Perceptions of Online Learning Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Perceptions of Online Learning - Research Paper Example ople who were interviewed fall between 17 and 25 years, and many of them are single.2 Since the majority of the students are -usually single and under the age bracket of 17-25, I conclude that the representativeness of the sample is fair since the majority of the surveyed students falls under these demographic characteristics. As shown in Table 2 (a), if the students were to take a fully online unit, the largest number of them agrees that email communication with the lecture would be the most helpful, while many of them disagree with the argument that online unit would be better for learning than class discussions. The extent to which students find different situations helpful are as ranked in table 2(a), starting with the least helpful to the most helpful (this is based on the mean). The standard deviation for the helpfulness of chat rooms if the highest, meaning that students strongly differ on this issues, while many of them share common opinion regarding the usefulness of power point slides (STD: 1.13657>0. 79434). As shown in Table 2 (b), the biggest number of students agrees that fully online units require reliable internet. On the other hand, the least number of the students declare that they are very interested to take fully online units, which is evidence that many students do not value/like online learning. Based on the standard deviation, very many students have divergent views regarding the fact that fully online learning leads to better visibility of course outline and study materials. However, many students share common view on the fact that many students may be unprepared by the overwhelming commitments required study fully online units (Std. Deviation is smallest at .81784). As shown in figure 3, the histogram is corn shaped due to lower standard deviation. Table 2(c) shows that the largest number of students agree that good support by lectures is very important when they are taking a fully online unit, while very few of them agree that guest

Essay - Analyse of John Proctor from Crucible Essay Example for Free

Essay Analyse of John Proctor from Crucible Essay John is a flawed man. How, in spite of this, does Arthur Miller develop his character so that we admire him more and more as the play progresses? The crucible, by Arthur Miller, is a play that clearly shows many human struggles. Many of these come about as a result of the strict puritan society, in Salem, Massachusetts, in the 1660s witch trials. The first factor that the audience come across that start the hysteria is when some girls are caught dancing hiding in the woods. Because of how sinful it was to be seen doing unchristian things, one of the girls, Betty, got so scared of what could be the consequences that she just lied down on a bed for 13 hours without moving. Miller shows through the play, how people would comment on this fact referring to witchcraft, leading everyone to believe in the false accusations. One of the main roles on the play is that of John Proctor. He initially gets involved on Bettys case for his authority and respect from the others. Then, Miller presents Proctor as a lecher who abused the love of a 14 year-old girl, Abigail Williams, who would, later on, charge on the court Proctors wife, Elizabeth, of witchcraft imagining to get her out the way to Proctor. John Proctor, a farmer and a village resident in his middle thirties, He was a kind of man of a powerful body, even tempered. In Proctors presence, a fool felt his foolishness instantly. (Stage directions, Act One, page 16). Since Reverend Parris is appointed to the church in Salem, John Proctor starts to create empathy against Parris superior attitude and greed. As well as Parris, Putnam is also an obtuse figure. Proctor clearly leaves this message on act one: There is a party in this church. I am not blind; there is a faction and a party. (Parris, Act One) Against him and all authority. (Putnam, Act One). Proctor uses this suspicion to provoke anger in Parris even further. Why, then I must find it and join it. (Proctor, Act One). In the beginning, John truthfully tells Parris why he has not been at church recently. I have trouble enough without I come five mile to hear him preach only hellfire and bloody damnation. Take it to heart, Mr. Parris. There are many others who stay away from church because you hardly ever mention God anymore. (Proctor, Act One). Proctor exceedingly allows the fact that he cannot associate with Parris go on across his religious side. Tell me, you have three children? How come only two are baptized? (Hale, Act Two) I like it not that Mr. Parris should lay his hand upon my baby. I see no light of God in that man. Ill not conceal it. (Proctor, Act Two) John Proctor became a very guilty man with a troubled conscience, because of his affair with his servant Abigail. Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut my hand before Ill ever reach for you again. Wipe it out of mind. We never touched, Abby. (Proctor, Act One). Proctor has his mind set that he will not confess to anyone else about Abigail, in fear of ruining his good name and reputation. Once past the affair, Abigail became extremely jealous of Elizabeth Proctor. At the court, Abigail accused Elizabeth of witchcraft, by planning a way to look like Elizabeth watched Mary Warren make a doll and then she would have put a needle in the stomach of it, with the intention that the puppet would represent Abigail, herself. Abigail even stuck a needle into her own stomach to represent evidence. By the time Elizabeth was being arrested, Proctor, furious, accused Abigail and Parris revenge to be linked to his wife case: If she is innocent! Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as Gods fingers? Ill tell you whats walking Salem vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, common vengeance writes the law! This warrants vengeance! Ill not give my wife to vengeance! (Proctor, Act Two). It is obvious that Proctor cares and respects his wife Elizabeth when he decides to bring to an end his adulterous relationship with Abigail. The caring and respectful feelings are renewed into loving devotion when Elizabeth is unjustly charged as a witch. He promises her, Ill bring you home. I will bring you home soon! (Proctor, Act Two), as she leaves. With the idea of getting his wife released, Proctor threatened Mary Warren to confess the truth to the court. She was one of the girls that got caught dancing in the woods, and because of it was helping the court to find the supposed witches. In desperation, he acted in a brutal way even physically, until she would accept to stand by him on the court and, controversially from all the things that she had already said, confess that the witchcraft accusations were all pretence. I will bring your guts into your mouth but goodness will not die for me. (Proctor, Act Two)

SR :: essays research papers

Executive Bulletin COMPUTERWORLD INTRODUCTION All Roads Lead to IP .................................2 TRENDS &STRATEGIES Wading Into IP Telephony ..........................4 Getting ROI From VoIP ..............................7 VoIP Monitoring Tools ............................10 VoIP Security .......................................13 Call Centers and IP ................................15 Voice Over Wireless LANs .......................18 RESOURCES QuickStudy:Session Initiation Protocol ......21 Emerging Technology:..........................23 IP Videoconferencing IPCommunications Voice-over-IP is changing the way we think of,and manage,communications. Compliments of Computerworld Executive Bulletin IP Communications 2 Converged IP networks allow for a wide variety of new applications to ride on the network and interact, including IP telephony,audioconfer- encing,videoconferencing,unified messaging and presence technolo- gies (like chat). Getting Started Corporate America is just starting down the road to voice-over-IP (VoIP)communications,though every analyst says it ¡Ã‚ ¯s just a matter of time before it becomes main- stream. ¡Ã‚ °By 2009,the installed base of IP [communications]equipment will dominate the enterprise land- scape,but that ¡Ã‚ ¯s still a few years away, ¡Ã‚ ±says Robert Rosenberg,presi- dent of Insight Research Corp.in Boonton,N.J. There are several reasons why VoIP hasn ¡Ã‚ ¯t been an overnight suc- cess.Companies started testing the waters of VoIP in 2001,but there were serious concerns about voice sound quality that slowed the mo- mentum (those concerns have been largely resolved).Moreover,one of the key reasons for implementing VoIP was to reduce the long-distance charges associated with the tradi- tional phone networks,yet those charges have dropped so low that those cost savings are less dramatic. The cost of IP phones is another reason for the slow pace. ¡Ã‚ °The cost of going VoIP is certainly a factor here,since the price of newer IP phones will continue to be about 25%higher than the [traditional]al- ternative, ¡Ã‚ ±Rosenberg says.  ¡Ã‚ °VoIP never was and never will be the least expensive way to deliver voice to the enterprise,but the al- lure of VoIP ¡Ã‚ ¯s rich applications like video telephony will slowly convert legacy customers, ¡Ã‚ ±he adds. Indeed,there are a variety of rea- sons for moving to a converged IP network.Users report benefits such as the following:  ¡Ãƒ ¶Much lower costs for audiocon- ferencing.  ¡Ãƒ ¶The ease of moving,adding and changing phones.  ¡Ãƒ ¶The fact that the IT staff can manage a single network infrastruc- ture out of the data center,instead of two or more very different networks. Thumbs Up Early users are giving a thumbs up to converged networks,saying their technology choices have saved mon- ey and made their voice communi- cations setups more flexible.Some implement pure VoIP systems,while others rely on a hybrid of IP and cir- cuit-switched technologies.Either way,the users say they ¡Ã‚ ¯re realizing greater efficiencies just by starting to merge their voice and data net- works. IBM,for example,is rolling out a global VoIP network over the next five years that ¡Ã‚ ¯s expected to cut voice/data communications costs by 25%,according to Fred Spuleck,di- rector of global voice infrastructure at IBM.One efficiency will come from lowering the number of IBM ¡Ã‚ ¯s private branch exchange (PBX) switches from the current count of about 900 to just 11 IP-based PBXs, Spuleck says. Pure VoIP supporters say their systems are more resilient and can more easily support video or voice conferencing as well as new data ap- plications.For example,IBM ¡Ã‚ ¯s new VoIP network will allow easy cre- ation of an audioconferencing sys- SR :: essays research papers Executive Bulletin COMPUTERWORLD INTRODUCTION All Roads Lead to IP .................................2 TRENDS &STRATEGIES Wading Into IP Telephony ..........................4 Getting ROI From VoIP ..............................7 VoIP Monitoring Tools ............................10 VoIP Security .......................................13 Call Centers and IP ................................15 Voice Over Wireless LANs .......................18 RESOURCES QuickStudy:Session Initiation Protocol ......21 Emerging Technology:..........................23 IP Videoconferencing IPCommunications Voice-over-IP is changing the way we think of,and manage,communications. Compliments of Computerworld Executive Bulletin IP Communications 2 Converged IP networks allow for a wide variety of new applications to ride on the network and interact, including IP telephony,audioconfer- encing,videoconferencing,unified messaging and presence technolo- gies (like chat). Getting Started Corporate America is just starting down the road to voice-over-IP (VoIP)communications,though every analyst says it ¡Ã‚ ¯s just a matter of time before it becomes main- stream. ¡Ã‚ °By 2009,the installed base of IP [communications]equipment will dominate the enterprise land- scape,but that ¡Ã‚ ¯s still a few years away, ¡Ã‚ ±says Robert Rosenberg,presi- dent of Insight Research Corp.in Boonton,N.J. There are several reasons why VoIP hasn ¡Ã‚ ¯t been an overnight suc- cess.Companies started testing the waters of VoIP in 2001,but there were serious concerns about voice sound quality that slowed the mo- mentum (those concerns have been largely resolved).Moreover,one of the key reasons for implementing VoIP was to reduce the long-distance charges associated with the tradi- tional phone networks,yet those charges have dropped so low that those cost savings are less dramatic. The cost of IP phones is another reason for the slow pace. ¡Ã‚ °The cost of going VoIP is certainly a factor here,since the price of newer IP phones will continue to be about 25%higher than the [traditional]al- ternative, ¡Ã‚ ±Rosenberg says.  ¡Ã‚ °VoIP never was and never will be the least expensive way to deliver voice to the enterprise,but the al- lure of VoIP ¡Ã‚ ¯s rich applications like video telephony will slowly convert legacy customers, ¡Ã‚ ±he adds. Indeed,there are a variety of rea- sons for moving to a converged IP network.Users report benefits such as the following:  ¡Ãƒ ¶Much lower costs for audiocon- ferencing.  ¡Ãƒ ¶The ease of moving,adding and changing phones.  ¡Ãƒ ¶The fact that the IT staff can manage a single network infrastruc- ture out of the data center,instead of two or more very different networks. Thumbs Up Early users are giving a thumbs up to converged networks,saying their technology choices have saved mon- ey and made their voice communi- cations setups more flexible.Some implement pure VoIP systems,while others rely on a hybrid of IP and cir- cuit-switched technologies.Either way,the users say they ¡Ã‚ ¯re realizing greater efficiencies just by starting to merge their voice and data net- works. IBM,for example,is rolling out a global VoIP network over the next five years that ¡Ã‚ ¯s expected to cut voice/data communications costs by 25%,according to Fred Spuleck,di- rector of global voice infrastructure at IBM.One efficiency will come from lowering the number of IBM ¡Ã‚ ¯s private branch exchange (PBX) switches from the current count of about 900 to just 11 IP-based PBXs, Spuleck says. Pure VoIP supporters say their systems are more resilient and can more easily support video or voice conferencing as well as new data ap- plications.For example,IBM ¡Ã‚ ¯s new VoIP network will allow easy cre- ation of an audioconferencing sys-

