Smart Metrobus Stops

Reduce the traffic The metrobus system, which IETT has effectuated in order to reduce the traffic density at the main arteries of traffic in Istanbul and to provide quick and comfortable transportation, primarily started to serve at Topkapi-Avcilar route. * To encourage more use of public transport The metrobus system, which reduced the Access time of Topkapi-Avcilar to 22 minutes, it  was 67 minutes previously, will be extended to Beylikduzu at the European side of Istanbul and to Kozyatagi the Anatolian side of Istanbul.One bus can carry   600. 000/day. The number of people that  typically travel in a car –  making bus travel greener and reducing congestion on our roads. Metrobus  improves reliability and more people will be encouraged to leave the car at home and use the bus more often. The metrobus system, which displays further development potential than other express lines; whose investment and operation costs are absolutely lower than other railways; whose est ablishment is completed in a shorter time relatively, has primarily reduced the traveling period, providing time saving.Since the vehicles move on their specific road, the accident rate and risk reduces. High-tech devices within the system provide a safer and more comfortable travel. By means of its environment-friendly engines, the emission rates reduce drastically and the hybrid engine provides approximately 40% fuel savings Its drawing near alongside the stop facilitates the disabled travelers to get on the metrobus. Operational Capabilities * Intelligent Metrobus Signs provide; * Real time travel information at high-use bus stops Timetables, route maps and local area maps * Need minimum maintenance and have a long service life * No need excavation, easy fitting * Promoting more people to use public transit * Audiable signange fort he visually impaired * Save %75 energy more than traditional stops * Solar-powered system, friendly to environment * Can be used as a lighting and 220 Volt AC power supply in case of emergency or natural disaster * Can call emergency with the emergency/panic button Intelligent metrobus sign system should be designed to withstand malicious use (A push button also triggers an audible message of the same information to help passengers with a visual impairment) . User Classes * Public: people who are using metrobuses searching which line they will use, arrival time of the metrobus or looking at the city map. * Maintenance personnel: people who service, adjust, maintain and repair equipment STAGE 2: OPERATIONAL CONCEPT FORMULATION * Existing metrobus stops  are being  upgraded and some new metrobus stops  built along for future metobus routes.This ensures that passengers have reduced waiting times and easier  access to buses. * LCD displays on metrobus stops show arrival, departure and estimated time of arrival calculation information based on the vehicle tracking data. This tracking information is provided using satellite sig nals from the Global Positioning System (GPS) . The data is transferred to the control centre by GPRS communication. * Positions of all metrobuses are tracked so that predictions of arrival times on  information displays at metrobus stops are continually updated. The metrobus stop acts as an active environmental sensing node, powering itself through sunlight and collecting real-time information about the surrounding environment STAGE 3: OPERATIONAL CONCEPT FORMULATION * Main task The system would provide real-time information on LCD display screens at these stops. The information indicate the fixed route of the metrobuses on graphic maps, the number of stops and the estimated time before arrival. * Human Task The user will be able to check his current location, closest metrobus stop's location and name and all metrobus lines and their routes.And there will be a panic buton to be used just in case of an emergency ( will be located to a certain level of height in order to be kept aw ay children’ reach). Different views of system * Physical view * The size of the Metrobus Stop is modular and adjustable depending on the number of people using the bus stop at the specific site. * Schedules and timetables for each route are visible on LCD screens and there will be 2 LCD screens located the midpoint of the distance between 3 doors. The navigation positioning device (GPS) retrieving current vehicle geographic longitude and latitude coordinates from the received satellite signal * The position data transfers to Metrobus Stop Control Center * Compute a distance from the current position to a next target position value and the current geographic longitude and latitude coordinates * Analyzes the current vehicle speed based on a basic vehicle speed, and sends the analyzed speed data and the computed distance data to ETA (estimated time of arrival) unit. Compute parameters for adjusting a remaining distance and the remaining distance based on the received data * And determine the remaining time to the next stop according to the remaining distance to the next target position value and vehicle speed. * The data is transferred to the Metrobus Stop by GPRS communication Using the Metrobus stop, public transit operators can provide passengers reliable estimated time of arrival predictions, achieving greater passenger satisfaction and significantly improving their public image.A Global Positioning System unit would be installed on every metrobus to send real time information to the metrobus stop display via satellite. STAGE 4:CONCEPT DEMONSTRATION AND VALIDATION * The concept of design which is chosen during concept exploration is now modeled, simulated and model tests are performed. * Making sure that the proposed design encourages more people to use public transport is the major phase of this stage. Questions should be answered are; * Does the desing concept meet requirements for operating, maintaining and supporting the system? * Does it meet saf ety and personal training requirements?Personnel Requirements The stuff who are responsible with servicing ans maintaining are required to have necessarry technical knowledge and go through training programmes that may be necessary to bring their skills up to required levels STAGE 5: FULL-SCALE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT Products are not only tested by consumers, but also will be tested during the process of design and manufacture. Usabbility Testing and Reference of Testing Results * Intelligent metrobus stop provides timely passenger information based on fast and effective communications. In average, the connection is established in less than 0. seconds, instantly providing accurate information on metrobus status. * When the metrobus passes through a tunnel, the global positioning device  Ã‚  is not able to transmit and receive signal to and from the satellite  . and therefore, could not retrieve the current vehicle geographic longitude and latitude coordinates and the current ve hicle speed to result in incorrect announcement of arrival at a next stop by the metrobus stop announcing system * Pressure and strength test are applied on the intelligent metrobus stops. * The metrobus stop shelter material is made from 99. 9% uv protection policarbonate. serlite Polycarbonate Selter prevents the transmission  of more than 99. 9% of harmful UV radiation, measured to   standard ISO 9050:2003. Its co-extruded UV barrier protects the   sheet from UV degradation and discolouration. It remains stable  under extreme climatic conditions (-20 ° to +120 °C). Shelters also stop the rain. * Laserlite Polycarbonate  Roofing is self extinguishing, stops the spread of flame   and also has excellent fire resistant properties. Therefore, this   product complies with many fire related tests, including Heat and   Smoke Release   Rates   (AS/NZS   3837:1998) STAGE 6: PRODUCTION AND DEPLOYMENTUsers don’t need any training period. Training is only for technical service and operator workers. A timetable is available for convenience, and there is a slot for advertisement in order to create a surplus in cash flow, allowing more metrobus stops to be built. The technology would enable people to leave their cars and encourage more people to use public transport. Changes that should be made for later versions will allowed you to check your e-mail, share community information on a digital message board or monitor the local air quality. STAGE 7 : OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE The system require minimum maintenence and have a long service life.

Bubonic Plague

I. Thesis Statement:The symptoms of the bubonic plague spread rapidly causing outbreaks and identifying the need for modern science to deal with epidemics. II. Topic Sentence: The bubonic plague or otherwise known as the black plague spread extremely fast and there were many symptoms of the disease. A. There are many initial symptoms and symptoms before death of the black plague. â€Å"The Bubonic Plague† E medicine. 24 December 2004. http://www. emedicine. com/emerg/topic428. htm , Velendzas, Demetres 1. Many initial symptoms were swollen lymph nodes, delirium, high fever, sore throat, cough, constipation, and shortness of breath. The Bubonic Plague† E medicine. 24 December 2004. http://www. emedicine. com/emerg/topic428. htm , Velendzas, Demetres 2. The symptoms before death are seizures, vomiting, chills, malaise, abdominal pain, weakness, and red spots that turn black. â€Å"The Bubonic Plague† E medicine. 24 December 2004. http://www. emedicine. com/emerg/top ic428. htm , Velendzas, Demetres B. The plague was spread by both humans and animals. â€Å"The Black Plague† The Middle Ages. 1998, Oxford New York. Oxford University Press (Hanawalt 128) 1. The plague was spread in a pneumonic form that was passed from person to person by sneezing, coughing, or talking. The Black Plague† The Middle Ages. 1998, Oxford New York. Oxford University Press (Hanawalt 128). 2. An infected rat would be bitten be a household tick that would later bite a human who would then pass it on in the pneumonic form. III. Topic Sentence: In the fourteenth century there were very few ways to control the outbreaks. A. When the plague began the ships that went to the black sea to trade with Chinese merchants were the first Europeans to get the black sea. â€Å"The Black Death: Bubonic Plague† The Middle Ages. 2006 http://www. themiddleages. net/life/blackdeath. html. Culatta, Richard 1. China was one of the world’s busiest nations and it was a matter of years before Europe and the rest of Asia caught it. â€Å"The Black Death: Bubonic Plague† The Middle Ages. 2006 http://www. themiddleages. net/life/blackdeath. html. Culatta, Richard 2. When the European merchants docked in Italy the crew was already dying of the plague within a few days the plague spread throughout the countryside. â€Å"The Black Death: Bubonic Plague† The Middle Ages. 2006 http://www. themiddleages. net/life/blackdeath. html. Culatta, Richard B. In the fourteen century people did not know how to deal with outbreaks. . When a person became infected with the Bubonic Plague the doctors tried aromatic woods, special diets, courses of bleeding, new postures for sleeping, and the rich had medicines made from gold and pearls, they fled, or prayed. â€Å"The Black Death: Bubonic Plague† The Middle Ages. 2006 http://www. themiddleages. net/life/blackdeath. html. Culatta, Richar d 2. Families of the sick rejected them or took them to the nuns and friars who tried to care for the sick but soon they too got sick. â€Å"The Black Death: Bubonic Plague† The Middle Ages. 2006 http://www. themiddleages. net/life/blackdeath. html. Culatta, Richard IV. Topic Sentence: Today scientists have new treatments and tests to deal with outbreaks of the plague. A. There are several new ways to deal with infected people. 1. When a person is diagnosed with being infected the hospital puts them in an isolation chamber and they burn all their clothes and belongings. â€Å"The Bubonic Plague† E medicine. 24 December 2004. http://www. emedicine. com/emerg/topic428. htm , Velendzas, Demetres 2. Then they consult an infectious disease specialist who decides what to do with the infected individual. The Bubonic Plague† E medicine. 24 December 2004. http://www. emedicine. com/emerg/topic428. htm , Velendzas, Demetres B. The tests that they perform are extensive and grueling on the patient in isolation. â€Å"The Bubonic Plague† E medicine. 24 December 2004. http://www. emedicine. com/emerg/topic428. htm , Velendzas, Demetres 1. They perform a chest radiograph, antibody titer, and an F1 antigen diagnostic test. à ¢â‚¬Å"The Bubonic Plague† E medicine. 24 December 2004. http://www. emedicine. com/emerg/topic428. htm , Velendzas, Demetres 2. The doctors also perform an empiric antibiotic coverage, crystalloid administration, and nemodynamic monitoring. â€Å"The Bubonic Plague† E medicine. 24 December 2004. http://www. emedicine. com/emerg/topic428. htm , Velendzas, Demetres V. The Bubonic Plague is a still ongoing problem that has many symptoms and on going outbreaks and the need for science is still needed. Works Cited â€Å"The Bubonic Plague† E medicine. 24 December 2004. , Velendzas, Demetres Culatta, Richard. â€Å"The Black Death: Bubonic Plague† The Middle Ages. 2006 . â€Å"The Black Plague† The Middle Ages. 1998, Oxford New York. Oxford University Press (Hanawalt 128).

