The Effects of Fiscal Policy (An increase in Government Purchase Essay

The Effects of Fiscal Policy (An increase in Government Purchase - Essay Example Although this practice exposes the government to significant economic management challenges from the monetarists view, it is sometimes a preferable interventionary measure. Expansionary economic policy by the government increased expenditure also captures the issue of unemployment since it leads to increased employment. The ensuing effect is inflation which is a function of interest rate. Mankiw debates on the concept of saving as the opposite of investment and all are functions of interest rate (Mankiw 73). Fiscal policy generally leads to inflation and this significantly affects investment. The better part of the population would therefore rather save in expectation of future economic stability and increased value for their money so that they may invest. It is also worth to note that government expenditure affects interest rate and consumption in the same direction. Consumption is a function of disposable income hence by United Kingdom government increasing its expenditure, more di sposable income will raise the level of consumption with little saving. A critical analysis of the case of UK indicates that informed economic policies that have propelled it from the period of industrial revolution, through the two world wars to date are basically based on a blend of fiscal and monetary

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 68

Leadership - Essay Example The style of leadership chosen by an individual is reflective of their nature. Douglas McGregor pointed out that leadership is dominated by human nature, which can be explained using the X and Y theories. While theory X portrays the average person as lazy, lacking in ambition, and always waiting to be directed, theory Y perceives human beings as active, ambitious, and ready to take responsibilities (Stewart, 2010). Accordingly, although most people would want to identify with theory Y, the truth is that a majority of people are not that self-motivated and need to be prompted into action. This observation makes theory X more realistic than theory Y in the relationship between leaders and followers. Transformational leadership is a leadership model advanced by Kouze & Posner (2010), who in their first two chapters provide real life examples of managers whose personalities transformed their organizations. Essentially, Kouze & Posner (2010) perceive leadership as a relationship rather than a position by stating that leadership is not only measured by being in charge of others, but also by being credible. Transformational leadership encourages the leader to create away that will stimulate a common vision, challenge daily undertakings, motivate others to act, and even inspire them (Kouze & Posner, 2010). Considering that it took 20 years of intensive research in real organizations to come up with this model, the transformational leadership model is very important in understanding the concept of good leadership. The only problem with the transformational leadership theory is that it may give too much power to narcissistic individuals who might end up abusing such

English Literature Essays Novel Conflict Alex

English Literature Essays Novel Conflict Alex Novel Conflict Alex Book Review: Smaller and Smaller Circle I. Critical Analysis of Plot Structure The novel starts with Father Emil running. The mood set is that of agitation and disturbance. As the novel progresses, one will eventually also see the pattern: that each of the characters are figuratively running from a traumatic past, an experience or a memory. Interspersed in the story are a few paragraphs which describe and imply a particular characters conflict with the self. Their conflict involves either denying or covering up the characters whereabouts or past experiences. The whole novel itself, being of the murder-mystery type, involves chasing, concealing information, uncovering secrets and solving ambiguities. Alex, the murderer, kills children and eviscerates their bodies as a way to cope and fight against a traumatic experience in the past. He strives to run away and break free from this bitter past by destroying and getting rid of the children who remind him of his unpleasant experiences, and whom he perceives as witnesses to his shame and suffering. The dehumanizing removal of their faces, hearts, and genitals not only echoes his desire to be rid of the parts of himself he perceived to be the cause of his suffering, but also seems to speak of how dehumanized he felt after his childhood ordeal. Attorney Arcinas, in the same vein, tries so hard to have a life which is completely different and far better than the life his parents had given him. At present, his behaviors are manifestations of his denial of his past and his attempt to disassociate himself from the status he used to have in society. Joana, the journalist, in spite of working for the truth has a secret of her own to conceal. She has an affair with a married man; this readily lends itself to humor when we consider how her penchant for going under cover turns up in, of all places, the bedroom! On the other hand, the keys to clearing the cloud that seems to envelope the true relationship of the two protagonists, Father Jerome and Father Saenz are left quite obviously for the readers to discover by themselves, albeit upon either the second or third re-reading; these will be discussed more thoroughly later. In connection with the characters attempt to deny and run away, the author also uses the image of the rain to symbolize the attempts or the efforts of the characters to wash themselves, and to bring new life water to what seemed to have been enveloped by hopelessness and despair trauma and unfavorable circumstances in the case of both Joanas affair and the plight of the families of the victims. The point of view in the story shifts throughout the plotfrom the omniscient third person to a first person, which is that of the killers point of view, and then back again. In connection with this, the murderers monologues aim to level him with the omniscient narrators view, creating an aura of power, and even fear for the sake of the other characters in the story. You can get expert help with your essays right now. Find out more The author uses dreams and recollections/flashbacks visvis direct narration by the omniscient narrator. The novel ends with an impending conflict that the reader deems will have a great impact on the two lead characters. Again, as the case of the murders is solved, so there must also be a need to uncover and shed light on a matter (the very probable more-than-friendship relations between Fr. Jerome and Fr. Saenz) that is insinuated through out the story. The plot in the story develops through the complex interaction of the characters with one another. The main conflict in the story, the serial killings, stems from a distorted relationship between mentor (PE teacher) and student (Alex); similarly, the protagonists (Fr. Jerome and Fr. Saenz) who are tasked upon to solve the cases also exhibit an extraordinary bond between them. The relationship among the characters leads them to commit actions that drive the development of the plot. Alexs parents play the key role of revealing his traumatic past, which is what drives him to commit the murders. The differential power relations between some of the characters also drive the plot; this is seen in the case of the (NBI) Directors exertion of power over Arcinas, which puts the quest of the two protagonists to solve the murders back in track. Additionally, this time around they can be in control of things. II. Critical Analysis of Characters Father Saenz provides the epitome of a good mentor one who is a good example to his student his remaining calm during traffic jams in particular and situations which require patience and understanding in general comes to mind especially by taking good care of and respecting his parishioners, even to the point of avoiding contact with them outside of mass in order to maintain their professional relationship.. He also tries hard to abstain from sexual fantasies or acts, such as the time when he didnt take advantage of the lady-dentists flirting. His character is completely in contrast to that of Alexs PE teacher, who lets his perversion lead him to take sexual advantage of his students. Father Jerome, unlike Alex, possesses high regard for his mentor, Father Saenz. He respects him not only because he is his teacher, but also because the two of them have become very good friends. If Alex loathes his teacher, even to the point of killing him, Fr. Jerome cares very much for the life of Fr. Saenz; this is very evident during the confrontation scene between Alex and Fr. Saenz, wherein Fr. Jerome exhibits concern so extreme it surprises Atty. Arcinas. Attorney Arcinas represents the dysfunctional system of government agencies in the Philippines. Driven by his selfish motivations and greed, he grabs every opportunity he can to benefit himself, be it to his finances or his reputation. He doesnt care if he is really able to function as a defender of the law and of the people, rich or poor as they may be. Fortunately, his powers are clipped by an authority figure, the Director, who knows what Arcinas is really up to and sets him straight. Joana, for her part, represents as an individual what the media is as an institution: persistent in its quest for truth, but just as full of anomalies, controversies, and lies within its walls. In the case of Joana, her passion for journalism and determination to uncover the truth exist visvis her being involved in a secret and forbidden love affair. Moreover, even if the reader gets impressed with her strong desire to uncover the truth behind the murders, s/he may be appalled by her intrusion on the relationship of the two priests. Alex, although characterized as a murderer, may also be seen as a victim himself. As an adolescent, he is molested by a person who shouldve been like his second parent. He is a brilliant student, responsible and respected in school, but because of what happens between him and his PE teacher, his view of himself and of the world changes from bright to dim. His parents, on the other hand, arent able to do anything for him with regard to what he is experiencing in school. He becomes embittered by his trauma and eventually turns angry, displacing this feeling on innocent children. He then becomes a victim of his own self, particularly his despair and wrath. III. Critical Analysis of Themes Taking into consideration the context of the setting of the novel, an emerging theme is that serial killers are not a stranger to the Philippine society and it is not something that should be taken lightly. This revelation of an issue creates a concern within and around us. It makes us realize the reality of the statement and it triggers certain emotions which may result in our being more vigilant. Another emerging theme is that of pain: Pain transcends time and space, and it can be shared with others. This concept was blatantly expressed within the story through the life of the killer. During childhood, he experienced pain, suffering and humiliation that he wasnt able to escape and resolve. This pain showed itself through his emotions of anger and thoughts of violence. He constantly feels the pain and is consistently reminded of the horrors he experienced before. He shares this pain to others through his behavior: hurting, killing, and doing to others what has been done to him. Yet another theme deals with the truth. Even if the truth is, most of the time, absolute, it may also be manipulated by people. For example, this is evident in Arcinas attempt to present to the media a bogus suspect in place of the true murderer who still remains at large. This move of Arcinas serves as one of the conflicts in the novel. Manipulation of truth may also take the form of using it either to benefit or destroy other people. The two lead characters used the truth to bring justice to the bereaved families of the victims. On the other hand, Joana plans to reveal the truth, or at least the perceived truth, for the benefit of her career. Still another theme in the story points to the significance of context with regard to the behavior of people. The environment impinges upon the individual so that one cannot fully claim that a person is inherently good or bad. In the case of Alex, his traumatic experience during his adolescence greatly contributes to his abnormal behavior. Although this does not justify the killings he commits, it goes to show that a person must not be judged using his personality as basis. One must also take into consideration the experiences and events that molded him/ her to what he/ she has become. Find out how our expert essay writers can help you with your work The novel also illustrates the vulnerability of humans. It acknowledges the fact that people, no matter what vocation or career they pursue, are still capable of making mistakes, intentionally or unintentionally. Arcinas, although a lawyer, does not really work for justice; Joana also has ulterior motives in getting and knowing the truth; Fr. Jerome also gets angry just like any other person. The title itself, Smaller and Smaller Circles, alludes to the fact discussed above and reiterated here for claritys sake that truth, although it may be subjected to manipulation, will eventually be revealed. No matter how complex the information have become because of attempts to twist the truth, with careful analysis and persistence one will arrive at the core of the truth. IV. Critical Analysis of Language and Style The author uses simple descriptions to illustrate the setting and set the mood in each of the scenes in the story. The novel stimulates the formation of a vivid imagery on the part of the reader, since the author attempts to tap not only a single sensory modality when describing a particular scene or event. In spite of richness in descriptions, comprehension of the text comes relatively at ease. The words, in spite of their simplicity in structure not highfaluting at all elicit the desired effect since they are put into context and combined with supporting data by the author (e.g. unwholesome air, maggots in it [body]). Comparison and contrast are also utilized by Batacan as tools to develop the themes in the novel. As mentioned in the analysis of the characters, the implied contrast between Fr. Saenz and Alexs teacher serves as a justification for Alexs excessive wrath. The positive characteristics of Fr. Saenz as a mentor becomes more salient as he is put side by side with Alexs teacher, and this in turn justifies Jeromes high regard and respect for his mentor- friend. Internal contrast is also evident in the character of Joana who strives for the revelation of truth while she herself conceals a dark secret. It is also interesting to note that the element of intrigue is instilled in the story through the manipulation of the characters, particularly Fr. Saenz and Fr. Jerome. The fact that these two characters are priests makes it ironic that they are involved in solving the murder cases a very physical aspect of life when they are commonly associated with the spiritual needs of the people. Beside this, the extraordinary bond or even possibly romantic relationship hinted at through the powerful and meaningful lines used by the author to convey her message, although stated in terms which leave enough room for the reader to imagine and give his/her own interpretation of the text which exists between the two becomes a juicier topic because they are men of cloth. Indeed, the two men have an extraordinary rapport that goes far beyond any mentor student relationship; textual details abound. Here are a few: The two men have an extraordinary rapport that goes far beyond any mentor student relationship. Although the two men have been more different in character and temperament, they now find themselves on either end of a baffling mutual affinity (p 22.). Again the inexplicable rapport between the two men as Saenz glances up at him (p. 125). It isnt Gus job to get killed The younger priests voice seems terribly loud to his own ears, and Arcinas blinks once or twice as though startled.. Impatiently and with violence that he never would have thought he possessed, Jerome pushes the lawyer aside and starts running. (p. 150). Another, less controversial device utilized by Batacan to help create an affinity in the reader for the characters is the narration of simple, everyday tasks. This not only firmly sets the tale in the modern world, but also allows the reader to connect with the characters on a mundane basis; certainly we cant all relate to a detective priests passion for forensics, but when that passion is interrupted by a craving for fast food we all find ourselves knowing what its like to be in his shoes. That said, it is reasonable to conclude that Batacan manages to introduce a genre almost entirely alien to our culture without turning off her readers. Her simple yet engrossing prose entices us, making us crave for more; however, a search for Philippine literature made in the same vein ultimately proves futile, leaving us to drift in smaller and smaller circles towards repeated readings of Batacans magnum opus hence the detection of homosexual undertones.

