Personal Development Essay

MODUL – Introduction to personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings (L2) (3) (M) 1.1 Describe the duties and responsibilities of own role My duties and responsibilities as a carer are: to provide high quality care for residents while complying with the company’s policies and procedures, any legislations and standards relevant to care work so the physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual needs of individuals I look after are met and provide safe environment for all people working or coming to care setting; to be prepared to work within a team at all times; be flexible, adaptable; to build and maintain relationship with residents and support them with their Activities of Daily Living (such as assisting with personal care, meaningful and purposeful daily and social activities, helping them to make informed choices) and so maintain and improve their independence, individuality and mobility; to attend mandatory training, meetings; to keep up to date with new legislation, employer’s policies, procedures; to maintain confidentiality; to work in person centred way, to reduce discrimination by Equality and Inclusion; to record any necessary information in clear and professional way/language. 1.2 Identify standards that influence the way the role is carried out * Codes of practise – for example Code of Practice for Social Care Workers and for Employers of Social Workers * National Occupational Standards – regarding quality of care, qualification of carers * National Minimum Standards – for example National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People * Internal policies and procedures, * Legislation (Health and Safety at Work Act – including COSHH – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations which apply to use, storage, dispose such substances, RIDDOR – Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations – require to report any work related injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences, Manual Handling Operation Regulations, Fire Safety Regulations) 1.3 Describe ways to ensure that personal attitudes or beliefs do not obstruct the quality of work Not to criticise others, always be aware that everybody is different and so respect what they say, feel, want even though I do not agree with it, be and act as professional at all times. Listen to them actively. Try to avoid conflicts. 2.1 Explain why reflecting on work activities is an important way to develop knowledge, skills and practice Reflecting on our own practices, actions we took in providing care, in interaction with colleagues, visitors or other professionals is an integral part in one’s personal development. The reasons why it is are as follows: looking back at what we did, how we reacted in certain situations (with positive results as well as difficult ones) helps us to examine why we practice the way we do, if it is in correct way or we can do it better or we need to change it; also helps us to identify the areas of our own practice that needs to be further improved, developed. It’s a good tool for addressing our strengths and weaknesses and based on this knowledge it helps to develop new areas of learning, find different ways of how we perform our work and so to become more effective and professional support worker. 3.1 Identify sources of support for own learning and development * Internal and external trainings * Team meetings * Supervisions and appraisals * Communication with and observations of experienced colleagues * Online research, thematic literature 3.2 Describe the process for agreeing a personal development plan and who should be involved In first two weeks in the company I was issued a Personal Development Plan which took me through my first three months here. Its integral part were 8 standards in which was explained how to carry out job effectively at high standards making sure that principles of communications, privacy, personal care, safeguarding etc. are fully understood. The standards included important information, questions and exercises which needed to be solved within 3 month probation period. Another part included inductions to manual handling, food hygiene, fire safety, infection control and other work relevant areas through trainings and watching dvds. Again the timescale was set for probation time. Working in a team, communicating with the clients, staff and supervisor and mentor I was able to understand and gain necessary information to meet my personal development plan objectives. In this process were involved following people: home manager, me, head carer, deputy head carer.

Digital Fortress Chapter 37

Downstairs at the Alfonso XIII, Becker wandered tiredly over to the bar. A dwarf-like bartender lay a napkin in front of him. â€Å"Que bebe Usted? What are you drinking?† â€Å"Nothing, thanks,† Becker replied. â€Å"I need to know if there are any clubs in town for punk rockers?† The bartender eyed him strangely. â€Å"Clubs? For punks?† â€Å"Yeah. Is there anyplace in town where they all hangout?† â€Å"No lo se, senor. I don't now. But certainly not here!† He smiled. â€Å"How about a drink?† Becker felt like shaking the guy. Nothing was going quite the way he'd planned. â€Å"?Quiere Vd. algo?† The bartender repeated. â€Å"?FinoJerez?† Faint strains of classical music were being piped in overhead. Brandenburg Concertos, Becker thought. Number four. He and Susan had seen the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields play the Brandenburgs at the university last year. He suddenly wished she were with him now. The breeze from an overhead air-conditioning vent reminded Becker what it was like outside. He pictured himself walking the sweaty, drugged-out streets of Triana looking for some punk in a British flag T-shirt. He thought of Susan again. â€Å"Zumo de arandano,† he heard himself say. â€Å"Cranberry juice.† The bartender looked baffled. â€Å"Solo?† Cranberry juice was a popular drink in Spain, but drinking it alone was unheard of. â€Å"Si.† Becker said. â€Å"Solo.† â€Å"?Echo un poco de Smirnoff?† The bartender pressed. â€Å"A splash of vodka?† â€Å"No, gracias.† â€Å"?Gratis?† he coaxed. â€Å"On the house?† Through the pounding in his head, Becker pictured the filthy streets of Triana, the stifling heat, and the long night ahead of him. What the hell. He nodded. â€Å"Si, echame un poco de vodka.† The bartender seemed much relieved and hustled off to make the drink. Becker glanced around the ornate bar and wondered if he was dreaming. Anything would make more sense than the truth. I'm a university teacher, he thought, on a secret mission. The bartender returned with a flourish and presented Becker's beverage. â€Å"A su gusto, senor. Cranberry with a splash of vodka.† Becker thanked him. He took a sip and gagged. That's a splash?

Governments Should Not Negotiate With Terrorists Essay

Would you give a thief $100,000 to get your stolen purse back? If you were to give a thief $100,000, you would make him think that he can make a profit out of stealing purses. The thief would also use the $100,000 to buy a gun or other weapons or vehicles that would help him steal future purses. Now think about the thief as a terrorist and you as a government. Should governments negotiate with terrorists? Terrorism activities have increased these past few years due to faulty decisions made by governments when dealing with terrorists. Many have made the mistake of compromising with terrorists, which makes them appear weak and targetable, which only sponsors future terrorist acts. The outcomes of past government agreements with terrorists have only worsened and perpetuated this situation. The paying of millions of dollars as ransom to terrorist kidnappers and hostage/takers has also fueled future terrorist attacks and has only made terrorism profitable, making it more attractive to terrorists. Governments legitimize terrorism by compromising; therefore governments should not negotiate with terrorists, rather marginalize and weaken their organizations by refusing them any concessions and targeting individuals within their groups. The reasoning behind terrorism is that violence can be used to attract the attention of governments and the general public, who as a result, succumb to the terrorist’s ideas and/or desires. Unfortunately, this terrorist tactic is sometimes effective, like in the 2004 Madrid Bombings. On March 11, ETA, a terrorist organization, bombed four commuter trains in Madrid. Their objective was to cause a political change in Spain; the elections were that same weekend. Before the bombings, the People’s Party was the voter’s favorite, but ETA’s terrorist attack caused a drastic change in the ballot and the Socialist Party won. After winning the election, the Socialist Party decided to remove the Spanish troops in Iraq, which is what ETA wanted. Because of this turn of events, Downing says: â€Å"†¦the terrorists would be able to claim that their bombings had influenced both a European election and the situation in Iraq. † (Downing 38-39) Since the people and the government reacted to the attack the way ETA wanted it too, the terrorists could have considered the attack successful, and as a consequence may attack again. The message the government sent ETA is that if they want a change, they should just use violence to obtain it. Governments must be careful with terrorist’s interest and their own interests when making controversial decisions, especially those made shortly after terrorist attacks, like the bombings in Madrid. In that case, the decision was whether or not to remove Spanish troops from Iraq. ETA wanted them removed, and the Socialist Party decided to remove them because of the pressure they were put under. Removing the troops was a mistake because it just pleased the terrorists; it made the terrorists feel they can manipulate the government through pressure induced by brutality. Governments should always include terrorist interests in important decision-making, but not to make the decision in the terrorist’s favor, rather to make the decision in a way that terrorists are not satisfied by it and cannot take any credit from it. Governments must show that they are strong, and that they are not and will not be influenced by terrorism. (Downing 38-39) Governments make themselves appear weak by succumbing to pressure, and sometimes the pressure does not even come from the terrorists in the situation, but from other governments, leaders or groups. Even if they might want to interfere for the most pacific reasons, peace negotiations with terrorists do not have the best outcomes. First of all, they are terrorists; therefore, their favorite and only way of attempting to achieve their goals is through violence. This means that if they do not receive what they desire through force, they believe they cannot get it through peace either. Secondly, terrorists are unpredictable; they cannot be trusted. Thirdly, most terrorists do not back down, especially jihadists, because they are willing to lose their life for what they believe in. Lastly, if a government makes peace with terrorists, and the terrorists do not keep their end of the deal, then the government will appear weak and defeated, while the terrorist will appear victorious. These are the reasons for which governments should not attempt to make peace with terrorists. They should try to end terrorism instead of making a truce with it. A perfect example of why governments should not seek peace from terrorists is an incident the U. S. government had in Fallujah. U. S. Marines attempted to compromise with jihadists in Fallujah after being pressured by European officials and human rights groups. The U. S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell, said they wanted peace instead of war in Fallujah, but the jihadists misunderstood and considered the compromise a victory over the Americans. (Rubin 19-20) As a result, the misunderstanding led to 30 car bombings. Not only did the U. S. appear weak because of this failed compromise; it also encouraged the jihadists to carry on with their terrorist acts because the jihadists believed they defeated them, and that they were capable of defeating them again. Truces with terrorists are very tricky and unpredictable, and should always be avoided because an unfavorable outcome can be catastrophic and can lead to more violence. Just as truces with terrorists can be very tricky, negotiating with terrorist kidnappers and hostage-takers can be very tricky as well. Recently terrorists use these tactics to create an audience full of suspense. These tactics now create more attention than massacres and bombings because people are getting more accustomed to them as they happen. (Rubin 22) Kidnappings/hostage takings are becoming more and more popular and sadly, governments have been making it even more popular by making it profitable. They make it profitable by negotiating and paying ransoms to terrorists because negotiating with kidnappers legitimizes their act and as a result further proliferates terrorism. It has spread terrorism because the terrorists have learned that kidnapping/hostage-taking has become very profitable. (Rubin 23) In March 2000, Muammar al-Qadhafi, a Libyan leader, paid Abu Sayyaf, a hostage-taker based in the Philippines, a $25 million ransom for the release of priests, teachers, and children he had kidnaped from a school. (Rubin 23) After receiving the money, Abu Sayyaf expanded his terrorist group from a couple hundred to more than a thousand members and bought speedboats and weapons, which were used for other kidnappings. By paying the terrorist such a large ransom to keep the captives from getting harmed, Muammar al-Qadhafi funded future kidnappings, putting more people in danger. The paying of the ransom also made kidnapping productive for Sayyaf, because they technically rewarded him for terrorism, encouraging him to carry out more terrorist acts because he will get money or other concession out of them. The same case occurred in Sahel. The â€Å"Bin Laden of the Desert†, Ammari Saifi, took 32 European vacationers in the Algerian desert, and held them hostage for 177 days. The German government paid a five million euro ransom and they were released, but Ammari Saifi used the money to buy weapons and vehicles. (Rubin 24) The German government funded future kidnappings similar to how the Libyan leader did. It is a pattern: terrorists kidnap citizens; they ask for reward in return for the hostages; and then they use the ransom they get paid to repeat this cycle more effectively (with new and more members, weapons and vehicles). Governments should not keep rewarding terrorists with million dollar ransoms because all they have been doing is perpetuating the cycle instead of ending it. Governments should use force to recover captives and avoid rewarding terrorists with ransoms. It is an actual U. S. government policy â€Å"to deny hostage takers the benefit of ransom, prisoner releases, policy changes, or other acts of concession. † (â€Å"Counter-Terrorism: History, Strategy and Tactics† Web) Western governments should also respond to kidnapping by thinking about the safety of the majority of their citizens instead of an individual. Even though it could end in injury or death of the captive, in the long term it prevents further kidnappings. (Rubin, 24) So governments should try their best to recover captives, but without the use of ransoms because in the long run, a short tragedy is better than the endangerment a larger amount of citizens. Governments should not appease with terrorists, they should use intelligence to take them down instead. â€Å"In a war between networks, the side with superior intelligence wins. † (Garreau 60) The more information and technology is obtained, the better the chances of defeating the terrorists are because more effective strategies can be put into action. Governments should use this knowledge to find the leader and how to target them. The leader of the group is key because the disruption or terrorist leaderships weaken terrorist organization and causes them to struggle and expose themselves. (Rubin, 27) This has been happening with Osama bin Laden and his terrorist organization: â€Å"The loss of bin Laden and these other key operatives puts the network on a path of decline that will be difficult to reverse. † (â€Å"Country Reports on Terrorism 2011† Web) Be careful with this strategy: â€Å"Better the devil you know. Like [Libyan dictator][Moammar] Gaddafi, keep him alive, because you know him. Who knows what sort of clever mastermind might replace him. † (Garreau 60) Past concessions to terrorists have proven that government negotiations with them make terrorism productive; therefore governments should marginalize, isolate or eliminate the threat. Doing so would make terrorist acts unprofitable for those who carry them out. In order to avoid the further proliferation of terrorism, governments must take a firm stand against these foes and send a message of zero tolerance against terrorist acts. ? Works Cited â€Å"Chapter 1. Strategic Assessment. † U. S. Department of State. U. S. Department of State, 31 July 2012. Web. 31 Jan. 2013. . â€Å"Counter-Terrorism: History, Strategy and Tactics. † Counter-Terrorism: History, Strategy and Tactics. Web. 31 Jan. 2013. . Downing, David. â€Å"Madrid Bombings. † The War on Terror. Mankato: Arcturus Publishing, 2008. 38-39. Print. Garreau, Joel. â€Å"Intelligence Gathering Is the Best Way to Reduce Terrorism. † At Issue. Are Efforts to Reduce Terrorism Succesful? Ed. Lauri S. Friedman. Farmington Hills: Greenhaven Press, 2005. 57-63. Rubin, Michael and Suzanne Gershowitz. â€Å"Governments Should Never Negotiate with Terrorists. † At Issue. Should Governments Negotiate with Terrorists? Ed. Amanda Hiber. Farmington Hills: Greenhaven Press, 2008. 15-29.

