Faustian Deal in The Woman in White, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and D

The Faustian deal and subsequent f exclusively is a common theme throughout literature, and with each new iteration sheds increase light on the character of the individual and of society. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson are all texts which exhibit the Faustian deal and descent, complete with Doctor Faustus and Mephistopheles counterparts. Sir Percival Glyde, Dorian Gray, and Dr. Edward Hyde are all characters who are ultimately lead to their moral downfalls by their respective Mephistopheles counterparts. Specifically, the characters of Sir Percival Glyde, Dorian Gray, and Dr. Henry Jekyll fulfill and contrast the Faustian archetype, who are aided in their moral descent by their Mephistopheles foils, Count Fosco, Lord Henry Wotton, and Mr. Edward Hyde respectively. The characters of the different novels testament be compared against one another and a discourse about what their vary ing motivations reveal about their respective moral compasses will be conducted. Among other vices the characters exhibit, emptiness plays a prime part in their individual development. Vanity is a detriment on the individual, and serves as a driving force behind the tether characters motivations, ultimately leading to their respective downfalls.At its core, the Faustian deal is a contract between an individual who aspires to be or light upon a type of greatness and a devil who enables the individual to do so at a severe cost. There are different versions, including the certain German legend, Johann Wolfgang von Goethes Faust and Christopher Marlowes The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus. Most typically, as in the case of the titular Faust of leg... ...pr. 2014. Marlowe, Christopher. Doctor Faustus. Ed. coarse Barnet. 2nd ed. New York Signet Classics, 2010. Print. Puhvel, Martin. Mephostophiliss Manipulation of Faustus. English Studies 71.1 (1990) 1-5. Li terary Reference Center. Web. 02 whitethorn 2014. Sanyal, Arundhati. Taboo in The Picture of Dorian Gray. The Taboo. Ed. Harold Bloom and Blake Hobby. New York Blooms Literary Criticism, 2010. 147-56. Print. Stevenson, Robert Louis. rummy Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. New Lanark Waverley, 2008. Print. Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. Ed. Joseph Bristow. Oxford Oxford UP, 2008. Print. Yirinec, Jennifer A. Re-Envisioning the Faust Legend Christopher Marlowes The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus and Richard Burton and Nevill Coghills Doctor Faustus Literature Film Quarterly 41.1 (2013) 67-76. Literary Reference Center. Web. 03 May 2014.

I Didnt Realize Until Now :: Love Letters Dating Email Relationships

Dear Susan,I didnt realize until directly just how badly I mishandled our relationship. By being apart and not talking for some clipping now, I have quickly learned that you were everything I ever wanted and because I was so unnerved of losing you, I ended up chasing you away. It wasnt until recently that realized that instead of complaining about the time I didnt have with you, I should have cherished the time I did have. The time we had together was real and filled with affection.I was never alone when we were apart, because just as you were on my mind, I was on yours. It wasnt until now that I have realized how special it was to hear your voice even if it was just once a day, let alone several times a day.It wasnt until now that I have realized that it wasnt the late phone call for me to come over because you missed me, or to stay overnight that I miss so much. What I miss is the feeling behind the way you would stare at me and or kiss my hand while we were in the car. The way we looked into each others look and spoke without saying a word. The way you trusted me with your children and I trusted you with mine. The way you wrote I love you on a steamy window or mirror only to show up time after time for me to see when we were apart. The way you signed to me that you loved me or snuck a kiss or hug in while the kids werent watching. The way we joked that we were attached at the hip while fixing dinner or breakfast. The way we wrestled and tickled each other. Susie, I could go on and on but you know exactly what Im saying. Yes, its the little things I miss the most. The little things that I took for granted. The control I made to you is a promise that I will keep forever. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Even though Im dating here and there, I end up comparing them to you. Youve set the bar very high for me and thats a good thing because I refuse to settle for less than the measuring youve set. On that Wednesday (July 11th) when I return ed home and found your e-mail, it was the happiest Id been in weeks.

The Mood Disorder Depression Essay -- Papers Depressive Psychiatry Ess

The Mood Disorder impressionDepression can be defined as an affective, or inclination disorder characterized by mood deviations that exceed normal mood fluctuations. At its most extreme, falloff can describe a psychotic state where the individual cannot function on his or her own. Everyone can go through times of feeling down for a period of time after having suffered a loss, but for people with the illness cognize as depression, these feelings of sadness can go on for long periods of time. In fact, nearly 1 in every 10 of us will be seriously depressed during sometime in our lives. As viewed by psychiatrists, depression is an illness in which a soul experiences a marked change in their mood and in the way they view themselves and the world. Sometimes, depression seems to happen because of a stressful event, sometimes it seems to happen for no reason at all. Depression as a significant depressive disorder ranges from short in duration and mild to long term and very seve re, even life threatening. Depressive disorders come in distinct forms, just as do other illnesses such as heart disease. The three most prevalent forms of depression are study depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. Depression is a sickness which involves ones body, mood and thoughts, it even affects the way you eat and sleep. Depression strikes people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnic groups. Approximately 20 million adults suffer from depression each year in the U.S. Up to 25% of all women and up to 12% of all men in the U.S. will experience an episode of major depression some time in their lives. 15% of those who suffer from depression kill themselves and succeed, and sadly many more attempt it. TYPES OF DEPRESSION... ...d not seal off taking the antidepressant medication without talking to the doctor.- arrange 3 of treatment can last another year, or longer. How long it lasts depends on the depressed persons medical history and on the advice of the doctor o r other healthcare professional. Not all people need to take their medication during Phase 3.Thus, depression the common cold of psychological disorders, which affects about 12 million Americans each year, is treatable but sadly many dont get the halal treatment and so live in a world where nothing can go their way. As one person stated when asked, What is depression equivalent? they replied Its hellyou doubt your own worth in society and in anyones life, you believe no one cares, you do not care about what happens to you or the world...and youd wish everything would slow down so you can know what to think of everything.

Automobiles in the 1950s Essay -- essays papers

Automobiles in the 1950sA nonher element that was present in the 1950s was automobiles. Automobiles were something that everyone once dreamed of owning. Now after the war. they could fin solelyy own one. Automobiles of the 1940s were dull and very plain. This was because designers were too busy designing tanks, planes, etc... for the ongoing war. The major event that took place that changed the way autos looked and how they performed happened on October 14, 1947. This was when Chuck Yeager bust the sound barrier. From this point on everyone wanted to go faster. the great unwashed wanted automobiles with larger displacement engines. They also wanted sleek and aerodynamic cars. This prompted General Motors potful to hold Motorama in 1949. This was a giant exposition of concept cars that had an emphasis on power, style, convenience, and features. These for features would be what many cars of the 1950s would be based on.One car that was a design evolution was the Chevrol et Corvette. The first Corvette was built on June 30th, 1953 at the Flint, Michigan plant and continues to be produced today. In 1953 it featured an all fiberglass personify with a chromed grill. The car had no side windows and no outside door handles. Each 1953 Corvette was virtually hand built and all 1953 models were white and had red interiors. This may have not been the most technologically advanced car but it would pave the way for the true performance and sports car.Concept cars also played a part in the 1950s. They were designed to attract the publics eye, introduce and gauge the publics reaction to new styling and engineering ideas, help attract the public to the auto dealerships where they were displayed at, and to drive car crazy kids nuts. The 1955 Lincoln Futura featured a plexiglass bubble top and a 300 horsepower V-8. In the 1960s this car was sold to a car customizer in California and was converted into the first ever Batmobile. The 1958 GM Firebird III wa s the most radical concept car of the 1950s. It was powered not by the normal combustion engine but by a gas turbine engine. It also featured a dual cockpit design and was controlled by pin controller instead of the normal steering wheel. Another element that was seen in the 1950s were the tail-fins present on most Cadillacs. The first Cadillac that had the tail fin was introdu... ...1957. It was a very basic satellite and let out beeps every few seconds. This was very surprising to the US. They did not think that the Soviets had the knowledge of anything as complicated as a satellite. As a result of the launch of Sputnik the US began to put greater emphasis on science and engineering in education. They also began to tense extra hard to develop space technology. Thus the space race had begun.The American Dream of the 1950s involved achieving and expanding upon the success ofprevious generations. This is shown in all of the things mentioned. Cars for example show how m uch of a success previous generations were at creating machines. In the 50s however people made these cars better and furnished them with newly developed technology. This was the progressive spirit that the 1950s had. People had the spirit to expand to new areas. The introduction of the interstate system allowed for easy expansion and growth. People began to move away from the norms that the 30s and 40s had set. They began to live the ways that they wanted and they would not let things such as technology hold them. This is how the 1950s played out the American Dream.

Definition Essay - What is Wisdom? -- Expository Definition Essays

What is Wisdom? If one asks the majority of people what the word sapience means, close to will answer vaguely that it is the knowledge gained during a lifetime. However, acquaintance is much more than just knowledge gained it signifies the accumulation of knowledge, the application of learning, and the personification of Gods will in the creation of the universe (according to the American Heritage Dictionary, 6th ed.). The abstract nature of the word wisdom allows for broad interpretation of its context. To limit the vagueness of the definition, many interpret wisdom as the accumulation of knowledge. In Greek mythology, the goddess Athena was known for her wisdom. Additionally, the personification of animals as possessing wisdom also heavily influenced Greek lore. Owls, for example, are synonymous with wisdom likewise, foxes, with their cunning nature and ability to outsmart their prey, are considered insightful animals. Age plays a prominent part in the accumulation o f learning. In many societies the gray receive top status as preservers of both culture and knowled...

Definition Essay - What is Wisdom? -- Expository Definition Essays

What is Wisdom? If one asks the majority of people what the word wisdom means, most allow answer vaguely that it is the knowledge gained during a lifetime. However, wisdom is much more than just knowledge gained it signifies the accumulation of knowledge, the application of learning, and the personification of Gods will in the human beings of the universe (according to the American Heritage Dictionary, 6th ed.). The abstract nature of the word wisdom allows for broad interpretation of its context. To limit the vagueness of the definition, many interpret wisdom as the accumulation of knowledge. In Greek mythology, the goddess Athena was known for her wisdom. Additionally, the personification of animals as possessing wisdom also heavily influenced Greek lore. Owls, for example, are synonymous with wisdom likewise, foxes, with their wily nature and ability to outsmart their prey, are considered insightful animals. Age plays a prominent part in the accumulation of learnin g. In many societies the elderly sire top status as preservers of both culture and knowled...

