Ecotourism and community development Assignment

Ecotourism and community development - Assignment Example Ecotourism involves travelling to natural places with the aim of conserving the environment and improving the livelihood of the inhabitants of the region Forsyth (2010). Edgell (2006) argues that as a trend, ecotourism emerged in 1980 s and it involved small-scale visits, however in the recent years people have become more aware of it leading to its grown popularity. In Thailand, ecotourism has several benefits that point towards the conservation of the natural environment especially the Thai’s mangrove forests. Sirinart Rajini mangrove-ecosystem learning centre is the first product of the government’s effort to promote ecotourism. Created from an abandoned shrimp farm the centre aims to provide the residents with practical knowledge on the importance of promoting ecotourism. Following the establishment of a shrimp farm in the Sirinart Rajini ecosystem, the natural mangrove forest and environment was greatly affected and therefore the government aims to restore it by pr omoting ecotourism (Thanomrak, 2011). The centre works with the local communities to promote environmental conservation through soil conservation and reforestation. The centre therefore aims at establishing a sustainable ecosystem that benefits people and other inhabitants of the environment. ... The definition also includes the desire to conserve the natural environment as the second objective of ecotourism. Ecotourism generally targets the creation of awareness in people on the need to conserve the deteriorating natural resources (Wood, 2002). Ecotourism also promote the development of the local communities through promotion of economic activities that are aimed at the conservation of the natural environment and resources. Through ecotourism programs, the government is also pushing its agenda of poverty eradication through the promotion of sustainable community development projects Neth (2008). Although ecotourism has massive and notable benefits, some scholars have pointed at some disadvantages on the activity that focus on the long-term developments. Promoting ecotourism has led into encroachment into the natural environment and this has caused ecological imbalance. The process has therefore led to the destruction of ecosystems that are of great biological importance for the future generations. The need to generate more revenue has accelerated the pace of destruction of the natural environment and therefore the country would do better without the activity. Ecotourism has also exposed native communities of the country to external influence and this has promoted cultural interference (Belanger, 2006). The activity has therefore weakened the culture of the Thai people that had been one of the strongest cultures of the world. Through promoting ecotourism, cultural and religious values that are of great importance to the people and the country are being eroded constantly. The government is therefore conscious of the long-term effect of the activity in the

Organisation Theory Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Organisation Theory - Assignment Example Nothing could be farther from the truth, because organizations are diverse in the goals they set for themselves, the way they are structured, the activities they undertake and their strategies to pursue their goals (Daft & Marcic, 2013). Organizations include the Catholic Church as well as the Yakuza, the Chicago Bears and the International Paralympic Committee, the Salvation Army and Apple, Inc., Mensa International and the Miss Universe Organization. The wide spectrum of organizations appears to defy any attempt to define what unifies them, let alone shape a coherent and cohesive Organization Theory. The issue to be addressed in this discussion deals on the advantages and disadvantages of a multi-perspective approach to understanding organizations. Adopting a widely diversified approach that seeks to include all organizations may defeat the purpose of creating a definitive framework due to overbreadth, to the point that nearly all organizations may be excluded from some aspect of t he theory. ... d and described according to its tangible aspects (organizational structure, asset size, principal operations, number of employees, place of operations), and intangible aspects (management style, type of leadership, organizational culture, strategic approach). Increasingly, organizations are being viewed in terms of theoretical pluralisms because of the growing awareness of their increasing complexity. Astley & Van de Ven (1983) propose a metatheoretical taxonomy of the major schools of thought in organization and management theories is presented in the table in the Appendix. There are two dimensions according to which the divergent views were classified: the level of organizational analysis (from the micro to the macro), and the orientation of the analysis (from deterministic to voluntaristic). The matrix created is comprised of four quadrants: System-Structural View (Q1), Strategic Choice View (Q2), Natural Selection View (Q3), and Collective-Action View (Q4). The System-Structural View (also known as Structural-Functionalist Perspective) addresses the micro-level (i.e., individual organizations) with a deterministic orientation. Determinism means that organizational behaviour is perceived to be shaped by a system of impersonal mechanisms that impose external constraints on the members of the organization. The structure of the organization creates roles and positions that function as hierarchical instruments in achieving organizational goals and creating stability in the system (Stolley, 2005). Included in this category are the systems theory of organization, the theory of structural functionalism, and contingency theory. The behaviour elicited is constrained and adaptive, and management role is reactive. The Strategic Choice View differs from the System-Structural

