Domestic and Global Security Threats

Current domestic and global security threats: The impact on The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed to cope with the challenges of a bipolar world. However, today’s global environment faces multi-polar challenges from non-state actors such as terrorists. Threats once considered domestic concerns now affect the world, like global warming and the need to rebuild the infrastructure of unstable states such as Afghanistan and Bosnia.The globalization of modern society has meant the globalization of modern technological threats, including cyberterrorism, as well as increased international competition for scarce energy resources. All of these problems affect NATO members but cannot be addressed with a regionally specific focus. To create a more secure world â€Å"NATO will need to start working in partnership with other multilateral organizations, like the UN, if it hopes to find effective permanent solutions to the secu rity challenges facing the world.Although NATOs presence is often a condition of success, it is increasingly insufficient† by itself when dealing with global security (Goldschmidt 2009). Domestic state concerns, such as internal instability and a lack of resources can have global repercussions. Domestic concerns: Domestic peacekeeping in Afghanistan and global warming Because of the terrorist threat posed to NATO nations by terrorist non-state actors harbored in Afghanistan, NATO cannot shirk the critical role it must play in creating a more stable government, despite Afghanistan’s non-European location.In Afghanistan, â€Å"there is a need for a coordinated effort with development and reconstruction agencies. NATO currently must play both a security and nation-building role. It was not designed for the latter, and cannot hope to create the conditions for military withdrawal without a concerted development effort† with other regional and international organizatio ns such as the United Nations (Goldschmidt 2009).Recently, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen stated that while Afghanistan security and internal integrity is still challenging and â€Å"Afghanistan will likely face security threats for years to come,† NATO alliance forces within the nation have begun â€Å"transferring security responsibilities to the Afghan government† and can begin a slow withdrawal (Fedynsky 2010). Afghanistan security will remain of grave concern for the Alliance, but the approach taken by NATO has been seen as a useful template for its future 21st century fforts. Said Secretary General Rasmussen: â€Å"It will not be a run for the exit†¦What will happen is that we hand over lead responsibility to the Afghans, and our soldiers will then move into a more supportive role. But I foresee that the Afghan security forces will need our supportive assistance for quite some time† (Fedynsky 2010). NATO will increasingly assume the role , suggests Rasmussen, of a peacekeeping force—keeping the domestic peace for Afghanistan in the interests of global peace.Global warming is of grave concern for all of NATO members, given that wars for the earth’s scarce energy resources can become a fertile source of interstate conflict. Nations with historical animosity to NATO members, such as those in the Persian Gulf, often harbor the greatest reserves of the world’s fossil fuels. Climate change can also result in critical reductions in the food supply and politically destabilizing natural disasters. Global warming has even intensified competition for territory: â€Å"Russia, the US, Canada, Norway and Denmark have all been attracted to the energy supply in the Arctic.Relations between these states has intensified after evidence revealed that global warming was melting the polar ice making, access to the energy supplies easier as jurisdiction over the region is still under dispute† (â€Å"Russia,â⠂¬  Press TV, 2009). â€Å"Climate change could confront us with a whole range of unpleasant developments — developments which no single nation state has the power to contain†¦. dwindling water and food supplies, global warming, and mass migration cause international tensions. [Climate change will] sharpen the competition over resources, notably water.It will increase the risks to coastal regions. It will provoke disputes over territory and farming land. It will spur migration and it will make fragile states even more fragile† warned NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (Waterfield 2008). Unspoken by Scheffer was the fact that Russia â€Å"aims to be among the world's top five economies in medium term† and has a strong â€Å"reliance on natural energy supplies such as oil and gas† and a strong interest in expanding its reserves (â€Å"Russia,† Press TV, 2009).Global concerns: Russia, missile shields and cyberterrorism Thus domestic co ncerns such as internal instability and even energy scarcity have global repercussions that affect NATO nations. That is why, despite the end of the Cold War, tensions between NATO member and non-member nations remain bubbling so close to the surface. It has not been forgotten by the Russian leadership that NATO was founded to address the security concerns raised by the now-defunct institutions of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact.Fears of ‘Star Wars’ shield defense systems were reignited in March when Secretary General Rasmussen, warning of the â€Å"looming threat of weapons of mass destruction,† made a case for a missile shield system for all NATO alliance states against â€Å"unconventional weapons and the missiles that [they] could carry†¦Should Iran produce intermediate- and intercontinental-range missiles†¦the whole of the European continent, as well as all of Russia would be in range,† he stated (Brunnstrom 2010).Rasmussen’s del iberate mention of Russia as a potential target for rogue states and terrorist organizations did little to allay the Russia’s fears that a NATO missile shield system would pose a threat to its security. In 2009, before the US announced its abandonment of a missile defense system in the Czech Republic, â€Å"a national security document released by Moscow describe[d] the US and NATO as major threats to the security of the world and Russia† (â€Å"Russia,† Press TV, 2009). Along with its disputes with Russia, cyberterrorism and terrorism have been pressing concerns in framing NATO’s global agenda for the future.The most visible aspect of NATO’s anti-terrorist campaign has been in terms of its military capacity through efforts such as Operation Active Endeavour (OAE), â€Å"a maritime surveillance operation led by NATO’s naval forces to undertake anti-terrorist patrol, escort and compliant boarding in the Mediterranean,† as well as NATO policing assistance protecting the public during high-profile events such as the Olympics and other international sporting events (â€Å"Topic: Terrorism,† NATO, 2010).NATO has also made every effort to deploy new technology in its efforts to subvert terrorist threats such as its Defense Against Terrorism Program of Work (DAT POW) which created the precision air-drop technology currently used in Afghanistan. Since 2007 cyber attacks in Estonia swamped government websites shortly after the Estonian government challenged the Russian government regarding the possession of a national monument, NATO’s awareness has been heightened about the security risks posed by cyberterrorism. The protection of NATO's key information systems in general, and cyber defense in particular, are integral parts of the functions of the Alliance† (â€Å"Topic: Terrorism,† NATO, 2010). In addition to specifically-coordinated military efforts, NATO has attempted to promote information sharing between member nations regarding terrorist threats and counter-terrorist efforts.However, the maintenance of hostilities between NATO and Russia continues to be of concern, given Russia’s fears of NATO missile defense systems, Russia’s desire to expand its territorial outreach for energy reserves, and Russia’s lack of willingness to engage in information exchanges with the Alliance. Russia is a critical partner in fighting global warming and terrorism, particularly because of its size, resources, and the fact that many cyber attacks have been traced to Russia.Building stronger relationships with Russia without compromising NATO’s domestic and global agenda will be a critical challenge for the Alliance in the 21st century.Works CitedBrunnstrom, David. â€Å"Missile Defense Needed Against Growing Threat, NATO Chief Says. † Reuters. March 26, 2009. May 14, 2010. http://www. globalsecuritynewswire. org/gsn/nw_20100326_9638. php Fedynsky, Peter. â€Å"NATO to Transfer Security Tasks to Afghan Government. Global Security. April 23, 2010. May 14, 2010. http://www. globalsecurity. org/military/library/news/2010/04/mil-100423-voa01. htm Goldschmidt, Pierre. Garry Hindle, R. Andreas Kraemer, Fabrice Pothier, Jamie Shea, Michael Stopford , Ashley J. Tellis & Brooks Tigner. â€Å"The Next Generation of Security Threats: Reprogramming NATO? † Carnegie Mellon: Europe. February 24, 2009. May 14, 2010. http://carnegieeurope. eu/events/? fa=1255 Russia: US, NATO main threats to global security. † Press TV. May 13, 2009. May 14, 2010. http://www. presstv. ir/detail. aspx? id=94616 §ionid=351020602 â€Å"Topic: Terrorism† NATO. 2001. May 14, 2010. http://www. nato. int/cps/en/natolive/topics_48801. htm Waterfield, Bruno. â€Å"NATO Chief warns of climate change developments. † The Daily Telegraph. 2008. May 14, 2010. http://www. nysun. com/foreign/nato-chief-warns-of-climate-change-developments/79215/

