Human health as a concept established in culture Essay

Introduction Culture may be considered as an array of notions, behavior, and customs that a group of people shares within a given community. These notions are the ones that give identity to each member of a given community. Culture encompasses a number of subsets one of which is a group’s religious and spiritual beliefs, as it is in Haiti. Culture exists in two categories at both extreme trimmings of a continuum. Culture may be considered individualistic or collectivistic. Global cultures reside somewhere in between. In addition. Within a given culture, there are a number of variations. Being familiar with both forms of culture assists medical practitioners to understand where a given segment of a population lies within a given cultural band such that patient care is able to be personalized. Individualistic or collectivistic forms of culture create multiple views relating to the concept of healthcare (Collin, 2004). In this regard, therefore, it can be argued that human health is itself a concept entrenched in the culture. This is true primarily due to the fact that culture I responsible for framing and shaping our perception of our world together with our experiences. Therefore, health practitioners are able to develop a positive interaction with their patients leading to better health care once they grasp the distinction that exists in each of their patient’s cultural values, practices, and beliefs separate from their own. Literature Review Select global cultures and influence in healthcare practice Haitians are inherently spiritual people who believe in the power of healing. They have a strong belief in the concept of miracles channeled through a number of media such as dreams, traditional and scientific medicine. Health is thought of as being an individual’s responsibility and self-treating is considered one of the many ways of ensuring good health. Haitians resort to home-based remedies prior to any form of hospital treatment. Home-based treatment may include the use of herbs, massages or non-prescription medicine. They reach out to doctors and hospitals once it is clear that an illness requires advanced care. It is recommended that clinicians inquire as to which home based remedies a patient has indulged in prior to offering any form of treatment. It is common to find Haitians taking prescribed and herbal medication at the same time. Haitian culture ascribes to use of nebulous terms. It is common to find patients describing the nature of an illness rather than its ass ociated symptoms. In essence, a visit to the hospital is mainly confirmatory of an individual’s self-diagnosis (Nicolas and DeSilva, 2006). In most cases, patients assess individual symptoms and then institute diagnosis bases on the experience of another patient who has contracted the same illness previously. It is common to find Haitians making use of biomedical jargons inappropriately. The extent to which Haitians comply with a given treatment is dependent on their view of an illness’ severity. In essence, some diseases are considered serious such as diabetes and cancer. Others are only considered serious because someone else succumbed to them. Once a doctor expresses an illness’ severity, then can they comply with the course of treatment. Pregnancy, not being an illness, Haitians do not indulge in any form of prenatal care as it is not considered to be of any importance. In addition, birth control is considered undesirable as children are considered a blessing. Haitian culture does not recognize a man’s contribution towards issues of birth control, men do not ascribe to protection during intercourse as it is considered a killer of pleasure (Norris, 2005). Discussions about issues of sexually transmitted diseases are frowned upon. Haiti is one of the countries in the world fraught with some of the worst indicators of health. For this country to overcome such challenges and improve the health of its people, the government needs to address some of the common health challenges currently facing its people. Some of its international partners such as the U.S, and those from the private sector have made efforts to help this country to improve the people’s access to health services. Although there are a lot of ch allenges to contend with, the Haitian government has made efforts, there have been significant positive efforts to encourage family planning and childhood malnutrition (Pierre, 2012). The number of births per person has gone down considerably as a result of a change in culture from the refusal to embrace contraceptives to an increase used of up to 31 percent. Problem statement Health care is one of the most sensitive areas due to its close relation to global cultures. Examining the interaction of culture and health care helps build cultural competencies appropriate during healthcare service provision by medical practitioners. In this respect, it is essential to examine select global cultures and how they influence healthcare provision. Most communities experience immense challenges in terms of access to healthcare. In most cases, such challenges are related to a communities religious and spiritual beliefs.   Therefore, it is important to evaluate how such religious beliefs affects healthcare provision in a multifaceted community based on moral and ethical reasoning, such as in Haiti. Challenges in healthcare access for Haitian cultures Haitians do not ascribe to scientific medicine which involves hospitals, medication and illness diagnosis. They believe in Vodou as a healthcare system. This form of treatment goes over and beyond dimensions of caregiving that is found in most other religions. This form of healthcare is common as practiced in Haiti’s countryside and is based on ontology. However, Haitian possess a stoical approach to disease and illness which is inherently seen in one of their common adages, God is good. Their belief is based on the fact that whatever happens to an individual is God’s doing. They view illness as a form of punishment or battering of bodies that possess natural etiologies (Pierre, 2012). Access to proper treatment and medication is considered pointless since illness is commonly short-lived. One of the most common explanations for the sickness experienced by Haitians is that it is caused by their interaction with the environmental aspects such as cold, food, gas and heat. The existence of supernatural sicknesses is attributed to the wrath of spirits. The cure for such illnesses is based on advice offered to Voodoo ecclesiastics by spirits and as such they must wait upon the spirits for enlightening. Such voodoo practices limit the need to access health care by Haitians (Vonarx, 2011). Challenges associated with diversity in healthcare Haitians in other countries, such as in the United States, encounter linguistic, economic and cultural issues that make integration within such communities difficult which affects their access to health services and their utilization. During demographic, Haitians in America are considered African American. This enables them to hide their cultural, environmental and behavioral diversity amongst other such immigrants. This includes health beliefs, diet, migration experiences, language, and education. Most of the Haitians in America, for instance, do not go for annual checks up. Those who are about 18 years of age may have had a checkup once while those who spoke poor English were not likely to visit a doctor for medical check or treatment (Vonarx, 2011). Barriers to healthcare access and quality care Haitians face a number of issues that limit their ability to access healthcare services, particularly those who reside in countries other than their own, such as those in the U.S. One of such issues is a language barrier. Haitians speak French as their national language, although Creole is technically Haiti’s key undocumented language. Creole is commonly spoken around homes and in daily communication needs. This is the language used by those who do not have an education. Those who move to the U.S encounter a lot of language barrier. Those who are unfamiliar with terms used in the medical field encounter much more difficulty (Saint-Jean & Crandall, 2005). Practitioner-patient difficulties base on beliefs has posted a lot of challenges for Haitians in America seeking healthcare services. A majority of Haitians visit doctors with the expectation that they are knowledgeable on matters of healthcare. Those health practitioners who ask a wealth of questions are thought of as having insufficient knowledge. There is immense lack of adherence to regimes during treatment as a result of Haitians’ perceived lack of urgency in relation to individual health. Families of Haitian descent are commonly matrifocal. Mothers are the ones who make important decisions in which case they have an influence on compliance. Haitians who are culturally entrenched tend to show hesitancy towards discussions involving sexual health (Mccaffrey, 2008). They believe that illnesses are a consequence of a lack of balance in nature. They, therefore, ascribe to use of homemade remedies such as oils and herbal tea which form the initial step of treatment for a majority of illnesses. Legal, ethical and moral reasoning in decisions related to improving healthcare safety Currently, Haiti’s immunization levels of DPT3 is estimated at about 53 percent. This is an indication of this country’s need for improvement as was seen during humanitarian efforts after Haiti’s earthquake. A number of publications have highlighted cases of amputation in Haiti, although none of these have documented such cases in the context of Haiti’s culture. Amputees in Haiti have survival chance socially. However, this new found disability becomes a threat in terms of morbidity together with the need to survive within the streets. Such patients face an increased risk of malnourishment, infection, and maltreatment. In addition, such patients will encounter discrimination within Haiti’s resource strained healthcare system. They further face immense difficulty in terms of getting employment. Medical practitioners encounter dilemmas in which they are forced to decide between performing an amputation and saving a life in which case the patientâ€⠄¢s prospects of living a normal life are diminished. In this case, amputations provide short-lived solutions which are coupled with long-term negative effects (Saint-Jean & Crandall, 2005). Evidence-based practice into the care of the client, the community, and the healthcare environment Evidence-based practices demand an approach that is works based on clinical as well as organizational decision-making. This involves strategies during practice based on three key sources of evidence-based practice. This includes research results, knowledge of clinical practices as well as values that patients hold dear. The main goal of this kind of practice in healthcare is to employ healthcare intervention in the process of improving healthcare access to those who seek medical attention. This will develop healthcare results for patients. Currently, few studies have been done with the aim of testing cultural congruence in terms of health interventions. Cultural competency in the care of the client, community, aging and vulnerable populations Multicultural practices in the area of human health encompass knowledge in the area of cultural diversity and worldwide views coupled with self-awareness of one’s own culture. This includes a health practitioner’s views relating to differences in culture. Multicultural assessment starts with an evaluation of cultural foci, psychological and physical as grounds on which to provide healthcare services. The cultural aspect of an assessment involves examination of ethical, socio-cultural and political elements uniquely embedded within a healthcare continuum of Haitians. One of the important aspects of assessment is communication skills in a multicultural environment.   This is made use of in order to enhance understanding during a health-illness meeting between a health provider and a patient (Saint-Jean & Crandall, 2005). Competence in health provision involving cross-cultural interaction requires the constant interest in enhancing cultural communication. Although health providers may acquire competence in relation to a number of different cultures, competency may not be wholesome. Even then, health providers are likely to acquire competency under a complex blend of knowledge of culture, attitudes, and skills. How well health practitioners become well versed in a number of different cultures depends on their knowledge of different cultures and their ability to implement care that is culturally congruent. However, a comprehensive body of research investigated cultural differences in terms of health care beliefs, values as well as practices which are meant to give guidance to health practitioners while they provide services that show congruence.   Significantly more studies need to be done in order to lower the amount of disparity in terms of healthcare provision. The cultural approaches used currently in Haiti are evocative and experimental. However, they have continued to provide grounds on which to conduct studies meant to increase health access to patients. There is an increasing sense of urgency to work out which intercessions will provide the required level of awareness of health beliefs and values. This also includes social and political aspects that have an influence on healthcare. The effect of political strife as well as globalization has led to a mass movement of Haitians to areas where health practitioners do not understand Haitians’ methods of preserving their health or treating illnesses. In this regard, research has the capacity to provide health practitioners with intervention methods that will work in a culturally assorted environment. Safety, quality, and outcomes in healthcare Deficiencies in terms of quality of health services provided in Haiti is an indication of failure in terms of practitioners compassion and insufficiencies of resources. This results in insufficient knowledge, poor application of technology. It is possible that healthcare systems in Haiti did not work towards aligning health providers incentives to local health practices (Bridges et al., 2011). However, quality of healthcare is the overarching canopy under which patient health and safety reside. Patient safety cannot be separated from the process of delivering health services. Safety practices are those that are meant to minimize the level of risk that patients are exposed to during diagnosis or any other condition. A number of safety approaches have been considered, such as the use of bar codes, simulators, and digital order entry, as some of the methods that are will help prevent errors in healthcare provision. Integration of interprofessional practice models in healthcare Interprofessional education models speak to an instructive system, a group based ordeal, and an interprofessional-recreation experience. The instructional system underlines interprofessional group building abilities, information about callings, patient-focused consideration, administration taking in, the effect of society on human services conveyance and an interprofessional clinical segment. The group based experience exhibits how interprofessional coordinated efforts give administration to patients and how the earth and accessibility of assets affect one’s wellbeing status. The interprofessional-reenactment experience depicts clinical group abilities preparing in both developmental and summative reproductions used to create aptitudes in correspondence and authority (Bridges et al., 2011). One regular topic prompting a fruitful affair among these three interprofessional models included assisting understudies with understanding their own particular expert personality while pic king up a comprehension of other proficient parts of the social insurance group. Duty from divisions and schools, different logbook understandings, curricular mapping, coach, and workforce preparing, a feeling of the group, sufficient physical space, innovation, and group connections were all distinguished as basic assets for a fruitful project. Synopsis proposals for best practices incorporated the requirement for authoritative backing, interprofessional automatic base, submitted personnel, and the acknowledgment of understudy cooperation as key segments to accomplishment for anybody building up an IPE focused system (Bridges et al., 2011). Improvement of the quality of healthcare of vulnerable populations The setting and circumstances of every case will fluctuate, and significant adaptability is required while assessing well-being and searching for markers of disregard or manhandle. Evaluations may include extended time and require a few visits from diverse experts (Mitchell, 2008). Security data is essential and may originate from an assortment of sources, including medical records, family doctors, relatives, companions, home consideration staff, neighbors, landowners, and police. Vulnerable grown-ups are frequently not approaching or dependable witnesses. They may need knowledge and deny help (Culo, 2015). Thorough geriatric evaluation ought to incorporate a customer meeting, physical examination, and audit of medicinal history and pharmaceutical utilization. Lab and radiographic studies may be clinically shown. Fundamental psychological testing and screening for the psychiatric issue are recommended. It is essential to investigate potential budgetary, physical, passionate, and sexual misuse (Hughes, 2008). Care of the client, community, aging and vulnerable populations Enhancing the nature of human services and decreasing incongruities are basic issues for wellbeing change – the basic to catch and saddle our extensive quality in this field is more grounded than at any other time. The mission of the Center for Health Care Quality is to propel examination and grant that advanced proof based consideration, with elevated regard for the needs of the underserved in Haiti (Somnath, 2008). Through cautious study, we recognize the best approaches to enhance nature of consideration at the authoritative and group levels. GCHQ’s endeavors likewise fixate on watchful quality estimation and the interpretation of proof into practice. CHCQ would work in health facility settings all through Haiti to interpret demonstrated, proof-based systems into practice. The collection of learning that is produced will bolster change over the continuum of consideration and will advise policymakers at the group, territorial, state and national levels (Board, 2012).    References Collin M. (2004). Cultural and Clinical Care for Haitians. Indian health services. http://www.in.gov/isdh/files/Haiti_Cultural_and_Clinical_Care_Presentation_Read-Only.pdf Nicolas, G and DeSilva, M.(2006). Haitian Culture. Encyclopedia of Health Care Management. Norris, A. (2005). Mechanics of Conducting Culturally Relevant HIV Prevention Research with Haitian American Adolescents: Lessons Learned, Journal of Multicultural Nursing and Health, 11-11. https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/centers/boisi/pdf/s091/Mechanics_of_Conducting_Culturally_Relevant_HIV_Prevention_R.pdf Pierre, F. (2012). Health status of Haitian Americans. 3-3. http://med.stanford.edu/schoolhealtheval/files/FPierre_HaitianAmericans.pdf Saint-Jean, G., & Crandall, L. (2005). Utilization of Preventive Care by Haitian Immigrants in Miami, Florida. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health J Immigrant Health, 7(4), 283-292. Mccaffrey, R. (2008). The Lived Experience of Haitian Older Adults’ Integration Into a Senior Center in Southeast Florida. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 33-39. Vonarx, N. (January 01, 2011). Haitian Vodou as a health care system: between magic, religion, and medicine.  Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine,  17,  5.) Culo, S. (2015). Risk assessment and intervention for vulnerable older adults | BC Medical Journal. Bcmj.org. Retrieved 3 November 2015, from http://www.bcmj.org/articles/risk-assessment-and-intervention-vulnerable-older-adults Bridges, D., Davidson, R., Soule Odegard, P., Maki, I., & Tomkowiak, J. (2011). Interprofessional collaboration: three best practice models of interprofessional education. Medical Education Online, 16(0). http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v16i0.6035 Board, I. (2012). Transition to Community Care: Models and Opportunities. National Academies Press (US). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK98460/ Hughes, R. (2008). Tools and Strategies for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. Agency For Healthcare Research And Quality (US). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2682/ Mitchell, P. (2008). Defining Patient Safety and Quality Care. Agency For Healthcare Research And Quality (US). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2681/    Somnath Saha, L. (2008). Patient Centeredness, Cultural Competence, and Healthcare Quality. Journal Of The National Medical Association, 100(11), 1275. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2824588/

