Disaster Recover and Accounting

The aftermath of hurricane Katrina and September 11th 2001 attack was misinformation about financial positions of companies and individuals and misappropriation of funds meant for disaster recovery. Insurance companies were forced to pay some compensation based on financial statements which were prepared from insufficient records. After the two disasters accounting regulating body set out on how accounting should be recorded and reported in case of such disasters.Financial accounting is normally centred on the loses incurred during a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. Such events are recorded as extraordinary in the financial statement of companies and individuals. The recognition of terrorist acts in the financial statements should be treated as liabilities which can be measured if its impact is measurable in monetary forms. Attempts should be made by disaster recovery team to recover accounting documents for companies and individuals.During the September 11th 2001 much records were lost but the association of accountants came up with a standard for recognising such acts and the standards provides that in recording such liabilities sufficient information which is reliable should be obtained and the information obtained should be based on faith, verifiable and neutral. There was fraudulent financial reporting as regards to the position of institutions and individuals. In some cases most companies misstated their financial position to make them good while actually before the disaster they were badly of.The accounting standard board came up with the requirement for disclosure for loses of disaster. It provides that loses should be classified in a form of occurrence. The reporting effects of a natural disaster should be based on those natural disasters that are likely to occur. In the case of Katrina the government was compensating companies that made loses during the disaster. Most institutions and individuals lost their properties through the disaster, misi nformed because proper accounting records were not recovered.At one point forensic accounting was carried out to verify the proper financial position of some companies. However, fixed assets were recovered after the floods and were reported less the cost of reverting them to their original position. Intangible assets like good will were also recovered and were recorded to their original position. When such a disaster occurs good will of a company does not disappear. In accounting for good will and other assets the company should be able to show in the balance sheet the position of an intangible asset before and after a natural disaster. The date of the disaster should be quoted.In cases of natural disasters and terrorists acts, accounting reporting becomes very difficult but the accounting association has provided guidelines for reporting in the financial statement. The terrorist act and a natural disaster are the likely events to occur in a future date again. Therefore its reportin g should provide a provision in areas prone to disasters. Various governmental departments account for funds used during the disaster recovery process. In most cases it is found out that fraud and misuse of funds is rampant. At one point the military department was found to have misappropriated huge sums of money.

Rebellion and Social Norms Among Youth Essay

Young people have a tendency not to comply with any laws when it’s come to their wellbeing. Young people always try to express their opinions and restrain from obeying their leaders which sometimes lead to a disaster result of their poor decisions in life. According to Gary Schwartz book, explain what happens in Sammy’s mind and what causes the reaction of quitting his job at the end (Schwartz 55). Therefore, the issue of young people is rebellion against their social norms is the central theme of the â€Å"A&P† john Updike story. At the beginning of the story, Sammy is fully within his place in society as a whole (Saldana 95). Meaning that he is just an average teenager with an average job in a small town where everyone knows each other. At that time, Sammy was a cashier at a supermarket named A&P in a small town north of Boston in 1961. There begins Sammy’s rebellion when the trio of girls enter the supermarket with bathing suits on and barefoot. After the girls enter the Supermarket and walk in every department to look for the item they need. Lengel the manager of the supermarket approaches the girls and lectures them on what they are wearing on them inside of the supermarket. After the girls walk away, Sammy gets mad and decides to quit his job at this point. Sammy unleashes an impression identity style behavior against Lengel (Schwartz 35). Which mean Sammy feels for the first time in his life that he has to let go his timidity and confront Lengel without thinking of his action to get Queenie attention. The way Lengel undresses the girls with his eyes make Sammy sick to his stomach. That is what triggers Sammy’s anger to react as if he does not care of what happens to him. As long he receives Queenie’s attention, it’s enough for him. Today, young people wear any kind of clothes that attract people’s attention. Sometimes the way they dress can be very provocative. Even though Sammy is gloomy at the beginning of the story, he begins to feel his happiness at the end but not the way he has plan it would be for his action. Sammy has gone from being judgmental to a hero Fritz 2 and then he starts regretting his decisions (Saldana 96). He experiences a transformation; he knows that life will be harder for him hereafter. That is why an old priest of Haiti said â€Å"one must never act in conformity with society and should be willing to take risks†. Meaning a wrong move at any time can make the society reject you. Social class structures have a significant role in this story and can be viewed as one of the norms that Sammy is rebelling against (Schwartz 45). Perhaps in Lengel mind, he thinks that they come from a low class family that does not teach them how to act in public. When Lengel makes it his business to reprimand Queenie and the other girls, she maintains her stubborn comportment and explains that she is here to pick up an item that her mother requests her to buy. In response to this, Lengel takes a step further by first repeating himself and then explains to the girls, â€Å"We want you decently dressed when you come in here† (Updike). According to Sammy, Lengel is a heart cold person, whose interpretation of the ideal person in this society: God fearing, church people who know their place and not go against their will. It is at this point in the story that Queenie loses her bearing for the first time. Sammy’s response to this predicts that his decision to defy Lengel and the supermarket rules will be signified by his exposing his own shoulders, and that is precisely what occurs. Rebellion and social norms appear to have an impact among young people this day. Most of the time, they stand up for what they feel is right and neglect the consequences. Sammy was able to bring attention to him, but it did not work the way that he had planned it would be. The girls most likely didn’t even know that Sammy even quit his job. He tried very hard to get Queenie to see him and accept him, but that didn’t work either. That is why people can never sympathize with Sammy’s action because it results to an act of rebellion against his social norms.

Food Adultration Essay

Food Adulteration Food adulteration with poisonous chemicals has reached a dangerous proportion posing serious health hazards in the country, said experts and government officials yesterday at a discussion jointly organised by The Daily Star and non-government development organisation RDRS Bangladesh. Basic food items on the market like rice, fish, fruits, vegetables, and sweetmeats are adulterated with hazardous chemicals in an indiscriminate manner, though food-grade preservatives and colours can be safely used in permissible quantities, said the discussants. The discussion on â€Å"Hazards of Food Contamination in National Life: Way Forward† was held at The Daily Star Centre in the capital. Views about the proportion of adulterated food items on the market varied between 70 and 90 percent. RDRS put the proportion at more than 90 percent referring to test results of government laboratories published in newspapers, while the officials and researchers present at the discussion said it is 70 per cent. More than 76 percent food items on the market were found adulterated in a random survey by Public Health Laboratory of Dhaka City Corporation in 2004. There are approximately 150 food items in the country, said SK Roy, a senior scientist at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B). Poisonous residues in food items leave the worst impact on children’s mental and physical growth and women’s fertility, cause cancer, and damage vital human organs like liver, kidney, and heart, the discussants said. Roy in his presentation said formalin is applied on fish for preservation; calcium carbide on fruits to ripen; brick dust in chilli powder; urea to whiten rice and puffed rice; sawdust in loose tea; soap in Ghee; and artificial sweetener, coal tar, and textile dyes in sweetmeats. Formalin applied on fish, fruit, meat, and milk causes throat cancer, blood cancer, childhood asthma, and skin diseases, he said. Poisonous colouring agents like auramine, rhodomine b, malachite green, yellow g, allura red, and Sudan red applied on food items for colouring, brightness, and freshness — damage liver and kidney, and cause stomach cancer, asthma, and bladder cancer, said Roy. Colouring agents chrome, tartzine, and erythrosine are used in spices, sauces, juices, lentils, and oils — causing cancer, allergy, and respiratory problem. Calcium carbide may lead to cancer in kidney, liver, skin, prostate, and lungs. Rye flour used in barley, bread, and wheat flour contribute to convulsion and miscarriage. Hormone used in cauliflower causes infertility of women. Agino moto or monosodium glutamate used in Chinese restaurant food items cause nervous system disorder and depression. Urea put in puffed rice and rice causes nervous system damage and respiratory problem. Sulphuric acid used in milk for condensation causes damage to the cardiac system. Dr Syed Humayun Kabir, director of Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institution, said not just anyone should get trade license to produce food items, and the mass media must check the authenticity of a food product before carrying its advertisement. Application of excessive and unauthorised pesticides also cause contamination of food, he said adding that additives used for making food items attractive can be lethal if those are cancerous. But some permitted preservatives, thickening agents, gelling agents, antioxidants, and stabilisers could be harmless if applied in appropriate quantity, said Kabir. Food grains, veget ables, and fish also get contaminated by industrial pollution of the soil, air, and water, he said. Burnt engine oil is used to fry Jilapi, while artificial fragrance is applied on flowers, said Khalil Ahmed, executive magistrate of Dhaka City Corporation, who operates a mobile court against adulterated foods in the capital. Dr Selima Rahman, executive director of RDRS, said most of the food adulteration occurs in the hands of middlemen in the process of transportation and marketing. Urea is dangerous for kidney, she said adding, â€Å"At present, a total of two crore people are suffering from kidney diseases for various reasons.† Food adulteration has been happening on a massive scale for the past half a decade due to increased investment, expanded market, and high consumer demand, according to Roy. Some items like guava, lemon, and hog-plum [amra] are however still free from chemical aggression, he said. Greed for fast super profit and moral degradation among food traders have led to today’s alarming situation, he added. †The pattern of diseases is changing. In our student life, prevalence of infectious diseases was high. Now the number of patients suffering from cancer, diabetes, and kidney diseases are on the rise due to food adulteration,† said Dr Md Golam Kibria Khan, asso ciate professor of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Intercultural communication( this is the course I'm studying, not the Assignment - 3

