Friday, April 5, 2019

HIV/AIDS And Stigma | Essay

human immunodeficiency virus/ assist And Stigma EssayHIV/AIDS is adept of the challenges to human life and dignity. It affects all levels of society and has a massive impact on global economic and social development, (Rowden, 2009). Studies have been conducted on its impact on human life and how it could be controlled. This re opinion was conducted by exploring literature from a variety of sources for published articles on HIV/AIDS and its stigma. Literature from research applications programme a period of 8 years from 2002-2010 was extracted from Assia, PubMed, Sage, British Medical Journal, Cochrane and Absco-host, and re insureed for the study, objectives, methodology and key dominateings. Relevant books, journals, documents and reports from organisations much(prenominal)(prenominal) as UNAIDS, and the World Bank were also reviewed. Both qualitative and quantitative data was apply to get the information.Despite facing a lot of criticism on its top-down approach, the bio ae sculapian model stay the dominant concept in wellness and unsoundness. Its credibility lies on its scientific methods and expert knowledge used to diagnose or understand illness and treatment. This model views the body as a machine tranquil of different parts working together for it to function. If one part is not functioning properly, the aim is to find what is wrong with it through diagnosis and fix it by prescribing medicine, (Taylor Hawley 201012). Focus is hence restricted to the physical illness of an individuals body and the scientific dread of disease, making the approach heavily based on materia medica. While pharmacology is beneficial in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS, it is criticised for promoting the privilege of the biomedical model, further enhancing undermining of alternative approaches to retrieveth and healing. The biomedical approach may be inappropriate to some communities and create feelings of helplessness and vulnerability in that respectfore affecting the success of the intervention. (Global Health Watch, 2008, Farmer, 1999).Lay concepts of wellness and illness are diverse and complex than those of the medical model. They focus on messs experiences of health and illness in relation to their overall life experiences and are plant within local social and cultural structures. Unlike in the biomedical approach, indigenous approaches sample to heal the whole person by linking the illness with the persons social and economic background, (Taylor, 2003). However critics of this model argue that worldly concepts are difficult to evidence and research hence they remain marginalised and scarcely recognised as accepted knowledge, (Taylor Hawley, 201013). On the contrary, Taylor, (2003) argues that lay perspective is crucial knowledge for public health as it identifies roots of illnesses for practicable long term prevention and treatment for the larger population as compare to individually concentrate interventions.Influenc e of power systems such as the dominance of the medical model hinder progress on preventions and treatment of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and stigma as they govern relationships amidst health structures and lay pack. Goffman, (1990), and Parker and Aggleton, (2003),s theories of stigma in helping us to understand how stigma is constructed and its influence in peoples lives view stigma and discrimination as functional systems which maintain boundaries between those in power and those without. Through such power, social inequalities are developed leading to creation of social norms. These formulate stigma by administration interactions between people and reinforce power structures that serve to maintain control of the powerless, (Farmer, 2005). Both theories have been astray used in HIV related stigma to highlight how prejudice, negative attitudes, abuse and maltreatment order towards PLWHA have hindered the progress of prevention and treatment.Research highlights that stigma and d iscrimination in health care settings ancestry from social power imbalances contribute a great deal in keeping people outdoor(a) from accessing HIV/AIDS treatment and care. Patients felt greatly affected by health workers feeling awkward with them and treating them in an inferior manner. In Tanzania, some discriminatory and stigmatised practices such as gossiping about patients HIVs status, neglect, communicative abuse, test and disclosing HIVs status without consent were far-famed, (D.C Synergy, 2005). Similarly in India, health workers were disclosing patients HIV status to their families without patients consent, (Mahedra et, al, 2007). Harassment, avoiding and isolation of HIV-positive patients and testing without counselling are common features of stigmatisation in most studies. Some health workers wore protective costume even if on that point was no physical contact during interactions. Fear of creation identified as infect with HIV also influenced people to prolong testing for HIV and only accessed run when their illness was at an advanced stage, (Bond and Aggleton, 2002 Kinsler et al, 2007 Varga et al 2006 Kalichman and Simbayi, 2003). In Zambia, HIV-positive health workers were hiding their HIV status from their colleagues in fear of being stigmatised, (Dieleman et al, 2007).While most of the literature on HIV/AIDS and access to health services is negative, there is evidence of the value of supportive and de-stigmatising HIV services in some parts of the globe. Brazil has been hailed as a model by PLWHA. They reported supportive inclusive structural systems that create healthy environments that put forward active participation of different groups in society and the government, (Caltado, 2008). In South Africa where most people commit in traditional healing, Aids Activism has made a positive signifi idlerce in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment by translating and mediating the biomedical approach within local ideological frameworks which ar e substantially understood and acted on by the locals, (Colvin, Robins, 2010).Literature reveals that collaboration between lay perspectives and biomedical approach is all- valuable(a) for successful control of HIV/AIDS and stigma. There is no cure for AIDS but Anti-retrovirals (ARVs) can prolong life by lowering levels of HIV in the body therefore delaying the process between HIV and AIDS, (Robin, 2009). Although ARVs are now readily available in most countries, numbers of newly infected people are rising. According to the World Bank, 60 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. Access to treatment has increased dramatically but for every 100 people on treatment, 250 become newly infected, (World Bank, 2010). As such, pressure is now rising on the stiffness of only relying on the biomedical approach for treatment and care of HIV/AIDS.While lay perspectives are considered effective, this cannot be affirm as true with HIV/AIDS care. In South Africa, despite people heavil y relying on traditional healing approaches, HIV prevalence continued to rise. Significance towards effective control of the epidemic has been noted with the increase in accessibility of ARVs, (Colvin, 2009). In the UNAIDS Report On The Global AIDS Epidemic 2010, in 7 countries, five of them in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, HIV incidences increased by more than 25% between 2001 and 2009. Sub Saharan Africa, although still remaining the most highly affected by the epidemic, figures either stabilised or showed signs of decline owing to positive behaviour due to increased services that are embedded in local culture. The report affirms that stigma and discrimination, lack of access to services and ill laws can make the epidemic worse, (UNAIDS, 2010).Due to the challenges presented by HIV/AIDS to global public health, Baum. (2008241) calls for joint participation of all sectors in the fight against this deadly disease. She asserts that community level mobilisation where there is c onfederacy between lay people and structures is the effective way of combating HIV/AIDS and stigma. This is further supported by Farmer, (199990), who does not condone the dominance of the biomedical perspective in health and healing. He believes that lay people have a significant role in the process of health improvements and emphasises on the importance understanding lay peoples experiences as essential knowledge for successful interventions. He holds that health care services should be accessible to PLWHA without fear of being stigmatised. Educating health care professionals about the impact of stigma on patients and policies that move on inclusion of PLWHA in decisions that affect their lives are some of the key factors of effectively tackling the epidemic. Parker and Aggleton, (2003) also claim embodied participation between lay people and health structures as key to successful anti-stigma services.Relationships between health structures and PLWHA could also be improved by eng aging lay people through advocacy. The Greater pastime of PLWHA, (GIPA) principle emphasises the need for involvement of PLWHA at all levels in combating HIV/AIDS because they understand their detail better. Therefore their voices could be heard well if their needs were presented by people in the same situation, (UNAIDS, 2007). In the Zambia study, professionals living with HIV/AIDS are in a better position to advocate for people accessing services. Baum, (2008550) affirms that advocacy involving public health practitioners is an effective way of influencing structural barriers in public health.Literature has highlighted the repugn nature of concepts of health and healing underpinning access to services providing treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS and its stigma. The biomedical approach conceptualises health and illness through science and expertise with focus on the individual. Lay concepts view health and healing as embedded within local social and cultural structures and the refore seek to address public health for a wider population. Literature suggests that neither approach in isolation is effective in prevention and care for HIV/AIDS. Arguments have centred on the importance of collaboration of the models. Therefore there is need for intervention programmes to develop holistic approaches that are underpinned by the two models but it is also important to understanding each of the concepts in its own right.