Journal learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Journal learning - Essay Example Resistance to change, though expected in management scope, has been the most challenging because of involved moral and legal implications. Some of the people with whom I have been working are older and I often feel a moral obligation to respect their opinions and values. Introducing a change, contrary to practices that the people have been accustomed to have generated conflict, sometimes with strong resistance from old people. Explanations on need for such changes and helping employees to adapt to change have helped in managing resistance, but there have been isolated cases when some employees have accused me of undermining their competence and experience and dictating on them. I conducted literature review with the aim of understanding change management skill and measures for evaluating competence in the skills. Being goal oriented and ability to motivate people towards desired goals are some of the competencies of an effective change manager (Silva 2013, p. 63). Possible short-term benefits are some of the motivational factors and effective change management should incorporate plans for the gains, communicate the plans, and implement the plans. Effective change management, according to Shalini (2009, p. 201, 202, 226- 229), also require communication skills and cultural competence. Ability to learn, to make decisions and solve problems, to manage self, to manage people, and to manage projects are also necessary competencies for effective project management (Pugh 2012, p. 203). Technical skills on the desired change and knowledge of the organization in which change is to be implemented are also necessary for effective change management (Vukotich 2011, p. 36). Self-assessment results identify my competence in setting realistic but challenging goals and my ability to motivate people towards the goals, through empowerment and rewards. My score in verbal communication is commendable but I

How Horses were still used in WWI Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

How Horses were still used in WWI - Essay Example Still, the distinguished armed forces’ officers receive a sword as an award against exemplary performance. The ancient warfare was primarily based on courage, strategy, and strength of character. But, the computer technology took charge of major military operations in the world and therefore, the focus shifted towards technological proficiency and the element of courage and manhood became secondary in the context of current and prevailing warfare standards in the world. Still, the value of traditional weapons and tactics is being recognized in the literature (Treherne pp.142). The so-called modern Armies still train their soldiers in horse riding so that they should know the traditional and classical way of commuting when needed. However, the concept of warfare is becoming and transforming into something highly mechanized. In few decades from now, the traditional war will become a permanent resident of history books, as human soldier will be replaced with a robot. Thusly, it c an be established that human involvement in wars will become extinct in the future version (Bernard and Jones pp. 1036). But, in the context of World War I, the horses were used as a means of commuting. The timing of the featured war was considered concurrent with major technological and theoretical breakthroughs but the commuting infrastructure was not largely institutionalized and neither was it available to general public. The abovementioned shortages of mechanized transportation contributed significantly towards forcing armed forces to use natural resources a great deal (Treherne pp 140). Additionally, the vehicles of that time were low on the most important dimension of fuel economy and therefore, the authorities followed the notion of economic rationality in terms of deciding to use the most efficient source of transportation at their disposal. Humans’ profound inclination towards saving money and exercising tight control on cash outflows translated into vast scale use of horses in World War I. Furthermore, the Armies were not trained to use vans and other vehicles but they had a profound and notable efficacy to effectively use horse as a strategic tool in the panicked conditions that are associated with the perception of war. The two major reasons supported the application of horses in World War I. Firstly, the ill-developed industry of mechanized transporters and secondly, soldiers of that era did not have the appropriate training needed to use the modern way of transportation. Moreover, it is important to note that the other historically known war based on volume was fought with the help of mechanized infantry and tanks. Yet, in the case of the First World War, the fight was fought with the help of rifles and other simpler and elementary equipment. The idea of war was partially based on courage and leadership abilities when the maiden global military confrontation was being fought and the warriors’ best companion was also significantly i nvolved in its proceedings as well. The art and science of war transformed into highly technological endeavor by the time, the world entered into the terminal years of the 20th century. The major economic powers of the world managed to develop and perfect their nuclear technology by late 1990s and therefore, the world’s ability to destroy itself grew substantially over the past decade. In the view of political specialists, the probability of war has

Food Culture or food Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Food Culture or food - Essay Example There are people that say that Africa has the largest range of food. This is attributed to the fact that the continent has many rural areas where people carry out substantial farming to produce different foods, but they have not been able to make it available to the outside regions due to poor infrastructure. Egypt is one of the countries known to have a wide range of foods and most commonly known for a dish known as ful. Countries such as Morocco have a reputation for dishes such as Couscous (Albala 27). This type of food is served with vegetables and to add flavor an individual can add meat to the mixture. Kenya is another country in the African continent that amazes many people. This is because restaurants in the country know how to mix the dishes such that they can get a combination that can leave the visitors wishing to get some more. In a country such as Botswana, sorghum and millet is one combination that has led to the vast acknowledgment of the country’s porridge. How ever, if you compare the Biltong in South America that is their staple meat shows a kind of superiority in South American culture and their cuisine. A continent such as North America is one that is argued to have the least number of dishes, and the reason is the fact that the continent only has three countries and thus limits the number of dishes that the continent can produce. Moreover, it is argued that most of the dishes present in the country are imported and that for the people that cook these meals they have the meals got from different regions in the world and get to mature or rather grow the food with adjusted environments given the continent’s advancement in technology (Albala 32). For example, Corn is one of the most recognized meals in the United States. Researchers have argued that the growth of corn is an aspect that came from Africa and particularly from countries that grow maize. The

Questioning, Battling and Identifying With Certain Types of Identities Essay

Questioning, Battling and Identifying With Certain Types of Identities throughout Lives - Essay Example The researcher states that even though the narrative â€Å"Reflections of a 17 - Year Old† is being done by an American girl who is about to embark on a college life for the first time, it still provides a valuable insight into how a person reaching the age of maturity finds himself or herself battling multiple identities. Although a person is looking forward to the independence that life brings once he Reaches College, that person is still uncertain of whether he or she can actually handle the new life he or she is entering into. In a way, Plath in the essay is speaking of how she is creating a new identity for herself once she enters college, one that will help her adjust to the demands of her new life and in the process, help her develop into a better individual as well. Plath allows us an insight into how she was feeling on the day that she realized that she was no longer a child but rather, a young adult soon to face the challenges and uncertainties of life by telling the reader: â€Å"Somehow I have to keep and hold the rapture of being 17. Every day is so precious I feel infinitely sad at the thought of all this time melting farther and farther away from me as I grow older. Now, now is the perfect time of my life.† Sylvia Plath clearly depicted the fear that every 17 years old, male or female, has about that age that is considered the turning point in every adults life. 17 is the age when one is neither a child nor an adult anymore in the eyes of the world. It is a transition age into the age of legality when people expect more mature decisions and a sense of responsibility from a teenager. It is the fear that every teenager has. That the fun and fancy-free life are once known to him or she will now be a thing of the past.

