The decade of the 1860s saw the success of the nation-building efforts Essay

The decade of the 1860s saw the success of the nation-building efforts of Bismarck and Cavour in Germany and Italy, respectively - Essay Example Denmark, Austria, and France were against the development of Germany. Bismarck declared war against these countries. He ensured there are no external forces preventing the development of Germany. The Germans made him chancellor. He used his position to formulate laws that promoted economic growth. He dominated the political field and ensured there is no instability. Germans concentrated in developing the economy rather than participating in war. There was the need of morals and virtues in the nation, for it to grow. Bismarck passed legislation that made Catholic Church an official influence in Germany (McKay 98). He wanted the people to follow right morals and respect God. Many countries in the 1860s depended on the system of alliance for their survival (McKay 100). Bismarck ensured Germany consolidated its power in the European block. He created a system of alliances to tackle his competitors (McKay 30). Germany became powerful and it was easy for it to acquire important resources. Bismarck always collected taxes without the permission of parliament (McKay 200). He wanted to ensure his economic policies came to success. Germany grew because he united the liberal middle class and German nationalist. He knew how to distribute resources. Victor Emmanuel led Italy. Under his leadership, Cavour united Italy when he became prime minister. He wanted to see the economy of Italy grow. The newspapers were the tool Cavour used to spread his policies (McKay 45). He used the newspapers to bring unification in Italy. He wanted to be a superpower in Italy. Cavour wanted this to be a success by forming an alliance with France. He had command of the Italian army. Cavour used that opportunity to fight enemies of Italy’s alliance. Thus, Italy received much international support. The country grew significantly in the economic sector (McKay 111). Furthermore, unity is very important for the growth of a country. Cavour

Unemployment statistics in US Essay Example for Free

Unemployment statistics in US Essay Unemployment refers to a situation whereby a person who is able and willing to work is currently without a job. The total number of employed people plus the number of unemployed persons who are seeking work is referred to as labor force (US Bureau of Labour Statistics, 2010). The participation rate is the labor force divided by the total number of working age population that is not institutionalized (US Department of Labour, 2010). The unemployment level is the difference between the labor force and the total number of people who are currently employed. The unemployment rate is the level of unemployed divided by the total number of working population. There are different types of unemployment types in the overall macro-economy. They include frictional unemployment, structural unemployment, natural rate of unemployment and demand deficient unemployment. Frictional unemployment reflects the time taken by individuals to find and get settled in their new jobs. Structural unemployment is the difference between the skills and other attributes possessed by the labor force and what the employers actually demand. This type of unemployment considers employees who are undergoing re-training in order to start a new job as being unemployed. It is usually increased by technological changes. Natural rate of unemployment is the sum total of frictional and structural unemployment. It is considered to be the lowest rate of unemployment that is expected to be achieved by a stable economy. Demand deficient unemployment is the level of unemployment which is beyond the natural rate unemployment. Causes of unemployment According to Keynesian economics, unemployment results from deficit in effective demand for both goods and services in an economy (US Bureau of Labour Statistics, 2010). Other schools of thought attribute unemployment to structural problems and inefficiencies which are common in the labor markets. Classical economics attribute unemployment to rigidities in labor markets resulting from external environment such as unionization of workers, taxes, minimum wages and other factors that may limit hiring of new employees (US Department of Labour, 2010). Other economists view unemployment as a voluntary choice of the unemployed and the time it takes them to find a new job also referred to as frictional unemployment. Efficiency wages and sticky wages are seen by behavioral economists to be a cause of unemployment. Unemployment level in US Unemployment in 27 US states was reported to have increased in February 2010 while seven states reported a drop in unemployment. There was an increase in unemployment in the state of Mississippi by 0. 4 percent (highest increase). The unemployment in Detroit fell from 15. 3 to 14. 8. The unemployment nationally by February 2010 was reported by Labor Department to be 9. 7 percent. However, job layoffs were fewer than previously anticipated (Trading Economics, 2010). Since the onset of recession in December 2007, 8. 4 million jobs had been lost by March 2010. The US official unemployment was reported to be 9. 5% in June 2010. This accounted for about 14. 6 million unemployed Americans. The black teens were leading with unemployment of 39. 9% Asians had the lowest unemployment rate of 7. 7%. The total number of officially unemployed and the hidden unemployment (29. 1 million) account for 18. 2% of the labor force. The graph below illustrates the levels of unemployment in US between 1999 and 2009.

