Hurricanes In Florida Essays - Atlantic Hurricane Seasons

Hurricanes In Florida According to the National Hurricane Center, a hurricane releases heat energy at a rate of 50 trillion to 200 trillion watts, which is equivalent to the energy from exploding 10 megaton bombs every 20 minutes. With such strength, it is no wonder why these natural disasters have such large destructive impacts on the environment. Furthermore, hurricanes are of extreme importance to Florida, since they have historically plagued the state, especially in 1992 with Hurricane Andrew. Since it is certain that hurricanes will hit Florida and equally certain that biological populations (including people) will exist in Florida, there is a need for researching methods to coexist with these monstrous storms. IMPACTS OF HURRICANES First, to be able to create solutions to hurricane damage, experts must understand the physical manner in which hurricanes actually cause damage. Roger Pielke, in his hurricane book, The Hurricane, identifies four impacts of a hurricane: storm surge, extreme winds, tornadoes, and rainfall. These impacts are not completely separate from each other; they interact, but are different in scope. Storm surge refers to the rapid rise of sea level as a storm approaches a coastline. This is the biggest impact of a hurricane and accounts for 90% of hurricane deaths (Pielke 1990). Storm surges are caused by three factors. First, the overlying atmosphere pressure drops. Second, strong onshore winds cause a piling up of water at the coast. Third, the decreasing sea depths as the ocean approaches the coast causes the surge to get steeper. A storm surge of 15 feet corresponds to a level 5 hurricane, and a surge greater than 5 feet can cause major damage and loss of life. Since surges diminish as they move inland, surges are mostly destructive to beaches. Extreme winds, which carry a lot of kinetic energy, can cause significant structural damage and even endanger life with dangerous debris. The damage of winds is proportional to the kinetic flow, which is exponential. For example, a wind of 50 ms-1 is four times greater than winds of 25 ms-1. In addition, winds are not restricted to the coasts; extreme winds appear and are destructive far inland. Tornadoes are connected with extreme winds. Although hurricane induced tornadoes are not as strong as the"normal" ones that appear in the Midwest, they still cause a lot of damage and are dangerous to life. Tornadoes are mysterious, but there are theories on their causes. Tornadoes form as a response to large vertical shears of horizontal wind that develop as lower level wind is slowed by ground friction. The large velocity shears tilt due to spatially varying vertical motion, which causes circulation to complete the tornado. Tornadoes can form far inland. Rainfall is the mildest impact, although it still causes major damage and erosion. Even weak tropical disturbances can cause extreme rainfall. This extreme rainfall can cause flash floods or cause body of waters to flood. Rainfall becomes excessive at and after the hurricane hits land. FLORIDA PROBLEMS WITH HURRICANES According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Florida had the most hurricane strikes from 1900 to 1996 of any other state in the United States with 57 hurricanes. Texas was a far second with 36. With such an intense hurricane history, it is no wonder why hurricanes are a major environmental problem facing Florida. For examples, a 1928 hurricane hit Lake Okeechobe and killed 1800 people (Stormfax Weather Almanac 1997), and 1994 Hurricane Gordon caused significant beach erosion along Florida's east coast and $275 million in agricultural damage by flooding Dade and Collier counties (NHC Hurricane Andrew 1994). The best example of the powerful destruction of hurricanes to Florida is hurricane Andrew. According to the National Hurricane Center's report on hurricane Andrew, total damage was estimated at $25 billion! Fortunately, good preparation prevented major loss of life as 26 people died directly from the hurricane. Over $2 billion dollars was needed to cope with environmental damage from the storm. Also, Ocean Oil reported that there were seven incidents of pollution from the hurricane destroying oil structures in the Gulf of Mexico. Perhaps worst of all, the $15 billion of damage to private property left many people homeless, with most of their possessions destroyed. This hurricane caused major economical, sociological, and environmental problems in Florida. SOLUTION BY FORCE The problem of hurricanes must be dealt with by finding a solution. One approach to eliminating the impact of hurricanes is to try eliminating hurricanes themselves with brute force. Although this might seem fantastic and impossible, it is actually a legitimate scenario that has been studied since

Coal in the Industrial Revolution

Coal in the Industrial Revolution Before the eighteenth century, Britain - and the rest of Europe - had produced coal, but only in a limited quantity. Coal pits were small, and half were opencast mines (just big holes in the surface). Their market was just the local area, and their businesses were localized, usually just the sideline of a larger estate. Drowning and suffocation were also very real problems.​ During the period of the industrial revolution, as demand for coal soared thanks to iron and steam, as the technology to produce coal improved and the ability to move it increased, coal experienced a massive escalation. From 1700 to 1750 production increased by 50% and nearly another 100% by 1800. During the later years of the first revolution, as steam power really took a firm grip, this rate of increase soared to 500% by 1850. The Demand for Coal The rising demand for coal came from many sources. As the population increased, so did the domestic market, and people in town needed coal because they weren’t near to forests for wood or charcoal. More and more industries used coal as it became cheaper and thus more cost-effective than other fuels, from iron production to simply bakeries. Shortly after 1800 towns began to be lit by coal powered gas lamps, and fifty-two towns had networks of these by 1823. During the period wood became more expensive and less practical than coal, leading to a switch. In addition, in the second half of the eighteenth-century, canals, and after this railways, made it cheaper to move greater amounts of coal, opening up wider markets. In addition, the railways were a source of major demand. Of course, coal had to be in a position to supply this demand, and historians trace several deep connections to other industries, discussed below. Coal and Steam Steam had an obvious impact on the coal industry in generating vast demand: steam engines needed coal. But there were direct effects on production, as Newcomen and Savery pioneered the use of steam engines in coal mines to pump water, lift produce and provide other support. Coal mining was able to use steam to go deeper than ever before, getting more coal out of its mines and increasing production. One key factor to these engines was they could be powered by poor quality coal, so mines could use their waste in it and sell their prime material. The two industries -   coal and steam -   were both vital for each other and grew symbiotically. Coal and Iron Darby was the first person to use coke – a form of processed coal – to smelt iron in 1709. This advance spread slowly, largely due to the cost of coal. Other developments in iron followed, and these also used coal. As the prices of this material fell, so iron became the major coal user, increasing demand for the substance vastly, and the two industries mutually stimulated each other. Coalbrookdale pioneered iron tramways, which enabled coal to be moved more easily, whether in mines or on route to buyers. Iron was also needed for coal using and facilitating steam engines.   Coal and Transport There are also close links between coal and transport, as the former needs a strong transport network able to move bulky goods. The roads in Britain before 1750 were very poor, and it was hard to move large, heavy goods. Ships were able to take coal from port to port, but this was still a limiting factor, and rivers were often of little use due to their natural flows. However, once transport improved during the industrial revolution, coal could reach greater markets and expand, and this came first in the form of canals, which could be purpose-built and move large quantities of heavy material. Canals halved the transport costs of coal compared to the packhorse. In 1761 the Duke of Bridgewater opened a canal built from Worsley to Manchester for the express purpose of carrying coal. This was a major piece of engineering including a ground-breaking viaduct. The Duke earned wealth and fame from this initiative, and the Duke was able to expand production because of the demand for his cheaper coal. Other canals soon followed, many built by coal mine owners. There were problems, as canals were slow, and iron trackways still had to be used in places. Richard Trevithick built the first moving steam engine in 1801, and one of his partners was John Blenkinsop, a coal mine owner searching for cheaper and faster transport. Not only did this invention pull large quantities of coal quickly, but it also used it for fuel, for iron rails, and for building. As railways spread, so the coal industry was stimulated with railway coal use rising. Coal and the Economy Once coal prices fell it was used in a huge number of industries, both new and traditional, and was vital for iron and steel. It was a very vital industry for the industrial revolution, stimulating industry and transport. By 1900 coal was producing six percent of the national income despite having a small workforce with only limited benefits from technology.

