Expedia Market Research

I'd recommend Expedite to give me some kind of suggestion on what we could write about because l, personally, had a hard time reminding myself what to write in this section. The last part of this survey Is called Add the Finishing Touches†, which is another qualitative part of this survey. This is my favorite part of the survey because It asks me very specific questions, for example, what were you favorite and least favorite things about the hotel?It really gives me the chance to express both my strongest positive and negative opinions regarding my stay in the hotel. This survey Isn't too short or long, and I feel like this is a good length for a survey especially when It Is divided Into 3 parts, which somehow make me feel like there are not as many questions as it appears to have. Also, the questions were worded clearly In the more specific questions, and the general questions also give me a chance to put open- ended feedbacks.Another thing I really like about this survey Is t hat a lot of parts of It Is stated as â€Å"optional†, so I can Just fill out the parts that I wish to, and still be able to submit It online, while some other surveys often require me to fill out the whole thing even when I don't have much feedback for certain section. Personally, I was really motivated to complete this survey for two mall reasons. First, I am the kind of person that really go through a lot f reviews on hotel website before deciding on which hotel to book, and customer reviews are generally my mall decision factor on booking hotels.Second, I had a very strong negative opinion regarding my hotel stay. With the lack of rewards Involved, I would assume people who don't put much emphasis on reading reviews or don't have a strong feeling, either positive or negative, on their hotel stay experience won't be motivated to complete this survey. I would recommend Expedite to add In some kind of reward In the completion of this survey, for example, to have a chance to win Expedite credit If one completes this survey. Expedite Market Research By ruby reminding myself what to write in this section.The last part of this survey is called my favorite part of the survey because it asks me very specific questions, for example, stay in the hotel. This survey isn't too short or long, and I feel like this is a good length for a survey especially when it is divided into 3 parts, which somehow make questions were worded clearly in the more specific questions, and the general like about this survey is that a lot of parts of it is stated as â€Å"optional†, so I can Just fill out the parts that I wish to, and still be able to submit it online, while some other river for two main reasons.First, I am the kind of person that really go through a lot reviews are generally my main decision factor on booking hotels. Second, I had a very strong negative opinion regarding my hotel stay. With the lack of rewards involved, I would assume people who don't put much emphasis on reading reviews or don't have a strong feeling, either positive or negative, on their hotel stay experience won't be motivated to complete this survey. I would recommend Expedite to add in some kind of reward in the completion of this survey, for example, to have a chance to win Expedite credit if one completes this survey.

A Linguistic Analysis of Two Newspaper Articles Essay

Analyze two newspaper articles with respect to the tools of linguistics. This work includes two newspaper articles. Article one is called â€Å"Pakistan’s alternative tourism industry† by Shyema Sajjad (Pakistani perspective) and article two is named as â€Å"CIA Contractor Raymond Davis is Free—Now Is the Time to Reconsider Our Support for Pakistan’s Government† by Christian Whiton (American perspective). Firstly, this assignment will work at two levels of analyzing article discourse. The first level includes the structuring of propositions and the second includes their sequence. Furthermore, the examination of individuals and actions fall under the first stage and the sequencing of these actions into a coherent whole follow it. Any discourse analysis moves from micro- level examination to macro-level examination. Likewise, newspaper discourse moves from word level (lexis) to sentence level. All these linguistic tools gradually progress from minor root-scale study to group-scale research. Starting off with level one, the lexical habits of the given articles would be firstly stated separately, than, contrasted. LEXICAL ANALYSIS:- The analysis of particular words used in a newspaper text is always the first stage of any textual analysis. Article one:- In this article, words belong to various categories to instigate some important questions. The lexical categories in this article includes the words of business, words of war and racial animosity, words of falsehood and propaganda, words of currency and lastly words of predator versus prey. Words of Business: – These include exchange, ticket, breezing in and out, plan, deal, package transaction. Words of war: – These include shoot, risk, despair, control, attack, zeal, panic, get-away, masterstroke. Words of racial animosity: – sheer panic on America’s face, US law-makers. Words of falsehood and propaganda: – hide-outs, compensation, cloudy circumstances, murky status, fumbled and mumbled, diplomatic immunity fed various lies. Words of Currency: – lots and lots of money, transaction, price. Words of predator versus prey: – kill, risk, shoot at will, deaths, rescue, Pakistan is a playground. Article two:- Words of racial animosity: – supposed US ally, arrangement Pakistan broke, unlawful for Pakistan, over-all incident is outrageous, Pakistan is too corrupt. Words of money: – blood money, pouring money, US support, payment, pay handsomely, paying bribes, month’s check, massive hand-out of cash. Words of doubt and mistrust: – debate on our reliance to Pakistan , scandalous, lawless behavior, insulting, signing off, Pakistan is too corrupt. Words of war: – negligence, kill, hostages, adversaries, killing spree, hunted. LEXICAL COMPARISON OF BOTH ARTICLES:- In both these articles, words exhibit clear meanings. The racial characteristics have been displayed in wholesale manner by contrastive words of animosity and rage. Irony and satire has been used which contends with human absurdities. Disparity of opinions and rivalry has been depicted through the words like shoot at will, scandalous, bribes etc. Collapse of friendship and feelings of hostility are prevalent throughout the text. Money has been tagged as a corrupting factor for both the governments. Likewise, the theme of predator versus the prey, hunter versus the hunted has been depicted by showing Pakistan as a â€Å"playground†. Moreover the concept of us and them has been portrayed. Certain negative words have been used to show the negligence of Pakistani government through the phrases like â€Å"now† is the time to â€Å"reconsider† â€Å"our† support for â€Å"Pakistani Government† and â€Å"what will â€Å"our† adversaries conclude?†etc. Thus both of the articles stand apart from each other. We notice that how the roles of the participant are reversed through the choice of strong words. Both the writers have used convincing lexis to support their case. And we as the readers are easily able to draw different connotations through the choice of strong words. NAMING AND REFERENTIAL STRATEGIES:- The way people are named in news discourse can have significant impact on the way in which they are viewed. Article one:- This article by a Pakistani writer takes an explicitly projected sarcastic mood. All the text has been explained as an ironic commentary castigating the new tourism packages Pakistan has recently offered. In this article America has been named openly as a predator on Pakistani â€Å"playground†. The writer gives America a symbol of a â€Å"tourist† who avails the â€Å"adventure package† and makes it back home â€Å"unharmed†. Another important naming strategy is the indirect use of â€Å"You† to connote Raymond Davis at an individual level and also America as whole, at a more advanced level. Calling America and Davis with the â€Å" you-perspective† takes an ironic atmosphere- both verbal irony and irony of situation. The word â€Å"you† also magnify the separated statuses of us and them . Article two:- In this article, Pakistan has been awarded words connoting hatred and disrespect. All through the length of the article, the American writer explicitly isolates Pakistan by the use of words like â€Å"Pakistani Government†, Pakistani officials, reliance on Pakistan. Pakistan has been given a simile of â€Å"a corrupt system†. On the contrary India has been mentioned as â€Å"democratic India† showing friendly allegiance with her. Davis has also been called in terms of a national hero through the words like â€Å"US Official†. On another point Davis has been flaunted by an isolated â€Å"Mr. Davis† highlighting his raised and respectful stature for America. Pakistan has also been constantly insulted by ironic remarks as a â€Å"supposed US ally†. Comparison and analysis:- The colloquial stance characterized by a simplicity yet directness of diction pervades the two articles. Both articles are crisp and taunting in their expression of hatred and