many tourists. The underlying principle for this project is to derive a Visitor Management Plan for the Central London. The approach is to look into all those perspectives and the arrangements of all kinds of assistance in order to offer the visitors with right kinds of exposure to the areas of Central London. The paper has been designed to grasp and to offer appropriate guidelines and necessary tips for managing with a pleasurable and a very relaxing way of dealing with t he tourism sector of this place. This is an initiation led from the perspective of local tourism management organisations in order to understand the developmental and the systematic strategic plans for offering the area of Central London with the best possible tourism options and to attract visitors here for the betterment of tourism sector in London as a whole. Outline and Analysis of Central London Tourism The British Museum and the British Library in the Central London holds many aspects of literary exposures. These are the places that are most visited by the tourist to see and explore the original manuscripts of classics like the notebook of Jane Austen, Alice in Wonderland, Charlotte Brontes manuscript of Jane Eyre added by the proof all those places that are being explored, dominated and eventually conquered by the British Empire. The British Museum and the British Library are the most renowned and very authentic place that most of the international visitors tries to visit, in order to see things that made history. Central London is very popular for other museums like Victoria and Albert Museum in the area of Kensington. This is the worlds largest museum that holds decorative design and arts, with an abundant collection of 4.5 million objects. The speciality of these museums are integral to the collection of things that are very much close to the cultures of North America, Europe, North Africa and Asia. The best parts of these valuable sites are that they are all free of cost and visitors can make an entry very obviously. This is definitely is a very right kind of approach and as such more and more people are attracted towards it. Keeping the options free to tourists for these cultural and historical assets is a very strong approach and as such can be declared as a strong strategic plan in attaining worldwide popularity. However, minimal charges for these areas can be considered and that should be so minimal that people from any country can afford it. This is a plan that will keep a track of the number of visitor ¿Ã‚ ½s to these places added by some chance to earn a minimal amount for the maintenance of these places. The historical and cultural part of Central London is also comprised of places like Buckingham Palace. It has been estimated that an average of 15 million tourists come to Central London to see this Royal palace every year. In summer season, th e visitors are even allowed to see some rooms of this palace and that is a real treat to them. Visits to Tower of London holding Crown Jewels of England is also very popular and visitors throng here to have the eternal glance of it. Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, London Eye, Covent Garden, Natural History Museum, London Zoo, Globe Theatre, Madame Tussauds and Charles Dickens Museum are some additional must visits for the tourists to Central London. Apart from all these locations, most of the people prefer to visit Central London for its wonderful parks and to wander along. Most of these parks are counted with Regents Park, Holland Park and Corams Fields. The preferences are all about having grass for walk, ball games and picnicking. Though some of the Royal parks are closed at nights and are very much guided by the police, yet the preferences for these places are very obvious and incredible among the tourists. Provisions for skating are made possible in Kensington Gardens along wit h Serpentine Road in Hyde Park. This is a very important provisions that have attracted many tourists and the same applications should be made possible in most of the other parks too. It is necessary to consider that people definitely come to Central London for relaxation, fun and to enjoy their holidays, and thus it s becomes the responsibility of the tourism industry in London to offer people with adequate amount of almost everything. Visitors ¿Ã‚ ½ Bases and Statistics According to Hard, R. (2010) there is a clear declaration about the visitor ¿Ã‚ ½s bases and the statistics to Central London. As per this declaration the total Central London visitors in the year 2007 has been estimated as 25.2 million added by 6.2 million of business visitors. The total leisure and other visitors to Central London has been declared as 11.55 million and 1,353 Central London Hotels were been occupied. The average room occupancy has been calculated as 82.2%. as for the declarations made by the Press Association (2007) over the developmental structure of tourism in Central London, they are pretty sure of its expansion by the year 2012. The most visited places as of now are the museums, theatres and the parks. Yet the expansion as declared by Press association will be inclusive of the Olympic game propaganda that will overcrowd the place for all possible reasons. The following diagram forwarded by Office of National Statistics (2010), will illustrate the occupancy of visitors to Central London more clearly- Figure SEQ Figure * ARABIC 1. Visits to and from UK Source: Office of National Statistics 2010 As shown in the figure from 2008 onwards there is an extremely rise in the amount of visitors to UK, specifically to Central London then people going out from UK or the Central London in particular. As per the three-month trends that have been seasonally adjusted, the assessments are very clear and practically strong in favour of tourism in UK and Central London in particular. In the month of August, 2010 to the month of October, 2010, the estimations led by Office of National Statistics (2010), the number of visitors who visited Central London from overseas was up to 7.5 million. This was an estimation that actually attained a fall of  ¿Ã‚ ½4.2 billion. The rise of people going out of UK has deteriorated from the total amount of people that are getting into the state as tourists. As this assessment gets wider perspective of 12 months during the total number of visits by overseas residents to various places of UK making Central London as the core place attained a rate of 29.6 milli on which is again considered as unsatisfactory. The estimation of visits to the UK by people from various countries has been declared as following- Residents from Europe covered a space of 22.0 million Residents from North America got reduced from 3.5 million to 3.3 million, and Residents from other parts of the world offered an increase of 2 per cent and that attained a rise of 4.3 million It can be well attached that visits to UK, especially Central London has definitely got enormous increase, yet this is an increase that is exclusive of European and North Americans. The rise has been much supported by other countries of the world. Stakeholder Analysis The basic stakeholders who are very important in the process of developing the tourism sector in Central London are identified as National Governing Bodies, Coaching Development and Newham Water Sports Group. These are the associations that are concentrating in adding activities and thematic persuasion to the tourism sector of Central London. The core concerns are predominated by adding entertainment and adequate amount of sports and adventures to all those tourists who wants to be a part of it. The persuasions are also handled to organise diversified tourists ¿Ã‚ ½ interests in different ways. The activities and the sight seeing activities are made better and very much supported by technological and other electronic modes, so that visitors get al kinds of conform and luxury during their travel. As declared by Mayor of Central London in London Gov. UK. (2005), there is the need to improve the IT and the sectors of sophistications in Central London so that it can offer the tourists with all the information that hey want and that too within no time. The demands were led over the application of Sub Regional Development Framework (SRDF) for Central London. The chief objective of this framework has been declared by the Mayor of Central London as- Central London is one of the worlds great places. Londoners and visitors identify with the unique mix of business, culture, entertainment and heritage found at the heart of London. It is a place that contains areas of considerable wealth alongside concentrations of deprivation. This SRDF strikes a balance between the needs of central London ¿Ã‚ ½s residents, workers and visitors as well as reflecting its status as a centre of global business and culture. The approaches are very practical and it is noteworthy that the contributions of the stakeholders, especially that of National Governing Bodies, Coaching Development and Newham Water Sports Group are very predominating. The concentrations are led over the persuasion of regulatory functions. Various examples in this context can be identified in terms of disciplinary action for rule infractions and over the matters of deciding rule changes in various sports that they govern. Governing bodies are structured and restructured in different scopes. The coverage is inclusive of international level, as for instance International Olympic Committee or the national level sports like Rugby Football League. The entire formulations are to promote various sports activities so that the area of Central London can acquire more attentions from the tourists. As these sports get conducted they turn up to be the sources for generating and encouraging more and more tourists to Central London. Pestle and SWO T Application of Pestle and SWOT analysis in this aspect clarifies all those domains that need special attention and cooperation for the overall development of Central London Tourism in the upcoming years. As the concept of tourism in Central London gets analysed under PESTLE, the basic field of analysis are Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors. From political point of view, there is much support led by the governance in developing Central London tourism. The support from local and central governments are very strong in this matter. Economic growth of Central London can be well marked by the increase in the hotel tariffs in last few years. Radical growth in the eurozone economy has been marked. An estimation of  ¿Ã‚ ½15billion each year is definitely is a great hype and this has been much supported by the tourism sector (Rodr ¿Ã‚ ½guez-Pose and Kr ¿Ã‚ ½ijer, 2009). The social dominance too has been much affected by the increase of tourists in Central London. The aspects are very much related to mixing of diversified cultures on the same trend and the sellers too get involved in offering customer-oriented products. As a result there is a kind of intermingleness among various social set ups of Central London that are getting different from the original trends, yet are much acclaimed internationally. Additions of upgrade technological supports in promoting in getting visitors from all over the world are very well generated through Online marketing provisions. It is through online deals that most of the tourists are welcomed and are offered best of the services. The support led by customer care and other scopes are all dominated by upgrade communicative support led by technologies. Against all these facilities the legal peripheries in the activities of Central London are getting stricter. Administration and legislatures are all involved in offering the state with more safe and peaceful legal support. The purpose is to pre vent Central London getting affected by risky outsiders and offering the tourists with the sense of security and safeguards n enjoying their holidays. However, when it comes to the issue of Environment, there is of course a tassel regarding the understanding of pollution and concerns related to the maintenance of good environmental condition n Central London. As declared in the News of European Space Agency (2010) YourAir service has made a prediction about the levels of pollutants that are actually increasing due to the excessive exposure of nitrogen dioxide, added by ozone and airborne particles. It has been further declared that necessary control to this is important as it might lead to diseases like, asthma, heart and lung problems. The role of tourism in creating these pollutants is definitely considered as a major factor. As there is an increase in the tourism sector more and more people gets into the town and as such the environmental balance gets distracted. As per the SWOT that is Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis Strengths Weaknesses The most predominated strength of the Central London tourism is its systematic and strategic persuasion of tourism structure. It is a very experience market in tourism and thus has attained enough success internationally on obvious terms The weakness of Central London tourism lies in the massive expansion of all kinds of business in a small demographical area. There is a huge demand for resources and manpower that is yet to meet by Central London tourism sector Opportunities Threats When it comes to opportunities, the tourism sector of Central London attains enough support from almost all kinds of segments. As it is a highly sophisticated region, it can afford all kinds of developmental and the best of the provisions for the tourist on worldwide basis. As the entire tourism sector of UK is evolving from Central London its responsibility increases and there is a regular demand of competitiveness and excellence led on it. The other areas too are creating enough competition to the Central London tourism and the threats of competitions are getting higher every year. Development of Objectives The developmental objectives of Central London tourism needs to be focussed on short, medium and longer term basis. It is important to note that the functionalities of Central London tourism must follow enough scope of development and economic growth for the country and needs to generate equal emphasis over the resources and the concerns of dealing with natural and human resources. The entire Central London tourism sector need more appropriate synchronisation to make its string enough against the increasing levels of competitions. Every promotional programme can be introduced as per the interests of the tourists and the same can be extended from a smaller zone to larger perspectives. To meet short, medium and longer terms of development, it is necessary for Central London tourism needs to get focus on higher density of building environment added by higher land values, excessive elevation in the daytime population and above all severe concentration over issues like regional and religi ous sentiments. Increasing levels of competitions authorised nationally and internationally should be well handled with a perception to meet the competitive gap with appropriate dominance. The specific developmental objectives can be noted as- Increasing scopes for employment Maintenance of environmental insecurities Implementing situation oriented strategies to the tourism sector Meeting demands of the upcoming markets Offering support to the preservation of resources Dealing with issues that can create political, social or legal chaos Financial planning against the increased value in every aspect Apart from all these, Central London tourism must have right kinds of audit and inspections for offering the entire region with adequate amount of security and systematic developmental proceedings for the maintenance of a good tourism oriented business. Financial support from the stakeholders and the support for exclusive management planning are very important to offer small, medium and longer sustainability to the Central London tourism industry. The demand for apt plan to meet international competition is the core demand in the current hors. Detailed Strategies and Tactics The strategic planning for offering Central London tourism industry with long terms sustainability and short and medium term profitability, there is the need for dealing with the current market trends and demands of the customers. There are some rigid categories that need to be well planned in order to attain proficiency levels in the Central London tourism sector. Application of 4Ps It is through the adoption of marketing mix that the Central London tourism can attain adequate amount of international tourism structure. This is a kind of structure that has been designed with an amalgamated formulation of 4Ps and 4Cs in the process of managing international tourism and the levels of competitiveness created by it. To attain effective results under 4Ps it is necessary for Central London tourism to use all the products and resources as per the detected demands of the market and the related cultural and social backgrounds. By means of 4Ps emphasis need to be led over the determination of Product, Price, Place and Promotion of the tourism perspectives in Central London (Banting and Ross, 1973). In a way everything that is considered as product for the tourist must be customised as per the specific customer. This also needs to be evaluated as per the affordability and the cost of preparation of the product. The design is very strict in terms of the specific places where it will be made available followed by right kind of promotional tools. In terms of promotions the instruments like banners, media to internet needs to be used exclusively so that every individual attains its brand and create the trust to try it. The formulation of 4Ps under marketing mix further needs to get extended by specific importance over People and Process. In this respect the Central London tourism need to laid emphasis over the tourists who are coming from developing countries (McCarthy, 1975). As declared above there is a radical rise in the tourists from developing countries, thus the extended implication of strategic planning must consider the extended People and Process concerns. In most cases it has been found that the tourism sector of Central London hardly offers importance to people from third world. There is a kind of block that sustain in them and that needs to get overcome. Giving importance to the tourists, irrespective of their origin needs to be inclusive in the developmental structure of Central London tourism. Application of 4Cs Implication of Commodity, Cost, Channel and Communication is considered as the root for sustainable success, especially for tourism these tools become mandatory (Koichi 2003 and 2009). Commodity in this case is all about the entire tourism industry of Central London that needs to specify its places like museums and parks as per the preferences or conveniences of the market, here tourists. According to Schullz, Tannenbaum and Lauterborn, (1993) the expenditure and the tour packages are what the Central London tourism sector need to consider as per the rate of currencies of all those countries that are joining in its tourism market. In this case special emphasis needs to be offered over the determination and the specification of monetary standards that prevails in the developing countries. Specialised and customised packages should be made to suit the customers from Asian and the African countries. As these people are participating more in visiting Central London, their conveniences sh ould be considered as per their budget and currency values. The channels that need to be considered are the media that will expose the Central London tourism to the world. In many first world countries internet definitely is the strongest media. However, in the developing countries the demands of the traditional modes of publicity; like television, radio and print media are still very effective. Keeping these conditions under considerations, the Central London tourism needs to explore these domains to reach to the people in the most positive manner. The discriminatory attitudes or the laid back considerations are actually never suggested for a sustainable growth. Restricting the publication and scopes of media by Central London tourism can limit its expansion and thus is very much suggested to consider all kinds of channels to reach the target customers. The ways of communication in the developing and the developed countries are very common. This is the most convenient mode of commu nication and has been established by the social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. As against the traditional modes of communication the international communicative exchanges are more comfortably adopted through internet and Central London tourism need to apply the same for the tourists from both developed and developing countries. Determination of content will differ though; the basic approach needs to remain the same. Promotions through social networking sites and emails will also gain adequate response in the developing countries, built at the same time for wider publicity; it is important and necessary to add the traditional media too. Recruitment and Professional Training The entire Central London tourism needs to get reformed and restructured as per the demands of the customers. There is the need for applying absolute customer-oriented business modules so that the business of tourism can grow in all directions. Central London tourism need to employ more and more professional people and added to these recruitment proceedings there is the need for appropriate kind of marketing training to them so that they can deal with different demographical populations and cultures. The process of recruitment should be very strong and apt training in accordance to the target customer should be arranged. As for instance, communications with the customer for taking visits to Central London tourism can either be outsourced or can be initiated by local marketing agents to get right kinds of responses and persuasions. As more and more people will be approached in their language and as per their communication cultures, the response too will get positive and Central London tourism will expand in its marketing venture in getting more and more tourists. Conclusions Eventually, it can be considered that the tourism sector of London is definitely in good shape, yet is equally much threatened by the lack of resources and the increasing competitions on international front. As this plan gets approach there are many things that needs same specialised attentions and these need to get generated to offer support for long term sustainability of the entire sector. Hopes are very much positive with the persuasion of London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Yet the systematic planning and making space for all kinds of visitors is a great challenge to Central London tourism. There is no denial to the fact that the Central London tourism has been recognised as the best tourism sector that is traditionally, socially and economically has been much acclaimed. From financial point of view, there is definitely no chance of running out of budget, yet possibilities of getting overspent with extreme misuse of financial assts can definitely take place. The entire Cen tral London tourism is in severe need of expert financial consultants and people who can really mange Central London tourism n reference to diversified kinds of people who are getting into the market. The limitations that can be noted in the implication of the advised plan can be pointed out as following- Lack of adequate manpower Increasing risks of environmental pollution Deficiency in making arrangements for huge mass of people Need to compromise demographical expansion Unable to offer adequate international exposure in the developing countries. Against all these limitations, it becomes very mandatory for the Central London tourism to offer specialists in the financial and the management sectors so that regulations and related implications get enough support for each other. There is the severe demand to balance between the amounts earned and to regenerate in long term basis. Negligence in this aspect can result in successive failures and the entire Central London tourism can get trapped by the pressure of international competitiveness.

