Capital structure of CVS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Capital structure of CVS - Essay Example Therefore, equity financing effectively increases the weighted average cost of capital. 3. Schedule out & calculate EVA. Is it good or bad and what brings EVA up & down for CVS There are various ways of measuring a firm's performance. One way is to use accounting measures such as return on equity, return on assets, etc. Another way is to use market measures and determine the firm's performance by looking at the stock's value. These measures, however, do not provide an effective evaluation of firm performance. One such measure that determines the true value-creating performance of a firm is Economic Vale Added (EVA) analysis. This analysis attempts to determine the net contribution to value by a company's investment decisions which other measures fail to provide. This means the after-tax returns of the company should exceed the cost of capital invested. EVA is calculated as follows: EVA = (ROIC - WACC) x Invested Capital Formula for Return on Invested Capital (ROIC): ROIC = Net Income / Liabilities + Shareholders Equity ROIC for CVS = 11.4% Invested Capital = market capitalization = 262,500,000 (common stock * share price) EVA for CVS is: 7,875,000 EVA is dependent on return on invested capital as well as the cost of capital. Higher ROIC and a lower cost of capital can increase EVA significantly. 4. Look at EVA & how do you need to change bank statements to create the best capital structure An EVA of 7,875,000 means this is the net contribution to value added by the company's investment decisions. Higher EVA can alter the capital structure by increasing the proportion of equity to debt. However, every company has a target in terms of maintaining... Weighted average cost of capital is the discount rate used to convert expected future cash flow into present value for all investors. Using the book value of debt and equity, CVS is 26.2% financed by debt and 73.8% financed by equity1. Cost of equity can be calculated using the capital asset pricing model. There are various ways of measuring a firm’s performance. One way is to use accounting measures such as return on equity, return on assets, etc. Another way is to use market measures and determine the firm’s performance by looking at the stock’s value. These measures, however, do not provide an effective evaluation of firm performance. One such measure that determines the true value-creating performance of a firm is Economic Vale Added (EVA) analysis. This analysis attempts to determine the net contribution to value by a company’s investment decisions which other measures fail to provide. This means the after-tax returns of the company should exceed the cost of capital invested. EVA is calculated as follows: Look at EVA & how do you need to change bank statements to create the best capital structure? An EVA of 7,875,000 means this is the net contribution to value added by the company’s investment decisions. Higher EVA can alter the capital structure by increasing the proportion of equity to debt. However, every company has a target in terms of maintaining an optimal capital structure that minimizes cost of capital and maximizes shareholder wealth. A higher equity and lower debt in the capital structure substantiates.

Coach Carter Essay Example for Free

Coach Carter Essay 1.Coach Carter shows many qualities of different styles of leader ship throughout the movie. At the start when Ken first sees the basketball team he takes an autocratic style of coaching them. An autocratic coaching is where the coach has complete power over the team. Team members have little opportunity to put forward ideas or make suggestions. The benefit of this approach of leadership by Coach Carter is that it was incredibly efficient and his decisions are made quickly and the work gets done. This is displayed in the film effectively when he first walks into the gym and states that they must abide by this contract if they want to be apart of the team. Coach carter expresses his personal expectations and intent. â€Å"You can push up or shut up† he says to the team. This shows his autocratic coaching style in the film. Another important aspect of Coach Carter’s leadership style was respect. He stated that in order to gain respect they needed to give some. If this did not work with the players in the team, Coach Carter would have given up on his team, and would have left them with our victory. If there was no great success there was no point for the autocratic style of coaching, as the players would not bother putting up with the hard coaching sessions. Coach Carter shows a very caring attitude towards the players. He wants them to do well on the court and off. This the key to the autocratic style of coaching Ken delivers. The contract ken makes them sign says they must maintain a C+ in all classes and they have to sit in the front row of the class. If the team doses not abide by the contract they will not play. This is an autocratic style of coaching the team but realistically it’s for the best, he’s thinking of the teamâ₠¬â„¢s future in basketball and giving them opportunities academically. Through out the film Coach Carter says â€Å"to the base line† and blows his whistle. The coach makes the boys do 20 suicides and 250 push ups if they want to be apart of the team. This demonstrates his take and autocratic style of coaching. The discipline that he gives the players through his autocratic coaching makes them become men and be winners. Coach Carter sets out to change the attitudes of the team and performance. Carter immediately imposes a strict regime that includes written contracts, stipulations for being respectful, dress codes and good grades. He cancels all the teams’ activities and locks them out of the gym until the team shows improvement in there grades. These actions provide the evidence of an autocratic coaching style. He fights to keep his methods and determined to show the boys that they need to rely on more than sports for there futures. Coach Carter’s autocratic style of coaching keeps the team working well together. Coach Carter is and autocratic coach but his methods and techniques are in the best interest of the boys that he teaches to be men. This coaching style his expressed all throughout the film but Carter also infuses this style with his own style that makes him a good coach for the basketball team. 2.To be an effective coach you need to poses qualities such as listening, questioning, constructively challenging, holding to account, seeing different perspectives, encouraging and supporting, trusting the team and also focusing on the team. Coach Carter has very effective characteristics that a successful coach must have, this includes his duty. He is a proficient leader and knows when to take charge and give the teams tasks to complete. Carter gives the team a plan to accomplish the objectives. Another effective characteristic that Ken demonstrates is his ability to make sound and timely decisions. Such as when he gives the team push ups, suicides. Also when he straight away gets to the point and states the contract the team must follow. Carter also maintains the situation and shows awareness in order to anticipate needed actions. Ken also has a quality to improvise to handle the changing situation such as when he locks the team out of the gym due to there poor grades or when he hypes them up during a game and gives the tips and motivation talks. Qualities that a good coach much posses are qualities like Ken Carter. He ensures that the task is understood, supervised and accomplished. To do this he clearly states his expectations, such as the contract he gives them to sign and follow if they want to play. Ken also considers the teams development needs, such as maintaining a 2,3 in there academic studies and also ensuring that they will be winners regardless the outcome of the game, like when they just loose the final match. A good quality that Coach Carter has is his respect for the players and his term of the word respect. When Ken Carter took on the responsibility of coaching this team it was clear that he was more4 concerned with the people under his care that winning games. This shows a great amount of respect for the players and in the journey the players come to respect him for it. When Coach Carter cared about the future of the people in this team, the team became winners and not often are the coaches that set there sights on winning and influencing the lives of there student athletes. I remember from the film Carter speaks with the tem about the insulting use of â€Å"nigger†. He says â€Å"has some self respect†. The mock the coach by saying â€Å"God aint in this neighbourhood† because his appealing nature towards the team as a man of respect. Also qualities that Ken has is Building the team. He conducts frequent debriefings and gives feedback to identify things learned. If the team hasn’t done something or not doing something correctly he will blow the whistle and stop them bring them in an talk with them. He also has a quality of discipline although it mite not seen equal at times, such as when he makes Timo do something like 1500 push ups and like 1000 suicides, but this makes the team realise that he is serious and he’s not mucking around. A great aspect of Coach Carter’s leadership is his integrity, which all good coaches must have. He knows what he must do and knows himself to build the team, provide drills, activities and feedback. He seeks responsibility and accepts responsibility for him self and the team’s actions like when they are not keeping up with the grades in class. He corrects poor team performance and looks to strive to become a better team. Coach Carter also sets and example for the team, he doesn’t show discouragement when he faces setbacks such as when the parents and teachers hold a meeting about him closing the gym and vote for him to leave the job as a coach, he sticks to his methods which a correct and doesn’t back down. Ken has earnt the respect of the players as we see when they are waiting in the gym with there desks and school work in front of them because they know this is the way fro a better team. Ken also chooses the difficult over the easy which is a good quality, he makes the team put in the hard yards, but the result is them feeling good about them selves with a sense of achievement. 3. A quote from Coach Carter is â€Å"you will have my respect until you abuse it†. I think this idea of respect within thee team is a great motivation technique. The team doesn’t fully understand at the start but it grows within the team and they become winners and motivated to do so. Coach Carter dose everything he can to insure a promising future for his basketball players, against all odds. The team can see this and this motivates them to become better students, athletes and overall better people. They can see that the coach is putting in a great effort so they should do the same they follow his example and I think they start to look up to there coach. At the star even though he is without support he refuses to give in to the system that sidelines the players with prison, drugs and alcohol. Instead he pushes the team, pushes there grim statistics that he always give to them and faces them to meet his expectations as motivation. His tough attitude towards the team becomes very motivational for the team and they eventually acknowledge the benefits of his ways. Coach Carter preaches respect, dignity and manners. He calls his players â€Å"sir†, treats them as adults with responsibilities often giving the benefit of the doubt and expects the same attitude in return. His emphasis on living and playing like champions is hammered home. The team becomes motivated by Carters words and actions. They can see that he is doing this for them and gives them something to strive for in the future, gives them motivation to do all the hard work. I think something that motivates the team is there self achievement, when they can see that Carters method \s are making them champions the team motivates them selves and work to be better men.