disgust. War-like enmity and hunting themes are recurrent through the alienation of naming techniques. Pakistan, US and Davis stand clearly and shine independently throughout the textual canvas. PREDICATION:- This technique bears similarity with referential strategies. It means linguistically assigning qualities to persons, animals, objects, events, actions and social phenomenon. Article one:- The Pakistani newspaper article has a redundant use of predications for example words like â€Å"not revealed, not disclosed, don’t despair, don’t worry† shows the writer’s covert stance. Also verbs like â€Å"targets, accused, and shoots† connote war-like imagery. The most significant verbs in this article belong to the theme of treachery and conceit. For example, â€Å"taking us for a ride over and over† and â€Å"we will be fed various lies, contradictions, pacifications and denials†. Here, riding a dangerous joyride and feeding poisonous contaminated food could be the hidden analogies the writer wants to make. Article two: – The American perspective is also full of sarcastic lashings and derogatory remarks about Pakistan. The writer calls Pakistani behavior as â€Å"insulting†. Moreover, Pakistan’s money dependency on America has been bitterly mentioned again and again so as to hammer Pakistan’s greed. For example â€Å"sending† billions of US dollars to Islamabad and â€Å"paying bribes† does â€Å"nothing† to help these matters. Another example is â€Å"pouring money† into a corrupt system â€Å"encourages† corruption. Comparison:- Verbs of contrastive meanings have been used to highlight pessimistic atmosphere of rage and fury. The collapse of human relationships in the destructiveness of today’s racial frustration is a major motif in both the texts. SENTENCE CONTRUCTION : SYNTAX AND TRANSIVITY Transitivity describes the relationships between the participants and the roles they play in the processes described in reporting. According to Simpson, in any process there are three components that can be changed. These components are the participants, the process and the circumstances. Noun phrase is used for participant, verb phrase for the process and the adverbial and prepositional phrase for the circumstances. The process is further subdivided into verbal process, mental process, relational process and material process. Material process further includes the transitive actions and intransitive actions. All these points will be explored in both articles. Article one: – The first article enumerates an indirect depiction of Raymond Davis incident. The audience immediately becomes attuned to the story-like arrangement of the incident in terms of â€Å"a tourism package†. The recurrent themes of the article keep the readers at the edge of their seats enjoying every bit of information the story reveals. In this article, there is a biting sarcasm which forces the readers to feel the brunt of their absurdity as Pakistanis. Taken as mere puppets, Pakistanis are the â€Å"participants† along with Raymond Davis, America and Pakistani government. Their roles have been described through the nouns mentioned earlier in the assignment. The whole process is that of â€Å"current political unrest† between the two states. This process further takes on a separate tinge as the two governments try to hide their incentives. This process has been described by the words like â€Å"grilled† â€Å"fumbled and mumbled†. All the four process es have been used. All four kinds of processes are used. The verbal processes include the verbs like, hitting, speaking, working, trying and rejecting etc. Mental processes include the words like accepting. There are different sentences which includes the relational processes, like â€Å"what’s the harm in putting a price to someone’s life’ ‘what a fantastic master-stroke it was’ As far as the material process is concerned it includes the transitive and intransitive action. The transitive action involves the agent and the object of the action while the intransitive involves only one participant. The transitive action is evident when the writer states that: ‘to know more about the US Drone strike experience, you will be given access to information† The intransitive action is missing in this article. Article two:- The process is again the Davis issue. Participants are Davis, American and Pakistani government. India and Afghanistan have also been mentioned. The mental process includes conclude, reconsider. The material processes are present. The transitive action is represented through the sentence â€Å"We should take this opportunity to reconsider our support to Pakistani government†. Only these processes are present. SENTENCE CONSTRUCTION: MODALITY Modals are a tool to evaluate and judge. They play a significant part in sentence structure. They are the opposite strategies to transitivity. Article one:- In this article modals have been used. The modal of may have been used in the sentence â€Å"Regarding the deaths-blood money may need to be pain†. Here may is used as a modal for probability. Modal of will in the sentence, â€Å"Will the US ever contradict over Davis’s immunity?† has been projected as a modal of future intention and prediction. This stance is showing the writer’s evaluative stance. Article two: – This article is redundantly occupied with modals. Sentences like â€Å"Aid to Pakistan should be halted†, â€Å"the bribe paid for Mr. Davis’s release should be subtracted from this month’s check for Islamabad†, â€Å"Congress should act†. Here should have been used as a modal of obligation, necessity and prediction. Modals of can have also been applied. For example â€Å"From this, Congress can at least mitigate the damage†. This modal depicts ability, possibility, and request. Modal of would is exemplified in the sentence, â€Å"Some would conclude that our largesse for Pakistan buys us access to neighboring Afghanistan†. This modal has been applied to show condition, habit and preference. Comparison:- Modals have strengthened the author’s stance in both the articles. All the participants are fully embroiled in action and continually leash out negativities. The startling fury and terse comments predates the articles and alert us to meanings beyond the common core of the words spoken. Where the Pakistani author embeds her exposition of situation into the flow of the dialogue, the American author echoes his speech with successive poison-drenched words of accuse and mistrust. Hence, the modal choices are an indication of the attitudes, judgments or the political beliefs of the writer or a speaker. PRESUPPOSITION Presupposition is the relation between form and function. These are hidden and presupposed meanings in a text. It is an implicit claim hidden in the explicit claim of the text. Article one:- The hidden stance in article one is clearly that the release of Davis is â€Å"not† justified. The hidden stance can be expressed through the use of articles, nouns and verbs. In this article, the use of â€Å"You† shows a mocking point of views. The cynicism is directed towards the Pakistani authorities to have swallowed the blood money. Verbs like paid, underestimated, and hunting all show the implicitness of war between the two nations. Adjective used for showing the height of irony is â€Å"fantastic masterstroke† to express the mockery of the blood money transaction. Wh-questions are also present like â€Å" who will pay that-you wonder†. Article two:- There is hidden or covert stance in this article. Although the author bluntly states his hatred for Pakistan, his stance could be presupposed to some extent. His attitude is direct and cutting. The sharpness of tongue and use of modals defends his political perspective. On top of that, the author successively throws questions at the government and people to reconsider their mode of action. The presuppositions in this article are triggered by the use of â€Å"wh-questions† For example â€Å"what will our adversaries conclude?† RHETORICAL TROPES:- Rhetorical devices are used for persuasion and convincing. It has five sub-catagories. 1. HYPERBOLE:- It means excessive exaggeration. Article one: – Hyperbole is prevalent in the sentences like â€Å"Pakistan tourism offers a new package which has been tried, tested and proven successful†. This extended image of tourism package is a hyperbole to clarify the image of free trespassing on Pakistani grounds. Later this hyperbole has been further explained through descriptive phrases like â€Å"Adventure package†, â€Å"adventure plan†, â€Å"Pakistan is a playground—you can take anything and anyone on a ride†. All these words show overelaborated images of Pakistani naivety and vulnerability. Article two:- This article is full of exaggerated frustration on part of America. For example the sentences like â€Å"Assistance from US taxpayers to Pakistan has increased to a sky-high average of $ 1.5 billion per year. The gal of asking for an extra $ 2.3 million payment on top of it is insulting†. Here exaggeration is depicted through words like â€Å"sky-high†, â€Å"extra†, â€Å"on top of it†. Moreover, sentences like â€Å"Pakistan is far too corrupt for economic system to work†, â€Å"Pakistan still uses and supports terrorists as tools for national policy†. All these accusations are false and are based on misinformation.

