The impact of Widening Participation upon education in this Country

The impact of Widening Participation upon education in this Country Widening participation is a key government strategy in which students are taken in fromsocial groups or communities that have not traditionally entered higher education. Whilstmost institutes will welcome a new source of students, they recognise that these studentsare likely to have different learning skills/expectations and research suggests they arelikely to need additional support if they are to succeed. As a key government target is toimprove retention rates, there has to be a commitment to ensuring good studentprogression. The main aim for the programme is to have 50% of 18-30 years olds inhigher education. (Loughborough University, 1).The main aim is categorized into three sublimations:1)To make measurable progress towards widened participation, without increasingstudent non-completion, while maintaining standards of excellence and recognising andbuilding on institutional strengths and diversity.2)To stimulate new sources of student demand and adjust supply accordingly.3)To imp rove opportunities for all students through lifelong learning.Dr Stephen Farry at UCAS Higher Education Conventi...Departments will need appropriate learning, teaching and assessment strategies as wellsupport systems to deal with the increasing diversity of the student intake. For examplethe Engineering academics, at Loughborough university, have already had to deal withthe declining maths skills of students. It is clear that widening participation should notequate to a lowering of standards. Higher education institutes will have to face theincreasing challenge of educating an increasingly diverse student group effectively whilstmaintaining the output standards that the profession demands.Widening participation is not about reducing standards. The Higher Education FundingCouncil for England aim to sustain standards by enabling higher education institutes witha particularly strong commitment to widening participation to build and strengthen theiractivities, by ensuring that they rece ive sufficient funding to cover the additional costs ofthese and of supporting student success. In 2003-04...

Evidence for American Human Settlement Before Clovis

Evidence for American Human Settlement Before Clovis Pre-Clovis culture is a term used by archaeologists to refer to what is considered by most scholars (see discussion below) the founding populations of the Americas. The reason they are called pre-Clovis, rather than some more specific term, is that the culture remained controversial for some 20 years after their first discovery. Up until the identification of pre-Clovis, the first absolutely agreed-upon culture in the Americas was a Paleoindian culture called Clovis, after the type site discovered in New Mexico in the 1920s. Sites identified as Clovis were occupied between ~13,400-12,800  calendar years ago (cal BP), and the sites reflected a fairly uniform living strategy, that of predation on now-extinct megafauna, including mammoths, mastodons, wild horses, and bison, but supported by smaller game and plant foods. There was always a small contingent of the Americanist scholars who supported claims of archaeological sites of ages dating between 15,000 to as much 100,000 years ago: but these were few, and the evidence was deeply flawed. It is useful to bear in mind that Clovis itself as a Pleistocene culture was widely disparaged when it was first announced in the 1920s. Changing Minds However, beginning in the 1970s or so, sites predating Clovis began to be discovered in North America (such as Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Cactus Hill), and South America (Monte Verde). These sites, now classified Pre-Clovis, were a few thousand years older than Clovis, and they seemed to identify a broader-range lifestyle, more approaching Archaic period hunter-gatherers. Evidence for any pre-Clovis sites remained widely discounted among mainstream archaeologists until about 1999  when a conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico called Clovis and Beyond was held presenting some of the emerging evidence. One fairly recent discovery appears to link the Western Stemmed Tradition, a stemmed point stone tool complex in the Great Basin and Columbia Plateau to pre-Clovis and the Pacific Coast Migration Model. Excavations at Paisley Cave in Oregon have recovered radiocarbon dates and DNA from human coprolites which predate Clovis. Pre-Clovis Lifestyles Archaeological evidence from pre-Clovis sites continues to grow. Much of what these sites contain suggests the pre-Clovis people had a lifestyle that was based on a combination of hunting, gathering, and fishing. Evidence for pre-Clovis use of bone tools, and for the use of nets and fabrics has also been discovered. Rare sites indicate that pre-Clovis people sometimes lived in clusters of huts. Much of the evidence seems to suggest a marine lifestyle, at least along the coastlines; and some sites within the interior show a partial reliance on large-bodied mammals. Research also focuses on migration pathways into the Americas. Most archaeologists still favor the Bering Strait crossing from northeastern Asia: climatic events of that era restricted entry into Beringia and out of Beringia and into the North American continent. For pre-Clovis, the Mackenzie River Ice-Free Corridor was not open early enough. Scholars have hypothesized instead that the earliest colonists followed the coastlines to enter and explore the Americas, a theory known as the Pacific Coast Migration Model  (PCMM) Continuing