Intercultural communication( this is the course I'm studying, not the topic) - Assignment Example These include eye contact, tone, and nodding. Compared to juror number 3, who uses a confrontational tone, this juror is emotional and touching in his speech. This appears to be a necessary part of his struggle to express himself and have the courtroom to better understand the accused. Juror 3 and 11 seem to be the opposites of each other (Reilly and Stooksbury 37). I think that classmate one has provided an accurate depiction of juror number 3, and helped to reaffirm my argument that he exhibits a striking contrast with juror 11. I believe that the experiences and personalities of all jurors are manifested in their behavior in the courtroom. The case has presented them with an opportunity to characterize the accused based on what they feel and think (Niemiec and Wedding 19). I also agree with classmate 2 on his description of juror number 8, although I think that he left out critical points like the juror’s background that defines his

Ruger Clinic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ruger Clinic - Essay Example There are various advantages of cost volume profit analysis which medical or health care industry can exploit to become more efficient at analyzing different levels of activity. It can then use the optimal activity level to increase its profitability. Hence we can say that cost volume profit analysis can be used to enhance the profitability of the health care industry. A medical company which is diversified in various different operation or have different departments can use it to see if operating on a large scale will be more efficient and whether or not it is worth putting more time and effort into the business. Similarly, there are chances that fixed are less than variable costs for a department. However, this will be only visible after CVP analysis, whether or not we can start a new department, it is feasible or not. Hence, a medical company will have to use CVP analysis to look at the profitability of a new department if they plan to diversify its services. As we know that moder n machinery is pervading the health care industry, a lot of investment needs to be done. Hence, this implies long-term commitment with specialized labor (doctors, surgeon, support staff etc) which means heavy burden of costs on a firm. However, CVP analysis is a toll that can be used by these firms to assess how long it will be before they will be able to cover their costs and start making profit. This is important when you have more than one alternative, and you look CVP to choose the best option, where cost recovery is fast and profit-making potential is highest. Similarly, there are various assumptions that we have to make when we go about doing CVP analysis. One such assumption is that fixed remain constant. This may not be true, but it is easier for managers in the field of health care to plan ahead, and as discussed above, it may help them to choose the best alternative. Machinery improves efficiency, and medical-service managers can use it to convince their manager or investo r to attract investment by showing them CVP results. Capitation is a fixed flat payment made to a health-care services provider for providing service to a particular segment or defined population. These payments are made on per capita basis that is calculation is done on per-person basis and are made monthly or as the contract states. The three most widely used methods of capitation are fee-for-service, cost and demographic approach. In the fee-for-service approach, the revenue line is mostly upward sloping. It starts from zero as when there is zero level of activity, there is no revenue for the health-care service provider, but it goes up with the level of activity. The higher the number of people to whom service is provided, the greater the revenue. In the cost approach, rather than a fixed fee is charged, the company charges total costs that are incurred in providing health care services, and then that fee is charged to the client. This approach can be referred as "pay for all approach and was very common in traditional capitation payments. In demographic capitation, pharmacists are only responsible or contract to provide their services to people of specific age, gender and geographic location. This is done to buffer them from unexpected disease found in particular demographic group and to make sure that they do not suffer as a

Impact of Dams Building in Bellefonte Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Impact of Dams Building in Bellefonte - Essay Example This place holds lots of water as it is connected to a canal which leads to Susquehanna River and ultimately falls into the ocean. Bellefonte is known for its active trade and economics and holds the value of an industrial center in the middle of rural surroundings. Many other dams on same architectural design were built. These dams were not very deep. They were a mere 10-15 feet deep (low head dams) but they powered the industry all through the 19th century. Now on the Spring Creek, only 10-20 of these dams remain. These dams generated water from the spring and had many impacts on the environment and for the economics. For instance; these dams blocked the way for trout. Trout can jump and it’s hard. These dams also trapped sediments and stopped almost all of the sea flow. Another impact of these dams is that they warm up the water through the dam stream. This dam stream slows down the water flow, which gets more heat from the sun. The sun bakes it and the water gets the relatively high temperature and the result is less vegetation and less shade for animals. Due to an elevated temperature of water, the warmer water rises to the surface and fish also remain near the surface whereas the cold water sinks to the bottom. There is also a large ponding area here which affects a larger portion of the stream. The Spring House here is run by an actual spring and lets 8-10 million gallons of water pass through in a day. A chunk of the area has been sold for natural gas drilling and for other manufacturing concern like drinking bottled water. Bellefonte is a water-rich area and has a huge surplus of water. As the area started developing, more and more industries started mushrooming and the place became noisy and dirty. The industries started dumping waste into the stream and disturbed the natural condition of water and caused disgusting contamination in it. But the good thing is that this was the case many years ago.

Apple Computer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Apple Computer - Essay Example Although Apple attempted to tap the market with Macintosh clones but the initiative was gone. In 1997, when Steve Jobs rejoined Apple as the CEO, the company took some bold steps. Apple joined hands with Microsoft and introduced Microsoft Office for Macintosh. This moved attracted customers as Office was the most used software at that time. Perhaps the big turning point in Apple's history was the introduction of iMac. Customers were intrigued with the aesthetics of the machine and about 1 million units were sold in a year. To enhance marketing efforts, Apple opened up company owned retail stores in various parts of United States in early 2001. The introduction of iPod and then iPhone has put Apple back in customer's minds. These products have revolutionized the industry. Apple emphasizes on relaxed culture with casual dress code but an intense work environment. Employees have to work long hours and on weekends but they do not have to worry about wearing formal dresses for office. The culture is fun filled yet there is no compromise on the quality of work and output.

Ecological Footprints Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ecological Footprints - Assignment Example   An ecological footprint is a vital tool for measuring the consumption of the earth. It gives a simple assessment overview of how our lifestyles affect the environment. In turn, these facts can be useful in the future, to help promote wise management of ecological assets. Apart from that, it challenges individuals and households to take personal and collective initiatives in the protection of nature (Ferng, 2001). For example, a household or an individual can get to use public transport to reduce their ecological footprint, or they can choose to adopt the use of organic substances to help protect the environment. It is, therefore, true to say that, the ecological footprint varies directly proportional to the rate of human consumption, this means that an increase in the rate of human consumption significantly increases the footprint and vice versa. Compared to most of my classmates, my ecological footprints is on the higher side, this means that my consumption is slightly on the ri se. According to the results, rated at 40.8percent, Yuni has the highest percentage of ecological footprint, while Charles took the least percentage with a total footprint of 16.8 percent. Equated to my 34.4 percent, it is evident that I need to reduce my resources consumption and waste disposal. If everybody on the planet could adopt my choice of lifestyle, then we would need 7.7 planets to provide the required resources. Charles will need 4.1 planets to expedite if all the people adopted his lifestyle.  

Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Malcolm X and Martin Luther King - Essay Example Though these men seemed to be polarized in their approach to the civil rights movement, they were linked by the common bond of instilling a sense of extreme urgency, the possibility of violence, and a demand for justice for their followers. Though Malcolm X has been characterized as being far more radical and violent than King, this is a misconception. King understood the violence that would be involved in the struggle and the protest marches he led were marked by extreme violence. He also knew that the fight must be viewed as violent without the blacks being seen as the perpetrators. In King's speech "I May Not Get There With You", he warns, "There will be neither rest nor tranquillity in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges" (cited in Dyson 2000 p.18). It is this type of rhetoric that forced the government to choose sides and illuminated their official stand as white racist (O'Reilly 1989 p.155). These were attitudes that were no less radical than Malcolm X professed. Just as King has been mischaracterized as a pacifist in the civil rights movement, so has Malcolm X been portrayed as more radically violent than he actually was. Movies and anecdotal recollections of people involved with Malcolm X only serve to heighten this slant in the history of the man. Yet Marable (2006) contends that Malcolm X's own writings confirm that at the time of his death he was proposing, "... an unprecedented African-American united front of black political and civic organizations, including both the Nation of Islam and other civil rights groups" (p.157). This aspect of Malcolm X is often overlooked by historians and relates his depth of commitment to the struggle for equal rights and not separate rights. The portrayal of Malcolm X as a black nationalist denies his later years as a black activist that was working for equal justice and the elevation of the dignity of the black population within white America. Both men approached the civil rights movement with a sense of urgency. Yet, once again history and the media have polarized the common perceptions of the men. King has been portrayed as a patient agent working for incremental change while Malcolm X has been viewed as an advocate for violent revolution. Yet both men used the underlying threat of violence beyond their control to effect their ends. In King's speech "Beyond Vietnam - A Time to Break Silence" (1967), he warns America, "We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now". This sense of immediacy also resonated in Malcolm X's "do it yourself philosophy, a do it right now philosophy, an it's already too late philosophy" (qtd. in Baynes 2006). These were reminders to the opposition that they might not be able to restrain their followers for any extended time if their demands were not addressed (Walton 1972 p.85). Clearly both men were using the demand of urgenc y and its subtle hints of the portending violence that it brought to highlight and further their cause. In conclusion, both King and Malcolm X realized that the struggle for