Mildred Pierce Summary, Character Analysis, and Opinion :: essays research papers

Summary: Mildred Pierce, by James M. Cain, begins in pre-Depression California, and ends during World War II times, also in California. The main character, Mildred Pierce, is a very attractive housewife of 29, raising two daughters, Ray and Veda. Although Mildred loves both her daughters, Veda is a particular obsession with Mildred. She constantly slaves away throughout the novel to do whatever she can to make Veda happy, despite the constant abuse and deception Veda inflicts upon Mildred. After a divorce from her first husband, Bert, in the opening pages of the novel, Mildred is forced to sacrifice her pride and become a waitress in order to support her family. If Veda were ever to find out, she would be appalled; a constantly recurring theme throughout this story is Veda’s pride and arrogance, and her condemnation of jobs she deems to be menial. Mildred’s main goal is to nurture Veda’s musical talents, and manages to pay for expensive music lessons from her meager salar ies as a waitress and pie baker. However, Mildred’s luck is soon to change, as she takes up with an attorney and former partner of Bert, Wally. Mildred is able to use Wally’s business and real estate savvy to build a restaurant out of a deserted model home, and from there create a thriving chain of three food businesses. After becoming bored with Wally, however, Mildred craves a relationship with another man, a prestigious local man named Monty. Veda highly approves of her mother’s choice, as this makes her feel as if she too were more prestigious and affluent, despite having misgivings about her mother still being so low as to have an average, pedestrian job. All seems to be going well; even through Veda’s constant demands and tantrums, she still gets everything she wants, and Mildred and Monty are happy. Monty, however, falls on hard times with the coming of the Great Depression, and he constantly mooches off of Mildred’s affluence, making it a s truggle for Mildred to cater to Veda’s every whim. Mildred soon dumps Monty to focus on making Veda a musical prodigy; this fails, however, when Veda is told that her piano is not up to par from a local famous music teacher. After Veda recovers from this shock, she explores the opportunities offered by an acting career, and begins to spin more webs of deception and selfishness. After Veda forces money out of a local rich family, lying and claiming their son got her pregnant, Mildred and Veda have a major argument, and Veda disowns her mother.

What are the different forms of aid given by more economically :: Economics

What are the different forms of aid given by more economically developed countries (MEDCs) to less economically developed countries (LEDCs)? Explain how useful the aid is and evaluate why some aid is more successful than other aid. What are the different forms of aid given by more economically developed countries (MEDCs) to less economically developed countries (LEDCs)? Explain how useful the aid is and evaluate why some aid is more successful than other aid. Hafiza Bhabha 11 JT =================== Aid many less developed countries (LEDCs) rely on aid. In the Oxford dictionary aid is defined as, --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Something that helps, money, food, etc. ---------------------------------------- Sent to another country to help it" ------------------------------------ Aid is not only given by countries (governments) but is also given by organisations which help a certain place or fund a certain project, such as Oxfam who helps those children in Africa. The real purpose of giving aid is to help those countries that need to develop their economy so that they can improve their standard of living and quality of living. At times giving and receiving aid is complex, as it may not benefit the country, as it could be unsuccessful. Many developing countries need aid because they may have large and increasing trade debts, unfortunately they need to borrow money from MEDCs, however, sometimes by doing this, they fall into bigger, more dangerous debts. Other issues such as earthquakes, volcanoes, etc, also lead countries to borrow more money. This aid is usually only needed for a short period of time. Short-term aid is aid, which is given immediately and is only needed for a small amount of time. This is used with natural disasters and wars etc. Long-term aid is also a different type of giving. This is more useful to a developing country as there is always money, technology and other aid coming in. The aim of this coursework is to investigate what the different types of aids are and also whether they are successful or unsuccessful. In this coursework I have used secondary information. This is basically information that has already been collected. I have researched a lot from the town library, school library, magazines, Internet and many school textbooks. There are three main categories of aid, which is given by MEDCs to LEDCs and they are: Bilateral Aid This aid is between two different countries. "Help is 'given' directly by a rich 'donor' country to the 'recipient' country" (The New Wider World- School Textbook) the reason why the word given is in quotation marks s simply because there are usually conditions attached to the aid, such as the country may not allow the other country to trade with anyone else.

South African Economy

From the days of Apartheid, to the times of today, South Africa has relied on foreign capital inflow for the purpose of sustaining high levels of growth through investment in the various sectors of the country. This great reliance on foreign investment has made South Africa vulnerable to fluctuations in the exchange rate and other global conditions. This essay will discuss the extent to which South Africa is reliant on foreign capital, reasons why this is so and the nature of these inflows.Exchange rate issues will also be discussed, with detail of how South Africa combated these issues in the various years that they arouse. Finally, methods on how South Africa can reduce its vulnerability to such fluctuations will be made apparent. South Africa’s reliance on foreign capital inflow After the end of The Apartheid era and the abolishment of all laws that were associated with the era, the various international sanctions and bands that were put on South Africa were lifted. This al lowed numerous countries to begin investing in South Africa.These foreign capital inflows were greatly needed by the South African economy as the new government had the following economic goals: â€Å"Attract foreign capital, reduce the large role of government as government owns half the countries fixed capital assets and facilitate gradual restructuring of industry along globally competitive lines† (Germishuis, 1999: 2). The two latter goals could only be achieved through proper financing for the government. During the 1994 era, domestically raised capital could not be used for the financing of local investment initiatives that promote economic growth.As Mohr (2003: 2) states, â€Å"Between January 1990 and June 1994, there was a steady net outflow of capital not related to reserves of almost R27 billion, partly as a result of repayments of foreign debt emanating from the 1985 debt standstill arrangement†. This effectively meant that South Africa had very little fund s available for boosting the investment industry which in turn helps with the sustainability of high levels of economic growth. Due to these foreign debt payments by domestic funds, South Africa heavily relies on foreign capital inflows for high levels of investment.Since the government was obviously aware of this situation, various policies and acts were put into action to attract foreign investment. â€Å"In 1997, South Africa managed to attract a net capital inflow of $3. 58 billion (3. 4 percent of GDP), more than seven times the $478 million invested in 1996. The inflow was predominantly long-term private capital, moving into stock and bond markets†(Germishuim, 1999: 1). Though the government was successful in attracting foreign capital inflows, a decrease in the domestic interest rate is eminent when capital inflows are high. From 1994 to 1999, net capital inflows in South Africa were on a steady rise for 3% of GDP in 1994 to a staggering 6. 5% of GDP in 1999† (Mo hamed, 2004: 28). Between 2000 and 2002, capital inflows fell to -2% of GDP. This was due to South Africa currency crisis in 2001 that led to high levels of capital flight in the country. After the new millennium, capital inflows in South Africa began to steadily rise and are now ranging between 4 and 7% of GDP. Exchange rate crisis of 1998 In 1997, East Asia experienced an exchange rate crisis. It is said that these countries were victims of their own success. Their very success led foreign investors to underestimate their underlying economic weaknesses†(IMF, 1998: 1). Because of large capital inflows that these economies enjoyed, there was increased demand for policies that protect the financial sector and institutions struggled to keep up with the demand. Since Asia is probably the largest exporter of goods in the world, a financial crisis in that region will evidently cause a ripple effect that will cause a global financial crisis. This Asia crisis added to what South Afri ca would have experienced the following year.In 1998, the South African currency dwelled into great depreciation. Causes of this crisis include: * Commodity prices * After the Asian financial crisis, the global demand for commodities had weakened, putting downward pressure on market prices of SA commodities. This meant a flight to safer havens such as United States commodities occurred. * Foreign Exchange Market intervention * In 1998 and 1996 as well, the South African Reserve Bank had heavily intervened in the foreign exchange market. These ventures resulted in net losses of $10 billion (8% GDP) and $14 billion (10% GDP) respectively.The capital for these ventures was acquired in the forward market, thus compromising SARB’s Net Open Forward position. * Mboweni Bump * 1998 saw the end term for the Governor of the Reserve Bank. The potential that Tito Mboweni might have left the position created doubt for South Africa and the Rand. (Saayman, 2007:1) To try and counter this cu rrency depreciation, the Reserve Bank believed that this depreciation was a temporary reaction to rumours of divisions within the government so they sold off massive amount of its foreign reserves (Diamond, Manning, Vasquez and Whitaker, 2003: 2).The Asia crisis, coupled by SA’s own currency issues led the exchange rate crisis. â€Å"The authorities reacted by intervention in reserves and then through raising of interest rates to stimulate growth. The policies implemented in 1998 did not solve the crisis but merely slowed down the process and created a false image. Yes the country did benefit through an increase in investment due to higher interest rates but paid the cost when the country was hit by another exchange rate crisis in 2001.The economy had to deal with the costs of increased debt, decreased capital inflows, which retards growth in the country. Exchange rate crisis of 2001 The Rand depreciated by 26% in nominal terms against the dollar in 2001 between September an d December. It is suggested that, â€Å"there was an acceleration in money growth in the summer of 2001, suggesting that the depreciation may have been a case of exchange rate overshooting† (Bhundia and Ricci, 2004: 1). Though this was the case, the South African Reserve Bank did not intervene or raise interest rates this time around (as was the case in 1998).Bhundia and Ricci (2004: 7-11) identify the following as probable cause of the 2001 financial crisis: * Delays in privatising Telkom * The SA government had announced that the privatisation of Telkom will happen in 2001 but this did not happen due to weakening global stock markets. This had a negative effect as it created doubt within the financial market of SA’s commitment to economic reform. * South African Reserve Bank’s Net open forward book * â€Å"The SARB’s forward book contained large short term liabilities.These low reserve adequacies have been found to increase the probability of exchange rate pressure (Bhundia and Ricci ,2004: 7). The forward book received from the Apartheid government was rather large and despite repayments made, the book remained huge. * Tightening of existing capital controls * The South African Reserve Bank announced on the 14th October 2001 that there would be a tightening of exchange rate controls. It was argued that, â€Å"this announcement reduced market liquidity and thereby contributed to the sharp rand depreciation† (Bhundia and Ricci, 2004: 8).Though market data cannot confirm this for sure, these actions and the time they were taken have an effect on the crisis of the time In 2001, the SA government and SARB decided to act differently than it did in 1998. The increase in interest rates of 1998 had limited effects on reducing depreciation and was seen to be costly for growth and investment. South Africa was less likely to be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate as it did not hold large foreign currency.The South African g overnment decided not to intervene in interest rate percentages and reserve ratios. â€Å"The South African government have admitted that the 1998 intervention policy was inappropriate. When 2001 arrived, the intervention policy of 1998 was not used and that showed to be a very successful strategy as the macroeconomic reactions of the crisis were very few and over the next few years, the rand strengthened†(Bhundia and Ricci , 2004: 17). There was a large improvement in macroeconomic framework (policy), which made policy credibility stronger.The forward book that was utilised in 1998 was also abolished. â€Å"Also, the adoption of an inflation- targeting framework successfully provided a more credible nominal anchor for exchange rate expectations† (Bhundia and Ricci, 2004: 18). So effectively, the policy reactions of 2001 were more successful. Reduction of SA’s vulnerability to external shock SA is the economic powerhouse in Africa and hence needs measures that h elp reduce the effects of external shocks such as global financial crises.For this reduction to occur, certain conditions such as, â€Å"peace and security, quality institutions, infrastructure and support for the private sector must be in place† (UNECA, 2010: 11). With the above in place, South Africa should try and implement the following: * Provide sufficient policy space, so that policymakers can handle the shocks that are externally generated. * Improve the mobilization of domestic resources and encourage regional integration * Strengthen neighbouring country relations and cooperation * Increase private capital inflows Open new and improve existing markets * Heighten social safety nets that will minimise shocks effect on the poor * Investment in labour-intensive employment-focused public investment programmes that promote private sector growth. * Decrease the amount of debt owed The above mentioned points need to be encoded into policies that can be properly implemented by the government of South Africa and the South African Reserve Bank so as to reduce the vulnerability that SA has when it comes to external shocks. This objective has been achieved by South African economic policies.Monetary policies have been used to contain inflationary pressures and financial policies for the strengthening of public finance that will allow exchange rates that are competitive. In the February of 2000, an inflation targeting strategy was adopted that helped to regulate monetary growth within the economy. These policies have encouraged international competitiveness and assisted in the reduction of the current account deficit of 1999 (0. 4% of GDP), to 0. 3% of GDP in 2000 (IMF, 2001: 1). In 2006, real Gross domestic product grew by 5% and continued to grow into early 2007.During the start of the new millennium, the SARB publically announced that it would have a foreign market intervention policy that was used solely for boosting reserves. This new approach was succ essful because by 2007 May, gross reserves had reached $27,9 billion (IMF, 2007: 1). This shows that South Africa has been successful economic policies in place: policies that will combat external shock. A United Nations report places South Africa as one of the six oil importing nations that withstood the effects of the global financial crisis of 2008-2009.This was done through implementation of stimulus packages and affective countercyclical fiscal and monetary policies that encouraged expenditure on services and infrastructure (UNECA, 2010, 8). Conclusion The new South African government had to take the mess of the past and turn it into the message of the future. A message that says that anything is possible; all that is needed are the correct tools, used in the correct scenarios. With the various monetary and fiscal policies put into play in South Africa, I have no doubt that we are ready for the next global financial crisis.

