Spirituality 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Spirituality 3 - Essay Example The following is a brief summary of the assessment. It was noted that the patient admitted to being affected by her relationship with God due to her illness. She has not been able to do things related to spirituality effectively as a result of her illness. She relates her devastation in her relationship with her family and friends as they consider her an outcast in the community. From the assessment it was observed that the kind of ailment she was suffering was considered to infect someone who went against the culture of the community. The patient had a desire to make up with children who have since been separated from her for three months of her ordeal. She reiterated that she wish to profess her love for her children. It is apparent that the conflicts are likely to affect the medical situation where the patient is likely to die faster than anticipated. Besides, she preferred to speak to her chaplain before she passed on, which is a request she made to the nurses to help her soul rest in peace. The major challenge in conducting the assessment was behind the fact that the patient was emotional at some point. She blamed everyone in the society for her current situation, her family members for abandoning her and God for letting things happen the way they are. It was not easy to complete the entire assessment. In future, I intend to change the line and formatting of the questions in away to avoid build up of emotions among the patients (Clark, Drain & Malone, 2003). Besides, I failed to take into considerations that this patient had reached a point of believing that God is not in control and hence He is a mean super being who lets His people suffer. Through the assessment I learnt some few vital lessons. One of the significant things I learnt was spirituality is essential to some patients while other patients who tend to be pagans in nature it might not help a lot. Moreover, it is one of

Building a learning community project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Building a learning community project - Essay Example ing at an age where plans for the future must be charted, the students’ perspectives for a fulfilling career are usually influenced by their interests and experiences. Hence, teachers must be knowledgeable in balancing teacher-directed learning and student-centred learning. A constructivist philosophy in the teaching-learning process is proposed. Ideally, career planning should begin early in a student’s life. As early as third or fourth grade, an Individual Career Development Plan (ICDP) should be started. This is a student notebook or portfolio containing information about their career interests including education and training opportunities and even exploration experiences (Hoerner, 1994). They are free to design their ICDP as they please because the more it is individualized to their preference, the more responsibility they will take in planning their lives, so they should be encouraged to carry their ICDP to all their classes, to take it home and share with parents, family and friends for feedback. Beginning a career plan in elementary school will help children have a focus around which they can relate their studies and extra-curricular activities. It is also important for teachers to nurture not only knowledge acquisition but also to include knowledge application. They need to think beyond the classroom and learn about possible careers their students may pursue when they go out into the world (Hoerner, 1994) Encouraging students to come up with their own ideas may be in the ambit of the teachers within the school premises. However, a bigger problem may lie outside school, specifically when the students go back to the community. The school, then, in envisioning success for such learner-centred learning must engage the community, most specifically the students’ parents and family members in supporting the students’ activities. Teachers must inculcate in the parents the significance of their cooperation and support if they indeed want their

