I Have A Part Time Job At The Mars Hill Preschool

I have a part time job at the Mars Hill Preschool here in Florence, Alabama, and this is where I completed my observations. I work in a classroom with ages seventeen months up to two year olds. Most days we have ten children, but some days we will have as many as thirteen children. As anyone could imagine with thirteen toddlers, it can be hectic and a lot is always going on. The preschool is part of the main school which happens to be a private institution which is really small for a school. Most of the families represented at the preschool have a great background and are financially stable. This aspect may differ to the outcomes of the observable behaviors, than children who come from a more troubled background. We have a lot of children whose parents are still together, but we still have a fair share of children who come from single-parent families. I would say that ninety-five percent of the parents, the father and mother, both have a career. In my class many grandparents of the c hildren are very involved in their lives, and this is evident because we have a lot of them pick the children up-especially on Fridays. The preschool is opened from six-thirty AM to six PM. We have two main teachers who are with the children from open to two in the afternoon, and another girl and I come in at 2. We wake them up from their nap, change them, and give the snack and juice. After that, we either go outside or stay inside and play depending on the weather. We do different activitiesShow MoreRelatedAuthoritative Parenting Setting The Limit3610 Words   |  15 Pagesdifferent parenting styles provides variety for the world. Even though there are many parenting styles, which one is the best and the worst? It’s important because people will learn how to become a good parent and also see the effects the children will have later on in the world. Good parenting requires the parent to teach and discipline their kids and the one closest to the best is authoritative parent ing. Authoritative parenting is one of the best styles of parenting because it provides discipline andRead MoreCost Accounting134556 Words   |  539 PagesAccounting: How Managers User Cost Accounting Information Chapter 15 Using Differential Analysis for Production Decisions Chapter 2 Cost Concepts and Behaviour Chapter 16 Managing Quality and Time Chapter 3 Cost System Design: An Overview Chapter 17 Planning and Budgeting Chapter 4 Job Costing Chapter 18 Flexible Budgeting and Performance Evaluation Chapter 5 Process Costing Chapter 19 Performance Evaluation: Cost Variances Chapter 6 Spoilage and Quality Management Read MoreReed Supermarket Case32354 Words   |  130 Pageslearning further We work with leading authors to develop the strongest educational materials in marketing, bringing cutting-edge thinking and best learning practice to a global market. Under a range of well-known imprints, including Financial Times Prentice Hall, we craft high-quality print and electronic publications which help readers to understand and apply their content, whether studying or at work. To ï ¬ nd out more about the complete range of our publishing, please visit us on the World WideRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pagesdesignations appear in this book, and the publisher was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed in initial caps or all caps. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Robbins, Stephen P. Organizational behavior / Stephen P. Robbins, Timothy A. Judge. — 15th ed. p. cm. Includes indexes. ISBN-13: 978-0-13-283487-2 ISBN-10: 0-13-283487-1 1. Organizational behavior. I. Judge, Tim. II. Title. HD58.7.R62 2012 658.3—dc23 2011038674 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ISBN 10: 0-13-283487-1Read MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 Pagesaware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed in initial caps or all caps. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Whetten, David A. (David Allred) Developing management skills /David A. Whetten, Kim S. Cameron.—8th ed. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-13-612100-8 1. Management—-Study and teaching. 2. Management—Problems, exercises, etc. Kim S. II. Title. HD30.4.W46 2011 658.40071 173—dc22 I. Cameron, 2009040522 10 9 8 7 6 5 4Read MoreFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 Pagespersonalize and manage their course more effectively with assessment, assignments, grade tracking, and more manage time better study smarter save money From multiple study paths, to self-assessment, to a wealth of interactive visual and audio resources, WileyPLUS gives you everything you need to personalize the teaching and learning experience.  » F i n d o u t h ow t o M A K E I T YO U R S  » www.wileyplus.com ALL THE HELP, RESOURCES, AND PERSONAL SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS NEED! 2-MinuteRead MoreAutobilography of Zlatan Ibrahimovic116934 Words   |  468 PagesI AM ZLATAN By Zlatan Ibrahimovic as told to David Lagercrantz --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This book is dedicated to my family and friends, to those who have stood by my side, on good days and bad. I also want to dedicate it to all the kids out there, those who feel different and don t fit in. Those who are seen for the wrong reasons. It s OK to be different. Continue being yourself. It worked out for me. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read More_x000C_Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis355457 Words   |  1422 PagesImages Cover Printer: Courier Corporation/Kendallville Compositor: Newgen–India Printer: Courier Corporation/Kendallville  © 2008, 2005 Duxbury, an imprint of Thomson Brooks/Cole, a part of The Thomson Corporation. Thomson, the Star logo, and Brooks/Cole are trademarks used herein under license. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, Web

research paper - critique - 2704 Words

Critique of a Research Article Module Title: Evidence Based Practice and the Community Word Count: 2,159 (excluding reference list) This paper presents a critique of a qualitative research article titled: Perceived support from healthcare practitioners among adults with type 2 diabetes (Oftedal et al, 2010) (appendix 1). To enable the critique of this article the Caldwell critiquing tool (2005) will be utilized. (Appendix 2) Research critiquing is a valuable skill, to gain as it enables student nurses to develop and improve knowledge and skills and also adheres to the NMC code of conduct (NMC, 2008). Polit and Beck (2006) emphasis the ability to analyse research enables individuals to gain knowledge.†¦show more content†¦A purpose for an article is to generalise there aims, informing subject under study stating what is likely to be achievable from the study; Polit and beck (2012) emphasis this being an importance. The aim is clearly sub headed giving the reader clear positioning within the report, it is short and concise with relevant information; indicating the subject of study and what is desired. The aim being ‘perceived support from healthcare and different attributes, that influence people’s self-management of the disease’ (Oftedal et al, 2010). The study is complete by using participants. Ethical issues have a vast importance relating to the validity and credibility of the research. Approval of ethical committee s is exceptional, including reference. Legal rights and ethical aspects for all research methods have to be considered (Holloway and Wheeler, 2002; Moule 2011; Strubert, 2011). The study appears to have been approved by Norwegian regional committee for medical and health research ethics, social science data services all having reference provided. Implications can be studied at length but four rights are paramount in research: the right not to be harmed, the right of full disclosure, the right to self-determination and the right to privacy, anonymity and confidentiality (ICN, 2012). It is apparent from the study that informed consent was gained from participants, as an invitation was sent, and approval from participantsShow MoreRelatedResearch Critique Research Paper1710 Words   |  7 Pages Part B: Research Critique (60 marks) Article: Tuckett A Turner C 2016, ‘Do you use social media? A study into new nursing and midwifery graduates uptake of social media’, International Journal of Nursing Practice, no. 22, pp. 197–204, doi:10.1111/ijn.12411 Specific critique area Answer Explain the purpose of the study. Use the PICO or PICo format to identify the research question. (150 words) This study does not pose a clear research question, but makes a declarative question that identifiesRead MoreNrs-433v Week 4 Benchmark - Research Critique Part 2709 Words   |  3 PagesNRS-433V Week 4 Benchmark - Research Critique Part 2 To purchase this tutorial visit here: http://mindsblow.us/question_des/NRS-433VWeek4Benchmark-ResearchCritiquePart2/2855 contact us at: help@mindblows.us NRS-433V Week 4 Benchmark - Research Critique Part 2 Prepare a critical analysis of a quantitative study focusing on protection of human participants, data collection, data management and analysis, problem statement, and interpretation of findings. The quantitative research article can be from yourRead MoreCritique Of - Applying Ethical Theories: Interpreting and Responding to Student Plagiarism, Journal of Business Ethics1310 Words   |  6 Pages Manchester Metropolitan University Business School Research Methods Assessment 1: Critical Writing (15%) Granitz, N. and D. Loewy (2007), Applying Ethical Theories: Interpreting and Responding to Student Plagiarism, Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 72, pp 293-306. Summary Plagiarism in todays â€Å"copy and paste generation† is an unremitting, complex issue that is not yet fully understood. The paper responds to this proposition with a thesis that understanding the ethical reasoning providedRead MoreCritique Steps (Understanding Quantitative Research)1258 Words   |  6 PagesOUTLINE OF BASIC CRITIQUE STEPS (understanding quantitative research): Brink and Wood (1994), and Burnes and Groves (1997), similarly describe the steps for quantitative nursing research process and methods. The authors include not only the basic steps to conduct nursing studies, but also translating the studies into articles for publication. According to Burnes Groves (1997), and Hamric and Spross (1992), the quantitative research method is used to describe or gain more information, test relationshipsRead MoreIntroduction to Psychology Reaction Paper Guidelines1029 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction to Psychology Reaction Paper Guidelines Definition of Genre: In a reaction or response paper, writers respond to one or more texts they have read. A popular assignment with instructors in the social sciences and humanities, such papers require students to understand each text individually and evaluate how well each accomplishes its own objectives. If you are responding to multiple texts, you must also discover how the texts relate to one another. (If responding to just one textRead MoreAbnormal Psychology: An Article Review1123 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Abnormal Psychology 2 Abnormal Psychology An Article Review Student Name Professor Name Course Table of Contents Abstract 3 Article Review of Abnormal Psychology 4 Summary 4 Critique 5 Design and Weaknesses of the Study 5 Application of Study 6 References 7 Abstract Physical well-being is assumed to be directly associated with the mental and behavioural well-being of an individual. It is commonly noted that people adopt difficult and irritating behaviour once they are not in perfectRead MoreCriitique of a Quantitive Paper674 Words   |  3 PagesCritique of a Quantitative Paper Arlene Johnson RN, BSN, CCRN GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY Abstract In order to function as an educated consumer of research, it is required to have the ability to understand and analyze research articles. Nurses must apply critical thinking skills when evaluating research articles. The following paper is a critique of a quantitative research article titled â€Å"Changes in Childhood Risk Taking and Safety Behavior after a Peer Group Media Intervention† (Kennedy amp;Read MoreArt 1011313 Words   |  6 Pagesand learn to recognize the historical styles and changing tastes of the public and the art market. To evaluate the student outcomes, standards of achievement will be measured by exams, practice tests, class participation, museum reports and research papers. This will identify how successfully each student processes the visual images and the meanings that they contain. Specific areas of student development will be: 1. Communication. Students will listen to multi-media presentations, lecturesRead MoreCultural Constraints in Management by G. Hofstede904 Words   |  4 PagesA Critical Review of Hofstede, G. 1993, Cultural Constraints in Management Theories, The Executive, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 81-94. There have been many research and studies on the national cultures and its consequences on management theories by numerous researchers. Of those many, ‘Cultural constraints on management theories,’ by Hofstede (1993) is one that has been talked about by most scholars. He strongly claimed that management is a function of culture and that culture influences the way managersRead MorePSY 325 Statistics for Behavioral and Social Science, Ashford1395 Words   |  6 PagesScience, Ashford Week 1, Final Paper Topic Selection For the Final Paper, you will identify three to five research studies from peer-reviewed sources that were published within the last ten years, which investigate a particular social science problem or topic. The Final Paper will focus on critiquing the varying statistical approaches used in each of these studies. Your assignment this week is to identify the topic that you intend to focus on for your Final Paper. You may identify any social