Print Vs. Press :: essays research papers

Print vs. Press   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In today’s elections the Media is one of the biggest influences in most elections. Throughout the years the Media has changed quiet a bit. As in most cases, today’s technology has revolutionized the Media and the way we get our information. Not only do we hear about elections through the media, we learn of updated news pertaining to our everyday lives. There are two types of Media that presents different stimuli, which vary substantially from nature to content. The two types are the Printing press and the Electronic press. Both play major roles in educating and informing our nation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Print media is best known for it’s â€Å"excel in conveying factual details (graber189).† Graber goes on to add that the print media is generally credited with conveying more knowledge that audiovisual media does. One Critic by the name of Neil Postman says that if our nation is exposed to too much television, we might turn into a nation of dilettantes who avoid the serious issues of the world. I think that we are seeing some of that now. Look at Clinton for example, our media has not been as involved in how well our country has been doing. Rather the media is steady telling the nation who he sleeps with and what he has for breakfast. On the contrary, the newspapers and so on are giving us facts. They are telling us more about the health care reform, and about issues over seas. We as a nation need to care more about our country and set aside some of our amusement. One on the major down falls of the printing press is that, most times the news we r ead is that of old news. If there is an attack in Russia on Wednesday, then it will not be until Thursday or Friday until we read it in the paper. Another example is that of Time magazine. Subscribers of Time usually receive their magazine a week or two later that the latest news. I think that the printing press is for the more informative group and should not be left in the dark.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Electronic Media is however convenient and has the ability of reaching millions of people within a matter of minutes. Think about someone hiking in the woods. If there is a global matter and the president needs to address the nation the hiker could hear about this through a cellular phone.

Race and Ethnicity Essay

Stereotypes have existed in a very long time, and almost everyone has stereotyped a person or has been considered as belonging to a particular group of stereotypes. But what is a stereotype actually? Stereotyping is a way to group races or individuals together and make a judgment about them, without even knowing them. It’s a belief about a certain social group or type of individuals. Stereotypes can be positive, however stereotypes are most often associated with negativity. Stereotypes often exist about cultures and countries as a whole, and it makes it easier to define a country or race, if you put them in specific groups. Almost every country or race has a stereotype. There exist infinitely many different stereotypes. As said before, they exist based groups and race, but also on gender and age. There are common stereotypes, which is about and between the cultures. Some common stereotype examples are, that all Asians have high IQs or black people are always connected to crime and violence. It’s grouping the race together saying that every Asian person is smart and every black person is criminal. Another type of stereotyping is the individual, which is about skaters, emos, gangsters and so on. Emos are stereotyped as being depressed people, who listen to sad music and cut themselves. Individual stereotypes are most between teenagers and in the schools, because younger people want to make one group or person superior and above another group or person. Stereotypes are not just about different races and backgrounds however. Gender and ago stereotypes also exist in our society. For example, if you say that men are better than women, you’re stereotyping all men and all women. The invention of stereotypes has come naturally though time. When we see persons we don’t know, we automatically begin to put them in different groups in our head. It makes us believe we actually know them better or know what type of persons they are. An example can be a person from the Middle East, because many people often connect them with only troubles and thefts. In that way we personally feel more safety, because then we might say to ourselves that we have to take care and be more careful about what to say so there won’t be any problems. On the other hand our thoughts about stereotypes aren’t always negative. We say that Italian are great cooks and make delicious food, which is a positive stereotype about Italy. ThereforeIda Jessen og Rikke Hemmingsen HH1C Silkeborg Handelsgymnasiet aren’t stereotypes the same as prejudices. Stereotypes are often exaggerated and funny and prejudices are only negative opinions about people and things. Stereotypes always appear negative in the medias. Again we’re comparing with the people from the Middle East. When there has been a crime and they’re talking about it in the medias, it has always been told loud and clear if it’s immigrates who had make a crime. On the other hand when it’s a local person, it has never been told. Therefore we actually compare stereotypes with only bad things, because that’s how it has been appeared in the medias and it affects us, but stereotypes are often fun.