Controversy Although evidence supporting the PCMM and the existence of pre-Clovis has grown since 1999, few coastal Pre-Clovis sites have been found to date. Coastal sites are likely inundated since the sea level has done nothing but rise since the Last Glacial Maximum. In addition, there are some scholars within the academic community who remain skeptical about pre-Clovis. In 2017, a special issue of the journal Quaternary International based on a 2016 symposium at the Society for American Archaeology meetings presented several arguments dismissing pre-Clovis theoretical underpinnings. Not all the papers denied pre-Clovis sites, but several did. Among the papers, some of the scholars asserted that Clovis was, in fact, the first colonizers of the Americas and that genomic studies of the Anzick burials (which share DNA with modern Native American groups) prove that. Others suggest that the Ice-Free Corridor would still have been usable if unpleasant entryway for the earliest colonists. Still others argue that the Beringian standstill hypothesis is incorrect and that there simply were no people in the Americas prior to the Last Glacial Maximum. Archaeologist Jesse Tune and colleagues have suggested that all of the so-called pre-Clovis sites are made up of geo-facts, micro-debitage too small to be confidently assigned to human manufacture.   It is undoubtedly true that pre-Clovis sites are still relatively few in number compared to Clovis. Further, pre-Clovis technology seems extremely varied, especially compared to Clovis which is so strikingly identifiable. Occupation dates on pre-Clovis sites vary between 14,000 cal BP to 20,000 and more. Thats an issue that needs to be addressed.   Who Accepts What? It is difficult to say today what percentage of archaeologists or other scholars support pre-Clovis as a reality versus Clovis First arguments. In 2012, anthropologist Amber Wheat conducted a systematic survey of 133 scholars about this issue. Most (67 percent) were prepared to accept the validity of at least one of the pre-Clovis sites (Monte Verde). When asked about migratory paths, 86 percent selected the coastal migration path and 65 percent the ice-free corridor. A total of 58 percent said people arrived in the American continents before 15,000 cal BP, which implies by definition pre-Clovis. In short, Wheats survey, despite what has been said to the contrary, suggests that in 2012, most scholars in the sample were willing to accept some evidence for pre-Clovis, even if it wasnt an overwhelming majority or whole-hearted support. Since that time, most of the published scholarship on pre-Clovis has been on the new evidence, rather than disputing their validity. Surveys are a snapshot of the moment, and the research into coastal sites has not stood still since that time. Science moves slowly, one might even say glacially, but it does move. Sources Braje, Todd J., et al. Finding the First Americans. Science 358.6363 (2017): 592–94. Print.de Saint Pierre, Michelle. Antiquity of mtDNA Lineage D1g from the Southern Cone of South America Supports Pre-Clovis Migration. Quaternary International 444 (2017): 19–25. Print.Eren, Metin I., et al. Refuting the Technological Cornerstone of the Ice-Age Atlantic Crossing Hypothesis. Journal of Archaeological Science 40.7 (2013): 2934-41. Print.Erlandson, Jon M. After Clovis-First Collapsed: Reimagining the Peopling of the Americas. Paleoamerican Odyssey. Eds. Graf, Kelly E., C.V. Ketron and Michael R. Waters. College Station: Center for the Study of the First Americans, Texas AM, 2013. 127-32. Print.Faught, Michael K. Where Was the Paleoamerind Standstill? Quaternary International 444 (2017): 10–18. Print.Fiedel, Stuart J. The Anzick Genome Proves Clovis Is First, after All. Quaternary International 444 (2017): 4–9. Print.Halligan, Jessi J., et al. Pre-Clovis Occup ation 14,550 Years Ago at the Page-Ladson Site, Florida, and the Peopling of the Americas. Science Advances 2.e1600375 (2016). Print. Jenkins, Dennis L., et al. Clovis Age Western Stemmed Projectile Points and Human Coprolites at the Paisley Caves. Science 337 (2012): 223–28. Print.Llamas, Bastien, Kelly M. Harkins, and Lars Fehren-Schmitz. Genetic Studies of the Peopling of the Americas: What Insights Do Diachronic Mitochondrial Genome Datasets Provide? Quaternary International 444 (2017): 26–35. Print.Morrow, Juliet E. After Anzick: Reconciling New Genomic Data and Models with the Archaeological Evidence for Peopling of the Americas. Quaternary International 444 (2017): 1–3. Print.Potter, Ben A., et al. Early Colonization of Beringia and Northern North America: Chronology, Routes, and Adaptive Strategies. Quaternary International 444 (2017): 36–55. Print.Scott, G. Richard, et al. Sinodonty, Sundadonty, and the Beringian Standstill Model: Issues of Timing and Migrations into the New World. Quaternary International 466 (2018): 233–46. Print.Shillito, Lisa-Marie, et al. New Researc h at Paisley Caves: Applying New Integrated Analytical Approaches to Understanding Stratigraphy, Taphonomy, and Site Formation Processes. PaleoAmerica 4.1 (2018): 82–86. Print. Tune, Jesse W., et al. Assessing the Proposed Pre-Last Glacial Maximum Human Occupation of North America at Coats-Hines-Litchy, Tennessee, and Other Sites. Quaternary Science Reviews 186 (2018): 47–59. Print.Wagner, Daniel P. Cactus Hill, Virginia. Encyclopedia of Geoarchaeology. Ed. Gilbert, Allan S. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, 2017. 95–95. Print.Wheat, Amber. Survey of Professional Opinions Regarding the Peopling of America. SAA Archaeological Record 12.2 (2012): 10–14. Print.

