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Title: character list Dr. Henry Jekyll- Is a well reputed and respected doctor. He is a wealthy man that was also born into a fortune. He had a good life growing up and is a kind man that has never done anything bad in his entire life until the creation of Hyde. He is well set and known in the community. Has a dark side that’s burning to be set free. As a result he creates a potion that separates one body into two people and personalities. Used to unleash his dark side which ultimately takes over in the end. He is friends with Lanyon a doctor, as well as Utterson a lawyer. Mr. Edward Hyde- Was not born, but created. Was the result of a potion Dr. Jekyll created that gives one’s self a second personality where the body strips away your civilized nature , brings you down to... (only first 800 chars shown) Analysis complete. Our feedback is listed below in printable form. Some of the items have been truncated or removed to provide better print compatibility. Title Checker Review Title Looks like we may have found a problem with your paper's title: †¢The first word of the title should be capitalized. †¢The last word of the title should be capitalized. Spelling Spelling Suggestions †¢Spelling: side thats [suggestions: that, that's, that s, tats, teats] Grammar Grammar Suggestions †¢Revise...: wealthy man that [suggestions: man who] †¢Revise...: kind man that [suggestions: man who] †¢Missing apostrophe: side thats [suggestions: that's] †¢Missing Article: loose all of Jekylls [suggestions: all of the Jekylls] †¢Missing apostrophe: that wouldnt [suggestions: wouldn't] †¢Did you mean...: that its the [suggestions: it's the] Word Choice Bad Phrase Score Bad Phrase Score*: 2.244 (lower is better) *based on the number and qualit... ...eater usage of vocabulary words. Although your vocabulary score is within the average range for most writers, boosting it above 60 will help your paper stand out. Consider using the Vocab Builder. Tips Whether you are writing for a school assignment or professionally, it is imperative that you have a vocabulary that will provide for clear communication of your ideas and thoughts. You need to know the type and level of your audience and adjust your vocabulary accordingly. It is worthwhile to constantly work at improving your knowledge of words. To help with this task, please consider using our Vocabulary Builder to improve your comprehension and usage of words. Grade Incompatible Paper Type The Auto-Grading feature is only compatible with certain types of submissions (e.g., Essays, Research Papers, etc.), yet the paper type listed for this submission is Other

New Directions – Exploration, Expansion, Society, and the Arts

Unit 3: New Directions – Exploration, Expansion, Society, and the Arts Chapters 15 & Palmer Study Guide Part I Identifying Key Terms Notable People * Prince Henry the Navigator: Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal developed a school of merchant and sailor to prepare them for exploration. He supported the exploration of the West African coastline and later controlled the flow of gold to Europe. * Christopher Columbus: After Vasco da Gama reached India by rounding the Cape of Good Hope, Columbus decided to just sail West without knowing the presence of the â€Å"New World. His landing in the Caribbean in 1492 ushered in the era of European exploration and domination of the New World. * Bartholomew Diaz: In 1488, Bartholomew Diaz rounded the Cape of Good Hope and returned back to Portugal without reaching India. His journey gave motivation for Vasco da Gama to round the Cape of Good Hope and reach India. * Hernando Cortez: In 1521 Hernando Courts conquers the Mexica (Aztec) E mpire by convincing the natives that he was the God. He used the encomienda system which was a disguised form of slavery. Bartolome de las Casas: de las Casas, a former conquistador, publicly criticized the ruthlessness with which Columbus and his successors treated the Amerindians. * Michel de Montaigne * Giovanni Bernini * Francisco Pizarro: Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire in 1533. He used the encomienda system which was a disguised form of slavery. * Ferdinand Magellan: In 1519 Magellan proves the world round and the world is a lot bigger than expected by circumnavigating the globe. He convinces the Spanish to give up gaining power in the spice trade. Vasco da Gama: Vasco da Gama reaches Calicut, India in 1498 and launches the Portuguese military expansion. His motives for his journey to India were â€Å"Christians and spices. † * Fuggers: Fuggers were on of the banking families like the Medicis who used usury, change in high interests, to gain money and power. Later, the Fuggers were replaced by state banks in Holland. Terms and Events * Columbian Exchange: Both Europe and the New world were transformed as a result of the Age of Exploration and the exchanges that occurred between tow regions.For Europeans, the Columbian exchange resulted in improved diet, increased wealth, and the rise of global empires. * Conquistadors * Encomienda: Encomienda system was a system in which the Amerindians worked for an owner for certain number of days per week. Spain’s ability to forcibly utilize Amerindian labor was a major reason why the Spanish Empire imported few slaves form Africa. * Joint-stock company: Joint stock companies allowed investors to pool resources for a common purpose. One successful example is the Dutch E. India Company. Price Revolution: The price revolution occurred due to population growth, increase in volume of money, and the influx of gold and silver from New World. The middle class (merchant, bankers, etc) benefited from the price revolution and prospered. * Treaty of Tordesillas: The treaty divided the New World between Spain and Portugal. It gave Spain the exclusive right to the African slave trade (asiento). * Mercantilism: Nations sought a self-sufficient economy by creating a favorable balance of trade where one’s country exported far more than it imported. Triangular trade: The rianglular trade developed form the Columbian Exchange that links Africa, the New World, and Europe by trade. Both Europe and the New world were transformed as a result of the Age of Exploration and the exchanges that occurred. * Middle Passage * Malleus Maleficarum * Dutch East India Company: The Company, founded in 1602, founded settlement in South Africa, took over many Portuguese trading posts, and seized Malaca in 1641. It was one of the first joint stock companies and was the beginning of capitalism. Bank of Amsterdam: * London Stock Exchange: * â€Å"Old Imperialism†: The old imperialism is characte rized by establishing posts and forts on coastal regions but not penetrating inland to conquer entire regions or subjugate their populations. It benefited the mother countries in Europe because the colonies provided raw materials which could be manufacture and sold for profit. * Entrepreneur * Commercial Revolution: The commercial revolution is a five century economic transition from feudalism to industrial capitalism.Major aspects were commercialization of industry, new capitalistic ventures, and mercantilism. * Putting Out System * Usury: Usury is where a banking family puts extremely high interest on loans to gain money. However, usury was abolished when individual banks were replaced by state banks. Part II Review Quesitons 1. Why did Europeans begin to embark on voyages of discovery and expansion at the end of the fifteenth century? Europeans began to embark on voyages of discovery and expansion for political, economic, and religious reasons.One of the primary motives was the T urkish dominance of Mediterranean because Turks controlled the trade material price. Another reason was Portugal’s curiosity about the unknown and the eagerness to find the Ethiopian kingdom of Prester John. As the phrase â€Å"God, glory, and gold† states, the main reasons were to conquest Muslims, find gold and silver, and glorify oneself. 2. How did Portugal and Spain acquire their overseas empires, and how did their empires differ? 3. How did European expansion affect both the conquerors and the conquered? . What was mercantilism, and what was its relationship to colonial empires? In mercantilism, nations sought a self-sufficient economy by creating a favorable balance of trade where one’s country exported far more than it imported. The mother nations used the colonies to acquire raw materials and used the raw materials and produced manufactured goods. The mother nations benefited from the colonies hrough raw materials, gold, and much more. The colonies also served as markets for finished goods where the mother nations gained profit. 5.What was the relationship between European overseas expansion and political, economic, and social developments in Europe? 6. What was the social status of women between 1560-1648, and what do the witch hunts tell us about social attitudes toward women? 7. What is skepticism? Why did faith and religious certainty begin to come to an end in the first part of the seventeenth century? 