Social and Legal Definitions of Slavery Narrative of the Life of Freder

Mr. Covey seemed now to think he had me, and could do what he pleased; but at this moment -- from whence came the spirit I don't know -- I resolved to fight; and, suiting my action to the resolution, I seized Covey hard by the throat; and as I did so, I rose. (Douglass 112, chapt. 10) In Chapter 10 of Frederick Douglass' Narrative of the Life of... an American Slave, Douglass describes an important incident in which he forces backward the standard master-slave hierarchy of beating privileges against his temporary master, Mr. Covey. The victory proves for Douglass a remarkable source of renewed yearning for freedom and of self-confidence; as he "rose" physically, standing up to fight, he "rose" in spirit. Covey did not "have" Douglass in the sense of either fighting or ownership, and could not "do what he pleased." The description of the internal and external results of the fight displays a clear degree of signification in order to convey to the reader the highly personal nature of the triumph--signifying being described by Roger D. Abrahams as a "technique of indirect argument or persuasion" and "a language of implication" (Gates 54). Douglass explains, "He only can understand the deep satisfaction which I experienced, who has himself repelled by force the bloody arm of slavery" (113, chapt. 10). The overt statement describes a unique feeling arisen from relatively unique circumstances; but the implication tacked on to the statement might be phrased as: "Such a one is most probably not you, the reader." What is the use of constructing this implied distance between the narrator and the reader? The fact that Douglass has taken up writing as an articulate method of communication seems in many ways to indicate an adoption of the... ...had passed forever when I could be a slave in fact" (113, chapt. 10). This victory, combined with the achievement of literacy and other factors, such as the will to escape and attempt to teach others, point to a sense of inner, "factual" freedom which develops while Douglass is still a slave according to the law and in the public eye. Just as the Narrative is a personal story set within a framework of social relevance, the striving for freedom is personal before it is physical and external. In spirit and sense of self Douglass becomes free while still a slave, even if that freedom makes his more tangible bonds all the more painful. Because he fought for this freedom long before being ranked among free Northerners, Douglass maintains, in his narrative for the white abolitionist movement, an inner independence of social and legal definitions of slavery and freedom.

Enron, the smartest guys in the room Essay

Enron was one of the biggest scandal of all time in the stock market. The three main guys leading the pack was Ken Lay, Jeffrey Skilling, and Andy Fastow. The company was not making profit so they decided to do â€Å"future value accounting†. This was shown to shareholders so they can spend money and invest in Enron. The future value accounting just shows a list of future profit that was predicted. What actually happened? Why it can happen again? What can be done to prevent it? and What is now being don’t to prevent it? These are the question that will be answered and explained. What actually happened? Andy Fastow was the one who created several smaller companies that would hide the losses Enron had made. Enron showed that they were making great increases in the stock market and others wanted a piece of that. They even convinced their own employees to buy stocks. Enron wanted to hide their scandal so bad that they paid investment company to fire the employee that had any concerns. Enron was behind the California Energy Crisis and made billions off the state. They had the power plants shut down and resold energy for much higher and made outrageous profit. Their company got so big within a short amount of time, but so did their losses. It was getting much harder for them to hide the scandal as their company progresses. A writer at Forbes magazine was the one who started the collapse of Enron. She released an article and what Enron was truly doing and it went downhill from there. Jeffrey Skilling bailed on the company and sold all his stocks and left Ken Lay and Andy Fastow to run the company. Enron eventually collapsed and all the employee lost everything. Jeffrey Skilling and Andy Fastow were sent to prison for the scandal and Ken Lay passed away after the trials. The main thing that can be done to prevent another Enron scandal is the involvement of the investors themselves. The stockholders need to know about everything and anything that goes on in the company they are investing to the best of their abilities. Management and the Board members also play a very big role in avoiding another Enron. They are the one to keep track of the funds coming in and out of the company. Calpers are the current members that watch over the investors money and make sure everything is where they’re suppose to be. Regulators are also important in having strict regulations for companies, but lenient enough so there is room for competition. The Enron Scandal can happen again if a company is using the â€Å"future value of accounting†, but with the new check and order that is set up, it is very unlikely it will happen. These new check and order are very strict and precise on company so that they can prevent another major scandal. Audit committee’s have the right to access the company’s financial statements and have the company cooperate with them at all times. The reason why Enron got away with their scandal for so long was because they had their own audit committee â€Å"checking up† on them. There is no way to completely prevent another scandal, but a scandal as big as Enron will surely not happen again. In the end, check and balance comes in to play to keep any company from pulling a scandal as big as Enron. Because there was a loose leash over the company, Enron took advantage of that to the max and scammed every investor for their money. Now the lesson has been learned and companies are being regulated and watched for the best of the investors.

Technology In Higher Education Example

Technology In Higher Education Example Technology In Higher Education – Coursework Example Technology in Higher Education Effects of Technology in Higher Education Modern technology has a significant impact in higher education globally. Advancement in technology has boosted the overall operations of a higher learning institution. It has improved the students’ learning experience. In addition, it has increased the accessibility of the higher learning institutions through creation of websites known to the public. The introduction of the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and other online offerings has significantly benefited the operations, learning, and accessibility of the higher learning institutions (Forbes editors, 2012).Technology has enabled students to no longer to congest auditorium rooms for lectures. Through leveraging online platforms, students can now pre-record lectures and assess lectures anytime, anywhere, and as many times as they want. The institutions are now operating easily since learning platforms provide faculty with learner analytics (Scott, 200 5). The institution’s faculty now has greater data on who is learning, what they are learning, and how they participate on the online lectures. MOOCs enable teaching part of a program online and the other part in person. The online course provides flexibility to working professional and adult students because they can access course material as their schedule permits (Lytras & Corti, 2012). The institutions are able to run several programs without inconveniencies. It is made possible because through online learning, they can reach to their students both in Diaspora and in campus. Integrated e-commerce in the college and university websites has enhanced accessibility to these institutions. Students can use the university website to contact and get news or updates. The online website also specifies the location of the higher learning institution, which enhances fast access. Therefore, the modern technology has developed the higher institutions. It has enhanced easier access, imp roved learning among students. Finally, it has enhanced the operations of the higher learning institutions.ReferencesForbes Editors (2012).5 Ways Technology Will Impact Higher Ed in 2013. Forbes. Retrieved on 21st May 2015 from forbes.com/sites/groupthink/2012/12/11/5-ways-technology-will-impact-higher-ed-in-2013/Lytras, M. D., & Corti, I. N. (2012). Trends and effects of technology advancement in the knowledge society. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference. Print.Scott, P. (2005). Higher Education Re-formed. London: Routledge. Print.

League of nations to the un UN essays

League of nations to the un UN essays During the First World War several world leaders such as President of the United States(U.S.) Woodrow Wilson and South African Prime Minster Jan Smuts, advocated the need for an international organization that preserved peace and settled disputes by arbitration. When peace negotiations began in October 1918,United States president Woodrow Wilson insisted that his Fourteen Points serve as a basis for the signing of the Armistice . The Armistice included the formation of the League of Nations (here after refereed to as the League). And as the years went by the League grew to be a formidable organization. It's goals and objectives were precise, they were to attain and maintain world peace. By 1935 the League had declined severely. And In 1945 the League ended and the United Nations (referred to as the UN) took its place. There were a lot of similarities between the two organizations, however the differences were apparent as well. Scholars have tried to ascertain why the League failed to achieve its goals. What were declining factors? Moreover, is the UN a direct result of those factors with a few modifications to satisfy the demands of the world today. The object of this paper to analyze Whether the UN is a direct extension of the League and if so why or why not and under what circumstance? By 1919 the idea of international co-operation was not new. There had been a few earlier attempts, for example: The International Red Cross in Geneva 1964; International Telegraph Union in 1865; The International; Meteorological Organization in 1878 and the International Court, The Hague in 1899. However, these were all unsuccessful attempts. So, by April 1919 the constitution of the League was adopted in the Paris Peace Conference . The Aims of the organization were to a) to keep peace and b) to improve living conditions of men and women worldwide. The Leagues Council consisted of the great powers (Britain, France, Italy and Japa...