Income inequality, how the gap is getting bigger Term Paper

Income inequality, how the gap is getting bigger - Term Paper Example that the gap between the rich and the poor is the most important economic issue facing the world today and this poses a great danger to social stability as well as democracy. Income inequality is caused by different levels of education, the social status that an individual or group occupy as well as their race and gender. The inequality can lead to severe consequences such as increase in crime, low life expectancy and affects the social bonding. The widening income inequality impacts on social relation creating mistrust, anxiety and competition for status. In the United States, income inequality is measure by the standard method referred to as Gini coefficient. The gap has tremendously increased as seen in the recent past and is said to be highest since the 1920s, the income of the rich one percent rose with a twenty percent whereas that of the remaining ninety nine percent went up by just one percent( Ryscavage, 1999) . Research studies on national wealth showed that the top one percent of the wealth Americans controlled about forty percent of the nation’s wealth (Ryscavage, 1999). Their income increased by about two hundred and seventy five comparing that to just under forty percent increase for the sixty percent middle class earners (Ryscavage, 1999). Unlike in the past when the rich had their income from wealth accumulated from past generation today the rich Americans belong to the working class who are employees paid highly or are entrepreneurs. They have the central believe that you should work tirelessly to make your mon ey, their culture is capitalistic in nature for instance they acknowledge that you might be poor but work and get money. Americans have the widest gap between the rich and the poor than any other advanced economy in the world what is of much more concern is that it does not bother most people, the poor struggle to join the higher class rather than work towards achieving equality. The main goal is to achieve economic growth this is the

