The Ball Poem

Ferryman writes in his poem about depression and sadness. He uses the little boy and the ball to compare to a situation that most of us readers have experienced. The poem isn't given any specific setting; rather it has very little subjects and objects that leave us, the readers, with a wide imagination. Ferryman uses Symbolism in his poem by writing, â€Å"People will take balls, Balls will be lost always, little boy. † He is comparing the ball to some sort of irretrievable loss that he has experienced. The anguish and agony of losing something so dear to a boy is tough.Being a child, our toys are what we are most important to us. Ferryman knows the relationship between children and their toys and uses it in such ways to explicate the sorrow that this young boy is feeling. Ferryman expresses so much emotion In this poem that it's almost difficult not to feel what this young boy is feeling. â€Å"What Is the boy now, who has lost his ball,† is how the poem begins, theref ore, giving Off sense of mourning and gloom. We get this visual Image that the ball is gone, and that he boy is indefinitely saddened.Because who wouldn't be, by losing anything closest to us. Ferryman uses Imagery by saying, â€Å"l saw It go merrily bouncing, down the street, and then merrily over-?there It Is In the water! † At this point, we see that he set us up for disappointment. We knew that the ball was gone, but now It's clear to where It Is. Lost forever. Throughout, â€Å"The Ball Poem,† Ferryman Is talking about a boy, but at first it isn't known exactly who this boy might be. But at the end of the poem he uses Persona by saying, â€Å"l suffer and move, my mind and my heart move†¦With all that move me, under the water†¦ Or whistling, I am not a little boy. † All of this pain, grief, and sorrow happen to be all about him. He's stating that this boy Is Indeed a reflection of him and his life. John Ferryman experiences, â€Å"the epistemolo gy of loss. † Lonely and Isolated, he has been through a deep and dark time. Through literally elements, Ferryman expresses himself In very Intense and dramatic ways. â€Å"The Ball Poem† gave great examples of mysterious losses but losses that all of us can compare to, whether It's a ball or something more.We all have things we cherish, and we all either have or will suffer a loss. The Ball Poem By Tameness the sorrow that this young boy is feeling. Ferryman expresses so much emotion in this poem that it's almost difficult not to feel what this young boy is feeling. â€Å"What is sense of mourning and gloom. We get this visual image that the ball is gone, and that to us. Ferryman uses imagery by saying, â€Å"l saw it go merrily bouncing, down the street, and then merrily over-?there it is in the water! † At this point, we see that he set us up for disappointment.We knew that the ball was gone, but now it's clear to where it is. Lost forever. Throughout,  "The Ball Poem,† Ferryman is talking about a pain, grief, and sorrow happen to be all about him. He's stating that this boy is indeed a reflection of him and his life. John Ferryman experiences, â€Å"the epistemology of loss. † Lonely and isolated, he has been through a deep and dark time. Through literally elements, Ferryman expresses himself in very intense and dramatic ways. Compare to, whether it's a ball or something more. We all have things we cherish, and

Jane Eyre: Relating to Feminism and Bertha Manson as an Alter Ego

The novel, Jane Eyre, describes the transformation from childhood to adulthood of an orphaned girl named Jane. Bertha Mason, is portrayed as the alter ego of the orphaned girl, Jane Eyre. This statement could be interrupted in many ways. One being-for an example- Bertha being a symbol and representation of Jane’s feeling in regard to the situation of her marrying Rochester. Another is some likeliness of both women’s actions.Jane Eyre may feel as if the matter of marriage is oppressing her. The dreams she received after the engagement suggests she secretly fears being submitted. Also, she may rage at the idea of losing her freedom and yielding to a higher power, which in this case is Rochester. Jane herself does not show all of these emotions, but they are animated through the actions of Bertha. Bertha tearing the bridal veil could stand for a metaphorical sign or warning for Jane as to not get married.On another note, Bertha is also the obstacle that stops the wedding f rom persisting on; she is not only a metaphorical element, but is also a physical obstacle as well. The male dominating aspect relates both Bertha and Jane. Bertha was tied and locked away, showing the bondage and effect Victorian marriage had on mental and emotional health. It suggests that it suffocated women and took away their freedom. Jane was forced and expected to concede at both Gateshead Hall and Lowood Institution. You can read also Analysis of Literary Devices of Jane EyreShe was harassed and also suggested by many that she not be so passionate. Knowing back then women for expected to fit the perfect imagine of civil, mannered, and self contained. Although, Jane was self righteous, opinionated, and passionate when younger. She learned to be well behaved and level headed at Lowood Institution the younger oppressed side of her reveals from her alter ego, Bertha. The likeliness of some events that occurred pertaining to both women does suggest that the madwoman in the attic is indeed the alter ego of Jane.Firstly, Bertha having been locked in a room for about ten years and goes insane. Jane gets locked in the red room at the young age of ten for about five minutes and lashes out hysterically. Secondly, after Bertha attacks Mr Mason she then gets tied up in the attic; Jane, when younger, received a threat to be restrained by her aunt if she did not yield. Lastly, the mad women is mental insane and Jane starts to hear voices. The madwoman in the attic has many symbols and roles that could be interpreted in this novel.Whether it is the horrors of Victorian marriage or the controlled element of the female gender. The statement states that Bertha is the alter ego to Jane Eyre and for many reasons. The madwoman in the attic plays a big role in representing Jane herself and her unconscious and internal conflicts. Including some key emotional events Jane went through in childhood. The relations between the two just goes to show that you can’t quite escape your past characteristics and suppress them for long.

Morality in Politics Essay

Civic virtue is the formation of habits of personal living that are claimed to be important for the success of the community. This term was important to Aristotle’s theories on politics. He felt that all humans should take pleasure in civic virtue and that it was essential for living â€Å"the good life†. Today, our democratic government is well-suited to promote civic virtue and participation of all people in the country. Although times have changed since Aristotle’s days, this ideology can be seen actively in our society. One of the main ideas in Aristotle’s philosophy was teleos, or the purpose or goal of something. To fully understand something, we must also understand its teleos. For example, I have an apple. I know that it is red, kind of round, and grows on a tree, but the real purpose or teleos of that apple to me is food. As far as humans go, Aristotle says that humans are meant to be happy. To be happy, humans must live a life of virtue, which means they always choose what is morally good. Humans have the abilities to think and speak, and therefore decide what is good and bad, right and wrong, etc. People that may think they are living a good life but are not making moral decisions are not truly happy in Aristotle’s eyes. Politics provides a place for people to interact with each other, talk about what is right and wrong, just or unjust, and to make laws reflecting these things. It allows people to participate in their lives, make ethical decisions, and fulfill their happiness potential. Politics is dynamic, unlike math or science that are concrete and unchanging. People can work with each other in politics and work for the greater good. The development of civic virtue allows for a person to relate to their community. It helps them understand their ties to the community and responsibility within it. It helps them see beyond their own personal interests. Some examples of civic virtue would be voting, volunteering, or going to a town meeting. Today, anyone can participate in these things, but Aristotle believed differently. He held that women and slaves were not eligible to participate in politics, and very young men were not ready to participate because they did not understand how the society worked yet. Because of this, a small number of people in his time actually participated in politics compared to today. The American democratic government is well suited for civic virtue. The first reason is that everyone can participate, which means that everyone has the opportunity to become happy people living their life to the fullest. Anyone, provided they are 18 and a citizen, can vote. They can vote for the candidate they feel will represent their moral views and put them into action. People can run for office and put their views to work. Another reason is freedom of speech. Americans have the opportunity to speak freely about issues and share their opinions with others. This helps them create those habits of morality that become a part of their civic virtue. A third reason is the freedom to assemble. Any person can start a club or a group to meet with others. Active participation in public life is essential to civic virtue. A group may be a philanthropy group aimed at helping others. Reciprocity or giving back to the community is another key element of civic virtue. Virtue is closely related to free will. Through active participation, people develop their moral compass and they develop their ideas of what is right and wrong, and their habits of how to react in situations accordingly. People develop their own morality. How can one legislate free will? You cannot. But the legal system can shape morality. By setting laws in certain ways, people will develop their moral views around them. Laws can shape habits by reducing the frequency of certain acts. Giving prison time, fines, probation, and so on can help people learn that they do not want to do the things that caused those punishments. Laws can shape morality as well because people naturally draw influence from other sources. Some may create their moral background on the basis of religion or their family, but the law can be one of those influences as well. The legal system is important for developing morality in society and promoting civic virtue. Civic virtue is important in society. By actively participating in the community, Aristotle believes that people will be ultimately happy. The true purpose of humans is to be happy, and civic virtue is the pathway to this happiness. The American government gives many opportunities for people to participate in both politics and the community, which promotes civic virtue.

