Investment Strategies Employed by McDonald's Essay

The struggle for personal identity Essay Example For Students

The battle for individual character Essay The battle for individual character Essay The theme I have decided for my examination exposition is that of Personal Identity. We have gone over this subject in numerous accounts that we have done in the course. Various creators have dealt with this topic in an alternate manner and by investigating this we will have the option to perceive what individual personality intends to individuals. The connection among self and society is basically fierce and the battleground on which this battle is battled by character. Set forth plainly, personality is simply the observation by others, tested by the social world (Fontana Kotarba, 1984, pp. In The Wifes Story, the creator Bharati Mukherjee takes a gander at the topic of Personal Identity in regard to the Indian Culture. The fundamental character in the story, Panna, leaves her family so as to get a Ph.D. This is seen when she says Ive made it. Im making a big deal about my life. Ive left home, my better half, to get a Ph.D. in a custom curriculum (Meyer, 1997, pp. 424) She is presented toward the Western world and is battling between her Indian personality and the one of the Western World. She is making a decent attempt to situate herself in this world. She needs to acknowledge the American culture, and yet she wouldn't like to lose her Indian perspectives. She wouldn't like to follow the customary traditions where the spouse remains at home and is either mishandled by the husband or by her parents in law. Pannas look for character can likewise be seen when her better half stays with her from India. He doesn't care for when she spruces up in western garments and convers es with other men. Panna doesn't endorse of her spouses thinking, however she despite everything needs to satisfy him. With him she needs to imagine that nothing has changed. She realizes that things have changed, however she needs to do everything to cause him to accept something else. Along these lines she is battling in the whole story. The following creator whose work we are going to take a gander at is James Joyce of Eveline. In this story the creator has treated the topic of individual personality in regard to the affection for families. In the accompanying story, the principle character, Eveline, originates from a family where the dad is extremely predominant. Her mom has kicked the bucket and on the deathbed, Eveline guaranteed her that she would deal with the family. In her psyche, she believes that the main explanation she is remaining with such her prevailing dad is a result of the guarantee she made to her mom. She wouldn't like to forsake her family. Simultaneously she is battling to frame a self personality. She gets an opportunity to leave from her family and structure her very own personality. She is befuddled about what to do. At long last she chooses her family realizing that they love her as well and that is the place she can be best recognized. Kaluger (1984, pp. 261) says that during the distinguishing proof stage, kids for the most part react to individuals whom they love or who have some attribute or force that they respect. Kids increase a suspicion that all is well and good by relating to a more seasoned individual whom they love, in whom they have total certainty and trust. Martin luther ruler jr. EssayBy taking a gander at the above stories, it is seen that the principle characters are looking for their own personality. They all are looking for themselves and are extremely confounded and battling. They need to accomplish there objectives, regardless of what comes in their direction. By taking a gander at the various stories it tends to be seen that for one to pick up the genuine character, the person in question needs to confront the general public as well as themselves as well. In the event that they can acknowledge who they truly are and conquered their feelings of dread instead of professing to be another person or fleeing from their apprehensions, they can locate their own personality. ReferencesFontana, Andrea, Kortarba, Joseph A. (1984) The Existential Self In Society. London: The University of Chicago Press, pp. 11. Kaluger, George, Kaluger Meriem F. (1984) Human Development The Span of Life. Columbus: Merrill Publishing Company, pp. 261. Meyer, Bruce. (1997). The Stories-Contemporary Short Fiction Written in English. Scaroborough: Prentice-Hall Canada Inc, 301-305, 421-443.

10 Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs

10 Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs What are great entrepreneurs made of? If you’ve ever thought about becoming an entrepreneur, then you need to possess and develop few characteristics.Below are ten traits and qualities successful entrepreneurs have, and tips on how you can get those too. #1. UNENDING PASSION“Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand and the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas.” â€" Henry FordIt might seem like a cliché but being an entrepreneur isn’t just a smooth ride to success. If you want to succeed and to be happy in life, you need to do things that make you smile and not cry. Every good entrepreneur has a tremendous passion for what they are doing â€" for changing the world with their products and services.It might sound crazy but passion is the reason entrepreneurs get up in the morning. It provides people with motivation, movement and resilience. You won’t be stuck in the rut if you have passion â€" you won’t be fazed by problems.If you have the drive to keep going, you’ll keep moving forwards and you’ll be more creative in finding solutions. Passion also means you stay hungry as an entrepreneur because it ensures you don’t settle.Your passion to succeed and to create a great product or service means you’ll continue to learn and seek answers â€" ensuring you improve as an entrepreneur in the process.How to find your passion?Start by creating a simple list of things you love. What things give you the most joy in life? What are the actions, the people, the emotions and the things you enjoy the most?Don’t think what you think you want to do but what you actually enjoy doing. If money and fame were out of the equation, what would make you get up in the morning and put a smile on your face?If you think about the issue like this, then you can start understanding where your passion is rather than focusing on where you think it should be.#2. THE ABILITY TO STAY MOTIVATED“Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” â€" Winston ChurchillThe life of an entrepreneur can be hard and no matter how passionate you are, sometimes getting out of bed might seem overwhelming. But the successful entrepreneurs do it â€" th ey stay motivated even when times get tough. A great entrepreneur is the one who encounters a problem and still keeps moving forward because they are driven.You need to also understand that the road of an entrepreneur can be lonely. The world’s greatest entrepreneurs haven’t relied on others to motivate them. They are able to self-motivate and to find the fire inside them each morning.How to motivate yourself?Motivation takes focus. The quick way to increase both is to start setting clear goals. You can find stunning tips for goal setting in the video below: The key is to make the goals small and tangible. Small in the sense that you break down a bigger goal â€" such as launching your own business â€" to smaller goals â€" setting up a website, finding a partner, etc. You also need the goals to be tangible. For example, becoming an entrepreneur is not as a tangible goal as launching a cosmetic shop online (although you are doing the same thing in both situations).Make sure you ta ke time to reward yourself for accomplishing tasks. It doesn’t have to be anything huge â€" a new book, a date with your spouse or a five-minute nap can be just as motivating as a huge, expensive holiday.It also helps to surround yourself with other high-achievers. If you don’t have other entrepreneurs around you or people with big goals, you might find yourself drifting away from these ideals.It’s important to be with like-minded people (not those who agree with you on everything, but who have similar values and goals). It can help you solve problems when the going gets tough if you have examples of other people doing the same.Finally, it helps to listen to your passion and to allow it to guide you. If you are passionate about what you do, you’ll almost automatically feel motivated to get up and work each morning.#3. WILLINGNESS TO TAKE AND TO TOLERATE RISK“Security is mostly superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. A voiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” â€" Helen KellerSuccessful entrepreneurs are those who take risks. Setting up a business from nothing is a risk in itself â€" if that makes you lose sleep, then you are going to end up burning out in the next months. You need to see risks as part of the job description and to be able to navigate the risky world of business in style.These entrepreneurs understand the difference between calculated risks and mindless risk. They know risks will be part of the game but by taking their chances, they can succeed quicker than if they just sat around waiting for the right moment (which almost never comes!).To succeed, you can’t let the odds to rule â€" you need to know when to take the risks and when to avoid them.How to become better at tolerating risks?What can you do to become better at tolerating risks? The best thing to do is to keep learning. Learn about being an entrep reneur, your industry, the taxes, human behavior and everything out there. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you are at taking risks. You limit the chances of making a mistake because you are able to trust your knowledge.Furthermore, you need to become better at creating backup plans. The risks you take are easier to handle when you know there’s a Plan B. You won’t feel scared or nervous during the process because you know there is a backup to fall to â€" something to keep you going even when you don’t first succeed.#4. BEING ABLE TO GET ALONG AND TO LEAD PEOPLE“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” â€" John C. MaxwellSuccess never comes to people who do it all on their own. Every successful person on this planet can and should thank other people for helping them achieve those goals.The difference with many successful entrepreneurs is they don’t just have these people in their life but they also get along with them and lead th em to better things. Entrepreneurs are great at elevating others while still acknowledging the importance of other people in their own success story.Entrepreneurs genuinely like people and they want to surround themselves with other high-achieving people. You need to have that networking bug and a real desire to keep in touch with people.You should be a person who cares about other people and likes to help them. It also helps when you know how to get people on your side and working towards the common goal â€" a successful entrepreneur is always a great leader too.How to network and lead more effectively?It’s essential to start treating people with kindness and compassion. But you can’t really fake this; you actually have to care about solving problems for others and helping them succeed. If you got this empathy and compassion, you are on the right track.But you can learn to be better at networking and leading. It’s a good idea to start networking as part of your everyday sched ule. You can do this by:Schedule a networking hourThis should be an hour or two of your time spent just on networking.Do it at least three times a week.Connect with the people you knowUse the time to connect with those people.Send e-mails, make phone calls and organise meetingsThe key here is to make sure you stay in touch with people around the year and not just when you need something. You can’t just talk to those who are useful for you at that point in time. It’s crucial to be available for those who need you so that they can help you when you need it.In terms of leadership, it’s important to find your voice. Consider checking out the leadership post for more.#5. OPENNESS TO CHANGE“Some people don’t like change, but you need to embrace change if the alternative is disaster.” â€" Elon MuskThe world is constantly changing and this applies to the world of business. The different industries out there are transforming â€" technology is one of the major reasons for the chan ge. For entrepreneurs, the key is to adapt to the change quick enough. Trying to fight against change would be a huge mistake.If you don’t have an open mind in the modern world, you are likely to miss out on opportunities. You can’t look the changing world around you and think you’re way is the only way of doing it.A successful entrepreneur is always looking for new ways of doing things. If you understand change is inevitable then you can succeed in the world of business.How to become adapted to change?Change is not always easy. But you need to view it as an opportunity rather than a problem or threat. Sometimes change seems bad at the outset and it’s painful. But it mostly leads to something better â€" it always opens up a new opportunity even if you can’t see it straight away.It’s a good idea to become better at dealing with change by forcing yourself to new situations. If you willingly seek out new experiences and unexpected situations, you will learn how to adapt to these moments.Simple things such as travelling to new places, trying different foods, challenging yourself with new situations are enough to help you withstand the stress of change better.#6. TOUGHNESS TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD“Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes but they don’t quit.” â€" Conrad HiltonAs you’ve already become aware, the life of an entrepreneur is not easy. But the successful ones have a strong characteristic of staying tough in the face of adversity.These entrepreneurs know that things don’t always go according to plan and the world of business can provide you with your (un)fair-share of setbacks. But no matter what life throws at these entrepreneurs, they will keep marching forward. They have an aura of resilience around them.How to be more resilient?If you want to survive as an entrepreneur, you need to build up resilience. You can do this by building up your confidence. It’s important to trust your own ability to survive and to succeed. If you don’t trust yourself, you can’t keep moving forward when the going gets tough. This resilience and confidence stem also from your ability to take feedback. If you know how to learn from your mistakes, then you can move forward stronger. You realize that negative feedback or mistakes don’t define or destroy you â€" you can use the experiences to grow and to learn, becoming stronger and better as a result.It’s as crucial to understand that some things are out of your control. You need to be able to identify things you can change (not enough customers â€" increase your reach) and those you can’t (customers don’t have enough spending power because of the current economy).The ability to know what things you can change and what you can’t, will equip you to handle things and to let go of worrying about things you can’t control.#7. DESIRE TO COMPETE AND TO WIN“Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” â€" Vince LombardiEntrepreneurs can’t be everybody’s friends. There is no such thing as a participation award in the world of business. Some win and some lose. The most successful entrepreneurs want to win. They like the competition and thrive on the prospect of beating the competition. Ultimately, the aim of an entrepreneur is to be better than the competition and if you don’t have this thirst to win, you won’t succeed.You need the hunger to win. It guarantees you are always working as hard as possible. The need to be the best will ensure you don’t settle for second best but you thrive for greatness each time. Being an entrepreneur is similar to being a top athlete â€" you need the same willingness to put yourself on the line and the hunger to come out on top.How to love competing?It’s important to understand the love for competition doesn’t mean you wish bad for others. Entrepreneurs don’t compete purely for personal gain. They want to win because they believe in their visi on â€" they know others will benefit from their victories.So, you first need to understand this. You need to know that you don’t want to harm other entrepreneurs â€" you just think and know your product or service is the winning one.Be willing to put yourself on the line. Challenge yourself with new experiences and start looking for those clever ways to make your product or service better. Don’t shy away from a healthy competition â€" find the opportunities where you can prove yourself.#8. UNDERSTANDING OF FINANCES AND BUSINESS BASICS (OR THE WILLINGNESS TO LEARN!)“Rule No. 1: never lose money. Rule No. 2: never forget rule number 1.” â€" Warren BuffettGood entrepreneurs need to be good with money â€" it’s as simple as that. There has to be a certain understanding of how business works. You can’t grow a successful business if you don’t know anything about finances or business. Even if you don’t do it all on your own, you’d still need to be smart enough to figure ou t who are those people worth listening to.When it comes to entrepreneurialism, many think it’s just about the big picture. But it isn’t just about the ability to identify these major forces and trends. You do need to have attention to detail and an understanding of how minor things impact the business. Successful entrepreneurs understand what cash flow is and how their taxation impacts the bottom line.How to develop your business skills?While some have an innate ability to understand numbers and the like, the great thing is that it can all be learnt later in life too. You just need to be willing to learn and to listen to those who’ve already made it in the world of business.You should definitely read business books, follow entrepreneurs on social media, check up industry blogs and attend seminars and workshops. Take in everything you can about how to make it as an entrepreneur and how to handle money.Don’t just settle for other people telling you something is a certain way b ut learn about it and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to say when you don’t understand something â€" it’s the only way to learn.#9. CREATIVE AND PROGRESSIVE VIEW OF THE WORLD“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” â€" Steve JobsSuccess in the world of entrepreneurialism means innovation. The best entrepreneurs are creative creatures â€" they see opportunities in places where others might not. They think outside of the box and introduce us to products and services we sometimes didn’t realize we needed.You need to be willing to this change, as mentioned earlier. You need to be open to it and you need to have a progressive view of the world. You’ll succeed if you understand the world is changing and you need to embrace and innovate this change.How to stay creative?It’s sometimes hard to keep creating when you’ve found a formula that works. But itâ €™s important to constantly stay on the lookout for new ideas â€" you never know what you find.Again, one of the best ways to keep innovating is to keep learning. If you are learning new things and challenging your mind with new ideas, you will learn new ways of looking at things. You don’t want to be stuck with just your industry but to see what entrepreneurs in different sectors and in different countries are doing.By surrounding yourself with new information and different people, you will become more creative and open to ideas. So, don’t be afraid to trial new technology, trying different methods and techniques and meeting people with different mindsets.#10. DETERMINATION IN THE FACE OF DECISIONS“In every success story, you will find someone who has made a courageous decision.” â€" Peter F. DruckerSuccessful entrepreneurs are great at making decisions. Now, this doesn’t always mean they make the right decisions. (Remember how they can face adversity and how they accept risks!)But it does mean they are willing to make those decisions nonetheless. Successful entrepreneurs don’t ponder a decision for weeks and months â€" they understand the opportunity might slip by if they did.The world of business is changing fast. If you don’t move with it, you are going to lose out on opportunities. You can’t ponder decisions for too long â€" sometimes you just need to decide even when you’re not sure of the facts. It all comes down to your ability to tolerate the risks, too.How to become better at decision-making?You need to learn to stop focusing on things that don’t matter. You need to be able to quickly identify those aspects and elements that influence the decision and those that don’t. Mindtools.com has a seven-step formula for decision-making:Step 1. Creating a constructive environmentStep 2. Investigating the situation in detailStep 3. Generating good alternativesStep 4. Exploring the solutionsStep 5. Choosing the best solutionStep 6. Evaluati ng the planStep 7. Communicating the decision and taking actionYou might also want to follow the footsteps of notable entrepreneurs and remove the need to make mindless decisions. There’s a reason Mark Zuckerberg always wears the same colored clothingFinally, it can help to start setting timelines and goals. Not only can it be a motivational tool, as discussed above, but it can also help you become a direct decision-maker. You’ll become better at moving from A to B â€" you have vision.THE CHARACTERISTICS THAT MAKE SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURSThe above ten characteristics are things all successful entrepreneurs share. If you look at them closely, you notice how they aren’t stand-alone traits people possess or don’t possess.They are connection qualities and behaviors â€" without passion, you can’t find motivation and without your ability to take risks, you can’t ever be decisive in the face of decisions.These qualities can also be enhanced and emboldened. You can learn to find your passion or become better at knowing how the world of business works. That’s the beauty of entrepreneurialism. If you got the spark, you can probably recognize yourself from the text.