Characteristics And Traits Of Good Entrepreneurs

Characteristics And Traits Of Good Entrepreneurs This report discusses about the well known entrepreneurs and their traits and characteristics. Entrepreneur can be defined as â€Å"one who shifts economic resources out of an area of lower and into an area of higher productivity and greater yield† (Lambing P, et., al., 1997). Entrepreneurs are people who own, operate and take the risk of a business venture. Entrepreneurs identify the needs of the marketplace and they will supply service or product to meet those needs. They assume risk in their business. Entrepreneurship is the process of running a business of one’s own (Bolton B, et., al., 2004). True entrepreneurs try to innovate and they cannot stop being as an entrepreneur. Persistent, creative, responsible, inquisitive, goal oriented, independent, self confident, risk taking are few characteristics of entrepreneurs. History of Richard Branson: Richard Branson is a famous British entrepreneur and CEO of Virgin groups who was born in 1950. He was educated at Stowe s chool where he set up student magazine at the age of 16. In 1970 he founded virgin as a mail order retailer, soon he opened a record store and this was his major success in entrepreneurial life. In 1977 he signed many contracts to help virgin Music to become the top six record companies in the world. With now more than 150 companies in 30 countries around the world virgin expanded into travel, tourism, mobile and so. In Feb 2007 virgin group announced their virgin earth challenge project which will remove atmospheric greenhouse gases (Cord J, 2008). Characteristics and traits of Richard Branson: Richard Branson is good leader where his leadership principle is based on the needs of treating other people with great respect. He is spending one-third of his time in trouble shooting and one-third on promoting new products and the rest on promoting and marketing his business (Cord J, 2008). He hires the bright people to motivate them and makes them delegates in his venture, where his dele gates are the responsible persons on the daily operations of the company. Branson is having the ability of when to back away from his new task. He says everyone must know the art of delegation to run a business and he should have a strong responsibility. Richard has the quality of helping people to run individual businesses so that the company can run without him (http://www.virgin.com/). Richard Branson motivates his employees and satisfies them by treating them as important team players and it is the crucial success for virgin Empires. He has effective man-management power and clearly strong. He is very enthusiastic and he has people who see it as their job to rein in. He is taking good decisions at crucial stages where he will broke his business in two sectors if it grows to a certain size. He feels that small firms run well and this is one of the major reasons as he manages to be a little guy in various tussles. Branson is very ambitious guy having many lists to do and he is man aged to get the biggest ideas of it. He is risk taker and had enormous energy in achieving it. He is living his life to fullest with passion. He believes in making difference where he delivers the service through employees to improve the customers experience by innovation. He has the flexibility of changing to the business environment (http://www.virgin.com/).

Communication in business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Communication in business - Essay Example We suggest to the Local Network companies that while carrying on their operations they should protect human rights and also focus on environmental sustainability. The report will firstly examine the business practices depicted by the principles of Global Compact suggesting ways to implement them successfully into GE’S operations and how they can overcome the difficulties the company might experience during the implementation of the practices. The first principal of the Global Compact states that â€Å"Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights† (United Nations Global Compact 2010). We agree with this principle and believe it is highly important that we as an organization support and respect human rights not infringe them (United Nations Global Compact 2010). The ninth principle of the Global Compact states that â€Å""undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility† (United Nation Global Impact 2009). Let’s discuss both the practices depicted by the Global Compact through these principles moving on to the practices not only adopted by General Electronics but our competitors as well and what was the impact of these applying these principles and their effect on the stake holders. The first principle lays a lot of focus on the companies to identify their responsibility to respect human rights while conducting their operations. Firstly GC wants its members to deeply study the human rights and then apply them within their operations to prevent discrimination of any sort and then thirdly it asks to analyze their operations to make sure that they are not unconsciously involved in the activities of infringement (United Nations Global Compact 2010). The Global Compact has also given a lot of guidance material on their website which defines the tools and the practices that

How-To Documentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How-To Documentation - Essay Example The first source is an article titled â€Å"Preparing and Delivering Speeches.† This article addresses in great length, how one can prepare their speech presentation, and ensure that they meet their objective. The authors of the article have identified important areas that an individual should focus on when preparing their speech presentation. First is the topic of the speech, which they consider should be considerate of the audience. The speech itself is a second area that should be of interest. The authors of the article have outlined steps that can help one to develop a speech that is easy to comprehend. Practising for the speech has also been addressed, and this could be through timing one’s speech, using notecards, and working on the language before presentation. The final area is presentation. Here, the authors explain how to start and end the presentation in the most appropriate manner (Segrin and Clackamass Web). The second article is a YouTube video that was prepared by the GradProSkills, a skills training program of the Concordia University. This involves an instructor offering tips on how to prepare adequately for public speaking. The speakers emphasize that public speaking is a skill that should be nurtured. However, before presentation, of importance is for one to practice how they will deliver the speech. This is mainly through voice warm ups, in order to train on one’s emotional tone, the speed at which one speaks, and the number of words spoken per minute, which in this case should be at around 150. Preparing for a speech, according to the instructor in this video also involves practising for breathing tones and pitch (Concordia University Web). The third article is published in the Forbes, and emphasizes only one way of ensuring that one is ready to present their speech. This, according to the author of the article is practice. After writing the speech, one should engage in extensive practice, in order to perfect their

Data warehouse presentation evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Data warehouse presentation evaluation - Essay Example On the downside, a top-down approach may take longer and cost more to deploy than other approaches, especially in the initial increments. (para.8-11) Bottom-Up Approach uses the bus structure that contains all the common elements that are used by data marts such as conformed dimensions, measures etc defined for the enterprise as a whole. The major benefit of a Bottom-Up Approach is user-friendly, flexible data structure using dimensional, star schema models. It also delivers value rapidly. One problem is that it requires organizations to enforce the use of standard dimensions and facts to ensure integration and deliver a single version of the truth. (Eckerson para.12-18) Hybrid Approach aims to harness the speed and user orientation of the Bottom-Up Approach to the integration of the Top-Down Approach. By Eckerson (para.19-25), Hybrid Approach recommends spending about two weeks developing an enterprise model in third normal form before developing the first data mart. The first several data marts are also designed in third normal form but deployed using star schema physical models. Federated Appro

Data Warehouse Design and Implementation Research Paper

Data Warehouse Design and Implementation - Research Paper Example Additionally, the online analytical processing systems offer a technique to produce ad-hoc queries beside the data-warehouse in an attempt to respond to significant business questions. In the same way, data mining offers a wide variety of techniques and algorithms for finding knowledge in a huge bulk of corporate data. In addition, in order to develop a data warehouse system, we need to put into operation a reliable technology structure where corporate operational data can be managed effectively with real and enterprise-wide aspects and to get into reorganization of a handful application policies to offer a high quality system. However, the implementation and design of a data warehouse system has occasionally been a very big challenge in theory as well as in practice (Charles, 2010; Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005; Olamendy, 2010). This paper discusses some of the important aspects related to the design and implementation of a data warehouse system. The basic purpose of thi s research is to investigate some of the important aspects such as theories, initiatives, models and techniques for better and improved data warehouse system design and implementations. Introduction A data warehouse is normally recognized as an integrated and time-varying set of information and data that is basically used for strategic decision making through OLAP (online analytical processing) methods. ... this perspective, however hardly any technique exists to date for applying similar methods from an operational database (Charles, 2010; Husemann, Lechtenborger, & Vossen, 2000; Laudon & Laudon, 1999; Inmon, 2002). Without a doubt, there are many standards and methods to implement and design a relational data model for a business system which are flexible to design and implement data warehouse technology based modeling, however they cannot be employed as a natural method, consequently data warehouse development modeling is novel regulation that is improving with the passage of time. Basically, the starting point for the design and development of the data-warehouse environment is the data model. In absence data model, the implementation of a data warehouse is almost impossible. In this scenario, the data model works like a roadmap for technology based system development (Charles, 2010; Husemann, Lechtenborger, & Vossen, 2000; Laudon & Laudon, 1999; Inmon, 2002). Moreover, in order to d evelop a data warehouse system, we need to form a reliable technology based environment where organization’s operational data will be maintained effectively in an enterprise and integrated view and to get into recognition a handful accomplishment policy to offer a high quality system. However, the implementation and design of a data warehouse system frequently is a very complex issue in theory as well as practice (Charles, 2010). This paper will present a detailed analysis of data warehouse design and implementation. This research will cover some of the major aspects that need to be considered while designing implementing models of the data warehouse. Data Warehouse Design This section discusses some of the approaches and methods those can be adopted for the data warehouse design which