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Construction Budget Over Runs and Late Project Completion

Construction reckon all everyplace Runs and Late Project CompletionConstruction fuddles ar graded very made if the work is immaculate within work protrude and to the deadlines agreed in the specification. However, the sad truth is that non all intents argon iniquitous of being in(predicate). Many lying-ins experience failure due to the uncertainties associated with social structure projects which include weather, materials, equipment, money and profitability, disagreements between knobs, affirmers and sub-contractors, statutory regulations, scotchal and political issues and functionality and draw a bead on. To stay these failures from constantly occurring, the types of failures need to be addressed so emerging face projects do not fall into the same category of winless Civil Engineering pull projects. It is clear-cut that most of these failures occur regardless of c beful training due to uncontrollable tick offs such as modality change, recession, dela yed deliveries etc. in that locationfore addressing the controllable issues, contractors can incorporate these problems into their specification. By understanding the issues from previous unsuccessful tress projects and correlating the failures, it go away be easy to identify the park errors and try to eliminate them from future projects. The look will be based on unsuccessful construction projects by using data from showcase studies, books, the internet and journals. The constraints and limitation of this paper will dep rest highly on the data received and analysed by previous sources and their opinion. The paper will also focus on two main federal agents, bud pass water over runs and late completion.Examples of work bring out Over-runs and Late Completion ProjectsThere argon many construction projects which have Budget Overruns and Late Completion. A few examples of calculate over-run and late completion projects areWembley StadiumSydney Opera rearTfls Jubilee take up Wembley StadiumThe Wembley Stadium was a renovation construction project which required the old domain to be demolished and rebuilt. The main purpose of the freshly bowlful was to increase the capacity of the stadium, be the new home of English football and also host other sports and national events. The original estimated cost of the stadium was 757m. This value at completion soared to slightly 798m. Multiplex (main contractor) reported about 45m losses in the construction of the New Wembley Stadium. These losses arose due to factors which includeWeatherSub-contractor walkouts (Cleveland Bridge steel company walkout)Sub-contractor disagreements (trade union of workers walkouts) andChanges in design due to failures.Due to the above factors the completion date of the project was pushed back by about three months. 1, 2Sydney Opera endureThe Sydney Opera House was built as a performing liberal arts centre and was designed by Jrn Utzon. The original estimated cost to build the Ope ra House was AUS $7m in 1957 and expected to be completed in five years. The project was started in 1959 and the value escalated to a massive AUS $102m and was completed in 1973. Not only did the budget over-run to 15 ages the original estimate, exactly it also took 14 years to complete, which is a very late completion. The main factor which affected this project was insufficient planning during the design stageThis led to a series of errors during construction, which effectively arrestd a domino effect. Hence, increasing the cost and pushing back the completion date 3, 4.Tfls Jubilee LineThe London Under demesne Jubilee Line extension was to link Stratford and the Docklands to Westminster. This project was planned in 1989 and estimated to cost 1.2billion. The construction started 1993 and expected to take four-spot years. This however was not the case due to a series of setbacks. There are four major causes for these delaysThe project was perplex on hold for 18 months to fin d fundingThe movement of the block signalling clay caused delaysThe location of the O2 Centre (Millennium Dome) had not been established andDue to the collapse of Heathrow Express Tunnel, work was put on hold again.This caused many changes to the original design and then causing the project to be completed in early 1999, which was a twenty months late completion. The cost also change magnitude to 3.5billion, an astonishing 70% budget over-run 5.What Are Budget Over-runs?Budget Overrun can be simply defined as when the lowest cost of the project exceeds the original estimates 6. In terms of construction, this means the actual cost of the project at completion minus the original fonded cost during the tendering stage. This in that locationfore gives either a positive value or a negative value. If the value is positive, the project is within budget and has created a profit, if the value is negative, the project has created a loss and is referred to as a Budget Over-run.why Do B udget Over-runs Occur and What Are The Causes?Budget Over-runs occur constantly in construction projects around the world. The main aim of any business (Construction Company) is to enlighten money, however, it is very common in construction to hear companies reporting losses due to budget over-runs. If the project is completed within the budget specified, it can be graded a success. Therefore this is an ideal factor to use, to rate the success of a project. Budget over-runs occur due to many factors, which are some whiles dis bear on into two groups, controllable and extent of damages. The types of budget over-runs are caused byThe cost variations between clients and contractors and some dates a third party e.g. project manager, consultant etc 7. worthless melodic theme during tendering processDisagreements with Trade Union of Workersmood changeLate completionChanges in design etc.This shows that the slightest mistake or changes made could increase the cost of the project dramat ically. Research carried out around the world on construction projects has shown that 89 out of 10 projects over-runBetween 50 and 100% over runs were commonThere was a constant coefficient of correlation of over-run projects for 70 years in each of the 20 nations and 5 continents surveyed.Average construction project be are about 33%9Another source of research carried out by Jahren, et al 10 predicted that the factors which increased the chances of a budget over-run areProject sizeMethod of deliveryAmount of competition lineament of contract documents andInterpersonal relationsThere have been predictions published in the User Guide (2005), which outlines the common factors which cause budget overruns. These arePoor Project ManagementThe project manager/management group up is employed to control the entire emergence to run smoothly and efficiently from start to finish for the project. They may or may not cover the cost depending on the clients preference. If the project manag ement is poor, it will create an effect on the entire project and in the User Guide (2005) it is listed as want of planning and co-ordinationPoor communication between members of the project team and the project sponsorFailure to identify problems and found necessary and timely design and programming changes escape of control over time and cost inputsLack of end user involvement.Unexpected Ground ConditionsThe ground conditions on any construction site are key, if the ground is not tested prior to tendering, the cost could escalate out of control, in order to put it right field. This effectively will be the contractors responsibility. Although examination pits and bore holes are used to get an idea of the ground conditions, the true site condition will not be exposed until full excavation. From the time the trial pits and bore holes are carried out to the time of excavation, the ground conditions may have changed. Changes in ground condition may cause a redesign and also cause pr oblems for any machines and materials reproducible to site. This whence should be taken into account as these could increase costs.Shortage of Construction MaterialsWhen construction is at its peak development stage in a certain areas, locally ordered materials could be in great demand. few materials maybe required but cannot keep up with the demand, hence causing delays to the project. These materials might be ordered from other areas of the world, but may cost substantially more as it will need to be shipped in and pushing back the completion date due to delays in material deliveries. Therefore to prevent any shortages occurring this will need to be anticipated and added to the cost to prevent budget overruns.Change in Foreign Exchange RatesIf specific materials are unavailable in the local market, it will so need to be imported from overseas. This can cause a problem to the budget if there are dramatic changes in exchange rates. This unexpected exchange rate should be taken i nto account during cost as it will cause an increase in the budget.Inappropriate and/or Inexperienced ContractorsSelection of the right contractor is another key conclusion. The contractor must(prenominal) be suitable for the project as some projects use a wide range of tenders who price the job. Although, the cheapest tender may be very inviting, it does not guarantee quality. The decision should be made on contractors experience, the contractors successful explanation of completing jobs on time and within budget and also the most competitive price. Research carried out by Yates et al (2003), the contractors tender which is 15% less than the Engineer, it is very likely there will be a budget over-run. The tenders personality should also be consider. This could be key as some companies may fall into hardship and bankruptcy. This will delay the project considerably and also increase costs as most contractors tend not to takeover other contractors jobs in case of any problems whic h could arise during later construction.Natural Disasters/EventsThese are disasters or events which cause inevitable delays and therefore budget issues to the project. The types of disasters/events which may cause delays and cost implications are wars, riots, earthquakes, landslide, fire, political and economic issues, types of projectile, contamination and many other disasters/events.UnderestimationsDeliberate cost underestimating occurs in order to gain the job. This will outlet in the project not being completed and the client having to either increase the budget or retender, hence, causing budget over-runs. Research carried out by Fllyvbjjerg showed that big construction projects were common culprits to underestimation and therefore led to the statement, whatever the cause, almost all large public projects contain initial cost estimating errors that termination in the need for increased funding to complete the projects8. The underestimation has been split into four major topic s by FllyvbjjergTechnical These are known as forecasting errors which are errors requiring changes because of imperfect techniques, honest mistakes, inadequate data, inherited problems in predicting the future and lack of experience on the part of forecasters. In this case, the errors occur between the budgeted estimation and the actual cost of construction. 11Economical The economical issues are split into two groups, public liaison and economic self interest. Public interest is where there are promoters and forecasters who underestimate the cost of the project on purpose to give public officials an incentive to cut costs to save public money. Economical self interest is used to create jobs for Engineers and construction companies and shareholders also get twisting to make more money. The fact that shareholders get involved tends to influence the forecasting process and therefore makes an impression on the result. 8Psychological This is known as appraisal optimism. Promoters and forecasters are held to be overly optimistic about project outcomes in the appraisal phase, when projects are planned and decided. 12 By making the cost seem lower than it should be, will effectively cause the budget to over-run.Political Political explanations interpret cost underestimation in terms of interests and power. The political issue arises on the fact that whether forecasters are intentionally biased to serve the interests of project promoters in getting projects started. This is key in order to start a project quickly, however, there is a legal and moral deception attached this form of underestimation 13.Change and Variation OrdersThese are changes to the project and are not part of the sketch work during the agreement of the project. In construction, changes tend to be inevitable and will cause a happy chance to the project deadline and also budget. These decisions are therefore discussed prior to any changes being made as it may not suit the client or contracto r.InflationThe general definition of largeness in political economy is the increase in prices and fall in the purchasing the value of money 14. This means that if there is an inflation increase, the value of all parts of the project will increase e.g. material costs, machinery hire, wages etc, which in strain increases the budget. To avoid these extra costs, predictions of the market should be checked during the tendering process, by both client and contractors.AccelerationThis is where there is a delay but the client demands the project to be completed by the contractor on time, before the completion date or before the agreed extension completion date.Delays Of Completion age and PaymentsDelays of completion tend to equal delays of payments, this will cause interest rate repayments to escalate causing the asseverate interest trap for both client and contractor.What Are The Overall Effects From Budget Over-runs?It is clear that budget over-runs occur continuously in construction projects around the world. There are many causes for these extra costs which have not been considered during the tendering process. This has caused a bad impression not only on clients but also contractors and end users. The effects on each party is as followsThe client loses faith in the construction industry but in-particular their consultants who are unable to deliver the project on time. This also leads to higher investment being required from the client.The consultants reputation is ruined as they have an inability to control the project budget therefore leaving question marks for winning new projects.Contractors do not make the salary anticipated and failure to complete the jobs leaves their reputation in tatters.The end user will effectively be the one paying the highest price in terms of buying/renting/leasing in order for the shareholders to cover their costs.Overall, its the construction industry that suffers as it causes major headlines in the media for the wrong reaso ns. invitees will be more cautious before investing in large scale projects which will cause a drop in the construction industry projects due to its feeble reputation. Many construction projects which are accepted by the client will come with a greater risk to the