Prisons Prisons And Prisons - 1332 Words

Jails and Prisons Comparison Paper Throughout history, the general public often misinterprets the difference between jails and prisons. For long confinement terms, jails are not used to hold sentenced offenders. However, jails are the oldest of the correctional components. According to Seiter (2011), jails were initiated prior to halfway houses, parole, probation, or prisons. Also, jails hold various offenders such as those being held administratively for a criminal justice agency, waiting to transfer to another facility, being detained a pending trial, and also arrested (Seiter, 2011, chap. 3). Serving a sentence of one or more years, prisons are institutions designed to house adult offenders. In criminal corrections and justice, prisons†¦show more content†¦(Seiter, 2011, chap. 3). For English prisons and jails, four requirements were created from the Penitentiary Act: (1) a reformatory regime in which inmates were confined in solitary cells but worked in common rooms duri ng the day, (2) abolition of fees charged to inmates, (3) systematic inspections, and (4) secure and sanitary structures (Seiter, 2011, p.73). According to the CJi Interactive Multimedia (2011), a jail is a city, county or regional confinement facility that has custodial authority over arrested adults. Generally, individuals who have been sentenced for less than one year are jailed convicted criminals. Other jailed detainees may be confined for non-punishment reasons: pending arraignment, contempt, or protective custody. Due to the inmates’ transient nature, minimal programs and services are provided. Also, available are community-based programs such as work release or home detention. Jailed detainees may consist of: first-time offenders needing security, sick individuals, recalcitrant journalists, hardened criminals, men and women, and juveniles (CJi Interactive Multimedia, 2011). History of State and Federal Prisons To effectively satisfy the correctional goals of incapacitation, deterrence, and punishment, a strengthened public attitude towards criminals has helped to sanction state and federal prisons over

Compare and Contrast Two Views of Gay Marriage Essay

William Bennett, editor of The Book of Virtues and co-director of Empower America, responded to an article that Andrew Sullivan had written supporting gay marriage in America. Bennett started out by first issuing two key points as to what divides the proponents and opponents of same-sex marriages. The two articles are derived from Sibylle Gruber’s Constructing Others: Constructing Ourselves edition. Bennett notions that legalizing same-sex marriage would weaken the meaning of it and outlines what the basic concept of marriage is. Throughout the article Bennett argues why same-sex marriage should not be legalized by moving from religion to the traditional concept of marriage between men and women, which he claims has a†¦show more content†¦Responding to Sullivan’s article, William Bennett argues, â€Å"Marriage is based on natural teleology, on the different, complementary nature of men and women and how they refine, support, encourage and complete one anot her† (27). The battle of marriage between gay couples is one of the most intense and relentless arguments in today’s society. Sullivan tries to express his ideas on how same-sex marriage is only the righteous thing to do for all gay men and women in America by establishing a sense of equality among U.S. citizens. Bennett responds by arguing that if same-sex marriage is allowed throughout the U.S., it would deter the meaning of marriage and the youth of our nation. Throughout the debate between the two individuals, Bennett painstakingly implies that Sullivan has a loose argument that is full of holes. Sullivan’s article is full of sexual biases, which defends his own purpose for writing the article (27-29). As Bennett established his reason for opposing gay marriage, President Bush also seems to believe the same reasons. Bush’s support for an amendment proposed to banning gay marriage is not taken lightly to individuals, such as when Dean E. Murphy writes that Mayor Gavin Newsom recalled Mr. Bush’s remarks againstShow MoreRelatedEssay on Compare and Contrast Two Views of Gay Marriage601 Words   |  3 Pagestoday is gay marriages. Many believe that the media is primly responsible for the idea of same-sex marriages, but when it all comes down to it there are really only two sides; those who support gay marriages, and those who oppose them. Two authors write their opinions on their opposite views on this issue. Sullivan (2002) supports same-sex marriages and believes marriage to be a universal right, not just restricted to heterosexuals. Contrary to Sullivan, Bennett (2002) believes that marriage is aRead MoreGay Marriage1041 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Eri n Krogstad Compare-Contrast Synthesis 10/11/2013 English 111x Gay Marriage Gay marriage is a topic that is heavily debated in this day and age. 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According to the LGBT, their strategy is not only fighting for their own beliefs on gay marriage and persuading judges and government officials, but also trying to effectively change the way society thinks and views these rightsRead MoreThe Aspect Of Religious Expression Essay1534 Words   |  7 Pages The aspect of religious expression that I have chosen is Gay marriage. Gay marriage or same-sex marriage was passed by the house of representatives in new zealand on 19th August 2013. With the world slowly adjusting to the views of same-sex marriage NZ joined as the 13th country to recognise and support it as a legal civil union. Civil union is the recognition of two people being in a union as a legal status without religious input. Despite New Zealand being a predominantly secular society i willRead MoreHeterosexual And Homosexuality Marriage. Marriage Is Considering1449 Words   |  6 PagesHeterosexual and homosexuality marriage Marriage is considering to be several distinct aspects of life: friendship and companion ship, sexual relations, love, conversation, procreation and child-rearing, and mutual responsibility. Making compromises and putting someone else first rather than yourself. My view on the purpose of marriage is being able to wake up to your best friend every day, being able to buy your first home together, plan for children, plan your future together as one and to be happyRead MoreAnalysis Of Andrew Sullivan s Article Why Gay Marriage Is Good For Straight America 1621 Words   |  7 Pagesarticle â€Å"Why Gay Marriage is Good for Straight America.† He is an experienced publicist, and he is homosexual. Sullivan argues that every person has the right to get married disregarding his or her orientation. Richard Rodriguez who is also a famous publicist composed â€Å"Family Values.† Like Sullivan, he is homosexual and he discusses it in his work. Rodriguez and Sullivan share many vie wpoints related to homosexuality, but they disagree about the appropriateness of homosexual marriage – Sullivan is

