International Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 8

International Marketing - Essay Example , this often calls for a market response speed coupled with flexible marketing planning and control mechanisms as these are key elements that enable a business to gain competitive advantage. A lot of companies have their roots as domestic firms concentrating on their own domestic markets before expanding their portfolio to the international level. As a company embarks on the process of internationalizing its market base, it is supposed to move from being sporadic exporters to frequent exporters before setting up its own manufacturing plant abroad. This process is often referred to as internationalization. Of concern is how a business can determine whether it has attained a global market and/or global audience. For a company such as McDonald’s India to achieve this milestone there are various strategic issues and decisions that have an impact on the efforts towards market internationalization. The strategic issues affecting the efforts towards market internationalization include: where to compete, resourcing and delivering the product or service at a competitive price in different locations across the globe, and how McDonald’s India should organize itself so as to have a grip of its international activities (Rao et al 2006). As for the company determining where best it should compete, it is dependent strategic objectives for any global strategy and sources of potential competitive advantage derivable from a global strategy. Efficiency, innovation, and risk management are the basic strategic objectives that affect the selection and configuration task. Efficiency, as part of market internationalization involves the process of carrying out all value chain activities to a required quality at the lowest cost. Innovation, learning, and adaptation is often an opportunity to learn from the different societies, cultures and markets in places where the company intends to internationalize its markets. This process often has a positive impact on the process of market

The sociology of deviance

The sociology of deviance How important and relevant are Mertons Strain theory and Beckers labelling theory in our understanding of deviance? In this essay I will analyse the importance and relevance of a structional functionalist view of deviance seen through the lens of strain theory and a symbolic interactionalist perspective through the use of labelling theory. Strain Theory attempts to explain why crime is resolute amongst the lower classes who are subjected to the least opportunities for economic achievement (O Connor 2007). It focuses on the positions that individuals occupy in a social system, not on the characteristics of the individual. Labeling theory explains why sustained delinquent behaviour stems from destructive social interactions and encounters (Siegel Welsh 2008). These theories work in harmony as the former theory explains why deviance begins and the latter gives an explanation as to why deviance continues through the lifespan. I will be describing and evaluating these theories to further answer the question of: just how important are these two theories for the understanding deviance? The sociology of deviance is the systematic study of social norm violation that is subject to social sanction according to (Henry 2009 p.1). Deviant behaviour is behaviour that does not follow common perceptions, when people are deviant they do not conform to expectations. It is difficult to give an exact definition of deviance as many major theorists have cast a vast variety of perspectives on what it really is. Some sociologists believe that deviance is the violation of any social rule, whereas other sociologists argue that deviance does not have to be a real behaviour for it to be labelled deviant (Thio, Calhoun Conyers 2008). Downes Rock (2003) state that deviance is everywhere and not only that but it leaves traces everywhere. Theories of deviance are rarely catapulted into political settings to be accepted or rejected in their entirety; rather they trickle in from many sources. The influence of ideas is always changing due to the instability of political circumstances (Downs Rock 2003). The increase in deviance may be due to the fact that people are confused about the correct values and morals to hold. As a result of this ever evolving world there are new variations of deviant behaviour occurring on a daily basis, ranging from minor violations of the law such as not paying a television licence to major deviance like abuse scandals in regard to the Catholic Church. These acts are considered to be deviant as they are acts which the rest of society deems as unacceptable (Tierney 2006). Traditional values such as religious views have been shattered to pieces because of ongoing scandals in the Catholic Church. Individual pursuits drive people; religion has no impact on the expected standards of people in todays materialist driven society, which in turn leads to an increase in deviant behaviours. The Functionalist perspective stems from the work of Durkheim who believed that peoples social roles or functions hold society together (Flynn 2009). In contrast to this is the Symbolic interaction approach where the emphasis is on the way people construct the meaning of others acts (Becker McCall 1990). Durkheim believed that crime is not only functional but it is necessary, it only become dysfunctional if the rates are either too high or too low (Covington 1999). The functionalist analysis of deviance begins with society as a whole; it looks for the source of deviance in the nature of society rather than in the psychological nature of the individual. Durkheim believes society is held together by shared values, and if these values are not constantly reaffirmed through the generations it may signify the collapse of society. One may put forward the argument that shared values are not a fundamental part of society today. It proves difficult to reaffirm values through generations when the family when parents are working long hours. Parental influence over children has declined; due to this children seek values from available sources such as the television or internet, resulting in the promotion of materialistic values which are in turn the norms today. If the community collapsed, and the collective conscience failed the result was a state of anomie (Covington 1999). In essence anomie represents the problems in society caused by social deregulation. Merton developed an anomie theory based on Durkheims earlier work which referred to a deinstitutionalization of norms that happens when there is a disjunction between the importance of cultural goals and institutional means (Featherstone Deflem 2003). Mertons strain theory argues that structures in society may encourage deviance and crime, it is a structural functionalist explanation. Functionalist theories offers the basis for policies that are wide-ranging in their scope (Downes Rock 2003), however Gouldner (1970) believes that Functionalism thinks of systems as mutually interacting variables rather than in terms of cause and effect, thus one may infer that it is impossible to implement policy to stop a particular effect if the cause is not highlighted. Theories of deviance are extremely important as Downes Rock (2003) believe that all theories of deviance have implications for policy making. That said however the ease of implementation of polices may prove difficult. For example doing something about anomie would be far more difficult than tackling vandalism by technical means (Downes Rock p. 317 2003) However, Mertons anomie theory is of great relevance to the realm of policy as it infers a definite cause and effect statement relating to the disjunction between goals and means (Downes Rock 2003). The main principle of Social Strain Theory is that some social structures exert a definite pressure upon certain persons in society to engage in non-conforming rather than conforming conduct (Thio, Calhoun Conyers 2008 p.33). This is not to say that certain social structures leave the individual with no other choice but to turn to crime, rather inadequate regulation leaves the individual with a different perspective on means to financial gain. I agree that this system is a great source of inequality and subsequent deviance in our society today that the less powerful groups are labelled so negatively and punished severely. Every crime should be treated in the same manner, regardless of whether they are from an underprivileged area or a high flying business person. An impact of cycle of deficient regulation may also be seen in Beckers Labelling theory. This theory was greatly influenced by the symbolic interaction approach as it is people who determine and give meaning to labels. The justice system operates on behalf of powerful groups in society; hence one has to ask the question what behaviours are criminal? The two strands of this theory are a concern to address how a particular behaviour comes to be labelled as deviant and secondly what is the impact of this label. (Becker p.9 1963) states that The deviant is one whom that label has been successfully applied: deviant behaviour is behaviour that people so label. In relation to deviance Labelling theory places the importance on the reaction to behaviour not the behaviour itself (Macionis Plummer 2007). It was this belief that leads Becker to place labels on types of behaviour, but who are the people labelled as deviant in society. To put it simply, labelling theory is concerned with what happens to criminals after they have been labelled, also suggesting that actual crime rates may be heightened by criminal sanctions. Unlike the Functionalist perspective, Symbolic Interaction is concerned with the process that underline social life and consequently the mechanisms by which meanings are given to those processes. It centres on the creativity capacity of humans and their ability to share interactions with others (Walklate 2007). In relation to deviance it is concerned with how certain behaviours come to be understood as deviant. Becker argued that behaviours of less powerful groups for example the poor, or disadvantaged are more likely to be criminalized than those who are privileged such as the white and wealthy. This happens because there is an assumption that crime is a social label along with the creation of law which are made by people in positions of power and enforced on people without power (Hopkins Burke 2002). The judicial system criminalizes less dominant and less powerful member of society, thus Becker argues that some rules may be cynically designed to keep the less powerful in their place (Hopkins Burke p.137 2002). Becker (1963) disagreed with the notion that those who break the law will be labelled as a criminal. He brought our attention to the fact that in many cases the innocent are accused, along with this only some of those who break the law are punished and brought through the system (Hopkins Burke 2002). Becker used a concept developed by Merton called the self fulfilling prophecy which is what labelling theory is most widely known for. When a situation is given a false definition it evokes a new behaviour in the person which as a result makes the false assumption comes through (Hopkins Burke p.142 2002). Becker felt that most criminals were in the first place falsely defined as a criminal, not only are their actions defined by society as deviant, the label is then extended to them as a person (Hopkins Burke 2002). Mertons concept of strain refers to pressure the lower economic classes feel when they try to achieve societys goals of monetary success (Flynn 2009). Merton felt that in society, people were focused on achieving high financial success which although exceptionally productive on one hand, on the other was a direct source of stress and strain for the individual (Cohen 1966). In effect there is a distortion between culturally induced aspirations for economic success and structurally distributed possibilities of achievement. This is in accordance with labeling theory view where the people who commit deviant acts are probably under strain from society to achieve monetary success. An example of this would be in relation to higher education, people without the means or cultural knowledge to aspire to respected professions are more likely to engage in deviant behaviour than those with access to achieving their goals (Flynn 2009). Within labelling theory there are two important concepts, those of primary deviance and secondary deviance. Merton thinks that the sense of strain that men feel is an accumulation of frustration, despair and injustice (Cohen 1966). Structural and Individual strain are the two main types of strain in society that promote deviance and crime. The former refers to the cycle of deficient regulation in society that has a negative impact on how an individual evaluates their needs, means and opportunities (Flynn 2009). The latter concept is defined by OConnor (2007) as frictions and pains experienced by the individual as they look for ways to meet their needs. Primary deviance in labeling theory involves acts committed by someone without a criminal identity such as an underage drinker. This act provokes little reaction from others around us, therefore it does not have any impact on the persons self concept (Macionis Plummer 2007). Secondary deviance develops through peoples actions towards the person committing the deviant act they may be pushed away and stigmatized making the crime worse, it is caused by the criminal label (Hopkins Burke 2002). It evolves from primary deviance being labelled, which is more likely to happen if you are from a less powerful group (Macionis Plummer 2007), thus mirrors Mertons argument about distortion between economic success and possibility of achievement (Flynn 2009). Merton noted that there were five possible responses or adaptations to strain that happen when people are not in a position to legally attain internalised social goals (Hopkins Burke p.107 2002). This is a perfect example of how labels are the cause of further deviant behaviour. Durkheim and Merton are one in believing that strain results in deviant behaviour, however Durkheim felt the main causes of strain were changes in society. Adapting through conformity is a self explanatory explanation whereby people both the cultural gaols of society and the means of achieving them (Burke 2002), this ensures the continuality and stability of society (Thio, Calhoun Conyers 2008), people do not break laws when achieving their means. Retreatism is considered the most uncommon adaptation by Merton, they reject social goals and the means to attain them (Hopkins Burke 2002), their behaviour is not normal and are considered true aliens (Thio, Calhoun Conyers p.37 2008). Ritualism is similar to conforming behaviour; they adhere to rules for their own sake with an emphasis on means of achievement rather than outcome goals (Hopkins Burke 2002). Innovation is a response to the pressure placed on the individual for success. The innovator embarks on novel routes to achieve success due to barriers for them to achieve success by socially approved means. They have the potential to be seen as deviant (Hopkins Burke 2002), as they engage in illegal means to achieve success. The final response is rebellion, whereby people not only reject but also want to change the existing social system and its goals (Hopkins Burke 2002). The very word rebellion connotes negative meaning thus showing the existence of labeling and stigma as used by Merton. People are stereotyped as being incapable of following normal behaviour and the general population treats them differently, resulting in discrimination in employment, and in many other areas of social life The internalization of labels by offenders may very well produce a career in criminality because of the negative reactions they receive (Hopkins Burke 2002). However, in contrast as Merton argued Cohen agreed that the root cause of the original emergence of delinquent behaviour was the economic pursuit of money success (Downes Rock 2003). A lot of labels come about through the stigmatization of a particular behaviour. Stigma is powerful negative label that has the potential to radically change a persons self concept (Macionis Plummer 2007), thus it is an influential force in the field of labelling. Slattery (2003) notes that a stigma can either be ascribed or achieved, you can be born with one or earn one. Similar to this is strain theories focus on negative relations between people, focusing on how the individual is not treated as they would like to be treated (Agnew 2002). Labelling theory has several limitations; firstly because labelling is very relative it does not take into account some behaviour like murder which is condemned virtually everywhere. Consequently it is most useful to apply to less serious behaviours like youth vandalism. Secondly, labelling may be seen in two ways- it could encourage more criminal behaviour of it could curb it because of people do not like to have a stigma attached to them. (Macionis Plummer 2007). Finally another limitation of labelling theory is that it does not tell us what are the root causes of primary deviance so how do these people become deviant in the first place? They cannot be labelled deviant if they have not engaged in that type of behaviour. Both labeling and strain theory emphasize the role society has to play in crime. Deviance is shaped in its transactions with events and people around it. Labelling theorists in particular have occupied themselves with the workings of the social reaction to deviance (Downes Rock 2003). Dissimilar to this is Durkheims perspective of deviance as performing functions that are essential to society through, encouraging social change, promoting social unity by responding to deviance, clarifying moral boundaries and affirming cultural norms and values (Macionis Plummer 2007). Sumner (1994) argued that deviance is not applicable to sociology today. He believes that the sociology of deviance died in 1975. Similarly Miller, Wright and Dannels (2001) claim to find empirical support for it and signify the death of deviance in respect to the world today. However, on the other hand Goode (2002) claims that at a certain stage in its history, the sociology of deviance developed a large number of ideas, concepts, and theories that influenced related fields. These ideas included: stigma which influenced disability and transgender studies, anomie in social theory, labelling in ethnic studies and the sociology of the underdog in queer theory. Regardless of the fact that sociology of deviance did not create these concepts, the field did help project them onto the intellectual map. Goode concludes that The social construction of deviance is once again controversial, relevant, central to our lives, and fundamental to our understanding of todays world (Goode 2002). I must agree with this statement as not a day goes by without some type of crime or deviant behaviour brought to our attention. Cohen (1966) believes that rules in everyday life provide a blueprint for every human gesture; consequently every rule then creates potentiality for deviance. However, as mentioned previously- are we really all aware of societal norms and values? I believe that society today has failed to provide a blueprint or clear rules for people to live by, hence leading to the unprecedented rates of crime and social deviance. Strain theory and labelling theory do not pay much attention to psychological factors involved in deviant behaviour, this is a limitation to both I feel. I would question the generalizability of strain theory as it emphasises the focus of materialism for society today. However, much crime is committed by people who simply want to get by in life, to survive. They feel they have no other option but to commit crime to put food on the table. Crime may not necessarily be about reaching the top in society, it may just be about getting by. Labeling theory is a lot more individual in its focus; it is more concerned with peoples reactions when placed in a designated role by society. References Miller, J, M., Wright, A., Dannels, D. (2001) Is Deviance Dead? The Decline of a Sociological Research Specialization. The American Sociologist, Volume 32: 43-59. Sumner, C. (1994). The Sociology of Deviance: An Obituary. Buckingham, UK: Open University Press. Downes, D. Rock, P. (4th Ed.) (2003). Understanding Deviance. New York: Oxford University Press. Henry, S. (2009). Short Introductions: Social Deviance. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press. Goode, E (2002). Does the death of the sociology of deviance claim make sense? The American Sociologist. Volume 33: 107-118. Thio, A., Calhoun, T., C., Conyers, A. (5th Ed.) (2008) Readings in Deviant Behaviour. United States of America: Pearson International, Inc. Cohen, A., K. (1966). Deviance and Control. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Inc. OConnor, T. (2007). Strain theories of crime. Megalinks in Criminal Justice. Retrieved March 19, 2010. Available at: http://www.apsu.edu/oconnort/crim/crimtheory11.htm Gouldner, A. (1970) The Coming Crisis in Western Sociology. New York: London. Covington, P. (1999) Deviance: Functionalist explanations. The Functionalist Explanation of Crime. Retrieved 22nd March, 2010. Available at: http://www.sociology.org.uk/pcfcri95.pdf. Hopkins Burke, R (2002) An Introduction to Criminological Theory. Canada: Willan Publishing. Tierney, J. (2nd Ed) (2002). Criminology: Theory and context. England: Pearson Education Limited. Macionis J, J. Plummer, K. (4th Ed) (2007) Sociology: Global Introduction. England: Pearson Education limited Walklate, S. (4th Ed) (2007). Understanding Criminology. England: Open University Press. Becker, H. (1963). The Outsiders. New York: Free Press. Slattery, M (2003). Key Ideas in Sociology .United Kingdom: Nelson Thornes Limited Agnew, R (1992). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency. Criminology. Volume 30, Issue 1, p.47-87 Siegel, L, J., Welsh B., C. (2008) (10th Ed. Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Practice, and Law. USA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