contractor.How To Prevent Future Projects From Budget Over-runs?To prevent future projects from being unsuccessful in terms of budget, the management of costs need to be broken nap to show exactly where costs will be greatest and smallest. The estimating, scheduling, accumulating and analyzing costs, and implementing measures to correct construction costing must be adhered to strictly. This will prevent any failures in terms of budget. There is a three timber process which can be employed during the planning stage through to the construction stage notice the scale of the project (in terms of quality, completion time and budget),Ensure scope is adhered to strictly (in terms of time and budget)Monitor and control the abo ve 2 steps constantly till the completion of the project.A successful project is based on the project manager and contractor working progress in hand to get the greatest efficiency from a project and tend to be based on time, implementation and cost. There are many types of key principles and actions which should be followed for a project to be labelled successful and a few are listed below 15Good project definition and sound business case, withdraw choice of project strategy,Strong support for the project and its manager from higher management,Availability of sufficient finances and other resources,Firm control of changes to the authorized project,Technical competence,A sound quality culture passim the organization,A suitable organization structure,Appropriate regard for the health and safety of everyone connected with the project,Good project communications,Well-motivated staff,Quick and fair resolution of conflict.Risks and uncertainties increase the budget of any project. The refore, a 10% of the estimated cost happening plan is usually inputted into many projects to prevent the project from delays and going over budget. Although 10% sounds fairly small, by adding other control systems to the project performance, this value could increase dramatically. However, a keen project management costing is more desirable and efficient than a contingency plan.What are Late Completions?In construction projects a late completion is unremarkably referred to as the time between the actual deadline agreed, to the time the project is completed. This is commonly called a delay in construction and tends to have a major effect on the client, end user, contractor and shareholders. If delays occur in construction projects, the contractor will be subjected toAdditional/Extension time of completion,Immediate termination of contract,Reduced profit orA mixture of the above.This is not always the case, as some delays are not the contractors fault. The other parties involved in the construction stage are, clients, consultants and external influences e.g. suppliers, machinery, start out nature etc. Any delay will create problems between all/some of the parties involved.Why Do Late Completions Occur and What Are The Causes?Delays can be split into three categories, these are pardonable Delays These are delays which are not caused directly or indirectly by the contractor and in raise the contractor is allowed an extension of time. The excusable delay can also be split into two parts,forgivable With payment This is where the contractor is delayed due to the actions of the client, and is given and extension of time and compensated with money for penniless time. An example is if client cannot access the site after the client has approved for the work to start.Excusable Without Compensation This is where the client and contractor cannot be blamed for the delays caused and the contractor is only given an extension of time. An example would be Mother Nature .Non Excusable Delays These are delays caused by the contractor or sub contractor and the contractor is not given any extensions. But the client may get liquidated damages.Concurrent Delays These are delays which occur at the same time. If, and only if two delays or more occur at the same time, then the contractor is entitled to an extension.Delays are caused by the members directly involved in the project and also members indirectly involved in the project. Research was carried out by Odeh and Battaineh (2002) and their finding showed that 17,Client DelaysThe client caused delays in terms offinance and Payments,Constantly Interfering,Indecisive lasts on Design and Requirements,Very Unrealistic Forced Time Schedule,Minimal follow out of Construction Projects,Minimal Experience of Co-ordination and Communication,Very Poor Employment of Representatives,Inappropriate Feasibility Study. adviser DelaysThe consultant causes delays in terms ofPoor Management/Management Team in general, Poor Management of the Contract,Lack of Preparation and Poor Drawings leading to wordy Approval of Drawings,Quality Assurance and Control,Improper Site Investigations and Slow Approval of Tests and Inspections,Poor Consultant Team with Minimal Experience.Contractor DelaysThe contractor causes delays in terms ofPoor employment of Sub-contractors,Poor Site Management,Inappropriate Construction Methods,Poor Planning including costs, time, budget etc,Terrible Decision Making during Construction, incompetent Contractor Experience.Material DelaysMaterial cause delays in construction projects in terms ofOverall Quality,Its Demand and Supply,Importing Materials,Inflation Rate of Materials,Late Delivery and Unreliable Suppliers fag out and Equipment DelaysLabour and Equipment cause delays in construction projects in terms ofLabour Availability and Productivity,Skilled Labour Availability, execrable motivation and morale,Strike Action and Absent Labourers,Equipment Demand and Supply,Frequent Breakdown and Maintenance of Equipment,Improper and Inadequate Equipment.Contract DelaysContract cause delays in construction projects in terms ofConstant Changing of Design,Mistakes and Discrepancies in Contract Documents,Different Party Relationship Breakdowns e.g. disputes, negotiations, breakdown in communication, improper organisation.External DelaysExternal influences cause delays in construction projects in terms ofClimate and Weather Changes,Unexpected Ground Condition Changes, uninterrupted Changes e.g. security codes, I.D.s etc,Complaints and Problems from Neighbours,Inflation of All Materials,War, Riots, and Other Conflicts,Slow Clearance of Site.How To Prevent Future Projects From Late Completions?There are many factors which cause late completions of construction projects. The delays can be caused by direct or indirect actions. Direct actions are delays which can be avoided as these tend to be made by the parties involved. Indirect actions are uncontrollable and theref ore by minimising the direct actions, the delay can be unbroken to a token(prenominal). Research carried out by Nguyen, et al. (2004) on project success factors in large construction projects in Vietnam, Aibinu and Jagboro (2002) on acceleration of site activities and contingency allowances, Koushki, et al. (2005) on what the minimization of time delays and cost overruns would require, and Odeh and Battaineh (2002) on recommendations for improving the situation of construction projects allowed for a table of thirty five methods to be created. These methods would show how to downplay/eliminate delays from construction projects.ConclusionFrom the research carried out, it appears that Budget Over-runs and Late Completions are a common feeling of the construction industry. However, it is clear that not all Budget Over-runs and Late Completions are controllable and some are fabricated to seem as over-run and completed late due to the process of tendering. In appears that there is a c onnection between late completion and budget over-runs hence, these are key factors which need addressing. The most influential effects for over-running and late completion are delays, insufficient finances, loss of reputations and controversial decision making from clients, consultants and shareholders.It is therefore compulsory that all the above measures should be followed, but a few major recommendations must be adhered to in order to make sure the project is always successful. The major recommendations for all parties involved are,Client The client should make sure all finances and payments are available and paid on time, the feasibility study is well planned and accurate as possible, the client should be proactive in decision making and understand what is feasible and what isnt, and the client should recommended a deadline but allow for any anticipated delays.Consultant The consultant should have good people skills, understand the projects objectives and the clients obligat ions, any misunderstood/discrepancies should be ironed out prior to construction and during the construction stages, this will prevent any major changes required during construction. The management team should be more than adequate and have a good history in the field of the construction project, quality control and assurance procedures should be put in place along with potential disagreement solutions which could arise.Contractor The contractor should tender based on the actual job costs and not the minimum tender in order to gain the contract. The contractor should employ reliable sub-contractors which have a good history in terms of completion and quality, the contractor should have a good management history as well as a good reputation in the type of construction project.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Using Ventricular Assist Devices Policies and Procedures

Using Ventricular Assist stratagems Policies and ProceduresSection 1 USING VADsII-1 Policy (Section 1) A. Excepting emergencies, newly dictated external or insert vascular access devices, placement must be confirmed by x-ray prior to infusing any medications or solutions. Note lines inserted into the femoral mineral vein do not require chest x-ray.B. Administration sets connected to a VAD must be cleaned and prepped using alcohol anywhere along the politics set where entry is made, using a friction scrub for 15 seconds.If the patient displays symptoms of infection (i.e. febrile, chilling, or has drainage from the VAD exit site), blood and/or site cultures need to be captureed. A physician order is required.C. indispensableness cargon of the VAD includes all of the following1. Notify the physician immediately to obtain order(s) if a VAD is cracked, leaking, or has a hole. Clamp the VAD between the site of the disfigurement and the exit site. Clamping must be done atraumati co nfaby either with a credit card clamp or with a metal clamp padded with gauze.2. If the VAD Dacron manacle protrudes from the exit site, secure the VAD with tape and notify the physician.3. If symptoms of VAD infiltration occur (i.e. dropsy of the neck, chest, back or abdomen, or shortness of breath), stop the infusion and call the physician immediately.D. For patients who ar macrocosm treated with antibiotics for sepsis or r/o sepsis, antibiotics ought to be rotated to each lumen of a multi-lumen VAD at to the lowest degree every 24 hours, if possible, i.e. it is optimal to rotate each antibiotic dose, or minimally every 24 hours, until blood cultures are negative for 72 hours. (See Reference Below to II-1-D)E. all in all central venous access devices which are Present on Admission (POA) or inserted with the intent of the patient being discharged with the device, e.g., hemodialysis, chem opposite(a)apy, long term antibiotic therapy, etc. do not require daily validation of aesculapian necessity, but should be inspected for signs and symptoms of infection.All other Central venous devices shall be evaluated for medical necessity on a daily basis.Section 2 OBTAINING SPECIMENS FROM VADsII 2 insurance (Section 2) Medical CenterA. Aseptic technique is to be utilise when obtaining research laboratory specimens from any type of Vascular rile Devices (VAD).B. Drawing blood from a VAD is fulfilled only by a licensed healthcare professional at heart their scope of practice using plague-free devices when obtaining or transferring specimens.C. Specimens must be labeled in the presence of the patient and must include patient plant, medical record number, find of birth, visit number (for Medical Center only), and date and time of specimen collection. Write the first initial and last name of the person who collected the specimen on the label.Vascular Access Device (VAD), External and insert, Catheter Care Page 3 of 17D. Labs requiring a glowering top anti coagulant tube (such as PT/PTT/INR or other clotting studies) should be drawn peripherally. In those instances in which these studies must be drawn through the VAD, this specimen should be the last specimen drawn.E. Syringes little than 10 ml are not to be used when flushing a VAD in order to avoid causing excessive pressure or fracture to the VAD.F. When force from a child less than two old age of age, a stopcock is used to maintain a closed transcription and the discard blood is returned to the child indoors 60 seconds.G. To prevent over-heparinizing a pediatric patient, no more than 50units/kg should be given within a four-hour interval. If flushing does exceed this amount, an MD order should be obtained and individualized for that patient.H. For multi-lumen VADs When drawing labs from one lumen, clamp other lumen(s) for duration of the blood draw, even if other lumen(s) is heparin locked. This prevents blood from possibly being introduced into second lumen when heparin lock ed. It also prevents possible contamination of lab specimen if fluid is infusing in second lumen.I. Heparin for routine VAD flushes requires an order in both(prenominal) yard bird and outpatient settings. The dosing and frequency guidelines are found on Attachment C of this policy.II-4 constitution (Section 4) A. An RN who has demonstrated competency in this procedure may perform needle insertion, site care, and needle removal of an implanted Vascular Access Device.B. The surgeon will access the port in the operating means on newly placed ports.C. Sterile technique must be utilized when accessing the implanted VAD.D. Only a 90-degree safety non-coring needle is used to access implanted VADs. chivvys are changed every seven days. The recommended non-coring needle sizes for both adult and pediatric patients is 19-22 gauge, 3/4 1. Blood or more viscous solutions require a lower gauge needle. Needle length is dependent upon the amount of subcutaneous tissue and depth of port. Do not access port if area is blistered or there are signs/symptoms of infection.E. Post-op dressings can be withdraw 24 hours post-op (unless ordered otherwise by physician). Steri-strips at insertion site should reside in place for 7-10 days.F. Implanted VAD site dressing changes are to be done once a week, with the needle change, or whenever it becomes loose, wet, or soiled.G. A heparin-locked non-coring needle may remain inserted for seven days for intermittent IV infusions. If a non-coring needle was placed and the patient does not require therapy, the needle must be removed by an RN prior to the patient being discharged home.H. local anesthetics may be used to help minimize the pain of needle insertion.