Physical Education In Secondary Schools :: essays research papers

Physical Education In Secondary Schools My philosophy of physical education in the secondary setting deals with students becoming physically fit. Also that students learn how to communicate with others, especially in a team setting. My philosophy also holds in it different teaching methods. Methods that physical education teachers can use to get the most out of their students. With this philosophy of physical education I plan to use it toward becoming a good teacher. The major reason for having physical education in secondary schools is to lead the students toward a better lifestyles and to be physically fit. There was an article published In 1992 by, The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), stating what "The Physically Fit Person" should consist of. This article states five factors of a physical fit person. One factor is that a physically fit person "has learned skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities". The second factor, "is the person physically fit". The third factor is "does this person participate regularly in physical activity". The fourth is a physically fit person "knows the implications of and the benefits from involvement in physical activity". The last factor is that a physically fit person "values physical activity and its contributions to a healthful lifestyle". The plan as physical educators is to have each child be a physically fit person, by their exit of high school. This will take some work but I believe it could be done. Another very important issue to be learned in secondary physical education is teamwork. This is a very important aspect in everyday life. This helps people think of others as much, or more, than themselves. Today some work places are going to the team oriented style of work. The worker needs to be able to express ideas amongst his/her teammates and come with solutions together. A good activity that could be introduced in secondary physical education programs is a ropes course. Rope courses are great for students to get into the teamwork mentality. This could help students be dependable on each other and trust each other. Education is not only a necessity, but a major part of life. Some children perceive school as a punishment. Including myself, that was the way I felt as a child. But as I grew older I found out that learning can be fun. Some children seem to take education for granted. When I was a school boy, I never realized how much I was learning. The only thing that got me through school was the two days of physical education that I had per week.