Six Flags Free Essays

string(41) " the fourth quarter of 2008 is very big\." Confidential For Internal Use Only Team __ TEAM __ – Marketing Plan (Sample) MKTG 649, Fall 2009 Prepared for: Professor Mahmood Hussain Prepared By: Your Name Your Name Your Name Your Name Your Name 1 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 Executive Summary Six Flags has had great success over a number of years through providing a one-stop entertainment destination complete with thrilling roller coaster rides and an exciting atmosphere. In recent years, however, Six Flags has been struggling and is now in dire need of a boost to help regain its success in the Theme park industry. We focused our secondary research on past and current articles on Six Flags as well as the theme park industry as a whole. We will write a custom essay sample on Six Flags or any similar topic only for you Order Now Databases and websites were utilized in gathering this information. In addition, we delved into previously conducted research regarding the theme park industry and Six Flags. This further allowed us to gather exactly how Six Flags arrived at its success, and ultimately to its failure over the past few years. This is information that could have been obtained through interviewing Six Flags employees; however, we chose to proceed with the more efficient choice of secondary research. The biggest issue Six Flags faces is its huge debt of over $2 billion dollars. The firm is on the verge of bankruptcy and has been pulled from the NYSE due to their shares falling below the $1 requirement. The firm needs to pay $300 million dollars to preferred stockholders, and lacks the capital to do so. Another key issue they face is their narrow target market. Six Flags has decreased their focus down to the youth, or teen market with less emphasis placed on appealing to families. This represents a huge loss of potential customers for Six Flags. Furthermore, there is a demand for thrill rides and rollercoaster’s that Six Flags can continue to benefit from. In order to meet both of these issues head on, Six Flags must not only expand their demographic target, but also their product offerings. Revenue must be generated as quickly as possible through increased traffic to the parks and product diversification. The marketing objectives we aim to address, execute and accomplish are to increase revenue through diversification and pricing methodologies, and to increase the target market to include families, teens, and young adults. Increased guest spending is a major component of what target markets we are trying to reach. We want to move away from the teen market, which does not spend much if any money in the park beyond admission. The two new target markets Six Flags is going to cater to are families and 21+ young adults. Six Flags will differentiate itself by providing both of these sources of entertainment in one location. We want Six Flags to be a place like no other in the country. In order for Six Flags to stay competitive, we need to diversify our means of revenue. That will be done with the introduction to two new ventures, Motion Simulators and Boulevard Six. Six Flags’ current pricing strategy for their online daily tickets is proving to be successful in terms of attracting more visitor attendance. Extended hours for special events can also deliver an extra added value to 21 and over patrons who are willing to pay a 25 percent increase on top of regular one-day admission. Being open until 12 midnight for such events would grant exclusivity to a smaller crowd with less falling in line. Another feature would be to have hard liquor and beer priced at a premium to further maximize profits. The first sales promotion will be a yearly engagement, every Fourth of July where all guests get in for free. We will call this promotion â€Å"FREEdom Day†. Another frequent promotion will be called Fun in the Sun. We anticipate an increase in Six Flags performance through the execution of our Marketing Plan. 2 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team __ Table of Contents Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Research Methodology†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 1 Situation Analysis SWOT Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 2 Competitor Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3 Customer Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 4 Company Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 4 Marketing Problems and Opportunities†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 Managerial Recommendations Market Focus Marketing Objectives†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 8 Target Market†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 8 Differentiation†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 8 Positioning†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦9 Marketing Programs Product Strategy†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 9 Pricing Strategy†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 0 Promotion Strategy†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 10 Distribution Strategy†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 11 Implementation and Control Financial Data†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 11 Financial Projection†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦11 Financial Control†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 12 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 12 Appendix†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 14 3 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team __ Introduction Six Flags has had great success over a number of years through providing a one-stop entertainment destination complete with thrilling roller coaster rides and an exciting atmosphere. In recent years, however, Six Flags has been struggling and is now in dire need of a boost to help regain its success in the Theme park industry. The amusement park industry offers a variety of attractions to a very large and diverse market. With everything from high-flying roller coasters to cartoon and movie character based offerings, theme parks have created a very successful market that has been on the rise for many years. However, like everything else, companies have seen their good times as well as their bad. It seems as though Six Flags may be on the decline in an exhausted market. Notwithstanding increased attendance on an annual basis, including the sharp decline of their teen market, the amusement park industry has been affected greatly by harsh economic times. Six Flags, Inc. specifically has become the epitome of this trying industry. Despite an increasing attendance rate over the years, Six Flags has seemed to dig itself into a hole that it cannot seem to get out of. Their debt-load has handcuffed them to the verge of bankruptcy. Their inability to increase attendance to the point of improved profitability and debt-reduction has helped lead this company toward potential failure. The significance of an increased attendance rate in 2008, (up to 25. 3 million from 24. 9 in 2007) yet still reporting a net loss of $207 million for the fourth quarter of 2008 is very big. You read "Six Flags" in category "Papers" 1 This signifies the tremendous amount of trouble Six Flags is currently in as their biggest point of profitability, attendance, has not been enough to dig this company out. This indicates that a drastic change of direction is in need for Six Flags, Inc. Although the numbers are bad for Six Flags, a marketing initiative may help bring this dying company back to life. Research Methodology Due to lack of resources and low participant count, we have decided to focus our research on secondary research only. While we do believe it may be beneficial to gather information and suggestions through primary research, there are many resources available through secondary research that will sufficient. As the theme park industry is large, a vast amount of literature and information is available. Through researching readily available information, we are able to gather both positive and negative options and research from very credible sources. Although the utilization and execution f primary research is ideal and extremely beneficial, particularly for marketing initiatives, its overall implementation is not a simple task. The type of primary research required to make sound marketing decisions, especially for a depressed company like Six Flags, would need to be on a much larger scale than we are capable of handling in such a short period of time. We focused our secondary research on past and current articles on Six Flags as well as the theme park industry as a whole. Databases and websites were utilized in gathering this information. In addition, we delved into previously conducted research regarding the theme park industry and Six Flags. This further allowed us to gather exactly how Six Flags arrived at its success, and ultimately to its failure over the past few years. This is information that could have been obtained through interviewing Six Flags employees; however, we chose to proceed with the more efficient choice of secondary research. 1 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team __ Situation Analysis SWOT Analysis Strengths Six Flags’ main strength in the present state of the U. S. economy seems to be its â€Å"free falling† prices. For instance, everyone who buys a daily ticket online for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA) pays the kids’ price of $29. 