Evaluate the benefits of self managed learning to the individual and organisation Essay

What do you understand by the principles of Diversity? I understand that principles of Diversity are our own rules that we create not to get driven away from achieving our goals by any of the many existing aspects of our life like culture, friendships, health or household problems. Anything that’s happening in our lives is affecting us in a good or bad way. Because of this it’s important that we set our principles to stay on track and motivate ourselves. Therefore we have to respect our rules and follow them in bid to make our goals come true and be successful. In my understanding that’s what principles of Diversity mean and every one of us set them differently. How do you think the principle can affect your goals? Principles are often affecting our goals, changing the  time of achievement  or completely changing the goal itself by changing the circumstances of a life. I would like to use a government rules. Because of this country’s principles that gives us chance to study by granting people at any age with financial help we can educate ourselves. Unfortunately not all countries create as many opportunities and when I was eighteen years old I couldn’t study as it costs big amount of money that I cannot afford and I wasn’t entitle to any financial help. Therefore I have choose to leave my country of origin to pursue further education. This indicates that principles of my country aren’t suitable to help me achieve my goals, which were to finish college and go to dance school by this time, instead I just started college. That shows how my goals changed timely and some of them are unachievable due to circumstances. Nevertheless we should try the hardest to be successful and reach out for the opportunities.

Desiging and Early College High School for African American Males Dissertation

Desiging and Early College High School for African American Males - Dissertation Example In many instances the latter may be an issue, especially when some teachers are afraid of young African American males (Brown, 2011). To this end, there are programs in the United States that provide mentoring for African American boys who need attention to help them prepare for college (Brown, 2011). The reason mentoring is so crucial is because public schools have traditionally misunderstood how to work with African American males to the point that they are not given the opportunities to partake in â€Å"classes offering enriched educational offerings† (Holzman, 2010, p. 4). For many African American males this means that they go to prison rather than college and they only find low wage jobs as a consequence of such tendencies (Holzman, 2010). This is not the intended plight of these students. They are viable students that can make a strong contribution to society if they are given a chance. Generally, African American males have a lower graduation rate than Caucasian studen ts and other minorities. According to the Educational Testing Service (ETS) (2011) African American males fail at a tremendous rate. ... In a regular high school this is well below the standard of Caucasian students who show 38 percent proficiency in reading by fourth grade and 44 percent proficiency in math by eighth grade (ETS, 2011). There is no doubt that something must be done to help African American males succeed. The New School Concept Across the United States, the development of new schools to provide parents with different choices for their children grew, because of the Now Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This Act created opportunities for schools to work with students in different ways, and it called for children to be proficient in certain areas at certain times in their education. This Act was to close the achievement gap between Caucasian students and minority students (blacks and Hispanics) but it but it created more of a gap for African American students instead of closing the gap (Knaus, 2007). Part of the challenge for many schools has been that they are given teachers who are unprepared to teach Afri can American students (Knaus, 2007). In large urban areas, where there is a large amount of poverty, schools may have â€Å"three times as many uncertified or out-of-field teachers of low-poverty schools† (Knaus, 2007, p. 1). When African American males become resistant to this type of schooling and choose not to attend, they can be subject to moves to other types of schools like â€Å"continuation† schools or alternatives schools, and then to the juvenile justice system (Knaus, 2007, p. 1). This is not the type of situation that society needs for its African American youth. Central to the success of any school and especially new schools is the quality of the educators who work with

Government mandated use of ethanol in consumer used gas stations Essay

Government mandated use of ethanol in consumer used gas stations - Essay Example Ethanol in the US is an alternative to foreign oil. The government established that it is easier to rely on ethanol for energy other than relying on foreign countries for oil. For many years, there has been use of oil as a source of energy in running machines. There has also been a constant rivalry between countries on the control of oil and its products. In addition to this, the oil wells are on the state of almost complete depletion and at one time, there will be no more of it. The government decided to seek an alternative source of energy that is reliable and easier to regenerate (Shawn & Kimberly 168). Another advantage of ethanol is that it is of an organic origin. Ethanol is a plant-based fuel whose production hails from agricultural products such as corn, waste paper, wheat, sugarcane and sorghum. The resources used to produce it are available locally from farmers. This easy availability makes it easier to rely upon as compared to oil. In using locally produced raw material, it also contributes to the development of the economy making it economically friendly (Gaffigan 42). Ethanol is environmentally friendly. When producing energy, ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline. Car users note that ethanol does not produce large amounts of toxic materials to the environment as compared to the alternative gasoline. The commodity does not contain toxic materials such as lead and benzene, which compose the components of gasoline making it toxic. This advantage, of being environmentally friendly, gains ethanol’s popularity over gasoline (Shawn & Kimberly 168). Although ethanol is friendly to the natural environment, scientists prove it very corrosive. Ethanol is a good absorber of water and dirt. This property enables it to absorb water and dirt in the engines of motor vehicles. In the event that the water and dirt does not filter out properly, it causes corrosion and a lot of damage in the interior of the engine block. In addition to

