the ring critique Essay - 469 Words

The movie â€Å"The Ring† was a horror film that I found to be a major disappointment. The opening scene is probably one of the best in the whole movie, which in my opinion is pathetic. When the young girl in the beginning was killed seven days after watching the tape because her â€Å"heart stopped† after seeing Samara, I thought to myself â€Å"Wow, this may turn out to be an interesting movie,† but they ruined it as soon as they showed the girl dead in the closet looking green and disfigured. I don’t know where the directors are from, but in the real world, people don’t turn green and look disfigured when their hearts stop. The movie continues with the girl’s crazy aunt trying to solve the mystery of the videotape that could have been easily solved†¦show more content†¦She became horrified and realized she, too, only now had seven days to discover the truth about the tape before being killed herself. Rachel and her son Aidan get c aught right in the middle of this twisted plot when Samara comes after them, and it’s up to Rachel and her ex-husband Noah to save them all. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;I didn’t like how this tape was the reason people were dying because it is so unrealistic, which made it hard for me to be scared or entertained by the plot at all. I also think that the movie went way to far in-depth on such a narrow topic. This movie could have easily been shortened, which could have made it much more interesting and exhilarating. The opening scene where the girl slowly went towards the bathroom as the water slowly trickled out towards her foot and grabbed for the door handle was very suspenseful, but this was ruined because at this point your imagination was running wild wondering what was going to happen, then BAM! you see pretty much nothing and you are left wondering. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;There were a few highlights with this movie though; it wasn’t a complete waste of eight dollars. The special effects during the movie were really good, especially when Samara came out of the television at the end of the movie. I also thought the little boy, Aidan, was a good actor, which helped keep me semi-interested inShow MoreRelatedEssay on The True Heroes in Hemingways The Sun Also Rises 1300 Words   |  6 Pagesgather to watch them run and fight. In sharp contrast, the steers are weak and emasculate. The steers at the unloading of the bulls back away with their heads sunken in deference to the superior power of the bulls (139). When the bulls enter the ring they tear in at the steers and the steers run around like old maids trying to quiet them down (133). Jake and his companions witness a bull gore a steer upon unloading, prompting Cohn to observe its no life being a steer (141). Mikes supremeRead MoreEssay on Fine Art and Applied Art Should Be Defined787 Words   |  4 Pagessuch as: glass, wood, stone, metal, and textiles. Applied arts can include architecture, pottery, basket weaving, costumes, interior design, jewelry, tools, weapons, and bookbinding as well. An example of applied arts that I wear every day is my ring. My ring is made out of metal and stones and twists into the shape of an infinity symbol. This is my favorite piece of jewelry that I own, which is why I wear it everyday. Now that the terms fine arts and applied arts have been defined, we can move ontoRead MoreThe Rings of Saturn by W.G. Sebald1335 Words   |  5 PagesW.G. Sebald’s novel The Rings of Saturn explores the relationship between toleration and persecution through a first person narrative. The novel is preoccupied with loss and the ways we have tried to come to terms with mortality. It is a meditation on the destructive nature of history, the human lives affected, and the restorative power of art. However, his work is not simply a record of these human-induced catastrophes, but also attempts to fashion new representational tools for the purpose of acknowledgingRead MoreI Am At The Tenth Grade. So Where Should I Start?1446 Words   |  6 Pagesdidn’t start to run into issues until we began to create a ring. This ring would be in the center of the entire mechanism with gears rotating on the outer side and the inner side of it. Creating the ring was difficult because there wa s no option of creating it on the gear generator program, it had to be created on adobe illustrator, but what was even more difficult was finding the right size of the gears that would perfectly fit inside the the ring and on the outer side. Before laser cutting our draftsRead MoreRecyclable Art- Guerra De La Paz1302 Words   |  6 Pagesinstallations are from the waste bins of second-hand goods shipping companies (Saatchi Gallery). Their most common item being second hand clothing, that they pick and choose to create vibrant works of art (Textile Forum Magazine 2011). Their work critiques everyday consumerism and society, while also depicting the life story of the past wearers (Textile Forum Magazine 2011). Guerra de la Paz’s art requires attention to understand the underlying message the artists are trying to uphold. Alain GuerraRead MoreCase Study 1: Florida Department of Management Services Essay678 Words   |  3 PagesTransition process: The SNA network controller processors were connected to T-1 and T-3 lines in 10 cities. The controller for the communications was within the token ring local area network, computer are connected in a ring or star topology, to prevent collision from computers when they are trying to send messages at the same time. The token rings could also support the terminals of personal computers and other computer equipment. The controllers were designed to handle SNA traffic out of and into the mainframeRead MoreInessential Woman855 Words   |  4 PagesInessential Woman. While the reading was sometimes dense, I was intrigued by Spelmans analyses of Simone de Beauvoir ‘Second Sex. I think I grasp the tenets of Spelmans critique and the contradictions and points of contention of which she writes. Yet while reading, I tried to examine both works, particularly Spelmans critique in regard to my research regarding mothering for schooling. On page 76, Spelman points out that in speaking to middle class privilege within feminist theory, we remain complicitRead More Crtitical Thinking Language Essay600 Words   |  3 Pagesuncultivated areas of my heart. His tender touch began to unravel the secret stranded within. Mending of our wounds began as two bodies entwined in unbridled love beneath a molten moon. The eternal strength of two hearts sealed with the offering of a single ring placed upon her left hand. Thought and language diversity is at the core of the human experience. Are we smart because we have language or do we have language because were smart? Does the way we talk influence the way we think? Do peopleRead MoreRichard Wagner - Twilight Of The Gods1365 Words   |  6 Pagesgives a ring to Brunnhilde for safe-keeping and as a symbol of their love. Alberich was shown in a dream to help his son Hagen get recover the ring. Hagen offers Siegfried a drink, which he drugged and caused him to forget the relationship he had with Brunnhilde. He then falls in love with Gutrune. In the meantime, one of Brunnhilde s sisters comes to the mountain of the World Ash Tree. Gutrune asks Brunnhilde to return the ring to Wotan but Brunnhilde refuses. So, he forcibly takes the ring backRead MoreGeorge Washington s Secret Six Essay1250 Words   |  5 PagesGeorge Washington’s Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution, a monograph written by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger, narrates the Culper Spy Ring’s operation in New York City and its contribution toward the American victory over the Great Britain in the American Revolution. Under the order of General George Washington, Major Benjamin Tallmadge established the Culper Spy Ring with the purpose to outspy the British troops’ activities and movements in Manh attan, therefore allowing

History Of The Periodic Table - 1711 Words

History of the Periodic Table Austin Smith LSG5 Scientists all around the world have attempted to group, sort and organise elements together for hundreds of years, with initial classification systems dating decades before the dawn of an actual table in the nineteenth century. An example of early work prior to the 1800s is Antoine Lavoisier and partners Antoine Fourcroy, Louis-Bernard Guyton de Morveau and Claude-Louis Berthollet’s list of elements. While this one dimensional system documented all of the 33 elements known at the time (and still shares the same idea of organising the elements), sorting them based on a variety of physical factors proved to be much more complex than imagined (Scerri, 2011). Dobereiner’s Triads of Elements (Dobereiner’s Law of Triads, no date) In 1817, Johann Wolfgang Dobereiner was one of the first to create a milestone for future classification systems. He attempted to structure the elements together based off of elements with similar traits, grouping elements in groups of three, together forming what was called a ‘triad’ (Western Oregon University, 1997). Dobereiner created his three-element structure when he noticed that the atomic weight of strontium was almost the average of calcium and barium, all of which shared similar properties (Dobereiner’s Law of Triads, no date). Dobereiner noticed such pattens more often, two triads being the halogen triad, consisting of chlorine, bromine, and iodine as well as an alkali metal triad, consistingShow MoreRelatedHistory Of The Periodic Table1129 Words   |  5 PagesThe History of the Periodic Table Throughout history the periodic table of elements has been influenced and amended by multiple scientists. These scientists include Johann Dobereiner, A.E Beguyer de Chancourtois, John Newlands, and Glenn Seaborg. As well as Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev and Lothar Meyer the creators of the periodic table. There are many ways that the periodic table of elements was set out. For example the table can be organized using patterns between atomic numbers, electronegativityRead MoreThe History of the Periodic Table1190 Words   |  5 Pagesthe properties of the elements recur in the same pattern. With the works of these scientists, the periodic table was created as well as the periodic law. With this set, scientists as of today had been able to organize the elements without much trouble and were able to discover unknown elements. Although there are many elements in the world and many of them have not always been known of, the periodic table had been created to classify these elements as well as the tables corresponding patterns and trendsRead MoreHistory Of The Periodic Table Of Elements1664 Words   |  7 PagesLeonardo Miranda Mr. Tagami Chemistry 10/24/14 History of the Periodic Table of Elements The construction of the Periodic Table of Elements was prior to the discovery of the individual elements. Elements such as silver, gold, tin, copper, lead and mercury have been known for centuries. In 1649, the first scientific discovery of an element was made by Hennig Brand when he discovered phosphorous. Prior to Brand’s discovery, chemists had acquired an immense body of understanding concerning the propertiesRead MoreHistory And Development Of The Periodic Table2227 Words   |  9 Pages History and Development of the Periodic Table Ben Madden 10B â€Æ' Part A: Timeline of the Periodic Table 0 Ancient Greeks believed that everything was made of four elements mixed together in different proportions. These elements were fire, water, air and earth. 1661 Robert Boyle had an assumption that an element was an individual substance that could not be broken down further into a smaller substance through the process of a chemical reaction. Boyle’s assumption is considered to be theRead MorePart A HISTORY of the PERIODIC TABLE Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier discovered both hydrogen and600 Words   |  3 PagesPart A HISTORY of the PERIODIC TABLE Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier discovered both hydrogen and oxygen, although it is said that Henry Cavendish had earlier uncovered hydrogen. Lavoisier also helped create the metric systems (source 1). He wrote the first extensive list of elements containing 33 elements and distinguished metals and non-metals (source 5). Him and his area of work were particularly interested in compounds, element weight and chemical reaction (source 6). Dimitri Mendeleev arrangedRead MorePeriodic Table Research Paper : Madison1252 Words   |  6 Pages Periodic Table Research Paper Madison Swanson Manson Northwest Webster Abstract Today, the periodic table is used by many people worldwide to learn more about the elements located on it. It has evolved into a much easier piece of information to use because of all the many scientists and chemists that have revised it over the last hundred ish years. There are certain things on the periodic table that help to learn more about each element. Periodic families are used to help understandRead MoreThe Periodic Table Of Elements1123 Words   |  5 Pages Throughout history the periodic table of elements has been influenced and amended by multiple scientists. These scientists include Johann Dobereiner, A.E Beguyer de Chancourtois, John Newlands, and Glenn Seaborg. As well as Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev and Lothar Meyer the creators of the periodic table. There are many ways that the periodic table of elements was set out. For example the table can be organized using patterns between atomic numbers, electronegativity, ionization energy, structure (gasRead MorePhysics Of The Periodic Table1506 Words   |  7 PagesThe Periodic Table Chemically speaking, the periodic table was a major factor in improving the study of elements, in which then the study of these elements expands into broader studies such as atoms and sub-atoms. This essay will talk about the history of the development of the periodic table and will further discuss the how and why it was created. Moreover, it will include the history of various chemists that contributed in the improvement of the table such as Johann Wolfgang Dà ¶bereiner, John NewlandsRead MoreEssay on Atomic Structure, Moles and Periodicity1198 Words   |  5 PagesAtomic structure, Moles and Periodicity The Periodic Table is guidance or map to access different elements specific information, such as: atomic mass, isotopic richness, nuclear spins, electronic configuration and the position of elements belong to which group and period in table. Over the past decades there were many Scientifics which help to improvement of Periodic table but few of them made the most influence and contribution on Periodic table such as : Johann Dobereiner ,John Newlands , Read MoreThe Atom, An Indivisible Particle That All Matter Is Made1172 Words   |  5 Pagescontained a description of what would later be known as the scientific method. 1661 - Robert Boyle published The Sceptical Chymist which contained some of the earliest ideas of molecules, atoms, and chemical reaction marking the beginning of the history of modern chemistry. 1754 - Joseph Black isolated carbon dioxide, which he liked to call fixed air. Black established this was a form of air but also different from ‘common elastic air’. Therefore, he reasoned it must have been ‘fixed air’ and

Paper on Bronfenbrenners Theory (on Journal Article) Essay Example For Students

Paper on Bronfenbrenners Theory (on Journal Article) Essay The Bronfenbrenner’s Theory is defined as describing the nested social and cultural contexts that shape development. Every person develops within a mircosystem, inside a mesosystem, embedded in a exosystem, all of which are part of the macrosystem of the culture (according to the textbook). I found a journal article in Journal of Instructional Psychology explaining the Ecological Model and the importance of teachers to understand the different relationships that impact development. The journal article describes the Bronfenbrenner’s model and how it works in a school. The Mircosystem is the innermost level and refers to the immediate interactions and influences of a person’s surroundings. In the classroom it means that mentors, administrators, and peers play active role in both interaction and influence of a child. It also includes family which is another main source of relationship in the mircosystem. Children can pick up behaviors from these sources but can also distribute their own behavior onto others. The relationships are bidirectional and reciprocal. The Mesosystem is all interactions and influences within the mircosystem. It is support within a larger environment. An example of this would be teacher meetings with parents which could influence the parents and then the parents could influence the child. The Exosystem is the social settings that do not involve the candidate (child) but affect their experiences in immediate settings either formal or informal in a social network. The article pointed out how work can be significance in affecting one’s personal relationship with family. A example could be a parent who works long hours may have less time to be involved in their child’s education. It can come from other factors such as teacher/administration relationships, school board, community resources for health, employment, recreation, or religion. The Macrosystem is the outermost level of the mircosystem and refers to the values, laws, and customs of a particular cultural. It is the larger society. The priority that the Macrosytem gives will affect the support given. The article states that Bronfenbrenner emphasized that change at the Marcosystem is important because it affects all other environmental levels, revising established values and programs in ways more favorable to development and the well being of the candidate. The article said interaction at any level of the Mircosystem can enhance development. The article was similar to what we learned in the textbook reading. It explained the stages in the same way but put more emphasis from a educational standpoint. I learned that at any interaction at any level can enhance development and the Macrosystem affects all other environmental levels. I agree with the article that each environmental level plays role and the interaction is needed in order to develop. I feel Brofenbrenner’s model is correct on how much social context and influences plays part in how we develop. Article info: AUTHOR:Laura D. Tissington TITLE:A Bronfenbrenner Ecological Perspective on the Transition to Teaching for Alternative Certification SOURCE:Journal of Instructional Psychology 35 no1 106-10 Mr 2008 http://vnweb. hwwilsonweb. com. ezproxy. roanestate. edu/hww/results/external_link_maincontentframe. jhtml? _DARGS=/hww/results/results_common. jhtml. 43