Madness through king lear Essay

In the 17th Century, madness was still a relatively new concept. Many people believed it was due to a person being possessed, which resulted in madness often being linked back to black magic and witchcraft. In context, the public would frequently visit Bedlam Hospital to enjoy the spectacle of a madman’s behaviour thus, Renaissance dramatists typically used ‘mad scenes’ for a comical effect. In spite of this, Shakespeare seems intent on a serious, if not slightly disturbing, portrayal of madness in King Lear. Throughout the play King Lear, we bear witness to Lear’s gradual and possibly inevitable descent into madness. As early as Act I Scene 1 we, as the audience, observe early signs of the king’s insanity, albeit political at this point, we are alarmed at Lear’s decision to break up his state. Especially through the means he wishes to do so, his ‘love-test’ is foolish and egotistical, as is his desire to be treated as an important, royal personage after he has given away his kingdom. It is fair to say that all through Act I Scene 1 Lear shows many times that he most concerned with appearances. Seemingly his ‘love-test’ is going to plan, as Goneril and Regan extravagantly pledge their love and allegiance to their father, this is until Cordelia refuses to comply with Lear’s ‘love-test’, answering â€Å"I love your Majesty according to my bond, no more, no less. † simply meaning that Cordelia loves her father as a daughter should. Lear, in his blissful ignorance, cannot see past Goneril and Regan’s elaborate speeches and instead feels humiliated by his youngest daughter’s unadorned answer. As a result, he disowns her and banishes her, Cordelia then departs to France. We can see Lear is already losing control as he goes to strike his faithful advisor Kent and banishes him also, all because Kent questioned the Lear’s actions. As a consequence of Lear’s vituperative temper and his irrational, ‘insane’, actions he leaves himself powerless and at the mercy of his two eldest daughters, with neither his loyal advisor nor his devoted youngest daughter to protect him from what is to proceed. As the play progresses, we can see that the king’s identity is gradually becoming unbeknown to him when he asks the question â€Å"Who is there that can tell me who I am? â€Å"1, we can see that Lear is slowly losing his wits. Lear’s speeches become increasingly disjointed as he becomes more distressed, hinting at the madness that will overtake him later in the play. He is becoming progressively isolated due to his fragile mental state, thus, through Lear the idea of madness could be seen as being presented as vulnerability. In Act II, Lear’s changes of moods and tones indicate his escalating mental instability. His foolishness persists as he insists he will stay with the daughter that allows him to keep the most knights; there is desperation in his confrontation with his ‘dog-hearted’ daughters. Eventually, the beleaguered king’s rages become signs of impotence, not authority, emphasising the fact that the patriarch’s insanity has left him powerless and increasingly vulnerable. When the storm starts we recognise that Lear’s fear that he would go mad, first voiced in Act I Scene 4, has been realised. The storm serves as a metaphor for Lear’s – and England’s – plight, his speeches establish and reflect properties of the storm. Through the storm, Lear’s madness is presented as destructive as his speeches are full of anger and distress, as the mad king moves swiftly from one topic to another. The violence of the imagery that the king employs reflects his state of mind. It is easy to see how Lear’s insanity could be viewed as destructive; he has caused his kingdom’s predicament through his rash actions at the beginning of the play, he has divided his family through his egotism and in his ‘mad’ rages he often behaves like a scorned child using invective language. However, all this considered, Shakespeare also presents Lear’s madness as pitiful. Due to his madness Lear confronts his failings: as a father and a ruler. He shows compassion to the characters that have helped him i. e. the Fool, Kent/Caious and Poor Tom. Even when Lear starts to regain his wits, we sympathise with the king as with his new clarity of vision brings with it distress and much regret. These are not the facts that make us truly pity Lear; it is the reality that wisdom came too late. Jesters were often kept by the monarch to provide witty analysis of contemporary behaviour and to remind the sovereign of his humanity; Lear’s Fool certainly fulfils these functions for his master. At first glance, the Fool’s professional madness is rendered as comical, his seemingly asinine jests often lighten the tone and provide some much needed moments of relief, the Fool’s flippant remark about Poor Tom’s clothing is a good example of him lightening the tone of a distressing scene. However, through the Fool’s professional insanity Shakespeare presents a hidden wisdom. Lear’s Fool is ‘all-licensed’ which essentially means that the Fool is licensed to say things to his superior that anybody else would be punished for. Taking this, and the fact that Lear and his Fool seem to have a very close relationship (the Fool calling Lear ‘nuncle’ and Lear calling the Fool ‘boy’), throughout the time the Fool exists in the play he is able to counsel Lear. The Fool’s sarcastic jesting is blunt and hard hitting. Almost as soon as the Fool enters in the play he harps on Lear’s folly, this is apparent when the king asks ‘Dost thou call me fool, boy? ‘ to which the Fool replies ‘All thy other titles thou hast given away; that thou wast born with’2. Through the Fool’s madness he serves to push Lear towards the truth about his daughters this is evident when he warns Lear that Regan will side with Goneril, ‘Shalt see thy other daughter will use kindly; for though she’s as like this crabs like an apple, yet I can tell what I can tell†3. And again when he hints at the dangerous situation Lear has put himself in by reversing the natural order, making his daughters his mother, ‘The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long that it had it head bit off by it young’4 – this is clearly warning the king that his daughters will turn against him. Furthermore, the Fool also tries to open the king’s eyes so that he can see these truths on his own, ‘Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise’5, as well as have some insight as to why these events are occurring. The third character in question is that of Edgar / Poor Tom. Edgar, Gloucester’s legitimate son, is introduced as being a passive, credulous dupe upon whom Edmund’s6 devious practices ride easy. We are only given a succinct introduction of Edgar before Shakespeare haves him disguise himself as Poor Tom. In the days of Shakespeare, ‘Bedlam hospital’ housed the mentally ill. When they were released Bedlam inmates were allowed to go begging for survival; this is what Edgar has been reduced to by his gullible father and his brother’s trickery. â€Å"My face I’ll grime with filth, blanket my loins. Elf all my hairs in knots, and with presented nakedness outface the winds and persecutions of the sky†7 the fact that Edgar has to disguise himself as a ‘Bedlam beggar’, wandering the countryside in nothing but a loin cloth in order to preserve his life, presents to us his vulnerability and the sheer desperation of his feigned madness. Initially, Edgar is presented as a seemingly lucid character yet, as the plot unfolds we see he has many purposes within the play. Shakespeare uses Edgar’s alias Poor Tom to provide some comical relief as the plot thickens as some of his antics and ramblings can prove to be amusing gibberish. However, in contrast, Poor Tom’s erratic breathless craziness in Act III Scene iv increases the pathos infinitely. A prime example of this would be when he (Edgar / Poor Tom) says that a ‘foul fiend’ â€Å"laid knives under his pillow and halters in this pew, set ratsbane by his porridge†, indicating towards suicide, this speech reflects Edgar’s fragile state of mind and, although fake, his madness is distressing to the audience. We are reminded of Edgar’s humanity in Act III Scene vi (the mock trail scene) as he listens to Lear’s lunatic agony, his ‘act’ as Poor Tom momentarily breaks down at â€Å"Bless thy five wits† this in turn is another moment in which Edgar’s caricature increases the pathos of a scene. Furthermore, I feel that Shakespeare is using Edgar / Poor Tom’s situation to mirror Lear’s. Similarly to the besieged king, Edgar is now reliant on charity and he has also had his world and expectations turned upside down. Edgar’s assumed madness indicates towards Lear’s eventual submission to complete insanity in Act III, through Poor Tom we glimpse what Lear will be reduced to. Madness is portrayed in different ways through these characters: professional, feigned and genuine insanity. Nonetheless, the idea of madness is presented as purposeful, almost like a journey, for all three of the characters in question. Edgar’s ‘pilgrimage’ through his contrived madness serves the obvious purpose of preserving his life. The preservation of Edgar’s life enables him to guide his father but ultimately through his madness his valour is awakened allowing him to play the role of avenger at the end of the play. However, Edgar’s madness also serves a purpose to the principle protagonist, Lear, as it is noticeable that on the heath Edgar’s presence as his caricature Poor Tom aids Lear, as through interactions with Poor Tom the king’s humanity and understanding increase. The Fool’s professional jesting provides some much needed moments of relief. In spite of his comic role, the Fool’s main purpose within King Lear is to, in essence, be Lear’s conscience. In other words, he bestows the king with truth and reason throughout the turbulent situations that occur during his, the Fool’s, time in the play. Due to the fact that he is ‘all-licensed’, and also has a close relationship with the king, he can inform and criticise Lear for his mistakes without being punished for it, this permits him to counsel Lear. Lear eventually gains the insight he needs to perceive his daughters and society for what it really is, insincere and immoral. The Fool’s abrupt disappearance signifies that Lear has gained all the understanding he needs to distinguish between and reality. Therefore, the Fool is no longer needed: his purpose has been fulfilled. Unlike Edgar or the Fool, Lear’s madness is not an imminent occurrence, it develops throughout the play. The insanity of the king is unequivocally ironic, in his apparent sanity he was introduced to be conceited and imprudent, yet when he is ‘mad’ he becomes a more humble, compassionate and attractive character. At the beginning of the play Lear acts exceptionally irrational and cannot see the verity of his superficial values but as a result of his ‘madness’ he demonstrates an increasingly sincere, tolerant side to his nature. Attributable to his intensifying humility he is able to recognise his wrong doings as a leader and a father thus, the king’s madness redeems him as he learns the value of true emotion and is able to consider the sufferings of those close to him. Consequently, this enables Lear to reconcile with his beloved daughter Cordelia. In conclusion, the madness of King Lear is deeply distressing, it develops from and points back to the king’s instability.

CCEI1220P1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

CCEI1220P1 - Essay Example Also, it seemed that Mercy was not aware of what a majority of the gadgets were for as she, at times, innocently threw her toys against the wall, which is simply a way of seeing what would happen to them. She used to trace objects on the drawing paper and the teacher also encouraged her to come up with complete words using the sticky word papers. She also used to produce rhythms with her plastic guns just by shaking it. It was as if the guitar had some ball bearings in it, which produced the rhythm. She opted to play by herself a majority of times, but this was because the school environment was not similar to the home environment where she feels much safer. What Mercy did could be equated to what many other individuals did when they were once her age. She developed a sense of trust with individuals who were nice to her, including her teacher, as well as her classmates. The name of the child that I observed is called John. He is 4 years old and with my five minutes, three-day observation of the child, I saw that he was a very bright student who was eager to learn and discover new things. Some of the activities that the child was involved in was playing with Lego, toy cars and other toys such as dolls and action figures, drawings, solving puzzles with his classmates, sleeping, telling stories and singing dance songs together. John was overly involved with what was taking place around the classroom. All his activities were successful tackled. When John played with his toys, he had such a passion that made other students stop and observe him while playing. He tried to imitate actual situations that drivers get themselves into when veering traffic or trying to park at a parking fool of cars, which made his play so interesting. Also, he made sure that he solved a majority of the puzzles and the ones that were hard to him he sought assistance from his cl assmates and the teacher. John was also willing to work with his classmates to solve puzzles, create nice

Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 18

Personal Statement Example It is through family that I have learnt to invest in simple things such as happiness and respect, prerequisites to every good life. Playing Persian drums requires both physical and mental skills. Physically, one need to develop a listening ear, it is through listening that one learns how and what to play. Any missed part means a lost rhythm which waters down the efforts of other instrumentalists and that of the lead singer or singers. Secondly, one needs a sense of rhythm and timing, one has to identify a rhythm fast enough to be able to play and aid the other performers. This also means that as a Persian drummer you have to have a fast response in order to coordinate well with the rest. The last physical skill is hands and feet coordination. One has to be able to coordinate their hands and feet to create the required rhythm. This level of coordination should be top notch to ensure a stable rhythm through out a performance. Physical skills and engagements may spell one’s prowess on the drums; however, it is the mental skills that allow one to develop the requisite physical skills. The most important mental skills are: a positive mindset, self-discipline and patience. A positive mindset helps one’s patience and resilience as they learn how to play drums. This is because it is a process and without a positive mindset then one will undoubtedly give up. Self-discipline is also another skill this is greatly informed by a positive mindset. Self-discipline ensures that a drummer becomes committed to his act and manages his time well to provide adequate time for practice. Just like in any other engaging activity, patience is paramount. One has to continually resist the urge to walk before one can crawl, a drummer must learn to make the small steps which ultimately build up the necessary skills. As evident, playing Persian drums is an involving engagement. Taking the learning process and being able to stay focused has required a lot of determination. Thankfully,

Models of Competition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Models of Competition - Essay Example e are just a few sellers in collusion (strategically interactive) with the main aim of minimizing competition to provide products and/or services to a large number of customers. A perfect example is the OPEC which controls the price of oil internationally. Perfect (pure) market is broadly an assumption that describes structures in which no player is so enormous as to wield those powers to set the price of a homogenous commodity (Brakman, pg 13). It is always used as a benchmark. In the ideal world, the market is in between the monopolies and perfect market structure. Monopolies do exist especially in the provision of very sensitive public utilities like in the provision of medical services, and public utilities such as gas, electricity, sports e.g. Super sport etc while perfect markets are rather theoretical. The stock markets are near perfect markets due to their composition but not very perfect as it is (Brakman, pg 106). The overarching issue is that competition in most if not all markets are imperfect and even though the goods and services may be differentiated, the firms would still face a down ward sloping curve trend. Markets assuming perfect competition do provide insufficient insight on how markets behave and respond to various factors. Even though the perfect market assumption provides a benchmark, the assumption is that they are pareto efficient. They are assumed to be controlled by such forces that even the government has no control over. This m arket has some limitations among the most crucial being the fact that all people are similar or identical for that matter. But through such models as the Dixit-Stiglitz model the element of the people’s welfare can clearly be examined. The result however gives us a false view of how the market is but for that reason, policies affecting the degree of diversity of merchandise differentiation are having markedly diverse effects on diverse individuals. This to a great extent complicates the analysis of the

Examination of people's want Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Examination of people's want - Essay Example Furthermore, those who constantly seek for more evidences about the inception of the universe are considered to have acted with great ingenuity based on the perspective of science. It is therefore important to understand that people have different beliefs, principles, ideology and philosophy in life. It is in this reason that their wants substantially vary from time to time and in every circumstance they are faced with. This essay finds the answer to what the characters discussed in class really want. Furthermore, the proponent tries to analyse how their goals or aims or motivations are related with each other. Kids + money This film â€Å"Kids + money† is produced by Lauren Greenfield which portrays the different wants of young adults that are especially in line or related with money. Kids have various wants in life for the purpose of creating their own fashion statement, to be accepted in a group or to be recognized in their own unique identity. Their substantial want to hav e money is important for them because it is tantamount to achieving material things they desire. In other words, money is very important for them because it is integrated with their social status in the society. Like these kids, some characters discussed in class want material things in today’s contemporary society. ... Cheng Cheng, one of the candidates for Class Monitor pointed out that his opponent was a dictator, which was the concept that his parents wanted him to be aware about. He defined what a dictator is by showing some simple illustrations against his rival Lou Lei. Lou Lei on the other hand, with the help of his father of course, was already exposed to the concept of bribery which was shown in the film as somehow effective in influencing his classmates including the part of gaining their votes. Eventually, Lou Lei won. However, such event has significantly shown how authority or power has been in a great deal was earned. There was involvement of time, effort and strategic thinking among the participants and their parents, which have shown the importance and value of power and authority. Just like the characters in this film, some of those discussed in class have the same want for power and authority too. Buddha and Moses â€Å"But they are fiendishly fascinating too, for they carry keys that open the whole realm of the desired and feared adventure of the discovery of the self† (Campbell 5). Campbell pointed out that soon after the man began to integrate psychological powers into his mind, this could create dangerous messengers that could make or break his entire being and his family. There is a matter of discovery in here. People are looking forward to know the truth. For instance, they want to know what the truth behind their existence. The very evidence in this case is the presence of science and religion. These two have become uneasy companion because they all are motivated by the same quest, and that is to search for the truth and survival. Among the legendary names in history that are

The various theoretical approaches to Employment Relations all fail to Essay

The various theoretical approaches to Employment Relations all fail to provide an adequate explanatory framework for the development and practise found within this function of management. Discuss - Essay Example (Dodge, 1997) These companies do not discover these characteristics on a resume, so they employ behavior-based interviews as well ad in depth interviews of their pertinent candidates. Southwest gathers a group of job candidates in a room and observes how they interact. They ask them questions that will reveal personality traits. (Woog, 1998) Consistent feedback is a key element in keeping employees stuck to their respective jobs. This feedback should go both ways and recommends that managers ask employees open-ended questions to provide an opportunity to express their opinions. Employees today will change jobs many times during their careers. These workers are continuous learners and they keep pace with change, take responsibility for their own careers and are committed to the company’s success. (Nink, 2006) Talent management is a function of HR that needs identification of true talent and retaining of employees who work within their instinctive levels, let alone show prowess which is best suited for meeting the desired needs of the HR function. The role of the government in such an exercise is all the more significant since it has to realize that its role is significant right from the onset. The relationship between the organization and the government is one of a symbiotic one since the organization has to recog nize the talent pool which is available and the government needs to make viable conditions for them to exist and work in the best manner possible. (Bell, 2001) The role of HR thus is to liaison these activities in the best interests of the organization as well as the linkage that it has with the government. This helps the overall mission and vision basis of the organization and helps develop the objectives on a long term basis more than anything else. The need is to realize that talent management can truly play a pivotal role

Comparing Bullets Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Comparing Bullets - Research Paper Example This can reveal the make of the bullet and what the bullet hit. It can also reveal the velocity of the bullet which can provide information on the type and power of the gun used. Additionally, the shape of the bullet can show the distance from which it was shot. Was the crime committed up close, or from across the street? Striations or other marks can indicate the type of weapon used in the commission of the crime. One possible defence at a criminal trial would be to suggest to the examiner that the bullet in question is a very popular one. Some bullets are manufactured in the hundreds of millions. They may not be as much of a signature as an examiner suggests. Some bullets are very common. It can be hard to trace them back to any particular gun. Examiners should generally be cautious about reading too much into a found bullet. It is unlikely to provide a complete blueprint to the

Global Warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Global Warming - Essay Example While scientists maintain that the impact of global warming will not be felt for years to come, its effect is visible in both changing average temperatures and the effect of these changes. In 2005, Moscow, one of the world’s coldest cities, experienced one of the warmest winters in its history. Not only were temperatures high but these unusual temperatures were sustained for a lengthy period of time, with the consequence being a reversal of the normally consistent and unchanging laws of nature. Quite simply stated, Russian bears woke up fro their winter hibernation, in the midst of winter, as their body temperatures deluded their biological clocks into believing that spring, the season for waking up, had arrived (Stuff, 2006). This example, while seemingly inconsequential insofar as it has no embedded doomsday scenarios within it, is perfectly representative of what global warming is and what its effect on the environment can be. Indeed, just as Bongaart (1992) had warned seve ral years ago, global warming has the power to upset the laws of nature and, in so doing, threaten all forms of life on earth. Global warming, despite evidentiary support, is a source of controversy. One camp insists that it is an undeniable reality whose consequences, although impossible to accurately assess, are bound to be disasterous if corrective and preventative policy are not adopted by governments across the world (McCarty, 2001).

Hello 9th Grade Essay Example for Free

Hello 9th Grade Essay School experiences are helpful for the development from child to young adult. Students grow together and experience the good, the bad, and learn from one another. School is all about change and growth. Especially when moving up a new grade. When entering the hall of high school it is time to say â€Å"hello 9th grade†. In high school you have AP classes so; in my AP class I will learn difficult lessons. Even with AP class I still need to try my best so, this year I will push myself even harder. Lastly, I want 9th grade to change me and set goals for my life. To start off, AP classes are a valuable tool for students. There are so many AP classes such as, World History, U. S. History, Biology, Physics, Calculus, and Spanish Language. For students, they provide an opportunity to earn college credits early, and demonstrate that a student is ready to take on a challenge. AP classes require a high level of critical thinking and in order for me to pass I will need to concentrate and understand my lessons. As a high school student, I have academic areas that I am weak in, but this does not mean that I will not improve my weaknesses. Normally, I do not read or push myself in something that seems too hard, but now with AP classes and new courses, I am more liable to feel the need to excel in everything. Therefore, by showing teachers I am ready to do great they will know I am a serious scholar. Personally, being able to obtain a higher education gives me an opportunity to be better in many ways. Everyone should have any personal goals in life in order to survive and succeed in every journey that life gives. As for me, being a scholar at Albany Early College, I hope to achieve all of my goals on which I have been trying to pursue and obtain through the years. With each year that passes I hope to grow in maturity and learn to not take life for granted. I want 9th grade to teach me to be more precise and more open to stepping outside of my comfort zone. To sum up, My personality and views on life have changed immensely over the past few years. I think differently and assess situations with more thought than I use to. The experiences I had in elementary and middle school changed the way I am. I am ready to say goodbye middle school and hello high school freshman. â€Å" To take little steps that make a big one is a great gift that can prepare yourself for the real deal † Charlie Baker

