A Day Without a Phone

Over this past weekend, when given the challenge to shut off my phone for 24 hours, I didn’t believe I could make it. My phone is probably involved in almost every activity I do throughout the day. Weather its taking notes down for my classes or tweeting my latest pointless thought. It guides me when its dark, tells me when its going to rain, and even notifies me when I get poked on Facebook. I can honestly admit to being one of those people who are completely dependent on their phones.Knowing this about myself I had to factor in three important variables; what day, what am I going to do, & of course how will I notify people of my whereabouts! Being the weekend and all, its kind of hard not being on the phone making plans for the night. How will I go about organizing a little get together with the close friends? So I thought to myself, Friday and Saturday are too important to be out of the loop. I finally made my decision that Sunday is perfect! I mean, who cares about Sunday? It’s a day of relaxation so I thought it would be perfect! Now I had to plan, what am I going to do. Earlier this weekend a friend of mine who was actually visiting from Florida had called me wanting to meet and catch up. Right before turning my phone off late Saturday I gave him a call explaining the situation, he laughed and told me to come pick him up from his aunts at 12 AM and to just simply get out of my car, walk to the front door, and knock. (Obviously texting a simple â€Å"here. † Would have been simpler).Besides that I thought I would just wing it and see where the day takes me. Now I just had one last issue, I got to hide it! Knowing myself pretty well, I knew it was a bad idea to have the phone around me, if I planned to actually commit to this. I decided to simply leave it in my mother’s possession for safekeeping. With these three issues resolved I’m now ready to, â€Å"slide to power off†. So Sunday begins. I woke up at around 11AM (kind of late due to the fact I couldn’t set the alarm on my phone).I got out of bed rushed out to the kitchen and looked at the oven for the time! I quickly proceeded to shower and get ready. At 12AM I arrived at my friends aunts house to pick him up, knocked on the door and he came right out (no big deal after all). We then went to lunch and spent a few hours talking and playing some call of duty on my Xbox. Without noticing, it was almost 6 at night! Wow! I was impressed. By this time I probably would have had to plug my phone in for the second charge of the day!Now it was time to go to the gym, I usually use my phone to play music but I had to bust out my little mp3 from back in the day. At the gym I’m rarely on the phone so this hour and a half went by swiftly has well. When I returned home I showered and started preparations to begin on my homework. It being 8PM now I thought the worse was over! So I read my 20 pages of Feed and did some of my history assignment and probably finished at around 9:30PM. At this point of the day I didn’t even remember I didn’t have my phone glued to my side.I realize now that having all those cool features and apps on my phone only makes me waist my time and procrastinate on the important things I should be doing. The last few hours till midnight I simply watched a few episodes of The Walking Dead to pass the time. It really wasn’t much of a challenge after all; it was actually very relieving not being involved in any social media and texting throughout the day. Perhaps I will make this an event for every Sunday!

External & Global Environment of Louis Vuitton in Japan Essay

Introduction This case study is on the external and global environment of Louis Vuitton (LV) in Japan. For many years, Japan has been Louis Vuitton’s most profitable market but the economic crisis has had a negative effect on sales; sales have declined in the past few years. According to Tokyo Fashion News in November of 2008, LV has â€Å"seen more than a 5% decline in sales in Japan so far this year† (para. 3). They attribute the decline to one of two things, the decline in the Japanese economy or that LV has fallen out of favor with the Japanese people. Synopsis of the Situation With a decline in the economy, Louis Vuitton has been forced to open stores that offer a lower priced collection. The Japanese economy can no longer support the high-end collector name brands that it used to but Japan is in love with LV. â€Å"Based on sales figures and brand image indicators, we have compiled Asia’s Top Ten. It confirms what every luxe-loving Asian already knows: There is nothing to beat the charms of Louis Vuitton and Rolex† (Chadha, R. & Husband, Paul, 2006, para. 5). Key Issues The number one key issue would be the decline in the economy. The second key issue is that the Japanese are looking for a good deal, good value to product. The third key issue is the number of competitors in the Japanese markets that offer luxury products. Define the Problem In 2008, the economy in Japan and all over the world took a nosedive; people  were worried about making ends meet and severely cut down on buying luxury items. People started looking for products that offer a better value for their yen and became more cost conscious of what they were buying. There is serious competition in Japan for the luxury market. Among the competitors are Rolex, Cartier, Gucci, Chanel, and Prada to name a few (Table 1.1). Alternative Solutions One alternative solution would be to create a less expensive product and market it to a larger segment of the market. A second solution would be to improve the quality of their product and continue to market as a luxury item. A third solution would be to offer a middle of the line product available online that would draw the customers away from the other luxury item companies that would not require a storefront. Selected Solution to the Problem The selected solution to the problem would be to offer a middle of the line product available exclusively online. By offering the products online the company would not be require to have a physical store for customers to come into. This would cut costs dramatically; there would not be the overhead of operating a store, paying employees, or paying the costs of running a store. This would also offer customers the convenience of shopping from home. Implementation Implementation of this plan could be tricky. The company needs to make sure they have the capacity to handle a large volume of internet orders and they need the inventory on hand so they could ship items in a timely manner. Probably a million small details will need to be dealt with so the company needs to do some brainstorming with employees and management as to what problems may arise at implementation. Being prepared for any unforeseen problems would be very important before implementation, do not wait until problems arise to brainstorm solutions. By making sure they are prepared for orders, word-of-mouth advertising could be a huge advantage. Secondly, the company would have to make up a great advertisement campaign targeting the middle-class and the products that would be available. Recommendations Louis Vuitton should start a marketing campaign focusing on the middle class in Japan offering mid-priced products that are available exclusively online. The company should focus on smaller, out of the way cities first that do not have access to the higher priced stores and move out from there. Depending on the success of the marketing campaign in the smaller cities, the company should move to the larger cities where they have stores in order of population starting from smallest to largest. If these campaigns are successful, they could consider moving outside of Japan into China. Conclusion While Louis Vuitton is very popular in Japan, the decline in the economy has affected sales. Because there are so many other luxury stores in Japan, the company should focus on the larger, middle class segment of the population. By offering a lower priced, quality product the company could gain market share by attracting more customers from a larger population of people. Offering these products online opens the door for customers that do not live in an area where their stores are located. References Louis Vuitton Japan Lowering Prices. (2008, November 29). Tokyo Fashion News RSS. Retrieved June 9, 2014, from http://tokyofashion.com/louis-vuitton-japan- lowering-prices/ Chadha, R., & Husband, P. (2006, January 1). The Cult of the Luxury Brand: Inside Asia’s Love Affair With Luxury. . Retrieved June 9, 2014, from http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.lib.kaplan.edu/eds/results?sid=d07a16b5-4279-45c4-925174ed637b11f1%40sessionmgr4004&vid=3&hid=4110&bquery=DE+%22Brand+name+products++Social+aspects+Asia%22&bdata=JmNsaTA9RlQmY2x2MD1ZJnR5cGU9MCZzaXRlPWVkcy1saXZl and image scores.

Building an Ethical Organization Essay

When building an organization the main focus will be to help the public with specific needs. We will have to build the business on ethics and human service laws. The main goal is to help those in need and do this with respect and caring. There are many ways to run an organization and we need to choose the right services to meet the needs in the community we serve. The organization is for the help for people living with Alzheimer’s and the people that love them. We will be there to offer services for the person suffering from the disease and their families. The services offered will be assistance at home, a live in if necessary, counseling for the family, and client, and a residential home. Services include shopping, sitting when a day out might be needed. We will offer a class to help the family understand the disease and its progression, and have group counseling to help them support each other. This is a not for profit organization. Helping people should be top priority over making money. Human services are about helping the people in our communities in need of services. The mission statement: To support and develop programs through education to teach how to live with the daily changes, and to strengthen family ties. We have to let them know they can count on us for understanding and support. This will support the ethical system by keeping the respect and dignity of our clients, supporting them in their time of need, and giving the family the support that is needed to face the day-to-day heartache that comes with watching your loved one suffer. The message that this mission statement will put out in the community is we will be there for them. We will not turn them away when the need is there. We have let the community know they can count on us to provide the necessary services to their loved ones, and also help them through a difficult time. Coping with this disease is not an easy thing to do. The services that will be provided will help the families understand  that this does not have to be a burden, and will help them to know that their loved one is getting the necessary care and love to help them in the progression of this disease. Having an ethical leader in the organization will help to have ethical social workers. Having a leader that is respected and trusted in the community will benefit the organization as well as the community and clients. The organization is only as good as its leaders. Our values in the organization will be: Commitment to the public, commitment to superior service and to maintain the publicâ₠¬â„¢s trust, and respect. Having empathy for our clients and their families, dignity and self-worth of all that seek help, and the importance of human relationships. Respecting the diversity of our clients and their families at all times, and we will not discriminate against anyone for any reason. Treating our clients with the dignity and respect that every human being is entitled to is what can be expected when they walk through the door. This helps support the vision that the organization has for its future. To have our clients and their families living with dignity and having control over a terrible disease, to have the community see and know that our clients receive the services to have as happy a life as possible. The staff will be highly trained in the area of Alzheimer’s to assist, and care for our clients, and be there to help the families with all the means available to the organization. We can put all this into action within the organization, and this will benefit the clients and community as well as the employees. We need an ethical leader who can set an example for the employees. The leader will need to always show their leadership with the ethics that we want to have within the organization. This will help teach the employees how to behave and always keep the mission in mind and work toward the vision that the organization has for the community and the clients. Abiding by the ethics laws and the hum an service laws will help with the code of conduct that is expected of all employees in the organization. According to Statement of values and code of ethics for nonprofit and philanthropic organizations (2004) â€Å"going through the process with the board and staff also begins to infuse into the culture of the organization recognition of how important it is to address issues of values and ethics on an ongoing basis†. All the employees need to be involved with the process so they fully understand what is expected of their behavior in the organization every day. When difficult situations arise with clients all  employees will handle the situation the same way, and make sure that the client has their needs met in an ethical and respectful way. Social workers have a code of ethics that are an important part of the job. According to NASW (2013) â€Å"social workers have an ethical responsibility to their clients, self-determination, competence, social diversity, privacy and confidentiality†. All laws will be posted around the organization so they will be seen daily and keep the mission in the minds of the employees daily. Our clients will respect the organization and the employees for always using ethical conduct and fairness when it concerns helping them find the right services that work. If more services are needed than we have to offer the clients they can have peace knowing they will be sent to an ethical place to have the services needed that will work together with what we offer the clients. When a social worker in the organizati on as not conducted themselves in an ethical way, and has caused problems will be reprimanded. The client’s dignity comes first in the organization. Dealing with a disease that has no cure is devastating to the family, and it is a horrific disease for the client to deal with. Having caring people treating them with love and respect makes a big difference in their world. Offering as much assistance as we can by the programs we have and services we offer will make a big difference in their day-to-day routine. Letting them know they are not alone, and we will be there to make it a bit easier to get through. References: Statement of values and code of ethics for nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.ncdsv.org/images/ NASW. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/cod

Global diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Global diversity - Essay Example Diversity is becoming popular around the world and as it is increasingly gaining recognition as it influences the outcomes of organizations for example the global knowledge creation as well as increased employee engagement. In addition, it is important for individuals and employees to how to differentiate diversity socially, politically and legally. Moreover, employees should be able to manage multicultural teams, develop cultural competencies, and ensure smooth operations across global employees. Employees should be involved in global development that encourages cross cultural awareness as well as training. The advantages of diversity include, people from different backgrounds coming together to bring their unique cultural experiences and share in providing broader perspectives for a better ultimate resolution. In addition, there is increased creativity and an improvement in the overall in the performance of a diverse workforce. It also brings about broader coverage where employees from different backgrounds that provide organizations with a wider coverage in the global marketplace. Populating the workforce aids in effective interaction with customers from different cultures. However, there is a disadvantage in communication where employees that come from different cultures and speak different languages may find it a challenge to engage in communication. In addition, it is expensive and time consuming to train on building relationships and solving conflicts with colleagues from different cultures.