Motivating Employees And Job Satisfaction

Motivating Employees And Job Satisfaction The work in the modern economies has made an understanding of the psychology of motivation and job satisfaction as a key component of business and management syllabuses. The aim of the study is two-fold: Firstly, literature reviews for the motivation theories and Theories on job satisfaction. Secondly, the relationships between employee motivation and job satisfaction. Motivation theories clarifying the importance of addressing employees needs at work, the attitude of workers towards their jobs, the basis for studying the motivational implications of perceived unfairness and injustice in the workplace, how rewards lead to behavior and relations between reinforcement and behavior. Theories on job satisfaction clarifying the aspects that impact directly on levels of job satisfaction, how people are influenced by how satisfied they believe other workers are with the same job, satisfaction is determined by a discrepancy between what one wants in a job and what one has in a job, the innate for dispositions that cause them to have tendencies toward a certain level of satisfaction. The relationship between employee motivation and job satisfaction has indicated that numerous variables of a personal, job and organizational nature influence the level of motivation and job satisfaction that employees experience in the workplace. This includes peoples needs with regard to their work and the work environment, as well as the nature and content of their jobs, and the working conditions under which they perform their daily tasks. List of Acronyms List of Figures Maslows hierarchy of needs Figure 2.1 P4 List of Tables Table of Contents Acknowledgement Ñ- Abstract Ñ-Ñ- List of Acronyms Ñ-Ñ-Ñ- List of Figures 6 List of Tables 6 Table of Content 6 1. Chapter 1: Introduction 1 1.1 Research problem 1 1.2 Importance of study 1 1.3 Research questions 1 2. Chapter 2: Motivation and theoretical background x 2.1 Motivation overview x 2.2 Definitions of employee motivation x 2.3 Theories of motivation x 2.3.1 Needs-based theories x 2.3.2 Two-factor theory x 2.3.3Cognitive theories x 2.3.3.1 Equity theory x 2.3.3.2 Expectancy theory x 2.3.3.3 Goal-setting theory x 2.3.4 Reinforcement theories x 2.4 Motivation : Composite summary x 3. Chapter 3: Job satisfaction x 3.1 Job satisfaction overview x 3.2 Definitions of job satisfaction x 3.3Theories on job satisfaction x 3.3.1 Two-factor theory x 3.3.2 Social influence theory x 3.3.3 Affect theory x 3.3.4 Equity theory x 3.3.5 Dispositional theory x 3.3.6 Job characteristics model x 3.4 Creating job satisfaction x 3.4.1 Work environment x 3.4.2 Career development programs x 3.4.3 Employee motivation x 3.5 Measuring job satisfaction x 3.6 Job satisfaction : Composite summary x 4. Chapter 4: The Relationship between Motivating Employees and Job satisfaction x 4.1 The effect of motivating employees on Job satisfaction x 4.2 How can mangers increase employee Job Satisfaction x 5. Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation x 5.1. Conclusion x 5.2. Recommendation x References 2 Chapter 1: Introduction Research Problem A variety of factors motivate people at work, some of which are tangible, such as money, and some of which are intangible, such as a sense of achievement. Although employees derive satisfaction from their work, or places of work, for different reasons, this study was concerned specifically with the investigation of the relationship between levels of satisfaction and the motivation of employees at work. The primary point of departure is that the success of any organization is heavily dependent on the inputs of its workforce, and that such inputs are determined to a large extent by personal characteristics, and by those facets of peoples work environments that motivate them to invest more physical and mental energy into their work. In this way the organizations objectives are pursued and met. Motivation and job satisfaction are therefore regarded as key determinants of organizational success. Importance of study This study demonstrated the importance of employee motivation and job satisfaction in organizational capability and effectiveness. Business has come to realize that a motivated and satisfied workforce can deliver powerfully to the bottom line. It is crucial for any organization, and particularly for those in developing countries with limited skills resources, such as Egypt, to ensure that it develops and retains a loyal, dedicated, committed and able workforce on a consistent basis. Loyal employees who are satisfied with the work that they do and with the culture of the organization they are employed by, and who are consequently motivated to continue their relationship with that organization. Finck, Timmers and Mennes (1998) emphasized that only when employees are excited and motivated by what they do, will business excellence be achieved. 1.3. Research questions What is employees motivation? Why employees need motivation? What is job satisfaction? How to create job satisfaction? How to measure employees job satisfaction? What is the relationship between employee motivation and job satisfaction? Chapter 2: Motivation and theoretical background 2.1 Motivation overview In the current business environment, organizations in all industries are experiencing rapid change, which is accelerating at enormous speed. To be successful in a borderless, competitive global environment, companies must be sure to work hard on especially the people side of their business (Khan, 1997). This view is supported by Finck et al. (1998), who stated that companies must recognize that the human factor is becoming much more important for organizational survival, and that business excellence will only be achieved when employees are excited and motivated by their work. In addition, difficult circumstances, such as violence, tragedy, and fear and job insecurity create severe stress in employees and result in reduced workplace performance. The issue of what motivates employees has set a practical and theoretical agenda for organizational psychologists since the start of the 20th century. Baron (1991, p.9) described motivation as one of the most pivotal concerns of modern organizational research. Van Niekerk (1987) emphasized this point by stating that productivity is a function of both the motivation and the ability of an employee. Therefore, if motivation equals zero, so does productivity. Since employee performance is a joint function of ability and motivation, one of managements primary tasks, therefore, is to motivate employees to perform to the best of their ability. In the field of organizational psychology, work motivation is approached from several angles. For example, some researchers feel work motivation study should start with an examination of the values of employees, since their values determine their needs, and their needs ultimately determine their behavior. A crucial problem for others in contemporary organization theory and research is how best to conceptualize and assess individual differences in motivational tendencies (Kanfer Ackerman, 2000). Sempane et al. (2002) noted that organizations represent highly complex social structures because of their dynamic nature. Employees, who are role players in them, render them competitive through their involvement and commitment. The relationship between organization and employee is characterized by a high level of mutual interdependence, as both parties impact on the others potential for success. Employee motivation and job satisfaction become crucial elements in this relationship. Extensive research has shown that employee motivation and job satisfaction are not brought about in isolation, but rather respond to organizational variables such as structure and working conditions (Schneider Snyder, 1975). 2.2 Definitions of employee motivation Walker (1980) stated that studies over the years have shown little relationship between measures of job satisfaction and performance outputs. Highly satisfied workers may be poor performers, whereas highly dissatisfied workers may be good performers. Several variables influence the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance; although no direct causal relationships between these have been identified as yet. However, it appears that motivation might account for much of the link between an employees job satisfaction and job performance. Motivation, therefore, closes the satisfaction-performance loop, and has to do with a set of interrelated factors that explain an individuals behavior, holding constant the variables controlled or influenced by management, as well as by individual skills, abilities and knowledge. The term motivation is derived from the Latin term movere, which means to move. A great many definitions of the motivation construct have been postulated over the several decades during which this multi-faceted concept has been researched. The rich variety in perspectives on the topic of motivation is illustrated below. Beach (1980) saw motivation as a willingness to expend energy to achieve a goal or reward. This author took somewhat of a behaviorist approach in stating that behavior that is perceived to be rewarding will be repeated, whereas behavior that goes unrewarded or is punished, tends to be extinguished. Beach (1980) did, however, recognize intrinsic motivation as related to the job content and as that which occurs when people perform an activity from which they derive satisfaction from simply engaging in the activity itself. Van Niekerk (1987) saw work motivation as the creation of work circumstances that influence workers to perform a certain activity or task of their own free will, in order to reach the goals of the organization, and simultaneously satisfy their own needs. Du Toit (1990) added that three groups of variables influence work motivation, namely individual characteristics, such as peoples own interests, values and needs, work characteristics, such as task variety and responsibility, and organizational characteristics, such as its policies, procedures and customs. It is interesting to note that the concept of organizational commitment has come to partly replace that of motivation within the field of organizational behavior (Lewicki, 1981). While the concept of motivation is linked to individualistic and task-centered reward systems, commitment seems to be linked to the identification of employees with a collective, that is, in terms of corporate values and norms. As such, management is concerned with cultivating motivation towards realizing the mission and goals of the organization, which are far above the ambitions and goals of any individual in it. 2.3 Theories of motivation Motivation research draws on a large number of theoretical perspectives. Although some of these appear to be less influential than when they were originally postulated, such as Maslows hierarchy of needs theory (Wicker Wiehe, 1999), their contributions as foundation layers and inspirations for subsequent theories are still evident and acknowledged. According to Petri (1996) the vast array of motivation theories are based, in essence, on differing approaches to the origins or sources of motivation, e.g. energy, heredity, learning, social interaction, cognitive processes, activation of motivation, homeostasis, hedonism or growth motivation. Depending on the particular approach adopted, motivation theories are generally classified into three categories, namely needs-based, cognitive, and drive and reinforcement theories (Baron et al., 2002). 2.3.1 Needs-based theories One of the most often-quoted motivation theories is that of Abraham Maslow, which he introduced in 1943 (Van Niekerk, 1987). The basic tenet of the theory is that people are motivated by their quest to satisfy their needs, or deficiencies, which may be grouped in five categories, and that these needs occur in a specific hierarchy, where lower order needs have to be satisfied before those of a higher order nature (Gouws, 1995). Maslow (1968, p.153) asserted that gratification of one basic need opens consciousness to domination by another. Maslows need hierarchy is portrayed in Figure 2.1. maslows-hierarchy-of-needs.jpg Figure 2.1: Maslows hierarchy of needs Needs hierarchy theory has had a positive impact on organizations, as it has focused attention on the importance of addressing employees needs at work (Spector, 2003). In addition, one of its main constructs, the self-actualization concept, has become very popular with especially managers and executives who have accepted this high-level need as a potent motivator (Schultz Schultz, 1998). 2.3.2 Two factor theory Frederick Herzbergs well-known and controversial theory of motivation was postulated in 1954, and developed from his work to determine the attitude of workers towards their jobs (Gouws, 1995). As such, it was originally intended to be a job satisfaction theory, but over time it was its motivational aspects that attracted most attention (Baron et al., 2002). Beach (1980) was of the opinion that this theory constitutes more of a work motivation than general human motivation theory. The basic assumption of Herzbergs theory is that motivation originates from the job itself, and not from other external characteristics, and that those factors leading to job satisfaction (motivators) are separate and distinct from those leading to job dissatisfaction (hygiene/maintenance factors) (Herzberg, 1966). The hygiene factors, which may be equated with Maslows lower order needs, are placed along a continuum, from a state of dissatisfaction, to no dissatisfaction. These factors involve circumstances surrounding the task which do not lead to job satisfaction, but prevent dissatisfaction, if maintained adequately. Examples of these maintenance factors include the level of supervision, job status, work circumstances, service conditions, remuneration and interpersonal relationships (Herzberg, 1966). Motivators, on the other hand, have a direct positive effect on the work situation, and lead to improved productivity. They may be equated with Maslows higher order needs, and are also placed along a continuum from a highly motivated to a highly unmotivated state. Aspects of the job itself, e.g. level of recognition, pleasure of performance, increased responsibility, and opportunities for advancement and promotion, serve as motivators (Herzberg, 1966). 2.3.3 Cognitive theories 2.3.2.1 Equity theory Equity theory was first introduced by Stacy Adams in 1965. Its basic tenet is that people are motivated to achieve a condition of equity / fairness in their dealings with other people, and with the organizations they work for. People make judgments or comparisons between their own inputs at work, e.g. their qualifications, experience and effort, and the outcomes they receive, e.g. pay and fringe benefits, status and working conditions. They then assign weights to these inputs and outputs according to their relevance and importance to themselves. The summed total produces an output / input ratio, which is the key issue in terms of motivation. If a persons output / input ratio is equal to that of another person, equity exists. A state of inequity leads to tension, which the individual tries to reduce by changing one or more elements of the ratio, e.g. increase or reduce his effort. Perceived inequity by the person is therefore the basis for motivation (Baron et al., 2002). This theory helped to provide the basis for studying the motivational implications of perceived unfairness and injustice in the workplace. It also laid the foundation for more recent theories on distributive (how much is allocated to each person) and procedural justice (how rewards and job requirements are determined) (Cropanzano Folger, 1996). In a meta-analysis of many of these theories, 2.3.3.2 Expectancy theory The original thinking behind what has come to be known as expectancy theory, or Vrooms Expectancy-Valence-Instrumentality (VIE) theory, can be traced back to the theorizing of Tolman and Levin in 1932 and 1938 respectively (Petri, 1996). Vroom was, however, the first scholar to elaborate on this thinking in a motivational context in 1964 (Gouws, 1995). Since its origins in the psychological theorizing of some 60 years ago, the expectancy theory has been presented in many variations. Common to all versions is the basic tenet that people base their behavior on their beliefs and expectations regarding future events, namely those maximally advantageous to them (Baron et al., 2002). Essentially, the theory explains how rewards lead to behavior, through focusing on internal cognitive states that lead to motivation. In other words, people are motivated to action if they believe those behaviors will lead to the outcomes they want. The said cognitive states are termed expectancy, valence and instrumentality (Spector, 2003). 2.3.3.3 Goal-setting theory Goal-setting theory was first proposed by Edwin Locke in 1968. Spector (2003) described this perspective on motivation as the assumption that peoples behavior is motivated by their internal intentions, objectives or goals; in other words, by what people consciously want to achieve. According to Locke and Henne (1986) goals affect behavior in four ways: They direct attention and action to those behaviors which a person believes will achieve a particular goal; They mobilize effort towards reaching the goal; They increase the persons persistence, which results in more time spent on the behaviors necessary to attain the desired goal; They motivate the persons search for effective strategies for goal attainment. This theory has an intuitive appeal because of its clear relevance to the workplace (Schultz Schultz, 1998). It is currently one of the most popular theories informing organizational approaches to employee motivation (Spector, 2003). 2.3.4 Reinforcement theories Reinforcement theories, which assume that peoples behavior is determined by its perceived positive or negative consequences (Baron et al., 2002) are based on the Law of Effect Hulls drive theory elaborated on this idea and suggested that effort was the mathematical product of drive, multiplied by habit, and that habit were derived from behavior reinforcement. The consequences of behavior may be tangible, such as money, or intangible, such as praise (Spector, 2003). In this regard, reinforcement theory was highly influential in firmly establishing the ideas relating to incentive and reward systems that are applied in most organizations today. As such, it provided the basis for the notion that rewards should be contingent with individual units of productivity (Schultz Schultz, 1998). As a motivation theory, reinforcement theory has fallen somewhat out of favor, as it merely describes relations between reinforcement and behavior, but gives little insight into motivational processes, e.g. whether or not a person wanted a specific reward, or why. Nevertheless, its relative popularity in the workplace is maintained by research that has shown that rewards can be highly effective in the enhancement of job performance (Spector, 2003). 2.4 Motivation: Composite summary Each of the theories covered has contributed substantially towards current perspectives on and understanding of the concept of motivation in the workplace. The needs theories, for example, are largely responsible for organizations recognition that peoples behavior at work is motivated by highly individualized innate needs and desires (Van Niekerk, 1987). Achievement-orientated people are, for example, driven by a much stronger need for power, affiliation and achievement than most other people (Schultz Schultz, 1998). For this reason, employers need to ensure that they invest the necessary time and effort to assess the personal needs of individual employees, and customize their jobs and working environments accordingly (Walker, 1980). Due to their innate need to produce good work and develop themselves, most employees do not need constant supervision and direction and may, in fact, find such actions very demotivating. In addition, people need to experience their work as meaningful an d challenging, and therefore require considerable input on the part of management to ensure a high degree of job enrichment on a continual basis (Beach, 1980). The cognitive theories of motivation have helped employers to understand that, apart from their motivation being driven by innate needs, employees also apply deliberate conscious thought to their behavior at work. Organizations are aware that people evaluate their inputs on the job against what they receive in return, and that they should therefore pay attention to the equitability between employee delivery and reward (Cropanzano Folger, 1996). It is also prudent for organizations to offer a range of benefits, which may be acquired through different levels of performance, to allow employees to set themselves challenging goals that they may attain via differing means they may perceive as instrumental towards those goals (Spector, 2003). Once employees have met the requirements of their own jobs, and attained certain goals, they expect certain rewards to follow. In this regard, reinforcement theories have contributed much towards the establishment of a wide array of reward and performance incentives systems applied in organizations all over the world today (Beach, 1980). Clearly, the theorizing of many an author and researcher over the years has resulted in the increased ability of organizations to transform these theories into practical and effective measures to address a highly complicated aspect of organizational psychology, namely the motivation of human behavior at work, and to ensure organizational success and profitability in the process. Chapter 3: Job satisfaction 3.1 Job satisfaction overview The concept of job satisfaction enjoys increasing attention from organizations these days, since its importance and pervasiveness in terms of organizational effectiveness has been firmly established quite some time ago. Managers now feel morally responsible for maintaining high levels of job satisfaction among their staff, most probably primarily for its impact on productivity, absenteeism and staff turnover, as well as on union activity (Arnold Feldman, 1986). Organizations recognize that having a workforce that derives satisfaction from their work contributes hugely towards organizational effectiveness and ultimate survival. Job satisfaction is regarded as related to important employee and organizational outcomes, ranging from job performance to health and longevity (Spector, 2003). The importance of job satisfaction in the workplace is underscored by its inextricable connection to a persons entire life. Since a persons job is an all-important part of his life, it follows that job satisfaction is part of life satisfaction. The nature of the environment outside of the job directly influences a persons feelings and behavior on the job . Schultz and Schultz (1998) emphasized that people spend one third to one half of their waking hours at work, for a period of 40 to 45 years, and that this is a very long time to be frustrated, dissatisfied and unhappy, especially since these feelings carry over to family and social life, and affect physical and emotional health. A concept with such tremendous effect on personal and organizational life clearly deserves a corresponding amount of attention. 3.2 Definitions of job satisfaction A great many definitions of the concept of job satisfaction have been formulated over time. Arnold and Feldman (1986) described job satisfaction as the amount of overall affect that individuals have toward their job. Since a job has many characteristics, job satisfaction is necessarily a summation of worker attitudes regarding all these. The good features are balanced against the bad, so that the overall job satisfaction is perceived as high or low. It appears that job satisfaction may be studied from two slightly different perspectives. Firstly, job satisfaction may be treated as a single, overall feeling towards a persons job. Alternatively, researchers may focus on the different aspects that impact upon a job, e.g. its rewards and social environment, and even characteristics of the job itself, such as its content. It is believed that this latter view permits a more comprehensive picture of job satisfaction, as an individual typically experiences different levels of satisfaction ac ross different job aspects (Spector, 2003). 3.3 Theories on job satisfaction 3.3.1 Two-factor theory Two-factor theory relates to job satisfaction as well as it does to motivation, and posits that the things that provide employees with satisfaction at work are not the same as those that bring about dissatisfaction. This is Herzbergs theory of satisfiers and dissatisfiers, or the positive and negative aspects of the job. Dissatisfiers do not lead to job satisfaction, but prevent dissatisfaction if properly maintained, for example, acceptable service conditions. Satisfiers, on the other hand, impact directly on job satisfaction, for example, positive promotion aspects elevate levels of job satisfaction (Gouws, 1995). 3.3.2 Social influence theory Social influence theory holds that people are influenced by how satisfied they believe other workers are with the same job (Van Vuuren, 1990). New employees may, for example, change their initial misgivings about their job when they discover that others performing the same tasks are satisfied with their work. In this sense social influence theory may share certain common features with equity theory. 3.3.3 Affect theory Edwin A. Lockes Range of Affect Theory (1976) is arguably the most famous job satisfaction model. The main premise of this theory is that satisfaction is determined by a discrepancy between what one wants in a job and what one has in a job. Further, the theory states that how much one values a given facet of work (e.g. the degree of autonomy in a position) moderates how satisfied/dissatisfied one becomes when expectations are/arent met. When a person values a particular facet of a job, his satisfaction is more greatly impacted both positively (when expectations are met) and negatively (when expectations are not met), compared to one who doesnt value that facet. To illustrate, if Employee A values autonomy in the workplace and Employee B is indifferent about autonomy, then Employee A would be more satisfied in a position that offers a high degree of autonomy and less satisfied in a position with little or no autonomy compared to Employee B. 3.3.4 Equity theory Equity theory stipulates that people generally want to receive what they consider a fair or equitable return for their efforts at work. Greater satisfaction is experienced if they perceive the return or reward they receive as equitable. These perceptions may be based on previous or vicarious experience, or on peoples observations of other employees, for example (Van Vuuren, 1990). Job satisfaction in this regard is related to the motivation to achieve a condition of equity or fairness in peoples dealings with others. 3.3.5 Dispositional theory Another well-known job satisfaction theory is the Dispositional Theory. It is a very general theory that suggests that people have innate dispositions that cause them to have tendencies toward a certain level of satisfaction, regardless of ones job. This approach became a notable explanation of job satisfaction in light of evidence that job satisfaction tends to be stable over time and across careers and jobs. Research also indicates that identical twins have similar levels of job satisfaction. A significant model that narrowed the scope of the Dispositional Theory was the Core Self-evaluations Model, proposed by Timothy A. Judge, Edwin A. Locke, and Cathy C. Durham in 1997. Judge et al. argued that there are four Core Self-evaluations that determine ones disposition towards job satisfaction: self-esteem, general self-efficacy, locus of control, and neuroticism. This model states that higher levels of self-esteem (the value one places on his/her self) and general self-efficacy (the b elief in ones own competence) lead to higher work satisfaction. Having an internal locus of control (believing one has control over herhis own life, as opposed to outside forces having control) leads to higher job satisfaction. Finally, lower levels of neuroticism lead to higher job satisfaction (T.A, E.A C.C, 1997). 3.3.6 Job characteristics model Hackman Oldham proposed the Job Characteristics Model, which is widely used as a framework to study how particular job characteristics impact on job outcomes, including job satisfaction. The model states that there are five core job characteristics (skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and feedback) which impact three critical psychological states (experienced meaningfulness, experienced responsibility for outcomes, and knowledge of the actual results), in turn influencing work outcomes (job satisfaction, absenteeism, work motivation, etc.). The five core job characteristics can be combined to form a motivating potential score (MPS) for a job, which can be used as an index of how likely a job is to affect an employees attitudes and behaviors. A meta-analysis of studies that assess the framework of the model provides some support for the validity of the JCM ( J.R G,R, 1976). 3.4 Creating job satisfaction 3.4.1 Work environment A positive work environment is not only important for our physical, mental and emotional health, but is also important for the results that we produce for the company. The better we feel at work, the more likely we will take pride in our job activities and be loyal towards our place of employment Ways to create a positive working environment: Accept the right position Be a positive person Take responsibility Communicate with your manager Be social 3.4.2 Career development programs In organizational development (or OD), the study of career development looks at: How individuals manage their careers within and between organizations and, how organizations structure the career progress of their members, it can also be tied into succession planning within some organizations. the lifelong psychological and behavioral processes as well as contextual influences shaping ones career over the life span. As such, career development involves the persons creation of a career pattern, decision-making st