99. This has directly increased attendance. Next to its attractive prices is Six Flags’ internationally recognized brand name. The name, along with its wide array of entertainment products and experiences, has built enduring equity for 48 years. To refocus and re-energize its brand, Six Flags CEO Mark Shapiro and his marketing and entertainment teams have worked to make the theme park more family-friendly while still maintaining its ignature reputation for record-breaking thrill rides. The parks are cleaner, there is more broad-based entertainment, an enforced code of conduct for guests, and better trained employees who can deliver more quality service. As a result, key satisfaction scores were at or above all time highs for the company. Six Flags advocates special causes by holding annual walk-a-thons in the park, joining the fight to help cu re childrens cancer. They further support the â€Å"green movement† by using biodegradable commercial trash bags throughout the company’s 20 locations in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Location is another strength of Six Flags. The theme park is located in major metropolitan areas making it a probable, convenient drive away from home. Weaknesses Although Six Flags is now showing an increase in visitor attendance due to advertisements showcasing low ticket prices and an increased value offering, its number one weakness seems to be leveraging their massive debt load of over $2 billion dollars. It must also pay $300 million dollars to preferred stockholders in which it has no way of paying. The creation of new thrill rides can cost up to $20 million dollars each while consumer spending remains low. This debt will continue to stifle Six Flags’ growth and may lead them to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Since admission is up, the lines for each major attraction will also increase. This may make impatient patrons waiting in the hot summer sun to go elsewhere for entertainment. Another weakness is the retention rate of teenagers and young adults has continued to lessen because they claim â€Å"there’s nothing new for us. Disappointingly, a major weakness that the theme park is also trying to control is its fatal freak accidents. In June 2008, a 17-year-old was decapitated by the Batman roller coaster when he scaled two six-foot fences and entered a restricted area at Six Flags Over Georgia. The year before, a girl’s feet were cut off when a freefall thrill ride malfunctioned at the Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. A cable had snapped and wrapped around the 16-year-old’s feet, severing them at her ankles. Opportunities Six Flags is limited in opportunities as they have no cash on hand and an overwhelming debt load. However, to attract back the decreasing retention rate of its young adult market which as a result can leverage the debt, perhaps Six Flags can open a 21 and over nightclub. The club can have different elaborate themes each night, such as a â€Å"Batman† or â€Å"Terminator† party. A sports bar and restaurant can attract a new demographic of sports fanatics. Guest appearances by sports icons in these restaurants can also drive traffic through the park. Ride simulators in malls, introducing new and upcoming thrill rides, may also convince prospects to try the â€Å"real thing† at a 2 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 theme park. Six Flags can also try to sell some of its land that it owns surrounding its parks to help lessen their debt. It can even hold more events ranging from special causes to entertainment and extend its operational hours to the 21 and over crowd so as to increase ticket sales. Joining more strategic alliances internationally such as Dubai Holding to build a Six Flags in Dubailand can also prove to be profitable. Most importantly, Six Flags needs to get to the root of the problem and come up with a restructuring agreement that will satisfy both its stockholders and the company. Filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy may inadvertently decrease attendance as visitors may perceive that operations, including safety on rides and the cleanliness of the premises could be affected (although Six Flags confirms that these will not be affected if they do file). Thus, bankruptcy could ruin Six Flags’ image and limit more of their opportunities to expand. Threats Threats mainly include other major theme park competitors such as Disneyland and Universal Studios and indirect competition with more affordable fun activities such as miniature golfing or watching a movie. Other threats include the current swine flu that has spread rapidly throughout several states in the U. S. from its origin in Mexico. Some families may think twice before going to a theme park with hundreds or thousands of other persons in which any may be infected with the deadly virus. Severe weather conditions can even temporarily close down the park. In 2005, it was necessary for Six Flags New Orleans to close down in preparation for Hurricane Katrina. Katrina’s heavy winds and floods left an estimated $32. 5 million worth of damages. The park has since been closed. Competitor Analysis The major competitor of Six Flags Inc. is the Walt Disney Company. In comparison, the Disney Company focuses on attracting visitors from across the world to visit its parks while Six Flags targets its local demographic and does not seek to advertise internationally. Although Disneyland offers the magical experience that families have grown up to know and love through its flagship characters and movies, Six Flags is seeking to be the alternative getaway in a downward economy. First off, Six Flags is just a drive away for those who live in close radius to metropolitan areas. At Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA), as mentioned earlier, everyone can pay the online daily kid’s price of $29. 99. Disneyland and Disney World mainly require a whole vacation package, including airplane flights and a hotel stay. To visit Disneyland’s entire theme park in one day, a patron will have to shell out as much as $94 per day. In 2008, Six Flags even reported a 5 percent increase in revenue with reduced costs from the previous year while Disneyland recently reported an 8. 2 percent drop in revenue and increased costs for this year’s first quarter. Universal Studios movie-theme park, known for simulating their top rated movies into rides and other experiences, is another competitor that also requires a vacation package. Its general admission is $67. 99 a day. Last year, the park underwent attendance downturns due to construction and visitors holding off on vacations until the new rides were complete. However, even in a troubling economy families are willing to pay a premium to visit such parks as Disneyland and Universal Studios to go to a place â€Å"where dreams come true† and to get the ultimate Hollywood experience as seen through television and movies respectively. These are deemed to be more affordable when comparing it to a family trip to Europe or Asia. Six Flags’ other competition includes the experience of shopping at a mall, going out to the movies, or even staying home and obtaining thrills through Sony Playstation or Nintendo’s Wii. Consumers feel like â€Å"getting away† once in a while and if they are restricted to a budget, they may consider the cheaper activity that they can repeat more than once during closer periods of time. 3 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 Customer Analysis Approximately 25 million guests attend Six Flags annually. The park appeals to a broad demographic in which seventy-five percent of its customers live within 100 miles. Its main customer focus is its family unit. Most of its parks are limited to being open during the spring and summer seasons and only on weekends during off-seasons (due to weather factors). In this case, generating revenue from the family unit is crucial while still trying to retain its core audience of teens and young adults who are drawn to extreme rides. Thus, Six Flags is providing a wider product offering to increase its overall visitor attendance. It is also remaking its image into a wholesome, highly-branded, family-friendly place similar to that of Disney. There are more rides and attractions not only for a young demographic, but also for families. Six Flags has also given these customers more to do and spend money on by bringing in brands such as Johnny Rockets, Papa John’s, Cold Stone Creamery, and Kodak. The park’s attendance has gradually declined in recent years but started to pick up again in 2008 and is showing great promise this spring season. For instance, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom had its largest attendance since 2003 during their two-week spring break period. The family unit is price sensitive; therefore with daily ticket prices being fairly low along with current low gas prices, Six Flags seems like an affordable trip. The company is projecting 55 percent of its total revenues to come during the months of July and August. More families and higher disposable income families are expected to contribute to these revenues. Also, seventy-five percent of Six Flags consumers claim that their primary reason for attending the park is to spend time with friends and family. Company Analysis Six Flags, Inc. is the largest regional theme park company in the world providing a national brand with regional focus. The firm has 20 parks total, 18 of which are in the United States, with the other 2 located in Mexico and Canada. The entertainment destinations in the U. S. comprise theme, water and zoological parks with over 900 rides, including 130 rollercoaster’s. Six Flags, Inc. is headed by CEO Mark Shapiro and is a publicly-traded corporation headquartered in New York City. The first Six Flags theme park, Six Flags Over Texas, was opened in 1961 by Angus Wynn. The parks name came from the six themed sections, modeled after the culture of the six countries whose flags flew over Texas during the state’s colorful history. Today’s parks offer a complete one-stop diversified entertainment destination for all ages. 3 Thrill rides, restaurants, games, themed areas, children’s areas, parades, concerts, shows and much more are available for the customers’ enjoyment. Business Model Six Flags operates as a seasonal business – over 85% of park attendance and reve nues are generated between the second and third quarters of the calendar year. 4 Its business model is comprised primarily of making money through ticket sales, in-park food and merchandise sales, and sponsorship revenue. 5 4 Confidential Ticket Pricing For Internal Use Only Team 8 Ticket pricing covers a broad range, with tickets available for a single day park visit to season passes. There are 3 types of tickets available: †¢ †¢ †¢ Single day 1 park (general and children admission) Single day 2 park pass (general and children admission) Season Pass Single day 2 park passes are for locations that have both a Six Flags theme park and water park located next to each other. Please note that some theme parks have a water park inside of them, but do not require a 2 park pass. General admission prices range from $29. 9 – $69. 99. Children admission prices range from $20. 99 – $29. 99. These ranges cover Single Day 1 and 2 park passes for theme, water, and animal parks. Season Pass prices range from $39. 99 – $125. Season Passes may be purchased for single park admission or dual park admission. Season Passes include: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Unlimited visits Free tickets fo r guests Over $300 in park savings Access to Rise and Scream early openings and private Season Passholder Day Accepted at 15 Six Flags locations including La Ronde, Montreal Season passes are Six Flags core value offering. Passes cost little more than a day’s regular admission ticket price, and provide Six Flags visitors with added benefits and savings. Six Flags also offers a premium pass – the FLASH Pass – that serves as a ride reservation system. A limited number of FLASH Passes are available each day of operation and are valid the day of purchase only. There are 2 tiers for the FLASH Pass, Regular and Gold, with different stipulations for each. Regular FLASH Pass †¢ Avoid lines by making a reservation †¢ Wait as long as everyone else is waiting, but not in line †¢ Prices: $27. 9 for 1 person to $117. 99 for 6 people Gold FLASH Pass †¢ Enjoy discounted wait time of up to 75% †¢ Prices: $37. 99 for 1 person to $177. 