The Stock Market Essay examples -- Economy, Malaysia, Capital Market

The economic conditions were not that favourable during the financial crisis in 1997. Instability in the international financial markets in turn spilled over into the domestic financial markets. Continued waves of adjustment in both the currency and stock markets, coupled with the decline in domestic and export demand subsequently prompted a shift to more growth promoting policies. One of the institutions that affected was Malaysian stock market. In general, Malaysia stock market contributes to the best allocation of capital resources among numerous users. The roles of the stock market are mainly to facilitate and encourage the mobilization of funds, direct them towards efficient economic activities, provide adequate liquidity for investors and encourage the creation of large-scale enterprises, The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Index (CI) is the most popular indicator of the Kuala Lumpur stock market performance. The CI represents share prices of 100 Corporations. These companies are chosen because their operations cover a broad spectrum of economic performance in Malaysia and more significantly reflect stock market activities with fair accuracy, Stock prices depend on the supply and demand for the stock, it causes by the factors that stock prices to be more volatile is limited supply of new issues despite of strong demand for the stocks. This restriction of supply leads to more price fluctuations, which are common to all stock markets. However, two things prevent an infinite price increase in the stock market. Firs tly, the amount of money available in any country is finite. As the bull market proceeds, more and more of the country’s savings are invested in the stock market and eventually the people involved might face liquidity... ...economic variables for emerging economies. At all, the studies have shown the existence of a weak form of market efficiency among the EMFs for respective periods of study and countries. Recently the studies done examine the cointegration between macroeconomic variables and stock prices in order to test for the informational efficient market hypothesis. All the studies are covering on the period before the financial crises in July 1997. However, there is no attempt to study the cointegration between the variables and the stock market after the financial crisis. Hence, this study investigate the relationship between stock market returns and underlying macroeconomic variables, for the Malaysia as country known as a member of ASEAN for the period after the Asian financial crises, to determine whether or not the weak form of market efficiency to exist in Malaysia.