Drug Policy :: essays research papers

Drug Policy Colloquium Reflection   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The war on drugs and the violence that comes with it has always brought around a hot debate about drug legalization. The amount of violence that is associated with drugs is a result from harsher drug laws and prohibition.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The business of buying and selling drugs comes with high transactions costs. The dealer cannot risk being caught or scammed so he buys a gun to defend himself from the police and other dealers. The buyer of the drugs does not to be killed for his money if the dealer gets greedy so he buys a gun for himself. Now we have two people that if it came down to it, would kill for their crack rocks. Also, if a buyer got a bad crack rock or got less than he paid for, he cannot go the police or file a complaint. He must take matters into his own hands resulting in violence. If drugs were legalized, they would be safer in the sense that the crack-head that needs his daily crack rock would not have to deal directly with dangerous drug dealers and criminals and risk getting shot for his money. Instead, he can go down to the local â€Å"drug store† and get his drugs safely.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Drugs will even become safer for those who are willing to use them. Government regulations on drug quality will make the drugs more pure, and potent, taking the harmful additives that some drug makers put in. Like cigarettes, warnings would probably be posted on drug packages stating â€Å"The use of crack may be harmful to your health.† As well as on windows of the stores that sells the drugs. An age limit to buy drugs would probably be 21. Clean, sterile needles would also be provided to heroin users and stop the spread of diseases such as AIDS from contaminated and dirty needles.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I think that if drugs were legalized, use of legal drugs would tend to rise because it would be easier to obtain them and it may encourage people to try them out. However, the increase would only be for a short time period. In the long run, drug use would decrease because all the users that are using more drugs because they are easier to get would overdose and kill themselves and set an example for other people thinking about trying drugs. Another reason why drug use would decrease is that the reason why some people use drugs is because they are illegal.