Johann Kilian and the Wends: the Foundation of Lutheranism in Texas

Through this course (LCMS History) and others, I have heard the story of German Lutherans who left Europe and settled near Saint Louis, Missouri, under the leadership of Martin Stephan and (soon thereafter) C. F. W. Walther. This story seems quite familiar to many of my seminary classmates who originate from the Midwest and nearby regions. As a nearly lifelong resident of Texas, I had never before heard much of that story. The Lutherans in my communities generally have a different history – one involving a people group known as the Wends. These histories have merged at some point between their beginnings and the present; both communities are currently at home in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and share in fellowship and confession. Naturally several questions arise for further investigation. Who are the Wendish people? Who led them to America? Why did they come to America? What is their religious history? How did they integrate with the Missouri Synod? Why are they a valuable people group in our church body? Answering each of these essential questions necessitates a fairly broad scope, though certainly a coherent inspection. To address the topics at hand, I will present first a brief overview of the European climate during the time that the Wends left Germany as well as an account of their migration. Second, I will offer a concise biography of Johann Kilian, the early leader of the Texan Wendish community. Third, I will describe historically significant moments of interaction between the Lutheran Wends and the LCMS (and its predecessors and associated church bodies) and illustrate how these events contributed to the Wendish assimilation into the LCMS. Each of these components serves the purpose of presenting the Wendish community as a significant component of American Lutheranism, and one with an enduring impact on the LCMS church body. The necessary information is gathered mostly through printed and published texts on the subject at hand. It is also shaped by personal memory of this topic through experiences with members of the Wendish community as well as its associated institutions. Content in support of my purpose is present in these following paragraphs. European Pressures and the Wendish Migration In the early 19th century, the Wends were culturally and politically suppressed by their dominant political leaders. The land of the Wendish people, Lusatia, was intentionally divided between Saxon and Prussian rule. This virtually eliminated any possibility for national independence; the Wendish language became increasingly distinct between the nationalities (Caldwell1961). Also, they were economically dependent on German landholders and had little opportunity for social success. Those who sought better standards of living left their farmland for cities such as Bautzen and generally assimilated into the German culture in the process. A very small group of the Wends was training for the clergy in Prague and in Leipzig; as these students encountered political theories and topics of higher education they developed into the intelligentsia of the Wendish community. These educated people served as the leadership that the Wends needed to rise out of their lowly confinement (Grider 1982). Religious difficulties also characterized this time period. The Wends experienced great pressure to participate in Prussian Unionism, instituted by the Calvinist-leaning King of Prussia, Frederick William III (Nielsen 1989). Since the time of the Reformation, the majority of the Wendish people had been Protestants. This switch to Lutheranism distinguished the Wends religiously from the mainly Catholic Czechs and Poles with whom they shared many cultural and linguistic similarities (Grider 1982). As a people they were very interested in maintaining a definite and self-defined identity, distinct from surrounding people groups. This mandate of Prussian Unionism was an affront to this endeavor. Many spoke against this offensive consolidation, including Johann Kilian who was at that time a young student of theology at the University of Leipzig. In this context of religious pressure, a group of deeply conservative Wends began worshipping together in a private house-church. By 1845 they had established a small congregation with a building devoted as their worship space. After nine more years enduring religious antagonism, a core group of lay leaders drafted, in 1854, a constitution to govern the migration of the whole congregation to a new land with religious freedom. At this time, the congregation issued a call to Kilian, requesting that he shepherd them on their journey and minister to them in their future situation (Grider 1982). Kilian, eager to employ his missionary education, accepted their call. Additionally â€Å"agricultural disasters† during the mid-1800s spurred the Wends into discussions of leaving Germany/Prussia and seeking a new land for a new opportunity. Some impoverished German farmers, with whom the Wends were amiable, had already immigrated to America and Australia. Their joyous letters to the homeland were published by the German press and encouraged these hopeful Wendish immigrants. Of the Wends immigrating to Texas, the â€Å"first trickle of Wendish adventurers† (Grider 1982) arrived around 1850. A group of 35 set sail for America in 1853 but wrecked off the shore of Cuba. While stranded on the island, many learned how to roll cigars to supplement their income during their stranded time. Eventually compassionate German organizations in Havana, Cuba, and New Orleans funded and arranged for their transport to Galveston. One year after this small group’s arrival in Galveston, the â€Å"highly educated and forceful† (Grider 1982) Pastor Johann Kilian led a boatload of 600 of his congregants, pious and devout Wendish Lutherans, from Germany to Galveston. They made their voyage on the Ben Nevis, still considered within the Texan Wendish community as a counterpart of the English Pilgrims’ Mayflower (Grider 1982). Kilian was the only professional, educated man in the congregation; all the others were farmers and craftsmen. Yet the people possessed between them an adequate variety of skills to guarantee a self-sufficient colony. This group established the town of Serbin, which continues to be a place of cultural influence in central Texas. The Life of Johann Kilian The only son of Wendish farmers in Upper Lusatia, Johann Kilian was born on March 22, 1811. Two years later his mother, Maria Kilian nee Mattig, and his infant sister died. His grandmother helped to care for him for the next three years at which time his father, Peter Kilian, remarried. Soon thereafter his grandmother died. In 1821, while Kilian was ten years old, his father also died. Following the death of his parents, he inherited enough money to fund his education at the gymnasium (high school) in the chief Wendish city of Beutzen (Caldwell 1961). Johann found himself under the care of his uncle who leased the child’s inherited property and used the income to support the boy’s schooling. One can only imagine what sort of psychological impact these deaths must have had on young Kilian. According to Nielsen (2003), â€Å"nothing in his writings indicate any anxiety during these early years. † It is likely that during his youth with his extended family he began to learn about Christian living and developed a deep hope in the resurrection promise. Kilian spent more than four years at the Gymnasium in Beutzen. There he was educated in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, and German; Wendish was only used in private and in his earlier years in grade school. Kilian and some of his classmates organized a Wendish club on campus to facilitate informal conversation in their mother tongue (Nielsen 2003). He was quite successful in Beutzen and soon enrolled at the University of Leipzig to study theology, where he once again encountered a Wendish circle. This organization propagated a rising attitude of Wendish nationalism, especially in contrast with German culture. Rather than associating with this divisive group, Kilian joined a German club whose central goal was â€Å"the preservation of pure Lutheran teaching† (Nielsen 2003). This decision seems to have been more of a growing attraction toward orthodox Lutheranism than a rejection of Wendish culture. It also seems that in this association He was taking a stand in contrast to the majority of the faculty of Leipzig who were heavily influenced by rationalism at the time. In 1835, Kilian obtained his license to preach and was assigned to an assisting position at Hochkirch, a large parish which included several surrounding viliages. The following year, he travelled to Switzerland and attended a small mission school in Basel, remembering his childhood vow to become a foreign missionary. Back in eastern Germany, his uncle (different from the one who had helped to raise him as a child) was the pastor of a Lutheran church in Kotitz; he died while Killian was away at school. Then in 1837 Kilian returned to Kotitz and received his full ordination. This enabled him to assume the senior pastorate there (Nielsen 2003). Most of the Wends in his congregation could not understand German, so Kilian undertook several translation projects for the benefit of his flock. He published a book containing twenty eight hymns in Wendish; some were translations of German hymns and a few were his original pieces. These musical arrangments were very well received by both his own congregation and numerous other Lutheran Wendish assemblies. He continued to translate many German songs and eventually produced more than one hundred of his own hymns (Nielsen 2003). These hymns emphasize the centrality of Jesus in Christian living and often contain declarations of profound hope. Several of his songs and poems are contained in a collection edited by David Zersen (2010). Included, here, is one verse from Kilian’s hymn, â€Å"Blessed Land†: Jesus leads his saints on earth: Witnesses are we! Sadness, trials, suffering? Faithful we will be! Christ is our life. There’s a kingdom waiting there; No more sorrow, no more care. Christ is our life. In addition to his musical translation efforts, Kilian translated the Lutheran Confessions into Wendish. He began with Luther’s Small Catechism in the late 1840s and finished the remainder of the confessions in 1854. Other prominent Wendish intellectuals frequently frowned upon his efforts, insisting that importing German religious thinking would contaminate the Wendish culture. They preferred to advance hopeful nationalism for the Wends and showed little priority for proper doctrinal adherence. Kilian disagreed with their attitude and continued â€Å"translating religious works into the mother tongue to enrich the language and simultaneously nourish religious life† (Nielsen 2003). These exercises in translation eventually led to a reasonable popularity for Kilian, especially among likeminded Wendish Lutherans. One such congregation of people at Weigersdorf was becoming increasingly troubled by the pressures of Prussian Unionism. In 1844 they issued a call to Kilian with hopes that he would agree to lead them in their migration away from their oppressive setting. Kilian accepted the call on two conditions. He required that the congregation would pledge faithfulness to pure Lutheran doctrine and also that the congregation acquire an immigration permit from the appropriate Prussian authorities. (Nielsen 2003). Kilian over the next several years served this as well as other parishes (especially one in Klitten) which shared in the Lutheran confession. During that time, he married Maria Groschel, with whom he had four children while they remained in Europe – only one of which survived into maturity (Nielsen 2003). Religious pressures continued to build until in 1854, a group of 600 Wendish Lutherans (under Kilian’s shepherding) began the process of relocating to Texas. While Kilian is often credited with leadership of this venture, such wording is misleading at best. He did not object to the exodus from Europe, but the instigation of the process was from the laypeople. Kilian’s role was to accompany them as their pastor (Nielsen 2003). The journey was characterized by illness, danger, and loss of life. Kilian was heavily relied upon for his pastoral care at several points on the journey. In one instance while at sea, several people were suffering from sea-sickness below the deck. The captain of the Ben Nevis (the ship that carried them across the Atlantic) instructed that the migrants come up for fresh air to improve their health. Some did not cooperate with the captain’s orders. Kilian gently persuaded those who remained below deck to come up. While this shows the authority the Wends saw in Kilian, it also caused resentment from some because he was exceeding his religious responsibilities. The voyagers eventually crossed the Atlantic and arrived at the port of Galveston. They then travelled to central Texas and established the colony of Serbin. For the next three decades, Kilian served the Texan Wends as their pastor and endeavored to connect them with likeminded believers in their new land (Nielsen 2003). Eventually he was able to forge a confessional relationship with the Missouri Lutherans and connect his people to a larger church body. After Kilian’s death on September 12, 1884, many tributes were written about him. These included a handful of lengthy pieces n Der Luteraner, the official periodical of the synod (Martens 2011). The Texan Road to Missouri â€Å"Religious isolation was not part of his tradition† (Nielsen 2003). In Texas, Kilian became a friend of Caspar Braun, a Lutheran who had already been in Texas for about five years. Braun had formed the Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Texas and served as its first president. While Kilian certainly en joyed his friendship with Braun, he was hesitant to join this Texas Synod because he considered that it shared too many similarities with the Prussian Union which he had left. He also lamented the lack of enriching liturgy in its churches (Nielsen 2003). Rather he became drawn to the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States. Geography was certainly a hindrance to fellowship with this church body, he considered it far less of a barrier than theological incompatibility. In his effort to establish fellowship with the Missouri Synod, he wrote a letter introducing himself and the Wends to C. F. W. Walther, who was also born in 1811. Though Kilian and Walther did attend the University of Leipzig simultaneously in 1832, there is no indication in any of their correspondence that they knew each other before they were in America. Kilian had learned of Walther chiefly through his writings. He owned a copy of Walther’s Stimme der Kirche in der Frage von Kirche und Amt. Kilian agreed with Walther’s position on church polity which â€Å"empowered the voters’ assembly as the supreme authority and diminished the power of the ecclesiastical leaders† (Nielsen 2003). His congregation joined the Missouri Synod in 1866 with Kilian as the first Missouri Synod pastor in the state of Texas. Under Kilian’s pastoral leadership, the Wends became fervent supporters of synodical education and eventually began to issue calls to American-trained pastors. By 1877 nearly a dozen pastors were serving Missouri Synod congregations in Texas and the group gained recognition as the Texas Conference of the Western District. Only a couple years later, the Southern District was organized, ranging from El Paso, Texas, to San Augustine, Florida. Then in 1903, the Texas District of the LCMS was formed; it contained 23 congregations, nearly 40 pastors, and 11 school teachers. Concluding Remarks The Texas District of the LCMS owes its genesis to the migration of the Wends and the pastoral leadership of Johann Kilian. It is now one of the largest districts in the LCMS and has produced more synodical presidents (Behnken, Harms, and Kieschnick) than any other district. The Wendish culture and religious experiences have shaped and continue to shape the theological thinking of Texas Lutherans. It is especially for these reasons that the Wends are a valuable people group in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Child Intervention Therapy