Customer Satisfaction of Standard Hotels in Tagaytay City Essay

Introduction The hotel industry grew with travel, as people needed places for shelter and food along the routes they travelled, whether by land, water or air. The hotel industry is, therefore, one of the oldest endeavors in the world. (Andrews, 2009) Owners of the hotel realized that a customer has their own demand in services and facilities, that is why they developed what the hotels are offering before through what are the customer’s needs. The Hotel Proprietors Act 1956 provides a clear definition of a hotel: An establishment held out by the proprietor as offering food, drink and, if so, required, sleeping accommodation, without special contract, to any traveler presenting himself who appears able and willing to pay a reasonable sum for the services and facilities provided and who is in a fit state to be received. Hotels can be classified into different types according to their target market, size, location, facilities or ownership. (Baker.,Huyton., Bradley., 2000) Recently, the hotel industry trends towards separating the services sector between hotels. Many hotels nowadays offer recreation for a particular group of tourists. Popular family hotels, hotels for the newlyweds and hotels for people with disabilities, each of them has its unique set of services. Among the services that are indirectly related to the customers, that means that they are not involved in direct care of guests, are marketing service and bookkeeping of the hotel. Reservation, once considered one of the main hotel services, today has become an anachronism. Nowadays, in order to book a hotel clients use the services of the major tour operators. Online booking through the numerous tourist online services is getting increasingly popular. Booking.com says it offers 202,842 hotels globally. STR Global estimates that there are 187,000 hotels, offering 17.5 million guest rooms, around the globe. The Priceline Group’s supply included 200,900 hotels through March 19, Susquehanna estimates, and during the first quarter it was adding about 1,541 properties (hotels, apartment hotels, motels, hotels, residence hotels, B&B’s and guest houses) per week. (tnooz.com, 2012) In the Philippines, hotels can be classified into four categories: De Luxe class, First class, Standard class, and Economy class. The higher the star rating of the hotel is, the higher its luxury level. De Luxe has 30, First class has 16, Standard has 83 and Economy has 43 as of September 2011. (tourism.gov.ph, 2011) One of the famous tourist destinations is Tagaytay City. In order for the place to accommodate guests; they have nine hotels that were accredited by the Department of Tourism. Standard Hotels offer an affordable stay and provide all basic amenities to the tourists. These hotels are considered as the best option for all those people who look out for affordable accommodations and don’t find it sensible wasting money over unnecessary facilities. (EzineArticles.com) Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991Section 5. Requirements for a standard class hotel: Location, Bedroom facilities and furnishings, Front office/reception, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage, Engeering and Maintenance, General Facilities, Service and Staff, Special Facilities. (tourism.gov.ph) Background of the Study Tagaytay has a lots of business establishments that can affect ones operations. There are a lot of hotels and establishments in Tagaytay that offer different accommodations, amenities and services such as Bed and Breakfast, Inns, Apartment Hotels, Apartel and other establishments located in Tagaytay City. Hotel Dominique welcomes the guests into a charming European – style chalet in the cool countryside of Tagaytay. The guests can hole up in a Balinese suite or cabana with direct access to the pool. But they’re more than just one place to stay. Hotel Dominique imparts the feeling of â€Å"home† when they greet guests with the warmest of smiles and attend you your needs promptly. And whether the guests spend their days sampling their signature dishes or getting a massage, guests can always come back to a room that looks like the very first day they saw it. (hoteldominique.net,2011) Hotel Kimberly nestled close to Tagaytay City’s cafà © district. It offers elegant accommodation, modern facilities, and genuine hospitality of its friendly and efficient staff. All these set against the floral landscapes, breathtaking scenery, year-round cool climate, and wonderfully idyllic atmosphere of Tagaytay City. (hotelkimberly.com, 2012) The Lake Hotel Tagaytay offers charming, unbelievably serene spaces. With each reasonably priced accommodation you’re sure to finally be in a place where everything becomes unforgettable. (thelakehotel-tagaytaycity.com,2010) Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay focuses only on giving you these special moments that you simply will never simply forget. Whether being awed by breathtaking views of Taal Volcano and Lake or lounging away at our distinctively themed rooms, every second spent here should be savored. For some, these uninhibited pleasures may seem trivial and even insignificant. But it is these little moments that inspire us the most. (discoverycountrysuites-tagaytay.com,2012) One Tagaytay Place Hotel suites offers a refreshing vibe of Tagaytay, let our hotel’s cozy rooms and amenities tickle your senses. Stay in bed a little longer and enjoy the sumptuous comforts of a richly furnished guestroom. Indulge in local and international cuisine, Tagaytay delicacies, spa treatments, and other pleasurable choices. Go celebrate life’s most important events with friends and family at the Aurora Grand Ballroom. Live that perfect day at One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites. (onetagaytayplace.com,2012) Days Hotel Tagaytay is an affordable luxury. An ambiance of carefully cultured elegance.Architecture, appointments and amenities of distinction.Outstanding customer service.Awesome cuisines from all over the world.Addictive flavors and captivating tastes.Creature comforts without compromise.Dedication to enhancing everyday expectations.Pleasant surprises that ensure every guest leaves happy. It all comes together in the Best Value under the Sun. (dayshotel.ph, 2012) Statement of the Problem This study will determine the level of guests satisfaction experienced by the customers through the services they offer and help to improve their services on guests. Specifically, the study sought to answer the following questions: 1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of: a) Age b) Gender c) Educational Attainment d) Monthly Income e) Place of Origin 2. What are the levels of guest satisfaction of Standard Hotels in Tagaytay in terms of: a) Accommodation b) Front Office Service c) Facilities and amenities d) Food and Beverage Service 3. Is there a significant difference between the ratings of the respondents based on the criteria set by the Department of Tourism on the different services provided to guests by standard hotels in Tagaytay City? 4. Is there significant relationship between the profile variable of the respondents to the ratings on there level og satisfaction? 5. What action plan can be proposed? Significance of the Study This study will be beneficial to the following: Province of Cavite. This study will benefit by knowing the strategies on how to encourage tourists to visit Cavite by means of this, Cavite may attract more tourists because of the quality of the rendered services and accommodation by the hotels. Tagaytay City. This study will benefit by improving or increasing the tourists arrival in Tagaytay City. Hotel Industry. This study will benefit by helping the hotel industry to improve their service and products to the better service and strategies of their competitive life. As well as the management and staff of the hotel, and also the customers. Students. This study will benefit by helping the students to have an idea concerning the service of an establishment, which can make their study easier and realistic. Future Researchers. This study will benefitby using our study asreference or source of other studies to be conducted. Scope and limitation The researchers cover the guest and employees of standard hotels in Tagaytay city. The study is limited to six (6) standard hotels accredited by Department of Tourism in Tagaytay city. They are the respondents of the study. They will evaluate and analyze the whole production of standard hotel in Tagaytay city.The researchers will conduct a survey to 120 respondents, 20 respondents per standard hotel. Definition of Terms Accommodation- is anything done to adjust with the expectations of others. It is equated so as to address needs and wishes or to reconcile contradictory interpretations of things. Accreditation – is a process in which certification of competency, authority, or credibility is presented. Amenities- Something that contributes to physical or material comfort. things that make you comfortable and at ease. Anachronism – an error in which a person, object, event, etc., is assigned a date or period other than the correct one. Department of Tourism – is the executive department of the Philippine governmentresponsible for the regulation of the Philippine tourism industry and the promotion of the Philippines as a tourist destination. Facilities – something designed, built, installed, etc,. to serve a specific function affording a convenience or service. Food and Beverage – which is the sector/industry that specializes in the conceptualization, the making of, and delivery of foods. The largest are in restaurants and bars, including hotels, resorts, and casinos. Front Office – welcomes guests to the accommodation section: meeting and greeting them, taking and organizing reservations, allocating check in and out of rooms, organizing porter service, issuing keys and other security arrangements, passing on messages to customers and settling the accounts. Guest – a person who receives the hospitality of a hotel, a city. A person who patronizes a hotel, restaurant, etc. for the lodging, food, or entertainment it provide. Guest Satisfaction – is a measure of how products and services supplied by a company meet or surpass customer expectation. Satisfaction – an act of satisfying; fulfillment; gratification. The state of being satisfied or contentment. . The researchers cover the guest and employees of standard hotels in Tagaytay City. The study is limited to six (6) standard hotels accredited by Department of Tourism in Tagaytay City. They are the respondents of the study. They will evaluate and analyze the whole production of standard hotel in Tagaytay city. The researchers will conduct a survey to 120 respondents, 20 respondents per standard hotel. Definition of Terms Accreditation – is a process in which certification of competency, authority, or credibility is presented. Anachronism – an error in which a person, object, event, etc., is assigned a date or period other than the correct one. Department of Tourism – is the executive department of the government responsible for the regulation of the Philippine tourism industry and the promotion of the Philippines as a tourist destination. Guest – a person who receives the hospitality of a hotel, a city. A person who patronizes a hotel, restaurant, etc. for the lodging, food, or entertainment it provides. Guest Satisfaction – is a measure of how products and services supplied by a company meet or surpass customer expectation. Satisfaction – an act of satisfying; fulfillment; gratification. The state of being satisfied or contentment.