Cookie Clicker Cheats Userscript Essay

// ==UserScript== // @name Cookie Clicker Cheats // @namespace http://userscripts.org/users/zackton // @description Enable/Disable different cheats/hacks for Cookie Clicker // @include http://orteil.dashnet.org/cookieclicker/ // @include orteil.dashnet.org/cookieclicker/ // @updateURL http://userscripts.org/scripts/source/176985.meta.js // @require http://userscripts.org/scripts/source/187400.user.js // @require http://userscripts.org/scripts/source/276064.user.js // @icon http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130827014914/cookieclicker/images/5/5a/PerfectCookie.png // @grant none // @run-at document-end // @version 1.7 // ==/UserScript== // Main wait loop setTimeout(doSomething, 1000); function doSomething() { var element = document.getElementById(‘particle0’); if (typeof (element) != ‘undefined’ && element != null) { //Game particles have loaded, FIRE AWAY! (function () { var options = { panelId: ‘cookie-cheater’, intervalDelay: 1, longDelay: 250, buttons: { ‘bigCookie’: { label: ‘Autoclick Big Cookie’, action: function () { toggleAutoAction(‘bigCookie’, function () { Game.ClickCookie(); }) } }, ‘spawnGoldenCookie’: { label: ‘Spawn a Golden Cookie’, action: function () { Game.goldenCookie.life = 0; Game.goldenCookie.time = Game.goldenCookie.minTime; Game.goldenCookie.spawn(); } }, ‘autoGoldenCookie’: { label: ‘Autospawnclick GCs’, action: function () { toggleAutoAction(‘autoGoldenCookie’, function () { if (Game.frenzy 0) { Game.goldenCookie.last = â€Å"blood frenzy† } else { Game.goldenCookie.last = â€Å"frenzy† } Game.frenzy = 1 } if (Game.frenzy > 0) { Game.goldenCookie.toDie = 1 } if (Game.goldenCookie.life >= 0 && (Game.frenzy 0)) { Game.goldenCookie.click(); } }) } }, ‘autoBuyUpgrades’: { label: ‘Autobuy Upgrades’, action: function () { toggleAutoAction(‘autoBuyUpgrades’, function () { buyUpgrades(); }) } }, ‘fuckThemWrinklers’: { label: ‘Slaughter Wrinklers’, action: function () { toggleAutoAction(‘fuckThemWrinklers’, function () { setTimeout(function() { for (var i in Game.wrinklers) { var me=Game.wrinklers[i]; if (me.phase==2) { me.hurt=1; me.hp–; var x=me.x+(Math.sin(me.r*Math.PI/180)*100); var y=me.y+(Math.cos(me.r*Math.PI/180)*100); for (var ii=0;ii 0) {Game.seasonPopup.click()}},Math.floor(((Math.random()*7)+3)*2500)); }) } }, } }; addStyleSheet(); addPanel(); for (var name in options.buttons) { if (!options.buttons[name]) { return; } addButton(name, options.buttons[name].label, options.buttons[name].action); } function buyUpgrades() { for (var i = 0; i < Game.UpgradesById.length; i++) { if ((i > 63 && i < 75) || i === 79 || (i > 82 && i < 86) || i === 91 || i === 124 || (i > 140 && i < 143) || i === 167 || (i > 181 && i < 186)) { continue; } else { if (Game.UpgradesById[i].unlocked === 1) { if(Game.cookies >= Game.UpgradesById[i].basePrice) { Game.UpgradesById[i].buy(); } } } } } //Lets bind some keys!!! //Buys one of specified building Mousetrap.bind(‘shift+1’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 11].buy(); }); //Cursor Mousetrap.bind(‘shift+2’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 10].buy(); }); //Grandma Mousetrap.bind(‘shift+3’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 9].buy(); }); //Farm Mousetrap.bind(‘shift+4’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 8].buy(); }); //Factory Mousetrap.bind(‘shift+5’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 7].buy(); }); //Mine Mousetrap.bind(‘shift+6’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 6].buy(); }); //Shipment Mousetrap.bind(‘shift+7’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 5].buy(); }); //Alchemy Lab Mousetrap.bind(‘shift+8’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 4].buy(); }); //Portal Mousetrap.bind(‘shift+9’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 3].buy(); }); //Time Machine Mousetrap.bind(‘shift+0’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 2].buy(); }); //Antimatter Condenser Mousetrap.bind(‘shift+-‘, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 1].buy(); }); //Prism //Sells one of specified building Mousetrap.bind(‘option+1’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 11].sell(); }); //Cursor Mousetrap.bind(‘option+2’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 10].sell(); }); //Grandma Mousetrap.bind(‘option+3’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 9].sell(); }); //Farm Mousetrap.bind(‘option+4’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 8].sell(); }); //Factory Mousetrap.bind(‘option+5’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 7].sell(); }); //Mine Mousetrap.bind(‘option+6’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 6].sell(); }); //Shipment Mousetrap.bind(‘option+7’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 5].sell(); }); //Alchemy Lab Mousetrap.bind(‘option+8’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 4].sell(); }); //Portal Mousetrap.bind(‘option+9’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 3].sell(); }); //Time Machine Mousetrap.bind(‘option+0’, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 2].sell(); }); //Antimatter Condenser Mousetrap.bind(‘option+-‘, function() { Game.ObjectsById[Game.ObjectsById.length – 1].sell(); }); //Prism // Awesome textParticle mod, mostly for execution of â€Å"Cookie Clicker Cheats v.X.X launched!† message. Game.textParticlesAdd = function (text, el) { //pick the first free (or the oldest) particle to replace it var highest = 0; var highestI = 0; for (var i in Game.textParticles) { if (Game.textParticles[i].life == -1) { highestI = i; break; } if (Game.textParticles[i].life > highest) { highest = Game.textParticles[i].life; highestI = i; } } var i = highestI; var x = (Math.random() – 0.5) * 40; var y = 0; //+(Math.random()-0.5)*40; if (!el) { var rect = l(‘game’).getBoundingClientRect(); var x = Math.floor((rect.left + rect.right) / 2); var y = Math.floor(((rect.bottom)) – 60); x += (Math.random() – 0.5) * 40; y += 0; //(Math.random()-0.5)*40; } var me = Game.textParticles[i]; if (!me.l) me.l = l(‘particle’ + i); me.life = 0; me.x = x; me.y = y – Game.textParticlesY; if (me.y < 60) { for (var j = 0; j

Development of optical nanoelectronics Essay

Nanotechnology has become more advanced in recent years. This made possible the development of optical nanoelectronics. Optical nanocircuits have been the focus of recent researches because of its superior advantages over the existing electronic circuits. They offer high-speed transmission of data, high bandwidth, and even miniaturization of circuit elements. But optical nanocircuits, operating in the optical frequencies, are not solely based on the existing circuit theory that has been the foundation of the existing Microwave circuits. Theory of Electromagnetics must be deeply analyzed and extended to understand how optical nanocircuits work. In microwave circuits, resistors, inductors and capacitors can be modeled using lumped elements. The changes in electromagnetic field inside the electronic components are quasi-static in nature. This idea also holds true for optical nanocircuits. In order to preserve the quasi-static nature of the elements, the dimensions of the components need to be tinier than the wavelength. This has been possible because of the advancement of nanotechnologies. But the problem in the optical frequencies is the behavior and response of the metallic and non-metallic components. At optical frequencies, metals tend to show plasmonic resonance, which causes the permittivity of the material to have a negative real part. Since metals don’t show the property of conduction at optical frequencies, Conduction current is not the main current flowing thru the metal. Displacement current is dominant current flowing thru the metals at optical frequencies. This displacement current is greatly affected by the permittivity of the material used. The characteristics of the permittivity of the material determine whether the material acts as a nanoinductor, a nanocapacitor, or a nanoresistor. If the real part of the permittivity of the material is positive, the material acts as a nanocapacitor. On the other hand, if the real part is negative, it acts as a nanoinductor. Materials have nanoresistance when the imaginary part of the permittivity of the material is not equal to zero. These nanoelements can also be used to realized nanofilters. Existing ideas using resistors, inductors, and capacitors to create lowpass, highpass, and bandpass filters can also be used to create nanofilters. Depending on the connections of the nanoelements, nanofilters can be constructed. Nanoinductors, nanocapacitors and nanoresistors can be connected in either series or parallel to produce the necessary nanofilter. A sample of optical nanocircuit is shown in the image below. Figure 1. Realization of optical nanocircuit. (Engheta, Science 2007. ) References: Alu, A. , Salandrino, A. , & Engheta, N. Parallel, Series, and Intermediate Interconnections of Optical Nanocircuit Elements, Part 2: Nanocircuit and Physical Interpretation. Universtiy of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Retrieved November 15, 2008 from http://arxiv.org/pdf/0707. 1003. pdf Engheta, N. , SAlandrino, A. , & Alu, A. (2004). Circuit Elements at Optical Frequencies : Nano-inductors, Nano-capacitors, and Nano-resistors. Universtiy of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Retrieved November 15, 2008 from http://arxiv. org/pdf/cond-mat/0411463. pdf Engheta, N. (2007). Circuits with Light at Nanoscales: Optical Nanocircuits Inspired by Metamaterials. Science. Shivanand, S. V. (2008). Optical Nanocircuits. Purdue University, Indiana, USA. Retrieved November 15, 2008 from http://cobweb. ecn. purdue. edu/~ece695s/Lectures/Lecture_20. pdf

Racial concerns in, Cry, the Beloved Country, by Alan Paton.

Racial concerns in, Cry, the Beloved Country, by Alan Paton. Racial Concerns in Cry, the Beloved CountryIn the story, Cry, the Beloved Country, by Alan Paton, depicts about Ablsom Kumalo's search for his son in Johannseburg, and he later knew that his son killed white man. His son, Ablsom, is convicted for guilty charges, and that shows that white society is filled with discrimination and injustice. Yet, this murder had brought Stephen Kumalo and James Jarvis, a black and white man together. James was the father of the man who Ablsom had killed. This story is about serching for truth, hope, friendship and caring, self-preservation, racial discrimination, and racial concerns about the for black people. Most of the people who live in slum area came from village (Ndoshouki, Ixopo), lost their morale, and became corrupted person. Also, their racial concerns in the South Africa is being depicted by racial harmony and human decency denied by South African Government and idea of "True" Christianity in Author Jarvis's essay.English: Nelson Mandela Bri dgeThus, Cry, the Beloved Country demonstrates South Africa's difficulty lying in self-preservation rather than in progress toward racial equality.First, racial concerns could be depicted from why black people commit such heinous crimes, like the killing of Arthur Jarvis. Black South Africans are allowed to own only limited quantities of land, the natural resources of these areas are sorely taxed. The soil of Ndotsheni turns on its inhabitants, white peopledepleted by careless planting and pasturing, the land becomes a waste. For this reason, most young people leave the rural villages to seek work in the cities. "The white man has broken the tribe. And it is my beliefand again I ask your pardonthat it cannot be mended again. But the house that is broken, and the man that falls apart when the house is broken, these are the tragic things. That is...