External Factors And Influences On The Hotel Industry Tourism Essay

External Factors And Influences On The Hotel Industry Tourism Essay A business does not function in a vacuum. It has to act and react to what happens outside the factory and office walls. These factors that happen outside the business are known as external factors or influences. These will affect the main internal functions of the business and possibly the objectives of the business and its strategies. Main Factors The main factor that affects most business is the degree of competition how fiercely other businesses compete with the products that another business makes. The other factors that can affect the business are: Social how consumers, households and communities behave and their beliefs. For instance, changes in attitude towards health, or a greater number of pensioners in a population. Legal the way in which legislation in society affects the business. E.g. changes in employment laws on working hours. Economic how the economy affects a business in terms of taxation, government spending, general demand, interest rates, exchange rates and European and global economic factors. Political how changes in government policy might affect the business e.g. a decision to subsidies building new houses in an area could be good for a local brick works. Technological how the rapid pace of change in production processes and product innovation affect a business. Ethical what is regarded as morally right or wrong for a business to do. For instance should it trade with countries which have a poor record on human rights. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No Task 1- Mission, Objectives and Responsibilities of an Organisation 1a) Mission, Values and key objectives of the hotel group 1 And interests of the stakeholders 1b). stakeholders objectives and extent to which 2 The hotel achieves these objectives 1c). key responsibilities of the hotel group and the strategies 2 Employed for achieving them Task 2 Economic, Social and Global Environment (LO2) 2. A) the fundamental features of planned and mixed economic 4 Systems n impact on the operations of the hotel group 2. B) social welfare policy and industrial policy measures in the UK 5 2. c) Impact of two macroeconomic policy measures in the UK 6 And the US since the year 2011 on the hotel group Task 3 -Behaviour of Organisations and the Market Environment 3. A) shortcomings of two market models relevant to the hotel group 7 And show how they can affect the profitability of the hotel. 3b) factors of supply and demand income, price, weather, and substitutes impact 9 On the activities of the hotel group 3c) behaviour and competitive strategies employed by organisations in the UK 10 And the rationale for regulating the behaviour strategies Task 4 International Trade and the European Dimension 4a) the pros and cons of trade between the UK and other countries 11 4b) the impact of two European Union policies on UK organisations and 12 The hotel group 4c) Implications of the UK becoming a member of the European economic 13 And monetary union (EMU) to the UK economy and to organisation References Task 1- Mission, Objectives and Responsibilities of an Organisation 1a) identify the Mission, Values and key objectives of the hotel group and show how they reflect the interests of the stakeholders A Mission is the unique purpose that sets one hotel or motel company apart from others. Moreover, the mission statement gives meanings and directions to hotel policies. In fact, when faced with any problem, misunderstanding, or strategic decision to be taken, managers always, make sure that their decisions match the mission statement. In addition, the mission statement shall be general and broad. The mission statement shall reflect the interests of the agents interacting in the hotel group. Guest: Guest(s) represent one of the most important agents in the hotel industry. For no guests mean is no accommodation sector. Employee: A hotel with no employees means simply that guests would not be welcomed, registered, assisted for whatsoever specific they needs have. Employees are a primordial agent in the hotel industry Management Owners: A hotel with no managers resembles to an army without generals. Moreover, to have a hotel, investors shall poor some amount of money to build it, refurnish it, and operate it. Therefore, the mission statement tells how it is going to satisfy all the above stated agents so that they continue acting in the hotel industry. (Keller, 2005) Key Objectives Managers shall, bearing in mind the companys mission statement, come up with companys global objectives, Which are : Specific numerical Observable Measurable If objectives are general and non-quantifiable, then, it would be unfeasible at the end of a certain period of time to see whether company actual results match with the planned objectives or not. (Grimble, 1997) 1b).Identify three groups of stakeholders objectives and evaluate the extent to which the hotel achieves these objectives Property Owners They work together with property and to find innovative solutions that satisfy their economic, environmental and social objectives. Employees They recognize the importance of communicating information about their business and its performance to employees. Because CR issues are central to our company values they are a prominent feature of global management conferences, informal briefings, in-house publications and our intranets. (Hahnel, 2001) In January 2011 we held a Green Day at our Atlanta Offices to raise awareness of IHGs approach to CR. During the coming year we will work with colleagues to ensure that we are following sound principles for Green Meetings and Green Training materials. We will also set up a dedicated section on CR in our Leaders Lounge, a virtual community of IHG leaders that provides time-effective tools, tips and articles that reinforce our strategy and help managers improve their leadership. This online tool allows users to connect with and share best practices with peers and senior IHG leaders around the globe. Suppliers Feedback from suppliers helps us to better understand how we perform against our peers and gain a clearer picture of our risks. Wherever possible we encourage our hotels to source goods and services locally. In addition to IHG supporting local suppliers, we also need to promote responsible business practices by those same suppliers. One area we are working on with suppliers is procurement find out more in our Supply Chain section. (Myers, 2004) 1c). Explain three key responsibilities of the hotel group and the strategies employed for achieving them. Hotel Manager A hotel manager who is responsible for the day-to-day management