Term paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

Term paper - Essay Example One significant example of how one culture has absorbed musical styles from other cultures is jazz music. The role that has been played by blacks, creoles, and whites in the musical amalgamation that eventually came up with jazz music is a vital element in the development of the genre. African Americans in the South, as well as those living elsewhere in America, adopted many values held by their white counterparts. However, their musical style has remained inherently reflective of dichotomies that they faced as Americans living in the United States and these were absorbed into their music (Hardie 31). Slave music remained a distinctive cultural form for African Americans. African Americans had little distinction between sacred and secular music. They sang varieties of songs as spirituals and for work, just as their ancestors had done in Western Africa. Black music was never limited to any single tradition of music. While we tend to view black music in terms of all genres such as funk and other art forms, some of these genres are not informed by the reasoning that African American musicians treat their music as an oral art form rather than a written one. African Americans, living in a country that was, and in some cases still is, covertly and overtly hostile to them, attempted to accommodate these different cultures in the United States with the aim of speaking out (Hardie 32). They fit these cultures very well into their music, which allowed them to incorporate and learn a new repertoire that became acceptable as part of their music, especially in the initial stages of jazz and its formation. In the 20s and 30s, many producers were in the business of marketing race records, which allowed them the chance to target the black demographic and had more chance of making money (Hardie 35). African Americans were exposed to different music genres, and they played blues music rich with influence from performance by the creoles. Their music also had borrowed aspects from Haiti, Cuba, and Jamaica and came to be known as Afro-Caribbean music. This style included some ethnic styles borrowed from the Spanish Creole, the French Creole, Germans, and the Cajun. A situation also arose where African Americans played jazz and folk music, sharing a repertoire of music with their counterpart White Americans (Hardie 35). Many locations in New Orleans, by the year 1940, consisted of an increasing population of citizens born outside the United States. In this city, the brass wind ensemble of the 1840s, for example, the Richmond Light Infantry Blues was enlisted in Southern America together with Allen’s Brass Band (Hardie 36). Some of the American states had a society that allowed free slaves. This allowed a few slaves and freemen to earn special a reputation and recognition as musicians and performers in the nineteenth century. Such artists included legends like Anthony Jackson and Klondike. Others included such Southern artists also Roland Hayes and Willi am Grant, as well as female performers including Chieppie Hill and Bessie Smith. This list also extends to the Mississippi Urban Blues singers like B.B. King and Muddy Waters (Hardie 36). There were also the buck dancers and reels of banjo pickers and slave fiddlers that had evolved from Northern Mississippi’s fife drum bands, New Orleans’s brass bands and the Charlestown and Memphis based jug bands evolved into the early

Mathematics learning Theories 02 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Mathematics learning Theories 02 - Essay Example Behaviorism Theory in learning considers observation on behaviors of students. Learning takes place when there is an increase in behaviors considered positive and reduction in behaviors considered negative. The theory compares mind to muscle and that they both benefits from exercise (Schoenfeld, 2013). In this theory, learning results from direct interaction with the environment. The theory uses rewards as reinforcements for good behavior and punishment for those having undesired behaviors. Cognitive learning theory explains how a person perceives information from the environment to the cognitive part of the brain. Cognitive theory considers the ability of human to be conscious of their thoughts. The information modifies the cognitive part in the brain to meet the environmental demands (Hoyles & Lagrange, 2010). The theory looks at the thinking and cognitive development depending on ages. As a child grows, the cognitive development also occurs through equilibration and understanding of concepts. In equilibration process, an individual balance both the ability to assimilate and accommodate new information. In constructivism theory of learning, the students or personal understanding of a concept that is independent of the other. In this mode of learning, a teacher does not lecture or transfer mathematical knowledge but provide students with situations to make mental constructions on their own (Instructional design, 2015). The constructivism theory encourages dialog in learning between students and teachers. How individuals acquire knowledge becomes the focus in this theory. It purports that challenges and questions lead to acquiring knowledge in learning mathematics through engagement in problem solving and the environment. The aim of this theory is to improve teaching and learning in classes through engagement of both students and teachers. This theory model faces challenge in creating situations that support students’ explanation while at the

Writing Assigment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Writing Assigment - Essay Example In fact, it can be considered to be one of the most controversial topics with regard to law in a civilized society. The United States along with many countries in Asia still have laws that can sentence a person to death unlike most European nations, where this practice has been abolished. Even within country, not all states adhere to this law. Sixteen states in the country including the District of Columbia have removed death penalty as a form of punishment, but all other states still consider it lawful. In other words, a majority of the states still follow this form of punishment. This practice was accepted in the country during the time of colonization from laws that existed in the host countries of the colonizers. They then became accepted or rejected among the different states as mentioned above. There are strong proponents and dissidents with regard to capital punishment. These attitudes could be based on religious beliefs, social customs, or their personal viewpoints. Those who are for capital punishment put forth the following arguments as justification. Their primary reason is that members of the society have to be protected from criminals who commit more serious crimes like murder and capital crimes. It is the duty of the government to protect its citizens and that by providing death penalty; a capital crime will not be committed by the same person again. Their second reason is that this form of punishment will act as a warning and deterrent to other people with criminal tendencies. A death penalty risk will act as a strong deterrent and can help to prevent similar acts by other members of the society. The third argument is that the relatives and loved ones of the victims are entitled to retribution. If someone has murdered a member of the family, then the members can o nly obtain justice, if the murderer is treated in the same manner. There are strong arguments against death penalty from various