Food Law, Food Safety Risk Management The WritePass Journal

Food Law, Food Safety Risk Management Introduction Food Law, Food Safety Risk Management , p. 1). Furthermore, although the food was baked in a bakery in the neighbouring food authority, Elsewhere it will still be appropriate for the enforcement officer in Somewhere Local Authority to investigate this case because this is where the food was actually eaten. Since Mrs Its Disgusting found glass in a scone she purchased from the bakery it is evident that this would be harmful to her health as this is a serious matter which needs to be dealt with accordingly. Under Reg. 6 (1) of the FHR and section 10 of the FSA it is made clear that an enforcement officer authorised under the FSA may serve a notice on the food business operator ordering them to improve their business if they have reason to believe that the business is failing to comply with the Hygiene Regulations. In doing so, the officer will thus be required to; â€Å"State the officers grounds for believing that the food business operator is failing to comply with the regulations; Specify the matters which constitute the food business operators failure to comply; Specify the measures which the food business operator must take in order to secure compliance; and Require the food business operator to take those measures within a certain time period† (Reg. 6 (1) (a)-(d)). In deciding if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the food business operator is failing to comply with the regulations the officer would need to enter the premises and take necessary samples of the food being produced. Under Reg. 14 (1) of the FHR officers are permitted to enter the premises of a food business operator whether they are in or outside the authority’s area. Furthermore, under Reg. 12 the officer will also be permitted to take samples of food or articles so that they can be used as evidence in the event of proceedings. If any samples are taken, the officer will then need to decide whether they should be examined under Reg. 13 and in accordance with their powers under section 9 of the FSA. Regulation EC 178/2002 provides the general traceability provisions which will provided the officer with the ability to trace and follow the food being produced by the baker through all stages of production, processing and distribution (European Commission, 2007, p. 1). As part of the investigation process, it is also necessary for the enforcement officer to send details of the food complaint to; the manufacturer or importer of the food; the bakery where the food was purchased; and the Elsewhere local authority. This is because, the comments provided by the manufacture of the scones and the bakery may be able to establish what caused the problem and an overview of the precautions normally taken will be provided. In addition, they will also be able to demonstrate what steps will be taken in the future to prevent this from happening again. The Elsewhere local authority will also be able to â€Å"provide information on hygiene conditions at the production plant, the precautions taken and how well they usually comply with legal standards† (Embridge Borough Council, 2012, p. 1). Once the investigation has been undertaken, it is then up to the officer to decide whether an offence under the FSA has been committed. Since the bakery has rendered food that is injurious to health, it is likely that an offence under section 7 (b) of the FSA will be found. This is because an article appears to have been used as an ingredient in the preparation of the food which had caused Mrs I-D to sustain injuries. In deciding whether the appropriate action shall be a warning letter, formal caution or prosecution, the seriousness of the offence and the steps taken to avoid any future mishaps will need to be considered. Regardless of this, however, if the bakery is able to demonstrate that they had taken all reasonable precautions to avoid problems such as this from occurring then they may be able to put forward the ‘due diligence’ defense as provided for under section 21 of the FSA. If it can be shown that the person involved in the sale of the scones had acted with due diligence to prevent the commission of an offence from occurring then that person will not be found negligent (Wild and Weinstein, 2010, p. 627). Because of the broad nature of investigations, it is likely that the process will take a number of months since a lot of in-depth information needs to be gathered. This is because unless all of the relevant information is attained, a proper review of the case cannot be mad e and the due diligence defense will not be made out. On completion of the investigation, the officer will be required to write to Mrs Its Discgusting informing of the action that shall be taken. If the matter has been resolved informally during the investigation no further action will be taken and the food business complained of may want Mrs Its Disgusting’s and Mrs ID’s details so that they can send an apology or provide them with compensation. The permission from both ladies will first be needed, however, before any details can be passed on. In deciding what action shall be taken, the officer will need to decide whether the bakery had acted reasonably in order to prevent any risks of contamination and if not a plan of action will need to be devised so that care is taken to â€Å"identify and consider the risks of potential sources of contamination in the surrounding environment† (Brennan, 2006, p. 357). Accordingly, suitable controls will need to be developed and implemented so that future contamination is avoided (Sprenger, 2003, p. 229). This will ensure compliance with Regulation 852/2004 which makes it clear that all food business operators must ce rtify the â€Å"hygiene of foodstuffs at all stages of the production process, from primary production up to and including sale to the final consumer† (Europa, 2009, p. 1) in order to avoid damage to health. Compliance with Regulation 853/2004 must also be certified which lays down the specific hygiene rules relating to the microbiological criteria for foodstuffs. Available Options There a number of different options available for the investigating officer, yet it would be appropriate to serve a notice on the food business ordering them to make necessary changes to the production process in order to avoid a re-occurrence of this problem. This will require the officer to serve a notice on the food business, yet in order to decide what changes need to be made, the officer will be required to interview all those involved with production. Once this has been done, the officer may also want to undertake legal action so that Mrs I-D can make a claim against the food business for breaching their duty of care towards Mrs I-D. In doing so, it will need to be established that the food business did actually owe Mrs I-D a duty of care, that they breached their duty and that the duty caused the harm as in Caparo Industries plc v Dickman [1990] 1 All ER 568. Because Mrs I-D would have been so closely affected by the actions of the food business that they ought to have had her in their contemplation it is clear that they owed her a duty of care. This duty was thus breached by allowing the glass to enter the scone and the glass subsequently caused injury to Mrs I-D’s gums. As a result, it is evident that the food business shall be liable for negligence and that Mrs I-D should be compensated for the damage. This can be settled out of court but if the food business is un-cooperative; legal action will be the next step. And it will therefore be up to the food business to demonstrate that they acted with due diligence (Atwood and Thompson, 2009, p. 346). References Atwood, B. Thompson, K. and Willett, C. (2009) Food Law, Tottel Publishing, 3rd Edition. Brennan, J. G. (2006) Food Processing Handbook, John Wiley Sons. Elmbridge Borough Council. (2012) Food Complaints; What we can do about unsatisfactory food, [Online] Available: elmbridge.gov.uk/envhealth/food/foodcomplaints.htm [28 December 2012]. European Commission. (2007) General Food Law – Traceability, Health and Consumers, [Online] Available: http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/foodlaw/traceability/index_en.htm [29 December, 2012]. Europa. (2009) Food Hygiene, Summaries of EU legislation, [Online] Available: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/food_safety/veterinary_checks_and_food_hygiene/f84001_en.htm [29 December 2012]. Food Standards Agency. (2011) Making Every Inspection Count, Internal Monitoring Advice for Local Authority Food and Feed Law Enforcement Team Managers, [Online] Available: food.gov.uk/enforcement/enforcework/ [27 December 2012]. Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council. (2012) Food, Pests, Pollution and Food, [Online] Available: rochdale.gov.uk/health_and_social_care/food.aspx [27 December 2012]. Sprenger, R. A. (2003) Hygiene for Management, London, Highfield Publications. Wild, C. and Weinstein, S. (2010) Smith Keenan’s English Law: Text and Cases, Longman, 16th Edition.

ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis

ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis ABA or Applied Behavior Analysis is a time tested and data-based strategy for teaching children with disabilities. It is most often used with children with autistic spectrum disorders but is an effective tool for children with behavioral disorders, multiple disabilities, and severe intellectual handicaps. It is the only treatment for Autistic Spectrum disorders approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration.) ABA is based on the work of B.F. Skinner, also known as the father of Behaviorism.   Behaviorism is a scientific means of understanding behavior.   Known as the three-term contingency, behavior is stimulus, response, and reinforcement.   It is also understood as Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence, or ABC.   The ABCs of ABA The antecedent is what happens before the behavior, and may or may not have a causal relationship.  The behavior is what the subject does:   we try to operationalize the behavior, or find a way to objectively describe the behavior.   We would not say Jimmy was disrespectful, we would say Jimmy shouted at the teacher and called her an inappropriate racially charged term.  Finally, the consequence, or what happens after the behavior.   It is usually here that we look for the reinforcement: in other words, what Jimmy gets out of calling the teacher that bad name.   Is it attention from his peers?   Is it being sent to the office so he misses the spelling test?   Another scientist who significantly credited with developing ABA was Ivar Lovaas, a psychologist at the University of California Los Angeles.   His seminal work in applying behaviorism to children significantly disabled with autism led to what we now call ABA.   For many people, behaviorism seems overly mechanistic.   Human beings are value and meaning assigning creatures, and we would like to believe that there is some powerful underlying mystic about behaviorhence Freudianism.   Although it may seem simplistic, behaviorism may be the best way to strip away all our cultural prejudices and see behaviors as they are.   This is especially helpful with children with autism, who have difficulty with communication, appropriate social interaction, and language.   Moving to the three-term contingency helps us evaluate what we really see when we see a behavior.   So Jimmy tantrums?   What is the antecedent?   Does it cause it?   What does the behavior look like?   And finally, what happens when Jimmy tantrums?   ABA has proven to be an effective means to support appropriate social, functional and even academic behavior.   A special form of ABA, known as VBA or Verbal Behavioral Analysis, applies the tenets of ABA to language; hence Verbal Behavior. The BACB, or Behavior Analyst Certification Board, is the international organization that certifies professionals who design and create the therapies that are used, especially what are called Discrete Trials.   Discrete trials involve the stimulus, response, reinforcement three-term contingency mentioned above. The BACB also maintains a roster of local BCBAs who can provide services to children with autism. Also Known As: VBA, Lovaas

A central assumption made in Mean-Variance Analysis and the Capital Coursework

A central assumption made in Mean-Variance Analysis and the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is that investors prefer to invest in the most efficient portfolios available - Coursework Example The concept of the efficient portfolio can be well understood after revisiting the preceding portfolio management theories. One such theory is the famous capital assets pricing theory (CAPM). The CAPM is a model that shows the association between the required rate of return and the risk on assets that are held in a portfolio that is well diversified. According to Fama and French (2004), the origin of the capital asset pricing model is the prominent work of William Sharpe (1964) and John Lintner (1965). The CAPM model is very useful in activities such as the determination of the companies’ cost of capital and in assessing portfolio performance. A portfolio is a group of assets (more than one asset) held by an investor (Sharpe 1964). The theory of portfolio attempts to guide investors on how to make the best combination of assets to optimise returns as well as minimise the risk associated with the investments. The commonly used CAPM equation is a follows: ER = Rf + (Rm – Rf)ÃŽ ², where Rf is the risk free rate, ER is the expected return on the portfolio, (usually denoted by the interest rate on treasury bills), Rm is the expected market return for the same period, and ÃŽ ² is the beta, which measures the relationship between the portfolio performance and the market performance. In other words, beta indicates how sensitive the portfolio’s performance is to the variations in the market performance. The above equation shows that a portfolio’s return can be expressed in terms of the risk-free return, the risk premium and the beta. Based on the equation, which is a linear, it is revealed that the portfolio return is directly related to the risk. That is, the higher the portfolio risk, the higher the portfolio’s return. The CAPM theory brings us to another idea of the efficient portfolio. A portfolio can be efficient under