of a hotel and its staff, They have commercial accountability for budgeting and financial management, planning, organising and directing all hotel services, including front-of-house (reception, concierge, and reservations), food and beverage operations and housekeeping. In larger hotels, managers often have a specific responsibility (guest services, accounting, and marketing) and make up a general management team. While taking a strategic overview and planning ahead to maximise profits, the manager must also pay attention to the details, setting the example for staff to deliver a standard of service and presentation that meets guests needs and expectations. Business and people management are equally important elements. (Keller, 2005) The manager of a large hotel may have less make contact with guests but will have regular meetings with heads of department to coordinate and monitor the progress of business strategies. In a smaller establishment, the manager is much more involved in the hands-on day-to-day running of the hotel, which may include carrying out reception duties or serving meals if the need arises. Sales coordinator Often seen as a dynamic and social working environment, hotels offer an attractive career path for many people. For those interested in the business side of hotels, a career in sales may be suitable vocation for them. Hotel group sales coordinators are commonly the link between the guests and the hotel company. Their roles involve a mixture of customer service, team management and brand building for their hotel group. Group sales coordinator has many responsibilities. Among them is the preparation of correspondence such as customer appreciation letters, helping to facilitate promotions such as half-price rooms and scheduling staff rotas to make sure the sales department is operating sufficiently. Other responsibilities include ensuring that the sales team meets its targets, liaising with individual customers and groups for detailed feedback on the hotels facilities and analyzing sales statistics to provide an accurate report for the sales director. Hotel marketing manager A hotel marketing manager works with the hotels advertising and sales managers to promote the hotels services and facilities. Lower-level managers, like market research managers, work together with hotel marketing managers to come up with ideas for creating new clientele such as offering hotel deals and incentives like free welcome drinks, a approving massage at the hotel or complimentary use of a business center. Marketing managers and researchers learn what travelers want and estimate the cost of including those services. (Hahnel, 2001) Task 2 Economic, Social and Global Environment 2. A) Discuss the fundamental features of planned and mixed economic systems and explain how each system can impact on the operations of the hotel group. Use examples of the hotel activities to support your answer. Planned Economy: A planned economy is an economic system in which the government or workers councils manage the economy. In such economies, the state or government controls all major sectors of the economy and decide all decisions about their use and about the distribution of income, much like a communist state. The planners decide what should be produced and direct enterprises to produce those goods. Planned economies are in contrast to unplanned economies, such as a market economy, where production, distribution, pricing, and investment decisions are made by the private owners of the factors of production based upon their own and their customers interests rather than upon furthering some overarching macroeconomic plan. (Anthony, 2007) Mixed Economy: A mixed economy is an economic system that incorporates aspects of more than one economic system. This is typically means an economy that contains both privately-owned and state-owned enterprises or that combines elements of capitalism and socialism, or a mix of market economy and planned economy. (Myers, 2004) Impact on planned and mixed economy The centrally planned economy operates under the rules whereby the means of production, such as the hotels, are deemed to be owned by the public and all forms of economic activity are controlled by the government. This means that the central planning authorities are responsible for assigning production goals of the tourism industry as well as the allocation of factors of production. Within such a system, the proportion of total output absorbed as investment as opposed to private consumption, together with the distribution of income and the range of tourism activities produced, becomes a problem of social control rather than market forces. Therefore, in centrally planned economies the decision to produce particular levels of output of tourism products is a social and political rather than an economic decision. The mixed economy is helpful in increasing national production in the country. Both public and private sector work hard to bring about more production. The problem created by fr ee enterprise and too much public control are solved through mixed economy. It provides freedom of enterprise ownership profit earning as well as social welfare and political freedom .However Mixed economy is is not helpful in achieving optimal use of national resources .The mixed economy suffer from the drawbacks of both the capitalism and the socialism. Mixed economy seldom achieved progress. It suffers from continues backwardness. (Alec, 1997) 2. B) Identify and explain two social welfare policy and industrial policy measures in the UK that impact on the activities of the hotel and similar organisations Social Policy means the study of social services and the welfare state. Social Policy and Administration is an academic subject concerned with the study of social services and the welfare state. It developed in the early part of the 20th century as a complement to social work studies, aimed at people who would be professionally involved in the administration of welfare. In the course of the last forty years, the range and breadth of the subject has developed. The principal areas relate to policy and administrative practice in social services, including health administration, social security, education, employment services, community care and housing management; social problems, including crime, disability, unemployment, mental health, learning disability, and old age; issues relating to social disadvantage, including race, gender and poverty; and the range of collective social responses to these conditions. Social Policy is a subject area, not a discipline it borrows from other social science disciplines for develop study in the area. The contributing disciplines include sociology, social