Comcast voip telecommunications Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Comcast voip telecommunications - Research Paper Example This age is known as the age of information technology and we see information technology everywhere. In this scenario, Comcast based VoIP is completely an innovative and high-tech technology for the superior management of business and corporate issues. Additionally, Comcast Digital Voice presents a completely new set of alternatives for our home telephone service with the Comcast superior broadband network. For example, Comcast Digital communication and phone service allows us to choose unlimited local as well as long distance communication plans through which we can keep our present telephone number as well as touch-tone telephone. Moreover, we can enjoy all of our preferred options similar to call waiting, voice mail, caller ID and a lot more (OnlineComcast, 2011). This paper outlines strategic Implications of information technology on COMCAST with a focus on VoIP Telecommunications over the next three years. This paper will also present a recommendation on what Strategic Action sh ould be taken. Technology Overview Comcast VoIP has emerged as a modern and high-tech technology service that offers a lot of facilities for the business management. Presently Comcast VoIP service is attracting a large number of VoIP clients every quarter and has extremely quickly turned out to be the nation's (US) 4th major phone carrier. However, they are not only one of the major VoIP communication service providers, but they also present the maximum quality local and international calls. Additionally, the Comcast VoIP Digital phone service offers a range of improved telephone characteristics with cost savings that exceed a lot of customary telephone services. In addition, the modern services of Comcast VoIP technology based service allows its users to keep their present telephone number as well as touch-tone telephone thus offering advantages of countless characteristics similar to improved Voice Mail that allows the users to get and send their messages through online or phone s ystems. Moreover, digital phone service as well allows the users to take pleasure of unlimited local as well as nationwide long distance calls, such as calls to Puerto Rico and Canada at least monthly price. Thus, people are able to save money. It also allows its users to connect TV and Internet service with Comcast phone service and take pleasure pay less for the entire Comcast communication services (Bode, 2008) and (OnlineComcast, 2011). Company  Background For this report I have selected Animusoft Company that is making use of VoIP services offered by ActivePBX. While using traditional VoIP services, Animusoft Corporation faced a lot of problems regarding internal communication of business and departmental interaction. The business is aimed at improving its overall services and potential working capability with new VoIP services. In this way the company will be able to achieve high level performance (Animusoft Corporation, 2011). Current Business Issues of VoIP   VoIP is a c omparatively modern technology. In this scenario, the research work shows that a lot of corporations are now making use of VoIP technology to reduce costs, tonnage efficiency and maintaining strategic position.

Mergers and Aquisitions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Mergers and Aquisitions - Essay Example This is influenced by the fact that in situational contexts where the market economies are in a funk, firms do not engage in much dealing and trade. Consequently, critique provides that the presence and/ or increase of either activities, provides a positive sign of market confidence. Importantly, is the fact both inert human capacity, as well as ‘investor psychology’ are critical towards ensuring brighter futures. This is essentially what leads to the presence of both economic aspects; aimed at alleviating and bettering existing contexts in the international economic arena. In the U.S., just like other international contexts, mergers and/ or acquisitions, from the late 20th century onwards, experienced an upward surge. This is best represented by mega mergers or acquisitions i.e. Spectra Energy Corp (SE) acquisition by Spectra Energy Partners (SEP), which is the paper’s focus; Tokyo Electronic (TOELY) and Applied Materials (AMAT); US Airways (LCC) acquisition by American Airlines (AAMRQ), and Life Technologies (LIFE) acquisition by Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) amongst others in the global arena (InvestorPlace, 2013). The year 2013, though having notched amongst the largest of mergers and acquisitions within recorded human history, it was hardly a year of deal activity; though this did smartly pick up. During the first 9 months, the total volume of U.S. mergers and acquisitions did total to US$865.1 billion; attesting to the great influences, impacts and effects of such economic activities within the global economic sector. Accordingly, Dealogic (a global economic consortium) in its – Dealogic M&A Review [First Nine Months 2013 Final Results Report] – portrays that this figure was a 39% increase, over the same period the previous year. Subsequently, a number of deals did make mega splashes, while others were conducted quietly; with all being influential in the eventual recovery in M&A. such high amounts of monies spent on mergers

What you want Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

What you want - Essay Example Through this paper, I will share my life experience from my own perspective of being in a country that has a mixture foreign students and professionals from different cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds. This will be done in relation to the concepts highlighted in The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery by Don Miguel Ruiz, Don Jose Ruiz and Janet Mills. Humans are unique basing on how they were brought up, cultural background, religion, education level and a myriad of many other factors. However, we are all humans and our brothers’ keepers. I have previously been both hurt and encouraged by the words of others towards me and also hurt others by my words towards them. This has a direct bearing with the book The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery. In their first agreement, Ruiz, Ruiz and Mills (38) urge readers to be impeccable with their word. On the contrary, I have seen students from my years in schools and employees in my professional career suffer emotionally and psychologically from what a colleague said recklessly. This was mainly through stereotypes that people have against different cultures, ethnicities or even races. This remains a major problem both among individuals and societies because they do not want to seek out the truth first before openly airing their views but rather, only rely on age-old s tereotypes. While The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery teaches that people should speak with integrity and only say what they mean, the opposite is being done. I now realize that the perpetrators should have taken their time to learn more about their targets. This will contribute in mutual social cohesion and avoid hurting others. For example, I was once told in school that I was not fit to sit at a certain table in the cafeteria because of my ethnicity, yet it was the only one with space and I ended up eating standing.

FINAL EAM HIS. 101 #2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

FINAL EAM HIS. 101 #2 - Essay Example Plague is also associated with the swelling of the lymph nodes. Plague is a deadly diseases. It resulted in extraordinary cases of mortality in Europe. Because of this, the emergence of plague brought about demographic, economic, and psychological effects. As far as demographic effects id concerned, the Black Death resulted in massive loss of people. The sources claims those two years following the emergence of plague, approximately one of every three people was dead. Furthermore, the findings state that the plague affected both the professionals and the common people. For examples the findings that were collected regarding the loss, soul states that professions suffered higher mortality. The most affected professions were those that tried t control or diagnose the disease. These include the doctors and the clergy. The findings states that approximately two of nine physicians only survived. The plague greatly reduces the productive generation both in the countryside and in the cities. Additionally, the condition did not left behind the university students and the professors. The source has that the whole community of elites suffered. It further states that the condition lead to the closure of the universities and schools located in re gions hardest hit by the disease. This greatly affects the demographic characteristic of the Europe. As far as the economy is concerned, the documented sources states that the plague disrupted the financial business to a greater extend. It lead to the death of debtors and hence forcing the creditors and the money lending institution to remain without recourse. The development of infrastructure was also affected due to loss of artisans. The losses of skilled personnel lead to collapse of mills and other special machinery. The loss of massive population also lead to labor shortages, which, in turn, resulted into negative repercussion such as increase in ages as well as decrease in the prices of goods. This

San Francisco Bart strike Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

San Francisco Bart strike - Essay Example to Reuters, the previous strike and â€Å"The July work stoppage caused between $73 million and $100 million a day in lost productivity for riders, said Rufus Jeffris, spokesman for the Bay Area Council, which studies the local economy.†(October 20, 2013)This is awesome. The present strike within a period of three months has disrupted the economy of San Francisco from all ends. Technological advancement and internet revolution have caused genuine problems for the workers and when advanced technology procedures are introduced, there is the distinct possibility of labor strength being curtailed and a stoppage to new recruitment. The promotional avenues for the existing staff are affected. All these factors lead to discontentment. For example, when computers were introduced in the Banking system, with one computer capable of doing the job of at least ten assistants, it affected job prospects for educated youngsters. But that cannot be the reason for strikes, as technological advancement is the national goal and it is not possible to stop it to please one section of the people To end such a fiasco, highly responsible leadership that will be able to communicate with the mammoth membership of workers effectively is needed. Trade union is a responsive organization. If the organization is not there, where is the union? Similarly if the health and economy of the organization is affected, in the long run it will affect the worker’s interests also. The State and the Federal authorities need to pay serious attention to this so save the people from precarious situations on account of such strikes. . Political interference in the union (some of the political leaders occupy top positions in the trade union hierarchy) matters is the root cause of most of the

Case format in mangment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Case format in mangment - Essay Example Pre-employment tests for controlled substances are really helping various companies and organizations in increasing efficiency of employees by keeping them away from the use of drugs. However, such mechanisms should be made regarding workplace drug testing which should not only help in maintaining a drug-free environment at a workplace but also shouldn’t violate the privacy of an employee during the phase of suspicion-based testing or drug testing. Before probing into the issue of workplace drug testing, we must first get to know what workplace drug testing actually is. The medical analysis of biological specimen of an employee at a workplace is known as workplace drug testing. The main objective of workplace drug testing is to identify the presence of various specified parent drugs and their metabolites in the urine, blood, or saliva of any employee. Some common types of dug tests include urine drug tests, sweat drug screen, saliva drug screen, and alcohol related tests. Its not necessary to perform the drug testing only when an employee joins any specific company or organization. Drug testing can be pre-employment drug testing, post-incident drug testing to determine whether use of drugs was involved in the causation or not, random drug testing, or diagnostic screening. But the most common of all types is applicant testing. Random testing is frequently used for the purpose of safety or security related jobs. Drug testing is an essential not only for keeping the workplace environment drug free but also to improve the efficiency of any specific organization. Sofsian (2005) states that â€Å"Many employers feel it is necessary for prospective employees to submit to a pre-employment drug screening†. Employers of any organization maintain the right to expect the employees working in that organization not to be high on