Slaughterhouse Five Essay Research Paper This first free essay sample

Slaughterhouse Five Essay, Research Paper This first chapter, a foreword, is repetitive on the fact that the book is based on existent events. Vonnegut, like our storyteller, is a veteran of World War II, a former captive of war, and a informant to a great slaughter, and that fact lends a certain authorization to what follows. Vonnegut portions with us his digesting inability to render in composing the horror of Dresden. There is nil intelligent to state about a slaughter, yet he feels the demand to state something. The book unabashedly charts the writer # 8217 ; s battle to happen a manner to compose about what he saw in a manner that neither belittles nor glorifies it. This battle we keep in the dorsum of our heads as we proceed to read of Billy Pilgrim # 8217 ; s life. The writer besides irrevocably creates himself as a character in the narrative. It is Kurt Vonnegut, the author, the former POW, who speaks of the many times he has tried and failed to compose this book. We will write a custom essay sample on Slaughterhouse Five Essay Research Paper This first or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It is Kurt Vonnegut, excessively, who utters the first # 8220 ; So it goes # 8221 ; after associating that the female parent of his cab driver during his visit to Dresden in 1967 was incinerated in the Dresden onslaught. â€Å"So it goes† is repeated after every study of every decease. It becomes a mantra of surrender, of credence, of a supremely Tralfamadorian doctrine ( something we will be introduced to subsequently ) . But because the phrase is foremost uttered by Vonnegut composing as Vonnegut, each â€Å"So it goes† seems to come straight from the writer and from the universe outside the fiction of the text. Chapter One besides hints that clip will be an of import portion of the fiction to follow. The writer was traveling about and about in circles seeking to make a additive narrative. He felt like he was stuck inside a kids # 8217 ; s vocal that continued indefinitely, its last line maddeningly functioning every bit besides as its first. Merely when he begins to believe about inactive clip, about returning infinitely to the events of one # 8217 ; s life, about minutes bing for infinity in no peculiar order, is he able to interrupt through 20 old ages of defeat and write Slaughterhouse Five.

buy custom Adult Criminal Behavior essay

buy custom Adult Criminal Behavior essay It is evident that a number of researches have been carried out in an attempt to investigate whether childhood abuse and neglect leads to adult criminal behaviour (Widon, 2001). According to the research that was sponsored by the National Institute of Justice, childhood abuse as well as neglect generally increases adult criminal behaviour by 29 % (Widon, 2001). This is a study that was carried out in 1998, when the age of subjects was 26 on average. In 1994, the subjects were on average 32.5 years of age (Widon, 2001). Out of this sample only 1 percent was above the offending years. In researches carried out much recently, the same sentiments are shared in a number of respects, though they also portray different opinions on others. The study compared the 1575 cases of two groups right from childhood to young adulthood. The first group was 908 cases of childhood abuse and neglect, which had been processed by the courts within the period between 1967 and 1971(Widon, 2001). In addition, an approximately over 20 years track through the criminal records had been done on them. This group was matched by age, approximate socioeconomic status of the family, race and sex in comparison to a study done on 667 children (Widon, 2001). From these studies it is apparent that the victimization of childhood leads to a lot of serious social problems (Perez and Widom, 1994). As indicated by the delinquency research, it is clear that both physical and sexual childhood abuse is usually linked with delinquency. In addition, early maltreatment enhances the seriousness, the variety, and the duration of the problems. Further the studies indicate that todays abused children eventually become the violent offenders of tomorrow. This is justified by the phrase violence begets violence. In a study carried out previously on the effects of the early malnutrition on the consequent behaviors of a child, it is evident that malnourished children suffered from attention deficits, poorer emotional stability as well as reduced social skills as compared to children who did not suffer from malnutrition (Zingraff et al, 1993). Apparently, a childs neglect or abuse increases the possibility of the child to be arrested approximately by 59 percent as a juvenile, 28 percent as an adult and 30 percent for a violent crime. Clearly, the maltreated children who were younger at their initial time of arrest were found to commit more crrimes (Widon, 2001). Besides, they were also arrested frequently. Comparing the sexually abused children and the physically abused or neglected children, it is apparent that the latter were the ones arrested later for crimes which were violent (Perez and Widom, 1994). In much contemporary studies, neglected and abused females also were at a risk of being arrested for violence as juveniles and as adults. The non-maltreated children among the whites indicated the highest rates of crimes as compared to the maltreated children (Zingraff et al, 1993). Among the blacks, on the other hand, it is the neglected and abused children who indicated an increase in the arrests of the violent crimes. From the studies, there was no link between the children who were arrested away from their home, the reason that they were abused or neglected and the out of home placement. In conclusion, the victimization of children leads to a lot of serious social problems. Moreover, it has an influence on the subsequent child behavior. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that children are not abused either physically or sexually. In addition, they should not be neglected so that they are shaped into being better citizens of tomorrow. Buy custom Adult Criminal Behavior essay

A List of 50 Most Popular Expository Essay Writing Topics

A List of 50 Most Popular Expository Essay Writing Topics Look through the list of 50 best expository essay topics to choose one for your expository writing. If you are assigned to write an expository essay youll definitely need to get to know the main expository writing promps. Weve published a series of articles on the theme of expository writing: What Is an Expository Essay? 6 Steps of Expository Essay Writing Expository Essay Sample And below youll find a list of 50 most popular expository topics: Expository Essay Topics: Restaurant McDonalds uses pink slime mixture in Chicken McNuggets product McDonalds washing beef with ammonia solution Subway says Eat Fresh but doesnt slice their meat in-store Olive Garden uses bagged salad mixes and not fresh products for their signature salad Why do pizza chains, like Pizza Hut, use dough that comes in frozen? Taco Bells ground beef is actually only 35% meat Fast food chains charging $0.30 for a slice of tomato on a sandwich Fast food chains overcharging for substitutions such as sauce changes, adding cheese or extra sauces/veggies Expository Essay Topics: Politics Social Security will be obsolete by the time Generation X is old enough to retire Obama Care is still not affordable Government hides full details of the financial status of the country National news networks attack the government for answers with no replies Is the security of the nation really being protected? Is forcing health insurance on citizens actually legal? For those that cannot afford health insurance, is putting them in jail or fining them really the right answer? Why is the US Government unable to allow other countries to fend for themselves? Do the taxes you pay really go toward benefitting the country or just to satisfy the financial hardships of a mismanaged governmental system? Why are those without children forced to pay school taxes in the city they reside in? Why do states force residents to pay taxes in both the city they live in and the city they work in? Why does the Government cover up its mishaps instead of informing the public of the flaws? Tea party demonstrators’ protest only for the media attention The Government is failing by not being financially stable to support those that were injured serving the country Government agencies are protected from the law Expository Essay Topics: Medicine Health Insurance companies cannot deny you but that doesnt mean you can afford coverage How much does it really cost a doctor to spend 10 minutes with a patient for an office visit? Why are Emergency Room visits so expensive even for minor visits where no tests are done? Do you check your hospital bill? Many items are double billed. Does every misdiagnosis deserve a lawsuit? Is Fibromyalgia really a disease? Why are patients without insurance treated differently at hospitals than those with insurance? The hypocritical oath that doctors have to take does not apply to how patients are really treated Herbal supplements are used as pads for companies to profit without FDA studies being conducted Doctors push certain medications to increase profits for certain pharmaceutical companies Expository Essay Topics: Celebrities Paula Deen uses racial slur years ago and gets scrutinized and dropped by sponsors Justin Bieber plays a birthday song in the nude in front of an elderly person Celebrity crimes and why celebrities get lesser penalties Why are celebrities given lesser sentences for repeat crimes? Celebrities are offered options regarding punishments for crime that regular offenders are not Miley Cyrus and her change in personality The Cyrus family is in the middle of major controversy since with the pending divorce The real reason Jason Aldean chose to leave his wife and their previous marital problems What is the real reason that Lady Gaga dresses the way she does? Is it really for the attention? Is being a celebrity really all its cracked up to be? What life is really like with mass media attention Expository Essay Topics: General Issues Police officers do not follow the traffic laws they enforce Court systems in America are not hard on deadbeat mothers Dads seeking custody of children are denied more often than not even when mothers are dangers to their children Social Security is paid to those without real ailments, such as unprovable chronic migraines The elderly are living poorer in this decade than in the last century DUI offenders have rights, and why this is false Why do those that have committed serious or vile crimes serve less time than a violator of probation If you are working on an expository essay and found no topic that matches your needs in our list expository essay topics, we will help you to select the topic you require and work on it. Our support staff will assign you a writer with a suitable background and experience, which will result in a paper that is properly written and formatted.  Place your order  to start working with our essay writing service.

Native American Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Native American Music - Essay Example Dance competitions are usually a part of a Powwow to promote interaction between the people within the same tribes or between different people from different tribes. The Grand entry marks the beginning of a Powwow. All the people enter the showground and everyone is asked to hoist up flags. These flags include different tribal flags along with a US flag which is raised in memory of all the wars and battles waged by the tribesmen in the country. The music for the songs and the dance competition is provided by the drums. The drum is specially designed to be large and a group of drummers beat it while the traditional songs are being sung. There is generally a starting song for the event, the grand entry song as a call for all the people who have participated, flag songs to show patriotism and respect and a closing song to mark the end of the Powwow. The Powwow is a way of the tribes’ thanksgiving to the creator and the dances are treated like an offering. The dance performances a re a way of celebration of the circle of life and for this reason the setting of the Powwow is also a circle. The area reserved for dancing is known as arbor and is also a large circular area within the location. Most of the cultural activities like contest dancing, drum competition, ceremonials, singing and cultural exhibition usually take place inside the arbor. Contest dancing is actually an evolution of the traditional dancing in which good dancers were awarded with small prizes. Now the dancers have huge fan following and are given heavy cash prizes for the entertainment they provide to everyone attending the Powwow. The other entertainment activities like gambling games, parades, food stalls, exhibition of arts and crafts usually take place outside the arbor. After the grand entry performance and the flag songs, there are traditional dances performed which include the sneak-up dance, victory dance, inter-tribal dance and veteran’s dance. An important part of the Powwow culture is the respect and veneration which they hold for traditions and individuals. Honoring songs are hence also an essential part of a Powwow. Honoring songs are sung not only for particular persons but also in reminiscence of a particular event. These songs may praise the valor of a hero or the administration skills of a well known leader of a particular tribe. These songs may also be sung in remembrance of a war or a particular cultural practice. Sneak up dance song: The sneak up dance is one of the most famous dances of the Native American tribes. The dance is actually a tableau of a scene which depicts how to ‘sneak’ up on an enemy or a prey. There are many different versions of this dance but all of them run on the same theme of using stealth to gain an advantage over the opponent. In the most famous and the oldest version of the dance, arbor represents a battle ground where some men have become wounded and need help from their companions. Before the start of t he dance, the wounded are escorted in the middle of the arbor. During the first part of the dance the wounded stay in their position motionless while the dancers dance with their heads facing the wounded. Then the rolling beat starts on the drums to create thundering sound which actually symbolizes the action and mayhem of the battlefield. The drum beats then become slow and the dancers slow their movement and advance towards the wounded. When the beating stops, the dancers freeze in

My Job Diary Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

My Job Diary - Term Paper Example The human resource manager introduces me to the chief auditor from the auditing department of the insurance company. The chief auditor concludes the day in the evening by promising me that the next day I will be oriented in the auditing department within the company. The second day of my internship, I arrive at the office at 8.00 am; I am gaining confidence in this endeavor. I meet up with the chief auditor in his office; to my surprise, he had called the main employees from the auditing department in his conference room for a formal introduction procedure. The chief auditor has put me on the hands of the supervisor; we manage to move from one station to another within the auditing department getting to know what each station and employee contributions to the whole functioning of the department. After the tour, the supervisor winds up the day by talks on how the company has provided the employees with a conducive work environment. The third day of my internship, the chief auditor, gives me the room to ask anybody any question concerning the auditing department. I have been instructed to visit any part of the department I do not feel well acquainted. Technically, I am taking a solo tour getting to know all the paths and corners within the company. My day in the office as usual starts at 8.00 am, under the instructions of the chief auditor, the supervisor takes me to sections where the bank reconciliation audits are handled. I get familiar with the employees and the work they do in that section. I start working on the reconciliation audits by myself since I have mastered the procedures to follow. I realize that my speed is not the same as the other co-workers, but with time, I know I will catch up. With the help of a co-worker, I learn how to work with both soft and hard copy of the audits.  