Creative Ideas for Elementary Classroom Bulletin Boards

Creative Ideas for Elementary Classroom Bulletin Boards Classroom bulletin boards are a great way to display student work in an organized and attractive manner. Whether youre creating a seasonal board, teaching board, or bragging board, its a fun way to dress up a plain wall to correlate with your teaching idea or style. Back to School These back to school bulletin board ideas are a great way to welcome students back for a new school year. Teachers Corner offers a variety of ideas such as: A Brand New Bunch of _______ Graders.Recipe for a Great School Year.Blast off to a Great Year.Checkin and Check Us Out. Welcome Back.Darting into a New Year.Look Whos Hanging Out in _______ Grade.Quack, Quack Welcome Back.Stepping in _______.Welcome Aboard______.Welcome to a Fin-Tastic Year. Birthdays A birthday bulletin board is a great way to honor and celebrate the most important day in your students lives. Help make you students feel special, and use the ideas from the Teachers Corner to help celebrate their birthday. Ideas Include: Eating Our Way to Another BirthdayBirthday TrainA Sea of BirthdaysHappy BearthdayMonthly Birthdays Seasonal Your classroom bulletin board is the ideal place to educate your students about the seasons and upcoming holidays. Use this blank slate to express your students creativity and display their best work. DLTK-Teach lists monthly bulletin board ideas by title and theme. Some ideas include: January - New YearFebruary - Pinch Us Were in LoveMarch - St. Patricks Day - Our Little LeprechaunsApril - Some Bunny Loved MeMay - Fluttering into SpringJune - Sailing into SummerJuly - Under the Summer SkySeptember - Welcome to Our SchoolOctober - Are You Scared?November - Give ThanksDecember - Its Snow Secret End of the School Year If you are looking for a way to wrap up the school year, or help students look forward to the next school year, this bulletin board website shares great ideas such as: Were Antsy for ______ Grade.This Year Flew By...Our Summers Looking Bright! Miscellaneous Bulletin Boards After scouring the internet, talking to fellow educators and gathering some ideas of my own, board the following is a list of the best miscellaneous board titles for elementary classrooms. I was Caught Doing Something Good.Dive into a Good Book.A Tee-rific Class.Mrs.____Great Catch.Go Bananas for School.We Present You with Our Wishes for Christmas.Welcome to ______School. You fit right in!Look Whoos in Our Room.When We Learn We Grow.Mrs._____ Class is in Full Bloom.Look Whos Been Spotted in ____.Buzz on into _____ Class.A Fresh Bash of Smart Cookies.School in September is TREE-Mendous.Surf on into _____.Look Whos Hiding in the Pumpkin Patch?Good Work Has Been Spotted.This Year is Going to Rule.Popping Through Our _____.Wild About Learning.Were on the Road to_____.Camping Out Under the Stars.Hop Into Learning. Tips and Suggestions Here are some helpful tips to help you improve and create effective classroom displays. Use borders to frame your display. Some unique ideas include Christmas lights, tassels, paper shapes, beads, monopoly money, feathers, rope, pictures, muffin cups, vocabulary words, etc.To make your display stand out use a creative background. Some fun ideas are to use a checkerboard pattern, polka-dots, a plain black background,  tablecloth, newspaper,f abric, wrapping paper, cellophane, netting, a brick pattern, etc.Be creative with your letters. Use different items to create words such as glitter, yarn, string, magazine letters, shadow letters or sand.

Macroeconomics annotation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Macroeconomics annotation - Essay Example he lost in the China’s stock market by about three-fifths of its value, the decision-making body believes that the loosening monetary policy is appropriate. The China’s central bank, People’s Bank of China reflects the decision-making body’s concern and aim for the change in policy. The article’s primary economic element is the lowering of the interest rate in the economy. This lowering of the benchmark interest rate has an effect on the country’s monetary policy and money supply. According to Bradsher in the article, â€Å"effective Tuesday, the People’s Bank of China lowered by 0.27 percent, to 7.2 percent, the regulated benchmark rate that commercial banks may charge for one-year loans to business borrowers with strong credit histories. Rates for shorter-term loans will be generally cut even more while rates for longer-term loans will be subject to smaller adjustments, the central bank said, without providing details (September 2008).† By lowering the interest rate, the central bank aims to signal to commercial banks to lower the lending rate. By lowering the lending rate, the country aims to make funds more accessible to business borrowers. In figure 1.1, China’s benchmark rate is lowered. The interest rate aims to lower the money supply in the country. By lowering the money supply coupled with less stringent limits on lending, China’s Politburo aims to â€Å"protect the country from the global economic downturn.† By lowering the interest rate, China aims to signal commercial banks to lower down their lending rate which makes the cost of accessing financing lower. As is shown in figure 1.2 and 1.3, lowering the interest rates lower the costs to financing, which increases the investments in an economy. This increase in investments due to lower costs of financing that is brought by this change in monetary policy does not increase proportionately in the economy. Figure 1.4 shows the effect of the increase in investment in the economy. Because

Ac Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ac - Essay Example that point these marketing experts prepare and administer questioners who behavior these studies on the web, by phone or through meetings with people or center assemblies. (Laccarino, 2000) A market research analyst forms a very integral part of an organization because based on his extensive research and results he or she prepares the reports which is followed by the company to plan its future endeavours. So it is important for any firm to hire experienced and able market research analysts so as to give accurate and feasible reports. Roughly 29% of them worked in the expert, scientific and technical administrations industry. Others were utilized in the account and protection, data, administration and wholesale exchange commercial ventures. So as to turn into a market research analyst we have to acquire no less than a four year college education in marketing research or an identified order like facts or math. Despite what degree you choose to seek after, your coursework may as well incorporate business, marketing, facts, math, and overview outline. A few occupations may oblige a graduate degree. So this zone will be fit for me to begin my vocation. Market research analysts may get confirmation from the Marketing Research Association. This accreditation, which is dependent upon training and experience, must be replenished like clockwork. So as to meet all requirements for recharging, one must take proceeding instruction classes. (McCrudden, 2008) In the wake of getting knowledge helping more prepared market research analysts, one will be allotted to his or her anticipation. The individuals who need to development to additional mindful positions might as well take proceeding training courses to stay aware of the most up to date strategies for improving, directing, and breaking down studies and other information. Procuring a propelled degree is additionally supportive. A job role for the post of research analyst was found for a graduate. The ad said that the

International economics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

International economics - Assignment Example These fears that caused by the emergence of globalization mainly focused on jobs that might be lost due to the competition from foreign countries. The main threat was on wages and not on jobs as many analyst thought. Trade had little impact on the total number of employment in most of the developed countries. The other thing that trade had minimal effect on was the composition of the level of employment. Given that the labor markets are always flexible, the loss of jobs in one field should be to create other new jobs in another field. Therefore both the relative and the average wages stand a chance of being impacted by trade, this is due to the emergence of economies. For a very long time, real wage has been traced back to the average productive growth. This has however changed in modern times, the real pay of workers in many developed countries has slowly increased than labor productivity. For instance, the real wages that an employee gets in a week in the United States of America has fallen in the middle of income distribution by at least 4% in 2001 alone. During this period, the level of labor productivity has risen by 15%; this is based on real terms. In other economies such as that of Germany and Japan the income distribution is either flat or maybe falling. This has fueled an argument in favor of globalization that is aimed at making the workers to get better wages, it has also improved the security of jobs of the low-skilled workers hence the job loss is reduced. According to the ideas from David Ricardo, he argues that many economies tend to gain from trade through specializing in products that has the capability of comparative advantage. Looking at the economies of many developed countries, there is existence of many skilled workers but that is not the case in countries that are experiencing the emergence of economy since they have low skilled workers. The economist argues that the real wage in the United States of America

The Strategic Management of Geopolitical Interests Assignment

The Strategic Management of Geopolitical Interests - Assignment Example One of the most enduring theories about geopolitics is the one proposed by Sir Halford Mackinder. In his influential work entitled â€Å"The Geographical Pivot of History†, he had proposed that Eurasia (most of Central Asia) is the main strategic point from which great land power emanates from.1 His theory and published works had a marked influence on subsequent heads of state in their conduct of foreign and state policies. Despite the passage of several years, it continues to be an influential work and one of the foremost proponents of his theory is former National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski. In this regard, Brzezinski subscribes to the same principle that the massive landlocked area of Eurasia is still the so-called â€Å"key position† in most military strategy formulation; whoever possesses Eurasia will win the strategic battle. Brzezinski continues to see the world in terms of black and white; not in shades of gray. This is a dangerous carryover of the Mackinder theory about see-saw struggles between land and sea power over previous centuries (or fight of East vs. West, Christianity vs. Islam, whale vs. white bear, Europe vs. Asia, etc.). Along this line, Brzezinski believed that Eurasia is the chief geopolitical prize in a fight for world dominance because it possesses great potential for development from its raw materials. With the United States considered as maritime power itself (which succeeded Great Britain), the current occupant of this big land mass which is Russia (or the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which was the successor of the Russian Empire) is considered as a threat to the U.S. for global power. In this aspect, Brzezinski is similar to Mackinder in his global outlook or world view of historical events. His assertion regarding Soviet threats (communism) is but a repetition of Mackinders theory regarding threats

Research Methods and Perspectives ( International Relations ) Coursework

Research Methods and Perspectives ( International Relations ) - Coursework Example hers frame their studies on a particular subject like international relations, and thus form an appropriate problem statement and find solutions as part of the research work. The studies of these authors have stressed on the involvement of scientific aspects introduced in the understanding of social sciences in relation to the arguments associated with international relations (Dunne, Kurki & Smith, 2007, p.15). A business research deals with the research studies being associated with the world of business and management in reality. The theories of social sciences are also related to the business research methodologies to a large extent. The methods developed in the research studies reflect the relation that social scientists make use of such methods in deriving the relationships between the realities of the social aspects and the manner in which they might be realized. The role of the researcher is highly significant in this context. Some of the theories being used include the grand theories or middle-range theories where at times the theories might provide with limited research opportunities, in other cases being more elaborate and informative. The relevance of data is essential when hypothesis are formulated for researches. The relations between the theory and research can be derived by the deductive theory and the implications are obtained through the induction theory. The positivism th eory if research encompasses both the deductive and inductive aspects of research. In contrast to this is the interpretivism theory. Other theories include the realism, objectivism and other relative measures (Bryman & Bell, 2007, pp. 4-23). The research process of political science has a major significance in the understanding of international relations that has been reflected through the studies of McNabb. He focused on the different purposes based on which a research study is conducted including the exploration, description and explanation of the concerned topic. The study of