Bismarcks appointment of Minister President of Prussia Essay

Bismarck’s appointment of Minister President of Prussia (1862) was the most important turning point in the course of German nationalism in the period 1815-1919? By 1919 Germany had been united, and the nature of nationalism had changed from a freedom seeking, democratic force into one which demanded popular subservience to the state. German nationalism had clearly changed radically over the period of more than one hundred years and defining the turning point at which it changed is difficult due to the sheer number of factors that impacted upon it as well as the vast number of events and organisations which interfered with its development. Otto von Bismarck would become viewed in later years as the father of German nationalism. When he came to power 1862 the Kaiser was looking for a man who could oppose the liberals and force through a favourable army bill. However, within just nine years Germany would have become united, not without the help, though not always willing, from Bismarck. Bismarck effected the unification of Germany almost single-handedly. However, many of the opportunities which Bismarck actually attempted to manipulate were neither created by him nor very successful. Bismarck did not always manage nationalism as effectively as it is suggested. The Franco-Prussian War in 1870-71 forced to unite with the southern states in Germany when in reality it would have been unlikely that he desired this. Prussia was still attempting to absorb the north German states and to add the southern states, especially with their un-Prussian culture, risked diluting Prussia’s culture too far. It is clear that in 1890 Bismarck was managed by nationalism because he was forced to resign due to the outpouring of nationalist feeling that resented him attempting to hold Germany in check. He represented the old Germany, a Prussian dominated one and in an effort to find a â€Å"German† chancellor he was removed from office. Even the Dual Alliance in 1879 demonstrated how German nationalism forced him to take actions against his will. With his Prussian upbringing his loyalties more likely lay with Russian rather than Austria and the decline of Austria was increasingly clear for all too see, to join the young, powerful Germany with this crumbling empire would do nothing to help the country yet nationalistic feeling in Germany forced the Alliance. Bismarck’s appointment in 1882 was an important moment in German nationalism but the theory that one man had such an impact upon the fate of a nation does not stand so well in light of deeper scrutiny. The Congress of Vienna held in 1815 helped create an environment which would help the growth of German nationalism. Prussia’s gains in the west of Germany were actually intended by the Allies to be a burden. They had given the smallest of the Great Powers the most difficult job as acting as a barricade against France. However, this would backfire on the Allies when it would later become Germany’s massive industrial growth. It also affected the nature of Prussia, whereas she had previously been a predominantly Eastern European power she now had a pan-German outlook, though it appeared to begin with that she had little in common with her western population. The distance between the two main blocks of land meant that transporting goods between the two would prove difficult and this would spur the creation and development of the Prussian Customs Union in 1818 which would later become the Zollverein in 1834. However, when at the Congress of Vienna the Allies faced the question of â€Å"what is Germany† they fell back on historical precedent, the Holy Roman Empire. This can be seen as a retrospective step because it actually excluded areas of both Austria and Prussia, as well as making many of the smaller states much larger. The Congress of Vienna was not a turning point in German nationalism, but without it the nature of Germany could have been very different from that with which we are familiar if it existed at all. The creation of the Zollverein in 1834 was a critical turning point for German nationalism, formed from the Prussian Customs Union in 1818. Thomas Nipperdy described the creation of the Zollverein as â€Å"the outstanding event in all-German history†. Given the basis as a pan-German union it improved the contacts between all of the German states, encouraging them to work together for mutual benefit and broke down barriers between the regions of Germany both officially and culturally. It is often the case that economic unity leads to political as appears to be the case with the EU, formerly the European Economic Community (EEC) and the push for a European constitution. However, German political unity was far from inevitable, many Germans now saw political unity as obsolete because they achieved all the benefits of such a union without the risk of losing any of their own unique regional culture. The Zollverein was also critical in training a new cadre of diplomats for Prussia and teaching them to administer a â€Å"German† organisation, experience which would be invaluable in the post-unification era. Bismarck once declared in a speech to the North German Reichstag in 1869 that â€Å"He who has his thumb on the purse has the power† and by taking the economic leadership of the German states Prussia rose importantly and a Kleindeutsch solution to the German problem became much more feasible. It also struck a double blow in this respect. It not only made a Prussian-led Germany more likely but it made an Austrian-led Germany less likely. Because of her exclusion from the customs union the Austrian economy suffered and her already fragile market became on step closer to failing and this would be one of the major reasons for her defeat to Prussia. The use of the economy mirrored the nature of German nationalism; initially it was a liberal move, the reduction of trade barriers embodied by the introduction of the Zollverein. However, by the time unification was achieved economic policy turned its back on liberalism and the economic protectionism Bismarck employed against Russia helped show how far nationalism had changed. The Zollverein would form the template upon which the German Empire would eventually be founded, a kleindeutsch dominated by Prussia. Some historians even go so far to view the whole of the unification of Germany as purely an economic transaction, that it was not driven by political ideology but by the cold logic of money and economic expansionism. The Zollverein did represent an important twist in the history of German nationalism but it did not utterly change the face of the ideology but simply made the prospect more likely. In addition to this, the success of the Zollverein would provide the necessary environment for the rapid expansion of industry within German and this would have a critical impact upon nationalism. 1848 can very easily be viewed as the critical turning point in the history of German nationalism. It is often seen as a turning point about which history failed to turn, and it is this very failure which makes it such an important date in the history of German nationalism. 1848 presented revolutionary factions within Germany, and other countries throughout Europe, with a window of opportunity. In Paris the Second Republic is established in a welter of violence; in Sicily the Palermo Uprising takes place; in Hungary revolution boils over; Swedish revolutionaries are gunned down by their government and in Ireland the potato famine sparks the Tipperary Revolt. To the established order it appeared that stability was breaking down and anarchy threatened them. It was in this climate of exceptional change that the German revolutionary effort failed. The dithering incompetence of the middle classes, coupled with their glaring impotence discredited liberal politics and any idea of a revolution from below. This would prove potentially dangerous for the development of German nationalism. Divorced from its liberal and democratic roots it became a force of the right and of the paternalist government. This resulted in the desire for individual freedoms being sacrificed for the will of state. The government was paranoid about the dangers of the socialist movement within Germany, but they actually shared many common ideals, most markedly the concept of the priority of the state over the individual. It became obvious that power and change could not be achieved without the power of an army to back themselves; Bismarck summarised this problem in his most famous speech â€Å"the great questions of the day will not be decided by speeches and majority decisions – that was the error of 1848 – but by iron and blood†. Given our knowledge of how German nationalism developed into a violent, racist, militaristic force it is clear to see that 1848 was a seminal moment in its development, the pre-1848 liberal, French-styled nationalism became a force of the militant right. 1848 also represented a turning point for German nationalism in a European context. It appeared that countries were naturally progressing from being authoritarian monarchies to becoming nationalistic, liberal democracies. Germany’s refusal to follow this trend fundamentally altered the nature of German nationalism. This turning point about which history failed to turn left something rotten at the core of German nationalism. The change from idealism to brutal pragmatism, combined with the machinations of Bismarck and the authoritarian government meant that the German people’s cause was subverted and used as a weapon against those European powers who had abused Germany for such a long time. On the 18th of January 1871 the German Empire was proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. This can easily be seen as a turning point in German nationalism, it finally created what the nationalists had been striving for over the past half century. Though it is true that the majority of what then became Germany existed in the North German Confederation created 4 years earlier after Prussia’s victory over Austria it represented a subtle but important shift in the history of German nationalism and the process of reaching the announcement played a very important role in defining the new Germany. Even the date upon which the Empire was announced held special significance, 270 years earlier the first Elector of Brandenburg was crowned King in Prussia. This clearly symbolically established Prussian hegemony over the newly created German Reich. Even the fact that the proclamation was made at Versailles was more significant than simple a quick expediency. Were the proclamation were to be made in Berlin, the capital of the new Empire, it would have most likely been made in Parliament. For Bismarck this would have been intolerable, in his eyes it was the army and their feudal, warlord leaders who had united the new empire rather than the romantic liberals and their â€Å"speeches and majority votes†. The Reich was declared in the home of imperial power, Versailles was the benchmark against which all other symbols of imperial might were measured and it clearly showed how the ruling elite of the new Germany planned to rule the country. It would be easy to say that it was a simple political humiliation for the French to have their enemies declare their new country in the French capital but to do this would ignore the deeper significance of both the time and place it was made. Nationalism within Germany underwent many changes over the period from 1815 to 1919. It suffered from a gradual change from its ideals over the time and it is difficult to differentiate between the impacts that the different potential turning points had on German nationalism. However, the most seminal moment in the history Germany nationalism was when it shifted indelibly from the idealists’ views to the pragmatic views of the industrialists within the country. 1866 can be seen as the turning point in the unification of Germany rather than a turning point in the nature of German nationalism. The failure of democracy in 1848 at a time when many other revolutions had succeeded left many Germans with the view that it would only be through violence and warfare â€Å"blood and iron† that their dreams would ever be realised.

EVISION THE FUTURE essays

EVISION THE FUTURE essays As the 21st century dawns ahead of us, the future holds what seems to be the best advancements of our civilization. Man has come a long way since the first computer was invented. It is from that enormous monster that we have grown off of, (maybe that accounts for the hideous beige metal boxes computers are housed in). Then along came wires and at the present we are beginning the wire-less age. What lies beyond that may be the answer to all of man-kinds problems. Remember "the brick"? Also known as a crude cell phone, it marked the beginning of the cellular age. Because of that phone we now have a giant array of cellular phones and accessories. Sure, theres the ordinary cell phone that looks cool, speed-dials from a phonebook, and had a calendar. This past year it is now considered pass. If you have to live up to the status of a CEO, (or just want to act like one), then having a cell phone with internet capabilities is a must. So as the palm pilot goes in the technological trash-bin, cell phones that have access to the internet are becoming the leaders in the global industry. Rather than snapping on a modem, this new breed of cell phones allows for web browsing. These phones get all the basics such as sports scores, news, stock quotes, e-mail and even book ordering from Amazon.com. In addition, any web page that a developer has designed for Wireless Application Protocol, or WAP. America Online and Sprint PCS have recently cut a deal whereas users can get their e-mail and use Instant Messenger on their internet-ready cell phones. Cell phone makers, due to the rising participation in cell phone web-browsing, are increasing storage space on their phones. They are also making the screens larger so that up to about 11 lines of text can be seen on the tiny screen. These cell phone companies are helping start the wireless revolution that will take the world by storm. The remarkable capabilities cell phones no...