I.T and E Commerce of Hospitality Industry The WritePass Journal

I.T and E Commerce of Hospitality Industry Introduction I.T and E Commerce of Hospitality Industry IntroductionInformation Technology Trends in HospitalityHospitality Organizations the InternetLeicester Marriott  Full Service LodgingSelect Service LodgingExtended Stay LodgingTimeshareTechnologies used at Marriott Hotel DifficultyConclusions Recommendations BibliographyRelated Introduction Here is an attempt to understand and explain the information systems which are been used and how they are useful to the company and what are the drawbacks of those systems, and also how they can try to solve those problems. Hospitality Industry is a very fast growing industry. Every organisation wants to retain and also attract new customers. Information technology used by the hotel is very much important and plays a major role in providing a competitive edge over the competitors. Information Technology Trends in Hospitality Hotel Industry places a great emphasis on the provision of quality service to their customers/guest. There is a great demand for information from customers and hospitality service provider so hotel industry stared adopting computer based IT facilities to enhance its operational efficiency, control and reduce costs, and improve service quality (Camison, 2000; Cobanoglu et al., 2001; Siguaw and Enz, 1999; van Hoof et al., 1996).   By investing   in the IT benefits the hotel by enabling the guest to have a better experience, and also the hotel staff to work more efficiently and effectively to better assist customers. Hospitality Organizations the Internet Many prime hospitality organizations such as IHG group, Marriott International, Royal Caribbean, Jurys Inn, Hyatt International, Ritz Carlton, Hilton Hotel are using internet facilities over the years and have been taking advantage of the Internet opportunity by fully implementing the latest technological systems within their organisations. A new Internet-based procurement system which is considered flexible and user friendly has been implemented by IHG group.   According to the Vice President of purchasing, Steve Shamion, it is important that the system is user friendly for a chief engineer, chef, housekeeper, etc.   As soon as IHG succeeded 500 hotels, it was necessary to get rid of the manual system.   Their main aim was to provide a new Intranet system with a web-based provider. The goal was to implement an Intranet system with a new web-based provider.   The e-mail system is currently functioning efficiently as it alerts purchasing agents to contact suppliers in every case where corporate revises a product.   The new system has enabled the IHG group for excellent quality control.   In this respect, IHG claims that they are able to obtain high quality products at low costs via the Internet. Marriott Hotel and resort has chosen the same Internet provider for its new procurement system. They are analyzing the mechanics of the system as well as the concept of electronic purchasing and the advantages that could be realized by Hotel.   One of the key elements of this research involves the â€Å"user friendliness† of the system.   Another concern is the connection factor.   The system must be reliable in connecting without failure.   The content is another very important requirement.   The suppliers must be able to easily find products on the site.   As for the overall costs involved in the implementation of such a system, it is still unclear.   On a positive note, both IHG and Marriott believe that they will be able to quantify the new system’s effects right away.   By tracking every purchase over the web, this will allow them to record their progress.   In the long-term, as one of the first movers in the hospitality industry, the prediction i s that the overall impact will be positive. Leicester Marriott Marriotts operations can be grouped into the following five business segments: Full-service lodging 65% Select-service lodging 11% Extended-stay lodging   5% Timeshare   15% Synthetic fuel   4% Marriott operates under various different brand of hotel like   Full Service Lodging Marriott Hotels Resorts JW Marriott Hotels Resorts Renaissance Hotels Ritz-Carlton BULGARI Hotels Resorts Autograph Collection Hotels Resorts Edition Hotels Resorts Marriott Conference Centres Courtyard by Marriott Fairfield Inn by Marriott Spring Hill Suites by Marriott Marriott Executive Stay Residence Inn by Marriott Towne Place Suites by Marriott Marriott Executive Apartments Marriott Vacation Club International  (MVCI) Marriott Grand Residence Club The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Select Service Lodging Extended Stay Lodging Timeshare Leicester Marriott Hotel Overview 227 Bedrooms Mixx Restaurant Tanners Bar Atrium Lounge 21 dedicated meeting rooms Leisure Club facilities Wireless LAN in public areas Car park 280 onsite spaces Marriott International, Inc. is a leading global lodging company that shapes and enables its business through an ambitious program of improvements in technology.   In the beginning of late 1990s, Marriott realized that to be competitive   and lead the future lodging market, it had to upgrade and fully integrate two of its most crucial systems: the Marriott automated Reservation system for Hotel accommodations (MaRsHa) and Marriott’s Internet technology platform, Marriott.com.   These systems, combined with Marriott’s key business and inventory applications and marketing and loyalty programs, comprise a global technology infrastructure that facilitated more than 69.5 million new reservations in 2005, averaging over 190,000 per day, while maintaining availability of better than 99.99 percent.   The updated infrastructure enabled 100 percent growth in Marriott.com sales from 2003 to 2005, logged single-day sales records of nearly $14 million, and led the industry i n online hotel room’s sales. In fact, Marriott’s seamless multi-brand, multi-channel integration enables the company to offer the industry’s only global rate guarantee, the Look No Further ® Best Rate Guarantee, stating that Marriott guests will always get the lowest available rate when booking through any Marriott channel worldwide.   It is a remarkable success story, demonstrating how aligning investments in technology infrastructure with business vision and strategy can enable extraordinary business results and how Marriott leveraged its early investment in ecommerce to set new standards for the global lodging industry Technologies used at Marriott Hotel Company website Point Of Sale-Micros Property Management System-Opera Central Reservation System-Marsha SAP for accounting and Payroll Fire Panel Door locks CCTV Blue Cube -Time Clock (Employee attendance) Cetral Reservation System In todays fast-paced environment, business travellers have enough to be concerned about, without worrying about hotel accommodations. And, it takes more than just hotel rooms to win in the highly competitive lodging business. Professionals want the latest technology at their fingertips, from fax machines to Internet services. Central Reservation System is used to connect to the different hotels of the same group. Currently at Marriott a software called MARSHA is used. MARSHA (Marriotts Automated Reservation System for Hotel Accommodations), according to Rinaldi. MARSHA allows guests to call in at any property and have a reservation agent allocate and book reservations, he explains. The Marriott Rewards System [a point-accumulation program to earn special savings] is also kept on this system so that guests can tabulate their points. All major airlines and travel agencies link into MARSHA by T1 and 56-Kbps connections as well. Micros-Opera Micros-Opera is one of the famous providers of property based system in today’s hospitality industry. Its PMS interface has become a common one within the hotel industry and is used by many as a de facto standard. Consequently, many software vendors use this interface because it makes it more likely that their software will be able to connect to other vendors’ applications. Micros: MICROS 9700 HMS It is the most widely used point-of-sale solution system in the leisure and entertainment marketplace. Built on years of industry experience, the entire 9700 HMS product suite is technology independent, running on MS SQL, Oracle, and Multiple Windows platforms. All 9700 HMS modules are web-delivered and enterprise enabled, making them easy to use while reducing total cost of ownership. 9700 HMS has proven installations ranging from small, specialized operations to large enterprise configurations spanning multiple properties in large geographic areas. Whether you operate one restaurant or hundreds, 9700 HMS has the functionality to meet your needs. Problems with Micros 1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     When the systems crashes down then the checks has to be manually posted which is like duplication of work and time, there are even discrepancies sometimes and in that the company loses the revenue. 2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If there is a crash, it needs to be done by the help of a main server computer. But if the problem prevails there is a need to contact the vendor for his service. 3)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The micros system sometimes get frozen which affect the overall performance of the server and the team. Difficulty Because Marriott involves representatives from every part of the company in all new initiatives from the very beginning, the company is spared many of the â€Å"growing pains† typically found when implementing large, global infrastructure projects.   The company’s business and marketing managers are technologically fluent and worked closely with the Information Resources and ecommerce departments throughout the process of upgrading and integrating the reservations system and Web presence.   There were, however, two key challenges Marriott faced in its MaRsHa and Marriott.com implementations: availability and scalability. Knowing that Marriott solutions have to be developed, implemented and rolled-out in a 24/7 global business environment, extra attention was paid to maintaining the reliability and availability of ongoing operations.   This was a critical factor in the MaRsHa upgrade, since the reservations system is literally the life’s blood of the company .   Marriott also upgraded both MaRsHa and Marriott.com with leading-edge scalability to support both current and future transaction volumes, and the systems have performed without data loss even as transactions have grown 400 percent over five years.   Marriott’s early commitment to high-performance processing, scalable storage and business continuity made the transition to an integrated reservations/Web solution error-free.Marriott also took great care in test and development before moving new functionality into the global production environment.   eMc’s advanced business continuity software supports the company’s robust testing capabilities, providing an up-to-date replicated copy of the MaRsHa production environment, which facilitates quality assurance, testing and development, without introducing any production performance degradation.   Marriott also creates business continuance volumes (BcVs) from the replicated production data, which are used by developers, for example, to test database applications without affecting either the production or main test systems.   The BcVs enable the creation of more robust development environments, better developer throughput, and the ability to go beyond normal functional testing to bring complex test environments to production and ultimately to market more quickly Conclusions Recommendations Now is the time for hospitality companies to take advantage of the opportunities available in creating a new value added customized online travel shopping experience for customers.   The ultimate trend calls for something comparable to the shopping-bot.   For those who are not familiar with the shop-bot concept, it is meant exclusively for online clothing shoppers who prefer to have a personal agent.   Similar to the shop-bot, the future of the Internet in the travel industry will provide a travel bot who will play the hand-holding travel agent for those that require the most guidance in arranging their travel plans.  Ã‚   This travel bot will create a custom experience that suits the particular customer needs offering a range of services including hotel rooms, restaurant tables, airline seats, and rental cars.   The travel bot will provide advice and recommendations as currently found on GDSs. It is important to take a look at how Internet technology will affect the future of the tourism industry.   Most IT tools are being utilized.   However, there is still much room for improvement in speed, reliability, and adaptation to new technologies.   It is crucial for companies to take advantage of the Internet before the competition.   A solid RD function is one of the elements in this process.   It is pertinent to study the customers and their businesses by encouraging them to fill out a customer’s profile form on the web. It is important to consider how technological drivers will influence changes.   Many traditional small and large players in the industry are having a difficult time adjusting to the changes involved in switching to a full IT based strategy.  Ã‚   This is mainly due to the extent to which the Internet changes how hospitality services and amenities are delivered.   It further alters the organizational structures within hospitality companies and modifies the interaction of the customer and service provider. The hospitality tourism internet future suggests a universal system where property management systems will eliminate the need for expensive on-site computer hardware/software.   The maintenance problems relating to breakdowns, backups, and upgrades will be resolved in an easy efficient manner.   The Internet will control all transactions involving credit card authorization, travel agent commissions, and point of sale transactions.   This will result in fewer problems, a decrease in staff and an increase in profits.   The typical hotel guest will have the option of selecting movies, games, software, shopping and information through voice communication and data/video, all available at a low cost. Future success for hospitality tourism companies depends upon their abilities to identify a target market and the strategic opportunities available for survival and growth.   If data is managed properly, the technology can assist hoteliers and restaurateurs in projecting the lifetime value of guests, creating increased loyalty, resulting in an increase in market share.   The process of mass production has never been accepted in the tourism industry; therefore customized services are a must for survival.   Today’s computer world allows for mass customization in pricing, location, and amenities to a more knowledge-based format.   In this case, marketing and IT departments must work closely toward a merger of core competencies.  Ã‚   The drive toward e-commerce success includes a plan to track surfing and consumption habits such as the buyers, payers, and the return visitors.   Independent consultants are available to provide this data efficiently and confidentially. It is crucial for hospitality tourism organizations to stay on top of the roles of the major online players that are posing a serious threat to the industry such as Travelocity, Priceline, Expedia, Yahoo, etc.   Their role in the future of hospitality tourism marketing is crucial to the survival of Hoteliers.   Hospitality tourism organizations might want to look into the potential of becoming one of the first movers to join the dot com craze.   The already established loyal customer base will allow hospitality tourism organizations to have an upper-hand over general online threats. The customized travel bot could provide the ultimate travel experience of a lifetime for customers in adding the most value, thus allowing first movers in the industry to gain an overall competitive advantage. Bibliography E-Commerce in Hospitality Tourism. 2011.  E-Commerce in Hospitality Tourism. [ONLINE] Available at:  http://gonzales.com.sg/techno.html. [Accessed 12 Feb 2011]. Marriott Internationals Accommodating Network Network Computing. 2011.  Marriott Internationals Accommodating Network Network Computing. [ONLINE] Available at:networkcomputing.com/909/909centerfoldtext.html. [Accessed 21 Feb 2011] Point of Sale Software Enterprise Information System. 2011.  Point of Sale Software Enterprise Information System. [ONLINE] Available at:  micros.com/. [Accessed 18 Feb 2011] Technology Jargon Buster 8/31/2005 Caterer Search. 2011.  Technology Jargon Buster 8/31/2005-CatererSearch  .[ONLINE]Available at :caterersearch.com/Articles/2005/08/31/302345/Technology-Jargon-Buster.htm. [Accessed 12 Feb 2011]marriot.com/ Marriott Global Source. 2011.  Marriott Global Source. [ONLINE] Available at:http://mgs.marriott.com/index.html. [Accessed 16 Feb 2011]

Atlas Bear - Facts and Figures

Atlas Bear - Facts and Figures Stats Name: Atlas Bear; also known as Ursus arctos crowtherii Habitat: Mountains of northern Africa Historical Epoch: Pleistocene-Modern (2 million-100 years ago) Size and Weight: Up to nine feet long and 1,000 pounds Diet: Omnivorous Distinguishing Characteristics: Long, brown-black fur; short claws and muzzle About the Atlas Bear Named after the Atlas Mountains that spans modern-day Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, the Atlas Bear (Ursus Arctos crowtherii) was the only bear ever to be native to Africa. Most naturalists consider this shaggy giant to be a subspecies of the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), while others argue that it deserves its own species name under the Ursus genus. Whatever the case, the Atlas Bear was well on its way to extinction during early historical times; it was hunted intensively for sport and captured for arena combat by the Romans that conquered northern Africa in the first century A.D. Scattered populations of the Atlas Bear persisted until the late 19th century, when the last remnants were wiped out in Moroccos Rif Mountains.