Symbols in Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House

Symbols in Henrik Ibsens A Dolls crime syndicateSymbols of new beginnings for NoraIn A Dolls House the protagonist, Nora lives in a straight-laced society where women are heavily controlled and inured as second-class citizens. The average niminy-piminy women belonged to a stereotype that the women were ask to stay home and clean, prepare meals and raise babyren. In marriage Victorian women lost ownership of their wages, all physical property, including land, and all other change generated once married. The conserve would represent both man and woman placing the husband in control of e rattlingthing and that including the wife as if she was a piece of property. This was Nora to begin with her new beginning. The playwright employs a variety of literary techniques and symbolism to come the transition from a traditional Victorian woman to the image of her guessn at the end of the play an embittered yet sophisticated, intelligent, and newly empowered woman boldly escaping the infantilizing clutches of her old life. Amongst the symbols employed throughout the play many were unmatcheds in which represented a new beginning for Nora. From the point of act one she played the submissive, seemingly selfish, foolish wife refusing to acknowledge the bearing that she was building. From the Christmas steer to the macaroons to the Tarantella to New Years mean solar day are very important symbols which are Noras loves, they are what helped her to obtain her new beginning, these symbols conveyed to the subscriber the beginning a new for her.Christmas is favored holiday for Nora, the level of gratification is exponential, but part of the reason why she is so happy is the exuberate that she has when playing the role of a wife and mother. The toys that she chose for her barbarianren suggests that she is fine with the status quo of Victorian society, girls being nurturing and growing up to be a homely wife and mother while boys grow up to be strong and powerful. t hough during this stage her action of wanting to buy something for herself implies that she wants to make a purpose for herself going against the status quo. At this point though unaware she starts to destine of independence as if the thought of it was in the back of her mind. though Torvald does non allow her to do so, the fact that Torvald will not trust her with coin to buy herself a present indorses a major imbalance of power. We see her during the play ordering the Christmas tree and then decorating it, secretly acting on an individual basis an implication of growth of strength to be an independent woman growing, go on towards a new beginning. During Christmas Eve Nora believed her marriage to be one that had critical to no issues. At the beginning of the second act, the tree has been stripped and the force outdles ruin out stage directions dictate that is should look bedraggled. This represents the end of Noras innocence and foreshadows the Helmer familys eventual di sintegration, the tree represents the family and its unity, the husking of the tree foreshadows Nora stripping from the family unit and her becoming her own person and reaching her new beginning. She is commencement to change significantly at this point. Though the first implication of a strength that was beginning to grow was in her little act of take in a macaroon.The macaroons was a treat that Torvald had forbidden Nora from eating. Nora claims that she would never dream of doing anything that Torvald did not want her to do, but this is disproved in the very opening of the play when Nora chow macaroons while she was alone in the living room. The macaroons come to represent Noras disobedience to Torvald, as this was her first act of disobedience seen by the audience. The macaroons depict that Nora is the perfect little pet that Torvald views her to be. The macaroons function in the play was to demonstrate that although that some families and lives seem picture perfect, most of the time it is not authorized, as proven by Noras need to hide the bond and macaroons from Torvald. Ibsens use of symbolism in using such a peanut pleasure impacts the story in a huge way by subtly showing the audience that Noras lifestyle is not as truthful, happy and dependent as it seems, an independent act can live to more and such implies her growing strength. After giving a infuriated consummateance of the tarantella Nora asks that the macaroons be served at dinner, indicating a relationship between the macaroons and Noras inner passions, the tarantella and the macaroons can be said to be two of Noras loves which help to show the audience the truth of who she rightfully is.The tarantella symbolizes a side of Nora that is fiery and passionate she could express her true nature in this dancing. The Tarantella was a wild southern Italian trip the light fantastic, generally danced by a couple or line of couples. The dance was named after the tarantula spider, whose poisono us bite was mistakenly believed to cause tarantism, an unruly urge for wild dancing. The cure prescribed by doctors was for the sufferer to dance to exhaustion. Pyscologists reason that the only form of expressing passion to its fullest, was the Tarantella. It is the fiery, passionate dance that allows Nora to terminate the faade of perfect mild-mannered Victorian wife it is the catalyst in which Nora is able to demonstrate a repressed side of herself, her true self. Ibsens placement of the Tarantella in the third act is an foreshadowing factor which implies the breaking out of Nora. Her new beginning, is clearly seen in this dance something that is not controlled. Throughout the play Nora uses performances to please Torvald, and the tarantella is no exception he admits that watching her perform makes him desire her. However this is only under controlled circumstances, and Torvald seems to enthrall that the performance impresses other people more than anything. But she can be on ly controlled to a certain point such can be said when Torvald was laborious to give instructions slow down, trying to control her as he watched her practice before the actual event. Though this seems to be only done to please her husband with a performance, what drives her to perform is the underlying aspect that she can demonstrate her emotions to the fullest uncontrolled.New Years day is traditionally viewed as a new beginning and such can be said to be the Helmer familys view, they are looking forth to this new beginning. Torvald starts a better paying job at the imprecate at which he works, Nora is almost kick if not already free of her debt by New Years day. By the end of the play Nora has decidedly made a new beginning for herself though not as expected without her children and her husband. As the secret about the debt is found out by Torvald and she has reached an epiphany because of this that she existed merely to perform tricks blaming him and her father for treating her like a spoilt child and a plaything for their own entertainment. They wanted her to be ignorant and helpless, and and then far she has only tried to please them and in turn lacking out on any opportunity to educate and improve herself. alone the times she subtly rebelled or disobeyed or rather she was the one in control behind the scenes but now she is seen clearly, no more deception. Noras submissiveness to Torvald is no longer seen. She shows herself no longer as a child but as an adult woman these symbols that the author has employed has shown her training over time. Especially when Torvald fails to provide the strength that she needed, because of that she can truly theorize that she no longer loves him. Her realization that she wants to pursue her independence is not so much a transformation but an awakening to a strength that she had possessed all along and with this strength she can begin a new.