The Strategic Management of Geopolitical Interests Assignment

The Strategic Management of Geopolitical Interests - Assignment Example One of the most enduring theories about geopolitics is the one proposed by Sir Halford Mackinder. In his influential work entitled â€Å"The Geographical Pivot of History†, he had proposed that Eurasia (most of Central Asia) is the main strategic point from which great land power emanates from.1 His theory and published works had a marked influence on subsequent heads of state in their conduct of foreign and state policies. Despite the passage of several years, it continues to be an influential work and one of the foremost proponents of his theory is former National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski. In this regard, Brzezinski subscribes to the same principle that the massive landlocked area of Eurasia is still the so-called â€Å"key position† in most military strategy formulation; whoever possesses Eurasia will win the strategic battle. Brzezinski continues to see the world in terms of black and white; not in shades of gray. This is a dangerous carryover of the Mackinder theory about see-saw struggles between land and sea power over previous centuries (or fight of East vs. West, Christianity vs. Islam, whale vs. white bear, Europe vs. Asia, etc.). Along this line, Brzezinski believed that Eurasia is the chief geopolitical prize in a fight for world dominance because it possesses great potential for development from its raw materials. With the United States considered as maritime power itself (which succeeded Great Britain), the current occupant of this big land mass which is Russia (or the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which was the successor of the Russian Empire) is considered as a threat to the U.S. for global power. In this aspect, Brzezinski is similar to Mackinder in his global outlook or world view of historical events. His assertion regarding Soviet threats (communism) is but a repetition of Mackinders theory regarding threats

Philips Maps Out a New Direction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Philips Maps Out a New Direction - Essay Example In the past, Phillips Inc. had diversified interests which were looked after by numerous divisions. The lack of inter-divisional communication did inculcate teamwork and therefore, information and experiences were not shared to thrash out the low performance of the organization. The company also lacked effective organizational leadership which could provide the workforce with focused approach and well defined visions and mission so that organizational goals could be achieved with more enthusiasm. The new EO was able to address these problems. Using a focused approach, Kleisterlee, reorganized the company into three major divisions which had defined goals and objectives: healthcare; lighting; and consumer lifestyle products. The company initiated well planned divestiture program and at the same time, aggressive merger and acquisition facilitated value addition to the products and services of the company. Kleisterlee also realized the vital importance of effective marketing strategies and therefore introduced mixed market strategy, based on innovation, brand creation and flexible approach with more dynamic strategic goals to meet the emerging new challenges. The major weakness of the new strategy was the problems with the brand creation because its brand creation strategy was not uniform across the globe and its products and services were marketed under different brand name in other countries like America. While the three new divisions had individual goals and objectives, there was distinct lack of communication amongst them that could jeopardize the long term vision of Phillips Inc. The major strength of the new strategy was that it was focused around the vital factors that significantly impacted its performances vis-Ã  -vis global competition. It realized that innovation is key issue in technology arena and promoted the decision on business relationship vis-Ã  -vis business partnership through collaboration, acquisition and mergers

Global Forces of Change Essay Example for Free

Global Forces of Change Essay 1. From the case facts, describe how globalization and technology have influenced the business directions of GE Medical Systems. Technology Since new requirements in healthcare business had been emerged, in the market it is required to implement personalized medicine to support specific client – not mass population. Moreover, trend on find the way to prevent sickness is more concerned than to heal. This is massive challenge to medical equipment manufacturers whether which company can find the best technology to support these requirements. GE believed that the best technology would always win in the marketplace so they responded to these requirements by investing more on RD and also product design. As the result, corporate RD invented some new products which replace need of existing product, for example, digital detectors for X-ray machines that would replace the need for X-ray film. Globalization Globalization increases connectivity and interdependence of the world’s markets and businesses. Emerging middle-classes of Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America is also an opportunity for healthcare company like GE to expand their markets, increase sales and profits. Beside of sales side, GE can also reduce their manufacturing cost by shifting manufacturing from high-cost countries to low-cost countries. This would increase their competitive advantage. 2. Identify possible projects by which a company dealing in Healthcare and Medical Diagnosis like GEMS can profitably ride the waves of globalization, liberalization and technology. * Shifting manufacturing base from high-cost countries to low-cost countries in order to reduce production cost. * To develop healthcare IT system, this is to manage necessary data systematically such as patient data, treatment record etc. This is also helpful for diagnosis. * To apply Free Trade Agreement with emerging countries in order to facilitate access of healthcare products. * Even general needs of customers in healthcare in each country is same but there are some specific requirements which are required individually so GEMS should not neglect RD in each local market. Hiring local staffs is an effective alternative since local people might understand needs in their society well. * RD is vital since technology changes every day. GEMS should keep investing on find out the way to increase effectivene ss of their equipment and also invent new products which can replace existing one. 3. Describe the world do you envision in 2050, especially with China and India likely to take center-stage? Touch on the economic, political, social and cultural adaptation that you think can take place. According to many reports show that over the next 50 years China and then India’s economies will overtake US. Large and growing market opportunities in China and India are widely seen and understood as evidenced by the large flows of foreign direct investment to China, both for the domestic market, but also to use China as a low cost platform for exports to the rest of the World. China is communist. Due to their political characteristics, control in a repressive way substantial part of the economy, especially the financial sector that brought about massive imbalance. A centralized decision-making process, although discretionary would presumably ease political action by by-passing all types of necessary approvals from a parliament or congress in a democratic system. So changing of Chinese government would possibly change the world. About social and culture, as foreign companies would base their manufacturing in China, learning local culture would be very important in order to have smooth operation and avoid any conflict. China language will become as vital as English. On the other hands, due to growing of China economic dominance, Chinese people will also spread over the world. Their culture will unavoidably absorb to everywhere. We have no choice but adapt with it.

The Nurse as an Advocate for the Patient

The Nurse as an Advocate for the Patient Nurses are highly skilled and trained professionals who take care of the sick. They educate patients, families, communities and populations on wellness and healthy living as well as health approaches to any chronic or current disease process and treatment. Moreover, nurses are entrusted with the duty of performing treatment and procedures as prescribed by physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Pattillo (2011) notes that a nurse is full of compassion for her fellow human beings; they possess good communication skills and good listening skills. They are required to report the progress of their patients to physicians, keep patient records, chart all patients observations, do the teaching procedures for patients and document communications with their patients. The nature and duties of nurses depict them as health care providers that are closest to patients and their families. They are therefore endowed with the task of advocating for the rights of patients within heal th care institutions. This paper discusses nurses as advocates for the patients, giving reasons why advocacy for patients rights should be incorporated into the nursing practice. Nurses are better placed as advocates of patients because they are constantly interacting with patients, thus making it easy for patients to trust them and confide in them. Pattillo (2011) describes a wide range of activities performed by nurses, which extend to the wider community. Nursing involves collaborative care of communities, individuals of all ages, groups and families; both sick and healthy (Pattillo, 2011). Nurses prevent illnesses, promote health, and care for the disabled, the ill and the dying people placed under their care. Moreover, they are advocates for promotion of safe environment, health education, research participation in shaping health policy as well as systems and patient management (Pattillo, 2011). Marquis Huston (2009) observe that nurses are the first health care professionals to recognize situations which are not in the best interest of patients and to report these situations to persons that could effect change. They identify and take action or report things such as questionable drug order to the physician or report an incompetent health care provider to a nursing supervisor; thus advocating for the rights of the patient (Marquis Huston, 2009). The American Nursing Associations Code requires nurses to be advocates of patients by reporting cases of patient abuse, including known or suspected cases of emotional, physical or sexual abuse because they constitute unprofessional conduct and form basis for disciplinary action against the culprits (Marquis Huston, 2009). In the event that the nurse is not satisfied with how a reported case is handled to protect interest of the patient, the Code provides for nurses to pursue the case further within appropriate reporting channel and outside the agency (Marquis Huston, 2009). According to Marquis Huston (2009), the policy for board of registered nurses warns that reporting duties are responsibilities of individual nurses and supervisors or administrators are not required to impede or inhibit the process or subject the reporting nurse to any sanction for making the report. Nurses are further advised to follow guidelines developed by the board of registered nurses concerning content of patient abuse course in identifying abuse cases that require action to protect the rights of their patients (Marquis Huston, 2009). Nursing advocacy plays a key role in observing safety of patients during their encounters with health care system; especially when the patient is too ill to serve his own advocate or when the patient is undergoing surgery and anesthesia. Marquis Huston (2009) highlight that during situations of surgery, the circulating nurse must serve as the patients advocate, speaking for the patient and protecting patients wishes throughout the process. The nurse is required by the nursing code to support the cause or proposal as a result of patients vulnerability. Nurses serve as patients advocate by advocating improved health care practices that relate to control of infections and patient care environments as well as access to care. Marquis Huston (2009) note that each encounter that the nurse has with his patient presents an opportunity for the nurse to serve as the advocate for the patient. Giving voice to patients in situations where patients decide to give their full trust to health care provider or when the patients are hesitant to speak their mind is an advocacy role of nurses to their patients. Goldberg (2011) reiterates that in such situations, nurses should encourage patients to voice their wishes and provide care that focuses on meeting patients specific wishes. In addition, nurses should ensure that the safest procedures are observed for patients during care provision. As advocates for the patients, nurses are required to limit traffic in operating suite or delay the beginning of a surgery procedure until correct instructions are provided (Goldberg, 2011). This not only eliminates carelessness but also protects the well being of patient throughout the process. Furthermore, Goldberg (2011) embraces the importance of nnurses in the preoperative arena who play a critical role by care environment monitoring, provision of safe care for the patient and promotion of best practices for prevention and control of infection. The nurse as an advocate for the patient must intervene in situations where patients safety is compromised like in cases where a physician does not routinely wash his hands before touching a patient or physicians who regularly violate sterile technique and ignores other practice standards. The code stipulates for nurses to recognize and address practice patterns that put patient at risk in order to protect the rights and well being of the patient. Besides acting as advocates for patients, nurses also act as advocates for family members of the patient. Goldberg (2011) points out that positive results have been achieved through advocacy in situations where patients are very ill and at point of death; where upon request of family members to be with the patients, nurses have respected these wishes and allowed family members to be with the patient. In such situations, death conditions have been reversed with the patients condition improving drastically upon seeing family members. Patients advocacy guarantees safety and protection of patients from preventable harm as patients and their family members depend on nurses to detect and address potential safety issues (Goldberg, 2011). Nurses as advocates for patients face numerous challenges in their daily advocacy duties. Goldberg (2011) observes that some physicians may not respond or listen to nurses in a timely manner as a result of competing priorities for nurse attention and efforts, thus placing tasks before advocacy. Additionally, hierarchical and institutional constraints frequently limit nurses from role as advocates of patients; placing patients safety at risk. People who espouse advocacy for patients are of the opinion that nurses should achieve higher professional autonomy for rights of patients to be fully protected in hospital settings. Goldberg (2011) regrets that while medical ethics rarely addresses the freedom of physicians to establish professional relationships with patients, nursing ethics must deal with continuous challenges to freedom of practice, especially in hospital settings. The intertwining of professional and ethical concerns, with the principles such as rights of patient and autonomy being considered in the same context as professional freedom to practice is quite challenging and places nurses at an awkward position. However, it is clear that the primary obligation of a nurse is to the patients, but not to physicians or hierarchies in health care facilities. This has gained prominence and wide acceptance within the profession. The American Nursing Associations Code requires nurses to be always alert as clients advocates by taking necessary action on any situations of unethical, illegal or incompetent practices originating from health care system, members of health care team or actions that violate patients best interest. This has overtaken sections of previous code that mandated nurses to be obedient to physicians orders and observe high level of confidence in physicians. In addition, putting nurses as advocates for the patients has led to shift of n urses perceptions of their primary allegiance from physicians and hospitals to patients. However, advocacy for patients may be a complex issue, especially when patients are unwilling to express their preferences or are afraid to say what they want because they believe it will alienate their physician. Sometimes disagreements may arise between choices and also the nurse may find other care professionals indifferent or opposed to wish of his patient. These reasons and others make advocating for patients a complex activity. In conclusion, nurses as advocates for patients have been embraced in most health care institutions. Advocacy for patients guarantees safety and protection for patients, especially in situations where patients are too ill or during surgery. Health care professionals should therefore respect the role of nurses as advocates for patients by providing adequate support and cooperation in order to attain this goal.