Terrorism Case Study Free Essays

Caless (2012) defines terrorism as † the threat or use of violence to further a political agenda for change by inducing widespread fear†. However, experts have been debating over a clear definition for terrorism for over 100 years. Although the word was first used over 200 years ago when discussing the Reign of Terror (Whitaker, 2001). We will write a custom essay sample on Terrorism Case Study or any similar topic only for you Order Now Consequently, there have been over 100 definitions offered for terrorism (Laqueur, 1977, cited in Martin, 2013). Alex Schmid’s (2004) research also illustrates the lack of clarity surrounding the definition. And most experts believe that an impartial and universal recognised definition will never be agreed upon (Ganor, 2002). With the lack of clarity surrounding the definition, a further question arises; who is classed as a terrorist? This is reflected in the well known phrase â€Å"one man’s freedom fighter, is another man’s terrorist. † (Gerald Seymour, 1975, cited in Ganor, 2002). Overall, it is agreed, that this depends on the subjective viewpoint of the individual (Ganor, 2002; Jackson, 2008; Corte, 2007). The Just War doctrine is an â€Å"ideal and moralistic philosophy† (Martin, 2013). It asks questions such as â€Å"what types of force are morally acceptable? † and â€Å"who can morally be defined as an enemy? † This notion is usually used by ideological and religious extremists, in order to justify their own acts of extreme violence. A prime example of religious extremists is the ‘jihadi Islamic fundamentalists’, the term jihad means a sacred â€Å"struggle† but is manifested by some radical Muslim clerics as a holy war and therefore perceived that their war is a â€Å"just war† (Martin, 2013). This paper will endeavour to answer the question; Did University College London (UCL) further radicalise Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab? There have been many debates, theories and investigations surrounding this question, many of which will be analysed throughout. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (born 22 December 1986) is a Nigerian Islamist who attempted to detonate plastic explosives in his underwear whilst travelling from Amsterdam to Detroit, on Christmas Day 2009, on the Northwest Airlines Flight 253. In January 2005 Abdulmutallab joined an Islamic forum under the pseudonym â€Å"Farouk1986† (Now Public, 2009). He frequently contributed to the forum. His postings normally gave advice to other forum members, although on occasion he expressed more personal views. These included his â€Å"jihad fantasies†, describing how â€Å"Muslims will win and rule the world† and prays to Allah to â€Å"unite us all Muslims and give us victory over those who do not believe†. The majority of his postings illustrate his loneliness and his struggle to contain his â€Å"sexual drive†, and he goes on to urge fellow forum users to limit their activities to â€Å"Islamically good† and to only â€Å"hang around with good Muslims who enjoy studying†. Throughout his postings in the forum he maintains that he is memorising the Quran (Islamic Forum, 2005). These postings illustrate that Abdulmutallab’s views on the Islamic religion, are very similar to Salafism or Olivier Roy’s neo-fundamentalism (see: Social Science Research Council). This is shown with his fixation on personal faith, and is also portrayed when he praises Shaykhs Saud as-Shuraim and Abdul Rahman as Sudais (Islamic Forum, 2005). Another radical Muslim he mentions is Abdullah el-Faisal, who is currently in prison in the UK for influencing his supporters to murder Jews, Hindus and Americans (Forest, 2012). Some of the media (Gardham, 2009) focused on Abdulmutallab’s love for football and this is clearly seen within his postings online. However, by November 15th 2005, he had turned against it stating â€Å"Let’s save our honor and religion and try to stay away from football and do sporting activities that are more Islamically beneficial†¦ running, paintball, archery (or any other sport of the like that teaches [how to] target and aim). † (Islamic Forum, 2005). There are many different theories as to where Abdulmutallab was further radicalised, the one that will be discussed in this paper is the possibility hat University College London (UCL) and it’s Islamic Society were the perpetrators. During the investigation of the attempted attack of Flight 253, the University College of London (UCL) had held their own investigation of their Islamic Society and although the evidence holds strongly against them, as will be seen throughout this paper, they came to th eir own conclusion that   there was â€Å"no evidence to suggest either that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was radicalised while a student at UCL, or that conditions at UCL during that time or subsequently were conducive to the radicalisation of students. (UCL, 2010). Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab began university, in September 2005, during a peak of Islamist activity in the UK, there were events organised by Ikhwan (Ikhwan Web, 2005)  and Jamaat-e-Islami inspired groups that were being held weekly and their influence over British Islam was steadily increasing (Hitchens, 2010). This year is an important one, as the emergence of the first Islamic militant groups in Bangladesh (Kabir, 2005) were seen and Islam became the official religion of Iraq (Islamopedia Online). British Islamists were exploiting the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and implicating the Western governments with the â€Å"war on Islam and Muslims,† (Hitchens, 2010). According to Islamist’s, Western Muslims, had a duty to stand up for their religion and fight back using peaceful methods (O’Connor, 2012). The â€Å"Stop Police Terror† lecture was given by Awlaki at the East London Mosque in 2003 (YouTube, 2011). The listed supporters of this group could be found on the Stop Political Terror website, and interestingly UCL was among this list (Stop Political Terror, 2003-2005). The aims of this campaign was to urge Muslims to fight against the â€Å"anti-terrorist police† and to alert them of â€Å"the deteriorating situation in the UK and the scale of arrests, raids and abuse meted out [against Muslims] by Anti-Terrorist Police. † The campaign statement also included a clear warning: â€Å"Britain’s Muslims, as a community, will refuse to cooperate with the law enforcement authorities  if  this abuse continues. † (Stop Political Terror, 2003-2005). During this time, the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) ran another campaign alongside â€Å"Stop Political Terror. , issuing further explicit statements -â€Å"previously, it was Muslims themselves under attack, now the agenda [is] to attack Islam, its principles †¦ New laws making it an offence †¦ aim to divide and weaken the Muslim community. † And â€Å"The relative concept of ‘extremism’ is being used to condemn Muslims from very diverse political viewpoints. † (Hitchens, 2010). The perception of a Western â€Å"war on Islam† is one of the key recruitment tools of global jihadist groups like al-Qaeda (Home Office, 2011). Therefore, it is clear that Abdulmutallab was absorbed in an protesting setting, and this appeared to him to give value and objective, to his already pre-existing neo-fundamentalist attitude and personal discontent (loneliness). It is also apparent from his previous online statements, that he was vulnerable to the indoctrination; â€Å"I hope to get over my loneliness when I go to university†¦ where there are usually Islamic groups [and] clubs with good Muslims† (Islamic Forum, 2005). His obsession with Islam is clearly illustrated with the amount of time he devoted to the group, and after a year of starting university he was already president of UCL’s Islamic Society (Irvine, 2009). Terrorist groups are also known to use the media to their advantage. As terrorism is â€Å"not limited to specific locales or regions† and the media has allowed everybody to witness some form of terror. Knowing this terrorist groups can therefore understand the power of the images and manipulate them to their advantage (Martin, 2013). Gus Martin (2013) explains the media frenzy surrounding terrorism, and describes the 21st century as being â€Å"an era of globalized terrorism†. Another key recruitment tool that jihad groups use is the internet (US Department of Defense, 2007). Sites such as Facebook, (Torok, 2011) and the creation of websites that can be regionalised. Although governments monitor the websites and, if necessary shut them down, another website can be made and the process can start again (McNeal, 2008). It is clear that Abdulmutallab was a fan of internet use, with his frequent postings on the Islamic Forum. Awlaki could also be an key element in the â€Å"jihad internet recruitment† process. The media present him as the â€Å"Bin Laden of the internet† (Madhani 2010; CNN, 2011). He was  a Muslim lecturer and spiritual leader who had been accused of being a senior al-Qaeda â€Å"effective global recruiter† (Telegraph, 2012) and motivator. He is thought to have given a series of video link lectures at the East London Mosque (Gilligan, 2010). They however, categorically deny this ever took place, and deny that Abdulmutallab even attended the Mosque (East London Mosque, 2010). The University of Westminster Islamic Society are alleged to have ties with Awlaki. Another Islamic Forum announced him as a guest at University of Westminster Islamic Society Annual Dinner in 2006 (Ummah Forum, 2006). Along with these connections Awlaki is also suspected to have had â€Å"recruited† Abdulmutallab before the attack. According to Fox News, an FBI bulletin states that Awlaki showed Abdulmutallab â€Å"how to detonate the bomb† (Catherine Herridge, 2011). Research carried out by the University of Cambridge suggest that â€Å"the majority of young British Muslims are opposed to political Islam, and are more likely to join Amnesty International† (Cambridge University, 2008). This was criticised, when Anthony Glees accused Cambridge of trying to prove that British universities are not â€Å"hotbeds of Islamic radicalism† and called the research â€Å"flimsy and uncompelling† (Lipsett, 2008). Their research was argued against by the Centre for Social Cohesion (CSC), who stated that â€Å"Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was radicalised at University College London†, and goes on to describe British universities as the â€Å"breeding grounds of Islamic extremism†(Centre for Social Cohesion, 2010). They describe themselves as the â€Å"Centre [that] has been at the forefront of the debate on what role Universities should play in ensuring that British students do not fall victim to the ideology of violent Islamism. † (Centre for Social Cohesion, 2010). They went on to completely contradict Cambridge Universities report, and suggested within the report that Islamic extremism will â€Å"flourish†. This statement was further supported when Abdulmutallab became the fifth president of a UK Islamic society to face terrorist charges (Weiss, 2011). The vulnerability of Abdulmutallab along with the recruitment tools of jihadist groups illustrate how easily individuals can slip beyond this porous boundary rapidly and very often unnoticed. Since the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center, it has become apparent that Al-Qaeda are focusing on mobilising Western Muslims to commit â€Å"lone-wolf† terror (RUSI, 2012). This evidence is supported by the ICSR (2011) who describe Awlaki’s role as â€Å"ideological rather than operational† and explain that the greatest threat he poses is the mobilisation of Western Muslims through his sermons and therefore expanding the jihadi movement. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab’s extremist views are apparent very early on. Although, as his loneliness grew, so did his radical views. It appears that he was trying to fight his urges to act upon these views time after time. Abdulmutallab was quite clearly an â€Å"extremist† turned â€Å"terrorist†, as it is clearly defined by Martin (2013); â€Å"extremists† who violently act out their extremist beliefs are â€Å"terrorists†. It is clear that his time at UCL and within the Islamic Society unquestionably played a part in Abdulmutallab’s further radicalisation when examining the evidence discussed. It is also remarkable to see that UCL was among the list of supporters of the Stop Police Terror campaigns, almost condemning themselves of the radicalisation. They contradicted themselves when they released their findings that â€Å"no evidence to suggest †¦ that conditions at UCL †¦ [are] conducive to the radicalisation of students. † (UCL, 2010). It is noted that Cambridge University’s ‘flimsy’ research could support the UCL’s outcome, but then could this research, with their ‘bad press’, also diminish their findings. Overall, there are many factors that led to the radicalisation of Abdulmutallab, his state of mind, his vulnerability, and the people that he was associated with within the Islamic Society. Therefore, the UCL was not completely at fault, it was also the fundamentalists, that infiltrated the system and took advantage of a vulnerable, young Muslim. References Caless, B (2012) ‘Terrorism and Political Violence: Introduction, Overview and the Problem with Definitions. (Accessed: 5 December 2012). Cambridge University (2008) ‘Campus radicalism fears too extreme? ‘ Available at: http://www. cam. ac. k/research/news/campus-radicalism-fears-too-extreme/ (Accessed: 5 December 2012). CNN Online (2011) ‘ Al-Awlaki: Who was he? ‘, CNN Online, Available at: http://security. blogs. cnn. com/2011/09/30/al-awlaki-who-was-he/ (Accessed: 5 December, 2012). De La Corte, L (2007) ‘Explaining Terrorism: A Psychosocial Approach’  Perspectives on Terrorism, Nort h America, Vol. No. 2 [Online] Available at: http://www. terrorismanalysts. com/pt/index. php/pot/article/view/8. (Accessed: 5 Dec. 2012). East London Mosque (2010) ‘ East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre  Ã‚   Statement on Anwar Awlaki’ [Online] Available at: http://www. astlondonmosque. org. uk/uploadedImage/pdf/2010_11_07_15_44_46_Awlaki%20Statement%206%20Nov10%20-%20Full%20Statement. pdf (Accessed: 5 December, 2012) East London Mosque (2010) ‘ Sunday Mirror publish ELM letter’ [Online] Available at: http://www. eastlondonmosque. org. uk/archive/news/243 (Acccessed: 5 December, 2012). Forest, J (2012) ‘Perception Challenges Faced by Al-Qaeda on the Battlefield of Influence Warfare. ‘  Perspectives on Terrorism, North America, Vol. 6, No. 2. [Online] Available at: http://www. terrorismanalysts. com/pt/index. hp/pot/article/view/forest-perception-challenges. (Accessed: 05 Dec. 2012). Ganor, B. (2002) ‘Defining Terrorism- Is One Man’s Terrorist Another Man’s Freedom Fighter? ‘. International Institute for Counter-Terrorism [Online]. Available at: http://www. ict. org. il/ResearchPublications/tabid/64/Articlsid/432/Default. aspx#Defining_Terrorism:_The_Present_Situation (Accessed: 1 December 2012). Gardham, D. (2009) ‘ Detroit bomber: internet forum traces journey from lonely schoolboy to Islamic fundamentalist’, The Telegraph, 30 December 2009 [Online]. Available at: http://www. telegraph. o. uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6910776/Detroit-bo mber-internet-forum-traces-journey-from-lonely-schoolboy-to-Islamic-fundamentalist. html. (Accessed: 5 December 2012). Gilligan, A (2010) â€Å"East London Mosque: the terrorist question and the lies†, The Telegraph, 2 November 2010 [Online]. Available at: http://blogs. telegraph. co. uk/news/andrewgilligan/100061920/east-london-mosque-the-terrorist-connection-and-the-lies/ (Accessed: 5 December 2012). Gregory S. McNeal (2008) . â€Å"Cyber Embargo: Countering the Internet Jihad†Ã‚  , Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law, vol. 9, pp. 789-826. [Online] Available at: http://works. bepress. com/gregorymcneal/15 (Accessed 1 December 2012) Herridge, C (2011). ‘ Awlaki Trained Suspected Christmas Jet Bomber How to Detonate Underwear, Document Reveals’. Fox News, 4 October 2011 [Online] Available at:  http://www. foxnews. com/us/2011/10/04/al-awlaki-trained-suspected-christmas-day-jet-bomber-how-to-detonate-underwear/#ixzz2ECpGaSXS (Accessed:5 December 2012). Hitchens, A (2010) ‘The Making of the Christmas Day Bomber’, Current Trends in Islamist Ideology, Vol. 10 [Online]. Available at: http://currenttrends. rg/research/detail/the-making-of-the-christmas-day-bomber (Accesed: 29 November 2012). Home Office (2011) Contest: The United Kingdom’s Strategy for Countering terrorism. London: The Stationery Office. (Cm. 8123). [Online] Available at: http://www. homeo ffice. gov. uk/publications/counter-terrorism/counter-terrorism-strategy/strategy-contest? view=Binary (Accessed: 2 December 2012). ICSR (The International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation)(2011) ‘ICSR Insight: How Anwar al-Awlaki Became the Face of Western Jihad’. [Online] Available at: http://icsr. nfo/2011/09/icsr-insight-how-anwar-al-awlaki-became-the-face-of-western-jihad/ (Accessed: 5 December, 2012). Irvine, C (2009) ‘ Detroit terror attack: suspect president of university Islamic society’, The Telegraph, 29 December 2009 [Online]. Available at: http://www. telegraph. co. uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/6902785/Detroit-terror-attack-suspect-president-of-university-Islamic-society. html (Accessed: 5 December, 2012) Ikhwan Web (2005) International Religious Freedom Report 2005. Available at: http://www. ikhwanweb. com/article. php? id=13543ref=search. php How to cite Terrorism Case Study, Free Case study samples