How MS-DOS Put Microsoft on the Map

How MS-DOS Put Microsoft on the Map On August 12, 1981, IBM introduced its new revolution in a box, the Personal Computer complete with a brand new operating system from Microsoft, a 16-bit computer operating system called MS-DOS 1.0. What Is an Operating System? The operating system orOS is the foundation software of a computer and schedules tasks, allocates storage, and presents a default interface to the user between applications. The facilities an operating system provides and its general design exerts an extremely strong influence on the applications created for the computer. IBM and Microsoft's History In 1980, IBM first approached Bill Gates of Microsoft, to discuss the state of home computers and what Microsoft products could do for IBM. Gates gave IBM a few ideas on what would make a great home computer, among them to have Basic written into the ROM chip. Microsoft had already produced several versions of Basic for different computer system beginning with the Altair, so Gates was more than happy to write a version for IBM. Gary Kildall As for an operating system (OS) for an IBM computer, since Microsoft had never written an operating system before, Gates had suggested that IBM investigate an OS called CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers), written by Gary Kildall of Digital Research. Kindall had his Ph.D. in computers and had written the most successful operating system of the time, selling over 600,000 copies of CP/M, his operating system set the standard at that time. The Secret Birth of MS-DOS IBM tried to contact Gary Kildall for a meeting, executives met with Mrs. Kildall who refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement. IBM soon returned to Bill Gates and gave Microsoft the contract to write a new operating system, one that would eventually wipe Gary Kildalls CP/M out of common use. The Microsoft Disk Operating System or MS-DOS was based on Microsofts purchase of QDOS, the Quick and Dirty Operating System written by Tim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products, for their prototype Intel 8086 based computer. However, ironically QDOS was based (or copied from as some historians feel) on Gary Kildalls CP/M. Tim Paterson had bought a CP/M manual and used it as the basis to write his operating system in six weeks. QDOS was different enough from CP/M to be considered legally a different product. IBM had deep enough pockets, in any case, to probably have won an infringement case if they had needed to protect their product. Microsoft bought the rights to QDOS for $50,000, keeping the IBM Microsoft deal a secret from Tim Paterson and his company, Seattle Computer Products. Deal of the Century Bill Gates then talked IBM into letting Microsoft retain the rights, to market MS-DOS separate from the IBM PC project, Gates and Microsoft proceeded to make a fortune from the licensing of MS-DOS. In 1981, Tim Paterson quit Seattle Computer Products and found employment at Microsoft. Life begins with a disk drive. - Tim Paterson

Electric Cars and Electrical Engineers

Electric Cars and Electrical Engineers Electric Cars and Electrical Engineers Electric Cars and Electrical Engineers By Maeve Maddox Jeffrey asks: What is the proper use of the words electric and electrical? I am an engineer and do not know when to use one form or the other.   We say electric car but also say electrical wiring.   If I have a new device: is it an electric device or an electrical device?   Is the equipment in the electric room or the electrical room? Is there a proper distinction or at least a rule of thumb? Merriam-Webster lists electrical as a variant of electric, but the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) makes this useful distinction: electric: containing, producing, arising from, actuated by or carrying electricity. electrical: relating to, pertaining to, or associated with electricity but not having its properties. With this distinction in mind we would speak of an electrical engineer, but an electric typewriter. Etymological note: Essayist Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682) was the first to use the word electric in English. A Latin version, electricus, was coined by English physicist William Gilbert (1540-1603). He took the word from Latin electrum, â€Å"amber.† The Greek word for amber was elektron. Electricity was first generated by rubbing amber. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Types of RhymeIn Search of a 4-Dot EllipsisCharles's Pen and Jesus' Name

School Placement Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

School Placement Research - Essay Example Moreover, it is observed that some of the students are keen to speak and interact with teachers in English. This enables the students to learn the language more effectively. The teacher is also recognized to motivate the students, who show interest in learning the language. The motivated students demonstrate more interest to learn the language. Further, the other students of the classroom on observing the interest of some of the students and the motivation from their teacher also attempts to learn the language. These students also makes attempt to learn the language. This creates a learning environment in the class with regard to English language. Learning of English language is extremely important from the perspective of the development of the students. The students would be able to communicate with the people of other nations. The students would be able to communicate with people who are incapable in speaking in Chinese language. Moreover, learning the International language Englis h is of significant benefit to the students when they would undertake higher educational degrees at foreign universities. The learning of International language is one of the key factors that lead to the overall personal developments of the students. During the period of volunteering in a bilingual elementary school, it is observed that some of the students are unable to understand the instructions from the math teacher. The math teacher although speaks in the native languages to the students, but at the time of teaching, the teacher uses English language. The students are not the native speakers of English and are unaware of several words and phrases in English. The teacher at the time of teaching uses some of the words or phrases or others that the students are unable to understand. This creates a communication gap between the teacher and the students. This leads the students to be deprived of some of the teaching instructions. The students as a result of such are

Islamic Rites of Passage Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Islamic Rites of Passage Study - Essay Example The hope is that the person will die with the Shahada on their lips; Washing and Shrouding of the body in a clean white cloth (kafn), is a tradition passed down from Abraham and symbolizes not only purity, cleanliness and simplicity, but adherence to the Quran. As Muhammud said, "When one of you shrouds his dead brother, he should shroud him in the best of manners." All Islamic rituals demand purification before performance. The absence of color, the cleansing of the body, also signify a transition from worldly contamination, and preparation for a better, holier place. A variant on this practice is that those who die as martyrs may be buried in their own clothes, and some sects will use three sheets, while others only one. Performing such rituals on the body not only reaffirms faith, but allows comfort for the bereaved, who are caring for and helping the lost loved one. Funeral Prayers (Salat-l-Janazah) are said outdoors, with the Imam standing in front of the body. These are similar to the five daily prayers, with the first said aloud, the others silently, and known as Takbirs. The time, place, language, objects and actions provide a continuity, yet a transition from life to death, and allows individuals to add their own silent intentions for the person. Burial, which takes place quickly after death, to avoid worldly contamination, is always facing Mecca, and in a simple grave.

Computer Networking Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Computer Networking - Research Paper Example The discussion further analyses the importance of backup as an operation security strategy that helps avail the data stored in the database in case of an external damage. Security is one of the most fundamental factors in the installation and maintenance of a computer network. This follows the understanding that the information shared on such computer networks is a key asset to the institutions that develop the information system. Computer networks refer to telecommunication networks that permit computers and other similar media to transfer data thus enabling communication. The interconnection of computers among other appliances such as telephones, fax machines and printers thus creates an information network that facilitates communication either within the organization or on a larger context with third parties outside the organization. The integrity of the data flowing within the information system relies on the security features employed by the information technology department in the organization (Wood, 2010). Security of a computer network requires the incorporation of various technologies as essay below elaborates. Among the various security features used in a network is end-to-end encryption, which is arguably the most effective security tool. While not often considered a security feature, end-to-end encryption is a paradigm that permits data protection through a series of encoding and decoding through appropriate platforms only. This allows for selective access to the information communicated through the network thus maintaining a degree of integrity in the entire communication process. The party that originates the data encrypts to an appropriate format conveyable through the network while the receiving party decrypts the data thereby obtaining the intended message. The process is simple but requires an effective utilization of appropriate resources in order to maintain the fidelity of the data communicated in any network. Furthermore, while end-to-end

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 60

Leadership - Essay Example One of the leadership qualities he depicted was that he was a man of character. He was man of his words and was quite trustworthy (Zenger et al, 2009). He never indulged in making promises he could not keep and if used to make any promise he used to ensure that he fulfilled that promise. But being a man of character is not enough to become a leader. In order to become a leader it is very essential that the supervisor should have personal capabilities such as professional expertise, ability to innovate and indulge in self-development (Zenger et al, 2009). He lacked these capabilities and this was quite evident because he did not have the required KSAs to supervise the department in which he was working. He was a veteran military official and lacked skills and abilities to supervise a human resource department. Other than personal capabilities he did not even enjoyed taking responsibility of the outcome of the work that was performed by his followers and team members and always held his team members responsible for any issues that took place. Furthermore, belonging to the military background he even lacked interpersonal skills (Zenger et al, 2009). He used to be quite arrogant when treating his own subordinates and used to be quite aggressive while pointing out their mistakes and rarely was indulged in developing relationship with his team

Company risk management analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Company risk management analysis - Assignment Example A year later in 1988 Vodafone was listed on the stock exchange. After three years in 1991, Vodafone separated from Racal Electronics and since that time, it was quoted as Vodafone in the stock exchange. In 1999, Vodafone merged with AirTouch Communication producing one company known as Vodafone Airtouch plc. The dawn of the twenty-first century saw greater developments for Vodafone Plc as it introduced Vodafone Live! in 2002 and went on to commercially launch its 3G services in Europe. A year later in 2005 the company launched a fixed mobile convergence product in Germany called Zuhause and acquired controlling interests on Hutchison Essar Limited in India. Since 2007, the company has been involved in a number of acquisitions and partnerships in Europe, Asia and Africa. Currently, Vodafone holds a market leadership position as the largest mobile carrier in terms of subscriber base. Vodafone’s Business Model Business models are very important for the existence of every business enterprise (Casadesus-Masanell, Ramon, and Ricart 2011). Models give a business a sense of direction and purpose (Chesbrough 2010) and basically define what the business is all about, what it seeks to achieve and the steps it will take to achieve the outcomes (Osterwalder and Pigneur 2010). The business model of Vodafone Plc is quite simple; it consists of five steps with the shareholder in between. The first element in the model consists of Assets; these include networks, supplier relationships, distribution, people, and brand (Vodafone 2013). Vodafone aims to have a great mobile network in all of the markets in which it operates. This mainly involves providing their customers with far-reaching coverage, reliable mobile connections, and increasing speeds and data capacity. Figure 1: Vodafone’s Business Model (Source: Vodafone 2013) Vodafone plc indicates in its annual report (2013) that it combines ongoing high level of network investment with a commitment to securing the b est possible portfolio of the spectrum. The next asset for Vodafone is people; the company has a highly skilled, motivated and diverse workforce. Vodafone expects its employees to be key in advocating for its products and services. Distribution is the other asset owned by Vodafone; the company reaches its customers through the over 15 thousand stores it owns as well as through a broad network of exclusive distribution partners and third-party retailers. According to Vodafone (2013), the Internet is becoming an increasingly important channel for distribution. The fourth item is the brand; Vodafone is ranked as one of the first most valuable telecoms brands in the world being worth over US$27 billion. This brand strength is one of the major drivers of purchasing decisions for consumers and enterprise customers. The final asset listed by Vodafone is its supplier relationships, the company has a large-scale global reach and is a key strategic partner with a large number of suppliers wit h whom it works together to develop innovative services and offer many new innovations. The next element in Vodafone’s business model is it its customers. According to Vodafone (2013), the company boasts over 404 million customers globally making it one of the biggest mobile operators in the world. The ranges of its customer