8. Explain how advances in learning and technology influenced fifteenth and sixteenth century European exploration and trade. Advances in learning and technology allowed European exploration and trade to happen without many troubles.Caravels that had triangular lateen sails and the sternpost rudder and used wind speed to move allowed the Europeans to travel through the Atlantic Ocean. With less human labor, more cargo space opened up for trade goods to be shipped. Astrolabe, the use of stars or the sun to travel, explorers were able to know the approximate location of their ship in the middle of ocean. Cartography and learning Atlantic wind patterns enhanced the easiness and accuracy of the journey. 9. Explain the reasons for the rise of the Netherlands as a leading commercial power in the period 1550-1650.Two political reasons for the rise of the Netherlands as a leading commercial power are the support from merchant oligarchies of autonomous provinces and the Iberian neglect of domestic economy. Because Spain didn’t expand its manufacturing industries, Spain had to give all its gold and silver to pay for their imports. On the other hand, Netherlands developed its service industries such as manufacturing and banking which enhanced the economy. Netherlands had the largest merchant marine in Europe that could protect the ships with goods from attacks by pirates and other nations.Because Netherlands was the haven for religious exiles, the Calvinist Protestant work Ethic spread. 10. Describe the cause s of the â€Å"price revolution† and the effect of this period of inflation upon European society. Price revolution was the period of gradual inflation due to population growth, increase in volume of money, and influx of gold and silver from the New World. As the population increased, the demand for goods also increased, which led to increasing prices. Nobles who had fixed income were negatively affected by the price revolution.However, the middle class (bourgeoisie) who acquired much of their wealth from trading and manufacturing increased their social and political status. The peasants or the poor who didn’t have enough income suffered the most from the inflation and increasing prices of goods. 11. Describe the differences between Spanish and Portuguese exploration in the sixteenth century and English and Dutch exploration in the seventeenth century. 12. Describe the reasons behind King Charles I’s decision to begin the African slave trade. Las Casas who criti cized the encomienda system urged Spanish crown to find a new source of labor other than the natives.The sugarcane plantations in the Caribbean and South Africa required a backbreaking labor supply. In 1518, Charles I authorized first shipment of Africans to the New World in order to increase labor for sugarcane plantations. For King Charles, slaves were the only source of labor that could work and bring profit to his country. 13. Using at least two specific pieces of art, describe Baroque art. Who supported its development, and how was it both similar to and different from previous styles of art? 14. What are the defining characteristics of the Commercial Revolution?Three major aspects of the Commercial Revolution are commercialization of industry, new capitalistic ventures, and mercantilism. The commercialization of the cottage industry supported by national monarchs began to usurp the economic power held by guild and propel transition of the economy to industrial capitalism. The development of state/national banks, stock markets, and joint stock companies describe how people were interested in investment for profit. During the commercial revolution, new industries such as mining, shipbuilding, artillery, and printing developed. 5. What are the three factors that caused the further development of the Commercial Revolution during the early modern age? Three factors that furthered the growth of the Commercial revolution are opening of the Atlantic, population growth, and price revolution. The opening of the Atlantic allowed for greater trade and a global trade for the first time. Population growth during the 16th century meant increased production and increased profit. The price revolution which led to inflation decreased the power of nobilities and increased the power and status of bourgeoisies.Part III Chronological Awareness 1. Sack of Antwerp by Alexander Farnese 2. Vasco da Gama lands at Calicut in India 3. Dutch found New Amsterdam 4. Dutch seize Malacca from Portuguese 5. Portuguese capture Malacca from Muslims 6. English settlement at Jamestown 7. African slave trade begins 8. Treaty of Tordesillas 9. Pizarro defeats Incas in Peru 10. Opening of the Potosi mines Part IV Multiple Choice Practice 1. Which of the following is true about the commercial revolution in Europe? a. Most of the money used for overseas commercial venture came from European governments. b.Joint-stock companies provided the means for individual investor to profit from overseas commercial ventures. c. European nations willingly cooperated to prevent commercial rivalries in the New World. d. Private banking houses continued to be the standard financial institutions of the age of exploration. e. Most nations saw a reduction in tariffs and trade restrictions during the commercial revolution. 2. Which of the following is the underlying premise of mercantilism? a. Agriculture should be the backbone of the economy. b. Government intervention in the economy is detrim ental to its prosperity. c.There is a limited amount of bullion in the world, and the nation that controls the most will dominate politically and economically. d. Colonies are a waste of resources, and the money could be better spent on public transportation projects. e. Governments should work hard to prevent monopolies. 3. The Treaty of Tordesillas a. Set boundaries that divided New World colonization between the English and the French. b. Set boundaries that divided New World colonization between the Portuguese and the Spanish. c. Set boundaries that divided West Indian trade routes between the Dutch and the Portuguese. d.Banned the Catholic Church from missionary activity in China. e. Banned the Catholic Church from missionary activity in Japan. 4. All of the following were goals of Prince Henry the Navigator EXCEPT f. Seeking a Christian kingdom as an ally against the Muslims. g. Finding new trade opportunities for Portugal. h. Extending Christianity to the newly discovered reg ions. i. Buying slaves to ship to the New World. j. Wanting to explore the coast of Africa for Portugal. 5. Overseas trade and settlement in the seventeenth century was most clearly dominated by k. The Dutch. l. Portugal. m. Spain. n. England. o. France. 6.Which of the following is a TRUE statement about the means of overseas expansion during the age of exploration? p. The nations most heavily involved in overseas trade were those that had dominated trade during the medieval and Renaissance periods. q. Ptolemy’s world map quickly led explorers astray, and it wasn’t until Mercator made his famous map that sailors were able to venture to the New World. r. The invention of the quadrant allowed sailors to safely sail below the equator. s. In the late fifteenth century, most educated Europeans still thought the earth was flat and feared sailing until Columbus returned from his first voyage. . The growth of centralized monarchies during the Renaissance created governments th at had the means to support overseas expansion. 7. Why did the English, Dutch, and French governments fail to begin colonization of the Americas and direct trade with the Orient until more than 100 years after Columbus â€Å"discovered† America? u. Their geographical positions put them at a disadvantage for trans-oceanic movement. v. The northern countries lacked suitable ships and the advanced technology to make long voyages. w. Domestic troubles and religious controversies delayed organized action. x.Western European bankers refused to loan monarchs money for such ventures. y. The northerners were slow to abandon their traditional Mediterranean trade routes. 8. All of the following statements regarding the â€Å"Price Revolution† begun in Europe during the sixteenth century are true EXCEPT z. Workers’ wages increased to equal the rising standard of living. {. A steady rise in population added to consumer demand. |. Imports of gold and silver increased the mone y supply. }. The policies of the new monarchies included steady hikes in taxes. ~. The availability of bank credit increased business expansion and production. . Couples in early modern Europe generally put off marriage until they were, on average, in their mid- to late twenties because a. sexual maturation was delayed until the mid-twenties because of poor nutrition. b. they were concerned about scarcity of housing. c. they needed to acquire land or learn a trade before they could support a family. d. the customs and mores of a society dominated by religion promoted sexual restraint. e. laws prohibited marriage without parental permission before the age of majority. 10. Why did African slavery grow quickly in the Caribbean and South America in the sixteenth century? . As Europeans came to love tobacco, tobacco plantations demanded more slave labor. b. European realized that African slaved worked well with European slaves and, therefore, produced more cotton. c. The Spanish conquere d the Dutch colonies in the New World and began to use African slaves to cultivate coffee. d. Because rice was a staple in diets around the world, Europeans realized that they needed more slaves to produce larger quantities of it. e. Because of the European appetite for sugar, natures shipped African slaves in large numbers to the New World to work on sugar cane plantations.