Psychological Testing Essay Example for Free

Psychological Testing Essay Individual intelligence tests are of two types; Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test and Wechsler tests. They tests individuals intelligence in arithmetic, vocabulary, comprehension, verbal amongst other disciplines. Individual tests are mostly used in education placement, clinical assessment and to measure an individuals skills in the event a wide a large of individuals are being examined (Roid, 2003). Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test is used in testing children that are intellectually deficient in order to place them in the special education programmes. These tests are taken individually. Individual tests are characterized by several advantages; they make it possible for the examiner to interact with the examinee establishing a rapport in which the interaction can be observed and assessed. They also provide information on why some methods and tactics used to measure intelligence fail. Individual tests also make it possible for the examiner to assess a variety of abilities in examinees as it is not restricted. Individual tests provide a better way of assessing children are emotionally disturbed (Roid, 2003). These tests make it possible for assessments to be made on examinees that are in any physical or emotional condition such as tired, sick or anxious. Group intelligence tests involve assessing a series of many different problems in a mass of examinees. They are commonly used in schools and the military. They could be aptitude tests, scholastic assessment tests or tests of cognitive abilities. They are characterised by pen and paper, usually are time limited, involve almost nil examiner to examinee interaction are have multiple choices making them easy to score. They are normally used in school and job placements, and in the study of certain norms or phenomena in a population (Santrock, 2008). Group tests have the advantage of simplifying examiners role as they are quick and easy to administer. It is also possible to administer them on simultaneously to large numbers of examinees. Scoring in group tests is more objective as compared to individual tests. Group tests are often non-verbal (Santrock, 2008). Group tests give data that is more reliable as they make it possible for large numbers to be studied which provide good representative of the entire population, the resulting data and conclusion is therefore more reliable as it is more representative of the population than if the norms were being studied in an individual as is with individual tests. 7. The advantages and disadvantages of projective versus objective personality assessment methods Projective personality assessment method is a test that involves use of open-ended questions to examine the person being tested. Projective tests involve questions that are unstructured hence give the person being examined more freedom to respond in the appropriate way as compared to objective tests. These tests normally require the examinee to respond to stimuli that is ambiguous (Hilsenroth Segal, 2004). It is based on the fact that people respond to stimuli that are ambiguous in ways that bring to light their feelings, desires and needs. The advantage of this method is that makes it possible for the psychologist to study and examine unconscious aspects of subject’s personality. These tests are not transparent hence create no opportunity for subjects to lie or fake their personality traits. The weakness of projective tests is that the collected information is not as reliable and viable as is needed. This is based on the fact that the psychologists that use the method assume that the subjects can not lie about their personality. Analysing data collected by this method can be time consuming and tiring as it needs the psychologist to go through it by himself. New technology such as computer scoring which is fast can not be used in this method (Hilsenroth Segal, 2004). Objective personality assessment method involves the use of questions and items that are standardized, specific and clear in testing individuals under study. These tests are characterized by limited choice of the examinees responses. Most of the questions are designed such that they require yes or no, and true or false responses. Objective testing has several advantages. Objective methods fast to carry out. This is attributed to the fact that the answers required are directive and do not need the respondents to think or expand on the answers giving unnecessary details that waste time (Hilsenroth Segal, 2004). This enables the data to be collected and analysed within a short time availing results within the required time. This method is also more economical as compared to the projective testing method. This because the questions are easy to prepare and the fact that all they need is yes or no responses implies that they do not require a lot of space. This saves on the cost of printing the questionnaire as less pages are required. The questions are also easy to answer making the researcher to collect the needed data very fast hence does not spend a lot of time in the field which saves money that would have been used on upkeep and transport. Objective test methods also make it possible for technology to be used such as computer scoring which is faster, less tiring and more efficient as compared to projective tests that require the researcher to go through the responses by himself in order to come up with the results ( Hilsenroth Segal, 2004). . Like any other method, objective assessment methods also have disadvantages. These methods usually involve questions that are transparent which makes the individuals under study to know what the psychologists want to study in them. This makes them lie or forge answers. In the event the individual carrying out the test does not include lie scales which provide information to the researcher on the likelihood of the subject lying then wrong data is collected. This tests also characterized by collection of biased data as it provides opportunity for the subject to respond not the way things are but the way they wish things were. (Hilsenroth Segal, 2004). The structure of the questions does not allow the subjects to add more information on their yes or no, true or false answers. This could cause the psychologist to miss out o9n vital information. 3. Some of the misconceptions concerning the differences between aptitude and achievement tests. Achievement tests are the common tests that are usually given out in classrooms and educational assessments. They are used to test what an individual can do or what they know. They are usually administered after some activity to test if individuals have grasped whatever was being taught. Examples are classroom quizzes, continuous assessment tests, driving tests, final examinations amongst others. Achievement tests in school are used to determine whether students understand what has been taught, which classes to place them, they are also used to rate schools and predict an individuals success in certain disciplines in future if they are doing well. Aptitude tests usually are carried out to assess the mental abilities of individuals. These tests based on the concept that innate mental abilities of individuals can be measured. Aptitude tests are usually carried out to test student’s mental ability as they are believed to give a picture of how the student can perform academically. It is believed that those who pass the test qualify academically for what course they are applying for. Examples of aptitude test include SATs. Aptitude tests have been referred to as quality measurement on ones mental ability. However, critics of the concept argue that innate abilities can not be measured hence the test just like any other test is used to measure what an individual has been able to achieve by the time the test is being carried out. The results of this test hence demonstrate the individuals’ achievement in the subjects that were being tested on. This is true in spite of what the subject the questions are testing on. As such, aptitude tests are very much the same as achievement tests. The difference between the two tests however is in the assumption about individuals that take the two tests. With aptitude test, there is a misconception that there is equal opportunity to learn for everyone taking the test. It also is assumed that the interest of individuals taking aptitude test in learning is equal and also in demonstrating the learnt ability on the test. With achievement test it is assumed that the tests usually are based on instructions of a course or on some training that is not necessarily available to all the individuals taking the test. The misconception concerning the difference between the two tests therefore lies in the assumption that there is equal opportunity for passing in aptitude tests while achievement tests can only be passed by those who have access to the course or training instructions. 6. Information is presumably gathered by the typical projective technique Projective techniques are methods of assessing personality traits of individuals that use questions that are unstructured and not specific. The questions used in this technique are not transparent implying that the individuals being studied can not identify what the researcher or a psychologist is looking from them (Lilienfeld, Wood Garb, 2001). Usually projective technique is used to study response of subjects to questions or situations that are ambiguous. It is perceived that the fact that these situations are not known to the subjects will enable them to respond appropriately without having to lie or change their personality. It is believed that individuals respond to ambiguous situations and questions in an honest way. Their response to these situations that they do not clearly understand brings out their true personality as it there is no opportunity for lie or personality to be altered or changed. Psychologists who use the method to collect information on personality argue that human beings always respond to ambiguous stimuli in a way that brings out their personal needs, wants, wishes and desires (Lilienfeld, Wood Garb, 2001). This technique is believed to make it possible for psychologists to assess the unconscious aspect of the individuals being studied character. As such, it provides no room for personality faking. Human beings are believed to have no control over the unconscious part of their psychology. The unconscious aspect of our psychology is believed to be what really defines us in terms of character. Psychologists argue that humans thought, actions hence character originate from their unconscious aspect of psychology. The fact that this technique enables the psychologist to study the subjects unconscious aspect of personality has therefore been used in gathering personality information. This technique unlike the others makes it possible for individuals being studied to consciously give information that is biased and accurate. The notion that individuals are not restricted in responding to ambiguous has made this method to be used for collecting data on personality. 4. The reasons which dictate that an organization, whether industrial or governmental, to use valid selection procedures for hiring workers. There are several reasons as to why organizations use valid selection procedures for hiring employees. These procedures are useful in the several processes that involve hiring. In selection of employees to hire, the assessment tools that are used in valid selection procedures enable organizations to identify the best individuals for the job as they are able to identify the individuals character traits that are required of the specific job. An assessment tool that is well properly developed will guide the recruitment team in selecting successful and suitable individuals for the particular occupation and position they are recruiting for. Valid selection procedures also eliminate cases of unfairness from arising making the whole process efficient and professional (Weiner Graham, 2003). Valid selection procedures for hiring are important in job placement. They enable organizations management to assign employees to the right job responsibilities and levels. Assessment helps provide information that enables organizations to make the right decisions assigning of responsibilities which increase performance hence productivity of the organization. Valid assessment procedures are important in training and development of employees. The assessment enables an organization to determine which employee needs what training. The organization is able to know if its employees have mastered training procedures and materials that are vital for operation and running of the organization (Weiner Graham, 2003). Assessments carried out enable the organization to design or make changes in training programmes so that the most needed ones are given priority. Assessment procedures also enable individual employees to identify their weaknesses hence can embark on self-development. This has positive results as it enables it to have employees that are skilful and well trained hence increasing productivity. Assessment procedures also play a great role in promotion or demotion of employees. The procedures enable the organizations management to identify employees that have been improving in their performance and skills. Those who possess managerial characteristics or even higher capabilities are identified hence promoted to greater positions that have more responsibilities (Weiner Graham, 2003). On the other hand, those who seem to making no progress or have decreasing performance are demoted as ant serious organization would not want to have employee especially those holding positions of great responsibility that are not performing. Valid assessment procedures provide a professional and fair way of carrying out promotions and demotions ensuring that the right employees are assigned to the right positions and responsibilities. Assessment procedures are also significant in career guidance and exploitation. These assessments help individuals make not only educational but career choices as well. The assessments make individuals identify the subjects they are good in hence accordingly choose careers that they will be successful in without have to strain their mental capability. The assessments procedures also enable organizations to carry out evaluation of programs. The organization is able to identify programs that benefit employees and those that do not so that it can stop wasting resources on irrelevant programs. Word Count: 2280. References Hilsenroth, M Segal, D. (2004). Comprehensive Handbook of Psychological Assessment: Personality assessment / editors. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons. Lilienfeld, S. O. , Wood, J. N. , Garb, H. N. (2001). The scientific status of projective techniques. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 1, 27-66. Roid, G. H. (2003). Stanford Binet Intelligence Scales 5th Edition: Examiners Manual. Riverside Publishing, Itaska, Illinois. Santrock, J. (2008). A Topical Approach to Life-Span Development (4th Ed. )Concept of Intelligence. New York: McGraw-Hill. Weiner, I. Graham, J. (2003). Handbook of Psychology: Assessment psychology. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons.