Civilization in Paleolithic Era

Topic: To what extent does the hypothesis of bona fide, yet ‘missing’, civilization in the Palaeolithic era make sense to you? Palaeolithic meaning old stone, which is about (2. 6 million years – 300,000 years ago). Having a Lower, Middle and Upper stone age for Palaeolithic. In the Palaeolithic era climate was the pacemaker of change. As the world grew colder, the new climatic conditions restricted the habitat, certain species disappeared. Every time the climate changed the new conditions suited other animals. Each Ice Age last between fifty and a hundred thousand years as so mentioned in â€Å"The New Penguin History of the World† written by J.M Roberts. He mentions â€Å"Evidence of the glaciations and their effects is now available from all oceans and continents and they provide the backbone for prehistory chronology. † I did research and came across a website http://www. sciencedaily. com/releases/2004/04/040421234349. htm. It has evidence that supports the three major glaciation events that occurred in the past. Robert Tucker and Zhanxiong Peng of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Washington University of St. Louis implicated that â€Å"There would be no communication between the atmosphere and the ocean.The deep ocean would quickly become free of oxygen because light would not be able to penetrate the ice to fuel algae. Above the ice, there would be little rain or snow because there would be little evaporation. Many organisms that lived in milder conditions would become extinct. † Investigation shows that there are at least three levels of glacial deposits. Each ice age destroyed the habitats of creatures that had adapted to the arctic condition. But after each glaciation new species spread. As time went on, one branch lead to apes and the other lead to human beings, this line was named hominids.Indicated by J. M Roberts, â€Å"The first hominid fossil found in Kenya and Ethiopia are dated only 4. 5 million years ago. † But then a French fossil hunter discovered a fossil in Chadian desert year 2001; nearly complete cranium, pieces of jawbone and teeth. They pinned down the age of this fossil, which they say is between 6. 8 and 7. 2 million years old. (Information found in http://afp. google. com/article/ALeqM5gjCJ41Mm-Li6gU9Rd4n1DXPlm7Gg . ) So as to what is happening, fossil hunters, geologist, archeologist, scientist etc. keep discovering new fossils with different ages and keep pushing back our timelines. So saying the truth we are not sure exactly when the hominids where first taking place in our timeline. Who knows what there is yet to be discovered. Going to a description and comparison of a hominid and primate. Those with a small cranium were consider primates because the brain was not too intelligent. As time went on the brain developed little by little. More common sense, but as that happened the brain grew, therefore having a much bigger cranium, which were t hen classified as hominids.Hominids developed reasoning, a sense of communication and had a system of control, which is the beginning of the creation of human beings. Primates communicate with signals, went on natural instincts, and had no system of control. Their method was adaptation to life and the environment around them. Which if I’m not mistaken is what we now call wild animals. We are the top of the food chain. We are the fittest to survival. Why, because we have intelligence, logic and reasoning. We have common sense to avoid casual mistakes that can cause our lives. Professor Paul S.Burdett from Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg NJ wrote a document named â€Å"What Is Human? †. It describes three main parts of what makes us human and has a comparison to what is not classified to be human. 1. Reasoning is the power to think, and understand. Mind solves problems and the body has a reaction to everything but think before react. As for primates, theyâ⠂¬â„¢re mind and reactions are not reasonable like ours. 2. Language is our form of communication. Without communication we have nothing. With language we have grammar and syntax an arrangement that focuses on a relationship between words. . System of control, which keeps things organized. Having a social life. Under that category come family, tribes, and clans. Which are all in relation and come with a natural connectivity as in a connection in blood or DNA. Examples; mother, son, grandfather, cousins, aunts, including mother-in-law and so on. Now beyond that comes communities, societies, culture and civilization. Which is an organization of non-related people. People working together to make a living. As for primates, they only go with their instincts and communicate with signals.And cannot go any much further than that. So my definition for being a human is one who exhibits a sense of humanity, compassion, civilization, and consideration towards mankind. An understanding, organiz ation, and sense of communication. So is it possible that such a civilization could have existed? There was a point in time where the hominids decided to just settle down. Having water, and food near them. So they did not have to travel far. In the process tools were created, fire, a sense a religion, a stable living style, a sense of emotion, farming.All of these things is what started civilization. And civilization was not established until the Upper Palaeolithic Era. Without everything being done, no civilization would have been created. Till this day discoveries are made. The only way to know if something really existed is by evidence. And by evidence I mean fossils, skeletons, art, grave goods, â€Å"ARTIFACTS! † Artifacts is all we have. The only problem is that from what I have understood is that we have more evidence going towards the Upper Palaeolithic Era. In J. M Roberts book (Book 1, Chapter 2, last paragraph on pg. 1) he stated, â€Å"To separate Upper and Lower Palaeolithic is easy; the division represents the physical facts†¦ †¦ the most recent and therefore fossils and artifacts found among them are later found then lower. † Meaning more evidence is found in the Upper. â€Å"Almost all the artifacts that survived in Palaeolithic are made from stone, none are made of metal†¦ †¦ which stone artifacts provide the largest significant body of evidence. † So from what is seems stones where most likely to be preserved then metal. Neolithic Revolution involved far more than the adoption of a limited set of food producing techniques.The making of small groups of hunter, gatherers that had hitherto dominated human history into sedentary societies based in built up villages and towns, which radically modified their natural environment by means of specialized food crop cultivation that allowed extensive surplus food production. These developments provided the basis for high population density settlements, specialize d and complex labor diversification, trading economies, the development of art, architecture, and culture. All these things are well described in a book called â€Å"The Breakout: The Origins Of Civilization† written by Martha Lamberg-Karlovsky.The Revolution developed independently in different parts of the world, not just in the Fertile Crescent. The Mediterranean climate has a long dry season with a short period of rain, which made it suitable for small plants with large seeds, like wheat and barley. The Oasis Theory, originally proposed by Raphael Pumpelly in 1908, maintains that as the climate got drier due to the Atlantic depressions shifting northward, communities contracted to oases where they were forced into close association with animals, which were then domesticated together with planting of seeds.Agriculture, known as farming. Which was turning point. No more long travel, everything at hand and the sense of trading. With trading came leader, which meant governmen t. With all that said societies. In this part of time, known art was a way of recording things in their time. There were caves that have been found with carved drawings. Showing life itself, and how everything was before. Art created by stones, mud as paint, and drawings on top of other drawings creating stories that have yet to be discovered.Every time we think we found the oldest society another older one pops up. Everyday life was not able to be recorded. Communication was not able to be recorded. Records in that era took a lot of time and dedication. So in our sense, was there civilization in the Palaeolithic Era? I think there was. Even though there isn’t much evidence, it actually makes sense. Like in the quote, â€Å"If a tree falls in the forest but no one is there to hear it, does it still make a sound? † Just because we did not witness it, it does not mean it did not exist.

How to Write a Movie Critique Like an Expert

How to Write a Movie Critique Like an Expert How to Write a Movie Critique: Professional Guidelines Movie Critique: Professional Guidelines If you do not know how to write a movie critique, you might easily mistake this assignment for a movie review. However, there is a difference between these two paper types. While a movie review describes the opinion of the writer, a critique focuses on production and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the movie in order to provide recommendations on what could have been improved to attract a wider audience. If you do not know how to write a movie critique for school, start by asking yourself the following questions: Is this an original film or a part of some franchise? Does it fit the series? What inspired the author of the story? Was it a novel, story, or real-life events or people? Did the plot writer manage to create a captivating story? Have all questions been answered by the end of the film? What about the rhythm of the movie? Is it smooth or dynamic? Is the story clear or filled with unnecessary details? Can you understand who the target audience of the movie is? Can you think of any other similar or related movies on the same topic? Was the cinematography successful? Did the director choose effective production techniques (shots, sound, etc.)? Do they contribute to the purpose and the atmosphere of the movie? The movie entertaining or serious? Does it touch on any topical issues? Do you think that the cast is appropriate? Did the actors manage to get into their characters? What kind of atmosphere does the movie have? Is it joyful / romantic / tense, etc.? Once you answer all these questions, you can say that you have done half of the work writing a movie critique. Of course, this will be only a rough draft and much will have to be improved but now you know how to write a movie critique. Below, we are describing some of the most effective techniques that will help you create an impressive paper. A Quick Guide on How to Write a Film Critique Essay Getting started is always the hardest. At this point, you have to choose the approach to writing and set the pace. If you have no idea where to start, try some of the techniques discussed below: Watch the assigned movie and write down the main events, characters’ names, and all the details that attract your attention. Many students decide to rely on their memory but it is a trap you should not fall into. You will definitely forget something important, so it is better to use your notebook when preparing to write a movie critique essay. Do a research. When hearing ‘movie critique assignment’, most students will not even think of research. However, painstaking research is the basis of a well-written critique. If you are familiar with the movie background, such as how the story was made, what the director is good at, which locations were chosen, what inspired the writer, etc., you will be able to perform a deeper analysis of the movie and produce a well-thought-out paper. Analyze the movie after watching it. Do not rush into writing a critique right after you have seen the credits. Give yourself some time to let the emotions settle and understand what the movie was really about and what the director was meaning to say. The authors of brilliant reviews usually re-watch the movie to reach a whole new level of understanding it. Study the characters. Jot down some ideas about them as you watch the movie. Define the protagonist, antagonist, and supporting characters and think about the purpose of each in the film. Do they represent some aspects of human relationships? Take into consideration the settings because it might play a defining role in how the story unfolds. For example, in a movie about natural disasters the nature might be a leading character, as well. The influence of characters and director. Taking into account the people who created the movie gives you a better understanding of it. Of course, you do not have to write about all people who participated in the process. However, think about the style of the director, the strengths of the leading actors, cameramen, etc. and how they contributed to the movie. Create an outline. This is a necessary step you should take if you want your paper to be cohesive and well-organized. Support your claims with evidence. For example, if you criticize the plot for the holes it has, make sure you provide examples of such holes. The same applies to your comments on dialogues, cinematic techniques, and so on. Successful examples will make your arguments more convincing, and this is exactly what you need if you want your movie critique to be powerful. Comment on the originality o the movie. Conclude by saying if the movie stands out and justify your conclusion. Free Movie Critique Writing Movie Critique Writing Service If you do not know how to write a movie critique but you still need a flawless paper, you can try professional movie critique writing services. To write a strong critique, you should watch the movie more than once and be familiar with all the subtleties of this paper type. This task is rather time-consuming but you cannot give up on it because it will harm your academic performance. If you are striving to succeed at college, be sure to submit all the assignments on time. However, keep in mind that even the most diligent students need some help every now and then. provides professional writing services. We have a vast team of experts with PhD and MA degrees and huge experience. Try our affordable services and we will help you achieve even the boldest academic goals!