Attitudes towards homosexuality in the long 19th century Essay

Attitudes towards homosexuality in the long 19th century - Essay Example However, one thing that is evident is the fact that modern attitudes towards homosexuality have been a centre stage for battles between religious and legal concepts. Before the eighteenth century, Christianity was seen to be reluctant in dealing with issues of homosexuality. However, incidences of hostility towards homosexuality began to be experienced in many parts of the world. Later, the underpinnings of homosexuality involved incorporation of legal sanctions and religious teachings. The main issue is would seem was the subscription to social norms and homosexuality seen as defiant behaviour which the society feared. According to Clinard and Frank (2011, pp11), norms make crucial contributions to the process of maintaining order. During this time, it is reported that most of the American colonies began to enact severe penalties for sexual crimes. By the end of the 19th century, there emerged competition between law and religion against psychiatry and medicine over sexuality and sp ecifically homosexuality. In this regard, the concept of homosexuality undertook a different turn from being viewed as a sin to being viewed as a crime. This drastic change of the discourse about homosexuality was viewed as progressive since some considerations such as a sick person who committed sexual crime was less blameful than a healthy person. Rationale for advocacy of homosexuality Although medicine and psychiatry insisted on treating homosexuality as pathology, Sigmund Freud, on his basic theory of human sexuality viewed that all human beings were innately bisexual. His argument was that human beings become heterosexual or homosexual in the course of interacting with other people. However, Freud posited that homosexuality should be viewed as a kind of pathology. In fact, in his famous letter to an American mother, he argued that, although homosexuality is no advantage, it should not amount to something to be ashamed of. This, according to Freud was because homosexuality is n ot a vice, does not degrade, and cannot be classified as an illness. With such deliberations, it is apparent that many people viewed sexuality differently. Nevertheless, the articulation of sexuality under the perspective of medicine and psychiatry was based on the idea that persons with homosexuality had pathology concerns that needed to be addressed. With numerous studies conducted on persons with these problems, psychiatrists believed that there was a need to comprehensively come up with a mechanism through which the society could appreciate that these people have a psychological problem that need to be addressed. Many authors such as Clinard and Frank (2011) pointed out that in another dimension they believed that treating persons with sexuality problems like criminals without subjecting them to psychological treatment would increase the problem by creating additional psychological complications. Some of the raised concerns included statistics of persons convicted of committing sexual related crimes, and who later died or developed some mental disorders while still in prison or after being released from prison. Homosexuality has had a long history. The 18th century can be seen as a significant turning point of homosexuality and gay rights. Probably for the first time in the history of man, homosexuality received critical look in a number of ways. Professionals’

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 60

Leadership - Essay Example One of the leadership qualities he depicted was that he was a man of character. He was man of his words and was quite trustworthy (Zenger et al, 2009). He never indulged in making promises he could not keep and if used to make any promise he used to ensure that he fulfilled that promise. But being a man of character is not enough to become a leader. In order to become a leader it is very essential that the supervisor should have personal capabilities such as professional expertise, ability to innovate and indulge in self-development (Zenger et al, 2009). He lacked these capabilities and this was quite evident because he did not have the required KSAs to supervise the department in which he was working. He was a veteran military official and lacked skills and abilities to supervise a human resource department. Other than personal capabilities he did not even enjoyed taking responsibility of the outcome of the work that was performed by his followers and team members and always held his team members responsible for any issues that took place. Furthermore, belonging to the military background he even lacked interpersonal skills (Zenger et al, 2009). He used to be quite arrogant when treating his own subordinates and used to be quite aggressive while pointing out their mistakes and rarely was indulged in developing relationship with his team

Attitudes towards homosexuality in the long 19th century Essay

Attitudes towards homosexuality in the long 19th century - Essay Example However, one thing that is evident is the fact that modern attitudes towards homosexuality have been a centre stage for battles between religious and legal concepts. Before the eighteenth century, Christianity was seen to be reluctant in dealing with issues of homosexuality. However, incidences of hostility towards homosexuality began to be experienced in many parts of the world. Later, the underpinnings of homosexuality involved incorporation of legal sanctions and religious teachings. The main issue is would seem was the subscription to social norms and homosexuality seen as defiant behaviour which the society feared. According to Clinard and Frank (2011, pp11), norms make crucial contributions to the process of maintaining order. During this time, it is reported that most of the American colonies began to enact severe penalties for sexual crimes. By the end of the 19th century, there emerged competition between law and religion against psychiatry and medicine over sexuality and sp ecifically homosexuality. In this regard, the concept of homosexuality undertook a different turn from being viewed as a sin to being viewed as a crime. This drastic change of the discourse about homosexuality was viewed as progressive since some considerations such as a sick person who committed sexual crime was less blameful than a healthy person. Rationale for advocacy of homosexuality Although medicine and psychiatry insisted on treating homosexuality as pathology, Sigmund Freud, on his basic theory of human sexuality viewed that all human beings were innately bisexual. His argument was that human beings become heterosexual or homosexual in the course of interacting with other people. However, Freud posited that homosexuality should be viewed as a kind of pathology. In fact, in his famous letter to an American mother, he argued that, although homosexuality is no advantage, it should not amount to something to be ashamed of. This, according to Freud was because homosexuality is n ot a vice, does not degrade, and cannot be classified as an illness. With such deliberations, it is apparent that many people viewed sexuality differently. Nevertheless, the articulation of sexuality under the perspective of medicine and psychiatry was based on the idea that persons with homosexuality had pathology concerns that needed to be addressed. With numerous studies conducted on persons with these problems, psychiatrists believed that there was a need to comprehensively come up with a mechanism through which the society could appreciate that these people have a psychological problem that need to be addressed. Many authors such as Clinard and Frank (2011) pointed out that in another dimension they believed that treating persons with sexuality problems like criminals without subjecting them to psychological treatment would increase the problem by creating additional psychological complications. Some of the raised concerns included statistics of persons convicted of committing sexual related crimes, and who later died or developed some mental disorders while still in prison or after being released from prison. Homosexuality has had a long history. The 18th century can be seen as a significant turning point of homosexuality and gay rights. Probably for the first time in the history of man, homosexuality received critical look in a number of ways. Professionals’