Main Trends in Births and Deaths in the United Kingdom Essay Example for Free

Main Trends in Births and Deaths in the United Kingdom Essay The birth rate of a country refers to the number of live births per thousand of the population per year. The general trend for the UK is that there has been a decline in the birth rate since 1900 however there have been fluctuations in the rate due e.g. After World War 1 2 and in the 1960s. Sociologists believe this is because of four major factors: changes in gender roles, falling infant mortality, children being seen as an economic burden and our society becoming more child centred. A main part of the decline can be explained in terms of women simply choosing to have fewer children. As the position of women in society has changed overtime, they have chosen to delay childbearing and to limit the number of children they are having because of several factors. Women now have equality with men because of the Equality Act 2010 as well as receiving increased educational and employment opportunities. Other ways in which women’s position has changed is that there is now easier access to divorce, contraception and abortion meaning that they can avoid unwanted pregnancy so have full choice over when they have a child. Beck and Back-Gernsheim(1995) said that the changes in the birth and fertility rate are due to individualisation meaning that people have more choice to follow their own norms and values as well as making their own decisions, rather the following what society deems acceptable. Also the falling infant mortality rate (number of children dying before their first birthday per thousand of live births) has fallen dramatically as a result of factors such as better living standards, improved hygiene and sanitation, improvements to healthcare and the developments made to the welfare state. Geographers explain that these circumstances lead to a demographic revolution in which birth and fertility fall because women no longer feel they need to have a large number of childre n to protect against the risk of infant mortality. It is clear that the attitudes towards children have changed and society in general has become more child-centred, meaning that we are now more concerned about the welfare of children than in the past. The social norms about childcare have changed significantly and the time and costs involved in raising children have significantly increased, therefore making a large family economically unattractive. In the early 19th century children were often seen as an economic asset because they were able to work and contribute towards the family income at a relatively young age however nowadays legislation has  banned children from working and has also increased the time that children have to stay in education for..Because of this, children are financially dependent on their parents for longer so are seen more as an economic burden rather than an asset. As well as this, due to the improvement of the welfare provision for the elderly, parents no longer need to worry as much about having large a mounts of children to look after them once they are elderly. Since people are now having fewer children, the dependency ratio, along with the birth rate has decreased meaning that there are fewer dependents within the population leading to less childcare and school services needed. Although there has been a decline in the birth rate, the amount of deaths occurring in the UK remains steady and the death rate is decreasing because of the growing population since 1900. The death rate refers to the number of people dying per thousand of the population per year. The average life expectancy is now around 78 years for men and 82 years for women whereas in 1900 it was 45 years for men and 48 for women. This tells us that people are staying healthier for longer and this is because of a number of factors including: improved nutrition and living standards, developments in medicine and improved government provisions of welfare and health. It has been said that over half the decline is the death rate is due to the decrease of infectious diseases and McKeow n(1972) argues that most of the fall in the death rate took place before immunisation and was based mainly on good nutrition and hygiene. Studies by Rowntree and others (1899, 1950) found a rapid decline in absolute poverty meaning that people have better living standards which have allowed significant improvements to diet that help increase resistance to some infectious diseases Medical knowledge has improved dramatically since 1900 because of the establishment of the NHS in 1949 as well as a better knowledge of antibiotics, surgery, treatment and immunisation which have helped decrease the death rate. The government also continues to make provisions for those who need it e.g. EMA, careers allowance, working class credits which allow people to have a better quality of life. After the Beveridge Report of 1944, the range of welfare provisions available has expanded and become more universally available. It provided protection against risk factors such as old age through pensions, and low income through housing benefits, unemployment benefit and the benefit now called income support. There are many of other factors involved in the  decrease of the death rate including that there are a lot less dangerous occupations available to people e.g. mining and factory working as well as having higher incomes meaning that people are able to afford better foods and medicines which contribute to the health and wellbeing of individuals. It is evident that even as the population of the UK increases, the death rate and birth rate are both decreasing. These are both because of a number of factors however the most important for both seem to be the improvement of medical knowledge and practices which stop people from becoming ill and include important things such as medicines, contraception and support services for those who become pregnant or suffer with diseases.

An Analysis of Langston Hughes Poem, Freedom Train :: Hughes Freedom Train Essays

An Analysis of Langston Hughes' Poem, Freedom Train There is very little left to the imagination when reading Langston Hughes "Freedom Train". His ideas of being free are apparent from the beginning of his poem. However, although he spells everything out, he still leaves a couple of things for his readers to figure out. He starts off wanting to know all about this train he keeps hearing. He says, "I read in the papers about the Freedom Train. I heard on the radio about the Freedom Train." He wants to know everything he can about this train. Its almost as if everybody knows there is such thing as a train, but its almost as if no one knows what the train is. Towards the middle of the poem the realist in Hughes comes out. He goes into the doubts that most African Americans had at the time. He says, "Down South in Dixie only train I sees got a Jim Crow car set aside for me." Another interesting technique he adds is when he capitalizes the "WHITE FOLKS ONLY" and "FOR COLORED" signs. He either does this to draw attention to the cause, or to try and know what it feels like to have these signs sticking in your face. He specifically mentions Birmingham, Mississippi, and Georgia during the poem. These were key cities that were into segregation of the South. "When it stops in Mississippi will it be made plain everybody's got a right to board the freedom train." Hughes almost is becoming a little agitated in the poem when he refers to these cities, especially when he is talking about Birmingham. "The Birmingham station's marked COLORED and WHITE, the white folks go left, the colored go right." In this part of the poem, he is questioning w hether or not this Freedom Train is too good to be true. He sounds like he doubts a little of what this Freedom Train is all about. He knows there is a train, but there have been a lot of promises before that were not fulfilled, he does not want to get his hopes up before he finds out more about this train. Towards the end of the poem , he starts sounding like the optimistic Hughes we all have come to know and love.

Arce Dairy Marketing Plan Essay

A. Product Performance The company still has an edge compared to the other ice cream industries, because they have maintained their quality since then, together with variety of flavours. It’s not too late if they will expand more their business and will make more effort to increase their market share. Background Arce Dairy is very proud of their high quality ice cream product. They strictly follow their tradition of using ONLY fresh CARABAO MILK and other fresh ingredients in making their ice cream. Its ice cream was well-known for its creaminess, authentic flavours, and unique gold can packaging—qualities that remained throughout the years. Arce Dairy Ice Cream is made from fresh carabao’s milk that has a richer and flavourful since they are exposed to the tropical condition which helps them produce better milk. It is an advantage for the Arce’s since they own a 21 hectare dairy farm in Novaliches which is also the only large and the only private commercial breeder of milking carabaos in the Philippines. Aside from their milk quality, they also have their fresh ingredients such as fruits, nuts, chocolates and cheese that are being stored on large chillers. Long-term objectives Arce Dairy tend to branch out their product not just on large scale stores like, malls, supermarkets and etc., but also on small retail stores. Because it is more accessible and convenient that you can just easily buy the goods that you want in just a walking distant store. Arce Dairy Ice Cream aims to provide the best all-natural ice cream products to consumers both here and abroad, provide good and natural quality products for the health conscious ones thereby improving the quality of life. Showing patriotism to its fellow Filipinos in patronizing Filipino-made products by manufacturing and marketing consistently high quality ice cream, thus, giving consumers added value for their money. Lastly, to ensure in surpassing the global quality standard of becoming the source of pride for the Philippine Dairy Industry. Problems/Opportunities Problems How will Arce Dairy Ice Cream compete in the ice cream industry and regain success using its new brand name? Low market share, wherein, Arce Dairy Ice Cream belongs to the remaining 20% of the ice cream market. Poor promotional and distribution strategies. They should compete with the other ice cream industry, and will not stick on their captured market, they should expand their market. They should try branching out especially on small retail stores. They should put much effort on their promotional and advertising activities so people will notice the product. Opportunities People’s acceptance to its new brand name. New Ice cream flavours offered. They could introduce new product line using their fresh milk. Health and wellness campaigns encouraging people to go for the healthier choice. Social media network serving as effective vehicle in product promotion. Marketing Objectives Increase sales Brand Awareness/Exposure. Brand Image establishment. Marketing Programs Arce Dairy must conduct surveys and increase it sales through the help of retail partners. Its sales must be compared to the sales projections to monitor the progress of their sales. The company must attain its projected sales or beyond it. Positioning Statement Target Market â€Å"Yuppies† or young urban professionals. – Health-conscious, self-indulgent young urban professionals or â€Å"yuppies† who have the money to lavishly spend on anything they want, and also who are fickle in choosing their brand choices, depending on what is trending or getting good reviews. 20-26 years old, class A-B, male and female, living  and working in/around NCR. Product strategy Arce Dairy started from three generations. They produce different variety of flavours like Mango, Chocolate, Blueberry Cheesecake, Buko Lechias, Avocado, Quezo Real, Vanilla, Strawberry, Dark Chocolate, Cheese, Ube, Almonds and Chips and many more. Arce Dairy actually has their own farm where they get most of their fresh ingredients especially the â€Å"CARABAO MILK† which they use as base for their ice cream. Pricing strategy Arce Dairy Ice Cream Container SizePrice range 425 mlPhp 70.00 (classic) Php 80.00 (supreme) Php 108.00 (sugar-free)750 mlPhp 120.00 (classic) Php 205.00 (supreme)1.5 LPhp 228.00 (classic) Php 408.00 (supreme, sugar-free) Advertising strategy Launch print ads that will capture the target market’s attention. Execute an effective guerrilla ad that stays faithful to Arce Dairy’s new image. Release a TVC to be aired during primetime. Document the active guerrilla campaign and post it as a viral video. Use imagery that implies. National Trigger the curiosity of the target market and make them try the product. Promote Arce Dairy’s new â€Å"sexy† image.  Cover up Arce Dairy’s â€Å"local/low class† image to people. Expose people to the brand. Cooperative Trade Promotion strategy Since Arce Dairy has no promotional straregies except on relying through word  of mouth strategy, the Unfortunately, Arce Dairy has almost NO promotion. They’ve produced no TV ad, very few and unmemorable print ads. No promotional efforts are done, and they rely on word of mouth to get cutomers. Field sales strategy Distribution strategy Product support Training Requirements Marketing research 4/5 of the people who are familiar with the brand â€Å"Arce Dairy† have claimed that it’s their favourite ice cream in the Philippines. Even though they have flavour favourites, they try the different flavours every now and then. Though they love Arce Dairy, they consume other brands more often because Arce Dairy is not available on many local stores. But whenever there is Arce Dairy available, it’s their first choice. What they love about Arce Dairy is the consistency of the ice cream, the smooth creamy texture, and the mild sweetness of the flavours. Most of them found out about Arce Dairy first from personal references like friends, and relatives. Once they tasted Arce, it was immediately their â€Å"new† favourite ice cream. According to them, the price doesn’t bother them, since the taste is worth the price they pay. They also mentioned that they wish Arce was available to more stores. 5/5 were NOT aware that Arce Dairy uses CARABAO MILK in their ice cream. 2/5 of the people who aren’t familiar with Arce Dairy said that their favourite brand of ice cream is Selecta (particularly Magnum) To the yuppies, quality of ice cream and product feedback is vital. If it hits home, they might actually stick to it. All they need is a good push to try the product. Financial summary Strengths More expensive than other brands.  Maintained a clean reputation for making quality ice cream, proven by several awards given to Arce Dairy. Arce Dairy ice cream is scientifically proven much healthier compared to leading ice cream brands. Has variety of unique ice cream flavours not available in other brands. Weaknesses Has very limited advertising/promotion materials, leading to unpopularity amongst the masses. Product is poorly distributed, making it available to very limited stores and locations. Not top of the mind when asked about an ice cream product. Has a â€Å"local† image, therefore viewed as â€Å"cheap†. Performance History Arcefoods Corporation has been honored the Hall of Fame Award as â€Å"Outstanding Ice Cream Manufacturer† by the Consumers Union of the Philippines while ArceDairy Ice Cream has been awarded the 1999 Dangal Ng Bayan â€Å"Outstanding Ice Cream Product† and the New Millennium Excellence Award â€Å"Most Outstanding Ice Cream Brand† by the Parangal ng Bayan Awards Foundation. The ArceDairy type of ice cream, the â€Å"all-natural† ice cream, has captured the hearts of Manilanians through the decades of its uniqueness and its old fashioned manufacturing process. Tenacious requests from prominent clients, captive loyal followers and food connoisseurs, demand for its return.

Promote Creativity And Creative Learning Essay

Creative learning is all about helping children develop their imaginative skills through exploration of different materials and ways of expressing themselves, for example this can be methods like dance, ICT, building and also traditional creative methods like painting and drawing. Creativity itself is all about allowing children to express and explore themselves and take risks in doing so. This doesn’t necessarily have to be in a defined method but could simply be their own play, for example their role play is an expression of their creativity. Most theories about young children view children as highly creative which allows them to explore and experiment with the world around them. Creativity is more about the process than it is about the actual end product as it allows us to learn more about ourselves, like what we’re good and not good at. ‘Creative Partnerships’ was a scheme set up with the term ‘creative learning’ to sum up their programme. They believed working together to try and create new approaches to learning would stimulate the people learning by giving them a new approach and bring the curriculum to life. Another approach the ‘creativity, find it and promote it’ challenged practitioners to be more critical towards the way they think about creativity. It challenged them to try and create connections they wouldn’t normally make and constantly question conventions that they normally wouldn’t. Creativity and creative learning can be beneficial for children for many different reasons. Creativity can give children a way to express and develop their emotions, an example of this may be if a child is sad they may draw a sad picture and then someone has the opportunity to ask them how they feel about it and express themselves. Creativity is also a good way for children to develop socially, an example of this if a child enjoys creative dance then they may wish to create dance routines with other children and this allows them to be both social but develop their communicational and physical development. Creativity can also help children develop intellectually by doing creative problem solving and critical thinking. Children require long unhurried periods of time to develop and express their creativity so they are not rushed into creating something they did not want to. Allowing them as much time as they need, will help them feel like they have created the best thing they could have possibly made as well as allow them to explore original ideas further with the extra time that they have.

Ten Facts About Port au Prince, Haiti

Ten Facts About Port au Prince, Haiti Port au Prince (map) is the capital and largest city based on population in Haiti, a relatively small country that shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. It is located on the Gulf of Gonà ¢ve on the Caribbean Sea and covers an area of nearly 15 square miles (38 sq km). The metro region of Port au Prince is dense with a population of over two million but like the rest of Haiti, the majority of the population in Port au Prince is extremely poor although there are some wealthier areas within the city. The following is a list of the ten most important things to know about Port au Prince: 1) Most recently, much of Haitis capital city was destroyed in a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake which hit near Port au Prince on January 12, 2010. The death toll in the earthquake was in the thousands and most of Port au Princes central historic district, its capital building, the parliament building, as well as other city infrastructure such as hospitals were destroyed. 2) The city of Port au Prince was officially incorporated in 1749 and in 1770 it replaced Cap-Franà §ais as the capital of the French colony of Saint-Domingue. 3) Modern-day Port au Prince is located on a natural harbor on the Gulf of Gonà ¢ve which has allowed it to sustain more economic activity than other areas of Haiti.4) Port au Prince is Haitis economic hub as it is an export center. The most common exports leaving Haiti through Port au Prince are coffee and sugar. Food processing is also common in Port au Prince. 5) The population of Port au Prince is difficult to accurately determine because of a large presence of slums in the hills adjacent to the city. 6) Although Port au Prince is densely populated the citys layout is divided as commercial districts are near the water, while residential areas are in the hills next to the commercial areas. 7) Port au Prince is divided into separate districts that are administered by their own local mayors who are under the jurisdiction of the entire citys general mayor. 8) Port au Prince is considered the educational hub of Haiti as it has several different educational institutions which range from large universities to smaller vocational schools. The State University of Haiti is also located in Port au Prince. 9) Culture is an important aspect of Port au Prince museums featuring artifacts from explorers like Christopher Columbus and historic buildings. Many of these buildings, however, were damaged in the January 12, 2010 earthquake. 10) Recently, tourism has become an important part of Port au Princes economy, however most tourist activity focuses around the citys historic districts and affluent areas. Reference Wikipedia. (2010, April 6). Port-au-Prince - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port-au-Prince