Final Project Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Final Project - Term Paper Example Time management is the other key aspect for managing a project, which is where time estimates are given for various aspects of the project, and the project manager must continually monitor the time estimates to determine if they are accurate, liberal or conservative. Cost management is similar to time management, and this is where the costs are maximally reduced, so that profit is maximized. Quality management is the next knowledge area, and the way to measure quality is smart, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Communications management is where the stakeholders are apprised about the project with status updates, minutes of meetings, reports on deliverables, etc. Human resource management means that different team members are brought in, according to their expertise, during different specific moments in the schedule. Risk management is the increasing of the impact and probability of positive risks and decreasing negative risks. Procurement management is the process of det ermining what to procure and when, and this is where bids are solicited and sellers are determined . And integration management ensures that various elements of the projects are properly coordinated. This might involve making trade-offs among competing objectives and alternatives (PMI, 2013). These processes and knowledge areas will be applied to the situation at hand, which is a project where a data center will be moved for the customer who is Fiction Corp. Incorporating PMBOK Into the Final Project Initiating the Plan The first part of the plan initiation would be assembling a team that has the expertise that is necessary for this project. Since this project would entail a large amount of technical expertise, the team should consist of IT professionals which specialize in the different areas which are demanded in this project, as well as network managers and security professionals. Also, because the network is to be upgraded, the personnel to accomplish this also must be selected. Also, what must be determined is the implementers who need to be involved with the requirements and the design of the project (PMI, 2013). Then, going through the processes, the next step would be planning the project – the key objectives here would be time constraints and budget constraints, and the objectives would be to move the data center with a minimum of disruptions, upgrade the network and security of the data center. Because it is imperative that there be as few disruptions as possible, it is also imperative that all of these implementations occur in a timely manner. Therefore, when the next process occurs, which is executing the process, and people are coordinated and resources are also coordinated, the people who are coordinated must be informed of the main objectives of time and budget constraints, along with being informed about the details of the project. The resources which are amassed also must deal with these aspects of the project. These are all the three p rocess which go into the initial stages, because the other two projects – controlling process and closing process –

School Activities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

School Activities - Essay Example Recommendations for strategic planning include conducting surveys among school teachers and officials regarding what changes they might like to be brought in the school environment and the curriculum; among students regarding any problems they might be having inside school premises like school bullying; and, among parents regarding what they think of school’s performance with respect to their children’s academic results. An activity needs to be arranged which should address such situations like a parent coming with a complaint or a community member raising a conflict. The administrator will need to arrange a meeting with the complaining party. When the parents come, they should first be made comfortable with tea and snack. Then, their complaint will be listened to and recorded. After that, relevant persons who can solve the issue will be called and they will meet the parents. A shared collaboration will be carried out in order to reach a solution that is equally accepta ble to all involved. If the conflict is so big that it cannot be solved through meeting, then a mediatory party will be arranged who will listen to the conflicting parties and will reach an unbiased solution. This activity relates to the school administrator in that all parents who have complaints about the school or their children’s performance always come to the administrator to get the issue resolved hence, it is necessary for him to arrange meetings with them so that the atmosphere remains calm and parents are satisfied. This all adds to the school’s repertoire and is beneficial for the whole of school community because when issue get resolved there and then, it results in overall satisfaction of everybody involved in the conflict. On the other hand, when issues remain unresolved, it results in tension between the parties which are the teachers and parents in this case, and this weighs heavily on children’s academic performance eventually. To sum up, this ac tivity involves arranging meetings with the parents and entertaining them in the best possible way. 3. Lunch supervision is very important if the aim is to achieve discipline among students. It is a common practice that students do not follow any rules and regulations during lunch time and since they are feeling hungry, so lunch lines become a mess as every child tries to get his turn first. Activity will include arranging a queue supervisor who will be a teacher or a class monitor. He will make the students form queues and will be present there for the whole of the lunch time to keep a check in students. He will make sure that no student breaks the queue and tries to get ahead of his turn. He will note down the names of students breaking the rule and will notify them to the school administrator. Students who follow the rule strictly will also be notified to the administrator and they will be appreciated in front of their classes. Doing so will motivate the students to keep a check on their own selves and with the passage of time, they will learn to stay in disciplined queues without the need for having a supervisor keeping an eye on them constantly. This activity relates to the school administrator in that he is responsible for the maintenance of discipline within school premises. He has to take steps to ensure that no student gets indulged in an activity that is a threat to school discipline. This activity will be beneficial to the overall school community because discipline will be achieved through control. Also, lunch time will be very peaceful with properly arranged lunch lines.

Effects of Honey as a dietary supplement on improving athletic Research Paper

Effects of Honey as a dietary supplement on improving athletic performance - Research Paper Example Several studies have indicated that honey can serve as a better source of glucose for athletes. From a biochemical point of view the carbohydrate composition of honey has been associated with the positive effects of honey on endurance and athletic performance. Athletes are generally advised to consume slow-burning sugars as they help in providing a sustained release of energy over a period of time. In this regard honey which contains the monosaccharide fructose as one of its main sugars, releases it slowing into the blood stream thus providing sustained energy and maintaining body homeostasis (Anderson, Young and Prior). Apart from fructose honey also contains large amounts of glucose. Both glucose and fructose are both monosaccharides with different chemical and structural differences as glucose is an aldose sugar and fructose a ketose sugar. Both these sugars differ in their energy metabolism despite having a quick burning tendency. In the case of glucose, the rapidly metabolized s ugars are immediately absorbed into the blood stream which provides instant energy to the body. However, the absorption of the sugars is a slow process which helps in providing the body with a sustained supply of energy over a period of time. In addition, honey also contains several phytochemical constituents which also contribute to slower absorption of fructose. In addition to these principle sugars, honey also contains several oligosaccharides including disaccharides and trisaccharides which are also slow burning. Among the disaccharides, honey contains sucrose, maltose, trehalose and turanose. And the trisaccharides include melezitose and raffinose (Sun and Empie; Caron; Bogdanov). Previous studies however, have reported that ingestion of honey just before an atheletic performance does not contribute to any increase in energy levels as it takes time for the honey to digest and provide the required energy. In cases where

Process Improvement Application and Quality Improvements Assignment

Process Improvement Application and Quality Improvements - Assignment Example Most organizations use the quality improvement story, mostly the quality improvement tools to improve service delivery and systems. For example, most hospitals and clinics often collect and use data about the health services being delivered, and statistically analyze the data to report to health authorities. Quality improvement methods are designed to study processes and help in improvement of systems. For instance in health care, students will be familiar with the goal of scientific research, but this only helps in discovering new knowledge but they are less familiar with the quality improvement which is aimed at changing performance. Recently medical students are always encouraged to join teams undertaking improvement activities. Quality improvement activities require managers’ to collect and analyze data generated by processes used in the activities involved and measure improvements. For example, a student cannot study changes in his study habits and the environment he lives in affects him. He will need to data to analyze his study habits problems, and decide the information he needs to measure improvements made by him. Measurement is an important component of quality improvement because it forces managers to look at what they do and how they do it. They commonly use the total quality management tools such as; flowcharts, cause and effect diagrams, Pareto charts and run charts. In the past years, quality improvement methods have been emphasized. This includes the identification of a process that has less than ideal outcomes, attaching measures to key performance attributes, analyzing devise approaches, integrating redesigned approaches the process and having checks to determine if the process was successful. Apart from total quality management, other quality improvement strategies are; international organization for standardization ISO 9000, Zero defects, Six Sigma and Toyota production system.

Nursing administration Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Nursing administration - Research Paper Example Several studies have demonstrated the usefulness of Magnet status. Buffington, et al (2012) studied factors in nurses retention and reported they left due to lack of support and recognition. Laschinger, Leitev, Day & Gilin (2009) reported that leaving of experienced nurses caused secondary turnouts due to workforce pressure, and caused lack of job satisfaction. Magnet status takes care of these problems by building an overall professionally sound organisation. The Magnet recognition is a time consuming detailed process involving organizational efforts to develop required systems, procedures and practices. It involves comprehensive development on the part of the organization as well as its units. After detailed appraisal if the organization meets the requirements, site visits are planned followed by public comment. The original Magnet ® research study conducted in 1983 found that those organizations that were successful in recruiting and retaining nurses during the shortages of nurses faced in the 1970s and 1980s had certain characteristics which differentiated them from other organizations. These fourteen characteristics remain known as the ANCC Forces of Magnetism which form the basis of the conceptual framework of ANCC recognition and maintenance of Magnet ® status. These forces of Magnetism available at the website (http://www.nursecredentialing.org/ForcesofMagnetism.aspx) are attributes or outcomes that exemplify or form the basis of nursing excellence. Expression of full forces of magnetism implies high quality professional environment in the organization at every level, where the nursing is guided by a strong and visionary nursing leader. This leader is a senior functionary who advocates and supports excellence in nursing practice, and in turn is also responsible for the continued m aintenance of the organizations Magnet ® status. The Magnet ® recognition program has three basic goals and

Database Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Database Management - Research Paper Example It is essential to know the techniques of data modeling and implementation in order to draw effective information. And this is possible only for a well modeled data. The tutorial presents real life scenarios that a company might face from the time of its initialization to the time when it has let go of certain high salary employees in situations of crises e.g. limited company finances. The tutorial teaches how big organizational level decisions can be reached upon by executing a simple query on the database and extracting the exact subset of information relevant to a particular decision e.g. generating a list of employees with a particular range of salaries. This example merely gives an introduction of how statistical analysis can be conducted on large scale databases. Having relevant information aids in making better decisions. And relevant information can only be acquired through effective data modeling and implementation. The tutorial covers all the three aspects that are consider ed while adding a data base functionality to a company; data modeling, data storing and data accessing.