Concepts And Definitions Of Disability Essay

The contemporary conception of hinderance proposed in the WHO International sorting of dish outing, Disability and Health (ICF) views disability as an umbrella verge for impairments, bodily function limitations and participation restrictions. Disability is the interaction between individuals with a health condition (e.g. cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or depression) and personal and environ noetic factors (e.g. negative attitudes, inaccessible transportation, or limited social cans). Long ago there was vast confusion over the meaning of terms such as impairment, check-out procedure, or disability. Then, in 1980, the WHO provided great service by offering a clear way of thinking about it all in a littler book cal conduct International Classification of deteriorations, Disabilities and blockades. All these terms refer to the consequences of unsoundness, plainly consider the consequences at different levels. The disease produces or so form of pathology, and and so the indi vidual may pay back awake of this they experience symptoms. Later, the performance or behaviour of the person may be affected, and because of this the person may suffer consequences such as existence un adapted to lap.In this general scenario, Impairment was defined as whatsoever(prenominal) loss or abnormality of mental, physiological, or anatomical structure or function. Impairment is a remainder from normal organ function it may be visible or invisible (screening tests generally seek to identify impairments). Disability was defined as any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being. Impairment does not necessarily lead to a disability, for the impairment may be corrected. I am, for warning, wearing eye glasses, but do not perceive that any disability arises from my impaired vision.A disability refers to the function of the individual (rather than of an organ, as with impairment). In turn, Handicap was defined as a disadvant period for a given(p) individual, resulting from impairment or a disability that limits or prevents the fulfillment of a use of goods and services that is normal (depending on age, sex, and social and cultural factors) for that individual. Handicap considers the persons participation in their social context. For example, if there is a wheel-chair access ramp at sprain, a disabled person may not be injure in coming to work there. Here atomic number 18 some examplesImpairment Speech production Disability Speaking cl earlyish enough to be dumb Handicap Communication I Hearing D Understanding H CommunicationI Vision D Seeing H OrientationI Motor control, balance, joint stiffness D Dressing, feeding, walking H Independence, mobility I Affective, cognitive limitations D Behaving, interacting, supporting H Social interaction, reasonableness Here is a diagram that suggests possible parallels between the im pairment, disability & handicap triad, and the disease, illness and sickness triad. (The squiggly arrows are intended to indicate a rough correspondence)Patients do not come to their physicians to find out what ICD code they view, they come to get help for what is b separateing them. A Positive Perspective? Quality of Life and the International Classification of Function The focalisation on disability takes a somewhat negative approach to health, perhaps not unreasonable since doctors are supposed to cure diseases. But scratch line in the 1980s clinicians began to set goals to achieve when the disease could not be cured, beyong merely controlling symptoms. The notion of Quality of Life gained prominence as a way to emphasize a positive perspective on health health as a capacity to function and to live, even if the patient has a chronic condition.A central aim of care was to enhance the quality of the patients function, and hence their ability to action as normal a life as possi ble, even if the disorder could not be cured. This notion was a further extension of handicap, comprehending maintenance of normal function, but adding psychological well-being and, if possible, positive feelings of engagement. Measurements of quality of life extend the disability focus beyond the ability to perform activities of daily living to include a openhanded range of functioning (work, home(a), play) and also the persons feelings of satisfaction and well-being. This is necessarily a qualitative and subjective concept, judged by the patient in terms of the intent to which they are able to do the things they wish to do. In this medical context, quality of life is distinct from wealth or possessions, and to amke this clear you may see the term health-related quality of life.Reflecting these evolving ideas, the WHO revised itsImpairment, Disability and Handicap triad in 2001, re-naming it the International Classification of Function (ICF). This classification system provides codes for the complete range of functional states codes cover body structures and functions, impairments, activities and participation in society. The ICF also considers contextual factors that may influence activity levels, so function is viewed as an interaction between health conditions (a disease or flaw) and the context in which the person lives (both physical environment and cultural norms relevant to the disease). It establishes a common language for describing functional states that tail assembly be apply in comparing across diseases and countries. The ICF therefore uses positive language, so that activity and participation replace disability and handicap. The ICF is described on the WHO web site.Impairment, Disability and HandicapSheena L. Carter, Ph.D.The words impairment, disability, and handicap, are often used inter transferably. They feature very different meanings, however. The differences in meaning are important for understanding the effects of neurological inj ury on phylogenesis.The roughly comm merely cited definitions are those provided by the World Health Organization (1980) in The International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and HandicapsImpairment any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function.Disability any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.Handicap a disadvantage for a given individual that limits or prevents the fulfillment of a role that is normalAs traditionally used, impairment refers to a problem with a structure ororgan of the body disability is a functional limitation with regard to a particular activity and handicap refers to a disadvantage in filling a role in life relative to a peer group.Examples to illustrate the differences among the terms impairment, disability, and handicap.1. CP example David is a 4-yr.-old who has a form of cerebral pa lsy (CP) called spastic diplegia. Davids CP causes his legs to be stiff, tight, and backbreaking to move. He terminatenot stand or walk.Impairment The inability to move the legs easily at the joints and inability to bear weight on the feet is an impairment. Without orthotics and surgery to release abnormally contracted muscles, Davids level of impairment may increase as imbalanced muscle contraction over a period of time can cause hip dislocation and deformed bone growth. No treatment may be currently available to lessen Davids impairment.Disability Davids inability to walk is a disability. His level of disability can be improved with physical therapy and finicky equipment. For example, if he learns to use a walker, with braces, his level of disability will improve considerably.Handicap Davids cerebral palsy is handicapping to the extent that it prevents him from fulfilling a normal role at home, in preschool, and in the community. His level of handicap has been only very mild in the early years as he has been well-supported to be able to play with other children, interact normally with family members and move practicedy in family and community activities. As he gets older, his handicap will increase where certain sports and physical activities are considered normal activities for children of the same age.He has little handicap in his preschool classroom, though he needs some assistance to move about the classroom and from one activity to another outside the classroom. captivate services and equipment can reduce the extent to which cerebral palsy prevents David from fulfilling a normal role in the home, school and community as he grows.2. LD example Cindy is an 8-year-old who has extreme difficulty with reading (severe dyslexia). She has good vision and hearing and scores well on tests of intelligence. She went to an excellent preschool and several different special reading programs have been tried since early in kindergarten.Impairment While no brain injury or malformation has been identified, some impairment is presumed to exist in how Cindys brain puts together visual and auditory information. The impairment may be inability to associate sounds with symbols, for example.Disability In Cindys case, the inability to read is a disability. The disability can probably be improved by trying different teaching methods and using those that seem most effective with Cindy. If the impairment can be explained, it may be possible to dramatically improve the disability by using a method of teaching that does not require skills that are impaired (That is, if the difficulty involves learning sounds for letters, a sight-reading approach can improve her level of disability).Handicap Cindy already experiences a handicap as compared with other children in her class at school, and she may fail third grade. Her condition will become more handicapping as she gets older if an effective approach is not embed to improve her reading or to teach her to c ompensate for her reading difficulties. Even if the level of disability stays severe (that is, she never learns to read well), this will be less handicapping if she learns to tape lectures and read books on audiotapes. Using such approaches, even in elementary school, can prevent her reading disability from interfering with her bring forward in other academician areas (increasing her handicap).Gale cyclopedia of Education bill of Special EducationTopHome Library History, Politics & Society Education EncyclopediaSpecial breeding, as its name suggests, is a narrow branch of tuition. Claiming lineage to such persons as Jean-Marc-Gaspard Itard (1775 1838), the physician who tamed the furious boy of Aveyron, and Anne Sullivan Macy (1866 1936), the teacher who worked miracles with Helen Keller, special educators teach those students who have physical, cognitive, language, learning, sensory, and/or emotional abilities that deviate from those of the general population. Special ed ucators provide instruction specifically tailored to meet individualized needs, making education available to students who otherwise would have limited access to education. In 2001, special education in the United States was serving over five million students. Although federally mandated special education is relatively new in the United States, students with disabilities have been present in every era and in every society.Historical records have consistently documented the most severe disabilities those that transcend task and setting. Itards description of the wild boy of Aveyron documents a variety of behaviors consistent with both mental retardation and behavioral disorders. Nineteenth-century reports of deviant behavior describe conditions that could easily be interpreted as severe mental retardation, autism, or schizophrenia. Milder forms of disability became apparent only after the advent of universal normal education. When literacy became a goal for all children, teachers b egan observing disabilities specific to task and setting that is, less severe disabilities.After decades of enquiry and legislation, special education now provides services to students with varying degrees and forms of disabilities, including mental retardation, emotional disturbance, learning disabilities, speech-language (communication) disabilities, impaired hearing and deafness, low vision and cecity, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairments, and severe and multiple disabilities.Development of the Field of Special EducationAt its inception in the early nineteenth century, leaders of social change set out to cure umpteen ills of society. Physicians and clergy, including Itard, Edouard O. Seguin (1812 1880), Samuel Gridley Howe (1801 1876), and Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet (1787 1851), wanted to ameliorate the neglectful, often abusive treatment of individuals with disabilities. A richliterature describes the treatment provided to individuals with disabilities in the 1800s They were often confined in jails and almshouses without decent food, clothing, personal hygiene, and exercise. During much of the nineteenth century, and early in the twentieth, professionals believed individuals with disabilities were best treated in residential facilities in agrarian environments. Advocates of these institutions argued that environmental conditions such as urban poverty and vices induced behavioral problems. Reformers such as Dorothea Dix (1802 1887) prevailed upon state governments to provide funds for bigger and more specialized institutions. These facilities focused more on a particular disability, such as mental retardation, then known as feeble-mindedness or idiocy mental illness, then labeled insanity or madness sensory impairment such as deafness or blindness and behavioral disorders such as fault and juvenile delinquency.Children who were judged to be delinquent or aggressive, but not insane, were sent to houses ofrefuge or reform schools, wh ereas children and adults judged to be mad were admitted to psychiatrical hospitals. Dix and her followers believed that institutionalization of individuals with disabilities would end their insult (confinement without treatment in jails and poorhouses) and provide effective treatment. Moral treatment was the dominant approach of the early nineteenth century in psychiatric hospitals, the aim being cure. Moral treatment employed methods analogous to todays occupational therapy, systematic instruction, and positive reinforcement. Evidence suggests this approach was humane and effective in some cases, but the treatment was generally abandoned by the late nineteenth century, due largely to the failure of moral therapists to train others in their techniques and the rise of the feeling that mental illness was always a result of brain disease. By the end of the nineteenth century, pessimism about cure and emphasis on physiological causes led to a change in orientation that would later bring about the warehouse-like institutions that have become a symbol for abuse and neglect of societys most vulnerable citizens.The practice of moral treatment was replaced by the belief that most disabilities were incurable. This led to keeping individuals with disabilities ininstitutions both for their own protection and for the betterment of society. Although the break took more years, by the end of the nineteenth century the size of institutions had increased sodramatically that the goal of rehabilitation was no longer possible. Institutions became instruments for permanent segregation. some special education professionals became critics of institutions. Howe, one of the first to argue for in stitutions for people with disabilities, began advocating placing out residents into families. Unfortunately this practice became a logistical and pragmatic problem ahead it could become a viable alternative to institutionalization. At the close of the nineteenth century, state governm ents established juvenile courts and social welfare programs, including foster homes, for children and adolescents. The child report card movement became prominent in the early twentieth century.Using the approach pioneered by G. Stanley Hall (1844 1924 considered the prepareer of child psychology), researchers attempted to study child development scientifically in relation to education and in so doing established a place for psychology within world schools. In 1931, the Bradley Home, the first psychiatric hospital for children in the United States, was established in East Providence, Rhode Island. The treatment offered in this hospital, as well as most of the other hospitals of the early twentieth century, was psychodynamic. Psychodynamic ideas fanned interest in the diagnosis and classification of disabili ties. In 1951 the first institution for research on exceptional children opened at the University of Illinois and began what was to become the newest focus of the field of s pecial education the slow learner and, eventually, what we know today as learning disability.The Development of Special Education in Institutions and Schools Although Itard failed to normalize Victor, the wild boy of Averyon, he did produce dramatic changes in Victors behavior through education. Modern special education practices can be traced to Itard, and his work marks the beginning of widespread attempts to instruct students with disabilities. In 1817 the first special education school in the United States, the American Asylum for the Education and charge of the Deaf and Dumb (now called the American School for the Deaf), was established in Hartford, Connecticut, by Gallaudet. By the middle of the nineteenth century, special educational programs were being provided in many asylums. Education was a prominent part of moral therapy. By the close of the nineteenth century, special classes within regular public schools had been launched in major cities. These special classes were i nitially established for immigrant students who werenot proficient in English and students who had mild mental retardation or behavioral disorders.Descriptions of these children included terms such as steamer children, backward, truant, and incorrigible. Procedures for identifying defectives were included in the Worlds Fair of 1904. By the 1920s special classes for students judged unsuitable for regular classes had become common in major cities. In 1840 Rhode Island passed a law mandating compulsory education for children, but not all states had compulsory education until 1918. With compulsory schooling and the swelling tide of anti-institution sentiment in the twentieth century, many children with disabilities were moved out of institutional settings and into public schools. However, by the mid-twentieth century children with disabilities were still often excluded from public schools and kept at home if not institutionalized. In order to respond to the new population of students wi th special needs entering schools, school officials created still more special classes in public schools. The number of special classes and complementary support services (assistance given to teachers in managing behavior and learning problems) increased dramatically after World War II.During the early 1900s there was also an increased attention to mental health and a consequent interest in establishing child focussing clinics. By 1930 child guidance clinics and counseling services were relatively common features of major cities, and by 1950 special education had become an identifiable part of urban public education in nearly every school district. By 1960 special educators were instructing their students in a continuum of settings that included hospital schools for those with the most severe disabilities, specialized day schools for students with severe disabilities who were able to live at home, and special classes in regular public schools for students whose disabilities could b e managed in small groups. During this period special educators also began to take on the role of consultant, assisting other teachers in instructing students with disabilities. thus, by 1970 the field of special education was offering a variety of educational placements to students with varying disabilities and needs however, public schools were not to date required to educate all students regardless of their disabilities. During the middle decades of the twentieth century, instruction of children with disabilities often was based on process training which involves attempts to improve childrens academicperformance by teaching them cognitive or motor processes, such as perceptualmotor skills, visual memory, auditory memory, or auditory-vocal processing. These are ancient ideas that found twentieth-century proponents. mathematical operation training enthusiasts taught children various perceptual skills (e.g., identifying different sounds or objects by touch) or perceptual motor ski lls (e.g., balancing) with the notion that fluency in these skills would generalize to reading, writing, arithmetic, and other underlying academic tasks. After many years of research, however, such training was shown not to be effective in improving academic skills. Many of these same ideas were recycled in the late twentieth century as learning styles, multiple intelligences, and other notions that the underlying process of learning varies with gender, ethnicity, or other physiological differences. None of these theories has found much support in reliable research, although direct instruction, mnemonic (memory) devices, and a few other instructional strategies have been supported reliably by research.The History of Legislation in Special EducationAlthough many contend that special education was born with the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) in 1975, it is clear that special educators were beginning to respond to the needs of children with disabilit ies in public schools nearly a century earlier. It is also clear that EAHCA did not spring from a vacuum. This landmark law naturally evolved from events in both special education and the larger society and came about in large part due to the work of grass roots organizations composed of both parents and professionals. These groups dated back to the 1870s, when the American Association of Instructors of the Blind and the American Association on Mental Deficiency (the latter(prenominal) is now the American Association on Mental Retardation) were formed. In 1922 the Council for Exceptional Children, now the major professional organization of special educators, was organized. In the 1930s and forties parent groups began to band together on a national level.These groups worked to make changes in their own communities and, consequently, set the stage for changes on a national level. deuce of the most influential parent advocacy groups were the National Association for Retarded Citizens (now ARC/USA), organized in 1950, and the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities, organized in 1963. end-to-end the firsthalf of the twentieth century, advocacy groups were securing local ordinances that would protect and serve individuals with disabilities in their communities. For example, in 1930, in Peoria, Illinois, the first white cane ordinance gave individuals with blindness the right-of-way when crossing the street.By mid-century all states had legislation providing for education of students with disabilities. However, legislation was still noncompulsory. In the late 1950s federal money was allocated for educating children with disabilities and for the training of special educators. Thus the federal government became formally involved in research and in training special education professionals, but limited its involvement to these functions until the 1970s. In 1971, this support was reinforced and extended to the state level when the Pennsylvania Association f or Retarded Children (PARC) filed a class action suit against their Commonwealth.This suit, resolved by consent agreement, qualify that all children age six through twenty-one were to be provided free public education in the least restrictive alternative (LRA, which would later become the least restrictive environment LRE clause in EAHCA). In 1973 the Rehabilitation Act prohibited discriminatory practices in programs receiving federal financial assistance but imposed no affirmative obligations with respect to special education. In 1975 the legal action begun under the Kennedy and Johnson administrations resulted in EAHCA, which was signed into law by President Gerald Ford. EAHCA reached full implementation in 1977 and required school districts to provide free and appropriate education to all of their students with disabilities. In return for federal funding, each state was to ensure that students with disabilities received non-discriminatory testing, evaluation, and placement the r ight to due process education in the least restrictive environment and a free and appropriate education.The centerpiece of this public law (known since 1990 as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA) was, and is, a free appropriate public education (FAPE). To ensure FAPE, the law mandated that each student receiving special education receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Under EAHCA, students with identified disabilities were to receive FAPE and an IEP that included relevant instructional goals and objectives, specifications as to length of school year, determination of the most appropriate educational placement, and descriptions of criteria to be usedin evaluation and measurement. The IEP was designed to ensure that all students with disabilities received educational programs specific to their unique needs.Thus, the education of students with disabilities became federally controlled. In the 1982 case of Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Centra l School District v. Rowley, the U.S. Supreme Court clarified the level of services to be afforded students with special needs and ruled that special education services need only provide some educational benefit to students public schools were not required to maximize the educational progress of students with disabilities. In so doing the Supreme Court further defined what was meant by a free and appropriate education. In 1990 EAHCA was amended to include a change to person-first language, replacing the term handicapped student with student with disabilities. The 1990 amendments also added new classification categories for students with autism and traumatic brain injury and transition plans within IEPs for students age fourteen or older.In 1997, IDEA was reauthorized under President Clinton and amended to require the inclusion of students with disabilities in statewide and districtwide judgements, measurable IEP goals and objectives, and functional behavioral assessment and behavi or intervention plans for students with emotional or behavioral needs. Because IDEA is amended and reauthorized every few years, it is impossible to predict the future of this law. It is possible that it will be repealed or altered dramatically by a future Congress. The special education story, both past and future, can be written in many different ways.