Consultant view of business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Consultant view of business - Essay Example While there are advantages to directly working with employees in their training, say, to achieve better customer service, the practicality and long-term benefits of working with the leadership team could certainly outweigh them. It is helpful to remember that training and development is aimed at improving employees’ skills and abilities. According to Pride, Hughes and Kapoor, training should be a continuing process. (p. 264) The constant employee training could be delegated and localized to their immediate managers because: 1) it is part of their responsibilities; 2) the manager would understand his staff better than Emma who must consider and understand the employees of all her stores; and, 3) managers should take increased responsibility if Emma wants them to be more committed to the company. Dealing with the managers is like involving them in the decision or policy-making process, which could address several factors including the managers’ resentment and frustration of being left out; the opportunity to become a stake holder in the organization, which allows for the cultivation of deeper commitment and loyalty to the organization; and so forth. All in all, Emma had to work hard in order to facilitate and motivate the managers’ commitment and their change and adoption of her vision. She must constantly create and sustain conditions for success of the change she wants or the vision that she wants her people to imbibe. I will definitely advise against the buyout by HIW company. Clearly, Emma likes what she does and she left her previous work in order to setup the business. Emma’s problem is that her company is growing fast and she must work hard to keep pace with it. Here, it is clear that the answer is definitely not HIW – selling her company to it and returning to work for it again. There are many options available to her besides this prospect. She could, for instance, improve and add on her human

How Effective Are Various Methods in Reducing Recidivism Essay Example for Free

How Effective Are Various Methods in Reducing Recidivism Essay Prison, non-custodial sentences and rehabilitation seem all failed in reducing recidivism; however, there is little and limited evidence to support non-custodial sentences, as well as some people think if rehabilitation could be implemented effectively, it would work. Although the advantage of prison is keeping our society from dangerous people, when it comes to reducing recidivism rate, the effect of prison is disappointing. The public usually think that imprisonment is safer for communities; however, it appears powerless to deter inmates from committing crime again. In the article, â€Å"Study shows building prisons did not prevent repeat crimes†, Fox Butterfield (2002) cites a large-scale study of recidivism from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, which investigated up to 272,111 former prisoners in 15 states during the first three years after being released. It found that 67% of inmates broke the law again in three years right after their release in 1994. It is surprised that it does not make any difference to recidivism rate which was studied in 1960’s, and it is even 5% higher than the study done in 1983. In addition, it indicated that the more rearrest records a criminal has, the higher recidivism rate he has. The inmates who have more than 15 prior arrests have 82. 1% of recidivism rate. Nevertheless, according to Emily Kingham’s article (2006), she believes that prison forces offenders to regret and reflect on their behaviour; as for the reason that criminals cannot reject the temptation of committing new crime is because of inadequate provided support. In spite of this, some experts have admitted that prison does not work in terms of reducing recidivism rate (Considering the alternatives 1978; Finckenauer 1988). Some limited evidence has shown that non-custodial sentences may decrease recidivism; regardless of some experts being sceptical about their desired achievements. On the one hand, alternative sentences can help government save money and alleviate over-cramped number of criminals in prison (Considering the alternatives 1978). On the other hand, Kingham(2006) points out that alternative sentences do nothing but return prisoners to their original circumstances, which result in unawareness of their crimes and the onsequences. One study indicated that through one of alternative sentences, intensive probation, recidivism rate is less than 20%; however, the evidence maybe weak as the study has not been completely put into practice (Considering the alternatives 1978). Furthermore, in the Minnesota, alternative sentences have been successfully adopted to keep criminal rate not increasing, but it may not be convinced because of the source not being confirmed (Considering the alternatives 1978) . While some people argue rehabilitation is also failed in reducing recidivism rate, some authors counter that if government could support rehabilitation, recidivism rate would decrease. According to the article, â€Å"Prison†, James O. Finckenauer (1988) cites some studies, which shows that even though the government has already provided with good rehabilitation programmes, they cannot achieve reformatory of inmates. On the other hand, this position is contested by Joan Petersilis (cited in Butterfield 2002), a professor of criminology at the University of California at Irvine and an expert on parole, who says that state governments spent such little money on rehabilitation programs that inmates do not receive sufficient help with drug addition, work skill and preparation for a new life, which may lead increasing recidivism rate. Butterfield (2002) further cites the statement by Mr. Travis, who also argues that criminals return to crime.

Advancement Does Not Equal Destruction Essay -- Argumentative Persuasi

Advancement Does Not Equal Destruction It is 7:15 am on a Monday morning. You look outside and see 5 inches of snow on the ground and wonder â€Å"Do I have to go to school this morning?† You can’t waste time waiting for your school’s name to pop up on a TV news broadcast, so you quickly click onto the internet. Within moments, you have determined the status of your school, overjoyed that you can jump back into bed and sleep for a few more hours. Receiving information this quickly and easily is beneficial for everyone; it simplifies tasks and gives people more options for reading and writing information. With an internet connection, anyone can access the vast communications network known as the World Wide Web. People can do practically everything on the web: pay bills, check movie times, schedule classes, chat, email, read online newspapers, etc. One no longer needs to subscribe to a daily newspaper to get the latest local, national, and world news. At the click of a button, one can access numerous news sites that contain up-to-the-minute news from around the globe. This not only changes the way people read the news, but it also changes the way people write about the news. Online news is not presented in the same way as printed news. The operators of online news sites strive to attract visitors with bright graphics, eye-catching color schemes, and many helpful links. These work to help the user feel comfortable with the site, promoting the user’s return. The capabilities of multi-media also complement online sources, giving the user a more connected feel. There are so many news sites available on the web, but most share common designs. Most news sites have a similar layout, which includes a navigation frame at the top... ...ron, Dennis. â€Å"From Pencils to Pixels: The Stages of Literacy Technologies.† Writing Material: Readings from Plato to the Digital Age. Ed. Evelyn B. Tribble & Anne Trubek. New York, NY: Longman, 2003. 35-52. Birkerts, Sven. â€Å"Into the Electronic Millenium.† Writing Material: Readings from Plato to the Digital Age. Ed. Evelyn B. Tribble & Anne Trubek. New York, NY: Longman, 2003. 62-73. Landow, George. â€Å"Twenty Minutes into the Future, or How Are We Moving Beyond the Book?† Writing Material: Readings from Plato to the Digital Age. Ed. Evelyn B. Tribble & Anne Trubek. New York, NY: Longman, 2003. 214-226. New York Times on the Web. 5 Apr. 2004. http://www.nytimes.com. 5 Apr. 2004. â€Å"Woman with dwarfism brings comedy to UK.† BBC News: world edition. 5 Apr. 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/video/40005000/rm/_40005075_dwarfism09_davis_vi.ram 5 Apr. 2004.