A Synopsis Of Operating Systems Computer Science Essay

A Synopsis Of Operating Systems Computer Science Essay Many people use computers without knowing how it works. The main software when using the computer is the operating system. The operating system defines all the experience when using a computer; it manages the hardware and software resources of the computer system, provides a way for applications to deal with the hardware without having to know all the details of the hardware, and it is the software that makes all the programs we use work, and it organizes and controls the hardware on our computers. The operating system is the first software we see when we turn on the computer, and the last software we see when the computer is turned off. Its important to know and understand that not all computers have operating systems. For example the computer that controls the microwave oven in your kitchen doesnt need an operating system, it has only simple tasks to perform, very simple input and output methods (a keypad and an LCD screen). For a computer like this, an operating system would not be needed; it will only add things that are not required. Instead the computer in a microwave oven only runs one program all the time. When using computer systems that are more complex than a microwave oven you need an operating system in order for the computer to work. All desktop computers have operating systems. The most common are the Windows family of operating systems, the UNIX family of operating systems and the Macintosh operating systems, and there are hundreds of other operating systems available for special applications. The operating system plays the role of the good parent, making sure that each application gets the necessary resources while playing nicely with all the other applications, as well as husbanding the limited capacity of the system to the greatest good of all the users and applications. Even if a particular computer is unique, an operating system can ensure that applications continue to run when hardware upgrades and updates occur, because the operating system and not the application is charged with managing the hardware and the distribution of its resources. Windows 98 is a very good example of an operating system because it can accommodate thousands of different printers, disk drives and special peripherals in any possible combination. When dealing with computers you need to know what is the best operating system for the tasks you want to perform. There are four different kinds of operating systems. There is a Single-user single task, Single-user multitasking, Multi-user, and Real-time operating system. Its important to understand the differences between multi-user operating systems and single-user operating systems that support networking. Windows 2000 and Novell Netware can each support hundreds or thousands of networked users, but the operating systems themselves arent designed for multi-user operating systems. The system administrator is the only user for Windows 2000 or Netware. The network support and all of the remote user logins the network are enabled, in the overall plan of the operating system, a program being run by the administrative user. Single-user, single task: This operating system is designed to manage the computer so that one user can effectively do one thing at a time. The Palm OS for Palm handheld computers is a good example of a modern single-user, single-task operating system. Single-user, multi-tasking: This is the type of operating system most people use on their desktop and laptop computers today. Windows 98 and the MacOS are both examples of an operating system that will let a single user have several programs in operation at the same time. For example, its entirely possible for a Windows user to be writing a note in a word processor while downloading a file from the Internet while printing the text of an e-mail message. Multi-user: A multi-user operating system allows many different users to take advantage of the computers resources simultaneously. The operating system must make sure that the requirements of the various users are balanced, and that each of the programs they are using has sufficient and separate resources so that a problem with one user doesnt affect the entire community of users. Unix, VMS, and mainframe operating systems, such as MVS, are examples of multi-user operating systems. Real-time operating system (RTOS): Real-time operating systems are used to control machinery, scientific instruments and industrial systems. An RTOS typically has very little user-interface capability, and no end-user utilities, since the system will be a sealed box when delivered for use. A very important part of an RTOS is managing the resources of the computer so that a particular operation executes in precisely the same amount of time every time it occurs. In a complex machine, having a part move more quickly just because system resources are available may be just as catastrophic as having it not move at all because the system is busy. The operating systems tasks, in the most general sense, fall into six categories: Processor management: The heart of managing the processor is related to two things first ensuring that each process and application receives enough of the processors time to function properly, and using as many processor cycles for real work as is possible. The basic unit of software that the operating system deals with in scheduling the work done by the processor is either a process or a thread, depending on the operating system. Memory management: When an operating system manages the computers memory, there are two broad tasks that have to be accomplished first each process must have enough memory in which to execute, and the second it can neither run into the memory space of another process nor be run into by another process, and the different types of memory in the system must be used properly so that each process can run most effectively. The first task requires the operating system to set up memory boundaries for types of software and for individual applications. Device management: device management is the way the operating system works through a set of instructions Storage management: Storage management is Disk storage and it is one of the memory types that must be managed by the operating system, and is the slowest. Ranked in order of speed, and it is divided into three types of memory in a computer system and they are High-speed cache: This is fast, relatively small amounts of memory that are available to the CPU through the fastest connections. Cache controllers predict which pieces of data the CPU will need next and pull it from main memory into high-speed cache to speed up system performance. Main memory: This is the RAM that you see measured in megabytes when you buy a computer. Secondary memory: This is most often some sort of rotating magnetic storage that keeps applications and data available to be used, and serves as virtual RAM under the control of the operating system. Application interface: Just as drivers provide a way for applications to make use of hardware subsystems without having to know every detail of the hardwares operation, application program interfaces (APIs) let application programmers use functions of the computer and operating system without having to directly keep track of all the details in the CPUs operation. Lets look at the example of creating a hard disk file for holding data to see why this can be important. User interface: Just as the API provides a consistent way for applications to use the resources of the computer system, a user interface (UI) brings structure to the interaction between a user and the computer. In the last decade, almost all development in user interfaces has been in the area of the graphical user interface (GUI), with two models, Apples Macintosh and Microsofts Windows, receiving most of the attention and gaining most of the market share. There are other user interfaces, some graphical and some not, for other operating systems. While there are some who argue that an operating system should do more than these six tasks, and some operating-system vendors do build many more utility programs and auxiliary functions into their operating systems, these six tasks define the core of nearly all operating systems. One question concerning the future of operating systems revolves around the ability of a particular philosophy of software distribution to create an operating system useable by corporations and consumers together. Linux, the operating system created and distributed according to the principles of open source, could have a significant impact on the operating system in general. Most operating systems, drivers and utility programs are written by commercial organizations that distribute executable versions of their software versions that cant be studied or altered. Open source requires the distribution of original source materials that can be studied, altered and built upon, with the results once again freely d istributed. The continuing growth of the Internet and the proliferation of computers that arent standard desktop or laptop machines means that operating systems will change to keep pace, but the core management and interface functions will continue, even as they evolve.

Rama Essay -- essays research papers

Out of all the characters mentioned in Hindu mythology, the character of Rama is one of the most famous ones. It would probably be a difficult task to find a Hindu who is not familiar with this hero or his exploits. He is the main protagonist of the Ramayana, still considered to be one of the greatest Indian epics of all times. Till date his story is taught in schools in India in the form of history and to instill morality in children. Standards set by him, though hard to attain, are ones that are laid out for men in the community to follow. There is no question amongst the minds of people today that he is divine. What is it about Rama that caused him to reach the status that he holds today? Most of what we know about Rama comes from the Ramayana. Though numerous Ramayanas have been written, scholars agree that the earliest version seems to be that written by Valmiki. It is quite likely that Valmiki’s Ramayana underwent changes and was reconstructed at a particular time or has had alterations made at different times. Several portions of the original poem were removed and various new ones added. Scholars find it hard to determine which bits were part of the original and which ones are additions to it. These changes certainly brought about interesting consequences. The position that the heroic Rama holds within Pan-Indian tradition has gone through many paradigmatic structures as a result. The changing Ramayanas and notions of Rama reflect a changing cultural pattern amongst...

Community Service and Volunteering Essay -- Contribution to My Communit

â€Å"Volunteers are not paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.† - Sherry Anderson (Volunteering Quotes: Finest Quotes). On average, when people think about community service, they assume that volunteering is just ‘hours we need to be able to graduate’ and that is it. Community service is more than just hours; community service is based on the acts performed by someone with the purpose of helping or bringing benefits to his or her community. People frequently compare community service as a punishment since it is often offered to small-time offenders as an alternative to fines or jail time. However, community service is the vital force to many communities since they depend on the service made by the volunteers to be able to grow (The Importance of Volunteers). Nowadays, the words â€Å"community service† and â€Å"volunteering† are being used constantly. People tend to forget or misunderstand the real meaning or significance of volunteering. By exploring the history and significance of volunteering in the United States, people can develop a culture of volunteering and enric h their lives and make a positive social contribution. Being a volunteer means that, that person is giving his or her time and skills to help their own community and those in needs, whether in a service, project or organization. People cannot confuse volunteering with a regular job since volunteers are not paid, and they just use their gratis time to help others, without expecting something in return (Student Essay on The Importance of Community Service). We persistently see community service and volunteering as a waste of time and unproductive act, but we need to take into account the seriousness these two topics ... ...ans, Book Summaries and More. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. . "The Importance of Volunteers." The Importance of Volunteers. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. "Volunteer Appreciation Quotes, Sayings of Thanks for Volunteering." The Quote Garden - Quotes, Sayings, Quotations, Verses. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. . "Volunteering." KidsHealth - the Web's Most Visited Site about Children's Health. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. . "Volunteering Quotes :: Finest Quotes." Source for Famous Quotes, Inspirational Quotes & Sayings :: Finest Quotes. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. . "What Is Volunteering." Kids’ Why Questions. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. .