Journal Entry, Hermaphrodite or Intersex

Socialization, as an important aspect of personality formation, enables one to acquire the behaviors, beliefs, and accumulated knowledge of the society. For hermaphrodites or intersex individuals, fitting into the society is usually a difficult task. These individuals have both the male and female sex chromosomes. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Journal Entry, Hermaphrodite or Intersex specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, they are not easily distinguishable as either male or female. On looking at the mirror, it is straightforward that we are either male or female; however, there are individuals waling around each day who have the same physical features like us but are hermaphrodites from birth. Intersex people, who do not have a clear-cut difference of their sex, have to live a life of pain and uncertainty as they try to find their right place in the society. Because of this, some of them feel ashamed a nd hide their real identity to people. Currently, there are thousands of people born with this condition who need our help to be regarded as part of the society. If I found out that one of my family members or close associates is a hermaphrodite or intersex, I would recognize him or her as a fellow human being who is capable of feelings and worthy of respect. I mean it is not right for me to regard the fellow as an outcast simply because s/he is neither a man nor a woman. The society has been shying off from discussing this subject. Most families prefer to keep it a secret when one of their members is suffering from this condition. But one thing is for sure, as much as I can be compelled by my other family members or close associates to keep it a secret, I won’t shy off from sharing with other people on how I can assist him/her so that s/he can not feel left behind in the cultural consciousness. This is because understanding the condition is crucial when one wants to accept them. Moreover, it would remove any fears that I might be having about the hermaphrodites.Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the article, The Five Sexes: Why Male and Female and Are Not Enough published in 1983, Anne Fausto-Sterling lays out her vision of sexual multiplicity composed of five different sexes: male, female, merm, ferm, and herm. By her definition, she calls the male pseudohermaphrodites, who have testes and some elements of the female reproductive system, the â€Å"merms.† The female pseudohermaphrodites, who have ovaries and some elements of the male reproductive system, she refers to as the â€Å"ferms.† And lastly, the â€Å"herms† are the true hermaphrodites having a mixture of male and female attributes. She proposes that the three subcategories among â€Å"intersex† deserve to be regarded as additional sexes besides male and fe male since they posses varied characteristics and their inner lives have not been explored by science. This article has failed to affect the view I have about intersex people. This is because she seems not to be considering the interests of intersexual people. The so-called â€Å"five sexes† theory fails to assist individuals with intersex conditions since it is not only confusing, but also exoticizes and sensationalizes such individuals. The use of such discrete categories to describe the three subcategories of intersex is very artificial and do not mean anything to the well-being of an individual suffering from such a condition. This essay on Journal Entry, Hermaphrodite or Intersex was written and submitted by user Ally Dunn to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

5 Awesome Things You Can Do Right Now with Blurb.com

5 Awesome Things You Can Do Right Now with Blurb.com Blurb is a self-publishing and marketing platform that allows for amateurs and professionals alike to publish professional quality printed magazines, books, and eBooks. The site was founded by Eileen Gittins in 2005 as a way for individuals to affordably and simply publish books of their own design. She personally desired for a way to publish her own photography in a professionally bound book.Over the next decade the company expanded to provide a variety of services and tools for artists and writers to publish their works. In 2008 the site won a Webby Award for Best Services website and then in 2010 was ranked #47 in the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing U.S. companies. It also earned the honor of ranking #1 in the media category and among the top five fastest-growing companies led by women. In 2018 Rix Kramlich was appointed Chief Executive Officer bringing his experience from his roles in Macromedia, i2 Technologies, and ABB.The site allows for users to design and create their own p hoto books, trade books, magazines, or eBooks. The user can design their own material or use Blurbs book publishing software, Bookwright. The software allows for the user to design their own product and easily submit a document that Blurb can then publish and prepare for sale.The site also provides information and tools for the user to sell their creations either through Blurbs website or through online distributors, such as Amazon, Ingram, and Apple iBooks store. Blurb promotes itself as a one-stop-shop that aids the user in every step of the way from creating the product to printing and selling. The user only needs to bring their ideas and creativity.The site also provides a series of articles that can inform the reader on a variety of subjects. The blog section is organized under three main topics: book-making, selling, and inspiration. It is tempting to go step by step through all of the awe-inspiring ideas included in the site, but rather than ruining your own exploration throu gh all of the information, I will highlight five awesome things you can do on Blurb.Blurb provides information and tools for the user to sell their creations either through Blurbs website or through online distributors, such as Amazon and Ingram.1. Be a better writerWriters block can get the best of any of us. Blurbs blog has several suggestions that can help you jump start your writing process. In the sites writing section, none of the articles are very long, but each of them provides suggestions to help you find a topic and get writing. You can also explore reviews of different apps that can help you focus and organize your work.Under the inspiration section, you can find articles on how different artists and writers created their projects and learn about what inspired them, such as the interview with childrens book author Megan Roy. She talks about her inspirations and what led her to make her own book on Blurb.Another article I really enjoy is Five great ways to combat writers b lock. The author outlines simple ways to get writing. One, just start writing. I like this advice. I use it with my students all the time. Sit down and write. It does not need to be good. It does not need to make sense. Just get words on paper. Two, pretend youre writing for yourself. This one is strange but works. Ignore any specific audience. Just write to you. You can always edit later to match a specific audience. Three, make sure it isnt something else. This one takes some self-reflection, but make sure there is not something else going on in your life that is keeping you from writing. Four, give yourself some space. Dont put too much pressure on yourself. Sometimes sitting and thinking or meditating is a critical part of the writing process. Take a walk or bake cookies. Just be careful you are not using those activities to procrastinate. There is a fine line between taking a mental break and just wasting time. Five, break it into smaller tasks. Focus on one task at a time.I wr ote my dissertation 500 words at a time. Every day I wrote 500 words, and then changed tasks- either edited another section or analyzed some data or even read a book. I felt comfortable writing 500 words. Again, it did not need to be the most perfect 500 words- just 500 words I actually wrote that day. I finished a 300+ page dissertation over time. Dont worry about the whole project at once. Break it down.2. Learn to take a better photoBlurb began as a way for Eileen Gittins to publish her own photography. Throughout the site are lots of tips and advice on how to better your own skills in photography. The topics range from social media photos to taking photos worthy of an art studio. The advice is written in a manner that someone with no or limited knowledge could understand and begin the process of making photography a serious hobby or possibly a career. I particularly enjoyed the essays on the history of photography, which takes the reader on a journey from the invention of film t o Instagram. This section of the site has the most information, which is not surprising considering Blurbs beginnings.3. Promote yourselfOne of the other more developed areas of the site is the section on Promoting and Marketing. The authors help the reader understand the many different ways to promote your own work through self-publishing. The articles range from using Amazon and eBooks to effectively promoting yourself online. I particularly liked the suggestions for using writing communities to help you write and promote yourself as you begin to create your work. By having someone help you be accountable for your writing, people tend to write more and more effectively. I used writing communities all the time during my graduate school years. I am even planning one for this summer to work on another project. By creating a community around yourself, you build a network which builds your own confidence. Your community can help you create more and promote your completed projects.4. Fi nd inspirationThe site as a whole is built to help you find inspiration in your own creativity. There are articles on finding ideas if you need help getting an idea going. There are many interviews and profiles of writers and artists throughout the site that discuss their artistic journey. The scope of the topics covered will allow almost anyone to find something that interests them. Plus, you might find a tip that helps you begin your own passion project. I particularly enjoyed the article From Idea to Book. The author maps out the process from idea to published work. Again, the reader needs to provide the creativity and imagination, but the process is outlined quite clearly.Blurb.com is built to help you find inspiration in your own creativity.5. Get publishedThis one is probably the most obvious. The main goal of the site is to provide a place for creators to self-publish their own projects. As mentioned, the site breaks down each step- design, printing, and selling- or their cu stomers. Blurb makes the process seem easy and simple. If your goal is to publish, Blurb provides a number of guides and tips to making that happen. They provide information on choosing between printing on demand or making a large order. Throughout the whole blog there are a number of suggestions and advice on all aspects of publishing your work, whether it is the next great novel or a photobook for grandma.Final takeawaysAs a writer, I appreciate the efforts that Blurb has taken to provide a space where creators can publish, promote, and sell their work. Blurb provides worthwhile information and services that many people will want to use. The traditional publishing industry is brutal and not the best place for every person to go to when looking to distribute their own work. Blurb meets a need in our 21st century world where people, through social media and other platforms, are self-promoting themselves in ways never before thought of. To quote the site, Blurb is a self-publishing a nd marketing platform that unleashes the creative genius inside everyone. The site almost makes it seem too simple, but what it allows people to do is celebrate the hard work they have put into their creations.I suggest browsing the site and find some inspiration. But the next step must be for you to go out and create. Write, take a picture, paint, draw, dance, act, or do whatever moves you. Blurb is there to help you document and potentially sell your work, but you need to go and create. Find a place to work. I love coffee shops. I like the simple parade of people as they order their coffee or tea and move about their day. I also like quiet old libraries. The smell of books keeps me calm. But no matter where you create, the key is that you do it.