Business Marketing Management Capstone Written Project Essay

A. Executive Summary The business plan is written for the Step Ahead Learning Center serving the children of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. The center educates young students in reading, writing, and math to meet or exceed the Common Core Standards for Washington State. The center will increase children’s literacy and comprehension of reading, writing, and math through practices such as one-on-one tutoring and small group sessions instructed by trained and certified personnel. The center will teach understanding and mastery of concepts over the memorization of concepts, testing comprehension by requiring practical, real life application of knowledge to prepare children for college, work, and life. The center will have a venue available for professional private events which include work presentations, public speaking, educational classes, etc. The revenue from the outside use of this venue will help fund operations of the Center. Step Ahead Learning Center is formally asking for $20,000 to complete a fifth fully functional computer lab, and asks for on-going contributions to further assist with the advancement of technology incorporation, helping to achieve or exceed the Common Core Standards as set forth by the Washington Education Association (WEA). Ginsburg, Leinward, and Decker (2005) stated that the mathematics concepts in U.S. textbooks are often weak, thus presentation is becoming more mechanical than ever. A.1 Business Identification Step Ahead Learning Center 1000 W. 4th Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336 (509)555-9876 stepahead.kennewick@gmail.com stepaheadlearningcenter.com A.2 Mission, Goals and Objectives The center’s mission is to integrate technology into teaching and learning, reinforcing consistent expectations in learning for all students across all grade levels consistent with school board expectations, teaching comprehension and mastery over memorization of concepts, and emphasizing critical topics children will need to possess to succeed in school and after graduation. This mission helps the Learning Center achieve the vision of a culture that promotes high educational standards, high expectations, individual learning, collaborative learning, and excellent communication skills. The partnership between the Learning Center and the local school board will increase the amount of highly educated children into the community, raising the community welfare and individual well-being. The primary purposes of the Learning Center are: 1. To reinforce consistent expectations in learning for all students across all grade levels, in partnership with the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school boards. 2. To teach comprehension of concepts over the memorization of concepts, instilling a high personal standard of learning. a. Consistently test to ensure a high level of retention by requiring a practical, real life application of knowledge to prepare students for life beyond school 3. To introduce or reinforce critical topics students will need to succeed in the classroom and in the future. 4. To provide a venue for professional based private events, helping offset operation costs of the Learning Center The primary objectives of the Learning Center are: 1. To increase overall average Measurement of Student Progress (MSP) test scores to â€Å"at grade level† or â€Å"above grade level† for the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts by the end of the 2015-2016 school year. 2. To increase Common Core Standards comprehension levels in reading, writing, math, and technology to â€Å"at grade level† or â€Å"above grade level† for the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts by the end of the 2015-2016 school year. 3. To decrease crime and substance abuse among children, teens, and young adults in the community by providing a safe and inviting Learning Center where children can learn and grow as individuals and as a member of the community. 4. To advocate collaboration among young children, increase comprehension in reading, writing, math, and technology, increase communication skills, broaden cultural views, increase moral reasoning, and foster growth of cognitive abilities. 5. To increase the level of personal responsibility of children in the community. A.3 Three Keys to Success The Learning Center anticipates success of goals and objectives through three key functions: hiring staff members that are the right fit, empowering staff to create devotion and a passion for excellence, and strong collaboration with various clientele. Hiring exceptional staff members: Step Ahead Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer. The right employees will embrace the center’s mission, hold a degree in a field of study related to education, and embody strong communication skills with peers and young children. Empowerment: This creates a high level of devotion and passion to strive for excellence. Every interaction with a child and every lesson presented, taught, or pursued by a staff member will be done with the  highest goal in mind: integrating technology into a safe and inviting learning environment to increase comprehension of reading, writing, math, and technology concepts. Collaborating and communicating with others: Staff will interact with a variety of clientele including by not limited to children, parents, school board members, funders, benefactors, and other partners or agencies providing support and opportunities for the Learning Center. Every interaction with a person inside or outside the Learning Center will help the center to meet its objectives. B. Company Summary B.1 Industry History The area in which the center will be providing educational services is well developed with current educational services. The relationship between Step Ahead Learning Center and the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts is unprecedented. Each of the three school districts strongly recommend and encourage struggling (and none struggling) students to the services offered at the center based on staff credentials and comprehension standards. In 2001, the No Child Left Behind Act was enacted to â€Å"ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on challenging State academic achievement standards.† This act has increased the relationship between the three school districts and the Learning Center because schools are required to improve their performance to meet or exceed State standards. The Learning Center is providing extra assistance to students who need it in order for the schools to meet the expectation set forth by the No Child Left Behind Act. The primary purpose of the center is to ensure high-quality student comprehension of key concepts in Reading, Writing, and Math, aligning concepts with State academic standards so that progress against common core standards can be measured. There are several smaller businesses which strive to achieve the same vision, but one competitor has market share. For this competitor, one disadvantage is that Step Ahead Learning Center has a direct  relationship with the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts, they do not. An advantage this competitor has over Step Ahead is that they have built a reputation, having been in business for more than 30 years. This is the only other Learning Center in the area that meets an identical scope of the Step Ahead Learning Center. The secondary purpose of the center is to provide a rental revenue for professional or semi-professional events. There is a history of professional venues available at most large hotel chains. Several venues in the area meet the Center’s scope of a rental venue. B.2 Legal Form of Ownership Step Ahead Learning Center is incorporated in the state of Washington. The company is established as a 501(c) (3), which facilitates contributions from donors. A large majority of financing is raised internally or from charitable donations. Step Ahead Learning Center is governed by a board of twelve trustees. Independent contractors, if any, working for Step Ahead Learning Center will be held fully responsible for their own legal requirements, taxes, and expenses. A website, â€Å"stepaheadlearningcenter.com,† has been obtained by the company. This website is used as a marketing tool for the company and a source of information for parents/young adult children. B.3 Location and Facilities Step Ahead Tutoring Center is located in Kennewick, WA serving students in Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco school districts. The company will conduct business in a 10,500 square-foot space dedicated entirely to the operations of the business. Business licensure has been obtained from the City of Kennewick and fulfills any and all requirements to operate such a business. No legal issues or regulations in the city or state will now, or in the future, lessen the ability to operate in Kennewick or to conduct business from the named location. The building is equipped with general business equipment, including a high-tech computer system with Wi-Fi Internet connection, a cell phone for each staff member, Skype teleconferencing technology, and a company vehicle.  The center has two computer labs, each with 25 computers and a projector. Each computer has high speed Internet connection, Microsoft Office Home and Student, and several different purchased educational programs. The venue available for professional and semi-professional events is equipped with two computers and a projector. Each employee has a designated office with their own computer. The main teaching floor (lecture hall), each of the 5 computer labs, and each of the 3 private tutoring rooms have a projector. B.4 Management Structure Xxxxxx Xxxxx will perform Presidential duties and perform all management positions including, but not limited to, Business Development Manager, Communications/Public Relations Manager, and Project Manager. He is a certified teacher in the state of Washington with a BA Degree in Business Management / Marketing from the accredited online school Washington Governor’s University (WGU). He will handle marketing the benefits of the company’s education services to customers, human resource duties, and overseeing day to day operations. The one-on-one and group tutoring sessions will be the responsibility of four highly qualified and trained teachers. These employees are salaried and will receive a raise increase of 1% over the prior year’s pay (starting at $18,000 the first year). They will follow the company’s high standard of excellence in education that represents the local school districts and State’s required common core standard. Currently, the compan y has hired four teachers. Additional teachers can be added as deemed necessary by additional workload, meaning the company is growing. This organizational structure will meet the short-terms needs of the center, but long-term needs will require at least one receptionist and a general manager. The center plans to hire these two positions after the first 6 months of operation to reduce the work load of the teachers having to check-in students (or requiring parents to self-check-in) and the president having to oversee day-to-day operations. B.5 Products and Services The Common Core Standards in Washington state at the highest levels ever. Step Ahead Tutoring Center will use technology and hands-on methods to educate children ranging from Kindergarten to high school seniors. Students will be given additional tools and resources aligned with established school district procedures to help them succeed in school and in the future. The following services are offered by the Step Ahead Tutoring Center: Reading Tutoring: Academy of Reading, a program designed by EPS for students’ grades 2-12 (EPS Literacy and Intervention, 2014), will be used by a designated reading teacher. Sessions will be one hour in length in a group setting of no more than 10 students per one teacher. Students will log in to their account and begin working in the program. Teachers will introduce a lesson, review basic concepts, monitor progress, and view reports on each student daily to ensure progression. If teachers see a regression in progress, the student will be given a higher level of attention in the group setting. If this does not help the student improve, the student may be recommended to one-on-one tutoring sessions. Writing Tutoring: Writing Skills (2nd Edition), a program designed by EPS for students’ grades 2-12, will be used by a designed writing teacher. Writing Book A is for grades 2-4, Writing Book 1 is for grad es 5-6, Writing Book 2 is for grades 7-8, and Writing Book 3 is for grades 9-12. Students will be expected to complete one lesson every two sessions (with each session being one hour long with no more than 10 students in a group). If teachers see a