Child Intervention Therapy Is psychological intervention with kids more complex than intervention with adults? What methods do you consider most effective with young populations?Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Child Intervention Therapy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Health professionals who are concerned with maintaining the psychological welfare of children encounter several obstacles in their practice. Relative to adults, children have more complex psychological needs that require better-developed intervention programs and strategies. One of the major barriers to effective psychological intervention in children is their inability to make personal decisions in important matters of life. In addition, the inability of children to express their feelings and thoughts effectively adds to the complexity of psychological intervention in children. This complexity exists because age is a critical aspect in the selection of psychological treatment, the objectives of the treatment are important, and the symptoms of the disorder that are evident in a child are considered. There are four main classes of psychological interventions that are applied by health professionals. These include individual psychotherapy, behavior modification, remedial therapies and education, and social and cognitive behavioral therapy (Ebert et al, 2008). Several approaches are used in individual psychotherapy. They include client-centered therapy, child and adolescent psychoanalysis, supportive psychotherapy and exploratory psychotherapy (Ebert et al, 2008). Supportive therapy is a highly selective approach that does not have a single theoretical basis that may be considered humanistic in nature. It is best suited for treatment of adjustment disorders. Client-centered therapy is considered play therapy that is highly effective in psychological interventions children. In this therapeutic approach, a therapist uses several methods that encourage a child to explore personal feelings in a way that helps the therapist understand the feelings of the child. It is best suited for treatment of mild anxiety disorders and adjustment reactions (Ebert et al, 2008). Exploratory psychotherapy integrates both play therapy and verbal therapy. A therapist uses interpretations that are based on the child’s play, verbal behavior and non-verbal behavior to resolve the child’s unconscious psychological struggles. This approach is effective in the treatment of anxiety, somatoform and several other personality disorders. The difference between psychoanalysis and exploratory psychotherapy is that psychoanalysis is more intense.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is recommended for children under the age of 5 because it focuses on unconscious psychological conflicts in the child. It is effective in treatment of borderline personalit y disorders, anxiety and traumatic experiences. Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on problem-solving approaches and the self-awareness concept to treat adolescents with major depression (Ebert et al, 2008). These treatments are not effective in the treatment of severe psychological disorders, hence not recommended for these disorders. I notice great value and effectiveness in music therapy, play therapy, ropes courses, music therapy and animal therapy. These therapies use approaches that encourage children to participate in therapy hence increasing their effectiveness. For example, play therapy creates an environment in which children are comfortable to express their feelings and thoughts. The fact that play therapy focuses on the emotions of children helps them in their emotional and spiritual development (McKinney and Power, 2012). Play therapy has many benefits. For example, secure attachment is associated with play therapy and intense free play. References Ebert, H., Loosen, T ., Nurcombe, B., and Leckman, F. (2008). Current  Diagnosis and Treatment Psychiatry 2nd Ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Companies, Inc. McKinney, C., and Power, L. (2012). Childhood Playtime, Parenting, and Psychopathology in Emerging Adults: Implications for Research and Play Therapists. International Journal of Play Therapy, 21(4), 215-231.

spousal violence essays

spousal violence essays Violence against family members is something women do at least as often as men. There are dozens of solid scientific studies that reveal in a startlingly different picture of family violence than what we usually see in the media. For instance, Murray Straus, a sociologist and co-director for the Family Research Laboratory at the University of New Hampshire gave some statistics that blew my mind away. He concluded saying that women were three times more likely than men to use weapons in spousal violence. He also said that women hit their male children more than they hit their female children and women commit 52 percent of spousal killings and are convicted of 41 percent of spousal murders. There are also some misleading statistics about family violence. One, men do not usually report their violent wives to police, because they have too much pride. Two is that children do not usually report their violent mothers to the police. A reason why we do not see many women get reported is because the media does not encourage men to report the crime. Women are the ones who are encouraged to report the spousal violence by countless media reminders. The media always portray the woman to be the victim and the male to be the perpetrator. Men and children may not report when a woman injures them, but the dead bodies of the men and children who are the victims of violent women are usually reported. There is much confusion about whom to believe in the debate about spousal violence. On one side we have the womens feminist groups whom rely on law enforcement statistics. On the other side we have social scientist who rely on scientifically structured studies, which do not get any media attention. Americas press is more concerned with the political correctness than scientific accuracy. That is why our society is so screwed up now, because of the media. It is important to note that there have been the same kind of studies d...

Australian Indigenous People

The argument of Peter Sutton (2001, 13) that the problem of the Aboriginal People arises from a mix of complex factors that are ancient cultural and social and various external forces has been rightly argued. If we observe the history of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander there disadvantage began with them being disposed of their land and then being displaced. The losses of their autonomy, racial discrimination, and poverty’s intergenerational effects have further fuelled their disadvantages (Aboriginal economy & society: Australia at the threshold of colonisation, 2005). There are more often than not various prejudices that have been faced by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when they try to rent the home, get services in banks and shops, find a job and do the most common things which every other Australian takes for granted. There are casual relationships that exist with each disadvantage that interrelates to another disadvantage. For example, without their being adequate facilities for studying at home, even with the encouragement from parents, learning would not be an easy task. Education similarly would be difficult for children who are suffering from middle ear troubles or a hearing loss or are malnourished (Macoun, 2011). Health is affected due to there being poor sanitation and housing that is not appropriate. There is often tertiary education which is required for progression to middles and senior positions. Being unemployed and poor lower statistically the self-esteem and increases death, illness and the likelihood of their being imprisonment and arrest, just as poor health effects employability and limits achievement in education.   There has been great suffering that the indigenous people have suffered in the past. It can well be stated that the problems that are faced by the Australian Indigenous people arise today from a complex combination together of the current which, which the time post-conquest, and external impact from factors that are historical, with there being a relevant number of pre-existing ancient, cultural and social factors (Austlii.edu.au, 2016). In Peter Sutton's article, the focus has in general been laid upon only violent conflicts however, these factors do trickle down to various disadvantages that are being faced by the indigenous people today (Sutton, 2001). There are various people for whom the proposition that the disadvantages to the Indigenous people have been caused by factors that are external only, such as colonization, is a fiction that continues to sustain. The defense for this sustaining fiction is that it is not possible for the masses to understand the subtlety that is there behind the truth and it is towards simplistic that they are more inclined towards (Austlii.edu.au, 2016). There has been on the contrary a silence relatively on the complexity of the casual factor, and there has been no acknowledgment of the same. In his 2001 academic paper Peter Sutton’s argument that the violence level and depravity require examining together the various complex factors as mentioned above. His argument is ended with shifts that are significant in the economy and culture of the Aboriginal people. Paul Toohey in his article Peter Sutton has been openly quoted and the differential treatment of the Aboriginal communities and the Aboriginal liberation politics wisdom (Ryan, 2010). The Aboriginal people in the 1960s asserted their right to freedom to vote, movement, accessing of social security at least the minimum level, consumption of alcohol and various other such freedoms. The achievement that resulted has helped close the gap that exists between the status of the Aboriginal as determined by the administrative and legislative action at both State and Commonwealth level on the one hand and citizenship rights on the other hand. This translated into practice as the discriminatory practices' removal by whic h the participation of the Aboriginal people were restricted in the white Australian's civic life (The Politics of Suffering: Indigenous Australia and the end of the liberal consensus, 2010). To take up on the point of Sutton on coming together of various factors that are cultural, there was no or little deep-seated recognition of a difference of values or culture during the liberation politics' mobilization. The distinct cultures and value of the Aboriginal Australia may be marketed by the white Australia in pursuit of national symbolism and gains economically, however, with respect to administrative and political policies, the values of the Aboriginal are considered to be common with that of all the Australians. The gains of the Aboriginal from politics of liberation include them being able to access the white citizenship, internal and institutional assimilationist of practices and policies, incorporatist models. In short being the opportunity to be in the white Australian's lifestyle. Aboriginal economy & society: Australia at the threshold of colonisation. (2005).  Choice Reviews Online, 42(05), pp.42-2891-42-2891. Austlii.edu.au. (2016).  Overcoming Disadvantage. [online] Available at: https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/orgs/car/overcoming_disadvantage/pg3.htm [Accessed 4 Aug. 2016]. Macoun, A. (2011). Aboriginality and the Northern Territory Intervention.  Australian Journal of Political Science, 46(3), pp.519-534. Ryan, L. (2010). Rewriting Aboriginal history.  History Australia, 7(3), pp.70.1-70.2. Sutton, P. (2001). The politics of suffering: Indigenous policy in Australia since the 1970s.Anthropological Forum, 11(2), pp.125-173. The Politics of Suffering: Indigenous Australia and the end of the liberal consensus. (2010).  Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 34(5), pp.535-536.

Critique a professional journal article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critique a professional journal article - Essay Example It is even essential for educational institutes who are dealing with students suffering from the disorder of autism. It is even useful for parents who want to ensure that their children are free from this widely spread disorder (Konkel, 2014). The article cites a study which proves a correlation between autism experienced by children who live near the fields that are being treated by pesticides. There have been no previous studies that focus on these two variables together (Konkel, 2014). This article can be a starting point for researchers to identify whether there is a causal relationship between children experiencing autism and living near field that are being treated with pesticides. The article can even be quite useful for parents who live near such fields. If mothers who live near such fields read this article, they may chose to relocate in order to ensure that their children do not end up suffering from this disorder. The article can be an eye opener for the government to take notice and implement necessary actions to decrease the number of children suffering from this disorder. Every day various teachers come across students who are suffering from the disorder of autism. These children need special consideration from their teachers. Teachers need to actively take part in ensuring that these children are safe from risk factors that can further make the conditions worse for such children. As a special education teacher a teacher needs to ensure that the children who have already developed the disorder remain away from the environment that poses a threat to children suffering from this disorder. Teachers can even educate parents of such children regarding steps they can take to ensure the wellbeing of their child. Teachers can inform the parents about the threat and can advise relocation. They can even inform pregnant women to relocate for the health of their unborn child. Since this is a very first study conducted on the variables, it is quite

Causes of childhood obesity Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Causes of childhood obesity - Research Paper Example The US government has estimated that only in New York out of 4 children’s under age of 18 one is affected with obesity as a result of which approximately 1.1 million children’s are obese. Major problem is not with the lack of understanding of the causes but with the high number of cases coming up with obesity among children’s it is difficult to decide which policy and program is the best to fight this problem. Some of the factors like changes in life style and also changes in culture has made kids not so healthy and have increased the cases of obesity in the last few decades. As per Ebbelung et al, currently across the globe 18000000 childhood obese cases are been seen which is a very crucial matter to be looked upon by all the countries to reduce the affects arising from obesity. According to Lissauet al. 2004, the countries with less obesity in the earlier years have shown signs for higher childhood cases from the last few decades because of the change in culture and their living standards (kalies, Jacksonville and Kries 112-120). Klein in 2008 stated that America is the fastest developed nation and also richest country in world, but the cases of obese has always hindered the name of the country in different countries. Robert Burton has said that to speak over the remedies and cures for fighting obesity is a waste until the perfect cause for the problem is been found and searched. In an international review Silventoinen et al. explained that genetics played a strong on variation of body mass index (BMI) among various ages and this factor is far stronger than the environmental influence of the country over the children’s. Even in 2004 Baur and O’Connor said that the rise in obesity among children’s is due to the changes in physical and social environment (Paxon 234-240). This particular research over the causes for the rise in obesity in US is been done using secondary data. The secondary