Case Study †The Golden Rule and a Global Strategy

Since the attacks of September 11th occurred in the United States, there has been a level of social, environmental, and political unrest. This unrest is not only among individuals, but also among businesses worldwide and Four Seasons is not excluded from that list. Most of the scrutiny that is felt is directed at countries and more specifically groups of the Middle East that seemed to be involved with, or to be blamed for the disturbances of September 11th.The case study clearly points out that political unrest between the Middle East and the United States could play a huge role in determining the expansion and over all success of that area (or lack there of). Unfavorable economic and political conditions in international markets, including civil unrest and governmental changes, could undermine consumer confidence and reduce the consumers' purchasing power, thereby reducing demand for leisure products like luxury hotels.In addition, boycotts resulting from political activism could re duce demand, while restrictions on the ability to transfer earnings or capital across borders which may be imposed or expanded as a result of political and economic instability could impact profitability for four seasons. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentences, the unfavorable business environment, the current unstable economic and political conditions and civil unrest and political activism in the Middle East, and the unstable situation in Iraq or the continuation or escalation of terrorist activities could adversely impact international business.Even with these economic and political factors to consider, socio-cultural factors also play a huge role in assessing risk for the development of a Four Seasons hotel in the Middle East. The four Seasons practices business in a European way (being headquartered in Canada), with their primary focus being customer service, customer loyalty, and values that correspond to American and European culture. Middle eastern Social values are vastly different, and may result in conflicts of service. For one, Woman are considered to be in a lower separate classes, as compared to American and European beliefs.This would go against the hotels core competencies and beliefs for how their customer should be treated. Small things such as having pets, or understanding poverty, all play a huge role in understanding the culture. The bottom line of this issue is tolerance. Tolerance between our socio-cultural beliefs are vastly different, therefore could be risky if you try to mix them for business reasons. The case talks about how the industry is under the process of consolidation. Strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions are a huge reason why international investments in the Middle East may be less concerning.In the case of Four Seasons, the article discusses how many acquisitions and mergers have taken place with Four Seasons since the 1970s and 1990s. An important one was the acquisition of Regent international hotels. Not only did that expand them into Eastern markets, but it also lured an alliance with The Saudi Arabian Prince when he bought 25% of the company for 167 million dollars. His understanding the culture and his deep pockets allowed them into a market that was otherwise a very risky proposition. As per the case study, this reason is the reason for economic expansion and growth in the Middle East.The pro’s and Con’s of the luxury hotel segment There are many benefits to being in the luxury hotel segment. The case study strongly suggests that individuality is a key competitive advantage for this segment. What positively distinguishes a brand is the unique level of service offered, known as â€Å"the golden rule†. The golden rule is to treat others as you would like to be treated (which in the Ritz Carlton, it means ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen). This is typically not the case in lower level hotel segments, which creates a competitive adv antage for these upper echelon hotels.Another key advantage that the case points out is the luxury segments ability to be averse or immune from economic downturns, such as the one that occurred on September 11th 2001. The effected population consists of the middle class. The â€Å"movers and shakers† of the world will still utilize the amenities of the luxury segment. Brand name recognition is another huge advantage for this segment. This accounts for over 80% of their marketing efforts. According to the urban land institute property performance survey, the upscale luxury segment will significantly outperform the mid prices economy segment through mid 2002.  (Even with a total market share of only 17. 6%).Another advantage was occurring in times of economic distress. The cost associated with opening new hotels was astronomical, causing a very high barrier to entry for non-established brands in the middle market segment. This is a clear indicator of a strong luxury segment. Companies such as the Four Seasons have been moving into hotel management, which has a lower perceived risk and a lower cost of ownership. With all these advantages at hand, the case study suggests that now is the time that the luxury hotel segment should expand on all these factors.Although the advantages seem legitimate, there are causes for concern for the luxury hotel segment and it starts with competition with the lower hotel segments. The case discusses a downturn in business travelers and an upswing of leisure travelers by a considerable margin. The issue for the luxury segment occurred when lower level hotels were cannibalizing their guests by tailoring services to match their needs instead of losing them to luxury hotels. Examples of this would be Wyndham by request, which is a customer relationship management model.Another huge area of concern for luxury hotels is the change in technology and how that affects the capture of new and repeat clientele. It’s stated in t he article that lower segment hotels have adopted recent technology changes quickly but the luxury segment was slow to grasp it. This was a clear disadvantage to the luxury industry that relied heavily on bookings from agents, and telecommunications. In 2002, Four Seasons hired MICROS systems to consolidate all customer records and help them link the properties systems. The development of new luxury properties was sure to slow down drastically in an economic downturn.This made expansion a harder proposition. It would cost luxury hotels nearly 375,000 dollars per room to expand with a new building as opposed to the 48,900 dollars per room for middle market hotels. Due to this drastic cost difference, luxury hotels had to rely on developing there existing assets which is â€Å"very difficult† to the case studies point. Hotel Management VS real-estate Ownership In order to discuss why the Four Seasons became a management company, we must first understand how it was accomplished. In 1974, cost overruns nearly led the company into bankruptcy.As a result, the company began shifting to its current, management-only business model and eliminate costs associated with buying land and buildings and instead begin earning profits through managing them. The recent economic downturns such as the September 11th disaster forced the company to sell its shares to majority stockholders such as the Saudi Arabian Prince who bought 176 million dollars in shares. After that point, Four Seasons got into the market of managing properties as they acquired hotels such as Regent and many others.This is when Four Seasons started to manager their properties. It operates them on behalf of real estate owners and developers. The contracts between Four Seasons and property owners typically permits the company to participate in the design of the property and run it with nearly total control over every aspect of the operation. Four Seasons generally earns 3 percent of the gross income and a pproximately 5 percent of profits from the properties it operates, and the property owners are required to additionally contribute money for chain-wide sales, marketing and reservations systems.Four Seasons hotels have larger staffs than competing chains, therefore they create separate reserve accounts to cover upkeep costs. While profit margins are relatively low, the reputation of the brand and the value of the hotel for sale as well as loan collateral generate developer interest. Lets look at some figures from the table on page 29 to understand why they chose to be a management company. From 1998 to 2000, ownership operations produced a positive income of 9,000, 8,000 and 13,000.Although the numbers are positive, they are a minuscule number in comparison to the profits of the management operations, which were 79,000, 89,000 and 125,000 for those years. If we look ahead to the years 2001 and 2002, you will notice that the ownership operations actually yielded a loss for both years of (10,000) and (19,000). These numbers are in congruence with the expected economic downturn that occurred at that time that affected all hotels. This is why Four Seasons made the move to managing hotels.If we pull up the management operations profit figures, we notice that for year 2001 they earned 95,000 and in 2002 they earned 82,000. Although it’s less then the year’s prior, we can clearly see the difference in profits, even with a management fees and royalties earned of 3 to 5 %. Average revenue streams and the interpretation of net earnings and cash from operations Average revenue per property: Worldwide $52,173 x 365 = $19,143,145 United States $67,808 x 365 = $24,749,920 Europe/Middle east $44,572 x 365 = $16,268,780 Net income: 1999 $86,4792001 $86,486 2002 $21,231 Cash used in operations: 1999 $106,787 2001 $75,510 2002 $41,673 Calculation of difference between the tow measures: Year 1999 ($20,308) Year 2001 $10,976 Year 2002 ($20,532) In the year 1999, Fou r Seasons showed a positive growth in their net earnings statement coming in around 86,000. The issue here is that the cash used in operations exceeded the amount that was profit, leaving a negative number. The same applies for year 2002. However, in 2001, it shows that the net profits were still higher than cashed used in operations.This pattern does not directly correlate to overall business decline, but just a difference in how the money is being received throughout Four Seasons. Operating cash flow is the lifeblood of a company and the most important barometer that investors have. Although many investors gravitate toward net income, operating cash flow is a better metric of a company's financial health for two main reasons. First, cash flow is harder to manipulate under GAAP than net income. Second, â€Å"cash is king† and a company that does not generate cash over the long term is on its deathbed.Calculations of profit margins, ROA, and ROE and the 5 year trend 1998-2002 Year 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Net Profit Margin 28. 02% 31. 16% 29. 66% 28. 53% 7. 46% ROA 12. 79% 10. 39% 10. 47% 8. 82% 2. 19% ROE 12. 79% 10. 39% 10. 47% 8. 82% 2. 19% From the above calculations, we can make some educated inferences as to the direction that the company is headed. We can see that the Net profits are steady and then take a severe plunge. This is probably due the September 11th occurrence (which also leads to consumer shock and uncertainty). Nonetheless, it’s frightening to see your margins fall that low.On the flip side, we can see that the ROA and the ROE are identical. First of all this means the Four Seasons did a great job managing their debt to equity. Research indicates that if your ROA equals the ROE, then your company has no debt. This was accomplished when Four Seasons decided to become private again and sell its shares to rich investors. This also was a testament to their willingness to change amid a vastly adapting service industry. They had to create a niche in the management field and shy away from the real estate norm.The direction that the company will head in the next 5 years will also involve much of what they already did, and that is adapt to change. The calculations and all the research through this case study suggests that its getting harder and harder to attain the same cash flows by doing the same activity. A new platform will have to change the way Four seasons captures new business, and secures its returning business for more profits than ever before. The platform is consumer technology platforms. With time, the luxury consumer will become happier, but also more discerning.Customization on a customer-by-customer basis will be important. Creating a digital experience on the web will heavily increase traffic. Most important of all points will be the age of social media networking. Companies like facebook are starting to pop up in this 5 year trend forecast, and being the front runner in this technology will crea te a digital media universe at the their disposal. The mobile revolution is also on the horizon in this forecast, so having your company prepared for this will undoubtedly help your profits, ROA, and ROE.