Comparison of The Crucible and After Liverpool Essay Example for Free

Comparison of The Crucible and After Liverpool Essay For this assignment I am going to be comparing two plays both of which I have studied and preformed. The first play, which I studied, was the crucible by Arthur Miller and After Liverpool by James Saunders. Each of the two plays are naturalistic but are set in two very different times. The Crucible is set in Salem Massachusetts in 1642 and After Liverpool is set in the 70s. The two are quite contrary in how they were set out first of all After Liverpool was made up of 23 small scenes some only having a few lines some having quite a few but most of them were short. The main things used in the setting for each scene are very basic. The scene was made up of a coffee table, a few chairs and a sofa. It os so basic as everyone has these things and this type of thing could happen to anyone of us at any time. This produces the effect that relationships are similar and that in this performance the only thing that maters is the relationship between the actors whereas on the other hand The Crucible is quite different. This is made up of four long acts. This uses lots of sophisticated props for example detailed furniture and crockery. This is all needed to set the time in which the crucible is set. Whereas in After Liverpool the setting is not irrelevant but is not as important. After Liverpool was made up of two characters of not much significance and a series of duologues bar one. After Liverpool is about the lack of communication that can develop over time. The short scenes in this piece are somewhat symbolic to the nature of relationships today. The speed and the fact that long term relationships are not as common. Also most of them are based on sexual attraction, which is now an important thing when looking for a partner. The crucible has many different characters and each of the characters are described and are of quite significance. Compared to After Liverpool where there is no description of the characters. There is no description of characters as it is irrelevant of who you are in this piece as all people are involved or could be involved in a relationship. The crucible is based on a true story and some of the characters were real people. The crucible is an allegory and was written as Arthur Miller wanted to express his views but couldnt so he uses The Crucible as an allegory to do so. Miller wanted to express his views about the McCarthy communist hunts in America. What he was saying was that if America is so great and believes in freedom why is it that you were killed or exiled for believing in a contrary government to Americas own. Also The Crucibles main theme was mass hysteria and the community being ruled by the church and religion. After Liverpool also uses symbolism in the apples by this is mean is that the apple is representing the forbidden apple from the story of Adam and Eve. Both of theses plays are similar as both are about gaining power in a relationship in the crucible Abigail gains power over John Proctor leading to his death. After Liverpool this is about relationships and communication between couples. It is preformed entirely in chronological order with no flash backs unlike The Crucible tells you about past events. In After Liverpool each scene is wholly about the couples relationship and the communication or lack of the couples lack any past and never refer to the future. The Crucible is very detailed in its explanation of characters, which gives you an idea when performing of how to play each character. In After Liverpool there is no indication and it is entirely down to the person performing the piece. So it is an indication of how the performer sees the scene happening and maybe an indication on how they view relationships. The fact After Liverpool is written like this is also symbolic in that everyone can be in a relationship that is why the characters are labelled M and W. The reason they are labelled M and W is that it can represent anyone, which is rue as anyone can be in a relationship. The scenes did not have to be in any order this is also symbolic that the relationships in the play do not get anywhere they always end up asking the same questions. They had no specific chronological order as everything was happening in the present. Having looked at both plays it has given me an insight of two very effective ways of portraying relationships both of them very different from each other. I preferred performing After Liverpool as I could use my own drama skills to play each character, which I think is a lot better, and I enjoyed it more. Also I found it easier to understand, as it used more modern language, which was easier to learn.