99 for 6 people In-park Merchandise and Food Six Flags has various licensing and partnership agreements with other firms. Six Flags has held a licensing agreement with DC Comics and Warner Bros. Consumer Products enabling Six Flags to utilize the rights to the cartoon characters. Six Flags has used the licensing agreement to create character programs including meet and greets, meals, photograph and autograph opportunities. 6 5 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 Six Flags has further utilized the characters’ likeness for merchandise sales including toys, souvenir items, apparel, and more. In addition, cartoon themed rides have been constructed after both DC Comic and Warner Bros characters. Six Flags employs in-park and out-park alliances with restaurants and food manufacturers. Past and current out-of-park alliances have included promotions with Coca Cola, Kraft’s Lunchables product line, and Papa Johns Pizza. 7 In-park alliances have included the implementation of restaurant chains within Six Flags parks. Johnny Rockets, Papa Johns Pizza, and Cold Stone Creamery can be found within the parks, and Tyson chicken has become the official chicken supplier to all parks. 8 Additional Partnerships Other promotional alliances have been implemented as well. One such example is the sale and availability of Kodak products in Six Flags paks. Moreover, Six Flags and Nintendo have collaborated by offering free Wii game plays to the Six Flags visitors standing in-line, thus allowing them the opportunity to sample the Nintendo DS games. Six Flags also promotes its brand through American Express, Chase, Blue Green, Panda Express, and The United States Army. 9 American Express and Six Flags have a promotional offering for park visitors in the form of a VIP tours. Patrons may book their Six Flags VIP Tour Presented by American Express for participating theme parks. Please note that the VIP Tour is for theme parks only and does not include water slides and other waterpark attractions. Tours are given to groups or families by an experienced tour guide and can be customized. Tours are priced at $299 and include: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Private guided tour for your family or group Front-of-the-line ride privileges Preferred parking Theme park admission Reserved show seating Private autograph session with select LOONEY TUNES or The Justice League characters Lunch and dinner with reserved seating at restaurants Unlimited snacks Souvenir ride or character photo Expedited access to most rides in the park American Express cardholders gain an additional offer by receiving 20% off each VIP tour booked when they pay with any American Express card. Six Flag Parks California Six Flags Magic Mountain, Los Angeles – theme park Six Flags Hurrican Harbor, Los Angeles – water park Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo – theme and animal park 6 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 Georgia Six Flags Over Georgia, Atlanta – theme park Six Flags White Water, Atlanta – water park Illinois Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor, Chicago – theme and water park Kentucky Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, Lousiville – theme and water park Maryland Six Flags America, Baltimore/Washington DC – theme and water park Massachusetts Six Flags New England, Springfield – theme and water park Missouri Six Flags St. Louis – theme and water park New Jersey Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson – theme park Six Flags Hurrican Harbor, Jackson – water park Six Flags Wild Safari, Jackson – animal park New York The Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom, Lake George – theme and water park Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark, Lake George – lodge and water park Texas Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington – theme park Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio – theme and water park Canada La Ronde, Montreal – theme park Mexico Six Flags Mexico, Mexico City – theme park Six Flags will be opening a third international location in the United Arab Emirates, Dubailand, which will open its doors to customers in 2011. Marketing Problems and Opportunities The biggest issue Six Flags faces is its huge debt of over $2 billion dollars. The firm is on the verge of bankruptcy and has been pulled from the NYSE due to their shares falling below the $1 requirement. The firm needs to pay $300 million dollars to preferred stockholders, and lacks the capital to do so. Another key issue they face is their narrow target market. Six Flags has decreased their focus down to the youth, or teen market with less emphasis placed on appealing to families. This represents a huge loss of potential customers for Six Flags. Furthermore, there is a demand for thrill rides and rollercoaster’s that Six Flags can continue to benefit from. In order to meet both of 7 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 these issues head on, Six Flags must not only expand their demographic target, but also their product offerings. Revenue must be generated as quickly as possible through increased traffic to the parks and product diversification. Managerial Recommendations Market Focus Marketing Objectives The marketing objectives we aim to address, execute and accomplish are to increase revenue through diversification and pricing methodologies, and to increase the target market to include families, teens, and young adults. We seek to create promotional offers that affect price and new product offerings, and to re-position Six Flags theme parks as an entertainment destination that appeals to all ages, and more importantly families. Value communication is extremely important in the current economic situation we are experiencing. Six Flags is a one-stop entertainment destination that offers very low admission prices along with numerous attractions and activities. It is a park that price-sensitive consumers can enjoy and afford. Six Flags needs to increase its revenue to become viable. These additional revenue streams are to include diversification and promotions. The largest project to create more revenue is the creation of Boulevard Six. It will create the opportunity to have in review stream all year long, rather than just the summer months. It will have a diverse collection of food and entertainment to please the target markets of families and young adults. This will include well known restaurants and entertainment companies, as well as new and excited ventures. Next would be the introduction of Motion Simulator rides located in malls around the nation. These would bring in additional revenue as well as bring awareness of Six Flags. At these locations, the rides would be of the most popular attractions from across all the Six Flags. Promotions could also increase traffic to the parks and increase the revenue during these times. Boulevard Bash is a Saturday night event for those 21 years and older with live entertainment. Six Dollar Sundays would increase visitors to the parks and would bring in more repeat customers. Too Hot to Resist Days would entice people to come to parks on days when it is warm out. They could partake in the water rides to stay cool during these times. And â€Å"Free†dom Day would increase traffic to the park, however there would be revenue from ticket sales there would be from parking, food, and Boulevard Six. Target Market Increased guest spending is a major component of what target markets we are trying to reach. We want to move away from the teen market, which does not spend much if any money in the park beyond admission. The two new target markets Six Flags is going to cater to are families and 21+ young adults. Six Flags current target market is â€Å"mass-market blue-collar, with average income $50,000 per year, and probably split between teens and young adults on the one hand, and families on the 8 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 ther. â€Å"10 These families are not the type that are/were taking international family vacations. These families are â€Å"trading from a three-day, four-figure trip to Disney to a one-day, three-figure trip to Six Flags. †11 A trip to Six Flags is not cheap, but it is cheaper than. â€Å"A typical Six Flags visitor in 2007 spent $36 for the day, including parking, the price of a ticket, and meals. So, the company says, a day at Six Fl ags for a family of four costs less than $175. †12 Young adults are another target market Six Flags is looking into. They are a segment that had more disposable income than teens do, possible even more than families. â€Å"Young adults in the U. S. spend 52% of their money on clothing, 22% on food, and 13% on music. †13 With the addition of Boulevard Six, there is the opportunity to bring in more of the young adults, who would normally go to the local mall. Differentiation Six Flags has a lot going for it right now and with our marketing strategy, it may have the ability to differentiate itself from all the competitors. We aim to focus our differentiation based on the style of entertainment it offers. Six Flags will be a place people can go to have a day of excitement like no other theme park can offer. Without having to spend lots of money, people can have a great deal of fun during the day at an exciting theme park, and at night can cruise the Boulevard (Discussed below). There are obviously many places where one can go and enjoy a day at a theme park, however, they may have to travel a great distance if they desire to cap off the day with a night on the town. Six Flags will differentiate itself by providing both of these sources of entertainment in one location. Positioning We want Six Flags to be a place like no other in the country. In order to do this, we seek to position Six Flags in two ways. Due to the different offerings from Six Flags we don’t want to position ourselves in just one way. First, we aim to position ourselves as safe, family-friendly, lowcost form of entertainment. This position will be targeted to families and younger guests. We will advertise through day-time television and kid’s programming. Second, we will position ourselves as cool, fun, energetic and young-hearted. This position will be targeted to teens and younger adults (over 21) who would be interested in the Night of Fun as described below. We will hope to utilize different types of social media to target this demographic and project this type of positioning for Six Flags. Marketing Programs Product Strategy Six Flags has been providing their visitors products through their main channel, theme parks, during their existence. In order for Six Flags to stay competitive, we need to diversify our means of revenue. That will be done with the introduction to two new ventures, Motion Simulators and Boulevard Six. The motion simulators will be distributed throughout all major metropolitan malls that will be in close proximity to a Six Flags park. Malls are a choice location as they allow us to reach the broad demographics we target – families, teens, and young adults. The rides will have a selection of popular rides from Six Flags 19 parks. After the ride is over, it will â€Å"spit out† a 50% off admission coupon good for any Six Flags park, and must be redeemed within one month. This tactic is expected to drive sales up dramatically. 