Plain English at Work: A Guide to Business Writing Speaking by Edward Bailey Essay

Edward Bailey conveys deep yet simple approach to composition and communication effectively. A countrywide guide to written material, the h sometime(a) back is in the premiere-person perspective and Baileys style to writing simply conveys his thoughts to the reader by with(predicate) simple and understandable words and sentences. The feel of the book is as if Bailey now communicates with the reader, talking or addressing in a simple expression. His aim is to write simply, vacateing tortuous words and wordy paragraphs that provide clear misgiving on the part of the reader.Chapter 1 What is plain English writing?The first chapter of the book discusses the essentials of English writing. Bailey first defined what plain English is a way of expressing your ideas clearly in writing and speaking.1 He then enumerated three principles in plain English writing Style This involves writing in clear, readable, and simple sentences alternatively than knotty ones. As Bailey suggests write more the way you talk.2 Organization The chief(prenominal) idea or topic is immediately written at the start to avoid confusion of ideas or redirecting the flow of the topic. Layout Lastly, this principle is merely an organization of thoughts into a bullet form, subtitles or headings that can be helpful, visually.Bailey then discussed the different forms of plain writing as he comp ard and contrasted plain writing from businessese or business writing. He employ businessese as a form of writing dialect which he comp ared to academese, leaglese, bureaucratese and so forth Writing should be plain and simple, as presented in the example where business writing a lot uses wordy sentences on a simple idea that confuses its principal(prenominal) point and is sometimes prone to misinterpretation.Plain writing encourages reader to prefer simple words rather than complex one since, according to psycholinguists, the comprehension of complex and simple words of the human mind is a few hundred milliseconds but does not contribute to strain on short-term memory which helps give understanding.3 He then presented several institutions in society that encourages plain English writing like the US military, federal agencies, and even lawyers. At the end of the chapter, consecutive to his notion of organization and layout, he presented the overall structure of the book and enumerated the ideas that are to be found in the succeeding chapters.Chapter SummaryBailey presented the idea of plain English writing as a means of communicating effectively as well as providing a clear understanding of the main topic or idea. Plain English is patrician to read and write that can be used to provide understanding on a simple or complex idea. Wordiness and highfaluting words often contribute to misunderstanding or misinterpretation. The aim of speaking and writing is to directly convey to the reader the main written report or idea, especially on the perspective of business writing. T he application of this method is true, especially on business writing since it is essential for members of the working industry to directly convey the message of intent so as to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. In addition, the notion of simple or plain writing whitethorn seem unacceptable to some standards of writing because of simplistic use of words. However, the point of writing is to directly convey the message of the writer, and with the use of simple words, ideas ranging from easy to complex can be easily explained through proper organization of thought, word usage, and such.Chapter 2 Style writing a readable sentenceThe chapter discusses the first principle Bailey mentioned in effective, plain, English writing. For Bailey, style involves utilizing the way one talk or speaks. Write more the way you talk with ordinary words, a anatomy of punctuation, personal pronouns and contractions.4For the author, the most effective way of plain writing is to write the way you talk write as though you are directly communicating with the reader. One should also write in an organized and polite manner.However, the problem with writing as though you talk may sound simplistic or simple-minded. However, Bailey countered this argument by simply writing on the level of how one would communicate with the other. Basically, the difference between talking to a five year-old to a 25-year old is the way one talks. Therefore, writing entails the process of how one would commune themselves to the other.Tips on Talking and Writing5 Imagining oneself communicating with the reader minus the phonetic punctuations like uhhs, and ums. Speaking and writing go hand in hand. Use ordinary words. Wordiness contributes to confusion.o casing instead of commence, use begin Variety of punctuation (Question attach are a good way to eliminate monotonous sentences)o Example The main point is that the defective computer disks are not the responsibility of the manufacturer. = save who is re sponsible for defective computer disks? Use more personal pronouns It enables using the active voice rather than passive voice. Use more contractionso Example Cant, wont, gaint, thats.Rules on WritingBailey suggested that the use of contractions and the aforementioned tips in writing may slightly deviate from the rules set during the formative long time in school. However, Bailey argued that not all rules are followed. He categorized them into three rules we all agree with, rules few people agree with, and rules amateurs follow and professional dont.Rules People FollowBailey mentioned the use the universal rules of writing and grammar. We all know to start sentences with capital letters and end them with periods or other terminal marks of punctuation.6 These rules are not the object of controversy in most writing subject areas since people know these rules and follow them.Rules Few People Agree WithBailey mentioned a type on pop-grammar where he cited an example from the writing styles of The New York Times.The Soviet Union evidently is not able to convince Cairo to accept a speedy cease fire.7The use of pop-grammar in this sentence refers to the usage most pop-grammarians argue about. These are the grammar experts who have the know-how on the rules of usage.Rules Amateurs Follow and Professionals DontBasically, these rules are used by professionals that sometimes do not follow the standard rules of writing and the issues on pop-grammar. Bailey mentioned John Trimble in his book Writing with Style Conversations on the subterfuge of Writing list Seven nevers81. Never begin a sentence with and or but.2. Never use contractions.3. Never refer to the reader as you.4. Never use the first person pronoun I.5. Never end a sentence with a preposition.6. Never split an infinitive.7. Never write a paragraph containing unless a single sentence.To Bailey however, the way to simple writing is eliminating the never in the aforementioned rules. Professional writing often involves spoken English, and these rules are not often followed, even by professionals.Chapter SummaryBailey enumerated several uses on style. The main argument of the chapter focuses on writing as one would speak. This enables an effective way of communication through simple word use, contractions, and questions as well as putting ones shoes on the perspective of the writer directly talking to the reader. On the subject of contractions, the use of which may not be acceptable to the standards of formal writing or news media. It is preferable for these contractions (cant, wont) to be spelled out (can not, will not) in order to be considered appropriate usage, especially on academic writing or journalism. Though contractions may not suit formal standards of writing, its usage does not make it wrong or inappropriate. The main theme of the book is to write as though one would speak, and the use of contractions helps in directly conveying messages by being simple and easy to understand. Chapter 3 Organization getting to the pointChapter SummaryIn lieu of simple English writing, the main topic or subject should be easily spotted, preferably at the beginning of every paragraph, though not necessarily as the first sentence. This involves what the writer wants to readers to do, purpose or opinion.Often, if main ideas are not situated at the beginning of a paper or article, it confuses and frustrates the reader as they are lost reading through pages of paragraphs without ever realizing what the whole topic is all about. Therefore it is preferable, according to Bailey, that main ideas should be placed up front.Common problems why main ideas are placed at the end to make readers read the entire document to build the case so reader will more likely to accept the main point to re-enact how the writer learned something to delay fearful newsHowever, most readers do not bother finishing the entire document if main ideas are nowhere to be found up front. Readers bored with th e pointless arguments of preceding paragraphs jump to the end in order to understand the main point.In the case of delaying bad news, the whole mood of the paper is compromised as tension and suspense build up not really the intention of proper business writing. Stating bad news also involves proper tone usage. With bad news, tone becomes extremely important. You probably want to say something with a less rude tone than Youre fired.9The proper way to convey bad news is to directly mention it at the beginning.Why Main Ideas Should be Placed in the Beginning It avoids licking on the part of reader. The reader immediately grasps the idea instead of having to read countless paragraphs without understanding the main idea. It directly conveys the message of the writer (to do something, expectation, etc.) In writing chronologically, the main idea should be placed at the beginning since it would take time to know what really happened. Readers do not want a blow-by-blow account of what hap pened.Chapter 4 Layout Adding Visual ImpactLayout is something that appears open and inviting.10 A good layout of a paper or work encourages readers to plough on through the papers entirety and also helps in the organization of thoughts and ideas.Three Layout Techniques Short paragraphs Writing through short paragraphs instead of writing a cram of text encourages readers to read more in between spaces instead of having to look at text crammed in one page. The text-heavy concept is applied in newspapers as the layout of articles is placed in between-ads or pictures so as not to appear boring. Headings This provides an organized way of arranging thoughts instead of numerous paragraphs. By dividing different thoughts or ideas into subtitles, it gives a visually appealing look for the reader and also a proper organization of thoughts (e.g. newspapers, textbooks). Bullets/Lists Similar with the use of headings, bullets and lists provide an organized detail of a main subject or idea rath er than incorporating all ideas into a long paragraph. On the case of numbered lists, this can be used when providing steps or instructions.Chapter SummaryThrough the use of the aforementioned thought organization techniques, these methods help the writer in organizing thoughts and ideas in a manner that will catch the circumspection of the reader and would encourage to read on. In addition, the use of these techniques is not only applied in the business perspective but also in journalism and other forms of writing. It is important, especially on business writing, to organize thoughts or details to directly convey the message and to avoid confusion. This rule also applies to writing in general, as proper writing involves clear and concise thoughts, proper word usage, and organization of thoughts, not merely a hodgepodge of ideas.

Social Media on Society

Facebook the world. Since the beginning genial networking sites, like Facebook has attracted several types of users, and in most cases, these passel have incarnate these weathervanesites into their daily practices. While some sites support existing relationships, others help creating new relationships in different interests such as political views, religious, activities or even right gaming While supporting Facebook on society is beneficial, unrivalled can find several factors that go against it, such as cyber bulling. Indeed, social networking provides society a lot of dangerous tools, nonetheless multitude have taken social networking for granted.One of the main reasons and most popular because people use social networking sites is to keep in touch with friends and relatives while they ar away. It aids the fact that several people who live away from their home receive continuous support from friends and people they go by Internet. According to a website article (ProCon. org, scalawag 2), 60 million of Americans received assistance with major life issues from people on their social network. These people said social networking sites helped them connect with friends and experts who assisted on their decisions (ProCon. rg, Page 2). With the technology developed by social networking, long distance communication has become very much simpler and accessible to the average person It has facilitated users to keep up with the face-to-face relationship with their friends and relatives. Not only does it facilitate the virtual contact between its users, but overly it can be a technique to arrange personal meetings for different purposes. Taking into account the features social networking offers, it is besides considered as a very emf tool that has even substitute traditional methods of communication.It has helped people getting to know deeper statistics about certain general interest topics such as politics. One sidereal day before the last US presidential election, the Democratic candidate had more than followers than the Republican candidate in most of the social networking sites such as Facebook, My space and Twitter (ProCon. org, Page 2 & 3). I believe that since the majority of people that join social networking sites are a young crowd, their decisions and opinions have a strong find out and have a very solid word out in the world referring to either topic, in this case political.When the Internet exposit started years ago, many schools considered the Internet a distraction that was not really necessary. Beginning with scholars, social networking has been playing a very significant system on todays education. Parents have claimed that their children have improved their writing, reading and conflict resolution skills, and learned how to express themselves better, and meet new students around the world (Cassel, Page1)( Procon. org, Page 2). By expanding the sources of information and feedback students have the ability of gathe ring more information and learn more about their interests.The fact that is very easy to communicate with their classmates through any chat or website makes their education fun and interactive. Incorporating social networking as a tool of learning, schools and different institutes have developed safety policies that protect users from any harm through Internet. Using social networking to enlarge your business opportunities is a great tool mostly used by young master copys. Getting into an inexplicable world in your career, young professionals see social networking as a guide and a way of easily targeting their interest in a professional level.Searching for a job or starting your own business requires exposing those services to several people in order to have success. With social networking professionals are a click away of letting the world know who they are and their services. Its easier to tell your abilities to a large virtual group of people once, than having to tell capabilit ies one hundred times individually. Its time consuming, and a time is money. Because of that and other reasons, social networking has been used as an advertisement method.Big, medium and small size companies are utilizing social networking to deliver to consumers their product and facilitate the access for further information about their services (Accardi, Page 20). Besides companies, people are taking payoff of the marketplace offered by social websites to advertise personal items and make a profit. Just like everything, social networking has its down side as well. It can influence people, especially teenagers, in a negative and/or destructive way.An average of time spent on social networking is 9 hours per day, which could be applied to more productive activities such as sports, and education (ProCon. org, Page 1). Over-communication drives users to the release of confidential and personal information that can be easily taken and manipulated by anyone. By displaying personal info rmation opens doors to sexual predators, identity thieves, and cyber-bullying which can affect society in many aspects. Department of Defense is considering a ban on social networking sites because of concerns over security threats and potential computer viruses (ProCon. rg, Page 2). Even the government with all its security systems, has taken serious actions regarding social networking with their employees, and members to avoid any outpouring of information. Furthermore, companies are adopting this system of social networks to either recruit people or firing current employees. Social networking is also highlighted by the fact of joining groups of vernacular interest. However, when people limit themselves to their interests only, they are preventing themselves of growth (Pagliarini, Page 1).Limiting yourself from acknowledging information in certain topics or groups could also isolate you from society that could benefit you intellectually and professionally. other harmful aspect of social networking is that it could affect your health, specially childrens hotshot development as well as mental disorders. My fear is that these technologies are infantilizing the brain into the state of small children who are attracted by buzzing noises and bright lights, who have a small attention span and who live for the moment (Cassel, Page 1).It has also been stated that the personal contact with people is healthier that looking at a screen. Having more direct contact with the world also benefits the quality of relationships we develop. sometimes people focus more in the virtual method of networking, rather than the non-virtual and it separates people from actual physical networks that could end up in a good personal or business relationship. Social networking has an enormous impact on todays society. Many believe that social networking is beneficial, others dont.Having the opportunity to ask more into social networking brought up to my attention that it can be very bene ficial as long as we can control the web and the web doesnt control us. The power of social networking is very capable of putting companies on top of the list, or leaving people out in the streets without a job. The ability of shorten distances between families and friends has been the number one use of social networking, unfortunately many individuals take advantage of social networking and start persecuting innocent people and creating harm to society.The benefits provided by social networking have made society and individuals become more productive and updated with todays world technology. Its a regal tool with a lot of good outcomes, a tool that in some cases is very costly for the wellness of society. Bibliography Cassel, David. http//tech. blorge. com/Structure%20/2007/08/07/schoolboards-net-dangers-over-rated-bring-social-networks-to-school/. 07 August 2007. 14 September 2010. Pagliarini, Robert. www. moneywatch. bnet. com. 6 April 2009. 28 September 2010 . ProCon. org. Soci al Networking ProCon. org. 24 Septemeber 2010. Social Networking ProCon. org. 28 September 2010.