Journey into Self in Nicola Griffith’s Ammonite and Nancy Springer’s L

Journey into Self in Nicola Griffith’s Ammonite and Nancy Springer’s Larque on the Wing   Ã‚  Ã‚   Let your soul roam free. Discover your true self.   Play with your inner child.   Share the memories of your ancestors.   Understand your parents.  Ã‚   Have total self control. Open yourself up and peer inside.   These are accomplishments most humans will never achieve, but Nicola Griffith’s Marghe from her novel Ammonite and Nancy Springer’s Larque from her novel Larque on the Wing are able to do all of these things and more. They are accomplished not simply through careful, quiet reflection, but from action, adventure and danger which drive them to the point at which they must adapt and grow or lose themselves forever.   Both women are fully grown at the time of their respective adventures, both have struggled through puberty and young adulthood, and have already â€Å"come of age† in so many words,   and both are strong individuals who seem relatively happy with their work and their lives.   However, because of the conflicts they are thrown into, they receive the chance to understand themselves more fully.   Marghe and Larque’s adventures and misadventures open up possibilities for them to look deep within themselves and discover who they truly are-to remember their pasts, gain insights into their personalities, and to fully realize their potential as human beings.   All of these things combine to paint exciting stories which give the reader greater insight into the human mind and a chance to explore gender roles in ways unavailable to us in our day to day life.   Ã‚  Ã‚   For Marghe, her stay on Jeep was supposed to be short, a trip to study the people and their society, but once she realized that she would be spending the rest of her life there, sh... ...natural and healthy.   Both authors have presented a view of gender in which having specific â€Å"male,† or â€Å"female† qualities is unimportant, and what matters is exploring all of your potentially human qualities.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Marghe and Larque unexpectedly embark on quests to learn more about themselves, and what they discover is more than they had ever thought possible.   They connect with their pasts, discover hidden desires, and gain insights and abilities which cause them to grow exponentially.   They discover who they truly are.   Truth with a capital â€Å"T.†Ã‚  Ã‚   As Lark proclaims near the end of the novel as she battles her mother in a battle of the wills heightened by their psychokinetic powers, â€Å"I am ME!†Ã‚  Ã‚   (Springer, 1994)    Works Cited Griffith, Nicola. Ammonite. Toronto: Ballantine Books, 1992. Springer, Nancy.   Larque on the Wing. New York: Avon Book, 1994.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles Essay

Hybrid cars are thought to be the vehicle of the future, with increasing emphasis being put on cutting carbon footprints and protecting the planet. Not long ago Hybrid cars were the preserve of the particularly eco-conscious, but they have now made their way into the mainstream. Most major motoring brands offer Hybrids with models like the Toyota Prius, the Honda CR-Z and the Lexus CT proving popular. They work by combining a fuel engine with electric batteries, which reclaims energy when the car brakes or converts energy from the petrol in the fuel engine. However, more manufacturers are developing ‘plug in’ Hybrids, which offer the option to recharge more powerful batteries through a common household electricity socket. Hybrids are environmentally friendly One main reason drivers opt for a Hybrid over a standard car is that they want to cut the impact their motoring has on the environment. These motors are more eco-friendly as they encompass two engines – a traditional gasoline engine and an electric motor and batteries – which work together to cut fuel consumption. This makes them the car of choice for motorists who are environmentally conscious and know that opting for a gas guzzler will have a negative impact on the environment. They also have a lower running cost In tough economic times when the cost of car insurance and petrol is rocketing, people will do anything to keep the cost of their car maintenance down. Investing in a Hybrid is one way to do this. Thanks to the two-engine system Hybrid drivers will use around half of the petrol or diesel, making for fewer pricey trips to the gas station. You get road tax breaks In an effort to encourage people to be eco-friendly in their motoring practices, the government is encouraging people to drive a Hybrid by giving them road tax breaks. Depending on the carbon emissions of their particular car, drivers will either pay less road tax or none at all. Hybrids are expensive to buy in the first place While you might save on running costs, Hybrid cars tend to cost more than their equivalent gas guzzling counterparts. However, the difference tends to stand at around ? 1,000 to ? 2,000, meaning that it is very possible to make your money back in the long run. Some people are concerned about the batteries Hybrids utilise batteries and some people are worried about the toxicity of these. However, today’s models use NiMH batteries rather than the environmentally difficult nickel cadmium ones. Furthermore, these battery packs are designed to last for the lifetime of the vehicle. New parts and servicing can be inconvenient and expensive. Due to the innovative technology utilised in Hybrid cars, mechanics at traditional garages do not have the expertise to fix them should something go wrong. This means that Hybrid owners need to take their motor back to the dealer for servicing. In no way should they attempt to fix the problem themselves as there is a risk of electrocution. What’s more, because Hybrid’s are newer and rarer getting hold of new parts can be an expensive process, which can make maintenance on the car more expensive than with an older motor.