The Journey through Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Journey through Nursing - Essay Example From the paper, "Patient says no painkillers should be administered to her, apparently her faith says pain is punishment for some misdeeds and that she wishes to suffer it and dedicate it to some cause.† The physician smiled back, â€Å"We are under obligation to respect her wishes, but make sure you clearly explain to her that the option still remains open, whenever she feels ready.† The Physician had finished prepping himself and was heading to the observation room with me in tow. The patient’s situation had not changed and was the same as I had left it three minutes earlier. The lab technician walked in with the preliminary results, which confirmed my earlier suspicions: the patient had typhus fever. I left the physician with the attending nurse as I proceeded to prepare the next patient on the roll, which is the normal routine in my line of work. I am a Registered Nurse (RN) serving as an Emergency Room (ER) assistant to one of the physicians at my local hospi tal. This was the beginning of my fifteen-hour shift and I was feeling quite energetic. I checked on a previous patient who was on the way to the wards and proceeded into the adjourning examination room. By midday, I had attended to seven patients and since there were no patients in the ER, I sat at my desk organizing notes from earlier in the day. I ate a sandwich I had brought in from home and downed it with coffee. After the light meal, I filed the notes and placed the files in the desk drawer and with nothing much to do, I started recalling the long and taxing journey that had brought me to the nursing profession. It all started on one chilly morning when I was in Grade Five. My friend Pat and I had been playing on the slippery grass in the school compound. Full of energy as any kid my age would be, we were playing a contact game which involved a lot of chasing and grabbing. Caught up in the excitement, I pulled Pat a little too hard and she tumbled down hard and screamed in pai n. She grabbed at her leg and upon having a closer look, I saw that her foot was bent at a very unnatural angle. She was howling at the top of her voice and I could not help crying when I imagined the pain I had inflicted on my friend. The safety officer came to the rescue immediately and he carried Pat swiftly to the school’s Health Unit. I sat with her comforting her, and what happened next changed my life forever. The head nurse, in a pristine white uniform, came over and examined my friend. She retreated into the inner office and when she came back, she had a dangerous looking hypodermic on her hand and was filling a syringe from a container. She reached for my friend’s foot and soothingly caressed her backside. My friend was still crying in pain and I was not sure she if knew what was going on. The nurse with a quick and practiced move injected the needle into my friend’s muscle, and Pat let out a high pitched howl. I hated the nurse; my young brain could n ot comprehend how somebody could inflict more pain on someone who was already in insufferable pain.

Finance Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Finance Management - Essay Example A rising profitability is a good business feature whereas a falling profitability is a bad one. The net profit margin shows the profit that a business is able to generate after meeting the various expenses and costs (Gitman, 2007, p.32). For the four divisions of Jools Furniture Industries Ltd this margin reflects mixed signals. In the case of Quality products division the net profit margin has improved over the last three years. In 2007 the profit margin of this division was -9.90%. In the next year the management of the division was able to cut down on the unnecessary expenditures pushing the profit margin in the positive territory. This further improved to 3.36% in 2009. For the Kitchen and Office division the net profit margin reveals a declining trend. ... The ROI generated by all the divisions has been more than 10% for the last two years. Quality products division reported the highest ROI for the year 2009 at 18.99%. The division reported a negative ROI of 14.9% in 2007. Kitchen division reported a ROI of 12.75% in 2009. This figure was higher in 2007 at 17.97% and it dropped to 12.87% in the following year which is a fall of nearly 5%. Despite an increase in the turnover of the division the divisional management failed to sustain the profitability margin of the previous year. Bedroom division generated the second highest ROI for 2009 at 14.63%. The return generated by this division was even better in the previous years at 16.62% and 18.18% for 2007 and 2008 respectively. Office division reported the third highest ROI of the company at 13.48%. Even for this division the return generated has dropped as compared to the last few years. Efficiency- The asset turnover ratio is an important indicator of management efficiency. A high ratio implies that the company management has been able to utilise the asset base efficiently i.e. it has been able to generate more sales (Nelson, 2008, p.370). For Kitchen division this ratio has remained over two for the last three years. In 2007 this ratio was 2.14 and it increased to 2.19 in 2009. This shows that the management of this division has used the available asset base judiciously and efficiently. With the rise in the asset base in 2008 the management reported a higher turnover i.e. the division made optimal utilisation of the available resources. In the case of Office division this ratio has improved steadily over the last three years. It increased from 1.68 in 2007 to 2.10 in 2009 which is quite impressive. This suggests that the divisional managers are continually

Mortgage and Housing Market Crises Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mortgage and Housing Market Crises - Essay Example From the above diagram as the demand for houses increase this shifts the demand curve to the right, this causes the prices to increase as shown above, when demand increase for houses then there will also be an increase in the demand for mortgages. The demand for mortgages increased and as the market bubble got more and more inflated there was a market bubble burst which resulted to low value of houses, this is made it impossible for home buyers to repay their mortgages as the value of their houses declined. As the price of houses rose there was a rise in anticipation that the price in the housing market would still rise, for this reason therefore there was an increase in the level of borrowing in the united states, in this period the rate of borrowing increased four times and this resulted into more and more borrowing which was encouraged by the low interest rate mortgages and the high value return from the housing market, as a result of this the asset bubble rose and when the housing market experienced a bubble burst the prices declined to near zero and investors lost a lot of their value. Increased in demand for mortgages increased the rate of mortgage frauds, many borrowers lied about their income levels which made it easier for them to qualify for mortgages, after the asset bubble burst the result of the mortgage crises that faced the state where people borrowed money to finance for houses but the value of their houses were too low at the time to cover the mortgage. The government: The government is also blamed for its role to this crisis, the government passed the community reinvestment act that stated that allowed borrowing to uncreditworthy customer, further it is also evident that the introduction of this act increased high risk loans to the renders, for this reason therefore it is clear that the mortgage crisis can be blamed to the government for failing to put in place policies that would have governed the housing market. Effects of the crisis: The mortgage crisis affected almost everyone in the economy, the mortgage companies and other lenders lost a lot of finances as a result of this crisis, the housing market companies and mortgage companies performed poorly in the stock market following the crisis compared to other industries. Financial sector employment declined after the crisis, over 30, 000 employees lost their jobs during 2007 to march 2008. From this therefore it is clear that the housing market bubble led to loses in nearly everyone in the country including increased unemployment, poor stock market performance of financial institutions and loss of value of assets. It is however anticipated that the housing market prices will continue to decline until it self adjust. Solving the crisis: There are two

Marketing Communications Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Marketing Communications Proposal - Essay Example From business context, the organization seeks to create new job opportunities in order to increase its workforce. At the same time, the existing employees will be motivated by offering them bonuses and job security. The plan revolves around increasing and expanding the regional network and increasing additional employees, which would allow the organization to build relations with the regional businesses. The banking industry is fiercely competitive ( Bettelley, 105, 2006). However, Alliance and Leicester offers new job opportunities, job security and bonuses as compared to its competitors. In the year 2006, Alliance and Leicester has introduced the â€Å"the first UK high street bank to offer user-to-site, site-to-user authentication for all of its online customers† (A&L Targets Small Businesses, p. 5, 2009). At the same time, â€Å"The solution, provided by Alliance and Leicester allows customers to log in to their online accounts in a simple and secure way† (A&L Targets Small Businesses, p. 7, 2009). Keeping these two points in mind, marketing experts and professionals have been hired in order to increase more than half million users in the next six months. The stakeholders of Alliance and Leicester include local networks, international networks, regular clients, etc. the present employees of Alliance and Leicester represent the entire organization and therefore it is essential to create awareness of its online banking services among its customers. The organization wishes to implement â€Å"risk based, behind the scenes authentication† (Bennett, 106, 2003) in order to ensure that the user becomes familiar with the entire process, when using his or her online banking account. At the same time, Alliance and Leicester is the first bank, which would assist the customers to identify it, when they use its online banking services (Cope, p. 22, 2006). The employees will ensure that the

Major Issues of Higher Education in Pakistan Literature review

Major Issues of Higher Education in Pakistan - Literature review Example This paper declares that apart from the problematic educational policies one of the major issues in higher education is gender difference. There is significant inequality among male and female students. Some fields are purely dedicated to females on societal level, for instance, medical profession. Contrary to this engineering and technology departments are usually filled with male students. Education provides many benefits apart from the acquisition of social power and therefore there should not be gender differences. The mind development, critical thinking, management skills and administration are all linked with education. If females are discouraged to enroll in universities then it is hard to expect that Pakistan will progress on national level. This report makes a conclusion that equal opportunity and organizational structures are actually influenced by both the micro and macro social factors. Since women face gender discrimination at the university level therefore they are exposed to similar issues during their stay at organizations which certainly reflects the lower moral values taught at the higher education institutions. Although research activities are increasing in Pakistan but overall there is a huge gap between the demand and supply of professionals who can actually conduct quality research work. Furthermore, the private sector universities are found to be receptive to the real market demands while allowing youth to access better education facilities. However, these facilities are still inadequate as compared to the number of individuals pursuing higher education in the country