Free Essay Example of Ariel Psychoanalysis Essay

Free Essay Example of Ariel Psychoanalysis Essay Ariel Psychoanalysis Essay Example The character Ariel from the film The Little Mermaid by Disney is a 1989 film based on a comic book In the film, Ariel is the youngest of the seven daughter of the sea king Triton whom lost their mother at an earlier age but under care of a grandmother as a substitute. Triton as a king as set up restrictions for all her princesses and all of the six siblings conforms to the fathers logical restrictions but Ariel. Unlike her siblings who love living the normal mermaid life in the deep waters of the sea, Ariel is interested in living in a different niche altogether and she is ready to assert for her independence regardless of her fathers authoritative declaration never to help or talk to human beings from the land. Ariels father is very understanding and treats Ariel with delicate words of love and affection in order to win her over to understand the perils of interacting with strangers who live in the land. Contrary to the water entities, Ariels interest grows for human contact that she seeks an adventure into sunken ships to find pieces of items and clatter that can remind her of h uman existence apart from the mermaid lifestyle. Although Triton feels obligated to provide the best care and love for Ariel, he feels destined to direct his daughter mermaid from the wrong path of life into the normal lifestyle of all mermaids in the sea. Emotionally, Ariel is attached to a young man Eric whom she saves from drowning in the sea and she later finds a statue of him in the sunken ship and adores the bust as she would admire and lavish Eric himself. Triton painful discovers that her daughter is making trips into the deep-sea sunken ship to make contact with the bust of Eric and he is distressed by the action that he destroys the bust using his wands magic power that disintegrates the bust to powder. Ariel is disoriented by the actions ad she protests by running away from her fathers presence to a distance deep sea where she sought help from a sea witch to become human and marry Eric. Mermaid live for over 300 years while normal human beings live for half the time; therefore, Ariels conviction to marry a human is costly to her immortal life which is not the same with human beings who die. Ariel is a teenager seeking romance and she fell in love with Eric after kissing him at the beach just after rescuing him from the sinking ship. Ariels desire for human lover unlike other mermaids is directly linked with her spirit of adventure. However, her spirit of adventure is extreme and contrary to the customs of the mermaids who have to marry among themselves since it is a taboo to marry or engage with the human species. Little Mermaid presents Ariel as an interesting personality with normal humanistic dreams of finding a teenager lover. Ariels love for humans is considered a taboo but she fights to attain her goal of turning into a better soul as an air spirit instead of turning into sea foam. Ariel is smart in that she knows that her destiny is turning into a sea form an d she plans on how to escape the trap by learning to be loved by a human from whom she would receive an eternal soul for her good deed after dissolving from the human body into spirit. Transformation within the culture of the mermaids in the sea is into human culture is centered on logical and ethical concerns; since Triton remain ignorant of human ethics, he rejects all forms of help that mermaids may extend to human sailors drowning. Triton considers the human race as a corrupt group of beings who lack appreciation and manners likened to the mermaid culture. The mermaids remain under a strong paternal control who maintains the relationship as an ultimate king who makes non-revocable decisions that young mermaids and their mothers have to follow without questioning. Triton attacks Ariels hideout and destroys her hoarded bust and other clutter in the sunken ship to assert his authority to give the law and ethical edicts over all mermaids in the sea. Mermaids learn from older mermaids. Besides gaining knowledge from experiences they encounters in the sea, Ariel is inquisitive and leans her way by discovering by herself the diverse happenings in the sea. Ariel is only sixteen years old and she is in need of a lover from the human race instead of the mermaid group of entities to which she is a member. Psychoanalysis The journey of the Little Mermaid is to gain immortality and she sacrifices her voice to the sea witch in return for human feet with which to walk on land and search for her lover. Freud discuses the Oedipal crisis in which a girl blames a mother for her lack of a phallus and thus seeks close relationship with father in hope of attaining the phallus. At puberty, Ariel is clearly affected by the Oedipal crisis wand since his father is inaccessible due to taboo of incest, she owns a male statue of Eric, the human she fell in love with at her journey to see humans. The world before she left her mermaid world is a pre-Oedipal dominated world in which her grandmother, mother, and six sisters dominate her daily experience, which she now rejects. Unlike the mermaid world that is dominated by female, the curiosity to learn about the patriarchal human world brings about satisfaction that she desires to acquire the human body and marry a human being to save her soul. Ariel directed her phallic desire towards Eric whom she found intensely interesting that she sacrificed herself as a mermaid by losing her voice and her mermaid feet to attain human feet without a voice. Ariels castration of tongue and feet to acquire the phallic symbol in Eric the human prince is a Freudian concept The willingness to suppress the female mermaid voice before turning into human form is directed by the desire for the phallus. The sea witch who castrates the girl mermaid to achieve her dream represents the female aggressor who prevents the girl from overcoming her oedipal challenge since without a voice, Ariel remained dumb and without the force of expression, Eric rejected her crippled stance. Equally, the sea witch offered Ariel a dagger to destroy the prince if she failed to kiss him within 3 days in order to remain human forever. Moreover, when she failed, she displayed her need for paternal protection, which is synonymous with the Freudian theory. Freud asserts that life needs a bridge and paternal security is the most privileged position to facilitate security. According to Freud, Ariel was born with the Id intact and that being the basic drive of want, Ariel cries whenever she feels unpleasant about her experience. Ariel cried when her father destroyed the bust of Eric she kept at her garden away from everyone. Although Ariel knew that her father restricted relations with human beings, she still cried when Erics statue was destroyed to debris because of her id. Secondly, Ariels ego, which is based on the reality principle developed after her father, destroyed the bust of Eric when she decides to face reality by begging the sea witch to turn her into human form to pursue Eric. However, the superego of Ariel is quite underdeveloped since she lacks conscience to assert for mermaid lifestyle. Instead, Ariels superego is controlled by her ego to satisfy her need for a human being away from the mermaid life. Nonetheless, Ariel is unconscious self is determined to find a new meaning in life through a transformative process of turning from a merma id to a human being and to this end she dedicates her superego until she is happily married by Eric. According to Melanie Klein, Ariel suffered from mental depressive position during her child development probably following her mothers demise, a situation that left her under care of grandmother. Logically, Ariel never wanted her children to also feel lonely and desperate in the sea like her and thus she proposed to avert that mental depressive position by departing from the sea environment, which she perceived as the source of her depressed position. Ariel envied the human beings who had all they wanted unlike her who had to forgo her voice before becoming human. She envied the other princess who turns out to be the witch using her voice to lure Eric instead of her, she felt cheated and used by the witch who stole her voice in order to woo the prince of land. Envy is a destructive force, which destroys the sea witch for stealing Ariels voice by coaxing her to sign a subordinated contract. Fear drives the culture of the mermaids, especially the fear of coming into contact with the human beings Ariel is not happy that her father is reprimanding her desire for human contact and marriage, which is a taboo with the water entities. That is why Ariel complains saying Betch ya on land they understand, bet they dont reprimand their daughters. Ariel is making her superego accept change by imagining that land life is easier and more appealing since the patriarch ruling land understand the needs of their daughters better. Ariel asserts for her independence when she wished that she had understanding father, which points to her emotional lack of her mother or someone to understand her emotions. Triton, Ariels father is quite assertive and controlling, this character of the father influences the lonely dispositions adopted by Ariel that she consulted the sea witch instead of the Triton and she wishes to live on land as humans do thinking she can find understanding fathers, if only I could make him understand. The statement asserts the Oedipal crisis which affects the female mermaids but none is courageous to expose the negative influence of gagging the daughters feelings and ideas though contrary to the customs of the mermaids. Mermaids value prohibitions, taboos, and restrictions, which define their culture of life. However, the regard for customs and values is based on the omnipresence of the king. Since Triton lacks capacity as an omnipresent individual, the rest of the mermaid life and fish life can break all customs and prohibitions as long as the king does not find out. Ariel knows that contact with human body is restricted but the reason behind the taboo is shallowly explained using fear before the population, fish-eater human world. According to the social lifestyle of the mermaids, sea creatures and fish as close friends, humans habit of eating fish is equated to a cannibalistic culture which explains the hatred Triton held against fishers. That is why the fish explain to Ariel that under the sea nobody beats us, fry us and eat us in fricassees.. Progress from the puberty into adulthood requires mastery of courage to overcome, Ariel wanted to be safe and off the hook, and therefore to dominate, eve ry sea life she knew she had to acquire the human body. Ariels quest is to control her fears instead of being dominated by turning into human figure instead of dying as a mermaid. She sacrifices her voice to the sea witch to gain human as her immortality body to feel in control on land than in the sea where she witnessed her father express his fear against the human capacity to fish and dominate over sea life. The desire is embodied in Freuds theory about feminism in which he argues that female beings are born castrated either emotionally, psychological and physically before the world and the girl blames the mother for the handicap while striving to attain interest of the father to help her attain the missing phallic state. Psychic wounds in Arial developed earlier in life due to absence of her biological mother. Jungian psychology asserts that every individual is comprised of mixture of feminine and masculine properties that determine the feminine conscious in women and masculine conscious in men. Therefore, Ariel exhibited a higher level of feminine consciousness but a higher form of masculine unconsciousness that made her unlike her siblings break convections and reflect on breaking taboos such as marrying a man instead of a staying in the mermaid world. Jung asserts that the level of subconscious feminine or masculine in an individual added to the degree of feminine and masculine consciousness affect the wholeness of an individual. Ariel admires Eric the prince because he represents a degree of masculinity that she identifies with as ideal from either her conscious or/and subconscious self. The projected animus of Ariel is to attain human awareness in body form, through marriage, find someone who can understands her, and treat her so like Eric whose statue she keeps in her garden. Presenc e of the statue in the garden with red flowers may represent the Jungian masculine symbols of the sun, which means the phallus from Freudian and Melanie theories. Similarly, Ariel was given a dagger with which to kill the prince, but she instead throws the sharp phallic object into the sea, which represent the feminine self. The Little Mermaid destroys herself to gain from the masculine. Ariel is suffering from an obsessive-compulsive disorder, the hoarding type that clearly indicates that she was lonely, afraid of losing her fathers security and whatever she hoarded and collected. She collects items from sunken ships and goes about asking what those objects represent. For instance, she carried a comb along asking for suggestions of its function in the land. Her obsession for human body and life grew from her hoarding disorder; as she collected items including Erics statue, she grew away from the mermaid world and desired to gain the human world, which his father detested. Ariel collected countless items but never threw any away from her store which concludes that she was a pathological hoarder. Pathological organizations are identified and discussed by Melanie of which hoarding is one of them. In conclusion, Freud, Melanie and Jung psychoanalysis theories assert that feminine and masculine capacities determine how female character react to their bodies as they grow up. During the early age, Melanie states that Oedipal age sets in, while Freud identified the Oedipal crisis during age 2 to 5 years. Jung on the other hand advocates for understanding of the timeless feminine and masculine conscious and subconscious construction that affects any persons at any age concerning individual reaction to development. Fear, anxiety, id, ego, superego and masculine and feminine forces in the mermaid environment affected personality development in Ariel our character.