Girl with a Pearl Earring Essay Example for Free

Girl with a Pearl Earring Essay In the novel Girl With A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier, Griet faces many challenges which causes her identity to change. Though Griet starts out as an innocent maid who has to follow orders, she starts developing her own opinion and the ability to make decisions. Griet changes from an household servant to having the courage to share her opinion to a mature lady, capable of making her own decisions. Many factors contribute to the change in Griet’s identity, but the main factor is Vermeer, her master. At first, Griet is viewed as an innocent girl, who is compelled to work as an maid due to her father’s incapability to provide for her family. She does not want to leave her family and go to an unknown place, but she has to; in order to fulfill her family’s needs’. This is evident when Griet says to her sister, Agnes, â€Å" ‘You know I don’t want to leave. I have to’†(7). When she arrives at the Vermeer household, she is viewed as a helper with the household chores, and a girl who must follow her master’s orders’. Later on, she starts to consider the Vermeer household as her own family. ’I have two families now, and they must not mix’†(53). This quote demonstrates the fact that Griet is adapting to her environment, and that she has started considering them as her family. This illustrates a change in her identity, as she has changed from a compelled and scared young girl to a maid, capable of adapting to a new environment. Throughout the course of the novel, Griet starts developing her own opinion along with the courage to speak her opinion. At first, she just went along with what she was told: â€Å" ‘But he was my master. I was meant to so as he said’†(57). This demonstrates the fact that Griet completes tasks without thinking. Even if she wants to say something, she doesn’t, because she gives her opinion no importance. Griet always had the ability to recognize Vermeer’s paintings’ strengths and weaknesses, but she didn’t have the courage to say it. This changes, due to Vermeer, who forces Griet to give her opinion. â€Å" ‘It is a better painting now’†(64). This supports Griet’s change in identity, form being too scared to speaking her mind to having the courage to give her opinion to her master. Near the end, Griet’s identity has gone through the process of a young maid to a mature lady. At first, Griet’s opinion held no importance. She does not have a say in anything. This is evident when she says, â€Å" ‘ What would I think, madam? ’†(157). Griet has certainly developed an opinion, but not the courage to speak it in front of others. She is aware of her status as a maid. This changes throughout the course of the novel. Griet does develop the courage to take the decision of her life as well as carry it out. â€Å" ‘I did not pick up the knife. I turned and walked from the room’†(215). This quote illustrates Griet’s ability to make and carry out decisions. She is not going to tolerate any wrong accusations, and she has learned to take a stand for herself. This change occurs due to Vermeer and his art. Somewhere in between, Griet realizes that she has had enough, and she’s not going to let anyone come and accuse her of doing something she didn’t do. Vermeer and his paintings made Griet feel that she does hold importance, and no one has the right to accuse her wrongfully. Therefore, Griet’s identity undergoes a lot of changes throughout the novel. First, she is maid who is duty- bound to work in an unknown place due to her family’s needs’. As the book continues, she starts developing her opinion as well as the ability to say it. In the end, she is a mature lady with the capability to decide for herself. All of the changes are due to Vermeer. He was the one who accepted her and allowed her to give her opinion, and he was also the one who rejected her by silently standing there while Griet was being wrongfully accused.