Adults Resistance to Change in the Workforce

Change has become an integral part of all organizations for bringing about innovation and creativity in their work procedures. Bringing about change is a complex process since change in one area affects the other area in the organization directly or indirectly.Change is extremely important if companies and businesses want to survive in the long-run. This is due to the changing needs of the organizations as well as the customers and due to changing internal and external environment. Today, there is an increasing trend towards the development of a learning organization where managers and employees are committed to bring about continuous improvement in the processes and capabilities.Such type of an organization can only be formed when everyone working in the company develops a positive attitude towards adapting change. Change might result in efforts to deal with existing problems or with the opportunities available in the external environment. Though change is important and should be in itiated in an organization but this does not mean that it can be easily implemented (Hultman, 1998).Planning ChangeInitiation and implementation of change requires proper planning and this planned process should be used to carry out change. If proper planning is not done then the change can fail and the employees’ fear and uncertainty related to it might come true.If the change fails initially in the organization then it would be highly difficult for the employees to support change in the organization. Firstly, the organization must see a need for change and the forces triggering change may be from the internal as well as external environment.Internal factors may be related to the company goals and objectives or problems facing the organization whereas the external factors are largely related to the environment such as changing customer tastes or the changing strategies of the competitors (Harvard Business School Press, 2005).These factors make the organization realize the ne ed for change and then this must be studied properly. The organization should critically evaluate its strengths and weaknesses as well as threats and opportunities so that the right change could be initiated at the right time. After evaluating the need for change, the management should initiate change and this can be done through different ways.Initiating change requires the recruitment of new and creative employees and this is where the problem starts arising since the adult employees began to resist their recruitment. The management should search for proper solutions which can used to meet the perceived need for change. Search involves observing and analyzing different organizations and making use of knowledge to meet the need.Creative employees are hired to find the correct solution in order to establish a creative and learning organization. Creative individuals are important since they are open-minded, original and focused in their approach. They are persistent and committed and use teams to work for initiating change.These creative individuals generate innovative ideas and these individuals are called idea champions. They form new-venture teams for developing and initiating innovative changes in the organization. It is these idea champions and new-venture teams to which the adult employees offer resistance since they perceive them as a threat to their position.They think that their employment by the organization underestimates their capabilities and qualifications. Sometimes the employees’ resistance is so high that it is impossible to implement the change. For implementing change, this resistance must be overcome or else the process will not proceed further (Hultman, 1998).There are huge obstacles and problems to be dealt with when implementing change successfully in an organization. This is because employees offer resistance to change and this resistance can be attributed to several reasons: ·One of the reasons that employee resist change is th at by implementing the new strategy or innovative idea, it will take away something valuable from the employees.It might be the loss of power, position or any other pay benefit. An employee’s self-interest is the most important to him and this loss can become the biggest obstacle in the way of implementing change (Hultman, 1998). ·Another reason is that employees are unable to understand the purpose behind the change and therefore, they cannot trust the organizational move. If the employees have a negative attitude towards the change initiator then they will offer their full resistance to implementing his idea.They cannot trust his idea for change and might think that its implementation will bring something negative to them. Therefore, lack of understanding and mutual trust becomes another factor for resisting change in organizations (Harvard Business School Press, 2005). ·Employees are also afraid of implementing change due to the uncertainty factor associated with the c hange. They get worried about the consequences of change and thus, do not offer their support towards it. They might also be worried as the new technology or new procedure requires more talent and creativity which they might not be able to provide (Markham, 1999). ·Lastly, the goals of the employees may be different from the goals of the organization. They might not be able to assess the change from the organization point of view and therefore, they disagree over the benefits resulting from the change (Jellison, 1993).These are the main reasons why employees offer resistance to change in an organization. Once an organization has the need for change then it looks for possible solutions through which the need can be overcome. Change requires innovation and creativity in an organization without which an organization cannot progress and will stagger behind.For initiating innovative and creative ideas, the organization starts hiring creative individuals in different departments. There are idea champions and new-venture teams formed with creative individuals who see the need for change and initiate it productively. Now here is where the main problem rises and this will center our research paper.By hiring creative individuals to form new-venture teams for developing innovation the organization attempts to change the workforce of the organization.Before offering resistance to change itself, the employees especially the aging ones offer their first resistance to change in the workforce. The research paper will focus the discussion on this issue of adult’s resistance to change in the workforce (Goldstein, 2001).Change in the workforceThe way a business is done is determined by its workforce. And changing workforce changes the way of doing business or in other words, bringing a change in the way of doing business requires a change in the workforce. Companies are recruiting and hiring young employees due to their creative and dynamic personalities.They are able t o see things differently and want transition in things that are still being done in traditional way (Pihulyk , 2003). Their ideas and solutions are different from what their parents had to offer and thus, they want the traditional approaches and strategies to change in an organization.They show their dissatisfaction in different areas of the organization and want them to change for the good. They are practical in their approach in that they can see the organization strengths and weaknesses and are aware of the threats and opportunities in the organization external environment and thus, develop a desire to change accordingly.But there is also a darker side to this brighter situation and this darker side is due to the existing employees and workers of an organization. Organizations have usually experienced and committed workers who are working their since years and thus are quite adult. These employees work in their own traditional and routine way and do not want any change in their s tyle of working.When an organization feels a need to hire young employees, the adults feel a threat to their power, position and prestige since they are not capable enough to work like the young ones. They feel threatened by the young employees who have more creative and novel solutions to organizational problems and work for bringing about change. At this stage the adults offer resistance to the recruitment of young employees in the workforce because it will not only threaten their position but also bring about a change in their style of working (Hultman, 1998).Aged employees consider themselves experienced enough and are not ready to tolerate younger employees imposing themselves and their ideas for change. They want a stable work environment and get negative feelings if some one tries to challenge their style of working.This is mainly the most important reason why adults and aged people offer so much resistance to recruiting ever energetic and efficient young employees in the org anization’s workforce.It has been always said that new and young employees are important for the success of an organization because they are able to see things from a different perspective which requires change, innovation and creativity. They want the organization to become a learning organization progressing on the path of continuous improvement and innovative problem solving.An organization becomes successful by the way a business is done it which in turn is determined by the employees working there so for making an organization successful talented young employees should be hired and trained for working with the organization (Harvard Business School Press, 2005).Today, the business expectations are rising and customers are becoming ever-demanding. The competition is becoming fiercer with everyone striving to attain the competitive edge.The organization that develops a positive attitude towards welcoming change will be able to continuously improve itself at the times of pro blems and opportunities and thus, this requires the contribution of the talented young working people who have just graduated and are fresh with the knowledge of business management.They have a tendency to work in teams because they realize the fact that a team can accomplish more what individuals can achieve. On the other hand, the adults do not appreciate collective working and work individually instead. The young workers are more popularly known as Generation Y whereas the adults are being referred to as Generation X.It has been estimated that 70% of 21-year old Generation Y people are in the US workforce today which shows an increasing trend towards young employees (Jellison, 1993).Moreover, the new generation adapts to technology changes easily and want to work with new and modern procedures but the older generation sees technology with a negative eye and does not adapts to it readily. This is not to say that adults and aged people are unimportant in an organization, in fact th ey are the most important assets of an organization.These assets can not be replaced because their age has given them an experience to deal with problems which is hard to find. Young people find most creative and novel solution to a problem whereas the experienced employees find accurate solutions through their experience. This means that both generations should be made to work together if the organization wants to rise higher than any other organization in the industry or outside the industry.There is an increasing amount of Generational Conflict in the organizations and it is predicted that by 2010 it is going to increase considerably (Hultman, 1998). By Generational Conflict, we mean the conflict between two or more generations and here we are referring to the two generations of X and Y (Pihulyk , 2003).This is due to the age diversification in the workforce as young and talented employees are being increasingly hired by the businesses. The new generation will cause the erosion o f old work ethics and they will require a more flexible workplace.Moreover, women representation will increase hundred percent in the upcoming years. There exists a multi-generational and multi-cultural workforce and this will continue to grow in the future years. Since this is going to increase therefore, management must properly plan for accommodating this change in their business as the demographic change can have positive as well as negative implications.The policies and procedures must be adapted for accommodating this change so that there should be new values for the new generation (Rosenburg, 2005).

What is happiness to you Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

What is happiness to you - Essay Example onio Rangel in 2008, money increases happiness as the people with a higher expense and expenditure lived a more happy life as compared to those who wanted to save cost. The group taking expensive wine was happier compared to the group taking less expensive wine. This means that happiness is all about money and if one spends more on someone they care for, they will be happy. Most people treasure good and expensive things that can only be bought with money in the materialistic world we live in today. There are some many destitute families in the world mostly in the developing countries, through charity these families can be helped using money thus making them happy. Happiness is based on what one acquires and achieves, hence money is happiness as it enables people acquire what they want. In addition, happiness can be hinged on having good relationship with members of the family and the community as well. Family is a main contributing factor for one to be happy, as through the it, one is able to get solace in times of grief. Family provides some form of emotional support to each other thus contributing towards one’s happiness. Through family come together, there is a lot of sharing among family members which leads to happiness. Through sharing about past experiences, members of the family are able to reminisce about good memories they shared at earlier stages of life. This feeling provides happiness as they tend to reflect how their past had been hence forgetting current bad happenings hence emotional satisfaction and happiness (Lulu, 116). Conventional implicit policy to my assumption has a strong relationship between happiness and family through equation with social well-being. The importance of additional family policy has an indication well-being emotionally in a state of happiness in connection to families at the level of psychology hence provide a better comprehensive understanding of a person’s well happiness and well-being. Family relations to me seem to

The gastronomic developments on two different geographical areas; West Essay

The gastronomic developments on two different geographical areas; West Yorkshire in the North of England and the Island of Malta in the Mediterranean - Essay Example The information guiding this research shall be gathered from relevant scholarly articles, books, journals and websites. The factors of these trends shall be derived from the social, economic, and cultural developments in those areas. The main outcomes that this research intends to achieve are the comparison of the trends of those gastronomic environments. A key factor to this is knowledge of the factors that have influenced the diversity of the food and beverage development in those specific areas. The outcomes will be analyzed to know the trends that contribute to the competitive value of food and beverage operations. Lastly, recognize the key features of successful gastronomic business and determining the quality leaders in the market. Gastronomy is the study of food and culture with a specific emphasis on pleasure-loving cuisine. Modern gastronomy has its roots in several French texts published in the 1800s. It is a demanding multidisciplinary art examining food itself along with its setting, demonstration, brilliance, and history. The principal of gastronomy is that food is an art form, as well as science. Gastronomy examines the sociological implications of food, while integrating other social science disciplines such as philosophy, anthropology, and psychology. For the gourmet and gastronome, gastronomy requires an essential definition, which is the enjoyment of good food, noble company and worthy beverages. Gastronomy is broken down into four main areas (Harrison, 1982) which are political, theoretical, and technical and food gastronomy. Political gastronomy is concerned with the training and the study of the preparation, making, and service of various foods and beverages from many countries around the world (Cailein Gillespie, 2001, pp. 3-5). It deals with the methods and principals involved in the conversion of raw produce into appealing, countrywide, regionally