North Koreas Influence of Peace in North East Asia

North Koreas Influence of Peace in North East Asia North Korea and North East Asian Peace and Security Current security issues in North East Asia, raised by North Korea Nuclear Test. Please examine how far North Korea can affect the peace and stability in Northeast Asia and how other countries such as America, Japan, China, and Russia react on this issue. And lastly, How to solve this security issues permanently and increases future stability in the area? Abstract The following dissertation will discuss and evaluate North Koreas influence and effect upon peace and security within the North East Asia region. This dissertation will evaluate North Koreas relationships with other countries in the North East Asia region such as South Korea, Japan, and China. Countries from outside the immediate North East Asia region like the UnitedStates, Russia (as the largest successor state of the Soviet Union) and to a lesser extent Britain and France also have an interest in the North East Asia Region. All these countries have an interest in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and nuclear tests. For instance these countries must consider how the actions or the potential actions of the North Korean government are able to influence or effect peace and security within the North East Asia region. Nongovernmental organisations like the United Nations and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as the International Atomic Energy Aut hority (IAEA) have taken a great deal of interest in how North Korea effects the peace and security of its immediately neighbouring countries. These organisations are taking North Koreas nuclear programme as well as its ballistic missile capacity into account when they regard the North Korean threat to peace and security going beyond the confines of the North East Asia region itself. This dissertation will evaluate the development and changes in North Korean government policies that have influenced and arguably threatened peace and security of the North East Asia region from Koreas initial division at the end of the Second World War through to the present day. North Korea has been regarded as a threat to the peace and security of the North East Asia region ever since Pyongyangs decision to invade South Korea provoked the Korean War of 1950 to 1953. The Korean War as will be discussed set the mould for North Korean defence and foreign policies, whilst ensuring the importance of the relationship with China and Russia. The North Korean regime, as will be shown, has been very reluctant to embrace and adopt any kind of economic or political reforms, preferring to use its scant resources on maintaining and expanding its military capacity. It is also continuing its nuclear weapons programme, long drawn talks having yet to result in effective nuclear disarmament, and thu s undermining peace and security within the North East Asia region, and when issues of nuclear proliferation are concerned outside that region. Finally the following will explore whether there are any ways in which North Korea can finally become a country that its neighbours in the North East Asia region could trust and believe will not threaten their common peace and stability rather than a country that they mistrust. The United Nations is an organisation that could offer the North Korean assistance to overcome its failed economy in return for the ending of North Koreas nuclear programme and potentially aggressive foreign policy. The main onus for international efforts to contain North Korean nuclear weapons development has been by the United States, China, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. The prospects for the international community being able to monitor and eventually close down North Koreas nuclear weapons programme, dismantling any weapons already constructed will also be discussed and evaluated. Introduction Korea has a long history of being a definable and separate nation state, although it was for many centuries subject to Chinese and later Japanese control (Lenman, 2004, p.450). Japanese control of Korea was ended by its defeat in the Second World War, which would inadvertently lead to the partition of Korea (Whitakers, 2007, p.892). The division of Korea was caused by the way that the Allied powers liberated the country from Japanese occupation, United States troops cleared the south, with the Soviet Union being responsible for clearing the north. This was intended to be a temporary division along the 38th parallel that would provoke the hottest conflict of the Cold War, as well as creating a dispute that continues to destabilise the peace and the security of the North East Asia region. As with the division of Vietnam the division was purely carried out as a reflection of the distribution of American and Soviet armed forces at the time of the Japanese surrender in September 1945 (Gad dis, 2005, p.41). It was Kim Il Sung who had previously fought the Japanese for many years that emerged as North Koreas first political leader, and he would be the man most responsible for his countrys attempt to re-unite Korea by force. Kim Il Sung was also responsible for North Koreas subsequently militant defence and foreign policies that has remained stridently anti-Western, militaristic, and potentially aggressive towards its immediate neighbours in the North East Asia region ever since. It was Kim Il Sung that decided to re-unite Korea by force, after his realisation that diplomacy would not bring about such a re-unification led to the plan to invade South Korea, although he seems to have pre-empted similar plans that the South Koreans had hoped to implement. Kim Il Sung went ahead with that invasion with the approval of the Soviet Union and China, and the apparent indifference of the United States, which had already withdrawn its military garrisons from South Korea during 1949. However, the Nor th Korean invasion which, was launched in June 1950 persuaded the United States to lead the United Nations forces into defending South Korea and driving the North Koreans back across the 38th parallel. The United States had been able to take advantage of the Soviet Unions representative not been at the United Nations due to the Soviet decision to boycott the organisation due to Communist China being excluded from the Security Council (Evans Newnham, 1998, p. 293). The United States decision to intervene in the Korean War started its long -standing military alliance with South Korea to guarantee South Korean security from the continued threat of North Korean aggression. The Korean War itself would drag on for three years with the North Koreans having to rely on large-scale Chinese military intervention and covert air support from the SovietUnion. North Korea only survived after the American led United Nations forces had captured the majority of North Korean territory due to Mao Zedo ng sending in the Chinese army. The conflict could have escalated, due to the involvement of Soviet aircraft that could have provoked a war between the superpowers yet both Moscow and Washington did not want an all out war to start due to the Korean War (Hobsbawm, 1994 p. 228). After the Korean War the prospects for Korean re-unification seemed to be remote, with the two Korean states being integrated into the alliance systems of the Soviet Union and the United States respectively. North Korea was therefore firmly in the communist camp, and initially enjoyed strong and productive political, economic and military relationships with both China and the Soviet Union. South Korea was a willing member of the United States alliance system and received substantial monetary and military backing from the United States, and later significant economic investment from Japan that would make it wealthier than North Korea. The United States government was not bothered by the Seouls regime lack of democratic practices just as long as it remained fervently anti-Communist (Hobsbawm, 1994 p. 228). Kim Il Sungs North Korean regime was in contrast avowedly Marxist-Leninist in ideological outlook, whilst trying to create a strong sense of North Korean nationalism that was decided ly anti-American and increasingly isolationist in perspective (Heywood, 2003 p. 179). The Korean War meant that neighbouring countries such as South Korea, Japan, and China kept an interest in political and diplomatic developments that involved North Korea, the former as potential enemies, the latter originally as an ally. The balance of power during the Cold War meant that North Korea could only pose a threat to the peace and security of the North East Asia region if that suited the Soviet Union, and to a lesser extent China. The Kremlin to a large extent kept the regime in Pyongyang in check, not wishing to provoke further conflict, and realising that the United States would not tolerate North Korea attempting to invade South Korea again, or indeed developing its own nuclear weapons. On the other hand the Soviet Union exported missile and nuclear technologies to North Korea as part of its military and economic aid packages to the Pyongyang regime (Gaddis, 2005 p. 60). The fighting during the Korean War was heavy, the agricultural sector being particularly adversely affected, and the war had devastated North Koreas economy. American bombing had also heavily damaged the North Korean capital city, Pyongyang. The number of North Korean fatalities, 419,000 was testimony to the high human costs of the conflict, with around 3 million people dying during its course (Castleden, 2005, p.299). The scale of destruction did not prevent a strong economic revival and rapid industrialisation, although most of those improvements were brought about by considerable amounts of help from China and the Soviet Union (Castleden, 2005, p.300). Large-scale industrialisation in North Korea would therefore have undoubtedly been much harder to achieve without that substantial aid that North Korea received from China and the Soviet Union. The Soviet decision to export nuclear technology to North Korea, for the non-military use of generating electricity would later allow Pyongy ang the opportunity to start its own nuclear weapons programme. That would have been unthinkable at the height of the Cold War, as neither the Soviet Union nor the United States would allow any of their satellite states to disturb the nuclear power balance between them. However, once the North Korean regime believed that the Soviet Union and China would no longer offer North Korea any meaningful kind or level of protection that is indeed precisely what the North Korean regime decided to do (Lenman, 2004, p.451). North Korea would continue to operate a planned economy even though that would eventually fail to adequately