SWOT analysis of ananda himalayas

SWOT analysis of ananda himalayas Ananda Himalayas is a trend setting concept in both business and luxurious spa.ananda Himalayas is a part of IHHR Hospitality owened by Mr Ashok Khanna.It is a luxurious spa situated in the tranquil Himalayan foothills,nested on a 100 acres estate surrounded by graceful Sal forests overlooking the river Ganges,close to the towns of Rishikesh Haridwar. Ananda Himalayas was established in 2000 its Indias first destination spa.it is a pathway to the ultimate,discovered through the union of body,mind soul.it provides a breathless redefine lifestyles with the well-known traditional Indian wellness regime of Ayurveda,yoga and Vedanta. IT is considered to be one of the best spa in the world and also rated no.1 destination spa in the world by most of the travel agent as well as newspapers magazines(Travel and leisure). Ranked by top new hotels of 2008by Conde nest traveller,76 hot spasacross globe by travel leisure and 26 best business hotels in South ASIA. Swot analysis Strengths:- Location- situated in the green lush of Himalayas with natural flora and fauna. Heritage property Spa- the only hotel with 21,000sq feet spa and first spa hotel in the country. Cuisine-food prepared is different from routine preparation and individually designed as per the body type and cooked without oil. Weakness:- Cost- rooms are extremely expensive and not suited to domestic traveller. Limitations-hotel mainly offers spa and wellness packages ,limited to a less part of the society. Opportunities:- Govt support- attract tourists with new promotional schemes which results in higher outbound tourists. Common wealth games- as games to be held in 2010,will be a boom for the industry. Aviation hospitality- both with joint venture helps in increasing travellers by offering cheap packages. Threats:- Recession Competitors-many small hotels opened near about with cheap yoga n spa packages and it can reduce the rate of visitors to ananda. Natural hazards-like fire,flood etc. Cheap airlines packages-customer want to go international after international air fair falls down. Political issues-like service tax,labour union policies etc. Key-findings for Ananda Himalayas:- biggest strength of Ananda Himalayas right now is its brand reputation being only spa in India(which is 50%)although it has to improve on weaknesses and less productivity than its competitors. At the same time,can increase the sale or mkt share with an increase in number of people who want relaxation and better health(as it is health and wellness industry). Mission and Vision Statement Mission:- to create a unique design product offer world class hospitality with a distinctive warmth and humility improve and innovate constantly to crate exceptional value for people,their individuality and to their growth VISION:- to be a world-class hospitality chain in India benchmark in spa industry to have a world-class spa institute in India expending capacity of existing property as well as expending with more new properties. Ethos:- E-empathy T-teamwork H-honesty O-ownership S-selflessness Corporate objectives:- Increasing revenue from 500 m to 550.75 m. Reaching to 100% customer satisfaction instead of 8.3 to 9.3%. Targeting profit from 45.64 to 58.42 Taking gross profit ratio to 12-15%. Mktg Objectives :- Increasing revenue from 50% to 100% Achieving customer satisfaction and quality standards to 100% Increasing profit from 80% to 100% Increasing growth profit ratio from 12% to 15%(CIRRUS 01 SEP 2008). Mkt segmentation:- Market Segmentation broadly identifies the potential markets from a general population for further refining and targeting. The market segmentation for ananda Himalayas will be done on the two bases. 1.geographic segmentation (it will contain both international and domestic markets) 2.demographic segmentation. Geographical Segmentation Country of Origin of Guests in Rishikesh star hotels COMPOSITION Five Star Deluxe and Five Star hotel % ASEAN 2.4 Australia 2.1 Canada 1.6 Carribbean 0.6 China 3.4 France 2.0 Germany 6.6 Japan 3.2 Middle East 2.5 Other European 1.4 Russia 1.2 SAARC 1.0 South Africa 1.4 UK 8.4 USA 24.8 Other 37.4 Total 100 (FHRAI, Indian Hotel Industry Survey 2008-2009) The table above shows the percentages of people from different origin that prefer staying in the five star deluxe and five star hotels in Rishikesh. According to this survey done by FHRAI, the number of tourists from US(24.8%) is the maximum which is followed by UK(8.4%) and Germany(6.6%) which have a marginal difference between them. These statistics clearly show us that there is a decent amount of tourists from The US for which we already have a good market. Therefore, there is a scope for targeting more people from UK and Germany. Though, we still cannot target a specific market with these statistics alone which will be done in the later parts Demographic Segmentation Foreign tourist arrival in India on the bases of gender (FHRAI, Indian Hotel Industry Survey 2008-2009) For the year 2006, the percentage of foreign male tourists was 57% against the female tourists which comprises of 36%. Whereas, there are 7% of the tourists which did not report and are missing from the stats. Similar is the case for the domestic tourists as well. The percentage of men travelling is slightly high than that of females all over India. Therefore, by evaluating all the data given above, we have chosen a differentiation market segment method to specify the target markets. Our specific target market will be; Foreign business travellers from UK and Germany Domestic tourists- leisure with high income (4.9% in all of India) Meeting Participants Target Market:- Corporate:- as this hotel is situated in a religious tourist place. Leisure:- this can be the major target market as it is basically a health and wellness spa. it attracts tourists who wants to rejuvenate. Groups:- groups improves sales as well as provides hotels a good market reputation and also capture major share of market. Positioning:- Market Positionining Perceptual Mapping; Foreign Business Travellers Expensive High Moderate Service Ista . Less Expensive (naresh k.malhotra(marketing research p-700) Domestic Tourists Expensive High Moderate Service Service Ista . Less Expensive (naresh k.malhotra(marketing research p-700) Key-findings for market positioning:- If we take price and customer satisfaction ratio into consideration, Ananda has lower price than its competitors and a good customer satisfaction but not the highest. If factors like brand reputation and value for money is considered than it has got the highest brand name. Corporate marketing strategy:- objectives Strategic tactics Implementation period revenue 500 m to 550.75m Tie-up with the travel agencies. Air-line packages Corporate rates Group rates Should start from april Should start through out the year Customer relationship 8.3m to 9.3m Set-up of various information centres Start from april and should continue through out the year. Total profit 45.64m to 58.42m Cutting down all unnecessary spendings Through out the years Profit percentage 12-15% Add-on services with packages Start from april Marketing strategy:- As per the product our hotel is offering,most of the facilities are delivered directly.to make it more successful we need to promote our product in market to increase market share.this can be done through various channels of advertising(travel agency,media advertising). As our target market is corporate and foreign clients so for this we need to tie up with prospective business to enhance the sale.hotel is in the growth level as per product life cycle,but due to recession the market share percentage has gone down.to come out of this,we are going to use the differentiationmarketing strategy.in this,the focus will be on different market segment with competitive price and product with quality service. Another reason is our target market is divided into small segmentations so,can easily increase our market share through these segmentations.our brand strategy is to provide high level of services and customer satisfaction with low rates and first objective is to increase the market share. The marketing mix strategy is based upon the two ps factors.we consider price and product.our aim is to provide different experience than other hotels and increase market share by establishing the brand value with in the customers. Markets Ansoffs Matrix Existing New Products Products 3.product development 1.Market Penetration Existing Markets 4.diversification 2. Market Development New The Ansoffs Matrix shows four different ways of marketing. It is basically a combination of four similar but different things. Existing Products and new products ,and, existing markets and new markets. In the case of the hotel ananda, we are going to follow the two methods that are Market Penetration and Market Development as shown in the figure above. We already have a product with us and we do not plan to create or add something new to our product line. Our plan is to enter further into the markets that we are already in. As explained earlier, we plan to increase our market share within the same market and try to reach the customers who fall in the same category but different profiles. The second plan is to create new markets with our existing product to offer the customers. In this case we have planned to create a new target market in the form of the domestic tourist which comes for purpose of leisure and holidaying. This is being done because according to the research that we have done in the beginning it shows us the scope of the domestic tourists. Another reason that supports this strategy is that we also have the right kind of product offering for this market. Budget:- Financial Report Percentage of Revenue (2008-2009): Hotels ananda Grand hyatt sheratons Vivanta(taj) Occupied Rooms Hotel 33,699 22,206 38,729 39,828 Occupancy percentage 55.4% 63.4% 66.7% 65.7% Rate per room $209.59 $220.09 $203 $186.59 Room Revenue 65.20% 66.8% 63.9% 55.7% F B Revenue 23.5% 20.8% 26.3% 31.4% Banquet conferences 6.6% 9.2% 2.0% 9.7% other 4% 2% 7% 3% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% Imp:- subject to further research Evaluation of marketing plan for ananda Himalayas:- Objective: Increasing customer satisfaction level from 6.2 7.5 Key Performance Indicator: Customer Satisfaction Surveys Frequency of Evaluation: Monthly Objective: Increasing Revenue from 500m 550.75m. Escalating profit from 45.64m 58.42m Key Performance Indicator: Revenue Report, Financial Audit Frequency of Evaluation: Annually Objective: Growing profit ratio 12.00% 15% Key Performance Indicator: Monthly Revenue reports, Cash flow Frequency of Evaluation: Monthly Note: (subject to further research) Contingency plan:- In the event that suggested marketing plan measures prove to be ineffective or below threshold following measures are suggestedency plan:- 1. PRICE+PROMOTION: Cruise liners+ vacations for students. 2. PRODUCT +PLACE : cant change the product services. 3. PROCESS+PEOPLE: Can stick to same old training methods) only to 10% of stock per store. 4. Cost cutting and cost management regards to budgeting and investment plans. The product offer: Ananda, Himalayas offers a comfortable and contemporary rooms with a beautiful view of landscape grounds.this hotel has 21,000 square feet spa(only one in India).all rooms are designed with a high level of comfort and as per the need of guests. Along with rooms this hotel offers a range of packages that includes scheduled aerobics,hiking trips in the foothills of Himalayas,meditation and yoga classes,wellness and treatment packages,cooking classes etc.this hotel has 75 deluxe rooms,5 suites and 3 villas.all rooms are equipped with all modern amenities. Pricing strategies:- Pricing needs to be decided as plays a very vital role in hotel growth.every hotel has a set target and goal,due to recession prices have come down. rate rationalization is the biggest change after recession. Penetrating pricing strategies: following this strategies would help ananda hotel to capture more portion of market share. In this strategy ananda hotel would be offering guests competitive rates with best standards of service which could be given in same class of hotel. Following penetrating pricing strategies would help ananda strengthening its position in market and establishing its brand name among customers. Penetrating pricing strategies would give elasticity to demand. Competition based pricing strategies: Keeping an close eye on every step of your competitor is very essential, specially pricing strategies. Price is the only factor which would play prime role in attracting customers. Competition based pricing basically means pricing according to your competitors and try giving better or something unique to them which would be our unique selling point of business. Competition based pricing will help ananda to fight competition and establish its market. Promotion:- Corporate and commercial rates Air-lines packages Corporate packages Group discounted rates Off-season special packages On-line deals Promotional spa packages Ananda place in tourism system:- Ananda is a hospitality service provider in destination. Destination is composed of different elements that together make up a destination mix. Basic components of destination mix are facilities, attraction, infrastructure, transportation and hospitality service provider commonly used as acronym FAITH (Weaver Lauton 2005). Ananda is an established name in hospitality service sector, just because of rescission it lost its market share and profit started declining. To revive from the situation of rescission ananda need to establish cordial relation with other component of Destination Mix. It has seen that hospitality service provider cant alone make tourist experience better of visiting place. The hospitality service provider needs to work in coordination with other component so that tourist can get better services and he is satisfied with hospitality given to him. For example:- Guest comes from united kinghdom to attend seminar or companys meeting when he would arrive airport first thing he would require would be transportation to hotel, after reaching hotel he would require facilities that would support his travel purpose. If guest would be getting all these facilities without hassle he would be a satisfied guest and repeat guest in future or guest commercially important person for hotel(CIP) for hotel who could give more business to hotel in near future. We would suggest ananda to apply push strategy. This strategy involves pushing the product through distribution channel to final consumer. Push strategy will induce distribution channel to put more effort for selling the hotels room and service as they would be having personal motive or interest that is profit or commission from hotel by doing so. Using push strategy will help ananda hotel to increase scope of capturing more market because by choosing distribution channel we could widen scope of advertisement and promotion of our products. For example hotel ananda could give lucrative offers to travel agent like 10% of room cost as commission in addition to their normal commission for booking. A push strategy provides an incentive for channel member to promote product to their customer or push product through distribution channel (Kotler, Bowen., Makens2006 pg 561). People:- Orientation Culture Change Internal marketing Process:- Process ananda hotel is using is based on technology and e-marketing. Physical evidence:- Brand image related to vision position. Environment:- The situation analysis that can be done for the hotel will include all the external factors which have an effect on the working of the hotel. These external factors can be studied by the help of PESTEL (political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal) analysis and how these factors affect the working of the hotel. It is a strategic planning technique that provides a useful framework for analyzing the environmental pressures on a team or an organization. (Edmonstone, Havergal, 1999). Political Environment: this includes all the government policies, the laws in which the hotel has to deal and the pressure groups which affect the hotel performance. The Political instability such as tax rates and other matters like the policies and rules with which the hotel is concerned. The hotel has to be in the parameters of govt policies and have to follow all the rules and regulations. Economic Environment: This environment mainly deals with the money capacity of the consumer.this plays a vital role in deciding the promotion or downfall of the hotel business.The economic meltdowns lead to a downfall in the tourism sector, leading to a drop in the business of the hotel. The economy has started to improve and the international corporate travelers who form the major part of the target market of the hotel have once again started to come to the hotel. The economy will need some time to improve and this time can be utilized to make new marketing strategies which will attract more such travelers and suits their needs as well. Socio-Cultural Environment: It includes behaviors, perceptions, choices and the values of various individuals who constitute the society. This part includes both the employees and the society in which the hotel is working. The hotel needs to keep proper care of its employees and their needs in order to achieve high standards of work. The hotel also has some social responsibilities. The hotel can social events, the earnings of which can go for charity, it can also have an effective disposal system for garbage, water and gases which may help in maintaining a healthy environment for the society around it. Technological Environment: These factors act as the facilities in the hotels and are also the main aspects which help in the differentiation of one property to another. The ananda hotel has all the modern technologies being used forthe spas compared to other hotels. The hotel can always come up with some innovative ideas to place itself at a better position than its competitors. Natural Environment: The natural environment does not have much effect on the business of the hotel as anada,Himalayas situated in the beautiful landscape of Himalayas with natural and pollution free environment. This factor effects only when the marketers can use it for the promotion of the hotel. Legal Environment: This part includes the various rules and the policies that the hotel needs to follow in order to run the operations efficiently. These legal issues include the payment of taxes, giving proper remuneration to the staff, following of the legal government policies and others. Tax paid by tourists in India is the highest in the world, Indian hotels charge about 40% taxes compared to other Asian countries where it varies between 3% and 6%. (World travel and tourism council, 2010). Such factors as mentioned above shows the different legal requirements that are expected to be fulfilled by the hotel. Proposed Environmental Scanning System for anada,Himalayas hotel: Environmental Factor Source of Information Person Responsible Frequency Competitors Newspapers Staff/ Management Daily Guests Staff Daily Magazines Management Weekly Internet Staff/ Management Weekly Annual Reports Management Yearly Customers Customer feedback Staff Daily Staff Management Weekly Travel agents Management Monthly Regular guests Staff/ Management Monthly Internet Staff/ Management Weekly Economic Economic newsletters Management Weekly News papers Management Weekly Internet Management Weekly Average room rates Accountant/ Management Daily Balance sheets Accountant/ Management Yearly Internet Management Monthly Technologies Trade magazines Management/ Department heads Monthly Trade shows Accountant/ Management Yearly Internet Management Monthly Newspapers Management Weekly Television Management Daily The above mentioned three key areas need to be followed for the purpose of the environmental scanning. The hotel became one of the top rated hotels in the rishikesh, but due to the recession in late 2008 most of the business was lost. The above mentioned SWOT and PESTEL analysis, if followed properly, will help the business to reach high levels of business and market share. Service Concept/productivity:- Anada,Himalayas could get competitive advantage if, they properly plan and implement their supporting products. They must meet customers needs and expectation, to overbeat their competitors (Hertneneky, B,P.2006. p.g 281). In this critical stage of reviving from rescission, ananda hotel should not only concentrate on providing core product or basic product that would be food, shelter, and safety of guest. They should look upon providing augmented or supporting products, which are very important for delivering quality service and meeting expectation of guest. The augmented product includes accessibility, atmosphere, customer interaction with service organization, customers participation and customer interaction with each other (Kotler, Bowen., Makens2006 pg 307). Augmented product is important to be understood because it tells what is delivered and how is to be delivered. ananda hotel have to work seriously upon this service concept of augmented product because these product have huge impact on guest and will help to capture major portion of markets, by customer satisfaction which is key element in hospitality industry. Facilities we are providing are:- Wi-Fi internet access   ananda hotel can provide Wi-Fi anytime anywhere, whether in-room, by the pool or in other public areas sleep comfort   ananda hotel can provide ergonomically designed beds and a pillow menu with a wide range of comfort pillows. Business Centre   High speed internet access and board room style meeting rooms. Spa   21,000 square feet spa with all the required equipments. Pool Fitness Centre   ananda hotel is giving temperature controlled swimming pool for all seasons, state of the art gymnasium with personal trainers. Tailor-made food-ananda provides food as per the customer body type and famous for cooking without oil.food is inspired by ancient times and prepared with natural ingredients. Organisation:- The best part about anand,Himalayas is its staff as all staff is between the age of 21 to 35,customer oriented,friendly,well versed with the knowledge of therapies.they should have this kind of staff only as customer should feel at home and comfortable only than they will be able to enjoy the treatment. strategy:- Advertisement: it is one of the major promotional tools which can be used by hotel anada,Himalayas for promotion of their products and services. Advertisement could be one the very successful tool which can be used for increasing market share. If advertisement is well positioned and planned it could help to overcome competition and help to revive from recession (Jhon,L.2009.p.g 6). Various form of advertisement which is used for promoting its products and services could be: 1.Internet: This is one of the most widely used medium through which hotels can promote its product and services. It could be very effective in promoting products and services. 2.Printed Media: For example: magazine, journals and news papers. This is very useful because it would help promoting product among corporate clients and corporate employee. 3.Visual Media: For example: television, this is said to be very effective as it gives both visual and audio effect to guest. They can actually feel the product or services. 4.Sales promotion: They attract consumer attention and provide information that may lead the consumer to buy the product. Ananda can use sales promotion tool as to get quicker and stronger response from consumer. Various sales promotion tools which can be used could be: 5.Promotional letters to existing guests: ananda hotel can send promotional letter which includes lucrative discount offers, and various packages at discounted rates. This strategy would help ananda from recovering from recession and capturing more shares in market. Distributional Strategy: Distributional strategies which can be used by hotel ananda for capturing market share and overcome competitors could be:- 1.Trade Show: This could be very effective in distributing of products and service because trade shows are being attended by various travel agents and travel tour operator. This would help them to build cordial relation with them, in return of that we could business from them. 2.Exhibitions: these are very important in distribution of the hotels product and services as during exhibition hotel managers could get chance to interact with other hotel managers and managers of other companies to whom they could explain their product or service which could help in increasing sales revenue. 3.Airlines: magazines in airlines and airline companies could be important source for distribution of product and services of hotel. 4.Corporate Companies: Relation with corporate companies and advertisement in corporate magazine could help in promoting hotels product services.

Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS) Analysis

Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS) Analysis My individual research work undertaken is based on the business strategy concept known as Blue Ocean. The concept of the Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS) originated in 2005 when two authors named as W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne of the BOS Institute wrote a book named as Blue Ocean. Commonly, people believe that the finest organizational strategy is the one which escalate profits for the organization. According to the book written by these authors, firms should seek to build demand for their products or services in a market where there is no competition rather than competing nose to nose with existing producers in the industry. Vice versa, in existing industries firms often compete with each other and seek to surpass their competitors and snatch their market share which makes it very tough for every firm to survive. Such an industry is known as Red Ocean where all the firms strive to capture the same market share from each other and as new suppliers enter into the market, profits are redu ced, chances for growth are depreciated which often create threats for new entrants and/or disable some businesses to retain their share in the market. For this reason, such a strategy would not fit best for every firm in the modern business environment. A Blue Ocean strategy identifies such industries that do not exist or are unknown. The application of such a strategy requires that demand must be created for the product or service rather than competing against the rivals. The supporters of the Blue Ocean strategy argue that firms can rapidly boost their profits and grow expeditiously if the firm is able to provide products and services that are innovative to both the buyer and the business. This is because innovative products and services are more likely to be valued by the customers and eliminate such products or services which are of unsubstantial value to the existing or the future market. (B) Key Areas of Research and sources: To navigate the blue ocean is it required to think outside the box. There must be an idea or approach which must not necessarily a better way to do something which is already being done and where there must be a competitive edge in a limited market space. The difference between the red and blue ocean is that in the red ocean there would be a competition in the current market space of your contraption whereas in the blue ocean an incontestable market space is established which attracts new demand. Therefore, there must be a clear idea whether we are in a red or blue ocean before the start of research. A field research strategy is used where the fundamental aim of this research is the identification of the potential group which is not your customer in strategic buyers group both inside and outside the industry or substitute markets. This research also helps providing us the contour of existing buyer and non customers. A team is developed comprising research experts and analysts, professionals in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The team is a master in all the important areas market intelligence, competitive intelligence, analysis of the vendor, research and analytics, analysis of various trends in the market, forecasting and business analysis. The resource for this research includes experienced analysts from globally recognized market intelligence organizations, business economists and financial experts with comprehensive sector experiences. Qualitative research method is used for the collection of data in the field at the initial phase of research. The contraption for this research includes surveys, questionnaires, guides for interviews and virtual or on the spot discussion forums. This approach promotes open ended discussions in a composed ambiance to advocate true and direct dialogue. This method is mostly used because the data and intelligence which are required to recognize new buyers and market opportunities are not obtainable easily A secondary, quantitative research is acknowledged in the research plan when wide range of representative data is needed to know about new market circumstances. This methodology includes sample management, survey instrument design and management of data, tabulation and analysis by both the traditional methods for the collection of data. (c) Discussion of Strategic Models Identified:- During my research, I have come across plenty of strategic models which enable the implementation of the blue ocean strategy. Some of them are discussed below. The Four Actions Framework:- This framework looks at different aspects of the industry by asking four different questions. These questions help to straighten the focus of the business and realign its overall strategy to create value. These questions involve asking: What are the factors that need to be created which have not yet been created by the industry? What are the factors that should be promoted over the industrys standards? What are the factors that need to be scale down the industrys standards? What are the factors taken for granted by the industry and should be exterminated? The first question assists the managers of the firm to explore new ways of adding value to their products or service for the buyers. The second question encourages the management of the firm to divulge and eradicate the compromises made by the buyer. The first two questions seek to provide the firm with a differentiation edge. The third question points out the factors that need to be reduced which may have been redesigned in order to compete with the rivals. The fourth question identifies those factors which may have had value in the past but are of minute value to the buyers today. The last two questions seek to assist the firm in becoming a cost leader in the industry. Buyer Experience Cycle:- While making a purchase, a buyer goes through six different stages, from the initial purchase to the final disposal of the product. In deciding which product to purchase, a buyer thinks from unalike aspects in order to buy the product that best satisfies the needs of the buyer. These stages are called utility levers. Stage 1: Purchase: At the initial stage, the buyer has a set of questions in his mind based on which he decides which product he has to buy and how much time it would take for him to find the desired product. For this reason, it can be seen that shopping malls today are successful because they have different products under one single roof and at the same time seek to satisfy diverse needs of a variety of customers. Theoretically, it is quite simple but marketing managers should give sufficient consideration to this factor and make the product finding experience easier and much simpler for the buyer. Also, customers tend to buy their products from places that are attractive or give them the option to choose their desired products from the most fascinating products. On the other side, accessibility is a vital issue. If a store offers the best products in town but is not in reach of the buyers, they are most likely to switch to an alternative store to make their purchases. Moreover, from the perspective o f a buyer, a secure transaction environment has a positive psychological affect on the buyer and encourages him to make his purchases. Lastly, customers always prefer to buy from such stores which they are familiar with because they know they would be provided with a commendable customer service. Stage 2: Delivery: The next stage is concerned with delivering the product to the buyer. Buyers usually ask that how much time it would take for the product to be delivered to them. This is where businesses can outdid their competitors in the market and exclusively in the services sector where on time delivery is the critical success factor for many businesses. Stage 3: Use: Are the functions and features of the product effective? Do they satisfy the desired needs of the customers? Does the buyer require any guidance or teaching in order to use the product? Is the product easy to use and operate (e.g. in case of electronics)? Stage 4: Supplements: Some products require the support of other products in order to operate effectively and meet the demand of customers. Customers always think that how much the supplement product would cost them? In this case, customers who are price sensitive might decide to switch to some other product which does not require the support of other products to operate and meet the needs of customer. On the other hand, customers who are not much price sensitive would consider whether the supplement product is available and accessible. However, this is one of the salient factors which the marketing managers should consider before deciding to introduce a fresh product to the consumers. Stage 5: Maintenance The next factor that buyers usually consider is how easy it would be to maintain the product and how much it would cost them. In the modern business environment, customers wish to purchase such products which can be maintained in less time and reduced cost. This is one of the most imperative factors which marketing managers should consider if they wish to retain their customers and also attract new customers from the market. Also, if a product requires external maintenance, customers think of factors such as cost of external maintenance and accessibility of maintenance store. Stage 6: Disposal Lastly, customers also think whether it would be easy to dispose the product or not. In this regard, managers should consider the legal and environmental issues before promoting their product into the market. Sustainable development of a product is a key aspect in the modern business environment and the firm which is able to develop, promotes and dispose their products without causing minimal harm to the environment would surely have a differentiation edge over their rivals in the market. Four Hurdles Execution:- After the management has established a blue ocean strategy, the next step in the process is to effectively implement such a strategy. Successful implementation of a strategy at any phase plays a vital role because ineffective implementation of a strategy can lead to wastage of precious resources and time. While implementing a blue ocean strategy, an organization is faced with the following four types of hurdles. If the organization wishes to succeed, it must take appropriate measures to overcome these hurdles to find a blue ocean. The Cognitive Hurdle: Normally, companies operate in red oceans which may not to lead to sustainable growth and profits in the future. Although, companies have grown and met their milestones while operating in the red ocean, managers must think beyond this if they wish to survive in the modern business environment where new competitors arise everyday in the industry making the competition more rugged. The organization as a whole must be mentally prepared for such a strategy before implementing it so that precious resources are not wasted. The Resource Hurdle: Normally, organizations believe that when it changes its business strategy, additional resources would be required to implement the new strategy. At this point, this is the greatest hurdle which organizations come across during the implementation of the new strategy. But such a hurdle can be easily surmount if the firm has a competent and experienced human resource department. The Motivational Hurdle: A radical shift in the strategy of the business might demotivate the employees in an organization. If the management is competent and capable, they would also overcome this hurdle by creating a sense of ownership in the employees and also enriching their jobs. The Political Hurdle: Some organizations are very much influenced by the political environment. This is the last hurdle faced by an organization when implementing the blue ocean strategy. Governments have the right to completely abandon a product if they think the product can cause harm to the public at large e.g. drugs. A detailed analysis of the political environment would surely put the managers in a better place which would ultimately help them to overcome this hurdle. (d) Key conclusions and findings:- Based on studies, the authors of the blue ocean strategy have suggested that companies in the future would not be able to flourish by just competing with their rivals to retain their market share. The authors believe that in the modern business environment, innovation is the key to success and if an organization succeeds in creating a culture of innovation, it can easily survive in the long term without competing with any rivals in the market. Since the past many years, companies have fought with each other in order to secure their profit and market share. As a consequence, such rivalry between the firms has resulted in bloody red oceans where everyone tries to grab others share of the market and steal their customers. This ultimately means that if an organization wishes to survive in the modern business environment, it should therefore try to adopt a blue ocean strategy. This is because adopting such a strategy would place the company in a much better position with no competitors in the market and might put the business in a monopoly position which would ultimately make the business the leader of the market. A Blue Ocean strategy focuses on six principles which if followed adequately can create a blue ocean for the business where competition is irrelevant. These principles include: Identification of diverse pathways through which a market can be created where the business has no rivals to compete with. Encourage the managers to create value innovation rather than just focusing on increasing the profits or turnover of the business. Plan to attain beyond current demand and create new demand by targeting non-customers. Follow the right strategic sequence to create a blue ocean. Prevail over the four hurdles of execution. Execute the blue ocean strategy by motivating people to do so. The management must be capable to deal with behavioral issues in order to implement this final principle. However, there are some risks associated with the blue ocean strategy which the organization should seek to minimize to successfully implement the blue ocean strategy. These are: The blue ocean strategy encourages the managers of the business to develop new strategies and new products to create uncontested market space. The idea seems fair but this could also encourage the managers to ignore competition and they may lose grip over their core competencies. A competent management assumes that they have no rivals in place and seek to continuously improve their performance. Such a strategy could also encourage the management to overlook their rivals in the market and as a result they might lose their attained market share. Although every business seeks to create a blue ocean by trying to develop strategies and product which differ largely from the products offered by their competitors. This means that a business may think that they have created a blue ocean whereas actually it has not been successful in doing so. A blue ocean strategy encourages the businesses to look for industries that are far beyond their own core competencies. When the business is enthused to think different under a blue ocean strategy, there is a risk that the business might overlook their strengths and history and forced to diversify in such industries where the risk of failure is high because of no experience in that industry. All in all, a blue ocean strategy is more likely to lead a company to flourish in the future but it is vital that the pros and cons are considered evenly before implementing such a strategy. (e) Summary on the success or failure:- Overall, working on such a project has aggrandized our team working skills because everyone took the responsibility on themselves which created a sense of ownership in every team member and ultimately the team as a whole was able to conclude the work effectively. For this reason, all of the questions which were asked of us were abundantly answered including the group presentation. Working on such an assignment has been very informative for us and we all are now aware of the different types of business strategies in the modern business environment. This could prove useful for us when we start our practical career. From the group standpoint, we are now aware of the different types of business strategies and how successful implementation of a blue ocean strategy can be of benefit to a business. We have also learned that how such strategies can be implemented and what are the pre-requisites for implementing the different types of business strategies. Moreover, we have also learned what type of strategy would suit a particular business and we agree on the fact that the blue ocean strategy is not fit for all types of business. The selection of a strategy varies from business to business depending on their environment and other significant factors which the management should bear in mind when choosing a strategy. Individually, I have understood that in the modern business environment, adopting and implementing a business strategy is vital for the success of a business. It doesnt matter whether the business decides to adopt a blue ocean strategy or not, what matters is the commitment of the management and their capabilities and experience which would result in the long term survival of the business. (f) Individual contribution and impact on group presentation:- Before proceeding with the assignment, all of the team members were assigned particular areas of their interest to work on. I was assigned to identify the different types of strategic models which could help the business in achieving their aims and objectives in the long run. This doesnt mean that all of the team members were working in isolation, instead all of the team members were helping and supporting in each others work. This created a team spirit and all of the team members felt a sense of ownership as everyone felt that it is their responsibility to complete the assignment. Lastly, my presentations focal point is the adequate preparation of slides and plenteous research from diverse resources. Detailed work was done with the team to cover up all areas of the assignment evenly.