work, psychology, economics, political science, management, history, philosophy and law. (Nyheim, 2004) Industrial policy means in essence  an activist approach by the state towards  support for and development of the economy. In the UK, state activism in this area was discredited in the 1970s  because extensive state financial support for the defunct UK car industry failed at 2. c) Evaluate the impact of two macroeconomic policy measures in the UK and the US since the year 2011 on the hotel group The main policies of economic management that are impact on the hotel group in UK. Fiscal Policy Fiscal policy involves the use of government spending, taxation and borrowing to influence both the pattern of economic activity and also the level and growth of aggregate demand, output and employment. Monetary Policy Monetary policy involves the use of interest rates to control the level and rate of growth of aggregate demand in the economy. Here are some differences in the economic effects of monetary and fiscal policy, on the composition of output, the effectiveness of the two kinds of policy in meeting the governments macroeconomic objectives, and also the time lags involved for fiscal and monetary policy changes to take effect. We will consider each of these in turn: Effects of Policy on the Composition of National Output from the hotels Monetary policy is often seen as something of a blunt policy instrument affecting all sectors of the economy although in different ways and with a variable impact. In contrast, fiscal policy can be targeted to affect certain groups (e.g. increases in means-tested benefits for low income households, reductions in the rate of corporation tax for small-medium sized enterprises, investment allowances for businesses in certain regions) Consider as an example the effects of using either monetary or fiscal policy to achieve a given increase in national income because actual GDP lies below potential GDP (i.e. there is a negative output gap) (Buchanan, 1996) Task 3 -Behaviour of Organisations and the Market Environment 3. A) Explain the shortcomings of two market models relevant to the hotel group and show how they can affect the profitability of the hotel. SWOT Analysis of Hilton Hotels All major hotel corporations, is continuing to recover from the events of September 11th. This tragic human event also delivered a financially devastating blow to the travel industry as a whole and to the hotel industry in particular. In order to fully recover and thrive in the coming years, HHC must assess its overall all strengths and weaknesses as it moves forward through the new millennium. The following SWOT Analysis sheds some light on some of the pitfalls and opportunities that await the Hilton Hotels Corporation. (Porter, 2001) Strengths Hilton Hotel Corporation (HHC) is a well established organization and industry leader in the hotel, hospitality and gaming industry HHC is well diversified across the industry with hotels in the high end, business and mid-priced classes in their product mix HHC also possesses solid integration features such as owning the companies that manufacture its furniture and has invested in online reservation travel enterprises Weaknesses HHC may be two narrowly focused making it vulnerable to a downturn in the global economy and other world-wide catastrophes that could limit global travel such as the bird-flu and a significant terrorist strike HHC may be vulnerable to workers strikes and crack down on undocumented workers in the U.S. Most of its holdings are in the U.S. Opportunities HHC should offer an array of distinctive and specialized services to the high end guests and high rollers such as Wedding planning hosting Spas that specialize in personal services Personal trainers HHC should look to expand into or acquire a cruise line A cruise ship is little more than a hotel that floats this would essentially match what it currently does with its leased properties Gaming activities would escape regulation, etc. Take advantage of emerging markets, especially with business class and mid-priced markets Threats HHC must be careful not overextend its efforts to mix entertainment and gaming Also the extension of credit and other side effects of gaming can slowly but surely nibble away profits September 11th was a major blow to the hotel industry. A similar event could result in another down turn. By studying national and regional industry trends, HHC will be able to take advantage of opportunities that will enable growth while identifying threats that may affect profitability. Growth in the hotel and hospitality industry will include a continued focus on gaming, international expansion and using all media to promote its products to potential customers. One recommended strategy for Hilton is to emphasize the importance of family in all its hotels, including the gaming and casino locations. Las Vegas has spent millions to attract families by adding childrens attractions as well as the traditional casinos for the adults. Most of the hotels have at least a small area dedicated to arcade games. However, some hotels have elaborate arcades, game areas, and child-care centers intended for those traveling with children (Hilton Hotels Corporation, 2007). Hilton needs to ensure they are right in the middle of this demographic of parents traveling with children. While the focus can still be on the high dollars that are tossed around in the casinos by the parents, it will be critical that the hotel have the facilities available that will attract parents with children to stay at the property. Since there is a greater demand and vacation time has become one of the few times that families are able to spend quality time together, Hilton must capitalize on this market segment. (Buchanan, 1996) Market Segmentation Market Segmentation means breaking down the total market into self contained and relatively standardized subgroups of customers, each possessing its own special requirements and characteristics. This enables the company to modify its output, advertising messages and promotional methods to correspond to the needs of particular segments. Accurate segmentation allows the firm to pinpoint selling opportunities and to tailors its marketing activities to satisfy on consumer needs. Through the process of market segmentation, there are certain variables to identify customer groups, such as needs, income geographical, location, buying habits and other characteristics . (Hahnel, 2001) 3b) Explain how these factors of supply and demand income, price, weather, substitutes impact on the activities of the hotel group. When negotiating a hotel contract for meeting or convention, some factors are influenced. First, factors