Does Crime Pay

Does crime pay? This is one of the most debated questions that has hit our shores in recent year. invariably since the introduction of basic human rights and many a(prenominal) successful rallies against prisoner abuse, prisons have and are becoming increasingly pleasant places to lived. In this essay I place to cover both sides of the story and give advice to the government on what is the next step. During my recent research I have found that roughly the average cost to point one prisoner into prison cost ? 95,000 for one year. I also learnt that in prison you get an average wage of ? 9. 0 base on a 32 hour working week, and most surprisingly that prisoners get some fine food like Indian curries and Italian pastas. If we put this in contrast to the daily diet of a homeless person, who can go days without food and water, these people our victims of crime and yet our government still spends almost ? 100,000 on the people who victimise these helpless people in prisons. A logical and short term thinking homeless person would be silly not to commit crime a working wage, food, a bed and toilet facilities and showers provided and the option to complete a degree are honourable some of the perks.So crime does indeed pay on this level. Job seekers allowance now stands at ? 67. 50 for a single person, however these people lead an address to receive this, the average price of a loaf of bread is approximately ? 1 and a pint of milk is now ? 0. 40, this shows that it is nearly insurmountable to survive from day to day as they are not eligible to apply for jobseekers allowance and therefore are depending on busking or begging money. For many homeless people, they have been forced to make crime pay, but there is a problem

Commerce Bank Case Essay

Executive Summary trade assert has been a initiate in the banking industry by returning to guest swear out. This has driven guests to the bank, but in order to stay ahead on the curve they want to send away away from the exercise that has worked for them. An analysis was performed regarding whether their new concept of retailtainment, entertaining customers throughout the banking return process, would be beneficial or non. After thorough consideration, it was determined that retailtainment was not the best way to improve Commerces quality of service. Commerce should focus on their former centralized model and enhance it, rather than variety it.BackgroundCommerce Bank is a New Jersey-based bank founded in 1973 by firm food franchiser Vernon Hill. Hill took his experience as a fast food business owner and utilized it to operate Commerce Bank. Commerce had branches opening earlier than the competitors and staying open later, 730AM to 800PM during the week and modified hours on Saturday and Sunday (Frei, 2006). Drive-through windows at busier locations even stayed open until midnight to accommodate customers however, all branches operated under the notion that they were to open ten proceeding before and close ten minutes after the posted time (Frei, 2006). Commerce utilise this model to get customers in the door and make their primary focus customer service. This focus allowed them to increase customer deposits, by an average of 30% per year from 1996 to 2001, and some years they even achieved growth rates in excess of 40% (Frei, 2006).This was not coherent with the market trend during this period, as other banks were selecting online banking, pushing customers out the door. Hill felt that this was a model for failure, beca hire You cant name one retailer in this country that has pushed people where they dont want to go and succeeded (Frei, 2006). Currently, Commerce is touch sensationing the pressure from other banks who want to use their business model to draw new customers. Washington Mutual, for instance, launched un-bank, with roaming tellers, a childrens play area and no desk. ING, a new entrant in the market, opened a caf movement branch that served espresso to customers (Frei, 2006). To combat this Commerce launched a new customer experience called Retailtainment. Retailtainment is the incorporation of entertainment into the various branches. Essentially, each branch can come up with their ownwacky ideas for entertaining customers every Friday (Frei, 2006). This was to command that Commerce, who offers the lowest loan rates, stayed ahead of the competition.Problem StatementCommerce bank is losing track of what originally made them triumphful, service quality and efficiency, and losing sight of what the customers really want in a banking experience.AnalysisMany banks attribute their growth to their successful transformation to a gross revenue culture. (McBride, 2005) .Commerce has used traditional banking to form a n iche in the industry. Other banks at this time were moving towards online banking, focusing less on the somebody to person interaction. This could birth catastrophic implications I am referring to the turn-off of poorly trained, new employees. Whats worse is seeing this person struggle and look in vain for facilitate from someone else in the branch (McBride, 2005). Commerce, on the other hand, has embraced this by training employees with emphasis on customer service. The customer-central model was the springboard for what Commerce believed was the value of the bank, customer deposits (Fitzsimmons and Fitzsimmons, 2011). Hill believed that by focusing on non-rate reason deposits, that he could build a deposit base, and his philosophy was for the bank to provide customers with an unforgettable experience in exchange for a loan rate, half a point less than the competition (Frei, 2006).This lower rate enabled Commerce to stay open later and have additional benefits for its members. Th ese benefits included no-fee banking and even ATM fee refunds for high balance members. As service occurs, customers also play a role in co-production (Fitzsimmons and Fitzsimmons, 2011). To ensure this experience was the same for all the members of the bank, Commerce standardized its branches, attempting to make life easier for customers. At these branches, customers are greeted at the front door and made to feel at home while they wait to be served. This is unique from other banks, who sometimes charge fees if customers visit the branches or talk to a real person. customers enrolled in Bank of Americas e-banking account pay $8.95 a month for the privilege of accessing branches and talking to tellers when you need to make a transaction or deposit (CNN, 2011). Commerces threat from industry rivals forced them decide to implement a decentralized program called Retailtainment, a break fromtheir standardized model, which had been their main reason for success thus far.Commerce had bui lt the brand name using this philosophy, and straying from this gives individual branched control. With bank industry ratings declining, this strategy may backfire earnestly and hurt the brand down the road. In October 2010, the number of Americans expressing a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in banks wing to an all-time low of 18% lower than its level at the height of the global financial collapse (Wood and Berg, 2011). Customers have been complaining about the lack of tellers and feel that the bank should have less greeters and more tellers (Frei, 2006). This shows that Commerces decentralized retailtainment has notable gaps in Fitzsimmons Service Quality Gap Model. Previously, Commerces service standards and service give upy were impeccable, however, retailtainment decreases their quality of service delivery, decreasing customer perceptions and placing a strain on Communication Gap 4 (Fitzsimmons and Fitzsimmons, 2011). These further decrease Customer Satisfaction Gap 5 (Fitzsimmons and Fitzsimmons, 2011).Recommendations and ConclusionRetailtainment may sound equivalent a good idea, but it has plenty of issues associated with it. Commerce Bank previously used a standardized process, but this is completely opposite from that model, thus decentralizing the process and forcing managers to make their own decisions. By relying solely on the managers and their staff, they risk detrimental their image. In addition to addressing the deficits in the gaps of their Service Quality Model, Commerce can also employ the Service Encounter Triad to improve customer service. using this model, they can improve their shortfalls between the service organization and the customer, as well as contact personnel and the customer (Fitzsimmons and Fitzsimmons, 2011). To do this, they can improve customer satisfaction by hiring another bank teller rather than a greeter, which in turn, will improve their efficiency. Additionally, doing this will improve their contact pers onnels ethical climate and better develop their service delivery to the customer (Fitzsimmons and Fitzsimmons, 2011). In addition, Commerce can also attempt to use Data enclosure Analysis (DEA), successfully used by other banks, which uses linear programming to measure the efficiency of multiple decision making units by streamlining branch operations (Sherman and Ladino, 1995).Commerce hasfocused so much on the first impression that they lost sight of what people are there for. People are there to deposit their money, and delays in this process may lead to less than satisfactory service. Commerce can take some of the greeters and make them junior or run down tellers. This group can be seen as back-up to jump into action when there is heavy flow of traffic in the bank, as well as use these junior tellers to accept check deposits at the front so customers dont have to stand in line. Yes, they would like for the experience to feel like a retail store, but contrary to Starbucks, bank customers are not there for the taste or the flavor they choose the bank that gives them the best liaison rates and highest deposit rates. Retailtainment plays a big role in delivering Commerces mission, but they should also evaluate the optimal amount of entertainment offered to deliver their mission, while being able to maintain operations and maintain a competitive position against other banks.There is no need to have a mascot to entertain customers or have a hot dog cart offering food. Bank of America had a simpler solution using a TV for customers in line. This kept customers minds off of waiting in line and was more cost-effective than having to pay someone in a costume to talk to people. If they want to stay competitive, Commerce needs to think outside the box for efficient solutions to current problems. A good option would be to pay employees to suggest alternative and effective ways to entertain customers, without having to invest a great amount of money. Retailtainment works short-term, since customers feel they are appreciated, but going to these extreme measures and including all of the in-branch services, mascots, and empty pens increases costs and makes Commerce vulnerable against other competitors. It is suggested that Commerce should return to and reinforce the principles that made the successful in the first place.Works CitedCNN Money. 2011. 9 most testy bank fees. http//money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/pf/1106/gallery.annoying_fees/4.html Accessed 20 August, 2012. Fitzsimmons, J.A. and M.J. Fitzsimmons. 2011. Service Management Operations, Strategy, and Information Technology, 7thedition. Irwin/McGraw-Hill, New York, NY. Frei, F. 2006. Commerce Bank. Harvard employment Review. Harvard Business School Publishing, Boston, MA. McBride, G. 2005. Banks need to sell customer service. http//www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/20051024a1.asp Accessed 21 August, 2012. Sherman, H.D. and G. Ladino. 1995. Managing Bank Productivity Using Data Envelopment A nalysis (DEA). Interfaces 252 p. 60-73. Wood, J. and P. Berg. 2011. Rebuilding Trust in Banks. Gallup Business Journal. http//businessjournal.gallup.com/content/148049/rebuilding-trust-banks.aspx Accessed 20 August, 2012.

Haverwood Furniture Essay

Haverwood Furniture, Inc.Q1 How would you characterize the HH wood Furniture Industry? Haverwood L manner & BedroomHaverwood has own gross sales force 10 sales/ 2 RegUpholstered 50%/ Wood 40%Total Ind Sales 3 Mil sack up 10 Wood Manu = 1/3 of total salesAsia imports driving down prices (BPuerto)US Manu downsized 100 Manu$15 million sales = 6% mkt lotHwood uses 1000 specialty style (Selective distribution) Gallery concept prevalentDo not have full word of mouth in all retail merchantsDo not have galleries in all retailersQ2 How do consumer buy?94% enjoy shoppingLack confidence about quality or evaluating price95% get redecorating ideas from Mag.84% believe higher price = higher quality72% browse even when not buyingRely on sales people for ideas but want to be left alone to shop 85% read ads before shoppingDifficult to select stylesAttributesStyling/Design (1) steel Name/Image (5)Price (4)Construction Quality/workmanship (2)Store Quality/Image (3)Buying DecisionJoint decisionDif ficult wayLittle KnowledgeQ3 What is the role of Marketing CommunicationsConsumer advertisingoinforms about styles, arrangementsoEmphasize QualityoDevelops share of mindCompany SalespeopleoSell thru as much of line as possibleoSell-develop rapportoTraining retail sales people product quality %& feature oBuild enthusiasm w/ RSPo100% sales timeTrade AdvertisingoPoint of barter for anything that goes on at the time of sale oBrochure take awayCooperative AdvertisingoGiven by the retailer but funded by the manufacturingBuilds bond between retailer and brandQ4 Objectives for 2008Broaden advertising incl onlinePenetrating boomer demo (Buy hi-quality)Lower ad budget if possibleMarketing many linesBroaden full line penetrationMore galleriesReach consumers at critical decision pointsQ5 How might objectives be translated into budge?Sales IncreaseoLast Year 75 M * 1.04% = $78000000oSales person option $135000 (SALES)o5% of 78000000 =39000003675000225000o1% = 780000 (AGENCY)562000218000

Different School Models Essay

one-on-one takes atomic number 18 independently run, do non to teach on the curriculum exoteric schools use, and atomic number 18 funded through tuition, non in the national eye(predicate) funds and religious organizations. Public schools are funded from state, local, and government funded. Total Population/ Demographics 260 approx. 60% African American 20% Caucasian 10% Hispanic 10% Asian American 400 approx. 50% African American 30% Hispanic 15% Caucasian 5% Asian American basically enrollments in private schools are more middle and upper class. Public schools vex a diverse enrollment. Student Teacher Ratio 119132 (max) Again class numbers are low in private schools because only families that can afford to pay tuition. Public schools cannot reject any child from enrolling. Issues Faced Ensuring all Students Achieve their Potential Lack of Technology and (common core out) textbooks Lack of motivation outside of school Funding to purchase updated materials are limited in private schools. Some Parents and guardians are interested in their childs education. Addressing these Issues Use of an overhead projector, and online resources for educational materials related to common core standardsBeing a motivating factor in their individual success Private schools use what engine room is available. Public schools have what technology is needed and is employ on s daily basis. Public and private school teachers are motivators for students. Role of Technology Very limited Aids as a supplemental tool to advance student learning Again private schools use what is available. Having needed technology in public schools gives students the ability to advance. 21st Century Skills By observing the methods students use to communicate, socialize, and meet their daily needs.Students are more opted to use technology, and teamwork which will act as enrichment. Communicating with peers, students being able to use provided technology to help them advance. Role of Students St udents determine the speed and depth of the deliverance of a lesson plan. Students progress also helps the teacher verify if the lesson was successful Students single-valued function is to learn and gain knowledge through being an independent learner. Assessing students progress to see if the skill was retained. Students roles dont differ in schools.Students are to obtain knowledge and show they obtained the information received. Role of Teacher A teachers role is most powerful with routine, and feedback. Teachers must provide various learning opportunities in the lessons, and repeatedly reintroduce the expectations and objectives of the lesson. Teachers set the attitude of their classrooms, build a welcoming environment, mentor and care for students, set about role models, and listen and look for signs of trouble. Teachers provide consistency, stability and the information to help the students gain knowledge.Most Important Skills Taught Mathematics and practice session Comprehe nsion Mathematics and Reading Comprehension Both teachers believe that basic fluency skills need to be taught there are major differences between public and private schools. One major difference is funding Public schools get their financing from local, state, and federal government funds. Private schools depend on tuition payments and funds from nonpublic sources such as religious organizations, endowments, grants, and charitable donations.An former(a) difference is enrollment numbers public schools must accept all students who live within the borders of their districts. Unless it is a public school for children with peculiar(a) needs (i. e. gifted and talented) students have to be tested or enter into a lottery of some sort for the child to be accepted. Private schools are not obligated to accept every child that applies for admission. Private schools often choose between candidates based on ethnicity, religious back build and financial status. From the interview I learned that the private school teacher I interviewed was not state certified.The teacher when she was hired had experience in running(a) in an elementary school as a Para-educator and was in school working on her degree in Education. On the other hand public school teachers have to a degree in education and also are state certified. In most instances public school teachers are paying more than private school teachers, it actually depends on the school. Private school teachers maybe offered benefits such as a percentage off of tuition if the teachers confess child is enrolled at the school (Private vs. public, 2013) .Theres a similar difference between curriculum development in private and public schools. Public schools must follow state procedures that set out certain standards and assessment procedures. This creates a certain amount of quality control. Private schools, on the other hand, can choose whatever curriculum and assessment model they wish. This freedom to design their own curricul um or avoid standardized tests can allow in higher or lower standards for students. In public schools the parental support depends on the community of the school and how important the parent believes their childs education is.Some people do not value their childs education and send the children to school because it is a requirement. Private schools have awesome parent support paying for education is a guarantee that parents will be involved, so they can see where their monies are being used for. Whether, public or private school parental involvement is important for academic growth and success of a child. Parental involvement is an issue for public schools. There are ways to try to get parents into the school, but they may not work. I dont believe that a majority of the public schools parents do not care.It could be they do not have the flexibility in their job to leave, transportation, and if there is an event during the day at school parents are not allowed to bring younger sibl ings. Private schools have ample parent involvement because the parents make monetary investments in their childs education therefore they call for to see where there money is going. Offer opportunities for students to bond with subjects in an array of meaningful ways through using supportive learning, appealing coursework, hands-on experiences, and other vigorous learning tactics.Gain knowledge of the students knowledge, notions, or false impressions by using pre-tests, and on paper or verbal lessons designed to inform a teacher of a students thoughts about an issue. Help students become more conscious by modeling the way you think as you are solving a problem, analyze the students work in front of the class. Teach skills, such as setting objectives, making predictions, and checking for constancy. Having students write in a journal or have students explain their process for solving the problem will help with metacognition.The benefits of public schools teachers have more qualifica tions they may hold master degrees or have special training in a certain subject. In public schools students study core subjects and have access to the updated technology. Lastly, the population of public schools is more diverse. The benefits of private schools are class sizes are small, parent involvement is strong and private schools do not have to comply with state standards so students are not accentuate with having to take state standardized test.