Agriculture Management of Tea Industry

Agriculture Management of Tea Industry Introduction This chapter will give the reader with the clear background of research study, research question, research objectives, justification of research, organisation of study, research framework and brief overview of what will present later in the whole dissertation. 1.1. Background of research study: All organizations evaluate the performance of their employees to find out their relative worth for the job they are doing. Performance is being related to the productivity, it is crucial for the organization to achieve its goals and objectives. Effective performance for the organization means that output can be maintained with fewer numbers of employees. Performing effectively is also of crucial importance to the employee because organizations can no longer tolerate poor performance, they (employees) are more likely to be dismissed. The effective management performance, therefore, is not only vital for the long-term survival of the organizations but is also a moral obligation on the employees. Performance appraisal is considered as the systematic evaluation of individuals to their performance on the job and their potentials for development (Dale S. Beach, 1980: 290). Wendell French has defined performance appraisal as a systematic and periodic assessment of how employees are doing their jobs in relation to established norms and the communication of that kind of assessment to employees. It is a process of evaluation an employees job performance with respect to its requirements. A systematic performance appraisal provides information for making decisions about various issues such as promotions, pay increases, layoffs, training and development and transfers. It is managements powerful tool in controlling human resource and productivity. Managers can improve an employees job performance through clarifying expectations and evaluating performance. Employees also, in general, prefer having some kind of appraisal to develop an appropriate vision of their own effectiveness and opportunities (Wood, 1988). Formal performance appraisal can meet the three needs, one of the organization and the other two of the individuals within the organization: It provides systematic judgments to back up salary increase, transfer, demotion or termination. It is the means of communicating to subordinates the behavior, attitudes, skills or job knowledge and let him know where he stands. It is used as a base for coaching and counseling the individual by his superior 1.2. Selected organisation of study Beginning of tea plantation in Nepal dates back to the year 1863, when Mr. Gajraj Singh Thapa, the Badahakim (Chief Administrator) of Ilam, initiated tea plantation for the first time at Ilam. It is said that he was very much impressed by the taste of tea and fascinating beauty of tea gardens of Darjeeling. So he brought tea-technicians from Darjeeling and made local people join hands in tea plantation. His effort was later followed by planting tea in Ilam and Soktim in the year 1865 (both plantations are still under commercial production). It is believed that the tea seedlings were given by the Chinese government as gift to the then prime minister Jung Bahadur Rana. The first tea processing factory was established in the year 1872, in Ilam Tea Estate. But the further expansion of tea plantation lay virtually stagnant for about a century. No efforts were found to be made by the government or private sector in this direction. It was only in 1959 when Budhkaran Tea Estate was established at Rangiadanga (Maheshpur VDC, Jhapa), the first tea estate in private sector. Soon after this venture, a few other landlords also started tea plantation in Jhapa district, which gave birth to some tea estates such as Satighatta Tea Estate, Himalaya Tea Garden, Nakkalbanda Tea Estate, Mittal Tea Estate, Giribandhu Tea Estate. These tea estates are still among the leading private sector tea companies of Nepal. However, these plantations were done more with the motivation of saving the land from land ceiling being imposed under the Land Ceiling Act in 1963, because all the plantations during that period were started by big land holding families. This can be seen in some of the plantation fields of those days having the tea bushes at the distance of mor e than two feet. These ventures, however, opened the door for other entrepreneurs in tea sector. In the history of tea development in Nepal, the establishment of Nepal Tea Development Corporation (NTDC) is considered to be a landmark to augment the tea cultivation. NTDC was established in 1966, with the joint effort of the Government and Overseas Development Administration (ODA), Britain with the objective of making the country self-reliant in tea by producing more tea, thereby, substituting import of tea and earn foreign currency by exporting quality tea. Soon after its establishment, NTDC took over the first two tea plantations, namely, Ilam and Soktim tea estates. NTDC then extended tea plantation in Kanyam (Ilam) in the year 1971, with the aim of producing exportable quality tea. One year later, another tea garden was established in Tokia (Jhapa) in 1972. Keeping in view of the increasing internal demand of tea another tea estate was established in Barne (Shantinagar VDC, Jhapa). Later, two more tea estates, namely, Barradashi (Jhapa) and Chilingkot (Ilam) were established; making altogether seven tea estates under the ownership and management of NTDC. Despite its significant contribution for the development of tea cultivation, the only government owned corporation faced acute financial and managerial problems in the latter years, and eventually NTDC was leased out to the private sector in the year 2000. The management of NTDC was handed over for 50 years to Triveni Group, with the condition of keeping all workers in as it was form and terminating all staff under voluntary retirement scheme with extra two months salary as a golden handshake. Besides these plantations by government and private sectors, small growers started tea cultivation in the nearby VDCs of Kanyam, when NTDC established Kanyam Tea Estate. Some 40 small farmers started tea cultivation in some VDCs of Ilam district, such as, SriAntu, Kolbung, Kanyam, Fikkal, Pashupatinagar, Panchakanya, Laxmipur, and Godak. With the encouragement and technical support provided by NTDC, tea cultivation at small farmers level, expanded gradually in different parts of other districts, namely, Panchthar, Terhathum, Dhankuta, and Jhapa. In view of good prospect of tea cultivation in the Eastern Region, the Government declared these five districts as Tea Zone in the year 1982 and accordingly adopted a favorable policy to encourage tea farmers in private sector. The facilities incorporated in the policy included: providing easy loan to tea cultivators from Agriculture Development Bank with 50 percent subsidy in the interest on loan for the first 5 years in Terai and 7 years in hills, exemption from land-ceiling for tea cultivation and 90 percent rebate on land-tax. With the objective of extending technical services, seedlings and transport facilities, small farmers offices were established under NTDC in Fikkal, Manglabare and Jasbire of Ilam; Chilingden of Panchathar; Solma of Terhathum; and Hile of Dhankuta districts. All these efforts contributed quite positively to the expansion of tea cultivation, which consequently gave birth to the concept of Bought Leaf Factory. The first processing unit of this kind was established in the year 1989, at Fikkal of Ilam district. The enactment of Industrial Enterprise Act by the Government encouraged and facilitated more to the extension of tea cultivation. Industrial Enterprise Act, 1992 (amended in 1998) has an objective of encouraging the promotion of manufacturing industries in the country by making the environment of industrial investment more congenial and straight forward. The Act has categorized tea cultivation and processing industry as an agro-based industry which fall under national priority industries like horticulture and fruit processing, vegetable and seed farming, sericulture and silk production, animal husbandry etc. The Act has proposed some concessions to the agro-industries with an income tax exemption for a period of five years from the date of commercial production. If the tea industry wants to invest in the pollution controlling mechanism or equipment, then a reduction of up to 50 percent is granted in the taxable income. Such remission may be deducted on a lump sum or an installment with a period of three years. The Ninth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) gave a high priority to agro-based industries such as tea plantation and processing. The plan recognized agro-based industries as the basis of industrialization in the country. This plan emphasized on the plantation of high-valued Orthodox tea for export. Similarly it placed importance on the promotion of CTC tea for domestic consumption. During the plan period, total tea area was projected to be 4564 hectare and total tea production was projected to be 4101 mt. from 3156 ha. Agriculture Development Bank actively disbursed credit to the tea sector during 1996-1997. As a result, the number of CTC planters under tea estates and out growers category increased rapidly. The reasons for increase in plantations, as responded by the tea planters, were: Good rate of returns as compared to traditional farming. Availability of bank credit attracted tea plantation. High demand for tea in both domestic and foreign market (esp Orthodox tea). Peer pressures also motivated out growers to start tea plantation. The other reason was that other food crops could not be grown in the land adjoining tea plantation. By the use of insecticides and pesticides in the tea plantation, insects are flushed out and take refuge in the nearby land which devours the crops. 1.2.1. Types of Tea: Generally two types of tea are produced in Nepal. One variety that is grown in the hilly region is called Orthodox tea. Orthodox tea has a huge demand in overseas countries and its export is increasing over the years. The major markets of Nepalese Orthodox tea are Western Europe and North America. Similarly, tea grown in Terai (plain area) especially in Jhapa district is called CTC (Crush, tear and Curl) tea, which accounts for more than 95% of the total domestic tea consumption. 1.2.1.1. Orthodox Tea: Black tea, in the form of traditional leaf tea produced from hill grown tea, particularly Chinese type of tea is known as Orthodox tea. The Orthodox tea, particularly popular for its aroma, is considered as premium tea all over the world (Singh, 2001). This tea is produced from the leaves of tea bushes in the eastern hilly region. Despite its long plantation history, the production and productivity of Orthodox tea have been low due to lack of conducive govt. policy, high cost of production (and therefore expensive) lack of technical know-how, and CTC oriented domestic market. However, the increasing demand of hill-orthodox tea in the overseas market provides good prospect of tea cultivation in the hilly region of Nepal. 1.2.1.2. CTC Tea: CTC tea, commonly used by majority of tea consumers of the world (produced in Jhapa district) is popular for its color. The manufacturing process of CTC tea consists of withering of leaves, rolling, fermenting, and drying through mechanical devices. Furthermore, sorting is done with the help of machine in different grades such as brokens, fannings, and dust. 1.2.2. Present Status of Tea Industry: Tea Industry includes all Tea Estates, processing plants, small growers, Packeters and marketers that are directly involved in production and marketing of tea. National Tea Policy-2000 defines Tea Industry as the tea cultivation with the registration of industry in the land availed under the concession of land ceiling facilities and having ones own processing plant. Although tea industry has a long history of more than a century, in real sense it is only after the establishment of Nepal Tea Development Corporation. Ltd. in 1966, that tea cultivation flourished in Nepal. At present, there are 128 tea estates and 45 tea processing factories as registered in NTCDB. Out of these 24 tea estates have their own processing factories whereas 21 tea processing factories do not have their own tea gardens. In addition to these, there are 20 tea packaging industries and export import agencies related to tea marketing. Tea industry in Nepal has developed under three different ownership status and management, namely, Public Estates, Private Estates and Small Holders. The only government owned and managed, NTDC was privatized in the year 2000. All these three types of tea producers have contributed significantly for the expansion of tea cultivation. The efforts made by Government and private sector entrepreneurs including small farmers have been the driving force for the extension of tea in the hills and Terai. Some of the important steps taken by the Government over the last 25 years include establishment of NTDC, implementation of outgrows scheme, declaration of tea zone, and policy package including facilities like providing loan and subsidy on bank rate, exemption from land ceiling and land tax etc., establishment of NTCDB, and issuing of National Tea Policy-2000. The organization structure in all the tea estates under study was not presented clearly in the charts. However, the procedures and processes being practiced in carrying out the everyday tasks in tea industry are more or less similar in most of the cases. On the basis of the management system being adopted in the tea gardens consisting of different levels and statutory requirements, a common type of organization structure could be designed. The common structural pattern of tea estates is presented in Fig. 1.1. Fig. 1.1 Structural Pattern of a Tea Garden Owners / Board of Directors Managing Director Labor Welfare Officer Asst. Manager (Factory) Office Finance Officer Asst. Manager (Field) Factory Babu Main Mechanic Garden Babu Garden Clerk Head Clerks Accountant Computer Operator Asst. Health Worker Staff Nurse Sisters Electrician Mechanic Fitter Babu Main Sardar Sardar Dafadar Chaprasi Bajliwala Kalwalla Sardars Bahidar Main Sardar Munshi Weathering Rolling Storing Workers Workers Tea Maker Tea Worker Tea Maker Workers Manager Medical Officer Asst. L.W.O. Asst. Clerk Asst. Accountant Peon In practice the estates in Nepal were having typically a very simple line organization structure to administer the day to day routine operations. Fig. 1.2 exhibits a typical form of common organization structure found in all tea estates, though it was not formally exhibited in charts. Each tea estate consisted of a manager with whole responsibility to look after the garden and the factory both as routine work. His roles were more of a technician with the knowledge of tea gardening and processing than a manager. Under the manger were appointed an assistant manager or an officer known as factory in-charge whose main roles and duties were related with running the tea processing factory with the help of technical assistants. And in the garden there were a few assistants called Sardars to supervise the field work whereas in the office were an accountant/clerks. Attendance-keepers called Hazira-Babus and a peon. On the basis of field visits and observation in different tea estates the exis ting common organization structure could be drawn as under. Fig. 1.2 Organization Structure of Tea Estates Owners / Board of Directors Managing Director Mechanics, Fitters Sardars Asst. Fitters Peon Guards Field Workers Workers Manager Office Accountant Factory Incharge Field Incharge Senior Sardars Clerks Computer Operators Attendance Keeper Sardars Bahidars 1.3. Research question Is the performance appraisal practice key to pay rise, training and development, promotion or termination of the employee in the tea industry of Nepal? 