Financial Statement Fraud and Revenue Recognition Fraud Essay

Financial Statement Fraud and Revenue Recognition Fraud - Essay Example We can define financial fraud as an intentional act to deceive people through manipulated financial statements for personal gain (â€Å"Bank Negara Malaysia† 1). Financial fraud is crime under civil law and involves complex financial transactions conducted by white-collar business professionals with a criminal intention (â€Å"Bank Negara Malaysia† 1). Nevertheless, financial fraud derives numerous loses on the global economy and on the reference corporations where many companies collapse due to financial frauds. Additionally, financial fraud demeans investor confidence in financial reporting and lowers the efficiency of corporate governance. A financial statement fraud refers to an intentional misrepresentation of financial information that the corporation presents to the public. Notably, improper revenue recognition, failure to record incurred liabilities, and failure to disclose contingent liabilities are the most dominant financial statement frauds (Bradford 1). Cas es of financial statement fraud are on the increase and the economic crisis catalyzes the problems. Nevertheless, most of the financial statement frauds relate to revenues recognition while accounting errors take the other proportion. As such, internal and external auditors should understand the dynamics of revenue recognition fraud and institute proper measures to curb financial fraud. Ideally, financial statement fraud and revenue recognition fraud relate to financial fraud. Definition Financial statement fraud refers to an intentional misrepresentation, misstatement, or omission of financial statement data for the purpose of deceiving the public and creating a false impression of an organization's financial strength (Colby 1). Notably, financial statement fraud is an enormous challenge in the global market as corporations seek to stalk investors to continue investing in the corporation. Moreover, corporations engage in financial statement fraud for purposes of securing bank appro vals for financing and satisfy the shareholder’s interests (Bradford 1). Ideally, the top management plays the major role in a financial statement fraud since they supervise and authorize the preparation of financial statements. There are different forms of financial statement fraud in the global market where the initiators will use distinct systems of manipulation to maintain the appearance of the financial statement fraud. The most common types of financial statement fraud include manipulation of liabilities, improper recognition of revenues and expenses, improper asset valuation, improper disclosures (Pinkasovitch 1) on financial statements, and fictitious sales (Colby 2). However, manipulation of revenue is the most dominant form of financial statement fraud. This includes the posting of sales prior to payment while the manipulation of expenses includes the capitalization of normal operating expenses (Bradford 1). On the other hand, the manipulation of liabilities relates to failure to record regular expenses while improper disclosures relates to misrepresentation of the company’s financial status (Bradford 1). An overstatement of current assets on financial statements leads to improper assets and defines financial statement fraud (Colby 2).  

Union Effects on Employee Relation in Great Britain Essay

Union Effects on Employee Relation in Great Britain - Essay Example In a country like Nigeria, for instance, both before and since the current democratic government took up the mantle of leadership, the government has, in its bid to restructure the country's battered economy, applied certain measures over and over again, each time bringing untold hardship on the Nigerian workers. An example of such measures is the continual increase in the prices of various petroleum products, notably gasoline, kerosene, gas, diesel and other lubricants. Â  Each time this is done, [It has been done six times within six years], the prices of virtually everything except workers' salary would go up by over a hundred percent. The transporters would increase their transport fares, market people would do the same on foodstuffs, landlords, estate agents, farmers, schools, and college; all these and other service providers, including manufacturers, would follow suit and increase the prices of their products and services, without any consideration for the worker, who bears the effect of inflation. Â  When the situation is like this, the worker's plight becomes very pathetic because of the concomitant high cost of living and spiraling inflation the worker is left to grapple with as his pocket depletes quickly with his static salary. Â  Many workers have had to continue to suffer in silence for fear of being sacked and thrown into the over-populated labor market, where many unemployed graduates are waiting in the wings to grab any job opportunity, no matter how small the pay, just to make ends meet. Â  The government has remained insensitive about the plight of the worker with their arbitrary increases in petroleum product prices, even when no palliatives are ever put in place to cushion the effect of their policies on the work. Â  Protests and nationwide strikes declared by the Labour Congress has always been the workers' only resort, but this has always be perceived as opponents of the government, [short of being labeled a treason] and the reaction of the government has been to unleash police terror on the protesting workers, arrests and detention of union leaders are ordered. Apart from these, the worker faces such punitive measures as the cut in salary suspension [without pay], and outright dismissal is additional punishments the worker faces in the hand of the employer at the end of strikes and protests. Â  Generally, most employers perceive unionism as opposed to the progress and well being of their organizations. Whenever there is a conflict between workers and their employers, and the union comes in to mediate, there is always a stalemate, or where some agreements are struck through collective bargaining, such agreements are hardly respected to the full by the employers. Â  Unionised employees are usually seen as disloyal to their employers. A wrong perception by the employers. Many unionized workers are constantly dismissed, sacked, suspended, suppressed or threatened at the slightest chance by the employers.

Causes of the French Revolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Causes of the French Revolution - Essay Example Under the shadow of this dilemmatic political concern, French feudal lords proved to be a focus of attention by limiting the power and freedom of a common man. Although, the Lords were a principal target of rural insurrection; they remained on centre stage in the National Assembly's dramatic renunciation of privilege of 1789 thereby forming a continual bone of contention between rural communities who found the early enactments of the legislators to be thoroughly inadequate along with legislators facing continuing rural turbulence; therefore they were an essential element in the revolutionaries' notions of the "feudal regime" being dismantled; they were the concrete subject matter addressed in the first legislation that tested the tensions inherent in the thorny constitutional issue of a royal veto (and they thereby contributed to the difficulty of embodying the Revolution in some monarchical form); they were invoked in the rhetoric with which those in high places addressed the growin g international tension surrounding the revolutionary state, a rhetoric which imbued the revolutionaries with a self-righteous sense of a national mission to liberate the victims of feudalism outside of France, altering the character of European warfare. (Markoff, 1996, p. 3) The best example is the involvement of British and German governments in this concern of revolution. One of the main reasons for the revolution is the authority practiced by Lords which let arrears accumulate on periodic dues for years, then demand that peasants pay up, and accept a land-for-debt swap; under retrait, a lord had the optional right to substitute himself for the purchaser of peasant land; and lords might hold or fabricate a claim on a portion of common land. Many seigniorial rights could thus be put at the service of landholders oriented to a growing agricultural market, to such an extent that some historians have wondered whether peasant contestation might not be better described as a losing, rear-guard struggle against a growing capitalism than a vanguard battle against a dying feudalism in conjunction' with the victorious bourgeoisie. (Markoff, 1996, p. 77) Another factor that leads one to think as the cause of revolution was the corruption of the Lords and noble people, who were not liable to any of the (heavy or normal) taxation system implemented by the government, for being an authoritative privileged class. The dilemma lied within their perception according to which they were not answerable to any official in case of denial of any rule. Financial Downfall Right from Louis XIV to Louis XVI, all the noble personnel enjoyed undue privileges and advantages particularly in the financial matters. These include: 1. Lack of financial accountability in response to government questions, and they never use to bother about it. 2. They had access to government loans with the right to acquire

Discussion Week 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussion Week 5 - Essay Example They also tend to hold more than one view. Mindlessness on the other hand is an illusion people create for themselves that deceives then that they are in control of each and every situation which is not entirely the case. Mindlessness leads to an individual having a narrow self-image, they acquire learned helplessness and they often lose control leading to unintended cruelty. A social worker that is mindful is able to handle the challenges that come with their work. They are bale to for example convince patients about the importance of their health through appealing to their mindsets and using their innovation to assist them change their behavior for the better. By appealing to their minds, they will have led to a behavioral change (Langer, 2014). Social Workers are knowledgeable about human behavior across the life course. How does Life Course theory assist us in gaining, organizing and using this critical information? How is Life Course theory different from traditional life-span theories? Provide clear examples to distinguish theories. Life course theory discusses a variety of human concepts and do not limit themselves to only a particular course. They handle concepts such as the social changes, the structural contexts, and the historical as well as socioeconomic context of their lives over a period of time. These therefore means that in analyzing the behavior of people using this theory, the social workers will cut across different disciplines from history to biology, sociology, psychology and even economics as they all affect the human behavior throughout the course of their life. People are therefore able to compartmentalize the information they receive throughout their life and assist in being mindful of what they do and say. Traditional life span theories only focus on the developmental aspect of an individual’s life and hence they leave out other aspects that are important especially to the behavior of an

The growing popularity of paranormal studies and haunted houses in the Research Paper

The growing popularity of paranormal studies and haunted houses in the U.S - Research Paper Example People’s main objective is to catch something to prove that there are ghost. People have become obsessed with the afterlife. Those interested are from a wide variety of people with different types of backgrounds. It doesn’t matter if you are educated, uneducated, young, old, white collared or blue collared to be interested in the paranormal (Sedersten). Amateur paranormal investigators aren’t cautious like serious investigators are in the type of evidence they show people. Amateur’s take pictures with digital cameras and think that any little thing in the pictures is an orb. Serious investigators only want to show people what they know for a fact is real. Amateurs can cause problems, because most don’t truly understand what they are seeing. This is why it is hard to make a skeptic believe that there are real ghost in the world (Sedersten). Paranormal investigators have a range of different devices that they use. Some are very costly in price and some aren’t, but most the items needed you can pick up anywhere. Here is a common list of items needed; LED lights, digital camera, motion detectors, electromagnetic voice phenomenon (EVP), and thermal imaging devices. These items are supposed to help determine if what you have is real or not. The multiple different television shows on paranormal activity has left people wanting to know more about the afterlife (Sedersten). The show Ghost Hunter’s has made paranormal investigating popular with people. The most interesting concept of this show is how they try to disprove whether something is paranormal or not. Jason Hawes actually started this group as the Rhode Island Paranormal Society in 1990 and later changed it to the Atlantic Paranormal Society. In 1992, Grant Wilson joined the group, but he was a friend of Jason’s for many years. Jason and Grant worked for Roto-Rooter plumbers for years. In 2004, they made their debut on the

Discussion Week 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussion Week 5 - Essay Example They also tend to hold more than one view. Mindlessness on the other hand is an illusion people create for themselves that deceives then that they are in control of each and every situation which is not entirely the case. Mindlessness leads to an individual having a narrow self-image, they acquire learned helplessness and they often lose control leading to unintended cruelty. A social worker that is mindful is able to handle the challenges that come with their work. They are bale to for example convince patients about the importance of their health through appealing to their mindsets and using their innovation to assist them change their behavior for the better. By appealing to their minds, they will have led to a behavioral change (Langer, 2014). Social Workers are knowledgeable about human behavior across the life course. How does Life Course theory assist us in gaining, organizing and using this critical information? How is Life Course theory different from traditional life-span theories? Provide clear examples to distinguish theories. Life course theory discusses a variety of human concepts and do not limit themselves to only a particular course. They handle concepts such as the social changes, the structural contexts, and the historical as well as socioeconomic context of their lives over a period of time. These therefore means that in analyzing the behavior of people using this theory, the social workers will cut across different disciplines from history to biology, sociology, psychology and even economics as they all affect the human behavior throughout the course of their life. People are therefore able to compartmentalize the information they receive throughout their life and assist in being mindful of what they do and say. Traditional life span theories only focus on the developmental aspect of an individual’s life and hence they leave out other aspects that are important especially to the behavior of an