regression in progress, the student will be given a higher level of attention in the group setting. If this does not help the student improve, the student may be recommended to one-on-one tutoring sessions. Math Tutoring: Academy of Math, a program designed by EPS for students’ grades 2-12, will be used by a designated math teacher. Sessions will be one hour in length in a group setting of no more than 10 students per one teacher. Students will log in to their account and begin working in the program. Teachers will introduce a lesson, review basic concepts, monitor progress, and view reports on each student daily to ensure progression. If teachers see a regression in progress, the student will be given a higher level of attention in the group setting. If this does not help the student improve, the student may be recommended to one-on-one tutoring sessions. One-on-one Services: An individualized one-on-one session can be scheduled with any of our four highly trained teachers in reading, writing, and/or math to ensure children are getting the help that  they need. Parents can enroll their child directly into a one-on-one session with a teacher for one session, or on a continual basis. A teacher may recognize that a student is struggling in a group atmosphere, making the recommendation that the child work in a one-on-one session until he/she shows signs of academic improvement. A one-on-one teacher will provide the student with assistance on their homework upon request. Venue Rental: Step Ahead Tutoring Center has a venue available for rent by outside parties for professional and semi-professional events such as guest speaking, presentations, meetings, etc. C. Market Analysis C.1 Target Market Step Ahead Tutoring Center’s primary target audience consists of mothers/fathers or grandparents of children enrolled in the Kennewick, Pasco, or Richland School Districts in grades 2-12. The primary target for the message is the parents/grandparents of students who are at or below State Common Core Standards in Reading, Writing, and Math. The secondary target for the message is the parents/grandparents of students who are at or above State Common Core Standards. Step Ahead Tutoring Center’s secondary audience consists of businesses and professionals, traveling and stationary, who require a venue to hold a professional or semi-professional meeting or event. The goal behind providing a venue for such meetings is to (1) gain exposure for the Tutoring Center, and (2) generate additional revenue for the operating expenses of the Tutoring Center. C.2 Industry Analysis Future trends that may affect the center’s efforts to educate students’ grades 2-12 in the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts include: Basic education and Common Core Standards goals are met. An average of 85% of students in the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts meet these standards. As the economy changes, the need for more highly educated and skilled workers will increase. The education and Common Core Standards goal and philosophy should be continually updated to reflect cultural and  economic needs. Expansion of Common Core Standards. A higher level of standards for students will mean updated training and certifications for staff, higher levels of work for students, and an increase in the number of students not meeting these standards, requiring extra attention. Mission, Goals, and Objectives creep. As the center gains momentum, other established or start-up business may use a similarly formatted mission statement for their company. It w ill be important for Step Ahead Tutoring Center to ensure the impact of the mission is not lessened by another groups’ participation in similar missions, goals, and objectives. Down time. The school year for the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts in from late August to the middle of June. During the summer months, summer school sessions take place around the area at various different school locations. There will be a significant decrease in the amount of students attending at the Tutoring Center during this time. The venue for rent by outside professional or semi-professional groups will help to offset costs during this time. Cash flow. During this down time during the summer months (middle of June to late August) there will be a decrease in revenues, resulting in the temporary release of two employees, or utilizing other rooms in the center for other uses, such as additional rental space. C.3 Competitive Analysis Competition for education services comes from several sources, the biggest competition being Sylvan Learning Center. According to the Sylvan Learning website, Sylvan offers tutoring in all levels for Math and Reading; they assess students’ needs and create a personal education development plan targeting select math and reading concepts; they offer their own technology for an engaging experience on the iPad; they also offer flexible schedules that fit any busy family schedule. To compete with Sylvan, Step Ahead will heavily market the availability of highly trained staff in each subject area, the inclusion of Writing concepts into the curriculum, the inclusion of technology in the administration of each subject to improve the child’s overall competence, and the partnership with the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts to ensure focus on helping students achieve proficient or advanced levels according to the State’s Common Core Standards. A second competitor is actually the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts. Select schools are offering after school programs focused directly on helping students understand the material being taught in the class room. This program is free of charge to students who need the additional attention. This is not a requirement of the school nor is it being offered at every school for every grade level, primarily because the school board cannot fund these programs. While the teachers at Step Ahead can assist with solving homework problems, the focus is on administering Math, Reading, and Writing programs to provide additional concepts that will further the students comprehension in the subject. Another competitor is after school clubs such as the YMCA or Boys and Girls Club of America. These programs are great for children who are succeeding in school and do not require additional attention to meet the State’s Common Core Standards. They provide children with the opportunity to play and interact with other children their own age while being supervised in a safe environment. At Step Ahead, students are being supervised in a safe environment, but they are also learning and growing their minds. A marketing approach to be taken by Step Ahead is that children who require additional help should be enrolled in an â€Å"afterschool program† such as Step Ahead where they will spend time immersed in educational programs. Competition from hotels or reception buildings that host weddings, receptions, and other private events are not considered. In general, the rental of the venue at Step Ahead is not the primary objective, thus marketing the venue against competition is not pursued. While Word of Mouth marketing will be the primary marketing strategy for the venue, the goal is that the income generated by rental of the venue will help cover operating costs of the center. Many people in the area see the need for private and semi-private educational assistant with all grade levels in the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts. The main trigger for this realization is the lack of students meeting the States Common Core Standards. With awareness of this issue increasing, there is a positive and a negative for Step Ahead. The  positive is that more children will be enrolled into private and semi-private educational services, which means a possible increase in enrollment for Step Ahead, resulting in increased revenue and possible future growth of the business. The negative is that more schools, groups, or qualified individuals will begin to offer more private and semi-private educational services, which means an increase in competition for Step Ahead. D. Market Strategy D.1 The 4 P’s Pricing: The pricing strategy used to determine a price for the services provided by Step Ahead was a variation of Penetration Pricing and Predatory Pricing. Penetration Pricing is when a company sets their prices low to attract customers and gain market share, and then raises the prices once they have a large market share. Step Ahead used the first half of this strategy, which is setting prices low to attract customers and gain market share. Predatory Pricing is known as an aggressive strategy, intended to drive competitors from the market. Step Ahead is not interested in becoming market leader and running other companies out of business. The goal is simply to educate children and raise comprehension to the State Common Core Standard level, while covering expenses. In regard to the mission of the center, profitability is not the number one goal. Profitability, however, is still required in order to continue and expand the business, increasing efforts in providing higher levels of ed ucational services to children. The venue rental prices were set depending on cost of utilities used during these times, the cost of having a Step Ahead staff member on the premises during the event, and generating revenue for covering operating costs of the center. Product: As described previously, the service provided by Step Ahead Learning Center is additional education services. A profound need for higher levels of comprehension and Common Core concept teaching is found in the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts. Because of this need, the center will offer tutoring sessions at different times throughout the day Monday thru Saturday. Highly trained and qualified teachers will teach one-on-one and semi-private groups (no more than 10 students) on concepts aligning with the State’s Common Core Standards in Reading, Writing, and  Math. Academy of Math, Academy of Reading, and Writing Skills (2nd Edition) are programs distributed through EPS for use by teachers to improve struggling students com prehension in the concepts of Reading, Writing, and Math. The teachers at Step Ahead are trained on these programs and will monitor students’ use of these programs to ensure the highest quality comprehension and learning. A one-on-one teacher will assist a student with their homework upon request, a Reading teacher, Writing teacher, or Math teacher will not provide assistance with homework. Promotion: Promoting education services to mothers, fathers, and grandparents (even college age students with younger brothers or sisters) has been primarily easy. A quality education is easy to market, and if a parent or relative sees that a child is struggling with their education, the first option to consider is additional education services. Methods for promoting the services offered at Step Ahead Tutoring Center include radio advertisements, television commercials, flyers, word-of-mouth, direct mail, Facebook, and blogs. The primary channel for promoting the center is the partnership with the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts. Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Secretaries, and Principals can promote Step Ahead through word-of-mouth marketing. Flyers posted at each of the schools on a main bulletin board at the front office, or an informational pamphlet sent home with a student’s report card can promote Step Ahead. The biggest promotion for the center to date is the planned grand opening scheduled for August 2014. This event is geared to be a celebration of education and it will include students, parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, principals, donors, and any member of the community devoted to the success of children in their education. Promotion for the event will include television and radio advertisements, flyers, and direct mail to all households in the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts. A promotional tool to be used will be brochures. These informational  brochures will be given at every consultation, will be available at the front desk, and will be sent to every school is the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts. The information in this brochure will cover the mission, goals, and objectives of the center, the location of the center with hours of operation, contact information, and session times, a breakdown of cost compared to competitors, and information regarding the highly trained and certified teacher staff. Another promotional tool is a fully functional website for the center. It will include all the information placed in the brochure, plus much more. A staff directory will be included along with links to different online educational tools (learning games, Common Core Standard guides, school board information, school websites, etc.). The website URL is: stepaheadlearningcenter.com. Place (Distribution): Points of distribution for information about the services provided by the Step Ahead Learning Center are found (1) on site in each computer lab, at the front desk, and in the venue, (2) on the website (stepaheadlearningcenter.com), and (3) by phone call or direct mail. All promotional efforts for the Step Ahead Tutoring Center are targeted geographically to reach households in the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts. While select publications will reach locations outside the intended geographic area, a requirement to enroll in the learning center is enrollment in either the Kennewick, Pasco, or Richland school district. Any enrollment requests received for a student residing outside of these school district boundaries will be referred to a learning center (or equivalent) in their area. D.2 Price List The following prices are for services offered at Step Ahead Tutoring Center. Prices listed are per session. The following prices are for rental of the venue for professional and semi-professional events at the Step Ahead Tutoring Center. D.3 Selling Strategy There are many strengths of the center including: the location in the center of the three school districts which provides easier access for the families living in the area, highly trained and certified teacher staff, and a true focus in further educating students to help achieve the goals listed in the Common Core Standards set forth by the State of Washington. More companies and small business are requiring their employees, vested and entry level, to have a degree or some form of education beyond high school. The center’s mission is to increase the level of education in the area, increasing the number of educated young adults entering the work force. Goal: Further the education in children to assist with increasing the percentage of students testing â€Å"at grade level† or â€Å"above grade level† as defined by Washington State Common Core Standards to 65% by 2016, 70% by 2018, 75% by 2020, 80% by 2021, and 85% by 2022 (and to continually maintain an average of 85% or better). A milestone for this goal, set in 2001 after the â€Å"No Child Left Behind Act† was initiated, was achieved in 2011: 50% of students within the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts will test â€Å"at grade level† or â€Å"above grade level† in 10 years. Goal: Record, edit, and publish four videos to be posted on the Step Ahead Learning Center website. The videos will show how the teacher staff at the center teaches private and semi-private groups the concepts of Reading, Writing, and Math using technology to administer helpful programs. An HD recorded and latest editing software will be used to capture and edit the videos. The videos will be uploaded to the website by January 2015. Goal: Produce the Information Brochure mentioned earlier to be distributed to Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts and to be sent out by direct mail to households within the school district boundaries. 10,000 brochures should be produced and distributed by the end of September 2014 after the first Washington State Assessment test is administered to every student in the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts. D.4 Sales Forecast Step Ahead operates under a fiscal calendar year of August 1 to July 31. Following figures are based on expected market conditions. The two year totals are: Fundraising $27,000, Learning Center Sales Revenue $359,000, Venue Rental Revenue $53,400, and Funding from Donors $126,000. It is estimated that fundraising will continue at its current momentum of $5,000 for year one, and increase to $6,000 per month for year two. It is estimated that the center’s sales revenues will increase as the goals and objectives of the center become better known by the residents of the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts. The forecasted two year revenue for Step Ahead Tutoring Center is $565,400. E. Implementation Strategy E.1 Overall Strategy The center will benefit from its location in the city. It is easily accessible by everyone in the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland School District Boundaries. The grand opening will be the official launch of the business, set to take place this year in late summer, early fall (2014). During the event, there will be an open house where anyone from the community can take self-tours of the building, viewing all computer labs, reception area, and rental venue. Demonstration tutoring sessions will be taking place during the duration of the event with 10 children who were asked to simulate an actual classroom environment. There will alo be a registration at the reception area for those families that feel their student will benefit from tutoring sessions at the center and wants to sign up immediately. Fundraising will be taking place each month, with the money going to different projects or needs of the center. The fundraiser during August 2014 will be â€Å"First Day Back School Supplies.† Many different businesses from the area have donated back-to-school supplies to the center with the intent that the center would sell these items to raise money for the center. Every Monday thru Saturday in August, back-to-school supplies will be for sale at the center, with registration taking place at the same time. The items that will be on sale for the fundraiser include: Ruled/Unruled Notebook Paper (100 sheets): $1.00 Three-Ring Spiral Notebook (75 sheets): $1.50 Composition Notebook (100 sheets): $2.00 Pencils (package of 10): $2.00 Pens (package of 10): $2.00 Erasers (package of 4): $2.50 Pencil Pouch: $5.00 Three-Ring Binder (1†): $3.00 Backpack: $20.00 Evaluating the success of the center will be determined by two factors: did the business meet the financial goal to be considered a financial success, and did the percentage of students in the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts test â€Å"at grade level† or â€Å"above grade level† meet the set goal. E.2 Implementation Grand opening date for the Step Ahead Tutoring Center: August 1, 2014. The following is a list of items to be completed and a date that they must be completed by. Scheduled Item Target Completion Date Hire staff Math Teacher Reading Teacher Writing Teacher Private Tutor Teacher Complete Invitation list for grand opening Prepared Invites sent out July 1, 2014 Purchase EPS programs Install programs on each computer Ensure full functionality July 5, 2014 Create 10,000 brochures Deliver adequate amounts to each school in the districts Mail to cover school district boundaries July 10, 2014 Teacher Schedules Create Publish July 15,2014 August 2014 Fundraiser Obtain donated materials from local businesses Send out announcements Ensure staffing plan July 20, 2014 Grand Opening Event August 1, 2014 E.3 Control Plan The overall success of the Step Ahead Tutoring Center will be measured by: (1) the business’ ability to sustain its own operations through Sales, Venue Rental, Fundraising, and Donor Contributions, and (2) the percentage of students who test â€Å"at grade level† or â€Å"above grade level† according the Washington State Common Core Standards is at goal. The following is a table representing student enrollment and the percentage of students â€Å"at grade level† or â€Å"above grade level† from 2001 to 2013. From 2014 to 2022 is a projection of expected student enrollment and how many students will have to test â€Å"at grade level† or â€Å"above grade level† to meet the goal. The milestones set by Washington State are listed in bold. Enrollment Students At/Above Grade Level Year # of Students # of Students % of Students (Actual) % of Students (Goal) 2001 36,540 11,345 31% 50% 2002 35,400 10,456 30% 50% 2003 36,480 11,597 32% 50% 2004 37,919 12,679 33% 50% 2005 39,010 14,044 36% 50% 2006 41,111 15,622 38% 50% 2007 39,524 16,995 43% 50% 2008 38,125 16,775 44% 50% 2009 39,867 18,737 47% 50% 2010 42,985 21,063 49% 50% 2011 43,798 21,899 50% 50% 2012 40,288 22,561 56% 55% 2013 40,210 24,930 62% 60% 2014 41,014 25,429 62% 62% 2015 42,224 26,601 63% 63% 2016 45,914 29,844 65% 65% 2017 39,174 26,638 68% 68% 2018 38,765 27,136 70% 70% 2019 40,255 29,386 73% 73% 2020 39,782 29,837 75% 75% 2021 38,579 30,863 80% 80% 2022 43,814 37,242 85% 85% The first milestone, achieving a 50% pass rate by 2011 as determined by the Washington State Common Core Standards, was set in 2001 following the initation of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This milestone was achieved. The second milestone will occur when a 65% pass rate has been achieved. Annual tracking (using a table such as this) will allow measurement of progress so marketing can be adjusted to the needs of the students in the area. There are several benefits of the center, including the monthly contributions from donors in the area who share the same dedication in seeing children succeed in education. Successful fundraising will raise $52,000 in the first two years to cover the daily operations of the center, including utilities and salaries. Rental fees are determined by the cost of utilities and salary during the reservation of the venue for a professional or semi-professional event. F. Financial Statement and Projections F.1 Revenue and Cost Estimate The following is a projection for the Step Ahead Tutoring Center’s first year in business: F.2 Forecasted Profit and Loss Statement The following is a projection for the Step Ahead Tutoring Center’s first year in business. Sales Revenues include Fundraising, Venue Rental, Sales, and Donor Contributions. Expenses include Utilities, Software, and Salaries (four teachers and owner), starting in August 2014. F.3 Forecasted Balance Sheet The following reports the Projected Balance Sheet for Step Ahead Tutoring Center after their first year of business: G. Financial Report G.1 Financial Projections The assumptions made in estimating the projected revenues in the prior section was based on expert judgement from past fundraising experience, anticipated demand for venue rental (based on community interest), and the cost of each private and semi-private tutoring session. Outside donor contributions are consistent each month during the first year and second year of operations. Projections for fixed expenses (Utilities) came from estimates provided by the building architect. G.1a Breakeven Point The following shows that the Step Ahead Tutoring Center will achieve a breakeven point in the fifth month of the first year. G.1b Financial Position After analyzing the estimated revenues and expenses for the first year, the company will be in a good financial position at the conclusion of operations on July 31, 2015. During the first year, the center will have $50,900 in revenue. The center would not be self-sustaining without the contributions from donors and the fundraising efforts. Sales are in line for the needs of the center during the first year. After successfully launching a website for the center and continual marketing efforts throughout the year, great awareness and a strong reputation will be build by the end of the firsr year. During the second year, further sales growth is planned with the addition of two staff members and the need to purchase replacement utilities along with additional software programs. The center will be self-sustaining without the requirement of donor contributions and fundraising efforts during the second year. G.1c Capital/Investment Needs The company will receive a $10,000 Capital Investment from Xxxxxx Xxxxx to assist with marketing the launch of the center. Step Ahead Learning Center’s website and email program have been developed prior to company planning by the owner. Using â€Å"in-house† resources to develop a product is much less  expensive then contracting the work through an outside vendor. The center is seeking a total of $20,000 to complete a fifth fully functioning computer lab (computers, projector, chairs, desks) plus on-going contributions to further assist with the incorporation of advancing technology. Donors should be prideful in knowing they helped create a better community through the higher education of children in the area, helping thousands of children to have a better future, allowing them to enter the work force better educated with high, attainable goals. References Ginsburg, Leinward, and Decker. (n.d.). Office of superintendent of public instruction. Retrieved from http://www.k12.wa.us/CoreStandards/Mathematics U.S. department of education. (2010). Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/index.html EPS literacy and intervention. (2014). Retrieved from https://eps.schoolspecialty.com/ Sylvan learning. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.sylvanlearning.com/

What is recruitment and selection?