Business Law #5 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business Law #5 - Case Study Example The plaintiff asserts that the multiple corporate structure is a ruse, and constitutes an unlawful attempt to defraud the members of the public sustaining injuries. Therefore he contends he is entitled to hold the corporations' shareholders, personally liable for the damages sought by him. Carlton wanted the case to be dismissed as the plaintiff had failed to state a cause of action. The court at Special Term granted the motion but the Appellate Division reversed that decision. It held that cause of action had been sufficiently made out. Carlton then appealed against this to the Court of Appeals in New York by leave of the Appellate Division on a certified question. The court held that the complaint fell short of adequately stating a cause of action against Carlton in his individual capacity. It also held that the order of the Appellate Division should be reversed, with costs both in the Court of Appeals and in the Appellate Division. It further held that the certified question is answered in the negative, and that the order of the Supreme Court, Richmond County, be reinstated with leave to serve an amended complaint. [The case took a twist on the ground of inadequate cause of action. But as regards the liability of share holders, the Judge has stated that the liability will be there under certain circumstances, for example, if the corporation is a dummy.

Given the cost and time involved in getting a college degree, do you Essay

Given the cost and time involved in getting a college degree, do you believe the benefits of a college degree outweigh the drawbacks State your position, and provide evidence and examples to support it - Essay Example 309-46). Nevertheless, is it worth incurring heavy financial expenses in order to obtain a college degree if the future of making the maximum use of the same is not certain? While the cost, effort, and time involved in obtaining a college degree may appear enormous in terms of sacrifice, there is still a strong belief that the benefits of a college degree outweigh the drawbacks especially going by the lucrative job opportunities that it brings along with it. Although the cost of getting a college degree may be quite prohibitive, it is evident that the job opportunities that come with the possession of one are innumerable besides the flexibility in profession (Bacila pp. 531-48). Essentially, getting a college degree helps a person to be predisposed to many job opportunities and therefore they are able to get a decent job upon the completion of their studies. This actually means that they are in a better position to secure decent jobs if they have a college degree than when they do not possess one. Additionally, the many job opportunities that present themselves to people who have college degrees have the luxury to choose the jobs or professions they want to pursue since they a college degree qualifies them in a number of fields and hence they can be flexible in terms of switching professions (McMahon pp. 309-46). As far as work experience is concerned, it is important to mention that a college degree benefits the holders through enabling them to accumulate work experience in their respective areas of specialization (Bacila pp. 531-48). Certainly, education up to college level places a person in a better position to quantify the specific experience that they hold in a particular professional field as opposed to general experience of unqualified staff. This experience is beneficial to their career progression. Perhaps another point worth noting about

Leadership and Management Module Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Leadership and Management Module - Case Study Example Ryanair's first cabin crew recruits had to be less than 5ft. 2ins. tall in order that they were able to operate in the tiny cabin of the aircraft! As proclaimed on its website, Ryanair was Europe's original low fares airline and is still Europe's largest low fares carrier. In the current year, Ryanair will carry over 35million passengers on 288 low fare routes across 21 European countries. With 12 European bases and a fleet of over 100 brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft and with firm orders for a further 125 new aircraft, delivered over the next seven years, Ryanair is ready for an awesome takeoff. These additional aircraft will allow Ryanair to double in size to over 70 million passengers per annum by 2012 recording stupendous growth. Ryanair currently employs a team of 2,700 people, comprising over 25 different nationalities. Ryanair continuous to clock record passenger growth [Appendix 1] Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, has a vision of a world where the fare could drop to nothing, as local communities would subsidize the airline to bring a steady traffic of business people and tourists to their region. Rather than blending its low fares with some emotional benefits, Ryanair packs its brand with functional benefits such as punctuality and efficiency. In Ryanair's words "At Ryanair, we guarantee you the lowest fares on the Internet. However, our success is due -- not just to our low fares -- but also a winning combination of our No.1 on-time record, our friendly and efficient people and our new Boeing 737-800 series aircraft". Mission Statement A successful example of a European no frills airline is Ryanair. It was established based on the assumption that the demands for short-haul air transport are price elastic. That means, if prices for flights are reduced, it is more appealing and therefore more people will fly. Ryanair strives to sell tickets at the lowest prices possible but at the same time promotes the fact that it is an on-time high frequency flyer. Ryanair does not offer any frills. It is not in the business to offer luxury flying experience or gourmet in-flight meals or a memorable flight. Its mission is to offer flights that cater to mass transportation and simply a 'point-to-point air service' to its customers. It promises just that and offers nothing more. Business model Traditionally airlines based their assumptions on the fact that airline traffic grows in line with the economy and are catered towards the more affluent and that cutting prices will only lead to a decrease in revenues. With the introduction of the 'no-nonsense' concept to the European market, after its deregulation in 1992, Ryanair has been proved right repeatedly in its revolutionary concept. While traditional airlines used the hub-and-spoke methodology to fly, Ryanair introduced the point-to-point method of flying reducing waste enormously. Ryanair has expanded phenomenally in its size and

Final Exam About Research Method Class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Final Exam About Research Method Class - Essay Example This type of sampling method gives us the ability of calculating the sampling error since we know the probability through which each sample was arrived at. A valid example of application of the method would be when we want to seek the opinion of married men about an issue; the sampling population is all the married men who have an equal probability of being researched on (Ross & PekoI?z, 2007). Non-probability sampling on the other hand is a sampling method, which presents itself in different shapes and sizes. This method does not present an equal chance for each member or unit of the population of investigation to be surveyed i.e. it is biased. This method is that which most researchers employ since it is less tedious and quite cheap. Non- probability sampling method requires that a hypothetical model is designed that fits the data defined, the validity of the model defined may also be extremely difficult to verify. This is because there is the definition of the sample for investiga tion is done based on convenience through a selection of a unit, which fits within the block selected. An example of this takes place when survey is passed to someone and the person asked to send the same to a friend to expand the target population (Ross & PekoI?z, 2007). Unobtrusive research This is a form of non- reactive research method and it is employed on data collection majorly in social research. This form of research do not in any way interfere with the human research subjects because they are not the direct source of the required data for analysis. The required data is obtained indirect ways through relevant methodologies to get the necessary data from the research subjects. In social research, unobtrusive research should not be viewed as a substitute for the reactive methods such as questionnaires and interviews but instead additional measures to collect. This one method can easily be used to eliminate the biases that are presented by the reactive measures. In social rese arch, the method defines the aspects qualitatively though at some times it can be employed quantitatively (Esterberg, 2002). Unobtrusive research method is mostly preferred because; it has few unethical considerations, it is also less costly. The method exists in three different types that are; content analysis, analysis of existing statistics, case studies. Content analysis is the analysis that involves the analysis of documents in a text. Such analysis can be either qualitative or quantitative in nature with an objective of identifying the patterns through the text. Content analysis a wide area of research; it entails thematic analysis, indexing and qualitative analysis. An example of this type of research is the analysis of photos, films and paintings. Analysis of existing statistics will entail the researcher going through valid and viable previously collected and analyzed data, which may be from government or relevant agencies. Analysis of the existing statistics is used as the main source of data for making general assumptions of individual elements to generalize on the population (Esterberg, 2002). Case studies otherwise called the analysis of comparative or historical research involve the examination of the society over a given period of time and comparing them with other societies. An example is the research that saw the transformation of society from savagery through barbarism to civilization. US anthropologist, Lewis Morgan, conducted this research. Pre-experimental research

How magazines position their audience Essay Example for Free

How magazines position their audience Essay Most life style magazines position their audience by adopting a particular mode of address which is aimed to create a relationship between the magazine and its audience, for example the front cover of FHM (September 2003) includes the following cover lines: Dress better than Becks Mess with her head and Biggest ever world sex survey. These cover lines speak to the audience, which in this case would be men, by saying if you buy this magazine we will show you how to dress better than one of Englands top footballers. It identifies with the single male and how to get revenge on your ex it also invites them to be a part of the biggest ever sex survey, this reinforces the bond between the magazine and its audience and makes them feel a part of an exclusive club. The front cover of FHM (September 2003) attempts to hook its male audience by using an image, which represents female sexuality. The picture of a female celebrity in a provocative pose wearing just her underwear takes up most of the page. It is used to grab its audiences attention on the basis of male and female attraction. The fact that its a celebrity means its not just anyone, its someone famous and the use of her first name means it is a more informal approach and helps the audience to feel closer to this sexy female. FHM is in competition with emaps Loaded and GQ, which means that their front cover has to stand out above all the rest. FHM uses the exclusive photo shoot of Samia and the Biggest ever world sex survey to promote their magazine as better than any other. The Exclusive shoot of Samia means this has not been done for any other magazine, just for the readers of FHM. The FHM title has been partially covered up by the main image, which suggests that the magazine is well established and no longer needs to show its full identity. The front cover of FHM has typical generic conventions of a male lifestyle magazine, such as the image of a sexy female, it mentions Becks and fashion which has intertextual links with football and has major sexual connotations with the promise of soft porn (Samias sexy shoot). It also includes inside stories on females and sex (girls on the sofa discuss cocks). The red writing adds to the sexy image as red is symbolic of love, lust and sex and it also helps the magazine to stand out. The FHM magazine fulfils the needs of diversion as it gives its audience the chance to escape from their daily routine through reading about more light-hearted matters such as sex, women and cars. It also fulfils the needs of personal relationships by offering companionship as it identifies with its male audience and helps them to feel a part of an exclusive social group. By using the cover lines Best of British, Mess With Her Head and the mention of Arnie (Arnold Schwarzenegger) it gives the audience personal identity and reinforces the norms and values of masculinity and manpower (Mc Quail, Blumer and Brown 1972). Male lifestyle magazines can be seen as stereotypical of men and male values. Using the front cover of FHM (September 2003) as an example, it suggests that men are only interested in sex, nude women, football and male dominance as most of the page is taken up by the half naked image of a woman. The features mentioned on the front cover are mainly to do with sex, cars and getting revenge on women. The FHM title is made up of the colours of the British flag and the caption Best of British. This can be seen as patriotic which also implies male dominance as Britain is a patriarchal society (male dominated) and therefore reinforces the idea of manpower. Male lifestyle magazines can also be seen to portray a bias ideology of women as most of the women in their magazines are very pretty, thin and sexy which assumes that all men who read these magazines are attracted to this type of woman. This is not always true of all men and therefore gives a false impression of the male expectations of women. This representation of women is also not necessarily the true reality of what most women look like and could be seen to pressurise women and men conform to this stereotypical expectation of the perfect woman. This would depend on how the specific audience of these magazines position themselves in relation to the text and whether they took the preferred reading and accepted this to be normal, negotiated what they thought and interpreted it how they chose to or opposed the reading totally and therefore this type of magazine may not appeal to them. (Stuart Hall).