Virtue and Relativism Essay Example for Free

Virtue and Relativism Essay Give an example of something that one culture might regard as a virtue that another culture might not. Explain why this could lead to relativism. Be sure to support your answer with quote from the text and/or academic resources. Responds to the question below in approx 100 words. It is important for this question that you first define the key terms here Virtue and Relativism. Define Virtue and Relativism: Relativism is the idea that ones beliefs and values are understood in terms of ones society, culture, or even ones own individual values. Virtue is a classification within normative ethics that attempts to discover and classify what might be deemed of moral character. (Gowdy, 2010) One example of something that one culture might regard as a virtue that another culture might not. For example I am a Christian and my sister-in-law is Muslim. As a Christian person I celebrate all Holidays and believe that god is my creator. As for my sister-in-law she does not celebrate Christian Holidays because they dont believe That Jesus Christ was the Son of God. I believe this could be relativism because both of our culture believe in God or what Muslim say Allah which is the same word for God. As in our text it say â€Å" Virtue ethics focuses on the person’s character and what makes, in general, a person good (virtuous) person. † And â€Å" relativism regards values as determined by ones own culture and background. † (Mosser, 2010). Mosser,K (2010) ethics and Social Responsibility. Retrieved from http://content. ashford. edu/books/AUSOC120. 10. 2/sections/sec1. 8 Gowdy,L (2010) Ethics Morals. com Retrieved May 5, 2011 from http://www.ethicsmorals. com/ethicsvirtue. html Discussion #2 Psychological egoism claims that whatever we do, we do out of self-interest. Give an example of an act you think is not done out of self-interest, and explain how the psychological egoist might try to interpret that act as selfish. Respond in approx 100 words. Please be sure to define psychological egoism before providing your example. Define Psychological egoism: Give an example of an act you think is not done out of self-interest, and explain how the psychological egoist might try to interpret that act as selfish. Psychological egoism is the view that humans are always motivated by self-interest. (Mosser, 2010). About a year ago I had volunteered to be the cookie mom for my daughter’s girl scout troop. None of the other parents wanted to volunteer. Being the person I am and also being five months pregnant I decided to take on the job so our girls could sell cookies. I was in charge of getting the cookie orders in on time, picking up orders, collecting the money from the parents and setting up time for our troop to go to different places to sell more cookies. A psychological egoist might try to interpret this act as selfish because since I was in charge of the cookies, I wanted my daughter to sell the most, but all I wanted was for our troop to be able to sell cookies. In our text it say â€Å"The egoist will simply say that you should do what makes you happiest or whatever maximizes your utility. † (Mosser, 2010) Mosser,K (2010). Ethics and Social Responsibility. Retrieved from http://content. ashford. edu/books/AUSOC120. 10. 2/sections/sec1. 8.