9 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 Boulevard Six will be an outdoor shopping district located outside of Six Flags larger parks. Its intention is to help produce revenue all year long, even while the parks are closed for the season. Boulevard Six will have a mix of food, shopping and entertainment for all ages. Restaurants will include California Pizza Kitchen, P. F. Changs, Johnny Rockets and more. Shopping will include Fossil, Gap, Abercrombie and more. Entertainment will come from the Comcast Sports Bar, nightclubs, live concert stages, Lucky Strike Bowling and movie theaters. Boulevard Six will also be the location of Boulevard Bash. Pricing Strategy Six Flags’ current pricing strategy for their online daily tickets is proving to be successful in terms of attracting more visitor attendance. A great example is Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA). As a price bundle, the theme park can also offer online daily tickets with one-day discounted parking at 20 percent to further raise attendance. For its Discovery Kingdom park, visitors will pay $29. 99 plus $12 for one-day parking totaling $41. 99. If paid separately, parking would cost $15. For its season pass holders, Six Flags can give an automatic 10 percent on all meals and merchandise simply by presenting their season passes at point-of-sale. Vouchers and coupons do not need to be redeemed for the sake of customers’ convenience. In addition to perks such as free tickets for your friends on select days, and free special events, season pass holders who are 21 and over will also pay a discounted price of $15 to get into Six Flags’ exclusive nightclub in Boulevard Six (mentioned under â€Å"Promotion†). Season parking passes also purchased online can be reduced by 20 percent and bundled with their appropriate season passes to increase the affordability and convenience of visiting Six Flags respectively. The V. I. P. tour requires a 4-person minimum and can cost up to $299 per person. This may seem like an extravagant and an unnecessary option. However, American Express cardholders with more discretionary income can enjoy this option at a 20 percent discount. To appeal towards more price-sensitive families who still want to get the ultimate V. I. P. experience, online specials should include a 20 percent discount on select days regardless of what credit card is being used. Extended hours for special events can also deliver an extra added value to 21 and over patrons who are willing to pay a 25 percent increase on top of regular one-day admission. Being open until 12 midnight for such events would grant exclusivity to a smaller crowd with less falling in line. Another feature would be to have hard liquor and beer priced at a premium to further maximize profits. Ride simulators (mentioned in opportunities under â€Å"SWOT analysis†) will cost the consumer $9 for a four-minute edge-of-your-seat excursion! (These will be located in all major metropolitan malls that will be in close proximity to a Six Flags park. ) After the ride is over, it will â€Å"spit out† a 50% off admission coupon good for any Six Flags park, and must be redeemed within one month. This tactic is expected to drive sales up dramatically. Promotion In order for our marketing efforts to be successful, we need to attract customers to the previously discussed new park and activities. This is where the use of promotions will come into play. With exciting new attractions offered by Six Flags, we will need to engage more people through various type of promotions. We suggest by starting with sales promotions. The first sales promotion will be a yearly engagement, every Fourth of July where all guests get in for free. We will call this promotion â€Å"FREEdom Day†. By incorporating the Independence Day 10 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 theme, every Six Flags park will be the most enjoyable place to be on the Fourth of July. This will be a day where families can come to experience the rides and attractions, all themed accordingly, and can end the day with a 45 minute long firework display coordinated to a serious of popular current music hits. We want this promotion to help Six Flags become the leading place to be during the Fourth of July. Due to capacity constraints in each of the parks, attendance will be limited to the maximum capacity the park can handle. We will let more people in as other leave, and while everyone waits, we will have activities and entertainment out in the waiting area. Even though the guests are not in the park yet, they should still be able to have an enjoyable time while they wait. Since one of our main goals is to improve loyalty among our guests, we also want to have promotions on a more frequent level. One of these frequent promotions will be Six Dollar Sundays. We will offer admission to all Six-Flags for only $6 every Sunday. Another frequent promotion will be called Fun in the Sun. Anytime the temperature hits above a certain temperature (depending on the location of the park) admission will be half-price. This will help entice the people that are reluctant to come to the park if it is too hot outside. This next promotion will give free admission to people on their Birthday. We will call this our Birthday Club and promote keep records of every person’s Birthday so every year we can send them reminders to entice them to come back. Our final promotion will be called Boulevard Bash. This will be for the 21 and older crowd and will be priced at $25 per person. We will block off our Boulevard Six (described below) and admit only persons of age. We will provide alcohol and bring in musical talent to perform every Saturday night. Distribution The main channel of distribution will continue to be Six Flags parks. The majority of our marketing plan is focused around promotional and pricing methodologies, with the promos taking place in Six Flags. Through the price promos we execute, we anticipate an increase in sales of in-park merchandise as consumers will have more disposable income due to their savings on park admission. There will be one other channel of distribution, however, for the thrill Motion Ride simulators. The ride simulators will be distributed throughout all major metropolitan malls that will be in close proximity to a Six Flags park. Malls are a choice location as they allow us to reach the broad demographics we target – families, teens, and young adults. Implementation and Control Financial Data Six Flags is in financial distress, which might lead Six Flags to file chapter-eleven for bankruptcy. Furthermore, in October of 2008, the New York Stock Exchange penalized Six Flags since its stockholder equity had fallen below $75-million, and the stock price had fallen below one-dollar violating the New York Stock Exchange standards. 4 If Six Flags does not increase its stock price 11 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 and market capitalization, it risks being removed from the NYSE. 15 Six Flags will not be able to continue operating without finding a plan to restructure the debt. Six Flags lost $113 million in 2008, which is compared to $253 million in 2007. However, the m ost recent forth quarter its reported loss is $201 million, which is compared to 2007 forth quarter $127 million. 16 The projections for Six Flags are concerning. First, by August 15th of 2009, Six Flags must pay $287. million in Preferred Income Equity Redeemable Shares to the shareholders. However, if Six Flags failed, the amount would reach in excess of $318 million. 17 Second, the financial situation is very critical further complicating Six Flags ability to continue operating. Due to major banks being in financial trouble, there is no access to adequate capital resources and lending procedures are more stringent. In order to obtain capital, our group is projecting the possibility of Busch Entertainment Corporation, a competing theme park operator in the United States, to acquire Six Flags. Busch Entertainment Corporation is a subsidiary of Anheuser- Busch. Busch Entertainment Corporation operates nine-theme parks across the nation including the Sea World and Busch Garden Parks. The company’s financial performance has been generating revenue of $1. 3 Billion and a positive earned income on the revenue. 18 Therefore, by reaching such a deal, Six Flags can have access to capital to meet the financial obligations and payoff the creditors. On the other hand, it will diversify its risk portfolio, and the advantages to share assets of both Six Flags and Busch Entertainment Corporation. Financial Projection Financial Control Six Flags CEO has been proactive in restructuring the Six Flags itself, and not only the debt. For instance, by making some major changes, Six Flags can survive these crucial economic circumstances. Therefore, CEO Mark Shapiro has used his private equity firm, Red Zone Capital, for purchasing the restaurant chain Johnny Rockets in order to integrate the chain into all parks. In addition, Red Zone Capital bought Dick Clark Productions, television home of the Golden Globe Awards, and the Academy of Country Music Awards. This was done with the intention of featuring celebrity and music events in the parks to generate revenue and stimulate and increase foot traffic. 19 Financial control over the Six Flags situation is still valid, by both restructuring the debt, and the theme parks. In addition, to potential of gaining access to some financial resources from a possible merger or consolidation with the Busch Entertainment Corporation is valid as the firms have similar revenue models and Busch has experienced more successful financial performance than Six Flags. Conclusion Six Flags financial situation is extremely dire and the firm is currently floundering to stay afloat. We believe that with our Marketing Plan, we may enable them to greatly increase foot traffic and sales revenue. The pricing promotions will bring people to the park and cause them to spend the money they save on ticket sales, on in-park food or merchandise. The promotions for young adults featuring 21+ nights will provide a great source of income through food and alcoholic beverage sales. The Boulevard will further create a diversified source of revenue. The re-positioning of Six Flags as a fun, low-cost entertainment destination for the family will further increase their target market and communicate value to price-sensitive consumers. Six Flags is an enjoyable theme park where all of your family entertaining needs may be met. We anticipate an increase in Six Flags performance through the execution of our Marketing Plan. 12 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 McCann, Kyle. â€Å"Rough Year Recorded at Six Flags. † ABC2News. com. 12 March 2009. 7 May 2009 . 2 â€Å"Six Flags – Investor Relations. † Six Flags. 10 May 2009 How to cite Six Flags, Papers