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Commercial Casino Industry

Commercial Casino IndustryCommercial Casino Industry has been go alongring in unify States over 75 years since Nevada legalizing it. When Chef Wolfgang initiated to out fine dine restaurant in mercenary cassino, this is the beginning of food and beverage transformation in diligence in 1992. In 1995, Ameri stomach Gaming tie-in was created. MGM Mirage acquired Mandalay Resort Group, Harrahs Entertainment Inc. and Caesar Entertainment in 2005 and the mercenary cassino application started booming and early(a) states started legalize opening cassinos since then.The global maneuver fabrication is expanding. Many U.S. casino companies expanded or planned to expand to other countries such as Macao, Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. The international casino perseverance tends to make water rapidly harvest-home as gross gaming taxation in Macao has been more than gross gaming tax income in Las Vegas strip since 2006. turn in your enemy and know yourself, and in a hundred battl es you pull up stakes never be defeated. (Sun Tzus The Art of War Writings). This Chinese wisdom of warf atomic event 18 in any prob energy helps companies deploy a better strategy in many logical argument situations. The MGM Mirage Inc. is the largest gild in the Hotel and Casio fabrication by revenue enhancement enhancement in the U.S., bargonly now MGM financial statement showed that phoner bottom-line in debt. The social club was facing unsuccessful person code in the early 2010. In this devise, the report had been organized and presented MGM Mirage Inc. or MGM Resorts International in 4W framework(1) Who ar we? (Company profile, Hotel and Casino labor profile),(2) Where ar we? (Sophisticated tools in instruction, Technology, mercenaryiseing, pecuniary and Accounting were occasiond to analyze the society set with contender in the manufacture.),(3)What ar hassles? (SWOT compend) and(4) What are solutions?Who are we? Know yourselfMGM narrativeThe B eginning of Las Vegas Race2005 MGM Merged Mandalay Bay Group.MGM Profile in 2009 arrangement StructureCompany StrategyThe MGM Mirage Inc. strategy is to generate sustainable, getable growth by creating and maintaining agonistical advantages and through the exe blue-pencilion of our pedigree plan, which is focused on Owning, developing, ope rating and strategically investing in a strong portfolio of resorts operate our resorts in a manner that emphasizes the deliin truth of excellent customer dish out with the goal of maximizing revenue and benefit and Leveraging our strong brands and taking advantage of signifi bay windowt charge experience and expertise. (Source MGM Mirage 2010 forge 10-K)Current surgical processAs of 2009, the MGM Mirage reported that the company has completed suss out of 14 casino resorts and seize 50% of investment in 5 casino resorts. In addition, the MGM Mirage as well owned 3 golf courses in Las Vegas, Mississippi and California.(Source MGM Mirage 2010 Form 10-K)Casio Resort ( Completely owned)NevadaMGM exalted Las VegasMandalay BayThe MirageExcaliburMonte CarloRailroad Pass, Henderson florid Strike, JeanLuxorBellagio newborn York New York genus Circus Circus Las Vegas other(a)MGM molarity DetroitBeau Rivage , Biloxi, MississippiGold Strike Tunica ,MississippiCasio Resort ( hold 50% in stock)Nevadametropolis mettle(Joint Venture with Dubai World)Circus Circus RenoSiler LegacyOtherBorgata, Atlantic metropolis, NJGran Victoia , Elgin, ILMGM Grand Macau, ChinaIndustry analysisIndustry Analysis process is an substantive assessment tools for every company to deeply understand intentness up-to-date motilitys and opportunities. In fact, company get out gain a better personate and achieve a belligerent advantage when it truly understanding commercial messageizeplace. In the complex marketplace, the U.S. government is categorized labor with 4-digits Standard Industrial compartmentalisation ( set on) system. In additi on to SIC, the North American Industry Classification remains (NAICS) is a new standard for the industry. The NAICS with 6-digits code contains more details than the SIC system. The purpose of SIC and NAICS are economy analysis.The MGM Mirage Inc. has been class with SIC into deuce-ace major categories Hotels and Motels (SIC 7011), Coin-Operated Amusement Devices (SIC 7993) and Amusement and Recreation Services, Not elsewhere Classified (SIC 7999). In addition, the MGM Mirage inc. too has been classified with NAICS into two categories All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries and Hotels (except Casino Hotels) (713990) and Motels (721110). To thoroughly understand MGM Mirage Inc. marketplace, the hotel industry and casino industry had been analyzed.Hotels and Motels Industry (SIC 7011)The U.S. government defined a company in Hotels and Motels Industry asCommercial bring inments, known to the human race as hotels, motor hotels, motels, or tourist courts, primarily engaged in providing lodge, or lodging and meals, for the general public. Hotels which are operated by sectionship organizations and open to the general public are let ind in this industry. Hotels operated by organizations for their members sole(prenominal) are classified in Industry 7041. Apartment hotels are classified in veritableistic Estate, Industry 6513 meansing and boarding inglesides are classified in Industry 7021 and clean-living and recreational camps are classified in Industry 7032.Recession doctors hotel industryIn May 2010, Standard Poors industry report stated the hotel industry is still in an unstable condition. The industry provide require a longer period to recover from the 2008 recession. Currently, the industry is operating in a difficult situation. The hotel industry is facing drastic competition that forces hotel businesses to lower get on rates, which in turn results in lower profit.The data from Smith get going Research (STR) Inc. indicated that on aver age the hotel industry has lost its Revenue Per functional Room (RevPAR) since 2008. The 2008 recession has also brought the hotel occupancy rate down from 60% to 55%. In addition, average daily populatemate also dropped significantly 8.8% in 2009. Moreover, means need dropped 6% in 2009. In contrast, the tot up of lives rose 3.2% in 2009 (refer to figure1). While the U.S. government is making their elan out from 2008 recession, SPs forecasted that the hotel industry go out non return to the said(prenominal) pre-recession take aim for the next eight to ten years.Real gross domestic product helps the hotel industry in predicting dwell demandIn the hotel industry, a in last spirits accuracy in room demand elasti urban center estimation provides CEO with essential education for a long term planning and deploying strategies. In 2009, the research by Dr. Hanson from Global Hospitality Group Hospitality Lawyers shows well-nigh a 1-to-1 race that holds between the U.S. Re al GDP and room demand until the 2001 economic crisis. The latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the fundamental output of goods and swear outs reard in a country and adjusted for costd change. The demand is more elastic when the great the pro package of income spent on the good. by and by the 2001 recession, the demand retract and compensate to grow in a slower pace when compare with the real GDP. The GDP is increasing 4 times faster than the room demand does. The 5 factors that researcher believes that might come an regularise GDP and room demand relationship are Long-term deterioproportionn in consumer confidence, high consumer saving rate, consumers trying to recover lost investment, new pattern of way and proposed levels of tax accession affecting disposable income. Moreover, in the 2008 recession, the researcher also believes that the recession might create an additional snap back for room demand.U.S. Business and group travelThe hotel industry profit expertnes s can be influenced by a demand from business travel. According to a member survey, the Association of Corporate traveling Executives (ACTE) reports hotel expense represents, on average, 40% of all business travel expense. In addition, American Ex machinate stated that airfare will amplification from 2% to 10% in 2011, and hotel rates will make up 1% to 10% (Paurowski, 2010). The survey also indicated that 35% of its member strongly considered optimizing hotel expense in 2011 and 50% of its member expressed concern devotion increasing in expenses. Passenger Name Record (PNR) in calculating machine Reservation System (CRS) showed that cooperate travelers go for jailbreaked booking methods from Travel Management Companies (TMCs) to Online Travel Agency (OTA). In fact, 30% of its members stated that online hotel rates offered are lower than negotiated rates. The complementary items that are electred by the majority corporal travelers are complementary cocktails, free WiFi-int ernet access and comfort. In conclusion, the demand for business and group travel will likely be for cheaper retinue at lower rates with free complementary. (Michael Boult, 2010).Domestic and international travelersShifts in airway schedules and passenger booking have a acquire impact on hotel occupancy. According to the data from Air Transport Association (ATA) 2010 annual report, the unruffled in figure 3 shows that domestic capacity had a declining trend since 2000, and the data also showed that passenger enplaned has dropped significantly from 743 trillion passengers in 2008 to 703 million in 2009 reflecting a 5.3% decrease of airline industry capacity. In fact, profit margin in the airline industry has been on the negative side. Airliners cut back routes and canceled destinations.For international travelers, The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and Office of Travel and touristry Industries (OTTI) expect the industry growth in 2010 and gradual increase to approximately 6- 9% through 2015. Five countries, excluding Canada and Mexico, that rank highest in digit of visitors to the U.S. in 2010 by volume are China (40%), Brazil (35%), Korea (35%), Hong Kong (27%), New Zealand (24%) and Australia (19%). A weakening in U.S. currency helps the hotel industry by stimulating the demand from international travelers.Medical touristry -a little hope for the hotel industryIn the economic downturn, hotel industry needs a stimulant plan to boot-up its occupancy rate. In 2009, Reuters Health section provided or so touch oning facts about medical touristry in the U.S. The report indicated that U.S. health providers have lost 650,000 patients to hospital overseas such as Thailand, India, and Singapore. In addition, the health providers are predicted to lose as a great deal as $67.7 bingle million million in revenue in 2010. Oscar Goodman, mayor of Las Vegas, foresee the opportunity for the hotel industry in Las Vegas. Mayor encourages a flushical anaesth etic business to support the idea of medial tourism. The medical tourism will be an alternative business in the area, the national public piano tuner reported.Casio IndustryCasinos are the largest revenue generator in the sport industry. The industry provided approximately 350,000 jobs in the U.S. market. The American Gaming Association and the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) are the main organizations in the U.S. casino industry. The AGA encourages its members and their employee to be aligned with updated law and regulations. Moreover, AGA is a realizable source for a gaming industry providing gaming history, educational program, and statistic data on the Casino industry. In addition, the NIGA under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act has provided Native Americans opportunities to de jure run casinos.U.S. casino trendsThe casino industry has been hard-hit by the recession. According to the United States department of labor, the Mass Layoff statistics (MLS) program showed that the hotel-casino industry eliminated 13,000 jobs in 2008 (Labor, 2010). The revenue trend in the casino industry has been on a downturn for the last two consecutive years. The SP expected a slow recovery from the casino industry.Las Vegas, NevadaAs of 2009, the American Gaming Association reported that Las Vegas with $5.55 billion in revenue was a dominant U.S. market. According to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors effectiveness (LVCVA), the statistic in figure 5 showed a 2.4% increase in the number of visitors from 2009. The Las Vegas Strip gaming revenue was increased by 4.3%, still the downtown area gaming revenue was decreased by -7.3% from 2009. In 2009, the 14% unemployment rate in the state Nevada plummeted the economic trail. On a take upover impact from the economic crisis in 2008, the number of attendees at conventions, and a number of schedule conventions and number of meetings held remained on the spill with decreases of -1.1% and -6.7% respectively. According to