Reinforcement Theory Essay Example for Free

Reinforcement Theory Essay Q# 1: Identify the practices of organization that are indicating the application of reinforcement theory? Answer 1. Focus on proper training before giving task to the employees 2. Monitoring the performance of employees. 3. Formulation of procedures, rules and regulations in detail. 4. Strictness in compliance of rules. Q# 2: You are required to suggest some measures of positive reinforcement that can be implemented by the management of Crisp Soft restaurant. Answer 1. The manager can start a practice to greet the employees and having pleasant conversation with those who came on time at start of day and conduct a small meeting with staff at closing of day and praised and say thanks those who performed good during the day. These practices will decrease late arrivals and early leaver. 2. The management can start â€Å"Employee of the month† award scheme in which at end of every month letter of appreciation along with small cash price will be give to the employee how performed well during the month. 3. A roll of honor board should be maintained at prominent place in the restaurant where everyone can see it. The pictures of â€Å"Employee of the month† pasted on that board. Q# 3: Assess which level of Maslow’s hierarchy of need the organization is satisfying for lower level staff and managerial level staff? Explain Answer As per Maslow’s hierarchy of need, there are following five levels of human needs: i. Biological Need: The basic requirement for survival of human body e.g. food, water, air and shelter etc. ii. Safety Need: Protection from Cold, Heat, Sand, Storm, Earthquake, Animals, Enemies iii. Social Need: love, acceptance, belonging etc. iv. Self Esteem: Respect, reorganization v. Self Actualization: challenging tasks, In case of lower level workers the Crisp and Soft restaurant management is satisfying level 1 by providing free meal and uniform, paying salaries at reasonable rate and level 2 by making HVAC arrangement for workers. In case of management staff, the restaurant management is trying to satisfying level 3 along with level 1 and 2 also, by providing good salaries (level 1), good working environment (level 2) and membership of social club of restaurant to their staff(level 3) where they can attend get to gathers, family dinners etc.