Harlington Hotel Business Plan Tourism Essay

Harlington Hotel Business Plan Tourism Essay Critically review the hotel industry, apply strategies, to research and listen to consumers needs and wants. This would have a specific focus on retaining consumers, and providing a strategy of overcoming predicted challenges and to develop realistic financial assumptions and financial plans. The business is to be a new medium size hotel of modern services and facilities. The design of the hotel is to have 60 rooms, reception, waiting lounge, one restaurant, two function rooms, two state of the art conference rooms, one bar, and an indoor swimming pool with a gym. The other side of the business is also having links with the local theatres and as a promotion, those of which stay with us can get tickets to see different shows at half price. The hotel industry is worth just over $30 billion within the UK and has been on the up since 2003. Majority of the people who stay within the hotels is domestic tourists. According to Data Monitor (2007) The UK hotels and motels industry generated total revenues of $34.1 in 2007, this representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% for the period spanning 2003-2007. Under the market research conducted 54% of the people asked would stay at a hotel with the offer of 50% per cent discount on theatre tickets, , this shows there is a market and a need for this kind of business as being innovating and new. Two types of research will be conducted. A qualitative and quantitative approach. This will build a foundation and gain an in-depth study of consumers needs and wants for the business. According to Gummesson (2000) an organisation acts in the reality and consists of people. This suggests when gaining a study of consumers needs and wants the business needs to see that people are not just statistics but also they are the ones whose information, can help change the operation of the business in real-time. The two forms of research is Interviews and questionnaires. Research helps to give a variable, and variety of sources to analyse, helping the decision process. Research is the systematic and objective process of gathering, recording and analysing data for aid in making business decisions (Zekmund, 1991). It is essential to have a clear understanding of the philosophical basis for the research strategy selected and this helps to provide the researcher with clarification, focus and consistency of research design. this will be dependent on the research design and the types of evidence we collect (Hines, 2000). Questionnaires and interviews are effective because Studies depended on interviews and questionnaires for their data .. Using questionnaires and interviews obtained statements about opinions and feelings.. Interview behaviour is a form of social interaction and should be analysed accordingly. Verbal data has been made the keystone of contemporary social science (Foddy, 1996) Interviews and questionnaires are highly relevant because it will help identify, if the business will be viable and this type of research is non-expensive. Small firms can benefit from low cost qualitative market research techniques to determine achievable advantageous marketing strategies (Goodman, 1999). Confidentiality of data is important; ensuring persons taking part are aware of what the project is. Researchers have a moral obligation to maintain the confidentiality of the data. In this respect the anonymity of the respondent is crucial and should be respected, by the researchers prior to the collection of the data (McKenna, 2006). 4.0 Industry Analysis Market size The market the business is entering is extremely large as the business is not only going have to compete with hotels, but also other venues of accommodation. This would include campsites, B Bs, holiday centres i.e. Centre Parks and theme parks accommodation e.g. Alton Towers. The data provided by Visit Britain (see appendix 1) there is still a variable market for the hotel industry, as it is showing 23% per cent of tourists staying in hotels within the UK compared to the other forms of accommodation. This percent shows hotels are second choice as 48% would prefer to stay at a friends or relatives house. The business needs to reach out and to be different in order to boost the percentage for the hotel market and lower the FR (friends and relatives) percentage, by providing a high quality level of service and amenities which will outperform the comfort of FRs. Trends within the market The trends of the consumers staying within the UK, the largest amount was mainly for a holiday. According to Visit Britain (2009) it was the largest since 2000 with a 33% increase in 2007. But there has been a decline as in 1995 the numbers of visitors has dropped from 44% to 33%. For VFR there has been an increase since 1995 from 20% to 30% (Visit Britain, 2009). VFR is the only one showing growth within the market, since 1999 it has had an increase of 30% in total but they are not contributing to the accommodation sector (Visit Britain, 2009). Visit Britain (2009) states Business visitors are generally a lucrative target- spending on average  £126 per night,  £514 per visit, and staying largely in paid accommodation (68% in hotels/Guesthouses) Market analysis SWOT analysis This technique provides a framework that enables an organization to assess their position within a market in relation to the competition (Page and Connell, 2006). Strengths of the business is having a variety of rooms, several conference rooms, which are hi-tec, high quality service, training programmes for staff and effective strategies in place. This will help to retain consumers and with research on consumers and competitors, the business will be able to enhance finances. Firms that generate disseminate and meaningfully respond to market intelligence and planning inputs are likely to enjoy enhanced financial performance. (Jaworski and Kohli, 1993). Weakness of the business is mainly signage, as it is not cheap and processes though the council can take time. Other weaknesses are finance. The business will be seeking finance from banks and investors, to help start the business. Such firms, which generate valuable knowledge about both customer preferences and competitor intents by integrating planning and intelligence inputs/views, can optimize the fit between their capabilities and external opportunities and thus achieve superior performance (Novicevic et al, 2004) Opportunities for the business is developing links with other attractions, to help out in further projects within the town especially with the lead up of the 2012 Olympics as this will help to bring in more custom an dalso benefit the local attractions. The Euro is becoming stronger against the Pound forming an era of an affordable England for international tourists, which helps to have the opportunity of develop a good financial stance within the market. According to Day and Nedungadi (1994) the opportunities are intended to provide options for the firms to exercise in order to maximize the fit between its capabilities and future opportunities. Threats for the business are the competition as they will up their game to ensure that a new business does not succeed, especially within a recession. The local authority will be a threat via planning permission may not be given for certain development plans. The idea of these threats is to acknowledge them until resources allows them to be minimised. According to Liedtke (2000) synthesizing process creates value, not only in aligning components, but also in creatively re-arranging them. PEST analysis Political issues for the business is ensuring all licences required are put into place, this includes selling of alcohol, health and safety fire exits, supervision of swimming pool, CBR checks, hygiene certificates, different licences for opening and closing times of facilities. Grants and funding is also an issue as government have made several ways to get a hold of funding for businesses, via the banks. For example, executives evaluating potential mergers or acquisitions must consider antitrust suits and other legal matters, and political issues in addition to financial aspects (Keeney, 1982). Economical issues for the business getting a hold of loans from the banks, but a main concern would be interest and inflation rates, after the current economic climate of the recession, causing unnecessary leakages within the finance budgets of the business. Future implications of alter- natives now being considered should be accounted for in the decision-making process (Keeney, 1982). Sociological issues for the business is more people are staying at FRs more and cheaper holidays are making it harder, therefore gathering and analysing data is imperative to success, for the business. In any case, the process of obtaining and combining the available information is a difficult task that requires balancing all the pros and cons (Keeney, 1982). Technological issues for the business are costly when technology advances are made, and systems have to be updated. This involves changing all computer systems, reprogramming, and retraining of staff. Different individuals, however, have expertise in disciplines such as economics, engineering, and other professions which should be incorporated (Keeney, 1982). This can be offered by having use of the internet, and having a website for bookings, and information about the company and what the business is about, and use information systems within the business. 5.0 Presentation of findings 5.1 Interview overview (To view full analysis see appendix 6) Both of the hotels use different strategies, the Royal hotel uses Revenue management and the Walton park hotel uses a Blue ocean strategy. This is defined as untapped market space, demand, creation and the opportunity for highly profitable growth (Kim and Mauborgne, 2005). The hotels agree, the hotel market has changed, as consumers are becoming lazy and are booking rooms later and later. Customer loyalty is no longer a priority for the market, but the internet has also made this change as it is easier to compare prices, and standards. The Royal hotel has large functions and weddings occurring they have to be able to plan about three months in advance especially with the strategy of RM. Both of the management from the hotels attend conferences to help with new suggestions and the running of the business. For gathering information they use questionnaires which helps to have target market information updated and services can be improved, but Royal hotel says if even though they use questionnaires they are very short answered, and some will give exceptional on very thing which does not help the improvement of the business as they need to have constructive criticism. (Royal Hotel and Walton Park Hotel, 2009) 6.0 Consumer analysis 6.1 Target market identification The research conduct uncovered the target market being C1, C2 and Ds using demographic profiling. The reason for this is because they are more incline to stay in a non-expensive hotel, with a variety of facilities offered, and also due to Weston-super-mare being central, via the motorway and different transport systems available. We are well-served by the M5, mainline railway and Bristol International Airport (BIA) and have an efficient and comprehensive public transport network (North Somerset, 2009). 6.2 Consumer needs assessment Within the business the consumer continuously needs to have the highest level of service. For service organisations the interaction between front-line personnel and the customer is crucial as they aim to create high quality service encounters (Nickson et al, 2005). When providing a high level service for the target market, everyone is different; therefore the needs are not going to be the same, for each person, delivering superior customer value and satisfaction are crucial to the competitive edge of a firm (Kotler and Armstrong, 2000 Weitz and Jap, 1995). For example certain aspects will need to be in place within the business for those who have disabilities, young families with baby changing facilities, those who are diabetic. Many different concepts need to be taken into consideration, for different consumers, the more efficient of establishing customers needs then a good reputation can be established very quickly for the business. Deng (2008) states Customer satisfaction increases customer loyalty, reduces price sensitivity, increases cross-buying and increases positive word of mouth. 7.0 Strategic implementation 7.1 Blue Ocean and Focus strategy A Blue ocean strategy is a way of breaking away from the industry boundaries, going beyond the known and entering the unknown. Kim and Mauborgne (2005) state Blue oceans, in contrast, are defined by untapped market space, demand creation, and the opportunities for highly profitable growth . Most are created from within red oceans by expanding existing industry boundaries. This is applied to the business as having a link with the local theatres is a new and innervating idea, as no other hotel provides this type of service. The business is going into an area which has not been explored before. With this strategy in place for the business, profitability will be more inclined, as the research conducted showed there is a market for it. Companies that create blue oceans usually reap the benefits without credible challenges for ten to 15 years, as was the case with, Southwest Airlines and CNN. Creators immediately attract customers in large volumes (Kim and Mauborgne, 2004). Using Porter generics strategies of a focus strategy this interlinks as the blue ocean strategy for the business needs to focus on its consumers and adapt the products and services to meet the target markets requirements. Using the focus strategy not all consumers are going to want to go to the theatre, therefore using the focus strategy, and opportunities available the business will be able to develop further links with other attractions. An organisations knowledge capabilities determine its effectiveness. As the underlying knowledge processes are highly dynamic, the capabilities used in performing those processes must also be dynamic (Dawson, 2000). 