Jails and Prisons Essay Example for Free

Jails and Prisons Essay Jails and prisons are corrective institutions which are meant to curb criminal activities in the society. They are also meant to punish the offenders. Prisons execute imprisonment which involves legal penalties. Jails and prisons should basically be aimed at punishing and rehabilitating the offender so as he/she will not repeat the crime which he/she was convicted of. The federal spending on correctional activities has also been gradually increasing. In the recent past federal government has been enhancing its efforts to improve jails and prisons conditions as a sign of recognizing some human rights entitled to criminals. Nowadays, those serving imprisonment sentences can access various facilities. These include religious services, education facilities, and recreational facilities in the exercise yard. The prisoners’ health is also well taken care of. Prisoners are also trained and imparted with some skills which may be helpful in their future life. In our contemporary prisons, prisoners are provided with entertainment facilities such as pool tables and TV. (Cavadino Dignan 2006) USA jails and prisons are both meant to rehabilitate and punish the offenders. Rehabilitation is an effective method of ensuring no re-offence so as to reduce the number of prisoners’ population. This program seeks to address the casual links to offending, and employ cognitive behavioral approach towards modifying the prisoners’ behaviors. Counselors are used to ensure success of such programs. Those involved in use of prohibited substances and a number of civil crimes are usually rehabilitated. On the other hand, some criminal activities necessitate punishments such as fines, strokes and capital punishment. Capital punishment is applied to serious criminal activities such as terrorism, espionage, treason or mass destruction. (McGuire 2002; Cavadino Dignan 2006)

Impact of Bullying on Child Personality

Impact of Bullying on Child Personality Munira Minaz Ali This paper discovers the bullying behavior as a common feature and, a nightmare in schools and colleges throughout the world. It is a troublesome repetition in school that infringes on child’s wellbeing, dignity and, security. The physical, academic and, psychosocial consequences of bullying can never be underrated. Therefore this paper will give insight about the meaning, extent and, causes of bulling through various theories and literature. The characteristics of bullies their victims and the effects of bullying on physical psychological health were also discussed. Finally intervention strategies that involved school system, family and children can be implemented and evaluated for both bullies and their victims. We do know that school age is a time in which a young child continues to shape up and undergo many physical and psychological developments. However during this time if the child development is disturbed by any violence and ferocity it can lead to long lasting physical, mental and emotional harm. Bullying is one of the common forms of violence that has a significant and long lasting effect. It is spacious area of interest due its negative psychological outcomes and academic performance of children. It is acknowledged as a serious problem which has an adverse effect on wellbeing of a child.This paper attempts to elucidate the causes of bullying with respect to different theories, characteristics of bully and victim, effects of bullying on victim and bully itself and at the end possible strategies would be discussed to control the act of bullying. Catherine Rothon (2011) defines bullying as â€Å"Bullying is broadly defined as a desire to hurt and the execution of a harmful action; it is characterized by repetition and either a physical or a psychological power imbalance† (p.579). In the report of anti-bullying working group, (2013) Professor Olweus regarded bullying as negative behaviors that are done deliberately and repeatedly against individuals who has trouble defending themselves (p.16). James (2010) reported that on the survey of bullying around the world, the rate of victimization is 9% -32% and rate of bullying is 3% 27%. In addition, the report of anti-bullying working group, (2013) reported the international comparison of 39 countries and showed percentage of bullied children as 39.2%. Moreover, boys are more likely to be involved in bullying and become target of physical aggression whereas girls are comparatively less involved in bullying and usually involved in spreading rumors and gossips (Moseley, 2011). This is also supported by (Boyle, 2005; James, 2010; Hanif, Nadeem Tariq, 2011). In Pakistan there is no proper statistics available about bullying but the cases of bullying are escalating every year. Bullying is characterized by a multi-factorial approach of causation. Moseley, (2011) highlighted that family life is one of the cause of bullying for instance, if authoritarian parents create a harsh and restricted environment, it can increase the chances of adopting negative behaviors. Adding to this, many children feel unloved therefore they use bullying as an opportunity to make them feel happy and stronger than victim. Besides, many children want to appear themselves dominant on others and, pretend to be tough. Gottfredson and Hirshi (1990) proposed low self-control theory as a cause of bullying. This theory elucidate that low self control is the main source of aggressive behaviors. Also, the child is insensitive to others and, likes to hunt for instant gratification (Darmawan, 2010). Another theory highlighted by Darmawan, (2010) is differential association theory which suggests that individuals associated with felonious peers or living in an offending environment are involved in unsociable behaviors and often attracted towards bullying. In regards to this, Darmawan (2010) referred social learning theory of bandura (1977) and, describe three conditions that increase the likelihood of child’s hostile behavior i.e. when the model is persuasive enough or he/she is rewarded on bad deeds rather than punishment and has comparable features with child. Furthermore, Robert Angrew (2001) proposed general strain theory which explains negatives feelings created by strain can put the child at risk of adopting delinquent behaviors and it’s a coping strategy to release their stress (Erikson, Nielsen Simonsen, 2012). Many studies found that children who suffered from physical or emotional abuse, maltreatment and, rejection are usually involved in bullying (Espelage et al., 2000). Most of the bullies resemble in their characteristics. Smokowski Kelly, (2005) stressed that they are aggressive and likes to dominate themselves. Moreover, they tend to scare others because of their physical strength and disobedient attitude. Research suggests that their families are often unfriendly and indifferent towards them (Smokowski Kopasz, 2005). Additionally, Carla Bennett, (n.d.) and Brown Patterson (2012) enlightened that they are energetic, impulsive and have high self-esteem. They use their violence to get what they want and Lack sense of empathy for their victims. They are bad-tempered and cannot tolerate frustration (Blazer, 2005; Smokowski Kopasz, 2005). In contrast, victims address peer abuse, more quiet, anxious and sensitive. They lack communication skills, problem solving ability and are unconfident. (Smokowski Kopasz, 2005).Likewise Bennett, (n.d.); Boyle (2005) identified that they are physically weak, lack interpersonal skills and, hesitate to go to school. Such children have over protective family and their Parents fail to teach conflict resolution skills (Bennett, (n.d.); Smokowski Kopasz, 2005). Psychologically bullying dispose devastating effects on child’s personality for both, victim and bully. This includes physical, academic, and psychosocial effects that have prodigious impact on individual’s life. Aluedeet al (n.d.) highlighted physical effect on victim that includes headaches, migraine, panic attacks, sweating, palpitation and frequent illness. Brown Patterson (2012) and report on anti-bullying (2013) highlighted academic effects of bullying such as poor performance and, feeling reluctant in attending school. Studies suggest that such students fail to achieve excellence academically due to inability to concentrate (Darmawan, 2010; Adams Lawrence, 2011). Besides, literature indicated that such children suffer from attention deficit disorder (Smokowski Kopasz, 2005). Furthermore, according to Fekkeset al., (2014), the chances of developing psychosocial problems are relatively higher in victims as compare to non-victims. These individual faced great diff iculty in building relationships and social adjustment. They are poor in making friends, group gathering and tends to remain alone most of the time due to the fear of getting hurt (Adams Lawrence, 2011). In regards to this, they feel isolated and, have poor sense of belonging to groups and families. Adams Lawrence, (2011) further elucidate that their insecurity has been compromised and, they go for safer and restricted areas. They usually experience estrangement and find difficulty to intermingle in a positive manner. Researchers found that these children more vulnerable to depression, anxiety disorder and in the extreme cases have suicidal ideations (Noret et al, 2009; Fekkes et al., 2014). Moreover, Smokowski Kopasz, (2005) proposed that most of the victims are likely to have sense of inferiority complex, and consider them as failures. Likewise these children also experience misperception, rage and, low self-esteem (Boyle, 2005). Apart from these effect, bullying possess long lasting distresses in later life of these young ones. When they reached adulthood, they encountered trouble in making personal relationships and adjustment in their marital life. Besides they may overreact on unimportant situations (Smokowski Kopasz, 2005). Studies indicated that in adulthood, male victims may experience shyness with women and have complications in sexual relationships. Similarly they may take part in vengeance including murder and other criminal acts (Smokowski Kopasz, 2005). However bullying does not only distress victims but it also has undesirable consequences on bully itself. Bullying also cause academic and psychosocial effects on bullies. Studies suggest that bullies have negative consequences in later life if they are allowed to bullying without any interference (Boyle, 2005). Noret et al, (2009) concluded that bullies are pervasively involved in negative behaviors. Smokowski Kopasz, (2005) highlighted that academically they achieve low grades in school and do not like school environment. They usually show low potential in employment settings in their later life. From social aspect James, (2010) elucidate that as these children grow older they develop undesirable social skills and involved in acts that are against societal norms. Additionally, they are usually involved in the acts that include vandalism, burglary and truancy (Boyle 2005; Blazer 2005). Longitudinal studies found that they are hostile and usually have few friends. They are poor in m aintaining good relationships. From Psychological aspect Smokowski Kopasz, (2005) highlighted that most of the bullies are involved in substance abuse and drug addiction. They are hyperactive and unable to control their aggression. Besides they have high self-esteem and usually fight with others to satisfy their own desires (Erikson, Nielsen Simonsen, 2012; Boyle, 2005). In regards to this, â€Å"emotional and developmental scars can persist into adolescence and beyond† (Mosley, 2011). Bullies also suffers from long lasting effects throughout their life. Patterson, (2012) regards bullying as a gateway toward the juvenile crime and criminal activities for bullies. Smokowski Kopasz, (2005) further explains that adults who were bullies as children, they generally express violent behaviors towards their spouse and use severe physical punishment on their own kids. Moreover they are unsuccessful in their life and are unable to work in corporation with others. Smokowski Kopasz, (2005) also suggested that they have increase tendency to develop mental disorders such as conduct disorder and depression in their later life. Therefore certain steps are essential to control bullying. Many schools neglect the act of bullying and consider it as a part of child’s life. James, (2010) suggested that schools and collages should take strict measures against such acts. From my point of view this can be done by developing zero tolerance policy in schools. Cohen Freiberg (2013) emphasized that school is a place of developing healthy and positive relationships therefore, I suggest that it is essential to improve school environment in such a way that it can support the weak students and prevent them to become a victim of bully. This can be done by giving professional training to staff members, limited entry exits in schools and supports the children emotionally and academically both, the victim and bully. Besides, Seeley et al., (2011) emphasized that teachers should increase the supervision of students at school settings. I recommend that it can be done by monitoring attendance, calling parents when the stu dent is absent and checking student’s activities. Moreover,in my opinion counseling should be done with both bully and victim. The bully should be counseled to control their bad conduct and victim should be counseled to strengthen them and solve their problems assertively. Moreover, blazer (2005) highlighted that many parents consider bulling as normal and it would make their children tough. Lawner Terzian (2013) suggested that parental involvement is effective in dealing with bullying. Therefore, I advise that awareness should be given to parents, to understand the seriousness of this problem so that they can reinforce positive behavior and appropriate interpersonal interaction. Moreover, the attitude of bullies can be changed by cognitive restructuring that challenges the dysfunctional thoughts. From my point of view modeling, social skills training and role play can help to change these dysfunctional thoughts. Furthermore, I understand that through short moralizing storie s and activities, student can be betrothed in the discussion related to bullying. This would help the bully in realizing their bad deed and attempts in changing their behaviors. On the other hand, this would make victims confident enough to respond assertively and to overcome their fears. Moreover, expressive art therapy needs to be made for such children. Those victims who cannot report bullying or disclose their victimization can express their feelings through writing, drawing and other activities and for bullies it’s a good way to ventilate their aggressive thoughts and feelings through drawings and writings. Other than that, I would suggest that there is a need to explore the prevalence of bullying in Pakistan due to unavailability of statistics to provide the baseline data for planning the interventions. In conclusion, bullying is a pervasive behavior. It is a complex emotional and social trend that has significant negative consequences for all. It should be addressed properly and affords should be made at both, individual and system level. As it left psychological scars on child’s personality, its prevention is essential to safe child from suffering and emotional trauma. Therefore interventions should be done appropriately and its evaluations carry intense importance. References: Adams, F. D. Lawrence,, G. J. (2011). Bullying Victims: The Effects Last Into College Authors.  American Secondary Education, 40 (1), pp. 4-13. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Aluede, O. A., Adeleke, F., Omoike, D. Afen- Akpaida, J. (n.p.). A Review of the Extent, Nature, Characteristics and Effects of Bullying Behaviour in Schools.  Journal Of Instructional Psychology, 35 (2), pp. 151-157. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Bennett, C. (n.p.).  Literature Review of Bullying at Schools. [e-book] pp. 1-20. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Blazer, C. (2005).  Literature Review on Bullying. [e-book] florida: Research Services Office of Accountability and Systemwide Performance. pp. 1-20. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Boyle, D. J. (2005).  Youth Bullying: Incidence, Impact, and Interventions. [e-book] Newark,: Violence Institute of New Jersey at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. pp. 1-11. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Brown, C. Patterson, S. T. (2012). Bullying and School Crisis Intervention.  International Journal Of Humanities And Social Science, 2 (7), pp. 1-5. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Bullying and Mental Health. (2005). [e-book] Australia: Commonwealth of Australia. pp. 1-6. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Bullying in school: A study of Forms and Motives of Aggression in Two Secondary Schools in the city of Palu, Indonesia. (2010). [e-book] norway: Centre for Peace Studies. pp. 1-111. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Bullying in Schools: Attitudes of Children, Teachers and Parents. (2011).  INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH IN BUSINESS, 3 (8), pp. 1-7. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Cohen, J. Freiberg, A. (2013).  SCHOOL CLIMATE AND BULLYING PREVENTION. [e-book] pp. 1-5. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Copeland, W. E., Wolke, D., Angold, A. Costello, J. (2013). adult psychiatric outcomes of bullying and being bullied by peers in childhood and adolescene.  JAMA Psychiatry, 504 pp. 1-8. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.504 [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Eriksen, T. L. M., Nielsen, H. S. Simonsen, M. (2012).  The Effects of Bullying in Elementary School. [e-book] Germany: pp. 1-47. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Fekkes, M., Pijpers, F. I., Fredriks, A. M. Vogels, T. (2014). Do Bullied Children Get Ill, or Do Ill Children Get Bullied? A Prospective Cohort Study on the Relationship Between Bullying and Health-Relatedsymptoms.  Pediatrics, 117 (5), pp. 1568-1574. doi:10.1542/peds.2005-0187 [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Hanif, R., Nadeem, M. Tariq, S. (2011). Bullying in Schools: Attitudes of Children, Teachers and Parents.  INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH IN BUSINESS, 3 (8), pp. 1-7. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. James, A. (2010).School bullying. [e-book] London: NSPCC. pp. 1-21. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Kelly Holland Kopasz, P. R. S. (2005).  Bullying in School: An Overview of Types, Effects, Family Characteristics, and Intervention Strategies. [e-book] USA: BNualtliyoinnagl Ainss oSccihatoiooln: oAfn S oOcivael rWvoierwkers. pp. 1-10. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Lawner, E. K. Terzian, M. A. (2013).  What Works for Bullying Programs: LESSONS FROM EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATIONS OF PROGRAMS AND INTERVENTIONS. [e-book] pp. 1-9. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Literature Review: Bullying. (2011). [e-book] pp. 2-6. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Literature Review: Bullying. (2011). pp. 1-6. doi:Walden University/SOCI-4080-12 [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Rivers, I., Poteat, V. P., Noret, N. Ashurst, N. (2009). Observing Bullying at School: The Mental Health Implications of Witness Status.  American Psychological Association, 24 (4), p. 211–223. doi:10.1037/a0018164 [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Rothon, C., Head, J., Klineberg, E. Stansfeld, S. (2011). Can social support protect bullied adolescents from adverse outcomes? A prospective study on the effects of bullying on the educational achievement and mental health of adolescents at secondary schools in East London.  Journal Of Adolescence, 34 p. 579–588. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2010.02.007 [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Ruairà ­ Quinn T.D. (2013).  Action Plan On Bullying. Report of the Anti-Bullying Working Group to the Minister for Education and Skills. [report] pp. 1-126. Seeley, K., Tombari, M. L., Bennett, L. J. Dunkle, J. B. (2011).  Bullying in Schools: An Overview. [e-book] U.S: U.S. Department of Justice. pp. 1-12. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014]. Veenstra, R., Lindenberg, S., Zijlstra, B. J. H., Winter, A. F. D. Verhulst, F. C. (2007). The Dyadic Nature of Bullying and Victimization: Testing a Dual-Perspective Theory.  Child Development,, 78 (6), p. 1843 – 1854. [Accessed: 19 Mar 2014].