Hilarious story Essay Example For Students

Hilarious story Essay In Tickets Please by DH Lawrence and Tony Kytes the Arch-Deceiver by Thomas Hardy we are faced by two men who have the power to manipulate women to get what they want from them. Both John Thomas and Tony Kytes initially seem to be manipulative. In a sharp role reversal, the women are able to gain control of the situation; however, they lose this at the end of the stories to the men. Many factors such as the time period in which the stories were written in and the writers point of view cause an unexpected ending to the stories. It is questionable as the two male characters try to manipulate women and whether they succeed or not. Tickets Please written by D H Lawrence was set in the industrial environment of Nottingham during wartime. Tony Kytes written by Thomas Hardy was set in pre 20th century in the rural area of Wessex.  DH Lawrence was obsessed with honesty, particularly with regard to sexual matters. By writing about sex he was breaking social taboos as well as the then laws on decency. DH Lawrence (1885-1930) was one of five children born to a miner and ex-schoolteacher near Nottingham. He managed to avoid working in the mines and became a teacher. Soon he left this job because of ill health and began his career as a writer, travelling widely and writing extensively, producing novels and poems as well as short stories. His work reveals a passionate and intense nature with an accurate eye for detail. Often autobiographical, his writings also show his close relationship with his mother and sensitivity about his poor working-class background. Thomas Hardy was an influence to 20th Century writers, and as recognition of his work his ashes were buried in Poets corner in Westminster Abbey, and his heart buried in his wifes grave Emma. Thomas Hardy was born in 1840 in Dorset. Before His death in 1928, he had written fifteen novels, four collections of short stories and eight collections of poetry. Hardy is a strong storyteller and his works often deal with the problems caused by human passion and desire. Tony Kytes the arch deceiver is a hilarious story of an afternoon when Tony was driving home from the market in his wagon. On his journey he met a pretty girl called Unity fianc Milly. As they were riding he sees Milly fearing his displeasure on seeing Unity riding with him on the wagon, he manages to persuade Unity to hide at the back of the wagon.  Later on in the journey he manages to persuade Milly to do the same thing when he sees yet another young lady, this time called Hannah. Inevitably, at the end of the journey the three young ladies discover each others presence. After a brief period of mayhem, Milly and Tony are alone again planning their wedding. Tickets Please tells us the story of John Thomas (an inspector on the trams) finally seducing Annie (a conductor on the trams). He wanted to be only a natural presence, so when Annie wants more he leaves her. To get her revenge Annie persuades his five previous lovers to join her laying a trap for john Thomas. They lock him in waiting room and attack him violently.  He is forced to choose one of them. Once he makes his decision he leaves because Annie doesnt want him and neither do the rest of them.  The way in which Tony Kytes is different to john Thomas is the way in which he treats the women. Tony Kytes generally likes all the women. Would have kissed all three of them  Whereas John Thomas uses them for his own pleasure. Tony Kytes wasnt a philanderer but he was still the womans favourite. He is more boyish looking and doesnt have the manly features like the moustache, which John Thomas has. There was no more sign of a whisker or beard on Tony Kytes face than on the palm of my hand  Another thing the both of the men have very much in difference is that John Thomas is only interested in short-term relationships whereas Tony Kytes wants commitment and marriage. Overall both men enjoy their success with women. .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647 , .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647 .postImageUrl , .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647 , .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647:hover , .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647:visited , .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647:active { border:0!important; } .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647:active , .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647 .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua620e08d30fd7bdfc344afcef4792647:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Battle Royal EssayWomen find Tony very attractive, despite his scars from smallpox which he had as a boy. He was a very serious youngster, though you wouldnt know it by reading the story. Tony, as a man, is very scandalous and facetious, in the way that there is more humour rather than deceit when he shifts between women. He is an unfaithful, indecisive man whose shaven-face and charms will get him anywhere. Hardy begins with a description of Tony Kytes: Twas a little, round, firm, tight face, with a seam here and there left by the smallpox, but not enough to hurt his looks in a womans eye, though hed had it badish when he was a boy.  He looked very hard at a small speck in your eye when talking to ee  He quickly establishes that Tony is a womaniser.  He was quite the womens favourite and in return for their liking he loved them in shoals John Thomas Raynor is an inspector on the trams during wartime along with the comely women conductors and the delicate young men who could not go to war. (There is no mention of why John Thomas didnt go war, and his description mentions no physical flaws.) He is an egotistical, uncaring tram inspector, who is very much a coward under the tough exterior.  Lawrence is just as skilful in showing his readers that John Thomas is also a womaniser.  He flirts with the girl conductors in the morning and walks out with them in the dark night He flirts and walks out with the newcomers Although, neither man is ever in love with any of the women. Tony Kytes loved em in shoals, which meant there wasnt any true love on his part. He knew that he was quite the womans favourite and used this to his advantage. Tony was very easily led, and his feelings for the women tend to change faster than the wind. Likewise John Thomas like meaningful relationships with women, and liked to remain a nocturnal presence.  Both men manipulate the women to their advantage, leaving a trail of broken hearts behind them, as, unfortunately for the women, for them it is true love- although for the men they were just an afterthought, the women hate being rejected or even rejecting. Tony is cautious when it comes to the women- he shows concern for their feelings, or perhaps, just his own, when he hides them from view so as not to upset other people:  Now dearest Unity, will ye, to avoid all unpleasantness, which I know ye cant bear any more than I  He is just manipulating Unitys feelings, and using it to get his own way by telling her things that he knows she wants to hear:  Will ye lie down in the back part of the wagon and let me cover you over with the tarpaulinand perhaps I shall put a loving question to you after all Victorian women are meant to be reserved, for example, it would be scandalous for them to ask for a lift:  My dear Tony, will you give me a lift home?  Unity is a very up-front women, who has no trouble at all in complaining to Tony about Milly, to whom he is engaged, or persuading him that she is prettier than Milly:  In fact, I never knowed you was so pretty before!  When Milly arrives, Tony tries to stall time to think up an excuse as to why she shouldnt ride with him:  I was thinking that you might be going into town to meet your mother. I saw her there- and she looked as if she might be expecting ee

Human resource management practice

In the recent past, human resources development and management in Australia has experienced tremendous growth. Previously, this industry has been formal but of late industry regulators are moving towards deregulation of this sector by engaging a more professionally trained workforce, in effect casualizing and diversifying the hospitality industry (Patrickson Hartmann 1998, p. 98).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Human resource management practice specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Practitioner are more emphatic on creating a more flexible work plan, putting employees on performance based contracts, reliance on legal professionals and computerizing HR management. This has created a more diversified HR and hospitality industry in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the functional comparisons between Australia and India’s human resource management in the hospitality industry. There is no shor tage of available labor force for Australia’s hotel industry. In their report, Nankervis and Debrah explain that primary function of industry managers is to identify, train and equip hotels with reliable work force that meets industry demands (1993, p. 507). This is because Australia is a major tourist destination for elite tourists. In order to retain tourists, hotels must provide the best customer service. HR managers in Australia have also had to develop a â€Å"more systematic employee management† by developing more flexible work policies that accommodate â€Å"casual and students labor force (Knox Walsh 2006, p. 1). In the recruitment of employees, 32% of Australian hotels ensure that there are equal employment opportunities for both genders (Knox and Walsh 2). To add to this, about 82% of all hotels in Australia posses’ mission statements that express their business philosophies and objectives (Knox Walsh 2006, p. 3). Australian hotel industry still has a very low appraisal rates with only about 59.5 % of Australian hotels conduct employees’ performance appraisals and 40.6% having a distinct careers plans for their employees (Knox Walsh 2006, p. 4). This is not enough to motivate the Australian hotel workers. By comparison, India’s hotel industry spends about 33% of its total earnings while Australia spends about 35% on labor cost (Buultjens Cairncross 2009, p. 48; Hotel news resource 2010). The Indians industry has also sought to move to engage a â€Å" more flexible job description so as to suit in the emerging and a more formalized training procedure for its hotel work force,† just like Australia (Chand 2009, para 1).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, Australia hospitality industry has seen an increase in the number of part time employees over the years, rising to 54% of the overall work f orce (Nankervis 1995, para 12). The Indian HR department solely decides the penalties imposed on errant employees; Australia is more consultative. This means that Indian is still lagging behind in training of quality hotel staff. The chart below shows the differences outweigh the similarities. In conclusion, India is still lagging behind Australia in the general development of the hospitality industry as compared to Australia. There is a shortage of hotels training institutes in India whereas, Australia has moved from developing training institutions to providing quality training fro employees that its industry demands. As a result of improved training HR, management practices have improved tremendously and therefore Hoteliers have achieved more desirable results. They also attract a labor force with the relevant job competencies. However, they still need to improve on employee appraisal programs and develop career growth plans, if they are to retain such highly competent staff. Bo th countries are engaging policies for more flexible work-plans for their employees because of the overall industry fluctuations. Reference List Buultjens’ J., Cairncross, G., 2009. The Australian Hospitality Industry Response to Formalized Enterprise And Individual; Bargaining Prior To The Ruud Government. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Web.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Human resource management practice specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Chand, M., 2010. Human resource management practices in Indian hospitality enterprises: an empirical analysis. DOI: 10.1080/13606710903447972 HOTEL NEWS RESOURCE., 2010. Deloitte Hospitality 2015: Seven Key Trends to Shape the Future Success. Web. Knox, A., Walsh, J. (2006). Organizational flexibility and HRM in the hotel industry: evidence from Australia..DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-8583.2005.tb00140.x . Nankervis A. (1993). Enhancing Productivity in the Australian Hotel Industry: The Role of Human Resource Management, Research and Practice in Human Resource Management. 1.117-39. Nankervis, A. (1995). Human Resource Management in Hotels: A Comparative Study. Web. Patrickson, M., Hartmann, L., 2001. Human Resource Management in Australia Prospects for the Twenty-First Century. International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 22, No. 398. Thadani, M., Wij, I., 2010. India Hotel Industry Survey 2009-2010. The  Federation of Hotel Restaurant Associations of India. Web.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This report on Human resource management practice was written and submitted by user Leilani Pennington to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Liberec, a city in the north of Czech republic essays