support its military build up and its civilian population. The North Korean government opted to keep its military infrastructure expanding rather than attempt economic reforms or adequately providing for its people (Heywood, 2003 p.137). The Soviet Union would have certainly disapproved of North Korean plans to develop its own nuclear weapons, yet the Soviet Unions in fluence upon North Korean military and defence policies had waned long before its own disintegration in 1991 (Gaddis, 2005, p.264). North Korea arguably became a threat to the peace and stability of the North East Asia region due to the nature and character of its hard line Stalinist regime. Kim Il Sung was a Marxist dictator in the mode of Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong. However for the majority of the Cold War period the North Korean threat was seen to be much less pronounced to the non-communist parts of the North East Asia region than the more obvious threats of the Soviet Union and China (Gaddis, 2005, p.60). Kim Il Sungs craving for power meant that North Korea dedicated and continues to dedicate a large percentage of its national budget and resources towards internal repression and building up its military strength to threaten the other countries of the North East Asia region. However, North Koreas conventional weapons would not be enough to successfully invade South Korea whilst the United States continues to offer full protection against such attacks, even if their purchase had almost bankrupted the Pyongy ang regime (Castleden, 2005, p.303). Despite the faltering of the North Korean economy in the last two decades or so, Pyongyang seems to be more interested in threatening South Korea and Japan with nuclear weapons and ballistic weapons than feeding its own population. Although North Korea should be wary of what happened to its erstwhile ally, the Soviet Union whose excessive and unsustainable military expenditure played a major part in its eventual collapse (Tipton, 1998, p.434). However, although the North Korean regime decided to start its nuclear weapons programme that decision violated North Koreas formal and legal pledges not to proliferate its own nuclear weapons. North Korea had signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and had joined the IAEA, which meant that it was not supposed to start its own nuclear weapons programme at all (Evans Newnham, 1998 p. 68). For the North Koreans there were other examples of small and large sized states that had already broken their promises and legal commitments not to develop their own nuclear weapons. Those states nuclear weapons programme with varying degrees of reaction from the official nuclear powers of the United States, the Soviet Union, Britain, China, and France. Countries such as Israel, India, and Pakistan have gone on to successfully acquire their own nuclear weapons with little or no action been taken against them to make them give up those devices. The North Korean regime understood that it could dev elop nuclear weapons with the possiblity that the United Nations and the leading powers would not be able to take any effective action to take those weapons off North Korea (Fukuyama, 2006 p. 80). Chapter One North Korean defence and foreign policy misrepresented or a threat to peace and security? Since the foundation of North Korea as a separate nation state its defence and foreign policies have been geared towards the re-unification of Korea on Pyongyangs terms, rather than South Koreas terms (Rayner Stanley, 2006, p.234). As far as the North Korean regime of Kim Il Sung was concerned the re-unification of Korea was not an issue that should concern any other countries apart from North and South Korea themselves. It was the context of the Cold War that complicated the strategic, military and diplomatic situation concerning the dispute between North and South Korea about which country should over power the other to dominate a reunified Korean state. In military terms North Korea is the strongest, in economic terms South Korea is the strongest (Tipton, 1998, 434). On the one hand the assistance of China and the Soviet Union was useful for the economic development of North Korea and also as a means of building up the countrys military power. On the other hand the Cold War meant that the United States was more alert about the need to protect the countries in the North East Asia region that were opposed to communism, like Japan, South Korea and South Vietnam (Gaddis, 2005, p.60). The Cold War meant that the United States was unwilling to allow any more parts of North East Asia to fall under communist rule. After all the presence of United States forces in Japan had allowed the United Nations forces to resist Kim Il Sungs invasion of South Korea. North Vietnam would eventually overcome South Vietnam despite the best efforts of the United States, yet the terrain of Vietnam was different from that of Korea and the North Vietnamese had better military tactics than the North Koreans (Hobsbawm, 1994, p.228). Whilst the Cold War continued, North Korea was not seen as the main threat to peace and security in the North East Asia region, superpower rivalry meant that the Soviet Union and the United States mistrusted each other more than they mistrusted any other stat e. China would also emerge as a major power within the region, one that eventually took independent policy decisions from those of the Soviet Union. The United States government however, remains wary of North Koreas intentions towards the rest of the North East Asia region (Gaddis, 2005, p.61). The peace and security of the North East Asia region altered during the 1960s, not as a result of changes in the Cold War, but as a result of alterations in the relationship between North Korea, China, and the Soviet Union. The regime of Kim Il Sung had not wished for North Korea to be reliant upon either China or the Soviet Union as soon as the country had recovered from the Korean War and had become economically self sufficient. By the mid 1960s the North Korean regime believed that it become self-sufficient and no longer such high levels of aid from China or the Soviet Union. Kim Il Sung wanted to maintain military links with China and the Soviet Union, yet did not wish for North Korea to be a mere client state of Beijing or Moscow. North Korea was not going to be like the majority of communist states in Central and Eastern Europe were in relation to the Soviet Union. Although of course the North Koreans did not have to worry about invasion by the Soviet Union if it took much of a n independent from Soviet policy (Castleden, 2005, p.301). North Koreas military power was originally reliant upon Chinese and Soviet built equipment and the regime could not afford weapons from any other countries outside of the communist bloc (Gaddis, 2005, p.61). Under Kim Il Sungs leadership North Korea could not get away from its close economic links with the Soviet Union until the latters collapse in 1991, which in turn would have very detrimental affects upon North Korea (Watson, 1997, p.246). The strong relationship between China and the Soviet Union declined dramatically towards the end of the 1960s resulting in border clashes between the two states. The break down in the relationship between China and the Soviet Union meant North Koreas most powerful allies would spend more time arguing with each other than the United States. Pyongyang did not back either state publicly although Kim Il Sung regarded the Soviet Union as a more reliable ally, and unlike Beijing, Moscow did n ot occasionally make insulting comments about the North Korean leader (Watson, 1997, p.240). Whilst the North Korean economy seemed to enjoy impressive growth rates from the 1950s through to the 1970s, the country arguably did not have or develop the infrastructure or indeed have the resources to become a serious threat to peace and security in the North East Asia region. North Korean economic policy was heavily influenced by the planned economies of China and the Soviet Union, and was as unsuccessful in North Korea as they had been in China and the Soviet Union (Heywood, 2003 p. 152). Kim Il Sungs regime collectivised agriculture and began the process of large-scale industrialisation. The collectivisation of agriculture commenced in 1946 when estates with Japanese owners were confiscated in the north under Soviet guidance (Tipton, 1998,p.304). Collectivisation and the modernisation of agriculture increased the life expectancy of the North Korean population. Industrialisation at least during the 1950s and 1960s appeared to be impressive. However much of that economic growth was due to the revenues raised from the export of natural resources to the Soviet Union and the receipt of aid from the Soviet Union (Watson, 1997, p.246) Economic growth could have been stronger if it had not been hampered by Kim Il Sungs decision to make expenditure on the military as high as possible, and his governments main priority. The military build up was meant to unnerve the South Korean government. In terms of total expenditure South Korea spent more on its military expenditure than North Korea. This was mainly due to North Korea being regarded as an ever-present threat to South Korean security. There were differences as to how the two countries military expenditure was regarded in the North East Asia region and beyond. South Koreas military expenditure was seen as being justified as it would deter North Korea. On the other hand, North Koreas military spending was viewed as being unjustified, aggressive and a sign of Kim Il Sungs megalomania, policies that his son, Kim Jong Il has continued (Gaddis, 2005, p.61). North Korea had one major disadvantage if its regime wished to outspend South Korea in terms of their defence budgets, as they were poorer. Whilst North Korea found it difficult to find foreign investors, South Korea was able to attract very high volumes of investment, especially from the United States and Japan. South Koreas increasing levels of wealth meant it could easily match North Koreas military build up, without reducing the living standards of its population, or driving its government towards insolvency (Tipton, 1998, p.304). In terms of any future conventional war between North and South Korea, South Korea held key advantages. Firstly, the South Korean population was twice the size of its neighbour to the north, potentially allowing for its armed forces to have twice the number of personnel in war- time conditions. In 1985, South Korea was estimated to have a population of 41.2 million compared to North Koreas population of 20.1 million people (Watson, 1997, p.262). South K orea was economically more productive and therefore wealthier than North Korea, with the latters seemingly impressive