The Emperor's Club Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Emperor's Club - Essay Example These individuals have control over the hospital operations, doctors thus are obliged to attend to them in more special ways than they do to other patients. Doctors do take care of and watch several patients everyday. Thus, maintaining diligence becomes difficult. b). Universality of a principle means that an individual aware that moral principles can be applied to everybody. Reversibility of the principle means that an individual accepts the principles that are applied to him or her(Hoffman 23) c). No. I totally disagree with Kant’s ideas. This is because there are several complicated situations in reality and thus considerations of other aspects and exemptions are necessary. For example, the right intention of a doctor is to save patients by curing their illness. However, the doctors may forget some of the side effects the patients are facing. It is, therefore, important to have both means and intention. a). The statement means that we should always act in golden means. We should also not forget that things sometimes develop in opposite directions especially when they are extreme. An example is confidence. It enables a person to find solutions to problems. However, too much of it can make the person disrespect others. When a person lacks confidence, he or she becomes afraid of doing things in the wrong way. Such people cannot have enough efficiency and will continue repeating and correcting the same thing. b). The examples of Aristotelian virtues are friendliness, courage and truthfulness. When these virtues become too much, they become obsequiousness, recklessness and boastfulness respectively. When they are too little, they change to grouchiness, cowardice, and self-depreciation. 5. Mr. Hunderts action, in Utilitarian, is not an Act Utilitarianism because it does not create more social utility than other alternative actions he has. Personally, I think changing Bell’s

Pastoral care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Pastoral care - Essay Example The same is applied to the church minister, the help and support of whom is sought while performing spiritual obligations; baptism, matrimonial services, funeral services and prayers at every joyous and gloomy incident are included the religious obligations according to the Christian faith, which could not be performed without the presence and supervision of the church ministers. One of the most important role played by the pastors included the providing of complete guidance to the Christian community in their religious affairs. While pastoral care, according to Malphurs, may have been an aspect of what some leaders in the Old Testament did, their primary role was that of leadership (2003:1). Although the Christian community has separated the role and duties of the state and the church, where the former enjoys all the privileges from devising and implementation of all the policies and strategies related to internal, external, political, social and financial affairs of the country on the one hand, and ruling over the masses through all state agencies and institutions on the other. On the other hand, the powers of the church have been confined to religious affairs, though the church is supreme in this regards, and everyone seeks its help in all spiritual activities and matters at large; it is particularly the case at the eve of birth, matrimony and death of every Christian. Pastor services maintain central place in Christianity particularly at the eve of the death of every follower of the faith. Pastoral services are conducted in order to identify the spiritual relationship between man and his Lord, where the Lord has the power to bestow life and impose death upon every human, and thus soul is bound to return to the Lord after spending the appointed time on the earth. Pastoral care services are conducted in the name of Jesus Christ, who has

A Historical Perspective on Reading Research and Practice Essay Example for Free

A Historical Perspective on Reading Research and Practice Essay This article has responded to both internal and external forces resulting from gradual and dramatic transitions based on historical perspectives. This has permitted a reasonable reflection and a sense of wisdom that is susceptible to loss when one engages in it. The underlying reason is the critical dimension to the present day events and issues analysis resulting from the broadened reading culture. In the late 20th century, reading became a recognized study field with systematic research programs aiming at ascertaining its fundamental nature and its acquisition process. This resulted from the confluence of social, educational, political and economic factors. Quantitative and qualitative changes in U. S. public schools’ systems after the World War II provided favorable environment for the reading transitions. Reading processes and skills were broken down into constituent parts which were practiced and reinforced in a systematic and orderly manner during classroom sections. Reading became a conditioned behavior based on certain environmental contingencies. Individuals positively responded to learning from repeated and controlled stimulation from the environment. This stimulus-response relationship was accompanied by rewards and punishments led to the habituation of the reading act (Alexander Fox, 2004). Therefore, academic learning involved identification of the preferred behaviors prerequisites and training. This aimed at untangling the chained links in reading so as to train the learner in each component skill. In addition, material effectiveness was structured and controlled in the delivery of environmental stimulation and practice opportunities. Emphasis on studying observable behavior focused on reading as a perceptual activity which included identification of visual signals and validating diagnostic instruments and remedial techniques. However, alternative human learning theories which focused on perceptual process as a whole still operated on underground which examined that reading is per introspection rather than through behavior. Human beings could make a coherent sense out of the perceptional data through whole-word recognition, context comprehension and word identification thus considering reading as a unique human activity owning definitive characteristics. Increased interest in internal mental structures and processes ignited by the advancements in neurology and artificial intelligence has caused transformations in the learning institutions. Moreover, the dissatisfaction with behaviorism as an explanatory system caused changes. The article points that present institutions should conceptualize learning as a natural process rather than conditioning and that language should be developed through a meaningful use. Also learning to read should be viewed as an inherent ability rather than a reflective action with laborious skill acquisition. As a result, reading research unified the literacy field through language arts. Learning to read became a matter of arriving at a facility due to the understanding quest within a language-rich environment. The growing attention to the structure and processes of the human mind and increased federal funding by the Unites States led to creation of research centers caused another theoretical transformation. These new researchers explained human language as an interaction between symbol system and mind. Learning as a natural metaphor was replaced with a mechanistic information processing metaphor. Text-based as a form of learning, involved knowledge which was organized and stored within the individual mind (Alexander Fox, 2004). In addition, Knowledge base was depicted as powerful, persuasive, individualistic and modifiable since it was linked to the individual’s perspectives on what they had read, their interpretation and recall out of the written text. The information processing of this period resulted in cognition-related constructs which strengthened the aforementioned characteristics of knowledge. Furthermore, it focused on the individual mind. This was because the computer-based guiding had little considerations of socio-cultural influences in processing linguistic information. To add on, the research studies stressed on individualistic interpretations of written text and exhibited that the knowledge of the students could be greatly modified through training, direct intervention and/or overt instructions. Other contributors of improved text comprehension were instructional environments and pedagogical techniques. In view of any reading approach, there must be a shift away from the neurological argument to much concern for naturalism in the materials and procedures used to teach reading. Moreover, they should create unity within the language arts. The cognitive psychology gave a new viewpoint for literacy and educational researchers. It studied literacy with naturally occurring texts in natural settings with holistic and aesthetic school of thought. It aimed creating a mutual understanding arising in the social interaction of individuals in particular contexts at a time (Alexander Fox, 2004). The dominant perspective was learning being a socio-cultural collaborative experience and the learner being a member of the learning community. Reform on modern schools  Present day schools should anticipate for motivation in the form of readers’ achievement of goals, interest and involvement in the learning experience with change in perception of texts, reader and reading. This can be achieved due to the introduction of the hypermedia and hypertext forms of learning which has increased the attention in classroom discourse thus improving the students’ academic. Effective orientation has to be done so as to capture the complexity of reading and recognize the changing nature of reading as the reader engages in a range of reading-related, goal-directed activities. With the dichotomization of reading into learning to read and reading to learn, it has led to integrated and developmental learning perspective. Engaged learning has led to the acknowledgement of the fact that reading extends to the texts students come across daily such as nonlinear, interactive, dynamic and visually complex materials transmitted using audiovisual media. Current learning institutions should learn about the potentials of alternatives nonlinear media and examine how pedagogical techniques and learning environments can be adapted to aid readers from struggling with traditional texts. Students should be encouraged to participate in meaningful and goal-directed text-based learning. Moreover, attention should be drawn to create a personally and socially valuable body of knowledge. Strategies are put in place to promote reflection, choice and deliberate execution on the learner’s part which actively engages the leaner thus developing the reading perspective. To be complete, readers, and learners should focus on demonstrating fluency in reading and other basic linguistic skills. Workable solutions  Some of workable solutions would include provision of personally relevant texts, both traditional and alternative that will promote deeper and wider student engagement in their learning. Putting in place technological advancements capable of transforming learning and teaching through production of proliferated information sources and different text types can also be productive. Involving high-stakes testing and efforts to institute national standards have hastened the students’ learning since they prescribe the content and skills learners should have acquired at various institutional levels. Investments in basic reading skills and components in special education institutions have helped struggling readers since researchers have greatly supported. Changes which might improve things One of major consideration that should be put in place is recognition of the fact that reading is invariably physiological, psychological and sociological thus an integrated orientation is a prerequisite. Therefore physical, visual, and neurological stimuli to the learning processes should also be employed. In addition, every reading process needs to enhance the psychological interpretation, storage and retrieval of text, goals formulation and expression of interests. Sociologically, a reading culture that focuses in intra-individual and inter-individual communication through linguistic media that are socio-culturally influenced can also play a big role in changing the existing education. Lastly, a fine-grained reading view that incorporate brain structures and mental activities of an individual and social behavior have to be integrated meaningfully throughout these orientations.