Public Interest Is Used To Justify Regulation Media Essay

Public Interest Is Used To Justify Regulation Media Essay Public interest is a concept that can be high-jacked by journalists themselves: a plea of in the public interest is a favourite defence for journalism under attack. It is at the heart of the argument about the extent to which prying reporters and cameras should be allowed to invade personal privacy. The Ofcom code says that Where broadcasters wish to justify an infringement of privacy, they should be able to demonstrate why in the particular circumstances of the case, it is in the public interest. Examples of public interest would include revealing or detecting crime, protecting public health or safety, exposing misleading claims made by individuals or organizations or disclosing incompetence that affects the public. The BBC also has its own guidelines as it seeks to balance the public interest in freedom of expression with the legitimate expectation of privacy by individuals. There is no single definition of public interest, it includes but is not confined to: exposing or detecting crime, exposing significantly anti-social behaviour by those holding high office, preventing people from being misled by some statement or action of an individual or organisation, disclosing information that allows people to make a significantly more informed decision about matters of public importance. However, neither media code or attempts a full definition of the public interest. The BBC requires a higher public interest test for secretly recording in a private place where the public do not have access, secretly recording medical treatments, secretly recording identifiable people in grief or under extremes of stress both in public and semi-public. There are also some arguments over the media whether they are serving the public interest or interesting the public. Public/social purpose media should be informing and educating, but medias are more likely to weigh up the market-driven news values nowadays. The news media are failing to serve the public interest because of the following points: Firstly, abuse of individual right to privacy Privacy and alleged invasions of privacy by the media are central issues in the ethics of journalism. Clearly, we live in a society that values personal privacy, and is concerned about intrusions into privacy from whatever source, including the media. Yet, perhaps paradoxically, we also live in a society that thrives on publicity, or at least one in which many individuals depend on publicity for their lives and activities. This seeming paradox is usually defused by drawing a distinction between the private and the public aspects of peoples lives, and by further claiming that there is indeed a right to privacy, but that in certain circumstances the right can be overridden in the name of the public interest. This account of the matter accepts that in such circumstances an invasion of privacy has actually occurred but that the invasion can be justified by an appeal to a greater good. The right to privacy is no more than a presumption ( though an important one), and that where some information about an individual that he or she would prefer to keep private should be in the public domain, then putting it there is not overriding that individuals right to privacy because no such right ever existed concerning this aspect of the persons life. There is, on this account, no such thing as a justifiable invasion of privacy because justification is in fact a demonstration that no privacy could properly be claimed in the first place. On this account, all invasions of privacy are unjustifiable. This is particularly important in the case of politicians and others who occupy similar positions in society. Thus a politician who has his or her secret love nest exposed in the press is not the victim of an invasion of privacy, because scandalous behaviour of this nature cannot legitimately claim the protection of privacy. This is not simply because politicians are in the public eye, but because they, and others in business and the media as well, wield power in society, and all aspects of the exercise of power must be open to public scrutiny. This is the only way to avoid corruption in public life, and by corruption. I mean more than financial chicanery. I do not say that politicians are not entitled to privacy, but that they are not entitled to abuse the right to privacy. In a democracy those who wield power cannot decide for themselves where to draw the boundary between the public and the private aspects of their lives. In spite of the recent introduction in the UK of some legislative safeguards in the first two areas, there is a little that members of the public can do to assure themselves that their privacy is not being abused here. They simply do not know what is going on an cannot find out, for such abuse is normally hidden at source, even though it might have actual consequences for peoples lives. With invasions of privacy by the press it is wholly different, for here the victim obviously knows. This might explain why there is a considerable outery against invasions of privacy by the press even though this is less harmful to individuals and the democratic political process than abuses in the other two areas for here is an open target, easily identifiable, to soak up the publics concern and wrath. Hence the demand for the press to clean up its act, either voluntarily or, if this fails, through controls imposed by legislation. This threat of statutory restraints prompted the editors if the national newspaper in Britain to issue their own Code of Practice in 1989 to add the codes promulgate by bodies such as the Press Council ( now defunet) and the National Union of Journalists. The editors code and the Press Council code were later absorbed into a newspaper-industry code, monitored by the Press Complaints Commission, in which the voluntary protection of privacy, without legislative intervention, was a primary aim. Secondly, interesting the public rather than serving the public interest According to the trend, the pursuit of profit has replaced that of serving the public interest as the driving force of journalism. News producers even those like the BBC which are free of direct commercial pressures have been required to become more an more oriented towards ratings, subordinating the journalistic obligation to inform to the more audience-friendly task of supplying entertainment. The result of these pressures has been an explosion of infotainment journalism in which entertainment values take precedence over information content, presented at an intellectual level low enough to appeal to the mass audiences which comprise the major media markets( the lowest denominator, as critics frequently express it). Lower, too, than a healthy democracy demands. Political journalism is said to be conforming to the pressures of tabloidisation observed elsewhere in the media: a term which used interchangeably with dumbing down and infotainment, functions as shorthand for the offence, as it is often characterised, of catering for popular tastes. One manifestation of this trend would be the medias contemporary fascination with elite deviance( sexual, financial or moral), as in the cases of Conservative and Labour politicians in Britain throughout the 1990s, an of course Bill Clinton, whose sex addiction was a prominent theme of political journalism in Britain as well as the United States during the 1990s, exemplified by coverage of the Monica Lewinsky scandal in 1998-9. The sleaze agenda which featured prominently in British and American political news for most of that decade was alleged to be driven by market forces rather than public interest, in so far as the relentless commodification of journalism an the ever-increasing competitiveness of the media market put a commercial premium on sensationalism an prurience in coverage of politics. Although journalists like to envision themselves as independent pursuers of truth, the public sees them as employees who are only trying to help corporations make a pound. More than two-thirds say: News papers are concerned mainly with making profits rather than serving the public interest. I believe that newspaper frequently overdramatize some news stories just to sell more papers. Journalists chase sensational stories because they think itll sell papers, not because its an important story. Journalists sometimes see themselves in heroic terms. Lurking in the back of their minds are phases like eyes and ears of the public, representatives of the citizenry and the publics watchdog. By keeping tabs on the politicians, they can ensure that the public will be properly served by the government. The public, however, is convinced that politicians are more ethical than journalists. Many journalists shrug off such findings. Journalists are not supposed to be popular, they say. Theyre supposed to be tough observers of government and society. Thirdly, lies: publish and be damned degenerates to publish and be sued we can afford it: The law is a conservative profession. Most legal advisers first impulse will be tell news organisation Dont publish. The paper is at liberty to ignore the advice: to publish and be damned. But because of the complex risks involved, this is not a decision for an individual reporter or sub-editor to make. It needs to be made collectively and at policy level. Many news reporters start their careers with a stint on the court beat. This is considered good training in the need for discipline and accurate fact-gathering in journalism. Many young journalists, however, find the courts intimidating, confusing, and stultifying boring. Often, thats because they dont know the ropes. News media nowadays tend to pay for the punishment than actually avoid treading lines. They are more likely to step into the grey area on the ethical issues. Fourthly, abuse of the public interest defence (especially by some elements of the news media) : Journalists damage their case further when their stories go too far, as they often do. Tabloids have behaved as though the public interest argument stretches indefinitely, that once established it justifies anything. But a legitimate public interest in an aspect of the private behaviour of a public figure cannot automatically justify disclosure of any private information about the individual. Legitimate public interest certainly justified the story that the heir to the Britain throne, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, had had an affair with Mrs Camilla Parker-Bowles after his marriage. Public interest would probably also has justified the story, were it true, that Charles have sex with Camilla at his home while his wife was upstairs. The case was compromised, though by publication of pictures inside the Parker-Bowles home and bedroom against their will. They were not justified by a pub lic interest. The chairman of the PCC, Lord Wakeham, gave a strong warning to editors early in 1995 against abuse of the public interest defence. He said the Commission would not tolerate spurious use of the defence when considering complaints. Soon afterwards, the PCC severely critised the biggest selling British newspaper, the Sunday tabloid, the News of the World, for coverage of the illness of Lady Spencer, wife of the brother of the Prince of Wales. The paper has shown sad pictures of Lady Spencer, taken evidently without her knowledge, while she was being treated for an eating disorder. No genuine public interest was involved an Lord Wakeham took the unusual step of writing to the owner of the paper, Rupert Murdoch of News Corporation, about it. As a result, Murdoch publicly rubuked the News of the World editors. Specious and spurious arguments and dubious cases aside, the public interest defence is widely recognized as valid within limits. The committee appointed by government to examine media intrusion and suggested what public interest defences might be used. Journalistic intrusion could be justified if the information collected expose crime, other wrong-doing or a danger to public health. The PCC adds a further consideration: intrusion can be justified if it would prevent the public from being misled by some statement or action of an individual or organisation. This could be strengthened further by adopting the public interest defence that already exists in the Obscene Publications Act. An intrusion could be defended if the material gained exposed any matter of serious concern to the general public. Critics regard generalized exceptions as weasel words designed to allow disreputable journalism to proceed unhindered. But plainly interpreted, a wide-ranging defence of the kind envisaged would offer some protection for public figures, would reduce the risk of commercial villains sheltering behind a privacy law and would not damage protection for ordinary people when they deserve it. Lastly, Outings by media which are couched as serving the public interest. To conclude , the news media are failing to serve the public interest because of abusing of individual right to privacy, interesting the public rather than serving the public interest, lies: publish and be damned degenerates to publish and be sued, abusing of the public interest defence (especially by some elements of the news media) and Outings by media which are couched as serving the public interest.