growth rates beginning to slow down by the start of the 1980s. An example of the growing disparity between the countries was the per capita income, whilst it was $790 for North Korea in 1982, it was $1,840 for South Korea in 1983. In economic terms, North Korea could not realistically afford its high levels of military expenditure, although Kim Il Sungs regime was determined to carry on with spending money it believed kept the regime in power and made it a continuing danger to its capitalist neighbours (Watson, 1997, p.262). In the following decade North Korea was widely regarded as bring an increased threat to the peace and security of the North East Asia region, despite the countrys economy going in to a steep decline. Whilst the North Korean regime refused to scale down its military expenditure its agricultural sector, especially suffered an alarming drop in productivity that contributed to an estimated two million North Koreans dying of starvation during the 1990s. Despite famine and economic decline the North Korean regime still used scarce resources to develop its nuclear weapons programme. North Korea barely increased its economic productivity during the 1990s and was by then considerably poorer than South Korea. To give a stark contrast, South Korean per capita gross domestic product (GDP) reached an impressive $13, 700, whilst North Korean GDP languished at $900. It was a paradoxical situation in which, although the North Korean regime could increasingly threaten its neighbours with missiles and nuclear weapons, yet it would eventually need emergency aid from those countries to prevent more of its own population starving to death (Pipes, 2001, p.152). On paper at least, North Korea has impressive conventional military strength with around 3,500 tanks and 2,500 armoured personnel carriers, whilst the army had 950,000 troops. The North Korean air force has 590 combat aircraft, whilst the navys 88 submarines could pose a serious threat to shipping in the North East Asia region in the event of a future war. However it is the potential development and possible of nuclear weapons that causes a greater concern than North Koreas conventional arsenal (Whitakers 2007, pp.893-94). South Korea has smaller armed forces yet still has a standing army 560,000 strong and 2,330 main battle tanks. South Korea would no doubt have to increase those numbers if 94, 450 Americans were not based in South Korea (Whitakers 2007 p. 895). However, it was not just North Koreas strength in terms of conventional weapons that means it is regarded as being a threat to peace and security in the North East Asia region. The United States government has long suspected that North Korea has played a part in sponsoring and supporting terrorism within the North East Asia region and indeed further afield. The suspicions of the United States have been founded upon the anti-American rhetoric that the North Korean regime its content to produce from time to time (Gaddis, 2005, p.261). South Korea had previously accused North Korea of trying to undermine internal stability by supporting dissident South Korean groups and calling for the re-unification of Korea (Tipton, 1998, p.304). North Korea was one of the countries that the administration of Ronald Reagan denounced as being terrorist states back in 1985. The Reagan administration viewed North Korea as being a risk to international peace and security within and beyond the North East A sia region (Ward, 2003, p.349). North Korea did not have any moral or political hang ups about selling weapons such as assault rifles to other countries that found it hard to acquire weapons due to arms embargos or sanctions. For instance, North Korea sold surplus Soviet manufactured assault rifles to Iran during the early years of the Iran-Iraq War. Such arms sales may have contributed to the United States accusing North Korea of being a terrorist state. The North Koreans could have countered that these claims were hypocrisy on the part of the American government that sold a much greater volume of weapons to any state or organisation that was anti-Communist, or if it suited the United States interests to do so. Hypocrisy that was demonstrated by the Iran –Contra Affair in which the money from arms sales to Iran was used to fund the Contra forces in Nicaragua (Fisk, 2006, p.278). North Korea also supplied ballistic missiles to the Iranians and even sent engineers to Iran to e nsure those missiles successfully reached Iraqi targets, especially Baghdad. The willingness of the North Koreans to sell missiles to the highest bidders certainly increased concerns about Pyongyang posing a threat to peace and security (Fisk, 2006, p.281). Surveillance and interceptions of cargo ships have provided evidence that North Korea will sell weapons to terrorist organisations as well as any state that can afford them. For instance, the Spanish navy intercepted a North Korean merchant ship that was officially taking cement to South Yemen. Once aboard that ship the Spanish found ballistic missiles that could have been used by the terrorist group that had brought those missiles. The Middle East is a volatile region at the best of times, so the ability of North Korea to supply ballistic missiles to governments and terrorists groups in that region is another concern for the United States and other Western countries (Davies, 2003 p. 238). It was during the early 1990s that the prospect of North Korea carrying out a successful nuclear weapons programme became the cause of major international concern. In the United States, the administration of President Bill Clinton was determined to persuade the North Korean regime to halt that nuclear weapons programme peacefully by preference, or by force if necessary (Clinton, 2004 p. 561). Aside from the United States, South Korea, China, Russia, and Japan were, and still are the countries that are most anxious to prevent North Korea acquiring and keeping nuclear weapons. Britain and France have also been involved in international efforts to prevent North Korea acquiring nuclear weapons as members of the United Nations Security Council, and as signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (Evans Newnham, 1998 p. 381). South Korea and Japan are particularly anxious and insecure about North Koreas attempts to produce nuclear weapons because they would be the most obvious targ ets if North Korea ever decided to use nuclear weapons. That anxiety is increased because the South Koreans and the Japanese are well aware that the North Koreans have the technical capacity to fit nuclear warheads to its force of ballistic missiles that can reach all the major cities in South Korea and Japan. China is also anxious that the nuclear weapons programme of North Korea does not provoke a military confrontation between North Korea and the United States that would bring widespread destruction and shatter the peace and stability of the North East Asia region. China remains keen to continue its impressive economic growth rates and also hopes to maintain political stability in the region, a stability that North Korea has a strong propensity to disrupt. China is therefore willing to act as a go between to prevent conflict arising between the United States and North Korea that would be very damaging to the North East Asia region as a whole (Cheek, 2006 p.136). That also means t hat China is willing to back the efforts of the United States, South Korea, and Japan to reduce the North Korean threat to peace and security (The Guardian, February 14 2007). Russia, as the main successor state to the Soviet Union, on the other hand has attempted to maintain strong economic, military, and economic links with North Korea. Those links leave Kim Jong Il hoping North Korea has more leeway in its disputes with the United States and the United Nations over its plans to acquire nuclear weapons. Whilst Russia is caught between promoting its economic links with North Korea without harming its relationship with the United States that improved with the latters war on terror in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, it would normally put its relationship with the United States first. The Russians and North Koreans remain keen upon maintaining a strong relationship between each other, although that is based on pragmatism rather than a common ideological outlook. Whilst the Russian government believes that like the Chinese government it could help resolve the international disputes that currently mean that North Korea is regarded as been a threat to peace and s ecurity in North East Asia region (Meir, 2004 p. 417). North Koreas defence and foreign policy was seen and remains seen as a serious and increasing threat to the peace and security of the North East Asia region because of the nature of the Pyongyang regime itself. That is due to Kim Il Sung and his son and successor Kim Jong Il concentrating upon the maintaining of their personal hold on power. That hold on power is through a strong military with undoubted loyalty to the national leader, and via a system of forced labour and prison camps that detain political dissidents or opponents of the regime. The regimes internal position is also protected and promoted through a cult of personality for Kim Il Sung and now Kim Jong Il that rivals other cults of personalities witnessed in other communist regimes. It most closely resembles the cults of personality experienced in the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union, or China under Chairman Mao Zedong, especially during the tumultuous period of the Cultural Revolution (Castleden, 2005 p. 301). The Nor th Korean regime during Kim Il Sungs lifetime not only managed to copy Chinese and Soviet propaganda techniques; the North Koreans also managed to emulate their purges. Such pronounced levels of dictatorship have always managed to make the United States suspicious of North Korean intentions. The South Koreans and the Japanese tend to reinforce American concerns over the de-stabilising effects of North Korean defence and foreign policies. The South Koreans and the Japanese therefore have fears for their safety as without an American military presence in the North East Asia region they would not be able to defend themselves from North Korean attacks. As the United States and its North East Asian allies do not trust North Korea, the United States uses satellites to monitor North Korean military activity and its nuclear installations, whilst the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) constantly carries out surveillance operations (Lane McCormack, 1993 p. 178). Chapter Two Containing the North Korean threat to peace and security in the North East Asia Region To a large extent North Korea is widely considered to be a threat to peace and secu