Chuck Close: Three Major Works :: essays research papers

I don’t really have a favorite artist, but the one artist that I have always had a little interest in is Chuck Close. He is truly a talented artist, whose remarkable career has extended beyond his completed works of art. Chuck Close started painting at the age of six and has never stopped. Growing up, Chuck had a learning disability, and in the 1940s, most educators didn’t know about LD’s or Dyslexia. Most student’s who had Chuck’s trouble reading, spelling, concentrating, or paying attention was often labeled slow or dumb. As a result, Chuck spent most of his childhood days alone, drawing. When most kids around his block wanted to be a policemen or firemen, Chuck wanted to be an artist. Art was the first thing he was ever good at, and it made him feel special because he possessed skills that other kids didn’t have. Chuck said , â€Å"Art saved my life† (Greenberg and Jordan). At age eleven, Chuck’s father died. His mother, who gave piano lessons at home, took a full-time sales job to support the family. At school Chuck’s learning disabilities made studying very difficult, but instead of giving up, he figured out a way to concentrate. â€Å"I filled the bathtub to the brim with hot water. A board across the bathtub held my book. I would shine a spotlight on it. The rest of the bathroom was dark. Sitting in the hot water, I would read each page of the book five times out loud so I could hear it. If I stayed up half the night in the tub till my skin was wrinkled as a raisin, I could learn it. The next morning I could spit back just enough information to get by on the test (Greenberg and Jordan). This discipline he had developed to get through school, now became the beginning of a detailed system that he used to organize his art.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Chuck said, â€Å" Almost every decision I’ve had to make as an artist is an outcome of my particular learning disorders† (Green and Jordan).When he makes a big head or a nose, he breaks the images down into small units. He makes each decision into a bite-size decision. The system liberates and allows for intuition and eventually he has a painting. Three of Chuck’s major works, that I have grew to love are Fanny/Fingerprinting, Lucas II , and his self- portrait.

American Directness and the Japanese Essay -- Essays Papers

American Directness and the Japanese American and Japanese ways of speaking are so different that they often cause culture shock to both Americans and Japanese who visit each other's country. Most Japanese who come to the United States are at first shocked and have a problem with the American direct way of speaking. Culture shock occurs because most Japanese cannot easily escape from the formula "politeness= indirectness." Compared to the American way of speaking, Japanese speak much more indirectly. Directness is considered a form of impoliteness in Japan. Therefore, when we want to be polite, we speak and act very indirectly. For example, we seldom say, "I'll go to a bathroom," except when we are with close friends. Usually, we say, "I'll go wash my hands." Especially when we are at the table or with an important person, we say only, "Excuse me. I'll be back in a minute" because we do not want to remind other people of the bathroom, which is considered a dirty place, even though it is actually clean. Also, other Japanese can infer that we are going to a bathroom from this phrase. But Americans cannot. They ask where we are going since they have no idea what we are going to do: make a phone call? buy something? Yet, in this case, these questions make Japanese frustrated, wondering why these Ame ricans do not understand our polite expression. Basically, expressing our desire directly is not considered polite, and culture shock happens to Japanese when Americans expect us to express our feelings honestly. Concerning appetite, when we are guests, we are unlikely to say, "I'm hungry." We put up with hunger until we are asked, "Aren't you hungry?" Even when we answer the question, we want to stay polite, so we never say, "Yes.... ...ure shocks to Japanese who come to the States. The difference between American and Japanese ways of speaking can cause us some bad experiences at first; however, once we get accustomed to the direct speech of Americans, it is more convenient than the Japanese way. First, we can say what we want. Second, we do not have to hesitate to tell the truth in order to be polite. Finally, it frees us from unnecessary misunderstandings. The third point makes us happy because it makes us feel we have adjusted ourselves to American society at last. Compared to Americans trying to learn the Japanese way of speech, we are supposed to have much less difficulty learning the American way. At first, it might seem to be difficult, but in a few months, we will find ourselves comfortable in the direct speech of the Americans and may be in trouble when speaking with newcomers from Japan.

Software Piracy Essay -- essays research papers fc

Software Piracy - Are We Doing Enough? Introduction Imagine that a person offered to break into a software store, turn off all the alarms, and hold the doors open, and allow you to take whatever you wanted from the store. This situation is faced by most computer owners everyday, not necessarily in this form, but in the form of software piracy. Software piracy is the unauthorised duplication and or distribution of copyrighted programs. There would only be select group who would not be tempted by the prospect of basically free software, most of those who are offered these kind of goods either accept them, or are unaware that they are not legitimate. No matter how this crime is being conducted, it has been estimated that this sort of crime is costing the world approximately 13 billion dollars annually. Beginnings Software piracy became popular through the use of Bulletin Boards, which allowed people to dial into other an â€Å"underground† archive of pirated software. Around this time, 31/2 Inch discs were also a popular medium for pirated software. Popularity The reason behind the widespread popularity of software piracy lies in the cost. Why pay $80 dollars for a piece of software, when you could get it for the price of a blank CD. Software piracy has boomed over recent years, which can most likely be attributed to the drop in price of CD Writers, which allow the user to copy from one CD to another in less than an hour. During the beginnings of software piracy, the floppy disc ...