What is innovation and how businesses encourage it Assignment

What is innovation and how businesses encourage it - Assignment Example On the other hand, being innovative does not necessarily mean inventing, but it means changing the business model and being adaptive to changes in the environment in order to deliver better products or services. Effective innovation must be part of the entire business strategy, where innovative culture is which lead the way to innovative thinking and creative way of solving problems within an organization. 3. Leadership in innovation-empower and train employees to think innovatively from the top management to the subordinates. Transformational leadership and motivation are the driving force behind innovation in most businesses. 5. Seek advice. Make use of available resources, grants, business advisors and assistance to enhance innovation in your business. This may comprise seeking protection of Intellectual Property (IP) for commercialization of ideas. Group innovation is the pillar of every successful business. It’s what it differentiate a successful business from other competitors, and supports it to grow and prosper (Davila, 2006). Innovation is not only about one-off improvements and ad-hoc ideas. Business can nurture an innovative culture in their organizations so as to encourage a continuous flow of new ideas. The management should let their teams know that you expect innovation. The leadership and the employees should not put innovative ideas on the back burner or in the too-hard basket without a good reason. Businesses should offer a culture that supports questioning and risk-taking. If in case the employees are not feeling connected to your organization, there’s no motivation for them to be innovative. Organizations ensure that their staff are in the loop on their strategies and challenges, and bring on board their input. Employees who get involved in early plans and processes will be motivated to complete them. Businesses also empower the staff to make decisions and take necessary action. Employees who are trusted to attempt

Maritime Operations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Maritime Operations - Essay Example (The ISM code, 2010) (ii) It should ensure a safe working place is maintained on board ship. (iii) Identify areas where accidents can occur on board ship and provide measures for rectification.( The ISM code, 2010) (iv) Upgrade the ability of persons on board to react immediately in case of emergency per safety manuals. (v) The safety manuals and codes have been developed after years of research and feedback generated by shipping personnel over years of experience in facing different distress situations. Hence the crew should always be encouraged to follow the safety instructions and treat the code as a valuable piece of guidance. (The ISM Code, 2007) Therefore it is quite clear from the objectives that the human element is quite clearly addressed in the ISM code and guidelines have been prescribed to reduce operational risk. It is with these intentions that the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 and the STCW 1978 were conducted and guidelines to avoid human risk were evolved. Mariti me labour Convention 2006 Since the Maritime labour Convention as a document covers a whole gamut of areas and stipulations, the primary areas of reference regarding reducing operational risk of seafarers shall be discussed here. This convention consists of a series of conventions which deals with the scope, rights and responsibilities of seafarers. Here Title 1 deals with the minimum qualification a seafarer must possess for him do his job efficiently thus mitigating accident risk to fellow crew and the ship. Title 2 deals with the minimum wages, hours of rest, period of leave and the manning levels of the seafarers. Title 3 deals with his accommodation and food that is provided on board. Therefore Title 2 and Title 3 deals with the psychological aspect of the person as only an optimum amount of rest would ensure that he performs his watch keeping duty diligently. Title 4 covers measures that the ship has adopted for accident prevention and medical care facilities on board in case of any injury. The ship should also be provided with efficient communication that could inform the land and have the injured person airlifted to the nearest medical facility. (Maritime Labour Convention, 2006) The regulation and code is then further arranged in to a series of five titles. These are (i) Title 1- The minimum age of entry should be sixteen years. Night duty for people below 18 years is banned. Night duty is also defined as one which begins before midnight and ends before 5am. Work that may have an adverse effect on the health of an individual should be avoided if he is below 18 years.( Cleopatra Doumbia, 2009) Seafarers who have not passed the medical tests prior to each sail shall be prohibited from joining ship and taking up duties. Medical certificates to prove the legitimacy must be provided on joining board. The seafarer should be adequately trained in carrying out watch keeping duties and should have carry all the relevant certificates regarding safety like basic fire fighting, first aid among others. (Maritime Labour Convention, 2006) (ii) Title 2- This encourages the shipping companies to adopt a more humane approach to the seafarer employer agreements so that his mind remains focussed when at work away from other external

Opposing sides of Animal rights Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Opposing sides of Animal rights - Research Paper Example As might be readily noted, such a sharp stance with regards to the issue of animal rights necessarily encourages many individuals to be categorically against further animal rights. This is of course due to the inherent belief that many individuals have that animals cannot be considered as sentient beings; therefore, extending any form of rights or the expectation thereof, is tantamount to extending rights to an unconscious object. Ultimately, the debate is somewhat circular due to the fact that neither animal rights activists nor their counterparts who advocate a reduction in animal rights rules and practice can definitively prove that consciousness exists within animals and therefore is worthy of a level of respect. With respect to this brief analysis, the author will propose an opposing viewpoint with regards to the inherent belief that animals should engender further rights and protections under law. Whereas it should not be noted that this analysis will take a contrary in view of the fact that animals are important, should be respected, and preserved for future generations, it will be the express intent of this author to engage the reader with an understanding for the fact that many of the fundamental arguments that animal rights activists put forward as evidence for why further animal rights should be manifested within the current world are fundamentally flawed. Firstly, it must be understood that humans are most certainly the most evolved creatures that exist on earth. By means of the process of evolution, humans have a degree of power and control with regards to their environment. For many years, individuals of a religious persuasion believed that God had given mankind â€Å"dominion† over the earth. However, whether or not one believes in evolution or whether or not one believes in intelligent design is not the issue; rather, the issue is the fact that the overall intellects and functional capacity of humans necessarily places them in a situation that they are able to make a discerning judgments and determine value based upon the needs and rights of the environment around them. Said one author, â€Å"There are a lot of people in the animal rights movement who can be very passionate and aggressive, and I applaud people's passion, but when people are judgmental and aggressive, all they end up doing is getting other people to turn away in irritation† (Monastersky 12). For instance, many individuals point to the fact that further rights should be extended to animals. However, an understanding of rights and how these rights originate ultimately is derived from philosophical the value and the means through which a level of inequality is represented. For this very reason, it was not until the 20th century that individuals within society began to take note of the fact that a moral and ethical interpretation of the world necessitated that rights and privileges be

United Nations, focused on international law Essay

United Nations, focused on international law - Essay Example At the end of World War II, fifty-one countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security established the UN on 24th October 1945. Today, nearly every nation in the world belongs to the UN and its membership totals 191 countries.Each member country has to obligate to all the requirements of the UN charter. This charter is an international treaty designed to protect future generations from the scourge and curse of war and written to affirm fundamental human rights. The purposes of the United Nations, as set forth in the Charter, are to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and to be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these ends.The United Nations comprises of six main bodies. Five of them - the General Assemb ly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council and the Secretariat - are based at UN Headquarters in New York. The sixth, the International Court of Justice, is located at The Hague in the Netherlands.The General Assembly makes decisions on the key issues and world's most pressing problems, and is represented by each member nation with the account of one vote each. The Security Council carries out decisions pertaining to international peace and security. ... There are certain other UN offices and programmes that work to improvise the living conditions of the world and the people on the whole. Two such important offices to mention are United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The UNESCO was founded in November 1945 with the aim to build peace in the world through knowledge, social progress, exchange and mutual understanding among peoples. The UNICEF was created in December 1946 by the United Nations to provide food, clothing and health care to European children facing famine and disease in the aftermath of the Second World War. Their mandate is to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. The UN provides the means to help resolve international conflicts and formulate policies on matters affecting all of us. In this process, all the Member States have a right to be heard and to cast a vote, irrespective of their size, wealth and economic positions, political views and social systems. UN and International Law As per its prime objective of maintaining peace and security throughout the world, and managing and resolving any conflicts arising out of international disputes, United Nations has undertaken the progressive codification and development of international law by forming a comprehensive body of international law. The over 500 conventions, treaties and standards resulting from this work have provided a framework for promoting international peace and security and economic and social development. They legally bind states that

Feasibility Study of Hotel in Melbourne CBD Essay

Feasibility Study of Hotel in Melbourne CBD - Essay Example The set up planning and implementation is to be done keeping in view large vision – tenure of at least next five years. Based on the information collected from primary and secondary research on the location of place, market and demand analysis, facilities and benefits provided by the competitors, and the target customers it is highly recommended to start up the hotel with the following features : ïÆ'Ëœ 75 – room, full service hotel ïÆ'Ëœ 50 – 75 standard guest units; inclusive of 4 suites ïÆ'Ëœ Approximately 1,200 square feet of divisible banquet space ïÆ'Ëœ A full service restaurant serving three meals ïÆ'Ëœ 24 hour room service ïÆ'Ëœ 24 hour concierge ïÆ'Ëœ 24 hour reception ïÆ'Ëœ Laundry and dry cleaning facilities ïÆ'Ëœ Currency exchange ïÆ'Ëœ Medical services ïÆ'Ëœ Limousine rent ïÆ'Ëœ Babysitting service ïÆ'Ëœ Quantum Fitness and Health center : The Quantum Fitness houses heated indoor pool, comfortable relaxation area, dry sauna, steam bath, spacious Roman bath, a digital gym and weight room, solarium, heath bar, beauty parlor and hair dressing salon. ïÆ'Ëœ Business Facilities: These are utmost important and plays a pivotal role on attracting a mass of customers at an instance. The business facilities should include one main conference hall seating 100 – 150 people, 5 conference halls with the capacity ranging from 20 – 55 people. Besides, providing all the necessary equipments like projectors, microphones, screens, internet access, fax connection, photocopying facilities and many more. ... 50 - 75 standard guest units; inclusive of 4 suites Approximately 1,200 square feet of divisible banquet space A full service restaurant serving three meals 24 hour room service 24 hour concierge 24 hour reception Laundry and dry cleaning facilities Currency exchange Medical services Limousine rent Babysitting service Quantum Fitness and Health center : The Quantum Fitness houses heated indoor pool, comfortable relaxation area, dry sauna, steam bath, spacious Roman bath, a digital gym and weight room, solarium, heath bar, beauty parlor and hair dressing salon. Business Facilities: These are utmost important and plays a pivotal role on attracting a mass of customers at an instance. The business facilities should include one main conference hall seating 100 - 150 people, 5 conference halls with the capacity ranging from 20 - 55 people. Besides, providing all the necessary equipments like projectors, microphones, screens, internet access, fax connection, photocopying facilities, printing and laminating facilities and many more. The primary segments generating hotel demand in the subject market area include commercial individual (corporate), tour and travel, and group. The proposed hotel should be well positioned to capture its fair share of the leisure, corporate and group markets. Due to the proposed market orientation of the full - service hotel, it is likely to compete to some degree, for corporate business currently accommodated by default in some of the existing hotels located outside of the immediate subject market area. The process involved in performing the market study for establishing a hotel can be categorized