The Effect of Deregulation Policies Essay Example for Free

The Effect of Deregulation Policies Essay 1.1 Background of the study Organization, corporations or establishment, just like the governments are governed by rules and regulations, in the same way every economy set out goals, which it achieves, through various means. Vibratory and fiscal policies are the stimulant to any nation economic development, especially with regards to Nigeria. However, in this study, the attention of this is mainly on the influence of deregulation on banks profitability in Nigeria. The discussion on the deregulation can be effectively carried out without understanding what monetary policy is all about. In this content, monetary policy could be defined as a policy which deals with discretionary control of money supply by the monetary authorities in order to achieve stated economic goal of society. The performance of the Nigeria economy has on the decline for a long time now. However the central bank has been issuing series of policies through which she tries to stabilize price in the country. The central bank which came into operation since 1959, has introduced monetary measures for the achievement of the national economic objectives, which range from the maintenance of a health balance of payment control or moderation of inflation through the acceleration of the peace of the economic development to the stabilization of the exchange rate of naira with foreign currencies. Deregulation could be defined as the removal of the unnecessary control which tends to inhabit or prevent the effective and efficient programme of economic and business activities. The regulators and deregulation in the banking sector/ industry have favored some banks while some other banks could not stand the weir of constant changes in the monetary and banking policies. However, deregulation goes with its merit which includes; the removal of inhibiting controls on economic activities, encouragement on investment and assurance of efficient allocation of resources. Over the years, Nigeria economic has witnessed changes in its economic policies. These changes have been carried out by the government and the monetary, growth and development these changes in policies have taken different sectors of the economy, directly including the banking industry. The financial sector and the banking industry in particular, due to its critical position and functions in the economy, have been the major focus of economic reforms. Reforms in the banking industry have taken the form of regulation and presently deregulation prior to 1952: banking industry was devoid of government interference this period regarded by financial operation and analysis as the era of free banking. It was characterized by free entry and exit with minimum of regulated of activities of operations. However, the laissez fair attitude contribution to early bank failure experienced in the industry between the activation of banks given its role as financial intermediaries (claiming saving to investments) in order to build a second and viable financial system. Also, regulation is used to correct distortions in the pricing mechanism of market forces. The country of the activity of the Nigerian banking industry stated with the enactment of the banking ordinance of 1952, which was followed by the central bank act of 1958, the exchange control act of 1962 and the banking act of 1969, the aims of regulation and economic efficiency and effective allocation of resources sometimes, the aims are not fully realized and experience has shown, especially in developing countries, that exclusive control by the stagnation. This is what happened in Nigeria in the early 2008 when the country was facing economic crisis of general rise in price of goods and services, unemployment, external debt problem , fall in total output and dividing revenue caused by fall in oil price. In other to overcome these economic crisis the country in 2007 to 2009, adopted a form of structural adjustment program (sap) with the objective of sustaining economic growth and development, price stability, exchange rate stability, prevention of unemployment and appreciable if not level of employment. These objectives were to be achieved through a determined price system and deregulation of economy. Deregulation is regarded as a major policy or strategy for revitalizing the economy. This is based on the fact that determination which embraces the removal of inhabiting controls on business and economic activities, will encourage competition, increase the level of investment and efficient allocation of resources. The financial sector and the banking industry in particular regarded as the oil that keeps the wheels of economy moving, has continued to experiences the force of deregulation in different areas of it operations. The deregulation of the industry started in 1987, with the liberalization of interest rate. The reform exercise has affected other areas of banking activities, against this background. The study will focus on the deregulation on the banking industry, process of deregulation, dimensions of deregulation, evaluation of reforms and effects on the banking industry. In the process of analysis, reference will be on the zenith Bank plc and Diamond Bank plc. 1.2 Statement of the problem: The banking industry, due to its intricate nature has been encountering problems, such as capital inadequacies, excessive liquidity, bank distress and subsequent legibility in order to minimize and eradicate most of these shortcomings there have been constant manipulations of strategies with the aim of strengthening the base of the banking industry. To overcome the above mentioned problems, then these questions will be considered:- i. How has regulation and subsequent deregulation affected the performance of the banking industry? ii. Have the banks performed better in term of profitability maximization of customer’s welfare and shareholders wealth as well as affected the economy positively under deregulation. iii. Should deregulation be supplemented with regulation in order monetary authorities to be able to achieve their aim and objective? In other to achieve the government objectives, monetary policies and other banking regulations must be implemented. The banking industry which is a major participant in the implementation of government regulation and deregulation faces some problems in its performance which for their study is measured in terms of profitability. This research therefore is to evaluate the impact of deregulation policies on profitability of banks in Nigeria. 1.3 Purpose of the study. The writers want to ascertain the effect of deregulation on the performance of banks, particularly on their profitability. The study will deal at length with the various Operational component of the banking activities which deregulation has affected. The study is aimed at i. Investigating the need for changes in banking deregulation policies. ii. Investigating the range of policies, that has been implemented within the period of study (1999-2009). iii. Determine the instruments of banking deregulations that should be used to ensure profitability and growth in the banking industry. To enhance the study, zenith bank plc and diamond bank plc will be used as reference banks. 1.4 Statement of hypothesis Ho: Deregulation has no direct effect on banks profitability H1: Deregulation has direct effect on banks profitability. 1.5 The scope of the study. The study covers the period of deregulation in the country but with in- depth study of what happen in the banking industry between 1999-2009. The activities of the supervisory and regulating authorities, during their period will also be examined, As well as how deregulation of the industry has affected profitability of the banks. The commercial banks selected for study are zenith bank plc and diamond bank plc. The choice of this bank is necessary since they have passed through all the area of banking policies in the country. 1.6 The significance of the study. Banks, be they commercial, deregulation or mortgage in every economy, ensure that profit is made through their credit facilities, as a result of the prevailing regulations, instituted by the regulatory authorities. This work will go a long way by helping the banks know the appropriate time to give loans. Also, it is the belief of the research to the already existing literature on the impact of deregulation policy on the profitability of the banks in Nigeria. Moreover, this work will have positive influence on educational studies and will aid other researches 1.7 Definition of terms i. Deregulation: is the removal or simplification of government rules and regulations that constrain the operation of market forces. In other word is the reduction or elimination of government power in a particular industry usually enacted to create more competition within the industry? ii. Policy: a policy is typically described as a deliberate plan of action to guide the decision and achieve rational outcome. iii. Profitability: profit generally is the making of gain in business activity for the benefit of the owners of the business. iv. Banks: a bank is a financial intermediary that accepts deposit and channels. Banks are a fundamental component of a financial system and are also active player in an economic. v. Economy: Economies consist of the economic system of a country or other area, the labour capital and land resources, and the economic agent. vi. Rationale: the term rationale may refer to as the explanations on the basis or fundamental reasons for something. A justification or rationalization. vii. Interest rate: an interest rate is the price a borrower paid for the use of money they borrow from the lender, for instance a small company might borrow capital from bank. viii. Structural adjustment program: is an economic policy which countries must follow in other to qualify for new World Bank and international monetary fund CHAPTER TWO Literature Review 2.1 Introduction Over the years many outstanding scholars have conducted extensive studies on deregulation policies and financial system. In this chapter the researcher discusses briefly some of existing literature on deregulation policies and financial system. This chapter covers the overview of the Nigeria financial system, the Nigeria Banking system, an overview of commercial banking in Nigeria, problem of deregulation policies and lot more. 2.2Overview of the Nigeria financial system. The Nigeria financial system could be seen or defined as a set of rules, regulations, financial arrangements, institutions, agent and other mechanism whereby they relate to each other within the financial sector and the rest of other sectors of the economy†. Furthermore, financial system could be defined as a conglomerate of various institutions, market, instruments and operations interact within any economy to provide financial services (CBN 98/06 pi). These services provided may include resource mobilization and allocation, financial intermediate trade among others. In Nigeria, the financial system has undergone remarkable changes in terms of ownership structure, the instruments employed, the number of institution established, the economic environment and the regulatory framework within which the system operates the Nigerian financial system is made up of regulatory/supervisory authorities as well as banks and non-bank financial institutions. The federal ministry of finance(FMF), central bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria deposit insurance co-operation (SEC), national insurance commission (NIC), federal mortgage bank of Nigeria (FMB.N) and the national board for community banks (NBCB) are the regulatory and supervisory authorities, in Nigeria through the CBN report to the presidency through the federal ministry of finance in all monetary matter it has effectively assumed the leadership of all banking institutions in the financial system. To this effect, the CBN has the responsibility for the control and supervision of all commercial, merchant and co mmunity banks, people banks finance house, development banks and all discount house and other (ibid ppi-2) In recent times, the Nigeria financial system has witnessed some changes. Among these changes were financial malpractices in banks decree no.8 of 1994. The decree was promulgated to facilitate the prosecution of those who contribute to the failure of banks and to recover the debits used to the failed banks. Also, the inauguration of the financial services regulatory coordinating committee (FSRCC) by the central bank of Nigeria in 1994 to coordinate and standardize the regulatory policies of all financial institutions in the system. This committee is to ensure some level of co-operation among the regulatory agencies. However, in 1995 above, three (3) decrees were promulgated to further regulate the financial system. These were the money laundering decree, the Nigeria instrument promotion commission decree and the foreign exchange (monitoring and miscellaneous provision) i.e Decree no.3, no16, no17 respectively. The aim of decree no.3 is to prevent drug money and other illegally required asset from entering into the financial system, so that the damaging effect of such monetary injection is forestalled. This decree stipulated limited amount of cash dispositions or payment to be made or accepted in our banks to N500, 000 (five hundred thousand Naira) for an individual and N 2,000,000 (two million Naira) for a corporate entity, unlike the institution before this decree when one was forced to pay in or withdraw any amount of cash from the bank. The Nigerian investment promotion commission is challenged with the responsibility of encouraging. Promoting and co-coordinating investment activities in Nigeria. The commission is also empowered to institute and support the measures that would enhance the investment conditions for both Nigeria citizens and foreign investors too. On the other hand, the foreign exchange decree no.17 answers the CBN with the approval of the finance minister to issue guideline to regulate the producers for transaction in the ministry to market as well as other matter, which may enhance the effective operations of the market. The decree provides for any convertible foreign currency to be traded in the foreign exchange market. In 1994, the central bank of Nigeria –CBN decree no25 both of 1991 was amended. This includes the withdrawal of autonomy of the CBN with its supervision placed under the federal ministry of finance. The power of the CBN over the financial system was enhanced by this decree. This decree, also fixed the minimum capital requirement of both commercial and merchant banks at a uniform level of N 500m.(five hundred million naira) instead of the former N50m (Fifty million Naira) and N 40m (forty million naira) for commercial and merchant banks respectively. In addition, the Nigerian deposit insurance corporation (NDIC) decree no 22 of 1988 was amended to give more power to the corporation to deal with insured banks and act independently of CBN on matters affecting banks. 2.3 The Nigeria banking system Many countries of the world have for a long time now recognized the importance of banking services in the promotion of economic growth. In fact, to have a firm control of the economy, the entire financial system must be under control. In this order, a body, an entity or an agency must be in charge. In Nigeria, the central bank of Nigeria-CBN is the main organization that supervises the operation of the financial system; the CBN act of 1958 commenced its operations on 1st July, 1959 with the sole aim of making the monetary policies of the country. The CBN is the apex bank, the lender of last resort, banker’s bank, and it is responsible for the regulation of the entire banking operations. All these functions and more are being performed with directives from the presidency through the federal ministry of finance and in collaboration with Nigerian deposit insurance corporation (NDIC). One of the principle objectives of the CBN is to promote monetary stability and soundness of the financial system. To actualize this, CBN conducts regular supervision and examination of banks as a means of maintaining surveillance on banking operation to ensure compliance to decree spelt out by the industry authorities (CBN 2007). On the hierarchy of monetary management, the apex bank (CBN) comes first, then followed by other banks. These banks include commercial banks, merchant banks, development banks, people’s bank and community banks, amongst others. The peoples banks, has continue to increase in number from the date of establishment and as at 1996, the number of branches has come up to 175. The micro-finance bank is a self-sustaining or a group of communities. All the community banks are under the regulatory supervisory control of started in December 1990. As at 1996, the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) had given provisional license to 1366 community banks. The above is an x-ray of the banking industry in the country. An overview of commercial banking in the country is therefore relevant for a thorough understanding of the research. 2.4 An overview of commercial Banking In Nigeria A commercial bank could be defined according to section 41, subsection (1) Of the Nigerian banking decree of 1964, and paragraph (a) as â€Å"any person who transacts banking business in Nigeria and whose business includes the acceptance of deposits, withdraws able by cheque† The possession of a valid license duly granted by the commission of companies, duly incorporated in Nigeria is also a prerequisite for the transaction of banking business. Commercial banks are dual intermediaries in the domestic and international spheres. At the domestic level, the banks mobilize fund from the surplus sector or unity of the economy and at the international level, they provide the channel through which foreign exchange is transferred to or received from other countries of the world in the settlement of international transactions. Commercial banks are different from other banks because of the nature of services they render to their customers, which commercial banks started operation in 1982 and performed some functions. These Functions include acceptance of deposits, granting of loans and advances, the operation of payment and settlement mechanism. Merchant bank on their own are wholesale banks that take deposit and carter for need of corporate and institutional customers. Their main role is to provide a medium for long term financing by engaging in a activities such as equipment, leasing, loaning, syndication, debt factoring project financing. The first merchant bank in Nigeria is the Nigeria acceptance limited (NAL). This bank started operates in 1960. However, by December, 1996, there were about 51 merchant banks, with about 147 branches nationwide, while their total asset amounted to 111,206.9million compared with 91,803 million in 1995 (CBN OPP.5). On the other hand, the development bank in the country including the Nigeria Industrial Development Bank (NDIB) was established in 1964 to provide credit and other facilities to industries, especially to medium and large scale enterprises. The Nigeria bank for commerce and industry (NBCI) come into existence as a result of the promulgation of decree 22 of 1973, with the aim of developing indigenous enterprises particularly, the small and medium scale once. The Nigeria agriculture and commercial bank was established in 1973 mainly to financed agricultural development project and allied industries, Decree No22 of 1990 establish the people’s bank. The bank was ear-marked by the federal government in 1988 budget with an initial allocation of N 30m, through with legal statute in 1990. The bank was established to meet the credit needs of small borrowers who cannot satisfy the stringent collateral requirement being demanded by other banks. Other banks cannot do. These are the acceptance of saving account, current account and fixed deposit account from individuals, retail and corporate customers and the payment and collection of cheques. The service which commercial banks and other banks perform includes discounting of bills, undertaking of executorships and trustee services, safe custody of securities and other valuables. Commercial banks in the country have continued to dominate banking sector accounting for 82.6% and 90.4% of the banking industries total asset and deposit liabilities, respectively in 1996. The introduction of the structural adjustment programme (SAP) in 1987 brought about the establishment of many banks in the country and made banking business a lucrative nature. As at 1996, there were about 64 commercial banks in Nigeria with 2,402 branches as against 30 banks with 2397 in 1986. (CBN OPCIT P, E).The reason for this rapid growth is due to the introduction of SAP which led to the gradual deregulation of the economy. The increased number of banks notwithstanding, a significant proportion of the liabilities and assets of all commercial banks in Nigeria are still in the hand of 3 big banks (first bank, union bank, zenith bank and).since the event of global meltdown, they are the only banks in Nigeria capable to declared dividend. The control of the banking sector is in their hands and the rate at which they feel the impact of the monetary policies, bank regulation and deregulation would range from those of the smaller banks and the new generation banks. 2.5Monetary Policies in Nigeria Monetary policies could be seen as one of the policy tools available to the managers of the economy. It involves the variation in credit conditions- cost availability, impact with a view to achieving the economic objectives such as price stability that is prevention of inflation or deflection (as the case may be), economic growth and development, balance of payments equilibrium, high level of employment and equitable distribution of income. In other words, monetary policy could be defined as the regulation of the supply of money and bank credit for the promotion of selected economic objectives. According to Hanson (2007) â€Å"The purpose of monetary policy is to influence the supply of money in order to expand or contract the volume of the purchasing power in the volume of the purchasing power in the country. He went further to say that an increase in the volume of purchasing power is expected to stimulate demand and investment, increase output and reduce unemployment. The policies used by each country are varied in accordance with some economic laws, aimed at steering the economy towards a desired direction. However, these and other government directives or pronouncement are among the banking and deregulation policies.