Sustainable Tourism in Developing Countries

Sustainable Tourism in Developing Countries To what extent can tourism be  sustainable in developing countries? Introduction Tourism Sustainability Conclusion References Introduction When one looks at monetary flows, along with the creation of jobs, the tourism sector represents one of the largest industries globally[1]. The preceding aspect is an important one, as tourism provides the opportunity for small and medium sized (5 through 500 employees) businesses to form, along with micro enterprises that typical consist of fewer than six people, and usually represent family operations[2]. These types of enterprises create employment opportunities, and in tourism, particularly in developing countries, the influx of tourist money provides openings for street vendors, cart food services, transport, and other self employment[3]. An example of the importance of micro enterprises and SME’s is provided in an International Finance Corporation report authored by Hallberg[4] that states these types of firms represent the majority of employment. She points out that in Ecuador firms with less than 50 employees represents 99 percent of all enterprises in that country, an d 55 percent of employment[5]. In the case of Bangladesh, enterprises with less than 100 employees represented 99 percent of all companies, employing 58 percent of all workers[6]. The preceding has been brought forth to provide the context for this examination in the extent that tourism can be sustainable in developing countries. The point being made is that the hard currency flows represent an economic benefit that is important not only in tourism monies spent, but also as a basis for foreign investment and the creation of opportunities for foreign businesses to set up operations, with tourism as the entree. The foregoing economic benefits represent a critical facet in approaching and understanding the importance of tourism to developing countries. The preceding importance also holds true for developed countries as well. The importance of tourism in developed countries is brought forth by the Assistant Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization, Geoffrey Lipman, who stated â€Å"Showing the full economic impact of the sector in the Index will enhance travel tourism’s relevance for policy-makers†¦The Index makes clear that, although industrialized states currently dominate, poorer countries have a massive potential to be the leading force in international tourism,[7]. The significance of mentioning this Report in the context of this examination is that it provides an analysis of key drivers regarding competitiveness, which are thirteen pillars, as represented by â€Å"1. policy rules and regulations, 2. environmental regulation, 3. safety and security, 4. health an d hygiene, 5. prioritisation of travel and tourism, 6. air transport infrastructure, 7. ground transport infrastructure, 8. tourism infrastructure, 9. information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, 10. price competitiveness, 11. human capital, 12. national tourism perception, and 13. natural and cultural resources[8]. The benefits to a country and its populace as a result of tourism can have long term implications economically, however, the foundations, as set forth by the foregoing pillars, indicates that attaining such a goal requires commitment and a national plan to achieve. Tourism Sustainability The preceding brought forth the complexities involved in conducting tourism, highlighting that it is not a segment that can be entered into lightly if long term and sustainable results are to be achieved. An example of the Index illustrates the foregoing: Chart 1 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index – Regulatory Framework Segments 1 through 5[9] Pillars 1. Policy 2. Environment 3. Safety 4. Health 5. Priority Rules Sustainability Security Hygiene TT Country Rank Score Rank Score Rank Score Rank Score Rank Score Albania 104 3.69 93 4.08 71 4.93 59 476 104 3.55 Argentina 91 3.95 107 3.94 98 4.45 40 5.62 70 4.23 Austria 22 5.04 53 4.63 21 5.85 37 5.72 32 4.92 Bangladesh 114 3.31 121 3.71 129 2.83 117 2.11 122 2.77 Bolivia 127 2.88 104 3.98 92 4.53 14 6.51 91 3.81 Botswana 74 4.13 68 4.42 50 5.26 97 3.24 82 3.95 U.K. 5 5.54 10 5.56 65 5.01 41 5.58 43 4.69 U.S. 19 5.22 100 4.02 119 3.75 44 5.50 21 5.26 Chart 2 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index – Regulatory Framework Segments 6 through 10[10] Pillars 6. Air 7. Ground 8. Tourism 9. ICT 10 Price Transport Transport Infrastructure Infrastructure Compettive Country Rank Score Rank Score Rank Score Rank Score Rank Score Albania 112 2.20 116 2.55 86 2.53 86 2.16 90 4.33 Argentina 67 2.94 90 3.05 53 3.91 54 3.03 41 4.94 Austria 29 4.25 10 6.03 1 7.00 20 4.88 104 4.17 Bangladesh 116 2.12 69 3.56 122 1.29 122 1.52 10 5.44 Bolivia 108 2.25 114 2.59 99 2.21 106 1.81 14 5.32 Botswana 77 2.72 72 3.50 78 2.80 92 2.05 6 5.49 U.K. 4 5.65 11 5.85 16 6.18 9 5.46 127 3.44 U.S. 2 6.34 19 5.45 6 6.74 13 5.23 105 4.18 Chart 3 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index – Regulatory Framework Segments 11 through 14[11] Pillars 11. Human 12. Affinity 13. Natural 14. Cultural Resources Resources Resources Country Rank Score Rank Score Rank Score Rank Score Albania 58 5.03 6 6.32 130 1.87 75 2.17 Argentina 60 5.01 74 4.69 12 5.01 41 3.29 Austria 19 5.62 23 5.45 37 4.00 11 5.59 Bangladesh 107 4.26 125 3.95 100 2.61 109 1.44 Bolivia 98 4.60 116 4.18 15 4.86 62 2.45 Botswana 124 3.36 58 4.85 31 4.20 113 1.37 U.K. 7 5.87 90 4.54 27 4.35 4 6.28 U.S. 5 5.91 114 4.29 2 6.04 7 5.83 The preceding Charts provide a summary look at the varied areas that a country needs to consider in order to make tourism work in the face of the high rate of competitiveness. It points out the comparative facets inherent in generating tourism as well as a basis for understanding areas of deficiency and potential strengths in crafting a plan for sustainability. In order to increase and build the tourism sector, the country, its business community as well as populace need to be able to contribute as well as participate in the process. Britton[12] helps us to understand that tourism entails â€Å"†¦travel flows; microscale spatial structure and land use of tourist places and facilities; economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts of tourist activity; impacts of tourism in third world countries; geographic patterns of recreation and leisure pastimes; and the planning implications of all these topics† as vital areas. In order to arrive at the point of sustainability in tourism, third world countries have to have or be in the process of developing the underlying structures that create and generate attraction for potential visits, with the understanding that other locales are engaging in the same objectives[13]. Thus, sustainability means building upon what currently exists via definitive plans to maintain present levels, and of course enhance them in order to compete effectively. Richards and Hall[14] advise that sustainable tourism represents a broad range of issues, which the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index illustrated[15]. It, sustainable tourism, includes cultural facets, social accountability, environmental practices, economic considerations, quality of life, safety and security issues in terms of crime and policing. Universally, there is no agreed upon framework for sustainable tourism as the conditions, circumstances and allied facets for countries differ. However, sustainability in tourism is a real factor, one that demands the coordinated and concerned effort of the government, businesses and populace to work. In understanding the sustainability aspects and why such is important, one needs to be mindful of the economic ramifications that are the foundation for the importan ce attached to tourism by all countries, not just developing ones[16]. Tourism is an economic pursuit, and as such it aids a country, and more specifically city and or region to grow, improve and earn currency from travellers, investment, and new business openings[17]. The importance of tourism as an economic force is evidenced by the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), which developed the first legally binding multilateral agreement that deals with trade in the tourism sector[18]. Its main provision sets forth the elimination of barriers to prevent foreign service providers and investors from participating in market access[19]. In order to make tourism sustainable, governmental policies, standards and practices need to ensure that there are a series of planned steps to enhance the efforts in the tourist sector, which unfortunately is not usually the case in developing countries[20]. Usually, in developing countries, efforts to promote tourism have been initiated and implemented by the private sector as well as in some cases citizen’s groups[21]. The foregoing represents a core issue in that these types of efforts are doomed to be short term actions based upon surges in popularity of an area generated by avant garde travellers that have discovered a quiet, generally unspoiled location, and other disjointed means that does not have an official plan behind it[22]. As shown by the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index[23], competition in the tourism segment is marked by a broad number of underlying foundations that require concerted efforts and involvement on the part of the aforementioned government, private business sector, and community. Obvious facets that require government participation on a defined level represent marketing and promotional activities through an official tourist agency, the long term and consistent development of infrastructure related areas such as airports, transport, roads, and other support factors[24]. The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development[25] points to the importance of national, regional and local governments in planning for sustainable development as the â€Å"†¦providers of social services, builders of economic infrastructure, regulators of economic activity, and managers of the natural environment, local authorities have many direct instruments at their disposal to influence development†. The U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development[26] adds to the preceding by telling us that planned tourism activities are essential to ensure that the local communities have a level playing field in terms of inclusion and involvement concerning the economic wealth generated by tourist activities, along with planning to minimise environmental impacts, and improvement of the social welfare. Tourism is an industry that competes with like locations on the international stage, with many developing countries organised for this area in a concerned manner. To compete on this level, sustainable tourism must operate like a business. Place or destination marketing is a hallmark in the process, which Gold and Ward[27] advise â€Å"†¦ is defined as a process whereby local activities are related as closely as possible to the demands of the targeted customer †¦ (with the intention) to maximise the efficient social and economic functioning of the area concerned, in accordance with whatever wider goals have been established†. Each locale has to identify its special features and communicate the advantages that it has to prospective travelers through concerted efforts. Products and services offered by companies are geared toward the long term, noted by their comprehensive marketing, promotional and related plans to seek competitive advantages, and induce consumer trial[28]. To be effective over the long term, sustainable, destinations need to treat their locales in the same manner that companies do. Conclusion Sustainable tourism in developing countries represents an important economic aspect that can help to spur foreign investment in a broader sphere of industrial areas outside of tourism if conducted in a concerted manner. The importance of the preceding is that tourism is an important economic tool that can be utilised for broad range of areas that can benefit a developing country if its government has the vision, commitment and foresight to see the real world implications and demonstrated successes that tourism can bring. As pointed out, tourism represents a commitment to infrastructure, marketing, promotion, and the involvement of the private business sector along with the local communities that will be impacted to set the foundation for programs, facilities, business opportunities and commercial realisations that benefit the locale. Tourism is a means to change external opinions and perceptions of an area through internally directed programs such as place marketing. While some destinations may have been discovered by travellers or writers and became trendy ‘in spots’ that position will dwindle for the next ‘in spot’ unless the government takes notice and seizes the opportunity to make the location one that stays on the tourist radar. In other instances, locales can be put into the tourist arena as a result of their special circumstances and conditions, such as weather, beaches, lakes, snow, forests, wild animals, monuments and ancient cities, cultural festivals and the like , Whatever the nuance, the building of travel requires planned infrastructure to enhance the experience. Easy transport access, rent cars, power, Internet lines, police, etc. Sustainable tourism requires sustainable efforts in order to make it work. References Apostolopoulos, Y., Gayle, D. (2002) Island Tourism and Sustainable Development: Caribbean, Pacific, and Mediterranean Experiences. Praeger Publishers. Westport, CT, United States Beirman, D. (2003) Restoring Tourism Destinations in Crisis: A Strategic Marketing Approach. Allen Unwin. Crows Nest, New South Wales Britton, S. (1991) Tourism, capital and place: towards a critical geography of tourism. Vol. 9. No. 4. Environment and Planning Development Bull, A. (1995) The economics of travel and tourism. Longman Press. Melbourne, Australia Coleman, S., Crang, M. (2002) Tourism: Between Place and Performance. Berghahn Books. New York, New York, United States Duffy-Smith, M. (2003) The Ethics of Tourism Development. Routledge. London, United Kingdom Font, X., Bendell, J. (2002) Standards for Sustainable Tourism for the Purpose of Multilateral Trade Negotiations. World Tourism Organisation. Madrid, Spain Gold, J., Ward, S. (1994) Place Promotion: The Use of Publicity and Marketing to Sell Towns and Regions. John H. Wiley Sons. New York, New York, United States Hallberg, K. (2001) A Market-Oriented Strategy for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises- International Finance Corporation. Discussion Paper 40. Washington, D.C., United States Mahdi, A., Osman, M. (2000) An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Small and Micro-Enterprise Finance in Employment Creation. Retrieved on 6 January 2009 from http://www.iceg.org/NE/projects/labor/epicfinal.pdf Mowforth, M., Munt, I. (2003) Tourism Sustainability: Development and Tourism in the Third World. Routledge. London, United Kingdom Richards, G., Hall, D. (2000) Tourism and Sustainable Community Development. Routledge. London, United Kingdom Porter, M. (1980) Competitive Strategy: Techniques of Analysing Industries and Competitors. Free Press. New York, New York, United States The U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development (1999) Tourism and Sustainable Development: The Global Importance of Tourism. The U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development. New York, New York, United States UNCTAD (2002) Growing Micro and Small Enterprises in LDCs. UNCTAD, New York, United States United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (1999) Tourism and Sustainable Development: Sustainable Tourism, A Local Authority Perspective. United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, New York, New York, United States World Economic Forum (2007) The World Economic Forum’s First Ever Travel Tourism Competitiveness Report. 1 March 2007. Retrieved on 6 January 2009 from http://www.weforum.org/en/media/Latest Press Releases/Tourismpressrelease World Travel and Tourism Organisation (1999) The Global Importance of Tourism. Commission on Sustainable Development. World Travel and Tourism Organisation, New York, New York, United States 1 Footnotes [1] World Travel and Tourism Organisation (1999) The Global Importance of Tourism. Commission on Sustainable Development. World Travel and Tourism Organisation, New York, New York, United States [2] UNCTAD (2002) Growing Micro and Small Enterprises in LDCs. UNCTAD, New York, United States [3] Mahdi, A., Osman, M. (2000) An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Small and Micro-Enterprise Finance in Employment Creation. Retrieved on 6 January 2009 from http://www.iceg.org/NE/projects/labor/epicfinal.pdf [4] Hallberg, K. (2001) A Market-Oriented Strategy for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises- International Finance Corporation. Discussion Paper 40. Washington, D.C., United States [5] Ibid [6] Ibid [7] World Economic Forum (2007) The World Economic Forum’s First Ever Travel Tourism Competitiveness Report. 1 March 2007. Retrieved on 6 January 2009 from http://www.weforum.org/en/media/Latest Press Releases/Tourismpressrelease [8] Ibid [9] World Economic Forum (2007) The World Economic Forum’s First Ever Travel Tourism Competitiveness Report. 1 March 2007. Retrieved on 6 January 2009 from http://www.weforum.org/en/media/Latest Press Releases/Tourismpressrelease [10] World Economic Forum (2007) The World Economic Forum’s First Ever Travel Tourism Competitiveness Report. 1 March 2007. Retrieved on 6 January 2009 from http://www.weforum.org/en/media/Latest Press Releases/Tourismpressrelease [11] World Economic Forum (2007) The World Economic Forum’s First Ever Travel Tourism Competitiveness Report. 1 March 2007. Retrieved on 6 January 2009 from http://www.weforum.org/en/media/Latest Press Releases/Tourismpressrelease [12] Britton, S. (1991) Tourism, capital and place: towards a critical geography of tourism. Vol. 9. No. 4. Environment and Planning Development. p. 451 [13] Mowforth, M., Munt, I. (2003) Tourism Sustainability: Development and Tourism in the Third World. Routledge. London, United Kingdom. p. 6 [14] Richards, G., Hall, D. (2000) Tourism and Sustainable Community Development. Routledge. London, United Kingdom. P. 9 [15] World Travel and Tourism Organisation (1999) The Global Importance of Tourism. Commission on Sustainable Development. World Travel and Tourism Organisation, New York, New York, United States [16] Bull, A. (1995) The economics of travel and tourism. Longman Press. Melbourne, Australia. p. 23 [17] Apostolopoulos, Y., Gayle, D. (2002) Island Tourism and Sustainable Development: Caribbean, Pacific, and Mediterranean Experiences. Praeger Publishers. Westport, CT, United States. p. 11 [18] Font, X., Bendell, J. (2002) Standards for Sustainable Tourism for the Purpose of Multilateral Trade Negotiations. World Tourism Organisation. Madrid, Spain [19] Ibid [20] Duffy-Smith, M. (2003) The Ethics of Tourism Development. Routledge. London, United Kingdom. p. 9 [21] Beirman, D. (2003) Restoring Tourism Destinations in Crisis: A Strategic Marketing Approach. Allen Unwin. Crows Nest, New South Wales. p. 222 [22] Ibid [23] World Economic Forum (2007) The World Economic Forum’s First Ever Travel Tourism Competitiveness Report. 1 March 2007. Retrieved on 6 January 2009 from http://www.weforum.org/en/media/Latest Press Releases/Tourismpressrelease [24] Coleman, S., Crang, M. (2002) Tourism: Between Place and Performance. Berghahn Books. New York, New York, United States. p. 53 [25] United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (1999) Tourism and Sustainable Development: Sustainable Tourism, A Local Authority Perspective. United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, New York, New York, United States [26] The U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development (1999) Tourism and Sustainable Development: The Global Importance of Tourism. The U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development. New York, New York, United States [27] Gold, J., Ward, S. (1994) Place Promotion: The Use of Publicity and Marketing to Sell Towns and Regions. John H. Wiley Sons. New York, New York, United States. p. 41 [28] Porter, M. (1980) Competitive Strategy: Techniques of Analysing Industries and Competitors. Free Press. New York, New York, United States. pp. 34-36