Essay on Black Readers of Their Eyes Were Watching God :: Their Eyes Were Watching God Essays

The Enraged Black Readers of Their Eyes Were Watching God         Although Hurston's novel Their Eyes Were Watching God is a widely read novel today, that wasn't always the case. When her novel was first published, many black readers were enraged. It wasn't until the early seventies when Hurston's novel was rediscovered. What aspects of the novel enraged the readers so that it would be forgotten for more than thirty years?    One of the most important aspects of the novel that enraged the black readers was Hurston's portrayal of the white people. Readers complained that Hurston wasn't harsh enough in her critique of the white people's treatment towards the black people. Rather than portraying whites as the stereotypical "Simon Legree" of Uncle Tom's Cabin-the ideal poor, racist "white trash"-most whites that take part in the novel are contrarily very helpful towards the blacks and show great compassion towards them as well. For example, when Janie begins her story we meet the Washburns. These are the white folks for whom Nanny worked for and they are very helpful towards both Nanny and Janie by treating them as if they are part of the family. Contrary to a lot of whites at the time who treated blacks as if they were still slaves, the Washburns treat both Nanny and Janie as human beings rather than slaves, showing great respect and love. In a way they are portrayed as "angels" who truly believe in human eq uality and don't have one bit of prejudice in them. "Mah grandma raised me. Mah grandma and de white folks she worked wid...They was quality white folks up dere in West Florida. Named Washburn. She had four gran'chillun on de place and all of us played together..." (8).    Furthermore, by reading Hurston's novel, one can clearly see that all blacks place the whites on a pedestal of knowledge. According to the blacks of the novel, whites know everything and are always right; they are superior and since blacks are supposed to be ignorant and stupid, they should believe and do everything the whites say. For example, Mrs. Turner states that she trusts only white doctors because black doctors aren't as educated and skilled as the white doctors. "Don't bring me no nigger doctor tuh hang over mah sick-bed...White doctors always gits mah money" (135-136). Another example is when the Indians are evacuating the muck because they foresee a big hurricane coming and the blacks don't evacuate stating that since the whites aren't evacuating there's no reason to.

Pretense rather than Reality Turns Blanche Dubois

Pretense rather than Reality Turns Balance Dubious Desire into Devastation in Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire By bouquet Research Paper Title: Pretense rather than Reality Turns Balance Dubious Desire into Devastation in Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire Course Title: Research Paper and Viva Voce course code: ENG – 426 Date of submission: 02. 05. 2013 Submitted by RMI Roy Erg. NO. 2008236032 4th Year 2nd Semester Department of English Shallot University of Science and Technology, Sylphs Submitted to DRP. Handmaid Seeker Roy Associate ProfessorThis Research Paper is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree B. A. (Honors) in English. Shallot University of Science and Technology, sylphs- 3114 (Signature of Supervisor) DRP. Handmaid Seeker Roy Associate Professor (Signature of Author) Declaration I hereby declare that, this research paper entitled â€Å"Pretense rather than Reality Turns Balance Dubious Desire into Devastation in T ennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire† is based on my own study under the guidance of my supervisor, DRP. Handmaid Seeker Roy, Associate Professor, Department of English, Shallot University f Science and Technology.I have prepared this paper in the form of Research Paper as partial fulfillment of the degree B. A. (Honors). I have neither taken any part of this paper directly from any other sources nor submitted any part of it or in full to any other institution or for the award of any degree. Acknowledgment First and foremost, I would like to thank my respectable supervisor DRP. Handmaid Seeker Roy who shared his ideas with me and offered his time and helpful comments during the stressful period. This work is a product of my sincere effort and my oppressor has certainly being a helping one in this regard.I am grateful to him for his invaluable guidance and co-operation. I should also thank my dearest friends who were always eager to assist me. I acknowledge my debt to all of the faculty members of my department for their contribution to my education and this work. 02 May, 2013. Into Pretense rather than Reality Turns Balance Dubious Desire Devastation in Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Abstract In today's rough and tough world, there seems to be no room for failure. The pressure to succeed in life sometimes seems unreasonable. Others often set expectations for people too high.This forces that person to develop ways to take the stress and tension out of their lives in their own individual ways. In the play A Streetcar Named Desire written by Tennessee Williams, the main character Balance Dubious is incapable of living in the present and facing reality and that's why she takes lies and pretense as a defensive shield. Throughout the play she lives her life in illusion. An in-depth psychological study of this text will show that the final catastrophe of Blanches life is the outcome of her own lie and pretense.This paper ring the truth that Allan, S tella and Stanley pretense has a clear influence on Blanches devastation. Balance Dubious the protagonist of Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire is a fallen woman in society's eyes because of her numerous sexual liaisons. Losing her ancestral estate due to a foreclosed mortgage, losing her young husband to suicide years earlier and her Job,evicting from a motel, she seeks solace and refuge with her married sister Stella and her husband Stanley Kowalski who are living in New Orleans. She comes with her new desires leaving behind her licentious past.Pretentious Balance is disdainful of the cramped quarters of the Kowalski' two- room apartment and of the apartment's location in a noisy, diverse, working-class neighborhood. In the Kowalski household, Balance pretends to be a woman who has never known indignity. Her false propriety is not simply snobbery, however; it constitutes a calculated attempt to make herself appear attractive to new male. She always pretends to be a young lady despite crossing that period earlier. The raw and unrefined working class Stanley can not put up with her pretense.Stanley intense tater of Balance is motivated in part by the aristocratic past Balance represents. His view of life, stripped of illusion and artificiality, sees beneath the pretenses and disguises of others. He investigates Blanches past and very cruelly reveals it to Mitch with whom Balance is dreaming of her marriage. As a result Mitch leaves her. Later Stanley in a state of drunkenness rapes Balance. After doing all these Stanley goes back to his real life and pretends as if nothing has happened. Still Balance knows truth and reality.Until the very last scene Balance does not lose touch with reality. In the last scene Stella confesses to Eunice that she simply cannot allow herself to believe Blanches assertion that Stanley raped her. Stella pretends only to save her own married life. Finally Balance losing her grip on reality soon goes to an insane asylum, but Balance believes she is leaving to Join her millionaire. All her hopes and desires of a better life ends up here with her going to an mental hospital. The researcher wants to show that Blanches own pretense is responsible for her fall.Reality can be fearful to a pretender as truth can only be harmful to a liar. Reality as tough for her but not hard enough to lead to her insanity. If she had shown the mental strength of accepting reality without pretending, certainly her life would have been different. A Streetcar Named Desire is a 1947 play written by American playwright Tennessee Williams for which he received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1948. Multiple works and researches have been done on this famous drama by different critics. Alvin B.Korean presents A Streetcar Named Desire as Williams clearest treatment of the human dilemma which entails the dramatic dilemma. He offers in Streetcar two polar says of looking at experience: the realistic view of Stanley Kowalski and the eggn og- realistic view of his sister-in-law, Balance Dubious. Joseph N. Riddle showed A Streetcar Named Desire- Nietzsche Descending where Williams borrows from Nietzsche in great chunks, often undigested, using his sources with that liberal freedom that has become characteristic of the American artist in search of a theme.Again Leonard Bergman exemplifies traditional tragedy of A Streetcar Named Desire which enlist the array of forces emporal and eternal, comprehensible and beyond human ken- against which the heroic struggle must be waged. A Streetcar Named Desire is an inspired refutation of the linking of modern American drama with the common man. Balance Dubious was a troubled woman who throughout the play lives her life in illusions. To deal with the problems and hardships of her lives she retreats into her own separate world of illusion and lies.Balance says: gel don't want realism. I want magic! Yes, yes, Magic! I try to give that to people. I misrepresent things to them. I don't tell the truth, I tell what ought to be the truth. Eh (Sc. 9 p. 204) . The story begins with Balance going to New Orleans to stay with her sister Stella, and her husband Stanley for a while. She describes her voyage: eighty told me to take a streetcar named Desire, and then transfer to one called Cemeteries and ride six blocks and get off at Elysian Fields(Sc. 1 p. 177). This Cheshire is the driving force, the vehicle of her