Research and Discussion Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

And Discussion - Research Paper Example 86 (95.6%) of these attended class on campus, and 4 (4.4%) studied off campus. 67 (74.4%) students travelled to the campus using a personal vehicle while 23 (25.6%) used public transport. Of the students recruited to the study, 32 (35.5%) belonged to the Christian faith, 23 (25.5%) were Atheists, 20 (22.2%) were Agnostic, 3(3.3%) followed Hinduism, 2 (2.2%) followed Buddhism, 1 (1.1%) was Wiccan and 9 (10%) chose not to respond. 82 (91.1%) students responded that they did enjoy being at the University; while 7 (7.8%) said that they did not. 1 (1.1%) chose not to respond. When asked to respond to how much they enjoyed University, 32 (35.6%) said that they only enjoyed it somewhat; 48 (53.3%) said Quite a lot, and 10 (11.1%) responded that they enjoyed it totally. When asked how important they found having a sense of community 4 (4.4%) found it not important at all, 3 (3.3%) found it not very important; 31 (34.4%) found it somewhat important, 37 (41.1%) found it important, 12 (13.3%) f ound it very important and 3 (3.3%) chose not to respond. The subjects ranged in age from 19 to 57 years, with a mean age of 27.58 years and an SD of 9.3 years. The SES ranking ranged from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 98; the mean ranking was 64.93 with an SD of 24.37. The subjects were found to spend from 3 to 40 hours on campus; the mean time spent on campus being 13.43 hours with an SD of 8.06 hours. The students were found to have a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 50 friends on campus; the mean being 9.16 with an SD of 8.17. Statistical tests were conducted to understand the relationships between these variables. A correlation conducted to test the relationship between the number of friends a person had and the importance they attached to having a sense of community was found to be significant at the 0.01 level [ r (85) = 0.348; p < 0.01 two-tailed]. The relationship between the age of the participants and the extent to which they enjoyed University was also found to be signific ant [p (88) = 0.289; p < 0.01 two tailed]. The correlation computed to test the relationship between the primary location of study and the importance associated with a sense of community was not significant [p (85) = 0.041; NS]. The relationship between the number of friends and the extent to which the subject enjoyed University was also not significant [p (88) = -0.031; NS]. The relationship between the time spent in Australia and the extent to which the subject enjoyed University was also not significant [p (88) = 0.173; NS]. The independent t – test conducted to test if gender did affect the extent to which students enjoyed University was found to be not significant [t (88) = 1.548; NS]. On the other hand, the independent t-test that checked if gender did affect the extent of importance attached to the sense of community was slightly significant, missing the 0.05 level of significance marginally [t (85) = - 1.785; p < 0.07 two tailed]. The t-test conducted to verify if loc ation of study affected the sense of importance of community were insignificant [t (85) = -0.382; NS]; as was the t-test to verify if the location of study affected the extent to which the student enjoyed University [t (88) = 0.018; NS]. The data collected from the focus group interviews was recorded verbatim and then analysed using the Leximancer profile; and the data thus gleaned was interpreted according to the context in which the verbatim reports were collected –

Identify three important conditions for successfully initiating a Essay

Identify three important conditions for successfully initiating a price increase (Pricing Strategies) - Essay Example However, in general context most of the companies price their products in such a way which allows them to remain affordable to the clients and offers them a certain societal value. Pricing strategies come mainly in the form of new product pricing, product mix pricing and price-adjustment strategies. Among the aforementioned forms of pricing, a number of strategies can be employed by the company to price its products. The pricing strategies are described below. New Product Pricing Strategies. These strategies are mainly divided into two types, namely market skimming pricing and market penetration pricing. Market skimming pricing entails setting high price for a product during its launch and slowly reducing the price with the passage of time. On the other hand, market penetration pricing is about setting a low price for a newly launched product and then gradually increasing it as the products reaches the growth stage in its life cycle. Product Mix Pricing Strategies. Companies have several options to price their product mix. It purely depends on the intentions of the company. Some of the most commonly used pricing strategies in this context are product line pricing, product bundle pricing, captive product pricing, optional product pricing, and by-product pricing. Each of these strategies considers certain aspects in pricing the product. Price-Adjustment Strategies. The price of a product needs to be adjusted at times due to the changing situations and several customer differences. Some of the commonly used strategies in this context are geographical pricing, international pricing, discount and allowance pricing, psychological pricing, segmented pricing, promotional pricing, and dynamic pricing. After companies develop the pricing structures of their products, they often face a condition when they are required to modify the prices due to a specific reason. Nevertheless, price changes are initiated

Experimental Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Experimental Methods - Essay Example For this reason, seeing the actual impact of manipulating variables based on the experimentation, on the part of an experimenter will eventually help in gaining insight. The actual application of this is not only confined in a single field, but in all related areas. This means that experimental research methods could be applied in the business context. For instance, in marketing, studying the human behavior in order to understand prevailing needs is very important prior to actual formulation of certain product or service offering. Experimental research methods have major advantages and these include evidence of causality and control (Wimmer & Dominick, 2011, p.239). As stated earlier, an experimenter could manipulate variables and understand the probable impacts of these to other variables. For this reason, there is a remarkable understanding of cause and effect relationship under a controlled situation. Due to a controlled condition, the researcher will have the opportunity to manag e the environment, variables and subjects, leading to extensive understanding of the entire subjects considered. There is a high control of the external factors outside the experimental designs, allowing researchers to control extraneous influences and focus on the existing causal relationship (Fiske, Gilbert, & Lindzey, 2010, p.82; Muijs, 2010, p.19). Experimental research methods could also help solve the problem of the realism of the environment and will open a new door for another set of problems because of the associated replications of findings (Babbie, 2010, p.198). However, experimental research methods could somehow be vulnerable to employ actions that are entirely relevant with deception and ethical considerations (Denscombe, 2010, p.76). This is particularly clear when there is a need to employ control groups in the experiment, so there could be variation of treatments and even hiding something from the respondents just to be able to come up with the relevant and desired information, without any strong influence of extraneous factors. Experimental research methods could be incorporated in the business communication research particularly in finding causal and effect relationship through isolating and controlling variables in a scientific manner (Lam & Bauer, 2008). In today’s advancement of information and technology, there is an actual integration of information systems and business. Experimental research methods are also found to be relevant in information systems research with actual business perspective (Levy & Ellis, 2011). Among experimental research methods, field experiment is commonly employed in various research investigations in line with business concerns. So let us explore some actual applications of field experiments in the business context. Field experiments engaged actual real-life setting of experimental manipulations within a natural environment in which business, economics and management research usually has considerable eng agement because of its external validity to identify causation (Elsevier, 2009). For instance, field experiment usually is used in test marketing of new products or evaluating alternative promotional programs (Al-Ubaydli & Boettke, 2011). In the actual context, field experiment is becoming popular. This research method has remarkable contribution in order to ensure achievement of good business management. To make it more productive, it is

Marketing service Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Marketing service - Essay Example After the demise of Cook, many other travel agents came who fulfilled the holiday and society desires for people for this novel transportation means, train. Since then, offices kept opening up to public in United Kingdom and the genuine ‘travel agencies’ came into existence. These travel agencies grew in hundreds and multiples and the invention of air package holiday in the year 1950 the number augmented by thousands as they reached 8,000 during 1990s. Today there are approximately 7000 travel agents in United Kingdom alone.1 Business travelers in United kingdom might select one of the United Kingdom’s assigned travel agents. The AAA Corporate Travel Services is the leading travel agency, in addition to the second agency which is off the campus called Avant Travel. The AAA Concur is on top of the online services of reservation in United Kingdom. Even though everyone in United Kingdom prefer arrangements by UK travel agents; they may decide on a different travel ag ent other than the UK travel, or any other organization than Concur. But, if they prefer to do so then a certain amount will be printed by Concur and it is submitted to travel agent for the aim of reimbursement. Personal credit card is mandated when any other vendor other than UK one is used and the amount of travel is reimbursed after the travel. 2 The liked method of business payment is the University Procurement Card which is favored payment method for the business airline tickets which can be purchased via Concur, AAA, and Avant Travel. The personal credit card is of immense value especially in case of a different vendor. The amount is reimbursed after the complete travel. This procurement card can be utilized for tax charges and business hotel room, conference registration fees, and rental car charges. Various travel discounts have been secured by United Kingdom. These discounts were discussed with Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and Delta Airlines. The fares are stil l unpublished and are only on the sites of United Kingdom’s own travel agents. United Kingdom has many rental car discounts with national Car Rental and Enterprise Rent-A-Car and these discounts are discussed at various hotels. The aim of Travel agents is to make the business efficient and pleasurable for the customers.3 Many travel firms of United Kingdom believe that if you can survive in hard times then you can easily flourish in times of boom. The market is drastically becoming mature and recession increasing and so the United Kingdom travel agents face a lot of challenges today to survive in the market. Holidays today are a huge priority for people as they spent an indispensable amount on holidays. Therefore, there is a lot of pressure on the travel agents to come up with better deals and at the same time, offer an even greater protection for consumers. In these lean times, the firms are definitely looking for opportunities abroad and comprehend the challenges they might face for a feasible future. The recession is the biggest challenge which I no doubt decreasing the consumer spending and even if the things haven’t been great for some time, recession is on its verge today. Travel agents have reduced their capability for holiday programs and ‘de-risk model of business. 4 The finance cost and access to it is another challenge that the travel services are facing today. The seasonal travel needs efficient financial market at right rates when most needed. Also, the ways to protect

The Most Prominent Events in World History Case Study

The Most Prominent Events in World History - Case Study Example The situation angered the Germans and through Adolf Hitler, they were able to ignite the Second World War. The treaty also created irreparable damage to the Germans economy for a long time (Friedman, 56). Communism in Russia came into place following the abolition of Serfdom in 1861, Serfdom was a kind of slavery in which all the peasant were tied to a piece of farmland. The peasant is allowed to use the farm for the purpose of providing for the families and themselves but at the same time are forced to comply with their masters' needs and requirements in all manner of sense which included military services. Abolition of Serfdom let to the mass migration into the cities leading to the neglect of agricultural as many people moved to the city. In the cities, they got involved in working in the factories during the industrial revolution in Russia. This group of people was exploited in terms flong working hours with low wages since they had the formal association. This led to poverty epidemic and people became open to the communist idea, the situation was also accentuated by the fact that Russia had lost to Japan in 1905 in the Russo-Japanese war, the two situations made it possible for R ussia to accept communism as a way of governance. Fascism was a way of believing that one race is better than the other is and these were manifested in Italy and Germany. In this regard, fascism in Italy and Germany were characterized with the following beliefs; the importance of struggle and will, Militarism, Organic state, instance authority and discipline, rule by an elite, mystic faith in the leader, and Nazism which is a violent racism. The impact of fascism in the two countries led to the execution of masses that were considered lesser race. For instance, the holocaust period in Germany in which Adolf Hitler killed the Jews in masses. In Italy, the fascist party led to the banning of all political parties and trade unions.  Ã‚  