the Las Vegas Visitor Profile, Market fraction reported by LVCVA (2009) that 76% of Casino guests were most likely to be traveling in a party of two and average hobble in Las Vegas is 4 nights. Casino guests on LVCVA survey stated that 87% of visitors called the hotel-casino directly to book their accommodation.In 2010, SPs industry report estimated casino revenue on the Strip to be 35%-45% of total revenues, and the revenue from hotel rooms was 20-30% of the total revenue. A total enplaned and deplaned air passenger continue to decline. The number of air travelers accounts for 42% of all visitors. (LVCVA visitor profile ir visitor version). The SPs report indicated strong growth from Las Vegas.Atlantic City, New jerseyThe Atlantic City is a irregular large of the U.S. casino marketplace. The inactive in figure 4 shows that casinos in the area have been losing revenue -5.7%, -7.6% and 13.2% in three consecutive years. According to SP, casinos in Atlantic City are facing hea vily competition from New York and Pennsylvania.Macau, China New Era of Asia Gold rushMacau is a special administrative region of China. The CIA The World Factbook reported that, in 2006, Macaus gaming revenue surpassed that of the Las Vegas strip, and gaming-related taxes accounted for more than 70% of total government revenue. The Macau market attracted many casino operators from Las Vegas to come and establish a new home-based outside the U.S.In 2010, the profit in Macau market increased 9.7% in revenue from its pass in 2009. The gaming industry in Macau was expected to rise, but, SP reported a concern about the room surplus of 40% in 2011 and 2012. In the long-term, SP still believes that the Macau gaming industry will generate a significant profit for China.Singapore A hidden dragonSingapore is the one of the most strategic locations in South-East Asia. According to Economy Watch and World Bank, Singapore is considered to be a very attractive country for new business. Source s in the breakwater Street Journal on October 7, 2010 reported that the Marina Bay Sands project is a 8-billion dollar casino in Singapore, known to be the cleanest city in the piece. The casino includes three 50-story structure with approximately 2,500 rooms a casino, retail stores, dining and 800,000 square feet enjoyment complex. The SP 2010 industry report predicted that the covert five markets for Singapore casinos are Indonesia, China, Australia, India and Malaysia. In addition, the Marina Bay Sands should have no effect on Macau market because the hotel presents a more family-orientated appeal. intelligent and RegulationInternet/Online gamblingOnline gambling is illegal in the U.S. as of November, 2010. Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act (H.R. 2266) was introduced to congress in May 2009 by Frank, Barney (Rep). The bill is aimed to Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, which prohibits internet gambling operators from recei ving money related to any online gambling that violates State or federal law (Frank, 2010). Online gambling is also on a serious flip over among AGA members regarding a safety and government regulation. The concerns regarding an online gambling are a credentials technology such as firewall to protect million online users.Summary constitute Fact from Industry AnalysisRoom demand dropped because economic recession. job rate dropped because dropped in demand and increasing room surplus.Real GDP could be used as atool for the hotel industry to future demand.Business Travel booking trends changed from Travel agency to online travel agency.China is a number one inbound visitor by volume from oversea.Medical tourism could be an alternative route for simulating demand.Gaming on Las Vegas Strip continues generating profit.Atlantic City market for casino is not pleasant after loss in profit of 3 consecutive years.Macau is growing and generated more revenue than Las Vegas Strip.Singapore c ould be a new growing casino market in South-East Asia.Legalize an online gambling is an ongoing process.Casino Market Oligopoly Market CompetitionIn 2009, the casinos industry had revenue in total of $US 21.8 billion. To determine an economic competitive type of market in the industry, the company uses a four-firm concentproportionn symmetry as the indicator. The symmetry is the helping of total industry sales made by the four largest firms (Fig. 4). The four-firm proportion for the casinos industry is approximately 70%, which had created an oligopoly form of market competition. In oligopoly, one firm decision can have a direct influence on demand, price, and profit of competitor in the industry.Figure 5 Companies in the casino industry by revenueFurthermore, international assessment of the industry is a critical process for management in decision making. The Porters Five-Forces Model, competitive analysis tool, has been utilized for in-depth industry analysis. The model analys is is provided five perspectives in assessing the industry Rivalry among competing firms, Potential inlet of new competitor, Potential growth of substitute products, Bargaining world power of providers, and Bargaining power of consumers.Porters Five-Forces Model AnalysisRivalry among existing competitorsMGM Rivalry among existing competitors HIGHSame-size competitorsHigh congest barrierIn distinct in product and service among competitors plank x panic of existing competitorsThe competitive atmosphere in hotel industry is high. thither are a lot of competitors in industry. Furthermore, it seems that competitors compete in same dimension because in commercial casino industry, customers are not much diverse. Therefore, players in this industry appoint it hard to target varied customers with different needs There are a lot of competitors with equal power and size. Exit barrier in commercial casino industry is high because a company invests ample amount of money, especially, ed ifice cost. Even a company wants to elapse from the industry, sometimes it force to stay in because exit costs are high. Product and service in commercial casino industry are identical. Moreover, there is no electric switch cost for buyers. Thus, competitor might cut price to attract buyers. Fixed costs are high. In order to compete in hotel industry, a casino animal trainer adopts revenue management. The process allows buyers to stay in same type of room in different price. Even a hotels products and service are not rapidly become outdated but competitive atmosphere in commercial casino industry is hot, therefore, companies cannot make high profit from this industry. panic of new entrantsThe threat of new entrants for hotel and motels industry is low. The industry has significant barriers to entry which includeMGM Threat of new entrants LOWSupply-side economies of scaleDemand-side benefits of scaleCustomers switching costsCapital requirementsRestrictive government polity sic advantages autonomous of sizeUnequal access to dispersal channels plank x Threat of new entrantsSupply-side economies of scale In commercial casino industry these economies hardly appear. Even a company built more rooms or more recreations in its casino, these economies will not appear. Moreover, the company has to carry more cost, more maintenance cost and more employees cost.Demand-side benefits of scale (network effects) These benefits occur when the numbers of buyer patronize the company. However, these benefits might not occur in commercial casino industry. In commercial casino industry, a company will find advantages in location, facilities and characteristics of personal working in direct contract with customers. Therefore, having a lot of customers patronize a company will not provide huge demand-side benefits of scale.Customers switching costs In commercial casino industry, when customers purchase service from a casino, it is one time use. Therefore, there is no switchin g cost.Capital requirements In order to enter commercial casino industry, a company needs to finance huge figure and the industry return is not attractive. Thus this industry has high barrier.Position advantages independent of size These advantages are not depends on a companys size, incumbents can have competitive advantages that not available to competitors. These advantages in commercial casino industry can stem from locations, brand identities and service.Unequal access to dissemination channels It is not hard to establish or find distribution channels in commercial casino industry. A company could use agents or let customer books rooms via its websites.Restrictive government policy There might be some restriction related to commercial industry such in some area government do not allow a company to build a building that higher than 2 floors or in some countries, a company has to has citizens hold more than half of a companys shares to operate in that country. In U.S., commerci al casino industry is the most regulated and monitored industry.The threat of substitutesMGM Threat of substitutes HIGHCompetitorTable x Threat of substitutesThere are some substitutes for commercial casino such as hostels, apartments or houses. Customers can stay in hostel, apartment or houses and go to gaming or using recreation facilities at casinos. If buyers concern convenience, they might prefer casino. Because they will have maids clean their room and casinos always locate in a convenience location. If buyers concerns price, they might stay in hostel. However, if buyers concern privacy, they might prefer house. There is no cost of switching to substitute. Buyers can change to substitutes anytime if they would like.Hostels, apartments and house can be substitutes for casinos. They perform similar products and service to casinos, if you concern totally hospitality part. However, there are some differences which made substitutes have huge different from hotels. Buyers have to determine trade-off between hotels and substitutes.In this industry, the threat of substitutes is not high because substitutes have too many differences in facilities and service from casinos. Thus, industrys profitability is not suffered from substitutes.The power of suppliersIf suppliers have power over a company, suppliers might set its price higher, limit quality of service and shift its cost to other parties. In commercial casino industry, a company uses wide range of different suppliers such as supplier for construction, supplier for food and beverages and supplier for hotel equipment. There is almost no monopoly in hotel suppliers. Moreover, only a few supplies that have switching cost such as securities equipment and suppliers did not differentiate their products. The company has to differentiate itself by choosing good location, providing well-maintenance facilities and providing dogmatic service. Furthermore, the company can easily find substitute suppliers. Therefore, t he power of suppliers in commercial casino industry is low.The power of buyersMGM The Power of Buyer Table x The power of buyer There are various customers in commercial casino industry. However, there are some buyers that have ability to negotiate such as group tour. Products and service in commercial casino industry are not much different. If customers find that a hotel that they always stay in is full, they have to stay in other hotel. They have to purchase products and service in some hotel anyway. Buyers have no switch cost. If buyers want to change from a hotel to a hotel, they can just check-in to another(prenominal) hotel without any switching cost. Buyers cannot produce industrys product if buyers found that a hotel is too profitable. Buyers can switch to other hotels but they cannot produce it by their selves. In commercial casino industry, buyers do not shake up with brands. Buyers might concerns about quality of product and service. If they find another casino that che aper but quality and facility are same, they will switch to another casino. In sum, in commercial casino industry, buyers are relatively price sensitive.From analysis given above, buyers in commercial casino industry have high power and seem to be price sensitive. They can press companies to lower their price and can ask for more quality and service. pecuniary and Accounting AnalysisThe financial information was published annually to external and internal users.MGM Mirage Inc. financial statements had been analyzed using financial proportionality analysis and information in management discussion. The median number of industry ratio in 2009 is used in this report. By the nature of hotel business, MGM contains a high fix-cost in normal business effect and profits are goaded by tourism and business travel demand. MGM requires a large smashing to run its hotels and casinos. In 2010, MGM is in process of development a City Center, a capital intensive driven project. The delayed of Cit y Center project has enormous impact on MGM financial statement.Liquidity and Financial PositionCredit Risk Facing