Liberec, a city in the north of Czech republic essays Liberec is situated in a valley between the Jizera Mountains and the Jested Ridge. The Nisa River runs through it. The Town Hall lies 373m above the sea level. The town has population about 100 000 inhabitants and occupies the area of nearly 115 square km. From its foundation (the first written report about the village, concerning paying elevenses to the Pope, comes from 1352), Liberec was gradually developing as a trade and crafts centre of regional importance. When the house of Biberstein died out, the Liberec manor was bought by the Redern family in 1558. Thanks to this purchase, Liberec started to change its parochial character. It gained the status of a town in 1577. First linen and dealers and drapers settled here. First stone buildings- the Castle, the Church of St. Anthony and the renaissance Town Hall (pulled down in 1893) grew up among wooden houses. Albrecht of Wallenstein continued in the Redern tradition. He founded the New Town and supported further development of textile crafts. The ground plan of the Sokolovske Square and timbered houses in Vetrna Street remind us of Albrechts age even today. The sufferings of the Thirty Years War reflected in Liberec only after his death, when the Swedish and imperial troops came here in turn. The order prohibiting construction of wooden houses in 1807 led to the rapid rebuilding of the town centre. Also the road connection with the rest of the world improved in the first half of the 19th century and a railway was introduced here in 1859. Liberec was already the second most populous town in Bohemia. Its importance was further elevated by a special statue from 1850 and by the fact that it became a seat of higher state offices and institutions. Economic power was represented by Trade and Commercial Chamber, cultural and social importance was intensified by the existence of the theatre (since 1820) and by the activity of various associations. Great attention was pa...

Should GCSE formate be changed over the next few years Essay

Should GCSE formate be changed over the next few years - Essay Example Recently, the education standards in the ‘General Certificate of Secondary Education’ have come under serious debate from educationists and people from the political circles, widely giving rise to the notion that the GCSE examination should altogether be abolished and replaced by another like the E-Bac. GCSE has recently been under heavy fire for leaving teenagers underprepared for University Education. The exam has been failing to train teenagers for the degree level of education (Shepherd, 2012). The gcse has been lagging behind in training students for higher education, especially in subjects like mathematics, geography, chemistry, biology, English and English Literature. GCSE has been found more focused on the results that the exams generate and not a broader prospect of education (Baker, 2012). The amount of course work has also been considerably reduced over the past decade. It has been reviewed by ofqual (regulator of qualification), that GCSE has been becoming in creasingly easier over the past decade, which is suggestive of falling standards of Education (Shepherd, 2012). ... tudents coming to out of the GCSE did not possess necessary skills regarding critical thinking and writing, which were necessarily required for the degree courses (Shepherd, 2012). The poll also revealed that the lecturers teaching the degree level subjects of English, business studies, geography and psychology were unimpressed by the exam standard and wanted more open-ended questions and an independent study orientation (shepherd, 2012). MCQ’s restrict the student’s ability to learn and remember complex forms of data and information, as it focuses on testing the students for parts of information on topics. Many believe that with the passing years the MCQ content of the exams has been greatly increasing while the descriptive essay like questions in the exams have reduced considerably, which are the real indicators of the amount and level of learning. In the 2012 review by ofqual, it was put forth that as compared to 2001, in 2010 human geography exam had fewer questions that tested the scientific knowledge of the students; 2008 biology exam also had an increased number of short answers and MCQ’s as compared to the exam in 2003; the 2010 geography exam was testing the pupils on fewer topics as compared to the exam that was put forth in the year 2001; and for the subject of Chemistry 2008 exam also showed more GCSE level questions as compared to the year 2003 (Shepherd, 2012). The Education Secretary, Micheal Gove says that the system of GCSE was â€Å"for a different age and a different world† (BBC, 2012). Mr. Gove believes the GCSE system to be outdated and that new exam system like E-Bac could help raise the bar again. The education secretary believes that changes in education system are necessary so that there can be â€Å"truly rigorous exams, competitive with the

Case Study Nike The Sweatshop Debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Study Nike The Sweatshop Debate - Essay Example Nike has changed its course of action in recent years from one of sheer denial and arguments to one of policy and change. The fact that the company responded only to global media pressure and the fact that standards only changed in Indonesia because of workers strikes and consumer pressure leave something to be desired about the ethical standards of Nike. However, it is important to recognize that Nike did change, though the implementation of the 1997 policies, almost ten years later, are not fully in effect. Nike should be held ethically responsible for the working conditions in foreign factories of subcontractors. In a business decision, regardless of the international boundaries, it is important to follow a certain level of ethical standards. While it is impossible to judge if Nike absolutely knew of the sub-standard conditions, it is logical to assume that Nike could not have ignored the possibility, regardless of the information from Mr. Young, who said that the conditions were adequate in the factories. Yet, in countries where minimum age and working condition laws are not contusive to an appropriate and healthy lifestyle, Nike, by simple association, should maintain a level of dignity for their products. However, the legalities of the situation become more intricate for Nike, being an American based business, subcontracts to (mainly) Asian factories. In 1992, Nike implemented a Memorandum that "required its subcontractors to comply with local laws regulating wages and working cond itions and mandated that documentation of compliance with the Memorandum be maintained for Nike's inspection," and "required subcontractors to adhere to environmentally safe practices and to certify that they did not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation," yet by 1997 the subcontractors in question were obviously ignoring the Memorandum (Shaw p 6 1999). The fact that Nike created this Memo shows that in early years, the company was knowledgeable of the situation-otherwise, there would not have been a reason to respond (via the Memorandum) to negative media attention. The fact that Nike shows a response based on findings and media attention furthers the idea that they should be held legally, on an international basis, for their business practices-even those that fall under the laws of other countries. 2. What labor standards regarding safety, working conditions, overtime, and the like should Nike hold foreign factories to: those prevailing in that country, or those prevailing in the United States In 1997, the ILO (International Labor Organizations 268th Session Geneva 1997) at a Geneva Convention outlined the need for international labor laws to prevent the mistreatment of workers and, especially of children: (a) freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; (b) the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; (c) the effective abolition of child labour; and (d) the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. On that note, the shoes Nike sells from eighty to one-hundred and fifty dollars costs anywhere from twelve cents to five dollars to

Use Cases for ATM Service Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Use Cases for ATM Service - Case Study Example dispensing a) There are no errors and the cash is dispensed b) There is a shortfall or no stock of cash in denomination entered by the customer c) The ATM is out of cash d) Connection gets timed out due to connectivity issues with the bank servers f) Internal Error of the ATM g) Power Outage 11) Customer is dispensed the cash 12) Customer receives the card back 13) Printed advice is dispensed 14) Customer is prompted for another round of transaction 15) Customer enters a yes or a no a) If customer enters a yes then the entire set of steps from step number 6 or in some cases step number 4 is repeated b) If customer enters a no then the screen is reset and the User Session is closed 16) the ATM is ready for a fresh session / customer. Withdrawal Transaction Use Case: Figure 1: Use Case of Event of a bank customer withdrawing money from the ATM Figure 2: Use Case Diagram showing actors and processes in the process of withdrawing funds from the bank account using an ATM Use case dependen cy for making an account deposit: Below listed is the step sequence for a customer attempting to deposit a deposit to an account from the ATM: 1. Customer inserts his ATM card 2. Customer is asked to enter a language option 3. Customer is redirected to a page asking for the PIN 4. Customer enters PIN and is redirected to the Menu where transactions can be chosen 5. Customer chooses deposit money into account 6. Customer successfully deposits money into the account. Figure 3: Use Case Diagram for Depositing money into an account through an ATM Accounts Transfer Use Case: In order to make an account transfer from one account to another account the following steps need to be followed by the customer. 1. The customer inserts his ATM card 2. The customer enters language preferences followed by... The ATM is one component of the entire money transferring process from the Account holder’s bank account, right into the hands of the ATM operator in the form of currency notes. Account numbers are one of the most sensitive personal data. It is the access route to all finances of the bank’s customer. One of the major ethical issue related to the development or use of the ATM system is the failure of the network to securely transmit the credentials entered by the ATM user to the bank’s servers for transaction processing. This could lead to leakage of data and eventually hackers gaining access to the account through remote login into the account holder’s account. Another major ethical issue in connection with the development and use of the ATM that the Use Case exposes is the visibility of personally identifiable information to System Administrators, Data Operators for example: Name, email address, phone number, address and date of birth. Regarding security and compliance and Ethics every organisation should have common policies in place to prevent any sort of data privacy breach. Access Control, Multi Layer Data Encryption and Data Protection, Information Security, Biometric Scan etc should be in place to avoid any security or ethical breach. â€Å"Regarding security, every organization should have several common policies in place in addition to those already discussed relative to access control methods.