that influence room blocks and room rates are based on supply and demand. So, if the hotel is in their peak season, they have more clients requesting the same space and can choose who gets the space and can set their price. Most hotels have a preferred pattern for arrivals and departures. If your pattern fits theirs, they may be willing to negotiate. However, if the pattern differs, you may have to pay higher rates. Be prepared, check with the Convention Bureau and ask what the normal occupancies are for various months of the year. That way you will have an idea of how much the hotel needs your business. If you can hold your meeting in a month that has less occupancy, you have more room to negotiate. Also, do not falter to ask for special items in the contract. The more the hotel needs your business, the more they are willing to give up or add to the contract in order to get your signature. (Carl, 1997) It may be easy to get that suite you wanted on a complimentary basis or at a special rate. If the hotel is going to have a low occupancy and would not be selling that suite in the first place, they have nothing to loose by giving it to you in your contract. So, what factors are involved that influence pricing when negotiating a sales contract for sleeping rooms, meeting space and food events? They are availability of rooms, room patterns, your ability to be flexible and especially you being aware of what the hotel is looking for. Therefore, do your homework before meeting with your hotel of choice and you will be better prepared to negotiate successfully. 3c) Explain three behaviour and competitive strategies employed by organisations in the UK and the rationale for regulating the behaviour strategies. Use relevant examples to support your answer. Organizations operate within a competitive industrial environment. Analyzing its competitiveness help to identify opportunities for and threats to the organization from its industrial environment, SWOT analysis is a systematic analysis of these factors and the strategy that reflects the best match between them. Considering the as an example, relation to the core competence of McDonalds, one of the largest food chain companies in the world. Let us first start with the strengths and the positive aspects which define the performance of this company. Strength is a distinctive competence that gives the firm a comparative advantage in the market place. For instance financial resources, image, market leadership and buyer supplier relations etc The greatest strength was creating an image in the minds of the people and introducing them to the fast food culture. Delivery speed, customer care and cleanliness are the core strengths on which these stores expanded. They created a corporate symbol and their advertisement campaigns were highly successful in establishing the brand image and logo in the minds of the millions. Two main competitors generally identified with McDonalds are the Burger King and the KFC. McDonalds marketing strategy is concerned with the internal resources, external environment and its basic competencies along with its share holders. McDonalds product value is also its greatest strengths. Customers know what to expect when they walk into a McDonalds store. It gives great emphasis to human resources by satisfying both the customer and the employees. Next is the innovation aspect wherein new products line up to catch up with the new trends and tastes of the people. Its diversity into other new business ventures can also be considered as its strengths. One major threat to any brand is its relationship between the management and the franchise dealers. Organization strength is the back bone of any concern and when that starts shaking the whole system will collapse. But slowing McDonald is recovering from all these weaknesses as its brand managers can easily communicate, compare and improve their services through the latest technological developments wherein they can use the internet to motivate, compare and improve upon other centers performances. The overall analysis of all the external and internal strengths and weaknesses on this company should be linked in order to draft a sustainable plan for the companies further improvement. For any improvement or expansion the internal resources must be readily available. And thus analyzing this aspect can lead to a modified strategy to suit its vision. Keeping in mind the available resources the planner should think globally. Hence making use of all the core competencies the firm can definitely sustain in the competitive market. Task 4 International Trade and the European Dimension 4a) Discuss the pros and cons of trade between the UK and other countries. Use the activities of the hotel group to support your answer Pros According to the U.S. State Department, the United States had implemented nine free trade agreements with a total of 14 countries and had several others awaiting final enactment as of September 2009. The agency reports that since the implementation of these economic pacts U.S. exports have increased exponentially and imports have grown considerably. Therefore, the State Department makes the claim that free trade supports economic development in poor countries as well as in the United States. Cons In November 2003 the Economic Policy Institute issued a report that seriously questions the benefits of free trade. According to the document, the rise in the U.S. trade deficit with its NAFTA trading partners, Canada and Mexico, caused the displacement of high-wage positions in U.S.-based manufacturing industries. Additionally, the report states that workers in all three member countries have been hurt by free trade, with many Mexicans being reduced to subsistence-level work while Canadians witness a reduction in important public spending in education, health care and other such services. The institute says that NAFTA guidelines tilt the economic situation in favor of investors while offering no environmental or worker-safety protection. Considerations While just about everyone agrees that international trade will continue, the debate over free-trade economics demonstrates the existence of two radically disparate viewpoints; those of the businesses and investors that have benefited from the adaptation of free-trade agreements and those of blue-collar workers, who appear to be losing ground financially. Policy negotiators might do well to consider the well- being of all concerned by adopting guidelines that guarantee a living wage to all as well as environmental and worker-safety standards. (Carl, 1997) 4b) critically analyse the impact of two European Union policies on UK organisations and the hotel group, if any. UK hoteliers are feeling