Human Resource Management Contribution To Organisational Success

Human Resource Management Contribution To Organisational Success The aim of SHRM is to ensure that an organisation has the skilled, committed and motivated employees it needs to achieve sustained competitive advantage. A number of strategies to achieve this objective have been developed. One strategy follows the resource-based theory which emphasises that investment in people adds to the value of the company by achieving a strategic fit between resource and opportunities to effectively deploy those resources to obtain added value. Another approach is the high-performance management one, whereby processes are developed in areas such as productivity, quality, customer service, growth and profitability through the peoples skills and enthusiasm within the organisation. Another model is the one of high-commitment, where there is a reduction in layers of management, increased flexibility of job descriptions, and a reliance on team working and disseminating information, leading to primarily self-regulated behaviour of the employees. There is also the hig h-involvement approach which engages employees views as partners in the organisation aiming to create a mutual understanding of what is to be achieved and managing people to ensure it is achieved (Armstrong 2006). Holbeche (2009) in discussing SHRM theory states that it has evolved from two distinct conceptions of the link between employee motivation and behaviour and company-level performance outcomes. Researchers distinguish between hard traditional HRM and soft, committeemen-focussed HRM. Hard HRM reflects a contingency approach based on the assessment of the best way to manage people in order to achieve business goals in the light of contextual factors. This approach is founded on HRM seeking to improve efficiency by enforcing employee compliance by, for example, basing employee rewards on some measurable criteria. This approach suggests that for any particular organisational strategy there will be a matching HR strategy. In contrast, soft HRM focuses on a high-commitment-high-performance approach to the management of people. Commitment approaches to HRM aim to shape attitudes by forging a psychological link between organisational and employee goals, emphasising the need for management to recognise employees as significant stakeholders in the company. Increasingly, businesses are moving away from basic product manufacture and service and into more elaborate and complex activities which require the extensive use of information or knowledge. Strategic responses to the new knowledge economy require new forms of training and learning and development is a core business of SHRM. The advent of electronic or e-learning has become increasingly relevant in a context where more and more workplaces are dominated to computer technology, improving the development of knowledge which can be applied to benefit the employee, customer and the organisation. BP offers a blend of e-learning and structured knowledge sharing services allowing individuals to self-manage their learning either on a self-initiated means of web-based training, with fully supported online learning, or informal e-learning through communication, information retrieval and peer cooperation (Harrison 2005). SHRM has a role to play in ensuring that business planning and the planning of suitable employees match. Bohlander and Snell (2009) argue that strategic planning involves a set of procedures for making decisions about the organisations long-term goals and strategies. Human resource planning, by comparison is the process of anticipating and providing for the movement of people into, within, and out of an organisation. Overall its purpose is to help managers deploy their human resources as effectively as possible, where and when they are needed, in order to accomplish the organisations goals. SHRM combines strategy planning and HR planning and plays a leading role in human resources deployments and activities that enable an organisation to achieve its strategic goals. There are cost benefits for an organisation which has strategic focus on human resource planning. Sims (2002) relates that SHRM planning can provide a number of direct and indirect benefits for an organisation. Benefits of SHRM planning include the fact that HRM costs may be lower because management can anticipate imbalances before they become unmanageable and expensive. More time is available to locate talent because needs are anticipated and identified before the actual staffing is required. Development of potential managers can be better planned. Suitable HR policy development can aid the competitive position of a company. An organisations mission and values through their desired competitive strategy and can be supported by a set of SHRM policies and practices which drive the required employee behaviours in alignment with the business goals. This is illustrated by Southwest Airlines who utilise their organisational culture to competitive advantage. This involves an extensive selection process for hiring flight attendants whose profile fits. This includes casting type exercises where applicants are examined against a psychological profile that distinguishes outstanding flight attendants with a focus on customer satisfaction (Beardwell et al 2004). Strategic involvement a forward-looking view of employee development and career planning is a time focussed approach. SHRM which focuses on organisational practices that lead to knowledge transfer and the creation of future solutions as opposed to practices which merely correct past errors. As an example a software development company is entirely reliant on its human capital, their knowledge and skills to generate profits. The SHRM strategy which focuses on how to recruit suitable staff, and enrich and share their knowledge base to meet clients requirements will have a positive business impact (Swart et al 2005). According to Torrington et al (2008), three theoretical approaches to SHRM can be identified. The first is based on the concept of the one best way of managing human resources to improve business performance. The second focuses on the need to align employment policies and practices with those of business strategy so that the business will be successful. This approach is based on an assumption that different business strategies will require different types of HR strategies. A more recent approach is based on the perceived value of human capital. This focuses on the quality of human resources available to the organisation and their ability to learn and adapt more quickly than their competitors. The perceived importance of people as a business asset was emphasised by Barclays Group who were keen to demonstrate that their financial results were related to their people strategies ad improvements in staff satisfaction. This focus on human capital and competitive advantage is not applicable in all forms of employment, for example it is of little relevance for organisations in the public sector. There are detractors who view the HR function as lacking in the necessary business knowledge to be accepted as a strategic partner. Many do not fully accept the involvement of SHRM in contributing to business success. Loosemore et al (2003) despite numerous studies into the nature of HRM and what it represents, it still remains a widely criticised and ambiguous concept. Most importantly, its contribution to organisational performance remains unclear and is not well understood. Critics allege that rather than adding value to the business through its strategic integration with managerial objectives, the reality is that SHRM can remain a disappointingly mechanistic function. They suggest that the theory of SHRM represents a false and unobtainable image for personnel managers to aspire to, because aligning so many competing needs within a single approach is bound to be problematic. Brewster and Larsen (2000) argue that the central theme of SHRM is the link between organisational strategies and the HR function. The focus is on the place HRM has or does not have in the overall process of strategic decision making in the organisation. SHRM points towards a strategic orientation of the HR function and functional areas themselves. Here the focus is on the existence of HR strategies and on the strategic direction of core functional areas such as recruitment and selection, training and development, appraisal and compensation. Direct integration of SHRM requires the immediate participation of members of the HR department and /or HR issues in the formal or informal decision process at the strategic organisational level. Indirect integration emphasises that goal-oriented influencing of organisational decision makers that can shape the strategy processes. In European countries, personnel or HR specialists rarely reach the very highest positions in employing organisations which would enable them to make such a directly influencing contribution. SHRM has a lack or metrics which could provide a meaningful record of their strategic contribution. Price (2007) questions the effectiveness of the human resources function as a strategic partner, citing the measurement of HR success as potentially faulty. One common approach is the use of the balanced scorecard which includes a range of HR measures as well as the traditional financial and other metrics such as time to hire, cost per hire, and percentage of appraisals completed. These metrics, while important are not the role of strategic partnership and reinforce the view of HR as an administrative function. SHRM is not universally accepted in all cultures and this affects international firms in particular. Contractor (2002) discusses the joint venture experience of western companies in Japan. He relates that HR practice and competitive strategy of multinational companies in Japan showed clearly that the execution of a winning strategy in the Japanese market was often severely handicapped by the deficiencies in the human resource system. The capability gap between strategic requirements of the business and the support provided by the HRM system was evident independently of the products and industries where joint ventures were involved. Dubrin (2008) argues that while business strategy addresses the financial priorities of the organisation by identifying what business the company should be in, product direction, profit targets and others, human resource planning addresses the question of what skills are needed for success of the business. Planning helps to identify the gaps between current employee competencies and behaviour and the competencies and behaviour needed in the organisations future. SHRM planning contributes by estimating how many people and with what abilities the company will need to create in the foreseeable future, for future turnover and those likely to remain long term. In addition SHRM plans the recruitment, selection and retirement or redundancy of employees, and once hired, the training and development needs to ensure a continued supply of people with the right skill sets. SHRM can contribute to business success by focussing their efforts on development of people in line with a strategic analysis of the key influences on the present and future success of the organisation, the influence of threats and opportunities in the business environment and the competencies and strengths of the organisation. Strategic HR development (SHRD) in this situation includes analysis of current skill levels available within and external to the organisation which might affect current and future business goals. SHRD would consider the core competencies of the organisation in terms of human capabilities in existence or which might be developed, and how these might be deployed. Choice of strategic options open to the organisation in terms of products or services could be assessed against the ability of SHRD to recruit staff and train them to meet the requirements of the strategic options selected. (Wilson 2005). An agile SHRM function which is in tune with the changing business environment is an asset to a company. Jackson et al (2008) argue that understanding the nature of the organisational and external environments is core to managing human resources strategically. To recruit the right people with the right competencies and to keep these people motivated to do their best work, managers and HR professionals alike need to understand the demands and nature of the business. A computer company that competes by continually offering innovative products and services is likely to manage people differently than a retailer that competes by offering low-cost goods or a manufacturer that competes by offering the best quality possible. Furthermore, each of these companies may change is approach to managing human resources as economic and social conditions change. An SHRM function which can deliver such flexibility can contribute especially in times of business change. Armstrong (2000) relates that the concept of sustainable competitive advantage as formulated by Porter (1985) arises when a company creates value for its customers, selects markets in which it can excel and presents a moving target to its competitors by continually improving its position. According to Porter, three of the most important factors are innovation, quality and cost leadership. The ability to gain and retain competitive advantage is crucial to a businesss growth and profitability. However, Porter recognises that all these depend on the quality of an organisations human resources. An organisations HR strategies, policies and practices are a unique blend of processes, procedures, personalities, styles, capabilities and organisational culture. One of the keys to competitive advantage is the ability to differentiate what the business supplies to its customers from those supplied by its competitors. Such differentiation can be achieved by having higher-quality people than those competitors, by developing a nurturing the intellectual capital possessed by the business and by functioning as a learning organisation. The SHRM approach of focussing on changing attitudes and behaviour of employees in pursuit of competitive advantage successfully is borne out by a quote from the National Westminster Bank who stated that in strategic terms our fundamental reason for being in this position is that in a competitive world it is acknowledged that products do not differentiate you and its easy to buy technology. What actually gives the bank the competitive edge is the people that serve the customers. Kew and Stredwick (2005) discuss the role of the HR function in company ethics. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is increasingly a differentiating factor in some customers relationship with companies. The theory on ethics and CSR suggests that the ethical policy can only be meaningful if it permeates all the activities of the organisation, and if everyone within the organisation internalises it, rather than pay lip service to it. This suggests that HR in its role of helping to identify the values of the organisation has a clear contribution to make. HR has the experience with values, and is well placed to canvass opinions across a wide range of stakeholders to enable it to draw up a code of ethics. This ethical behaviour extends to the concept of the psychological contract (CIPD 2003b, pp18-19). This defines the implicit deal between employer and employees, as distinct from the formal deal contained in the contract of employment. Conclusions The contribution of SHRM to the success of an organisation is effective in a number of areas such as the newer knowledge industries where the concept of people as a business asset is foremost. However, there is little evidence that SHRM is effective at the basic level of actively participating in strategic formulation at board level. It is more involved in the implementation of strategic business decisions. There are sceptics as to the effectiveness of SHRM as a concept and as to the functions ability to be a business partner. The rapidly changing business conditions means that types of employees required and their skills in aspects such as knowledge management has placed more emphasis on a strategic HR function. Successful SHRM is agile, has the ability to forward plan, recruit strategically, manage the balance of employees and develop by training and reward the competencies necessary for the modern business environment.