voyage.This driving force encourages her to evade harsh reality and create an illusory world with her imagination. When Balance first appears in agelessly Fields, she is presented through her congruousness appearance: she is daintily dressed in a white suit with a fluffy bodice, necklace ND earrings of pearl, white gloves and hate(Sc. 1 p. 1 17). In appearance, she is a glamorous, ladylike aristocrat, who is perhaps slightly nervous. She parades about the house as if she is a regal figure, wearing elegant gowns and delicate Jewelry.Balance likes to appear riche r than she really is, in a similar way to costume Jewelry emulating real gold or silver. Her reaction to Stellar apartment is somewhat shocking an its a part of her pretension: ego, left not going to be hypocritical, I'm going to be honestly critical about it! Explain this place to me! What are you doing in a place like this? H (SC. I p. 121) This reaction would be Justified if she had her previous high standards as a result of growing up in Belle Reeve, a great big place with white columns. Now she is a penniless woman with no place to live in.But her words to Stella shows that in her mind she is still living in her aristocratic world and unable to bear this common surrounding. She pretends to be someone very concerned with moral values and social reasoning. She does not want to be seen by the men before she powders herself. She hides behind a mask of manufactured beauty, struggling to stay attractive. She says: guy know I haven't put on one ounce in ten years, Stella? I weigh what I weighed the summer you left the Belle Revere (Sc. L p. 123). It seems that she believes she is still having the same glam-our as she had ten years earlier.Balance cannot seem to leave behind the moribund past of Belle Reeve and accept the sterile, modern New South of the Elysian Fields. Thus when Balance gets to New Orleans, she decides that in order to not reveal anything, she must create the illusions that she is happy and the reason she is there only because she's on vacation. This is so that nobody would think less of her. Even she lies to her loving sister Stella and hides the fact that she has lost her Job. gel was so exhausted by all left would been through my nerves broke. So Mr. graves is the superintendent – he suggested I take a leave of absence (Sc. P. 122). Thus she conceals the truth so that no one can know her weaknesses. But such attempts only reveal her pretension and superficiality throughout the play. She says to Stella: Egypt don't you look at me, Stell a, no,no,no, not till later, not till leave bathed and rested! Looked at in this merciless glare! Eh And turn that light off I won't be (Sc. L p. 120). She tries to avoid bright light of any kind. Her reaction to light can be regarded as an attempt to hide her true nature as well as her vanishing beauty and youth. By hiding from the light, she tries to escape reality.She covers the naked light bulb with a Chinese paper lantern, saying, gel canine stand a naked light bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action (Sc. 3 p. 150). This remark shows that Balance would rather hide behind polite phrases than accept truth and reality. However her illusory world soon confronts with Stanley straightforwardness and honesty which seems to pose a strong threat towards Balance. Balance deceives everyone for a good portion of the play. Stanley does not enjoy agencies, he says that visage men are took in by this Hollywood glam-our stuff and some men are note(Sc. P. 137). As Balance Dub ious has created a sort of glass cube around herself, for protection, and people such as Stanley threaten to shatter that glass cube by learning her secrets. Swell, life is too full of evasions and ambiguities , I think. I like an artiste who paints in strong, bold colors, primary colors (Sc. 2 p. 137). She is denying her reality and urging for a life filled with all brightness and colors. In front of Stanley she pretends that she is not vulnerable. Pretension is her primary means of self-defense. She is not deceitful out of malice. But, Stanley does not buy into her facades.Stanley and Balance gradually become enemies. He starts questioning her and others about her last few years. Stanley continuously tries to discover her true history so that he can destroy her pretensions and let everyone know the real Balance. He does this because he is straightforward and doesn't like to be deceived. Stanley search ultimately explores the reasons of her pretensions. :What initially leads to her illusions is love. When she was young sixteen, . Made the discovery – love All at once and much, much too completely (Sc. 6 p. 182). She met Allan Grey and fell in love.The young couple got married and, to Balance, were falling more and more in love, when one day coming into a room that I thought was empty (Sc. 6 p. 183), this illusion would be shattered. In this room she found her husband, Allan, and a older male friend of his. Allan Grey was gay. Allan was in fact a pretender himself, by trying to appear straight. At first, they tried to deny it but very soon the illusion was totally destroyed as Allan killed himself. From that moment she is afraid of reality and hides herself behind her pretentious world. But she forgets illusions honest last forever and pretensions must face truth someday.Balance came to Elysian Fields to forget her horrible past, and to have a fresh start . In fact Balance admits in the fourth scene that she wants to make herself a new life. Though she forgets, creation of happy life based on lies will soon be demolished with the blow of truth. After coming in New Orleans she meets a friend of Stanley, Mitch, and eventually she starts to think that maybe he is the one. Immediately, she realizes that, Mitch needs someone too. With Mitch she puts on the airs of a woman who has never known indignity. Although Balance was once a kind, normal, sweet girl, her very being has deteriorated.Now, all thefts left is what she struggles desperately to maintain on the outside. Balance thinks of Mitch as a future husband, and therefore she does not want him to know her past or her true age, and the best way to hide her age is to stay out of bright light where he could possibly see her wrinkles and fading youth in her face. However her deception soon brought into light by Stanley. Her promiscuity in laurel, sexual relations with anyone who agreed to it and finally her mistake of trying to seduce a 17 – year old student of hers. While stayi ng in New Orleans she tries her best to forget her past and purify herself.She is always having baths so no one can see her dirty or tired. She is obsessed with bathing, though it doesn't t necessarily washes her dirty past. Her past catches up with her and destroys her relationship with Mitch. Mitch accuses her of lying and pretending. But she denies such accusation asserting that gender inside,' didn't lie in my hearted(Sc. P. 205). Suddenly everything begins to fall around Balance Just as quickly as she has built it. Mitch realizes that Balance has been deceiving him and looks down on her true impure self. It is now that Balance completely unravels.Mitch leaves her and she is left all alone only with her broken illusions. This incident with Mitch makes Balance mentally and emotionally battered. Then Stanley comes to inflict more damage to her. Still then Balance is making stories about her supposed lovers (Sheep Hunting) to salvage her pride, pretend to play along with the charad e. He asks peculiar questions that force Balance to a point where she could no longer keep up her act. Then, to deliver the ultimate insult to Balance, Stanley brutally rapes her. This shock actually leads her to a permanent illusive world.Previously she used to lie with others but now she loses her touch with reality. Nobody is ready to accept her fairy tales anymore though this time she is telling the truth. Even Stella denies her truth. Stella tells Eunice: who replies: gel couldn't believe her story and go on living with Stanley', . Goon's ever believe tie Life has got to go on. No matter what happens, you've got to keep owing† (Sc. Al p. 217). Here it almost seems as though Stella is realizing what is reality and what is not. But she pretends to disbelieve Balance in order to avoid any kind of rift in married life.Thus Stella makes a conscious decision to believe Stanley instead of her sister because to do otherwise would be both emotionally and economically difficult wit h a new baby so she, too, is engaging in a measure of self-deception. Stanley is also revealed to be capable of deceit, he does not admit the truth of what happened between him and Balance to his friends, to Stella, and maybe not even to himself. Stellar deception shatters the least hope and strength of Balance. She is no more be capable of pulling herself to face the reality. Once she created this fantasy world to hide the hurts from her youth.But now she begins to fabricate lies so complex that even she believes them. All she ever desired was a good, clean life. What she acquired is complex enigmas buried in the deepest catacombs of her soul and an asylum, or psychiatric hospital to live with her own imagination and deceive none but herself. Finally Alliances shocking reality would not disturb Blanches life so much if he had never pretended to be straight. Balance felt she could evade reality and live up with illusion. But that was not to happen because reality stays with people l ike shadows.Balance blurt the truth in front of Allan which results in the suicide of him. It messed up her life and she sank herself into an illusory world to get some relief. Her illusion gave her temporary relief but snatched the opportunity of real happiness. She lied to her sister who as a result denies to accept her truth at last. She thought of finding happiness and escaping sorrow by hiding herself under the roof of Mitchell love. She wished to be loved and supported by Mitch. But he hardly spent a peaceful moment with Mitch as she was always afraid of the revelation of her lies.