Deontologists vs. Consequentialists Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Deontologists vs. Consequentialists - Essay Example If someone were to do his moral duty and perform an action consistent with ethical principles, then it would not matter if it had negative consequences. Such is the view that deontologists hold -- decisions are made and actions done on the merit of the rightness or wrongness of an action and not on the rightness or wrongness of its outcomes. Simply put: certain actions or rules are regarded as appropriate, regardless of the consequence they have. Euthanasia, or mercy-killing, may be cited as an example of such principle put into action. Putting an end to one’s agony by cutting off a patient’s life support is a fundamental reasoning to such an action. Consequentialists, on the other hand, believe the ends always justify the means. Its assumption of morality is derived from what is good or desirable as an end to be achieved. Though it may seem rational to end another person’s misery who, at the moment, is not capable of doing anything about the situation, still the consequence of such action is unjustifiable. What if that person who is in agony or lies in a comatose state is still fighting for his life, though this is impossible to perceive because of his current state? What if the patient’s will is stronger than his fate? What if for a matter of day his life will be sustained had the respirator not been removed from him? To the consequentialists, these outcomes should be examined first to determine moral responsibility. As the previous example points out, both the deontologist's and consequentialist's points of view are based on ethical norms. The only difference is the issue on what norm is considered. While deontologists focus on the action, the consequentialists consider the effect of the action. But what makes an action or its consequence morally right Is there an absolutist' view of what is morally right If there is why is there conflicting views on it If not, how should the issue on morality be addressed These questions are what we will try to answer using the arguments of advocates of these two views. Peter Singer's "All Animals Are Equal" and Mark Vuletic's "Deontological Objections To Consequentialism" will be explained in detail. Later in the analysis, I will propose a different view on the construct of morality and its implication on humans as well as animals. First, let us establish some fundamentals that may guide us in evaluating the ethics of a particular decision (in this case, determining whether an action or a consequence is morally right). Perhaps it is important to note the term used "right" may still be unclear. Consider the following questions. Is the acceptance of a specific thought purely based on the perception of its readers or receivers Or is it based on a more logical, more concrete perception governed by specific laws adjudging such as "right" Is it based on a general acceptance or on a universal General may not mean universal in the sense that the former has a may still be perceived a bit exclusive that the latter. I believe it is a recognized fact that an individual has the right to self-govern in certain areas. Relative to this is that individuals are free to decide what, how, when and in what manner he should act. Having a free will does not mean an individual's decision to act is not restricted whatsoever. If that would be the case, no society might have been formed. Hence, the decision to act is guided by perceived and accepted norms and rules, which are aimed at creating harmony within the person and the society. Needless to say for both to exist in a harmonious relationship, the decision to act should be directed at the promotion of the well being or the benefit of everybody. In effect no decision should be regarded as anything that will inflict other individual. This kind of reasoning puts every person on equal footing; no one is above them, of course the Law, which, as earlier pointed out becomes the universal basis for in considering what is right and what is wrong. Now that we have established the fact that human beings on

Nature of Public Administration Essay Example for Free

Nature of Public Administration Essay Before we discuss about the meaning, definition, nature, scope and importance of public administration we will try to know what is administration, organisation and management. As these terms are often used interchangeably and synonymously, it is pertinent to know the differences and distinctions between these three terms. According to William Schulze Administration is the force, which lays down the object for which an organisation and its management are to strive and the broad policies under which they are to operate. An Organisation is a combination of the necessary human beings, materials, tools, equipment and working space, appurtenances brought together in systematic and effective co-relation to accomplish some desired object. Management is that which leads guides and directs an organisation for the accomplishment of pre-determined object. To put the above in simple terms, administration sets the goal, management strives to attain it and organisation is the machine of the management for the attainment of the ends determined by the administration. Some scholars have a different view about the administration and management. According to Peter Drucker management is associated with the business activity, which has to show economic performance, whereas administration is associated with the non business activities like activities of the Government. The other view is that administration is associated with performing routine things in known settings in accordance with certain procedures, rules, and regulations. The Management is associated with performing functions like risk taking, dynamic, creative and innovative functions. Some scholars of Public Administration are closely associated with the first view that is, administration is a determinative function. Management, on other hand is an executive function that is primarily concerned with carrying out the broad policies laid down by the administration.

Fred Froebel the german educationalist

Fred Froebel the german educationalist Fred Froebel was a German Educationalist who is best known for his work on the importance of play and as the inventor of kindergarten. Froebel believed that a childs educational environment is important in helping a child reach his or her full potential. Froebel also stressed the importance of developmentally appropriate activities, free play, and the involvement of parents in the growth of a child educationally and socially. He provided the theoretical basis for early childhood education. Many practices used in the classroom today involve free self activity, creativity, social participation, and motor expression, which are the four main components in Froebels philosophy of education. Unlike many educators before him, who believed that children should be taught to become productive members of society as soon as possible, Froebel believed that a child should be taught what is appropriate for their developmental level and ability. Froebel envisioned a small world, know as kindergarten, where children could play with others their own age and experience their first taste of independence. It was Froebels belief that through play, or free self-activity, those children could engage with others through movement and externalize their imaginative powers and thoughts. Children could think of an activity, plan it out, and then act it out. Froebel believed that the idea and concept of fee self-activity, thinking, planning, then acting, could carry a child from one educational level to another. To help children grow from one educational level to another, Froebel designed stimulating instructional materials which he called gifts and occupations. Froebels gifts included such items as cubes, spheres, and cylinders. These objects could help children understand the concepts of dimensions, shape, size, and their relationships. Froebel felt that children should learn by doing. The occupations were items such as paint, clay, or other materials where children could make what they want. For Froebel, this was a way that children could show what was going on in their minds. Froebel believed that children should not be rushed through the educational process but, that they should be able to grow and develop and their own pace. They should not be molded into what society wants them to be. Froebel believed that through free self-activity and the use of instructional materials, children would begin to understand themselves and the world around them. Froebel believed that an important part of a childs education was their parents. Parents were, and still are; the childs first educators and provides the most consistent form of education in a childs life. The child understands the nature of the home and how it works. Naturally, the child will act this out during free play. It was important for Froebel to provide a family setting within the school. Children could engage socially in a non-threatening environment. Thus, children could express themselves freely and develop social skills that will help them as they move from one education level to another and every day in their lives. Froebel provided the theoretical basis for early childhood education. At the time, his ideas and theories were revolutionary. He tried to get others to see the importance of his theories and pushed for adding kindergarten to a childs formal education. He saw limited success in his lifetime but, his theories and practices are apparent in any early childhood classroom today. Early childhood practices and classrooms are designed around Froebels ideas and theories of free self-activity, creativity, social interaction, and motor expression. John Pestalozzi John Pestalozzi was a writer, philanthropist, and educator who greatly influenced the development of the educational system in Europe and America. Teachers from all over the world would travel to observe and study his methods. Pestalozzi was influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Like Rousseau, he believed in the natural goodness of people, the corruption of society, individual differences, and ones readiness to learn. Pestalozzi centered his educational philosophy around love. He stressed the impotance of childrens feelings, self-respect, and their emotional security. Pestalozzis contributions to education include his educational philosophy and instructional method, sensory learning through object lessons, and his use of activities, excursions, and nature studies. Pestalozzi envisioned schools that were homelike. He believed that a learning environment where children felt emotionally secure, was the setting for successful learning. Pestalozzi worked with orphans. He believed that everyone had a right to a good education and worked to provide them with a school that would meet their educational and emotional needs. Pestalozzi also believed that instructions should follow the general process of human conceptualization that begins with sensation. He designed object lessons where children observed the shape, size, and weight of an object and, named it after their experience with it. He designed a series of elaborate object lessons that ranged from simple to abstract. During these lessons he included materials from nature such as, plants and animals. Pestalozzis object lessons encouraged the entrance of natural science and geography into the elementary classroom, and was the most popular and widely used ideas of Pestalozzi. These ideas also encoura ged what we now call field trips, nature walks, and even dissecting animals in science class. Pestalozzi emphasized childrens interest and needs. His influence can be found today in child-centered classrooms, child permissiveness, and hands-on learning activities in the classroom. He also viewed the child as a whole, focusing on their mental, physical, and psychological development. Pestalozzis greatest contribution to education is philosophy of natural education that emphasized a childs dignity and the importance of actively engaging children in the learning process through sensory experiences.