Marketing case study on TUI Travel: PESTEL and SWOT

Marketing case study on TUI Travel: PESTEL and SWOT INTRODUCTION TUI illustrates one of the most amazing and successful strategic change of a firm, among the largest European companies. From 1997 to 2003, its management turned one of the oldest steel and mining conglomerates, known as Preussag, into TUI the undisputed European leader in the tourism industry a fast growing but very volatile and competitive industry. TUI is a world leading international leisure group which operates in 180 countries in the world and serve 30 million people. It headquarters in crawly near Gatwick airport in UK. It has 5000 employees and 146 aircraft. From the last ten years tourist industry growing at an annual pace of 4.1%, 2005 is the best year of the industry. In financial year 2009 TUI travel revenue is 13.9 billion. In order to become a European leader, the group embarked on a steady programme of major acquisitions while divesting the non-cour business. 1st January 2000 the Happing Touristic union was renamed TUI Group and jumped in the European market. Terriest attacks in New York (2001), BALI (2003) and Madrid (2004) can traumatic effect on international travel from 2000 to 2004. In 2005 tui took full control of leading Canadian container shipping line, and merged its container shipping division with it. EXTERNAL ANALYSES Factors that outside the organization which can affect the organization over all These factors are PESTEL POLITICAL All the rules and regulation which can be imposed government of the country where the organization can exit. What kind of facilities that the government can give the company to compete in the industry? Tax relief, in case of loss how much tax refund? Can government give the merger and acquisition when TUI can enter the other countries like Asian (china, India)? Security problem is also face all over the world, just like terrorist attacks in New York IN 2001, in London bus blast can affect too much in the international economy and international tourist industry in 2000 to 2004. Because all word can connect with each other with as the global village thats why company cant face any problem to merge and acquisition with German companies, in UK , USA , India in china and other countries all over the world European counties, Asia pacific, American, Africa, middle east Some government can impose heavy tax on companies that why it can create a problem with tui when they merge with them ECONOMICAL Currency exchange rates can also a big problem for tui when he can goes in the other countries. Difference between Pakistani currencies any UK and others same with the other countries. In all over the world whole economy run on oil prices when they can fluctuated in can create a problem same situation with tui. Lower barrier to enter in the market can create a complex position in competition. SOCIAL Tui can give the customer holiday packages, online booking facilities Brand is a unique thing that company can offer to its customers. Its about the perception of the customer different brand for different countries. If we can follow the BCG matrix is can tell the good position of the company. All the other companies tui can also adopt the policy of going green TECHNOLOGICAL Tui can introduce on line facility for its customer to purchase ticket and any information that they need. In this way they can cut staff cost and intermediates. Your customer is only one click far away from you and anywhere else. Tui can launch TV programmes, save customer data base to keep in touch with the help of video conferencing. In 2002 they can reengineering their work and decrease their fuel efficiency they can work on more productivity. Tui can also use EDS planning system for the cost efficiency. Health problem is also face by the tourist industries. Even how WHO cant impose any bane to go the countries in which swine flow is (HINI) LEGAL Different counties government can impose different kinds of rules and regulation regarding health and safety (Aviation Safety and Regulation). Some trade laws just like ban on merger and acquisition. Different airport right for some carriers. If the government can want to monopoly he cant give permission to the company to made air- port in a country. Company can take permission from the government ENVIRONMENTAL In German TUI AG can introduce environmental system according to ISO14001 in their head quarter. Both the management system like climate protection and biodiversity and in house system just like, wastage management, energy protection can give tui world-wide recognition to good environmental policy. INDUSTRY STRUCTURE When we can talk about industry structure of tui we mean industry life cycle or swot analyses of the company. SWOT Swot analysis can be used to just like other analytical tools like PESTL and porter five forces to analyses the internal and external position of the company Strength and Weaknesses; Strength is the internal factor of the tui travel which can use company to remove weakness. For this purpose company can use its fiancà © department, it accounting, HR, marketing to improve weakness, the company can improve its weakness. Company can use its technological, strategies, distribution channel, its product quality, management to overcome the poor assess to distribution, low customer retention, weak brands, absence of important skills, etc. Opportunities and threats; Today is a word of competition, tui travel can have a too much threats for the externally, tui can have a opportunities to overcome the threats like technological advancement, new distribution channel, low taxes, liberalisation of geographic market, introduce new packages for the holiday, online ticketing facility, to overcome the technological advancement, change government policies, tax increase Competitive analysis Competitive analysis can help organization to think about the following things. Its main competitors are Thomas cook, My Travel group, Rewe Touristik. 1. Competitors past present and future history 2. Future investment criteria 3. Basic strategies These can solve our different problems and answer the questions What our competitors? What are their objectives? Whats their weakness and strength? Porter five forces can also tell us about the competitors position these all include external factors Threat of entry Barriers to new entrance Too much capital and resources are required. 70% share can be controlled by 10 leaders Brand loyalty can also be problem for new entrance. Economy of scale should be high Substitutes In airline industry there is no substitute. People can use other ways but nothing is better than air jet. Company can offer different seasonal offer for the customer Bargaining power of suppliers If the company have low share in the market then supplier power is also to be high. Four market leaders cover more than 50 present markets there is threat of backward integration. Its show only supplier moderate barging power. Bargaining power of buyers Emergence of internet and online there is low switching cost of buyers. Companies have fewer substitutes limit the barging power of buyers Competitive rivalries Moderate level of competition exists in industry. Fix cost also to be high favour the company. And there is 8% market share between two companies (Thomas cook 13% and tui 21%). Due to these reasons there is low chance of competition. Resource and capabilities Companies have some internal resources and some external resources Financial resources Tangible resources Includes the company air jets, busses, premises that they can hire, production plant which can work for production of goods. Intangible resources The resources which we cant see directly, its include tui brand company can has near about 200 brand in which include Tui Thomson Novellas frontiers Tui Deutschland The moorings Tui ark Marmara Fritidsresor Late rooms.com Turchese Hayes Jarvis Air tours Etc. These are the main brand which can be offered by the company for its loyal customers. Technological Company can introduce on line booking system for the convenience of its customers, and minimize cost. Well known logo smile to represent a number of companies in which UK tour operator Thomson Holiday. TUI has a 80 tour operator and 155 aircraft around the Europe. Tui have a number of big hotel, ships people can purchase ticket online anywhere from the world. Human resources Culture and vision We are a leading world travel group we have a strong value in and culture in the eyes of our loyal customers. We always keep in mind our customers expectation and the time which they can spend with us. We want to do something new every day. We can look the opportunities which can be helpful for our customer and make value add for them External resources and capabilities Alliance with partners Company can also alliance with Air Berlin seal and tui CEO says we are very happy to deal with German company in this way we can reach the German market and give excellent performance and we despite the recent uncertainty. Distribution Our choice is to provide customer holiday option for meet their expectations we also know the dynamics of the industry. Customer can purchase on line tickets from our tour operators in anywhere in the world. Porter value chain Firm infrastructure Tui can have a big structure it can add value at every aspect, like its marketing department, finance department, RD department and all other can add value Technology development Tui can introduce new air crafts, busses, and accommodation and on line ticket facility for its customers. Research and development To compete in the industry company can increase its product line. Tui can introduce new packages on holiday, on special occasion at crimes on Easter give extra facilities to its customers and charge them more Supporting activities Receive customer and security check is an important thing then company can luggage handling facility for its customer In flight service like dinner, lunch, drinking and other faculties like newspaper, internet etc. Marketing sale and booking facility all over the world direct or online from their retail shops or online use of net. Profit margin which the company can take to spent on these actives and money they can earn VA=sales revenue purchase on profit and loss A/C depreciation Company structure Company can have 200+ brands and product for wide variety of differentiated and flexible travel experience for fulfil expectations of their customers. Company strategic goals is to increase shareholder expectation Company want to Leading International Leisure Travel Company. Capitalized market  £2.5 billion. More than 50000 colleges operating across 6 countries. Strategy synopries Strategy is a well planned series of action. Tui strategy is to create superior share holder value by being the world leading leisure travel group providing customers with the choice of differnetiated and good experience For achieveing this purpose company can set four areas in which they can focuse Product and content Distribution and brand People and operational effectiveness Growth and capital allocation Product and content Attention on the customer and change booking rates Earlier Booking trend Different product to our competitors and unique in the marketplace People and operational effectiveness Our employess are our asset Business model that can react to chage demand Yeild management systemand development of sophisticated capacity Increase profit margin up 30 basis points from 2.9% to 3.2% Integration progressing well with total synergies upgraded to  £200m Distribution and brands Good relationship with the customer Keep in mind customer choice Highly trusted brands that provide value and quality Growth and capital allocation 11 niche high growth businesses in specialist sectors Progressing in growth plans well in Russia CIS Increase return on invested capital to 9.2% Consolidation with Canadian market through proposed strategic venture with sun wing Company challenges Tui industry activates are shows that the company can contributes 11% of GDP and its exports are 12%. Fifty worlds least develop countries rely largely on this activity for economic development and in this way and tourist spending shows that tourist spending reaches the bad position. UN world tourism organization estimates that this industry emits around five present global carbon emissions of which 2 present are aviation and the remainder are mostly for transport and accommodation. We can display our part in reducing carbon wastage, protect biodiversity and limit the water we can use directly and other indirect way to save biodiversity as this forms an integral part of our product when our customer are holiday they can experience. These all are the hurdles which the tui travel can face. Our policy in this situation is this to avail social economic and environment benefits and make travel experience more comfortable and minimal environmental impact, respect the culture and people of destinations can gain more and more benefits To achieve these goals we know that we are alone, but we alone lead the travel industry throughout. For this purpose we can take following steps. Business decisions should be sustainable development. Sustainability impact on our day to day operation should be minimize Change the holiday options which cant meet our requirements For attracting more customer take customers experience what they want from them. Made new brands and new techniques in industry revolution and set a benchmark it there is no competitive To avoid negative impact put something back into environment. Use our influence for the development. Give customer more incentive and relaxation for attract more and more customers. We should support our supply chain for the purpose of minimizing effects. Strategic choice By strategic choice we mean which strategy tui use to become a most successful in all over the world? What is there policy? What techniques which they can use? What are their suppliers? How the company can grow in international industry? What is their growth rate, what is their price policy? What is their market policy? What is their strength? What their weakness? What their strength? What are the opportunities that the company can avail to become a successful in the industry? To evaluate these questions we can use following techniques and models Ansoff matrix Market penetration Market penetration we mean existing product in existing market. If the company can introduce package in the existing market he should be penetrate the market he should start form the bottom level just cover its cost and not make too much profit. For the purpose of consolidation tui should use this policy in market to compete in industry. Companies can penetrate the market into the Following three ways Gaining competitive customers Improve product and service quality Attracting nonusers or the customer who use other company product or services Product development If the company can introduce new product in same market he can spend too much on advertisement. He should launch specific location oriented packages, just like buy one get one free. Company can introduce low cost operation and packages, if he can introduce high cost less chance of success. Companies can use this technique to for Utilization of excess production capacity To increase its product line to stay in the market Exploit new technology Increase overall market share Market development Tui should be concentration on Russia, India, and china and make important to always show its own presence in the market. This strategy should go toward following two concepts Business to business In which company can sale its ticket to their franchise and their agents can sale product or introduce new packages to the customer. It has low headache to the company Business to customer If the company direct connect with the customer online and sell their product just like tui international for the purpose of given tickets, online ticket confirmation, updates, take customer bio data etc. Diversification If the company can introduce new product in new market, what is policy? What is the position of our competitors? What are their weaknesses? Can company use their weakness to make himself strength? Diversification may be related or unrelated. Diversification may be backward, forward and horizontal integration Backward integration when the tui can extends its activities towards its input such as suppliers of raw materials Horizontal integration when a company turn into business related to its activities International strategy of company Tui can serve over 30 million customers all over the world and work in 180 countries of the world. Company turnover is near about 80million Euros per year. To set long term strategy first choice holidays join tui in July 2001 and in 2002. Tui is a founding member of toi. As a specialist in emerging markets sectors is an international portfolio of travel business, company can focus on specific segment or geographical sector or country. Sector includes 40 business operation form North America, Europe and recently emerging markets in Russia and Ukraine. Company can also focus on student education tours and trips to the Far East, Africa or Australia. Company to selling brands include mostravel, turchese and Hayes Jarvis. Joint venture in Russia with CIS made tui profitable and give a chance to a company to work with their local companies. Advantages of joint ventures and alliances Tui travel can share any kind of risk with other companies. Government can give the company relaxation to entry Company can have a more resources and these resources can open new wind in the mind of thinkers Company cant face any problem in licensing There are some disadvantages of joint adventure Make good relationship with foreign partner. Too much limited ability to coordinating activities in other countries Due to these limitations company some time face a loss General strategies of tui Travel Cost leadership Company can work at lower cost and broad target in all over the world. Environment can affect the company policy just like Iceland problem in all over the world flight, company can bear loss, what company can do to sustain Example To maintain its cost standard PIA (Pakistan international airline) can fly more flight to cover its cost We should keep in mind that cost leadership is minimizing cost to the organization to deliver the product or service. What the customer can pay it is different issue. Differentiation The way by which tui travel can differentiate product or service to gain the competitive advantage. For this purpose company need exact information of industry. Company should need Ability to deliver high quality product or service. Research and development Attractive sale and marketing staff to all over the world Focus strategy By which a tui travel focus on niche market where there is advance and luxury hotel for loyal people, business class in air jets, excellent pick and drop facility to airport to hotel etc. On the basis of these strategies company cant set its prices or goals lot of other models like PESTEL, BCG, and ANSOFF MATRIX can be helpful for the company to make their decision. If the company low cost strategy is attractive to attract more and more customer it is successful. But there is lot of other factors like porter five forces how can company remove hurdles which he can face Strategy in action We can discuss the process which company can follow, organizing resources, changing and which strategy is company can use. Company structure Tui can registered in London stock exchange and it formed 2007 by the merge of first choice holiday PLC tourism division Company main aim is to create superior shareholder value, and the company aim is to get maxim profit to merge and requisition What the company want to do Lead international leisure Travel Company. 2 200+ products and brands company can have. 3 2.5 billion Market capitalisations$ 4 Company can have 3500 retail shops and 146 aircrafts in Europe. 5 More than 50000 worker can work in 6 continents in all over the world. Company main aim is to make profit and employee number. For this purpose company can give different packages to customer. Change in strategy Change in climate is known as a greatest environmental challenge facing in all over the world and it is important issue for the tui international. As we know carbon emission can effect on green housing and put important part in global warmth. June 2009 tui travel complete carbon disclosure project regarding their planning to carbon management. Adaption change Tui travel can change his strategy according to situation of economy. For made any kind of change company can ask himself following questions Can there acceptable demand and conditions? Can it give sustainable competitive advantage? Does it have a good strategic fit? Does it avert threats and take opportunities? Does it meet stakeholder expectations? It consists with core competencies and strategic capabilities? Kinds of change Adaption change If tui travel can change his policy according to see current situation of stakeholders. For example company can introduce new package in holidays, in Easter, in Crismis festival. Evolution change Sometime tui travel can give packages to customer just like free insurance, free transport to their own restaurants etc. Revolution change Due to any reason just like volcano ash in Iceland can create a problem in all over the world especially in Europe. All over the world flights for UK is disturbed. Some companies fly extra flights to recover this loss. This can create a big history in life of airline industry. Reconstruction change If the change can around the current situation, tui travel can change its policy day by day. Conclusion/Recommendation Tui travel can have a good understanding of internal and external issues; these things can help him to face the stakeholders of the company. Its targets and ambitions formed on the basis of an inclusive process and do address its material issues In his sustainable development Report Company can have describe its targets, visions, missions, associated polices its board level commitment to achieve its goals. Solution of sustainable development challenges Tui travel can perform as a role model and made a long term policy. Tui travel focus on embedding and implementing its sustainable development policy and associated ambitious targets. Tui travel should be less management focus and more on stakeholders to determine their overall impacts to see their strength and weakness. Tui travel formalise its external stakeholder engagement process to better capture and report specific outcome of their stake holders and find solutions to its sustainable development challenges.