1.4. Research objectives The specific objectives of this study were: To examine how employee performance is appraised in an organization. To evaluate the effectiveness of performance appraisal system in the organization. To analyze the relationship between performance appraisal and the factors like pay rise, training and development, promotion or termination of employee in an organization. 1.5. Justification of research Tea industry which occupies an important position in the national economy is growing extensively mainly in the eastern region of Nepal. It is, being one of the most labor intensive, agro-based industries; it involves a great deal of workforce, which provides direct employment to about 41000 workforces. After the privatization of Nepal Tea Development Corporation in 2000, the change in ownership is also accompanied by deep changes in organizational procedures and culture that could have a profound effect on enterprise behavior and performance (Manandhar, 2002: 37). There have been only a few research studies in the field of human resource management in private enterprises of Nepal. And there has not yet been any specific research conducted in performance appraisal in tea industry of Nepal. So, in view of the poor research-based on performance appraisal and the lack of knowledge existing in this field, the research work is virtually called for the streamlining of performance appraisal practices. Research can lead to an increased understanding of and improvement in performance appraisal practices. It can provide insights for managers as they attempt to increase employee productivity and satisfaction while reducing absences and turnover. Research can also identify potential problem areas related to performance appraisal Lack of specific research in this field has encouraged the researcher to take up the task of conducting a comprehensive research with the purpose of examining and analyzing the actual performance appraisal practices in tea industry of Nepal. This study will reveal a clear picture about the existing state of performance appraisal practices in tea industry. The outcome of the study may serve as a research infrastructure on which further researches can be built. And the information and conclusions derived from this study may be useful and helpful for practicing managers, as well as planners, policy makers and other agencies concerned, through better understanding of performance appraisal practices relating to tea industry. Thus, it is a modest attempt towards examining and understanding performance appraisal practices in tea industry of Nepal. 1.6. Structure of dissertation Chapter 1: Introduction: In the first chapter of dissertation covers with background information followed by the selected organisation of study, research question, research objectives, justification of study, structure of dissertation and end with research framework. Chapter 2: Literature review: The second chapter reviews relevant literature of performance appraisal consisting of academic and institutional researches, seminar and survey reports, and articles. Also it includes purpose of performance appraisal and methods of PA. The literature showed that there is positive and strong relationship between performance appraisal and pay rise, promotion or termination, and training and development of employee. Chapter 3: Methodology: This chapter deals with the general theories of research like phenomenology and positivism and shows the relevance of phenomenology for this research study. Apart from this, it includes the types of research like inductive and deductive research where the researcher applies the inductive research approach. Finally the data collection tools, techniques, analysis and interpretation methods are dealt briefly in this chapter. Chapter 4.Finding/result: This chapter presents all collected data from primary and secondary sources in tabular form for analysis in order to achieve the goal of the dissertation. Chapter 5: Analysis and discuss of finding: This chapter deals with the results of the data analysis and discussion on the findings. Chapter 6: Conclusion and recommendation: This chapter deals with summarizes major findings of the study and forwards some suggestions 1.7. Research framework Figure 1.3. Research framework: PROBLEMS LITERATURE REVIEW OBJECTIVES FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS PROBLEMS CONCLUSIONS PROBLEMS RECOMMENDATIONS PROBLEMS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Primary Data Questionnaires Interviews Secondary Data PAS Model of Tea Industry Analysis of Organisations Operating Systems and Performance CHAPTER: TWO Literature Review 2.1. Performance Appraisal The essence of the concept of the HRM is that people working in the organization are viewed as a valuable resource. If these people are managed properly, they can boost productivity through commitment and capability. HRM lays emphasis on the importance of integrating personnel functions (recruitment, selection, appraisal, reward, development, industrial relations, grievance and discipline, retirement, redundancy, dismissal) into the overall strategic management of the organization obligation on the employees. The effective management of performance is not only vital for the survival of the organization but is also in the best interest of the employees. The underlying assumption of performance management is that the individual employees can satisfy their needs and objectives by contributing to the attainment of the organizations objectives. This may result in employees motivation and greater job-satisfaction which is at the core of HRM (Foot and Hook 2008).The performance appraisal process generally consists of the following six steps as depicted in Figure 1 (Decenzo and Robbins, 1998). Table 2.1. The Performance Appraisal Process Establishment of performance standards Communicate the performance expectations to employees Measure actual amount of performance Compare the actual performance with standards Discuss appraisal with the employee If necessary, take corrective action Performance appraisal begins with the establishment of clear and objective standards of performance evolved out of job analysis and job description. These standards need to be communicated to the employees. Subordinates have to receive and understand the information properly. The third step is the measurement of the actual performance. For this, four measures can be utilized by managers, namely, personal observation, satisfied reports, oval reports and written reports. The fourth step is the comparing of the actual performance with standards. If any deviations are found between standards and actual performance, the manager may proceed to the fifth step to discuss the appraisal with the employees. Final step of appraisal is taking corrective action when it requires The objectives of performance appraisal can be classified by different ways but according to (Harrison, 1995) to the objectives of performance appraisals are i. administrative: which determine orderly way of promotion, transfers and increase of payment. ii. Informative: supplying the relevant data to management team according to performance of subordinates and weakness and strengths of individual. iii. Motivational: create good environment to employee which motivate staff to develop themselves and to improve their performance According to (Randell, et al. 1972) the main purpose of staff appraisal is to evaluate, auditing, constructing succession plans, motivating staff, developing individuals and checking. Similarly according to (Lefton, 1997 ) performance appraisal can be defined by mainly four characteristics a. its formal b. it tries to find out why and how a subordinates is doing the job c. it tries to explore how subordinate can do better way in a job d.it always tries to produce benefits for subordinate, the organization and the superior. Performance evaluation systems in Nepalese organizations are mandatory. The results of performance appraisal are not used in terms of career development, reward management and employee training and development. The results are mostly used to decide whether to promote employees or not (Adhikari, 2006).The main purpose of performance evaluation in government and public enterprises is the promotion of employees. It is not used for performance feedback to employees, reward management and identifying the needs of training and development. In civil service, 40 percent of performance appraisal is confidential and thus non transparent to employee (Agrawal, 2001). Three different approaches exist for doing appraisals. Employees can be appraised against (i) absolute standards, (ii) relative standards, or (iii) objectives (MBO). However, no one approach is always best. Absolute standards are individual oriented whereas relative standards rank individuals. Management by objectives facilitates continuous improvement of performance results. Most of the private sector enterprises in Nepal lack systematic performance appraisal system. Personal judgment and subjective assessment of owner-manager serves as the key criteria for performance appraisal (Agrawal, 1982). Formal and systematic performance appraisal system was non-existent in tea industry of Nepal. Promotion is the vertical movement of an individual in an organizations hierarchy, enhanced status, accompanied by increased responsibilities, and usually with increased income, though it is not always so (Monappa and Engineer, 1999). It is the advancement of an employee to a higher job-rank in the organizational hierarchy accompanied by a pay rise (Pigors and Myers, 1981: 303). Employees consider their ultimate success of their career and performance in terms of the number and frequency of promotion they get during their service. Yoder et al observed that promotion gives incentive to initiative, ambition and enterprise, unrest and minimizes discontent, attracts capable personalities, appropriate logical training of advancement, and forms and effective reward for cooperation and loyalty, long term service, etc. (Yoder,1979). It increases satisfaction in the employees that their talents and capabilities are being recognized. In turn, they trust the organization and devote for the acco mplishment of organizational goals and objectives. In Nepal, the Civil Service Act was promulgated in 1956 which stated that promotion should be given to civil service personnel on the basis of work efficiency (Civil Service rule, 1993). Many changes have been done in the promotion system of the employee in the government organization since that time. The Administrative Reform Commission formed under the chairmanship of Mr. Vedananda Jha suggested that the promotion criteria for civil service personnel should include (a) seniority, (b) experience, (c) academic qualification and training, and (d) departmental performance report including co-operative attitude. Another Administration Reform Commission formed under the chairmanship of Mr. B.B. Thapa noted as promotion occupied special importance in the career development of employees, so capability to hold higher promotion and the capacity to perform the work satisfactory in the present position were the main criteria of promotion (Government of Nepal, 1996, Report of Commission). Amend ments were done in the Civil Service Rules in 1978 and 1983. Similarly the Administrative Reform Committee formed under the chairmanship of the then prime-minister Mr. G.P. Koirala in 1991 emphasized performance oriented promotion system. The new Civil Service Act, 1993 laid stress on performance ability with criteria such as past performance, seniority, work experience of remote area, and academic qualification. Similarly, the comparative weight-ages of promotion criteria of civil service employees were changed after 1992. NASCs study on promotion system of civil services stated that there was lack of clarity in its purpose and no consistency in the average promotion period between level and services. The risk of subjectivity in merit rating was a major apprehension in the minds of civil servants for giving more weight to merit rating. Even the performance evaluators views were in favor of no link of the promotion with the performance. Basic perquisites for sound performance appraisal practices, such as clear organizational and sectional objectives, individual job descriptions, adequate and reliable information system etc. were not properly provided in the civil service. Majorities were in favor of number allotting 50 percent of seats to the promotion by competitive examination as compared to the exiting 25 percent, in some cases even less. Williams (1972) ascertained that managers lacked adequate means or determination to control the motivation and productivity of their workforce. Job description, performance appraisal and output indicators were non-existent; rewards and sanctions were irrationally applied; salaries were not genuinely related to knowledge and or effort requirements; offices had inadequate facilities; poor co-operation and limited delegation. The top of the decision making level was congested by trivialities while middle-level staff were in a soporific frenzy over the responsibilities for complex planning and fiscal matter. The review presented above fairly indicates that the limited attempts have been made to study personnel / HR management practices in public and private enterprises of Nepal. Those studies have shed light on some aspects of personnel / HR management, however, the concluding remark indicates that personnel /HR management in the past remained neglected areas of management. This review a lso indicates that no systematic attempts have been made to study HRM practices in tea industry of Nepal. This knowledge gap has called for a systematic study which could bridge up such a gap. The present study is an attempt in that direction. 2.2. Purpose of performance appraisal It can be appeared at first glance that performance appraisals are applied for a kind id narrow purpose to assess who is doing a better job (or not). Even so genuinely performance appraisals are one of the most various tools available to managers. They may operate many purposes that profit both the employee whose performance is being appraised and the organisation. Table 2.2.Purpose of performance appraisal ADMINISTRATIVE DEVELOPMENT Decide on lay offs Describe individuals weaknesses and strengths Determine retention and termination Describe individual training needs Document personal decisions Provide performance feedback Find out promotion conditions Acknowledge individual performance Determine transfers and assignments Measure goal achievement Describe poor performance Assist in goal identification Evaluate training progress/program Determine the organizational training needs Personal planning Reinforce authority design