Why you should keep your networking circle small

Why you should keep your networking circle small When it comes to your professional network, the more the merrier, right? After all, more people = more chances for connection, word-of-mouth opportunities, etc. Sounds great in theory, but in reality, it might surprise you to learn that experts are recommending that you scale back your professional network and keep a smaller, more nimble group of people as your inner circle. There’s some debate over what that number actually is- evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar famously did a study and determined that 150 is the magic number of maintainable social/professional relationships in anyone’s life. The reality is that there’s probably no rigid number for each person’s professional network, but your limit should be where you can reasonably maintain a professional relationship with someone.If that sounds counterintuitive to you, here are some of the reasons you should think about downsizing your professional crew.Your network should be carefully curated and t ended.The whole point of networking is the relationships. Think back to your kindergarten class. Can you remember the names all 20 or so kids, or do you remember just a small subset of friends or particularly memorable kids? Our brains are conditioned to keep the most important information and discard the rest, and our social relationships tend to follow suit. You want your network to be people who are the most relevant to your professional growth and goals- not necessarily every person you’ve met since you were an intern at XYZ Corp.You want to focus on quality, not quantity.Some people in your network are, quite simply, going to be more useful and relevant to you than other people will be. Taking a close look at your network and who still aligns with your current professional self and your hoped-for-future professional self can help you define your goals.It’s okay to let people go.An unwieldy network of connections might be a symptom that you have trouble letting go or don’t want to risk hurting anyone’s feelings. Realistically, professional network â€Å"breakups† are easier than other kinds of social pruning. The stakes are low if you stop following someone on Twitter or remove them as a connection on LinkedIn. If you don’t find someone’s insights useful or are not likely to ever have a conversation with them again, why keep them kicking around in the social media ether? You don’t need to be obvious or mean about it or make a dramatic announcement about how you’re making cuts. Plus, it’s unlikely your coworker from three jobs ago is likely to send you a devastated â€Å"whyyyyyyyy?† message afterward. Chances are, they were getting about as much out of the relationship as you were.It gives you more bandwidth for long-term professional growth.Limiting your network to a small inner circle lets you put in more time and energy into building those relationships- emails, occasional hang outs, check-ins, etc. Networking isn’t just about getting something from others; it’s about building yourself as well and finding your people. You want your interactions with your network to be mutually beneficial- not a chore or a one-way transaction for either of you. If you’re hitting up someone in your network only when you’re sniffing for an opportunity, then your calls/texts/emails are likely to start going ignored. On the other hand, if you put time into getting to know someone, you both get the benefit of each other’s expertise and a deeper knowledge of what each person has to offer.When it comes to your network, remember: better, not more. There’s no prize for the number of LinkedIn connections, or the most â€Å"likes† on your latest professional rant on social media. You should be surrounded by people who know and support your goals, and vice versa- not hundreds of people who sort of know your name from scrolling through a newsfeed. You’ll find that your professional life- and your personal one as well- will be all the better for these higher-quality relationships.

Corporate Governance Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Corporate Governance - Assignment Example The firing style of the companies in the past can be described upfront as high-profile dismissals (Feintzeig 2). At present, almost all the companies take fulfilment in declaring to the world that they fired an official. This is a way that the board can show that it is awake and willing to exercise its rights in ensuring that the company attains its goals and objectives. Fillings presented to the Securities and Exchange Commission by companies have many cases of CEIO terminations (Feintzeig 3). Companies are coming out declare that they are terminating the services of CEO’s and are giving the reasons for doing so. For instance, the COO of Yahoo Inc. was fired recently because the board and the Chief Executive Officer felt that the company did not need him. All this terminations seem to come after disappointing results and accounting problems such as the Hertz Global Holdings where the CEO, Frissora, was fired (Feintzeig 2). The firing of the CEO’s is presently seen as a way to show that the board of directors cares about the interests of the shareholders. Though sometimes the company may try to conceal the reasons for an executives firing or resignation, they increasingly give suggestions on what exactly happened (Feintzeig 3). Therefore, the board of directors is responsible for the progress of the organization and the shareholders too. An executive is fired for cause when he or she is guilty or perpetrates serious offences that affect the progress of the company. In this case, the fired executive loses his or her right to compensation. On the other hand, an executive is fired without cause when he or she is fired without having done any serious offence that affects the company progress or without any reasons or forced to resign by the company. In this case, the executive has the right to compensation and can claim bigger packages (Feintzeig 4). The stigma of being fired has changed over time. In the recent past, it was deemed as harmful to a

Critical Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Critical Analysis - Essay Example This report compares two journal articles highlighting competitor analysis, identifying the varying approaches to competitor analysis and key findings as to best practice for strategic management through competitor monitoring and assessment. Identifying potential opportunities and threats associated with competitor activities is the fundamental purpose of competitor analysis in order to determine whether the business can maintain a competitive advantage and how best to go about doing this. Bergen & Peteraf (2002) describe the importance of competitor analysis as being a positive motivator to increase managerial awareness of external threats and risks, essentially creating a leader who does not take a rather myopic approach to business strategy. The authors suggests that once the competitor has been identified, it is a primary goal to define the market in which the business thrives and determine whether competitors have an edge in finance, product or marketing and look for avenues by which to close this edge through positive business changes. Through this method of competitor analysis, the business understands the overall relevance of competitive activities and prevents the company from being blindsided by surprise moves in similar market environments. The authors propose a detailed, two step framework in competitor analysis in which the most important element is recognizing the level of threat stemming from each competitive entity. For instance, indirect competition is measured along with potential competition and direct competition (Bergen & Peteraf). By identifying competition in this fashion, business leadership creates a company profile based on the level of threat that each competitor maintains in any given business situation. This profile is then compared to long-term company strategy to determine which, if any, internal or external company resources should be allocated to

Exemplification Essay: Euthanasia Should Be Legalized -- Exemplificatio

Jack has just been in a serious car accident. He is suffering from brain damage and paralysis. His family does not want him to live the rest of his life this way, but do they have a choice in ending the pain and suffering of their loved one? According to most state governments and countries, the answer is no; however, there is method allowed in some states to stop the pain and suffering for both the patient and his family. This method is called euthanasia. Euthanasia is the deliberate, painless killing of persons who suffer from a physically or emotionally painful or incurable disease or condition. Euthanasia is illegal in most countries and few doctors practice it, but it is a decision that seriously ill or injured people and their families should be allowed to make. Jack is unable to do anything. He cannot walk, talk, or even kiss his wife and kids goodnight. Imagine the pain that Jack and his family are going through. His family would much rather see him be put to rest than to watch him suffer the rest of his life. Would you be able to live your life this way? Many people would not be able to, and that is why euthanasia is an important choice to have. It would prevent the family from a lifetime of suffering because the family would not have to see the ill person suffer and they would know that they did the right thing by ending the misery. The major advantage of euthanasia is that it prevents a person from having to endure the rest of their life in pain. There is no appropriate reason that a person who is suffering from an incurable disease or condition should have to spend the rest of his or her life that way. If their family agrees with them, then the patient’s suffering should be put to an end. Many peop... ...d on a patient who wants the help. Would you want to live the rest of your life the way Jack has to, and would your family want you to? The only way in which this can be prevented is euthanasia. If you would not want to spend the rest of your life suffering, how can we expect anyone else to? Works Cited â€Å"Let Death Be My Dominion.† The Economist. Oct 16, 1999. 353 (1999): 89-92. Proquest. Online. 19 Nov. 1999. Daniel, Caroline. â€Å"Killing with kindness.† New Statesman. 126 (1997): 16(3). Infotrac. Online. 19 Nov. 1999 Emanuel, Ezekiel J. â€Å"Death’s Door.† The New Republic. 220 (1999): 15-16. Proquest. Online. 19 Nov. 1999. Gillon, Raanan. â€Å"When Doctors Might Kill Their Patients.† British Medical Journal. 318 (1999): 1431-1432. Proquest. Online. 19 Nov. 1999. â€Å"Suicide.† Clinical Reference Systems. Jul (1999): 1421. Infotrac. Online. 2 Dec. 1999. Exemplification Essay: Euthanasia Should Be Legalized -- Exemplificatio Jack has just been in a serious car accident. He is suffering from brain damage and paralysis. His family does not want him to live the rest of his life this way, but do they have a choice in ending the pain and suffering of their loved one? According to most state governments and countries, the answer is no; however, there is method allowed in some states to stop the pain and suffering for both the patient and his family. This method is called euthanasia. Euthanasia is the deliberate, painless killing of persons who suffer from a physically or emotionally painful or incurable disease or condition. Euthanasia is illegal in most countries and few doctors practice it, but it is a decision that seriously ill or injured people and their families should be allowed to make. Jack is unable to do anything. He cannot walk, talk, or even kiss his wife and kids goodnight. Imagine the pain that Jack and his family are going through. His family would much rather see him be put to rest than to watch him suffer the rest of his life. Would you be able to live your life this way? Many people would not be able to, and that is why euthanasia is an important choice to have. It would prevent the family from a lifetime of suffering because the family would not have to see the ill person suffer and they would know that they did the right thing by ending the misery. The major advantage of euthanasia is that it prevents a person from having to endure the rest of their life in pain. There is no appropriate reason that a person who is suffering from an incurable disease or condition should have to spend the rest of his or her life that way. If their family agrees with them, then the patient’s suffering should be put to an end. Many peop... ...d on a patient who wants the help. Would you want to live the rest of your life the way Jack has to, and would your family want you to? The only way in which this can be prevented is euthanasia. If you would not want to spend the rest of your life suffering, how can we expect anyone else to? Works Cited â€Å"Let Death Be My Dominion.† The Economist. Oct 16, 1999. 353 (1999): 89-92. Proquest. Online. 19 Nov. 1999. Daniel, Caroline. â€Å"Killing with kindness.† New Statesman. 126 (1997): 16(3). Infotrac. Online. 19 Nov. 1999 Emanuel, Ezekiel J. â€Å"Death’s Door.† The New Republic. 220 (1999): 15-16. Proquest. Online. 19 Nov. 1999. Gillon, Raanan. â€Å"When Doctors Might Kill Their Patients.† British Medical Journal. 318 (1999): 1431-1432. Proquest. Online. 19 Nov. 1999. â€Å"Suicide.† Clinical Reference Systems. Jul (1999): 1421. Infotrac. Online. 2 Dec. 1999.