International Markets Essay

Once SAB Miller has decided to establish itself in the global market, it becomes necessary for the marketing manager to study and analyze the various options available to enter the international markets and select the most suitable one. The selection of the entry mode is one of the most significant decisions.SAB Miller takes in the process of internationalization, as it involves commitment of resources with long-term financial and structural implications. Mode of entry may be defined as an institutional mechanism by which a firm makes its products or services available to consumer in international markets. Root (1994) defines the market entry for international markets as a comprehensive plan which sets forth the objectives,goals,resources,and policies that guide a company’s international business operations over a future period long enough to achieve sustainable growth in world markets. FACTORS AFFECTING THE SELECTION OF ENTRY MODE EXTERNAL MODES MARKET SIZE:Market size is one of the key factors an international marketer has to develop to keep in mind when selecting an entry strategy.Countries with a large market size justify the modes of entry with investment,such as wholly owned subsiaries or equity participation. MARKET GROWTH:Most of the large,established markets,such US,Europe and Japan,have more or less reached a point of saturation for consumer goods such as automobiles,consumer electronics.Therefore,the growth of markets in these countries is showing a declining trend.For instance,the overall growth in most of the US and European market is about 7% while emerging markets like India and China is over 30% which indicates tremendous market potential in time to come. Therefore,from the perspective of long-term growth potential such as China,India,Thailand,Indonesia etc.These markets are also termed emerging markets. GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS:The selection of market entry modes to a great extent affected by the legislative framework of the overseas market,the government of most of the Gulf countries have made it mandatory for foreign firms to have local partner.For instance,the UAE is a lucrative market for Indian firms but most firms operate there with a local partner. Trade barriers such as ecological regulations and local content requirements also affect the mode of entry.It has been a major reason for  increased foreign investment in Mexico,which is a part of the North American Free Agreement(NAFTA),in order to cater to the US market. LEVEL OF COMPETITION:Presence of competitors and their level of involvement in an overseas market is another crucial factor in deciding on an entry mode so as to effectively respond to competitive market force.This is one of the major reasons behind auto companies setting up their operations in India and other emerging markets so as to effectively respond to global competition. INTERNAL MODES COMPANY OBJECTIVES:Companies operating in domestic markets with limited aspirations generally enter foreign markets as a result of a reactive approach to international marketing oppurtunities.In such cases,companies receive unsoliated orders from acquaintances,firms and relatives based abroad,and they attempt to fulfil these export orders.This casual approach to entering international markets by way of producing in the homemarket and exporting overseas translates into regular exporting if the firm has positive experience in its exports operation. AVAILABILTY OF COMPANY RESOURCES:Venturing into international markts needs substantial commitment of financial and human resources and therefore choice of an entry mode depends upon the financial strength of a firm.It may be observed that Indian firms with good financial strength have entered international markets by way of wholly owned subsidiaries or equity participation. LEVEL OF COMMITMENT:In view of the market potential,the willingness of the company to commit resources in a particular market also determines the entry mode choice.Companies need to evaluate various investment alternatives in a particular market also depends upon the way the company is willing to perceive and respond to competitive forces. INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE:A company well exposed to the dynamics of the international marketing environment would be at ease when making a decision regarding entering into international markets with a highly intensive mode of entry such as joint venture and wholly owned subsidiaries. Below are different modes of market entry and they include: EXPORTING Exporting is the simplest method of entering a foreign market.It is the  process of sending goods or services from country to other countries for use or sale there. By exporting to a foreign country,a company is able to enter this country without actually establishing itself in the country.The company must simply manufacture products that can be shipped to the foreign country.Export activities may take several forms,including indirect exporting,direct exporting,and intracorporate transfers. Direct exports represent the most basic mode of exporting, capitalizing on economies of scale in production concentrated in the home country and affording better control over distribution. Direct export works the best if the volumes are small. Types of direct exporting are: Sales representatives – that represent foreign suppliers/manufacturers in their local markets for an established commission on sales. Provide support services to a manufacturer regarding local advertising, local sales presentations, customs clearance formalities, legal requirements. Importing distributors – purchase product in their own right and resell it in their local markets to wholesalers, retailers, or both. Indirect Exporting Indirect export is the process of exporting through domestically based export intermediaries. Indirect methods of exporting requires less marketing investment, but, as the exporter has no control over its products in the foreign market, the company lose substantial control over the marketing process. Types or methods of indirect exporting are: Filling orders from domestic buyers who then export the product Seeking out domestic buyers who represent foreign customers Exporting through an Export Management Company (EMC) Exporting through an Export Trading Company (ETC) INTRACORPORATE TRANSFERS A third form of export activity is the intracorporate transfer,which has become more important as the sizes of MNCs have increased.An intracorporate transfer is the sale of goods by a firm in one country to an affiliated firm in another. LICENCING License is a contract to identify what is being licensed: trademarks, patents, designs, copyrights or software. Licensing allows rapidly entering into the chosen foreign market and reduces capital requirements to establish manufacturing facilities overseas. Your contract does not violation of the host country’s existing laws and regulations.a licensor in the home country makes limited rights or resources available to the licensee in the host country. The rights or resources may include patents, trademarks, managerial skills, technology, and others that can make it possible for the licensee to manufacture and sell in the host country a similar product to the one the licensor has already been producing and selling in the home country without requiring the licensor to open a new operation overseas. The licensor earnings usually take forms of one time payments, technical fees and royalty payments usually calculated as a percentage of sales. As in this mode of entry the transference of knowledge between the parental company and the licensee is strongly present, the decision of making an international license agreement depend on the respect the host government show for intellectual property and on the ability of the licensor to choose the right partners and avoid them to compete in each other market. Licensing is a relatively flexible work agreement that can be customized to fit the needs and interests of both, licensor and licensee. Franchising The franchising system can be defined as: â€Å"A system in which semi-independent business owners (franchisees) pay fees and royalties to a parent company (franchiser) in return for the right to become identified with its trademark, to sell its products or services, and often to use its business format and system. Compared to licensing, franchising agreements tends to be longer and the franchisor offers a broader package of rights and resources which usually includes: equipment, managerial systems, operation manual, initial trainings, site approval and all the support necessary for the franchisee to run its business in the same way it is done by the franchisor. In addition to that, while a licensing agreement involves things such as intellectual property, trade secrets and others while in franchising it is limited to trademarks and operating know-how of the business. TYPES OF FRANCHISES There are three available types of franchises.The first type is the dealership,a form commonly found in the automobile industry.Here,the manufacturers use franchises to distribute their product lines.These dealership act as the retail stores for the manufacturer.In some distance,they are required to meet quotas established by the manufacturers,but as is the case for any franchise,they benefit from advertising and management support provided by the franchisor.The most common type of franchise is the type that offers a name,image and method of doing business,such as McDonald’s,KFC,Holiday Inn. There are many of these types of franchises,and their listings,with pertinent information can be found in various sources. A third type of franchise offers services.These include personnel agencies,income tax preparation companies and real estate agencies.These franchises have established names and reputation and methods of doing business.In some distances,such as real estate,the franchisee has actually been operating a business and then applies to become a member of the franchise. CONTRACT MANUFACTURING Contract manufacturing refers to a situation where a business will engage the services of an independent party to perform a specified duty for the business. In terms of manufacturing, contract manufacturing refers to a situation where a manufacturer will engage the services of an independent party to perform a specified job. There are various reasons for this type of engagement by manufacturers, all of which involve the maximization of profit. The process of contract manufacturing also has some negative considerations that include the risk of uncertainty and lack of control over the process. WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIRIES Entering a foreign market with a wholly owned subsidiary involves creating a local firm without the aid of a local partner. There are two ways of doing this. The first is through what is called greenfield development. This involves creating a new organization in the foreign country from the ground up. The second method is what is referred to as brownfield development. This involves purchasing an existing company in a foreign country. Brownfield developments can be beneficial because they offer local expertise, but they can be difficult because there may be resistance from those in the company  to new ownership. JOINT VENTURE A market entry option which the exporter and a domestic company in the target country join together to form a new incorporated company. Both parties provide equity and resources to the JV and share in the management, profits and losses. The JV be limited to the life of a particular project. This option is popular in countries where there are restrictions on foreign ownership, eg. China and Vietnam PIGGYBACKING Piggyback marketing – low cost market entry strategy in which two or more firms represent one another’s complementary (but non-competing) products in their respective market. Or, in other words, it is an arrangement, where two or more companies help each other to market their products, where the products have to be complementary and not competing against each other. LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS No direct foreign marketing: A company in this stage does not actively cultivate customers outside national boundaries; however this company’s products may reach foreign markets. Sales may be made to trading companies as well as foreign customers who come directly to the firm. Or products may reach foreign markets via domestic wholesalers or distributors who sell abroad without explicit encouragement or even knowledge of the producer. As companies develop web sites on the internet, many receive orders from international Web surfers. Often an unsolicited order from a foreign is what piques the interest of a company to seek additional international sales. Infrequent Foreign marketing: Temporary surpluses caused by variations in production levels or demand may result in infrequent marketing overseas. The surpluses are characterized by their temporary nature; therefore sales to foreign markets are made as goods are available, with little or no intention of maintaining continuous market representation. As domestic demand increases and absorbs surpluses, foreign sales activity is withdrawn. In this stage, little or no change is seen in company organization or product lines. However, few companies today fit this  model because customers around the world increasingly seek long term commercial relationships. Further, evidence exists that financial returns from initial international expansions are limited. Regular Foreign marketing: At this level, the firm has permanent productive capacity devoted to the production of goods to be marketed in foreign markets. A firm may employ foreign or domestic overseas intermediaries or it may have its own sales force or sales subsidiaries in important markets. The primary focus of operations and production is to service domestic market needs. However, as overseas demand grows, production is allocated for foreign markets, and products may be adapted to meet the needs of individual foreign markets. Profit expectations from foreign markets move from being seen as a bonus to regular domestic profits to a position in which the company becomes dependent on foreign sales and profits to meet its goals. International marketing International marketing is the export, franchising, joint venture or full direct entry of a marketing organization into another country. This can be achieved by exporting a company’s product into another location, entry through a joint venture with another firm in the target country, or foreign direct investment into the target country. The development of the marketing mix for that country is then required – international marketing. It can be as straightforward as using existing marketing strategies, mix and tools for export on the one side, to a highly complex relationship strategy including localization, local product offerings, pricing, production and distribution with customized promotions, offers, website, social media and leadership. Internationalization and international marketing meets the needs of selected foreign countries where a company’s value can be exported and there is inter-firm and firm learning, optimization and efficiency in economies of scale and scope. The firm does not need to export or enter all world markets to be considered an international marketer. Global Marketing Global marketing is a firm’s ability to market to almost all countries on the planet. With extensive reach, the need for a firm’s product or services is  established. The global firm retains the capability, reach, knowledge, staff, skills, insights, and expertise to deliver value to customers worldwide. The firm understands the requirement to service customers locally with global standard solutions or products, and localizes that product as required to maintain an optimal balance of cost, efficiency, customization and localization in a control-customization continuum to best meet local, national and global requirements to position itself against or with competitors, partners, alliances, substitutes and defend against new global and local market entrants per country, region or city. The firm will price its products appropriately worldwide, nationally and locally, and promote, deliver access and information to its customers in the most cost-effective way. The firm also needs to understand, research, measure and develop loyalty for its brand and global brand equity (stay on brand) for the long term. b)OULINE ADVANTAGES AND DISAVANTAGES OF EACH STRATEGY. Advantages of direct exporting: -Control over selection of foreign markets and choice of foreign representative companies. -Good information feedback from