What is recruitment and selection? [In other words, the process where an organization collect a number of people who met requirements and qualified for that organization] Selection is†¦.. During both processes R&S, an organization has to justify why they are going to choose particular methods to recruit and select people in a capable pool, that is to say, what elements or what under considerations which they use to influence their decisions before recruiting and selecting peopleAttraction and Retention The definition of recruitment is the process of generating a pool of capable people to apply an organization for employment. therefore this means that there is a need to generate people’s interest to apply for the job. This means that people have choice to choose This is why an organization has to consider this strategic choice. To be precise, attraction means†¦. For the internal sources this is associated with retention which meansWhen considering attraction and reten tion strategy, an organization might first of all apply the concept of Fitting the person to the environment, organization As this diagram illustrates In an organization Whereas HR plocies will be designed to achevive particular organizational targets and goals, those policies also provide an opportunity for individual needs to emerge and be satisfied. This view assumes that a fit between a person and the environment can be found so that commitment and performance are enhance (Kristof, 1996).This not only gives a high performance advantages but also lead to â€Å"retention† Criticism However, commentator have Doubted whether such mutuality could develop on the basis of equality because organizational need would always be superiority. In typical form of profit-organistaion, the issue of profits maybe considered outweight individual needs. Competencies Another important element when considering attraction and retention strategy in recruitment and selection is to set out, what i s it referred as â€Å"competencies† which are developed within the organization.A set of behavior patterns that the incumbent needs to bring to a position in order to perform its tasks an functions with competence. (The ability, skills and knowledge obtained by candidates and relevantly required and matched with organizational goals and targets) For instance, In large financial services organisations in the UK set out its competencies for example self-control †¦. etc If we look at Lloyds TBS’s, one of large financial services, it provides its vision and projected image of its organisation that

Despite the Potential Advantages

Discuss the proposition that despite the potential advantages of formal strategic planning approaches, it is of limited benefit to organisations operating in uncertain and dynamic environments. About this discussion, I would like to introduce two steps. First step, I want to introduce the potential advantages of formal strategic planning approaches. Then I will introduce the second step: some important reasons about the formal strategic planning is of limited benefit to organisations operating in uncertain and dynamic environments.Finally, the main purpose of this paper is to prove the formal strategic planning is of limited benefit to organisations operating in uncertain and dynamic environments. My conclusion will emphasize it again. First, how should we understand the formal strategic planning? The objective of the formal strategic planning is to convey that a company’s strategic planning process includes specific systematic procedures used to gain the involvement and commi tment of those principal stakeholders affected by the plan (J. Richard Falshaw, Keith W.Glaister, Ekrem Tatoglu, 2006). What is the purpose of strategic planning? Generally, formal Strategic planning is an organization's process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to carry on this strategy. In order to determine the direction of the organization, it is necessary to know its current position and the possible ways through which it can pursue a particular course of action strategic planning do with at least one of three key questions: â€Å"What do we do? † â€Å"For whom do we do it? † and â€Å"How do we excel? (J. Scott Armstrong, 1986) OK, I have a simple introduction about the character and purpose of formal strategic planning. Then we must make clear about the structure about formal strategic planning approaches. There is common view about strategic planning researchers that the strategic planning process consist s of three major parts: (1) Formulation (which includes developing a mission, setting major objectives, assessing the external and internal environments, and evaluating and selecting strategy alternatives). (2) Implementation. (3) Control. J. Richard Falshaw, Keith W. Glaister, Ekrem Tatoglu, 2006). Some famous formal strategic planning approaches include SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), Balanced Scorecards, Scenario planning, PEST analysis  (Political,  Economic,  Social, and  Technological), STEER analysis (Socio-cultural,  Technological,  Economic,  Ecological, and  Regulatory factors). What are potential advantages of formal strategic planning approaches? Generally, formal planning has these advantages: 1. Formal plans represent a useful standard. . It is fully formulated; communicated plan is an important motivational device. 3. The analysis and survey by all those participating in the planning process is useful and can improve the companies' understanding of it's position. 4. Plans which swift actions in anticipation of future changes in the environment is a better approach to strategic management than an advertisement to events. Take me for example, for 20 years, contradictions between the planning and process schools of strategy have shaped the debate on strategy planning.Here we illustrate that a scenario-based approach to strategic planning can serve as a new management tool in the field with the potential to overcome differences between the two opposing schools of strategy. The scenario-based approach to strategic planning builds on the strengths of traditional scenario planning. It is an open and creative approach that considers many strategy options and takes multiple perspectives into account. Synchronously, it overcomes the weaknesses of traditional scenario planning by offering a systematic process to scenario creation that is built on specific management tools and is easy to implement.The outco me of this approach is an important strategy that is complemented by several strategic options derived from different scenarios (Torstenwulf Philip Meissner and Stephan Stabner , 2010). Torstenwulf Philip Meissner and Stephan Stabner (2010) illustrate the benefits of scenario-based approach using experience gained in a consulting project in the German photovoltaic industry. And they further proof that the approach can thus be used in an extremely flexible way to account for the increasing volatility of environmental developments.These advantages of our approach are apparent in the illustrative case study presented. By combining traditional scenario planning, strategic thinking, real-option reasoning and strategic planning, this approach makes the intricacy, dynamics and volatility of the current business world manageable. On the other hand, the approach can be applied for different time horizons. Our project experience leads us to believe that the approach increases the effectivenes s and efficiency with which strategic planning can be conducted in practice (Torstenwulf Philip Meissner and Stephan Stabner , 2010).I have illustrated Torstenwulf Philip Meissner and Stephan Stabner’s research about Scenario planning, so we can make clear about the potential advantages of formal strategic planning approaches. About the limited benefit to organisations operating in uncertain and dynamic environments, I think there is a lot of evidence to prove this case. The major change for managers is guaranteeing competitiveness as well as profit capacity for their companies in turbulent environments. The rate of change in the business setting has never been as fast as it is currently (Grant, 2003).In Torstenwulf Philip Meissner and Stephan Stabner’s research, they also think What formal strategic planning seems to be lacking most is the flexibility and open system that allow for the responsiveness and creation required in dynamic, complex and uncertain environments (Torstenwulf Philip Meissner and Stephan Stabner , 2010). In the environment of globalization, the world is changing more and more rapidly. Managers must face a series of unexpected events. For example, like financial crisis, economic downturn and Arab Spring. Each incident and formal strategic planning approaches in test managers.In the past, plan researchers have not concentrated on uncertain settings. The majority of the existing devices in strategic management unreservedly presume a benign environment that is basic yet not very dynamic. (Harrington, Lawton and Rajwani, 2005). For firms to thrive in an uncertain future, they have to develop realistic strategies on the basis of many options that react to the prerequisites of various likely futures opposed to one strategic guarantee. (Grant, 2003). So how to treat the formal strategic planning is of limited benefit to organisations operating in uncertain and dynamic environments?In this essay, â€Å"A causal analysis of formal st rategic planning and firm performance: Evidence from an emerging country†, the nature of the external environment (difference from very uncertain and unstable to certain and stable) will influence the organization structure made by the companies. It is argued that in uncertain and dynamic environments the most effective organization structures start to be more organic when in stable and more certain environments more artificial structures will be received (Keith W. Glaister et al, 2008).Although some studies have found that certain parts of strategic planning are relative with performance, theory also predicts that these relations will be influenced by external environment. If one of the purposes of strategic planning is to point the organization in its association with the external environment, so organizations that precisely project and estimated environmental changes should display an extraordinary or specific level of performance. In this sense strategic planning may be mo re useful in an uncertain environment than a calm one.So the relative between planning and performance may be stronger in an uncertain environment, and weaker in a calm environment. There exist, however, some opposite arguments that strategic planning is more likely to have a positive influence on firm performance in relatively less uncertain environments where future conditions are easier to anticipate(J. Richard Falshaw, Keith W. Glaister, Ekrem Tatoglu, 2006 ). About a company's future development, the external environment of the strategic analysis is very important. Robert M.Grant referred this point in his essay â€Å"Strategic Planning in a Turbulent Environment: Evidence from the Oil Majors†, First, a view of the external environment: This typically included guidance as to some characters of energy markets over the planning period? -For demand, supply, prices, and margins? -which were not so much forecasts as a set of assumptions relating to prices and supply and deman d conditions that provided a common basis for strategic planning across the firms. Second, corporate management provided most direction to the planning process through a statement of priorities, guidelines, and expectations.A key part of this direction was setting company wide performance targets (e. g. , ‘raise return on capital employed to 12%,' ‘reduce costs per barrel by 10%,' ‘a 110% reserve replacement rate,' ‘reduce the ratio of debt to equity ratio to 25% by 2000'). Guidance often concern to resource allocation, e. g. , ‘to shift investment from downstream to upstream,' ‘to refocus on core businesses,' ‘to take advantage of opportunities in China and East Asia,' ‘to increase the proportion of gas in our hydrocarbon reserves (Grant, 2003).In the process of management of the company, what is the role of analytical formal planning in dynamic environment? Different people have different views; Grant thought strategic planning is a responsible. Increasing volatility and indeterminacy of the external environment was accompanied by two changes in strategic planning responsibilities: first, a shift of decision-making responsibility from corporate to business-level managers; second, a shift of planning responsibilities from planning staff to line managers (Grant, 2003).There is other view; Hamel and Prahalad argue that the role of strategy should be not adapting an existing industry structure but rather to change it. † They see the role of competitive creation as identifying the orthodoxy in a present strategy and redefining the terms of engagement to exploit this orthodoxy. And the emerging Infocom mega-industry provides an interesting laboratory for testing the adequacy of existing frameworks for competitive strategy. They are not designed to deal with the kind of turbulence that we are witnessing in this industry.Strategists may have to assume a low role in dealing with turbulence. When being a pioneer an d an innovator will help, it is not enough. Investing in and growing a customer base can strengthen the chances of success, but success in the end is determined by industry forces outside the companies' control. â€Å"Co with the flow† is not an inspiring strategy but perhaps the best a company can do when face turbulence (Chakravarthy B, 1997). Each method is not a panacea.Although formal strategic planning approaches have many advantages, it also makes limited benefit, like Scenario planning. However, the approach has only been applied in a few companies to date. Therefore, research on a larger scale is necessary to determine the performance of the scenario-based approach to strategic planning (Torstenwulf Philip Meissner and Stephan Stabner , 2010). Evidence of the impact of environmental turbulence upon strategic planning is limited. Cross sectional studies have produced contradictory findings.Long evidence is fragmented, but more consistent: in response to increasing env ironmental turbulence, strategic planning systems actually have changed from the highly formalized processes of the 1960s and 1970s (Grant, 2003). In conclusion, formal strategic planning approaches indeed have a huge potential advantage. Some famous formal strategic planning approaches include SWOT analysis, Balanced Scorecards, Scenario planning, PEST analysis and STEER analysis have many advantages. If companies do not have strategic planning, it is bound to be about to disappear.If companies ignore the strategic planning, it is bound to be lagging behind the development of enterprise. According to previous research and study about strategic planning, strategic planning can mobilize workers to actively increase the cohesion. It also can make enterprises competitive mechanism enhanced. Strategic planning can be summed insufficient and the shortfall, it is an important measure in the steady development of enterprises. I've used a lot of evidence fully proved these points.About the formal strategic planning is of limited benefit to organisations operating in uncertain and dynamic environments, I also have used many evidences and examples to prove it. In general, with the development of the times, companies as an open system, it focuses on the external environmental factors there will be more and more, more and more diversified development trend, and thus the external environment faced by the enterprise will become more complex and uncertain. Even Scenario planning, Torstenwulf Philip Meissner and Stephan Stabner have pointed it had many potential advantages.They also said,in an increasingly complex, dynamic and volatile world ,Scenario planning has only been applied in a few companies to date (Torstenwulf Philip Meissner and Stephan Stabner , 2010). Finally, I must emphasize once again, in the environment of globalization, the world is changing more and more rapidly. Managers must face a series of unexpected events. In a word, formal strategic planning approac hes indeed have many potential advantages; it is of limited benefit to organisations operating in uncertain and dynamic environments.References J. Richard Falshaw, Keith W. Glaister, Ekrem Tatoglu, â€Å" Evidence on formal strategic planning and company performance† (2006) Management Decision, Vol. 44 Iss: 1 pp. 9 – 30 Hugh G. Courtney, Jane Kirkland, and S. Patrick Viguerie, â€Å"Strategy under uncertainty†. (1994) Keith W. Glaister, Omer Dincer, Ekrem Tatoglu, Mehmet Demirbag, Selim Zaim, (2008),†A causal analysis of formal strategic planning and firm performance: Evidence from an emerging country†, Management Decision, Vol. 46 Iss: 3 pp. 365 -391 Robert M.Grant â€Å"Strategic Planning in a Turbulent Environment: Evidence from the Oil Majors† Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 24, No. 6 (Jun. , 2003), pp. 491-517 Selsky et al. , 2007. Contrasting Perspectives on Strategy Making in Hyper Environments. Organization Studies, 28(1), pp. 71-94 . J. Scott Armstrong (1986). â€Å"The Value of Formal Planning for Strategic Decisions: A Reply† Strategic Management Journal  7: 183–185. Chakravarthy B, ‘A New Strategy Framework for Coping with Turbulence’ Sloan Management Review, Winter 1997Torstenwulf Philip Meissner and Stephan Stabner â€Å" A scenario-based Approach to Strategic Planning-Integrating Planning and Process Perspective of strategy† (2010) http://www. scenariomanagement. de/fileadmin/user_upload/Scenario-based_strategic_planning_WP. pdf Harrington, D. , Lawton, T. &Rajwani, T. 2005. Embracing and Exploiting Industry Turbulence: The Strategic Transformation of Aer Lingus. European Management Journal, 23(4), pp. 450–457. Bibliography Johnson G, Scholes K, Whittington R, Exploring Corporate Strategy 8th Edition, 2008 – Chapter 2 Campbell D, Edgar D, Stonehouse G, Business Strategy 3rd Edition, 2011, Palgrave – Ch 3

Urbanization and Rural Migrants

DefinitionsUrbanisation: The process in which an increasing proportion of the population live in cities/urban areas. Urban growth: Increase in population size and/or physical size of the towns, cities and other larger urban settlements in a country or a region. Process whereby settlements grow in terms of population number and/or physical size Megacity: A giant metropolis with a population of at least 10 million Slums: A residential area that is physically and socially deteriorated and in which satisfactory family life is impossible. Squatters: Shelters with poor structural quality and developed without legal claims to the land and/or permission from the concerned authoritiesTrends in urbanisationGeneral trends:In 1950, there were two megacities with 10 million or more inhabitants. By 2005, this number has increased to 20 and it is projected that there will be 22 megacities by 2015. Developing countries will have 18 of the 22 megacities in 2015.LEDCs vs MEDCs:Since 1950, the most rap id growth in urbanisation has occurred in LEDCs (Less Economically Developed Countries) in South America, Africa and Asia. Between 1950 and 1990, the urban population in LEDCs has doubled. In China, the urban population grew from 192 million to 375 million in 16 years. However, this is not the case in MEDCs, which instead face the phenomenon of counter-urbanisation where people choose to move away from the bustling city to the quieter rural environment.Positive impacts (Reasons for urbanisation)Wage and employment differentials Economic advancements are better in the city for migrants due to higher wages and increased number of working days. For example, In Dehli, rural migrants’  income increase by 150% compared to those in villages. Job opportunities in the city can also be found in the form of employment in informal sectors such as hawkers selling food by the sidewalks. This requires limited capital as money does not have to be spent on renting a workplace or a stall.The cities provide a greater opportunity for rural migrants to climb the income ladder. The increased wealth will enhance the lives of the migrants and their families as money can be spent on proper food, water, healthcare and even education. If the money is invested well in their children, their families can be brought out of the cycle of poverty, increasing their standard of living in the long run.Access to Amenities and ServicesDue to the close proximity of people in the highly populated cities, it is easier and cheaper to provide amenities that are accessible and affordable to everyone. This is referred to as the economies of scale, hence allowing city dwellers to have better and cheaper access to water and electrical supply. This results in an improvement in their living standards and decreases one’s chance of contracting diseases related to the lack of proper water supply.For example, water pipes and sewers can be constructed within densely populated areas more efficiently than laying long pipelines connecting houses in more dispersed rural settlements. The poor access to basic infrastructure has a disproportionate effect on rural women as they perform most of the domestic chores and often walk long distances to fetch water. The energy spent on getting water can be better channeled to economic activities in urban areas.Future ProspectsPeople are willing to endure short-term difficulties in the hopes of better prospects of economic gain and improved welfare in the longer term, even if only for their children.Economic growthCities are engines of economic growth as they are places where money, services, wealth and manpower are centralized. Cheap labour will attract foreign investors as production cost is low. Through trade and tourism, foreign money will flow into the country, boosting the economy. Urban-based economic activities account for more than 50% of the gross  domestic product (GDP) In all countries. For example, Mumbai, the richest city in I ndia, ha the highest GDP of any city in