ANALYTICAL REPORT OF WENDYS IN NEW ZEALAND

ANALYTICAL REPORT OF WENDYS IN NEW ZEALAND The purpose of this report is to create an analytical report on identifying organizations root problems and suggesting the strategies of the solution including an alternative action plan. In this report we have attempted to identify the root problem by using the BCG matrix analysis and Cause Effect analysis. Also we have shown the strategy for the solution of root problem. After identifying the root problem, we will go through the solution on how to rectify the problem and how we reach to a proper decision on which solution needs to be taken into action. This report is divided into three sections. The first section includes the introduction of the report, purpose of study, structure of study and overview of report. In the next section one will find the main body which includes Cause and Effect analysis and BCG Matrix analysis of the Wendys Old Fashion Hamburgers Organization. It also includes identification of root problem, suggestion to use the specific solution to the root problem. In the last and final section one will find the learning outcome of the report, limitations of study and its recommendations and overall summary of the report. The methodology used in this report is that we have collected information on the basis of work experience in the organization. This report is only helpful to the readers who want to gain knowledge regarding specific organizations root problem and its solution to solve the identified problem. It can also be used by the organization itself to see what needs to be done in a scenario where their company sale is going down. It will also help them to see through their problems and will be able to rectify in future. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this report is to create an analytical report on identifying organizations root problems and suggesting the strategies of the solution including an alternative action plan. In this report we have attempted to identify the root problem by using the BCG matrix analysis and Cause Effect analysis. Also we have shown the strategy for the solution of root problem. After identifying the root problem, we will go through the solution on how to rectify the problem and how we reach to a proper decision on which solution needs to be taken into action. This report is divided into three sections. The first section includes the introduction of the report, purpose of study, structure of study and overview of report. In the next section one will find the main body which includes Cause and Effect analysis and BCG Matrix analysis of the Wendys Old Fashion Hamburgers Organization. It also includes identification of root problem, suggestion to use the specific solution to the root problem. In the last and final section one will find the learning outcome of the report, limitations of study and its recommendations and overall summary of the report. OVERVIEW Wendys Old Fashioned Hamburgers is an international quick service restaurant (QSR) chain restaurant founded by Dave Thomas on November 15, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio, US., and moved headquarters to Dublin, Ohio on January 29, 2006. As of March 2010 Wendys was the worlds third largest hamburger fast food chain with approximately 6,650 locations. Wendys menu consists primarily of hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, French fries and beverages, including the Frosty. The company does not have a signature sandwich, such as the Big Mac or the Whopper. Instead, the square burger patties it uses in its sandwiches are the signature item. The company also advertises that its burgers are made from fresh ground beef, not frozen patties. As per our previous assignment, we would like to mention that we carried out the survey by Cause and Effect and BCG Matrix analysis. By going through the study we found out that the company was facing a root problems that were including untrained staff, management problem and dog products. Above all we found that the face problem with the organization was low sale of its products. PROBLEM IDENTIFIED REASONS PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS :- To get the real reason about low sale of Wendys we carried out performance analysis on the basis of actual sale versus desired results. For that we have compare last year sale with current year sale. DEVIATION OF THE PERFORMANCE :- Through detail analysis we found that the staff turnover started to increase gradually and also there was sudden increase in the wastage of products. For example, the total wastage should be around  ¼ pan of onions but now it is increase to  ¾ pan of onions. Also salads and baked potato are need to be thrown away as the company policy is not to carry over the product next day. So around 3 packets of salads and around 5 baked potato are thrown away. The staff were are also getting slow in product service time. For example, the product that has to be delivered within 60 seconds from drive thru and 30 seconds from front line was been delivered in 80 seconds and 50 seconds respectively. SPECIFIC PROBLEM :- The actual problem in the organization is low sale as it has drop down by 40% according to last year sales. Last year in Lynfield Wendyà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s, Auckland, New Zealand they did 2 Million NZD amount of sale but at present time it reduce to approximately 1.2 Million NZD amount of sale. PRECISE PROBLEM :- To find out the precise problem we will be carrying out the cause and effect analysis. LOW SALES CAUSE EFFECT 1. Untrained Staff 1. Increase in customer complains. 2. Poor quality finished products. 3. Wrong order to the customer. 2. Management Problem 1. Unsatisfied staff 2. No Co-ordination between manager and staff. 3. Not proper products displayed in menu (dog products). 1. Increases the product cost. 2. Increase in wastage of goods. ANALYSIS In this section we will find out that on how we have reached to the causes of the organizations low sale. We have noticed in our study that the finished goods that are been given to the customer are not made in a proper manner and thus the quality of the product has gone down. Also due to that the organization started receiving complaints regarding their products. Some times we noted that the staff are taking wrong order and thus the product service takes time. While going through all these reasons we found that the root problem was staff were untrained. So due to this the face problem was caused. Secondly, we found that the co-ordination between the managers and the staff was not carried out properly. Either the manager was not giving out the information to the staff or the staff was not listening to the manager. Also the staff was unsatisfied because in the store they were working under different managers and with different orders. So the staff were getting confused and this delay the process of proper product service time. Also due to this the face problem of low sales was caused. At last, we found that the other root problem was regarding dog products i.e. the products displayed on the menu are not ordered by the customers as they are bit expensive than the competitors. Due to this there was increase in the wastage of these products which indirectly increased its cost. This all triggered in high budget and low profit. Above all the stated problems we have also identified other problems that has affected because of face problem and those are: 1. Regular staff not getting more hours. 2. Company growth is going down. BCG MATRIX REF:- http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/matrix/bcg/ Cash Cow = Beef Segment Start Product = $5 Meal and Baconator Meal Question (?) Mark = Chicken Bites and Grill Chicken Dog Products = Baked Potatoes and Salad Cash Cow:- In our chosen business, we have find out that Beef Segment is a Cash Cow. Beef segment is the fast selling product and if we compare with other products all types of customer like beef segment because it is very popular, cheap, healthy and favorite product by customers demand. For example, if we serve 1000 customers in a day, then 700 customers order from the Beef Segment and thats a massive 70% demand of the beef segment products. Star Product:- In our chosen business, we have found that $5 Meal and Baconator are Star Products, as this products is the organizations second fast selling and also popular with most of the time. Mostly customers like to buy $5 meal and Baconator meal because in these meals the business provides burger, fries and a drink of customers choice. We think that to convert it into cash cow product, they need to advertise it properly and if the company is launching any new product then the launching time of new product should be correct. It shouldnt affect the market of current star product. ? Mark:- During our study we came to an conclusion that Chicken bites and Grilled Chicken are considered to be ? mark product. The reason behind this is that, these product are neither cash cow nor star product. So to convert in star product, they have to do proper advertisement and they should also start selling these products as promotion or in a special deal. Dog Product:- At last in out findings we have found that Baked Potato and Salads as Dog Products because these product are there in the menu for long time but are not been sold or ordered. So they should replace these products with other product or modify the present product. They can also bring back the products which where in demand earlier and has been stopped due to the supply of the raw material like chicken stripes. SOLUTION In this section we will be providing the solution for the causes that has affected the organizations sale. We will be giving solution as mentioned below:- 1. UNTRAINED STAFF :- We will suggest the organization to retrain their untrained staff because in our finding we found that they are not taking the order properly and misplacing the order sometime. They are also behaving bit rude to the customers. By doing so there will be an improvement in customer service and quality of the product. Also they will manage to take correct orders from the customers. This will increase the customer satisfaction and the sale will gradually go up. 2. MANAGEMENT PROBLEM :- In this section, we have come to the conclusion that the managers are not passing the information to the crew member in a proper manner. Also during the time where there are two managers working, if one manager tells the crew to carry out certain duties and during the same time the other manager tells the same crew to do other things than the crew member is confused and dont understand whose order to follow. So we would suggest that there should be a hierarchy of passing the information to the crew. To solve this issue we would recommend the organization to communicate with their managers and tell them that they pass on the information to the staff in a proper procedural manner. By doing so the staff will understand what their managers are saying and it will reduce the product service time. Also we will train them accordingly. 3. DOG PRODUCTS :- In this section we have found that certain products are as Dog Products, because these product are there in the menu for long time but are not been sold or ordered. So they should replace these products with other product or modify the present product. They can also bring back the products which where in demand earlier and has been stopped due to the supply of the raw material. To resolve this problem we would suggest the organization to re-organized their product menu. We would also recommend them to remove the dog products and add new products if possible. This will bring the customers in and the sale will start going up automatically. STRATEGIES FOR THE SOLUTION In this section we will be mentioning the strategies for the solution. The same are mentioned below. 1. UNTRAINED STAFF :- In the organization there is an appropriate procedure to carry out product preparation and customer service. These procedure includes videos, books, training under training manager and at last carrying out exam/test of the staff. We would recommend the organization to redo these procedures again with their staff. We would suggest them that out of 100% of the training procedure they should give 30% emphasis on videos as by seeing the videos they will understand the procedure. Later 25% emphasis on books to learn about the order taking and customer service procedure and how to up-sell the products to the customers. Next around 25% emphasis on training the staff under trained staff or training manager. At last, they should give the rest 20% criteria to carry out exam/test that will let them know where the staff stand and what needs to be done to improve the knowledge and ability of the staff. 2. MANAGEMENT PROBLEM :- For this we will like the managers to be trained in an appropriate manner so that they carry out their duties properly. We will recommend the organization that they put at least 50% concentration on showing the managers the managerial videos and training session again so that they are clear about their role in the organization. We will suggest them to put 30% emphasis to carry out manager and staff meeting on regular basis as this will increase confidence within the managers and staff and also their queries will be heard and solved. This will increase co-ordination between the staff and managers during their work schedule. And at last we will tell them to apply 20% emphasis on practical training as this will help the managers to carry out specific task properly and also not indulge in other managers task as this will mislead the staff. 3. DOG PRODUCTS :- To make sure that this strategy works out we will recommend the organization to put at least 70% emphasis to carry out survey on what customers demand from the organization. Like, there are customer feedback forms available with in the store, so they can ask customers to fill up the feedback form. If the products demanded by the customers can be included in the menu than it should be included as soon as possible. And later 30% emphasis on the products that were in demand earlier and has been stopped due to the availability of the raw material, should be made available to the customers. This will bring back the customers to the store and the sale of the organization will increase gradually. ALTERNATIVE ACTION Alternative action is a suggestion, which we can be used if the main strategy of solution to resolve the problems is not effective. Some alternative actions are mentioned below. Change staff:- If in case the strategies that were used earlier like training the current staff did not work out than we will recommend to change that said staff with the new staff. We will suggest them to go through the training procedure again. They should motivate the new staff and by doing so the staff will be more dedicated towards its work. Change Management:- After providing the training to the present manager, If they still continue to behave rude with the staff and also not passing the required information to the staff than they should either get the manager from another store or hire a new manager and provide them sufficient training. Change product:- If the dog product is not selling then we will change the product because these product are there in the menu for long time but are not been sold or ordered. So they should replace these products with other product or modify the present product to ? Mark product or star product which will increase the sale. They can also bring back the products which where in demand earlier and has been stopped due to the supply of the raw material. CONSEQUENCES OF ALTERNATIVE ACTION If we change the staff there will be some consequence like it can increase the cost of the company as more time will be spend on the training of the new staff and more time will be taken in the product service. After training the new staff, if the organization understand that the new staff is under performing than they will have to more efforts and time to make that staff more efficient and reliable to the work assigned. For doing that they might have to keep that staff under training managers observation and this will increase the cost which can lead to more loss. Also there can be a situation where the old staff that has been removed from the organization might report to the union and this will increase time to deal the issue, as they do not have time and money to spend on these matters. The good consequence can be that it can solve the problem of the trained staff that were not performing up to the mark. Same as staff,if we change the manager,it will create some consequence for company like it will increase cost of company because the new manager has to be given managerial training and also they have to remain under the trained managers till the time they are suitable for the role. There will be two managers at the same time and the organization has to pay both the managers instead of one. Also there can be a situation where the old manager that has been removed from the organization might report to the union and this will increase time to deal the issue, as they do not have time and money to spend on these matters. Also hiring a new manager is not an easy task as one has to organize interviews and then choose perfect manager for management. The good consequence is, new manager can solve the problem and help the company to achieve its goal. If we change the products there will be some consequence like it will increase companys cost as they never know what sort of product is demanded by the customer and more training has to be given to the staff and manager in the preparation of the new product. Also, if the expiry date of product is less then it will increase company cost. Only good consequence is that the new product might increase companys sale. FINAL DECISION After carrying out the survey, we have decided that we cannot suggest the alternative action as by doing so the cost of the organization will increase and the organization is not in a situation right now to carry out such an increase, as the sale of the organization is low. So will stick to the solution that is provided in the full survey i.e. providing training to the staff, also train the managers again and remove the dog product by replacing them with ? mark products or star products, also try re-introducing the products that were there in demand earlier. CONCLUSION With the help of this analysis we would like to conclude that the organization have list of problems but the main problem is of sales. In this report we have identified the root problem of the organization and suggested the necessary solution as well as alternative solution that can be carried out to solve the root problem. Overall this was a good experience conducting a analysis on identifying the core problem within the organization. But if some one needs any help through this analysis he/she can be valued going through the detailed report. They can also understand about the various solution to the said root problem that can be there with in the organization and how to create a strategic solution to resolve these problems. This report contains only one limitation that is solely on our experience and can differ in other methods of report.