Impact of STD and STI on Pregnancy

Impact of STD and STI on Pregnancy Shaian Vandenburg Monroe College This research paper dissects the problems and consequences of some Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) such as The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Hepatitis B Virus and the Cytomegalovirus, and how it impacts all facets of pregnancy. Additionally, this paper will further discuss the Signs and Symptoms, Treatment, and preventative methods that can be used for these complications. Sexually Transmitted Diseases can complicate pregnancy and have serious effects on both the mother and the developing baby. Some of these problems may be seen at birth; others may not be discovered until months or years later. HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In the United States, the number of women with AIDS is on the rise (Johnstone, 1992). There have been many concerns of the effects that HIV/AIDS can have on pregnancy. In most cases, immune-compromised women reduces the CD Lymphocyte count below is normal threshold. Studies have proven that the outcome of Aids in pregnancy can be fatal. In the United States, the first 6 cases of Aids related pregnancies of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia were fatal (Johnstone, 1992). Similarly, other studies have reported cases of pre-term labor, syphilis, and low birth weight. In the first controlled study of women who were infected with HIV/AIDS, results proved that there were correlations of pre-term labor, intrauterine growth retardation, and low birth weight. This infection can be transmitted to the baby through breastfeeding or at delivery. Other factors such as placental damage can also be related to an increased rate of transmission of the disease from the mother and the baby (Johnstone, 1992). Other retroviruses, such as Moloney murine leukaemia virus126 or HTLV I in the human are also transmitted to the baby by breast feeding. HIV-1 occurs in breast milk and there is no doubt that infection has been transmitted to the baby postnatally. Syphilis This is a bacterial infection that is caused by sexual contact which usually starts off as a painless sore on common sites such as your genitals, rectum or mouth. It is caused by spiral shaped bacteria called Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is transmitted from the mother to the fetus if the disease is left untreated. This can often lead to death of the baby (WHO, 2017). According to World Health Organization, the transmission of this disease from the mother to child resulted in approximately 143,000 early fatal deaths or stillbirths, 62,000 neonatal deaths and 44,000 babies were born either prematurely or with low birth weight (WHO, 2017). Syphilis is treated with antibiotics. Benzathine penicillin is usually injected into the arm or buttocks of the infected patient, this form of treatment is known as the most effective treatment for this disease. However, like any other sexually transmitted disease, the best prevention from this disease is by abstaining or sexual contact with one partner who has been tested negatively for this disease. Chlamydia Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that can be easily cured. This disease affects both men and women and can cause permanent damages to a womans reproductive system, making it difficult for her to get pregnant. This infection is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Like gonorrhea, it is spread by unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an infected person. Chlamydia is easily spread because most men and women have no signs and are unaware of the disease. However, the signs in women are vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods or after sex, burning or pain when urinating, pain the abdominal or pelvic area and pain during sex. In rare cases, people with chlamydia have Arthritis or sore joints and inflammation of the eye (CDC, 2016). Men are rarely linked to health problems that are associated with chlamydia. Infections sometimes spread to the tube that carries sperm from the testicles, which causes pain and fever. Rarely, chlamydia can prevent a man from being able to have children (CDC, 2016). This can have some effect on the baby if transmitted. Similarly, like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia can cause PID, which can cause Ectopic pregnancies. It can spread to newborn babies during delivery which can cause pneumonia and eye infections. In addition, pregnant women who are infected, have an increased risk of having a premature baby (CDC, 2016). Generally, this disease is treated with antibiotics. It is usually advised to avoid sexual contact until the treatment has been completed. Some ways to prevent contracting Chlamydia are by protecting yourself with the use of condoms, and also by being in a monogamous relationship with someone who has been tested negatively for this disease. Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) that is transferred from one person to another by unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. The infection is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Keifer and Sarachik, 2016). This disease usually affects warm and moist areas of the body such as the eyes, throat, vagina, anus, urethra and the female reproductive tract. In females, these infections can appear like a common bacterial or yeast infection (Keifer, 2016). Some of the symptoms are discharge from the vagina which can appear watery, creamy or slightly green, pain or burning sensation while urinating, the need to urinate more frequently, heavier periods or spotting, sore throat, pain while engaging in sexual intercourse, sharp pain in the lower abdomen and also fever. According to the American Congress Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2016), miscarriage rates increases in women with this disease. Gonorrhea affects approximately 13,000 pregnant women each year in the United States (CDC). It poses a risk for an unborn child during pregnancy and also during delivery. Often times, women with this disease develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID),which can increase the chances of an ectopic pregnancy (Perkins, 2015). An ectopic pregnancy is a condition where the fetus implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Since this tube is too small to accommodate the fetus, tubal rupture and serious bleeding can result if the tube is not removed. Babies that are delivered vaginally have a higher chance of contracting this disease from secretions in the vaginal tract. These symptoms can be very detrimental to the babys health. The signs are often discovered by skin infections, respiratory infections, blindness, meningitis, arthritis of the joints and lastly, systematic blood infections which can be life threatening to the baby. The best protection against this disease is abstinence, monogamy, and the proper use of condoms. Some lifestyle practices such as drugs and alcohol abuse can also increase the chances of contracting this disease (Sarachik, 2016). Hepatitis B Virus The term Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver that can be caused by many viruses or other infections. In addition to Hepatitis B, there are also Hepatitis A and C. However, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis B is a viral infection, that attacks the liver and can cause acute and chronic disease. This virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other fluids of the body of an infected person. It is also spread by exposure to infected blood and various body fluids such as saliva, menstrual, vaginal and seminal fluids. Sexual Transmission of this virus particularly occurs in unvaccinated men who participate in sexual activities with partners with this disease This virus can survive outside of the body for at least 7 days. During this time, it is still possible to cause an infection if it enters the body of someone who is unvaccinated. The incubation period of the Hepatitis B virus is approximately 75 days, but it can vary from 30 to 180 days. (Nettleman, 2016). Like any other disease, Hepatitis B, has many effects on the baby. Some of which includes, low birth weight and prematurity, neonatal jaundice and congenital anomalies or perinatal mortality. However, the effects of chronic Hepatitis B Virus infection on pregnancy outcomes have not been clearly defined (Nettleman, 2016). Genital Herpes Genital Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus (HSV). Having this disease during pregnancy can cause significant health risks resulting in neonatal diseases (Aga, 2009). This virus causes herpes by entering the body via mucous membranes or breaks in the skin. Like every other STD, Genital Herpes is spred by unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex. There are two types of HSV, Herpes Simplex 1, which causes cold sores and Herpes Simplex 2, which causes Genital Herpes. Some signs and symptoms are fever flu-like symptoms, nausea, muscle aches, painful urination, tingling or burning sensation in the area where blisters will appear. It is possible to get the infection in the mouth, tongue, lips and other parts of the body. If a woman has contracted the genital herpes virus in the birth canal during delivery, herpes simplex virus can be spread to the infant causing neonatal herpes, which can sometimes be fatal. Neonatal herpes can complications that cause overwhelming infections to the central nervous system, mental retardation or even death. Babies are most at risk for neonatal herpes if the mother contracts genital herpes in the later stages of the pregnancy. Additionally, the virus can be spread to the baby in the first week of birth if he or she is kissed by someone with an active cold sore, also known as oral herpes. In rare conditions, herpes can be spread by touch, if someone touches an active sore and then immediately touches the baby. Therefore, it is advised that an infected person avoids contact with the baby. Usually after birth, the baby is observed closely for approximately three weeks. Symptoms of neonatal herpes may include a skin rash, fever, crankiness, or lack or appetite. While these can be symptoms of other illnesses, it is advised that each symptom be observed carefully. Subsequently, The baby should be taken to his or her pediatrician and the parent should notify the doctor that he or she has the disease (ASHA, 2017). There is no cure for Herpes. But, there are medications that can prevent or shorten the outbreaks of the disease. Treatment is generally given to pregnant women at the end of their pregnancy. Based on small studies, when acyclovir is taken in the last month of the pregnancy, it prevent the disease from reoccurring but it also poses as a risk to the unborn baby. References   Ã‚   CDC. (2016, May 19) Chlamydia- CDC fact sheet, Retrieved March 1, 2017, from Center for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia.stdfactchalydia.htm. Johnson, F, MD (1992). HIV and Pregnancy. Retrieved March 20, 2017 from International Journal of STD and Aids. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/09564624920030020. Aga, I. (2009). Managing Genetal Herpes Infections and Pregnancies. Retrieved March 20, 2017, from Sage Journals. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2217/17455057.5.2.165 WHO. (2017, Januray). Hepatitis B (HBV.Hep B). Retrieved March 1, 2017, From World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs400/en/. WHO.(2017). Syphilis. Retrieved March 20,2017, from World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2016/antibiotics-sexual-infections/en/