Recession in the Hotel Industry

Recession in the Hotel Industry A marketing environment comprises of macro and micro elements. Marketers should consider both internal and external environments to understand the whole of the market in which they want to sell their products or services (Masterson and Pickton, 2004). Normally, in a time of recession, customers do not spend too much money on overseas holidays (Mintel, 2009), because they see them as a luxuries. One could expect, therefore, customers would prefer take short city breaks or a domestic holiday. Businessman also may choose budget priced accommodation for their business trips. Moreover, consumer-spending power has diminished, as they have had to draw-in their purse strings, although levels of personal disposable income have been maintained to a degree because of historically low interest rates. Mintel(2010) estimates that personal disposable income stagnated between 2004 and 2009. The hotel industry has been notably affected by the recession. Environment analysis using such models as, PRESTCOM, Porters Five Forces, SWOT Analysis and Segmentation can be used to examine the effect of the recession upon the hotel industry and for this reason models will be used in this report. 2.1.1 POLITICAL Up to 1978, the hotel industry developed rapidly but after that date, the economy increasingly became market-oriented. This improvement created a much better environment for the industry in which to develop (Hornsby, 1990). According to Kotler (1996), the political environment strongly affects the hospitality industry. The political environment is comprised of laws, government agencies and pressure groups that influence and limit the activities of various organisations and individuals in society. Furthermore, the EU has proposed plans to sponsor holidays for individuals who do not have enough money to travel. According to Travel Weekly (2010), these plans assist many customers with financial problems to have a holiday. For example, young persons aged from 18 to 25, disabled people and pensioners, etc. The idea to help these people travel was put forward by Antonio Tajani, the EU Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, who declared that a holiday is a human right. Therefore, this proposal could actually stimulate consumption and offer individuals more opportunities to have holidays. Perhaps this might be good news for the hotel industry during the recession. 2.1.2 REGULATORY An environment that is regulated protects companies from each other. While most businesses praise the virtues of competition, they try to counteract it when it affects them. Another way is try to restrict a companys unfair dealings and illegal transactions. Furthermore, regulation also aims to protect consumers from unfair business practices. If unregulated, firms might provide unsafe, low quality products, poor services, be untruthful in their advertising or deceive through packaging and pricing. VisitBritain, the body, which aims to promote UK tourism, has launched a  £6.5 million advertising campaign outside the UK to promote the affordability of Britain as a destination. However, it calls for this investment to be matched by the UK government have so far been unsuccessful (Mintel, 2009). Moreover, hotel and restaurant taxes have become a popular source of revenue for local government. Hotel taxes are supposed to be used to support tourism; however, how this money is spent has been subject to liberal interpretation. Therefore, hotel managers should make sure that these taxes, which are designated to promote tourism, are used properly and effectively. 2.1.3 ECONOMIC FACTORS One factor that complicates the situation is the weakness of the pound against the Euro and Dollar. Sterling has lost value rapidly over the last year. In July 2008, one pound would still buy $2 but by November 2008, it was worth only $1.48, the lowest level for 6 years. Similarly, at one point the pound was almost equal in value to one Euro. While this is bad news for people buying goods or travelling outside the UK, it also means that UK goods and services become more attractively priced from the point of view of Euro Zone or USA travellers (OGrady, 2008) The economical environment is comprised of the following factors: Wage inflation: During a recession wages might increase. It is depends upon decisions to cut or increase wages that are made by employers. Therefore, hotel managers should pay more attention to income distribution as well as average earnings. Price inflation: In a recession, if the economy declines then commodity prices will rise. This factor will influence the decisions customers make whether to travel or not. Gross domestic product per capita (GDP): The most important economic factors are customers purchasing powers and spending patterns. GDP can indicate the magnitude of these factors, because total purchasing power depends on current incomes, prices, savings and credit. Hotel managers, therefore, must be aware of major trends in income and changing consumer-spending patterns. Exchange rates: The UK economy has weakened, the value of the pound against the Euro has decreased and therefore, customers might choose domestic tourism for their holidays. Even during a recession, customers still holiday but prefer to take short breaks to reward themselves. Mintels Annual Survey of Spending Priorities in 2009 showed that holidays remain the leading concern for consumers, despite the recession. Furthermore, all other leading consumer priorities showed little change compared to pre-recessionary times. Specifically, hotels in the UK appear relatively cheap since the fall in the value of sterling and hence more attractive to inbound travellers and tourists. At the same time, this means it is less attractive for UK holidaymakers to travel to the Euro Zone or USA and more attractive to stay at home. 2.1.4 SOCIAL FACTORS The age profile of the UK population is increasing. Furthermore, Mintels (2009) exclusive consumer research reveals that older adult usage of budget hotels is slightly below the national average; however, it is somewhat more than for young people. However, even during the recession, some people remain unaffected and they still stay in luxury hotels, such as, the Ritz or the Hilton. They do not care about the cost because they lead a luxurious lifestyle. Although these people have not changed their pattern of consumption, however, most customers will be affected by the recession and they might prefer to choose budget and not mid-range hotels when they travel. 2.1.5 TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS Technology has a significantly affected the hotel industry in many ways, for example, Travelodge launched a free iPhone application that allows users to locate their five nearest Travelodges by GPS. They can see the availability, prices and book rooms. Moreover, customers can reserve their accommodation or check-in by via internet. In addition, they can obtain information via new platforms, such as, Facebook or Twitter. These and other technological advances help companies to become more effective in the marketplace, however, internet penetration levels and demographic breakdowns might make operators use of this distribution channel ever more viable. If firms adopt useful technological advances, they will gain a competitive edge. 2.1.6 COMPETITION FACTORS Since hotels are a service industry, human resources have become an indispensable element of the market. If the turnover ratio of employees is low, the centripetal of employees will be strong. As a result, the company will have the advantage of competition. The main substitutes who could replace the customers decision in the UK hotel market are those from other countries. Foreign customers may plan to visit the UK from places where they live, such as, France and Spain. However, Country House or Bed Breakfast hotels and so on which could also threaten substitutes in the UK domestic hotel industry. Hotels find themselves with different problems compared to their entrants. These problems include a high barrier of exit and entry costs with the investment. Thus, the large capital investment required to build a hotel represents a sunk cost. Hotels may not meet all their debt payments, taxes and other fixed costs but they can produce enough profit to cover their costs. Even they are perhaps prepared to operate at a loss rather than close their doors completely. However, when there is an oversupply of hotels but the total number of rooms remains the same, the result will be a price war within the industry. 2.1.7 ORGANISATIONAL FACTORS A Hotel manger should decide how to engage with the process of hostelry management using his/her capability and skills and be able to adjust and develop it to adapt to customer needs and preferences. For example, if a hotel could provide a high quality service or promote a particular customer-desirable activity then client return ratio will be increased. However, the problem that faces the hotel industry is recruiting qualified staff that can satisfy the standard of service required by customers. Most service employees lack the knowledge and skills to provide a service that meets international standards. This may be because employees have not received adequate training in the skills that are required. For instance, Whitbread has decided to open 1,700 Premier Inn rooms across the UK during 2009 and 2010. Whitbread is planning to increase their market share of the UK hotel industry. It will attempt to achieve this by building up its market position and providing customers with cost-effective packages (Mintel, 2009). It also plans to develop their booking platform, enhance their sales and put into place the next phase of its revenue management system. 2.1.8 MARKET FACTORS In the market sector, the most important thing is the customer; firms should affirm the clients they want to reach and their market segmentation. At the end of 2007, the UK hospitality as well as the hotel industry worldwide had been hardly affected by the recession and many commentators predicted that this would last until at least 2010. In the course of a few months, by early 2009, consumers had radically changed their attitudes and consumption. The optimism that had been expressed earlier could not be sustained (Mintel, 2009). The number of business travellers choosing budget hotels for their commercial trips is increasing. Moreover, the start of this trend corresponds to the beginning of the recession in 2008. Many companies have reduced their budget for commercial travel in response to recessionary conditions; therefore, commercial travellers now use budget hotels rather than mid-market ones. Green holidays and the effect of frequent air travel upon the environment are being raised as concerns (Bainbridge, 2009). Customers who want to reduce the effects of their pollution upon the environment choose to holiday within the UK (Bainbridge, 2009). However, these concerns are not entirely beneficial for the UK hospitality industry because overseas tourists share these beliefs, so this could reduce inbound tourism into the UK. Saving the environment, however, is currently a relatively low priority for most consumers but studies indicate that green issues will gradually become more important in the future (Key Note, 2009). A previous study has claimed that more customers prefer to holiday in the UK because of green considerations and as an alternative to flying abroad. Therefore, in 2008, travellers might choose the ferry to holiday as a greener alternative (Key Note, 2009). Budget hotels have made important investments in order to close the gap with mid-market brands. The three top most improved brands in terms of advertising awareness are Premier Inn, Travelodge and Holiday Inn Express. 2.2 SWOT analysis 2.2.1 Strengths The UK, like many other countries, after rapid economic growth with an open policy has now become one of the worlds most attractive places for travellers. On a positive note, the hotel market in the UK is a strong and sophisticated one that offers a wide range of options, which could meet different types of customer needs. This includes internationally famous brands as well as smaller individual enterprises. Moreover, there is a powerful promotion and support system in place for tourists through organisations, such as, VisitBritain. Moreover, the range of hotels offering different prices could meet individual consumer needs. Luxury, middle range, budget and even the country house hotel could satisfy every consumer. In addition, the growth of the budget hotel sector opened up a wider range of clients to the hotel market. In the past ten years, due to the rise in the level of consumers disposable incomes, the short break leisure market has grown. This phenomenon has allowed customers to have more domestic holiday choice and encourage travel within the UK. This trend has proven very positive for the hotel industry. Another factor that has strengthened the hotel market is the online reservation system. Customers are able to search for information, accommodation and book rooms online. This system is not only convenient for customers it is also efficient. 2.2.2 Weaknesses Profitability is a major concern for hotels. They worry about losing money during the course of chain operations. In addition, there remains an absence of an efficient system to monitor hotel management, which includes employees and retired employees etc (Gavin, 1997). The existing weaknesses in the hospitality industry are described below. Recession has been the influential factor from 2004 to 2009. As noted by Keynote (2010), the number of visits peaked in 2007 but fell during 2008 by one million. In the face of room oversupply, occupancy rates averaged approximately sixty percent but this figure fell by eight percent during 2007 to 2008 (Keynote, 2010). In an attempt to counter this fall, prices were reduced but this may diminish profitability. Mid-market hotels are coming under pressure, being squeezed, between budget and luxury hotels. Competition in the mid- and budget hotel market is becoming more intensive and probably there will be a price war. The performance of the global economy has a direct influence on the cost of hotel equipment. These costs have been rising and consequentially the financial burden has become heavier. 2.2.3 Opportunities Many tourist and hotel officials now believe that the UK will become the worlds most attractive visitor destination by 2011. This is considered an encouraging sign and a great opportunity for those who want to expand their hotel business in the UK. Any expansion is anticipated to be within the mid- or low-grade hotel sector. The demand for high star rated luxury hotels among the various hotel management groups is not expected to rise (WTO, 1999). In late 2008, the pound fell against foreign currencies and was very nearly equal to one Euro. This means that UK services, including hotels and tourist attractions have become more attractive to overseas tourists as they get more value from their Euros or dollars. The development of a global online reservation system will not only make hotels easily reachable but also provide an opportunity to access a wider client base. According to Keynote (2008), the age profile of the UK population is increasing. Many consumers that belong to this enlarged senior sector of the population have disposable assets, which they use to enjoy their leisure. In addition, the number of retirees is rising, which will have a positive effect upon the hotel market. In the next decade, due to a number of organized activities, such as, the 2012 London Olympics, more attention will be paid to the UK by the international market and it is anticipated that this will promote a growth in demand from overseas visitors for accommodation. Few leisure facilities, for example, restaurants and bars can cope with any extra business and, therefore, they are unable to create potential sales from the local area and hotels. 2.2.4 Threats Since 2004, the long-stay leisure market, that is, stays involving five nights or more has been in decline. Moreover, the number of long-stay hotel rooms booked in 2008 decreased by more than a half compared to 2006, at eleven million (BMRC, 2009). The threat of terrorist activities could discourage overseas travellers to stay in the UK. The success of the budget hotel sector is a threat to mid- and upmarket hotel chains. During the recession, customers may choose low price accommodation for their tourism. For example, self-catering and other less expenditure styles of accommodation manifest a big threat at this time. Some budget airline companies that offer low-priced flights to travellers for short weekend breaks may compete with domestic travel in the UK. 2.3 Porter Five Forces The structure of the hotel industry strongly affects competition between its members, which in turn directs decisions about the choice of strategies that are used by them. Therefore, Porters Five Forces analysis will be used to investigate the industry. New Entrants Government policies against entrants Fixed cost is huge Hard to access further credit Investments cannot be recovered immediately Buyers Large hotel, power low; Small hotel, power high Customers as a group have more power Sign contract gain more bargaining power Suppliers Bargaining power depends on the size of the hotel Unique technology and resources Switching costs Competitors Competition within luxury, mid-market and budget hotels Customers change consumption to budget hotels. Little effect on luxury hotels Substitutes Camping, caravan clubs, BB and country houses etc Camping and Caravan clubs had their best ever year in 2008 An attractive option for the budget conscious consumer The analysis includes the threat of new entrants, competitive rivalry within the industry, the threat of substitutes and the bargaining powers of buyers and suppliers. 2.3.1 The threat of new entrants Suitable hotel sites are not easy to find and building costs are very high. Furthermore, investments cannot immediately be recovered, especially during the period of construction. This factor represents a strong barrier to entering this market. The UK has enjoyed some of its highest periods of growth in property prices in recent years. The construction industry has been badly affected by the latest recession. Developers are hardly able to gain credit to support large scale building schemes; therefore, many hotel projects have stalled (Blitz, 2009). Aside from new developments, hotel managers who are unable to access further credit are finding things more difficult. Larger operators and branded chains are able to look to the medium and long-term over which a boom for hotels and travel are predicted due to emerging markets but smaller operators have less access to the resources that they will need in order to survive the next couple of years (Blitz, 2009). As a result, the threat of new entrants into hospitality industry is limited. 2.3.2 The competitive rivalry within industry In economic downturns, competition occurs within upmarket, midmarket and budget hotels. Mid-market hotels usually cater for tourists who do not travel a lot; also, their rooms are priced much higher than in budget hotels. In general, when the economy is in recession, consumer-spending power is less, therefore, they might choose lower priced accommodation. At the same time, budget hotels continue with their strong development plans to offer extra rooms through the expansion of new property. The development of budget hotels has eroded the mid-hotels market sector. However, the upmarket hotels have been little affected. Their customers are less likely to change their consumption patterns. The lifestyles of these customers engender very high consumption. Their expenditure would not change because they are not price sensitive. That is to say, no matter how prices changes, they will continue consuming. 2.3.3 The threat of substitutes There are some substitutes in this market, such as, camping, caravan clubs and BB and country houses. Mintel (2009) predicted that these holidays are an attractive option for budget conscious consumers. These substitutes will benefit from an increase in the number of families who because of financial reasons elect to stay in UK in 2009 and 2010. The Camping and Caravan Club market had their best ever year in terms of recruitment during 2008 (Mintel, 2009). Camping holidays are predicted to do rather better over the next few years before the long-term trend towards decline is re-instated. However, growth in this area might not be good news for the hotel industry, as by definition a stay in a hotel does not count as such for this type of holiday. 2.3.4 The bargaining power of buyers The hotel industry is faced by fierce competition. Companies will possibly sign a long-term contract with consumers to retain their customer base. Therefore, customers possess a strong bargaining power. Behind large hotel groups, there are large amounts of capital to support them to buy land and build new hotels. Consequently, the bargaining power of consumers is quite low with respect to these large hotel groups. Conversely, for small hotels, the bargaining power of consumers is much greater, which means these establishments might find it harder to fulfil customers, expectations. However, customers will segregate into two sectors, namely, individual and group. Customers as individuals: This sector will divide into business travellers and individual tourists. Business travellers may have a long-term contract with a hotel, therefore the price for them could be pre-negotiated but for individual tourists, their bargaining powers are almost none. Customers as a group: Groups usually book rooms through travel agencies, involving a large number of rooms and the travel agent takes the profit. However, the price is still much cheaper than for the individual. That is to say, their bargaining power is more than the independent tourist is. 2.3.5 The bargaining power of suppliers There are two main bargaining powers in the industry, one is furniture and fittings and the other is food and cigarettes. They are outlined below. Furniture and Fittings: When hotels purchase furniture; they typically establish criteria that they use. The number of pieces of furniture purchased is usually in bulk rather than separate items. Thus, orders must be relevant to the number of rooms they operate. For this reason, furniture is supplied by specialist contract providers, which are dedicated departments of businesses that already cope with the domestic market as well. Food and Cigarettes: Many food and cigarette manufacturers have their own specialised sector that supply and deal with the demands of the hotel industry. However, bargaining power is dependent on the size of the hotel. If a company has very many hotels then its bargaining power with its suppliers is enhanced. Conversely, if the company has few hotels then its bargaining power will be limited. 2.4 STP processSegmentation, Targeting and Positioning 2.4.1 Segmentation According to Swarbrooke and Horner (1999), the tourist market is divided into demand characteristics within a number of the different segments, which are described below. Family market: The definition of family means two parents with one to three children. The preference of many families is to minimise the cost that is required to meet their desire to have a vacation. However, these needs will depend on those of their children. Hedonistic tourist: According to Kozak and Andreu (2006), the number of hedonistic tourists has increased in recent years. They prefer a place with sun, sand and sea, such as, Ibiza. In fact, they have a desire for physical pleasure and a social life. The backpacker market: Backpackers generally keep their expenditure to a minimum; they have the time and want adventure as part of their holiday. Moreover, this tourist usually travels independently rather than in a group. VFR (visiting friends and relatives): People do not stay in commercial accommodation and usually domestic travel is involved (Swarbrooke and Horner, 1999). This form of tourism could also relate to weddings and funerals. In particular, their budget is limited in a similar way to that of a normal holiday. Excursionists or day-trippers: In general, these travellers do not travel far and it involves domestic transport. They would do not usually stay overnight. Educational tourists: They usually travel to other countries, for example, for foreign culture, student exchanges or attending language classes. Religious tourist: This form of tourism can be seen as obligation or duty for those who have faith and belief but recently traditional religious tourism has become, in part, a sightseeing tour, which visits churches and cathedrals (Swarbrooke and Horner, 1999). However, they usually visit the place at a specific time, such as, the Haj. The snowbird market: The snowbird refers to a tourist that travels during the winter, in order to avoid the cold weather. Retired people normally take this type of vacation because they have the time to travel. Tourists with disabilities: According to Swarbrooke and Horner(1999), there are many kinds and degrees of disability, which include the following: Mobility problems: These individuals are confined to a wheelchair and may have difficulty in climbing stairs. Sight problems: These individuals have minor eye impairments and unclear vision. Hearing difficulties: These individual have injuries to their ears and their hearing is impaired. It is important that hotels have regard for these conditions and have someone available to assist them. The short break market: This means tourists use their two-day weekend to have a vacation. According to Mintel (2007), the short break market is continuing to grow despite an overall stagnation in the growth of domestic tourism. It is forecast that the volume of the short break market will increase to 9.5 million and its monetary value will be  £2.5 billion by 2011. Commercial travellers: They usually travel for business and generally involve domestic travel. 2.4.2 Targeting In order to relate to the research objectives of this report as described in earlier in this chapter, the researcher will inquire into the budget hotels to investigate their target market. Budget hotels focus upon three types of domestic tourists during economic downturns: commercial, family and short break. Budget hotel characteristics are relevant to these three types of tourists in terms of limited cost, clean and comfortable accommodation in which to live. In addition, the fact that there many chains are available in this sector means that travellers can be reassured regarding expectations and quality as they are buying into a brand name (Brotherton, 2004). 2.4.3 Positioning According to Baines, Fill and Page (2008), positioning is important for a business because it differentiates it from other competitors. As Mintel (2010) argues, the first physical attributes of budget hotels for customers is that they have quality standards, consistent service and are located in many places, which are convenient to access. According to (Brotherton, 2004), the second positioning elements for budget hotels as perceived by customers are value for money, cleanliness and have a great brand reputation. Marketing communication can be used to position brands as a strategy to attract customers (Shimp, 2003). Budget hotels position their brand, products and services via three basic consumer needs, such as, functional, symbolic and experiential (Keller, 1993). These are described below. Functional needs: Budget hotel marketers adopt new technology and season sales to appeal to consumers needs for convenience, value for money, physical comfort, etc. These wants can met consumers functional needs and brand satisfaction. Symbolic needs: Budget hotels appeal to symbolic needs with their desire or self-image to associate with the brand. For example, tidiness, cleanliness and efficiency, etc. Experiential needs: Budget hotels use quality standards for accommodation to address the experiential needs for consistency and hygiene. For a marketer, it is important to recognize that brands benefit by fulfilling these needs, even by a combination of any two. This project will investigate consumer attitudes toward the budget hotel market during a time of economic downturn and analysis how the recession affects consumers consumption patterns and budget hotel strategy.