Impact Of Social Networking In The Airline Industry Marketing Essay

Impact Of Social Networking In The Airline Industry Marketing Essay Social Networking is increasingly emerging as an essential communication tool for the travel industry. The growth of social networking phenomena in the Airline industry initially commenced through sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Myspace since it has been growing with more professionalism with the turn up of new industry specified social networks (e.g., Tripadvisor.com). Without much research on how to engage with potential customers, many airlines have started using Twitter streams. Addressing the customer concerns and complaints is not possible by many airlines on social networking sites since they do not have any defined strategy. (Kirby, 2010). Over 2000 airlines operate more than 23,000 aircrafts, providing service to over 3700 airports in todays Global Airline Industry. The worlds airlines flew almost 28 million scheduled flight departures and over 2 billion passengers were carried in 2006. Over the past 30 years, the growth of air travel has averaged 5% approximately, with annual variations due to the differences in the economic fluctuations and circumstances in different regions of the world. The total revenue for the industry expected by IATA will be about $545 billion in 2010, rise of 13% from $483 billion in 2009. Every corner of the globe has been served by the international airline industry which has contributed in the creation of a global economy. (IATA, 2010a) As many authors have researched about social networking no such book or an article has described social networking impact in the Airline industry perspective. A better understanding of social networking has been brought out in this paper. Evaluation of social networking with the airline industry throughout this research will be an essential platform since most of the companys fear from embracing social networking. The impact of social media on airlines and the directions for successful deployment of social media have been detailed in the report. The aim of this report is to educate and help Airline companies to formulate strategic responses for a brand and distribute opportunities since social networking has being taken into consideration as a marketing tool. Sharing and gathering of exclusive information through social networking helps to decrease the advertising budgets and in return increase the revenue and build brand loyalty. Methodology of the Research The intention of this research is to prove that the Airline industry has a great potential in social networking as it cant be ignored in 2010. As few major airlines such as JetBlue, Virgin America and British Airways have started social networking which has changed their process fundamentally by improving customer satisfaction, reducing costs and increasing brand loyalty. Through an inclusive literature review by following academic literature, white papers, popular media, journal articles and books, the following areas which are associated with social networking on the Airline industry have been explored Critical research about social networking emergence with the purpose to establish the potential impact of it on the Airline industry. To find out how social networking will change the Airline consumer behavior and what should be the strategic response from the industry in response to these changes. What marketing professionals should do to find their feet in the social networking arena in terms of their skills, attitudes and behaviors? In order to ensure credibility, reliability and viability of information which have been used for this article, comparison of that information has been done using different similar sources. Accuracy of that information has been evaluated in the Analysis of Included References (9.0) of this document. Industry Analysis European airline giants such as Cathay Pacific, Emirates, US Airways, Japan Airlines, Air France-KLM and Southwest Airlines have dominated the airline industry. Over 2000 airlines operate more than 23,000 aircrafts, providing service to over 3700 airports in todays Global Airline Industry. The worlds airlines flew almost 28 million scheduled flight departures over 2 billion passengers were carried in 2006. The Airline Industry is an intensively competitive market which was negatively affected by the economic downturn and hike in the oil prices over the past two years. The Airline Industry saw a loss of $16 billion in 2008 followed by $9.9 billion in 2009. According to IATAs most recent financial forecast, carriers are projected to earn $2.5 billion in 2010. (Refer Appendix I for further details) Source: ATW World Airline Report 2010 Figure 1: Revenue/Expenses vs. Net Profits by Year Figure 2: International Passenger and Freight Growth Figure 3: Number of Scheduled International Passengers Carried in 2009 Impact of Social Networking in the Airline Industry Social Networking, incorporating Web 2.0 technologies, has been credited with the ability to expand social contacts, accelerate business processes, improve customer relations, cost-effective recruitment of high-caliber staff and the improvement of morale, motivation and job satisfaction among staff (MessageLabs, 2007a). Is Social Media Evolution or Revolution? Since social networking is emerging and has hit its tipping point, conventional networking sites are cannibalizing and competing with each other for members (Neisser, 2008). Today, Web 2.0 is extremely changing customers expectations and behaviour. Social networks such as Facebook, Myspace, and YouTube etc. will change industries than the Internet since they allow customers to communicate with each other, without the involvement of companies (Boynes, 2008). Figure 4: Growth of Facebook by Country and Top 10 Social Networking Sites Source: Nielsen/NetRatings Report, 2009/2010 Liveliness of Social Networking in the Airline Industry Why? As Social networking in a corporate context will become impossible to be ignored in 2010 most of the major airlines have started using social media to re-invent and enhance their clients facing parts which they were doing on a one to one basis. Most of the airlines have created a Facebook or Twitter fan page in regards to this as a start but no one seems like getting the potential out of it by doing active social networking. Social media reveals many transformative opportunities within the airline industry. The Industry is using social network sites to simplify customer contact and response by proactively monitoring and responding to the online chatter. How? The immediate social media based feedback elevates stress and tension for the flyers who have lost their luggage or missed a flight. UKs low cost carriers such as easyJet has over 45,000 followers on Twitter, where Virgin Atlantic and airBaltic have 8000 and with 8500 followers accordingly (Field, 2008). Facebook has been used as a platform by American Airlines in which they have launched Travelbag where the users are able to share their travel experiences and plans and also set up countdowns for upcoming events or trips. According to the airline, they are trying to differentiate and segment its passengers along with identifying their buying habits. Social Networking the Catapult for the Airline Industry Presently, the entire world is evolving towards technological know-how with continuous improvements in ICTA developments in many industries. Airline/Aviation industry has driven a massive growth in all over the world due to ICTA development which has influenced recently. The 12th annual SITA/Airline Business Airline IT Trends Survey, out of 129 airlines that took part, 56% expected an increase in IT spending next year, with only 10% expecting a decrease. As being recovered from the economic downturn, the survey shows how global cost pressures continue to influence IT strategies. Figure 5: ICTA Spending in Airline Industry Source: The Airline IT Trends Survey. 2010 The above mentioned ICTA trends are evident resources that infrastructure and spending are available to drive the change and impact which has been created by social networking Taneja (2008) Flying ahead of the airplane has mentioned that Social Networking/Media is increasingly emerging as an essential communication tool for the travel industry. The growth of social networking phenomena in the Airline industry initially commenced through sites such as Facebook and Bebo since it has been growing with more professionalism with the turn up of new industry specified social networks. Presently people are looking to complete their activities via their mobile phones. With the arrival of social networking it has become an essential part of their life as they get used to mobile social networking. This is a potential impact for the Airline industry as they have already started online digital marketing such as E-tickets, E-flyers, etc. How Consumers Drive the Fundamental Change With the growth of the internet many firms use online consumer reviews as marketing tools which are also strategically manipulated since it can help the consumers to discover quality products (Dellarocas 2003). According to a survey by an Internet marketing Research Company comScore (2007), 24% of the internet users access online reviews before making payments for services delivered offline. Li and Bernoff (2008) argues that the consumers expect 24 hours customer service capabilities along with broad self-serve online options. Return on Influence would be another suitable theory in the matter of WOM and Marketing should be strategically carried out by influencing and identifying those who have the most influence over others (Brogan and Smith, 2008). Around 60% of the worlds population visit social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace or blogging sites as according to the Nielsen Global Online study. Figure 6: Global Social Network Traffic Source: Nielsen/NetRatings Report, 2009/2010 Traditional behavior before the introduction of social media Before social networking became an intermediate support for the airline passengers, they have been gathering information, planning their trips and reserving their tickets through particular airline companies or travel agents. Customer service was also not regular, identical and reasonable among all passengers. Flight availabilities, delays etc. couldnt be informed to consumers. The places such as blogs, forums and specialized websites were limited to talk about the negative and positive impacts which have been faced by the passengers. Traditional versus Online Consumer behavior Traditional ways of consumer behavior has changed fundamentally by social networking since it has overhauled traditional methods of communication with the use of Word of Mouth method to create a positive effect. WOM was considered as an alternative to the traditional marketing tools by several books. According to (Misner, 1999) it is a least understood strategy but yet effective. Since traditional ways of communication are diminishing, marketers are interested in understanding WOM (Nail, 2005). Presently mobile social networking has emerged to help social networking spread all over the world. According to Nielsen Mobile, the U.K. and U.S. stands ahead of many markets in mobile social networking. Social networks were accessed on phones by 1.6% of U.S. mobile subscribers and 1.7% of U.K. mobile subscribers in December 2007 January 2008 as compared to 0.6% in France, 0.2% in Germany and 0.8% in Spain. Figure 7: Personnel vs. Social Benefit in Social Networking Figure 8: Where Do Consumers Search Info According to a study done by  OTX Research  on behalf of  DEI shows that consumers currently obtain information of brands, companies or products with the use of social media. According to the Nielsen online report, users from each segment visit social networking sites as part of their normal routine activities. The emerge of social networking has exposed particular industry products and services and hence majority of the young users are the key influences and are involved in purchasing decisions rather than depending on their parents who were previously influenced with the traditional method. Figure 9: Use of Social Networking Sites by Age Source: Nielsen/NetRatings Report, 2009/2010 AISAS (AIDA) Model This model was another version of the traditional AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire and Action) model to accurately describe consumer behavior on the internet. AISAS online consumer behavior model concept was developed by the Dentsu Group and it is being used since 2004 to describe online consumer behavior. Figure 10: AISAS (AIDA) Model Source: Concept developed by Dentsu Group How AISAS models Work with Social Networking Social networking sites have the ability to get the attention of consumers by displaying banners, information, etc as they cannot rely on traditional one-way methods of communication e.g. TV and print ads. Interested customers will be searching for more information to take decisions. This helps companies to spread their message for a low cost since interested consumers who are unable to buy the product can still share details through social networking as this model can work in many ways than the traditional AIDA model. In terms of communication it may work in four ways as explained in the above diagram. Social networking can be used to get the initial attention towards a company by publishing photos, videos, advertisements, current affairs and through connecting people. In order to hold the attention of the consumers, news articles, future promotions, travel packages, CSR factors and service information can be sent. Once the interest is built, promotions such as low cost tickets and other offers will make the consumers to search more information before taking decisions. This will enable to create desire and make their service believable and collect reasons to buy. Social networking can do this process predominantly as it can direct the consumers to e-ticket sites or a travel agent who is available online and make a purchase. Positive or negative feedback will be shared as per individual experience. Consumers can upload photos and share experiences with one another. Attention Interest Search Actions Share Consumer Satisfaction effects in Social Networking Airline Industries can increase the customer satisfaction with the help of social networking since it can provide better services, suggest or share ideas to others. Regarding the consumer behavior, companies have given more consideration to satisfaction. Figure 11: Conceptualized Model: Satisfaction effect of the consumer Why Consumers are moving towards social networking sites The passengers can make the best choice and get a clear picture of what to expect from each airline such as services and products E.g.