Analytical Essay on To Kill a Mockingbird

Analytical Essay on To Kill a Mockingbird Analytical Essay on To Kill a Mockingbird The story To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee won the Pulitzer Prize, and in a short time has become a classic and is used in schools in the USA. The plot and inspiration of the characters are drawn from her family, neighbors and an event that took place in Alabama in 1936. The novel tackles the issues or rape and racism, but she filled it with warmth and humor as well. The plot involves Tom who is accused of raping a white girl. The community is torn apart and Atticus decides to defend him. Despite the evidence that clears him, Tom is found guilty. The primary theme is that of racial injustice and the loss of innocence, with the lesser themes of class courage compassion and gender in the American deep south. In particular, there are three themes: Innocence and Experience There are three main children in the story who react to the harsh reality of the trial. All lose their innocence. Dill panics and is filled with fear, Jem grows cynical and disillusioned with the so-called Justice system. Scout reacts more positively, hoping for social change. The main lesson the children learn is that in small towns people who do not conform become marginalized. They also see what adults do not about the loneliness and rejection people like Boo, Dolpus and Tom experience. Scout learns that children are already seen as acceptable or not based on circumstances they cannot control from Aunt Alexandra condemnations and judgments about the Radleys, Cunninghams and others. Children play a main role in Harper Lees novel and her sympathies are with lie with the  good-natured ones. We learn about â€Å"dignity in the midst of squalor† The Enmity and Tension The town is seething with mistrust, amnesty and hate. Prejudice further divides the town by race and class and a price is paid. Racial prejudice is the main focus but class differences and heredity and inherited social status unfairly dictates how people are treated. In this community, economic hardship plays a great part. It is in the great Depression and in extreme conditions Harper shows that people react differently, some are generous and fair, while others are mean and fearful. In this town the poor white farmers have been â€Å"hit the hardest, while businessmen are struggling against bankruptcy. In the middle of it, all are innocents like Tom and Boo. Inequality Harper Lee makes her case for social equality to be practiced as the law provides, and that equal right should be extended to all. She exposes the snobbery and prejudice that mars communities everywhere. She goes far to show the logic behind how things are, and exposes how they ought to be. Education is a clear route to equality in Lees world. It will guarantee equality. All her characters who are educated are also decent and treat others well, such as Scout, Atticus and Miss Maudie. Bob, Mayella and Aunt Alexandra are uneducated, mistrustful and suspicious. It is a tragic situation, moved and manipulated by deep prejudices, deep-rooted suspicion and mistrust, generational class traditions and fearful men. An innocent man is condemned not because of what he did, but because of the powerful forces of racism and inequality. A powerful and effective book. Tips on writing a good analytical essay on this topic: An analytical essay mostly explores another piece of writing, such as a book. If you are writing about a work of fiction, your focus can be one the characters, or a sentence that is central to the work. Write a thesis statement in a sentence or two. You may add background of your topic as well in introduction. Make an outline with introduction, at least three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your paragraphs need a topic sentence, and something from the book text. Your personal reactions can be noted. Your conclusion should bring your thesis and paragraphs together. Our custom essay writing service is designed to help students with writing analytical essays on any topics. Just order a custom paper at our website online.

4 Simple Brainstorming Techniques To Help Write Killer Content

4 Simple Brainstorming Techniques To Help Write Killer Content Brainstorming is supposed to be about harnessing the power of thinking outside the box to solve that  impossible problem.  Its the magic that helps you find amazing, unique ideas. Its not magic,  of course, but when youre desperate- possibly with writers block- magic sounds good. Brainstorming techniques are what you turn to  when youre stuck and dont know what to do next. They can be  great tools because anyone- group or single person- can use them. 4 Simple #Brainstorming Techniques That Will Help You Write Killer #Content via @JulieNeidlinger4 Reasons You Should  Brainstorm If You Want To  Become A Better Writer But why go through the hassle of  using brainstorming techniques at all? There are generally four reasons that people turn to brainstorming: You need ideas. You have a problem to solve. You are looking to improve creative thinking. You want your team to work together better. The first two reasons get the lions share of the attention, but the last two, which lean toward extra-curricular exercises, are just as important. If you want to be ready during go-time for the first two, youd better take a few practice swings at it using the last two. Whether its just you or youre a part of a team, make brainstorming and creative challenges a regular habit. Brainstorming as a group. First, a caveat. Its no secret that Im wary of group brainstorming. That particular method of getting ideas has become a  standard solution for teams trying to solve problems. While it can sometimes create more problems than it solves by encouraging social loafing and rewarding some personalities over others, there are times when your team has to get together and come up with ideas. Brainstorming techniques  are also good for helping teams learn to work together. Brainstorming on your own. Brainstorming isnt reserved for groups of people, though thats how most of us think of it. There are times when youre on your own and need to generate ideas and solve problems all the same. As an artist and writer with deadlines, Im most familiar with brainstorming on my own.  In fact, I did a little solo brainstorming recently, for this very topic. While trying to come up with an idea for my own  blog post, I realized that it might be helpful to readers if I told them how I came up with ideas and got  past creative blocks in my own work- 14 ideas in all. As I looked through those 14 brainstorming techniques, I began to see three basic approaches to brainstorming that I thought would be useful to you. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour. - Mary Kay Ash 4 Brainstorming Techniques That Will Help You Write Creative Content Brainstorming techniques can take a few basic approaches. Once you understand how they work, you can mix and match them for the best results. 1. Use associative brainstorming techniques to get unstuck. Association is a powerful way to get past typical thinking, and to get out of a rut. We generally come up with ideas that are obvious at first, and associative brainstorming is a good way to artificially force yourself past that point instead of hours of work. Its a kind of shortcut that taps into the subconscious, the associations you already know but dont allow yourself to think. Associative brainstorming works best for copy writers, creativity exercises, or when youre stuck in a creative project and dont know what content to create next. This  can also be fun during your regular team building exercises. Word storm. A word storm is where you write down the words that come to mind when you see another word. You might start with a word or two based on your project, and begin writing down any word that comes to mind. These words are then grouped together according to how they are related to each other. Youll quickly create words that are associated or related, according to categories. There is a Word Storm website that can help you get started with word storm techniques. Word association. Word associations are the same as a word storm, except that you dont group according to how the words are related to each other. It works better as a technique to get creativity flowing when you dont want to bother with over-thinking how words are related. Start with a word or two, and write down the first words that come to mind. Dont over-think the process; you should be surprised at the words that pop into your head, particularly as you get warmed up. The goal is to find those hidden words that people associate with a topic that you dont immediately think of. Mind mapping. Using a mind map is a way to visually organize data and information.  Mind mapping has proven popular, particularly if you are better able to understand data visually instead of as lists or outlines. Organized around a central idea, a mind map works like the branch of a tree. Ideas and then sub ideas that are associated with the main idea branch off from the central idea. Word banks. Word banks are collections of words based on the kind of word you need based on a specific topic or theme. This kind of brainstorming technique works well for copywriters who want to find a variety of words that suit a specific project without repeating themselves. You can also use it to build a bank of words to keep on hand when writing your headlines. This is an example of power words we pulled together in a word bank to help you write more emotional headlines. Using a word storm might be one way to start a collection of words for your word bank, though the two techniques are not the same. Visual association. While visual associations aren't a typical tool for content marketers, they can be useful  both in planning beforehand as well as after visual content has been created. Using visual association after a project is completed would make sure that what you've created doesn't raise negative associations in your audience. It is best done by people who weren't on the team so that their associations are honest and not tainted by being too familiar with the project. Visual association is much like word association. Think of a Rorschach test, in which you jot down whatever words or thoughts come to mind when you see an image. The control for this method is what images you will use. I actually have a book where I collect images from magazines and other sources. You might do the same, or use a different image source. Need #brainstorming inspiration? Try word storms, word associations, mind mapping, or word banks.2. Use measurable brainstorming to choose the best solution. In some situations, you need to make decisions that are based on more than random associations. This is where problem solving brainstorming steps in, when you need something concrete. Pros and cons. You probably already use an on-the-fly method of pros and cons to make decisions in life. Writing down pros and cons in a structured manner with a few rules can make this a powerful tool. Write down what you are trying to choose between. Then, list the pros and cons to tally up a total. The option with the most pros is the route to go. You have to be careful to not cheat, though, and purposefully stack the list the way you want it to go. Let's look at an example of cheating. Say that Jim, Todd, and Erica make up Team B.  Cheating would look like this: Con: Team A will be upset. Pro: Jim will be happy. Pro: Todd will be happy. Pro: Erica will be happy. Three pros, one con, the pros have it! Pros and cons help you cut through the gray area where you either aren't sure what to do, or don't want to admit what you know you should do. When done right, the numbers are convincing. Pros and cons (weighted). There are times when some pros and cons outweigh others. In this case, you would need to weight the list because each item is not equally important. To do this, you'd need to start by listing your top goals, the things most important to you. Instead of each list item being counted as one, the more important items in your list of goals would have a higher weight. Pros and cons seem simple, but we have a tendency to cheat. Often, there is a decision we want to be the right one and we try to validate it by loading the pros and cons either way. When pros and cons just don't work, try weighted measurable #brainstorming.3. Take a new view to gain an entirely new perspective. While associative brainstorming helps you find entirely new paths, and measurable brainstorming gives you confidence to make decisions, finding a new view works when you're on the right track but just not able to nail it down. It's that feeling of being so close, but not quite there. Ask, "What if..." By simply asking, "What if?", you can turn everything on its head. Many fiction writers advocate asking yourself "what if" not only when you're stuck, but even when the writing is going well. Wondering what might happen if something changed, and using your brainstorming prowess to run with it, is a good way to get a different view on the project or problem. Think prepositionally. My 7th grade English teacher did me a great service when she helped us understand prepositional phrases by visualizing a box. Prepositional phrases generally tell where something was, and so she said that any time you saw a phrase in a sentence that could be used in relation to a box, you probably were dealing with a prepositional phrase. For example: in the box, under the box, over the box, beside the box, and so on. When it comes to brainstorming, it's not about writing prepositional phrases, but it's about imagining the problem or project you are working on to be like that box. What if you took a swing at it from the other side? From under it? From ahead of it? Now you start challenging yourself to think of something from a different perspective, from a different time (past or present) and all sorts of directions. Ask questions. Oddly, most of us, particularly when working in teams, have the answers we're looking for (or close to it). We feel stuck, though, because we aren't able to sift through all the questions and the rest of the creative noise and pare down to that answer we wanted. By whittling away at what you know and removing the extraneous from the table, you can push aside the curtain and finally see the answer. This is where questions come into play. Write down the questions you have about the project or problem. Then, for each of these questions, start listing the answers quickly. As you begin to answer the initial questions, other questions will come to mind that are associated with the answers you're jotting down. Write down these sub-questions and do the same procedure. In a way, it's like creating an outline that is based on questions.