Seattle Central Community College

In my desire to have a sturdier foundation in establishing my dream and to enhance my values to be a stronger person, I have decided to transfer to Seattle University. In my previous school, Seattle Central Community College, I had been afforded with adequate education for my chosen course. However, I have decided to change my chosen my path to a better one. Hence, I have shifted to (course to enroll in Seattle University) in Seattle University.Undeniably, Seattle University has established its reputation in the field of education. The members of its faculty are also respected for their dedication in imparting their time and effort in developing the talents and skills of their students.The school is also complete with facilities necessary in making their students comfortable and contented in their studies. The school’s environment is also perfect as it provides for a learning ambiance that adds motivation for students. The school is indeed a great choice in the realization of my dream.I have also been inspired by the school’s mission and vision in producing students who will not only be successful in their chosen career but also an inspiration in the society because of their values and attitude towards societal problems. Notably, one of the school’s ways of educating their students is opening their minds about poverty, injustice, discrimination and other societal problems.As for me, I have been aspiring to share my life in helping my country by contributing to the minimization of these problems. I also realized that fulfillment does not come by any degree earned but by every simple yet great deeds and helping others from their pain. For me, I want to explore and understand more about these problems in order to decide my own way of helping and to being an asset of the society.In reaching this goal, I have confidence that Seattle University is the perfect institution that can provide me the values, experience, knowledge and the skills I need. Remarkably, faith is the foremost essential value that shields and protects an individual in battling all the trials and difficulties that may arise in the future. Through faith, one becomes stronger and fully spirited in taking his journey in life. As a Catholic individual, I have been found on faith. My parents have been imparting me important values that are necessary in dealing with life and to be a better person.In going on with my journey, I desire that the Catholic institution will continue to guide me. This will not only strengthen my faith but will also remind me of the basic values that I may come to forget when exposed in another environment.Furthermore, I long to enroll in Seattle University because I am fond of making friends with students from around the globe. At Seattle University, I will not be having difficulty in finding friends of different races because the school is diversified which is populated with students from all parts of the world. Through diversity,I al so wish to join student organizations in the school in order to gain more friends and additional input necessary in the development of my personality. Through these organizations, I believe that my self-confidence will be improved.At the same time, I am interested in joining volunteer community activities that any organizations may be engaging into. By reaching out to those in needs, I will be able to experience real life. I will also explore the outside world. More importantly, these activities will give me an opportunity to help others in my own simple way.To reiterate, I am determined to transfer to Seattle University because I want to improve my academic capability, values, attitude, and skills. In addition, I also want to make new friends and join organizations that are engaged in helping communities. Furthermore, I have chosen this institution because I am confident that it has all the factors needed in the realization of my dream an in making me a better person.

Freedom of Speech Essay

In the United States we have many freedoms that we as citizens possess. Freedom of speech is one of the freedoms we enjoy. But what is the meaning of the word â€Å"freedom†, and how free is our speech? The word free, according to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary means: having the legal and political rights of a citizen. With this in mind, it does not mean that we have the right to do and say as we please. The First Amendment states: â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances† (The Constitution of The United States). The Citizens of the United States misinterpret the phase â€Å"Freedom of Speech† to suit their own needs and wants. In this essay we will discuss how our interpretation of our freedom is only a myth brought on by our selfish ways and thoughts and interpreted according to what we feel it means in the situations that fit best. The First Amendment has been interpreted by the Supreme Courts to only protect citizens in certain applications and situations and, not protect some companies and corporations nor does it offer to protect citizens of the United States from speaking against the government. Governmental agencies have twisted the first amendment to fit what the individuals of that particular agencies likes or dislikes, and their view of certain speakers. When the first amendment was written it was meant strictly for congress not to be able to make any laws to hinder our so called â€Å"Freedom of Speech†. The first amendment has absolutely no bearing on private of public laws that have gone into effect that limits what can or can’t be said. In the article â€Å"Can the FCC Shut Howard Stern Up† by Jeff Jarvis, he states that the FCC enforces rules that unevenly depending on who says a certain phrase. The FCC condemned Howard Stern for his explanation of sexual colloquialisms, but did not punish others’ references to â€Å"giving head† and â€Å"finger-banging your boyfriend† (Jarvis). The FCC has had its way with instituting censorship on the radio and television by threatening stations with gigantic fines for not complying with their agenda of what is allowed to be talked about or seen. At one point in time, FCC chairman Powell urged broadcasters –under threat of gigantic fines–to adopt a â€Å"voluntary† Code of Good Practices and stated â€Å"It would be in your best interest to do so. â€Å"Voluntary doesn’t mean voluntary†, more like volun-told (Jarvis). The censorship doesn’t apply only to the media either. Schools have jumped in on the band-wagon with trying to censor out what they feel is inappropriate for everyone else. In April 2004 at Poway High School in California a student wore a t-shirt expressing his views about homosexuality after the â€Å"Day of Silence† organized by a Gay-Straight Alliance club. The day of silence was designed to encourage tolerance. When the student was asked to remove his shirt or turn it inside out, he refused and was forced to spend the day in a conference room in the schools front office (Taylor, Kelly 2013). How does the school justify that his anti-homosexual shirt was any different than being forced to endure a full day of silence that was ok with the school? The student later sued the school (Harper v. Poway Unified School District). The courts upheld that the school officials are permitted to censor what students are allowed to wear and not allowed to wear. Another student in Ohio banned a shirt that the school officials found questionable. The shirt in question was a Marilyn Manson rock band t-shirt that depicted a three faced Jesus on the front and the word believe on the back with the letter l-i-e highlighted. The student believed his right to free speech had been violated when the school officials told him to change the shirt, turn it inside out or leave the school and be considered a truant (Schools Win Rights To Ban). The student lost his case against the school, even though the shirt did absolutely nothing to disrupt classes or learning. All it did was cause officials to strut their power to take away free speech and censor the kids. While some schools are busy trying to ban clothing and other things that it considers inappropriate or offensive, some schools are just plain banning everything whether harmful of not if they feel it is controversial. In an article by Denise Penn titled â€Å"Gay/Straight Clun Banned in Orange County, CA H. S. †, she describes a group of teenagers who tried to start a club dropped off an application in the school office. The principal wanted to approve the Gay/Straight Alliance club, went to the superintendent for guidance and it was taken out of her hands. The school board engaged in several delays and finally held a public forum about the club. The students endured antigay rhetoric at the forum (Penn). The students faced a panel that took an extremist position. The school officials done away with a program that provided counseling for at-risk students in elementary, middle and high schools, who were having adjustment problems in school. The counseling was provided by interns and cost the school district nothing at all and helped kids. It also took some of the strain off the teachers so they could concentrate on teaching and not on the troubled youths. The council ended the program because it â€Å"burdened the school to administer the program†. The censorship of speech is even taking hold of the political arena. The McCain-Feingold â€Å"Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act† criminalizes political speech in connection with political and even state elections (Roane). The law makes it a felony for a corporation, labor union, or non-profit advocacy group to criticize or even mention a member of congress in broadcast ads within 60 days prior to a federal election. It is now a federal crime for state and local candidates, officeholders and political parties to engage or participate in political speech that attacks or even supports candidates for federal office (Roane). If it is illegal to voice anyone’s opinion, then the government has taken away a big chunk of our freedom of speech to support or object to any candidate. It basically makes it illegal for anyone to place an ad on the radio or television to support them in any federal election. The law also dictates what money can be used for certain applications and also lessens the chance for newer candidates to be heard, unless they already have a name for themselves in the public arena. It basically guarantees already elected officials a better chance for re-election in future elections (Roane). The government is closing down on our freedom of speech slowly by instituting their power to censor our speech. Whether it is through the schools, limiting what any students can say or wear, or through banning clubs that school official think could be objectionable, or through the media outlets governed by another governmental agency. Our freedom of speech is being taken away from us a little at a time without us even knowing it.