-: meals drinks offered, in-flight entertainment, crew service standards etc. and also share their ideas by uploading pictures, videos and status updates about their personnel experiences on Facebook, Twitter etc. Figure 12: Technographics ladder: Consumer Behavior in Social Networking Source: Forrester Research, 2006 Internet ticket reservation has been accelerated by social media as most of the airline consumers are selling and promoting their tickets using social networks. E.g, JetBlueCheeps: A Twitter stream devoted to last-minute fares sales. There are uncontrollable events which cannot be prevented such as weather delays, union strikes etc. which causes a negative impression on the minds of the customers. Therefore the airline sites should be able to address such situations. E.g., The CEO of JetBlue went on Youtube and addressed the concerns of the people due to Snow storm delays which occurred on the 14th February 2007 which received a positive feedback. Why consumers are involving in Social networking With the availability of many touch points the consumers can make correct decisions with referrals and recommendations. Although there are some voices withholding assents with regards to social media as a marketing tool, social media have essential applications for customer relationship management programs, marketing campaigns and public relations activities. The following diagram describes how the Airline consumers are involving with social networking sites. Figure 13: Airline Consumer Involvement in Social Networking Benefits of social networking to the airline consumers Share their own ideas and plan trips with more ease Travel applications have been introduced by social networks such as TripIt and Dopplr Purchase air tickets at a low rate and get further discounts from social networking sites Disintermediation such as Travel agents More convenience and less time consuming to make the correct decision Get additional information about airline brands Greater expectations of customer service and managing relationships Free availability of valuable information Findings and Discussions Social Media platforms improve reach and promote campaign messages and airline industry activities. Through the research it has been identified it will be able to capture the public mood, emotion and knowledge about airline related issues. This will enable a range of opportunities to tailor messages and engage the public in a conversation about airline promotions with transparency which would improve loyalty and trust. Creating of a Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Blog or forum under a company name is not social networking (Hernandez, June 2010). Presently most of the airlines have social networking but apart from few airlines majority are not doing active social networking which means they dont practice social networking components to build their market. Following are the few examples of how some major players actively engage in social networking. October 5th 2010 Malaysia Airlines won the Best Use Of Social Media To Drive Revenue Award at the inaugural Simpliflying-Airline Business Social Media Excellence Awards for Airlines. (Malaysia Airlines, 2010) As per facts/statistics that have been published in the previous chapters, the consumer behavior is changing very rapidly towards social media. In order to cope with these changes airline companies needs to have good strategies and specified skills from their marketing experts. (Please refer Recommendation section for further details.) Besides the famous conventional social networking sites there are airline specific websites, forums and blogs in different languages such as Tripadvisor.com, Flying.org, Aerhub.com, genflylounge.com, and Aircollector.com, etc With the ever shrinking global differences and the ever evolving technology highway, the airline industry has great potential to expand as the global opportunities have increased and the world is becoming a local market for all the businesses. This has paved way to increased travel opportunities, which could be targeted efficiently through the increased use of social media. Summary of the Research Paper According to the literature review, social media plays a significant role in the modern marketing world. Although there are some voices withholding assents with regards to social media as a marketing tool, it has essential applications for customer relationship management programs, marketing campaigns and public relations activities. As most of the Airline companies have not embraced social networking prominently there are potential opportunities which the Airline industry can snatch and make Social media as a marketing tool. With the emergence of social networking and mobile phenomenon behaviors, attitudes of customers are changing rapidly as they are looking forward for more convincing and unique customer services. To facilitate this fundamental change Airline companies must have to build a strong strategic response which can increase their company goodwill, market share and image by attracting more consumers. Special set of skills, attitudes and behaviors needs to be adapted by marketing professionals in the industry to make the best out of social networking. More research is required to articulate the accurate impact of social media on consumer awareness, behavioral change, nature of competition and B2B opportunities. Coordination of social media material and collaboration with airline companies at all levels of the government will become increasingly critical. Recommendations Social networking: Building the Airline industry Market Social networking has been able to revolutionize many industries by helping to build market share and earn more revenue since it can be used as a marketing tool. Airline companies would greatly benefit through social networking since it has a greater visibility into the customer needs and their opinions and facilitate quick and direct interaction. In 2007 the use of social networking deeply became popular among the internet users. (Nilesen, 2009). By the Airline industry, Social media marketing is taking off in a major way with sites like Facebook and Twitter E.g., Westjet have been investing in Facebook and Twitter during the past six months for opening and enhancing communication with the consumers (Field, 2008). Strategic Response to Emerge As a Social Marketing Pioneer Even though majority of airlines havent embraced social networking utterly, components of it such as online advertising is being used since longtime ago. Advertising will not be a good strategic response to emerge social networking in the airline industry. In order to reply to this fundamental macro theme the airline industry must have a proper strategy to get the potential of this which will open up new opportunities. According to a new forecast from ZenithOptimedia (www.zenithoptimedia.com), online-marketing will account for a greater proportion in the global ad sector in 2012 than it does now-17.1 per cent of overall ad spending in two years time compared with 12.7 per cent in 2009. Creating a buzz around services is the requirement for airline companies. It doesnt start from creating a Blog or creating a video, its a social media strategy that encompasses social media and word-of-mouth marketing. There are so many social marketing tools that can be used to fulfill the potential of internet business. Figure 14: Development of Strategies (Sims and Smith, 2003) According to the above mentioned framework when developing a strategy, Airline companies should consider three factors mainly. What Basis?: Every Airline company defines their basis (corporate main purpose) when it has been started such as cost leadership, differentiation, cost differentiation focus according to Porters generic strategy. Which Direction?: As social networking has become a frontier in communication, usage of proper social media can change the direction of Airline companies. According to many authors, consumers are embracing new media experiences with a staggering speed. How?: Airlines need to develop a technological savvy skill in order to drive the growth of social networking in terms of market development. This means that the marketing professionals should develop their skills and behavior in response to the emerged macro environmental theme. (Refer chapter 8.2 for further details) According to the Ansoff Matrix, by becoming a social media leader, Airline companies can develop their market since it is highly penetrated. Figure 15: Ansoff Matrix for the Airline Industry (Ansoffs, 1957) There are so many categorizations with the industry such as budget, low cost, premium, national and regional, etc. Requirements will always be different to each other. Following are the main factors that airlines should consider before compiling a market development strategy. What is the pitch and the strategic intentions Anticipation of the market development initiative (Awareness, sales and loyalty) Current Relationship with the passengers How is the current behavior in terms of social media The ways you are going to address them to build the market Execution and Identifying success Most of the airline companies are using traditional digital marketing steps such as email campaigns, online banners, etc. To get the use of social media they need to use digital marketing moderately in a different way. Figure 16: Change in Online Marketing Usage/Spending in 2009 (Source: Ad-Olgy Research, 2008) New Cynosure for Market Building, Customer Service and Goodwill A Market development strategy should be mainly backed up by social networking components. With this strategy more results with a less marketing budget can be expected than traditional marketing procedures. Many airline companies accept social media as emerging and a proper digital marketing tool. Figure 17: Social Networking Components (The Digital EcoSystem) (Infuz Whitepaper, 2010) How Social Media helps to build the Airline Market Figure 18: Traditional Process vs. Social Networking Process The following section will describe how social networking can be used as a prominent marketing tool to develop the market according to Ansoffs Market development strategy Identification of New Segments: Social networking has been used by many consumer segments which will enable to identify new customer segments other than targeting offline. (Please refer Figure 19) Take advantage: Opportunities to reach an audience would be by Blogging, Twittering and maintaining Facebook fan sites which would ease the decision making process and allow them to share ideas. Spark discussions: With social media, companies can interact with their customers regarding their thoughts about the operations of the company. Channels should be kept distinct: Channels such as blogs, Twitter, Facebook etc. can be used for spreading news, promotions etc. and enable the users to visit different outlets rather than sticking to one. Composition: It consists of the means which the message should be delivered such as channels, digital tools etc. Exposure: Once the digital tools are selected the organization needs to find the ways these tools need to be implemented. Content Ideas: This consists of the process in which the organization ensures that the public receives the message which can be through news feeds, promotions etc. Monitoring and Controlling: Gaining control and continuous monitoring of digital medium activities against set KPIs. Have fun: There should be fun as a team and it should help the company to position them as friendly, customer driven and a convenience Airline. Figure 19: Social Networking Site User Segments (Ofcom, 2008) How the Marketing Professionals Should Adapt to the Change As per the above discussions, social networking is emerging rapidly without any obstacles. Social networking components can be used as digital marketing tools such as online advertising, sharing, blogging, etc to increase the market share and brand loyalty. To keep competitive sales, marketing professionals need to keep their skills up-to-date and effective (Victor et al, 2009). Todays economical condition is extremely different to that of five, ten or twenty years ago. Long complex proposals and contracts are the norm these days. According to Cheverton (2004) there are few important skill types that marketing professionals should acclimatize according to the macro environmental changes occurring rapidly. Those are Communication Skills, Social Skills, Flexibility, Openness to Diversity, Thinking Skills, Personal Development and Learning Skills. Social media marketing will be unsuccessful if it doesnt match with the corporate culture or people are resistant to change. Following are the few of new skills, attitudes and behaviors which requires to be adapted by marketing professionals. Figure 20: Social Networking Skills, Attitudes and Behaviors Marketers should offer various competitive prices, promotions, and tactics in order to build their market. Skill/Attitude/Behavior Description Expert researchers A deep research would provide information for making the correct decisions and overlay a solid platform for doing the required tasks in order to develop a simple tactic or a social media plan. Business acumen The requirement for the growth of the business needs to be figured out and acumen social media tactics will fulfill it. Strategic thinking and planning If the company wants to target the right group of people, it is very essential to think beyond single tactics and instead take all the tactics which can help to achieve the objectives. Strong journalistic writing and storytelling Communication leads to success in social media which in turn creates an opportunity for businesses to share their stories directly with the people. Video/Image production Videos and images should be uploaded on social networking sites to attract consumers. Innovative and Creative Innovative ideas needs to be generated in terms of advertising, networking, connecting people, etc. Relationship development Social media relationship development is all about the value the brand can give to others rather than the benefit others can give to the brand. Experts in social media platforms Expert knowledge in social media should be adapted by marketing professionals to build their company. Self-Directed Learning In order to stay competitive in the market, further learning about social media can be completed by supporting groups and discussions, reading blogs and visiting sales training web sites. Restive Curiosity People in every industry are very curious and restless regarding new developments and are always finding new alternative ways to accomplish tasks. Analysis of Included References Source Description Credibility Reliability Merits Relevance Principles of Marketing This book looks at the major decisions that marketing Managers face in their efforts to balance an organizations objectives Many peer reviews specially from industry experts, CEOs Authors: Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, Veronica Wong, John A. Saunders (Written by well know masters in the marketing arena) High Marketing in Travel and Tourism This book aims to guide and support readers through the complexities of tourism marketing in the 21st Century. The report has been reviewed and used content for other publications Illustration: 4 Editions Butterworth-Heinemann (well known publisher) Authors: Victor Middleton has been an independent management consultant, academic and author since 1984. Professor at Oxford Brookes University and the University of Central Lancashire. Medium Journal of Marketin