Life In The Universe :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the selection I have chosen Chapter 6 of Life in the Universe; The Evolution of Life on Earth begins with the theories of Darwin and natural selection and how survival of the fittest was one of the main theories of evolution of life of an organism. Although it is a good theory, and has been tested through years it is not one of the main priorities of evolution. There was a reason of an outside force that forced the funas to extinction, not because it was unable to adapt to an environment. Also the past of origin goes too far back and is so complicated that there is no sure way to point a certain time or place in the history of our origin, unlike the work of nature. For example Homo sapiens come to be through neural complexity. Human arose from thousands of events happening in time that altered our past in a dramatic way. In order to understand the drastic changes we have to understand not just the principals of evolution but to understand the theory and life st yles of fossils found.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Complex creatures don’t mean that it has a better chance of survival and evolving into something better. Yet the simplest form of creation like bacteria still rule all with the enormous amount occupying the earth. Still the more complex we are doesn’t mean we have a better chance of survival. More complex animals like dinosaurs have already been extinct, so that tells us a great deal about evolving or surviving in the future. Bacteria occupy a wider range of space on earth and are an indestructible type of organism. Humans and other type of complex organisms have to worry about their extinction while bacteria on the other hand have a low chance of getting wiped out. Even as they are simple organisms they also have the same chance as we do to evolve without the tough struggle. Comparing the two it shows that complexity was not good or favored issue in evolution. Complexity is probably a bias made by us for the reason of our being and our evolution. E volving in such a way, it would state that animals evolve by greater complexity, or ecological adaptation with the theories of Darwin. Still there is no proof to us that this was true. Also if complexity was such a great thing why did it take so long for evolution of these type of species (including us).

The three great crimes of macbeth :: essays research papers

The Three Great Crimes of Macbeth   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The play ‘Macbeth’ is a portrait of one man, an ambitious, ruthless, disturbing individual.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The play shows how he evolves as a person. Although we are presented with his declination from good to evil, we can see his human side throughout the play, which makes it a tragedy. The themes of ‘Macbeth’ are ambition, effects of evil, and violence. Once Macbeth’s ambition has ‘set the ball rolling’, events happen quickly in the play as it gathers momentum. The themes are demonstrated mainly by the language of the play. As in Shakespeare’s time, plays were performed in daylight with very few props. Ambition is something that everyone can identify with, and ‘Macbeth’ is a interesting study of how ambition can destroy you, so the audience is interested in Macbeth’s character. Our first impression of Macbeth is of a heroic, famous, popular man who is well liked by the King, Duncan. Duncan refers to Macbeth as ‘noble Macbeth’.(Act 1 Scene 2 L67) Macbeth craves the title of king greatly, but real izes that he will have to commit some horrible crimes to get that position. Macbeth is tempted to follow through with the acts because of two sources of external evil - the witches and his wife, Lady Macbeth. Macbeth was already ambitious, but this was only heightened by the women as they made those desires appear as though they were achievable. This sets into motion the first of three great crimes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Act one, scene three, Macbeth reveals that he is thinking of killing Duncan. Once the audience knows how the character thinks, they tend to sympathize with him, which is another reason why Macbeth is a tragedy. Shakespeare was such a talented playwrite, that he tended to make the audience sympathize with not only the hero, but also the villain. The aside follows closely Macbeth’s desires and doubts - he does not know whether ‘this supernatural soliciting’ is good or bad, but he dearly wants to be king. He describes the murder that he is imagining to be ‘horrible’(Act 1 Scene 3 L137) and ‘makes my seated heart knock at my ribs’ (Act 1 Scene 3 L135), showing that the whole idea disgusts and horrifies him, as it would any man who was brave and noble, but Macbeth cannot stop thinking about it, showing that he is considering the idea and is drawn to it, and that he has ambitions to be king within him already.

What to the Slave Is The Fourth Of July? Essay -- Fredereick Douglasss

Frederick Douglass's "Fourth of July" Speech is the most famous speech delivered by the abolitionist and civil rights advocate Frederick Douglass. It attracted a crowd of between five hundred and six hundred. Douglass’s speech to the slaves on the Fourth of July served to show the slaves that there is nothing for them to celebrate. They were not free and the independence that the rest of the country celebrated did not apply to them. In his speech he tries to make white people consider the behavior of black people. Specially their feelings towards a national occasion such as Independence Day. At the time of Douglass’s speech America were actually two different nations, white and black. Two separated nations one had great benefits after the independence and another still fight for basic human rights. What does the independence means for people who still suffer after it? This question is the most important. In the Declaration of Independence. He is implying that these rights are not being extended to African Americans. When this country was created it was meant to be a plac...