target market. -Better protection of trademarks, patents, goodwill, and other intangible property. – Potentially greater sales than with indirect exporting. Disadvantages of direct exporting: – Higher start-up costs and higher risks as opposed to indirect exporting; – Greater information requirements; – Longer time-to-market as opposed to indirect exporting. Advantages of the international franchising mode: -Low political risk -Low cost -Allows simultaneous expansion into different regions of the world -Well selected partners bring financial investment as well as managerial capabilities to the operation. Advantages of indirect exporting -It’s an almost risk-free way to begin. -It demands minimal involvement in the export process. -It allows you to continue to concentrate on your domestic business. -You  have limited liability for product marketing problems — there’s always someone else to point the finger at! -You learn as you go about international marketing. -Depending on the type of intermediary with which you are dealing, you don’t have to concern yourself with shipment and other logistics. Disadvantages of indirect exporting: -Your profits are lower. -You lose control over your foreign sales. -You very rarely know who your customers are, and thus lose the opportunity to tailor your offerings to their evolving needs. -When you visit, you are a step removed from the actual transaction. You feel out of the loop. -The intermediary might also be offering products similar to yours, including directly competitive products, to the same customers instead of providing exclusive representation. -Your long-term outlook and goals for your export program can change rapidly, and if you’ve put your product in someone else’s hands, it’s hard to redirect your efforts accordingly. Advantages of licensing -Obtain extra income for technical know-how and services -Reach new markets not accessible by export from existing facilities -Quickly expand without much risk and large capital investment -Pave the way for future investments in the market -Retain established markets closed by trade restrictions -Political risk is minimized as the licensee is usually 100% locally owned -Is highly attractive for companies that are new in international business. Disadvantages of licensing -Lower income than in other entry modes -Loss of control of the licensee manufacture and marketing operations and practices leading to loss of quality -Risk of having the trademark and reputation ruined by an incompetent partner -The foreign partner can also become a competitor by selling its production in places where the parental company is already in. -investment to attract prospects and support and manage franchisees. Advanatges of Frachising -Franchising provide knowledge of the local markets. A franchise provides franchisees with a certain level of independence where they can operate their business. A franchise provides an established product or service which may already enjoy widespread brand-name recognition. This gives the franchisee the benefits of a pre-sold customer base which would ordinarily takes years to establish. A franchise increases your chances of business success because you are associating with proven products and methods. Franchises may offer consumers the attraction of a certain level of quality and consistency because it is mandated by the franchise agreement. – Disadvantages of franchising: -Franchisees may turn into future competitors. -Demand of franchisees may be scarce when starting to franchise a company, which can lead to making agreements with the wrong candidates -A wrong franchisee may ruin the company’s name and reputation in the market -Dependence on franchisee. -Potential conflicts with franchisee. Advantages of Joint Venture: -Accessing additional financial resources – Asset sharing is one of the best advantages about joint venture. Since, you are able to use larger funds to facilitate the production and operation of projects and products, you facilitate growth. In other words, you increase profit margin and increase your revenue potential. -Sharing the economic risk with co-venturer – It pays to have someone sharing the responsibility with you in case you end up in deep troubles. This is also true with joint venture. Since you are sharing assets, the risk of losing a great deal of money is divided to both parties. -Widening economic scope fast – Building reputation is often difficult, not to mention time consuming and expansive. At a joint venture, you are able to widen your economic scope without spending too much money and waiting for a long time. – Tapping newer methods, technology, and approach you do not have – In order to grow and expand, you need resources in the forms of methods, technology, and approach. For that matter, it would help a lot if you will be able to partner with an entity that presently has the things you don’t and the things you need. Joint venture opens up the venue for such need. -Building relationship with vital contacts – Aside from economic territory, another advantage of joint venture is the ability to give you business relationships with vital contacts. This is just like automatically befriending your partner’s influential friend that can give you access to lots of things such as business opportunities and a pass to vital information. Disadvantages of Joint Venture: -Shared profit – Since you share assets, you also share the profit. The profit of both parties usually depends on the size of the share to the venture or may be defined on the agreement. -Diminished control over some important matters – Operational control and decision making are sometimes compromised in joint ventures. Since there is an agreement that divides which one will take over a particular operation, the other may not be satisfied with how the things are worked out with another. This leads us to another disadvantage of a joint venture. -Undesired outcome of the quality of the product or project – Since one party may not have control on the supervision of the production or the execution of one part of the system, this can happen. This often leads to disputes and lawsuits. To avoid this, both parties agree on specific details about the whole operation process. -Uncontrolled or unmonitored increase in the operating cost – Again, defined control over the operation may lead to this disadvantage. It is important therefore to make sure that all things are clarified on the paper before singing in the joint venture agreement. Advantages of contract manufacturing -Low financial risks – contract manufacturing allows companies to save costs by manufacturing a particular item at a cheaper rate than what it would cost them If they decided to undertake the manufacturing process themselves. – it allows the company doing the outsourcing to shave some time off the whole process, giving them quicker returns and turnovers. – Where a company is less effective than another in manufacturing an item, contract manufacturing will allow it to concentrate on that in which it is the most efficient. Disadvantages of contract manufacturing -Reduced learning potential -Potential public relations problems may need to monitor working conditions. -The company doing the outsourcing faces some degree of risk if it fails to do its research properly. This is because outsourcing the manufacturing to the wrong company could end up costing the company more, rather than less, if the outsourced company fails to deliver as expected. Advantages of wholly owned subsidiaries On the positive side, a wholly-owned subsidiary that does its business in a location different from the parent company’s is able to remain in its locale. With the business world spanning so many countries, this can serve as a great advantage in international situations. Name recognition is another positive reason for maintaining a wholly-owned subsidiary. If a particular brand name is well known and popular, the parent company has no reason to absorb the subsidiary entirely. Wholly-owned status allows the subsidiary to retain its name brand, thus avoiding hindering its sales. Diversity for the parent company is another perk created by maintaining a wholly-owned subsidiary. This status allows the parent company to branch out into different products and markets, building strength in diversification. Disadvantages of wholly owned subsidiaries a wholly-owned subsidiary are more business oriented. The holding company runs a definite risk in assuming control of another company while allowing its management to continue to operate independently of the parent company’s. The level of investment and allocation of funds and resources required is also very high. A parent company must spend a great deal of time and money to smoothly integrate the new subsidiary.All of these factors require commitment and dedication on the part of the holding company and willingness to form that partnership on the part of the subsidiary. Advantages of piggybacking reduced financial costs limited risk quick, easy access to the market. Generally, the supported company can make immediate profits on the new market. The SME can, thus save time (3-5 years), compared to the normal length of time necessary to establish itself ; reduced logistical and administrative operations ; benefit of the brand image that the supporting company brings to its products ; immediate availability of a sales force structure ; excellent market knowledge of the supporting company. Disadvantages of piggybacking weak motivation of large companies to become supporters ; difficulty in finding partners offering a compatible product and distribution network ; risk of market loss, which can be reduced due to the complementarity of the product, and commercial follow-up between the partners ; occasional difficult relations because of differences in size or culture ; risk of lack of mutual confidence and of lack of involvement ; risk of conflict of interest (e.g. local agents could systematically put the interests of the supporting company before those of the supported company) ; occasional very rigid requirements and conditions of access to the commercial networks of large companies. These conditions can be qualitative (e.g.: product quality) and quantitative (minimum level of annual turnover, high commissions, etc.). Macro Environmental Influences That Can Affect SAB Millers SABMiller’s origins date back to the foundation of Castle Breweries in 1895 as to serve a growing market of miners and prospectors in and around Johannesburg, South Africa. Two years later, it became the first industrial company to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the year after (1898) it listed on the London Stock Exchange. From the early 1990s onwards, the company increasingly expanded internationally, making several acquisitions in both emerging and developed markets. In 1999, it formed a new UK-based holding company, SAB plc, and moved its primary listing to London. In May 2002, SAB plc acquired Miller Brewing, forming SABMiller plc. It is very important that SAB Miller considers its environment before going into international the market. In fact, environmental analysis should be continuous and feed all aspects of their planning to go international The macro-environment refers to the major external and uncontrollable factors that influence an organization’s decision making, and affect its performance and strategies. These factors include the Political (and legal) forces, Economic forces, Sociocultural forces, and Technological forces. These are known as the PEST factors. PEST Analysis Political Factors: The political environment revolves around the current government in a particular country in which SAB Miller manufactures or trades, and also laws/legislation operate or within their home market as well as overseas. If their government is socialist then perhaps there is a policy to tax more and to invest in the public sector. On the other hand if SAB Millers have a more conservative or Republican government then the free-market is left to take control, taxation is less and there is often a smaller public sector. The political arena has a huge influence upon the regulation of the business, and the spending power of consumers and other businesses. SAB Miller must consider issues like: †¢How stable is the political environment in that country? †¢Will government policy of that country influence laws that regulate or tax SAB Miller? †¢What is the government’s position on marketing ethics? †¢What is the government’s policy on the economy? †¢Does the government have a view on culture and religion? †¢Is the government involved in trading agreements such as EU, NAFTA, ASEAN, or others? Economic Factors The economic environment is a direct influence on all businesses. Obviously if you are studying marketing there is a huge element of economics within the topic itself, and you should be no stranger to the principles of economics. As we saw from our lesson on the marketing environment there is a macro environment, and internal environment and the microenvironment. More specifically you’ll be at looking elements such as where a business is in terms of the current business cycle, and whether or not they are trading in a recession. SAB Millers marketers need to consider the state of a trading economy in the short and long-terms. This is especially true when planning for international marketing. You need to look at: 1. Interest rates. 2. The level of inflation Employment level per capita. 3. Long-term prospects for the economy Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, and so on. Sociocultural Factors The Sociocultural environment embodies everything which is social and cultural within a nation or society. There are plenty of examples of society and culture on the marketing teacher website, so we recommend that you go to our lesson store and look through some of the consumer behaviour pages. Some notable examples would include the influence of learning, memory, emotion and perception, motivation, lifestyle and attitude and consumer culture. Have a look at the six living generations in America, social environment and class, the impact of your birth order on how you behave as a consumer and take a look at the eight types of online shoppers. In a more general sense consider influences such as the increase in life expectation of Western consumers, and demographics which is the study of populations. The social and cultural influences on business vary from country to country. It is very important that such factors are considered. Factors include: 1. What is the dominant religion? 2. What are attitudes to foreign products and services? 3. Does language impact upon the diffusion of products onto markets? 4. How much time do consumers have for leisure? 5. What are the roles of men and women within society? 6. How long are the population living? Are the older generations wealthy? 7. Do the population have a strong/weak opinion on green issues? Technological Factors Technological factors are a multifaceted influencer. Let’s just think about the sorts of technology that you come in touch with almost daily. Smart phones such as Android and iphone are now common – all – garden, and we are used to being able to access information and communication technology instantly no matter where we are. During studies or at work we have access to information on quick PCs and over the Internet, with faster broadband connections arriving in many parts of the world. Technology also surrounds business processes. As we saw from our lesson on the functions within an organisation all departments use information technology or technology in one form or another. Our manufacturing operations will use technology to produce goods and services. Our logistics and warehousing functions use forklifts and Lorries as well as order tracking technology and software. The customer service department will use communication technology to talk to customers but will also have access to internal systems, such as technology to simplify credit control and stock control for example. There are many, many more examples of technology. Technology is vital for competitive advantage, and is a major driver of globalization. Consider the following points: 1. Does technology allow for products and services to be made more cheaply and to a better standard of quality? 2. Do the technologies offer consumers and businesses more innovative products and services such as Internet banking, new generation mobile telephones, etc? 3. How is distribution changed by new technologies e.g. books via the Internet, flight tickets, auctions, etc? 4. Does technology offer companies a new way to communicate with consumers e.g. banners, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), etc?