Inclusivity in Education Aspects

Inclusivity in Education Aspects I will explain the political, economic, and social perspectives that surround inclusivity, reflect on my own professional practice and working environment, and identify the policies used, both nationally and locally. I will define my understanding of inclusivity, looking at the political ideology that surrounds inclusivity. Inclusivity is the understanding and providing for different capabilities, using diverse resources for students. Inclusivity is the understanding of students as individuals. It gives the opportunity for all students to become involved in classroom developments. All students should be given the chance to develop interests and experiences at their own pace and style of learning. No student should be discriminated against regarding colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion. For lecturers in todays society, it is extremely challenging to incorporate inclusivity with the students that have developed in the last 10 years of British culture. Students with learning difficulties such as ADHD, Aspergers, and Dyslexia were barely heard of until recent years. Each individual situation calls for totally unique handling of the student without excluding the remainder of the class. Research has identified that teachers may feel there could be barriers to inclusivity: Some of the thoughts are; Every student who attends college should be at a basic level of education before starting a course. The staff may not be prepared to meet the needs of the student The course and other students could be affected To balance some of these negative attitudes; All students have the potential to achieve Many students learn through interaction with others. Teachers make a difference (Idol, 1997) OFSTED published a report dispelling many of the negative thoughts that most of us had in the back of our mind. Ofsted say. An educationally inclusive school is one which the teaching and learning is one in which the teaching and learning, achievements attitudes and the well being of every young person matter. This shows not only in their performance, but also in the ethos and willingness to offer new opportunities to pupils who may have experienced pervious difficulties. This does not mean treating all pupils in the same way; rather, it involves taking account of pupils varied life experiences and needs (OFSTED) The start of Inclusion in Education dated back to the 1970 Education act which ended a practice to a minority of children being given the classification of unable to educate. It stopped classifying children with a learning disability unsuitable for school education. In the introduction of 1976 education act, the government looked at the local education authorities to amalgamate disabled students into so called ordinary schools in both England and Wales. This was never implemented! If it had been, disabled students were to be educated in ordinary schools unless it was impracticable due to excessive expenditure to the relevant educational body. 1978 saw the Warnock report on special education and at the time was the largest investigation into special education of disabled students being integrated into ordinary schools. He reported that the practice was good for some students but not for others. The report also stated that it was important for parents to have a view on their children and their educational process. In 1981 the education act, brought in disabled students to mainstream schools. This stated that other children would not be affected by the integration and resources available to them to assist. This act opened the doors to both disabled and young students from special schools sector to a mainstream school; the act was under much pressure from the professional bodies not to implement it, due to the overall effect on all the students. 1992 saw the audit commission and her majestys inspectorate look into a special needs provision for schools. One of the areas they found deficient was the way children with special needs were not being assessed very quickly and many statements were far too vague. In 1997, mainstream schools were becoming more inclusive with a new green paper on special education. 1998 brought in the human rights act stating no child shall be denied the right to education. The government pushed forward its plans to break down the barriers to help with learning and participation for 100% of students. The special education needs and disability act of 2001 came in and was used to repeal two previous provisos from 1996 regarding a disabled child going into mainstream school provided; it was compatible with the parents wishes and there was efficient education of other children. 2002 finally saw the Disability Discrimination act which gave access to education for both students and prospective students. The law also stated that you could not discriminate against a disabled person in admission arrangements. Local authorities also had to increase accessibility in terms of curriculum and the environment. Although this act was not solely for education it applied to everyone and was definitely a step in the right direction. All schools and colleges that have used these policies have seen an increase in levels of education rise from the early 1970s up to the present date. Before I could carry out my research relating to the organisation I am involved with, I needed to produce a PEST (Appendix 1) and SWOT (Appendix 2) analysis. Firstly looking into factors based around the industry looking into the political, economic, social and then technological issues which would affect us. Once this was complete I looked at the department in which I work, breaking the issues down into depth. Within the SWOT I looked at strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats. Within all of the topics funding policies, initiatives, weigh heavily, whether as a threat or Strength. With these acts in place my organisation have put together documentation in response from the governing bodies to help develop a clear understanding in the way we should help commit to inclusivity in education. The mission statement of my organisation is: City College is an inclusive, accessible college of further and higher education which provides high quality services to the range of diverse communities within the locality and the region which it serves. To this end, the college is committed to equality of regard and of opportunity for all, irrespective of age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, medical condition, religious belief, or sexual orientation. In its policies and practices the college will seek to enhance the self esteem of all those it serves and to provide a learning environment in which each individual is encouraged to fulfil her or his potential. The commitment to equality of regard and opportunity is a fundamental policy that pervades all college activities and is endorsed by the Governing Body. All members of the college community are expected to uphold the policy and to ensure that their actions embody the commitment. Some of the organisations policies for inclusion are: The commitment to equality of regard and opportunity is supported by the following: Code of Practice on Learning Difficulty and Disability (students) Code of Practice on Gender Discrimination (students) City college Race Equality Policy (staff/students) City college equality and diversity plan These codes are an integral part of the Equal Opportunities Policy. They ensure compliance with, respectively, the Special Education Needs and Disability Act 2001, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, and the Race Relations Act 1976. They also embody elements of good practice advocated in the Tomlinson Report 1996, Equality, and Diversity Guidance from the LSC and the codes of practice produced by the Commission for Racial Equality. Ofsted use a set of questions when examining Inclusion in schools and colleges. These are the questions on how a college should deal with the situation. Do all pupils get a fair deal at school? This relates to: what they get out of school, particularly their achievements; the opportunity to learn effectively, without interference and disruption; the respect and individual help they have from their teachers; their access to all aspects of the curriculum; the attention the school gives to their well-being and Whether they and their parents are happy with the school. How well does the school recognise and overcome barriers to learning? This is about: the schools understanding of how well different groups do in school; the steps taken to make sure that particular groups are not disadvantaged in school and to promote their participation and success; its strategies for promoting good relationships and managing behaviour; what the school does specifically to prevent and address racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination, and what it does about cases of discrimination that do occur. Do the schools values embrace inclusion and does its practice promote it? The clues are: how the values of the school are reflected in its curriculum, resources, communications, procedures and conduct; how people talk about and treat one another in the school; the leadership provided by senior staff and the consistency of staff behaviour; What the school intends and tries to do for people like me. Positive inclusion To enforce this statement, the college supports positive inclusion by enrolling any students, with the required qualifications, no matter what their learning capabilities are, however this will depend on whether it is practicable for the student and as long as it does not in any way effect the learning of the others in the class. In past years, discrimination may have taken place with students that showed signs of slower learning ability, therefore this is a positive development for inclusion in todays society. Entry to Employment, (E2E) groups are students with low entry requirements; however the potential is there, by assisting them with additional tuition, to raise their level of education, specifically in maths and English, to gain the relevant qualifications required for the future. To achieve this, the college offer a 22 week E2E course, alongside learning for a level 1 diploma in bricklaying, level 1 key skills in application of number and communication. Not all colleges offer E2E alongside this qualification. Negative Inclusion From the lecturers point of view this is a negative form of inclusion because the E2E qualification, is taught alongside the level 1 diploma and key skills, which is a method that other colleges do not employ due to overloading a group that originally in struggled at school when they were on the same footing as the rest of their class. At school the class would all have been working on the same subjects possibly at the same time. Here the group have come in and been told that they need to attend an extra afternoon to complete Entry to employment paperwork and adult literacy and numeracy classes. This would then be followed up with three days of Diploma work in theory and practical. Two other groups who have the entry qualifications only need to complete the diploma theory and practical content and complete key skills in the time scheduled. There are tools which can be used to help define a disability and help governing bodies and government find strategies in which to find the needs of disabled people. These are categorised as models of disability. The two which are commonly used for education are known as the Social Model and the Medical Model. When these models are correctly used, they will give a basic understanding of disability issues, such as services used and possibly ways of access to work. These models can see disabled people as dependant people in the community this may segregate them from others and force discrimination. This can lead to equality of human rights and the opposite of segregation which is integration. This does not mean one is better than the other but merely that each model can be used in different situations Firstly what passes for a disability? People who have impairment and may experience some form of exclusion as a result are disabled people. People may wear glasses or contact lenses. These may not be discriminated against where as people who are deaf and wear hearing aids sometimes are, and are discriminated against with barriers in communication. People who are included with a disability such as: Physical impairments Deaf people, Blind people People with AIDS and HIV (chronic Illness) Learning difficulties Mental health issues / behavioural problems People who also have hidden impairments such as; Mental stress Dyslexia Epilepsy Language impairments Disfigured people Diabetes http://attitudes2disability.wordpress.com/category/medical-model-vs-social-model/ Medical Model The medical model is used by the health organisation and was devised by doctors. The medical model focuses on the source of the problem on the patient (student) and presumes that the problems will be found with the student. With a more superior method you can go a step further and look into the students personal background and how it could affect their everyday lives. It is basically there to find a cure; it can occasionally fail as it says disabled people are not necessarily sick or cannot be improved by remedial treatment (connectings for community leadership, 2007) Social Model The social model was design for disabled people after the medical model. This particular model has had an impact on the anti discrimination legislation it also recognises that some people have different abilities ranging from sensory, physical ,or psychological variations . This was later extended to include all disabled people including those with learning difficulties and mental health problems. This model can focus on any changes needed in society. Physical structures such as elevators, or ramps would also focus under this model. Medical Model (Thinking) Socal Model (Thinking) The child is damaged Child is valued labelling Strenghts and needs defined by selfand others Diagnosis Identify barriers and developsolutions Impairment becomes focus of attention Outcome -based programme designed Assessment, monitoring,programmes of theropy imposed Resources are madee available to ordinary services Segregation and alternative services Training for parents and professionals Ordinary needs put on hold Relationship nurtured Re-entry if normal enough or permanent exclusion Diversity welcomed , child is included Society remains unchanged Society evolves My second area for topic was looking at Inclusivity of women in construction Inclusivity Fact file: Almost 200,000 women work in construction. Women have been working in construction since the Middle Ages Women account for around 1% of trades people and 11.6% of those working in design and management occupations (Jon Land, 2009) A report From the CIOB (chartered institute of building) back in 2001 indicated Women in the UK construction industry currently accounted for fewer than ten per cent of the UK construction workforce, this reflected their under-representation in an industry that fails to attract and retain women. The research was important because it raises the debate about the advancement in the subject of inclusivity, assessing the barriers faced by women and discussed means of redressing the balance to improve the inclusivity of the industry. Expanding inclusivity, which includes, attracting and hopefully keeping women in construction, is a key priority for the UK. The construction industry in countries facing skill and labour shortages could perhaps combat some of their problems by increasing the number of women in the workforce. This would be a resourceful and positive use for inclusion. In summary, the important issues were: Attracting more women to the industry by not only focusing on young entrants but also returnees to work following a career break, and those who seek a career change. Retention of women in the workforce Understanding the extent of women employed in the whole industry, what are they looking for from the industry? For a number of years women have been moving into professional work such as law, accountancy, and medicine, all of which require high-level qualifications and are considered attractive because of the perceived high level of class status. Today, numbers of women and men are almost equal in these sectors. However, occupational areas such as engineering and the construction trades have not seen a comparable change in the make-up of the workforce. Womens labour market participation has increased over recent years and their employment rates have risen, whereas mens participation in the labour market has declined slightly. Girls now perform better than boys in education and in getting qualifications (Hibbett, and Meager 2003)). With Women making up 50 per cent of the population, more than 46 per cent are currently in the labour market. More than half of the entrants in higher education in colleges are women. Yet in the construction Industry, the percentage of women involved is as little as 11%. This figure includes, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Site Organisers and Bricklayers. Construction needs variety in it for growth and development. Demand for construction had experienced growth over the past eight years, due to the expanding world population and the necessity for accommodation and a buoyant economy. However, the recent effects of the credit crunch have seriously put the industry, and many others, into a decline. The industry could not afford a skills shortage at such a time because when the economy rallies and improves, the need for skilled workforce will be of paramount importance. Construction and engineering learners are 90 per cent men, whilst hairdressing and beauty therapy are dominated by women who make up 91 per cent of learners. The exceptions are in higher education, which are dominated by male students in areas such as, computer science (80 per cent), engineering and technology (85 per cent). Female-dominated subjects include education, and beauty, although most of this research was based between 2001 -2004, surveys have been carried out as recently as 2009 by the CIOB and their conclusion was that :-(Sonia Gurjao, 2001) A number of factors have contributed to the industrys skill shortages. One of the most significant reasons is the lack of new recruits joining the industry. At the end of 2007, ConstructionSkills predicted that the industry would require 88,000 new recruits a year between 2009 and 2013; this figure has now been more than halved to 42,000 per year. There are a number of reasons for people not wanting to join the industry; many relate to the general perception of it being predominately a career for white males, with long hours and little pay. (CIOB, 2009) It is this perception that dissuades women and ethnic minorities from joining the industry. Research has shown that many women believe the industry is a competitive and threatening environment that rejects women and hinders their progression. This I feel is not the case, Bricklayers can take home as much as  £28,000 when fully qualified. A working day is usually between 8.00am and 5.30pm with most companies now finishing work on Fri day afternoons around 3.30pm. The hours are not dissimilar to a retail occupation .As for a career for white males, this will depend on the area of the country; in the midlands there is a larger ethnic representation. The trade has definitely built up a reputation as a dominantley male industry due to one of the main contributing factors being the percieved impression that men are lecherous to women . This is not necessarily the case, many women would not wish to enter the construction industry at trade level because of the level of bad language or the inuendos they assume most men would use. Assumptions (Appendix 3) can be very negative. Other industries however, such as factories, can be as biased and have contant use of bad language . With equality being a very relavant point, I have worked in a florists from time to time and found women to be more open with what they say about the opposite sex and graphic .I found this more off putting than working on any site. Although the industry has done more in recent years to attract women and ethnic minorities, this is still a great challenge; despite more females taking construction courses, retention rates are still comparatively low once women start working. (CIOB, 2009) In our organisation, over the last two years, we have taken on six females in Carpentry and Brickwork with a total of 120 students overall .This works out to a total of 5% of female students in our department. Of the 5%, one has just enrolled, one has completed the course, two are carrying on to the second year and the other two dropped out in the first year. The industry needs to become more inclusive if it hopes to reduce skill shortages, and accept the wealth of knowledge and experience that women and ethnic minorities can offer. (CIOB, 2009) In researching for ways to develop an understanding for why women are not in construction, I realised that women are mainly isolated in the construction workplace. Unlike men, who are usually in substantially larger groups or gangs, such as Carpentry or Bricklaying. Looking further afield, many women travel to the Middle East to take up jobs in Architecture and Project Management, which is a more sociable side to the industry . Although our government express an interest in bringing women into the construction industry little incentive seems to be brought in to help achieve it. Other countries however, are trying to change this, for example, in South Africa in 2006 six construction companies owned by women were given public works contracts as part of a government initative at giving women a start in the construction industry each contract was worth more than a million rand ( £75,300).. (times, 2006) Conclusion Hibbett, A. (W.E.U., DTI), Meager, .N, (IES) (2003) Key indicators of womens position in Britain: Findings from a recent comprehensive study of women in Britain commissioned by the Women and Equality Unit. National Statistics: Labour Market Trends 111(No. 10): 9