8.0 Management and frameworks 8.1 Management Within the business there will be three sets of management and one general manager. (See appendix 8 for structure). Each manager is to an effect to manage, delegate and organise the department they are in charge of. Meetings will take place every morning for a, debrief followed by an official monthly one. 8.2 TQM framework applied TQM is not an easy process to be applied to an organisation as it can be quite complex. Most business organizations start the implementation TQM programmes with lots of vigour, enthusiasm and perhaps even excitement. The more they move forward with their attempts to change the culture of business thought TQM, the more they realize that it is a hard and very painful process (Zairi, 1994). TQM is a philosophy, as consumers demand it in different ways. This includes the following: Quality of products/services; speed and reliability of delivery; price; innovation and differentiation; and professionalism (Zairi, 1994). For TQM to work, the business is going to ensure all staff having training sessions, and three month appraisals to ensure the service being provided by the staff are to high quality standards. Ensuring there is always a member of staff available for information about the hotel and the surrounding areas, and the reliability to speak to management to sort any issues quickly, effectively and efficiently. Having the opportunity to develop connections with other attractions, as returning consumers may get bored of the same thing, therefore a variety of connections is required to be able to retain custom. Finally all staff members are to act in a professional manner at all times, when dealing with consumers, if any problem occurs, management will be involved and if serious then disciplinarians and taking part in skill develop programs. Customers focus as a basic principle at the heat of and underlying TQM is among the most generally accepted precepts in the work of all quality management (Soltani et al, 2004). 9.0 Financial Sources Within the finance sector there are several ways to be able to set up a business and to gain capital, which can result in long term and short term funding. This involves the following: capital and venture capital; profit retention; borrowing; leasing, hiring and factoring; government assistance; overdraft; and trade credit (Needham and Dransfield, 1992) There are a variety of ways to gain capital; most organisations will use banks where you can gain up to 60% per cent of value and investment plans, depending on how much money and profit available, this is depending on evidence given of the business plan, and proven it is worth investing (Owen, 2009) For the business there will be four types of financial sources to be used, this will be investment from investors, borrowing from the bank, these are going to be long term financing for the business. The short term financing will be a private equity loan, which will be paid back within the first year and also a business overdraft, which is for emergency use only. From appendix 9 of the balance sheets, the profit made will be divided into four sectors this will be reinvestment back into the business itself, separate loan account so the borrowed money gets paid back, payments to investors and finally Inland Revenue corporation tax. This way the business is able to run smoothly and efficiently and have also analysed the finance from 100% full down to 25% per cent full. For buying the hotel itself excluding refurbishment estimation of about  £2.5M  £3M with design and size of the hotel as this is on a basis of the Royal hotel and Walton Park hotel. If looking at buying the Royal Hotel or Walton park hotel then you will be looking at about  £2.5M  £3M without anything done to it, this is an estimation with the current economic climate (Owen,2009) Bibliography Connexions (2009) Job descriptions and salarie. [online] Available from: URL:http://www.connexions-direct.com [accessed 01.05.209]. Datamonitor. (2007) Hotels and motels in the United Kingdom. [online] Available from: URL:http://www.datamonitor.com [accessed 20.04.2009] Dawson, R. (2000) Knowledge capabilities as the focus of organisational development and strategy. Journal of Knowledge management, 4 (4) pp.320-327. Day, G.S. and Nedungadi, P. (1994) Managerial representations of competitive advantage. Journal of Marketing, 58 (2) pp. 31-44. Deng, W. (2008) Fuzzy importance-performance analysis for determining critical service attributes. International journal of service industry management, 19 (2) pp. 252-270. Foddy, W. (1996) Constructing questions for interviews and questionnaires theory and practice in social research. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Goodman, M. (1999) The pursuit of value though qualitative market research. International journal: Qualitative market research, 2 (2) pp.111-120. Gummesson, E. (2000) Qualitative methods in management research. 2nd ed. London: Sage publications Ltd. Harrison, E. (1996) A process perspective on strategic decision making. Journal of management decision, 34 (1) pp. 46-53. Hines, T. (2000) An evaluation of tow qualitative methods (focus group interviews and cognitive maps) for conducting research into entrepreneurial decision making. International journal: Qualitative market research, 3 (1) pp.7-16. Ingram, H. and Jones, S. (1998) Teamwork and the management of food service operations. Journal of team performance management, 4 (2) pp. 67-73. Jaworski, B.J. and Kohli, A.k. (1993) Market orientation: antecedents and consequences. Journal of Marketing, 57 (3) pp. 53-70. Keeney, R. (1982) Decision analysis: an overview. Journal of Operations Research, 30 (5) pp. 803-838. Kim, W. and Mauborgne, R. (2004) Blue ocean strategy. Harvard business review, Oct pp. 1-9. Kim, W. and Mauborgne, R. (2005) Blue ocean strategy: from theory to practice. California review management, 47 (3) pp. 105-121. Kotler, P. and Armstrong, G. (2000) Marketing: an introduction. New York: Prentice hall. Leonard, D. and McAdam, R. (2002) The strategic impact and implementation of TQM. The TQM magazine, 14 (1) pp.51-60. Liedtke, J. (2000) In defense of strategy as design. California Management Review, 42 (3) pp. 8-30. McGill, J. and Van Ryzin, G. (1999) Revenue management: research overview and prospects. Journal of transportation science, 33 (2) pp. 233-256. McKenna, E. (2006) Business psychology and organisational behaviour. 4thed. East Sussex: Psychology press. Murry, A. (1988) A contingency view of porters generic strategies. The academy of management review, 13 (3), pp: 340 400. Needham, D. And Dransfield, R. (1992) Business and finance: for working in organisations. Oxford: Heinemann educational. Nisbets (2009) Catering equipment. (127) Bristol: Nisbets plc. Nickson, D., Warhurst, C. and Dutton, E. (2005) The importance of attitude and appearance in the service encounter in retail and hospitality. Journal of managing service quality, 15 (2) pp. 195-208. North Somerset Council. (2009) Transport. [online] Available from: URL:http://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/Transport [accessed 17.04.2009] Novicevic, M., Harvey, M., Autry, C. and Bond, E. (2004) Dual-perspective SWOT: a synthesis of marketing intelligence and planning. Journal of marketing intelligence and planning, 22 (1) pp. 84-94. Page, S. and Connell, J. (2006) Tourism: a modern synthesis. 2nd ed. London: Thomson learning. Rabey, G. (2008) The potential of the frontline manager. Journal of industrial and commercial training, 40 (3) pp. 156-161. Reicheld, F. F. (1996) The loyalty affect: the hidden force behind growth, profits and lasting value. Massachusetts, MA: Harvard business press. Soltani, J., Gennard, R.B., Meer, V., and Williams, T. (2004) HR performance3 evaluation in the context of TQM. International journal of Quality and Reliability Management, 21 (4) pp. 377-396. The Royal Hotel (2009) Weston Super Mare premier sea front hotel. [online] Available from: URL:http://www.royalhotelweston.com [accessed 10.04.2009] Walton Park Hotel. (2009) Original and best western. [online] Available from: URL: http:// www.bestwestern.co.uk [accessed10.04.2009]. Tilley, C. (2009) Interview with the Royal hotel. 14.04.2009 Tilley, C. (2009) Interview with the Walton park hotel. 17.04.2009 Tilley, C. (2009) Interview with Owen, M personal financial advisor. 11.04.2009 Visit Britain. (2009) Britains overall inbound market. [online] Available from: URL:http://www.tourismtrade.org.uk [accessed 27.03.2009]. Weitz, B. A. and Jap, S. D. (1995) Relationship marketing and distribution channels. Journal of the academy of marketing science, 23 (4), pp. 305 320. Wright, P. (1987) A refinement of porters strategies. Journal of strategic management, 8 (1), pp: 93 -101. Yeung, A., Woolcock, P. and Sullivan, J. (1996) Identifying and developing HR competencies for the Future: keys to sustaining the transformation of HR functions. Journal of Human Resource planning, 19 (4) pp. 48-58. Zairi, M. (1994) TQM: what is w4rong with the terminology? The TQM magazine, 6 (4) pp. 6-8. Zekmund, W. G. (1991) Business research methods. 3rd eds. Orlando: The Dryden press. Appendices Amount of visitors staying in different types of accommodation within the U.K. Trends purpose of visit and length of stay Questionnaire Questionnaire results Interview questions Full analysis of interview SWOT and PEST Analysis Management and staffing structure Finances and forecasting Appendix 1 % of Nights Spent by Visitors from all countries by Type of Accommodation, 2007 (Visitbritian, 2009) Appendix 2 Purpose of visit (Visit Britain, 2009) Length of stay (Visit Britain, 2009) Harlington Hotels Appendix 3 Questionnaire for development plans of a new hotel in Weston-super-mare Harlington HotelsThe information about to be given is confidential and will remain anonymous; the questionnaire is designed to help research into a hotel business and to find out about consumer needs and wants to help it become a more realistic approach within customer satisfaction. Male female (please tick the appropriate answer) How old are you? (please tick the appropriate answer) 18 25 26 30 31 40 41 50 51 + What is your occupation? (If unemployed please go to question 4) Please state: If student and employed please state.. How often do you go to W-S-M? (please tick the appropriate answer) Every day Twice a week Once a month Once a year If other please state: How do you get to W-S-M? (please tick the appropriate answer) By car By bus By train By airline via other transport If other please state: . Thank you for your time What sources do you use when looking for a hotel? (please tick the appropriate answer) The internet Media Guide books National/international travel agents Go by word of mouth If other please state: .. (Please tick the appropriate answer) How long do you normally stay at a hotel within the UK for? One night Weekend Fri Sun or Sat Sun (please circle ) 5 10 days 11 15 days One month If longer please state: .. What would your main reason be for visiting? (Please tick the appropriate answers) Rest and relaxation VFR (friends and relatives) Business Education (conference, congress, seminar, study, other) Culture Fun Health Religious reasons If other please state: Thank you for your time Below is listed some elements which may be considered when choosing a hotel. Please indicate the IMPORTANCE of each element it is to you when choosing a hotel. Please rate them on a scale 1 being unimportant and 5 being very important. ELEMENTS WHEN CHOOSING A HOTEL How Important is This Element Unimportant very Important I Dont Know Clean and tidy hotel (reception, restaurant etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 Clean and tidy rooms 1 2 3 4 5 Information accessibility 1 2 3 4 5 Information clear and concise 1 2 3 4 5 Catering facilities offered 1 2 3 4 5 Knowledge from staff 1 2 3 4 5 The willingness of staff to help 1 2 3 4 5 Trusted staff 1 2 3 4 5 Friendliness of staff 1 2 3 4 5 The understanding of guests needs 1 2 3 4 5 Additional activities offered by the hotel (sports facilities, entertainment etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 Activities offered within the local area i.e. excursions, trips, theatre shows etc. 1 2 3 4 5 Please rate the general quality when choosing a hotel 1 being low quality and 5 being high quality? Low quality High quality I Dont Know General quality of the hotel and service provided 1 2 3 4 5 Thank you for your time (Please tick the appropriate answer)What services/ facilities would you want/ require from a hotel? Staff who can help and sit down with you if any problems or queries Knowledge of area / other areas Activities to do outside the complex Activities sports, walks, excursions etc Variety of restaurants with different foods Links with local transport operations Pool Gym Variety of evening activities If other please state: . What type of room would you prefer standard or luxury? Please state: What facilities would you expect to have in the room? (Please tick the appropriate answers) En-suite Kitchen Lounge Balcony / terrace If other please state: . How much would you spend per night at a hotel? (Please tick the appropriate answer)  £20  £21  £40  £41 - £ 60  £61-  £80  £80 + Would you stay at a hotel which offered half price theatre tickets? Yes Thank you for your time No Maybe Appendix 4 Questionnaire results Appendix 5 Interview questions What form of custom do you receive? What is the main strategy used for this business i.e. focus, cost leadership, or differentiation? For the hotel industry and for your business do you think loyalty has decreased or increased? What benefits do your loyal consumers receive if any? Has the hotel market changed in recent years? Why? What do you think consumers look for when booking a hotel? The consumers you receive are majority of them returning consumers or different all the time? How important is your target market to the business? W