quietly optimistic about the new coalition governments tourism policy priorities for the countrys hotel industry. Industry leaders are hoping for a new era of firm leadership supported by clear tourism policy. Many are hopeful that the new administration will place greater emphasis on tourism policy, support new investment and provide better co-ordination of Whitehall policies across the industry. With clear policies on regulation, tax policies and interest rates, the new government is in a position to provide better stability for hotel developers, owners and operators, despite cuts in public spending. (Easterly, 2001) At this crucial time, the UK hotel industry needs strong, unified representation to government. The strongest organization is most probably the British Hospitality Association (BHA) who has already raised five key points on behalf of the industry, as follows: Fewer regulations and those that are introduced should be more accurately coasted and assessed for their impact on small businesses. An understanding that the industry is a potential job creator and is the main economic driver of many regions in the country even including London. Yet, in an industry largely made up of small businesses, past fiscal and regulatory measures have inhibited private investment to a great extent. Greater encouragement by the government for businesses to invest, through the introduction of appropriate tax breaks and capital allowances (eg: Hotel Building Allowance). Only through more private investment will the industry be able to meet rising international competition. A government department (presumably the DCMS) which is stronger and more able to represent the industry with other government departments and throughout Whitehall. Too many local, regional and national tourism bodies are fighting for limited amounts of funding to promote Britain internationally, nationally and locally. Only some Regional Development Agencies have seriously supported their tourism industry while a number of regional tourism boards have been disbanded. A more coherent approach to the countrys tourism infrastructure is required. 4c) Evaluate the implications of the UK becoming a member of the European economic and monetary union (EMU) to the UK economy and to organisations operating in the UK. Use relevant examples to support your answer The Economic and Monetary Union or EMU is an umbrella term for the group of policies aimed at converging the economies of members of the European Union in three stages so as to allow them to adopt a single currency,. As such, it is largely synonymous with the Eurozone. All member states of the European Union are expected to participate in the EMU. The Copenhagen criteria are the current set of conditions of entry for states wanting to join the EU. It contains the requirements that need to be fulfilled and the time framework within which this must be done in order for a country to join the monetary union. An important element of this is the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM  II), in which candidate currencies demonstrate economic convergence by maintaining limited deviation from their target rate against the euro. (Easterly, 2001) All member states, except Denmark and the United Kingdom, have committed themselves by treaty to join EMU. Seventeen member states of the European Union, including, most recently, Estonia, have entered the third stage and have adopted the euro as their currency. Denmark, Latvia and Lithuania are the current participants in the exchange rate mechanism. Of the pre-2004 members, the United Kingdom and Sweden have not joined ERM  II and Denmark remains in ERM without proceeding to the third stage. The five remaining (post-2004) states have yet to achieve sufficient convergence to participate. These ten EU members continue to use t

Marketing Mix Analysis Of Le Bistrot Pierre Restaurant Marketing Essay

Marketing Mix Analysis Of Le Bistrot Pierre Restaurant Marketing Essay Introduction Marketing mix is used to describe the combination of different marketing activities that a business does to best meet the needs of the market it is targeting (Jobber and Fahy, 2009). At first, the marketing mix was compounded of 4Ps; starting with the product, price, place and promotion. Thereafter other elements were added to these tools and these elements were; people, process and physical evidence. Considering the added elements, the marketing mix of 7Ps forms a tool that businesses use to satisfy the needs of costumers in the market it targets. Accordingly, the purpose of this report is to analyse how Le Bistrot Pierre, a French restaurant on Mill Lane, in Leicester uses the marketing mix. Identifying where this restaurant succeeds in using the 7Ps and where it fails and proposing what improvements can be made. The main product in Le Bistrot Pierre is the food and drinks menu. The products must provide good value for money for customers and be of a high quality to entice the customers to want to spend and to make a return visit. This restaurants food and drinks menu are of a very high standard. The website notes that the managing team of the restaurant often go to France to taste new foods and drinks to offer to their customers. Le Bistrot Pierre also offers a breakfast menu to its customers at selected branches. Unfortunately, Le Bistrot Pierre does not offer a childrens food menu. However, if the restaurant was to offer a childrens menu it would entice families to visit the restaurant knowing that they would not have to buy their children and adults meal only for a lot of it to be wasted. Furthermore, offering a childrens menu would promote the restaurants family friendly atmosphere and increase overall profits. As mentioned above Le Bistrot Pierre offers a breakfast menu, however it only offers this menu at its Leamington Spa, Harrogate, Stockton Heath and Stratford-Upon-Avon branches. Therefore, its customers in places like Nottingham and Leicester do not have the opportunity to taste this menu. Furthermore, although these 4 branches offer breakfast menus they all open at different times, for instance, Stratford-Upon-Avon offers its breakfast menu from 7am on weekdays whereas Leamington Spa only offers its breakfast menu on weekends (Le Bistrot Pierre, 2010). One problem with this is that customers who are travelling throughout the UK and see a Le Bistrot Pierre restaurant may assume that they can get a breakfast then realise that the particular branch they have gone to does not offer this service. Though Szymanski, et al (1993) suggest that marketing standardisation across business branches is still under constant debate, the effect of giving customers mixed perceptions about opening time s and