South, West and Central Asia.Negative impacts (Challenges)Urban unemployment and urban povertyThere is a huge economic income disparity, leaving a huge gap between the rich and the poor in the cities. This is because the rural migrants lack education and the skills required to get a good job. Hence, the inhabitants of the urban areas have better access to the various industries due to the higher levels of education they received, while rural migrants only earn a meager income. This is made worse by the lack of jobs due to the sudden increase in population and workforce in the city. Many rural migrants turn to the ‘informal sector’ as their source of income, where there is no need for them to pay taxes.However, this results in a decrease in the government’s income, which can be used to build and improve infrastructure and provide better amenities and services to the people. For example, in Morocco, street vendors are a commo n sight as these mobile traders do not have to pay rent or municipal tax. However, these informal traders cause small retailers to lose out in the competition and has forced many small businesses in the area to close down.Traffic congestionThe increased income means an increase in private ownership of cars as a form of luxury instead of taking public transportation. However, this leads to traffic congestions during peak hours due to insufficient roads in the transport network, leading to delays and frustrations. It is estimated that in Bangkok, a car spends an average of 44 days per year stuck in traffic. Apart from being a waste of time, it also causes environmental and noise pollution. This affects the quality of life for urban dwellers.Environmental degradationThe increase in private car ownership and other human activities result in air pollution and other forms of environmental degradation such as dumping of chemical waste in waterways. More than 80% of sewage in developing   countries is discharged untreated, polluting rivers, lakes and coastal areas. This makes water unfit for drinking and also upsets the ecosystem. Fumes from exhaust pipes cause the air to be filled with harmful particles that negatively affect the health of urban dwellers, especially those with respiratory difficulties such as asthma.This is a prominent problem in Beijing, where the smog in the air is so thick that it is a cause of worry for the citizens. Smoking causes lead pollution in the air, which has adverse effects on other’s health. The air in New Mexico causes lead levels in babies to be so high that it impairs their brain development. This affects the social wellbeing of the citizens.HousingRapid urbanisation has led to the development of squatter settlements and an informal sector to the economy. By 2050, it is estimated that the world’s population will be 9 billion, of which 3.5 million will be living in slums and squatter settlements. There is a huge demand for housing due to the great increase in urban population. This pushes up the price of housing. Poor rural migrants who are unable to afford proper housing are forced to live in slums or squatters.1. These settlements lack proper sanitation, drainage and disposal systems (dumping ground). The houses are closely packed in a disorderly fashion, and often overcrowded with people. This makes the spread of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis quick and easy, giving rise to a high likelihood of health problems, especially given the unsanitary conditions. 2. There is an inadequate access to clean water and lack of a proper sewage system, allowing water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid to be spread easily. (2 million children are killed yearly by water contaminated by sewage.)3. There might be a high incidence of fire breakouts as the close proximity of the houses make it easy for the fire to spread. Furthermore, the disorderly arrangement of houses makes it difficult for s lum residents to escape easily from the fire. 4. Lack of basic amenities and services such as electricity means the need to use oil lamps and kerosene for lighting. This also increases the chance of a fire. 5. Makeshift shelters are built using low quality building materials such as  cardboards, planks, etc. that might be flammable. This encourages a fire breakout, and also means that a fire can cause the residents to lose all their possessions. 6. The lack of a proper drainage system might lead to flooding, especially for slum settlements build on water-retention areas.SolutionsHOUSING:1. (Overcrowding) Curb the flow of rural-urban migration to ensure that the government can cope with the pace and provide the necessary infrastructure required a. Improve living conditions in rural areas such that there will not be a need for rural dwellers to move to the city. b. Indonesian migrants to Jakarta are required to obtain residence cards to prove that they have a job and accommodation i n the city before permission is granted to them to leave the rural areas. 2. (Slums) Improving living conditions of squatter settlements a. â€Å"For a Better Calcutta† in India: The Central Metropolitan Development Authority (CDMA) launched this  £250 million programme to make slums more bearable and the city liveable by installing sanitation and sewers, drinking water and streetlights, health care and education. a.i. 150 000 street lighting points provideda.ii. Provision of 90 litres of water per capita per day. More than 20 000 water tap points and connections have been provided a.iii. Revamp and Renovation of drainage and sewage systems: 45 000 permanent sanitary latrines (1 per 35 people) a.iv. Construction of 600m of paved roads and pathwaysa.v. Gardens, parks and playgrounds on 60 sites are under construction.Provision of subsidized housing and relocationa. Cingapura project, Sao Paulo, Brazila.i. Brazil aims to replace slums with low-rise blocks of flats. They aim t o resettle 92 000 families from 243 slum sites a.ii. Residents pay for the house over a span of 20 years at a low interest rate. 4. Self-Help Schemesa. In Nairobi, Kenya Africa, the World back gives financial support to the  squatters. Building lots are provided and laid out with water, drains, roads lighting and occasionally clinics and schools. Squatters are given modest loans for building materials and are expected to build their own homes on prepared sites. 5. With these interventions, slum and squatter dwellers of urban areas are experiencing an improvement in the living environment.TRAFFIC: 1. Restrictionsa. Curbing vehicle growth by increasing the cost of private car to discourage car ownership. a.i. For example, in SG, potential car owners must pay to bid for a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) b. Reducing congestion by limiting the number of cars on the road. b.i. In Singapore, ERP gantries are set up on frequently congested roads to collect additional road tax during peak hours. b.ii. Beijing restricts certain cars with certain numbers from going on the roads on weekdays 2. Encourage the use of public transport by improving and subsidizing public transport to make it accessible and affordable.MacroconceptsUrbanisation is an inevitable process for a country on its way to development. No country has achieved high-income status without first urbanizing, and nearly all countries become at least 50% urbanized before fully reaching middle-income status. Urbanization plays an important role in economic, political and cultural development, and also provides better access to education, employment and healthcare, hence improving the social wellbeing of the people.Even though urbanisation brings about both advantages and disadvantages, many of the urban problems are results of poor management and planning and the absence of coherent urban policies. For example, in Africa, urban areas are economically stagnant or in recession, hence local authorities do not hav e the money or expertise to provide services such as access to water, housing, education and healthcare. This results in the formation of slums. (70% of Africa’s urban population live in slums) Hence, urbanisation itself is not a problem, and should be encouraged. However, it has to be accompanied with proper planning and  regulation.

Love at First Sight, Is There Such a Thing Essay

What is common among the Hunger Games, Romeo and Juliet, Pokemon, 500 Days of Summer and The Vampire Diaries? They all have the trope of â€Å"love at first sight†Ã¢â‚¬â€Peeta instantly fell in love with Katniss when he heard her sing on the first day of school; Romeo fell in love with Juliet the first time he saw her; Brock fell in love with every pretty girl he saw; Tom fell in love with Summer at first sight in the office; and Stefan also had love at first sight with Elena. Love at first sight is the most widely used trope in literature and film. It is so common that most people mistake it as a reality. Why do I think that love at first sight is fictional? â€Å"Love is to be delighted by the happiness of another,† said Gottfried Leibniz. If what he said is true, then love at first sight is not really love. You can’t know the happiness of a person in an instant; you’ll have to be psychic to do that. To discover an individual’s happiness, one has to get to know him/her more. This can be achieved by spending time with that person—listening and understanding him/her. Another reason why love at first sight is fictional is infatuation. Love at first sight is just infatuation. Infatuation is not love because it is mere attraction and admiration while love is committing oneself to another because he/she cares for the other. Therefore, love at first sight is not love. Although it is not love, infatuation is inevitable when it comes to love relationships, because it gives you the courage to get to know someone, confess your feelings and move on to the â€Å"next level. † Even so, it does not guarantee love. It just gives it a â€Å"push. † There may be instances when people get infatuated with each other at first sight, then end up falling in love. This situation, according to them, is love at first sight. I think not. I think these instances are what you call infatuation that progressed into love. And these encounters don’t happen often. They are very rare. There is a bigger chance of you being infatuated, but as you get to know that person, you realize that he/she is not who you thought he/she was. We get infatuated all the time—when we see super good looking celebrities, appetizing foods, and such—but love, it only happens once, and it doesn’t happen in a blink of an eye, it develops. In the end, I think that love at first sight is not truly love, but infatuation. I find it so because, again, you can’t know someone’s happiness just by the mere sight of him. So, you can’t be delighted by his happiness. Although I believe that there is an innate romanticism attached to the thought of meeting someone, and having them hit enough emotional triggers immediately at first sight, I don’t think that it is love. It is infatuation—the first step towards love which can grow into a more mature love.