foolear A Fool for a King in William Shakespeares King Lear Essay

A Fool for a King in King Lear     Ã‚   In Shakespeare's play King Lear, the main character, King Lear, is presented as a respected and powerful king. As the story progresses the king loses his power because of his own stupidity and blindness. The tragedy of this play is shown chiefly through the actions of Lear’s daughters, which lead to Lear’s bout with insanity, and through the words of the Fool. At the beginning of the play, King Lear appears as a powerful and well-loved ruler. He explains his intention to abdicate and divide his kingdom among his three daughters, giving the largest segment to the daughter who convinces him that she loves him most (Boyce 343).   Goneril is the first to lie,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sir, I love you more than word can wield the matter; / Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare; / No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As much as child e’er loved, or father found; A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Beyond all manner of so much I love you. (I.i.56-63) Regan is the next to exaggerate her love,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I am made / Of that same metal as my sister   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   And prize me at her worth. In my true heart / I find she names my very deed of love,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Only she comes too short, that I profess / Myself an enemy to all other joys   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Which the most precious square of sense possesses, / And find I am alone felicitate   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In your dear Highness’ love. (I.i.72-80) Finally, Cordelia speaks only the truth when she says, â€Å" Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave / My heart into my mouth. I l... ...cted and powerful king to that of a regular man who, at times, seems to have no family. This takes him to the brink of despair and, at least, temporary insanity until he is rescued by his friend whom he had banished and his daughter whom he had disinherited.   Not only is it a tragedy that Lear and Cordelia die at the end of the play, but also that so much pain and suffering was endured before a Fool enabled Lear to see that he had tragically misjudged the most important people in his life. The people he had rejected were the ones who truly loved him and tried to protect him; the people he treated so well were the ones from whom he needed to be protected.   This error in judgment cost him everything.   Works Cited Boyce, Charles.   Shakespeare A to Z.   New York: Roundtable Press, 1990. Shakespeare, William.   King Lear.   New York: Washington Square Press, 1957.

Unspoken Comparison in Tacituss Germania Essay -- Germania

Unspoken Comparison in Tacitus's Germania Tacitus's Germania is a thoroughly itemized ethnographic text detailing the geography, climate and social structure of Germany and its people. Unlike his Histories and Annales Tacitus doesn't offer a story line to be followed, but instead, he nudges forth an unspoken comparison to be made between two cultures. Each of the Germania's 46 passages deals with a particular area of German civilization among which Tacitus develops a two-tiered theme. The two points he tries to make generally clear are the following: A) The Germans are barbaric, savage and stupid†¦but†¦ B) The Germans are quaint, noble and have some redeeming qualities that make them a formidable enemy worthy of fighting. However, these two points don't manifest themselves during the Germania's first passage on physical location. Tacitus lets us know right off the start where Germany is positioned in terms of its bordering territories and informs us among several other geographical details that the rivers Rhine and Danube separate Germany from the Galli, Rhaeti and Pannonii. The name "Germany" according to Tacitus originates from the name of a tribe that drove the Gauls out of what would ultimately become German territory. Ever since those times, the name "Germany" was believed to inspire terror when heard. Tacitus makes mention of the fact that within sections of their mythological and religious structure, Hercules and Ulysses carry significant influence and this contributes to his theory (along with their distinctive looks) that the Germans developed their particula... ...bject of divination. The horse to the Germans is the most trusted species of augury and at public expense they have white horses kept in sacred groves for the taking of auspices which is conducted by noting the horse's various snorts and neighs. Tacitus claims that business was not tended to without being armed and for the younger men, a sword and shield would be bestowed upon them at a certain age which he describes as a seeming equivalent to the Roman toga of manhood. To be surrounded by a large group of picked young armed men was a prestigious and honorable thing, or as Tacitus would put it, "an ornament in peace and defense in war". The Germans according to Tacitus found their nobility through war and felt that it was better to receive from blood and wounds than to receive from hard work and sweat tilling a field. Unspoken Comparison in Tacitus's Germania Essay -- Germania Unspoken Comparison in Tacitus's Germania Tacitus's Germania is a thoroughly itemized ethnographic text detailing the geography, climate and social structure of Germany and its people. Unlike his Histories and Annales Tacitus doesn't offer a story line to be followed, but instead, he nudges forth an unspoken comparison to be made between two cultures. Each of the Germania's 46 passages deals with a particular area of German civilization among which Tacitus develops a two-tiered theme. The two points he tries to make generally clear are the following: A) The Germans are barbaric, savage and stupid†¦but†¦ B) The Germans are quaint, noble and have some redeeming qualities that make them a formidable enemy worthy of fighting. However, these two points don't manifest themselves during the Germania's first passage on physical location. Tacitus lets us know right off the start where Germany is positioned in terms of its bordering territories and informs us among several other geographical details that the rivers Rhine and Danube separate Germany from the Galli, Rhaeti and Pannonii. The name "Germany" according to Tacitus originates from the name of a tribe that drove the Gauls out of what would ultimately become German territory. Ever since those times, the name "Germany" was believed to inspire terror when heard. Tacitus makes mention of the fact that within sections of their mythological and religious structure, Hercules and Ulysses carry significant influence and this contributes to his theory (along with their distinctive looks) that the Germans developed their particula... ...bject of divination. The horse to the Germans is the most trusted species of augury and at public expense they have white horses kept in sacred groves for the taking of auspices which is conducted by noting the horse's various snorts and neighs. Tacitus claims that business was not tended to without being armed and for the younger men, a sword and shield would be bestowed upon them at a certain age which he describes as a seeming equivalent to the Roman toga of manhood. To be surrounded by a large group of picked young armed men was a prestigious and honorable thing, or as Tacitus would put it, "an ornament in peace and defense in war". The Germans according to Tacitus found their nobility through war and felt that it was better to receive from blood and wounds than to receive from hard work and sweat tilling a field.