Good Country People by Flannery O’Connor Essay

The short account Good Country People by Flannery OConnor, is didactical literature, with hefty character analysis to portray that spate are non who they appear to be. Hulga, a 32 course of study old woman with a heart condition. OConnor portrays Hulga as an experience and strong woman, but with analysis Hulga is good educated but childish and wan Hulga obtains a PhD in philosophy and is taught by highly intellectual people.Hulga has the impression of herself that because she has gone to school for many years and obtain her PhD that she is an undergo woman. In the beginning of the story that is how she appears to be. Science on the other hand, has to assert its soberness and seriousness afresh and keep back that it is concerned solely with what is. A line underline in blue pencil, therefore it can be inferred that this quote is of importance to Hulga.Hulga, in this sense is to be thought of as well educated because of her impression and open mindedness to her religious mo ther and scientific education leaving her to feel as if she is well undergo, when she is that educated. Her mother is religious therefore Hulga being exposed to religion and while in college educated with accomplishment and allowing her to make an informed decision on her beliefs, which is atheism. She has a more open mind for she sees what is in introductory of her and not what just is told to be true.Therefore she is not well experienced but just well educated. Also her lack of experience is evident when her first date is at the age of 32, when in fiat that happens when a soulfulness is an adolescent, therefore inferring that she has missed important stages in spirit that add to a persons experience. Leading to the theme people are not who they appear to be. Hulga, appearing to be experienced is only a well-educated woman. Hulga is childish, thus rebuking the original thought of Hulga as experienced.Hulga falls for the multitude of respect and lies the boy selling the Bib le fills her head with. Youre a brave sweet myopic involvement and I liked you the minute I seen you walk in the door. Hulga believes that this is how he truly thinks of her when in truthfulness he is just using her. During the night she imagined she had seduced him. Hulga, holding such thoughts is seen to be childish because one who is not, understands and would illuminate deep feeling needs to be given time and does not happen overnight.Even though Hulga is portrayed as experienced because she is uneasy about the situation, she is in reality childish because she falls for the boys lies. Also she is seen to be a strong woman, but she is not because she did not stand her acres and fell for the boys lies. Therefore leading the reader to see that people are not who they appear to be, as Hulga is just as childish as she is educated. Hulga because of her heart condition is depicted to be a strong woman, but she is really a weak and vulnerable human being.She gave a little cry of alarm but he pushed her down and began to kiss her again. Without the leg she felt entirely helpless on him. Her mental well-being is far from strong. She is weak because without her leg she is left to feel utterly weak and vulnerable and dependable on a boy who she vaguely knows. OConnor from the beginning of the short story was portraying Hulga to be a woman that was strong, for she had a heart condition that could claim her life at any time but, she still continued on with her life in the form of education.Hulga reserved, spent almost of her time alone, leading the reader to believe that she did not need anyone in particular in her life to make her feel as if she was important. But, with insight from this particular scene. the reader can see that she is a clarified vulnerable and weak human being for she does not know how to conduct herself in such a situation out of her control Leading to the theme people are not who they appear to be. Hulga appears to be strong and independ ent when in reality she is a weak human being.OConnors didactic literature uses character analysis to portray the theme people are not who they appear to be using a 32 year old woman who is disabled and an atheist. OConnor portrays Hulga to be experienced and strong but when placed in a situation that is unfamiliar to a person, her true alter shows and the reader sees her for who she really is. A well-educated but inexperienced, childish and weak human being, leading to the lesson, people are not who they appear to be.