Irregular Warfare

Army is beginning to shape itself for complex irregular warfare. The new Army vision calls for a â€Å"campaign-quality Army- that incorporates both Joint and expeditionary capabilities.This includes the capacity not only to conduct decibels combat operations, but also to sustain operations indefinitely, as well as to adapt Itself to the unexpected and unpredictable, As Army Chief of Staff General Shoemaker puts It, â€Å"The Army preeminent challenge Is to reconcile expeditionary agility and responsiveness with the staying power, durability, and adaptability to carry a conflict to a victorious conclusion no matter what form it eventually takes. This vision is oriented on the more asymmetric adversaries targeted in the war on terror.General Shoemaker focuses on the undetectable and â€Å"morally unconstrained† adversaries who are opposed to the United States and its allies. The Army professes to recognize that its enemies will seek asymmetric approaches that provide shelter in those environments and methods for which we are least prepared. Overcoming this adversary requires the adoption off mindset that Is both expeditionary and Joint. This approach accepts uncertainty about location, the high probability of an austere environment, and the need to fight Immediately upon arrival.It moves the Army from Its current disposition toward predictable enemies to an understanding that the new enemies are elusive and will have to be engaged in the far corners of the world. Appropriately, the individual soldier is the centerpiece for the Army transformation. The Army's pending transformation gives primacy to the warrior ethos, training, and education of â€Å"the ultimate combination of sensor and shooter,† the individual soldier. Its education programs will focus on teaching soldiers how, rather than what, to think, since defeating adaptive enemies requires the Army to outthinking the enemy.The vision statement aptly notes the need for greater agility and versatility, which it says will be gained by emphasizing modularity at the brigade level and combined arms at the lower levels. 1986 Goldwater-Nichols Act and the related Initiative to establish U. S. Special Operations Command (COM). 38 Embedded wealth the congressional legislation was the express expectation that the services achieve a higher order of mint cooperation. Additionally, Congress mandated a particular service-like† status for Special Forces to preclude longstanding prejudices against the elite, unconventional, and secretive component of America's arsenal.Congress's insights in this regard have paid significant dividends in the past few years. Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) revealed a remarkable renaissance in operational capability. Small teams of agile warriors quickly established relationships with the leadership of Afghanistan's Northern Alliance and ably applied America's firepower against the Taliban. Subsequently, numerous examples of valor and Im provisation on the fly in Iraq and elsewhere are testimony to the need for and utility of Special Forces.In a world of anarchy, the masters of chaos† provide sophisticated and discriminate means. 39 The Department of Defense has recognized the Importance of this unique arm In the war on terror and assigned COM with a lead role In combating transnational terrorist networks. Coma's end strength has been increased since 1 ,405 members in IFFY, to nearly 53,000 personnel. 40 Army special forces, SEAL teams, and aviation support have albeit increased. During the troubles in Northern Ireland, the arrival of British troops in 1969 was at first welcomed by Roman Catholics.But the army's heavy-handed methods, such as large cordon-and-search operations and the shooting of 13 civilians on Bloody Sunday in 1972, pushed many Catholics into the arms of the Provisional Irish Republican Army. Historically, counterinsurgency campaigns have almost always failed. This is especially so when the c ounterinsurgency are foreign troops fighting on the insurgents' territory.