breakfast service across cities may be problematic. Therefore to ensure that customers have a good customer experience at all times the chain should offer the breakfast menu at all its chains and at the same times. The Price It is important that the price should be competitive however the food offered should also represent the amount of money that the customer is spending on it. The lunch menu at Le Bistrot Pierre according to the website is  £9.75 for two courses and  £11.75 for three courses (Le Bistrot Pierre, 2010). These prices are reasonable when one looks at other French style restaurants in Nottingham. For instance, French Livings lunch time menu offers a two course meal for  £8.50 and a three course meal for  £10.50 (French Living 2010). In addition to this, Le Mistral in Nottingham offers a 2 course lunch menu for  £8.90 and 3 course lunch for  £10.90 (Le Minstral 2010). In regard the wine menu at Le Bistrot Pierre, they offer their cheapest white wine at  £13.75 and the most expensive at  £27.60, and for their red wine, their cheapest is  £17.95 and their most expensive  £61.75. This seems reasonable when compared with Le Mistral another French restaurant in Nottingham that offers their cheapest white wine at  £13.95 and their most expensive at  £45.50, and for their red wine their cheapest is  £13.95 and their most expensive is  £45.60. The Place Place is concerned with the location so that the customer can buy the product with ease, and its accessibility to the store is another important aspect. In the case of the restaurant it ideally should be in a central place. This means that it is in an area of high exposure for potential customers, be they on foot or in a car. In regard to Le Bistrot Pierre, they are located centrally in all their 8 locations. These locations are in different counties in the UK such as, Derby, Harrogate, Leamington Spa, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Stockton Heath and Stratford-Upon-Avon. Similarly, a new branch is being opened in Yorkshire, providing a wider reach to customers around the UK. A negative aspect of Le Bistrot Pierre is that it does not offer a car parking facility at any of its chains; therefore if someone wishes to park their car they will have to pay high central city prices. One potential improvement for future restaurants within this group would be to have a car parking facility to entice customers from the outskirts of cities to visit them. The Promotion Promotion involves different items and the ways in which businesses communicate their products to the customer showing the benefits of buying their products. Le Bistrot Pierre has 2 very popular promotions they do daily, the first is the Early Bird and Pre-Theatre menu which consists of 2 courses before 7pm and costs 13.90. The second is the Prix Fixe Evening with a glass of St. Jean wine which costs 15.50. In regard to special events, Le Bistrot Pierre offers the Soirà ©e Gastronomique menu on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month for 21.90 and the Dine with Wine 3 course menu, each course comes with a specially matched wine for 26.90. In addition to this, Le Bistrot Pierre also promotes its brand via gift cards that customers can purchase for their family and friends to go and try the restaurants food and drink. The People People includes everyone who is connected to the product. This involves employees, customers, management and the business owners; therefore everyone has an important role in making the business succeed. The restaurant need to have qualified chefs and staff who can present the product to the customers and are experts in French cuisine. Le Bistrot Pierre details on their website the type of person they wish to work them, noting that they wish to employ people who are friendly, enthusiastic, hard working and care about giving excellent customer service in a busy restaurant environment. Le Bistrot Pierres website has several reports from journalists promoting the superior quality of their food. Furthermore, Le Bistrot Pierre uses the media and journalists to promote their offers and competitions for free evening meals. The Process Process focuses on the activities done to the product before it is provided to the customer and the method or the process used to provide the service. The main element in process is time, if the process takes long, the sale of the product will be affected. Interestingly, the Le Bistrot Pierre team visits some suppliers in order to ensure the health of the livestock purchased. This evidently expresses the concern that the management have towards providing the customers with their monies worth. Accordingly, the quicker the process is, the more appreciated the product. In the restaurant website news section, an article taken from Leicester and mercury newspaper dated 3rd June 2010 shows an appreciation to this process of being quick and flawless. The only slight let down mentioned by the writer Gary Mitchell was that when he ordered chocolate mousse for his desert, he ended up with an Orange chocolate he did not order. The Physical Evidence Physical evidence can be defined as the experience in the use of either service or product. For example, brochures or pamphlets that describe the product to the customer to enable him to know what he is buying and its qualities. Also, the restaurant is furnished in a very warm way in which the high and middle class individuals will be comfortable dining and wining. Moreover, the arrangement of the hall can be adjusted to suit family seating. This means customers of different categories can find convenience in Le Bistrot Pierre. In the case of the different restaurant servings, it is described in its various menu cards for starters, main courses, desserts, and drinks. Conclusion In general, Le Bistrot Pierre used all the 7Ps of the marketing mix to meet the needs of the customers, though it slightly failed to use them fully as Gary Mitchells article points out. Improving the quality of the service, adding childrens menu and creating home delivery meals, would help to increase the popularity of the restaurant; though it has already set a good reputation in gastronomy as the restaurant declares it in the website. Furthermore, Le Bistrot Pierre may preferably consider putting the breakfast menu in all branches that do not have this menu yet. This should be supported by specific timing for the breakfast start in all branches. Finally, Le Bistrot Pierre do not have car park and may lose some customers. They could try to create arrangements (or contract) with the nearest car park and tell the customers they have free parking. This will serve as a means to entice potential customers and increase business for the restaurant.