Business Plan for a Recreational Business

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Away with the experient and in with the wise X-Treme gravitation recreational park. The own(prenominal) line of credit is viewed as exhilarating, savour qualified and flexible. It accommodates al roughly all(prenominal) ages and diprse packages ar designed to suit the customers capacity and beyond that to boost wizards confidence by motivating them to over engender their fears. The graduation exercise task accomplished was the brainstorming and mind-mapping session. This was do in order to rebel an exhilarating and fresh stem for recreational coursees. The factors considered for the pedigree were divided in to 2. at that place were the external factors that were considered such(prenominal) as scotch factors, political factors, the socio-cultural factors and the competitors in the assiduity. Then, t here(predicate) were the internal factors considered which admit the start-up cost, the returns on coronation, the as directs and other(a) resour ces indispensable and the overall financial budget. The line of descents main center is located in K atomic number 18n inwardly capital of Kenya. These set forth passing play several thorough and asidedoor sports such as paintballing, go karting, dirt bike racing, and zorbing, among others.The caper similarly elapses their function by move outering extremum sports packages for certain constitutional sports that nookie non be d superstar on the expound. Therefore, the packages comprise of mountain mounting, trekking, scuba come down, snorkeling, white urine rafting and sky diving to incompatible rural aras within Kenya. The sizable deal of this tune is to provide excellent customer work, build long relationships with the clients, create aw argonness & increase condition for the native sports.Various sources for the investigate were use, such as The Internet, radicalspapers, magazines, journals, public banners, the general public, individual bloodmen and prospering companies. The task of SWOT analysis was much of a group contri entirelyion, whereby the group members contri only whened info base on their ingest knowledge and under(a)standing of the business. The financial projections of the business were found on estimated values. The business interviewed companies with similar products such as, taboo of bounds and Kitengela adventures, to acquire reasonable figures for be and revenues.They were mainly interviewed via email and teleph ane. Our business excessively did tidy sums and face to face interviews. A market place research was carried go forth to de conditionine market growth, trends and needs. Survey objectives were determined and the questions were prepargond based on these objectives. The furtheranceal campaign was intercommunicate and researched through a market survey. Overall, the business was seen as operable and accep put spur. MISSION STATEMENT AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE moving in -Short Term goa ls From 1 to 12 month of operating a)Establish the head market and inform the target market of the products equalence by 10% in the first year. )Creating a promotional and marketing course of study that depart fasten the aw beness process by 15% in a year. c)Using discount and seasonal set to increase the motive of the products and operate in the market by 10% in the first year. d) To develop a relationship with our customers in order to create a friendly environs and to keep them truehearted to our business. This go out maintain and steadily increase revenue by 5% each year. -Middle term goals From 13 to 60months a)Design a marketing contrive that forget keep our customers loyal to the business. Profits allow for steadily increase by 10% in a year. )Design a invent to increase our customers margin revenue will increase by 9% in a year. c)Increase the remuneration monthly through the above plans. Profits should increase by 15 in a year. d)Receive higher returns on the investment of 12% in a year. e)Grow in the market and strain the businesss market sh atomic number 18 by 6%. f)Increase revenue and sales margins after the first year, by 10% each year thereafter. Long-term goals a)To rotate the business by locating it in diametrical argonas to facilitate the access of our products to potence customers in those areas revenue will increase by 15% in a year. )To design a plan that will expand the business in hurt of the target market cabbage will rise by 18% in a year. c)Maintain long-term relationships with the clients and receive customer feedback. Market donation will expand by 7%. d)Introduce new activities and positive sports packages. Profits will increase by 19% in a year. e)Maximize profit margins and revenue margins by 22% in a year. f)Continue expanding in the market to eliminate any other competition. Increase market share by 10%. KEYS TO SUCCESS The all-important(a) keys to success of this business include Create an environment for wad to feel good closely themselves, both physically and men nobley. To keep our customers comfortable by creating a relationship with them Provide special activities for various holi day eons. To insist on excellent customer assistance at all times To recruit professionals in the different domains to insure customers satisfaction Always a notice up on the customers experiences in our premises and in go forthdoor facilities logical by us. IDEA multiplication When selecting an sequester business, the group identified various factors and their implications on the business. EXTERNAL FACTORS CONSIDEREDEconomic factors These include factors such as in categoricion, unemployment, economic growth and in go into inequality. Each factor was considered and evaluated in order to determine the most detrimental unitary to the business in the market. Initial surveys and experiments show that Income inequality will be active this business the most in this market. Political factors The se include the political upheaval in the market. Another major(ip) detrimental factor to businesses in capital of Kenya is the political factors. Therefore, it is important to study the current political situation and the impact it will deplete on our business.Socio-cultural factors These include factors such as population structure, lifestyles and behavior of the market. This was vital to consider since the nature of the business is one that has rarely been explored forwards and therefore, its success depends entirely on the customer behavior and lifestyles. Competition The less the competitors, the easier the success of the business. Therefore, the business was selected based on the number of competitors in the market. X-Treme Gravity faces its main competition from Out of Bounds and Kitengela adventures. (Sourced from surveys)The pie chart shows which one of these factors is seen as the most detrimental in the market, curiously for our business. INTERNAL FACTORS CONSIDERED A ssets and resources The assets and resources for the business are control, since most of the sports being done on the premises are come indoor and require, one-off recompenses for the main equipment. Similarly, since the business is outsourcing for the peak sports packages, then the assets and resources required are controlled. Financial budget The business was overly selected because the preparation of the communicate financial budget was not impractical.Initial start-up costs The sign start-up costs for the business are comparatively high for the new business. This is because the business is being located in Karen and the cost of acquiring lad is instead expensive. However, it is a one-off cost. Return on Investment The return on investment is attractive. This encourages more investors to pitch in and the success of this business highly depends on the attractiveness of the investment. Profitpower The nature of this business is rattling energising which constantly elimin ates any new type of competition to this business.The business may experience high initial start up costs but these costs are likely to be re loted in full within the course of the business. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION / COMPANY SUMMARY COMPANY DESCRIPTION AND OWNERSHIP 1. 1Company rendering The business is mainly accentuated around intense sports. We provide our customers with different thrilling activities. These include A set of activities that fecal matter be enjoyed in either the X-Treme Gravity recreational park or outside the premises. Our premises are situated in Karen, Nairobi.This is our main center, and it will be an ingrained sports recreational park. Then we attach our services by offering other natural sports packages so that certain extreme sports such as scuba diving, skydiving, mountain climbing and white water supply rafting, among others, can be done in style. The extreme sports packages take up been designed in such a way that it stretches out to different, l aughable places within Kenya that are best suited for that fussy extreme sport. The main objective of this business is to provide a new way of enjoying and retarding during leisure time to our Nairobi residents.Therefore, X-Treme Gravity is not only an extreme sports park but also a fun park, specifically founded to add enjoyment in the lives of our customers. EXTREME SPORTS AGENTS We extend our services as extreme sports agents and the procedure that tour business hunted is 1. 2Company Ownership after(prenominal) a attentive analysis of all the different possible ownerships uncommitted, this party will put away as a limited f locaternity for the following ad cutting edgetages a)The ordinary share toters are the owners of our company. b)The ordinary shareholders at the AGM elect the Board of Directors. )The members of the company can vary from two till infinity (depending on the no. Of shares) d)The shares are traded on the stock exchange. e)There is a separate legal entity from the shareholders f)There is a limited liability to shareholders. g)Funds and finance are raised through the abbreviate of shares and redemption of debentures. (MBA Publishing Ltd, 2005) COMPANY LOCATION AND FACILTIES This company will be located in Karen considering the atmosphere we would like to create for our customers as well as the issue of land. constitutional sports which need to be done outdoors will then have its usurp fixtures where customers will either be transported there use the companys facilities or use their private transport. Those w need to hire out our company vehicles to pick and drop them to our premises need to give a weeks advance notice, including the numbers needed to be picked. (Sourced from Kitengela Glass) The facilities include are A cafeteria The cafeteria is designed in a modern art style. It extends outdoors so that our customers can enjoy the outdoor breeze on a sunny day under the table umbrellas.People may also sit in the well-designed, creative loft. Changing rooms These have been included on the premises so that the sight doing the outdoor sports can change there and lock their holding in the secure lockers in the changing rooms. Picnic send There is a elasticity site on fix, which has bee well designed to fit the description of peaceful, restful and scenic. This has been specially introduced for the schools, companies and families. An area admit up with nature and comfort perfectly designed specifically for the satisfaction of our customers.Go-kart and dirt bike tracks The premises also include two separate tracks for go karting and dirt bike racing. Attention has been given to evolution these tracks so that various competitions can be held on pickle under the categories of junior karting and team building. unlifelike rough excite protect This has been ins elevateded on location as well for the purpose of dressing for rock climbing. There is one separate wall for juniors and one separate one for ad ults and professionals. Within this area, individuals are also trained for abseiling/ rappelling. circuit crossing/ Tarzaning/ aerial rope structures Once again, a separate area within the premises will be dedicated to all the rope halts (h eight-spots), where ropes are tied to various tall structures really high off the ground. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PRODUCT AND SERVICE DESCRIPTION X-TREME GRAVITY will be offering the following activities within the premises 1. Paintball P aintball is a sport in which players eliminate opponents by strike them with pellets containing paint (referred to as a paintball), usually shot from powered paintball gun (or marker). Wikipedia, 2007) The area for paintballing has been designed in such a way that it offers flexibility in the types of paintball games that can be contend on location. These variations in the paintball games have been done intentionally, to offer a wider variety for customers ranging from the age group of 10 onwards. Among the pa intball games that can be played on our premises are Capture the oarlock- players need to steal the enemy masthead and defend the friendly flag Elimination- shoot the enemy team may replay if hit pansy of the hill- one team defends a raised flag bit the other team attempts to lower the flag.Zombie- a few players are considered enemy (only die with goggle shots) which will turn others into their team by hitting them Speedball- players start from 2 far sides of a round field trying to capture a flag placed in the middle and returning it to friendly base. (Wikipedia, 2007) 2. Go-karting T He business chose to introduce go-karting on the premises because it is a very(prenominal) fun-filled, enlivening and stimulating game. The game requires a person to hire out a go-kart and complete several rounds, competing with other fast drivers on the same tracks with them.The idea is to reach the give the axe point before the opponents and the thrill lies in the speed at which they drive the go-kart. The game has been designed and secern in to two categories The junior karting for all the children under the age of 12 and team building for adults and companies who come to the premises for team building activities. We can also provide photography, video recording and product displays if required. (Envermeyer, 2009) TEAM-BUILDING GO KARTING What better way to get your workforce motivated than a Grand Prix-style type?Once your cater is confronted by a track full of adrenaline-fuelled workmates and a burning desire to win you will in brief see who responds best under testing conditions there really is no better way of bringing plenty together than on the race track. (Envermeyer, 2009) JUNIOR KARTING every(prenominal) likelihood the next Formula 1 Champion will have started his career in a go-kart. Youngsters from 8 old age upwards are competing on a regular basis and whether you are trying the sport to see if the child has effectiveness or simply awaiting for a di fferent type of birthday treat the karting could be both(prenominal)thing to consider. Envermeyer, 2009) 3. scandal bike riding This game has several similarities with go-karting. To start with, it is a game that spells out wild and demented fun, nevertheless as go-karting. Separate dirt-bike tracks have been designed in such a way that the tracks are dusty, uneven, uphill, downhill, through bushes, testing various takes of difficulty. The tracks are quite long and the game requires a well protected and geared up individual to ride a motor cross bike through the different levels along the track, competing with his/her opponents along that track. The deal is to reach the finish point before your opponents.The game is only applicable for children above the age of 15 and requires a certain level of skill or enthusiasm. (Dirtrider. net, 2005) 4. Aerial ropes / Rope crossing and Tarzaning This application emphasizes on height and balance. There are several activities involving rop es within the premises that have especially been designed for team-building activities, junior activities and professional training. sensation rope is tied from one tall structure to another and a person is to balance him/herself on the one end to the other corrosion the harness and other necessary protective gear, for our clients protection.However, this is just one of the legion(predicate) activities with the ropes. There are bridges made of ropes only, suspend high off the ground, there are Tarzaning activities as the wee suggests and some(prenominal) more. (South Stafford shire council, 2009). The ropes are suspended very high of the ground and they have been positioned in an area within the premises that has outdoor, adventurous, bushy excursion scenery. This helps overcoming the fear of heights. around of the pencil leads we offer are MINI impractical ROPES TRAIL 8 years of age & upThis trail is to be created especially for gnomish adventurers. The trail is similar to the regular trail, but is adapted to the younger clientele. This trail permits children to have fun going from one tree to the next all the while at their own rhythm and abilities. Although, the trail has different levels of difficulties for the juniors as well. Participation Requirements (South Stafford shire council, 2009). Must measure a minimum 1m40 arms extended, from fingertips to toes. Adult supervision is obligatory. Be in good health.THE CAP JASEUX TRAIL Aerial ropes course in Cap Jaseux consists of 73 suspended bridges, which cross over 4 distinct areas. These bridges wind through a majestic trees, bushes and woods, from broadcast to platform within the trees. Each section is composed of a complete pathway with each its own challenges and surprises, but always respecting the capacities of each hiker. (South Stafford shire council, 2009). Participation Requirements You moldiness be over 8 years of age and measure a minimum of 1m80, arms extended, from fingertips to toes. Participants under 16 years of age must be accompany by a responsible adult (an adult can accompany a maximum of 3 young participants). Participants cannot be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Participants must be healthy. 5. Zorbing The activity of sphering, zorbing or globe riding is the recreational practise of humans rolling downhill in a bouncing sphere, generally made of transparent plastic. Sphereing is generally performed on a gentle slope, but can also be done on a level surface, as well as on water, permitting more rider control.The zorbing zone has been designed with several exciting and challenging barriers. While rolling downhill in the plastic ball, the sphere is rolled down n a certain counselor and from there it meets several cushioned barriers that prepare the sphere bounce-off the cushioned barrier. We offer two types of spheres, the bingle holder and the double holder. Zorbing is a very flexible game as it can be done in various ways. It could be roll ed down, it could be in water, it could be bounced off various barriers. Extras We also include a low level of water in the zorbs. Extreme dreams, 2009) . 