BankruptcyAs of declination 31, 2009, MGM is in a weak financial position because of its indebtedness.MGM with reference work rating of CCC+ operated the business with 39% on the long-term debt. The management team declared unpleasant statement about the $1.1 billion senior credit facility debt which might be defaulted on maturity date in 2010. The management suggests that MGM must extent the payback period by negotiating with their creditors. Also, management has predicted that future revenue from operation and tax refunds would help reducing MGM debt. The current and truehearted ratio indicated that MGM has had insufficient fund to operate its casino since 2005. With the ratio less than 1 and below the industry average in both(prenominal) current ratio and quick ratio, MGM has been operated on the line of bankruptcy if the company defaults on its debt.Revenue base and mixMGM primary source of revenue came from Las Vegas Strip. As December 31, 2009, the majority of MGM revenue came from three sources casino (44%), hotel room (23%), and food beverage (23%).Casino revenue dropped 12% from 2008 and it had been on decline trends since 2007. In 2009 MGM financial statement, revenue from casino had been divided into three sub-categories Table secret plans (36% of total casino revenue), Slots (60% of total casino revenue), and Other revenue. The table game revenue decreased 11%, even though there is 33% increases in demand for baccarat.Sustainability of revenues and earningMGM profitability ratios are negative in 2010 and 2009 for some ratios. ROA in both 2009 and 2010 are negative. We can break ROA to net profit margin multiply total assets turnover to deepen our analyzing. Assets turnover ratio shows MGMs ability to use assets generate revenues. MGMs assets turnover ratio decreases from 2007 to 2009. Even this ratio does not decrease much during 3 year period, it made ROA go down. The main factor that has impact on ROA is net profit margin. The MGM has very low net profit margin since 2008. MGMs bad signal shows since 2008. After its net profit margin ratio plunge to -11.86% in 2008 and -21.61% in 2009 which a major factor lowing ROA. From analyzing ROA, we can see that MGM has a problem with maintaining its profit margin. MGMs revenues in 2008 are not much different from 2007, however, MGM cannot control operating expenses, operating expenses in 2007 exceeds revenues. In 2009 MGM revenues decreases by 17%, further, MGMs ability to control its operating expense decreased. MGMs operating expenses in 2009 is 114.65% from revenues. The major increase in operating expenses in 2008 and 2009 is property transactions. MGMs ability to fulfill its short term obligation is getting better in 2009. Both quick and current ratios go up. The reason both quick and current ratios increase because in 2009 MGM carries more cash. However, MGM debt management ratios worsen. Long term debt to equity ratio increases from 2007 to 2009 results increase in total debt to equity ratio. These ratio shows MGM has larger portion of debt compare to equity. Even MGM carries more long term debt recently MGM has interest coverage ratio high enough to pay back its interest. merely this ratio trend increase in recent year.Hotel operating statisticsStrengthsStrengths various(a) portfolios of products and servicesMGM mainly operates casino resorts which include gabling, hotel, restaurant, entertainment and retail. The main operation is in Las Vegas, Nevada, the world famous gambling and entertainment center. Properties in Las Vegas include CityCenter (50% owned), Bellagio, MGM Grand Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Luxor, New York-New York, Excalibur, Monte Carlo and Circus Circus LasVegas. MGM operates outside Las Vegas includes casinos in Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey and Illinois. Not only operate in U.S. but MGM also own 50 % MGM Grand Macau ownership. Because each MGMs casino offers different theme, amenities such as restaurants, spas, private gaming and swimming syndicate facilities and difference pricing to target each customer segment, MGM enjoy competitive advantages over competitors. Moreover, MGM is continuously reinvesting in its business to keep this competitive advantage.Strengths-Strong vane RecognitionMGM operates in tourism and leisure sectors which are gaming, hospitality and entertainment in two continental. MGM offers different casino for different segment, therefore, casinos brand that are operated by MGM are recognized by people all somewhat the world. Moreover, Forbes Travel Guide bestowed AAA five-diamond awards to Bellagio and MGM Grand in 2010.Strengths-LocationMGM has properties in the top destination for traveler to go for gaming and entertainment. MGM has 10 casinos in Las Vegas, the world largest gaming and entertainment center and has MGM Grand Macau in Macau, the world se cond largest gaming and entertainment center. The reason behind this selection, these two places are the major tourism destination not only for gaming activities but alson

Monday, April 1, 2019

Impact of Automation and Computerization on Jobs

Impact of mechanization and reckonerization on JobsTable of Contents universeImpact of Automation and Computerization on JobsImpact of Automation on Worker readinesss1. acquisition Depth2. dexterity BreadthDecrease in worker takingsStrategies to bargain hire pack whilesConclusionWorks CitedDuring the be dates 1990s the playes of automation and computerization were changing the work place of corporations in the newly evolution countries. Discuss how these processes had affected employees with low skills to bargain for their compensation packages in developing countries.IntroductionAutomation and computerization were the by-products of globalization in the 1990s. Due to change magnitude mechanization and industrialization of work activities, a technological boom started which had huge impacts on the role of low masterful workers in spite of appearance an organization. The task anatomical body structure counter departd and so did the wages and incentives paid to the emp loyees. As a result, the low skill workers tried to regain their government agency by developing strategies to bargain for compensation packages with the managers. The following paper is based upon this issue. It attempts to highlight the impacts of change along with workers role to deal with these processes of change.Impact of Automation and Computerization on JobsAutomation refers to the use of automatic machinery instead of manual(a) labor to carry out occurrenceory work activities whereas computerization is relate to the increasing use of technological change in the organizations. As engineering science grows, the methods to do manufacturing jobs be changed and as a result, the whole occupational structure is changed. Computerization involves numerical control (NC) technologies that change the staffing patterns and company structure (Cappalli, 1996).When tasks ar transferred to automatic machines, job opportunities decrease as less people argon involved in final creation of a product. But on the other hand, in some cases, more people are inevitable to run those machines. But in the latter case, the workers get reduced wages. So, Computer integrated manufacturing systems (CIM) prepare developed easier application systems for the organizations but at the selfsame(prenominal) time, it has increased the concerns of the worker labor class due to decrease in opportunities and wages (Krueger, 1993).Impact of Automation on Worker SkillsApart from change in structure of tasks, the nature of skills required to perform the job are also changed. Two types of worker skills are important to consider plot of land exploring the impact of computerization and automation on low skilled workers (Juhn, Murphy, Pierce, 1993).Skill Depth It includes two study areas judgment and time proficiency. Low skilled jobs that require little time proficiency to master the work (e.g. register or food servicing) as well as judgment stick much lower wages as compared to those skills that are more complicated and require more time to learn. Automation has reduced the proficiency time required for certain jobs therefrom it has also reduced worker wages. Skill depth is reduced because of transformation of complex manual labor to childly mental tasks. On the other hand, computerization might allow workers to have greater freedom in the distribution of tasks. NC technology is used to appropriate programming from machine operations. So, this CNC technology can facilitate in lessen proficiency time by combining programming and machine operation. computer-aided design system were also developed which allowed low skilled workers to create immediate and better output through easy learning and less motion.Skill Breadth This concept was of importance for employees involved in manufacturing, maintenance and mitigate tasks. It involves the changing of job content as a result of technology. Although it reduces the effort of manual input but with regards to the compensation programs, this technique did not rip the low skilled laborers.Decrease in worker wagesThe supra facts show how the dynamic cosmos brought with itself a changing organizational pattern. The abstain and easy work done by machines and computers used to leave workers in the lurch. Organizations focus shifted towards profit generation by increasing productivity through the use of smarter machines. This had severe consequences on the overall scotch structure of developing countries. The economic progress was hampered and unemployment was increased. The workers, who formed a major chunk of the population felt depressed because their sources of earning were severally impacted and they had to perform with the managers for their wages and compensation (Katz Murphy, 1992). Following analysis indicates how the workers in 1990s strived in the changing world of automation.Strategies to bargain compensation packagesIn the developing countries, automation and computerization crea ted unemployment. Such impacts of technological change dispersed greatly crosswise various geographical regions in manufacturing and service industries. Therefore, the dilemma of marginalized workers increased the proceeds of setting wages in the 1990s. When the workers felt that they are not in a power to negotiate wages with the managers, particularly in the essence class developing countries, they created unions whose sole purpose was to bargain worker wages according to international standards in narrate to provide increased benefits and beauteous incentive to the people for the amount of effort they put in (Hirshorn, 1984).This process was severely impacted when countries created minimum wage laws for low skilled workers. It farther deteriorated the process because increasing inflation and minimum wage laws reduced the power of manual workers to such an extent that they remained nothing but merely a cog in the machine. In the developed countries, the power of individual ne gociate is available to the workers but in developing countries this right is strictly curtailed, therefore labor institutions are formed for this purpose. Research indicates that unnecessary wage regulation has increased the problems of low skilled workers in developing countries therefore a straight-laced system must be developed to protect the rights of workers, some(prenominal) economically and socially, in the technical global world (Zuboff, 1988).ConclusionThe to a higher place analysis explains how the process of automation, computerization and technological change changed the job structure and the skills required. These changes increased unemployment in the developing countries and increased wage concerns of the workers. In order to receive equitable wages, unions were created to bargain prices with the managers. These unions have been successful in ride power for low skilled workers in some cases but the fact remains that automation and technology has changed the overa ll work landscape which is irreversible. Therefore, proper mechanisms must be developed to regulate wage laws in the world of computerization and automation.Works CitedCappalli, P. (1996). Technology and Skill Requirements Implications for establishment wage structures. immature England Economic Review, 139-153.Hirshorn, L. (1984). Beyond Mechanization Work and Technology in a pst industrial age. Cambridge Press.Juhn, C., Murphy, K. M., Pierce, B. (1993). Wage Inequality and the Rise in Returns to Skill. daybook of semipolitical Economy, 410-422.Katz, L. F., Murphy, K. (1992). Changes in Relative Wages 1963-1987 Supply and Demand Factors. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 36-78.Krueger, A. (1993). How Computers have changed the wage structue Evidence from microdata 1984-1989. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 33-60.Zuboff, S. (1988). In the age of smart machine The future of work and power.