The Effects of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY HMPYC80 ASSIGNMENT 02-03 RESEARCH PROPOSAL TITLE: THE EFFECTS OF MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION TRAINING ON ADOLESCENT SELF-AWARENESS AND THE REDUCTION OF ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND STRESS. AUTHOR: 5888743 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY HMPYC80 ASSIGNMENT 02-03 RESEARCH PROPOSAL TITLE: THE EFFECTS OF MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION TRAINING ON ADOLESCENT SELF-AWARENESS AND THE REDUCTION OF ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND STRESS. AUTHOR: 5888743 Mr P Smith The ANIKA Foundation 234 West Highland Drive Newport 2843 Australia 1 May 2011 Dear Sir, Re: Research Proposal: THE EFFECTS OF MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION TRAINING ON ADOLESCENT SELF-AWARENESS AND THE REDUCTION OF ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND STRESS. I am currently studying Psychology Honour’s at the University of South Africa. I am a school counsellor at a private school in Sydney where I work with children from Year K through to year 12. I have a keen interest in Adolescent mental health and suicide prevention.The Department of Mental Health at the World Health Organisation states that: â€Å"WHO figures clearly show that by 2030 depression will be the single biggest burden of care on our health care system, exceeding cardio vascular disease and obesity†. It is becoming increasingly more urgent to look at preventative strategies to reduce the number of young people presenting with depression, anxiety and stress. I understand that the ANIKA Foundation was set up in response to the tragic death by suicide of your daughter Anika.The purpose of foundation is to support and promote the prevention of anxiety and depression in young people. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction training has been shown to develop the capacity to: †¢Consciously act and respond with awareness and clarity rather than react out of a habitual pattern †¢Bring greater concentration and focus to daily activities †¢Monitor levels of stress and distress, and take effective steps to address them †¢Positi vely take action to renew your energy – physically, emotionally and mentally.It therefore seemed appropriate to contact you with information about my proposed research topic to see if you would be interested in this new area of prevention. I look forward to hearing from you soon Yours Sincerely 5888743 Psychology Honours student and school counsellor. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY HMPYC80 ASSIGNMENT 02-03 RESEARCH PROPOSAL TITLE: THE EFFECTS OF MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION TRAINING ON ADOLESCENT SELF-AWARENESS AND THE REDUCTION OF ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND STRESS. AUTHOR: 5888743 IntroductionMy experience as a School Counsellor along with current research coming out of the World Health organization indicates that by 2030 depression will be the single biggest burden of care on our health care system, exceeding cardio vascular disease and obesity. It is becoming increasingly more urgent to look at preventative strategies to reduce the number of young people presenting with depressio n, anxiety and stress. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is part of an exciting new field in psychology that combines ancient wisdom with modern day knowledge. The associated field ofPositive Psychology looks not only at the elimination of negative mental states but also at ways in which we can understand how people grow and flourish. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction training has been shown to develop the capacity to: †¢Consciously act and respond with awareness and clarity rather than react out of a habitual pattern †¢Bring greater concentration and focus to daily activities †¢Monitor levels of stress and distress, and take effective steps to address them †¢Positively take action to renew your energy – physically, emotionally and mentally.MBSR strategies based on the ancient Buddhist practice of mindfulness and meditation, seek to give people the tools to develop self-awareness in order to be able to identify the different emotions that present themselves during our lifetime. And then respond to those emotions is a way that is constructive rather than destructive. The way that we think and feel about things profoundly affects the way we act in the world, so it is important to be able to recognize the feelings and thoughts that arise habitually in our lives. Research Problem A literature review indicates that MBSR has been researched quiet extensively in the medical field.The literature shows very promising results with researchers finding significant reductions in stress, anxiety and depression after participants completed MBSR training. 1,2,3, In another study, normal healthy working adults who participated in Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) training, showed improvement in behavioural, psychological, and physiological outcomes measured. This study assessed the effects of a shortened (low-dose [ld]) work-site MBSR intervention (MBSR-ld) on indicators of stress in healthy working adults to determine if results sim ilar to those obtained in traditional MBSR could be demonstrated.Participants were randomized into MBSR-ld and wait-list control groups. Self-reported perceived stress, sleep quality, and mindfulness were measured at the beginning and end of the 6-week intervention. Salivary cortical was assessed weekly. Significant reductions in perceived stress (p = . 0025) and increases in mindfulness (p = . 0149) were obtained for only the MBSR-ld group (n = 22). Scores on the global measure of sleep improved for the MBSR-ld group (p = . 0018) as well as for the control group (p = . 0072; n = 20). There is however at this time no literature available on the effects of teaching MBSR to adolescents, in a school setting as part of the PDHPE curriculum. This research may unlock the door to an exciting field of preventative psychology in youth mental health. What we consider stressful or what causes us to feel ‘mad’, ‘bad’ or ‘sad’ varies from one person to anot her. But any negative state can have a profound effect on the way we function in our day-to-day lives. Left unacknowledged or untreated it can develop into Stress, Anxiety or Depression.Very simply one of the first impacts of practicing mindfulness can be the capacity to move out of an aroused, activated, stressed state into a calmer, reflective more regulated state. This relaxed state – called the parasympathetic state shows in responses such as slowing down of the heart rate, increased expiration, relaxation of the muscles, increased digestive activity and recuperation and rest. Many of us spend time in our sympathetic branch of our nervous system that prepares us for active engagement. It is associated with emotions such as anger, rage and fear as well as joy, excitement and interest.This is commonly known as the fight or flight response, our hard wiring for survival. However ongoing and excessive fight/flight response that is not regulated or modulated can lead to increas ed cortisol levels creating stress and distress. By cultivating in the students an innate capacity to ‘pay attention’ on purpose, in the present moment in a non-judgmental way, we can hopefully decrease overall levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Research Design The study will include both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the efficacy of the MBSR program.The study will include 42 year 9 students, aged 14 -15 years. They will participate in an 8 week program where they will learn techniques of mindfulness and meditation. The course will be taught in conjunction with the personal health and development curriculum (PDHPE). The quantitative part of the research includes two surveys. The surveys will be administered before the training begins, at the completion of the course and then again 6 months later. This methodology is useful as it quantifies variables by making them empirically observable, and makes replication and retesting plausible.Survey 1: The DASS (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Questionnaire) developed by Peter Lovibond from the University of New South Wales. The DASS is a set of three self-report scales designed to measure the negative emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. The DASS was constructed not merely as another set of scales to measure conventionally defined emotional states, but to further the process of defining, understanding, and measuring the ubiquitous and clinically significant emotional states usually described as depression, anxiety and stress.The DASS should thus meet the requirements of both researchers and scientist-professional clinicians. 5 Survey 2: The Self-Assessment Questionnaire: The MAAS (Mindfulness Awareness Attention Scale) is a 15-item scale designed to assess a core characteristic of dispositional mindfulness, namely, open or receptive awareness of and attention to what is taking place in the present. The scale shows strong psychometric properties and has been validated w ith college, community, and cancer patient samples.Correlational, quasi-experimental, and laboratory studies have shown that the MAAS taps a unique quality of consciousness that is related to, and predictive of, a variety of self-regulation and well-being constructs. The measure takes 10 minutes or less to complete. 6 Both surveys will be administered electronically and the student response will be anonymous. Although the data gathered will be intra-personal in nature, the trends being assessed will be more general. The data will be analysed electronically and will give me and overall level of the participating student’s self-awareness, depression, anxiety and stress.This will be compared to the surveys conducted at the end of the 8 weeks as well as those in 6 months’ time. The qualitative aspect of the research will be the weekly small discussion groups. As the students move through the training they will have opportunity to give feedback through semi structured inter views. The qualitative information gathered will give me evidence of trends and patterns emerging. I will rely primarily on interviews and observations. â€Å"the analyses produced by qualitative researchers most often are narratives and are based on words used by informants to describe their life experiences. Royce, 2004. Pg 237) In terms of sampling, it would be ideal if I could have a control group in which I could randomly assign half of the group, however unless the control group could have the opportunity to participate in the training at a later stage, this would in fact be unethical and unfair. Given the constraints of a school curriculum, this would also be very difficult. If the initial results coming out of the pilot program were promising then it would be prudent to run the program again with a control group. This would enhance the reliability and validity of the initial results.Data Analysis The study will use qualitative and quantitative research methodology. Creswell (1998, pg 15) defines qualitative research as â€Å"an inquiry process of understanding based on distinct methodological traditions of inquiry that explore a social or human problem. The researcher builds a complex holistic picture, analyses words, reports detailed views of informants and conducts the study in a natural setting. † The small weekly discussion groups will give me an opportunity to provide detailed and dynamic feedback on both individual and group process.Terre Blanche, Kelly and Durrheim (2006, pg 273-274) describe this as interpretative research, interested in experiences, feelings and meaning. The interviews will be semi structured, and developed according to data collected from the previous week and current literature. All interviews will be transcribed. The intention behind the analysis of the transcripts will be to extract a common narrative There are no costs associated with my research at this time. Ethics and expected Outcomes The children will be give n permission slips and consent forms to take home to be signed by their parents.At all times the welfare of the children will be monitored and they will have access to the support of the school counsellor and the PDHPE staff. All participants will be given a letter explaining the idea behind the program. The online surveys will be anonymous and data transcribed from the semi structured interviews will be anonymous and made available to the students should they wish to see the transcripts. The students will be re-surveyed in 6 months’ time to assess whether the program has had sustainable effects. There are expected short term and long term outcomes for this research.In the short term we hope that the children will learn to meditate and make meditation and mindfulness part of their everyday routine. Obviously we hope they will also reach the goals they set for themselves on a physical level. In the long term we are hoping that the skill that they learn during this 8 week progr am will be the inoculation and thereby increased resilience that they will need for the upcoming stress associated with their HSC (Matric), and all of the other life stressors going forward. Literature Review 1.Impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on sleep, mood, stress and fatigue symptoms in cancer outpatients: Linda E. Carlson and Sheila N. Garland 2. A qualitative study of self-perceived effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in a psychosocial oncology setting: Michael J. Mackenzie1, Linda E. Carlson1,2,*, Marleny Munoz1, Michael Speca1,2 Article first published online 28 NOV 2006 3. Randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for survivors of breast cancer: Cecile A. Lengacher1, Versie Johnson-Mallard1, Janice Post-White2, Manolete S. Moscoso1, Paul B.Jacobsen3, Thomas W. Klein4, Raymond H. Widen4,5, Shirley G. Fitzgerald1, Melissa M. Shelton1, Michelle Barta1, Matthew Goodman6, Charles E. Cox3,4, Kevin E. Kip1,* Article first published online: 20 FEB 2009ne: 28 NOV 2006 4. Effects of Low-Dose Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR-ld) on Working Adults: Maryanna D. Klatt, PhD. College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, klatt. [email  protected] eduJanet Buckworth, PhD. College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus William B. Malarkey, MD. College of Medicine, the Ohio State University, Columbus Scales 5. Lovibond, S. H. Lovibond, P. F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. (2nd. Ed. ) Sydney: Psychology Foundation. ISBN 7334-1423-0. Lovibond, P. F. & Lovibond, S. H. (1995). The structure of negative emotional states: Comparison of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) with the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 33, 335-343. 6. Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) Kirk Warren Brown, Ph. D. & Richard M. Ryan, Ph. D. References 1. Cresswell, J. W. (1998) Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among 5 traditions. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publishers 2. Kelly, K. 2006) From encounter to text: collecting data in qualitative research. In Terre Blance, M. , & Durrheim,K. , Painter, D. (Eds), Research in Practise (Second Edition). Cape Town: University of Cape Town Press. 3. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduciton/Mindfulness Based Cognitive therapy Course Book. Open Ground Training and Consultancy. Sydney, Australia 4. Royse, D. (2004) Qualitative Research from Research Methods in Social Work, Fourth Edition, Brookes/Cole-Thomson Learning, Pacific Grove, CA, USA. 5. Terre Blance, M. , & Durrheim,K. , Painter, D. (Eds), Research in Practise (Second Edition). Cape Town: University of Cape Town Press.