Foster this Advanced Business Writing Skill

Foster this Advanced Business Writing Skill There is one business writing skill that separates advanced business writers from those who are merely functionally proficient. It is the ability to synthesize complex ideas and extract the significant nuggets of information that are relevant to a particular reader and situation. In essence, these are mini-executive summaries, used widely in many communications at work. We often think an executive summary is the first part of a formal report. In fact, functional executive summaries are deployed frequently and widely by those with advanced business writing skills: When your boss asks you, "Why should we fund this project?" When you summarize a vendor performance. When you recommend a solution to a work problem. When you are asked, "Why should I hire you?" When you analyze data for trends. When you verbally summarize project pitfalls at a meeting. When you summarize the insights discussed at a meeting, relevant to the overall goals. The ability to see the big picture, to quickly understand what is significant to the situation, and extract and convey the relevant essence will greatly help your career, your department, and your company. It will also greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of the information flowing across your company. Synthesizing and extracting executive summaries is fully contextual. It will always depend on your readers' needs. Let's apply this concept to the situation of a college student working at a summer internship, who is an economics major working for a start up specializing in sustainable agriculture shipping. This student's mother, college advisor, and internship company owner all ask him, "What did you do during your internship?" Certainly, much information will be similar, but each person has specific interest and focus. Appropriate executive summary or synthesis responses for each of these audiences might be: Internship Company Owner, who will care about the value the intern brought to the company: "I developed a web portal that provides cost of living information for this area, to help with recruiting top talent. My data analysis of comparable companies in other locations indicated our location is a competitive hiring advantage." College Advisor, who will care about the student's learning and application of course skills: "I developed a web portal using HTML and CSS, which we covered in Computer Science 410. Also, using an extensive data set and regression analysis, we were able to estimate and compare costs of living in the company area." Mother, who will care about a permanent job after graduation (My son is a college junior, so I am certain a job after graduation is a primary interest of all mothers!): "I developed a web portal and analyzed cost of living data. Website development and data analysis are two skills listed on all of the business analyst positions I hope for after graduation." Therefore, the first step in synthesizing complex information is defining your audience thoroughly. Distill what really matters. The second step is presenting information that is significant and meaningful to that particular audience. Notice the summary statement made to the Internship Company Owner above has no mention of functional tasks, what team the intern worked on, or dates he worked. That is all simple functional information that led to the significant information. The company owner wouldn't care about this. The owner wants to know the value the intern brought to the business. Noise vs. substance There is, sadly, far too much fluff and task information bantered about in business writing. Mere action tasks never belong in an executive summary. Don't fall into this trap. Instead, synthesize meaningfully, and extract what is truly most significant to your reader. This ability think critically and present relevant, synthesized information to various audiences is an advanced business writing skill you want to foster in your department and in your own writing. If this is a skill you wish to hone in your organization, please contact us.

Relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and stress Research Paper

Relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and stress - Research Paper Example It is known that the specific alterations in the body caused from stress directly impact the brain and the nervous system, which links to the gastrointestinal system and causes complexities with the digestive system. The examination of whether stress causes IBS and to which extent can then lead to more holistic methods of helping individuals that are suffering from IBS. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as IBS, is one of the most common non – infectious gastrointestinal disorders (Pelissier, Danzter, Canini, 2010, 653). The problems associated with this create cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, all which can create abnormalities in the system (Mayer et al, 2001, p 280). The complexities of IBS are not only associated with the physical discomfort and abnormalities that are in the system. There are also difficulties that are related to the stress levels which individuals carry, all which are directly associated with IBS. It is known that different types of stress affect the triggering effects and the way in which IBS functions. Stress factors include physiological, psychological and physical stressors that occur. These are also associated with emotional motor systems, including automatic, neuroendocrine, attentional and pain modulatory responses (Mayer et al, 2001, p 280). Examining the ways in which IBS links to stress as well as how it is affected with different circuits can then create a deeper understanding of how to treat the main causes associated with IBS and stress. The conditions that are associated with IBS create various levels of reactions among those suffering from the disorder. Understanding how these conditions affect the human body as well as what is associated with the main complexities can provide insight into how this changes the rest of the system. The system and the gastrointestinal area of the body are connected to various systems in the body, which triggers IBS. The conditions and

Statistics Problems Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Statistics Problems - Speech or Presentation Example The mean of the distribution was 60,000 miles and the standard deviation 2,000 miles. 38. The mean amount purchased by a typical customer at Churchill’s Grocery Store is $23.50 with a standard deviation of $5.00. Assume the distribution of amounts purchased follows the normal distribution. For a sample of 50 customers, answer the following questions. 54. Families USA, a monthly magazine that discusses issues related to health and health costs, surveyed 20 of its subscribers. It found that the annual health insurance premiums for a family with coverage through an employer averaged $10,979. The standard deviation of the sample was $1,000. 42. During recent seasons, Major League Baseball has been criticized for the length of the games. A report indicated that the average game lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes. A sample of 17 games revealed the following times to completion. (Note that the minutes have been changed to fractions of hours, so that a game that lasted 2 hours and 24 minutes is reported at 2.40 hours.) 58. The amount of income spent on housing is an important component of the cost of living. The total costs of housing for homeowners might include mortgage payments, property taxes, and utility costs (water, heat, electricity). An economist selected a sample of 20 homeowners in New England and then calculated these total housing costs as a percent of monthly income, five years ago and now. The information is reported below. Is it reasonable to conclude the percent is less now than five years ago? 42. Martin Motors has in stock three cars of the same make and model. The president would like to compare the gas consumption of the three cars (labeled car A, car B, and car C) using four different types of gasoline. For each trial, a gallon of gasoline was added to an empty tank, and the car was driven until it ran out of

History music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

History music - Essay Example None of the audience expressed concern or disgust over this sudden technical catastrophe as within that deemed darkness â€Å"Brother† and â€Å"Albannach† two of the much celebrated bands started blazing their acoustic guitars to keep the crowed entertained and that worked at its optimum level. Soon the light came back and the Seven Nations by that time started to set the stage on fire. In its earlier days when Kirk McLeod and Neil Anderson initiated the band, Seven Nations gained substantial popularity and interest among its audience. However it seemed that they have lost their way afterwards, though in this concert the band seemed rejuvenated with the inclusion of Victor Gagnon who gave an inspired performance with his fiddle. The performance that came out of the Seven Nations was a mix of old and new scores. When Seven Nations was refreshing my memories, I was missing Neil Anderson who was the co founder of the band, yet no longer associated with it. However he was not far away, his new band Rathkeltair was performing on the immediate second stage. Neil as all know is an immensely talented music performer who steals all the attention when he is on the stage. However, his performance in his new band Rathkeltair marked the re birth of a new Neil who knows how to blend with his associate musicians. Again the maestro gave his master stroke when he used his pipes to insert his whistles at the right places that only he is capable of. Those whistles gave a strange essence to the entire musical ambience and rescued the band from being reckoned as any other band of our genre. Through out the performance Neil was like a musician who believes in team work yet who knows when to lead. Again the visual impact that Neil left on the audience by playing two instruments simultaneously was a joy for ears as well as eyes. After a brief pause Albannach occupied the main stage and that for good reason and outcome. This is a pure rock band and comprised of pipe and drums. Jamesie and Jacquie at bass drums, Colin at snare and drum kit, Aya at bodhran and tambourine and Donnie with his bagpiper gave us a musical treat. The wild and erratic energy that the band filled the room with goes well with their tattoos. Sometimes it seemed that some of them might fall of the stage as they were shaking vigorously while playing their drums. The occasional long and lone snares that Colin was leaving through his hands mesmerized the audience and make them question themselves that whether his drum sticks are really attached with his fingers. Albannach all over kept the hall rocking and dancing and the entrapped energy of the audience occasionally came out with gigantic roars that might risk ones ear drums or even might led to cardiac arrest for the faint hearted. The two stages side by side and challenging each other in every step almost turned the audience into a tennis ball. After finishing with Albannach, the crowed headed to the second stage to witness the performance of Annalivia. The four performers of the group with the absence of Stuart Kenney who plays bass and banjo were bit quite comparing the previous performances yet even they reflected substantial talent through their music. Vocalist and Guitarist Liz Simmons, Brendan Carey and Emerald Rae on fiddle and the later one also on vocal and vocalist and guitarist Flynn Cohen presented a polished performance with folk flavour. Before the audience can finish with the band they have to rush back to the main stage to witness Paul McKenna band

Elasticity Of Demand In A Air Travel Context Tourism Essay

Elasticity Of Demand In A Air Travel Context Tourism Essay Price elasticity of demand and income elasticity of demand. (Ryan air British Airways Data) How are low-cost carriers such as Ryan air able to achieve cost savings? Fixed costs and variable costs. Critical analysis of the issues involved in the following article: BAA Airports: Notice of release of interim undertaking Conclusion Bibliography Introduction Ryanair isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. British Airways isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. This document reports the findings of a review of the economics and business literature on empirically-estimated own-price elasticity of demand for air travel for Ryan air and British Airways. It refers to the data on page two of the assignment handout to both above airlines to illustrate and explain the concepts of price elasticity of demand and income elasticity of demand. The purpose of this study is to report on all or most of the economics and business literature dealing with empirically approximate demand functions for air travel and to collect a range of fare elasticity measures for air travel provide in the data on the second page of the assignment topic and provide some judgment as to which elasticity values would be more representative of the true values to be found in different airline such as Ryan air and British airways, furthermore will evaluate the accomplishment of cost savings of Ryan air through fixed costs and variable costs as well as writing a critical analysis the article on BAA Airports: Notice of release of interim undertaking'(mmc.gov.uk, 2010). Price Elasticity of Demand and Income elasticity of demand in the context of air travel demand: (Ryan air British Airways) We identified two distinct prices for air travel which are price elasticity of demand and income elasticity of demand from the case study for air travel demand which should distinguish among prices for: Low cost carrier (LCC) example of Ryanair and Full Service Carrier (FSCs) example of British Airways; business and leisure travel. Accordingly, to examine the sensitivity of the demand for air travel to its price, separate analysing of the price elasticity of demand is gathered for each of these two distinct markets. Price Elasticity of Demand Dunnett, A. (1988: 260) define Price Elasticity of Demand as a numerical value which describes the degree of responsiveness of demand to changes in prices. In addition Sloman (2005) believed that the demand for a particular good or service depends on a variety of factors. Key influences include, the levels of consumer income, the price and quality of the services in question and especially services that are close substitutes. As a general rule, once other influences on demand stay unchanged, a higher price for a product leads in a lower quantity demanded. However, the price responsiveness of demand varies from one good to another and from one market to another (FitzRoy et al, 1998). Since the availability of alternative modes of transportation that are reasonably close substitutes for air transport such as low cost airlines like Ryanair diminishes with distance travelled, it is expected that the demand for air transport will be less elastic for longer flights typical example of British airways with is a FSCs than for shorter flights typical example of Ryan air. Just considering an example where Ryanair (a low cost airline) flights to Milan from  £49.99 return and British Airways from  £628 return. The problem though with Ryanair is that you can find this cheap ticket if you book it about it well in advance. But if we try to book it on the same day before your journey the price has gone up at  £179.99 return when British Airways price will be still remaining the same until a week before your journey. Further, international travel tends to be widening over more time than domestic travel, so that the airfare is a smaller proportion of overall trip costs, which makes international travel less sensitive to changes in ticket prices. In addition, leisure travellers are more likely to postpone trips to specific locations in response to higher fares, or to shop around for those locations offering more affordable fares. Consequently, it is expected that the demand for air transport for leisure reasons will be more elastic than business travel who usually travel with FSCs. According to Anthony et al (2000) Ryan air prices management is systematically offering different prices to different customer segments in response to demand whereas (Kimes, 1989) suggests that the team in charge of yield management need to identify how changes in pr ice will affect their customers. Within the airline industries customer demand may be higher on week ends, during summer months, or at particular times of a day, (Belobaba, 1987). Managers must be able to forecast time-related demand so that they can make effective pricing and allocation decision to manage the shoulder periods around high demand period. However the corporate business traveller during the week becomes a leisure traveller when on holiday or at week-ends. Different occasion find the same consumer having different expectation and needs, (Buttle, 1986). Such a concept is termed elasticity of demand. According to the Data from the case study downloaded from Ryan air website, the price of the flight is far more higher than the price of the flight on other following days of the week day. However, when approaching the end of the week-end or school holiday, there is a huge demand and the increased demand drives the price up again as customer are returning from their vacation or family are going on holiday. Closer to the date and time of the scheduled service, the price rises, on the simple justification that consumers demand for a flight becomes more inelastic the nearer to the time of the service. The low cost airlines such as Ryan air follow the pricing strategy outlined above. Customers booking early with carriers such as Ryan air will normally come across lower prices if they are ready to commit themselves to a flight by booking early. This gives the airline the plus of important how full their flights are likely to be and a source of cash-flow in the weeks and months prior to th e service being provided. People who book late often regard travel to their planned destination as a need and they are therefore likely to be prepared and able to pay a much higher price very close to departure. Airlines call this price discrimination yield management but despite the consider name, at the heart of this pricing strategy is the straightforward but important concept price elasticity of demand. Ryanair has a seat pricing policy that causes fares to rise as a flight fills up (Ryanair.com, 2010). Following theory of supply and demand, if customer wants a seat so badly, they will pay more for it than otherwise. Income Elasticity of Demand It is defined as numerical values which describe the responsiveness of demand to a change in consumer incomes. (Sloman, 2005) Because of the recession, demand for low cost flights grew rapidly as family with higher income who were travelling with FSCs before would prefer low cost than traditional airlines and some current low cost customer with low income may prefer domestic flight or would just prefer not to travel by air. In air travel, FSCs are essentially joint products consisting of differentiated service bundles that are identified by fare classes. However the yield management systems employed by FSCs also create a multifaceted form of inter-temporal price discrimination, in which some fares (typically economy class) decline and some increase (typically full-fare business class) as the departure date draws closer. This implies that ideally, empirical studies of air travel demand should separate business and leisure travellers or at least be able to include some information on booking times in order to account for this price discrimination, and that price data should be calibrated for inter-temporal price discrimination: for example, the use of full-fare economy class ticket prices as data will overestimate the absolute value of the price elasticity coefficient. Within the set of differentiated service bundles that comprise each (joint product) flight, the relative prices are important in explainin g the relative ease of substitution between service classes. Given the nature of inter-temporal price discrimination for flights, the relative price could also change significantly in the time period prior to a departure time. In particular changes in real income and the prices of substitutes or complements will affect demand. Alternative transportation modes (road and rail) are important variables for short-haul flights, while income effects should be measured for both short and long-haul. Oum et al. (1992) provide valuable tools that occur when evaluating the demand models. Air travel demand can be affected by changes in the prices and service quality of other modes. For short-haul routes (markets) the relative price and service attributes of auto and train would need to be included in any model; particularly for short-haul markets such as low cost airline. Failure to include the price and service attributes of substitutes will bias the elasticity. For example, if airfares increase and auto costs are also increasing, the airfare elasticity would be overestimated if auto costs were excluded. The entry of low cost carriers leads to lower fares for a subset of traffic and competitors will offer a supply of seats to match these fares. Lower average fares should lead to lower demand elasticity estimates, while increases in the number of competitors in the market will lead to higher demand elasticity estimates. How low cost carriers such as Ryan air able to achieve cost savings? Fixed Costs and Variable Costs. Ryan airs business model is focus around its general low cost philosophy. That is Ryan air attempts to cut all non value adding activities as it strives to drive costs down to the total minimum. Below are typical examples how it drives its downwards which include selling directly to its customer over the internet or over the phone rather than via agents and middlemen, thus saving commission cost and administrative cost. Ryan air is a ticketless as most of it customer buy over the internet, in return for a booking reference that is exchanged at the checking counter at the airport for a boarding pass. The airline has no in flight meals which is a cost saving measure that cannot be much inconvenience to its customer since all Ryan air flights are short haul. Nevertheless has subcontracted catering services on its flights where customer can buy an in flight meal and drink should they wish which is another way of driving price. Cabin crew double up as cleaner and this helps Ryan air to promise a turnaround time at any airport of 30 min rather than 45-60 min that has FSCs been the norm. Another cost cutting device, is the typical example of the UK smaller airports such as London Luton, cheaper to fly to from than bigger airports such as Heathrow which it is use at least as its base as they are less congestion and facilitate turnaround times for aircraft to be a lot shorter. Fixed Costs Fixed Costs are defined as the Total costs that do not vary with the amount of output produced (John, S. 2005:82) Ryan air as a LCC operate in the environment of high fixed cost, fixed capacity in the short term, a perishable product and seasonal demand. Virtually all of airlines costs can be considered fixed. The cost of the capital tied up in the plane, the fuel it take to fly the route, the crew it will take to staff the ground and flight operations insurance, rent, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ All these cost are fixed once the company decides to fly a particular route and the variable costs associated with serving another passenger on the flight are figure lively peanuts. Ryan air generates sufficient revenue through ancillary services such as car rentals, accommodation, currency, travel insurance, transactions, refreshments, to cover variable costs and offset at least some fixed cost. Management believes that providing these services through the internet allows Ryan air to increase sales, while at the same time reducing costs on a per unit basis. Variable Costs Variable Costs are defined as the total costs that do vary with the amount of output produced (Sloman, 2005: 82) The relatively low variable costs associated with many capacity- constrained Ryan air allow for some pricing flexibility and give operators the options of reducing pricing during low demand times. Ryan air always seeks for low variable costs. Below are factors that help Ryanair to maintain a low variable cost: One type of aircraft, management believes that its strategy of limiting its fleet primarily to three variants of a single type of aircraft from a single manufacturer enables it to limit the costs associated with personnel training, maintenance and the purchase and storage of spare parts, as well as affording greater flexibility in the scheduling of crews and equipment. Pricing is based strictly upon revenue maximization process that matches the aims and objectives of prices elasticity of demand Internet booking which cut paper and administrative costs No airport sales offices/ no cancellations Charging a surplus for excessive baggage Maximization of seat capacity per plane Use of less expensive airport as Ryan air been offered incentives is a controversial one Ryan air director of communications. Ryan air further endeavours to reduce its airport charges by opting, when practicable, for less expensive gate locations as well as outdoor boarding stairs rather than more expensive jet ways. Ryan air has entered into in agreements on competitive terms with third party contractors at certain airports for traveller and aircraft handling, ticketing and other services that management believes can be more cost resourcefully provided by third parties. Management attempts to obtain competitive rates for such services by negotiating multi-year contracts at prices that are fixed or subject only to periodic increases related to inflation. One of the typical example is the price of aviation fuel which is directly related to the cost of oil but Ryan air control this through hedging. All these factors listed above contributed to a low variable cost of Ryan air, a key component in any successful yield management system and provide an opportunity for leverage against its major competitors. Critical analysis of the issues involved in the following article: BAA Airports: Notice of release of interim undertaking