1. How, Specifically Is the Process of Attribution Illustrated in This Case?

Case Module 5 1. How, specifically is the process of attribution illustrated in this case? Ans. The process of attribution regarding the case referred, flags relatively regarding the behavior of the customer’s eye contact wrong implication. The case study stated that a in certain supermarket dozen females claimed the issue of drawing the unwanted attention for maintaining eye contact. There was no clear information as how many female employees were employed there. This may raise several questions of the internal causes and external causes of behavior.The nature of the twelve women was unknown regarding other issues outside their work place. The case study does not apparently satisfy the â€Å"consistency† of the attribution. This implies the behavior of the female employees and the customers they face behave in the same manner in other situations for knowing the distinctiveness of their claims. If the case study had satisfied the arguments then this would have helped in better understanding of the concept of attribution. 2. What do you suppose is being done to help train people to be friendlier toward customers?In other words, what would you imagine goes on in Safeway’s †smile school†? Ans. There is an underlying concept of positive reinforcement that satisfies the organizations in treating people for the desired returns in the form of sales or goodwill. In the Safeway supermarket they send their employees for the friendliness school called â€Å"Smile school†. They make their employees to follow certain trivial manners that greatly affect the positivity in people like smiling face towards customers, maintaining eye contact for three seconds, calling the people by their name when they pay by check or credit card.Respective to the case study the smile school seems enforcing its policies irrespective of the employees’ consignment. 3. Describe what you believe might be the progressive discipline steps outlined in the warning letter sent to unfriendly Safeway clerks? Ans. The concept of the progressive discipline elevates the steps form letting know the curtness of the respective unfriendly employee individually, and then increasingly enforce the degree of the punishment like officially state the undesirable behavior of the employee, then warning the employee in form of a letter with all negative evaluations.Considering the case study the letter must state all the previous warnings to the unfriendly employee, and then warn the employee that continual curtness leads to suspension without pay and may lead to dismissal for unchanged unfriendliness. 4. What perceptual errors did the customers make? Ans. In accordance to the case study the questions gives ideas regarding the issue of the false judgment. As stated in the case the male customers anticipated the positive reinforcements from the supermarket employees as acts of flirtation.This relates the concept of the Halo effect where the appearance of the employees and their positive behavior triggered the false judgment. The basic idea formation of the first impression is totally based on the internal causes of individual behavior. In another instance stated in that case, one shopper followed a female employee to the car in a false disposition. This may lead to the negative reinforcements form the employees and can effect the other customers. 5. What forms of operant conditioning did Safeway use? Ans.The case study relating to the operant conditions inclines to the policies of the supermarket, one such is â€Å"superior service† policy. The concept states that the reaction provided initially, gets back. It is also called Law of effect. The principle of any customer service is providing best customer service. In the case study the Safeway supermarket also provides it employees a positive reinforcements strategies like maintaining the eye contact for three seconds, smile at customers, anticipating the customers needs. It a lso maintains undercover shoppers to ensure the employees are working properly.There is a â€Å"Smiling school† that helps the employees in understanding the operant conditioning and outcome from it. This can be drawn from its spokesperson that their concentration is not on discipline but on treating customers the best way. 6. What characteristics would a Safeway clerk need in order to be successful in complying with Safeway's policy? Ans. Abiding to the policies of the Safeway supermarket, that employees should maintain smiling face and should have at least three seconds of eye contact. There should be certain point in the causalities of the individual behavior where one can personally realize awkwardness beyond that.Maintaining three seconds of eye contact may be offensive for some of the customers and smiling for that long may trigger false impulses in some of them. These external issues of the behaviors of the shoppers are not in the hands of the employee. As stated first in the case study, smiling and eye contact are basic manners in any customer care services. It is individual realization that smiling and maintaining eye should be at a level that does not cause any false perceptions on the shoppers. In that way an employee may successfully sustain in customer services field with out encountering a surly experiences.

Ashbe and John Polk in ” Am I Blue,” by Beth Henley Essay

The environment that we live in can shape or change a person’s personality to who theybecome. This is one of the depictions in the one act play â€Å"Am I Blue,† written by Beth Henley. This play illustrates the two main characters, John Polk Richard and Ashbe Williams, of havingvery different influences and very different personalities, however their different personalitiescome together, and they realize how influenced they truly are by their surroundings and by eachother. John Polk and Ashbe come from very different social structures. John Polk, who is ashy, square minded seventeen year old boy, attends college as a freshman and is also ina fraternity with his brother. Ashbe however, is a very outspoken, eccentric sixteen year old girl. She a girl with horn rimmed glasses, and non-stop chitchat. She attends high school, and to Ashbe, having the right friends means acceptance in today’s world; However, she is considered an outcast worthy only of being teased and ridiculed by the very group by which she wants to be accepted. In comparison, John wants to be accepted by his fraternity brothers, however John doesnot want to experience rejection for thinking or acting against the crowd, and admits to Ashbethat it was his brother that convinced him into joining the fraternity. In contrast, Ashbe is a freespirited artistic individual, who believes in expressing individuality. Whether she is putting bluefood coloring in John Polk’s rum and coke, making paper hats, or stringing Cheerios together tomake a necklace, Ashbe expresses her own individuality, and by doing this she tries to show him how important being himself truly is, and bridges the loneliness which infuses them both. John Polk and Ashbe also come from different families structures. John comes from avery tight knit family that owns their own soybean farm, and his father hopes he will attendbusiness school and help manage the family business. However, John wants to do something elsewith his life. When Ashbe asks him what dose he want to become, he stated â€Å"I don’t know. Iwanted to be a minister or something good, but I don’t even know if I believe in God†(1971). John wants to be â€Å"a minister or something good.† However, his problems in life are breaking hisspirit and his belief in God disappears as he fills his life with immoral acts, like partying anddrinking in the fraternity. John also said â€Å"I never used to worry about being a failure. Now I thinkabout it all the time. It’s just I need to do something that’s †¦ fulfilling†(1971). John does notbelieve managing the soybean farm is fulfilling. Even though he does not want to work on thefarm, John feels obligated into making his dad happy. In contrast, Ashbe comes from a brokenfamily and lives in a messy run down apartment with her father, who leaves her home alone. Shehas very little contact with her mother and sister that live in Atlanta, and expresses her lonelinesswith the creativity she learned from her mother. Ashbe tries to help John explore his ownambitions and not allow others to make his ambitions for him. John is a custom to the fast life â€Å"of parties, booze, honking horns†(1962), and realizesthe adult world looms ahead, and concludes that life on the soybean farm is different fromfraternity life. He soon finds himself at a crossroads when his fraternity brothers get him a FrenchQuarter prostitute as an eighteenth birthday present so that he can become a man. He is verynervous and apprehensive about meeting her, and exercises poor judgment by saying â€Å"Oh, God, Ineed to get drunk†(1964). John resorts to drinking alcohol when he thinks about his problems,and drinks alcohol throughout the play to escape from his worries. In contrast, Ashbe is a social person, and she isn’t afraid to tell people the truth about themselves or the situation that theymight be in. Ashbe is quick to tell John Polk what she thought of him when they were arguing atAshbe’s house. She had called him a sheep for his life was already sketched out for him, evenbefore he was born, a nd when his father passes away he will inherit the family soy beam farm. She also called him a sheep for following what his brother did and doing what his fraternityfriends want him to do. John Polk had too much influence from his family, thus creating hispersonality like a sheep’s. Ashbe also said in an argument with John, that he is only in thefraternity because it is expected of him. John then resents the comment, but moments later herealizes  he is being normal. John stated â€Å"About me, you were right. I am a sheep, a normal one. I’ve been trying to get out of it but I’m as big a sheep as ever†(line 1971). John knows he doeswhat others expect. He says he can not deny wanting to become normal. John does not want toexperience rejection for thinking or acting against the crowd. She wants him to be himself andnot try to fit in with everyone else. John soon after realizes Ashbe is right, and the so calledfraternity friends only set him up with the prostitute because it was cool thing to do. By JohnPolk not going to the prostitute, he shows how he cares for Ashbe and not what the fraternityguys think. For the first time, John Polk does not follow the crowd, and he decides to follow hisown heart. http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/english/ms-writers/dir/henley_beth/Elizabeth Becker Henley was born May 8, 1952, in Jackson, Mississippi, the daughter of an attorney and an actress. Early on she dreamed of becoming an actress, and to that end she earned a B.F.A. at Southern Methodist University in 1974. While at SMU, she wrote her first play, the one-act Am I Blue, which was produced at SMU’s Margo Jones Theatre in 1973.