Prerequisites of a good business plan Essay

               A business plan is essential for a new business; it gives an insight to opportunities, weaknesses, threats and possibilities. This thesis developed a business plan for an ethnic brand restaurant â€Å"The Indian village†. The first part of this thesis developed a method of analyzing important elements of launching a new business. The empirical part of thesis focused on how to turn a project idea into a project plan. The research part included the examination of activity in the area of Pakistani/Indian restaurant businesses mainly based in Helsinki and Stockholm. Interviews were conducted to investigate the existing successful business strategies; this study also introduced some personal ideas of innovations.                Finnish market has a great demand for exotic food. People are always eager to try something different. The food business is firstly considered a relatively smaller investment as compared to big businesses but it is also commonly viewed as being able to become successful and move forward depending on good strategy and market research. So in some ways the food business seems like a good investment. As generally viewed, before starting a new business, one must understand and be aware of conditions and the society he wants to operate within.                   Being in Finland has allowed me to understand the conditions, demands and existence of different businesses. In order to explore the area of interest, which is the food business, required me to dine in different places. This has surely helped to observe various techniques of running such businesses.               Planning of a restaurant specializing in Indian/Pakistani cuisine urged me to develop a new business strategy of such an establishment. I tried to find the relevance of this business idea with the scientific business theory of how to start a new business. The start-up situation and the basic elements for any new business at the beginning are somewhat the same, but finding a relevant business theory for starting a new business especially in Indian/Pakistani restaurant was a challenge. Developing a business plan for a restaurant in a highly competitive environment can be difficult, but a solid plan of action can help figure it out. Working hard for a new business is good but hard work alone is not enough to attract customers. This is why a solid business plan is needed. 1.1 Background                  The selection of this specific concept was inspired by a friend’s success in new business ventures. He developed a business strategy and then started working on it empirically. It boosted my motivation and personal interest in developing a small business. One driving force is my creativity which has always enticed for satisfaction by owning a business. The background behind this selection is driven by the rapid growth of ethnic food brands, and a broad interest in exotic tastes. Another fact is a widespread belief that many ethnic cuisines are somehow healthier. Successful business can be attributed with giving oneself a high self esteem 1.2 Aims and Objectives                A new business is a big job and it is necessary to have something that can help to manage the business. A business plan can act as a management tool that can help to focus on where we are and where we want to be in the future. Chances to go without a business plan, may not be so pleasant in the end. A business plan helps to guide all stages of business towards success. A widespread belief is that many ethnic cuisines are somehow healthier. This thesis has two objectives: 1) An effort to create a powerful brand attribute to today’s health-conscious customer market. 2) The second purpose behind this plan is an ambition, to be successful and to create a secure financial resource. The current situation with job opportunities does not seem so promising to me. In that case owning a successful business can be a good alternative. This strategy appeals to the development of an exotic restaurant across culture. The food business particularly sparked the interest because these days there are a variety of restaurants with numerous offers.                   Many of them show no concern with providing food according to health standards. Being overweight is an illness which millions face each day. Some natural facts about our body cannot be changed but one way to change being overweight is starting to eat healthy food. I want to place customer convenience and comfort as the top priority. This plan is different and purely genuine, because I want to help people understand how to select healthy diets, and help changing their behavior towards nutritionally-positive food. A sensible food choice can make a huge difference to the quantity, the quality of calories, and sodium and fat consumed in a diet. So this business plan is a noble effort towards the well being of the human race and the creation of a healthy food culture, whereby people are aware of what they eat and how food can be consumed to affect their lives in a positive manner. Conceptual research †¢Analysis of existing Business Strategies through benchmarking method Empirical research †¢Critical Investigation of assumptions against facts. †¢Interviews and Surveys †¢Using the knowledge in own business plan Related experiences and views 1.3 Development process                   The research process of this thesis consists of mainly three stages. The three stages are: first, second and third. All three stages are different yet combined with each other; the first stage emphasized the importance of having a business plan; with the help of conceptual research method of scientific theory. The conceptual part of this thesis is based on McDonald (2007), and Mellor (2009). The review of these business theories helped to take thorough, careful and comprehensive look at the most important facets of starting a new business, including the contexts in which they operate. It also enhanced the understanding to spot future trouble areas, and to identify opportunities. The synthesis of these strategies is depicted in figure 2 below. Capitalization on a bright idea the knowledge of existing business network Looking at your strategy Your abilities and skills. The conceptual part of research process. In the second stage of research process, qualit ative research method was used for data collection. A good business plan depends on understanding the customer needs. Therefore a business unit should be able to define the strategies which make restaurant, a place where people want to come and eat. The market research helped to narrow down elements like personal behaviours, stories, and organizational functioning of business. This research method also contributed to understanding the nature of different businesses. Benchmarking strategy of some selected restaurants emphasized on some important elements like location, arrangements, staff, food quality, related experiences with food business, skills, knowledge of facts, and experience of customers. It enhanced the understanding about some existing business units, and the way people perceive a particular food business. In the last phase quantitative research method was used with a questionnaire analysis. This research produced numerical data collected from fifty people including some customers from different restaurants. Research methods helped to get precise measurements which were helpful to compare different trends.                   The empirical part of research process Definition of the last stage which includes, the information gathered through questionnaires and personal analysis. This information helped to measure the customer expectations and the stereotypes attached to some existing business units. Market analysis      Market planningBusiness goals and mission statementSWOT analysisRisk factorsProfilingCost strategiesLeadership strategies   The model of business plan                This chapter contains conceptual theory and strategic planning of the business plan. The business plan has mainly three purposes. First, it serves to develop a strategy and communicate it to the level of management. Second it serves as the justification of resources and budget. Third, it provides and instrument for monitoring ongoing progress and making corrections during the plans implementation. Figure 4 below depicts the key elements for a new business.                The essential elements of the approach to market plans as presented by McDonald (2007) 2.1 Market analysis            Market analysis helps to understand the competition in the market and prepares a strategy to position a new business in relation to its competitors. Without a proper analysis too often market strategies are set at too high level which leads to poor outcome. Market analysis helps selecting market segments, which helps providing products and service according to the customer expectation and demand. It provides an analysis of existing organizations, primary competitors, and key strategies to do it better and at a lower cost that customers prefer. Competitor product analysis helps to price the products, and defines the need if modern equipments are needed. Customer loyalty can be won by offering them consistent and reliable services. An entrepreneur measures his potential to introduce a broad range of product/services to keep existing customer groups attracted. New customers groups can be targeted by the additional categories provided. 2.1.1 Market Planning                Market planning is establishing an operational strategy to position a new business in the market. Market research determines the strategies that help to attract customers for new products. It helps to discover the attractions a new business can offer that others cannot. An entrepreneur can use its competitor’s business knowledge in own terms by conducting a market research. It is good to know the difference between own performance and others. All new businesses should develop some survival strategies for its operational ability during a start-up process where margins are narrow. In other words finding ways to do it better than others are doing. The observation of social behaviour, competitor’s strengths, weaknesses, and leadership and business skills helps to identify opportunities of growth. The questions below provide an insight to the market planning process especially at a start-up level. Customers: Who are my customers? How can I understand their needs and ensure their satisfaction? Competitors: How can I have an advantage over my competitor, or how I am going to do things differently? Company: At the start how can the company’s operate for its own survival and ensure its future strength? Before starting any new business, customer’s needs and business goals should be clearly determined. Customer knowledge is based on learning about their cultural norms, emotions, needs, feelings, wants, values and attitudes. It is worthwhile to know the customer’s point of view by looking at one’s own business strategy. 2.2 Business goals and mission statement               It is important to develop an understanding of products according to their profitability. A clear understanding of the profit generated by different products/services will help the both future services and products. Making a strategy is deciding how to best position the organization within its competitive environment in order to achieve profitability. The business unit should strive to arrange its objectives hieratically, from the most to the least important. A business unit should set realistic goals. The level should arise from opportunities and strengths, not from wishful thinking. A business unit must have strategic analysis of important elements. Strategic analysis is focusing down layer by layer to develop a clear understanding of market. It is referred to onion skin. Each layer must be peeled off and analyzed to examine its health before the core strategic business (SBU) is approached. EProfitability Market share Growth True business goals Business goals can be seen in these three categories. Profitability in a new business ensures growth and market share. Profitability refers to the potential of a venture to be financially successful. This may be assessed before entering into a new business or it may be used to analyze a venture. Although it may be found that one set of factors is not likely to be successful or has not been successful, it may not be necessary to abandon the venture. It may be feasible to change operational factors such as pricing or costs. 2.3 Swot analysis                   Starting a new business is a complex process and that is why it is necessary to view the overall strategies in SBUs. Unless these SBUs are identified any planning will be generic and bland. Strategic planning must focus on each SBU to identify the actions and goals. A swot analysis is the process that enables a company to assess the present state of a business. Swot Analysis †¢Strengths †¢Weaknesses †¢Opportunities †¢Threats               Through market analysis, a clear segmentation of market, seeks to avoid a bland and unfocused approach to the market. A clear definition of the specific competitors and an understanding is needed to develop a customer group. SWOT is basically abbreviated from four words: strength, weaknesses opportunities and threats. The SWOT analysis should be conducted for each of the key product or market segments should be presented briefly and in an interesting way.                Customers cannot know about a new business unless they hear about it. Creating a brand image through advertising and promotional activities is very helpful. Figure 6 below describes the elements of Swot analysis. 2.4 Risk factors             A balanced evaluation of risk is very important. A leader has to be aware of these risks, threats and harmful elements which may affect the business. The knowledge of these risk factors helps a leader to prepare a prevention strategy. Mainly there are two types of risk factors. An entrepreneur is challenged by these factors which are Internal and external. They both are equally important and depend on each other. Internal factors are to be dealt with initially, but external factors can be learned with time by gaining market experience. 2.4.1 External                They are outside the influence of management, for example performance of the national economy, stability of the industry, competitor pricing, and Interest rates. The manager should know the parts of the environment to monitor, if the business is to achieve its goals. A business has to monitor key environment forces like demographic/economic, technological, political/legal and social/cultural, and environment factors like customers, competitors, and distribution channels. The manager should set up a market intelligent system to track trends and important developments. For each trend and development, management needs to identify the implied opportunities and threats. A major purpose of environment scanning is to discern new opportunities. Opportunities can be listed and classified according to their attractiveness and the success probability. Figure 7 below depicts some external risks. Political EU legislation, inspection priorities, changing patterns of employment, flexible workforce Economic 1. Interest rates changes 2. Cost of waste disposal 3. Need to cut waste 4. Insurance premiums 5. Tax incentives Social 1. Customer demands 2. Customer expectations 3. Growth in consumer awareness 4. Greater use of media 5. Competitors Technological 1. Improved equipment 2. Better guardian 3. Substitution of materials 4. Improved data collection 5. Licensing authorities                   The risk factors and external risks, Risk management 10 principles by Jayne (2002) Internal some major internal risk factors are pricing, level of variables costs, and level of fixed costs, which are directly influenced by management. A wrong market analysis and, wrong cost strategy may lead business to jeopardy. It is important to know the demand of products, and how flexible one’s costs are (variable costs and fixed costs). Customers will definitely consider the relative cost of one’s competitors and prefer the best priced products and services available. Clear understanding of business objectives, through a proper planning, and a commitment will lead a business to success. Each business needs to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses periodically. Each factor should be rated as whether it is a major strength, a minor strength, a neutral factor, a minor weakness, or a major weakness. Figure 8 below depicts the internal risk factors a compa ny might face. Ethics and beliefs Culture of industry Presure of finances Change in processesBetter utilization of resourcesSickness and absence cost             Figure 8: The risk factors and the internal risks, Risk management 10 principles by Jayne (2002) Internal risk factors may develop a significant business risk for an investor. Some internal risks are mentioned in the figure 8 above, which can be noticed and corrected to improve the internal performance. 