Relationships in Lawrences Sons and Lovers Essay -- Lawrence Sons and

Relationships in Lawrence's Sons and Lovers      Ã‚   There can be no argument that D. H. Lawrence's Son's and Lover's is a study of   human relationships. Gertrude Morel, because of her turbulent and odd relationship with her husband, ends up developing deep emotional relations with her two eldest son's. The second eldest in particular, Paul, is the receiver of most of this deep emotion. Because of these feelings and the deeper-than-usual emotional bond between the two, Paul has difficulty being comfortable in his own relationships.   Paul's relationship with Miriam is plagued by his mother's disapproval, jealousy, and Miriam 's own spirituality.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Paul's relationship with Miriam is one where the love is not allowed to flourish.   Although there is no doubt that there is love between the two, the forces around them create tension that suppresses it. Miriam believes herself not nearly as beautiful as she really is. Because of this she is always looking for things to love her. In the case of Paul she believes that if Paul was to need her, if she could take care of him, "if he could depend on her, if she could, as it were, have him in her arms, how she would love him."(137) However, this is never allowed to happen. Paul's mother Gertrude already occupies this space in his life. Thus the relationship between the two is a struggle for an identity. The relationship is a struggle between Paul and his mother and Paul and Miriam.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The main conflicts between Paul and Miriam are between physical- spiritual differences and his mother. Miriam holds spirituality very close to her. Thing with Miriam are always on a very spiri... ... giving in to his mother, he breaks it off with Miriam. We get the impression that Miriam waits for Paul forever. It concretely ends when his mother dies and he leaves to find himself.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Son's and Lover's is a study of human relationships. Paul is the receiver of most of his mothers deep emotional feelings and has with her a bond tighter than normal. Because of this Paul has trouble handling and being comfortable with his own relationships.   Paul's relationship with Miriam was plagued by his mother's disapproval. If it wasn't for the selfishness of his mother Paul would of most likely been happy with Miriam.    Work Cited    Lawrence, D. H. Sons and Lovers. New York: Viking, 1913. On-line. U of Virginia Electronic Text Center. Internet. 23 February 1998, www: http:Hetext.lib.virginia.edu/english.html.

Writing Essays for Dummies?

Every student would have to write several essays through middle school and high school to college or university. Most essays are a part of the curriculums. Some are imperative requisites at the time of enrollment, such as the college application essay. Dissertation is also a type of essay, usually much longer and certainly more comprehensive than ordinary essays. Very few students have a natural penchant for essay writing. Students dislike or fail to specialize in writing essays for a myriad of reasons. Some students find the sheer uncertainty at the outset to be rather daunting. Some students find it difficult to convert their thoughts into words. Many students do not have the affinity for research, which is a quintessential prerequisite of writing an essay. These are the realities that students, teachers and parents must deal with. Our guide to writing essays for dummies is a good place to start to overcome the overwhelming challenges.Introduction to Writing Essays for DummiesAn essay is a short piece of writing on a subject or topic. You may also call it an article, a composition, a paper or study, dissertation or thesis, an assignment or disquisition. Before we delve into the different types of essay and how you should go about planning to write one, it is necessary to understand the entire premise. Students are asked to write essays so their understanding and hence grasp of a particular subject or topic can be assessed. An essay is supposed to reflect the personal opinion of the writer but not without due allegiance to facts. Every essay has a specific purpose. The scope of the essay is defined by that purpose. An essay should convey a message. It can convey more than one message. The best essays showcase contrasting perspectives and establish the truth through such contradictions. An essay can be limited to any one aspect of a topic or subject. It can be comprehensive. An essay is rarely all-encompassing.Explore the Plethora of Forms & Styles of EssaysA vast majority of students do not have a lucid understanding of how to plan an essay. This is the biggest initial hurdle. Most students have the ability to express their thoughts or what they know about a given topic and can also carry out substantial research if they are provided the necessary guidance. Beginning to write an es say is not very different from a writer staring at a blank piece of paper or a painter setting up the blank canvas. The best writers and painters can create wonders out of that nothingness. Students can do so too with their essays.Four Basic Types of EssaysThere are more than a dozen types of essays. You can subcategorize them further if you want more specificity. Broadly, there are four major types of essays. These are narrative, descriptive, expository and persuasive. An essay may be an account documenting personal experiences, it can describe an object, person, situation or idea, it can explain something or it can try to convince the readers to accept a particular perspective. The purpose of the essay and the message you need to convey will determine the type you need to choose. Unless a specific assignment at school or college demands a certain form and style, students usually have the choice among these different types. A narrative essay is like telling a story. You are the writer and the narrator. As a narrator, you have to be vivid with everything you show and tell. The story is narrated in first person so it gives you an opportunity to establish an immediate connect with the audience or reader but it also limits your ability to cast light on anything within the essay that is beyond the reach of the narrator. Narrative essays are best when the message or purpose is some kind of personal statement. A descriptive essay is like drawing a picture. This can be a narrative essay as well. You can narrate the essay in first person while being descriptive. Descriptive essays are mostly about places, people, objects, memories or experiences. The description in the essay needs to have a purpose. There has to be a coherent message or some deeper meaning. The objective of a descriptive essay is to establish an emotional connection or to evoke a reaction, not just to paint a picture that no one cares about or r elates to. An expository essay is about facts. It is more informative than narrative and descriptive essays. There is little room for personal opinions. Whatever personal perspective that may be presented in an expository essay must be substantiated. There should be verifiable evidence or facts. An expository essay illustrates a topic by employing statistics, facts, real and theoretical examples, comparisons, causes and effects. This is not a first person narrative or even a descriptive account to evoke a premeditated reaction. A persuasive essay is basically an academic version of a sales pitch. The writing should be able to convince the audience or reader to accept the presented opinion, reasoning, perspective or facts. Persuasive essays could be narrative, descriptive or expository. Since the reader needs to be convinced, there has to be more than just personal opinion or perspective. The logic or reasoning presented should be irrefutable. It is necessary for such an essay to dis cuss or debate all perspectives relevant to a topic. The writer may have a preconceived notion or may choose a standpoint even before writing the essay but this cannot come across as obvious in the written piece. A persuasive essay should not read as a biased account of facts.Other Types of EssaysAs you may have realized by now, the form and style of essay will depend on the type. You cannot use flowery vocabulary when you are writing an expository essay as facts are more important. You can be as poetic or ornate you want in a narrative or descriptive essay but you should still be able to establish the purpose and convey the message. The essence should not be lost in the writing. There are other forms and styles beyond the four major types of essays such as compare and contrast, cause and effect, process, argumentative, critical, classification & division, dialectic, exemplification, familiar, economic and reflective. All these forms or styles can actually be categorized in one or more of the four major types of essays.The Definitive Guide to Writing Essays for DummiesAn essay has three parts: introduction, body and conclusion. A short essay of around four hundred to six hundred words should have one introductory paragraph, a few body paragraphs and one concluding paragraph. A longer essay of around a thousand words or several thousand can have multiple introductory paragraphs, a few demarcated sections as the body wherein each has one or more paragraphs and a concluding section with one or multiple paragraphs. Writing essays for dummies has six stages. These are preparation, study or research, writing the first draft, improving the language and the chosen style, reviewing the structure and content, finishing the piece with elan.Stage One: PreparationThe preparatory phase has far-reaching implications. Everything you choose at this stage will have a bearing on every subsequent phase. If you have been given a topic or subject and you have been instructed to write a certain type of essay, then you don’t have the liberty to choose. If you can choose your topic or the style, then you must play to your strengths. Some people are naturally good at describing or narrating. Some people are naturally drawn towards facts and analytical assessments. Choose the style or form depending on your deftness.Stage Two: ResearchAn essay has to be heavy on substance. It cannot be rhetoric. Even if you are writing a narrative or descriptive essay wherein you are exploring an idea, concept or thought and t here is no correlation with real incidents, you would still need to use substantial information to your advantage. An essay is not a dramatic soliloquy. Expository and persuasive essays will require sufficient research. You can confine your research to the books you have access to as a part of your curriculum. You can expand the scope of your research. The library at your school or college and the virtual world will offer you instant access to any information you need. The challenge is not the access to the information you need but the studying and assessing of everything you learn. You will come across a lot of information. There would be complimenting and contradicting findings. Depending on the topic, it may be impossible for you to include all sources and hence you would need to choose some information over others. The presentation should still be comprehensive enough. You cannot choose one type of factual findings and discard another. An essay must have some semblance of nonpartisanship even if you have a preconceived purpose.Stage Three: First DraftYou would have a word count in mind. Break it down into the three segments of introduction, body and conclusion. You can start with the body. The information you obtain through your research would be the foundation of the body of your essay. Since you would have plenty of details, starting the first draft with such information would be simpler than trying to find the best words to begin your essay. Often, writing the body would influence a writer to choose the right wording for the introduction. However, this is not a universal rule. Many writers would want to begin with the introduction, set the tone of the essay and then work on the first draft of the body. You should not be too conscious while writing the first draft. Just pen down whatever you have learned and what you have understood. You don’t have to be too adherent to the purpose and you don’t need to excel in the use of language. The objective of the first draft is to put your thoughts into words and to have a basic version that you can rework to perfection. The first draft can be much longer than the chosen word count. Try to write down everything you think is important in the given context.Stage Four: Review/Revise or Edit/RewriteYou should review the first draft and crosscheck the factual information with your references. Make sure there is no factual inaccuracy. Ensure there is no plagiarism. Consult your notes from the research phase to know for sure that you have been true to the sources. Revise or rewrite any portions that you think are inaccurate or would do with some better writing. Check everything from spelling to grammar, use better words wherever approp riate and try to develop a unique voice in your essay. Most people have a natural writing style. This is not necessarily good or bad. You should find, identify and amplify your voice. Your essay does not have to emulate the styles of others.Stage Five: Optimize Structure and ContentAt the end of the fourth stage of writing essays for dummies, you should have a readable piece that sheds more light on the topic and conveys a message. The primary purpose of writing the essay must have been accomplished by now. However, the structure and content may not be the best they can be. You should try to optimize both. Review the word count of each paragraph, assess how you have argued in favor or against a particular notion, whether or not your writing is actually conveying what you wish to emphasize, if the reader will get to imagine or visualize the picture you are trying to draw and if there is an impact of the entire content, which could be an emotional connection, a certain type of reaction or just being convinced with the facts of the case.Stage Six: Finishing TouchesThe finishing touches will vary from writer to writer. You can look for a quote, one that is the most appropriate for your essay. You can come up with an anecdote to make your essay more memorable. Often, it is not just the words in an essay that makes it unique but how it is presented.