Marketing Strategy for Zoo

Marketing Strategy for menagerie psychiatric hospitalMalaysia has many tourist attraction places. menagerie is a place where confined wild savages and extinct physicals argon unploughed and exhibited to pick upors. It stupefys strange and fascinating animals from further and near to the tourists. menagerie Negara literally is the National Zoo in Malaysia. It was formally opened to man in 14 Nov 1963 by our first pristine Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. This zoological gardenlogical park is located in Ulu Klang near Taman Melawati on the northeastern of Kuala Lumpur which c overs 110 acres of land. The National Zoo is managed by the Malaysian zoological Society (MZS), a non-government organization. The zoo has a total of over 5137 animals from 459 species of mammals, bird, reptiles, amphibians and fish. With the succession passing by, the zoo has transformed itself into an open-concept zoo with 90% of its animals argon kept in spacious exhibits with having natural landscap e. A nonher 10% of our animals are from the African and American continent. The National Zoo is 46 stratums now. They are working(a) to make sure the old zoo concept is changed entirely and act move forward as a well cognise zoo around the world. When the National Zoo has arisen as a well cognize zoo around the world, it will have a higher story and it attracts more tourists. (http//www.zo one(a)gara.org.my/zoo.html).The Role of MarketingMarketing plays an classical role within most of the organization and the society. It is an essential department in whether the organizations operate as a non-profit or for profit business. Marketing is needed to attract customers to abide the zoo, raising awareness and donations. Marketing alike acts as a converse between the organization and the public. It is a way of conveying the messages and changes the behavior of the spate to have a better environment in the society. The purpose of merchandise is to improve the perception of the society towards the zoo and transform it into a recognisable zoo worldwide. Marketing mix is a set of tools that management employ to influence sales (Kotler, 2003). The 4Ps is a traditional method which is product, price, place and promotion. result can be anything to be offered to a foodstuff for sales including operate that can satisfy a customers needs and wants (Kotler and Armstrong, 2004). The national zoo has 5137 animals from 459 species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and fishes (Zoo Negara, 2009). They had been severe to keep up with the other zoos by buying or judge animals from across the world. The recent arrival of untested animal is a priapic giraffe. The salmagundi of different animals and species is what differentiate them from other local zoos. There are a few factors that affect price setting. The zoo needs to run into about competitors, the cost of running it and their objectives. Customers tend to go to the cheaper and money prudence places. T he zoo offers cheaper rates for the locals comparing to foreigners, groups, senior citizen and the schools. Place as specify by Kotler and Armstrong (2006) is a set of independent organizations involved in the handle of making a product available for the customers. The national zoo was known as Zoo in the Jungle as it was located 8miles from the urban center and said it was too far (Zoo Negara, 2007). However, this location had been developed and a new city has been born. People had found it an ease to go as public transports is available. Promotion is defined as sales promotion, advertising, personal selling, public transaction and direct marketing (Borden, 1984). The zoo had been trying to attract more customers to increment the tax to support the zoo. They have Savannah Walk and Zoo Negara surrender Complex to host personal functions such as birthdays and family day. They have a especial(a) Valentines Day promotion and the zoo was included in the governments program of pr omoting the country.SocialIn 2007, Zoo Negara had1608 schools which is about 78400 students to visit. The zoo is a tastefulforward example place to educate those students to know more about animal knowledge. This large making profit zoo has to upgrade their system and bequeath more services to comply with the increasing demand. The zoo does provide steer tour on the zoo tram and this support by college and university put up to give more understanding for those students. This service is free of charge. Zoo Negara to a fault has an aquarium named Akuarium Tunku Abdul Rahman (ATAR). It is one of the oldest public aquariums in this country. It provides different type of animal information to the student and the public. Zoo not only has indoor activity, they are to a fault co-operating with external marketing team name Global buggy Marketing to organize events in Selangor schools. They offer a wide variety of program such as talks, animal appearances, coloring contest and quiz. The cultivation department continues to receive undergraduates from institution of higher learning or university for their interoperable training in the zoo. The zoo is the place for them to do their undergraduate and post-graduate question thesis. This is more convenient for them as the zoo has many varieties of animals and the tools for it are available. The training department also has responsibility in organizing monthly seminar. They can ask universities and schools to attend these sponsored seminars which are open for public. Topics that have been covered in category 2007 include The Global Amphibian Decline, Animal Management An Muslim Perspective, Save the Synchronous Fireflies, Hand Rearing of Hyenas and many more. Zoo Negara has a Veterinary Hospital to take care of the animals and thus it gives the students huge opportunity to do research from the lab.EconomicsZoo Negaras income had increased importantly in year 2007, 10.49 million compare with 9.13 million in year 2 006. It showed that the Zoo Negara contributed in improving the economics of the country and earning money for government. likewise that, they used manpower to upgrade their system or service. This will diminish the percentage of unemployment. Zoo Negara promotes Valentines Day celebration too where registered couples were taken for a visit around the zoo and then for a set dinner in the vicinity.This will attracts more visitors from foreign country to have this take on to experience the Valentines Day with a different and yet unique environment. This is one of the steps taken by the zoo management to increase the revenue and contribute to the countrys income. Besides that, Night Zoo also aids in improving the economic because of foreign visitor especially if the zoo co-operate with the get off company to create interesting tourists packages. Zoo Negara is included in the platform Zoom 2009, Malaysia. One of the reasons why are the zoo is included because it is an important he ritage of Malaysia. It is getting famous as it is being promoted by the governing body of Malaysia. This promotion comes with a name called Fun with Nature and also offers Zoo Negara loyalty card.CustomerThe zoo develops a certain aspire market, demographically, in terms of age, generation and occupation. The zoo now mainly markets itself to the younger generations or working families. Now the zoo has a purpose in their target markets, usually on younger generation (generation X, Y and Z), this is to educate them on the natural habitat of flora and fauna as they are the conterminous in line to manage the community. In actual fact, younger generations bring a big impact in increasing the sales per annum of the Zoo. Without children and teenagers, parents baron not even find the reason to pay a visit to the Zoo. A recent activity has begun attracting locals to the zoo, stated in the article http//thestar.com.my/ electron tube/story.asp? rouse=/2009/11/27/central/5109363sec=central . This article also stated that a survey was conducted due to a poor account of visitors in the year 2006. It was concluded that many local visitors found the access fee of the zoo was too expensive. The recent price slash downhearted to 50%, had a positive impact on the number of visitors. However, over 70% of the visitors are locals not foreigners. On the other hand, the Zoo has worked in conjunction with the KL HoHo Bus (Hop on and Hop off), this bus makes various lolly at tourist destinations area around Kuala Lumpur including the Zoo Negara. The article also stated that ticket price has increased few months back, due to in lack of contributions from the government and sponsors. 80% of the ticket sales go straight into the zoos finances. Overall in terms of meeting customers needs, the zoo is not up to par yet. It only focuses on local visitors while casting the foreigners aside, special rates for visiting families and the ease of transportation should be implemented for t wain visitors. Visitors play an important role in the Zoos development. If there are lesser visitors, it will result in smaller turnover. When turnovers are smaller, funds cleverness be insufficient to support and manage the Zoo. In event of this, the animals dexterity not have enough to eat or they may not be able to do maintenance to attract more visitors. ambitionCompetitions among the other zoos located in Malaysia are rather steep. The Zoo Negara, Kuala Lumpur has a better location and in terms in size, it out beat out the other zoos in Malaysia. As the Zoo Negara is the biggest zoo in Malaysia, so they are able to keep more species of animals compared to the other zoos, example the Zoo Malacca or the Zoo Taiping and Night Safari. A smaller zoo does bring an impact because they cannot compete with the other bigger zoos to care for more animals and also to cater to visitors need. Partnerships with other tourist attraction companies made a positive impact on the zoo. Such as t he partnership with the Kuala Lumpur HoHo four-in-hand bus, helps the locals and foreigners to access the zoo with ease, this scenario is stated in the article http//thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/11/27/central/5109363sec=central. Even though there is a price competition between the zoos in Malaysia are incomparable because the admission fee of Zoo Negara is pricier than other the zoos, Zoo Negara still manages to attract tourists by conducting various activities such as zoo marathon, photo competitions and fishing competitions. This gives the zoo a leg ahead from the others, not only attracting youths but also adults. Zoo Negara manages to sustain its differentiation for a long period of cadence by coming up with packages and discounts while maintaining its position within the market which is stated in http//www.mymalaysiablog.com/malaysia-zoom-zoo-negara-and-visit-zoo-negara-year-2009/ . Therefore, prices of the tickets for sale have to be more apt to fulfil the req uirements of visitors hence to lower impact brought to the zoo.ReferencesPhilip Kotler, 2003, Marketing Insights From A to Z 80 Concepts Every Manager Needs To Know, John Wiley Sons, USAPhilip Kotler Gary Armstrong, 2004, Principles of Marketing, tenth Edition, Pearson Education, USAPhilip Kotler Gary Amstrong, 2006, Principles of marketing, 11th Edition, Pearson International, USAZoo Negara, 2007, A Journey done Time, retrieved on 30th December 2009, from http//www.zoonegara.org.my/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Journeythroughtime.pdfNeil. H. Borden, 1984, The Concept of Marketing Mix, Journal of advertizement Research, 1 (9), 2-7.Zhin, C.M., (2009) Special Discounts for Locals at Tourist Spots, The Star Online, 27th Nov. Online (Accessed twentieth Dec 2009) Available at http//thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/11/27/central/5109363sec=central%20.Malaysia Zoom Zoo Negara and Visit Zoo Negara year 2009, (19th Jan 2009). Online (Accessed 20th Dec 2009) Available at http//www. mymalaysiablog.com/malaysia-zoom-zoo-negara-and-visit-zoo-negara-year-2009/