The Ebola Virus :: Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever

The Ebola Virus A virus is an ultramicroscopic infectious organism that, having no independent metabolic activity, can replicate only within a cell of another host organism. A virus consists of a core of nucleic acid, either RNA or DNA, surrounded by a coating of antigenic protein and sometimes a lipid layer surrounds it as well. The virus provides the genetic code for replication, and the host cell provides the necessary energy and raw materials. There are more than 200 viruses that are know to cause disease in humans. The Ebola virus, which dates back to 1976, has four strains each from a different geographic area, but all give their victims the same painful, often lethal symptoms. The Ebola virus is a member of a family of RNA viruses known as ‘Filoviriade' and falling under one genus, ‘Filovirus'. "The Ebola virus and Marburg virus are the two known members of the Filovirus family" (Journal of the American Medical Association 273: 1748). Marburg is a relative of the Ebola virus. The four strains of Ebola are Ebola Zaire, Ebola Sudan, Ebola Reston, and Ebola Tai. Each is named after the geographical location in which it was discovered. These filoviruses cause hemorrhagic fever, which is actually what kill victims of the Ebola virus. Hemorrhagic fever as defined in Mosby's Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary as, a group of viral aerosol infections, characterized by fever, chills, headache, malaise, and respiratory or GI symptoms, followed by capillary hemorrhages, and, in severe infection, oliguria, kidney failure, hypotension, and, possibly, death. The incubation period for Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever ranges from 2-21 days (JAMA 273: 1748). The blood fails to clot and patients may bleed from injections sites and into the gastrointestinal tract, skin and internal organs (Ebola Info. from the CDC 2). The Ebola virus has a tropism for liver cells and macrophages, macrophages are cells that engulf bacteria and help the body defend against disease. Massive destruction of the liver is a hallmark feature of Ebola virus infection. This virus does in ten days what it takes AIDS ten years to do. It also requires biosaftey level four containment, the highest and most dangerous level. HIV the virus that causes AIDS requires only a biosaftey level of two. In reported outbreaks, 50%-90% of cases have been fatal (JAMA 273: 1748). Ebola can be spread in a number of ways, and replication of the virus occurs at an alarming rate.

Figures of the Renaissance - Ferdinand Magellan :: essays research papers fc

Figures of the Renaissance Ferdinand Magellan Ferdinand Magellan was a leader of the Renaissance and a benefactor to modern science. The results of his voyage around the globe were such that the average person living during the Renaissance re-thought their paradigms of the world surrounding them, even know most scholars and other educated types knew that in fact, the world was round in shape. Ferdinand, however, proved it. Thus he lays claim to having circumnavigated the first voyage around the world. Born 1480 to lesser nobles living near Vila Real in northern Portugal, Magellan was raised as a page to the Portuguese king John II in the royal court at Lisbon. Magellan was educated from then on, becoming interested in geography and astronomy, thus in 1496 he became a squire. In the year 1505 Magellan would get his first taste of the sea, at the age of 20. He was sent to India to install Portuguese viceroy Francisco de Almeida, as well as establish naval bases along the way. As it turns out, Magellan also had his first combat experience on this mission. A local king refused to pay a tribute to the king, and as such Magellan and Almeida’s party attacked, conquering the city of Kilwa in what is now modern-day Tanzania. Magellan continued to do well in his seafaring missions, and was eventually promoted to captain, when in 1510 he sailed a ship east without permission losing him his command and forcing him back to Portugal. After being sent on a mission against a Moorish-Morocc an force, he received a knee injury after which he was accused of illegal trade with the Moors. This coupled with a bad report of Magellan by Almeida to the Portuguese court after Magellan took leave without permission caused him to fall out of favor with current King Emanuel I, who told Magellan that after May 15, 1514. Thus Magellan renounced his nationality and changed his name from the Portuguese "Fernà £o de Magalhà £es" to the Spanish "Fernando de Magallanes" and sought to offer his services to the Spanish court. Upon reaching Spain, Magellan found friends and gained some amount of influence in the Spanish port of Seville. One such influence worth naming is Juan Rodriguez de Fonseca, rival to Christopher Columbus. Somewhere along the way Magellan had acquired a map that indicated there was a passage through South America that led to the Pacific Ocean, Magellan believed that through this was a route to the Spice Islands, which in this time were very sought after within the spice trade.

The Effects of Obesity Essay -- Health and Wellness

Obesity is a well documented problem in the United States. Every year, billions of dollars are spent on this epidemic and the plethora of diseases and issues it causes. This has been shown to be a problem at the state as well as the national level. In order to better understand the impact it has, we will discuss the issue of obesity as a whole, the problems associated with this disease, the costs of those problems, as well as possible solutions to this growing problem in our country. For the purposes of this paper, it is important to give reference points with regards to certain key definitions. The generally accepted way of defining obesity is in the National Institutes of Health Weight Classification system. This system relies on the use of BMI as computed using the weight in kilograms divided by the height in meters squared. The following cutoff points are given for the defined words: underweight- BMI 30.0 kg/m2. These benchmarks will be the defined values for the given words throughout this paper. According to a brief prepared by Dr. Eric Wright for the Indiana Center for Urban Policy and the Environment in May of 2006, nearly 97 million adults in the United States are obese or overweight. That number had doubled in the previous 30 years and is predicted to continue that upward trend. This means that nearly 2 out of every 3 adults in the US are obese or overweight. The surgeon general, Dr. Richard Carmona reported in 2003 that 1 out of every 8 deaths in the US is caused by an illness that is directly correlated to obesity. Obesity is caused by a number of different factors, the main ones being: inacti... ...s, Blacks Had 51% Higher and Hispanics Had 21% Higher Obesity Rates." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC. Web. 1 Jan. 2012. Finkelstein, Eric A., Ian C. Fiebelkorn, and Guijing Wang. "Obesity - State-Level Estimates of Annual Medical Expenditures Attributable to Obesity[ast][ast]." Nature Publishing Group : Science Journals, Jobs, and Information. Web. 1 Jan. 2012. Carmona, Richard H. "The Obesity Crisis in America." Office of the Surgeon General (OSG). Web. 1 Jan. 2012. Paddock, Ph.D, Catherine. "Medical News Today News Article." Medical News Today: Health News. Medical News Today. Web. 1 Jan. 2012.

Microchips Essay

A human microchip is an integrated circuit device that is the size of a grain of rice implanted under the human skin. These implants are used for information storage, such as personal identification and medical history. They also have a GPS integrated that makes possible for individuals to be physically located when enable. People are uncertain if a microchip would be a good idea; the truth is that many people would benefit from this new technology. Humans should consider the microchip implant as a new form of protection. Microchips can help find lost or abducted children. Many children are abducted throughout the world and many are never found. Having a microchip in children arms can give parents peace and feeling of security. Imagine a child was abducted by a complete stranger and took off far from their home; instead of going to the police and filling a missing child report or sending out an Amber Alert, it would be much easier to just look at a computer or cellphone and let the police know the exact location of the child. In addition, the agony and sadness of not knowing children locations will be over. Some children incline to falsify their whereabouts when parents ask. The microchip can resolve that problem and parents would immediately know if their children are saying the truth or not. It can also prevent children from meeting with the wrong, not well behave people. Having control of children is the main responsibility of parents and the implant will ease this assignment. Finding lost or abduc ted children is one of the great features of the microchip. Microchips can save medical information. The microchip facilitates medical history to doctors in seconds. With this information, health professionals immediately will know the person background such as allergies, and illness they suffer. Having this information so quickly will permit doctors to prescribe procedures and right treatments faster. The microchip in humans will highly protect and save lives. For instance, a person was in a serious car accident and lost consciousness and the rescuers are not sure what allergies or other problems the person has. However, if that person had a microchip in his/her arm would be easier for paramedics because they will  scan the implant and the medical information from that person would appear in a computer. In addition, patients with Alzheimer’s disease can benefit for this new technology too. Since this patients don not remember much about themselves caregivers can take advantage of the implant and determine the right healthcare action for them. Storing medical information is the main function of the microchip. Some people believe that the microchip will not stop a child from being abducted. It is true that criminals will not stop their evil intentions just because the child happen to have a microchip in the arm; however, if abductors do not know about the existence of it, the child has more chances of walking out of that experience earlier than using just the police enforcement. Other people disagree that regardless if they can find the child, a crime has been committed and more than likely, the child is dead. In many of the situations when a child is abducted for a long period, this statement would be true; however, if the microchip is in the child arm they could be found either alive or dead, given ease to the families that the child was found. Some people also believe that the implant violates children privacy. Children are humans and have the right of privacy and freedom; nevertheless, parents are responsible legally and morally for children given them the right of knowing where and wh at are they doing. A microchip implant is something humans should consider for their own protection. These implants can make life easier and save them. Parents would feel safer if their children wear a microchip because they can localize them in minutes. The microchip would help healthcare professionals to save a person life much easier as it stores people’s medical records. Even though, some people disagree with the implant idea in humans because violates privacy, the pros outweigh the cons making life much enjoyable for all. People should not reject protection just because they think it can compromise their freedom.