United Nations, focused on international law Essay

United Nations, focused on international law - Essay Example At the end of World War II, fifty-one countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security established the UN on 24th October 1945. Today, nearly every nation in the world belongs to the UN and its membership totals 191 countries.Each member country has to obligate to all the requirements of the UN charter. This charter is an international treaty designed to protect future generations from the scourge and curse of war and written to affirm fundamental human rights. The purposes of the United Nations, as set forth in the Charter, are to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and to be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these ends.The United Nations comprises of six main bodies. Five of them - the General Assemb ly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council and the Secretariat - are based at UN Headquarters in New York. The sixth, the International Court of Justice, is located at The Hague in the Netherlands.The General Assembly makes decisions on the key issues and world's most pressing problems, and is represented by each member nation with the account of one vote each. The Security Council carries out decisions pertaining to international peace and security. ... There are certain other UN offices and programmes that work to improvise the living conditions of the world and the people on the whole. Two such important offices to mention are United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The UNESCO was founded in November 1945 with the aim to build peace in the world through knowledge, social progress, exchange and mutual understanding among peoples. The UNICEF was created in December 1946 by the United Nations to provide food, clothing and health care to European children facing famine and disease in the aftermath of the Second World War. Their mandate is to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. The UN provides the means to help resolve international conflicts and formulate policies on matters affecting all of us. In this process, all the Member States have a right to be heard and to cast a vote, irrespective of their size, wealth and economic positions, political views and social systems. UN and International Law As per its prime objective of maintaining peace and security throughout the world, and managing and resolving any conflicts arising out of international disputes, United Nations has undertaken the progressive codification and development of international law by forming a comprehensive body of international law. The over 500 conventions, treaties and standards resulting from this work have provided a framework for promoting international peace and security and economic and social development. They legally bind states that

What is a Hero Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

What is a Hero - Essay Example But a question arises that whether this definition can be used in modern times where heroes are ordinary people that in time of crisis and need perform exceptionally and for the greater good. The meaning of the word hero has changed over the years and this word has been used in different contexts. One act of heroism represents a new definition of a hero. Whenever a hero is pictured, a strong, powerful individual is imagined who is not only experienced but also mature. But when Carlos, a seven year old boy’s home was invaded by burglars, not only did he show nerves of steel but also called the police and urged them to send help. Hiding in the bathroom with his sister, Carlos told the police everything that was happening in their house and explained the situation with poise and calmness that many adults fail to show in these circumstances. Even though the suspects have not been caught yet, but Carlos will be awarded the Kids Medal of Honor and he has been labeled as a hero. Though Carlos was a young boy and did not fulfill the image of a hero but his act of bravery serves to imply the use of the word hero for him (Fremd & Seigel 2010). One of the most deadly terrorist attacks that took place in today’s world was no doubt the World Trade Center attack. These attacks not only left thousands of citizens dead but also witnessed many acts of courage and bravery by the New York Fire Department and the policemen who even though were put on alert since the building could collapse anytime but still continued with the rescue efforts. These men and women showed strength and bravery while knowing completely well that they would not survive if the building that was already on the verge of collapse, fell down. This is again an example of heroism and these people who worked selflessly were marked as heroes. Thus a hero may be defined as an individual who works for helping people without