Is it moally acceptable for government agencies (NSA, CIA FBI) to Essay

Is it moally acceptable for government agencies (NSA, CIA FBI) to eavesdrop on domestic phone calls or intercept emails of its c - Essay Example For this exercise to be acceptable by all bodies involved, the bodies conducting the eavesdropping had to obtain a warranty from the United States Foreign Surveillance Court. This could have legalized the whole exercise and no questions could have arisen from the different bodies that raised their concerns (Risen 19). Many laws against this act have been formulated. These include the wireless telegraphy act 2006 and the regulation of investigatory powers act 2000. Although this act of intercepting emails is good for the security of the country, the bodies conducting the interception should look, for a warranty, to do the same. The N.S.A, F.B.I together with C.I.A, argue that taking of warranties will alert the potential terrorists and the search would not be effective. This essay outlines the reasons why use of unwarranted emails eavesdropping is not good (Bamford 145). First is the fact that this is a breach of civil liberty. Individuals are supposed to be covered under civil rights , which gives them freedom to do what is legally right to the extent that they do not interfere with other people’s life (Radden 19). The act of eavesdropping on emails and phone calls is a violation of human rights to expression, interaction, and speech. These laws cover individuals enabling them to interact and communicate freely without others getting concerned about other individuals’ conversation. In addition to this, confrontation of individuals to know whom they were communicating with is a violation of human rights. The security department needs to show proof of a warranty to eavesdrop someone’s emails and a warranty authorizing interviews in regard to the messages intercepted (Radden 64). The act of eavesdropping is a violation of the privacy policy of the company providing the communication (Janczewski and Colarik 128). Companies providing communication services always have privacy policies by which they are supposed to abide. They are supposed to ensu re that no third party individual encounters the contents of the message unless warranted officially by the government. It is the right of an individual to sue any company that allows third party individuals to get the contents of his emails without an official warranty (Radden 59). The act of eavesdropping can as well cause safety issues to the contents of the message. Certain email messages and calls are supposed to be private and confidential. Such emails explaining or having monetary discussions can easily be decrypted, and the information be used in a bad way so that the money is diverted (Bamford 125). This is very possible within the security bodies; N.S.A, F.B.I and C.I.A simply because the agencies have employees of varied nature. Individuals who can use such advantage to divert the monetary value of the emails and calls to his account exist. This can be very disappointing to the individual and all the people associated with the transaction. The fact that the interception o f the emails is not warranted would make individuals have the privilege of going around the issue without fear from court orders and imprisonment (Janczewski and Colarik 91). It can also be difficult to know the exact person that conducted the transfer of the monetary contents from the email. This is because individuals with the capability to intercept emails may have much more technology to hide any traceable information as to where the money went. This is thus a big problem to the company

Topical case study report Who will stop Apple's dominance of the music Essay

Topical case study report Who will stop Apple's dominance of the music delivery business - Essay Example There are some elements of surprise with each of the Apple product. This element of surprise has been the primary strategy for Apple. Whenever Apple launches a new product, million dollars are generated in free internet publicity. This has been an important part of Apple’s carefully designed strategy in order to gain customer attention (OGrady, 2008). Today some of the major products of Apple include Macintosh computer, Apple TV, iPod, iPhone, iTunes etc. In April, 2003 Apple first launched its online music store, iTunes. The music store was launched with 200,000 tracks. There are exclusive tracks 20 special artists which include U2 and Bob Dylan (Borland, J. April 28, 2003). Apple, with the launching of this new online music store, has made its position stronger than it was ever before in the digital music world. Now, the question is that could this dominance of Apple be stopped. This paper includes an in depth strategic analysis of Apple as well as of iTunes. Strategic tools that are used are Porter’s five forces model, PESTLE analysis, and Porter’s generic model. The paper also includes a critical analysis of Apple’s competitor analysis, its current market share and position. Finally the paper ends with conclusion and some specific recommendation. iTunes Music Store was launched in United kingdom in mid of 2004. Almost 800,000 songs were sold in the first week only. With this huge figure Apple surpassed OD2 which is the main competitor of the company in the first few days. As far as features were concerned UK stores were almost identical to the stores in US. Competitiveness of online music stores market could be better analyzed with the help of Porter’s Five Forces model. Any industry’s structure could be analyzed by analyzing its competitive forces. According to Michael Porter there are five competitive forces that play an important role in shaping the structure of any

Recent court cases on the ADA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Recent court cases on the ADA - Essay Example The American Bill of rights outlines and safeguards the basic human rights in the key country (Malesich, Charles, and Andrei 78). The act for example protects a minority and vulnerable group of the disabled. As such, contravention of the act is a serious criminal offense that validates the subsequent lawsuit against Brookdale Senior Living Communities, Inc.   Bernadine  Adams fell ill in July 2011 and was later taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She later went on leave in December, which also doubled up as her sick leave and returned to the company in January 2012. Given her unique condition, Adams requested for new accommodation strategies. She requested for an ergonomic chair and readjustment of the lighting in her office. Additionally, Adams requested for part time schedule for at least the next eight days. Her request for new accommodations would help her recover effectively while remaining productive at the company. Instead of making the changes, the management of Brookdale Senior Living Communities, Inc. placed Adams back of a compulsory leave. Additionally, the management of the company told Adams that she would not resume work until she was ready to work full time under the prevailing accommodation conditions. The management of Brookdale told Adams that her requirements were both unreasonable and would cause undue hardship at the company. The company did not thereafter engage Adams in any interactions regarding her proposed requirements a feature that compelled Adams to file a charge of discrimination against Brookdae at the Equal Employment Opportunity  Commission. Soon after filing the charge with the EEOC, Brrokdale fired Adams explaining the she had failed to engage in an interaction with the company concerning her demands within appropriate terms. The conduct of Brookdale violated the ADA. EEOC therefore sued the company for both discrimination and retaliation. Discrimination

Is it moally acceptable for government agencies (NSA, CIA FBI) to Essay

Is it moally acceptable for government agencies (NSA, CIA FBI) to eavesdrop on domestic phone calls or intercept emails of its c - Essay Example For this exercise to be acceptable by all bodies involved, the bodies conducting the eavesdropping had to obtain a warranty from the United States Foreign Surveillance Court. This could have legalized the whole exercise and no questions could have arisen from the different bodies that raised their concerns (Risen 19). Many laws against this act have been formulated. These include the wireless telegraphy act 2006 and the regulation of investigatory powers act 2000. Although this act of intercepting emails is good for the security of the country, the bodies conducting the interception should look, for a warranty, to do the same. The N.S.A, F.B.I together with C.I.A, argue that taking of warranties will alert the potential terrorists and the search would not be effective. This essay outlines the reasons why use of unwarranted emails eavesdropping is not good (Bamford 145). First is the fact that this is a breach of civil liberty. Individuals are supposed to be covered under civil rights , which gives them freedom to do what is legally right to the extent that they do not interfere with other people’s life (Radden 19). The act of eavesdropping on emails and phone calls is a violation of human rights to expression, interaction, and speech. These laws cover individuals enabling them to interact and communicate freely without others getting concerned about other individuals’ conversation. In addition to this, confrontation of individuals to know whom they were communicating with is a violation of human rights. The security department needs to show proof of a warranty to eavesdrop someone’s emails and a warranty authorizing interviews in regard to the messages intercepted (Radden 64). The act of eavesdropping is a violation of the privacy policy of the company providing the communication (Janczewski and Colarik 128). Companies providing communication services always have privacy policies by which they are supposed to abide. They are supposed to ensu re that no third party individual encounters the contents of the message unless warranted officially by the government. It is the right of an individual to sue any company that allows third party individuals to get the contents of his emails without an official warranty (Radden 59). The act of eavesdropping can as well cause safety issues to the contents of the message. Certain email messages and calls are supposed to be private and confidential. Such emails explaining or having monetary discussions can easily be decrypted, and the information be used in a bad way so that the money is diverted (Bamford 125). This is very possible within the security bodies; N.S.A, F.B.I and C.I.A simply because the agencies have employees of varied nature. Individuals who can use such advantage to divert the monetary value of the emails and calls to his account exist. This can be very disappointing to the individual and all the people associated with the transaction. The fact that the interception o f the emails is not warranted would make individuals have the privilege of going around the issue without fear from court orders and imprisonment (Janczewski and Colarik 91). It can also be difficult to know the exact person that conducted the transfer of the monetary contents from the email. This is because individuals with the capability to intercept emails may have much more technology to hide any traceable information as to where the money went. This is thus a big problem to the company

Recent court cases on the ADA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Recent court cases on the ADA - Essay Example The American Bill of rights outlines and safeguards the basic human rights in the key country (Malesich, Charles, and Andrei 78). The act for example protects a minority and vulnerable group of the disabled. As such, contravention of the act is a serious criminal offense that validates the subsequent lawsuit against Brookdale Senior Living Communities, Inc.   Bernadine  Adams fell ill in July 2011 and was later taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She later went on leave in December, which also doubled up as her sick leave and returned to the company in January 2012. Given her unique condition, Adams requested for new accommodation strategies. She requested for an ergonomic chair and readjustment of the lighting in her office. Additionally, Adams requested for part time schedule for at least the next eight days. Her request for new accommodations would help her recover effectively while remaining productive at the company. Instead of making the changes, the management of Brookdale Senior Living Communities, Inc. placed Adams back of a compulsory leave. Additionally, the management of the company told Adams that she would not resume work until she was ready to work full time under the prevailing accommodation conditions. The management of Brookdale told Adams that her requirements were both unreasonable and would cause undue hardship at the company. The company did not thereafter engage Adams in any interactions regarding her proposed requirements a feature that compelled Adams to file a charge of discrimination against Brookdae at the Equal Employment Opportunity  Commission. Soon after filing the charge with the EEOC, Brrokdale fired Adams explaining the she had failed to engage in an interaction with the company concerning her demands within appropriate terms. The conduct of Brookdale violated the ADA. EEOC therefore sued the company for both discrimination and retaliation. Discrimination