Islam vs. Christianity Essay

Christianity and Islam have many similarities and can easily be compared to one another. Both trace their roots to Abraham. Both believe in prophecy, God’s messengers (apostles), revelation, scripture, the resurrection of dead, and the centrality of religious community. This last element is especially important. Both Christianity and Islam have a communitarian dimension: what the church is to Christianity the â€Å"umma† is to Islam. Despite these significant similarities, however, these two world religions have a number of significant differences as well. I will discuss 3 topics and go into detail about their moral teachings, roles and responsibilities (duties) and social justice issues, I will also be discussing their similarities and differences. The prophet Muhammad said: â€Å"I have been sent to perfect the morals†. The Quran is the criterion (furqan). Anything that contradicts the Quran is not from Islam. When it comes something like divorce in the Islam r eligion the bible says {2:231} And when you divorce women and they reach their prescribed time, then either retain them in good fellowship or set them free with liberality, and do not retain them for injury, so that you exceed the limits, and whoever does this, he indeed is unjust to his own soul;†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ this means that God encourages the husband and wife to appoint arbitrators as the first step to aid in reconciliation in the process of divorce. If the reconciliation step fails, both men and women are guaranteed their right to divorce as established in the Qur’an, but the question lies in what is the procedure for each. When the man initiates a divorce, it is known as talaq. However it is different in the Christianity religion; it says that the ending of the legal union between two married people is called divorce. Throughout most ages and societies forms of divorce have existed. Divorce is an unnatural act. It states in Matthew 19:8-9 ~ 8 Jesus replied, â€Å"Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.   I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.† Also Christians believe in the concept of â€Å"Original Sin† which means that human beings are born as sinners, bearing the burden of the â€Å"Original Sin† of Adam and Eve. Muslims do not believe in the † Original Sin† for 2 main reasons; In the Quran, God forgave Adam for what he has done, and according to the Quran, no  one should be made to bear the burden of someone else’s sin or mistake because it is unfair. A similarity that the Islam religion and Christianity religion have is People should follow the Ten Commandments and the moral teachings of the prophets. Islam, being religion of nature, understands that human beings are born with varying gifts. As they differ in their bodies and their features so they differ in their mental and other capabilities. Islam ensures just and equitable distribution of wealth among the people and, on the other hand, provides social security to the poor and the destitute in the form of basic necessities of life. Besides that, Islam also protects the weak from the economic exploitation by the strong. All there are various aspects and manifestations of what is called Islamic social justice. In Christianity, what then, is social justice in Biblical terms? â€Å"Justice† and â€Å"righteousness† are part of a way of life, which God expects of us as His people (see e.g. Micah 6:8; Ps. 11:7; 1John 3:7). This stems from the kind of character, which we possess, and is in turn the reflection of what God Himself is and how He acts (1John 3:7). Social justice is essentially the outworking of this way of life in our relationships with others. It is not an option that we may accept or avoid at our choice; it is a necessary part of our practical Christian living. Peace is central to these 2 faiths. This is reflected historically in their use of similar greetings meaning â€Å"peace be upon you†: pax vobiscum in Christianity, and salaam alaikum in Islam. Often, however, the greeting of peace has been meant primarily for members of one’s own faith community. Each religion has its own roles and responsibilities, the Islam religion have there responsibilities for husbands and rights of the wife; there are four main rolls for wife’s in marriage, the first is Obeys husband on matters not against Islam, the second is Ensures the conjugal rights of the husbands; this means that With respect to intimacy, a wife may not deny herself to her husband. As this is one of the reasons why Islam legalizes marriage, because in Islam sexual intimacy is only applicable strictly to husband and wife. The third is Protects husband’s honor and property this includes to not receive anyone in his home whom he does not like. In case, she’s entrusted with any funds, she must discharge her duty wisely and thriftily. The fourth is to manage the household and upbringing of children’s welfare. The husband’s roles and responsibility is to provide  mahr (dowry), Serves as protector and the guardian of the wife, and Treats wife with kindness and fairness, which means to never throw vulgarity at the wife. In Christianity besides of the mans role of providing for the family and the women’s role says the ability to properly manage the household it says God created for husband and wife to share in the same goals but have different roles. Together they compliment one another and work together in harmony. A similarity is that Christianity and Islam believe that people should follow the Ten Commandments and the moral teachings of the prophets. When discussing differences between Christian and Islam worship, we should also note that Muslims are very attentive not just to the interior aspects of worship but to the external aspects as well. In this Muslims have much more in common with Eastern Christianity than with Western Christianity, especially Protestantism. Like E astern Christians, Muslims use their whole body in prayer. Both groups, for instance, make prostrations before God in their worship. This research project has helped/shape and strengthens my own views on another faith and my own faith, which is Christianity, I have earned a lot about Islam and I never knew that it could have some similarities to the Christian faith. When it comes to the principals, values and traditions of Christianity that I will pass on to my children and hopefully they can pass it on to theirs to keep the Christian faith going on for more generations.

Dealing with various types of emergency procedures Essay

The following sets out the principles for dealing with various types of emergency procedures within schools & is given as guidance only. Fire & other emergencies In the event of fire & other emergencies (such as gas leak, flood & bomb scare) buildings need to be evacuated quickly but safely. In all schools there should be clear, detailed procedures on evacuation which must be displayed in each area of the school. These procedures should give information on: How to raise the alarm in the event of an emergency. What to do if you hear the fire alarm. The nearest assembly point – this may be a playground, sports field or even a nearby evacuation centre/safety perimeter following instructions from police. Registers should be available so staff can account for the safety & whereabouts of all the children. The route you should take – this should include a plan of the route from each room or area of the school, detailing the nearest fire exits. No staff or children should be allowed to stop to collect personal belongings or put on coats. Must not re-enter the building until you have been informed it is safe to do so. Security There should be security in place in schools to minimise the risks to children. As a teaching assistant, you must know what these are & follow the procedures at all times. These procedures should include: Security locks on doors. Signing in procedures/visitor badges (you should be able to identify all visitors to the school by badges. If unsure about someone you see on the school grounds, always report your concern to someone higher). Procedures for collection of younger children. Registration. Missing children While security measures should minimise the risk of children going missing, it is vitally important that you follow the school guidelines. As a teaching assistant, you may be asked to accompany children on school visits & to supervise a group of children. All staff present on such visits should make regular checks that all children are present. Some schools may require all the children to wear hi-visibility vests or other items which make them easily identifiable during school outings. On discovering children are missing, you must take the following immediate action: Report to the teacher responsible. Ensure the presence & safety of the other children by checking the register. Check all surrounding areas from where the child/Children have gone missing, whether it is in the school grounds or during an outing. Inform the child/children’s parents.