The Liberal reforms of 1906-1914 Essay Example for Free

The Liberal reforms of 1906-1914 Essay To what extent could the Liberal reforms of 1906-1914 be described as a radical attempt to alleviate poverty? This essay will explore the Liberal reforms introduced between 1906-1914 and assess the governments efficacy in tackling poverty. In the early 20th century poverty was becoming an increasingly important issue and for a variety of reasons. Poverty had risen up the political agenda not least because of the advent of the Labour Party and their programme for social reform. At one end of the spectrum it is argued that the Liberal Government were crusaders for social reform, fighting oppression and poverty to emancipate the working classes. At the other end, the Liberals were seen as a Government with no plan or coherent strategy to deal with these issues and were not even united; with legislation being introduced piece meal as a response to individual crisis. At the turn of the century large numbers of men, women and children had to endure deplorable living and working conditions. The estimated unemployment rate for 15 to 64 year olds in 1902 was 69%1, although the unemployment rate as measured by those claiming unemployment related benefit was as low as 5%. However this raises questions about the accuracy of measuring and reporting conditions and begins to signify the potential numbers living on the poverty line. In 1900 trade union membership represented only 11% of those in employment and the impact of the Taff Vale2 judgement meant even the Trade Unions were powerless to improve the poor working conditions. Further, the school leaving age in 1900 was 12 and according to the 1901 census 10% (140,000) 10 14 year old boys were already working. The benefits paid by the state were in any event below subsistence level and these issues were compounded by poor housing and over crowding, poor diet and health. Together with lack of health care meant large numbers were living in extreme poverty. These conditions had prevailed throughout the 19 Century and there had been no concerted effort to tackle the issue. However, in the eight years before the First World War, the Liberal Government first under Henry Campbell-Bannerman and then Herbert Asquith embarked upon a sweeping programme of social and economic reform. New Liberalism advocated social reform, financed by higher taxation on the wealthy. Surveys concerning the poor by individuals such as Charles Booth and Seebohm Rowntree in York3 had revealed the extent of poverty and brought the problem to public attention. This could explain the burst of activity by the Liberal Government. In their studies they distinguished between families suffering from primary and secondary poverty. Such studies provided a wealth of statistical data on wages, hours of work, nutritional needs, food consumed, health and housing. Booth and Rowntree published a book4 illustrating the failings of the capitalist system and argued that new measures were needed to overcome the problems of unemployment, old age and ill health. Their findings highlight the reasons for Liberal reforms being made. Historians such as S. Reed Brett and Murray believe that the Liberal reforms of 1906 onwards were significant. They claim that by moving towards the State intervening in peoples lives and changing attitudes they laid the foundations of the welfare state today. One view is that Lloyd Georges reforms were the first real step to changing societys attitude to helping the vulnerable and poor. They convinced people that the governments role should be to help the poor and needy. This made it possible for later governments to bring in welfare reforms such as the National Health Service (in 1948). Murray illustrates this view in his work: The social reforms of the pre-war Liberal government had no opportunity to make a major dent in the extent of poverty before the Great War, but there is some evidence to suggest that they began to make a difference in the long term. (Murray, 1999) The Liberal reforms can also be considered in very different terms. Some contempories believed that the Liberals were only interested in Britains efficiency as a country. It can be argued that the Liberal government brought in their welfare reforms because they were afraid that a sick and badly educated workforce would leave Britain lagging behind other countries like Germany. If Britain was to compete and maintain its position as a world power, then it had to be run efficiently. This theory supported the belief that healthy, well-educated workforce was essential. (Murphy, 2000) Commentators are also of the view that political pressures from the left induced fear in the Liberal Administration, which ultimately forced or encouraged the government to embark on social reform. These conflicting interpretations will be reviewed in more detail when considering the effectiveness of the reforms The extreme poverty identified in the research conducted by Booth and Rowntree and the poor health levels of those conscripted for the Boer War5, proved to be a catalyst for the actions taken to improve health, education and the general welfare of the public. It is clear that many historians and commentators have conflicting views concerning the Liberal Administration and question the motives for reform. However, there is no doubt that the Liberals introduced a series of important measures. The social reforms to benefit the lowest classes were centred on three areas, children, elderly and poverty resulting from unemployment and sickness. The Liberal Administration was aware of how controversial such reforms were and started with attempts to improve conditions for working class children. Such children were the most vulnerable section of society, but also could not be held to blame for their predicament. Even so there was still opposition as some believed that parents were responsible for children and that government intervention would only undermine individual freedom and responsibility. Despite such beliefs there was a common consensus that the poverty experienced by the poorest working class children was a national disgrace and a range of measures were introduced. In 1906 the government introduced the Education (School Meals) Act, which resulted from the work of the Labour MP William Beverage. This gave local councils the power to provide free school meals for the poorest families. In many ways this was a great success. On the other hand, the Act allowed local authorities to provide meals, but it did not make it a mandatory requirement. In 1907 the Liberals, established compulsory medical inspections. This was owed to civil servant Sir Robert Morant. The checks were free, but in some areas they were carried out more thoroughly than others. Further, despite the introduction of the inspections, they were not a solution for all as the treatment was not free. Therefore the success of such inspections is questionable. This is illustrated by Murray; Both measures gradually had a major impact despite their opponents. Although the 1906 Act was at first permissive (Local Education Authorities were not compelled to supply school meals), by 1914 over 14 million meals per annum were being provide for 158,000 children. In a similar way, the 1907 Act did not compel local authorities to set up clinics, but by 1914 most were proving some medical treatment for children. (Murray, 1999) Later, in 1908 the government introduced the Children and Young Persons Act, due to the influence of pressure groups such as the NSPCC6. Children became protected persons, which meant that parents who ill-treated or neglected their children could now be prosecuted. The Act banned the sale of alcohol and tobacco to children and prohibited them from working in dangerous trades like scrap metal. Also, children who broke the law were now dealt with in specialist juvenile courts and prisons. These were clearly important measures to improve the welfare of children and help tackle child poverty. It can be said that these reforms were the Liberals principal achievement during their first tenure in office. The Liberals were fully aware that for many people the main cause of poverty was old age. In response to this they introduced Old Age Pensions in 1908. It was highly controversial because of the expected cost. It was also debatable because some people thought that old people were in poverty because they had wasted their money throughout their lives. Overall, Old Age Pensions were very well received and had support from most of the public. To qualify, people had to be over the age of 70. They also had to earn less than à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½31 per year and have lived in Britain for 20 years. The number of old people who depended on charity or the Poor Law dropped dramatically as a result of this reform. Pugh clarifies this: The scheme was implemented in ways calculated to reassure the beneficiaries, that it promoted the independence of the elderly, that it reached more people than is usually thought, and that it helped to modify popular attitudes towards the state. (Martin Pugh 2000) However, the pension act was still a very controversial measure mainly due to the sectors of society excluded by the Act and the retention of the concept deserving and undeserving individuals. With regard to the unemployed Booth and Rowntrees investigations revealed that inadequate wages were another major cause of poverty and minimum wage legislation was identified as a radical step. The Liberals felt they had no option other than to address the problem and as a result passed the 1909 Trade Boards Act and the 1912 Mines Act. Although they were limited in scope and effect, the measures marked a shift away from the 19th century laissez faire attitude that the government should not intervene in the setting of wages. Some of the most far-reaching reforms introduced by the Liberals concerned working people. Throughout the early 1900s there were a range of different measures undertaken by local authorities to help the sick and unemployed. The government supported many. However, by 1911 the Liberals were convinced that some kind of government-controlled national system was needed. As a result they created National Insurance in 1911. The National Insurance Act was in two parts. The 1st part dealt with unemployment, the second with health. Workers earning under