Schizophrenia Essay -- essays research papers

Schizophrenia is serious and chronic brain disease. Schizophrenia Affects 1% of the world develops schizophrenia sometime in their life time. 2 million people in the US suffer from it every year it will affect men and women both but shows up earlier in men usually in the teen or early adult years, women usually are diaongnosed in their early thirties. People with schizophrenia often suffer terrifying symptoms such as hearing internal voices not heard by others, or believing that other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. Their speech and behavior can be so disorganized that they may be incomprehensible or frightening to others. Available treatments can relieve many symptoms, but most people with schizophrenia continue to suffer some symptoms throughout their lives; it has been estimated that no more than one in five individuals recovers completely. Schizophrenia is found not only in the US but the whole world. The first signs of schizophrenia often appear as confusing, or even shocking, changes in behavior. The sudden onset of severe psychotic symptoms is referred to as an â€Å"acute† phase of schizophrenia. â€Å"Psychosis,† a common condition in schizophrenia, is a state of mental impairment marked by hallucinations, which are disturbances of sensory perception, and/or delusions, which are false yet strongly held personal beliefs that result from an inability to separate real from unreal experiences. Schizophrenia can be traced back to Egyptian times. The word "schizophrenia" comes from the Greek roots schizo (split) and phrene (mind) to describe the thinking of people with the disorder. His term was not meant to convey the idea of split or multiple personality, a common misunderstanding by many people. Since Bleuler's time, the definition of schizophrenia has continued to change, as scientists attemp t to more accurately determine the different types of mental diseases. Without knowing the exact causes of these diseases, scientists can only base their classifications on the observation that some symptoms tend to occur together. Both Bleuler subdivided schizophrenia into categories, based on the symptoms and prognoses. Over the years, those working in this field have continued to attempt to classify types of schizophrenia. Five types were delineated in the DSM-III: disorganize... ...order, but do not cure it. Many psychological treatments are also available: stress relief, making sure the patient feels good about themselves, also helping families deal with it and help them help the patient. Schizophrenia is a very serious mental disorder that more people have to take serious. Anyone can be diagnosed with the disorder and suffer life long affects from it. We need to be more aware of it and research more on new treatment methods. Although there is success stories there are many more stories that end in death because of suicide from the person and their depression from the disorder. We need to educate the public about the disorder and use technology to our advantage and try to find a definite cure for the disorder. Although there is treatment for the symptoms it is not the way a person should live taking a pill every day or spending thousands of dolars on doctor bills to try and be cured. Schizophrenia is a very serious disorder that needs to be researched ever more so we can stop the suffering of the over 2 million people that have and deal with the disorder everyday.