The Success Factors of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon

The Success Factors of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon Presented to The Department of Business Administration 2011-12 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This repost is studying the success factors of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. It will be collect the information and data from questionnaire survey and focus groups. Also, it will be through Value Important Performance Grid tool and SWOT analysis that more understand the performance and state of this marathon, then make some recommendation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This thesis would not have been possible unless someone who give the information support.It is an honor for our group to interview Mrs. Vivian So, the Executive director of HKAAA, and Mr. Wong Ka Man, an committee of HKAAA. Our group also would like to thank some participants who attend our questionnaire survey and focus group. Their view and information gave us a lot of help for this report. I would like to show my gratitude to my supervisor, Leonard Kwan and course leader, Johnny Ch iu, whose encouragement, guidance and support from the initial to the final level enabled me to develop an understanding of the subject.Lastly, we offer our regards and blessings to all of those who supported us in any respect during the completion of the project. TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS LIST OF TABLES LIST OF APPENDICES CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 2. 1 Background of Event 2. PROBLEM STATEMENT 3. 2 Statement of the Problem 3. 3 The Assumption 3. 4 Methodology 3. 5 Limitation 3. FACTORS AFFECTING A EVENT 4. 6 Public Acceptance 4. 7. 1 Social Environment – Cultural 4. 7. 2 Lifestyle 4. 7 Support from Stakeholders 4. 8. 3 Commercial Sponsorships . 8. 4 Participants 4. 8. 5 Organizations 4. 8. 6 Non-profit organizations 4. 8. 7 Celebrities 4. 8. 8 General Public 4. 8. 9 Government 4. 8 Effective Event Management 4. 9. 10 Event Planning 4. 9. 11 Human Resource Management 4. 9 Publicity 4. 10. 12 Word of Mouth 4. FINDIN GS 5. 10 Value Important Performance Grid 5. 11 SWOT Analysis 5. 12. 13 Strengths 5. 12. 14 Weaknesses 5. 12. 15 Opportunities 5. 12. 16 Threats 5. 12 Sustainability 5. 13 Potential for future development 5. CONCLUSION 6. RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDICES 2| 1. Introduction 1. 1 Background of the EventStandard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is one of the most significant and brand sport event for Hong Kong. This sports event has been held annually every Chinese New Year. This event is large-scale, with local and foreign people participation. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been gaining a lot of support from companies, organizations, public, government and tourist. Prior to Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, it was named â€Å"Shenzhen Marathon† and was held in 1996. Due to the lack of funds, Standard Chartered Bank become the title was sponsor of â€Å"Shenzhen Marathon†.Afterward it has been named Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Since then the Marathon has been held for 15years. In the beginning, the number of participants of this event was limited thousand and the awareness was 1000. Until 2011, the number of participant has increased to more than 70,000 in 2012. 2. PROBLEM STATEMENT 2. 1 Statement of the Problem The purpose of this report is to find out the success factors of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. The event had a humble beginning, and very few Hong Kong people showed interest to join the race.After a few years, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has started to gain its popularity in Hong Kong year after year. The event has become a Hong Kong branded sports event now. This report is to study the factors that attributed to its success. This report also investigates the possible strategies to sustain its success in the future. Based on the participant number of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in past 16 years, it showed in Chart 1. The figure indicates that the participant numbers are growing year after year. This proved the event has been more widely accepted by people in Hong Kong than other sports.Hence, how to this event successes in attracting so many people to participate every year allows us to better understand the reason behind its success. Thus, it helps to project whether the event is sustainable in the future. 2. 2 The Assumption Our group assumes public acceptance, support from stakeholders, effective event management and publicity are the important factor of success event. 2. 3 The Methodology In this report, we had used primary and secondary sources of information for the analysis of the critical success factors of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. 2. 3. 1 Data Collection Secondary researchFirst of all, we had found a lot of reference books in the library, for example, Successful Event Management, Event Sponsorship, Sports and Entertainment Marketing and Sports Marketing etc. Also, we will find the professional journals, such as the Journal of Business Research, Jour nal of Marketing Event Research, Journal of Marketing, Organizational Behavior etc. Then, we will have more information about the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon’ success factors. Moreover, we had found the sports magazine, such as Sportsoho, these helped us to know more about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon.Moreover we found a lot of relevant information on the newspapers, such as, Singtao newspaper, Mingpao newspaper, etc. It can help us to find out more Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon information, such how can prepare for the event. Moreover, we had used internet to find more secondary information. For example, using Google to research information related to Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. It can easy to research some useful information in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, such as, past history and year the participant situation etc.Also, we used Wise News to find some past news. Primary research First of all, we have interview with Miss V ivian, the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA) to get more information of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. So, we can have more information about this event, such as the process of marathon, brand building etc. Furthermore, we had set questionnaires and used to interview with stakeholders such as, runner and supporter, to find out how they feel about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. We had interviewed them the days near the marathon.We had finished 384 interviews in different place, such as, sport ground, a competition area etc. Then, it can help us to understand the customer’s behavior and expectation. We are using the following formula to decide the number of questionnaire: n=[z * se]2 Where n = sample size n=[1. 96 * 50%5%]2 z= Confidence level =384 s= sample variance e= error acceptance The latest survey has a response rate 92 per cent, a sampling error of plus or minus 5 percentage points and a confidence level of 95 perce nt.On the other hand, after the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, we had interviewed with focus groups who are amateur sport members from The Citizen Athletic Association and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Track and Field Team. We had interviewed with four focus groups that 5 to 6 people in a group. We had asked lots of questions on how they feel on the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in order to help us to draw out the analysis. Lastly, we will use the following analytical methods to analysis the success factors of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. 2. 3. 2 Analytical methods 1. Value Important Performance Grid 2.SWOT analysis The Value Important Performance Grid can help us to evaluate the performance and areas of improvement of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Also, SWOT analysis can let us more understand the relative strength and weakness of this sport event for organizer perspective. 3. Factors Affecting a Mega Event 3. 1. Public Acceptance Public ac ceptance is defined to be a clear identity and social statuses have a favorable position. Also, it get the support and love of people and their ideas and direction is have to the same goal that can establish a good reputation and word of mouth . For example, Echoes of the Rainbow movie made in Hong Kong, a low-cost film production. At the beginning, this movie had few people pay attention. When this movie received the best picture in the new generation of Children's Film Unit Crystal Bear Award at the 60th Berlin Film Festival, there are many people start attending this movie. Since this movie had received an award, it caught everyone’s attention about this film. More people accept that this king of film and story. In 2008 Beijing Olympics was very successful sport event. It is because the sportsmen from all over the world had come to support and participates in it. We all attach great importance to this event.It is because this game has good recognition. This paper approache s the topic by first referencing to the present environment under the categories of social and lifestyle perspectives of the living environment in Hong Kong. According to the findings, we conjecture the public needs and analyze how the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon can fulfill the needs and obtain public acceptance. 3. 1. 3Social – Cultural Since 1996, Lee Lai Shan won the first-ever Olympic gold medal for Hong Kong in the women’s mistral boardsailing class and was the first champion in the Asian Games representing Hong Kong, China.Since them, Hong Kong people started paying more attention to our Hong Kong Campaigns. And government started investing a lot more money and time in the promotion for Hong Kong sports. In addition, Lee Lai-Shan has received â€Å"the ten most Outstanding Youth Award† and the Bronze Bauhinia Star Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the international sports scene. A stating of her on a wind surf board was ere cted in honor of her near the beachfront at Cheung Chau. Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards is an annual election organized by the Sports Federation ; Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China.The purpose is to encourage athletes and teams to strive for excellence. Also, it can provide role model sand inspiration for Hong Kong young people, thus help to promote sports development in Hong Kong. Moreover, it can encourage the community’s involvement in sports to further promote the sport culture in Hong Kong. Among them, Lee Lai-Shan has won numerous awards including 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004. Government has also encouraged the public to do more exercise. And it promotes different sports and exercise for us. Furthermore, nowadays people are increasingly aware about their health and peruse a healthy way of living. In the Leisure and Cultural Service Department of Healthy Exercise for All Campaign, Launched in April 2000, the â€Å"Healthy Exercise for All Campaign† is a territory- wide event jointly organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Department of Health (DH). With the slogan of â€Å"Daily exercise keeps us fit, people of all ages can do it†, the Campaign aims at raising the public's interest in exercising and encouraging them to exercise regularly so that they can understand the benefits of exercising to health. † This can show that doing exercise benefits for both body and mind.Also, regular exercising can improve the health conditions, and strengthens body’s resistance to illness, trains muscles, strengthens bones and helps prevent osteoporosis. In addition since the outbreak of SARS on 2003, the public awareness to public health exercise caused more people to do exercise. All their incidents coincide with the repaid growth of participants in Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon from 2001 to 2006. Moreover, running is one of the most popular sports and easily practiced by people of all ages. Also, running can enhance physical fitness, strength and willpower.Nowadays, running of the equipment has become more advanced technologically. The innovation of running supplies, clothing and footwear which become to more lightweight and offer better protection. Running gears are how made with more eye-catching color, preferred by ladies who want to live and run in a more relaxed mood. For example, running shoes are now ultra-lightweight. Shoes cage is widen to allow runners to wear comfortable with high-tech arch boosters and the stronger induction of the foot to promote runners reflex, increase their agility, run faster. Also, windproof and breathable jacket make running more comfortable and enjoyable.Furthermore, the technological advancements now even allow smart phones to measure the running speed and pacing. It is very convenience for runner and makes more people like this sport. 3. 1. 5Lifestyle â€Å"Lifestyle is a mode of living that is identified by how people spend their tim e and resource, what they consider important in their environment, and what they think of themselves and the world around them. † First of all, there is an apparent relation between slow economic growth and desire for participation in sports event. In 2003, Hong Kong has a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and bully impact the Economic. A government spokesman explained that the March to May this year. The unemployment rate and underemployment rate rose to a new high. It is because of the impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS) on the labor market intensifies, consumption and tourism, the impact on industry layoffs increase with an overall decline in employment. † According to government year book2003 â€Å"The labour market worsened abruptly in the first half of 2003, mainly affected by the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 7. per cent in the first quarter of 2003 to an all-tim e high of 8. 7 per cent in May-July 2003. † â€Å"Also, Hong Kong economic situation in 2003 can showed the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate surged to record highs in the summer of 2003, a consequent of an abrupt economic downturn under the impact of SARS. † (Chart 1) Chart 1 Unemployment and underemployment rates â€Å"Amidst the slackened labour market conditions, overall labour earnings and wages continued on a decline in 2003. The decline nevertheless narrowed down after the mid-year. †(Chart 2) Chart 2 Earnings and wages| year-on-year rate of change in money terms)| Since more people were unemployed, so that they have more time to use the spare time for exercise running. Also, running does not cost money and is a low-consumption activity that is good exercise for most people. Therefore, most people change their lifestyle. They are love to running. In addition, running is good for health. It is because most of doctors said that running could enh ance the breathing health of lung. So people started paying more attention to running. (App1) The Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society also suggests that people to do exercise 30mins every day, such as running.They claimed that, running can prevent the disease. Since then more people are interest in doing exercise. ————————————————- Furthermore, the World Health Organization suggested people to do 150mins exercise every week. This can make the body became healthily and lengthen the life by 3years than without doing exercise. ————————————————- ————————————————- Therefore, people need to health and good life time, they take action to running. It can benefit for their health.It can show that the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon increase the participants join to after 2003. Moreover, every person has different a way of living and habits. Their lifestyle reflects the attitudes and values of a person. Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA said that â€Å"Running is not limited to any place and no need to pay any money. Anyone can do it. However, if one plays football, basketball etc one needs to have a large group of players. Therefore, running is very convenient. † This explains why distance running has become popular in the present busy lifestyle of Hong Kong people.Leung Yiu-chung a member of the Legislative Council also said that when he was young who like swimming, running, hiking, football, table tennis, volleyball etc. But most of sports need to have a partner. After he started working, it become difficult to find a partner does exercise together. Therefore, he chose running because he can do it alone. He has been ru nning which run for more than 20 years. Ken Yuen, Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Corporation Limited of presenter said that running need only sport shirts, pants and shoes which can be done alone.Running is very convenient for him. There is one thing in a common, many people working busily. It is difficult to meet friends to do exercise together. Therefore, running can fit in to the lifestyle of new generations. Then, a study on consumer behavior can explain why people join the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. We apply the theories of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to explain it. â€Å"Consumer behavior is the study of when, why, how, and where people do or do not buy a product. It blends elements from psychology, sociology, social anthropology and economics.It attempts to understand the buyer decision making process, both individually and in groups. It studies characteristics of individual consumers such as demographics and behavioral variables in an attempt to unders tand people's wants. It also tries to assess influences on the consumer from groups such as family, friends, reference groups, and society in general. † It is mean the consumer behavior is a buyer decision making process, it includes individual, groups. The groups are like the family, friends, media, leader or artist. Participant will influence with them when they make decision. Consumer behavior is â€Å"The study of individuals, groups, or organizations and the processes they use to select, secure, use, and dispose of products, services, experiences, or ideas to satisfy needs and the impacts that these processes have on the consumer and society. † Behavior occurs either for the individual, or in the context of a group (e. g. , friend’s influence what kinds of clothes a person wears) or an organization (people on the job make decisions as to which products the firm should use). † We can understand consumer behavior is affect by individuals, groups, or orga nizations. The consumer behavior also knows people's need.So, people join the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is effect by their making decision and what they needs. Otherwise, the participant also will use their knowledge, experience to join it. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (chart. xx) â€Å"Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology, proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper A Theory of Human Motivation. Maslow subsequently extended the idea to include his observations of humans' innate curiosity. His theories parallel many other theories of human developmental psychology, all of which focus on describing the stages of growth in humans.Maslow is use the terms Physiological, Safety, Belongingness and Love, Esteem, and Self-Actualization needs to describe the pattern that human motivations generally move through. † ————————————————- The Nee ds can identify why participants join the Marathon. Physiological need is base on eating, drinking. Participates need a healthy body. Safety is meaning ensure public safety, such as how the events management provides enough facilities to protect participants. Belonging and love is base on with friends, family together. Participants may join this event with friends, families.Esteem is the glory of participating in the race to makes them satisfied. The self challenge is when the participant makes a breakthrough in their finishing time or finishing the race by challenging their potential. ————————————————- Participants join the race as they think that they can gain a great experience or achieve their personal goal in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Chart 5 Through our questionnaires, we find that near a half part of participant motion that they join this marathon a s for self- challenge. About 24% participants join because of the health.Impact of peer and family and honor respectively is 11% and 14%. Also, these had a 2% was participated with company or a litter bit number for other reasons. So, we would understand that achievement is really importance as the personal goal and this may cause the reason that why the number of participants is continuous growth. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Higher– Level Needs Lower – Level Needs ————————————————- ————————————————- 3. 2 Supports from Stakeholders It is important to cooperate with stakeholder in an event.A good stakeholders’ support can make the event more successful. In the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, we can see that it has received a good support from participants, celebrities, general public and the government etc. 3. 2. 1 Commercial Sponsorship Sponsorship is a contribution to an activity (typically in sports, arts, entertainment or causes) by a commercial organization in cash, or in-kind, with the expectation of achieving corporate and marketing objectives. Sponsorship continues to represent a popular way of cutting through advertising clutter and reaching potential customers.Commercial sponsor can increase the media and marketing leverage which can let the event become more large-scale. The scale of a representative event can’t be too small. A large scale of an event can attract and increase the number of people to join or to pay close attention to it. Also, it can cause by the public and media to discuss and report the event. – For instance, Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse sponsored the Hong Kong Sevens Rugby Match was one of the successful model in the early years. Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse was t he title commercial sponsors.Because of the sponsorship, Suisse Hong Kong Sevens become more popular and large-scale. And, the event has been well known. Because it makes the event become more representative and attract the number of people to pay attention to it. Regarding Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, because of the sponsorship of Standard Chartered Bank, making had more resources to promote the event. Also, commercial sponsor can increase the media and marketing leverage which can let the event become more large-scale. A large scale of an event can attract and increase the number of people to join or to pay close attention to it.A part from that, it can cause by the public and media to discuss and report the event. Therefore, it prove that commercial sponsor is also one of the reason why caused the marathon be more success. 3. 2. 2 Participants The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon started in 1997. Since then, it has been gaining in popularity. In the past thirteen y ears, it made record in entries every year. Now it has become a signature international sporting event in Hong Kong and was recognized as a â€Å"Brand Hong Kong Event† by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.The continuous growth of the number of participants, it proves that people support the event. Chart 1 Also, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has attracted a lot of international athletes from over seventy countries and regions, including China, Chinese Taipei, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Poland, the Netherland, New Zealand, Russia, Ukraine and Singapore. It is because people believe that Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is a large-scale and well-known running event.These may cause that why they are interested and support for the marathon. Participants join the race as they think that they can gain a great experience or achieve their personal goal in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Chart 5 Through our questionnaires, we find that near a half part of participant motion that they join this marathon as for self- challenge. About 24% participants join because of the health. Impact of peer and family and honor respectively is 11% and 14%. Also, these had a 2% was participated with company or a litter bit number for other reasons.So, we would understand that achievement is really importance as the personal goal and this may cause the reason that why the number of participants is continuous growth. A part from joining the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, participants can achieve their personal goals. We find that about 70% of participants had joined more than one times. It can show that a great part of number were repeat participate. Chart xx Chart 6 Also, all of interviewer motioned that they will participate in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon again.It can see that participant generality enjoyable and think the higher value than payable in this mara thon. So, the continuous growth of the number of participants, it proves that people support the race. 3. 2. 3 Organization On the other hand, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon also has attracted a lot of companies and organizations’ support. Some companies and organizations like Standard Chartered Bank, LI & FUNG, Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants have joined corporate challenge or SME Marathon Cup.Furthermore other education groups include The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Educational etc. They were many staff and students who participated in it. The purpose that they may not to win for the race, they only want to have a nice day and enjoy the event. They may only want to express the support to a meaningful cause. These show that organizations’ support for the event. —————————†”——————-For example, Standard Chartered Bank has 2800 staff running in Marathon 2012. It is means participants had affected by each other’s within these groups. Through the organizations we can identify the reasons that made this event became successful. 3. 2. 4 Non-profits organization Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is a large-scale sporting event. Therefore it needs lots of volunteers to make the event orderly. Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director HKAAA, said that volunteers are important for an event and good services can attract potential customers.Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon had thousands of volunteers serving the runners and the organizer beyond the track to ensure the race can go on smoothly. Volunteer physiotherapists, overseas invited runners’ liaison team members and photographers etc. The volunteers in Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon come from all walks of life and all of them regarded the vo lunteer work very challenging. Therefore, it can prove that non-profits organization is important for an event enter in successful. On the order hand, in order to let the marathon carried out more smoothly, it s important to have non-profits organizations’ support, like Scout Association Hong Kong – Hong Kong Island Region, Auxiliary Medical Service etc. Without their support, the event can’t continue as such smoothly. 3. 2. 5 Celebrities The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has received a lot of support from celebrities. Since 2004, artists like EO2, Fiona, Sky etc, they played games with participants, sang and share their experiences on running at the Marathon Expo. On the day before the marathon, there was a cheering concert to boost the morale for participants and volunteers.These make the event more interesting and attract more potential customers to join. Also, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon Ambassadors personally participated in the event, for example, Andy Hui, Alex Fong etc. These can prove that how the celebrities supported the event. Celebrities are important endorsers of the marathon. Therefore, from 2001 to 2006 the participants’ number has significant increase and one of the reasons that maybe participants want to support their idols. On the other hand, Mr. Donald Tsang Yam-Kuen, the Chief Executive, presented at opening ceremony and supports the participator.Moreover, lots of support from celebrities and famous people, likes Mr. Ricky Wong Wai-kay, Chairman of the City Telecom (H. K. ) Limited. Mr. Timothy T. T Fok, GBS, JP President of Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, they helped promote the vision of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon to their employees as well. These may attract more people to join the race. A part from these, it proves that the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has received a lot of support from celebrities and these may cause the reason that why marath on are success. 3. 2. General Public Moreover, in order to let the marathon conducting more smoothly. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon caused large scale road closure, making it inconvenient to a lot of people who live along the race track. However, no public protest against the road closure has been heard. According to Apple Daily on February 24, 2012 â€Å"Road closure would certainly cause inconvenience to some people, but for the marathon road closures was definitely better than New Year Parade, fireworks, Celebration Parade is worth. † showing that the public accept holding a mega event like this.Also, Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director HKAAA, said that it can prove the popularity. The event has been support by the popularity, though it may have caused a little disturb to the neighborhood. It showing that most of the public accept for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon and they are support Hong Kong for holding such kind of international activities. 3. 2. 7 Government Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is now being recognized as a â€Å"Brand Hong Kong Event† and a â€Å"M† Mark sporting event by the Hong Kong Government.It has attracts more than 70,000 participants taking part in this challenge in 2012. In order to contain a greater amount of participants, government has done a lot of measures, such as road closure. Moreover, in order to let the marathon conducting more smoothly, Hong Kong Police Force and Hong Kong Road Safety Patrol had send out a great amount of human resources to support the race. On the order hand, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon normally starts early in the morning (5 a. m. ). In order to support the marathon, MTR Corporation started its trains earlier.Also, those runners who could not reach the pre-set specific time limits need to board the official buses. These special service can see that how government support Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. 3. 3 Effective Event Management 3. 3 . 1 Event Planning â€Å"Event planning is the process of planning a festival, ceremony, competition, party, or convention. Event planning includes budgeting, establishing dates and alternate dates, selecting and reserving the event site, acquiring permits, and coordinating transportation and parking.Event planning also includes some or all of the following, depending on the event: developing a theme or motif for the event, arranging for speakers and alternate speakers, coordinating location support (such as electricity and other utilities), arranging decor, tables, chairs, tents, event support and security, catering, police, fire, portable toilets, parking, signage, emergency plans, health care professionals, and clean up. † The event manager should control that planning process for events management is management, organizational and operates.Also, the planning should address in coordination of when, where, who, what, why and how (5Ws). Because an event is need to identities the objective. Set the location can hold the event, such as indoor or outdoor. Decide to who are the major customer and potential customer, or sponsor. Find which timing is suitable to hold the event. We study that when (timing), where (location), who (human resource management) to prove the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon becomes success. Timing The event planner selected the race day to decide the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in which day. Spring, summer, and particularly fall are the busiest times for transportation companies, hotels, and resorts, which are taking care of good-weather conventions, vacationers, and business meetings. Because of the potential attendees are more likely to able to afford the time, and to attend the event. About the sport events effect are on the daily pace and commerce of the city. † The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon always starts one to two weeks after Lunar New Year. Because in this period, the weather is cool. It coul d increase participator’s running performance.According to Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA , said that the Half- Marathon and Full- Marathon have been held only in a few seasons. During Lunar New Year, road traffic normally decreases because many people will be on their vacation and no need to go to work. Air pollution is greatly reduced. † Because, it can avoid the celebration of New Year, and government could regulate would more effectively. Thus, HKAAA selected the race day after Lunar New Year one to two weeks. And decrease some impact for resident and store.Moreover, this period can reduce participants working hour. Location Location can be a critical factor in determining the success of an event. During 1997 to 2012, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon changes the route 7 times. In 1997, the route started from Sheung Shui, Lok Ma Chau, and ended in Shenzhen. In 1998, the route started at Tsing Ma Bridge and the end point was Hong Kong Internati onal Airport. In 1999, as a starting point in Central at Tsim Sha Tsui and passed by Western Harbour Tunnel, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, and as the end point, Sham Shui Po Sports Ground.In 2000, runners departured from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, passed by Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, and a crossed the Ting Kau Bridge and ended at the Sham Shui Po Sports Ground. In 2001 to 2007, it started from Miramar Hotel, Tsim sha tsui, and then passed by the West Kowloon Highway, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Tsing Ma Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge exhumation of the Western Harbour Crossing, ended at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai. Start 2008 to 2009, the route of race was separated from the10 kilometres, Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon.The participants can follow their designated route. 10 kilometres race was first staged on Hong Kong Island Eastern Corridor. Participants are required to walk from Victoria Park on the Island Eastern Corridor in order to reach the starting point. The race end ing points was Victoria Park. Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon continued to start on Nathan Road and ended at Victoria Park. But Full-Marathon continued to run on Tsing Ma Bridge, Ma Wan, and Ting Kau Bridge. In 2010 to 2012, the 10 kilometres race was held on Hong Kong Island Eastern Corridor, and end at Victoria Park.Although Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon are started by Miramar Hotel and end of Victoria Park, Full-Marathon race was changed to Ngong Shuen Chau Viaduct, Stonecutters Bridge, East Tsing Yi Viaduct, Nam Wan Tunnel, Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge, and Western Harbour Crossing than Half- Marathon. In conclusion, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been holding in urban area and the race track passes by score local landmarks. Participate can tour around the city such as Island Eastern corridor, Nathan Road, Tsing Ma Bridge, Stonecutters Bridge, etc. This is different from other running races.Because those routes are only for transportation, people normally ca nnot walk or run on the Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge and other public facilities. Thus, participate can enjoy and find the route interesting. In overseas, the Marathon route shared similar characteristics . For instance, Tokyo Marathon is also held in urban area. In 2011, this event attract more than 350,000 participates to apply. But the participants need to draw by ballot. So the actual number is around 33,000. So we can know if the event can be held at downtown, it can attract more people to join.The routes are showed in Fig. 1 Tokyo Marathon and Fig. 2 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. There are similar with both held the marathon in landmarks. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 3. 3. 2 Human Resource Management â€Å"Human resource management (HRM or simply HR) is the management of an organization's workforce, or human resources. It is responsible for the attraction, selection, training, assessment, and rewarding of employees, while also overseeing organizational leadership and culture, a nd ensuring compliance with employment and labor laws.In circumstances where employees desire and are legally authorized to hold a collective bargaining agreement, HR will typically also serve as the company's primary liaison with the employees' representatives. † The human resource management is including selection and training or briefing staff. And make sure staff understands the job duties and responsibility. Staff and Volunteer In 2012, 2800 Standard Chartered staff runners participated in the Marathon while another 700 volunteered to cheer or support on race day. Appendices xx) Among those volunteers their were Association of International Marathons and Road Races, Auxiliary Medical Service, Civil Aid Service, and Scout Association Hong Kong, and so on. (Appendices xx) There was a wide range of supporting volunteers and organization from commercial organizations, voluntary bodies, and to charitable organizations. The success of the event is found highly depending on the cooperation among them. Their duties include crowd control, logistics, and so on.Michael Armstrong, Joint Managing Partner of E-reward and an independent management consultant, said that business success is most likely to be achieved if the personnel policies and procedures of the enterprise are closely linked with, and make a major contribution to, the achievement of corporate objectives and strategic plans. Therefore, the management of staff and volunteers are critical to the success of the event. Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA, said that the marathon was success because of the enthusiastic staff and volunteers also worked hard and endeavour to finish the event.It raised the normal of event workers. This showed the marathon event was successful due to support from the staff and volunteers. In conclusion, the success of the marathon depends on the preparation of the job descriptions to staff and volunteers. Since the duties are different. HKAAA should select the volu nteers well. HKAAA should ensure them understand the procedures well. HKAAA should provide sufficient briefings to its staff and volunteers before the race events. 3. 4 Publicity 3. 4. 