Electronic Healthcare System Issues Research Paper

Electronic Healthcare System Issues - Research Paper Example This paper is a report on electronic healthcare system that analyzes and assesses the challenges that are part of the electronic system. It will also explore ways that can be appointed to overcome the challenges will also be addressed in the report. The paper is assisting managers in the healthcare dealing with information and data management operations. It will guide the professionals to manage their healthcare system in an effective way. Body Content Risks and Opportunities involved in sharing Clinical Data In healthcare there are several risks involved in patients’ exchange of information. There are some external and some internal risks involved in client’s data sharing. There are risks of patient’s identity exposure, identity mismatch or conflict, and data stealing which could result through clinical data exchange. Similarly, there are simultaneous risks involved of identity fraud, distortion of patients’ healthcare record, and distortion of patientsâ €™ medication record through healthcare data exchange (American Medical Association, 2013). The responsibility and obligation lies on healthcare organizations, that they protect patients’ personal information by making their electronic health system protective and secured. If information systems are highly protective, they can ensure the safety of patients’ personal records and data. For healthcare organization, information is an asset which if gets managed is a value to the organization and if gets lost or detracted is a complete threat to the organization (American Medical Association, 2013). In healthcare information integration is an essential thing required which is achieved by means deliberated data exchange. Exchanging patients’ personal clinical information links all the departments together. The departmental coordination makes patients’ care highly qualitative. This is one major opportunity that lies with clinical information sharing (America n Bar Association, 1994). On further, data pooling (sectional data sharing) comes out valuable for research departments of the healthcare organization. This operation is made possible through sectional information sharing. Looping information from one period of patient trial to another is enabled through data exchange. Conducting a clinical research gets easier when pooled information is available on the research desk. Information sharing provides data to researchers which can further be used for scientific argument (American Bar Association, 1994). On further, information sharing keeps departments proactive. When the information required for patient’s treatment is available at the right time, the treatment gets effective as it is done on the real time basis. This is an opportunity which usually most healthcare organizations avail through sectional data sharing. According to Deborah Zarin (the director at the National Library of Medicine), information sharing brings transpare ncy in health care operations (National Academy of Sciences, 2013, p. 4). It brings transparency on how well the patients are provided treatment and care. Information sharing also gives the opportunity of patient’s retrospective analysis as it allows the data exchange of patient’s past record of trials. Opportunities are there on the line with electronic health information sharing but it is on the organization’

Contemporary Art vs. Crafts Movement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Contemporary Art vs. Crafts Movement - Essay Example The essay "Contemporary Art vs. Crafts Movement" discovers the different definitions of the art, analyzes its function and compare Contemporary Art with Crafts Movement. While the end result may not always be considered art, the possibility of creating an original drawing that transcends it’s parameters and materials is always possible, and that, to me, is the definition of art†. Others define the difference based upon distinctions of whether something is intended merely to suggest thought and ideas or is instead intended to serve a particular function as well as remain aesthetically pleasing. â€Å"People still debate the relative value of art made to be used, and art made to be contemplated (painting, drawing and sculpture). It’s the utilitarian versus the high art tradition†. As these definitions might suggest, there is no easy, one-size-fits-all solution to distinguishing between arts and crafts, yet it remains equally clear that there is a difference. Understanding the current debate between arts and crafts can provide several points of assistance to a high school level arts instructor in helping students recognize true talent from mere accident. Charles Lewton-Brain provides a helpful run-down of the various ways in which art and craft have been distinguished from each other. Somewhat jokingly, he indicates that one difference between art and craft is about $3,000, but more seriously suggests that the difference can be found in the intent. The Canadian Professional Relations tribunal.

Comparing Shinto and Zoroastrian Religions Research Paper

Comparing Shinto and Zoroastrian Religions - Research Paper Example They aim at ensuring a person’s life is positioned within the religious organization. The family structure is considered the core of the Shinto religion. The organization defers with Zoroastrian religion. Zoroastrian religion organizes itself along religious pillars. The pillar defines the way of life and the nature in which believers interact with nature. Honesty, righteousness, and friendship are pillars uniting the religion. The pillars unite believers and decision-making is made in ways that are in line with the pillars. At the hierarchy of the organization is a supernatural being. The structure is similar to the Shinto religion. The Supreme Being in the religion is called Ahura Mazda. All creatures and living beings are expected to follow a defined path that identifies Ahura Mazda as the Supreme Being. The family structure completes the organizational components within the religion. Roles are assigned based on gender, age, and religious supremacy. Theirs exist teachers of the law who target at informing follower on the pillars and religious expectation. The organizational components give rise to the religious beliefs and practices. Religious beliefs Beliefs define a common component among religious believers the two religions differ in terms of beliefs. The war between evil and good is an essential element within the Zoroastrians religion. The religious belief focuses on the supreme nature of the good forces and it is the human to make informed decision to ensure a balance within the human spaces.

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association of United States vs. State Essay

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association of United States vs. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company - Essay Example The issue of Modified Standard 208 by the ordinance of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made the incorporation of passive restraints such as air bags and passive seatbelts mandatory in all automobiles manufactured after September 1982 to ensue better public as well as occupant safety. However, before this new regulation could come into effect, a new Secretary of Transportation assumed office and the implementation of the Standard was delayed for one year. NHTSA, then, called a public hearing after reopening the rulemaking process, where forth the Modified Standard 208 was retracted. Their claim stated that the utilitarian values of air bags and passive seatbelts are no longer justifiable in automobile security given, questioning the benefits of passive restraints. However, this withdrawal of the rule indicated that the decision was not a result of the proven ineffectiveness of passive restraints but rather one based on the interests of large automobile companies . As was duly shown, a staggering 99% of the motor vehicle industry was at that time incorporating automatic seatbelts into their models that could be easily detached. Motor Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (MVMA) of United States demanded a court review of the rulemaking on parameters less ‘arbitrary and capricious’. ... Cutler presented his argument gusto, clarity backed by relevant statistics and figures to show that the public reception of passive restraints were not only negative but that detachable seatbelts, in cases of accidents, were safer to the occupant. I find both sides were convincing and clear enough in presenting their points. The questions by the judges were crucial, and to some extent, indicated a slight incredulity towards the justification of the repealing of the restrictive regulation stipulated under Standard 208. The court was to review and issue a ruling based on whether â€Å"facts found and the choices made† were relational or truly â€Å"arbitrary and capricious†. The court ruled the facts directing the previous rescinding to be insufficient and inconclusive in indicating that passive restraints were not preventive of accidents. I believe, to an extent, the agency’s decision to rescind the Standard may have been a result of bureaucratic politics, a natur al consequence of the change of power as the new Secretary of Transportation assumed office. However, it is indubitable that the court could find no â€Å"direct evidence† to justify the retraction of the Standard 208 and was unbiased in its ruling. Impact and Significance The historical Marbury vs. Madison case of 1803 initiated a momentous change in the US legal system by establishing the ground for judicial review in assessing the constitutional applicability and integrity of legislations. The ideological and constitutional effect of the Marbury vs. Madison case has been enduring. The key importance of the MVMA versus State Farm Mutual Insurance Company lies in the fact that this case throws into sharp relief the pitfalls as well as the effectiveness of the judicial review system. It is also significant in

International business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

International business - Essay Example 4 2.2.1 Presentation of the factors 4 2.2.2 Analysis of the factors 5 3. Conclusion 6 4. Recommendations 7 References 9 Bibliography 9 1. Introduction Globalization is considered as one of the most critical aspects of modern society. The historical development of globalization has been often related to the advances of technology. In practice, it seems that several factors have led to the globalization of markets and production worldwide. These factors are explored in this study. Emphasis is given on the key characteristics of these factors but also on their potential relationship. In addition, the different performance of these factors in regard to the promotion of globalization in different countries is discussed. It has been proved that there are certain factors that are closely related to the globalization of markets and production but their contribution in the enhancement of the globalization is not similar in countries internationally. The different cultural, political and econo mic characteristics of states seem to be responsible for the above phenomenon. 2. ... The latter form of globalization reflects the development of production standards, such as the ISO quality standards, that are respected internationally but also the potential of firms to establish their production units in foreign countries without facing resistance by the host country (Sobel 2009). 2.2 Which factors most contributing in the globalization of markets and production? 2.2.1 Presentation of the factors In the literature different factors have been found to be involved in the development of globalization, both for markets and for the production process. In regard to the globalization of markets emphasis is given on the following factors: the level of unemployment, the restrictions set for the establishment of foreigners, the economic support provided to businesses, the level of tax and the performance of the economy (Prempeh, Mensah and Adjibolosoo 2004). The educational perspectives and the chances for personal and professional development are also factors that can infl uence the decision of people to move to another country, an activity that is regarded as part of the globalization of markets (Blossfeld 2008). The globalization of markets is also affected by another fact: the number of buyers/ sellers within each market (Prempeh, Mensah and Adjibolosoo 2004). According to Vaidya (2006) the development of markets is affected by certain factors, such as the macroeconomic policies promoted by the government, the legal framework regulating business projects, the level at which a market participates in other financial markets globally and the level at which technology is promoted. As for the globalization of production, reference should be made to the