Doctor-Assisted Suicide Should be Legalized Essay examples -- Euthanas

â€Å"Dogs do not have many advantages over people, but one of them is extremely important: euthanasia is not forbidden by law in their case; animals have the right to a merciful death.† ― Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being One of the most controversial topics that is being debated today, both morally and legally, is assisted suicide, sometimes known as active euthanasia. Assisted suicide is the act of directly intervening in order to end the life of a terminally ill patient (i.e. administering a large amount of sleeping pills). The word "euthanasia", comes from Latin "eu" for "good" and "thanatos" for "death" (OCRT 1). Many people in this country are existing in a "living death", suffering on a day to day basis. The Declaration of Independence endows three basic rights to all Americans: Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Living in constant pain and agony is a violation of these most basic rights. Terminal illnesses compromise the well being of not only the patient, but also their families, friends, and doctors. People are entitled to request that their life be terminated through medical methods in situations which destroy any hope for quality of life. Many people are against an assisted suicide system. While religion plays a major role in the opposition of euthanasia (many religions, including Christianity and Judaism, are not only against assisted suicide but suicide altogether), the heart of their opposition is the fact that an elderly or poor patient may be coerced into choosing euthanasia by cost-conscious family members or their doctors (Klaidman 62). They feel that an exploitation of a euthanasia system is inevitable. However, these abuses and exploitations can be prevented through a strict regu... ... 1-2). Works Cited "Before the Court, the Sanctity of Life and Death." Various authors. The New York Times . 5 Jan. 2007. Bernards, Neal, ed. Euthanasia . Opposing Viewpoints Ser. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 1989. "Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide." 2013. Web. 17 April 2015 http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Euthanasiaandassistedsuicide/Pages/Introduction.aspx Flanders, Stephen A. Suicide . Library in a Book Ser. New York: Facts on File, 2011. Klaidman, Daniel and Reibstein, Larry. "Weighing the Right to Die." Newsweek . 13th Jan. 2013 Long, Robert Emmet, ed. Suicide . The Reference Shelf Ser. New York: The H. W. Wilson Company, 1995. "Doctor-Assisted Suicide." Web. 17 April 2015 http://endlink.lurie.northwestern.edu/physician_assisted_suicide_debate/what.cfm Van Beima, David. "Is There a Right to Die?" Time . 13th Jan. 2013: 60-61. Doctor-Assisted Suicide Should be Legalized Essay examples -- Euthanas â€Å"Dogs do not have many advantages over people, but one of them is extremely important: euthanasia is not forbidden by law in their case; animals have the right to a merciful death.† ― Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being One of the most controversial topics that is being debated today, both morally and legally, is assisted suicide, sometimes known as active euthanasia. Assisted suicide is the act of directly intervening in order to end the life of a terminally ill patient (i.e. administering a large amount of sleeping pills). The word "euthanasia", comes from Latin "eu" for "good" and "thanatos" for "death" (OCRT 1). Many people in this country are existing in a "living death", suffering on a day to day basis. The Declaration of Independence endows three basic rights to all Americans: Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Living in constant pain and agony is a violation of these most basic rights. Terminal illnesses compromise the well being of not only the patient, but also their families, friends, and doctors. People are entitled to request that their life be terminated through medical methods in situations which destroy any hope for quality of life. Many people are against an assisted suicide system. While religion plays a major role in the opposition of euthanasia (many religions, including Christianity and Judaism, are not only against assisted suicide but suicide altogether), the heart of their opposition is the fact that an elderly or poor patient may be coerced into choosing euthanasia by cost-conscious family members or their doctors (Klaidman 62). They feel that an exploitation of a euthanasia system is inevitable. However, these abuses and exploitations can be prevented through a strict regu... ... 1-2). Works Cited "Before the Court, the Sanctity of Life and Death." Various authors. The New York Times . 5 Jan. 2007. Bernards, Neal, ed. Euthanasia . Opposing Viewpoints Ser. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 1989. "Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide." 2013. Web. 17 April 2015 http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Euthanasiaandassistedsuicide/Pages/Introduction.aspx Flanders, Stephen A. Suicide . Library in a Book Ser. New York: Facts on File, 2011. Klaidman, Daniel and Reibstein, Larry. "Weighing the Right to Die." Newsweek . 13th Jan. 2013 Long, Robert Emmet, ed. Suicide . The Reference Shelf Ser. New York: The H. W. Wilson Company, 1995. "Doctor-Assisted Suicide." Web. 17 April 2015 http://endlink.lurie.northwestern.edu/physician_assisted_suicide_debate/what.cfm Van Beima, David. "Is There a Right to Die?" Time . 13th Jan. 2013: 60-61.

Superdads :: essays research papers

Superdads A long time ago, way back in the 1950's, there was a cold, icy creature known as the "fifties father." He rarely displayed affection, and he hid most of his feelings behind the newspaper. Most of the child-rearing duties were left to mom. We can kiss those days good-bye! In Western cultures there is an increasing number of men who are extremely active in all stages of raising their children. The old "fifties father" is now becoming the "nineties nanny." These modern "superdads", as we call them, have to manage the tough job of raising children and supporting them financially. Men have to fo this without the help of a previous role model in a past generation to model themselves after. Not having a role model makes being a superdad tougher than being a single mom. It leads to the creation of a "superdad syndrome." Superdad syndrome stems from the fact that boys growing up have very little practice at homemaking. Boys who play with dolls are considered weirdos while girls who play with dolls and participate in sports are trained for anything. Men can do a great job raising their children and providing basic needs, support, and love, but a man can never be a mother. A good example of this is Joel Chaken from New York City. He quit his job as an engineer to stay at home with his baby. His wife was an attorney. After a while he felt isolated at home all the time, and ne wanted to join a support group for new mothers who felt the same way. He was kicked out because he was not a mom, he was a superdad. Men need support groups of their own, for fathers. Even though there is an increasing number of dads taking care of their children, the court system rarely gives full custody to fathers. When superdads get custody of their children, they find it very rewarding to get closer to their kids. They also feel a sense of nobility. Many people look at single fathers with greater respect than single mothers. Fathers are seen as "superheroes." One such superhero dad is Rudy Szabo of Cleveland, Ohio. When his wife left, he quit his job as supervisor ar BEK Industries to stay at home