Water Pollution in Egypt

Water Pollution in Egypt The Cause And Effect Of Water Pollution In Egypt Water is the basis of life, which is without the life can not exist. It is a source of drinking water for humans and animals and the source of agriculture. Also, it is essential factor for the industry. Thus, our lives on the planet are linked to water and the great River Nile is the lifeblood of life in Egypt. Its revenue is used for domestic use, agriculture and manufacturing so that confirms our lives linked to water. The share of Egypt from the Nile is 55.5 billion cubic meters annually, under an agreement signed in 1959. Despite the growing number of Egypts population reaching nearly 62 million the Egypts share was not increasing, which means that per capita water from the river had fallen considerably (Tahlawi, M. Farrag, S,2007). In addition, water quality of the River Nile decreased as a result of chemical and industrial processes, wastewater plants, and runoff. Chemical And Industrial Processes: The main reason behind the water pollution is chemical and industrial processes. This is because the factories and manufacturers in Egypt are throwing industrial and animal waste into streams and rivers that lead to environmental and health problems. The second reason is thermal pollution which is caused by heating water that leads to reduce the amount of oxygen in the water which in turn leads to death of the animals, plants and change in water temperature. Furthermore, there are other reasons that contribute to water pollution such as organic and inorganic pollutants, plastic waste and pesticides. For instance, pesticides and chemical fertilizers cause to increase the amount of nutrient in the water that provide suitable environment to grow algae in water. This contributes to diminish the quantity of oxygen in the water, which lead to death of marine animals. However, water pollution will leads to contamination of soil will cause problems that related to human health and nutrition. The contamination of soil occurs by direct contamination such as using of pesticides for agricultural purposes or waste factories. Also it may occur by indirect contamination when water mixed with chemical a material which leads to leads to poor fertility and low crop production. Furthermore, some of harmful chemical materials will affect on plants and natural composition. This will reduce the mount of nutritional value. However, not only does soil contamination relate to plants, but it also relate to human and animals. Where the contamination of food crops lead to cause health problems owing to eat Food plants or animals (Laurel, J. Ruthann, A Swartz, K. ,2008). Wastewater Plants: Not only does water pollution occur by chemical and industrial processes, but it also caused by wastewater plants. Campaigns have demonstrated the results of monitoring carried out by the ministries of health, housing, irrigation show that wastewater plants contaminate the groundwater in the villages and agricultural areas. These problems will cause to speared disease among those people who do not have clean drinking water supply. Groundwater is an important source for drinking and irrigation. The wasteful use and pollution by harmful substances is a continuing threat to this important source of fresh water. It is exposed to pollution due to irregularities waste plants, oil pipelines, mining, and radioactive materials. Therefore, The Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs is faced this phenomenon of Nile river pollution by implementation of the Environmental Protection Law. This new law led to the concerted efforts between various ministries and agencies which are contributed of deal with 100 million cubic meters of polluted wastewater had been dumped on the river. These efforts will continue to require all industrial establishments and tourist not exchange on the Nile water in order to protect it from any contamination (Tahlawi, M. Farrag, S.,2007). Runoff: Runoff which is come from storms is not clear water because it contains a huge amount of wastes. Furthermore, it considers one of the most serious sources of pollution compared with municipal wastes. There are many studies which have been done by scientist in order to define the problem and resolve it. The writers show that urban runoff can lead to many problems such as direct pollution and overloading which is came from sewage treatment facilities. So writers refer these problems to hydraulic overloading and other kinds of pollution that come with runoff. However, the writers indicate that there is report one providing many solutions in order to reduce water pollution through banding source pollution and improving of level of methods and techniques for checking the street surface pollution. However, also there is research have been made by URS Company in order to collect information about source, quantities, and pollutant properties of street surface pollution and it found a huge am ount of information that the pollution related with storm water and sewer system (James, D. Gail, B Franklin, J,1974). From the above, it is clear the extent of contamination incident was the result of human activity on sea coasts and rivers. Also it is because of throw a cargo of sewage, industrial and agricultural in sea coasts and rivers. These harmful factors lead to decreased water quality in the River Nile. However, human consumption of water has increased rapidly with the increase in population numbers significantly Thus increasing the demand for water, at the time remained when the quantity of water resources on earth steady. Also with a shortage of cultivated land to be the protection of water and its sources of pollution in this age of the quantity and quality, and increasing the need to rationalize consumption and saved it is important. Also the right of future generations is to maintain the great river Nile. Also working to rationalize the consumption of water until it finds their children and grandchildren a clean and suitable for use for the purposes of life. Finally, drinking water sho uld be protecting from waste and pollution. Reference: James, D. Gail, B Franklin, J. (1974). Water Pollution Control Federation†. In Water Pollution Control Federation. pp. 458. Retrieved October5,2009 http://www.jstor.org/stable/25038149 Fiset, N. ( 2009).† What is the Cause of Water Pollution?†. In Ezinearticles. Retrieved October5,2009 http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-the-Cause-of-Water-Pollution?id=528398 Laurel, J. Ruthann, A Swartz, K. (2008). Environment Toxicology and Chemistry.New York: Standford University. Environment Candad (2007). What are the impact of water pollution? Retrieved October5,2009 www.ec.gc.ca/indicators/default? Long=enn=AfA3189 Tahlawi, M. Farrag, S.(2007). Groundwater of Egypt: â€Å"an environmental overview†. Research of Groundwater pollution.

are expeaectation about childs development related to different cultures? :: essays research papers