PEST Analysis for a Company in the Tourism Industry Essay

The Tourism industry is one of the fastest growing industries in theworld. The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that in 2004 Travel and tourism is expected to generate* US$ 5,490.4 billion of economic activity* 10.4% of total GDP* 214,697,000 jobs or 8.1% of total employment* 12.2% of total exports [1]My task is to conduct a PEST analysis for a company within the Tourismindustry. Within the tourism industry, I have to select one area of interestlike transportation, accommodation and transportation etc. and thenone company doing business with these sectors related with thetourism. According to Leiper ?Transportation is the only link between thetourist-generating region and destination region?[2]So, transportationwas a more interesting sector to discuss in the report but I tried tofind a company which is related with all these main sub-sectorsdiscussed above in the report. I have decided to look in the U.K market for such company because?Tourism is one of the largest industries in U.K, worth approximately75.9  £ Billion to the U.K economy in 2002 and supporting around 2.1million jobs.? [3]During my research on internet I found many companies offeringservices in the tourism of U.K but I have decided to choose ?SimplyTravel? because of its variety of services offering related with theaccommodation, transportation and attractions. 1.2 Problem FormulationIn the problem formulation part of my report I would describe theoverall situation of the U.K Tourism industry. The service concept of?Simply Travel? will give us information about the services providedby the company. I will find out about the customers, competitors ofthe company. I will find out what political, economical, social andtechnological factors affecting the company and its demand situation. 1.3 LimitationsThe biggest limitation for writing this report is time and the pagesto write. It is a broad topic and it could be better presented ifavailable more time and space to write about, but still I have triedto  highlight some main points raised during my finding. My knowledgeabout the company ?Simply Travel? is internet-based and I could notable to contact the company for further information. Due to the lackof information about the company I will only describe one component ofthe Service Management System. I will be describing only the OT partof the SWOT analysis. 1.4 MethodologyBeing inspired from the Service Management System I will describe theservice concept of the company .I will conduct a P.E.S.T analysis tofind out the political, economical, social and Technological factorsaffecting the company. From SWOT analysis, I was conducting OTanalysis to find opportunities for the ?Simply travel? in future. 1.5 DataI will use Secondary data collected from different industry reportsavailable on internet for my report. Data provided in conductingP.E.S.T analysis has been taken from www.statistics.gov.uk. Chapter 22.1 Simply Travel?s Service Concept[4]Established in 1978, Simply Travel has been providing travel solutionssince 26 years for the discerning travels who want more from theirholiday than just a decent tan. Not through the aggressive marketingtactics, but by providing an attractive alternative to mass-marketpackage holidays has lead ?Simply travel? to gain a big loyalty poolamong the holiday travellers. Mentioning about the core services provided by the, company provideshand- picked properties to meet the individual needs of its customers. Ski holidays, winter sun, Family holidays (special locations forfamily holidays with child care) helpful staff, peace of mind andsafety during the whole travel are the core services provided by thecompany. Unparalleled service, late availability, nannies for kids , pleasantexperiences for its customers are the peripheral services provided bythe company. 2.2 Service PackageService package provided by the company for different holiday travelsincludes all airport taxes, flights and transfers, accommodationincluding breakfast and meals and the service of its representatives. Chapter 33.1 CustomersHolidaymaking is the main reason that UK residents travel abroad. Asthe company deals with the both inbound and outbound tourism I willhave a brief look on the inbound and outbound market. Number ofoverseas visits by UK residents increased to 59.3 million in2002.Expenditures by these visitors, excluding international fares £27.07 billion-slightly higher than the total for the domestic market(which includes fares). Describing about the demographics of the customers, most of thecustomers are families with children and older people but latest trendhas been seen in the youth to take holidays. 3.1.1 Customers? Buying BehaviourContinued concerns over safety and security while travelling are foundin the customers for holiday travels. Tourists are increasingly buyingexperiences rather than a usual routine holiday. They try to find aparticular activity. The fuel blockades at U.K petrol stations, the events of 11thSeptember 2001, the foot and mouth outbreak, SARS and Iraqi war hashad continuous affect on the buying behaviour of UK market customers. Consumers are showing a continuing search for value for money fromtheir  holiday choices. Consumers expect more choice, individuality andvariety. 3.2 CompetitorsAggressive marketing by low cost airlines and internet bookingagencies present a big challenge for the holiday market. Airlines likeBritish Airways are offering customers to make their own travel plansthrough internet. Travel agents compete in variety of ways i.e. price,quality and the package itself. Companies offer special discountedpackages and also compete on branding. As there are hundreds oftravel agents in the U.K market so, it?s difficult to specify thecompetitors in the market. Travel select, Expedia, Travelocity, Ebookers and Thomas cook etc. are the big names in the market andoccupy the bigger part of holiday sales for the U.K customers. 3.3 MarketI can say that market is in a state of perfect competition and noindividual consumer and travel agent is in position to affect themarket. Key success factors for ?Simply Travel? are* Effectively segmented and targeted adventure travellers marketwithin the larger travel market. * Successfully positioned as travel specialists. * Personal interaction, media and marketing. * Repetition of customers, Loyalty pool3.4 PEST analysisTo assess the market for the business of ?Simply Travel? I willconduct PEST analysis to find out about the Political, Economic,Social and Technological factors in the external macro-environment. 3.4.1 Political FactorsPolitical arena has a huge influence upon the regulation of businesses.It includes government regulations and legal issues under whichbusinesses should operate. According to the findings, political environment of U.K. is quitestable. Issues like enlargement of European Union and war against terror havehad an  effect on the political stability of the government. In result of growing awareness of the environmental consequences, U.KGovernment is planning actions to ensure aviation reflects itsenvironmental impacts. Proposals are emerging for a tax on aviationfuel and VAT on air tickets. Government?s taxation policies and decision about the increasing thepetrol prices have affected the buying power of the individuals inU.K. The political decision as to whether a UK sign up to single Europeancurrency is again having an effect on the businesses. 3.4.2 Economic Factors Economic factors affect the purchasing power of potential customersand also affect the individual company’s offerings. U.K economy is benefiting form gradual low inflation rate. Inflationrate Inflation rate fell to 1.3% in February 2004. In U.K, unemployment is low. According to labour market statistics inJanuary 2004 fell down to 4.8 per cent. Job confidence is high andbecause of this confidence spending by consumer is also high. Predictions point to continuing GDP growth over the period averagingaround 2.4% a year (GDP rose by 0.9% in fourth quarter of 2003), withreal household disposable income rising at a somewhat faster rate. Household expenditures rose to 0.9 per cent with the increase indisposable income. The UK?s deficit on trade in goods and services in February 2004 stoodat  £3.2 billion ?compared with the revised deficit for January of  £4.4billion. Continued sales growth has been observed during the past few months inthe UK economy. Exchange rates are favourable for UK residents for travelling abroaddue to strong position of British Pound against the other foreigncurrencies. ?Euro? used as a single currency in many Europeancountries, is also stable against the other foreign currencies. Latest predictions for the UK economy suggest that it will remain oneof the strongest economies in the world over the next five years, withlow inflation (inflation fell to 1.3% during February 2004), lowunemployment and reasonable economic growth. The downside is that disparities between the wealthier parts of thecountry, not all in the south east of England, and pockets ofdeprivation, will get wider, with implications for travel demand. These are likely to influence the growth of the UK resident travelmarket. 3.4.3 Social FactorsA trend of getting internet access at home and buying online isdeveloping in the UK. According to statistics in September 2003, 11.9million households online were recorded. Listening to music or radio is a popular choice among the UKresidents.92% of people content to spend their evenings and weekendswatching TV or hired videos. To socialize, most people think toentertain family and friends at home rather than going out (79%). A great trend has been seen in U.K population about diet and healthissues in the recent years. This trend leads towards the need of morefitness clubs and organic food for the people from U.K Changes in thestructure of the population because of the immigrants from Europe,Asia and Africa etc. will also affect the supply and demands of goodswithin the U.K economy. Continued concerns over safety and security while travelling are foundin the U.K residents. Lifestyle changes have also been affecting the U.K travel market for anumber of years. Postponing the start of the family and an increase inthe number of households consisting of couples with two incomes arethe main trends toward the changing life style. Changing fashions,which are difficult to predict also have an affect on the market. 3.4.4 Technological FactorsThe rapid development of technology is affecting the businesses in UKand all over the world. Changes in the technology have changed the waybusinesses operate i.e. Internet booking for tickets and holidays. Faster changing development in technology creates a need to reactquickly for different businesses in order they want to maintain thecompetitive environment by providing the same innovative services,which their competitors are offering. Distribution of products by the use of technologies e.g. marketinginformation systems, customer relationship management are also commonpractices with different businesses for effective services to theircustomers. Chapter 44.1 Impacts on demand situationFindings from the PEST analysis will enable me to comment on theimpacts on the demand situation of the customers of the ?SimplyTravel?. ElasticitiesChanges in the quantity demanded due to change in price and income arevery important for the tourism industry. Rising disposable incomeamong the UK residents is the positive indication for the ?SimplyTravel? that people will have enough money to buy company?s products. However, Government?s fiscal policies for tax on aviation fuel and VATon air tickets will impact the company?s supply of services at thesame rate. Higher prices of the tour packages will lead to lesserdemand among the UK residents. Cross-Price ElasticitiesNot only a price change in the UK due to taxes is important but alsothe price of the facilities in other destinations where  company servesis also important. For example rising prices in Italy, Spain etc. fordifferent tourism related products will also make supply of productsexpensive for the tourists. TrendsLatest trends of home- entertainment and more awareness about the dietand health-issues does also have an impact on the demand of thetourist. Company will have to compile the Supplies of servicespackages with variety of facilities available according toindividual?s choice, so it can make supply of the products a bitexpensive for the customers. Purchasing methodGrowing direct purchases of holiday packages from airlines will impactthe demand situation .Buying the package direct from suppliers i.e. Hotels, air lines will decrease the demand of the tourists. Moreover, low inflation rate and high employment rate and favourableexchange rate will increase the buying power of the tourists so itwill increase the demand in British holiday travellers for the holidaytravels abroad. 4.2 OT analysisTo find opportunities and threats from the external environment forthe ?Simply Travel?, I will conduct the OT analysis. 4.2.1 OpportunitiesOpportunities exist for ?Simply Travel? in expanding the servicepackage according to the latest trends such as* Packages with individual concerned Diet and health matters* Adding particular activities for the tourists, providingexperiences* Providing more choice, individuality and variety. And providing the real value for the money of the tourists. 4.2.1 ThreatsCheap airlines adding facilities for the travellers to make their owntravel plan is the biggest threat for the company. Government?s decision to add taxes on aviation fuel and VAT for airlines are also a main threat for the company. Latest trends of home entertainment i.e. listening radio, watching TV,Inviting family and friends are also threatening the company. Terrorist attacks like 9/11 is also a big threat for the company. Chapter 5ConclusionI conclude my report by saying that the Holiday Travel market in UK isin a state of perfect competition. Though there are positive signs inthe economy for present and near future and buying power of theindividuals is increasing day by day but still ?Simply Travel ? is in need to expand its service package according to the latest trends. ———————————————————————[1] http://www.wttc.org/2004tsa/frameset2a.htm[2] Tourism, principles and practices,2nd edition,pp5[3] www.staruk.org.uk[4] The information used in describing the service concept and servicepackage of ?Simply travel? are obtained from www.simply-travel.com.