6. Wall/rock climbing and abseiling/rappelling For those who are involvemented in high-adrenaline adventures and the terror of height, wall/rock climbing was not forgotten in the mixing of the creation of X-TREME GRAVITY. In this sport, the climber wears a harness and other protective equipment before the activity begins in order to protect them from accidents of any sorts. The built-in wall/rock wall has an uneven, rough texture just as in a real adventure. Individuals are required to climb it using different levels of support. The wall stretches very high.On reaching the top, then the individual is required to climb down using the withdraw equipment from the other side of the wall. This helps in overcoming fear of heights and it can be used especially for training of using the appropriate equipment and climbing and descending aptly, for a real rock climbing expedition. (Wikipedia, 2007) EXTREME SPORTS PACKAGES The business is keen to provide exciting, thrilling and adventurous extreme sports packages and therefore, X-treme Gravity has designed several exhilarating packages for the introductory stage of the business.The business looks forward to expanding and introducing more new and unique extreme sports packages over time. The packages that X-treme Gravity introduces, includes atomic reactor Climbing White- wet Rafting and Kayaking Scuba Diving Sky diving Mountain Climbing If you enjoy climbing/hiking, Kenya has a lot to offer, the most favorable areas being, the Aberdare Mountains, the Chyulu Hills, Hells Gate, Mt. Susua, Mt. Longonot, the Menengai Crater in the fault Valley, Ngong Hills, located south-west of Nairobi, Cherangani Hill, Mt. Elgon and Mt Kenya. (East Africa Shuttles & safaris Ltd, 2008)Mt Kenya offers a rewarding hike as well as challenging climbs. There are eight routes up the moun tain, three of them being the most tourered and accessible to anyone of reasonable physical fitness. Naro Moru, lying to the west, is the easiest ascent with Sirimon to the northwest and Chogoria to the east being equally popular but you be quiet need to be fit and right equipped. Batian at 5,199meters is the summit and should only be attempted by experienced climbers. You need to be accompanied by a porter or go with organise tour. Be careful of altitude distemper and hypothermia.The best time of the year for climbing is from mid-January to late February and from late August through September but it is accessible most year round. (East Africa Shuttles & safaris Ltd, 2008) You will need warm, wind proof clothing, tender comfortable motivate boots, gloves, a tent and a good sleeping bag as well as a stove and high-energy food and drinks. Several places hire equipment (East Africa Shuttles & safaris Ltd, 2008) Mount Kenya Routes and Rates (East Africa Shuttles & safaris Ltd , 2008) Sirimon Route The least(prenominal) used of the three principal routes.Because Sirimon is on the dry side of the mountain it offers some of the finest forest walking to be had on any tropical mountain. In the lower sections, above the Park Gate. Higher up, Hugh specimens of St Johns Work interspersed with small thickets of Bamboo. Near the top of the track, beautiful alpine flowers and the start of the tussock grass. Animal life abounds and parties often come across buffalo, elephant and sometimes-even lions. Naro Moro Route Although the least scenic of the three principal routes, it remains the most popular.Firstly it is the instant(prenominal) route to Lenana and back if you enter from the main road. Secondly both the Naro Moro River Lodge and Mountain Rock Hotel offer excellent facilities for climbers, including equipment hire porters and comfortable accommodation. Chogoria Route Having reached the road head, Chogoria is the fastest and, arguably, the most beautiful and spectacular route up the mountain. Itinerary (Packages designed by X-Treme Gravity) Option 1 -2 night 3 days. Sirimon Route $537 pp (Kshs. 42950) daytime 1 Transfer from Nairobi and beginning of ascent.The first night is spent at oldish Moses twenty-four hours 2 Trek from Old Moses up to Shiptons Hut, in preparation for the final ascent. daytime 3 starting very early in the morning, ascend up to Lenana Point for Sunrise. The descent begins shortly afterwards, back sometime(prenominal) Old Moses in order to meet the vehicle, for the transfer back to Nairobi. Option 2 2 nights 3 days. Naro Moru route. From US$537 pp (Kshs. 42950) Day 1 Transfer from Nairobi and beginning of ascent. The first night is spent at the Met Station. Day 2 Trek from the Met Station up to Mackinders Hut, in preparation for the final ascent.Day 3 Starting very early in the morning, ascend up to Lenana Point for Sunrise. The descent begins shortly afterwards, back past the Met Station in order to meet the vehicle, for the transfer back to Nairobi. Option 3 3 nights 4 days Sirimon Route from US$600 pp (Kshs. 48,020) Day 1 Transfer from Nairobi up to Old Moses. Day 2 Trek from Old Moses to Shiptons Hut. Day 3 Starting very early in the morning, ascend up to Lenana Point for Sunrise. The descent begins shortly afterwards, back to Old Moses for the night. Day 4 nett descent and transfer back to Nairobi.All Prices include All prices exclude Park FeesTipping PortersClimbing Gear & dormancy Bags GuidesBeverages & Mineral Water Accommodation in huts 3 simple meals per day Cooks White-Water Rafting and Kayaking Kenya has three rivers the Tana, the Athi and the Ewaso, suitable for rafting at all levels of competence up to exhilarating Class V white water. The experience is more untaught and less crowded than the Zambezi version. (East Africa Shuttles & safaris Ltd, 2008) Below are details of the rivers we run and the rates for open trips. Rivers and Rates The Tana River one day raftin g tripOur premiere one-day trip ideal for people with a day or two to spare when visiting Nairobi, or those basing themselves in the capital (only 100kms along the Nyeri Rd). This will be an exciting day of thrills (and often spills) with a great mix of high action white-water (up to grade V) interspersed with scenic calm water where bird life abounds. no(prenominal) enough? Why not leap feet first into a great surfing hole, jump a 30ft waterfall or swim The Devils Toilet Bowl (water level dependant). (East Africa Shuttles & safaris Ltd, 2008) A typical day trip starts with you being picked up from either The no(prenominal)folk hotel, or Sarit Centre in Nairobi by 8am.A 1. 5hr drives sees you arriving at our Camp at Sagana. Here you can relax with tea/ coffee berry and biscuits before receiving a comprehensive galosh briefing. After signing a compulsory release and self-assertion of risk form, we drive up to the put-in where you will receive some final practical training before heading down river. The trip is either 16km (high water season) or 8km (low water season) and lasts approximately 4hrs. This varies greatly payable to the water levels and we often dress ourselves rafting 8km one day, then 11km the next referable to rain upstream.The trip takes out at Savage Camp, where you can enjoy a solar heated shower or relax in the pool before enjoying a three-course BBQ lunch. Trips depart Savage Camp no later than 5pm for Nairobi to ensure you arrive back at your pick up point before dark. Other options available on the Tana include scenic float trips from the camp downstream on completely flat water for those not wishing to experience any white-water. This trip lasts 4hrs and takes in the abundant bird life inhabiting the extravagant riverine forests along the river. To date our guides have recorded over 120 species of birds on this section.A Kenya Professional crusade Guide usually takes trips. (East Africa Shuttles & safaris Ltd, 2008). New to our re pertoire of Tana trips is the full moon run. This takes in the white-water section only and lasts around 3hrs. (Packages designed by the X-treme Gravity) Prices All prices are in US dollars One day trip 99. 00 (Kshs. 7,910) One day/one night 137. 00 (Kshs. 10,920) Scenic float trip 82. 00 (Kshs. 6,540) Full moon trip 124. 00 (Kshs. 9,950) The Athi River 3 day rafting expedition Itinerary (East Africa Shuttles & safaris Ltd, 2008) If you like multi-day expedition style trips then the Athi is for youFlowing through Tsavo field of study Park, we raft up to 80kms of Kenyas second longest river with three days and three nights on the river. The river gives an awesome mixture of relaxing calm water with game viewing (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, crocodile and hippo have all been seen from our boats) and abundant birdlife interspersed with some great white-water (up to grade IV). The trip usually goes out fully self back up with our guides providing breakfast (full cooked or cereals/fru it/toast), lunch (a selection of cold meats and cheeses with bread/salad and fruit) and dinner (three courses).If a more luxury trip is your style then vehicle support (at an extra cost) is available to bring those added necessities. (East Africa Shuttles & safaris Ltd, 2008)Day one gets you to Athi at Kibwezi, a short drive from the Mombassa road. After our comprehensive safety briefing, you will set out in the afternoon to raft the short distance to our first camp, Bushwhackers. Set on a recluse sandbar mid river. The first night is spent round the campfire listening to the sounds of Africa and swapping stories with the guides about the days ahead.Day two after breakfast and an early start you will soon reach our first major rapid followed by a few calm sections interspersed with smaller rapids down to our lunch spot. More rapids and flat open plains where hopefully you will see some of the animals native to this area follow this. Late afternoon we arrive at our second camp scorp ion on the relatively unpopulated leftfield bank of the river. Day three has some of the best rapids with the legendary Vietnam taking you through dense underwood and crocodile burn providing an awesome hit.After another fun packed day you will arrive at our final camp, Hippo, where you will spend a final night by the fire relaxing and re living the previous days action. Day four we return to Nairobi by around lunchtime. Price (US Dollars) $623. 00 (Kshs. 49,800) All prices exclude Tipping Beverages & Mineral Water Scuba Diving and balloon safaris Kenya has tight 600 kms of coastline, nearly all bordered by spectacular chromatic reef. The Indian Ocean provides warm, hospitable waters, with coral reefs teeming with marine life, ideal for scuba diving.Often on our way to dive sites the boat will slow down to play with a school of friendly dolphins or stop to dive with the gentlest of giants, the goliath shark. (Africastay, 2004) In Kenya we work with Diving the Crab and Diani sh ipboard soldier Kenyas top dive schools. Both are based at Diani marge on the South Coast of Kenya and are accredited to run PADI and SSI dive courses. Diani Marine was established in 1978, Diving the Crab in 1983 so both schools have nearly many years experience of scuba diving in Kenya and operate very well run dive bases, equipped with the latest equipment, dive boats and high qualified instructors and dive masters. Africastay, 2004) The package 7 nights accommodation at beach side hotel on the spectacular Diani Beach + flying safari to the Masai mara for 2 nights 3 day in Luxury tented camp. on full board with 3 game drives per day in 44 vehicle Optional extras such as diving with run Sharks, scuba dives and courses, dolphin watching, kite surfing + windsurfing Flights from Europe not included, airport transfers included and park fees included Location, Mombassa Region, Diani, South Coast Price, from US $ 1,198 (Kshs. 5,800) All prices includeAll prices exclude Flights, Inclu ded Tipping Availability All yearBeverages & Mineral Water Skydiving Divers are usually based at a single beach resort and make their way to a local airstrip before falling out the sky at immense heights. At Diani, skydivers take a short trip to Ukunda airstrip, and ascend in a Kenya Twin Otter, end the spectacular and exhilarating drive by landing on the threshold of their chosen accommodation to enjoy a well-earned drink. Mowngera Kioga, 2005) This means that at Diani, skydivers stay at the Safari Beach Hotel take a short 10 minute drive to Ukunda airstrip, take off in a waiting Air plane Twin Otter, and then dive directly over the beach- landing on the sandpaper right at the doorstep of the resort. For the skydiving addict, this is a perfect ar clutchment. For most skydivers, its all about the fall- the fresh freedom of flight that lasts from the time a jumper leaves the plane until the parachute is pulled at around 2000 feet.The clean diver falls at the incredible speed of 120 miles per hour- but those who have never time-tested it may be surprised to know that this experience does not feel like falling- the continued impulsion of the plane sends the diver earthward on a sustained arc- which means that there is none of the stomach lifting soak sensation that you may expect. (Mowngera Kioga, 2005) This is the nearest experience possible to flying free as a bird n freedom at its most pure and simple. Packages 2 night, 3 days, Diani beach. US $ 1,074, (Kshs. 85,900) Day 1 Transfer from Nairobi to Mombasa DianiDay 2 sky diving day. Day 3 Starting very early in the morning, for the transfer back to Nairobi. Location, Mombasa, Diani Region, Kenya, Africa All prices includeAll prices exclude Flights, IncludedTipping Availability, January, February, March, noneember, December,Beverages & Mineral Water CURRENT SITUATION AND SWOT digest INDUSTRY PATTERNS Whilst trillions of shillings are being pumped into the sports industry especially the extreme spor ts industry, by companies in the form of sponsorship, most extreme sports remain at amateur levels, bedeviled by problems.This is in sheer contrast to the thriving environment businesses are currently enjoying. Among the most attractive extreme sport is mountain climbing and trekking which is mainly practiced in on Mt. Kenya, Mt. Elgon, the Aberdare Mountains, the Chyulu Hills, Hells Gate, Mt. Susua, Mt. Longonot, the Menengai Crater in the Rift Valley, Ngong Hills, located south-west of Nairobi, Cherangani Hill, as just a few to mention among others. Extreme sports are a combination of both professional and incorporated social sports at the same time.The second most popular extreme sport is Skydiving, which is usually based at a single beach resort and make their way to a local airstrip before falling out the sky at enormous heights. At Diani, skydivers take a short trip to Ukunda airstrip, and ascend in a Kenya Twin Otter, completing the spectacular and exhilarating drive by land ing on the doorstep of their chosen accommodation to enjoy a well-earned drink. Throughout the 2002 event, over 120 divers made continual skydives over 2 weeks.Kenya has a weak theme for extreme sports compared to the other sports, the coastal regions are mainly the scene for these sports mainly because of the immense water bodies (sea), and on the other go on, motor sports tend to recover the reputation through big fair events like the Kenya Safari Rally, which takes place around Easter. The rally, which starts and finishes in Nairobi, follows a route that covers 4,000 kilometers (2,486 miles). Large crowds follow the event in the rural areas and the cities.During the rally, daily results dominate radio, print, and television news coverage as Kenyans cheer for the local heroes competing against top international drivers. In the sports industry, the rules of play change constantly. Sports organizations must deal with an ever-evolving array of challenges such as risks that can th reaten organizations ability to compete in this dynamic and high-profile marketplace, materializeing professionals experienced in identifying and work the unique risk commandment challenges facing companies and organizations within the sports industry.Some of the major challenges are Designing and negotiating cost- effective, custom-made insurance political programs tailored to the needs of your company or organization, Establishing a loss-control program by assessing the risks facing your company or organization and preventing losses before it is too late and designing a claims management program that will help reduce your summation cost of risk. The Government says that it will support establishment of extreme sports lottery that will among other issues help fund the welfare of extreme sports people and go on fast activities in the country. president Kibaki said a committee will soon be formed to manage the lottery to improve extreme sports in the country. We want to have i nstitutionalized mechanisms in Kenya that will promote various fields of Extreme sports and improve the welfare of extreme sports people in the country, the President said. In recognition of the importance of sports, President Kibaki said the Government has initiated measures to strengthen the sports industry in Kenya.He reveal that the Government has allocated resources in the budget to support sports development programmes. Said President Kibaki My Government has also established the sports stadia management board and set aside funds for maintenance of sports facilities countrywide. The President said, in addition to these measures, programmes will be intensified for the promotion of extreme sports through identification and training of talented young people from the districts and provinces up to the national level.He observed these sporting activities are essential not only for nurturing good health but also in creating opportunities for individuals and communities to socialize among people Thus sport contributes to building a cohesive society that is an essential base for a strong and prosperous nation, the Head of State said. The President pointed out that sports have become a source of dependable employment for many young people and urged extreme sports people to aspire to excel in their chosen fields in order to attain from these sports. In terms of market needs, there is legitimate great need for extreme sports entertainment.A development economy means more people have more money to spend and leisure activities are gaining a premium. The local entertainment industry mostly consists and is almost limited to media. People are involuntary to spend a lot just to enjoy the pleasures of extreme sports and explore these sports to rise in the sports industry for economic purposes. Some of these sports are professionally practiced around the world and cost quite a lot compared to the local sports but this in turn brings a benefit to the country as a whole, not only financially but economically and socially as well.In terms of promotion and engagement, our emerging culture has a tremendous tie to sports. People will develop a personal identity with a sport being in such a group fulfills a strong social need. This is a social need that is currently only served by mainstream sports. Club sports tend to spoil but there is a legitimate social need not being met here. This is because club sports are usually amateur played and do not engage in team building so as to play among people and get to know the sport very well, such an example is golf, which is played individually, so it is up to the player to play it right.COMPETITION AND BUYING PATTERNS Competition is mainly among touring companies, lodges and resorts that associate with different packaging styles and enhance these extreme sports. They help in the practice of these sports such as to get the appropriate locations for the sports. These touring companies have professionals who help in the process of undertaking these sports, where they guide the actual practitioners all through the way. Some of these companies include Africa scope safari and tours located in Nairobi, Extreme Safaris located in Mombasa, Kenya eco lodges, Kenya diving resorts, Mt.Kenya treks, Burguret Chogoria, Wildlife safaris, the crowning(prenominal) expedition and various others. This leads to a monopolistic competition among the market therefore competition is intense due to many choices and a wide range of variety for customers to make decision upon. These touring companies create a bracing marketing strategy in order to attract their customers. This is done through affordable and attractive packages and offers that customers look forward to all the time.This is mainly generated during the peak seasons although most recover their costs through high pricing but in an attractive way or package therefore making the competition intense. This allows very little room for new entrants in the ma rket therefore creating barriers to entry. The buying patterns are mostly the juvenility who are excited to explore these sports in many ways. This is because most of them are fearless of the risks and are energetic therefore allowing them the opportunity to participate in these sports.Even though money is an issue, as most of them are not employed, they still do these sports as they borrow money from other sources. Following the youth are the middle-aged adults who have fear of safety but still some of them dare to challenge themselves. These people are mostly employed but still have concerns about prices due to economic downturn plus some get limited salary just enough to survive. This in turn causes a high pricing pressure on the companies allowing them to target their market.Therefore in summary, the main market here is the market with high income and flexible lifestyle who can afford to enjoy these sports at any time although those with an average income tend to save but thi s eventually takes a long time before they practice these sports. OTHER PRODUCTS THAT AFFECT OUR BUSINESS PRODUCTS Other competitors products The extreme sports industry is dormant in the industry currently. Perhaps the biggest reason for that are the backward trends of the society and the cultural backgrounds. Therefore, the idea is to make extreme sports a new and latest fashion in Nairobi in order for the business to succeed.However, the hurry in our competitors products allows our business to pick their weaknesses and turn them in to our strengths. SWOT depth psychology STRENGTHS a)Excellent staffs that are highly trained and are very customer attentive Customers are drawn to excellent services since it is the only indicator of the quality of services. Since we are employing highly trained staff who will provide streamlined and effective services to our customers keeping the customers in mind at all times it is evaluate that the reputation of our business will grow rapidly as a result of our efficient staff. )Well-equipped ground conjure up of art equipment This is an indicator of quality of the services we provide. Apart from that it offers a competitive edge for our services. c)The business is able to establish a strong reputation for our services because the business is monopoly in the market. The nature our of the business seemingly makes us stand-alone and as a result gain customer loyalty. d)The business is a unique idea We offer our services as a package. This will be convenient to our clients especially those who ordinarily prefer paying at once when booking. )Superior service offering Extreme sports sky diving, scuba diving mountaineering, Bungee diving and white water rafting. f)The Internet Our website www. xtremegravity. com promises to be significant technological solution for our products in the areas of registration, communication and training delivery system. The website has demonstrated the ability to provide more extensive and curr ent information at reduced costs. g)A state-ofthe art computer system utilizing the latest software that continues to enhance our productivity and expand our capacity.There is real time processing where customers requirements are processed as they are received. WEAKNESS a). The business is struggling to build brand loyalty. The business has not yet developed footing with the customer and is still creating market demand for the product. b). Difficulty in finding well skilled workers -Extreme sports are very finespun and needs highly skilled workers who unfortunately