Parental expectations of their children's development can be influenced bymany factors. factors like media, family beliefs, personal experience. Expectations come from several sources- from parents, teachers, family, peers and ourselves. All these factors relate to social and culture beliefs. Piaget stressed the importance of the environment in children's learningm seeing children as active builders of their own knowledge. The social constructive perspective on child development places main emphasis on the importance of the social environment on child development. Lev Vygotsky's findings showed that children had a great deal to learn from each other through interaction and communication. Unlike piaget, Vygotsky thought that childrem's ability should not be judged only on what they can do alone, but on what they are capable of with help. So the child may be provided with a more challenging and stimulating environment. Constructivist propose that children have qualitatively distinct w ays of thinking, feeling and behaving at different stages of development. Whiting and Edwards ( 1992) discuss the importance of cultural values and their influence on what is perceived as appropriate social behaviour.Hess et al.(1980) carried out cross-culturalstudy into the expectations of American and Japanese mothers about their children's development. He design a developmental expectation procedure to study mother's expectations. The study produced some interesting dara into the cultural differences in the two group's expectations.It showed that the Japanese mother's expectations for early achievement fell into categories of compliance, independence and emotional maturity. In contrast the American mothers expected social skills and verbal assertiveness to be ascertained at a younger age. Whiting and Edwards (1992) discussed the importance of cultural values and their influence on what is seen as an appropriate social behaviour. they explain different expectations of children's development in various cultures and why different cultures expect different things of their children. For example in a more complex society literacy would seen as the most important skills to learn. Whereas in a simple society it is likely that children will learn the physical world. It can be said that cultural needs of society strongly influence parent's expectations of their own children's development.

Tae Bo: Fitness Craze or Effective Workout :: Exercise Health Papers

Tae Bo: Fitness Craze or Effective Workout? What’s all the fuss about? Tae Bo, a form of high impact aerobics that combines the moves of Tae Kwon Do, karate, boxing, ballet, and hip_hop dancing is the newest craze in gyms and homes across the country. Tae Bo, which stands for Total Awareness Excellent Body Obedience, was developed by Billy Blanks in the late 1980’s. Blanks, a seven_time world karate champion and black belt in six martial arts, developed Tae Bo in the basement of his home. Atfter encouragement from family and friends, The Blank’s World Training Center in Sherman Oaks, CA was opened, introducing Tae Bo to local townspeople and limited Hollywood celebrities. By word of mouth, Tae Bo gradually gained popularity, its’ fame peaking with the release of the video package in August of 1998. The four tape video package includes an instructional video, basic workout, advanced workout, and an eight_minute workout. The videos are commonly featured on a late night infomercial where the package can be purchased for three payments of $19.95. The infomercial, featuring testimonials from successful users, and a motivational speech from Blanks himself, has sold over one million copies since 1998. "If you’ve got the will__Tae Bo’s the way" promises the announcer, for thousands of users this seems to be the truth. Troy Obrero , a well educated personal trainer in San Francisco, CA gives Tae Bo his approval: "Tae Bo is an excellent cardiovascular workout with very good distractions." Obrero targets lack of variety as the reason for failure of many workout regimens, he claims that Tae Bo provides the necessary novelty and challenge to keep users hooked. Very few people have done the type of movements done in Tae Bo on a regular basis, continues Obrero, this leads to its extreme effectiveness in toning and defining the entire body. Blanks encourages his clients to work on their bodies from the inside out; he claims: "results are imminent from the very first Tae Bo workout, as completing it makes you feel great about yourself." Overall Blanks says his Tae Bo workouts can improve balance, coordination, flexibility, and will tone and define muscles. The workout regimen is exhaustively aerobic and therefore yields phenomenal cardiovascular benefits. Finally, perhaps the most appealing aspect of a Tae Bo workout is its’ proven calorie burning effectiveness. An hour long Tae Bo workout will burn 500 to 800 calories, compared with the 300 to 400 calories burned with a more conventional aerobics class. Testimonials The world wide web is full of glowing recommendations from faithful Tae Bo users. Although the workout seems to be most popular with women in their