Coffee Shop Essay

The purpose of this marketing plan is to outline the complete marketing strategy, tactics, and programs for Dot. L Coffee (hereafter, â€Å"Dot. L†). Dot. L is a specialist Coffee Company that focuses on specialty coffee of Latte, coffee based products and foods as well. Dot. L is a new coffee shop in the river side district. Dot. L will be known for over 6 flavors of latte, coffee and coffee based products. In addition, light snacks and sandwiches will be offered to accompany the cappuccino and coffee based products. The cafe establishment will play modern music for ambiance and provide free wireless internet access for patrons to attract professionals in the nearby business areas. The mission of Dot. L is in the vanity of the city, Dot. L can bring you the ease of a precious. Dot. L will be unlike other cafes in that it will introduce customers to the different flavors of coffee and foods in a leisure non pressure environment. Furthermore, in a competitive market like Starbuck, Dot. L hopes to set itself apart by reaching out to those diversity flavors of latte without the high prices. The target market consists of two market segments: †¢ People who are deeply in love latte and people who hope have a relaxing time †¢ Business people from the downtown business centers and professional buildings Situation analysis is explored. This includes an overall marketing environment analysis for the company as well as more specific situation analysis such as competitor and customers action for the marketing analysis. An evaluation is conducted followed by an action plan outlining how to achieve the marketing objectives, which includes: promotion, price discounts, a bi-monthly newsletter, advertising in television and search for new channel partnerships. Company overview and the Mission Statement Dot. L will be a distinctive coffee shop which have own characteristics and culture that will serve the river side residential district. The coffee shop offers flavored latte and other coffee products, light snacks, foods and free wi-fi service for customer surfing on-line. The Dot. L primary place of operation will be located on the river side with nice view of Brisbane River. The business persons in the office building will add to the number of patrons and the circumstance their also can attract consumer to choose that place. There are plans to open additional locations after 3 years of operation. Dot. L will operate from Monday to Sunday. Monday thru Thursday, five employees will be working from 10 a. m. to 10 p. m. Friday and Saturday will work the same; however, three employees closing will work until 12 a. m. The cost for each full time labors might be 16 dollars per hour and the cost for part-time labors might be 9 dollars. The name of this coffee shop is Dot. L which means L refers to latte. Therefore latte as company core coffee products and latte art can be discovered in Dot. L. [pic] As stated in the company’s mission statement: Dot. L aims to be the cafe have own style and culture in Australia. In the vanity of the city, Dot. L can bring you the ease of a precious. Table of Contents Executive Summary2 Company overview and the Mission Statement3 Introduction6 Product Description6 Environmental Scan7 Economic environment7 Legal, political and regulatory environment8 Social and cultural environment8 Technological environment9 Competitor9 Market research10 Customers12 Marketing objectives and Market tactics12 Marketing objectives12 Product12 Price13 Place13 Promotion14 Marketing Tactics15 Market forecasting16 Action plans17 Financials18 Control20 Conclusion21 Reference list:22 Appendix 124 Introduction This marketing plan examines the steps required to reposition Dot. L cafe in the Australian marketplace. Dot. L is a cafe brand will locate on river side in Brisbane. Dot. L offers a variety of coffee, specialty coffee of Latte, coffee based products and foods. In addition, in order to attract consumers latte art also be adopted into the coffee products. Basically the price for the regularly coffee the price will not over four dollars. The cafe will focus on the business people and normally customers. Dot. L in Australia employ approximately 30 labors includes chiefs, shop assistant, shop keeper, senior manager. The Dot. L brand name comes from its core products will offer in the cafe that aim to: 1. Attract consumers 2. Build brand 3. Trade profit achieve about 8-10% The marketing plan followed by analysis the situation in marketplace, competitors analysis for the Dot. L entry into the market. Furthermore, market research and customers analysis will provide to assist the Dot. L to locates the market accurately. It also considers the market forecasting and financials for the three-year period. Product Description The Dot. L will offer many items that would have perfect taste. From traditional coffee to the light snacks and foods, Dot. L will offer something traditional and original for all tastes. Daily latte specials will be offered, featuring a different blend and flavor each day. The cafe specialty will prefer to European style design. The six different lattes are includes: cafe au lait; ghetto latte or bootleg lattes; hot or iced latte versions of chai, matcha, and Royal milk tea; red latte; latte macchiato and Caffe latte. Latte and Coffee will be sold in three sizes, with prices ranging from $2. 00 to $5. 00. Flavors will be available at an additional charge of $0. 50. Espresso, cappuccino, mocha, and other specialty drinks will be available in two sizes and will cost $3. 75 and $6. 50. Environmental Scan. Economic environment Robust business, consumer confidence and high export price for raw materials have fuelled the economy for 16 years. Australia has a strong economy with per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of $ 38,000(CIA, 2009), and GDP was estimated to be growing at 3. 8% annually (CIA, 2009). However, in 2008 with the impact of the global economic crisis, manufacturing output and employment started to falter, and the Australian economy headed into a severe slowdown (Jackson, 2008). Even through, in 2010 the economy has begun to turn for the better, the consumers’ purchase tendency is not recover. As both cause and effect, consumers cut back on spending, specifically on food, clothing, furniture, entertainment, cars and mobile phones (Uren, 2008). The economic conditions in Australia present opportunities and risk for Dot. L. The decrease in consumer spending will force cafe industry to seek specialist assist to retain customers and maintain sales. In the other hand, this will increase the demand for specialist service like Dot. L which can provide business men have plcae to release pressure. However, the reality of a downturn may cause retailers to cut back on all spending including on retail consulting and training services. Additionally some retailers are likely to go out of business. Legal, political and regulatory environment Small business branding through labeling and packaging conclusively builds company and product recognition. Positioning the unique product through private label aimed at the target market results in an effective, low cost marketing strategy. It is the solution to getting customers into the store and back again and again. In American, the government publishes a legislative memo of a cyber-cafe restriction in 2006 (New York Civil Liberties Union, 2006). The China government also publishes the same restrictions. Because most of the cafe will provide the service of internet, so, they should pay attention to theses legislative issue (Rodnin, 2005). Social and cultural environment According to Australian Coffee Traders Association, Annual General Meeting 2006 that pointed out overall speaking, the Australian coffee market is very competitive but consumers are brand-loyal (ACTA, 2008). Australia is a country of different immigrants, especially proud of a traditional strong coffee culture started by European immigrants(AusFoodNews,2010). The strong coffee culture of Australia has influenced growth in coffee shops, especially among the younger generation. Coffee drinking has become an integral part of the modern lifestyle. In Australia, the specialist coffee shops have become more than just a place to drink coffee. Increasingly, coffee shops serve as places to meet for business and pleasure – a location for peace and quiet away from home and office. ACTA (2008) stated that more than one billion cups of coffee are consumed in cafes, restaurants and other outlets each year, this is an increase of 65% over the last 10 years. The Coffee consumption of Australian per capita has doubled over the last 30 years (ACTA, 2008). According to a new report by Euromonitor International – â€Å"Consumer Foodservice in Australia†. (2004) the number of transactions through coffee shops grew by 7% and value sales grew by almost 29%. Technological environment Technological advances in Australia have resulted in an increase usage of the internet. This has resulted in all industry expanding into a new channel: offering services, marketing and selling products over the internet. For Dot. L, the cafe can take this advantage which is using intern as the company’s channel to promote the marketing. Competitor The popularity of franchising as a business opportunity in Australia has also had a significant impact on the number of chain specialist coffee shops, such as Gloria Jean’s, The Coffee Club, Zarrafa’s Coffee which expanded mainly through franchising (Market Research World, n. d. ). Euromonitor International’s research shows that the Gloria Jean’s chain had the largest increase in outlets in 2004, thereby boosting its market share from 28% in 2003 to 37% in 2004. Gloria Jean’s has already opened over 900 shops around the world, and 407 stores are established in Australia-wide. Therefore, Gloria Jean’s can be regarded as the most powerful competitor. The Coffee Club has expanded its business to overseas, including Beijing, Bangkok, Dubai and Thailand. It has had more than 200 stores across the whole world. Compared with these two brands Gloria Jean’s and The Coffee Club, Zarrafa’s Coffee is a young brand. The brand comes from Gold Coast, and it only has 14 years history. Zarrafa’s Coffee has 41 stores across South East Queensland. Consequently, Zarrafa’s Coffee can be thought as the least powerful competitor for Dot. L. According to the report, sales of hot drink products in Australia surpassed A$1350m in the year 2008 and is expected to be worth A$1473m in 2013, with the coffee category accounting for the largest share followed by tea (Trading Room, 2010). It can be assumed that more people might enter the cafe industry. Market research In this section is to present the research about the marketing research for the Dot. L Coffee. Since this is a brand, the main goal of the Dot. L Coffee is to establish brand awareness among the target audience, which is business people, and 94 percent of them are aged 25 to 40. In this research, it chooses 10 male and 10 female to do the interview. Figure 1: The Frequency of the respondents to have coffee [pic] Figure 2: The Buying Habits of the Respondents [pic] According to the figure 1 and 2, of the business people that polled, 70 percent said they have coffee every day. And a full 58 percent said they prefer to enjoy coffee in the cafe. Others will enjoy coffee in their office or at home, here, 52 percent of them will buy the coffee products in the coffee shop, and 47 percent of them prefer buy it form the supermarket. Figure 3: The Acceptable Price per Coffee of the Respondents [pic] 45 percent of the respondents said that they would like Latte, and both of respondents who prefer Espresso and Mocha are divine 15 percent, 25 percent of respondents choose Cappuccino. Referring to the figure 3, 70 percent of them represent the acceptable price per cup of coffee is $3-8 dollars, and below $3 dollars and above $8 dollars will share the same percentage of 15 percent. Take a look at this chart, the best media mix, then, would be a combination of TV and magazine advertisements. Both of TV and magazine were divine 30 percent of the total population. And 20 percent of people prefer print advertisement. To conclude, even though our target audience is clearly defined, introducing a new product is always a gamble. But with the proper media mix we can certainly lessen the chance of failure. Customers The primary target market for the Dot. L Coffee will be the local business people. The cafe will be a sit-down coffee shop with wi-fi connectivity. The cafe will serve a variety of flavored latte, coffee products, beverages, sandwiches, and treats to local customers. The target market consists of two market segments, that is people who are deeply in love latte and people who hope have a relaxing time; and business people from the downtown business centers and professional buildings. Marketing objectives and Market tactics Marketing objectives The purpose of this marketing plan is to launch a cafe with delicate bakery, and professional coffees and which will bring simple cozy and friendly atmosphere. Based on the product features and marketing 4P principles, the three years’ specific marketing plan will be given as the following to ensure objectives and expectations are met. Product First off all, the key customers are those people who fond into Latte which means the product image is designed as professional Latte maker with friendly, easy communicate, happy relationship atmosphere. In order to match the product concept: simple and cozy so that the color of the cafe should be designed as clean, comfortable. And the coffee cup and tableware would be designed to match the interior decoration as mildness and simple. The main special coffee is Latte. Meanwhile, espresso, cappuccino, mocha, and other specialty drinks will be available too. The latte flavors will include vanilla, chocolate, and caramel. This can be designed as the first year menu and in the following three years the product will be developed according to the market trend. Price The Dot. L cafe will specially offer delicate bakery with other beverages such as soda and juice. Coffee will be sold in three sizes, with prices ranging from $2. 