Compare London and Westminster Bridge Essay Example for Free

Compare London and Westminster Bridge Essay These two poems, though written within 10 years of each other, convey very different views on London. They were both written during a time of revolution and change. Both these poems were written at the turn of the 19th century, in Georgian times, to illustrate the authors views on the City of London. At the time, the industrial revolution was underway and there was a vast growth in the population, due to medical advances and a more promiscuous culture with prostitution in the formation of new cities. There was a revolution started in France and because it was a respected country within Europe at the time, with its pioneers in architecture, gardening and thought, the French had major influence in England. Being its neighbouring country it caused ripples of change and rebellion in European thought. This affected many people in England; the poet Blake was one of them. His revolutionist ideas were conveyed in this poem, London. This was contrary to Wordsworths poem, Upon Westminster Bridge, which picked out the imagery of London and its glory, without relating that the frivolous consummations of the monarchy and the church, created a vast gap between the rich and the poor, which Blake picked up on. Wordsworth was most probably ignorant of the fact that the mass of the English population in London was poor, because he was a tourist in the city. Or he could have realised the fact yet looked past it deciding that it would make a better poem to elaborate on Londons splendour. The poem also, seems vastly over the top and many people may just take the poem at its face value and dislike it, but Wordsworths poem describes London as glittering in the smokeless air and having a calming aura. These statements, I think might be sarcastic. At the time it was written, the Industrial revolution was happening and the chimneys of most factories would be blurting smoke for most hours of the day, and even if they had stopped over night the remnants of months of coal burning would not dissipate within 8 hours. Also to describe London as calming is a little far fetched. London is the heart of the United Kingdom, a port and an important centre of commerce. It is near impossible for us to imagine it as calm even in The beauty of the morning; Wordsworths most famous works are dedicated to the beauty of the awe-inspiring lake district, so it is not hard to imagine he could have been shocked and repulsed by London. Upon Westminster Bridge sets off on the word Earth this could mean that London was the centre of the commercial world, and that at the same time was the best place on Earth to be. This could be another example of sarcasm due to London being half-built during the revolution. Its face meaning though is to start the poem off as a harmony of nature and architecture. The first line shows Wordsworths typical naturalistic view upon the city, as he relates with many of his other poems. He was an early romantic poet; he admired nature and natural form, his extreme idyllic view on London could be seen as sarcastic or ignorant. The second line is monosyllabic yet that doesnt have any relevant dynamic effect on the style of the poem. Dull is the first word that goes against the happier grain of the poem. It relates a feeling of miserableness and boredom, and could be seen to insult the reader that doesnt agree with his poem, as he would have a dull, soul, and an unopened, insensitive mind. This could be a reason why many take the poem on face value, because no one would want a dull soul as the poem suggests. The end of the line uses enjambment to connect the second line to the third. This line creates imagery; the word sight implies our soul would be touched by London. Majesty is a powerful word, exaggerating the overall romantic theme of the poem and an overview of England as a powerful and unique nation with high status in the world. Line 4 uses a simile and personification to make the city seem as one single body, wearing the beauty of the morning, possibly as a disguise to cover the corrupt people it houses. Wordsworth is viewing the city in the morning, when the city would be very quiet and peaceful. Wordsworth was also standing on Westminster Bridge; from which he had a higher, isolated view over the scene of London. At dawn, London would be showered with the golden light of the sun, the river would appear to gleam and the un-crowded streets would be filled with crisp air. The ground would be covered with dew, all idealistically perfect compared to the reality that within one hour of his view, the streets would awake and the whole scene would change. Blake had a completely different viewpoint on London, his first line opens with a romantic wander through the chartered streets, this is a contrast, he himself whilst romantic and free thinking, is in a city governed by rules, entrapments and corruption. He then repeats this idea in the next line with the chartering of the themes, contrary to Wordsworths gliding river, this implies that London is overpowering nature. He then alliterates marks 3 times to give an exaggeration of the theme of suffering. Every from the 3rd line is then repeated in the second stanza to generalise everyone as saddened, depressed and constricted. Blakes poem is different to Wordsworths in its entirety. Blake is describing from a low viewpoint, in the streets between the dirty houses, at about 10:30 at night, with a serious, constricted and darkened theme. Wordsworths is from a higher viewpoint on the bridge, at about 5:30 in the morning with not many people about with a happy, elated theme. The techniques, each use to create these effects are also different, Wordsworth uses a typical romantic style sonnet, and both Poems use their structure to emphasise the words in them. William Blakes London is written in four, four line stanzas. Each line of each verse has the same number of syllables; this creates a regimented, almost mechanical effect. It uses alternate line rhyming to make the poem sound regular and accentuates the last word of each line. Each verse of the Blake poem attacks a different aspect of London. It is clear that Blake found London a very corrupt and immoral place. Whereas in contrast Wordsworths poem is written in the form of an Italian sonnet the octave of which describes the man made elements of the city, the last sextet refers to natural beauty. This poem also uses alternate line rhyming to create the effect of order. It is written in prose using iambic pentameter. This device brings attention to emphasise the meaning of the rhyming words. William Blakes poem conveys his feelings in a more abstract style, when he uses the people and buildings of London to represent the institutions which they are associated with. He uses the image of a church to criticise religious establishments and a palace to signify the state, and authorities that control it. He gives the image of the soldiers sigh running in blood down palace walls. Here he is attacking the monarchy and government for condemning young men to death by sending them off to fight in foreign wars. He uses hyperbole to criticise London and the sadness and malice of the people who live there. Blakes London brutally painted is a dark, dirty, disease ridden and deprived place Unlike the Wordsworth poem it leaves you in no doubt as to the authors feelings on the subject. In the last verse of Blakes, it gives us his time scale; midnight, and he shows us the corruption of innocence, with youthful harlots. The last stanza accentuates the uncleanness of the area, how London was plagued with diseases and how life in the slums of the city is very short. It may be an example of the typical life of people in London. With children being the product of prostitution and sexual promiscuity, the children are then raised in a poor, unhygienic even uneducated area then marry and die due to blights and diseases. Marriage is supposed to be a happy occasion, but here it shows to be an institution, which carries people to their deathbeds. This may be due to sexually transmitted diseases, which were ravaging through the population at the time. Blakes entire poem is blunt and to the point, describing what was going on and that he was unhappy about it and the fact that people were ignoring it. Wordsworths poem is far less melodramatic than Blakes, it is a snapshot in time of London in the morning, with no look at the types of people who live there, or of their pasts and futures. Blakes overall poem display a message of sadness and disgust towards London, its monarchy and the authorities housed there. I think that the style of Wordsworth is very ineffective at relating his like for London as it seems to almost be sucking up to Londons builders and rulers and so it does not provoke strong feelings or thoughts. Even if the reader acknowledges there is sarcasm in the style, it still does not show accurately the problems of London or that anything should be done about it. Blakes poem on the other hand is very effective at relating his own feelings towards the city, and of provoking our own so that we are appalled by the conditions and mistreatment people were forced to live with at the time he wrote this. I prefer Blakes poem because the atmosphere he builds, through his phrases and his technique, is far more powerful than the atmosphere Wordsworth attempted to make. It is far more descriptive and flows more poetically than Wordsworths and I believe he was overall a better writer.