2.5 Profiling                  Customers face a growing range of choices in the products and service these days. They are making their choice on the basis of their perception of quality, service, and value. Companies need to understand the determinants of customer value, and satisfaction.             Customers are satisfied when their expectations are met and delighted when their expectations are exceeded. Satisfied customers remain loyal longer, buy more, are less price sensitive, and talk favorably about the company. Profiling is a useful tool to create customer satisfaction. 2.5.1 Financial profiling                A manager should be well informed about the financial position and expenditures. The leader has to know if the finances and the financial information are relevant and accurate according to the market standards. The budget has to be well prepared and accurate, for future operational strategies. Before progressing any further, all necessary financing has to be assured. Initial goal is to establish a list of expenditures on a paper, for all the required financing and then to measure one’s own capacity and strength in accordance. 2.5.2 Product profiling                  The most basic marketing tool is product, which stands for the company’s tangible offer to the market, including the product quality, design, features, and branding. Market penetration requires a good product presentation. The observation of competitor product is very important. The manager has to review the unique strengths of their own product against competitor’s, and has to know the market segment in which products serve the best. It is good to develop a product profile paper for each product. The product profile analyzes your products in terms of the concepts such as, the list of features a product offers to its customers and the benefits for a company in terms of profit. 2.5.3 Customer profiling                   The main goal of customer profiling is to categorize the traits and characteristics of customers. This process helps to identify the reasons customers purchase products from one’s company and not from the competitors. Customer profiling does not mean to know each customer individually, but just to know the primary characteristics of good and bad customers. Strategic thinking about customer profiling can help business and lead it to a profitable territory. A company has to observe its customers who are sales and profit contributors, and customers who have profitable growth potential for the future. 1. Care and concern: the customer wants to feel that the organization, its employees and its operational system are devoted to solving his problems. 2. Spontaneity: contact employees demonstrate a willingness and readiness to actively approach customers and take care of their problems. 3. Problem solving: contact employees are skilled in taking care of their duties and perform according to standards. Moreover the rest of the organization including operational support employees and operational support systems are also trained and designed to give good service. 4. Recovery: if anything goes wrong, or something unexpected happens, there is someone who is prepared to make a special effort to handle the situation, Grà ¶nroos (2000) 2.5.4 Competitor profiling                  This analysis relies on a sound understanding of customer perspectives and competitor performance. The competitor’s profile should be seen from a customer perspective by using the SBUs. In market analysis, we can define different market segments and customer groups that can be targeted. Measuring competitor’s performance and gaining clarity of own performance against competitors is useful. The aim to gain a competitor profile relies in knowing their strengths and weaknesses. This produces a source of competitive advantage. This strategy can help to create differentiation. 2.6 Cost strategy                   †Pricing is an area with a tremendous potential for increasing profitability, but unfortunately, if managed badly, it can quickly bring a business to its knees. Pricing is both art and science† (Meldrum 2007). A new business may require delivering a relevant quality product or a service possibly at the lowest cost, and to develop a cost difference over the primary competitors for making it more attractive for new customers. Standardization of products is also an important part. Cost strategy also considers the cultural facts for product pricing. A question between either providing a differentiation approach to match the customer needs with good quality, and gain competitive advantage, or having low cost to gain profit margin and increase product volume that often leads to practice a mixed approach. The company has to decide what it wants to accomplish with a particular product. If the company has selected its target market and marketing posit ion, then pricing will be straight forward. Figure 9 below depicts the nature of competitive advantage, McDonald (2007). 2.6.1 Low cost products                     Several circumstances might lead a firm to cut its price. One circumstance is if a company needs additional business and cannot generate it through increased sales efforts, product improvement or other measures. A company might face a price war, as competitors try to hold on to their market share. New business wants to ensure its customer group which it is the lowest cost producer with the best quality. This way one can win a greater volume of business through lower prices than competitors, and continue to be profitable. Prices also influence customer perceptions. In some markets high prices are seen as overcharging or taking advantage of customer. In other markets competitor with lower prices may have advantage, but a lower price can also damage the competitive position or the brand image. Brand image is associated with prices. 2.6.2 High costs products                     Some products whose prices tend to remain constantly high or fixed, it is necessary to know the real demand of those products to set a fixed cost. Increasing number of companies’ base their price on the product’s perceived value. They see the buyer’s perception of value not the seller’s cost, as the key to pricing. A company develops a product concept for a particular target market with a planned quality and price. Then management estimates the volume, which hopes to sell at this price. The estimates set the demand capacity, investment and the unit cost. Management then figures out whether the product will yield a satisfactory profit at the planned price. If it does the company goes ahead with product development otherwise, the company drops the idea. A business without the lack of a real understanding of the profit generated by different activities and products without data and strategy becomes less logical and relies jus t on intuition and luck. 2.7 Leadership strategies                     A new business at an early stage is generally considered fragile; where a leader and staff members are both new to each other, further it is not necessary that a good entrepreneur is also a good leader. In the beginning phase of management a leader might find it hard to understand his employees, so setting some guidelines might help the staff and the leader. The true leadership is like a big wise head which can direct an organization towards success. A strategic leadership can define the direction of an organization. A true leadership recognizes long-term and short-term goals and its objectives. It is also necessary for a leader to determine priorities, to direct team activities by using his inspirational leadership. According to Cameron (2008) a new leadership should have following strategies. (1) A focus on positively deviant performance, or successful performance that dramatically exceeds the norm in a positive direction; (2) An affirmative bias or an orientation toward, for example, strengths rather than weaknesses, optimism rather than pessimism, supportive rather than critical communication. (3) A focus on virtuousness and eudemonism, or on the best of the human condition and that which beings consider to be inherently good.                  A leadership is responsible for other people and their performance. Responsibility and authority are defined as operating environment. The core concept of leadership is responsibility of other people and for the results they achieve in their work. A leadership should take actions based on ethicality, shared beliefs and value connected to the basic mission of an organization. The most important characteristic of excellent leadership is the creation and strengthening of a positive development attitude. Without a positive attitude there will be no permanent learning results. Figure 10 below describes the main characteristics of excellent leadership behaviour. Professional skills Inspirational motivation . See the big picture . Clear and challenging goals . Is fully dedicated and enthusiastic . Knows how to encourage and reward . Uses humor . Tries to see the positive side Own example Individualized Consideration . Is genuinely interested in people . Knows how to listen . Is easily approachable . Takes care of the followers . Is present and enjoys being with people . Knows the followers . Accepts that people are different Building trust and confidence . OBjectivity and fairness . Honestly . Is true to his word and promises . Can make decisions . Acts in consistent fashion . Bears his responsibility in all situations Intellectual stimulation . Delegates responsibility . Gives room and freedom of action . Does not leave anyone alone, acts as a sparring partner . Two-way feed back . Does not always have to agree . Encourages others to generate ideas . Admits his own mistakes 3.1 Starting a new business in Finland                   The world economy has undergone a radical transformation in the last two decades. Geographical and cultural distances have shrunk significantly with the advent of jet airplanes, fax machines, and internet linkups. This shrinkage of distance has permitted companies to widen substantially their geographical markets as well as their supplier sources. Over the past few decades, Finland has become an entrepreneur-friendly country. It is apparent that this change will continue into the future since the opportunity for entrepreneurship has improved tremendously. Society, in Finland, gives successful entrepreneurs a high status. Finnish market has a great potential for new businesses, but still there are few who will take the risk. According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry Finland (2007) the task force set up has investigated the opportunities and methods to promote immigrant entrepreneurship. It is funded by the entrepreneurship policy programme. The task force’s mandate is linked to the Government’s new immigration policy programme and the endorsement of work-based immigration. The main purpose of the task force was to come up with measures to promote growth and opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurship. According to Boston Consulting Group, (4-2009) Scandinavia is considered amongst the most innovative regions of the world, while Denmark and Norway ranked impressive. This survey also ranked Japan as the most innovative country in the world. Nevertheless, according to this report, Finland and Sweden ranked in the top ten innovative countries. When it comes to the general perception of how difficult it is to start a small business, attitudes of Europeans and Americans are approximately similar. Most of them think that it is somewhat too difficult to start a business. 3.2 The analysis of current food culture                  Kouvola despite being a small city and relatively less populated than the bigger cities, has a variety of food providers. Mainly, there are two types of restaurants, fast food and full meal. Fast food, in general appears to be more popular among the younger generation; unfortunately, most fast foods contain too many calories, salt, and cholesterol to be ingested daily or even once a week. Eating at fast food restaurants has increased and is linked to today’s obesity. According to health specialists, children between the ages of 7-12 should consume approximately 2200 calories per day, while adults should consume approximately 2000 calories per day, although exercise levels and current weight can affect these numbers.                     The total of a single meal at a fast food restaurant could comprise almost a full day’s caloric intake. To observe the current food culture, it was necessary to record the number of calories and fat in different types of food, to make a list and to show the difference. Figure 11 below depicts the amount of calories and grams of fat packed in fast food: 3.2.1 Pakistani/Indian food culture                   Djanhal and Halliday (2007), describe the history of Subcontinent as one of the oldest civilizations of the world, which has always had lots of diversity mainly because it has been occupied by so many different nations and religions. These nations ruled India for decades, mainly the Mughals and the Great Britain. India embraced all the different and cultural influences, and religious practices. Ceremonies of local traditions have made a contribution towards the evolution of cuisine and kept adding a rich taste to the food.                  Another major influence in this development of Pak/Indian cookery was the establishment of the Mughal Empire starting in 1526. Arabic background of Mughals added lamb, beef, chicken and fish to the cuisine. The opulent tastes exhibited by such emperors as Hymayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb in art, architecture, music, dance, and jeweler was also extended to food. A style of cookery called Mughali’ evolved in Mughal court and even today it is very popular in Lahore/Pakistan as well as worldwide. Some widely known survivor recipes of court cookery are, for example, chicken tandoor a dish in which chicken is cooked at low temperatures in special ovens called â€Å" tandoor†, and murg musalam’ in which the whole chickens are roasted with special spices and ingredients. Shahi tukra, a dessert of sliced bread, milk, cream, sugar and saffron, is another left-over from the days of the Mughals. 3.2.2 A brief look at cookery in Pakistan                  Djanhal and Halliday describe Pakistani cookery, as full of regional character, with each of the four provinces offering special dishes. â€Å"It is difficult to decide which of the almost endless catalogue of dishes from the subcontinent can be identified as specifically†Pakistani† (Djanhal and Halliday 2007) In Punjab, Mughlai cuisine uses tandoor (ovens). In Baluchistan, cooks use the Saji method of barbecuing whole lambs and stick bread in a deep pit. From the older times, use of spices, herbs, seeds, flavorings and seasonings have helped cooks transform rather ordinary foods into an exotic cuisine.                   Some of the most commonly used spices in Pakistan today are chili powder, turmeric, garlic, paprika, black pepper, red pepper, cumin seed, bay leaf, coriander, cardamom, cloves, ginger, cinnamon saffron mace, nutmeg, poppy seeds, aniseed, almonds, pistachios, and yogurt. They are used in a wide range of pickles, chutneys, preserves, and sauces, together with curries of all descriptions and special recipes of meat, seafood, and vegetables, which gives Pakistani cooking much of its distinctive character. 3.3 Survey of two existing ethnic restaurants                Market research in this part included some interviews and surveys. It is good to know what is going on around helped the idea of establishing own business and to review the relative and essential elements. The empirical research part of this research contains surveys of two restaurants Namaskar, Helsinki, Finland Äkta Indisk & Pakistan mat in Stockholm (old city), Sweden Both of these restaurants are owned by immigrants. The main purpose of the survey was to know â€Å"how the owners got into this business† and observing their business strategies and study what they encountered while establishing their businesses. 