Are Geishas Glamorous Prostitutes or Art Forms? Essay

The article narrates the life of a geisha and the role that they play in Japanese society and culture. Geishas represent the Japanese culture. The image of a geisha dancing or playing a musical instrument is a cultural metaphor tied up with the Japanese. Books, movies, posters, pictures, and forms of art and literature directly related to the Japanese culture involve stories and images of the geisha. Although most people see geishas and think about Japan, they do not really know the kind of life that geishas live. Some people say geishas are prostitutes, while some others say they are works of art. In part, the article reveals the concept of mizuage, which is clearly a form of prostitution. As the author continued to write, the life of a geisha, however, was represented to be a life of mastery and perfection of art. Geishas were roughly trained to play the shamisen, to put on make up and dress properly called iki, or to dance and sing gracefully and wonderfully. Geishas are looked upon for fashion, beauty and grace. Geishas epitomize the Japanese woman and the culture. The life of the geisha is entirely dedicated to art and beauty, and this image remains to live as geishas continue to represent the culture and the nature of the Japanese society. The article remains to be on the middle ground when used to answer the issue regarding geishas being prostitutes or art forms. Although this article leans toward the idea of the life of a geisha as a life of mastery and perfection of art, the concept of mizuage was explicated, revealing the other side of the geisha life, which is prostitution. Moreover, the idea of seduction was implicitly embedded on the concept of the geisha life. The mizuage is a fee paid by a man to the Okiya mother as payment for a geisha’s virginity. The highest bidder among the men shall be the one to pay for it. The physical appearance of the geisha is also intended to seduce men, by wearing thick make-up and long dresses. These ideas written in the article suggest that geishas were indeed prostitutes. However, the author continues to reiterate the art and beauty in the life in the geisha. They represent the Japanese culture and society, and have undergone numerous experiences apart from the geisha life during the war, encounter with the western culture, and the changes that come along with modernity. Ultimately, this article is a good source of unbiased information answering the question whether geishas are prostitutes or art forms, and narrates how geishas have transformed from the traditional to the modern woman of Japan. This impartiality becomes the strength of the article, and sets it apart from the other articles that shall be reviewed in the following pages. Furthermore, this article is a good source for presenting both sides of the issue in class. Shelton, Chrystine & Makela, Lee A. â€Å"The History of Geisha and Their Role in Japanese Society and Culture. † Contemporary Japan in Perspective. Google Scholar. 28 April 2008. 12 October 2003. < http://scholar. google. com. ph/scholar? hl=en&lr=&q=%22The+History+of+Geisha+and+Their+Role+in+Japanese+Society+and+Culture%22&btnG=Search>. Geisha (Book Review) by Takie Sugiyama Lebra The article is a review of the book â€Å"Geisha† written by Liza Crihfield Dalby, who went to Japan to experience the life of a geisha. Through training, she became a geisha, primarily because of her knowledge of shamisen, and was accepted in the east as one of the most prominent geishas of all time. Dalby was a Japanese language speaker and she has been learning the art of shamisen since she was still young. She stayed in Japan for a year and four months, in order to experience the geisha life and later write a book the describes how it is to become a geisha. According to Dalby, the geisha must be able to carry out two roles during geishahood. The first one is being able to train and obtain comprehensive and excellent skills in dancing and music. The second one is training to be able to entertain male guests in the teahouses. Geishas are well respected and looked upon as models of society and icons of success. Geishas are also the epitomes of fashion and glamour. In tea houses, the role of geishas are to accompany men, pour sake while they dine, and entertain the male guests through stories and dance or musical presentation. Although the image and the purpose of the geisha are limited to these concepts, geishas are being tied to prostitution because of history. However, geishahood remains to be decent and productive as a representation of the Japanese culture and artistry. The viewpoint of the review, as based on Dalby’s experiences, implied that the life of a geisha is not learning towards prostitution. This is because of the fact the role of geisha is explicated in terms of politics, family and marriage. The image of geishas as prostitutes dates back to history when women use the concept of geishahood in becoming courtesans. However, the true essence of being a geisha relies on artistry and knowledge. Apparently, geishas get involved with politics because of their relationship with men who hold powerful positions within society. Geishas are allowed to fall in love with men they like, and they can switch roles and opt to leave geishahood in order to become teahouse managers, mistresses, or wives. This article encourages the reader to look through the book that Dalby wrote in order to gain first hand information about the geisha life. If there is one person who can answer the question of whether geishas are prostitutes or art forms, Dalby would be the likely suspect. The review was able to sum up all the ideas narrated in the book and include added information about the important role the geishas play in society. What makes this article stand out between the two articles is that it reiterates the meaningful roles of geishas as they become involved with politics, the family and the married life. Although there was somewhat a connotation of geishas being involved with sexual activity, the article tries to focus on the essence of being a true geisha, sans the malice. This is important in presenting the class with meaningful information the elevates an individuals’ ideas and perceptions of the geisha. What I mean is that, if the first article concentrates on the glamour and artistry there is in geishahood, this review delves deeper into the geisha world and acknowledges the meaning and significance of being a geisha as a member of society. Lebra, Sugiyama Takie. â€Å"Geisha. † Liza Crihfield Darby. Pacific Affairs, Vol. 57 No. 4. University of British Columbia. 28 April 2008 < http://www. jstor. org/stable/2758733>. Yoshiwara: The Glittering World of the Japanese Courtesan by Cecilia Segawa Seigle The book, written by Seigle, talks about prostitution beginning from the history of Japan. The book starts to describe the concept of prostitution and how it all started in the country, and its connection to the Yoshiwara geisha. Although the book talks about courtesans and prostitutions, the book denies geishahood as a form of prostitution. Geishas in the past were both men and women, who were skilled in playing a musical instrument, dancing, and repartee. They were dressed conservatively yet fashionably and groomed neatly. Courtesans were the complete opposite of the geishas. They were vulgarly dressed and were hired by men for sexual interactions. The book narrated the geishas were simply employed in teahouses in order to accompany and entertain the customers, but is only limited to decency and conservativeness. Due to their artistic skills and knowledge in engaging conversations, the geishas during that time became more popular than the courtesans. This ushered the connection between the geisha life and prostitution as more and more courtesans who cannot compete with the geishas learned the art of playing musical instruments and dancing. Although at that time, the geisha and the courtesan were almost similar in acquired skills, one would notice the geisha from the other just by looking at the clothes and the manner of grooming. The book clearly states the distinction between being a geisha and a courtesan. The book claims the non-involvement of geishas to prostitution. According to the author, geishas were all about artistry and entertainment, and not engaging in sexual activity for money. The book creates a distinction between prostitution and geishahood. Unlike the two articles previously discussed, the book suggests that the image of geishas is not tinted with prostitution and vulgarity as opposed to what most people think. Although the title of the book suggests prostitution and the life of courtesans, geishas were not considered to be part of the group, and were actually responsible for the decline of the popularity of courtesans. Interestingly enough, the fame and popularity of geishas downplayed the prominence of courtesans during that time. Perhaps, Japanese men wanted more meaning and sense out of the women who accompany them in teahouses, such as entertainment and sensible conversations. The book is effective enough to point out why geishas are different from courtesans and why they should not be related to prostitution. The book reiterated the role of geishas to be connected with art and skills. If the first article talked about the glamour in geishahood, and the second article talked about the meaning in the geisha life, the book talks about the real roles of geisha. It ties up all the ideas from the two articles and the book itself to form one unifying idea that geisha is not prostitution. Although the two articles remain to imply the prostitution in the geisha life, the glamour, the meaning, and the important role of being a geisha still remains to be the most significant image that geishahood is trying to portray. Seigle, Cecilia Segawa. â€Å"Yoshiwara: The Glittering World of the Japanese Courtesan. † University of Hawaii Press. Questia Media America, 310 pgs. , 1993. 28 April 2008 < http://www. questia. com/read/596793>.