Data Analysis for Business Decisions Essay

1. Introduction: destination marketing Honeymoon Destinations is a business that produces video footage that contains resort-specific and region-specific footage regarding the most popular honeymoon destination resorts including: Hawaiian Islands, Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Florida. The marketing of destinations serve to guide newlyweds by means of capturing videos –including rating each resort based on the most important characteristics such as view, cost and accommodations. These footages attempt to generate an attractive, fascinating and informative product on what the newlyweds can expect on their â€Å"once in a lifetime† expedition. (Parry, Mark, 1999) 2. Honeymoon Destinations Market: Studies have indicated that in the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the amount that newlyweds spent on weddings and in the average age of first time brides and grooms. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ findings conclude that in the year 1967, the average age is 23.8 and 21.6 for men and women, respectively. However, the average age has increased to 26.4 and 24.5 for men and woman, respectively in the year 1987. This indicates that because first-time brides and grooms are postponing their weddings, they may more financial resources to spend more on honeymoon expenditures down the line. (Parry, Mark, 1999) 3. Data Analysis: Honeymoon Destinations has developed and administered a marketing feasibility study in order to investigate the impending demand for honeymoon destination videos. A survey has been mailed to 260 recent bridal fair participants in the area. Out of the 260 prospective participants, 91 have successfully submitted a response—with a calculated response rate of 35%. In order to understand the complexity of honeymoon destination marketing by means of video footage to newlyweds, this report attempts to analyze, calculate and investigate various data techniques for business decisions in the area of strategic marketing and management of honeymoon destinations. Additionally, this paper is based on data analysis research pertaining to the honeymoon destination direct mail survey where comprehensive frameworks have been tested and implemented— discussing a broad range of destination marketing channels, sources and references for the company to further improve current and future busi ness decisions in the honeymoon destination marketing industry. (Parry, Mark, 1999) First Case Scenario: The analysis has focused on the company’s marketing and distribution to as few as channels as possible. Additionally, the report has analyzed what the very best channels would be based on what the data indicates. The survey question reads â€Å"From what source would you be likely to purchase the video?† The sources (distribution channels) have been investigated as to look at what sources people utilized to purchase the honeymoon destination video. The descriptive analysis has calculated the count (number) of total recipients who responded—which was measured at 91—and the mode (frequency) of the 91 recipients who responded with a 1 (check) or a 0 (no check) and has calculated the count (number) of recipients. In this section, the table and graph above contains the percentage of respondents who stated that they could be likely to purchase a video from a particular source. The sum amount of responses for variables 45-52 have been divided by the total (count) of the low income group (income level of $25,000-$69,000 and high income group (income level of $70,000-92,000). For instance, using the source Bridal Shops—the sum of this particular variable is calculated at 19. The sum is then divided by the total count of the low income group, which is calculated at 0.35 or 35%. Using the same source, the sum of this particular variable is calculated at 10. The sum of 10 is then divided by the total count of the high-income group, which is calculated at 0.28 or 28%. The data findings indicate that both the low-income and high-income group is less likely to purchase a video from the Bridal Shop source. Another source that would both groups would not be likely to purchase a video from is the Video Rental Store—the data is calculated at 18% and 25% for low-income and high-income groups, respectively. (Parry, Mark, 1999) (Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., Murphree, Emily S.,2011) Proposal and Recommendations for Scenario One: As a result of implementing descriptive statistics analysis and creating an appropriate graph and tabular representation, the findings conclude that the most popular channel types to purchase videos are from: 1. Bridal magazines: which was calculated that 75% of people in the lower income bracket and 82% of people in the higher income bracket. For this particular channel, people with higher income would be most likely to purchase videos from Bridal Magazines than people with lower income. 2. Travel Magazines: which was calculated that 77.8% of people in the lower income bracket and 82% of people in the higher income bracket. For this particular channel, findings conclude that there is very little difference in the type of income group that would purchase videos from the travel magazines. Honeymoon Destinations should focus more attention on using Travel Magazines and Bridal Magazines as the most effective marketing and distribution channels for advertizing honeymoon video footage to newlyweds—for both the low-income and high-income groups. When it comes to investing in a honeymoon getaway, the travel possibilities can be endless; however the choices and the decision may leave the couples feeling confused and undecided. (Parry, Mark, 1999) This leads an important question— who is primarily responsible for researching a possible honeymoon resort and who makes the decision in selecting the most preferred destination—the bride, groom or both? As indicated in the above graph, the bride takes primary responsibility in researching possible honeymoon getaways measured at 76.9% of the time, 11 % for grooms and 12.1% of the time both take equal responsibility in looking for honeymoon resorts. However, 82.4% of the time both couples share equal responsibility on making the actual decision on a honeymoon destination, whereas a mere 8.8% for brides and 8.8% of grooms take primary responsibility in making a decision. With the stress that unavoidably accompanies wedding planning, Honeymoon Destinations can utilize Bridal Magazines and Travel Magazines as its best marketing and distribution sources to further assist couples in researching and deciding on the perfect destination and itinerary–as a result, the couples can enjoy their once in a lifetime getaway. [ (Parry, Mark, 1999) ] Second Case Scenario: For this particular case scenario, it is believed that the individuals in the target group— Individuals with higher incomes—is more willing to spend at least $15.00 on the Honeymoon Destinations Video. This report tests this hypothesis. The analysis only observed individuals with higher incomes (upper half of the sample; $70,000 or more). A z test could not be measured because it requires knowing more information than what was available in the survey analysis. A z-test requires knowing the value of a population standard deviation (sigma) to be able to compute the standard error of the estimate. In most instances, this is rarely known—such in this case. The data calculated the standard deviation of the sampling distribution (measured at 3.852848874). As a result a one-sample, one-sided t-Test was employed for the sample higher-income group (variable 53) because the population standard deviation was not available in a sample of 91 participants in the direct-mail survey; the sample standard deviation was utilized as an estimate for testing purposes. (See descriptive and statistical analysis below) (Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., & Murphree, Emily S., 2011) Utilizing the one-sample, one-sided t-Test. the test statistic is t = 20.41606. 4. The P value of 0.00001 has been calculated for the possible test condition and compared it to the alpha level of 0.05. Therefore, the P value has determined to reject the null hypothesis. 5. Conclusion: We can observe that 20.41606 > 0.00001 in a one tail test (upper); thus the absolute value of our test statistic is greater than the associated p-value and is in the rejection region (and p-value has determined to reject the null hypothesis). Therefore, we reject the null hypothesis in favor of the alternative hypothesis. Therefore, the data analysis findings can statistically conclude that the sample provides enough evidence that the average amount the high-income group will be willing to spend is more than $15 for the Honeymoon Destinations Video. If the alpha was measured at .01 and .10 with the P –value still at 0.00001, the null hypothesis would still be rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis. (Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., & Murphree, Emily S., 2011) Third Case Scenario: For the last case scenario, the analysis report is more interested in developing an estimate for what the average individual would be willing to pay rather than computing a hypothesis testing. Therefore, 95% confidence intervals have been developed for the average price individuals would be willing to pay: one for the lower-income group and one for the higher-income group. Dividing variable 54 into a low-income group and high-income group and also dividing Variable 53 (Amount willing to pay to purchase Honeymoon Destinations Video)—producing the below descriptive analysis of the sample average, standard deviation and sample size for the low and high income groups. The population standard deviation is not known, therefore, the sample standard deviation for low-income and high-income groups is estimated which is calculated at 6.876349 and 3.852849, respectively—utilizing variable 53. (Parry, Mark, 1999) (Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., Murphree, Emily S., 2011) The sample size (n) of 55 for low-income group measures the sample average amount willing to pay for the video is $8.89 (rounded up). The sample standard deviation is calculated at 6.876349. A 95% confidence interval has been developed for the average price the low-income group is willing to pay for the video at $8.89. The findings indicate that the confidence interval is 7.03 for the lower limit and 10.75 for the higher limit of amount willing to pay for the video, respectively. The margin of error of 1.86 (the degree of accuracy in the analysis) is the t-multiple of 2.005 times the standard error of the estimation at 0.93 which indicates how far the confidence level would extend on each some of the point estimate. Conversely, the sample size (n) of 36 for high-income group measures the sample average amount willing to pay for the video is $28.11 (rounded up). The sample standard deviation is calculated at 3.852849. A 95% confidence interval has been developed for the average price the high-income group is willing to pay for the video at $28.11. The findings indicate that the confidence interval is $26.81 for the lower limit and $29.41 for the higher limit of amount willing to pay for the video, respectively. The margin of error of 1.30 (the degree of accuracy in the analysis) is the t-multiple of 2.030 times the standard error of the estimation at 0.64 which indicates how far the confidence level would extend on each some of the point estimate. (Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., Murphree, Emily S., 2011) As part of the comparative analysis between the low-income group and high-income group— assuming that if this procedure were to be repeated on multiple samples—the calculated confidence interval would encompass the true population parameter 95% of the time. Thus, the repeated samples that are taken from both groups, 95% of the time, the average amount people in the low-income group willing to pay will be between $7.03 and $10.75. And, 95% of the time, the average amount people in the high-income group willing to pay will be between $26.81 and $29.41. (Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., Murphree, Emily S., 2011) Proposal and Recommendations for Scenario Two and Three: Although it has been suggested to sell each 45 minute video for a retail price of $14.95, the Company needs to recognize that it’s difficult to appeal to all consumers in the honeymoon marketplace, or at least cannot appeal to all consumers in the same way. Consumers are extremely diverse, widely scattered and significantly varied in their particular needs and purchasing practices. It’s important to note that low-income individuals who are looking to book a honeymoon resort face challenges of economic stability and an increase in the amount spent towards weddings. Since the high-income group is willing to pay more between $26.81 and $29.41, whereas the low-income group is willing to pay between $7.03 and $10.75 for honeymoon destinations videos, the company must shift from mass marketing strategies to both a target marketing and differential pricing method. (See diagram below) Customer-Driven Marketing Strategy: Creating Value for Target Customers First, the company must effectively identify and select diverse market segments (i.e. low income, high income, age, etc), differentiate based on their interest/financial resources and needs—and further improve channels of distribution/products/services tailored to each particular population segment in various affluent and discounted retail store locations. Secondly, Honeymoon Destinations can then implement a differential pricing practice which entails charging the high-income group more, while charging the low-income group less for the same product—which in this case is the honeymoon video. (Marshall, Greg W. & Johnston, Mark, 2010) Possible implications of differential pricing: If Honeymoon Destinations sells the 45 minute video footage for several different prices, higher income individuals who are willing and able to spend more than $15.00 for the video may end up deciding it’s cheaper to pay for the lower priced video. However, this would force the lower-income individuals to pay more. (Marshall, Greg W. & Johnston, Mark, 2010) Each difference has potential to either create company costs as well as customer benefits. A difference is worth establishing to the extent that it will satisfy not only the high income group but, more importantly the low income group. The company should look to improve marketing strategies that satisfy both the high-income and low-income groups by meeting the following criteria: 1. Importance: the video will deliver a highly valued benefit to the target group 2. Distinctive and Superior: Emphasize that the company offers a more informative and distinctive video footage over other competitors—which can be tailored based on the target group’s financial resources, needs, desires and personality. 3. Visibility: the video footage is visible and easily accessible to the target audience. Therefore, providing the broadest possible access to the video allows—and encourages differential pricing. Not implementing differential pricing will only ensure that the low-income individuals will have little to no access to purchasing the video they couldn’t otherwise afford. Overall, selecting the best position of the product can be challenging; however, providing a wide-range of choices and prices is crucial to the company’s overall current and future success. (Marshall, Greg W. & Johnston, Mark, 2010) References Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., & Murphree, Emily S. (2011). Chapter 9: Hypothesis Testing. In Data Analysis for Business Decisions (Sixth ed., pp. 351-392). New York, NY, USA: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. . Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., Murphree, Emily S. (2011). Data Analysis for Business Decisions (Sixth ed.). New York, NY, USA: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Marshall, Greg W. & Johnston, Mark. (2010). Marketing Management. New York, NY, USA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Parry, Mark. (1999). Honeymoon Destinations. University at Virginia , Darden Graduate School of Business Administration. Charlottesville, VA: Darden Business Publishing. Retrieved December 27, 2012