Computer Information Systems Brief Essay

In order for the company to continue to thrive, consideration of growth opportunities will also be analyzed. In addition, the threats that Kudler may encounter if changes are not implemented will also be discussed throughout this evaluation. The owner of Kudler Fine Food stores offer gourmet foods and fine wines all within one location. All store locations offer baked goods, meat, seafood, produce, cheese, dairy products, and wine with little or no preservatives added. The success of Kudler Fine Foods is in part from the systems that the stores have in place. For example, the current computer system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the owner provides training to all employees and is, therefore, understood by all employees. This understanding of the computer system enables the daily operations of the business to thrive as sales increase. As the company moves forward and introduces changes with technological advances, continued employee training is a must with the installation of new hardware and software programs. The number of products that must be accounted for, on a daily basis, at the Kudler locations is extensive. Presently, Kudler’s accounting data is collected by point-of-sale (POS) terminals in each store. The terminals are used as cash registers when customers check-out. The POS system records all sales, items, quantities, prices, taxes and totals for all transactions. â€Å"These intelligent terminals use keypads, touch screens, bar code scanners, and other input methods to capture data and interact with end users during a transaction, while relying on servers or other computers in the network for further transaction processing† (O’Brien & Marakas, 2008, p. 81). Furthermore, functions are available for various types of sales reports to be created with the current system. However, the current system does not meet the needs of the business as the computer system is outdated. Furthermore, the founder of the company, Kathy Kudler, is having great difficulty with monitoring the needs of the three stores and the situation will soon become overwhelming with further expansion. Ms. Kudler needs a computer system that will accommodate her current and future needs for her growing gourmet food business. Currently, each of locations operates with a stand-alone POS system. Ms. Kudler must travel between stores to ensure the managers are meeting her high standards and creates a substantial loss in productivity. The lack of remote access also presents an issue for the future expansion plans for the business. With no way to access accounting, inventory, and sales information, successful expansion will not be possible. Ms. Kudler’s presence is a daily requirement at each location to manage the operations, inventory, sales, etc. and without updated computer technology the company cannot see any further growth. Not only is the company facing limited expansion possibilities, but current security measures are not sufficient. Although Kudler’s present system is password protected and has backup capability, financial information may be in jeopardy. With the implementation of a new system can easily remedy this situation giving added security to the company. In addition to the company’s financial information, protection to the company’s customer base should also be of great concern. In particular, the customer’s credit card information is at high risk. Additional security measures addressing such concerns as passwords, employee identification numbers, and restricting employee personal use must be applied. For example, a proxy server can limit the employee’s internet access to approved websites (Bargranoff, Simkin, & Strand, 2008). Not only will a proxy server prevent counterproductive activity from employees, but it will also limit the exposure to threats from viruses, theft, and internet hackers. There are both strengths and weaknesses with Kudler’s Fine Foods current computer technology practices. Kudler Fine Foods uses the POS system to record sales, items, quantities, prices, taxes and totals for all transactions. However a continuous challenge Ms. Kudler faces is the purchasing of additional inventory. The company uses forecasting, which allows the company to replenish its inventory based upon historical sales information. For the company to monitor its supply, a system must be implemented that will track individual items and allow managers to re-order necessary inventory from this information. The issue with a forecasting inventory system is that the decisions are based upon past performance, 2 to 3 years old. Unfortunately, sales do not follow the same pattern from year to year. In addition, sales from holidays, birthdays, weddings, and the like are not accounted for under the forecasting system. Every year orders will continue to change depending on the economic stability of the state. Furthermore, holidays will not always be on the same day and will subsequently affect the forecasting information. In the event that too much inventory is order, the excess is donated to charity if in good condition, if not the excess is thrown away. Inventory management is crucial due to the perishing potential of the inventory items. It is a delicate balance because to satisfy customers, there must be enough on hand merchandise to avoid sales losses. It is imperative that Kudler Fine Foods increase the use of technology, if the company is to continue to grow and thrive. Most importantly that is a definite need for a network to assist Ms. Kudler with her communication needs between her stores and add updated software to handle the company’s inventory needs. To implement the new technology, funding and training will be required. The procurement of new software will be required for Ms. Kudler and her employees to run effectively and efficiently.