Consequences of Spatial Distribution and Consumption of Natural Resources at a Global Scale Essay Example

Consequences of Spatial Distribution and Consumption of Natural Resources at a Global Scale Essay Example Consequences of Spatial Distribution and Consumption of Natural Resources at a Global Scale Paper Consequences of Spatial Distribution and Consumption of Natural Resources at a Global Scale Paper A natural resource can be defined as an item that after necessary processing or manufacture is useful and hence meets the needs of the society. Natural resources can be divided into two categories. Renewable and non-renewable. Renewable resources are those which after use will be replenished, if used appropriately. Non-renewable resources are those which come in finite stocks, therefore will eventually run out. Generally, natural resources are spread unevenly over the globe. That is in some areas there may be a concentration of a certain natural resource that may be scarce in another. It is important to note that currently developed countries use the majority of the available resources on an annual basis. Fresh water is an example of a renewable resource. After use it will be replenished. Less than five percent of the water on earth exists as fresh water and less than one percent is accessible as surface water. The distribution of water varies unevenly around the globe. One such reason for this is the variations in the amount precipitation received in certain areas. Currently water is being consumed in a way that it is turning into a non-renewable resource. The world’s supply of fresh water is threatened by growing levels of pollution, more so in developing countries than developed. There are many environmental problems associated with the consumption of water in a way that transforms it into a non-renewable resource. Water pollution heavily affects the functionings of an ecosystem as water pollution directly affects both plants and animals. If current trends of water pollution continue many social consequences will arise. According to a UN Report entitled ‘A Comprehensive Assessment of the Freshwater Resources of the world states that If water pollution continues than two-thirds of the world’s population will suffer ‘moderate to severe water stress’ by 2050. A rise in water pollution can also cause public health problems, specifically water-borne diseases. A lack of adequate freshwater could also place the world’s food supply in jeopardy. There are many political and economic consequences arising from the spatial patterns and consumption of freshwater. A rise in water pollution can significantly impact upon agricultural growth, and ultimately may cause a slowing economic growth. Political hostility can develop if there is not a fair distribution and price of water as was seen in Great Britain when the rates for water increased under private water companies. This rise was attributed to personal benefits for executives and as such political hostility developed. Minerals are an example of a non-renewable resource. This is because the rate at which they are being used is much faster than the rate at which they are forming. There is an inconsistent dispersal of minerals around the globe, in that some countries have more plentiful supplies than others. These inconsistent spatial patterns are attributed to a number of factors. For example coal seams are present in more places than others because they formed from swampland that existed 350 million years ago. It is evident that there is an uneven dispersal of minerals in that 4 countries export seventy percent of the worlds annual iron ore. It is fact that the developed countries consume more minerals than developed. China produces seventy percent of the iron ore extracted every year. However its consumption is so high that it has to import a further fifteen percent to meet its needs. There are many environmental issues arising from the consumption and distribution of minerals. The mining and refining process can have a devastating effect on the environment. Specifically in developing countries where there is less emphasis on sustainability and a greater emphasis on profit there is little funding provided for the rehabilitation of open cut mining sites. This can have a significant effect on the environment. Also the smelting process in the refining of many metal ores release pollutants into the air. One such example is the refining of bauxite to produce aluminium. Bauxite has a high sulfur content and as such when smelted sulfur dioxide is released into the air. Sulfur dioxide forms acid rain and thus can have a devastating effect on the environment. Many economic consequences also arise out of the spatial patterns of minerals. As some countries possess a greater amount of mineral than others, come countries are more economically affected. For example, Australia whose main export is mining of aluminium and coal is higly economically affected by changes in the demand and prices of these minerals. Politicla consequences arising from mineral use come mainly from Trans National Companies and over the issue of sovereignty. TNC’s can be contracted by governments and in return may receive loans are assisatnbce form these companies. The issue of sovereignty over natural resource and land ownership can result in political conflict. An example would be the attempted invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990 over sovereignty rights. Forests are another example of a non renewable resource. Forests are also unevenly distributed around the globe, becoming scarce in places with harsher climates. Forests are especially important for developing countries as a means of food and building material. Approximately 30 percent of the earth’s land area is covered by forest. This amount is decreasing by 13 million hectares annually due to deforestation. The environmental consequences associated with the consumption of forests are not only a great affect on local ecosystems. Soil that is now exposed to sunlight becomes degraded and the amount of carbon dioxide gas rises. This may result in an enhanced greenhouse effect. Socially forests are also important as a means of recreation and for tourism. With the annual decrease in forest these factors are endangered. Economically, the spatial patterns and distribution of forests can have a number of positive consequences. Not only will forest be a means of economic growth but the deforestation process creates local jobs, enhances skills especially in the use of technological machinery. Political consequences come mainly in the form of Green politics. Issues with greeg politics arise when there is great environmental damage as a result of issues concerning the forest. An example of this was in Germany when a number of green politicians were elected because of the deterioration of forest due to acid rain. It is evident that the spatial patterns and consequences of the distribution and consumption of natural resources at a global scale can have political, social, economic and environmental consequences, both positive and negative.

Have No Time for Homework Learn How to Speed Up the Process!