Filipino Social Acceptance Essay

Felipe Landa Jocano is a Professor Emeritus at the Asian Center of the University of the Philippines and Executive Director of PUNLAD Research House, Inc. He has authored numerous books on various aspects of Filipino Society and Culture. Frank Lynch is an anthropologist who came to the Philippines and study Filipino values and the acceptance of this in the society , founder of Frank Lynch university. Robert Hennig- B. S. Psychology, 1974, University of Wisconsin-Madison initiated the so called Social Psychophysiology Virgilio G. Enriquez- is known as the Father of Filipino Psychology â€Å"Ama ng Sikolohiyang Pilipino†, Pambansang Samahan sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino, (National Organization of Filipino Psychology) a field he established in 1975. Enriquez’ initial proposal that a Filipino concept of personhood centered on the core value expressed in the word Kapwa, a Tagalog word that covers the concepts of both â€Å"self† and â€Å"others,† has been expanded by those who studied under him, resulting in an entire system that seeks to describe the Filipino’s sense of being a person, and an entire field of study that differentiates the Filipino’s sense of being from those of other cultures, especially the western cultures. Dr. Mary Racelis (formerly Hollnsteiner) is former IPC Director, as well as Senior Professorial Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ateneo de Manila University. She has published extensively in the areas of poverty and well-being, urbanization, community organizing and people’s empowerment, civil society, gender, children and youth, education, and socio-cultural change. Her close interaction with community based NGOs and People’s Organizations over many years and her service on several local and international NGO boards has given her the informal title of â€Å"activist social scientist. † In 1975, De La Salle University awarded her a Doctorate in the Social Sciences, honoris causa, while the Ateneo de Manila University conferred on her the doctorate in humanities, honoris causa, in 2003. In 2004, the Consuelo Foundation gave her the Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award. Aime C. Bulatao, S. J. , PhD is a professor, and clinical psychologist of Psychology Ateneo de Manila University. He obtained Bachelor of Arts in the Sacret Heart College Novaliches in 1946 and studied STL in Woodstock College, Maryland in 1953. He got his Masters degree in Experimental Psychology in Fordham University, New York in 1956 and Ph. D. in 1961 in the same university. Jaime C. Bulatao -also conducted several researches and has written scholarly papers, theses and dissertations on areas such as psychology, education, culture and personality, group dynamics, guidance and counseling,and religion. His current research interests and projects include: consciousness mapping, analysis, diagnosis and therapy through the use of computers, hypnosis and hypnotherapy and altered states of consciousness. Alfredo Villa-gracia Lagmay (b. August 14, 1919- d. December 15, 2005) is a Filipino pioneer psychologist, academician,clinician,philosopher and national scientist. He was conferred as National Scientist in 1988 for his studies relation to experimental analysis of behavior. He is also the first filipino to be the first elected chair of the University of the Philippines Department of Psychology in 1970. Ledivina V. Carino – was born on 22 April 1942 in Marahan, Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration in 1961, Cum Laude, from the University of the Philippines. She later obtained her Masters in Political Science in 1964 from the University of Hawaii. She completed her Ph. D. in Sociology in 1970 at the Indiana University Tomas D. Andres, a sociologist and author of the book dictionary of filipino values. SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE- being taken by one’s fellowmen for what one is believes he is and treated in accordance with his status and not rejected or improperly criticized, and need social approval and acceptance by the member of the group. FRANK LYNCH compare the social acceptance of two countries ( Philippines and United States) but JOCANO came up with correctness to the comparison made by LYNCH stating that: UNITED STATES – social acceptance is also highly valued, through INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK in which to be socially accepted one’s member to church, lounge club, community fund drive and fraternities. PHILIPINES – social acceptance is highly valued, through INTERPERSONAL FRAMEWORK in which occurs to the closely knit nuclear family and its range of kinship, with this one’s are being impressed during childhood with who his relative was and the corresponding right and obligation towards them. And with the social acceptance comes to intermediate values according to LYNCH, (1) Smooth Interpersonal Relation (2) Pakikisama: Smooth Interpersonal Relation- is getting along with others so as to avoid outward signs and conflicts, with this one uses friendly smile gentle manner, agreeable and gracious attitude to be socially accepted. Pakikisama – folk concept of human relation and implies giving in or yielding to the wish of majority even if it contradict one’s own idea, actions such as napipilitan, joining others to compensate ones friend. But VIRGILIO ENRIQUEZ objected with the emphasis of LYNCH to the akikisama as one of the intermediate values, according to him PAKIKISAMA is not the National Value it is just one of the many level of interaction other levels are : Pakikitungo Pakikisalamuha Pakikilahok Pakikiisa. Pakikipagkalagayan ng Loob Now to relate it with our Course, this social acceptance is very much important, citing that to be socially accepted you must comprehend with the existing group in which we exercise this two intermediate Values, like for example the Pakikisama : â€Å"as we work with institutions we shall encounter the so called LAKAD SYSTEM in which some people we know will approach us for assistance regarding Government Transaction etc. and because of Pakikisama we will tolerate them. † In relation with social acceptance various values are in lined and has been quoted such as; Reciprocity or Utang na Loob, Bahala na, Closeness and Security in the Family, Respect for Elders, Personalism, Hospitality, Patient Suffering and Paninindigan. Now let’s first discuss Reciprocity or â€Å"Utang na Loob†. RECIPROCITY OR â€Å"UTANG-NA-LOOB† Gratitude is highly valued in the Philippine society. A Filipino should at all times be aware of his obligation to those from whom he receives favors and should repay them in an acceptable manner. â€Å"Utang na loob† invariably stems from a service rendered which is impossible of quantification even though a material gift may be involved. Here, one of the parties does not expect to be paid back. The degree of debt of gratitude depends to a large extent on the favor received. For instance, if a nearly dying patient was cured by a doctor and survives the family of that patient will forever be indebted to the doctor. ] â€Å"Utang na loob† in this instance is unquantifiable as there is nothing more important to a person than his life and that of his family. A child is indebted to his parents for his life and is considered ungrateful, â€Å"walang utang na loob† (ungrateful) if he fails to care for them in their old age. We have a Filipino saying â€Å"Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makararating as paroroonan (He who does not look back to the place he has been to will not get to where he is going)†. However, debts of gratitude, big or small, cannot really be paid at all, as shown in another Tagalog saying: â€Å"Ang utang na loob, napakaliit man, utang at utang din kahit mabayaran. Sa pakitang loob at tapat na damay ay walang sukat maitimbang (A favor, no matter how small, is a debt we must never forget since no money can ever fully repay it)†. With this Utang na loob comes connected the values such as Hiya, Amor Propio and Pakikisama, Hiya;has being associated with Utang na Loob due to the fact that when someone has a Utang na Loob he/she felt hiya to the one he/she owed (Pinagkakautangang Loob) on how to repay him/her. Amor Propio or self esteem; also has been associated for the reason that when someone has an Utang na loob with you, confidence to asked favor, act or speak against or not against you may come,damaging or boosting you honor or self esteem. Pakikisama was also associated with it because when you have a Utang na Loob to someone you’ll get along with that person accompany them though against your will, thinking that this Pakikisama is the only way you could repay him/her. BAHALA NA Bahala na is a common expression among Filipinos which rests on the fatalistic outlook and strong dependence on spirits. It literally, the Bahala na means â€Å"Leave it to God. † The abundance of superstition can further encourage the superstitiousness of the Filipinos. Now this Bahala Na values does have two effects: The Positive aspects towards this value are Filipino become daring, development of courage, fortitudes and willingness to face danger which further develop their responsibility, concern, management and trust and attitude to refuse defeat. But though this Values ha a Positive effect it has also its reciprocal; The Negative effect, such as it brings to the Backwardness of the Filipinos, laziness and lack of initiative is just examples of this behavior. For Filipino psychologists, like Thomas D. Andres, however, bahala na is not â€Å"fatalism† but determination and risk-taking. Filipinos do not leave their fate to God when they say bahala na; rather they are telling themselves that they are ready to face the difficult situation before them and will do their best to achieve their objectives. It is a way of pumping courage into their system before a difficult task. CLOSENESS AND SECURITY IN THE FAMILY: This is the most vaunted traits or values in the Filipino society; other term for this is close-family ties and family solidarity this is According to Bulatao. She considered the family as the defense in the hostile world and a unit where one family member can turn to in case of hardship. Closeness and Security in the Family merely develop the participation of ones family member in economic, social, spiritual and emotional aspect through the pattern of interdependence. RESPECT TO ELDERS This is a value inculcated early in the socialization process during childhood we have been all taught to respect elders by addressing those words like Kuya, Ate, Manong, Manang and the like. Politeness has been associated with this value; Filipinos are taught to become respectful individuals. This is mainly due to the influence of Christianity that tells us to honor both our parents and our elders. The use of ‘’po’’ and ‘’’opo’’’ when in conversation with an elder or someone who is older is a manifestation of how Filipinos respect their elders. Same with politeness, authority value was also associated; People show respect to the authority figure, by heeding and obeying them.

Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches Essay

Qualitative Research Design Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Qualitative research design is an approach used in research by researchers and scientists to study the behaviour and habits of human beings in the society. According to Flick, (2009 p. 17) the research design is used in various fields such as health, social sciences, business and other social sciences to study different behaviours. In health, qualitative research may be used to study issues on health awareness, availability of health facility, and access to primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services. The data obtained is then used as the basis for health improvement recommendations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Consequently, the qualitative research design can be applied in business to study the problems affecting business and how solutions can be modelled to improve performance of the industry. According to Saunders et al., (2012 p. 6) business research is a systematic research aimed at studying problems and solutions to business.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From the fact that business is a wide field, the design is also adapted in specific disciplines of business such as product design, marketing, advertisement, human resource, and studying new business opportunities. For example, in product design, the designers may want to obtain data about the existing products based on consumers’ feedback and use the information to improve or design new product using interviews, focus groups or ethnographic studies. Similarly, the same approach can be used in market research to establish the demand of certain products and the product penetration in the market. The researcher prepares questions to be used in either interviews or focus group. The information obtained from the interviews is then analysed to understand the demand of a given product in the market.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Example of qualitative research for product designer may include: product designers may want to study the gap in the market for a certain product for them to introduce new product that meet consumers’ tastes and preference. The designer may opt to interview several people in the targeted area and ask questions that may give information about the gap in the existing products. For example, they may obtain information about a detergent that does not work effectively to remove stains and thus design a new product that would meet consumers taste and preferences. Hence, qualitative research design forms the most efficient tool to obtain the data required to make the decision.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The design is also used as a lead for quantitative design. The viability of hypothesis is tested through the qualitative design and then proved using the quantitative design through mathematical analysis. Hence, the design is very important for preliminary studies where the researcher may want to gather information about the topic before embarking on detailed quantitative research.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Siegel & Olshansky, (2012 p. 53) there are several approaches used to obtain the data in qualitative design, which include: Interviews Focus groups Ethnographic research   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The interviews and the focus groups will be studied in details in the rest of the paper through critical evaluation and analysis to understand the application and how their cons can be improved in order to improve qualitative research design. Interviews   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Interviews involve questions and answer session between the researcher and the participants (DiCicco†Bloom, & Crabtree, 2006 p. 317). The researcher or the interviewer asks the questions while the participant responds to them based on his experience or the knowledge about the questions. The interviewer guides the respond throughout the interview until all the questions are answered comprehensively. The interview may involve individuals or groups. According to Seidman, (2013 p. 113) interviews can be carried out through various methods such as; face-to-face interactions, telephone or electronic devices such as internet-enabled computer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are different types of interviews depending on how they are carried or how the interview questions are structured. The paper will elaborate, evaluate and analysed four forms of interviews namely: Structured interview Semi-structured interviews Unstructured interviews and Iinformal interviews Types of interviews   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The types of interviews are discussed based on Creswell, (2014 p. 189) explanations. Structured interviews   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They are the main tool of research when the researcher has well understanding of the research topic. This is because the researcher is able to formulate all the possible research questions and get as much information from the participants as possible. The researcher may be interested in proving a theory or previous studies. Hence, interview is based on the literature reviewed or observations related to the topic during less structured interviews. The interview is developed using topic specific and close-ended questions. This is from the fact that the researcher has well understanding of the topic and scope and thus limits the information that he or she should obtain from the participants. Although the researcher is able to obtain information that is specific to his or her study, it may be hard for the respondent to answer all the questions well since he may be limited to answers. In addition, lack of knowledge about a certain question may result in incomplete interviews. Semi-Structured interviews   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The interview is used when the researcher has limited time, respondent availability is not guaranteed, and thus different people conduct the interview in the field at the same time. The interview has well explained instructions to guide the interviewers in order to provide accurate and qualitative data in addition to trainings meant for understanding the topic. The interviews are preceded by informal interviews and observations in order to help the researcher to understand the topic in order to develop the semi-structured interview. The interview questions are mainly open ended and thus the respondent has the freedom to answer the questions in his own understanding and experience. The interview becomes interesting when the respondent understands the topic and thus he or she may give as much information as possible. The additional information can be noted in a notebook to support the data during presentation. Unstructured interviews   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They are carried out when the researchers lack enough understanding on the topic and hence have allowance for additional information from the respondent. The researcher tries to gets as much information from the respondent as possible in order for him or her to build on the existing information. The questions are open ended and the researcher has no influence on the respondents’ answers. However, the researcher has a clear understanding of the research setting. Informal interviews   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The method is commonly used for social research and or during the early set up of the study. In this type of interview, the researcher aim is to obtain as much information from participants as possible. This is because the topic is poorly understood and there is little literature on the topic and thus information can only be obtained from primary sources to build on the existing information. Most informative interview approach are carried out for studies that are based on experience, interests, or a given culture that is not researched and so the researcher uses observations to develop more understand of the inquiry and develop a rapport. Like the structured, the interview questions are open ended as the respondent’s information is crucial towards development of the study. Pros of the interviews Accurate data   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Seidman, (2013 p. 1oo) interviews give more accurate data than other data collection methods. The researcher explains to the respondents some questions that might be difficult of him or her and thus end up getting the required information. In addition, the researcher explore the topic or questions using probe that enables him or her to get more information and details, which results in more accurate data. That is, the researcher has a chance to clarify and explain some questions that the interviewee my lack the knowledge and understanding thus getting the intended information.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The interview provides a rich data with details and insights about the topic. The respondent describes his or her own understanding on the topic with the help of the researcher. In addition, the researcher can create a favourable environment for the interview thus resulting in general and sensitive information that is important to the study compared to other methods of data collection such as questionnaires and focus group. For example, in focus group, the interactions of a number of respondents at the same time may hinder discussion of sensitive information due to lack of confidentiality. However, interview between the researcher and respondent only creates a favourable environment to give all types of information. Feedback   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is direct response from the interviewee and the feedback. This ensures that the information sought is obtained and in case of disparity. In addition, the researcher ensures that the information is obtained from the intended person. In other types of methods such as questionnaires, information may be obtained from unintended person. Observations   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Interviews can be carried out at the same time with observations to gain more understanding and information on the topic. Unlike other methods used in research, interviews allow researcher to make observations that may be important source of information. In addition, the research may compare the information from the respondents and what he or she observes and inquire for clarity when disparity is noticed. Building Rapport   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Close interactions between the researcher and interviewee creates a more relaxed environment, which results to the respondent answering questions based on his or her experience rather than giving direct answers to the topic. The researcher then use the information obtained from the researcher to build a rapport with topic. The researcher may explore additional information from the respondent that may help to develop more understanding on the topic Flexibility   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Interviews are conducted at any time, locations, or based on the circumstances of the individual,. Thus, they are the most convenient method of data collection. For example, the researcher can conduct interviews in residential areas, trading areas, farming locations and any other place that may be convenient to the respondent. Cons of interviews   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Time-consuming: the process of scheduling, conducting, and analysing the interviews consumes a lot of time (Zikmund, 2013 p. 150). The process of visiting the respondents and carrying the interview face-to-face can be tedious and time consuming. Since huge data is obtained from interview, it becomes tedious to enter the data and a lot of time is consumed. Therefore, it is important to have a data entry and analysis plan before data collection. Costly   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The interviews are costly because they require the interviewers to be trained, the schedules to visit respondents to be prepared and the actual interview process. They require physical participation of respondent and the researcher. Biasness   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The physical appearance of the interviewee may affect the attitude of the respondent and thus giving biased information that may affect the accuracy of the data. Other factors that may results in biased information include the respondents’: voice tone and opinion, gender and race, inadequate note taking. Biasness affects the main purpose of the study, which may produce contradicting data from the existing one. This can mislead future studies that may rely on the data. Inconsistencies   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The flexibility of the interviews may result in inconsistence data during interactions due to variation in interview setting such as changing environment. For example- interruption of interviews by passersby or other factors such as rain can make the respondent to lose track and give inconsistence information Focus groups   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Focus group involves collection of data through semi-structured interview from a group of respondents who are identified based on diverse but related characteristics to form a diverse group that represent the actual population. The interview is moderated by a group leader and involves discussion of a specific topic. Fiske and Merton introduced the method during their studies that were based on audience participants (Sprenkle & Piercy, 2005 p. 87) Pros of focus group Developing research topic   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Focus group give information to the researcher about a given subject, which help him or her to develop the topic and build rapport. The aim of the focus group is to obtain as much information as possible that is necessary for the study and thus it is a common method for preliminary study. Time saving   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Large amount of data from a big population can be obtained within the shortest time possible (Hesse-Biber, & Leavy, 2011 p. 164). Data is collected from groups of respondents at the same time. This is in contrary to interviews where the questions are asked to a single respondent for a given time and it may take a lot of time to cover a given number of respondents as opposed to focus groups. Accurate data:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The discussion involves the consensus among the group members. In case of diverse information, members agree on given information that giving accurate and homogeneous data The data is also specific on the researchers’ topic. Economical:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Huge data can be summarized using group consensus and thus data entry and analysis is cheap and time saving as opposed to interviews where huge amount is obtained from very large number of respondents Observations:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Just like interviews, the researcher can get additional data from the participants’ behaviour, feelings and thought about the topic. In addition, focus group helps to generate information for a study that could have unobservable features. Cons of focus group Biasness   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The moderator of the group or the researcher makes the final judgment and interpretation of the discussion. Subjective judgment and poor interpretation has high risk of introducing personal businesses in the discussion and thus biased data. The participants may tend to follow the initial opinions thus resulting in biased results Risk of incomplete and inaccurate data   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The planning, scheduling and contacting participants may be costly and involving and thus poor management may result to incomplete study that may affect the quality of data collected. Sensitive information   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is not a good method for addressing sensitive issues. This is because people may feel uneasy sharing sensitive information among their friends or enemies that might be in the group, which may have a negative contributory factor to the quality of data obtained. Addressing the interview cons Time consuming   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The use of alternative means of communication such as telephone and computer can decrease the time spent in scheduling and visiting the respondents. Therefore, avoiding face-to-face interviews can help to save time and making the method more economical. Time that could be spent to travel to respondent and carry physical interview is minimised. Planning should also be done prior to the study in order to avoid time wasting during the actual study. Costly   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Activities such as data entry and analysis can be carried along with the interviews to ensure that no additional cost that is incurred during independent data entry. Minimised travelling through phone interviews would cut down on cost. Biasness   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Presentable physical appearance should be encouraged. The physical appearance of the interviewer that would not have influence on respondents should be emphasized during training. Interviewers should be discouraged from making subjective judgments that would affect the interactions. Inconsistencies:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The interview should be conducted in a neutral environment that has no effect on information delivery. The researcher should spend a considerable good amount of time in looking for a natural setting for the interview conducive for the respondents (Merriam, & Merriam, 2009 p. 17). For example, interviews in closed rooms may have minimal interference, thus maintain consistence information delivery, and thus maintain high quality data. Addressing focus group cons Biasness:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to avoid biasness, the moderator of the focus group should be well trained about making subjective judgment and interpretations. Good relationship between respondents and the researcher promotes mutual understanding that contributes to accurate interpretations of the information (Marshall, & Rossman, 2011 p. 101). The moderator should not be an active part of the study and should be limited to the information on the expected result of the study. Risk of incomplete and inaccurate data:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Proper management should be done prior to the study so that all the scheduling and contacting of the participants is made in time. This will ensure that the participants are aware of the scope of the study and their roles and thus the study will be complete successfully. When participants are well-prepared psychologically, they become patient and go through the whole process thus giving complete data. Sensitive information   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The moderator should inform the participants about the confidentiality of the information shared in the focus group and create a friendly environment. This will give the participants confidence and freedom to share all the information that they may have including the sensitive one and thus the quality of the data will not be compromised. Participants may feel that some issues belong to the community and that it should not be addressed to a stranger. The researcher may also involve people from the communities to help them moderate the discussion and thus creating favourable environment for discussing sensitive information that is vital to the final data. References Creswell, J. W. (2014).  Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications. DiCicco†Bloom, B., & Crabtree, B. F. 2006. The qualitative research interview.Medical education,  40(4), 314-321. 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