The customers satisfaction with service - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 23 Words: 7018 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? Chapter I: Introduction 1.1 Background In recent times, customers satisfaction is the main concern for every hotel and resort. Customers are now more valued and every effort is being made to keep them loyal to the resort and make them permanent visitors. The hotel industry believes that higher level of customer satisfaction may result in higher levels of repurchase. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The customers satisfaction with service" essay for you Create order Repeat purchasing is essential to a continued stream of profitability through achieving higher levels of customer satisfaction (Oliver, 1997). The customers satisfaction can be defined as the fulfillment response which they feel towards given service. It has been a judgment that a product or service feature, or the product or service itself, provides (or is providing) a pleasurable level of consumption-related fulfillment, including levels of underfulfilment or overfulfilment (Oliver, 1996, p. 14). The concept of consumer satisfaction occupies a central position in marketing thought and practice. Conceptually, satisfaction is an outcome of purchase and use results from the buyers comparison of the rewards and costs of the purchase in relation to the anticipated consequences. Operationally, satisfaction is similar to attitude in that it can be assessed as the sum of the satisfactions with the various attributes of the product or service. With due consideration of this marketing approach, every effort is being made to provide the customers with better services in order to keep them loyal and make them a repeat visitor. The customer behaviour is considered as the ultimate success scale within the industry. The hotel industry is also among those sectors which have been trying to attract customers as long term visits. For this purpose, the hotel industry consistently implies different approaches to assess the customers satisfaction level in order to introduce new methods to attract them and make them their repeat visitors. The Samui Island has many attractions for the tourists and visitors from all around the world and a great number of visitors come to the island in order to enjoy tranquil and naturally beautiful beaches, hospitality of the local population and the unique services like spa offered by the hotel industry. There are a lot of visiting places on the island like the Big Buddah, Namuang Waterfall, Hin Ta Hin Ya, Sawadee Shrine, Hin Lad Waterfall, Scuba Diving, Dinning and restaurant and Samui nightlife etc. These attractions have attracted visitors tremendously and have contributed significantly to enhance the business opportunity for the local hotels and resorts. Nora Beach is one of the most famous resorts of the Samui Island. It is a luxurious retreat in Thailand, situated in a strategic place of Koh Samaui, the 3rd largest island. The resort offers its customers a break from the hassles of the real world. The resort enjoys a spectacular hillside setting, overlooking a seclude bay just north of the world famous Chaweng Beach. It is located a few minutes from the airport and a short drive from the city centre (Nora Beach and Spa, 2007). Nora Beach Resort and Spa has strived to offer its customers excellent service over the years. 1.2 Purpose of Study The purpose of this study is to analyse the level of customers satisfaction at Nora Beach Resort, Koh Samui, Thailand. This analysis would be made by assessing customers opinion through a well designed questionnaire. Considering the results of this analysis, the study will try to suggest the strategy for achieving a desirable customers satisfaction in the light of new marketing approaches. 1.1 Objectives of Study The objectives of the study are: To understand the level of customers satisfaction by conducting a survey. To analyse the characteristics of the customers satisfaction which contribute their loyalty for the particular resort or hotel. This will be done by analysing purpose of visit, gender, age, education and other characteristics. To suggest a strategy to retain customer loyalty by adopting an effective marketing strategy. 1.4 Study Structure In order to analyse customers satisfaction with the service at Nora Beach Resort and Spa at Koh Samui, this study will review the current literature in the context of customers satisfaction and the services provided by the hotel industry. It will also examine the customers satisfaction in relation with the services provided at Nora Beach Resort and Spa through the primary data. For this purpose, in the literature review chapter, different theories relating to service, customers satisfaction and different categories of hotels will be reviewed. The methodology chapter will present philosophy and methods of research undertaken for this study. It will also describe the sampling, data collection tools and the method for data analysis. The fourth chapter will present the results of the research in relation with demographic analysis of the respondents and their satisfaction level at the Hotel. In the fifth chapter, conclusions will be made resulting from the data analysis. This researcher w ill offer recommendation to the industry with due consideration to the results of the primary data and the review of the literature. Chapter II: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Service The service is defined as a prototype for service, covering the need of the customer and the design of the service. Edvardsson and Olsson (1996, p. 149). Goldstein et al. (2002) suggest that the service concept integrates the how and what of service design while keeping both the customers needs and strategic intent of the firm in mind. In other words, the service concept gives a detailed description of what the customer needs and how the organization will deliver the service. The study of customers satisfaction in the field of general marketing has evolved into important parameters that need to be identified and understood in order to satisfy the needs and wants of customers. Since the success of a business has been linked to providing high levels of customers satisfaction, a substantial amount of effort has been focused on identifying how consumers perceive service quality in various settings. Gronroos (1982) has defined service quality as the outcome of an evaluation process where the consumer compares his expectations with the service he perceived he has received. Hence we can say that perceived service is measured against expected service. Service quality has been seen as the result of comparing a customers expectations prior to receiving the service with the customers experiences with the service. Wyckoff (1984) defined the concept of service quality from the companys perspective. Service quality is the degree of excellence for meeting the customers requirements, and control over the variability in achieving that excellence. 2.2.1 Service Theories According to Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1988) the study of service in the field of general marketing has evolved into important parameters that need to be identified and understood in order to satisfy the needs and wants of customers. With growing competition and emerging of hotel industry as a high profiting business, much preference is made to deliver a quality service to the customers. The researchers have defined service quality as the result of comparing the expectation of service quality and the perception of feelings. That is, the service quality not only includes the evaluation of the service performances, but also includes the process of service (Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry, 1985, 1988). According to Sherden (1988), service quality is defined as a relationship between a customer and the particular employee with whom the customer is dealing. Although the actual level of service quality is developed in the employee-customer relationship, management must ensure that customers experiences are in line with their expectations. Lovelock (1991) has defined the characteristics of service quality. According to him, service quality is that; which is delivered in a performance, in which the customer is involved in production in which other customers are often similarly involved in production (e.g., a theater) in which quality control can only be performed during delivery in which service cannot be inventoried, deliver is realtime, and; distribution channels are nonexistent or compressed. Examining service quality and its relationship with relevant constructs not only requires recognition of essential dimensions of service quality, but also identification of dimensions that are most meaningful to the customers in measuring the overall satisfaction. Therefore, having a better understanding of service quality is associated with considering various dimensions of service quality. Service quality dimensions or elements are those attributes that contribute to the creation of consumer expectations and perceptions of service quality. Service Quality called SERVQUAL is an instrument for measuring the gap between the services. Therefore, what consumers think should be provided and what they think actually has been provided. Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1985, 1988) initially offered ten attributes, which they regard as essential to the quality of all services. These ten dimensions were tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, communication, credibility, security, competence, courtesy, understanding/knowing the customer, and access. These ten dimensions and their descriptions served as the basic structure of the service quality domain from which items were derived for the SERVQUAL scale (Table 1). 2.2.2 Elements of Service Researchers agree that it is hard to measure customer satisfaction and the service quality as every customer perceives service from his or her own preferences (Gavin Eccles and Philip Durand, 1997). To overcome this problem of defining the service level, hotels have addressed it through star ratings, where guests can gain a perception of the quality on offer through the number of stars attached to he hotel. However, as service quality depends more on customers perception, there are different criteria used by different customer groups to evaluate service. The purpose of The SERVQUAL scale is to measure levels of service quality. In this technique, it is assumed that the levels of service quality experienced by customers are critically determined by the gap between general expectations of the service and the customers perceptions of what they actually receive from a specific service provider. The customers can evaluate the service quality from the following five factors: tangibles; reliability; responsiveness; assurance; empathy. The benefit of the SERVQUAL scale is that the management can assess and monitor the service quality and design better strategies and policies to improve it. Furthermore, understanding the customers satisfaction level and perception of service quality may yield important information influencing the design and specification of this and other, related, services provided by the organization. Finally, it helps the hotel industry in better developing future service improvements (Gavin and Durand, 1997). 2.3 Impact of Service on Customer Satisfaction The improved service quality provided to the customers enhances their loyalty to the service provider. Thus, attention has been paid to the concept of customer satisfaction as a corporate goal among academics and business practitioners (Rust Oliver, 1995). Satisfaction is a major outcome of marketing processes that culminate in purchase, and satisfaction is also thought to contribute to post-purchasing phenomena such as word-of-mouth communication, repurchase intention, and brand loyalty. Gronholdt, Martensen, and Kristensen (2000) administered a study on sixty companies and found that customer satisfaction would have significant impacts on customer loyalty. Bowen and Chen (2001) focused on the hotel industry to examine the relationship between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. The results showed a slight increase in customer satisfaction would highly improve customer loyalty. Hence, customer satisfaction was inferred to have great impacts on customer loyalty. Moreover, Tam (2004) established an integrated framework of service quality, customer satisfaction, and perceived value, suggesting that customer satisfaction and perceived value have significant influences on customers future purchase behaviors. Anderson and Sullivan (1993) believed that customer satisfaction positively influenced repurchase intentions. Repurchase intentions is considered a possible outcome of customer loyalty. Jones and Sasser (1995) stated that customer loyalty is a feeling of attachment to or affection for a companys people, products, or services. Customer loyalty is often referred to as a purchase behavior, unlike customer satisfaction, which is an attitude. Repurchase behavior is a form of loyalty. Customer loyalty, a key mediating variable in explaining customer retention is concerned with the likelihood of a customer returning, making business referrals, providing strong word-of-mouth, as well as providing references and publicity (Bowen and Showemaker, 1998). Although most research on loyalty has focused on frequently purchased package goods (brand loyalty), the loyalty concept is also important for industrial goods (vendor loyalty), services (service loyalty), and retail establishment (store loyalty) Prior research has shown that ones emotions have an influence on behavior, and that one responds to an event in certain ways to maintain positive emotions (i.e. happiness) and to avoid negative emotions (i.e. depression) (Strauss and Neuhaus, 1997). Oliver, Rust, and Varki (1997) found that positive emotion led to higher levels of customer satisfaction and increased repurchase intentions. On the other hand, Andreasen (1999) found that initial negative emotion caused by a service failure results in customer exit behavior. Dick and Basu (1994) posited that true loyalty only exists when repeat patronage coexists with a high relative positive attitude. In addition to attitude, it has been argued that loyalty may also be based on cognition (Lee and Zeiss, 1980; Oliver, 1980). 2.2.4 Quality in Customer Service The quality of service provided to the customers matters a lot more not only for the customers but it is a matter of great concern for the service provider as well. Common dimensions of satisfaction with a service include service quality, product quality, price, and location. The theory suggest that the people factor (i.e., service quality), in terms of tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy, may be the most salient in determining overall satisfaction and repeated purchasing in service industries. Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1988) conceptualized perceived service quality as a long-run overall evaluation about a service, whereas satisfaction was a transaction-specific evaluation. Based on these conceptualizations, they posited that incidents of satisfaction over time result in perceptions of service quality. Other researchers supported the argument that customer satisfaction leads to service quality. For example, Bitner (1990) developed a model of service encounter evaluation and empirically supported the effect of satisfaction on service quality. Bolton and Drew (1991b) also proposed that satisfaction leads to service quality. Cronin and Taylor (1992) reported that in their structural analysis for the causal relations among satisfaction, overall service quality, and purchase intention, the coefficients of path for service quality, satisfaction, and purchase intention appeared to be all significant while the coefficients of path for satisfaction, service quality, purchase intention were insignificant. Spreng and MacKoy (1996) also studied the relationship between service quality and satisfaction based on their modified Olivers (1993) satisfaction/service quality model. Their modified model fitted the data well where service quality was hypothesized to influence satisfaction. In their study, the path coefficient between two constructs appeared to be significant (t = 9.4). Woodside, Frey, and Daly (1989) supported the causal relation of service quality and satisfaction with data collected in area of health care. Several researchers stated that overall service quality is determined only by the customers perception of a service, rather than the difference between the customers expectation and actual service performance. 2.3 Customer Satisfaction The service literature has been contributed to the confusion over the relationship between consumer satisfaction and service quality. The most important that service providers need to know are how their objectives meet or exceed the customers satisfaction with their performance. The importance of this issue has been led to several recent efforts to clarify the relationship between satisfaction and service quality. The SERVQUAL measurement tool suggests that a consumers perception of service quality involves the difference between his or her expectations about the performance of a general class of service providers and his or her assessment of the actual performance of a specific firm within that class. SERVQUAL confounds customer satisfaction and customer attitude. In contrast, the SERVPERF version of the original SERVQUAL scale only concerns performance. Common dimensions of satisfaction with a service include service quality, product quality, price, and location. The theory suggest that the people factor (i.e., service quality), in terms of tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy, may be the most salient in determining overall satisfaction and repeated purchasing in service industries. Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1988) conceptualized perceived service quality as a long-run overall evaluation about a service, whereas satisfaction was a transaction-specific evaluation. Based on these conceptualizations, they posited that incidents of satisfaction over time result in perceptions of service quality. Other researchers supported the argument that customer satisfaction leads to service quality. For example, Bitner (1990) developed a model of service encounter evaluation and empirically supported the effect of satisfaction on service quality. Bolton and Drew (1991b) also proposed that satisfaction leads to service quality. Cronin and Taylor (1992) reported that in their structural analysis for the causal relations among satisfaction, overall service quality, and purchase intention, the coefficients of path for service quality, satisfaction, and purchase intention appeared to be all significant while the coefficients of path for satisfaction, service quality, purchase intention were insignificant. 2.3.1 Customer Satisfaction Theories The customer satisfaction theories stress that quality of service is more important than the goods provided. Customers get satisfied mainly because of the quality and it is a psychological effect on their choice when they choose a particular hotel or resort to visit and stay. That is why one of the fastest growing segments in marketing research is the study of customer satisfaction (Dutka, 1994). When customers get satisfied with a particular service, they become loyal for it and in this way, the business have more repeat visitors. Customers satisfaction is directly linked with his or her expectancy level. The perception of customers are always different and there is no hard and fast rule to determine what kind of service satisfy more. As the satisfaction expectancies consistently change, so, there are three stages which the customers pass through before rendering satisfaction. At the first level, expectations are simple and take the form of assumptions. In the next level the expecta tion level become complex and the customer has higher expectations. At the third level customers expectorations are even higher and he or she years for something which may attract him or her and have some delightful effects rather than the normal routine services. (Service Marketing, 2007). When a customer achieves this kind of highly attracting service, he becomes a loyal and repeat customer and remains loyal until the service quality begin deteriorating. 