Magic in The Descent of Innana and Sappho Essay -- Descent Innana Sapp

Magic in The Descent of Innana and Sappho In the ancient text The Descent of Innana and the lyric poetry of Sappho, language is viewed as magic. Not only are the words themselves acting as magic, as in an invocation, but other things manifest themselves as magic throughout the works. The most common throughout the works of Sappho is that of love. Sappho also shows us the magic of everyday life in many of her poems. Finally, the writing down of the works performs a magic all of its own; the magic of continuation. Through the writing of their works the story of Innana and the poetry of Sappho will live on forever. The most obvious use of language as magic is in The Descent of Innana. This text is actually all about language as magic. It originated as a ritual that was reenacted along with group participation as part of a religion. Innana is the earth goddess and in this ritual the story of the past is invoked to reproduce the happenings in it and guarantee the passing of one season to the next. The words also held the power to unite people in the cause. At certain times, the priestess would say a line such as â€Å"my lady abandoned heaven, abandoned earth, to the nether world she descended. Innana abandoned heaven, abandoned earth, to the nether world she descended. Abandoned lordship, abandoned ladyship, to the nether world she descended (Descent 790)†, the audience would have chimed in on the repetitive parts of the lines. It is also possible that, due to the repetitive nature of the ritual, people memorized the ritual and would recite along with the priestess. This s hows how the ancient people bound themselves together through language, they had a common ritual, which they took part in and knew the... ...s could also have eternal life. This is another way that these works are sacred magic. The Descent of Innana is one of the first written pieces of literature we have. Sappho is one of the earliest lyric poets that we have a record of. These works are an example of the idea of the magic of writing itself coming to life. The idea that something can be written down and outlast the writer is truly something the Greeks would have held as magical. As you can see, the writing of ancient Greeks shows sacred magic in many ways. There is magic in it’s most literal form in the ritual of The Descent of Innana. Magic also manifests itself within these texts. There is magic in love, everyday life, and in the writing of these texts, which brings about eternal life. Seen in this way, it is easy to see why people would agree that these texts hold sacred magic.

Business Law Essay

Under the law governing offer and acceptance, a valid offer has been made through an advertisement. In order for an offer to be accepted, the party must entirely accept the offer. The rules governing acceptance has to be positive not passive. Silence does not forms acceptance. The general rule of acceptance is that the acceptance must be received by the offeror, otherwise it has no effect. An offer made to a particular person can be rightfully accepted by him alone and in order to avoid complications, acceptance is to be in writing received by the offeror or if it is orally, it must be heard by the offereor. In applying the law to the facts of the case before us, Wayne has made a valid offer to sell his house for $2 million dollars. In this case, Wayne is the offeror and Scott, Kyle and Magdelene are the offeree. Scott offers to buy the house for $1. 8 million dollars and Wayne said nothing. In this case, Scott has now become the offeror and Wayne is the offeree as a counter offer has been made. Looking at the principles of acceptance, an acceptance made must be positive not passive. Wayne said nothing about the offer therefore there was no communication between them of any sort of acceptance. This would highlight that the fact that silence does not form acceptance as per case of Felthouse v Bindly (1862) The offeror cannot impose acceptance just because the offeree does not reject the offer. Therefore, Scott wanting to take legal action towards Wayne is not valid as there was no form of acceptance in either form of writing or orally. When Kyle came to view the property, he agrees to Wayne’s offer of $2 million dollars but â€Å"subject to contract†. Wayne agreed. The definition of subject to contract is that both parties are agreeable to the terms of the offer but propose that they negotiate a formal contract on the basis of the offer. Referring to the case of Yap Eng Thong v Faber Union, the court found the agreement to sell a house â€Å"subject to contract† was not binding. Hence, Kyle wanting to take legal action towards Wayne will not be valid as â€Å"subject to contract† does not bind anyone to the contract before signature. In this case, Wayne revoked his offer to Scott and Kyle by selling the house to Magdalene. An offer can be dismissed at any point of time before acceptance s made. In the case of Routledge v Grant (1828), there was offer made to buy the house and acceptance must be made by the offeree in 6 weeks time. In less than 6 weeks, offeror chooses to withdrew his offer, in which he had a right to do so. Furthermore, the revocation is valid as it is communicated to Scott and Kyle since they have heard of it. The notice of revocation does not necessarily come from Wayne himself. In conclusion to the case study, both Scott and Kyle cannot bring Wayne to legal action as the offer was revoked before their acceptance was made. Revocation was made being communicated and need not come from the offeror himself. Which links to the next point of acceptance must be positive and not passive. Silence does not make up acceptance. Hence, Scott wanting to take legal action against Wayne is not valid. As for Kyle, Wayne has the right to sell his property to anyone as long as a formal contract is not signed by any party. Kyle cannot take legal action against Wayne as â€Å"subject to contract† does not guarantee acceptance and either party can withdraw before signing .

Introduction for OJT Essay

1. To pursue venerable career in a professional organization enable achieving company’s objectives of development, customer pleasure and service. 2. Together with assets for instance sincerity, truthfulness and struggle for excellence, add value and strength to the company, to empower the student or the team where he is a fraction of. 3. In quest of a position in a top business where the OJT is able to transmit the knowledge gained through bachelor’s degree. Determinedly deem in the principle of implementing duties with loyalty and courage. 4. To grow capably by giving skills to the association and vice versa. 5. To work in a demanding environment where skills and efforts is explored and familiarized the varied OJT fields, and understand potentials and add to the growth of the organization with inspiring performance. 6. To utilize knowledge and skills for the implementation of organizational goals. PHILOSOPHY â€Å"It is the policy of the State to establish, develop, promote and perfect a sound and viable tax-exempt social security system suitable to the needs of the people throughout the Philippines which shall promote social justice and provide meaningful protection to members and their families against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death and other contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden. Toward this end, the State shall endeavor to extend social security protection to workers and their beneficiaries.† (Section 2, RA 8282) VISSION â€Å"The SSS aims to develop and promote a viable, universal and equitable social security protection scheme through world-class service.† Viable. Social security protection shall be provided through generations. Universal. Social security protection shall be provided to all residents of the Philippines, citizens and non-citizens alike, regardless of creed, gender, age, geographic location and economic status, especially the disadvantaged, so that no one will become a burden to society. Equitable. Fair and uniform coverage shall be made available to all. Benefits shall be meaningful and able to sustain a decent standard of living. World-class service. Social security service that is prompt, accurate and courteous shall be provided to ensure total member satisfaction. MISSION To provide meaningful protection to the members and their families against contingencies resulting in the loss of income and financial burden and to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country through a viable social insurance program. VALUES â€Å"The SSS aims to institutionalize a corporate culture that instills the core values of Trust, Empowerment and Teamwork.† On January 26, 1948, Pres. Manuel A. Roxas proposed a bill seeking to establish a social security system for wage earners and low-salaried employees. This was recommended to Congress in his State of the Nation Address. After the death of President Roxas, Pres. Elpidio Quirino created the Social Security Study Commission on July 7, 1948. The creation of the Commission was his first official act upon his assumption to office. Based on the report of the Study Commission, a draft of the Social Security Act was submitted to Congress. In 1954, Rep. Floro Crisologo, Senators Cipriano Primicias and Manuel Briones introduced bills based on the report of the Social Security Study Commission in the House of Representatives and in the Senate. These bills were consolidated and enacted into Republic Act (RA) 1161, better known as the Social Security Act of 1954. However, business and labor groups objected to the Social Security Act resulting in a deferment of its implementation. In 1957, amendatory bills were presented in Congress. These bills were the bases of RA 1792, which amended the original Social Security Act. On September 1, 1957, the Social Security Act of 1954 or the Social Security Law (SS Law) was finally implemented, marking a significant milestone in the social security program. Thus, with the implementation of the SS law, the government also adopted the social insurance approach to social security, covering the employed segment of the labor force in the private sector. In 1993, household helpers earning at least P1,000 were included in the compulsory coverage of employees. In 1980, some groups of self-employed persons were also required to contribute to the social security fund from which benefits are paid upon the occurrence of a contingency provided by law. Self-employed farmers and fisher folks were included in the program in 1992, while workers in the informal sector earning at least P 1,000 a month such as ambulant vendors and watch-your-car boys, were covered in 1995. The Social Security System (SSS) administers social security protection to workers in the private sector. On the other hand, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) takes care of workers in the public sector. The SSS administers two programs namely: 1. The Social Security Program; and 2. The Employees’ Compensation Program (EC) Social Security provides replacement income for workers in times of death, disability, sickness, maternity and old age. On May 1, 1997, Pres. Fidel V. Ramos signed RA 8282, further strengthening the SSS. Also known as the Social Security Act of 1997, it amended RA 1161, providing for better benefit packages, expansion of coverage, flexibility of investments, stiffer penalties for violators of the law, condonation of penalties of delinquent employers and the establishment of a voluntary provident fund for members. The EC program, started in 1975, provides double compensation effective June 1984 to the worker when the illness, death, or accident occurs during work-related activities. EC benefits are granted only to members with employers. SSS used to administer the Medicare program for hospitalization and other medical needs of the private sector workers; and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), for the public sector workers. However, with the passage of Republic Act 7875 or the National Health Insurance Act of 1995, the SSS and GSIS transferred the administration of the Medicare program to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development effective July 1999. SSS retirement, death, and total disability pensioners prior to the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 are entitled to hospitalization benefits under Phil-Health. Pensioners upon the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 and thereafter are no longer covered except when they meet the qualification requirements set by PhilHealth.