Persuasion Written by Jane Austen Essay examples -- motherhood, jamaica

The short story Girl written by Jamaica Kincaid is a mother’s compilation of advice, skills, and life experience to her daughter. The mother believes that her offer of practical and helpful guidance will assist her daughter in becoming a proper woman, and gaining a fulfilling life and respectable status in the community. Posed against the mother’s sincere concern for her daughter’s future is Sir Walter’s superficial affection to his daughters in the novel Persuasion written by Jane Austen. Due to his detailed attention for appearance and social rank, Sir Walter has been negligent to his daughters’ interests and fails to fulfill his responsibility as a father. Throughout both literary works, the use of language and tone towards persuasive endeavors reveals the difference in family dynamics and the success of persuasion on the character’s transformation. The mother’s genuine care for her daughter in girl is displayed through her imperative instructions. The mother decides to transfer her domestic knowledge and life experience to her daughter in order to shape her daughter’s behavior from a young age. She gives out detailed instruction on how to â€Å"sew a button, how to hem a dress when the hem coming down to how to iron a khaki shirt so that it does not have a crease† (Kincaid). Although heming a dress is not a difficult chore, the mother emphasizes the its importance since she understands that the appearance of clothing reflects a woman’s character. Because domestic skills serve as a measurement for women’s competence and self-worth, the daughter’s inability to take care of her clothes will indicate her lack of interest in household affair and organizational skills. Through these advice, the mother highlights the importance of house... ...an only find true happiness in marriage with someone who shares similar manners and treasure people’s qualities over their look and status. This is when Anne’s sensibility allows her to disregard her family’s persuasion and become determined to fulfill her love with Wentworth. The persuasive attempts in both literary works produce different results. The effectiveness of the mother’s guidance to her daughter is questioned since the girl cannot recognize the essence of her mother’s lesson. Despite that, the mother’s beneficial instruction serves as a standard for the daughter to reflect her future behaviors in order to live up to the community’s expectations. On the other hand, Anne’s value of candid expression and lasting relationship dissuades her from obliging to her family’s meaningless duty to place her love and interest above to experience fulfillment in life. Persuasion Written by Jane Austen Essay examples -- motherhood, jamaica The short story Girl written by Jamaica Kincaid is a mother’s compilation of advice, skills, and life experience to her daughter. The mother believes that her offer of practical and helpful guidance will assist her daughter in becoming a proper woman, and gaining a fulfilling life and respectable status in the community. Posed against the mother’s sincere concern for her daughter’s future is Sir Walter’s superficial affection to his daughters in the novel Persuasion written by Jane Austen. Due to his detailed attention for appearance and social rank, Sir Walter has been negligent to his daughters’ interests and fails to fulfill his responsibility as a father. Throughout both literary works, the use of language and tone towards persuasive endeavors reveals the difference in family dynamics and the success of persuasion on the character’s transformation. The mother’s genuine care for her daughter in girl is displayed through her imperative instructions. The mother decides to transfer her domestic knowledge and life experience to her daughter in order to shape her daughter’s behavior from a young age. She gives out detailed instruction on how to â€Å"sew a button, how to hem a dress when the hem coming down to how to iron a khaki shirt so that it does not have a crease† (Kincaid). Although heming a dress is not a difficult chore, the mother emphasizes the its importance since she understands that the appearance of clothing reflects a woman’s character. Because domestic skills serve as a measurement for women’s competence and self-worth, the daughter’s inability to take care of her clothes will indicate her lack of interest in household affair and organizational skills. Through these advice, the mother highlights the importance of house... ...an only find true happiness in marriage with someone who shares similar manners and treasure people’s qualities over their look and status. This is when Anne’s sensibility allows her to disregard her family’s persuasion and become determined to fulfill her love with Wentworth. The persuasive attempts in both literary works produce different results. The effectiveness of the mother’s guidance to her daughter is questioned since the girl cannot recognize the essence of her mother’s lesson. Despite that, the mother’s beneficial instruction serves as a standard for the daughter to reflect her future behaviors in order to live up to the community’s expectations. On the other hand, Anne’s value of candid expression and lasting relationship dissuades her from obliging to her family’s meaningless duty to place her love and interest above to experience fulfillment in life.