Personal Nursing Research Interest on Asthma Paper

Personal Nursing Interest on Asthma - Research Paper Example Asthma is an incurable disease and individuals with this condition will need regular follow-up and monitoring of symptoms. During my postings in asthma clinic, I realized that patient education is the most important aspect of management of patients with asthma and without this, control of exacerbations and symptoms in asthma becomes difficult. Hence in this research article, I chose to discuss about patient education in asthma. The most common symptoms of asthma in an adult are wheezing, cough, nocturnal or exercise-induced cough, breathlessness, tightness of chest and sputum production (Brenner, 2009). The symptoms may be perennial or seasonal, continuous or intermittent, or during the day or night. Some of the precipitating or aggravating factors include viral infections, intense emotions, environmental irritants, exercise, pets or carpets at home, drugs like aspirin, additive foods, weather changes, stress and certain diseases like gastrointestinal reflux, sinusitis and rhinitis ( Brenner, 2009). Many patients have a family history of asthma or other allergy conditions. Treatment depends on the staging of asthma which again depends on the frequency and severity of symptoms. The main drugs for treatment are bronchodilators and steroids. These drugs can be given either oral, through metered dose inhalers or through nebulizations (Sharma and Gupta, 2009, Emedicine).

International business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

International business - Essay Example 4 2.2.1 Presentation of the factors 4 2.2.2 Analysis of the factors 5 3. Conclusion 6 4. Recommendations 7 References 9 Bibliography 9 1. Introduction Globalization is considered as one of the most critical aspects of modern society. The historical development of globalization has been often related to the advances of technology. In practice, it seems that several factors have led to the globalization of markets and production worldwide. These factors are explored in this study. Emphasis is given on the key characteristics of these factors but also on their potential relationship. In addition, the different performance of these factors in regard to the promotion of globalization in different countries is discussed. It has been proved that there are certain factors that are closely related to the globalization of markets and production but their contribution in the enhancement of the globalization is not similar in countries internationally. The different cultural, political and econo mic characteristics of states seem to be responsible for the above phenomenon. 2. ... The latter form of globalization reflects the development of production standards, such as the ISO quality standards, that are respected internationally but also the potential of firms to establish their production units in foreign countries without facing resistance by the host country (Sobel 2009). 2.2 Which factors most contributing in the globalization of markets and production? 2.2.1 Presentation of the factors In the literature different factors have been found to be involved in the development of globalization, both for markets and for the production process. In regard to the globalization of markets emphasis is given on the following factors: the level of unemployment, the restrictions set for the establishment of foreigners, the economic support provided to businesses, the level of tax and the performance of the economy (Prempeh, Mensah and Adjibolosoo 2004). The educational perspectives and the chances for personal and professional development are also factors that can infl uence the decision of people to move to another country, an activity that is regarded as part of the globalization of markets (Blossfeld 2008). The globalization of markets is also affected by another fact: the number of buyers/ sellers within each market (Prempeh, Mensah and Adjibolosoo 2004). According to Vaidya (2006) the development of markets is affected by certain factors, such as the macroeconomic policies promoted by the government, the legal framework regulating business projects, the level at which a market participates in other financial markets globally and the level at which technology is promoted. As for the globalization of production, reference should be made to the

Report on case study 1 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Report on 1 - Case Study Example The major causes of the said issue are because the earthquake was extremely strong for people of Tokyo. During the incident, the building shook two or three times and many times afterwards due to aftershocks effects. The shockwaves can cause the health problems especially the trauma to the people2. It even caused the staff to go under their desks with helmets, holding the legs on tables for fear. There was a power surge in most of the parts in the area, hence, the trains could not be able to function normally since there were no enough power in things like traffic lights, lights in buildings and such as they were also affected. These factors caused the people in the businesses to uphold the commencement of reopening them. In addition, it was a dilemma for the people to know the damage caused in Tokyo, and for how long would the trains resume their usual businesses. The question of if there would be food in some days or what was going to happen in fuel supply since the television aired spectacular scenes of fire in a gas terminus in Tokyo Bay area. In this, there were uncertainties everywhere as the people lacks clear information to help in making any decision. Most of the people, especially in Rio Tinto Japan, could not afford to go home. They had to travel the next day, as the situation was not conducive environment for running a business normally. The incident becomes one of the major tsunami in the world34. The social issue affecting the businesses resumption was if the reopening of the businesses and offices would be possible. The stakeholders gauged the available options but without knowing what to do next. Their ethical issues included if to open the business and operate normally, or to keep everyone at home, or even to ask every staff to remain in safe locations and work from there. Although no any issue was possible to resolve at the time as there were no adequate information to make a good decision, which favors the