Serviced Apartments On Beach Resorts Tourism Essay

Serviced Apartments On Beach Resorts Tourism Essay A preliminary model of business development factors was created from both literature review and interviews conducted with international serviced apartment operators in Singapore. Subsequently, the model was being tested in a case study visit to Pattaya. The field study encompassed observations, interviews with government officials, serviced apartment operators and facilities operators. Through these modes of information gathering, the pilot model of business development factors was modified. A post model was drawn up to present the final list of business development factors, as well as three other complementary factors which affect the setting up of serviced apartments indirectly. Primary findings include the importance of extended stay markets, sources of expatriates, a viable and thriving tourist market, good transport connectivity, availability of facilities, proactive government support, high level of security and safety, warm and stable climate as well as affordability of the location. The future development of serviced apartments on beach resorts is also explored to include the possibility of venture into timesharing, vacation club, fractional property ownership or hybrids of the above mentioned. The history of beach resorts, or seaside resorts, dates back to Great Britain in the mid 18th century. Back then, visitors often went to beach resorts for their fashionable practice of sunbathing in a belief that it will help in disease treatment (The great British seaside resort: a brief history, 2009). However, times have changed and this trend has shifted from Europe to Asia Pacific. Hobson (1994) identified that future growth in the Asia Pacific region will be focused on the expansion of resort-type destinations, particularly in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. With the development of beach resorts in Asia Pacific, accommodation has changed within different stages of development, as reflected in the Beach Resort Model (Smith, 1991). Serviced apartments are one of the newer accommodation types found on beach resorts, arising from the needs of modern travellers such as expatriates who are seeking an extended stay in a location, and families who intend to stay in a location for a longer holiday. As few studies have been done on serviced apartments on beach resorts, a case study on Pattaya beach resort was done to better comprehend the business development characteristics for establishing serviced apartments there. Objectives This paper firstly aims to provide insights on the current growth and penetration of serviced apartments on beach resorts. Secondly, it seeks to recommend a model of business development factors that lead to the growth of serviced apartments in Pattaya and also brings across how these factors may influence beach development and vice-versa. Finally, the implications of the business development factors to various stakeholders of serviced apartments are studied. Scope This paper is written in the context of beach resorts in Asia Pacific. Value of Research This paper provides knowledge about the different business development factors in contributing to the success of serviced apartments on beach resorts. Various stakeholders, especially developers and operators who are interested in establishing serviced apartments in Pattaya, will find this knowledge useful. For owners and operators of existing properties, this knowledge can enhance their management abilities. Limitations Being full-time undergraduates, this study was conducted on a part-time basis. As such, only one case study was conducted due to time and budget constraints. Additionally, the topic of serviced apartments on beach resorts is still relatively new and not widely explored. Therefore, there is limited information available. Furthermore, available publications mostly focused on the Western context, hence not specific to Asia Pacific. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW Serviced Apartments Definition While there is no standard definition of a serviced apartment, serviced apartments are typically considered to offer self-contained accommodation with additional services. The apartment will generally include a small kitchen or kitchenette, with a living room in addition to the bedroom(s), or a studio bedroom (Foxley, 2001). Apartments are cleaned weekly and more often if client prefers, and a round-the-clock reception desk for queries and advice is usually available (Collins, 2007). The appeal of serviced apartments is that they offer the comfort and facilities of a hotel, with the privacy and facilities of home (Foxley, 2001). In addition, it is a cost-effective accommodation solution as guests staying for longer periods of 7 nights or more will normally benefit from a reduced price per night (The Association of Serviced Apartment Providers, 2009).  Globally, serviced apartments are sometimes referred to as serviced residences, condotels, extended stay hotels, and the like (Servi ced Apartments Association Singapore, 2005). Target Segments With changing work practices and increased globalisation of business, business executives are increasingly required to work away from home on a short to medium term basis (Foxley, 2001). Hence, serviced apartments provide the perfect solution for this group of professionals, who form the primary segment for serviced apartments. With a relatively long stay away from home, these business executives seek more space and a friendly home-from-home feel (Fearis, 2006). Besides business travellers, leisure markets with an extended stay intention are also targeted by serviced apartment operators (Harris, 2008). Greater international leisure travel and a growing trend towards taking extended breaks between jobs, vacations and working-holidays are also resulting in the demand for temporary accommodation (Foxley, 2001). Families form an integral part of the leisure market as the space and facilities serviced apartments offer suits their needs. Current Trends and Growth Serviced apartments business has been growing at 15-20% annually compared to a modest 6-8% notched by hotels (Choudhury, 2009). According to STR Global, demand for extended-stay accommodation had been growing by 4.9% in 2004, the fastest rate since 2000, and surpassing the 4.6% jump reported for the overall hotel industry (Ligos, 2005). One key driver for this trend is tight corporate budgets. The recent global economic turmoil forced many companies to reduce their travel expenses in an attempt to minimise costs, allowing serviced apartment operators to ride on this by matching limited budgets with competitive prices (Chinmaneevong, 2009). This was reflected in Asia, where demand for serviced apartments remains high despite the crisis (Harris, 2008). The increase in supply of serviced apartments is further bolstered by the predicted continuous growth in global business travel, with Asia Pacific being poised for substantial growth between 2008 and 2013 (NBTA/IHS Global Insight, 2009). Another driver for this surge in popularity of extended-stay hotels is that more companies are willing to pay to relocate new employees (NBTA/IHS Global Insight, 2009), or send them for cross-border corporate training programmes (Foxley, 2001). Employers regard this as an investment due to the lack of qualified and skilled labour (NBTA/IHS Global Insight, 2009). The percentage of such willing employers has increased from 2007 to 2008 by 14% (Fryson, 2008). Locations The locations of serviced apartments will determine the mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments (Geieregger Oehmichen, 2008), as well as the quality of accommodation and service (Foxley, 2001). Typically, serviced apartments are found in urbanised locations (Harris, 2008), where many multinational companies establish their headquarters or manufacturing plants. This facilitates movement of business executives in cities for meetings and conventions. However, serviced apartments can also be found along beaches. Beach Resort Development Beach resorts are defined as geographic areas offering a variety of facilities, services and activities which are orientated towards seaside recreation for the accommodation, use and enjoyment of visitors (Smith, 1991). Resort morphology goes through a predictable sequence of stages: from pre-tourism low through high-density development to an urbanised state (Andriotis, 2006; Smith, 1992). Barrett (1958) first noted the significance of the seafront in the structure and location of the commercial core, distinct zonation of accommodation types which expands in a semi-circular fashion inland from the commercial core and an elongation of settlement parallel to the coast. Stansfield (1970) later observed the development of the Recreational Business District (RBD) consisting mainly retail, food and beverage and entertainment services along the beach front. The Commercial Business District (CBD) is distinctly separated from the RBD and commonly found more inland. Pigram (1977) noted that improved public transport played a significant part in the arrangement and evolution of zones of land-use. In addition, recreational businesses and accommodation establishments tend to orientate themselves on major access routes to the resorts. Smith (1991) created the Beach Resort Model (BRM) which describes ad-hoc beach development from stages 1 to 8. The stages were determined by 6 categories of change morphology, physical, environmental, social, economic and political. Four coastal resorts in Asia Pacific were studied in developing the BRM; however, it can still be applied at large to other coastal resorts. BRM documents the start of a beach resort from a settlement in pre-tourism datum to a fully urbanised city resort. Accommodation Development on Beach Resorts Accommodation at resorts fall into two groups: traditional and self-catering (Stallibrass, 1980). Traditional accommodation includes personal service both in the private rooms and public areas while self-catering accommodation is self-contained, with its own kitchen facilities. Accommodations on beach resorts frequently start with second homes, followed by hotels which are the traditional accommodation (Smith, 1991). There would be structural changes to accommodation typically at the last two stages of the BRM, because resorts mature and narrow accommodation bases diversify to include significant components of all classes of accommodation (Smith, 1991). In addition, changes experienced when a beach matures, such as greater accessibility and new facilities, results in visitor profile changes (Strapp, 1988). This also affects the type of accommodation in demand. Multi-titled tourism accommodations (MTTA), which include serviced apartments, have been on the rise due to lower financial risks compared to single-titled properties, and the larger target market available due to its mixed use (tourists and residential) (Warnken, Guilding, Cassidy, 2008). MTTA complexes now represent an integral part of, or even dominate many popular seaside and ski resorts in many parts of the developed world (Warnken Guilding, 2009). Serviced Apartments on Beach Resorts In later stages of beach development, beach resorts may start to see year-round residency. The area could become more of a residential community with people staying well past the traditional tourist season (Strapp, 1988). Anecdotal evidence suggests an increase in demand for self-catering short holidays (long weekends up to one week) amongst young families and self-catering accommodation for increasingly wealthy retirees (Warnken et al., 2008). Together with increased demand for accommodation, suppliers are encouraged to add higher quality infrastructure typified by a shift from inexpensive motels to resort apartments such as serviced apartments (Prideaux, 2000). Majority of internet accommodation search engines for major destinations returned listings with MTTA-style complexes (Warnken et al., 2008), and these include serviced apartments. Reasons which could have spurred the establishment of serviced apartments on beach resorts encompass the following: Presence of an expatriate market working in nearby industrial hubs requiring temporary accommodation (Appendix A, B C) Presence of a retired silver-haired market moving to beach resorts during winter months in order to stay in warmer climates (Foster Murphy, 1991; Williams, King, Warnes, Patterson, 2000) Transport connectivity for convenient access to the beach resort (Appendix C) Top-notch facilities such as schools, medical care and entertainment (Appendix B) Serviced Apartments on Beach Resorts in Asia Pacific Serviced apartments were the fastest growing segment of the tourist accommodation sector in Australia during the late 1990s (Foxley, 2001). The number of serviced apartment properties in Gold Coast has been increasing over the past few years. In 1998, the number of serviced apartment guest rooms was 3,180 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1999), while in 2007, this number was 5,371 (BusinessGC, 2007). In the year ended June 2009, serviced apartments saw the strongest increase in establishments (0.9%) and room nights available (2.4%) out of all accommodation types, while the motel and hotel sector experienced a contraction of 4.7% and 6.1% respectively in number of establishments (Tourism Queensland, 2009). Currently, here are not many major international operators located on beach resorts in Asia Pacific. Some international operators feel that there are opportunities for serviced apartments to be located on beach resorts in the region. With news releases indicating the plans of Ascott and Oakwood to enter Pattaya, Thailand (The Ascott Limited, 2005; Viboonchart, 2009), it suggests that development of serviced apartments on beach resorts in other parts of Asia Pacific is gaining momentum. Currently, Frasers Hospitality already has a property in Pattaya named Fraser Resort Pattaya. CHAPTER 3 PROPOSED MODEL OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FACTORS FOR ESTABLISHING SERVICED APARTMENTS ON BEACH RESORTS The role of the market has not been the main focus in existing research for the development of beach resorts. The following section takes a closer look at market conditions and operation of the supply side in spurring beach resort development, specifically the development of accommodation to include serviced apartments. The three most important stakeholders in a beach resorts are guests (who are the main cause for induced development); hosts (who by supporting development and by being involved in tourism contribute to the success of a destination); and politics (which influence overall development) (Andriotis, 2006). As such, the factors which are considered below are greatly influenced by characteristics of these three stakeholders. Industrial areas and city centres Relocation of corporate personnel would generate demand for serviced apartments. For beach resorts, there would usually be a presence of expatriates if there are nearby industrial areas and busy city centres (Appendix A C). Moreover, coastal areas are emerging as major centres of economic activity and new powerhouses of tourism interest (Prideaux, 2009), possibly bringing in an expatriate market. Viable and thriving tourist market During weekends, serviced apartments target leisure travellers to fill rooms. This is supported by Foxleys (2001) observation of a trend amongst the international leisure travellers to take extended breaks. In addition, there is seemingly an increase in demand