El Salvador A Country Report Essay

Introduction El Salvador or the Savior as the name can be translated is a very unexpectedly unique country. El Salvador is a country of many great geographical sites, a strange history, a blackened economic state, and an incredible agricultural base. The country has undergone many changes throughout its history. It was developed, owned, and operated by many different people and forms of government. This ?land of volcanoes? or ?the Savior? has been needed saving of its own for quite some time. 2.0 Geography The nickname for this environmentally hazardous country, ?land of volcanoes? serves El Salvador properly. El Salvador is the smallest of all Central American countries having a land area of only 21,041 sq. km (ecst.csuchico.edu). The country is also the only in Central America not to occupy more than one sea border, being only found on the Pacific Ocean. El Salvador is contained not only by the Pacific Ocean, but also by the two neighbor countries of Honduras and Guatemala. El Salvador is known more for it?s two mountain ranges both running east to west. The northern most range known as Sierra Madre that draws the border between El Salvador and Honduras. The southern range is a formation of many continuous volcanoes both active and silent. These volcanoes supply El Salvador with its rich soil making it possible for the great exportation of coffee. Climate change in El Salvador occurs more due to elevation variations than by seasonal change. During a calendar year Salvadorians can expect only a four-degree Celsius change due to seasons. The greater change in temperature occurs due to the different elevations. The two mountain ranges help very the climate and land usage of the country. El Salvador consists of a narrow coastal plain, two steep mountain ranges and a central plateau, which is at 600m above sea level. This plateau is only 25% of the landmass in El Salvador; however, it contains the majority of the countries population. Due to over exploitation the country has become semi-barren, and less of the land is of use. El Salvador is a very geographical diverse country. It possesses the same geographical features of the U.S., but all in the same land area as Rhode  Island. The country has become very over populated and has begun to exhaust its resources. 3.0 Pre-Columbian Cultures Before Spain sent men to explore and claim the countries of Central America native people occupied the land. These people where known as the Pipil. However, it is believed, due to archeological assessments that even before the Pipil natives of Central America known as the Mayas and Olmec occupied the land. The Mayas and Olmecs were believed to occupy the land until the 11th Century when the Pipil appeared following the collapse of the Mayan empire. The Pipil people were of a very strong and fierce origin. They were very good farmers and lived mostly on Maize. The Pipil had many small urban centers and a very integrated linked society. The Pipil people lived in their land for over 500 years. After that time Spain was introduced to their country and soon their freedom was lost. 4.0 Conquest Spain had come to Central America seeking wealth, and any landmass that could have that quality they would conquer and claim for the crown. Pedro de Alvarado a conquistador and Lieutenant under Hernan Cortes entered El Salvador in 1524 to conquer the land. However, due to the fierceness of the Pipil people Spain had to return in 1525 and again in 1528 to finally lay claim to the country. Spain found little wealth in the substance of gold and other valuable metals in El Salvador; however, they learned how great a benefit the rich soil of the volcanic country could be to agriculture. Spain soon after their conquest enslaved the Pipil people and forced them into an encomienda system of farming. The encomienda system soon lost favor with the crown and was replaced with repartiemento. Spain developed the country with this system and produced a great deal of wealth during the 17th century in agriculture. 5.0 Agriculture Agriculture is the foundation that El Salvador has been built upon throughout its entire history. Whether it was the Pipil people utilizing the rich soil or Spain controlling the land much wealth was  obtained in the country. 5.01 Indigenous The Pipil people lived as farmers and hunters in the country before any intruders appeared. They sustained their lives on crops such as maize, bananas, and other tropical foods. They traded these crops among one another and were able to be self-sufficient for many years. After the entrance of Spain to the country the natives were forced to work as slaves for the betterment of others. Spain introduced products such as coffee, cotton, and indigo to El Salvador. They found that the rich soil could produce coffee greater than any other country they had conquered prior to El Salvador. During the 17th century agriculture boomed in El Salvador, gluttony filled Spain with the wealth from coffee and thus began the downfall of the Salvadorian economy. 5.02 Present El Salvador produced many types of crops throughout its history such as henequen and cotton, but the country always centered itself on coffee production. Today, El Salvador produces far more coffee than any other crop in the country. Amid the 20th century, 95% of the countries income came from the exportation of coffee. This income was distributed over only 14 families (roughly 2% of population) whose influence has been seen over the countries history (Class Handout). In this way El Salvador takes on many similar traits of other Central American countries. 6.0 Independence Spain occupied the country for nearly 300 years throughout which they enslaved and persecuted the native people of El Salvador. Land control was only a dream in the eyes of the former owners. The influence of the Roman Catholic Church soon brought hopes of a revolution to the Indian people of El Salvador. In 1811 Father Jose Matias Delgado, a catholic priest led a revolt against Spain; however, with the great power of the crown against them it did not prove successful. Meanwhile in Spain, Napoleon led an invasion into the country reverting attention away from Central America and allowing El Salvador to eventually gain a limited amount of independence in 1821. Even though independence was given to the Salvadorian during this time, people land control still  remained in the hands of few. This led to an Indian rebellion in 1833 brought about by a mestizo, Anastasio Aquino. Eventually in 1841, El Salvador found its independence by the introduction of the Central American Federation. This was an alliance against Spain of neighboring Central American countries seeking their independence. Thus began the history of El Salvador, which led to many civil wars, conflicts, and disputes among other countries and itself. 7.0 Economics in El Salvador El Salvador has seen many changes throughout its history, both politically and economically. El Salvador has followed the majority of Central American countries by making itself a dependent on one or two exportable goods. The country has also faced many conflicts in politics and environmental hazards. El Salvador?s economy has inevitably been destined for the worse by the countries governing order. 7.01 Colonial Before the invasion of the conquistadors into the country the Pipil lived a pleasant and peaceful life of trade. The Pipil obtained many small urban centers in which trade among them proved successful. They did not have a monetary unit but rather bartered for what they desired. They lived a self-sufficient life only producing their needs. The Pipil people may have evolved and become a worthy heritage in the world if they had not been conquered by the conquistadors of Spain. 7.02 Early (1820-1920) Soon El Salvador and the rich soil of the land were under Spanish control. Spain found great profit in the enrichment of the land. Coffee, indigo, and cotton yielded greater than they had seen prior to conquest. Spain felt that this was equal to the gold and other values found in the countries surrounding El Salvador. During the 17th century the agriculture of El Salvador was of great wealth, and Spain indulged upon it. The Spaniards developed many haciendas to expand their crops this involved many Indian people to subdue to the work needed. The first evidence of primate cities developed during this time. This would sooner lead to an unexpected need for imported goods and a profound lack of self-efficiency. 7.03 Mid (1920-1980) During and after El Salvador?s independence the country  found itself depending console upon the growth of the coffee crop. 95% of the countries exports depended upon coffee, but still only 2% of the population controlled the wealth (Lonely Planet). The Salvadorians exhausted themselves upon focusing on this item and developed no other means of exportation. Amid the first and second world wars Central America was abandoned by the rest of the world and forced to find a way to survive among themselves. This brought upon industrialization to the forgotten world, and El Salvador attempted to follow the plan. The country produced only the essential items for survival, and chose rather to fight civilly for control of the country. El Salvador faced many disputes during this time, and many forms of leadership. Democracies, civil wars, peasant uprisings, and Military Coups were among the problems that the country faced. It was only during the later years of the countries history that true leadership was developed, and a greater economic scheme was gained. 7.04 1980-Present Primate cities have know become a large part of Salvadorian economy. These few and large cities have been growing without any means of renewal. The country finds itself now separated by wealth and poverty. The fourteen families mentioned before were still controlling the majority of the coffee production and with no found wealth in industrialization El Salvador was growing in debt. The national debt of El Salvador has only grown over the countries history. This is from the foreign aid supplied to the country to help with recovery of natural disasters, and in the form of military aid. Due to El Salvador?s placement in the world it has been faced by many environmental hazards. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and landslides due to extreme rainfall give threat to this debt. Also in 1998 El Salvador fell victim to hurricane Mitch. Mitch destroyed not only many of the profitable livestock and agricultural farms of Central America, but also devastated many lives of the people living in its path. El Salvador lost 95% of its banana crop and one third of the countries beef cattle industry (Class Handout). This crushed the already terrible state of the Salvadorian economy and only added to the  increasing national debt. Some current facts in the economic stability of El Salvador can be seen in the following. The currency of the country is known as the collone. Eleven collones is roughly equivalent to one U.S. dollar. The exportation of goods to the U.S. each year equals $732 million. Where as the importation of goods from the U.S. each year equals $1.789 billion dollars. The GDP of El Salvador is $5.9 billion U.S. each year. This is only $1,003 U.S. per capita. The growth rate of the GDP is currently at 5.0%, and has been continuously increasing. However, even with the GDP on an upswing for El Salvador the debt to the U.S. has also increased to $2.1 billion U.S (cia.gov). These numbers show that with El Salvador?s population, and the amount of GDP to the country that few people have great wealth and even more are in poverty. 8.0 Population El Salvador is a very densely populated country. The majority of the people in El Salvador live in only 25% of the total land mass known as the central plateau. The total population is over 6.2 million with a growth rate of 2.3% (Cia.gov). This population will be doubled in 30 years. Due to the growth rate percent the country is caught between the second and third categories in the demographic chart, but primarily they still are evolving in the second. With this great a number of people in such a small area poverty is unavoidable. 8.01 Urbanization Urbanization has not been a large issue with El Salvador. Although some of their large primate cities carry a large percent of the population, such as San Salvador the capital that holds 1.5 million people, many people chose to stay in rural areas. The ratio of the urban population to rural population is 3:2. This ratio could be explained due to the need for agricultural revenue, and the need for people to create that revenue. With the extent of the over population of El Salvador many people have been forced to find other means of income and a safer home. 8.02 Migration Over population and greed have created poverty in El Salvador and a need for new revenue. This is why much of the income from the country  consists of wages paid from the United States to migrant workers fleeing from El Salvador. $1.3 billion U.S. was sent to families of these seasonal migrant workers in El Salvador. This allows those living in El Salvador to find a little hope in their country and a means of better living. During, much of the time of the civil wars and poverty states of El Salvador many of the countries people began to migrate to Honduras. This appeared to be allowed at first until a wide spread amount of migration occurred. The great amount of people fleeing to Honduras soon became a problem and great tension rose between the two neighboring countries. This accounted for the great soccer riot in 1969 brought upon through allegations that were made about mistreatment of Salvadorian people by the Honduras population. 9.0 U.S. Intervention The United States has always been concerned with the matters of other countries, particularly by the form of the government. When it became obvious that El Salvador may fall into left wing ideals to help with the poverty level in the country the U.S. reacted. It was during the Carter administration that this occurred and Jimmy?s solution was to fund right-wing guerillas in the country. These guerillas were know as the FMLN (Frente Marti Liberacion Nacional) named after an executed leader who brought reforms to the country and a democracy in the early to mid 20th century. Carter soon withdrew his funding after hearing of misuse of the military power by the FMLN. The FMLN became mongers and began to hurt innocent people and become closer in comparison to their socialist enemy. With a suspension of the funding the country fell back into turmoil and was once again caught in left-wing ideals. It was during the Reagan administration that the funding returned with close watch. Soon the guerillas were able to gain control, and force what was to be marked the first time in 50 years that a democratically elected president was named. This man was Alfredo Magana, and he brought some control and leadership to this war shaken country (Encyc. Of Latin-American Hist.). The U.S. has also been involved with El Salvador in other ways. The U.S. is the number one importer of Salvadorian goods mainly coffee. Also due to the great devastation in the country by natural disasters the U.S. has given  foreign aid to help rebuild the economy and lives of the people. If El Salvador can maintain this relationship with the U.S. the countries future is bound to look better than it?s past. 10.0 Globalization The world is a growing economical structure that every country wants to be a part of, and with growing concern about each countries role a hope for globalization can be seen. El Salvador is attempting to do its part in becoming a companion with globalization, during the end of the 20th century the maquiladora system was approached by El Salvador. These small manufacturing companies account for a major part of the countries GDP. These companies are also followed by new trade reforms with other neighboring countries. Trade with U.S. has only improved over the last few years. If El Salvador keeps improving on the relations with its neighboring countries then it may be a substantial part of the world economy. 11.0 Other Facts and Conclusion In conclusion, here are some other known facts about the country of El Salvador. In January of 2001 El Salvador faced a devastating earthquake. The quake caused 250,000 Salvadorians to become homeless, and also severely eroded the landscape (Lonely Planet.com). Some of the native animals of the country consist of many butterflies, deer, toucans, and monkeys. The adult literacy of the country is at 73% and growing (memory.loc.gov). 86% of the country follows the Roman Catholic religion. The ethnic background of the country is mainly mestizo, which is a mixture of Indian, white, and black (Latin America). Some of the favorite foods consist of casamiento (rice and beans) and pupusas, which is a stuffed wrap. El Salvador is a very unique country that wishes to find its niche in the world. Through much turmoil and disputes the country has for now maintained a solid government. With the continuation of good soil and less erosion the agricultural state of the country will continue to prosper. However, with increasing population the country suffers a loss in GDP, and will only gain a profitable state with better living, less poverty, and other means of income. El Salvador ?the Savior? a country whose history speaks for itself will need outside aid for some years to come. Selected Illustrations El Salvador?s Flag The Country of El Salvador Henequin also a Salvadorian Crop Example of El Salvador?s Terran San Salvador the Capital of El Salvador