3.3.1 Äkta Indisk & Pakistan Mat, Stockholm Sweden               Indian and Pakistani restaurant in the old city, Stockholm According to the owner of Äkta Indisk & Pakistan (2010) they have a satisfactory number of customers. Their regular customer list contains a large number of immigrants living in Sweden, including tourists and Swedish people. The owner as an immigrant, preferred to have his own business, it gave him self-esteem and less use of a foreign language. He is happy to help his compatriots in a foreign culture by giving them a job, and to participate in creating a good food culture. For a new business, being an immigrant and especially the start-up process was difficult at first but gradually it progressed. An ethnic-based brand is strength, according to the owner. He also has some regular Swedish customers that mean he has succeeded to develop a good taste across culture. The Standardization of food and menu. The restaurant menu is suitable for both vegetarian/non-vegetarian customers.                   Chili is used reasonably in the most dishes but they also have hot chili dishes depending on customer requirements. The menu in figure 13 below depicts the standardization of food. Menu at Ätka Indisk & Pakistansk Mat, Stockholm Sweden Restaurant’s arrangements and atmosphere                The owner is fond of eastern culture so he made the arrangements in accordance.                Figure 14 below shows the statue at the entrance of the restaurant, holding an Indian flag. Welcoming statue at the entrance of Ätka Indisk & Pakistan Mat Secondly the name of the restaurant consists of both Pakistan and India. Karachi is a coastal city in Pakistan, Because India and Pakistan used to be one big country before the partition, there are similarities regarding food and culture. A cultural arrangement of musical instruments. These instruments made the restaurant look more atmospheric and gave a glimpse to the golden history of music, art and food. 3.3.2 Namaskaar Indian Express, Helsinki                  Ã¢â‚¬Å"NAMASKAAR† Indian Express, Helsinki Namaskaar restaurant is located in Helsinki. The owner is a Pakistani. He has been living in Finland for more than ten years and owns two restaurants in Helsinki. On my visit I ordered different dishes to observe the menu and taste the difference. The menu contained vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, some different sort of jams, spicy pickles and cultural drinks. It was lunch time and the restaurant was full of customers so there was no room. I had to stand in a queue and wait for the turn. After the meal, I requested an interview and when the owner got to know about my links from Pakistan and Lahore, he became excited and it sparked his interest to know the opinion about his restaurant, food and the arrangements. About starting a new business across culture he told, that when he came to Finland the biggest challenge was the language, he could not communicate with people properly and he felt so helpless. H e had an inspiration from one of his family members for food business. He wanted to try it across culture, and he wanted to be successful within his limited language skills and education. He had to hire some staff from Pakistan, (mostly his family members) and some other employees that he found in Finland. He said Helsinki has become more multicultural and people are keen on having exotic food. He has many regular Finnish customers and tourists and also some Asian customers. He has never advertised his restaurant in any newspaper or magazines but according to him the best advertisement for food business is a good taste and a good quality which brings his customers back. Location is also very important to him; he would not like to move his restaurant to a new place. He said with time he has gained a reputation and has developed a taste of food, and even the tourists in Helsinki come again to his restaurants whenever they get an opportunity to come back. He is very pleased with the pr ogress of his business that three years ago he launched another branch also in Helsinki.                Figure 17 below shows the menu of Namaskaar restaurant. According to me the food was a bit too spicy, but the owner lets his customers choose a slightly spicy food. He has an idea about the standardization of food. He has reduced spices in the food but he would not like to turn a spicy dish into a sweet dish that it loses the original traditional taste, However, I was expecting it to be less spicy or perhaps bland so I was surprised that customers still liked it. The owner is very happy to promote his culture through traditional food across culture and has gained self esteem through a successful business. He has built a reality on his dreams, which was all based on a vision which he has made true as the result of his strenuous efforts. About the future challenges he thinks, there is a rich food culture in Helsinki and a tough competition, for there are many Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Spanish, Italian, and all kinds of international restaurants, so the quality has to be maintained perpetually to meet the customer’s expectations. 3.4 The questionnaire analysis                     The last part of this paper is based on a quantitative-research method. The method of research was conducted by using a questionnaire to determine people’s behavior towards Pakistani/Indian food. The research was based on measurable data gathered through benchmarking strategy. Different customers were interviewed at Pakistani/Indian restaurants to ascertain their opinions. This research proved to be a source of much useful information, that I could use it for my own restaurant project. The aim of research was an evaluation of people’s attitude towards the opening of this new restaurant. These questions were selected to evaluate the new venture, and to know people’s inclination towards the food.                  I developed a questionnaire and interviewed 50 people altogether. 1) Have you ever been to any Pakistani/Indian restaurant? The first question included respondents from Kymenlaakson area mainly Kouvola and Kotka, 64% of the respondents which is 33 people said that they have never visited any Pakistani or Indian restaurant. 17 respondents said that they have visited some Indian restaurants while visiting bigger cities like Helsinki, Lahti or Oulu. 46 respondents said they would love to try and they are interested in tasting it at least once, only 4 respondents are not very interested. Figure 18 below depicts the customer’s tendency towards Pak/Indian restaurants. Have you ever been to a Pakistani/Indian restaurant 2) What did you observe while you were there? The second question includes respondents who have experienced these restaurants and some customers were on the spot having a meal. Getting different opinions was worthwhile in improving own concept. According to 15% respondents, Indian and Pakistani restaurants are not very formal. They should serve in a formal way. 45% respondents consider it a non-vegetarian food. If they go to an Indian restaurant, they are not so sure about having the meat on the menu because Hindus are vegetarians and worship cows as one of their gods, and some Hindus do not even like to eat eggs, so people are not sure about the menu. About Pakistani restaurants 20% respondents think Muslims do not eat pork so it is maybe not wise to order a pork dish, because it may annoy them. Some respondents had an opinion that every restaurant has a different menu, so it is up to customers to choose. Y values in figure 19 below depict the customer tendency towards Pak/Indian food. The analysis of customer tendency towards Pakistani and Indian food. 3) What attracts you to select particularly an Indian Restaurant?                  40% of the respondents consider Indian/Pakistani food healthy and they like the use of herbs and spices, 15% of the interviewees said that every restaurant has a different menu so they are interested in trying it at least once. 25% of the respondents like cultural decorations and the history. It is interesting for them to observe a different taste in a different cultural surrounding. 8% of the respondents are just concerned about food quality and arrangements and not brands. Figure 20 below depicts some customer attractions towards Pak/Indian restaurants. 4) Would you like to have an Indian restaurant in your area?                   There is no Indian restaurant in Kymenlaakson area so 75% of the respondents are excited about having an Indian restaurant because they get a chance to visit some Indian restaurants only when they are in Helsinki or Lahti. 15% of respondents are satisfied with the existing number of ethnic restaurants in Kymenlaakson. 10% of the interviewees were not so keen on eastern food since they consider it fatty. Figure 21 below shows the customer attitude towards a new restaurant in Kymenlaakson area. Would you like to have an Indian restaurant in your area? 5) What are your customer expectations regarding a new Indian restaurant?                   As can be seen in figure 22 below 38% of the respondents look forward to spicy food with a good vegetarian and a non-vegetarian menu. They also appreciate a good cultural environment. 15% of the Interviewees are concerned about courtesy and friendliness of staff and expect a good customer service. Nearly 26% of the interviewees are concerned about the price difference and would prefer a low price with a good food quality. 20% of the respondents look forward to a good buffet meal for a reasonable price. Figure 22 below shows the customers’ expectations.The customer expectations the above analysis draws a conclusion that there is certainly a room for Indian village restaurant. People would like to try different food, they seem curious about new taste and cultural atmosphere of a restaurant. There are some stereotypes associated with previous experiences, but there is always a way to do things better. I also learned that today; few customers are sati sfied with just getting something to eat. Rather, they have come to expect higher levels of dining experience. Finding ways to create the right kind of dining experience to match the customer expectations is a growing challenge for every operator. Good food is not the only thing customers are looking for today. When they go for lunch they want a break from their work environment. They want to purchase and consume their meals in a place that offers a sense of life and excitement. To have satisfied customers, an entrepreneur must meet customer expectations. This requires being aware of customer expectations, without this knowledge, it will be difficult or impossible to meet and exceed the expectations. If expectations are not met, the customer will perceive the performance as inadequate and actions as insufficient. The questionnaire analysis was based on five important questions to know customer’s basic expectations but later additional questions can be added to the list to dea l with particular issues depending on the product, service, company and situation. Summary and conclusions                   This paper consists of three stages of starting a new business. All three stages are different but combined with each other; the first stage emphasized the importance of having a business plan; with the help of scientific theory. I, the author got to know that before we embark upon a new venture of starting a new business, it is wise to measure the health of the vision. The right vision will make the business plan alive and a reality. The first stage of this paper is about giving this vision a right direction, the form and the clarity according to the scientific theory. In the first part I learned that the right business strategy and tactics are important to make the vision come true. Different department develop the additional strategies, tactics, and systems to achieve their results and, ultimately the strategic objective of the company. I figured that vision alone is not enough for starting a business; there are basic factors which need to be observed before launching a new product.                     The second stage was implemented by benchmarking method. I did some surveys and interviews to observe the basic departments of successful businesses like pricing, location, products and promotion. I analyzed the related additional strategies which boost businesses and the importance of basic strategies. The questionnaire analysis helped to understand the opportunities and the possibilities. I got to know the customer expectations and the social behavior towards this project. It was good to measure these possibilities, keeping in mind the customer expectations.                  The third stage was implemented by scientific theory for Indian village restaurant, and described the basic elements of the concept. I analyzed the possibilities of market penetration, through the mission statement and goals, and discussed how the plan is so unique and genuine which so far no one is practicing. I also analyzed different elements like the standardization of food, the opportunities, strengths and weaknesses and defined the toolkit. I researched the ideas to create a good image, and how a good environment can participate in giving customers a sense of fulfillment and joy. This process needed a parallel study plan. First of all I had to analyze the scientific theory for starting a new business, and then to observe different ethnic restaurants and their environment food and location.                   Paper supervisor provided his guidance, and instructions towards making it more progressive and professional. Writing this paper has also enhanced my personal and professional skills; I learned to examine the health of issues more scientifically and more professionally, I further would like to implement my business plan in practice and will try to put the best foot forward with the restaurant business. During research I dined in many good ethnic restaurants and figured that entrepreneurs base their food business on satisfying products which return a profit. I gained new knowledge and learned that many people may take food business as an easy task, and would not go through conventional scientific theories of starting up a new business, yet many of these entrepreneurs are fruitful and learn by experience but in that case chances of success are surely at risk. The scientific theory for entrepreneurship was really helpful to widen the understanding that even when entrepreneurs start a new business regardless of a proper scientific theory, it still applies for them.                  I reach the following conclusions; firstly it is very important to have a business plan in order to understand the target market and the future of a business. A traditional business plan simply does not provide the results one deires . Every business strategy is different. A business plan based on a vision, enthusiasm and a purpose, requires a proper market research and planning. The success in the end relies on a good market research and a planning theory. Secondly by the analysis of current business trends in Finland I am positive about the progress of food business. I have seen different ethnic brand restaurants doing a successful job. This definitely sparks the interest and gives all the hopes and chances for survival to a new business. Thirdly many food providers show no concern with providing food according to the health standards, so this business plan is noble share towards the well being of human race. References Boston Consulting Group 2009. Annual report. Cameron Kim 2008. Positive Leadership: Strategies for Extraordinary Performance. City: Berrett-Koehler Publishing Limited. Dhanjal Beryl, Halliday Tony 2007. Insight Guides Pakistan, 3rd edition. City: Apa Publication GmbH & Co Publishing Limited. Fisher Alan, Chick Anne, Bifulco Antonia, Mellor Noah, & Mellor Robert 2009. Entrepreneurship for everyone, a student text book. London: Sage Publishing Limited. Grà ¶nroos Christian 2000. Service Management and Marketing: Customer Management in Service Competition, 3rd edition. John Wiley &Sons Publishing Limited. Immonen Jorman, Olander Ilkka 2007. The Ministry of Trade and Industry: Task Force for Promoting Immigrant Entrepreneurship. City: Edita Publishing Limited. Jeynes Jacqueline, 2002. 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