Activity-Based Costing: a Case Study on a Taiwanese Essay

The aim of this paper is to analyze the operational costs of a hot spring inn in the Yang-Ming-Shan area of Taiwan. The activity-based costing method was used to compute lodging, hot spring use and meal serving costs per customer. This paper overcomes all the obstacles to implementing full-scale ABC-based accounting to this hot spring country inn. In this case, products, defined as hot spring use, lodging and meal serving are used as the cost objects. We define five activity centers: the cleaning activity center, the customer service center, the cooking and foodservice center, the reception service center and the management center. Finally, we use the ABC method to calculate the costs of hot spring use, lodging and meal serving as NT$ 31.64, NT$ 306.21 and NT$ 67.28 per customer respectively in the busy winter seasons. The paper also compares the ABC method with the traditional costing method and concludes that the ABC method is practical and appropriate for such a hot spring country inn and yields more accurate information for cost management and pricing decisions. Key Words: Activity-Based costing, Country Inn, Hot Spring, Cost Analysis 1. Introduction Researchers in management accounting have traditionally been, above all, interested in the accounting systems of large manufacturing companies. Most accounting researchers interested in service production have conducted their research in non-profit seeking, public-sector organizations (Pellinen 2003, p. 217). Outside the non-profit sector, the number of studies on the management accounting practices of service organizations (profit seeking) have remained very limited (Brignall et al., 1991; Sharma, 2002). More unfortunately, non-traditional lodging, (i.e. the B&B industry), is totally lacking in management accounting research, in contrast with the traditional lodging industry, which is quite well-researched. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how activity-based costing (ABC) can be applied to a hot spring country inn in order to obtain information on activities and products for decision making purposes. ABC is a cost-accounting method that allocates resource costs to products using a two stage procedure on the basis of activity consumption by drivers. It’s a method which can overcome many of the limitations of traditional cost systems which can distort product cost because they allocate the overhead costs to products mainly by direct labor hours (or volume-related measures). This is particularly prone to result in distortions in cases where there is a large overhead ratio or a high degree of product diversity. The country inn style of non-traditional lodging, especially suitable for ABC application, has various products such as lodging, hot spring use and dining which belong to different market segments. The indirect costs of this inn constitute an important proportion of the total costs (53.46%). In such a typical situation, the valuing of products of this inn may be distorted by a traditional accounting system. This article portrays an attempt to apply the ABC model to a hot spring country inn where the managers normally use a traditional accounting method to acquire product cost information. Our case study is presented in the hope of contributing to management accounting research in the non-traditional accommodations area. In addition to the introduction, there are four main sections in this paper. The subsequent section reviews previous research in management accounting for the lodging industry. The third section presents the ABC model. The fourth section illustrates the implementation of ABC in a specific case. The fifth section compares results of the ABC method and the traditional method. Some conclusions are presented in section six. 2. Literature review Poorani and Smith (1995, p. 58, 63) observe: â€Å"The hotel and the B&B industry have very different financial aspects arising from contrasting ownership motives. In the hotel industry the emphasis is on maximizing profitability whereas the B&B industry has been traditionally characterized by innkeepers who embarked on inn-keeping as a second career to satisfy lifestyle goals. But the current economic environment has blurred that distinction. Hoteliers are trying to be more sensitive to customers’ needs and create an environment for personalized service. Meanwhile, many entrepreneurs are entering the B&B segment with strictly financial motives†. Their investigations attribute financial characteristics to the B&B industry and find that innkeepers in USA with midsize and larger operations not only were highly successful in reaching their career goals but also achieved their economic objectives as measured by return on investment and equity. However, notwithstanding the importance of financial aspects, the studies in cost structure of the B&B industry anywhere in the world were rare. One reason is the inn’s private-ownership arrangements; others are the fragmented industry structure and the lack of systematic cost and revenue data. Unlike the situation in the B&B industry, there have been a large number of studies in the hotel industry. In the management accounting side of the tourism industry, research has been conducted both in tourism management research and in accounting research. Studies have been carried out in passenger transportation (Dent, 1991; Rouse et al., 2002), restaurants (Ahrens and Chapman, 2002), and hotels (Downie, 1997; Edgar, 1998; Noone and Griffin, 1999; Mia and Patiar, 2001; Pellinen, 2003). Downie (1997, p310) emphases the importance of considering how accounting information can be analyzed to support marketing decisions more effectively. Noone and Griffin (1999, p111-128) designed a customer profitability analysis (CPA) integrating activity-based costing (ABC) and customer segments in order to find profit yield in a hotel. Mia and Patiar, (2001, p111) interviewed only 35 managers and indicated that general managers and department managers took equal account of the management accounting system, but general managers were more content with the accounting system and valued financial information more than department managers. Pellinen (2003, p217) studied the pricing decisions in six tourism enterprises (including a hotel) and suggested the enterprises observed all took their prices from the leading company. Thus, the importance of cost accounting is limited with reference to pricing decisions from the managerial viewpoint. Obviously, most of the studies have focused on hotels. As Harris and Brown (1998, p161) pointed out, hotels, which typically comprise food, beverage and lodging, can be used to illustrate that the context of the hospitality product can provide a complete range of characteristics in a single arena. Actually, the B&B industry also has all those characteristics. But this segment, specifically nontraditional lodging (including B&B inns, country inns, small hotels, condominiums, and vacation homes), has remained an enigma to industry analysts and researchers. Lanier et al. (2000, p91) think this is in part because the analysts and researchers willfully overlook it in favor of the traditional lodging industry, pleading lack of data (Statistics dealing with properties of fewer than 20 rooms are usually estimated or based on small samples. Since most country inns do not reach the 20-room threshold, statistics for these properties have not been collected regularly, unlike other industry segments). This is so prevalent in studying management accounting in the accommodation industry and that there is a huge lag for researchers to make up for. Summarizing the above, previous studies on accounting and product costing, pricing of hotels propose that : (1) the knowledge in accounting is essential in hotel management, (2) the connection between accounting information and marketing is important, and (3) activity-based costing, cost-volume-profit analysis, yield management, and segment profit analysis were among the most relevant management accounting methods, (4) the lack of management accounting research in non-traditional lodging industry needs to be made up. 3. Activity-based costing Cooper and Kaplan (1988) have developed what they believe is a better alternative to the traditional cost calculation model. They argue that as products differ in the complex process of manufacture, they consume activities in different proportions. The activity-based costing method (ABC) promoted by Cooper and Kaplan provides a more accurate measure of cost because it traces indirect costs more closely with regard to the different types of activities consumed. Armed with knowledge of what activities are consumed by each product and the resource cost of each activity, one can budget costs for a diversity of products. However, the traditional accounting method usually assigns overhead costs of products by using volume-related allocation bases such as labor hours, direct labor costs, direct material costs, machine hours, etc. This will not critically distort the product costs as the overheads are just a small portion of the production process. But in situation where there is a large diversity of products, or where there is a high level of automation, as Brimson (1991, p. 179) pointed out, the overheads’ distortion will be significant. In our case, for example, high-volume products (hot spring use) may consume more direct labor hours than low-volume products (meal serving), but do not necessarily consume more purchasing activity costs. The ABC model applied to the case of this hot spring country inn is depicted in figure 1. The ABC systems focus on the accurate cost assignment of overheads to products. In the cost assignment view, the assignment of costs through ABC occurs in two stages: cost objects (i.e., products or services) consume activities, activities consume resource costs. In practice, this means that resource costs are assigned to various activity centers by using resource drivers in the first stage. An activity center is composed of a group of related activities, usually defined by function or process. The group of resource drivers is the factor chosen to estimate the consumption of resources by the activities in the activity centers. Every type of resource assigned to an activity center becomes a cost element in an activity cost pool. And, in the second stage, each activity cost is distributed to cost objects by using Figure 1 ABC Model in a Hot Spring Country Inn a suitable activity driver to measure the consumption of activities by products or services (Turney, 1992). Then, the total cost can be calculated by adding the various activities costs to a specific product or service. And the total cost divided by the quantity of the product can acquire the unit cost of product. In our case, the inn provides three products, lodging, hot spring use and meal serving. We define five activity centers, namely the cleaning center, the customer service center, the reception center, the cooking and foodservice center and the management center. Each activity center is composed of related activities, clustered by their function. As Harris and Brown (1998, p161-162) indicated, a hotel operation can be used as an example of hospitality products, in the same way the elements of a hot spring country inn of the B&B industry also can be used to illustrate non traditional accommodation products. For instance, the provision of rooms constitutes a nearly ‘pure service’ product incorporating a large proportion of service elements. It can be defined as the rental of a certain amount of space for a specified period of time and is thus an intangible good containing a high level of service provision. The provision of hot spring use also represents a service product: it includes hot spring rental and service activities. Furthermore, the meal serving provision, comprised of purchasing, distribution and conversion of food into meals, again constitutes a service product. The main advantage of ABC lies in that it provides a more accurate and real cost computation, especially in situations in which product diversity is important and in which the indirect costs, not directly traceable to the products, represent an important proportion of the total costs. In addition, ABC also allows a deeper level analysis of product costs by explaining the relationship between products and activities. The improved accuracy of perception of the cost structure of products and the continuous process improvements in the various departments of an enterprise provide the substance of activity-based management (i.e. using ABC to improve a business). Studies of the implementation of ABC exist in various fields, e.g. of universities (Cropper and Cook, 2000), a hotel (Noone and Griffin, 1999), library service (Ellis-Newman and Robinson, 1998), distribution logistics (Pirttilà ¤ and Hautaniemi, 1995; Themido et al. 2000), (all of which belong to the service sector); of a manufacturing company (Spedding and Sun, 1999), an assembly line (Gunasekaran and Singh, 1999), (which belong to the manufacturing sector); of a wholesale fish market (Lee and Kao, 2001), (agricultural sector); and of a radiotherapy unit (Lievens et al., 2003), (medical sector). All of them agree that ABC is a useful accounting model and able to obtain more accurate information about the cost structure as long as implementing managers choose the right drivers and define activities well. However, it is generally accepted that there is no universally appropriate accounting system suitable to all organizations in all circumstances (Emmanuel et al., 1990). But as Harris and Brown (1998, p162) point out, management accounting needs to be carried out in the context of the hospitality product in order to supply the necessary information for decision-makers if researchers expect to make a significant contribution to the industry.