00 to $5. 00. All prices take into consideration the cost of material, 25% for food and 45% for beverages. Espresso, cappuccino, mocha, and other specialty drinks will be available in two sizes and will cost $3. 75 and $6. 50. All different deserts will be sold by the slice such as cheesecake, chocolate cake, muffin, sandwich and cupcake. Prices range from $2. 75 to $8. 00. The frequent customer can join the membership and participate the buy 10 get one free activity. Place The cafe name Dot. L is from the coffee Latte which is combined with espresso and steamed milk. Hence, the image of the cafe will deliver simple and warm message to customers. The location of Dot. L will be choosing at Brisbane river side. The space will be designed with a glass room and interior will be more concise and mediterrane an style. The common area will have white coffee tables surrounded by plush chairs and sofas and allow customers to set up laptop and spread out paperwork. The walls will be painted into warm color to enhance the relax and friendly atmosphere. Promotion Besides, in order to develop the market and receive good reputation from the very first. The Dot. L Cafe will be promoted in a variety of ways. The annual budget allotment for advertising is $19,904 for the first year of operation. These monies will be distributed as follows: 1. Southern Star – Southern Star will be printed monthly showing the nightly specials. They will be distributed throughout the area on cars, handed out at the library, delivered to the local office buildings, and posted on street signs and other obvious places. 2. Radio – The cafe will run many radio spots on local radio stations. The ads will feature the daily coffee specials and will air during the morning and afternoon drive times to capitalize on drive-by traffic. 3. Entertainment – The Dot. L Cafe will feature local entertainment every other weekend. The entertainers will provide music, poetry, art, and dancing. These events will be promoted through additional print and radio spots. Besides, Dot. L will engage in promoting premium varieties of coffee by educating their customers about the different coffees that are available. This strategy would lead to increased sophistication among customers. 4. Web Presence – The Dot. L Cafe will promote the business and specials over the Internet through a website. The website will be updated monthly to advertise specials and product offerings. The Radio and newspaper advertisement could be launch at the first half year to attract more customers. Entertainment and web presence should be developed as long term promotion plan in the next three years. The Dot. L Cafe will promote itself to its new customers by offering discount memberships for frequent consumers. There will be buy 10 get one free card available for coffee. The remaining advertising budget will be used to print membership and frequent consumer cards. Serve the highest quality food and beverage and meanwhile maintain low cost of goods and inventory is one of the key objectives. Thus Logistics and distribution would be a crucial part as well. The fresh meats, cheeses, and vegetables will be purchased through good reputation food source distributors. The researching and negotiating of the best prices with distributors would be put into the project process too. Marketing Tactics To achieve the above marketing objectives, this plan considers the tactic through the marketing mix which includes product, promotion and pricing. Colour appeal, packaging and style are included in product section. As the before shown, the target market of the cafe is business people who works in downtown and modern buildings. These potential customers can be regarded as white collars and the middle class. They hold well-paid, and are to pursuit quality lifestyles. Based on these, the basic colour tone will be set as dark colour tone, such as brown and black. The logo of the cafe is to stress a simple but elegant style. Because Dot. L cafe is a new brand for customers, so the promotion strategy must be heavy to entice the brand trial. The advised promotion approaches are print ad, billboard ad and in-store promotions. Setting a billboard ad on the way to the city and riverside is strongly advised. The cafe locates on the riverside; for this reason, putting ad on ferry is recommended. The pricing objective is to appeal the people who take coffee daily. A regular size cafe au lait which is the main product is priced as $4. 50. The cafe can give 5% discount to people who hold senior card. Furthermore, a point card can be given in the store when customers are making purchase. The card allows that customers can get 1 free coffee after they buy 9 coffees. Market forecasting There are more than 100 cafes in Brisbane, and 17 cafes exist in Southbank where a part of riverside is. According to one market research (Weston 2010), more and more Australian have already totally accepted the coffee culture; in addition, they are very to enjoy this culture. Therefore, a big growth on takeout coffee is brought by this social change. As a matter of fact, the flourishing demand of coffee drinking directs to the blast of many specific coffee shops. According to another research, Australians prefer to coffee with milk rather than other styles. Datamonitor’s Market Data Analytic (MDA) database indicates that retail coffee sales in Australia gained around A$752m. The Australia coffee market is in the second place around the Asian Economic in 2008. Another research predicts that the total amount around A$473m of profit can be reached in 2013. All in all, it can be concluded that there is a huge potential in the cafe market. Action plans According to the planed given above the relevant GANTT chart will guide this project go smoothly complete on time. Figure 4: The Dot. L Project Schedule |Dot. L | |? |? | |Start-up Assets to Fund |$26,000 | |Total Funding Required |$88,290 | | | | |Total Assets |$26,000 | | | | |Liabilities and Capital | | |Liabilities | | |Total Liabilities |$33,290 | | | | |Capital | | |Planned Investment |$55,000 | |Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses) |($62,290) | |Total Capital |($7,290) | | | | |Total Capital and Liabilities |$26,000 |. 2. Break-even Analysis Break-even data is presented in the chart and table below. [pic] Figure 6: Break-even Analysis |Monthly Units Break-even |7,294 | |Monthly Revenue Break-even |$18,462 | |Assumptions: | | |Average Per-Unit Revenue |$2. 53 | |Average Per-Unit Variable Cost |$0. 63 | |Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost |$13,847 | 3. Projected Profit and Loss In the first year, the Dot. L Coffee will have sales of about $533,764 of operation. In year two and three the Dot. L will have sales increases of about 10%, resulting in sales of $576,551 and $622,575, respectively. Operating expenses are $304,136 for year one, $327,694 year two, and $353,326 year three. The results for the first three years of operation are net income of $36,521 for the first year, $42,356 for the second year, and $47,819 for year three. Control Dot. L will continually evaluate the marketing environment, particularly the economic environment, due to the economic downturn, and the competitive environment. Further, in relation to the specific tactics undertaken by Dot. L for the 36 month period, each will be assigned a person who will be responsible for the success of the tactic, as well as a specific final review date. |Tactic |Responsibility |Review date | |Promotions to focus on augmented product and core product |Marketing Manager |May 2010 | |benefits | | | |Determine price discounts and rollout strategy to clients | | | |Create newsletter and implement process for it to be |Management Team |Aug 2010 | |distributed monthly | | | |More Direct-response advertising in television |Marketing Manager |Sep 2010 | |Implement selling short-term modification recommendations | | | |Search for distributors with which to form channel |Sales Director |Jun 2011 | |partnerships |. | | |Expand business to more location |Marketing Manager |Mar 2012 | | | | | | |Channel Manager |Nov 2012 | | | | | | |Sales Director |Jan 2013 | Conclusion This report sets out the marketing plan for Dot. L in Australia. It was decided that, Dot. L aims to be the cafe have own style and culture in Australia. In the vanity of the city, Dot. L can bring you the ease of a precious. The marketing strategy was explored, including each of the marketing mix areas, and tactics were recommended relating to direct-response an promotions, price discounts, and find channel partnerships. It is believed that there is opportunity for Dot. L to built own brand culture and expand in cafe industry’s marketplace. It is, therefore, this marketing plan can assist Dot. L growth in the marketplace. Reference list: Acta (2008). AUSTRALIAN COFFEE STATS. Retrieved May 16, 2010 from http://www. acta. org. au/article. php? a=2 Hofmann (2008). Specialist coffee shops in Australia see vigorous expansion. Retrieved May 17, 2010 from http://www. franchiseek. com/Market_Trends_Coffee_Shops_Australia_0706. htm Jellie (2006). Coffee by numbers. Retrieved May 17, 2010 from: http://www. smh. com. au/news/good-living/coffee-by-numbers/2006/07/17/115298845 5398. html New York Civil Liberties Union(2006), Legislative Memo: Cyber-cafe Restrictions Retrieved May 17, 2010 from: http://www. nyclu. org/content/legislative-memo-cyber-caf%C3%A9-restrictions-2006 Rodnin(2007), Motherboard makers may be affected by Internet cafe restrictions in China, Retrieved May 17, 2010 from http://www. vaosoft. com/forum/index. php? showtopic=441&pid=612&mode=threaded&show=&st=0 Shaun Weston (2010). Australian love coffee. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from http://www. foodbev. com/report/australians-love-coffee Trading Room (2008). Australia a nation of coffee drinkers. Retrieved May 17, 2010 from http://www. tradingroom. com. au/apps/view_article. ac? articleId=1196615 Wong (2010). Aussie cafe culture accounts for ‘biggest growth in coffee’. Retrieved May 17, 2010 from http://www. ausfoodnews. com. au/2010/03/04/aussie-cafe-culture-accounts-for-biggest-growth-in-coffee. html Appendix 1 The Questionnaire of the Coffee Market. This is a marketing research of the style, habits and opinions of coffee in your everyday life. Section 1: Basic Personal Information 1. What is your gender? A Male B Female 2. What is your age? A 18-25 B 26-30 C 30-40 D Above 40 3. What is your Occupation? A Students B Business men C Employee D Others 4. Are you married or single? A Married B Single 5. What is your family’s size? A 1-2 person B 3-5 person C 6-8 person D Above 8 person Section 2: 6. Where can you get the information about coffee? A Internet B Magazine/ newspaper C TV D Print Advertisement E Others 7. Where are you usually buy the coffee product? A Supermarket B Internet C Coffee shop D Others 8. How offen do you drink coffee? A Every day B 3-4 times per week C Once a week D Never 9. Where do you usually drink coffee? A Cafe B At home C At office D At campus E Others 10. What kind of coffee would you like? A Latte B Espresso C Cappuccino D Mocha E Other specialty drinks 11. How much of a cup of coffee is acceptable for you? A $2-3 /cup B $3-5/cup C $5-8/cup D $8-10/cup E Above $10/cup Thank you for your participation!!!