for self-catering short holidays amongst young families (Warnken et al., 2008). Hence, a viable tourist market should also be present for serviced apartments to tap on. Medical tourism Medical tourism has grown rapidly in the past decade (Connell, 2006). People travel long distances overseas to obtain medical, dental, and surgical care while simultaneously being holidaymakers. Reasons for the growth of this niche tourism are high costs of treatment in developed countries, long waiting lists, relative affordability of air travel, and favourable exchange rates (Connell, 2006). Medical tourism has grown in Thailand who deliberately linked medical care to tourism, thus boosting beaches attractions (Connell, 2006). The Phuket Health and Travel website states that it aims to combine health and holiday aspects of travel. Their health and holiday package could include hotel accommodation, pre-doctor appointment, sightseeing, island tours and night entertainment attraction bookings (Phuket Health Travel, 2009). As medical tourism gains popularity, operators may establish serviced apartments next to large hospitals to cater to this kind of demand (Sharma, 2005). Transport Connectivity Transport access to the resort is likely a key determinant of the resorts rate and size of growth. Kim (1998) mentioned that the assessment of tourism potential would place great emphasis on transport communications and general access to the area. As accessibility improves through new road, rail, sea and air services, new and more distant markets will become accessible (Prideaux, 2000). In addition, a good transport system is essential in bringing customers to the apartments doorsteps, and bringing customers to their destinations in the day. Facilities Guests of serviced apartments require nearby facilities for basic living essentials and recreational activities. Recreational activities include sports, shopping and entertainment (Prideaux, 2000), while basic essentials encompass healthcare and educational institutions. Healthcare and educational institutions are especially important for expatriates who have brought their families along when they are relocated by their companies (Appendix B). Political aspects Government policies can hasten the development of beach resorts (Prideaux, 2000) and also implement favourable conditions to boost tourism which potentially encourages serviced apartment establishments due to healthy tourist market prospects. National Tourism Organizations are also responsible in wooing tourists to the country. Ooi (2002) discovered that the political environment can have a significant influence on the image of the destination and tourism promotion policies. Safety and Security Safety is a major concern for tourists (Kim, 1998). Davidoff and Davidoff (1994) concluded that people would not travel to a location believed to be unsafe. Given that expatriates can stay up to a considerable period of time and may bring their families along when they are relocated, security for the family and self becomes an important concern. A summary of the above mentioned factors are integrated into the table below: Table 1.png The factors identified above can possibly shape future growth and development of beach resorts. Additionally, they also aid in future planning by recognising supply short-comings and predicting rising needs of the market, allowing sufficient time and space for operators to cater to these trends. CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Case Selection The case method (Yin, 2003) is used in this study and the unit of research is a beach resort. The case selected in this study is Pattaya. In Pattaya, there is one major international serviced apartment operator, Fraser Resort Pattaya. Interestingly, a huge industrial development is located east of Pattaya. As a developed beach resort, Pattaya has good facilities and infrastructure in place to support its tourism activities. These indicators provide an inkling of the entry of more international operators eventually, thus providing adequate data for this study. Data Collection Formal interviews were conducted with major international serviced apartment operators headquartered in Singapore to gain a better understanding of the industry. A preliminary model was created through book, journal and internet research, newspapers and interviews in Singapore. A field study to Pattaya was then conducted from 8 to 11 December 2009 to collect primary data. Details of the site visit are: Interview with an international service apartment operator several local operators an official from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Chon Buri (Pattaya) international hospitals Physical observations of the facilities, establishments and general environment Subsequently, a post-trip model was constructed. This is a refined and condensed model after further knowledge gathered through the field study. Complementary factors which contribute to the listed factors are also identified to provide a wider perspective. CHAPTER 5 PATTAYA CASE A seaside province located on Thailands east coast, Chon Buris scenic views earns itself a reputation as one of Thailands popular sanctuaries for holiday retreats. Situated near the city of Chon Buri is Pattaya, a holiday paradise for fun-lovers. As Thailands premier beach resort that attracts a large number of tourists, Pattaya is charmed by a tropical resort atmosphere suitable for total relaxation. Besides its blessed natural beauty, Pattaya also offers a wide range of water sports and vibrant nightlife (TAT, 2006). Today, it boasts the unique distinction of a beach resort with a city status (TAT, 2007). 5.1 Accommodation Development in Pattaya The increasing influx of visitors over the years has stimulated changes in accommodation types. Most of the large hotel chains, resorts and serviced apartments are located in two regions north and central of Pattaya city. In the stretch right in front of the coastline, the smaller hotels or budget accommodations are found. This stretch is also the region where there are many restaurants, bars, pubs and a number of shopping malls spread out along the coastline. Although most of the serviced apartments are in the north and central region of the city, there are still a few serviced apartments located in the beachfront stretch (Appendix T). This occurrence as described by the BRM model is due to development saturation of the original beachfront strip causing subsequent accommodation to develop along the same strip but extending further inland (Smith, 1991). As serviced apartments are only recently developed on beach resorts, their locations are thus further away from the beachfront. In addition, beachfront region is considered to be nosier with activities ongoing till late. Since serviced apartments are targeted at long-term stay visitors who might want a more conducive environment, serviced apartment operators have thus established the apartments away from the noise. The contrasting location of some serviced apartments in the beachfront stretch is due to their smaller sizes and absence of a serviced apartments full capacities. CHAPTER 6 CASE EVALUATION The business development factors in the preliminary model are assessed against observations and interviews conducted at Pattaya. Further findings are also indicated. Evaluation of Preliminary Model Industrial Areas and City Centres As business executives are the primary target audience of serviced apartments, the existence of sources generating expatriates, such as industrial areas and city centres, are vital. In Pattaya, industrial areas are of notable importance as a driving factor for guests in serviced apartments. Chon Buri province is located in the industrial development region of Thailand, a short drive to southeast Bangkok (Tanvatanakul, Saowakontha, Amado, Vicente, 2007). Business executives who work in both Bangkok city and Chon Buri are thus able to commute to Pattaya quickly. Besides Chon Buri, Rayong province also houses several industrial areas and is approximately 220 kilometres from Bangkok (Bangkoksite.com, 2009). Five main industrial areas (Appendix N) situated in both provinces Laem Chabang , Map Ta Phut, Eastern Seaboard, Amata City and Pinthong, are sources of the expatriate market who seek accommodation in Pattaya city (Appendix I). Some local operators revealed that the bulk of their customers come from the industrial areas. The close proximity to both provinces makes Pattaya a preferred place for many expatriates to stay in (Thailand Guru, 2007). This spells business opportunities for serviced apartments. Positive statistics draw links to a possibly burgeoning expatriate market coming to Pattaya, as reflected in the rise in tourist arrivals in Pattaya for business activities over the years. Arrivals based on business purposes increased by 38.08% from 349,010 in 2006 to 481,916 in 2007 (TAT, 2007). In addition, the proportion of these business arrivals out of total arrivals also increased from 5.7% in 2006 to 7.21% in 2007. For conference/seminar purpose, figures rose from 95,887 in 2006 to 260,695 in 2007 (TAT, 2007), representing an astounding 171.9% increase. The proportion of this conference/seminar-driven tourism out of total tourist arrivals increased from 1.6% in 2006 to 3.9% in 2007. These trends may further spur the growth of serviced apartments in Pattaya. Viable and Thriving Tourist Market Apart from business travellers, serviced apartments may also serve leisure travellers who are on extended holidays. A promising inflow of tourists is likely to affect the growth of serviced apartments. The following section assesses the tourist market in Pattaya based on figures retrieved from TAT for years 2005 to 2007. TAT indicated that figures for 2008 and 2009 are not available. Tourist Arrivals Table 2.png Table 3.png Figure 1. Internal Tourism in Pattaya Tourist arrivals have been increasing steadily from 1997 to 2007. It increased by 14.55% in 2006 as compared to 2005, to a decade high of 6,680,658 in 2007 (+9.25%). The main purpose of visits has been for leisure, which comprises about 83 90% of tourist arrivals in years 2005 to 2007. This shows a thriving leisure tourist market. Table 4.png Interviews conducted with local serviced apartment operators revealed that their main customers are Europeans. Figures have shown that out of the 4,481,630 international travellers who visited Pattaya in 2007, 40% are Europeans. As Pattaya remains a popular beach resort destination for European visitors, the European tourist market in Pattaya will either maintain its size or expand in the future. Local operators also mentioned that these Europeans customers can stay for long periods ranging from a few weeks to a few months. Aside from Europeans, Pattaya is also a popular destination amongst Asians due to its location and reputation for providing a beach getaway. A dip in figures is expected for 2008 and 2009 due to the global economic recession and H1N1 pandemic. Other sources suggest that following a 5% increase in tourism numbers in the first half of 2008, international tourism began to slow down rapidly in mid-2008, reflecting rising oil and commodity prices, volatile exchange rate fluctuations, political instability, and the impact of the global economic recession (UNWTO 2008; UNWTO 2009a; UNWTO 2009b). However, as the world emerges from the recession, tourism in Pattaya is expected to pick up in late 2009 or early 2010 onwards. Tourist Receipts Table 5.png Accommodation expenses generally comprise the bulk of tourist expenditure. Furthermore, tourist receipts have been increasing from 48,522.13 million baht in 2005 to 59,347.61 million baht in 2007. As both tourist arrivals and expenditure increase, this means more business opportunities for serviced apartments in Pattaya. Average Length of Stay of Tourists Table 6.png The average length of stay has decreased from 3.41 days in 2005 to 3.13 days in 2007. However, local operators revealed that the average length of stay ranges from a few days to a few months for leisure travellers, while the average length of stay can be up to 2 years for expatriates. Major Attractions and Future Plans The two principal beaches are Pattaya and Jomtien beach, which offer a range of recreational and entertainment services. Aside from the beaches which saw 61% and 31% of total tourist arrivals in 2007 respectively, other key attractions include bars and nightclubs (30%) and shopping malls (13%) (TAT, 2007). As beaches remain the most visited place in Pattaya, plans are proposed for a large new pier and marina for sporting and leisure craft on Pattaya beach (Channgam, 2008), rejuvenating the beach and thus keeping it attractive for tourists. In addition, the Pattayas mayor wishes to shift the image of Pattaya away from a red-light district to one full of other exciting activities such as a possible indoor ski resort which could attract more international business chains and induce more long-stay guests (Appendix J). Hence a viable and thriving leisure tourist market helps to raise occupancy rates in serviced apartments. Nonetheless, the tourism industry needs to keep improving to sustain or develop new interest in tourists. Medical Tourism The presence of international hospitals may stimulate the establishment of serviced apartments next to them to cater to potential medical tourists who stay for long-term treatment. Three international hospitals dominate Pattaya, namely Bangkok Pattaya Hospital (BPH), Pattaya International Hospital (PIH) and Pattaya Memorial Hospital (PMH). Of these hospitals, only BPH is programme certified by Joint Commission International. It also has 400 beds, having the ability to accommodate more patients as compared to PIHs 70 beds, and PMHs 80 inpatient beds. However, from interviews with the hospitals, it was revealed that patients are largely locals and to a lesser extent, international visitors. Medical tourists are hence an insignificant contributing long-stay market. Nonetheless, it may grow in significance in the future. Transport Connectivity Favourable transport connectivity helps visitors and locals to orientate their way to and around Pattaya easily, a basic essential factor required to draw guests to stay. Features affecting transport connectivity are analysed below: Distance and time to airport Located approximately 110 kilometres away, Pattaya has close proximity to Suvarnabhumi Airport, with travelling time around 1.5 to 2 hours. This relatively short distance and travelling time makes Pattaya a desired city to visit. Modes of transport to Pattaya Visitors can access Pattaya conveniently via air, rail, taxi, coach or local buses. Modes of transport around Pattaya The most commonly seen transport is the Baht Buses, which are transformed from pickup trucks. Other forms of transport include motorcycle, bicycle, car, local bus and taxi. Local buses, however, are not easy to spot and thus often underutilised. Road InterconnectivityC:UsersLoyAppDataLocalTempRoad Map.jpg Figure 2. Pattaya Road Map The road system can be complex and confusing for first-time visitors. However, after gaining familiarity, it is simpler to navigate around. From North to South, there are Beach Road (also known as First Road) which faces the sea, Pattaya Second Road and Pattaya Third Road. Beach Road is a one-way road which runs southwards, while Second Road runs northwards. These one-way roads pose inconvenience and a hassle to travel. In between these roads are smaller and busier streets which connect the three roads together. From East to West, there are the North Pattaya Road, Central Pattaya Ro