1 Word of Mouth Word of mouth (WOM) is one of the importance factors for holding a successful event.Mr. Wong Ka Man, an committee of HKAAA, said that it lead to more people know Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon and feel interest in this event because of word of mouth. Mr. Wong also motion that â€Å"after few years for holding this marathon, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon was more corporate with media like Hong Kong Commercial Radio. Under eulogized, Standard Chartered Marathon was became a hot topic. Also, participants were post some event photo in the internet that attract many citizens attention and feel interest to participant. So we can that word of mouth is the importance factor. Word of mouth is a social communication between consumers or between businesses about a product, service or brand. People share and seek other opinions on consumption experiences. A desire to help other people drives consumers to provide advice to others while a desire to reduce risk and time in decision making pushes them to seek options from other consumers. Storytelling is the oldest form of word of mouth communication where one person tells others of something, whether a real event or something made up.Word of mouth depends on the extent of customer satisfaction with the product or service, and on the degree of its perceived value. Even without a direct and full control of word of mouth, companies can indirectly influence word of mouth by making sure consumers have many incentives to praise and no reason to talk about the negative aspects. Sports marketers must can take the expanded relationship into account. To do so, engage in positive word of mouth exchanges with other people. Word of mouth by event organizationBecause of positive word of mouth building, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon was doing something that let more people think this is a joyful event. Firstly, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon have had revamped official website (www. hkmarathon. com or http://hk. hkmarathon. yahoo. com) in 2002. This website has been designed and engineered by the renowned internet service provider Yahoo! Hong Kong. Up to now, except the related race information of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on the website, there are also including â€Å"Activities†, â€Å"News†, Photo Gallery† and â€Å"Webcast† etc.Visitors can gain more information like pre-event promotional activities, pre-race activities, any news report, also review the exciting moments of the past few years and last event's highlights. People accept more positive information and image, so they may build up a confidence for this Standard Chartered marathon and feel a grand occasion that they need to participate too. Word of mouth by media Newspaper reports also hav e a lot of influence on the public image of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, the more positive reports for this event by the media, the more word of mouth can be built to help them to build the image.Because of knowing the covers range of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon report by all newspaper medias, what including Apple Daily, Ming Pao Daily News, South China Morning Post, any Free and overseas Newspaper. The reports will collected by using Wisers information Portal service system and with the keywords â€Å" / / / /Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon/Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon/Hong Kong Marathon/Standard Chartered Marathon† that search the number of related article between 1998-2012 (no data before 1998). Also these include the number of StandardChartered Hong Kong Marathon official Press release (no data before 2002). Source: Wiser Information Portal and Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon official press release Period| Number of Article| Number ofStandard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon official press release| 1/1/1998- 30/6/1998| 64| -| 1/7/1998-30/6/1999| 256| -| 1/7/1999-30/6/200| 219| -| 1/7/2000-30/6/2001| 247| -| 1/7/2001-30/6/2002| 299| -| 1/7/2002-30/6/2003| 375| 3| 1/7/2003-30/6/2004| 404| 5| 1/7/2004-30/6/2005| 468| 15| 1/7/2005-30/6/2006| 938| 29| 1/7/2006-30/6/2007| 805| 14| 1/7/2007-30/6/2008| 895| 11| /7/2008-30/6/2009| 1281| 10| 1/7/2009-30/6/2010| 1386| 7| 1/7/2010-30/6/2011| 1885| 12| 1/7/2011-26/3/2012| 2817| 13| According to the analysis the numbers of articles are increasing every year. And except in the first few years, the number of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon official press release had increased and so are the news reports. During 2005 and 2006, the number of press release and article doubled. After 2006, the official press release reduced, but the news reports still increasing. So that, we can see how the news reports caused stronger word of mouth.In analyzing of the official press release a nd the newspapers report from2002 to 2012, within the period from September to March, it was found that most of the news releases were reported from October and February. The race entry usually starts in October, so there were more news posted in this month, and there report are usually related the race information, apply state etc. Usually, around before the date of event applies entry 1-2 months, there also has had the report for pre- event promotion and help to attract more participants when thought this word of mouth.Since the race is held after Chinese New Year, so that Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon will be become the hot topic during February and that explain why most of the news report were written on this month and some on March. The news in this time are usually related the race, winners and champion feeling or comment. Other then print media, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon also gained a lot of electronic media exposure like CCTV, myTV, Magazine, internet too ls etc.Some difference sport magazines are like to report Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, like Sportsoho. Sometime, magazines are like make a interview with this event winner or coach. They present both feeling and professional knowledge and view to influence people to think that Standard Chartered marathon is a popular event as the participant of some outstanding contestant. Sportsoho is a popular monthly magazine, special for sport lover. There were some themes related Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon during October to March.According to the research, there were averages of 8 to 15 pages related to Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in one issue of Sportsoho. The content was sicker as compare with other sports event and it can get a big help in word of mouth among the magazine readers. Journal of Advertising Research had motion that â€Å"There is a positive relationship between openness and word of mouth. People are more willing to forward a message to their frien ds. And this group people are intelligent, imaginative, curious, visionary, and emotionally responsive consumers. Also, people are easily influenced by each other and affect their decision making. Without created the word of mouth on some media, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon also did a lot of thing to building their image and tell the public that they have social responsibility. At the same time, word of mouth will be create and gain an effective effort. Word of mouth by celebrity For example, in 2005, Standard Chartered bank was sponsored HENRY WANYOIKE, who have lost his sight overnight in 1995, to raise fund for â€Å"SEEING IS BELIEVING†.Henry Wanyoike is a famous runner and used to gain a lot of awards in running before he lost his eye sight. People may really appreciate his firm and persistent, also they may take action to support this so meaningful raises fund. Another, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon also invites some famous celebrities as spokesmen. In 2004, this marathon had invited Alex Fong, a highly successful swimmer who represented Hong Kong at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and set several local records in the pool.Furthermore, Do Do Cheng, who is a famous artist in films and television in Hong Kong was once the event spokesperson. The public may trust what she said due to her positive image. So that they can really create some positive work of mouth as their support, and leading more people come to join this event. There are some celebrity will be join this marathon every years, they may like to share their preparation of race, race feeling and experience to public. There will be increase the attention after their word of mouth. Word of mouth by participantAs revealed from the result of our this marathon race focus group on the reason of the first time to participant in Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, most of the participants said that good of word of mouth and recommendation from their friends or families are the main reason. Also, all of respondents mentioned that they used to share their feeling and experience of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon to other people. In the focus group research, nearly 80% of the interviewers used Facebook to share their experience, and a great part of these massages are positive.Internet is the one of the extensively communication way for people send and received massages. In the internet, these are so many tools for us to express ourselves feeling. Facebook, yahoo blog, weibo and chatroom also are the popular tool in Hong Kong and abroad. Now, we are Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon was found successful in creating a special and unforgettable experience for participants. The participants will give their comments and express their experience in SCHKM to everyone on the internet. We had known that people like to forward a message to their friends, thus generated a social facilitation effect.In the internet search, it is not difficult can see the topic whi ch related Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in the social network website, like facebook, weibo,and some popular chatroom etc. For example, one participant of this Standard Chartered marathon used to mention in her blog that she felt so great to join this event, and the feeling was so different between being the help and the runner. She thanked her friends who keep giving her the support. Also, she was wished everyone can do the best next year and appeal more people come to join together.The comment from his friends in his post, they were so agreed with her and promise to join together next year again. So, it can see that these social communications really work to exchange experience whatever friends or unknown, also direct to create word of mouth. Ms Vivian So had motion that an attraction of the event is important. If the events have attraction itself and give the happy experience, it can build word of mouth easily and a positive image, then these unforgettable memories will stay in their mind deeply. Ms So also said that Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is attractive by itself.This event is a brand event in sports. Fun and good atmosphere of SCHKM have influenced many people. Because of this, word of mouth let one person to spread the message to ten people and grow exponential. 4 Findings 4. 1 The Value Important Performance Grid on Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon (Chart 7) As revealed from the analysis with the Value Important Performance Grid, we can identify and determine which value of the event attributes that need improvement. There are four parts including waste resources, people feels good, ignore and problem area.Among the 17 attributes studied in the survey, participants regarded 8 of them are well performed, with only one attributes found to have priority for improvements. This represents that participant will continue to be loyalty to join this event. According the Value Important Performance Grid, we found that Standard Chartere d Hong Kong Marathon have 8 attributes performing well and met the expectation of the participants. They are scale of the activity, word of mouth, transport arrangements, staffing arrangements, atmosphere, personal meaning, activity flow and support.Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been a mega sports event in Hong Kong, the scale of the activity is large. This sports event attracts  a lot of media to  reports of every year and the number of participant has been increasing. In addition, then people have different feeling about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. When the event has been organized, people have become more willing share with each other, thus creating word of mouth. Also, transport arrangements have been one of the important elements that to hold an event and participants are relatively satisfied with the arrangement.On the race day, MTR  provide special transportation arrangements that is the routes will open early to succeed the shuttle and  buses p rovide the relative transport arrangements  to pick up participants  to  the  race location. Furthermore, staff arrangements are important to the success. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been a mega event, with many people and organizations to orchestrate the event, including staff and helper, to help make this sports event holding smoothly. There are different training and briefing to staff and helper. The atmosphere of this sport event is has been very hot.The public knows about  the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Close to  the event holding date, people will see  a lot of promotion about this sports event,  such  as  television advertising  and newspaper  advertising. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon have strong message bring out. Their slogan is â€Å"Run for a reason†, let people thinking Marathon for their own personal meaning. Each participant  has  their own personal  reasons  to attend  this event. Therefore th ey all have  different purposes  to participate this sports event. The interviewers also feet satisfied with the schedule of the activity. The sports event categories are clear.Apart from full marathon, half marathon and a 10 km run hold on different time, they found the racing schedules were much friendlier. Furthermore, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon needs different government departments, organizations and groups to support it. Without that, HKAAA is difficult to hold this sports event become a mega sports event. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has many supported by different companies, patrons, agencies, organizations, groups and government departments. It is include Hong Kong Tourism Board, Leisure and Cultural Service Department etc that can help this sports event holding smoothly.In the other point, there are three attributes that people feel importance but the performances are not good, including information, sponsorship and guide. There problems need to be improved, to make the event more successful. The information attribute of the event is slighter lower in the performance, so compared with the importance. It need to carefully. Many people think that need to improve. They feel  that  the  information  is not very liquid, should know the message through the General Assembly announced. With regard to sponsorship, the attributes is average level but its performance is bad.Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has many companies sponsorship. Although Standard Chartered Bank is the title sponsor, the overall sponsorship is not attractive enough. Race participants expect more than the current level of sponsorship. Guide the importance is average but the actual performance is badly. This must need to improve. As a mega event, guideline must be clearly, let people easy to find where they can go. In race day, the race route do not have enough guideline, they do not have the way of cheer in en route, there are many cheer  group cann ot cheer  for the participants.In the Value Important Performance Grid, performance is high and importance is low area is mean not important but the performance is good, it is waste resources. According to the analysis, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon did not have attribute not important but the performance is good. That means HKAAA holding this event have little wastes of the resources. Besides, there are six attributes are not important and the performances are bad. This attributes can be ignored. They include enrollment process, promotion, social contribution, entertainment, application fee and souvenir. . 2 The SWOT Analysis on Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon SWOT Analysis is conducted in order to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and  Threats involved in Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. SWOT Analysis can identify the internal and external factors. HKAAA can ensure a clear objective that it is important part for event planning and achieve t heir objective. SWOT Analysis provides information that is helpful in matching HKAAA resources and capabilities to the competitive environment in which it operates.Moreover, SWOT Analysis can help us find out more, which is the potential problem and fault of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. 4. 2. 1 Strengths Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has received a lot of sponsorship and been supported by different companies, patrons, agencies, organizations, groups and government departments. Standard Chartered Bank has been the title sponsor. Without which, HKAAA might not have sufficient resources to hold the event. Many patrons support this event, including the honourable Donald Tsang (Chief Executive, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region).The promotion has been well planned with advertisements on television, cover page on print media and has built a positive image. As a result, more people know this mega event. Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA said that increas e in the promotion has been one of the factors that can let more people attend this sports event. In addition, HKAAA has sent mails to past participants of Hong Kong Marathon, to remind them come to join this year Hong Kong Marathon. Promotions of a star players are quite effective point attract people to join this sports event.Moreover, there are theme songs of 2003- 2006 year. Since 2009 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon provides touching slogan that remind people about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon effectively and created word of mouth in the community. Also, they have good human resources support from include staff, helpers and volunteers. They are well co-ordinate to make this event run smoothly. Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA said that the  volunteers help  has been  a very important part than let more people care this sports event and make Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon  to  be conducted  successfully.For instance, this event was very good in planning and supporting, includes baggage, equipment food supplies etc. Apart from full marathon, half marathon and a 10 km run hold on different section time, crowd was controlled effectively. Participants were mostly satisfied with Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Moreover, HKAAA, as the event organizer had invited some overseas runners to join this event, and it can capture the international media attention about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Therefore created more media coverage let more local people and foreigners know about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. . 2. 2 Weaknesses The event experienced some accidents in year 2001-2007, when the full marathon, half marathon and a 10 km run were arranged on the same track,  10 km and half- Marathon runners crowded  in  the  Western Harbour Tunnel. Besides,  some participants dressed in fancy costume, took pictures  and even  pushed baby trolleys on the race track ,  caused danger and ot her participants’  discontent. In the  2011  race,  the wheelchair  race was canceled. Many disabled athletes  could not participate in the race and felt disappointed. There also lack  toilets on the race track, making it inconvenient to some  participants.This is a quite an important problem. Participants feel bad about that and are not satisfied with the race route for having too few toilets to use. 4. 2. 3 Opportunities People began to focus on their health nowadays. According to our survey (Chart 5), 24% of the participants ran in the race for this reason. Therefore many people wanted to join this sports event. ‘Launched in April 2000, the â€Å"Healthy Exercise for All Campaign† is a territory-wide event jointly organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Department of Health (DH). With the slogan of â€Å"Daily exercise keeps us fit, people of all ages can do it’.The Campaign aims at raising the public's awareness in exercising and encouraging them to exercise regularly so that they can understand the benefits of exercising to health. † This is an opportunity get more attention for Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. This can encourage more people to do more exercise and let them peruse their interest that is good for health. â€Å"As people  grow older, physical fitness decline,  and  wanted to do something  easier  sport. Running is a good choice to keep healthier. This sport equipment  to  acquire  are less expensive  and there is no strict requirements  on the  physical fitness.Most important of all, there is no opponent,  and can be  done anywhere. Reaching the  age of 30, friends, and family are usually busy at work. Finding sports  partner can  become increasingly difficult. † This massage brings out running is a good sport. As a result, many people have been more willing to join this exercise. â€Å"With five days  at work, it is difficult  to  find  time for exercise. In  fact,  I like a different ball games, but  with teammates  gradually busy at work,  practicing together has become difficult and, running has become my only  sport. Otherwise, busy life of Hong Kong can attract people running and let the public keen to go running. Gradually running becomes a public favorite sport. In  addition, Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA said that running  is easily accessible, even with no partner. It can be  flexible, and inexpensive, and without doing it in a team. Furthermore, there is no restrictions, need to rent a  venue;  individual can also participates in the run  without the need for special gear. † The lifestyle is more favorable to long distance race like Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. 4. 2. 4 ThreatsStandard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been one of the Hong Kong major running races. But there are many different running races in Hong Kong . Running races are confronted with strong competitiveness. These are about Mizuno Shing Mun River 10KM, UNICEF Charity Run etc. Marathon to race still face strong competition among themselves. HKAAA need to constantly improve the activities. Otherwise, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon may be replaced by other running game. According to am730, road closure has been the one important problem to be a real mega event. Now participants needed to join the e