Platos Republic Essay -- essays research papers

Plato's Republic   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Critics of The Republic, Plato's contribution to the history of political theory, have formed two distinct opinions on the reasoning behind the work. The first group believes that The Republic is truly a model for a political society, while the other strongly objects to that, stating it as being far too fantastic for any society to operate successfully by these suggested methods. In an exchange between Crito and Dionysius, this argument is first introduced, with Crito siding with those who agree that The Republic is a realistic political model, and Dionysius arguing on behalf of those who doubt it as being realistic, claiming it to be a criticism of politics in general.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Both sides have legitimate arguments, and there is evidence within the text to support each opinion. When Plato wrote Gorgias, he made it clear where exactly he stood on his personal involvement in politics (Cornford 1941, xix). â€Å" Unlimited power without the knowledge of good and evil is at the best unenviable, and the tyrant who uses it to exterminate his enemies and rivals is the most miserable of men--a theme to be further developed in The Republic (Cornford xx).† But here, Plato was referring to the politics of his time, and critics who sided with Crito believed that The Republic was Plato's way of introducing a political system in which he would feel comfortable supporting (Plato 204). Conversely though, The Republic itself is summed up this way:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Well, one would be enough to effect all this reform that now seems so incredible,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  if he had subjects disposed to obey; for it is surely not impossible that they should   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  consent to carry out our laws and customs when laid down by a ruler. It would be   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  no miracle if others should think as we do; and we have, I believe, sufficiently   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  shown that our plan, if practicable, is the best. So, to conclude: our institutions would be the best, if they could be realized, and to realize them, though hard, is not   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  impossible (Plato 210-211).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  These institutions of which Plato speaks are described in the body of The Republic, and not only does Plato ex... ... his work, which favors the opposition. But, his ideas themselves are in no way impossible to accomplish. Plato had this to say to sum up all his beliefs, there will never be a perfect state or constitution, nor yet a perfect man, until some happy circumstance compels these few philosophers who have escaped corruption but are now called useless, to take charge, whether they like it or not, of a state which will submit to their authority; or else until kings and rulers or their sons are divinely inspired with a genuine passion for true philosophy. If either alternative or both were impossible, we might justly be laughed at as idle dreamers; but, as I maintain, there is no ground for saying so. Accordingly, if ever in the infinity of time, past or future, or even today in some foreign region far beyond our horizon, men of the highest gifts for philosophy are constrained to take charge of a commonwealth, we are ready to maintain that, then and there, the constitution we have described has been realized, or will be realized when once the philosophic muse becomes mistress of a state. For that might happen. Our plan is difficult--we have admitted as much--but not impossible (Plato 208).

The Young Offenders Act Debate :: Free Essay Writer

Under fire from the date of its creation, the debate over the validity of the Young Offender’s Act continues. Should the YOA remain in its current form as a part of the Canadian legal system? An examination of the reasons it is seen as being ineffective, the need for change, and the suggested amendments and substitutes will provide an accurate picture of the situation from which a conclusion can be drawn. The young offenders act in its current form is nearly optimal. However, there enough reasons for its alteration that a serious consideration of amendments should be considered. There are a number of reasons why the YOA has been seen as ineffective. There is, in the public, a widespread perception that the YOA is not working at all. This is due to the large amount of misinformation that is sensationalized ruthlessly by the media (Good 1998 7). High profile cases of violent offenders leak, and, lacking details, the media presents an incomplete account of details to the public. As a result some people think that there are kids who know how to â€Å"beat the system† and are now out committing crimes with no fear of being seriously reprimanded. But, as one analyst and researcher reports â€Å"There are virtually no data †¦ that would permit an examination of this assumption† (Peterson-Badali and Koegl 1998 p127). Since once of the functions of the act is to protect the public, their fears are one a problem that needs to be addressed in any amendments that may go forward. There is, however, debate over the need for change. Some say the current act is much too easy on youths and that they’re getting away with too much. There are reasons situations, such as these misinterpreted ones, have come about. The YOA was designed keeping youth protection in mind, and experts in the area tend to refer to the fact that â€Å"†¦repeated studies have shown that it is not the severity of punishment which deters crime, but the certainty of it† (Daunt 1998 7). Therefore it is not surprising that thousands of good kids have been helped, and not hindered, by the current legislation on their way to a productive life (Good 1998 171). As well, the current YOA does have serious consequences for violent offenders, many of them ending up in adult court (Daunt 1998 7). One may also begin to see a bit of a trend: The introduction of the YOA in 1984 was to assuage the publics perception of a weak Juvenile Delinquents Act and promised increased penalties for you th offenders (Daunt 1998 7).

The Toltec, Aztec, and Mayan Indian Tribes Essay -- Pre-Columbian Hist

The Toltec, Aztec, and Mayan Indian Tribes TOLTECS> The Toltecs were an Indian tribe who existed from 900 A.D. to 1200. They had a capital city of Tollan, and their influences reached south to the Yucatan and Guatemala. They were a composite tribe of Nahua, Otomi, and Nonoalca. The Tolt ecs made huge stone columns decorated like totem poles. AZTECS> Aztecs were an American Indian people who rule an empire in Mexico during the 1400's and early 1500's. They practiced a religion that affected every part of their lives. To worship the Aztecs built towering temples, created huge sculptures, and had human sacrifices. The center of Aztec civilization was a river valley in Mexico. The emperor of the Aztecs was called the "huey tlatoani" (great speaker). A council of high-ranking no bles chose him from the members of a royal family. The Aztec society had four main classes nobles, commoners, serfs, and slaves. The typical Aztec household consisted of a husband and wife, their unmarried children, and a number of the husbands relative s. Boys were educated by...