2.3.2 Functionalities of Customer Satisfaction The functionality of customer satisfaction in the business world is that how effectively the services/goods meet the customers expectations. Therefore we can see across marketing world that each businesses success story relies on Customer Satisfaction. Thus the customer satisfaction has become the key element of business strategy in todays market place (Buchanan, Gilles, 1990). Although the customer satisfaction varies from an individual to individual, however certain recommend standards can be opted in-order to mitigate positively the popular perception. The common tool to opt the level of customer satisfaction is survey or collection of primary data where customer is asked to evaluate the open ended and close ended statements in accordance with the customers own perception. Thence the performance of the service/goods becomes contingent of that certain level of Customer Satisfaction. 2.3.3 Customer vs. Employee Satisfaction Satisfaction can be seen from two different perspectives. Customers satisfaction implies that they should get satisfied with the quality of service they receive while the employees satisfaction means how satisfied they are in the workplace and how they are able to serve the customers with commitment. As the satisfaction on both sides is imperative the hotel industry has not only to ensure the satisfaction of its customers but also those of their employees because without satisfaction of employees there is no justification to expect commitment of employees. Employees satisfaction may be achieved through incentives and rewards, acknowledgment of their performance and motivating them for achievement of further goals. Similarly, customers satisfaction can be achieved through offering them unique and high standard services and fostering better public relations with them. 2.4 Hotel Categories Hotels can be categorised according to the services they provide, i.e., location, facilities and services offered and clientele served. Restaurants mostly provide the customers with eating stuff but do not offer accommodation. However, hotels mainly have accommodation facilities as well as provide the customers different menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some hotels offer accommodation but does not have their own chef so customers have to have their meals outside. Furthermore, the services of hotels further differ according to their location. In Thailand, usually hotels have begun to offer spa and other health facilities besides providing them normal accommodation and meals facilities. 2.4.1 Types of Hotel Most of the hotels have their own star rating. But the interesting thing is that there is no unified system to determine the service quality of the hotels. Throughout Europe, rating of hotels is determined either by government or by the private organisation according to the service they provide (Martin, 2007). There are 1 to 5 star hotels across the globe and the cost of their services differ according to their rating. For example, a four star hotel is much costly than a 1 star hotel. Similarly, four star hotel is expected to have more facilities than a 1 star hotel. A four to five star hotel may have more services and amenities, including meeting space for conferences 2.5 Nora Beach Resort and Spa 2.5.1 Information of the Hotel The Nora Beach Resort is a luxurious retreat in Thailand, situated in a strategic place of Koh Samui, the 3rd largest island, which offers its customers a break from the hassles of the real world. The resort enjoys a spectacular hillside setting, overlooking a secluded bay just north of the world-famous Chaweng Beach. It is located a few minutes from the airport and a short drive from the city centre (Nora Beach Resort and Spa, 2007). The profound services of Nora Beach Resort and Spa are as follow: Bars and Restaurants. Recreation Anodas Spa Rooms The additional supportive services of the Resort are as follow: Travel and Tours Desk. Taxi/Limousine Service. Swimming pools Laundry and Dry Cleaning. Gymnasium/Fitness Room. Baby Sitting Facilities. 2.5.2 Type of Customers The type of customers visit Nora Beach Resort and Spa are holiday makers, however the professionals on travel also frequently visit the resort. According to a study by Thailand Tourism Statistics that 87% of tourists are holiday makers at Koh Samui Island; where the Nora Beach Resort is jewel of the attraction for the holiday makers at Koh Samui Islands. These categories of visitors consist of male, female and children with age diversity from 13 to 55 years on average. They prefer Nora Beach for the reason that major attractions of Island are nearby the resort. 2.5 Conclusion In this chapter, different theories of customers satisfaction have been evaluated and reviewed. Further, the importance of service quality on customers loyalty has been discussed. Besides, the review of literature from customers perspective, different categories of hotels and the system of rating has also been discussed. The review of literature shows that with the competition in hotel industry, customers perception and expectation of service has increased to a great extent and now the hotel industry has to enhance, improve and add up more services for the customers to make them loyal to the services. Chapter III: Methodology 3.1 Introduction This chapter presents details about the methodology adopted and elaborates the chosen research philosophy, approach and strategy used and the reasons for their selection. Further, this chapter describes the sample population and how the primary data was collected and processed. It also describes the secondary data collection for the literature review. This chapter further explains the data collection tool and highlights validity, authenticity and reliability of the data collected. 3.2 Research Framework Saunders et al. (2007) define an exploratory study as a valuable means of finding out what is happening; to seek new insights; to ask questions and to assess phenomena in a new light study. Further, they define interpretivism as a theory of knowledge that depicts the methods, validity and scope of the research. This theory advocates that it is necessary for the researcher to understand difference between humans as social actors (Saunders, Lewis Thornhil, 2007). ). Hence, the study was conducted in the interpretivism philosophy, because the aim of the researcher was to know the difference of human behavior in relation with satisfaction in the service quality provided by the Nora Beach Resort and Spa. The researcher aimed to know how customers get satisfied with the service provided by the Resort and how they perceive service quality. The research strategy utilized was case study. The case study strategy has considerable ability to generate answers to the question why? as well as the what? and how? questions (Saunders et al., 2007). In addition, a case study strategy can be very worthwhile way of exploring existing theory or to challenge an existing theory (Saunders et al., 2007). The study also sought answers to what the customers satisfaction level and how customers can be attracted to revisit the Nora Beach Resort and Spa. 3.3 Sampling The population of this research were customers who stayed in Nora Beach Resort and Spa; a total of n= 113 customers completed the survey. The sampling technique needed for the case study was non- probability sampling which are purposive and convenience. 3.4 Data Collection tool The data collection tool for this study is a well designed questionnaire consisting of three parts as questionnaires are one of the most widely used data collection techniques in the survey strategy (Saunders et al. 2007). The first part is related to the customers satisfaction consisting 15 questions based on five likert scale ranging from very satisfied, satisfied, neutral, dissatisfied and very dissatisfied. The purpose of this part is to assess the perception of customers about the quality of the Resort in relation with menu variety, room service, cleanliness etc. The second part consists general type of questions like accessibility of the Resort and the reason to choose it. The third part of the questionnaire is demographic one assessing customers gender, age occupation and the purpose of their visit. In all, there were twenty two questions asked to analyze the customers assessment and expectations regarding the facilities and services as provided at Nora Beach Resort and Spa, T hailand. 3.4 Data Collection The research was based on positivism principles with deductive approach. The questionnaire developed was placed in the guest rooms, as well as in the lobby and was collected by Ms.Napaphon Rattanarak, a proctor who was trained according to the guidelines established. Permission was granted by the resort manager to conduct this study following highest ethical standards and principles. 3.6 Data Analysis As this study aims at providing recommendations on improving service quality of Nora Beach Resort and Spa, the dully filled and returned questionnaire was analysed using SPSS, the software having good analytical capabilities. The analysis of the questionnaire offers insight about the conception of customers with regard to their perception of service quality at Nora Beach Resort and Spa. The results of this analysis will be discussed in the preceding chapter. 3.7 Conclusion This chapter has highlighted the research philosophy, techniques and methods used for this study. The study has relied over Likert Technique because in-order to assess the level of customer satisfaction the best available method was to conduct survey. The respondents were visitors to the resort staying at the Nora Beach Resort and Spa. Although the responses of the customers may be biased as their opinion may be influenced by the service provided at that very moment, yet, this research provides a lot of interesting information regarding their perception of the service quality. Chapter IV: Results 4.1 Introduction In this chapter, the researcher will show the results of the data collected from the questionnaire which were gathered from the customers/visitors of Nora Beach Resort and Spa at Koh Samui. In this section, the researcher will present the demographic information from the respondents, and will also discuss the customers response towards the questions asked about the services provided. Further, the researcher will discuss the general information analysis of the customers as to how they found the resort, why did they choose to stay at the Nora Beach Resort and Spa and whether it was their first visit or they are a repeat visitors. 4.2 Demographics There were total 113 questionnaire placed in the guest room and the lobby of the resort which the customer staying at the resort had to fill up which, in return, were collected and returned to the researcher by Ms. Napaphon, a protector trained for the purpose. All the 113 questionnaires were duly filled up and retuned y the customers. Of these 113 respondents, 56 were male (49.56 per cent) and 57 female (50.44 per cent) 4.3 Level of customer satisfaction The first part of the questionnaire was designed to assess the customers perception of the service quality provided by the Nora Beach Resort and Spa. There were total 15 responses to be selected from the range of very satisfied to very dissatisfied. The first question was related to check in process to which 4.57 respondents stated as very satisfied. 4.37 per cent respondents were very satisfied with cleanliness, 4.46 per cent respondents were very satisfied with dà ©cor and ambience of the guest area, 4.32 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with furnishing of the room, 4.31 per cent were very satisfied with the quality of food and beverage, 4.29 per cent respondents were very satisfied with the promptness of service, 4.20 per cent were satisfied with the housekeeping service, 4.16 per cent were satisfied with the service of staff in spa and fitness facilities, 4.04 per cent were satisfied with the menu variety, 4.04 per cent were satisfied with spa and fitness faciliti es and 3.83 percent were satisfied with business centre. With regard to the marketing mix of price, 4.22 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with the value for the money. 4.28 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with the guest areas. 4.25 per cent were very satisfied with regard to the advertising materials (brochures, advertising, websites etc). 4.4 General information analysis In the general information analysis part, 3 questions were asked in order to assess how the customers found Nora Beach Resort and Spa, why did they choose to stay at the Nora Beach Resort and Spa, and whether it was their first visit. In this regard, 4 respondents (3.54 per cent) referred to the advertisement (magazine, newspaper), 42 respondents (37.17 per cent) referred to internet (website, Google, Yahoo), 63 respondents (55.75 per cent) referred to travel agencies, 2 respondents (1.77 per cent) referred to the word of mouth, and 2 respondents (1.77 per cent) referred to the other sources (familys recommendation) 4.5 Conclusion In this chapter, results of the customers response to the service provided by the Nora Beach Resort and Spa have been discussed which were collected through the questionnaire placed at the hotel guest room and lobby of it. The results of this questionnaire show an overall satisfaction of the customers with regard to the service provided to them. Especially, the results relating to the part of customers satisfaction with the quality of cleanliness, dà ©cor and ambience of the guest area, furnishing of rooms, and the promptness of service, the customer were very satisfied which indicate the quality of service provided by the Nora Beach Resort and Spa. Chapter V: Conclusion and Recommendations 5.1 Introduction This chapter will present and discuss the findings found in the previous chapters. It will include the recommendations to the hotel industry and its academia and show limitations encountered in the process of the study. It will also draw and discuss conclusions. As stated in the introductory chapter, the objectives of this study were: To understand the level of customers satisfaction by conducting a survey. To analyse the characteristics of the customers satisfaction which contribute their loyalty for the particular resort or hotel. This will be done by analysing purpose of visit, gender, age, education and other characteristics. To suggest a strategy to retain customer loyalty by adopting an effective marketing strategy For this purpose, the researcher explored and reviewed the literature on customers satisfaction which shows that although it is hard to measure customer satisfaction and the service quality as every customer perceives service from his or her own preferences (Gavin Eccles and Philip Durand, 1997) some researchers like Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1988) have devised some tools to measure the service quality of an industry from the perspectives of customers perception. This model is called SERVQUAL. The purpose of The SERVQUAL scale is to measure levels of service quality. In this technique, it is assumed that the levels of service quality experienced by customers are critically determined by the gap between general expectations of the service and the customers perceptions of what they actually receive from a specific service provider. The customers can evaluate the service quality from the following five factors: tangibles; reliability; responsiveness; assurance; empathy. The benefit of the SERVQUAL scale is that the management can assess and monitor the service quality and design better strategies and policies to improve it. Furthermore, understanding the customers satisfaction level and perception of service quality may yield important information influencing the design and specification of this and other, related, services provided by the organization. Finally, it helps the hotel industry in better developing future service improvements (Gavin and Durand, 1997). The research conducted through collecting data from questionnaire also supports the findings of the review of the literature. The results discussed in chapter four reveal that the perception of customers satisfaction about the service quality matters much for them to become loyal to a resort or hotel. Their perception can be assessed through the SERVQUAL model and this assessment tremendously helps the hotel management to make better strategies in order to improve their service quality and retaining their customers. The table 10 demonstrates why customers choose a Nora Beach Resort and Spa. Although, the findings of this study cannot be implied explicitly for other resorts with the same degree, it serves as an example to assess what characteristics contribute to make the customers determine a particular resort among many others like this. 5.2 Conclusions The review of literature demonstrates clearly the interlink of customers satisfaction with the service quality. It is only the service quality that attracts the customers and makes them loyal to the industry and repeat visitors. As it has been discussed in the previous chapter, the improved service quality provided to the customers enhances their loyalty to the service provider. That is why the hotel industry has to improve the service quality (Rust Oliver, 1994). Mullin, Hardy, and Sutton (200) have endorsed the same opinion that the satisfaction is a major outcome of marketing processes that culminate in purchase, and satisfaction is also thought to contribute to post-purchasing phenomena such as word-of-mouth communication, repurchase intention, and brand loyalty. The results of this study reveal that there are also significant factors relating to age, gender, occupation and purpose of visit which have to be kept in mind while considering customers satisfaction. In this particular study, the results reveal that individuals ranging from 40 to 49 have more tendencies to visit hotels and resort. It may be attributed to the fact that it this stage, people are usually well established and have enough money and time to go aboard to see places offering attraction to them. Further, at this stage, people want to revitalize themselves and improve their physical health. That is why, many people like to visit Thailand as in this region the hotel industry offers spa facilities to its customers which have positive impact on physical health. Further, the results of the study show that employed people opt to visit more than the unemployed, retired or students. Naturally, it is because of the fact that they have enough resources to meet expense of these travels. The purpose of visit as revealed from the results of this study nightlight an important factor for traveling. According to the results, individuals prefer visiting hotels and resort for the sole purpose of leisure as compared to the business trips, conventions or honey moons. This factor is highlighted by the table 11 placed below. 5.3 Reflections This research has identified the service quality as an important factor that retains the customers loyal to the hotel industry and makes them repeat visitors. However, this study concentrated only on Nora Beach Resort and Spa as a case study and the results derived from this study cannot be generalized. Hence, conclusions could have been enhanced if the study would have been performed in a wider perspective and included some other hotels to assess how customers perceive the service quality. 5.4 Limitations encountered This study concentrated on Nora Beach Resort and Spa as a case study. As it was the only resort to which the researcher contacted, there were no significant limitation encountered. The staff of this resort was cooperative and the respondent too readily filled up the questionnaire sent to the resort. However, time factor was a significant limitation to complete this study. If the researcher had more time, the study could have been more valuable. 5.5 Recommendations to the industry As is evident from the review of literature as well as from the results of this study, the service quality is the main factor to attract, satisfy and retain customers for long term purpose. With increasing competition and high expectations of customers, the hotel industry has further to improve the service quality. This could be done through innovations in introducing new services and attractions. There are three main factors to be considered more profoundly. The first is the age factor of visitors which show that people ranging from 40 to 49 are frequent visitors. Particular services should be introduced considering this age factor. 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