à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½160 per year had to join the scheme. They paid 4d per week from their own wages into an insurance scheme. The employer added a further 2d and the government added 3d on top of that. In return for their contributions workers got sick pay of 10 shillings a week for 6 months and unemployment pay of 7 shillings a week for up to 15 weeks. As with the other Liberal measures, when the scheme was introduced there was a lot of opposition suggesting its radical nature. Many workers resented the money being taken from their wages and many employers resented the amount of money it cost them. This was a regressive measure. The policy could have been more radical and progressive by linking the sums payable in National Insurance to wages as opposed to one amount for all workers. However, this was arguably the most important of all welfare reforms. By 1913, 13 million workers were insured in the scheme and a very important safety net had been established. It marked a break with the past in establishing the principle that providing help for the unemployed was a national not a local responsibility. It was clear that the principle of individual liberty was now being challenged by a stronger emphasis on collective welfare rights. (www.NationalArchives.gov.uk) Pearce and Stewart highlight this: Although the Liberal government failed to make a popular impact at the time, a number of measures had particular significance because they showed that the government were prepared to intervene far more than had been the case in the past. This exemplifies a radical attempt to improve poverty: The effect of these social reforms meant a significant increase in government intervention. The state had now assumed an unprecedented degree of responsibility for individuals in the lower class of society. (Mike Byrne, 2005) The main criticisms of the Liberals reforms were the attitude towards welfare was generally too cautious. It can be argued that the Liberals reforms were little more than a response to economic and political circumstances. There were large elements of compromise and Victorian moral attitudes were still featuring in the reforms. Whilst it is accepted that, as a whole, the welfare package introduced by the Liberals helped to some extent alleviate poverty, it is also clear that many people continued to slip through the net and that the Liberals measures were very limited in scope and were capable of further extensions. For example the 1909 pensions excluded old people under the age of 70 and did not cover criminals, people continually failing to find work and drunkards. Workers outside the industries covered in the Labour Exchange Act and Miners Minimum Wage Act did not qualify to receive a minimum wage. Only c.13 million out of a total population of c.45 million were included in the National Insurance Scheme. The National Insurance 1911 act pension coverage was not universal and was aimed mainly at lower paid and manual workers. It did not provide support for dependants. (www.National Statistics.gov.uk) Further more Free medical care was available to only a wage earner, not the wife or children. To tackle poverty more effectively the reforms could have been universal without deliberately excluding thousands of people. This is expounded by Watts: Changes were often modest in scope and there was a number of areas which remained unreformed. (Watts, 1995) Most of the Liberal reforms depended upon local government and local services to deliver them. While this had the effect of removing the stigma of the Poor Law, it also depended upon the priorities of the local authorities. The provision of school medical services, for example, was made possible by central government but its implementation was patchy as it relied on local authorities, many having differing priorities. In effect this meant there was no coherent strategy or mechanism to implement the much-needed reform, which accordingly failed to achieve the desired outcome. The range of reforms introduced by the Liberals was impressive, but it was not the result of a preconceived programme. Historians often see the reforms as individual solutions to particular social problems, not as a wider radical movement. If they were to have come to power, with a formal programme for poverty relief the reforms may have been more radical and affected a wider section of society. The Government as a whole did not seem to be very committed to welfare reforms, apart from Lloyd George and Churchill. It is argued that the reforms were Lloyd George and Churchills response to what they saw as the challenge from the left. By stealing Labours thunder, they hoped to capture more working class votes. Watts illustrates this: Lloyd George and Churchill revealed a certain skill in adapting Liberalism to the challenge of the condition of the people question. In so doing, they retained some middle-class support and made a bid for the loyalty of the working classes. (Watts, 1995) By ensuring that reforms were as moderate as possible, they hoped to retain middle-class support. In other words, if the reforms are seen in terms of party political advantage, far from being radical, the reforms can be described as a conservative response to the radical threat from the left. When comparing the Liberal actions in light of later developments the reforms were not wholly radical and a great deal of key legislation was left undone. The legislation was hardly revolutionary. The state pension was free but not universal. Only around half a million of the oldest, poorest, and most sober elderly people obtained a pension, which was less than a bare subsistence income. (Tanner, 1900) When the Liberals came to power they had no preconceived strategic plan to tackle poverty and indeed right up to the eve of the 1906 General Election Campbell-Bannerman strove to avoid committing the Party to any measures to deal with unemployment, or even old age pensions. (Hay 1975) Policies to tackle social problems once they came to power were introduced piece meal, in response to economic and political circumstances rather than a coherent reform package. The reforms were very limited, confused and didnt always favour the poor. Thus, they fell short of a full-scale attack on poverty. Clarke comments on the Education and Licensing Bills, which had to be scrapped as a result of opposition in the House of Lords. Pearce and Stuart went further stating many national disaster areas remained untouched the problem of slum housing for example was not tackled. (Pearce and Stewart, 1992) However, many of the Liberal reforms introduced provided the foundations for a Welfare State and paved the way for subsequent social reform. There was a fundamental shift in social attitudes to poverty and welfare as they convinced people that governments should help the poor and needy. This was a significant achievement for the Liberal Administration, which should not be underestimated. The policies introduced were also successful in helping to alleviate poverty. The measures to introduce medical inspections and school meals argues Murray made a significant impact by 1914 over 14 million meals per annum were being provided for 158,000 children the 1907 Act did not compel Local Authorities to set up clinics but by 1914 most were providing medical treatment for children. Murray concludes the social reforms of the pre-war Liberal government had no opportunity to make a major dent in the extreme poverty before the Great War, but there is some evidence to suggest they began to make a di fference in the longer term. (Murray, 1999) In conclusion, the nature and success of the Liberal reforms has been the subject of keen historical debate and almost unparalleled scrutiny, resulting in many conflicting views. It cannot be denied there was scope for more radical reform. However, when taking in to account the contemporary, social values and norms, political climate, and the argument of the state versus individual responsibility this was a bold attempt by the Liberal Administration to introduce radical reform. Such reforms helped to alleviate poverty and paved the way for future reforms, even though the Governments motivation may at times have been based upon expediency and was not always entirely principled or purist. 1 This and the following statistics were taken from the Natioanl statistics website. 2 The Taff Vale judgement prevented Unions from picketing and any union could be liable to pay unlimited damages for losses caused by a strike. 3 Charles Booth and Seebohm Rowntree, undertook major investigations into the extent and causes of poverty in British cities. They discovered that up to 30% of the population of the cities were living in or below poverty levels and the conditions were such that people could not pull themselves out of poverty by their own actions alone. Booth and Rowntree both identified the main causes of poverty as being illness, unemployment and old age. 4 Charles Booth published, Life and Labour of People in London in 1889 and Seeboh Rowntree published, Poverty A study of Town Life in 1901. 5 The Boer War was an attempt by the British to re-impose its control over Southern Africa, and when Britain put pressure on the Boers they had little option other than to fight. The British public expected the war to be over in a few weeks as the Boers were inexperienced and badly equipped. However the defeat of 50,000 Boers took 450,00 British troops and before the end, it cost 22,000 lives and well over à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½200,000,000 of money. 6 The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Bibliography From George III to George VI A brief history of Britain from 1760 to 1952 (S. Reed Brett) An illustrated history of modern Britain 1783 1964 (Denis Richards and J.W. Hunt) The origins of the Liberal Welfare reforms 1906-1914 (J.R Hay) Heinemann Advanced History: Poverty and Public Health 1815-1948 (Rosemary Rees) Access to History: Britain 1895-1918 (Mike Byrne) Life and Labour of People in London (Charles Booth 1889) Poverty A study of town life (Seebohm Rowntree 1901) www.LearningCurve.gov.uk www.nationalachieves.gov.uk http://www.nedrichards.com/docs/libsocref.pdf www.lednum.wordpress.com/2006/09/07/the-liberal-reforms-of-1906-1914/ www.liberalhistory.org.uk www.en.wikipedia.org www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk www.politics.co.uk www.statistics.gov.uk