Challenges to Maritime Security in Southeast Asia

Challenges to Maritime Security in Southeast Asia Lt Mohd Fadhil bin Ahmad Southeast Asia: The Current Challenges of Maritime Security Introduction Since ancient times, the control (or to have at least some forms of control) over the lucrative waterways has always been the ambition of littoral states as well as those with vested and specific interests. The reasons can be abundance, such as that for the purpose of facilitating peaceful trade and commercial, or nations or empire’s expansion or projection of power and influence, or for gaining quick wealth through a less peaceful means of piracy. With everyone going for a slice of cake, it then resulted in disputes, conflicts and even war and some are still unresolved until today. Back to the present, littoral states or these adjacent to Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) are now not only faced with tall order of keeping of SLOC safe for navigation and secured of threats, which most often than not are mostly non-traditional in nature, but are also pressured by extra regional and international â€Å"interested parties† to do so, as such are made preoccupied in keeping these â€Å"interested parties† at bay, i.e. from interfering. Littoral states are expected to ensure safety and security as their responsibilities, on their own effort and with heavy financial cost, without any modality of burden sharing through international funding. But, the question then, do they (the littoral states) really want any forms of funding with the terms and conditions which can be interpreted as external interference? Especially, when international users have already considered the Malacca Straits for an example as an international sea lane with their rights of usage. Apart from these threats and the conflict of interest, this strategic outlook or landscape can also be looked upon as having its own opportunities at the same time. Although the factors that shape these opportunities are mainly driven by economic gain, the aspect of security interests could lead to other mutual beneficial partnership. A lot has been said on the needs for collaboration or joint efforts with regard to maintaining the safety and security of our immediate waters which include from the north-west of the Indian Ocean-Andaman, down to the Straits of Malacca and the Straits of Singapore, and up to the South China Sea as well as the adjacent seas, oceans and waters. Has this SLOC not attracted enough attention with regard to the availability of both threats/challenges and opportunities? In this regard, have we not seen the rising numbers of piracy at the Straits of Malacca before, in the early 2000s of the increased traffics and trades that play this SLOC (from 56,000 ships in year 2000 to 73000 in 2011 for ship of more than 300 GRT)? Has this situation not attracted influential players-major military and economic powers, into this foray? These only proved how vital this SLOC is, and why all concerned parties should coordinate, cooperate and collaborate–bilateral or multi-laterally, for a concentrat ed/ integrated effort. Challenges Over the years, ASEAN through its various forums has introduced numerous commendable efforts and initiatives to ensure the safety and security of its water. The outcome has been remarkably encouraging especially when incidents of piracy has dropped to a near-zero. However, there are still other works to be done especially at the Straits of Malacca and more work elsewhere vis-a-vis the South China Sea. With regard to the Straits of Malacca, with piracy no longer in the limelight, the main concern now is the increasing traffic volume as mentioned earlier. As we know, the Straits of Malacca is one narrow Strait and with this increased in traffic volume; coordinated efforts now must be focused towards regulating the North-bound passage in ensuring navigational safety and putting in place a mechanism to address shipping-related pollutions-by irresponsible acts or mishap at sea. Competition over Resources There are some issues with regard to the maritime Southeast Asia waters which have been standing out such as competition over resources. As we know, maritime Southeast Asia, which are located between the Pacific and Indian Ocean, is composed of the volcanic and non-volcanic islands and also the island arcs. The geology of the area is highly complex but it is very promising in term of resources development. Extensive continental shelves washed by seas of less than 200metres deep join many of the islands to Australia and Asia. The Continental Shelf areas are the important location of sedimentary rock which contains of yields oil, tin, and others minerals. The growing in demand for energy is obviously generating greatly increased in offshore exploration for oil and natural gas. China for example, has expended massive efforts in exploring for oil in South China Sea as well as the Pearl River Basin to the North of Hong Kong. Nowadays, we can see that the developed oil-fields in Southeast Asian waters are small and located only in continental shelf area. So that, reservoirs are being depleted and increased in exploration and competition are to be expected. At present, oil, offshore minerals and also fisheries are the main focal point of disputes and future conflict. China has claimed a major portion of the South China Sea makes other littoral feel threatened against other interests over the South China Sea and its resources. Most of the contiguous states have claimed a 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Indonesian and the Philippine concept of the archipelagic state were incorporated in the 1982 Convention of the Law of the Sea. Article 47 of this convention stated that an archipelagic state may draw straight baselines to the outermost points of the outermost island. Furthermore, the 200 nautical mile EEZ, other claims of the littoral states, and the archipelagic claims of Indonesian and the Philippines and also the China’s undefined general claim, leave no uncontested or unclaimed maritime areas in Southeast Asian waters. Example like what had happened with regard to the Spratly Island where friction and some viol ence have occurred which jointly claimed by Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Taiwan and Philippines. Because of the pressure for a greater exploration develops, the areas with potential for exploration and drilling, which are normally located on or near continental shelves and disputed boundaries are becoming pressure points for disputes. The areas which are currently in disputed and believed to have hydrocarbon potential are the South-western Gulf of Thailand (involving Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam), the waters North of Natuna Island (involving Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Vietnam), the waters offshore of Brunei (involving Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and China) and also the Spratly Island (involving China, Malaysia, Philippine and Vietnam). The fisheries issue is more difficult to address in many ways since fish do not respect political boundaries. The fishery resource management problems are largely unresolved and frequently not even identified. The recent changes in the Law of the Sea, especially the establishment of 200 nautical mile economic zones, make governments are ill-prepared to cope. The establishment of the 200 nautical mile economic zones has created severe hardship for fishermen of certain Southeast Asian nations. For example, Thailand has suffered the loss of some 115,000 square miles of traditional fishing grounds. It is reported that most of the Thailand fishing fleet has been force back into the Gulf of Thailand which is already overfish. Sea Lines of communications, the Straits, the Achipelagoes and Extended Jurisdiction The question of the unilateral extension of maritime jurisdiction is gradually over loading regional mechanisms designed to avoid conflict. Political orientation and economic circumstances are important fact ors in the temptation to use force in order to establish or defend a maritime claim. Within ASEAN community there are well-established, if not perfect, informal procedures for settlement of disputes. The communist states of the East and Southeast Asia are less practicable and have used naval power in the recent past to emphasize their claim to areas in the South China Sea. Use of the straits and sea lines of communication throughout the region affect not only regional powers but also international trading community. Closure, for any reason, of the straits of Malacca and Singapore would severely damage the economies of Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, as well as other states. Major shipping routes of international importance use Indonesia’s Sunda, Lombok, Makasar, and Ombai-W etar straits. The Philippines, which also has declared its achipelagic status, possesses international passages within its territory. The maintenance of open sea lines of communication is of great interest to nations using the South China Sea. The major north-south routes transit the Natunas area disputed by Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. They also pass through the Paracel and Spratly zones disputed by China and Vietnam as well as other states. Future local naval engagements in either of these areas will impede or lengthen the transit period of user nations. The extended jurisdictional claims of China (legally unspecified but encompassing much of the South China Sea) and Vietnam require the most attention. The Chinese and Vietnamese claim the Paracel and the Spratly areas based on their claims of historical occupation. The Chinese evicted the South Vietnamese from Paracels in the 1974. Oil is being extracted to the west of these islands and is rumoured to exits on or very near the Chinese-occupied Paracels. The Spratly area viewed as being potentially rich in oil and natural gas. So far China has not pressed its claims to the Spratlys by occupying one or more of the islands. Vietnam and Indonesia are currently at a stalemate in their discussions over the delineation of their maritime boundaries. The talk have been going on for five years and involves rights to hydrocarbons located in the continental shelf north of the Natuna islands which are occupied by Indonesia. Indonesia has allowed Marathon Oil Company to explore in this area. Vietnam has vigorously and challenged this contract and stated that â€Å"foreign companies should pay attention to this matter and should not conduct survey and exploration operations in the disputed area without Vietnam’s consent†. Any oil company which failed to observe these instructions must be held responsible for the consequences arising from its act. Impact of the Arms Build-up and Major Power Interests The South China Sea and the maritime waters of Southeast Asia are of major strategic importance to the littoral nations as well as the major powers. The guarantee of innocent passage for the merchant and military ships of all nations is fundamental to stability in Asia. Passage in these waters, however, is becoming increasingly constricted especially in the sea lines of the South China Sea and the Vital Straits of Malacca, Sunda, Lombok, and Wetar-Ombai, all of which are within Indonesian archipelago. Waters adjacent to these sea lines as well as the straits are sensitive for security and political reasons. These seas are bordered by countries of very different political ideologies and political outlooks. The western area (Spratly Islands) of the South China Sea especially sensitive, mainly because so many states have made claims to and have occupied island in this area. Potential strategic uses for the more developed island islands in the Spratly included bases for sea line interdiction, surveillance and possible launching points for further attacks. The Philippines and the Indonesia have particular reason to seek for influence maritime activity in parts of their archipelagos. The south of the Philippines, especially the Sulu Sea area, is a focal point for continuing friction with our country. Supplies for the continuing military support for the Moro National Liberation Front and New People’s Army in Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, Palawan and Davao are via sea routes. Indonesia vie ws the eastern portion of the country with continuing concern for security. Other strategic considerations include continuing use of the major straits for military purposes. East to west passage in important for surface units of all navies. North to south passage is also importance to submarines. The existence of the U.S. military bases in the Philippines and Soviet bases in Vietnam serve to complicate the security picture in the South China Sea area. Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base in the Philippines have been importance features of U.S. security policy in Asia since World War II. Both are vital logistics support facilities which allow the U.S. Navy and Air Force to stand behind security commitments made to Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand. These bases also support U.S naval missions in the Indian Ocean. The United States has provided a continuous military presence in Asia since 1975. This presence has enabled the ASEAN nations, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, to increase their gross national product by an average of 10 per cent. While the United State does not take credit for the economy and the security successes of most of these countries, its policy of deterring Soviet, North Korean and Vietnamese intimidation has been effective. In the mid 1980s, the Soviet has a quantitative advantage in the military balance in the Pacific region, having greater numbers of newer, more sophisticated submarines, tactical aircraft, bombers, and infantry and so on. At present Soviet naval and air forces would be severely disadvantaged in a conflict with United State forces in maritime Southeast Asia. China’s impact on the security of maritime Southeast Asia already been outlined as it affects the Spratly area and also China’s relation with Vietnam. Other considerations worthy of mention are th e upgrading of China merchant fleet and evolution of the PLA navy in recent years. China has not entered the maritime power competition but clearly has the capacity and will to do so. In the near future, China will further expand its volume of maritime trade on a global scale. The PLA navy is attempting to catch up rapidly with those of the Soviet Union and the United States by developing a seaborne nuclear deterrent. It is also obvious from the interview with Liu Huaquing, head of the PLA navy, that China is serious about protecting its claim to the resources of the South China Sea as well as asserting itself as a maritime power in Asia. At present, the Soviets are effectively projecting their military power into an area which had previously been a preserve of the West. It is disconcerting to United States power to have the Soviets expanding their air and naval assets in Cam Ranh Bay as well as conducting a large scale construction programme within that base. The Cam Ranh Bay base in being expended into an advanced staging and repair facility which will save the Soviets time in projecting their naval forces into the Indian Ocean. In parallel and as back-up facility, in case of a break in relation with Vietnam, which is not likely to happen. The soviet are also developing the naval facility in the Kampuchean port of Ream. These points having been made, the soviet presence in Southeast Asia is prominent only in the military area. The KGB activity in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia in recent years has been closely monitored by the security agencies of these countries. However, the soviets present no role models for eco nomic development. Future Developments and Conclusion The 1982 UNCLOS provides compulsory procedures for the settlement of disputes. Many venues are open to disputing parties, including arbitration, adjudication and conciliation, as well as other regional or local ad hoc procedures. As an example is ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus Expert Working Group (ADMM Plus EWG) on Maritime Security. This is one EWG which is giving full attention in as far as â€Å"providing a platform for information sharing among ADMM Plus countries in the hope of enhancing and further developing mutual confidence towards regional peace and stability† is concerned. It is sure that with the activities already conducted such as the Table-Top Exercise (TTX) held last year, and those already on the drawing board (i.e. to establish a virtual communication network/website, to conduct exercises at sea); practical operational cooperation in common areas of maritime security will soon become a norm (standard practice) among members, at least, where maritime se curity is concerned. Conflict in which resources are said to be the major issue but where, in reality, strategic position is the major motivation, will be more difficult to resolve. Solutions to fisheries questions will apparently leave some countries, such as Thailand, disadvantaged. The claims to ownership of hydrocarbon are, in theory, more easily negotiated. Joint development in production and policy is a possible solution to competing claims within ASEAN. With no clear sight of a permanent solution, the easiest way out as a short term measure is to a model a Joint Development Area (JDA) involving all the respective claimants such that of the Malaysia-Thailand JDA which jointly exploit fisheries and hydrocarbon-based resources. It is worth noting that this idea of JDA has in fact caught the attention of claimants to other disputed areas as well. Therefore, if we could not resolve the challenges we might as well capitalise on the opportunities. The question of providing a security presence in the region will increasingly become a problem for the regional powers. It may become increasingly difficult for the United States to continue to maintain its long term air and naval presence in Southeast Asia. Political and economic constraints are cited by friends of United States when there are ask to share greater cooperative security burdens. The major security burden of the future will fall upon the ASEAN nations, Australia, Japan and South Korea. National interest in the security terms may serve to overcome other inherent obstructions such as South Korea-Japanese cultural issues and the lingering effect of anti-Japanese feeling in Southeast Asia as a result of World War II. Australia may have a heightened role to play, given a receptive political climate, as a partner in co-operative naval and air patrol agreements and as a fall-back position for the United State forces. The regional communist states (China, Vietnam) appear to be transferring to the South China Sea their current confrontational relations. In order for stability to be maintained in the South China Sea, China and Vietnam will need to avail themselves of existing mechanisms for resolutions of disputes. References: ASEAN Partners invited to Jointly Develop Gas Field, Business Times (Kuala Lumpur), 14 November 1984. The Malaysian Chief of Defence Force Presentation on 10th ASEAN Chief of Defence Force informal Meeting, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, 19 to 21 Mac 2013. Robert A. Brand, Defence Down Under: An American View, Pacific Defence Reporter, June 1985. J.C Johari, International Relation and Politics, (New Delhi: Sterling Publisher 1997). You Ji, The Armed Forces of China (Australia: Allen Unwin, 1999).