Have No Time for Homework Learn How to Speed Up the Process! How to Complete Your Homework Quicker For most of the students homework is torture and they would rather concentrate on their leisure or hobbies. However, there are many ways out and simply by organizing the process, asking for help and learning useful tips will surely help to boost your creativity. Don’t hesitate and approach your homework right now! Make lists. It is not surprising to hear students say that they have simply forgotten about the task. There is a simple solution: write down class assignments in one of the convenient ways and you will always remember about them! The most effective way is to use a simple diary. Write all the assignments on a separate page and always have it in front of you. You can also use calendars and daily logs. There is also a chance to write down all the tasks on top of your workbook, indicating the number of pages and all of the guidelines your teacher may have. However, if you use such method we strongly recommend you to copy tasks to your diary not to lose anything. Such a simple trick will help you not to miss any details; Understand every assignment. Many students are too shy to ask teachers or their friends for clarifications and hope to manage the task on their own. However, if you don’t understand the task, you won’t be able to detect whether you have the necessary data or skills. If you see that the equation is not familiar or the questions after the text are too confusing, ask your teacher at once. The best way is to look through your homework while you are still in the class and not when you come back from school; Make sure you have all the necessary tools. Remember how distracting it is to notice that you don’t have a ruler or a necessary pen, while you are already working on your homework? You will lose track of time and often won’t be able to get back to your thoughts. If you plan in advance, you will have everything you need to complete homework without any distractions. Another useful advice is to plan a break in advance and don’t get up from your place until that time approaches; Remain focused on a single task. It is impossible to remain effective if you decide to complete homework on several subjects simultaneously. Go to the next one only when one subject is ready. This will help you to complete every assignment without missing any important details. If you find the assignment too difficult and need assistance, you can switch to another task. Stick to the chosen duration of breaks and don’t make them longer. Remember, the first 15 minutes are the most effective because your brain is ready to solve the most complicated tasks; Don’t forget to treat yourself for a completed assignment. For example, you can promise yourself to play a favorite video game or to have some chocolate once you are finished. However, such a treat should be something you don’t usually do while you are on a break to stimulate you to complete homework much quicker; Don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you are not able to concentrate, you can always ask your friends or relatives for help. You can give your phone to them, while you are doing your homework not to feel tempted to check your social accounts. After your homework is completed, take your phone back and don’t forget to treat yourself; Discuss difficult assignments with your teacher. He was the one to choose it, so he knows the task perfectly and may help you to complete it and cope with all the difficulties. If you are asking for help it doesn’t mean that you are stupid and don’t understand the task. A good teacher will surely listen to your questions and will offer the best solution. Never be scared of asking for help, because it is much simpler than to get stuck in the middle of the process at home, not knowing what to do. Network This advice may not be directly related to completing your homework but it is an essential part of your student time, which is able to simplify your life! Ask international students whether they find it beneficial to meet people from all corners of the world with different backgrounds and skills. College is a great chance to enter an internship, attend various fairs and competitions, where you can meet people and network. If you use all of these opportunities wisely, it will be much easier for you to get a strong reputation among other students. Such relationships may not only influence your future carrier but also help to overcome any difficulties with assignments you may face. Networking is a key, which will always help you to remain afloat, understand subjects and find useful connects. Believe us, networking at college is as huge, as using social media accounts at Facebook or LinkedIn. Â   Train Have you ever talked to students, who are studying communications? They obviously have lots of benefits, when it comes to learning unique training techniques and skills. Such skills help students to train in completely different situations, which allows them to sharpen skills in completing all types of homework and other assignments. Communication and foreign students also get an opportunity to understand what they want from their lives and help to get additional skills for future success. If you are a journalist or a language student, you may be offered to attend newspapers, channels and radio stations. All of them help you to train and exercise unique skills to build a strong portfolio, sharpening skills in completing all sorts of assignments. You should always remember that completing homework is important not only for getting a degree but also for building a future career. Very often students invent brilliant ideas for the future business amidst completing homework, so training is surely a key to a better future. Being rejected Now, when you know how it is possible to simplify the process of completing homework, and know why it is important to network and train, we would like to say a few words about rejection. Once in a while, any student will have to experience rejection. Whether it is a rejection of a poorly completed homework or a scholarship cover letter. However, students, who are taking a communication course, know that rejection of an article or a new strategy can become a positive result for their future and be fruitful for the future success. Don’t worry if your homework gets rejected or your teacher asks for additional changes. Just work on the best solution, mind your previous mistakes and improve yourself to deliver better results in future. We hope that our simple but yet effective tips helped you to understand that there is nothing difficult in completing homework with a proper approach and enough devotion.

EOH Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

EOH - Essay Example The measurements are calculated based on a series of questions answered by the person or institution involved (Carbon Footprint Ltd, 2011; World Wildlife Fund, 2007). Briefly, the questionnaire allows the assessment of how much of the pre-determined emission factors are utilized by the institution. The methodology of such calculations is made by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) of the British government, which is used by Carbon Footprint Ltd. or the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States‘ Department of Energy, which has its own Carbon Footprint calculation program, and is used by Lexington Global Warming Action Coalition. This report enumerates the carbon footprint value of ’s family, as calculated using different web hosts of carbon footprint calculations. Means of reducing the carbon footprint is also suggested. Finally, the idea of purchasing carbon offsets is tackled in this writing. MY CARBON FOOTPRINT VALUE Table 1. Summa ry of Carbon footprint values, expressed as tons CO2,.as calculated using five different websites. ... The average of the calculated values is 34.92 tons CO2, with a standard deviation of 13.54. What could have caused these high variation in results? COMPARISON OF THE FIVE WEBSITES All of the calculators used the activities at home, specifically the use of appliances, for the estimation of carbon footprint. However, US EPA only takes note of the housing energy consumption, as opposed to the other five websites, which also added transportation as an emission factor. As stated by the Lexington Global Warming Action Coalition, assessment of the carbon footprint using household activities alone is the most basic way of calculating because necessary information can be easily obtained from electric bills. Aside from housing and transportation, coolcalifornia.org also reported greenhouse gas emissions from shopping, which most likely caused its resulting carbon footprint calculation to be the highest of the five. Meanwhile, differences in the values obtained by Carbon Footprint, carbonfund.o rg, and Lexington may be attributed to the differences by which they accounted housing and transportation emissions. Looking closer at the environmental costs of transportation, both carbonfund.org and Carbon Footprint found out that most of the family’s carbon footprint was from car use, which, according to calculations, releases 31.74 and 41.74 tons CO2 respectively (see Appendix). These differences should be taken into consideration. A standardized calculation of Carbon Footprint should be made, because it is a reflection of the countries’ concerted effort on saving the environment. COMPARISON WITH THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLDS According to coolcalifornia.org, the carbon footprint of ‘s family were mostly caused by shopping expenditures. Briefly,