Atomic Number 8 Element Facts

Atomic Number 8 Element Facts Oxygen, element symbol O, is the element that is atomic number 8 on the periodic table. This means every atom of oxygen has 8 protons. Varying the number of electrons forms ions, while altering the number of neutrons makes different isotopes of the element, but the number of protons remains constant. Here is a collection of interesting facts about atomic number 8. Atomic Number 8 Element Facts While oxygen is a colorless gas under ordinary conditions, element 8 is actually quite colorful! Liquid oxygen is blue, while the solid element may be blue, pink, orange, red, black, or even metallic.Oxygen is a nonmetal belonging to the chalcogen group. It is highly reactive and readily forms compounds with other elements. It is found as a pure element in nature as oxygen gas (O2) and ozone (O3). Tetraoxygen (O4) was discovered in 2001. Tetraoxygen is an even more potent oxidizer than dioxygen or trioxygen.Excited oxygen atoms produce the green and red colors of the aurora. Although air consists mainly of nitrogen, atomic number 8 is responsible for most of the colors that we see.Today, oxygen makes up about 21% of the Earths atmosphere. However, air was not always so highly oxygenated! A 2007 NASA-funded study determined oxygen has been present in air for about 2.3 billion to 2.4 billion years, with levels starting to rise 2.5 billion years ago. Photosynthetic organisms, such as pl ants and algae, are responsible for maintaining the high oxygen levels necessary for life. Without photosynthesis, oxygen levels in the atmosphere would fall. Although hydrogen atoms are the most numerous type of atom in the human body, oxygen accounts for about two-thirds of the mass of most living organisms, mainly because cells contain a lot of water. 88.9% of the weight of water comes from oxygen.Swedish pharmacist Carl Wilhelm Scheele, French chemist Antoine Laurent Lavoisier, and British scientists and clergyman Joseph Priestly researched and discovered oxygen between 1770 and 1780. Lavoisier first called element number 8 by the name oxygen in 1777.Oxygen is the third most abundant element in the universe. The element is made by stars around 5x more massive than the Sun when they reach the point where they burn carbon or a combination of helium in carbon in fusion reactions. Over time, the abundance of oxygen in the universe will increase.Until 1961, atomic number 8 was the standard for the atomic weight of the chemical elements. In 1961, the standard was switched over to carbon-12.Its a common misconception that hyperventilation is caused by breathing in too much oxygen. Actually, hyperventilating is caused by exhaling too much carbon dioxide. Although carbon dioxide can be toxic at high levels, its needed in the blood to prevent it from becoming too alkaline. Breathing too quickly causes blood pH to rise, which constricts blood vessels in the brain, leading to headache, slurred speech, dizziness, and other symptoms. Oxygen has many uses. It is used for oxygen therapy and life support systems. It is a common oxidizer and propellant for rockets, welding, cutting, and brazing. Oxygen is used in internal combustion engines. Ozone functions as a natural planetary radiation shield.Pure oxygen is not, in fact, flammable. It is an oxidizer, supporting combustion of flammable materials.Oxygen is paramagnetic. In order words, oxygen is only weakly attracted to a magnet and does not maintain permanent magnetism.Cold water can hold more dissolved oxygen than warm water. The polar oceans contain more dissolved oxygen than equatorial or mid-latitude oceans. Essential Element 8 Information Element Symbol: O State of Matter at Room Temperature: Gas Atomic Weight: 15.9994 Density: 0.001429 grams per cubic centimeter Isotopes: At least 11 isotopes of oxygen exist. 3 are stable. Most Common Isotope: Oxygen-16 (accounts for 99.757% of the natural abundance) Melting Point: -218.79  °C Boiling Point: -182.95  °C Triple Point:  54.361  K, ​0.1463  kPa Oxidation States: 2, 1, -1, 2 Electronegativity: 3.44 (Pauling scale) Ionization Energies: 1st:  1313.9  kJ/mol, 2nd:  3388.3  kJ/mol, 3rd:  5300.5  kJ/mol Covalent Radius: 66 /- 2 pm Van der Waals Radius: 152 pm Crystal Structure: Cubic Magnetic Ordering: Paramagnetic Discovery: Carl Wilhelm Scheele (1771) Named By: Antoine Lavoisier (1777) Further Reading Cacace, Fulvio; de Petris, Giulia; Troiani, Anna (2001). Experimental Detection of Tetraoxygen. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 40 (21): 4062–65.Greenwood, Norman N.; Earnshaw, Alan (1997). Chemistry of the Elements (2nd ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann.Weast, Robert (1984).  CRC, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. Boca Raton, Florida: Chemical Rubber Company Publishing.