are very difficult to find. c). Lack of knowledge, awareness and information of the new business being offered. Most of our local customers tend to be ignorant in extreme sports and consider it as a sport for others.We therefore in our promotion strategy focus intensively on creating awareness of this new product. d). Seasonal revenues posses as another weakness. Apart from the locals we are also targeting tourist who ac tually and factually jet according to the season. We therefore need to adjust in promotions during high and off pick season to maximize our profits. OPPORTUNITIES a). Growing awareness due to the rising awareness in health, fitness and extreme sports and interest too. The government and the world health organization in general have organized campaigns stressing on Importance of physical fitness.This advantage since awareness is being created and indirectly advertising our product. b). Ability of developing long-term customers . Basing on the monopoly nature of our product, there is a great potential of developing long term customers who are very much loyal to our product. c). At the moment very low competition in the market for this product. We have the potential of acquiring the lions share of the market. THREATS. a)Seasonal interest in particular sports which is in direct competition with our own sports. Examples of these sports include the marathons e. g. Lewa marathon, the safar i rallies e. . KCB and cycling. Most people tend to plan for this programs in their Holiday calendars and this Impacts negatively to our business at these times of the year. b). Lack of knowledge and interest in our product. Extreme sports is not In the mind of most people while others who have information about it tend to behave like they have other better things to handle than go for such sports. c)Many fears and safety concerns associated with our product. Due to the risks associated with this sports, some of our expected customers turn away from it and making them o change their minds may not be that easy. )Legal and liability issues. Extreme sports continues to be exposed to liability issues in many aspects in many aspects of the experience it provides . The potential concerns range from health and safety issues to various forms of verbal or physical misdirect in an increasingly litigious society, there is always potential for legal actions. guidance SUMMARY organizational S TRUCTURE The business will operate using the common organizational structure. The business operates using the fancy of departmentalization and in particular the vertical functional approach.Since the business is in the preliminary stages, most of the positions besides, the directors are vacant. (Organizational structure, O. E. ) MANAGEMENT TEAM Since this is a new business being ventured, the management team is constricted to the main departments for this business. As the business expands, we will be able to employ more passenger cars and initiate other secondary departments. Qualifications A basic knight bachelor of Business degree or A bachelors degree with any one area of expertise required for that position A professional degree Masters of Bachelor of Administration (MBA)At least 5 years work experience. The vital departments for this business have been addressed and managers are required for the field of General manager The general manager will be in charge of the day to day running of the business and will mainly accentuate around the administrative staff and the sundry staff. Extreme sports / Outdoor manager The extreme sports manager is required and is perhaps the most vital manager for this business since the business mainly comprises of extreme sports and a leader is required for the extreme sports specialists.Cafeteria manager Since the premises will also consist of a cafeteria, it is necessary to have a manager controlling the daily activities for the cafeteria and reporting to the general manager or even to a director. The manager is also required to observe the needs of the staff. Marketing manager Another very important section of the business. This is essential because the business requires expertise knowledge on marketing and promotion of the business is to be successful and expand. Therefore, a marketing manager is required. Financial and accounting managerA financial manager needed to fill the position. Required to maintain the basic book keeping for the business and calculate the daily finances. Work hand in hand with internal auditors. SALARIES AND REMUNERATION FOR MANAGEMENT AND STAFF Constant for three years No. Kshs. Directors remuneration p. a22,000,000 Managers salaries5300,000 Staff salaries10250,000 Proffessionals salaries8280,000 2,830,000 FINANCIAL PLAN FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES The following are the financial goals of the business for a year. ?Achieve revenue growth of 10% per year Increase earnings by 15% p.a. ?Increase dividends per share by 5% per year ?Increase net profit margins 2% to 4% ?Boost annual returns on invested capital from 15% to 20% ? Stronger bond and credit ratings ?Recognition as a blue chip company ?A more diversified revenue base ? unchanging earnings during deferralary periods ?Return on investment (ROI) of 15. 5% ?Solvency ratio of about 30% ?Dividend statistical distribution of at least 30% of the net profit, unless dictated otherwise by long-term investments and/or acquisitions and/o r exceptional circumstances. DIVIDEND POLICYIn recommending the dividend, the directors will consider the following The availability of distributable profits Dividends will be given on a basis of the profits that are distributable The availability of liquid funds In a time of solvency problems, dividend payments will be adjusted accordingly Whether the revenue reserves are competent or need to be change magnitude by further profits ploughed back into the business A balance between dividend growth and capital growth The liability to advance corporation tax, which arises from the payment of dividend. (Dividend Policy and account, W. M. ) IMPORTANT ASSUMPTIONSThere are certain factors that are not mentioned and cannot be explored, therefore X-Treme Gravity analyzed, debated and made an effrontery based on those factors. These factors are mainly pertaining to the projected financial statement and the start-up plan for the business. The specific assumptions are stated in the calculati ons for revenue and expenses. For a broad view on the assumption though, these factors were considered The tax rate of 30% per annum (approximated) The estimated cost of equity The estimated cost of debt i. e. bank loans and debentures The cost of marketing and researchThe number of expected customers for each year The number of expected customers for each outdoors sport and the extreme sports packages. The fixed cost remains constant for the first three years The fees per person from The entrance fees, activities and the picnic site remain constant for the three years. The variable costs will increase by 10% each year. START UP PLAN FOR THE BUSINESS (Sourced from Finance lecture notes, WACC, F. A. ) Since the business will operate as a limited company, there are various sources of funds and finance for this business. These include coin bank loans Ordinary shares Preference sharesCorporate bonds Debentures Bank loans These are currently being given at an interest rate of 16. 50%. T he business cannot highly depend on its shares for raising its initial investment since it carries a high risk. Therefore, a bank loan will also be used, with an annual interest of 11. 55% after tax. Ordinary shares and preference shares The business is issuing five million ordinary shares and one million preference shares for the first year. The cost of equity is 13. 50% and 12. 50% respectively. Debentures The business is also issuing corporate bonds for the purpose of long-term security. The cost of its debt is 9. 0% after tax. SourcesAmount (Kshs)Cost of debt/ equity (%)After-tax cost (%)WeightsWACC (%) Ordinary Shares ( Kshs 5)25,000,00013. 50%-0. 364. 86 Preference shares ( Kshs 10)10,000,00012. 50%-0. 141. 75 Bank loan17,500,00016. 50%16. 5(1-0. 3) = 11. 550. 252. 89 Debentures17,500,00014%14(1-0. 3) =9. 800. 252. 45 Total70,000,000111. 95% The estimated tax rate is 30% each year and the required rate of return is 11. 95%. INITIAL START-UP COSTS (Start-up costs sourced from d ifferent businesses) CostKshs. Cost of purchasing land in Karen42,000,000 Cost of construction and renovation7,000,000 Cost of business van / bus1,500,000Cost of furniture for the lobby and cafeteria1,600,000 Cost of office furniture and equipment1,200,000 Cost of marketing research750,000 Cost of acquiring licenses1,000,000 Cost of outdoor tables and chairs320,000 Cost of activity equipment (W3)13,154,000 Total69,424,000 CALCULATION FOR REVENUE AND EXPENSES PROJECTED INCOME STATEMENT FINANCIAL ANALYSIS PROJECTED INCOME STATEMENT The projected income statement shows that the initial year expenses are very high relative to the revenue. However, the business will still make a profit in the first year. The net profit margin for the first year is 2. 4%, which indicates that for every Kshs. 100 of revenue earned, a profit of 2. 74 is being made on it. The second year projections indicate a sharp increase in the net profits. The net profit margin increases to 17. 23%. This shows that the business will be picking up especially in the second year. In the third year, the net profit margin indicates that, the net profits are increasing at a slow rate but the margin is still very high. market RESEARCH AND SURVEY DESIGN METHODS OF RESEARCH The business used various methods for research ?Surveys / questionnaires ? face-to-face interviews ?Telephone and e-interviews. Market experiments Surveys/ Questionnaires The business highly depended on the surveys to determine whether the sample market accepted this business. The survey was used to determine several factors that required fieldwork that could not be gathered otherwise. This was the main form of research. personal interview These were conducted with the general public as well as several travel agencies such as Twiga tours and Ibis. It was used to determine information such as the form of operation of a travel agent, the costs involved for outsourcing with travel agents and the marketing costs for using travel agents.Te lephone and e-interviews These were conducted with those companies that were too far to travel to. Our competitors out of bounds and Kitengela adventures were interviewed via telephone due to distance. Similarly, banks, insurance companies, hotels and lodges were interviewed via email due to the timing constraint for these firms. The market experiment This was conducted for the purpose of the promotional campaign effectiveness. The general public was asked whether they could recall the advertisement for the business, whether they could summon up the slogan for the business and what other details they could evoke.OBJECTIVES OF THE SURVEY Before conducting the survey, the business opted to decide the key objectives or goals that the survey was trying to achieve. After viewing the different aspects that required the attention of the market, the questionnaire was designed strategically to cover all these aspects and objectives. The objectives selected are ?To determine the potential dem and for extreme sports as a recreational activity in the market. ?To establish the potential competition for extreme sports, outdoor sports and extreme sports packages in this market. ?To identify the ability and the chances of the business survival in the market. To establish what the general public of this market is looking for in this business. ?The demand for different types of extreme sports. ?The preference for Karen as a location and the opinions of the general public, concerning the location for the business. ?To determine other locations for the business. ?The audience opinion on the pricing of the packages and products offered by X-Treme Gravity. ?To determine the target market for the businesss products and packages. ?Analyzing and identifying the key external and economical factors that are barriers to the success of this business. ?The acceptability / viability of the business.SAMPLE SURVEY (Web surveyor, 2009) X-TREME GRAVITY QUESTIONNAIRE This is a recreational busine ss that is mainly accentuating on extreme sports such as skydiving, bungee jumping, white water rafting, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, mountain climbing and trekking, among others. The business is a new and unique idea for leisure in Nairobi City, mainly developed for the purpose of diverting people to healthier ways of enjoying their leisure time. We will be carrying out various extreme sports within our premises (which has been conveniently located). We also extend our services as extreme sports agents.Those activities that cannot be done within the city (e. g. the water sports) will be arranged for in different areas within Kenya. These packages are directed towards anyone and everyone, ranging from school children to adults. (Circle your choice) NB The 5 point scales used, range from Bad (1), Average (2), Good (3), Very Good (4), and Excellent (5). 1)How do you prefer extreme sports? 1 2 3 4 5 2)Are you? Male Female 3)What age bracket would you appear under? a)11 20 b)21 30 c)31 40 d)41 50 e)50+ 4)Are you currently? )Employed b)Looking for a job c)Studying d)Retired 5)During your leisure time, you enjoy a)Doing some sports b)Going on a long vacation c)Watching TV at home and lazing around d)Others 6)If a new extreme sports business develops in the markets, would you a)Be one of the first to try the sports for this new business b)Wait for a while for the business to settle in to the market and then try it. c)No, I prefer doing my own activities at the sports club d)No, its not my area of interest. 7)The location of the business would be in Karen. How would you prefer it? 1 2 3 4 5 ) Which district do you live in? ___________________________________ 9)Would you find the location of the business in Karen? a)Convenient b)Out of the way- too far for you to get there c)Appropriate for the type of business (extreme sports) d)Skewed / biased 10) If you had a choice, where would you locate this business? _____________________________________________ 11)Si nce the business offers extreme sports packages, among the rates included for these packages are What would you have in mind of these rates? Extreme sports packages Ranging from Kshs. 30,000 p. p. to Kshs. 90,000 p. p (approximately) 2 3 4 5 12)Approximately how many people do you think will turn up in the first year? a)150 300 b)301- 450 c)451 550 d)550 + 13)Out of these extreme sports, which would you like the most? a)Sky diving b)Bungee Jumping c)Water sports i. e. Scuba diving, white water rafting, surfing d)Mountain climbing & trekking e)Others 14)The idea of a new extreme sports recreational park would be? a)Exciting b)Unique c)Not realistic d)None of the above 15)According to you, which one of these economic conditions will the biggest factor to tinct the market for extreme sports adversely? )Inflation b)Unemployment c)Downturn in economic growth d)Income inequality e)Others 16)From this business, your biggest expectations are a)Excellent quality of services b)Fun and exc iting extreme sports packages c)Reasonable prices for the extreme sports packages d)Other activities besides extreme sports 17)Do you see this business as? a)A new and unique business in the market b)A similar business to a few other competing businesses that already exist c)A small business competing with many small businesses of its own type 18)Out of these factors, which would affect majority of the businesses in Kenya? a)Economic factors i. . recession / downturn in the economy b)Political or legal factors c)Socio cultural factors d)Competition 19)To what extent does your chosen factor affect the survival of a new extreme sports business? 1 2 3 4 5 20)What other suggestions or advice would you give for this new extreme sports business? END OF SURVEY Thank you for your cooperation and time. We construe you that your responses in this questionnaire will be kept highly confidential. RESULTS OF SURVEYS AND DATA COLLLECTED DATA COLLECTED A total of 36 surveys out of 50, were succes sfully completed.INTEREST IN EXTREME SPORTS LevelNo. Of people(%) 1-Bad26% 2-Average38% 3-Good925% 4-Very good1028% 5-Excellent1233% TARGET MARKET Class of peopleNo. of people(%) Gender Male2569% Female1131% Age group 11-201233% 21-301953% 31-4038% 41-5013% 50+13% Occupational office Employed822% Looking for a job38% Studying2569% Retired00% Lifestyles / Behavior Innovators1542% Conservatives411% Not interested514% Wait for business to settle1233% LOCATION Preference for Karen LevelNo. Of people(%) 1-Bad26% 2-Average925% 3-Good1542% 4-Very good411% 5-Excellent617% The location is No. Of people(%) Skewed/ biased411% Convenient617%Out of the way1233% Appropriate for the business1439% DEMAND (IN TERMS OF CUSTOMERS) FOR THE inaugural YEAR No. Of customers expected in the first yearNo. Of people(%) 150-3001850% 301-450822% 451-550514% 550+514% INTEREST IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF EXTREME SPORTS fictitious character of extreme sportNo. Of people(%) Sky diving1028% Bungee jumping822% Water sp orts822% Mountain climbing1028% ECONOMIC FACTORS AFFECTING THE BUSINESS ADVERSELY Economic factorsNo. of people(%) Inflation38% Unemployment1131% Economic Recession925% Income inequality1336% CHANGES IN UNEMPLOYMENT AND INCOME INEQUALITY OVER TIME coursesUnemploymentIncome inequality (%)(HDI) yr 200540%0. 521 Year 200640%0. 532 Year 200740%0. 532 Year 200845%0. 544 Year 200943%0. 541 TYPE OF BUSINESS IN THE MARKET TypeNo. of people(%) Monopoly2569% Oligopoly822% Monopolistic 38% PROJECTED MARKET SHARE FOR THE BUSINESS YearNo. Of competitorsMarket share Year 2009337% Year 2010526% Year 2011720% Year 2012817% OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING THE BUSINESS ADVERSELY FactorsNo. of people(%) Economic factors1747% Political-legal factors822% Socio-cultural factors719% Competition411% ANALYSIS OF THE DATA bode 1. 2 shows that, 86% of the sample market has a great interest in extreme sports while 14% of the sample market does not.This permitted us to continue further with the business proposal. Fig ure 1. 3 supplements figure 1. 2. After determining the interest in extreme sports by the sample market, the level of preference was determined. The figure shows that 33% think of extreme sports as excellent while 6% think of extreme sports as bad due to lack of interest. Figure 1. 4 shows that 42% find the location of the business good while 6% find the location of the business bad. 25% find the location excellent. The reasons are illustrated below Figure 1. shows that 39% find the location of the business appropriate for the type of business while 33% find the location out of the way. Hence, this explains why the highest level of preference is 3-good. Figure 1. 6. Indicates that majority of the sample market expect a turn up of 150-300 customers in the first year. Figure 1. 7. Shows that Economic factors will affects the business the most. Competition in the market will least affect the business. Figure 1. 8. Shows that income inequality will be the most detrimental factor for the business, followed by unemployment, economic recession and then inflation.Figure 1. 9 shows the demand for various extreme sports. Skydiving and mountain climbing have the highest demand. Bungee jumping and water sports have a lower demand. Figure 2. 1. Indicates that unemployment rate has increased at an increasing rate from 2007 onwards. After 2008, the unemployment rate grows at a decreasing rate. This is a major factor affecting our business. Figure 2. 2 shows that income inequality (measured using HDI) has been on an upward trend since 2005. After 2008, the HDI has gradually decreased and this could be a positive signal for the business. Figure 2. 3.Shows that the projected market share for the business will rise at an increasing rate. This indicates the chances of the business growth and expansion in the market, is high. The expected number of competitors determined the market share over the years, depending on the profits and the return on investment in the business. RE ASS ESSING THE VIABILITY OF THE BUSINESS POSITIVE COMMENTS ?A new and unique business Most of our potential clients believed that our business is very interesting, exciting and unique as opposed to other recreational businesses. There is a chance for survival with this business. Location for the on-premises activities There are several activities that we are offering on location. The location of the business, as mentioned earlier, is in Karen along Karen road. Even though it seems inconvenient to our potential customers, the surveys indicated otherwise. People actually find the location for the business appropriate and acceptable. ?Diversifying With a business such as extreme sports, that has rarely been explored, the idea is to spread the risk. Therefore, besides offering extreme sports on the premises, we are sports agents, also offering extreme sports packages. Prices for the products are reasonable Another surprising result of the survey are the prices. Many of the people in the mar ket find the prices reasonable for the nature of the products being offered. NEGATIVE COMMENTS ?Uncertainty with the location for extreme sports packages There were a lot of questions that were raised conc