Gray Seal Facts (Halichoerus grypus)

Gray Seal Facts (Halichoerus grypus) The gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) is an earless or true seal found along North Atlantic coasts. It is called the gray seal in the United States and the grey seal elsewhere. It is also called the Atlantic seal or the horsehead seal, for the males distinctive arched nose. Fast Facts: Gray Seal Scientific Name: Halichoerus grypusCommon Names: Gray seal, grey seal, Atlantic seal, horsehead sealBasic Animal Group: MammalSize: 5 feet 3 inches - 8 feet 10 inchesWeight: 220-880 poundsLifespan: 25-35 yearsDiet: CarnivoreHabitat: North Atlantic coastal watersPopulation: 600,000Conservation Status: Least Concern Description Like other earless seals (family Phocidae), the gray seal has short flippers and lacks external ear flaps. Mature males are much larger than females and have a different coat color. Males average around 8 feet long, but may grow to over 10 feet in length. They weigh up to 880 pounds. Males are dark gray or brownish gray with silver spots. The species scientific name, Halichoerus grypus, means hook-nosed sea pig, and refers to the males long arched nose. Females range from around 5 feet 3 inches to 7 feet 6 inches in length and weigh between 220 and 550 pounds. They have silver-gray fur with dark scattered spots. Pups are born with white fur. The gray seal bull has a distinctive horsehead face. Noemi De La Ville / 500px / Getty Images Habitat and Distribution Gray seals live in the North Atlantic Ocean. There are three large gray seal populations and numerous smaller colonies. The species occurs in great numbers in the coastal waters of Canada south to Massachusetts (with sightings in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina), the Baltic Sea, and the United Kingdom and Ireland. The seals are most often seen when they haul out in winter. They frequent rocky coasts, icebergs, sandbars, and islands. Gray seal distribution. Darekk2 using IUCN Red List data /  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license Diet Seals are carnivores. Gray seals eat fish, squid, octopuses, crustaceans, porpoises, harbor seals, and seabirds. Mature males (bulls) will kill and cannibalize pups of its own species. Gray seals can dive for as long as an hour at depths up to 1,560 feet. They use sight and sound to hunt their prey. Behavior For most of the year, gray seals are solitary or live in small groups. During this time, they rest in open water with only their head and neck exposed to air. They gather on land for mating, pupping, and molting. Reproduction and Offspring Males may breed with several females during the mating season. Gestation lasts 11 months, resulting in the birth of a single pup. Females give birth in March in the Baltic, from December to February in the western Atlantic, and from September to November in the eastern Atlantic. Newborn pups have white fur and weigh around 25 pounds. For 3 weeks, the female nurses her pup and does not hunt. Males do not participate in pup care but may defend females from threats. After this time, the pups molt into their adult coats and head to the sea to learn to hunt. Pup survival rate ranges from 50-85%, depending on weather conditions and prey availability. Females become sexually mature at 4 years of age. Gray seals live between 25 and 35 years. Conservation Status The IUCN classifies the gray seal conservation status as least concern. Although the species was nearly extirpated in the mid-20th century, it began to recover in the 1980s following the passage of the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act in the United States and the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 in the United Kingdom (which does not apply to Northern Ireland). Gray seal population size has continued to increase. As of 2016, the population was estimated to be 632,000 gray seals. Some fishermen have called for a cull, believing high seal numbers are at least partly responsible for low fish stocks. Threats Gray seals are legally hunted in Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic Sea. Risks to the seals include entanglement in fishing gear, by-catch, collision with ships, pollution (especially PCBs and DDT), and oil spills. Climate change and severe weather also affect the seals and their prey. Gray Seals and Humans Gray seals do well in captivity and are commonly seen in zoos. They were traditionally popular in circus acts. According to Scottish scholar David Thomson, they gray seal was the basis of the Celtic seal legend of the selchie, a creature that could assume human and seal form. While gray seals frequent inhabited areas, people are advised to avoid feeding or harassing them, as this alters seal behavior and ultimately endangers them. Sources Ailsa j, Hall; Bernie j, Mcconnell; Richard j, Barker. Factors affecting first-year survival in grey seals and their implications for life history strategy. Journal of Animal Ecology. 70: 138–149, 2008. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2656.2001.00468.xBjrvall, A. and S. Ullstrà ¶m. The Mammals of Britain and Europe. London: Croom Helm, 1986.Bowen, D. Halichoerus grypus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T9660A45226042. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T9660A45226042.enBowen, W.D. and D.B. Siniff. Distribution, population biology, and feeding ecology of marine mammals. In: J.E., Reynolds, III and S.A. Rommel (eds), Biology of Marine Mammals, pp. 423-484. Smithsonian Press, Washington, D.C.. 1999.Wozencraft, W.C. Order Carnivora. In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press, 2005. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0.

You are what you eat Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

You are what you eat - Research Paper Example Ecological footprint calculators ask things such as how much of each kind of meat you might eat in a given week and where do you purchase your food, whether it's at a natural foods store, a local farmer's market or a chain grocery store. Two types of food that can increase your ecological footprint are beef and prepackaged frozen meals. Beef comes from cows and cows hurt the earth in many ways including producing high amounts of methane, polluting freshwater with their excrement, ruining topsoil with their grazing, and requiring a lot of grain to produce the meat we eat. Prepackaged frozen food uses the original resources necessary to create that food to begin with - whether its fish or chicken or vegetables - and then compounds the problem by processing that food for transportation to a manufacturing plant where it is all put together in packages that use more resources and then frozen using more resources. Once everything is ready to be stored, more resources need to be used to kee p the frozen packages frozen as they are shipped to wherever they will be sold, to keep them frozen in the store, and then to keep them frozen in our homes until we're ready to eat them. Then we have to use electricity to heat them and usually end up throwing the packaging away instead of recycling it. To understand this concept better, I chose to analyze the ecological footprint of eating Fritos Bean Dip.

Human Resource Management And Why It Is Critical In Employment Law Essay

Human Resource Management And Why It Is Critical In Employment Law - Essay Example As such, the statute provides that an employee is entitled to a notice period, prior to dismissal. Such notice period is established on the basis of the length of service of the employee (National Employment Rights Authority, 2012). Application An employee has been defined at section 230(1) of the Employment Rights Act 1996, as an individual who works under a contract of employment. The Employment Act 2002 (Dispute Resolution) Regulations 2004 require employers to implement procedures for grievance and disciplinary actions. These statutory procedures have to be commenced in the first instance. This is essential for submitting employment issues before the employment tribunal. A dismissal will be deemed to be unfair, if the employer fails to adopt these procedures (Pothecary Witham Weld, 2012). Furthermore, the employer would be held liable by the court. Employees should have completed a one year of continuous service with the same company to avail the protection of dismissal rights. T his applies only to those employees who were appointed before 6 April 2012. The corresponding period is two years for employees appointed after this date. In our problem, Janice had worked for two years with the same company. Hence, she should have been provided with a dismissal notice, which was not done by the company. Consequently, the dismissal procedures conducted by the company cannot be deemed as fair. Furthermore, in instances, wherein the employer dismisses an employee via procedures that are unfair, the dismissal will be deemed to be unfair, regardless of the issues involved (emplaw, 2012). Although, Kelsey had not completed a year’s period of employment with the company, she can file a claim of wrongful dismissal against the company for not following fair procedures in her dismissal. In general, the circumstances of a particular case, will determine the action that is justified or reasonable, whenever there is a need for formal action. As such, the employment tribu nals will take into account, the size and resources of an employer, at the time of deciding on cases (Code of Practice 1 ACAS Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, 2009). Under no circumstances, disciplinary or grievance issues should be dealt with in an unfair manner. Moreover, the ACAS has strongly recommended a thorough investigation of allegations by employers. Prior to a disciplinary hearing, particulars of the allegations have to be provided to the employee. In addition, the employee should be provided with an opportunity to explain what had transpired, and to draw attention to any extenuating circumstances (Birkinshaw & Fairclough, 2001). In our problem, Janice and Kelsey were suspected of having stolen a harddisk drive, since it was located in their jointly held locker. They were immediately suspended by the Warehouse Manager, and after two days a disciplinary meeting was conducted and they were dismissed. It is incumbent upon an employer to adhere to a fair process, while addressing a disciplinary or grievance issue. This holds good, even if the employee in question admits to the offense, as also to instances of gross misconduct. In general,