Theme Of Transgression In Frankenstein - 1235 Words

The 1764 book entitled The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole paved the way for other exemplary displays of Gothic literature which included the likes of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein and Bram Stokers Dracula. Horace Walpole founded several perennial features of the subgenre, many which endure today, such as the subterranean secret, the gloomy castle and ghostly sightings. [1] This shaped the way in which we understand the genre. Transgression is a continual theme within the genre, meaning an â€Å"act that goes against a law, rule or code of conduct. During the 18th and 19th centuries, crucial changes were taking place around the world that influenced the formation of the Gothic writing. Industrialisation and political unrest were at the†¦show more content†¦[3] The theme of transgression in Gothic literature differs in Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Both Cathy and Heathcliff are trapped by the conventional border of society which acts as a limit to their great love and passion. Cathy is unable to marry Heathcliff because he is a liminal character who has been marginalised, therefore, she chooses to marry Edgar who has a high status society, thereby confining herself to a low-burning type of love, symbolised by the â€Å"lattice† of the Grange. Later, when she falls ill, she â€Å"transgresses† the border into the other world beyond life, the only realm where she can be with the man she feels a strong, passionate love for. Bronte herself appears to advocate this kind of transgression. Following this, when Cathy dies, Heathcliff feels an overwhelming need to remain with her. Heathcliff informs Nelly that he partially unearthed her grave. Finally, when Heathcliff dies, his transgression of the boundary between life and death is represented once again in the image of the open window. [4] Frankenstein needs to be read in light not only of Mary Shelley’s background, but also in light of the era which it came from. Gothicism is part of the Romantic Movement that started in the late eighteenth century and lasted to roughly three decades within the nineteenth century. It was characterised by ideas of intuition and emotion which started to undermine rationalism and the heroic ideal presentedShow MoreRelatedHow The Romantic Period Was Characterised By Political And Social Upheavals1318 Words   |  6 Pagesthe will of Zeus. In a rage, Zeus chained him to a mountain peak in the Caucasus. Prometheus was used as a prototype of the modern scientist in the 19th Century. His character defied the authority of gods. This set the tone for Mary Shelley s Frankenstein . [6] In order to fully understand the work of Mary Shelley, it is crucial to explore the scientific context of the 19th Century. Italian physician Luigi Galvani became interested in the way in which the muscles of dissected creatures (mostRead MoreEssay about Mary Shelleys Frankenstein1317 Words   |  6 PagesMary Shelleys Frankenstein Frankenstein was written in the 18th century by the romantic writer called Mary Shelley. The key events in this novel symbolize Mary Shelleys problems in real life, in one way or another. The novel starts with a man called Walton, who is venturing to the North Pole. On his way, he is shipwrecked and he comes across Victor Frankenstein, who is the protagonist in the book. Victor relives his story to Walton about what he did, which emphasizesRead MoreScientific Progression in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein and the Film, Blade Runner1184 Words   |  5 PagesMary Shelley’s â€Å"Frankenstein† is an early 19th century cautionary tale examining the dark, self-destructive side of human reality and human soul. It is written in the Romantic era where society greatly valued scientific and technological advancement. Throughout the novel, Shelley expresses her concerns of extreme danger when man transgresses science and all ethical values are disregarded. The implications of debatable experimentation and thriving ambition could evoke on humanity are explored in theRead MoreNeglect In Frankenstein Essay921 Words   |  4 PagesAbandonment in Frankenstein   Ã‚  Ã‚   Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein is commonly misrepresented as a horror story. Frankenstein’s creation is know by most to be an evil monster out to ravage the world around him. In reality the novel shows a story of a neglected loving creature, that has been unfairly labeled as a brute due to his unattractive appearance. Realities as abysmal as that of Frankenstein’s creation are hard to dream up, and indeed Shelley’s life shares many common themes with her charactersRead MoreThe Anxieties Of Modernity In Frankenstein And Dracula981 Words   |  4 PagesIn select gothic literature, anxieties of the times in which they were written tend to surface through important themes, characters and settings. Frankenstein written by Mary Shelley in 1818 and Dracula written by Bram Stoker in 1897 both share this characteristic by working through the anxieties of modernity, here meaning â€Å"the condition of being modern† , specifically between new world science and technology versus old world spirituality and faith. This manifests predominantly as the old traditionalRead MoreWhat is meant by the term gothic1187 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿What is meant by the term ‘gothic’? How far and in what ways is ‘Frankenstein’ a gothic text? Gothic literature, which is sometimes referred to as Gothic horror, is a genre that links horror and romance into one tale of ‘transgressing the boundaries’. Gothicism was unheard of until the late 1700’s, this movement into a new genre of literature. This was pioneered by the English author Horace Walpole, in his famous fictional book ‘The Castle of Otranto’, or as Walpole alternatively titled it ‘aRead MoreFrankenstein As A Biblical Reference Essay1593 Words   |  7 Pages Williams 1 Benjamin Compton English 105 10/3/17 Frankenstein as a Biblical Reference In Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, had an inter-textual connection to the bible. Shelley connects the creature to Satan, his relation to Adam, the story of Adam and Eve, the book of Genesis and his reading of Paradise Lost. As the bible was an esteemed text in the early 1800s, Shelley’s use of it in her novel served to establish Frankenstein as a sort of parable of didactic text. She beginsRead MoreEssay on The Gothic Genre and What it Entails6177 Words   |  25 Pages Maturin (1820). (For example William Godwins Caleb Williams (1794)had an overt political message intended to expose the inadequacy of Things as they are). During the development of the Gothic the motifs become less cliched and the themes more pertinent. Romantic Gothic provided the vocabulary to express social anxieties of the time. In The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner Hogg used the conventions of historical Gothic to discuss the politicalRead MoreFrankenstein And Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1595 Words   |  7 Pages Though the books were published almost seven decades apart the monsters in Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde share many similarities: They were both created in laboratories by European scientists for somewhat morally suspect purposes, both were outcasts of society, and murdered characters secondary to their creator. Even in their final days they followed a similar archetype by taking the lives of their creators before ending their own. One should ask the question why these stories have stoodRead MoreNorthanger Abbey And Frankenstein1842 Words   |  8 PagesBoth Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein are prominent novels within the gothic genre which deal with young people entering society for the first time, gaining maturity and finding identity in a world filled with threats and dangers. However, these novels differ in that Northanger Abbey features a female protagonist, Catherine Morland while Frankenstein features a male protagonist, Victor Frankenstein. Steadfast gender stereotypes exist within the gothic genre as reflected

The Help (Kathryn Stockett) Important Character Free Essays

The Help written by Kathryn Stockett is a beautiful but shocking look into the racism towards coloured maids in Jackson Mississippi during the 1960’s. An important character who helped to develop much of the plot-line is Hilly Hilbrook. Hilly becomes an important character through her talent for nasty gossip, her power over people and the insecurities she has about herself . We will write a custom essay sample on The Help (Kathryn Stockett) Important Character or any similar topic only for you Order Now She somehow manages to still seem cute and innocent and is described as, † One a those grown lady’s that still dress like a little girl with big bows and matching hats and such. She ain’t my favourite. † The main reason Hilly becomes such an unforgettable villain is because of her talent for gossip. Part of Hilly’s personality is her ability to make people listen and once that happens, (even if its only whispered ), it spreads through the town like wildfire. â€Å"She give one a her little ‘a-hems’; she got this way a clearing her throat real delicate-like that get everybodies attention without them even knowin she made em do it†. I think this is also something that people can easily relate to, especially at High School where instances like this happen every day, with a horrible after affect. There is one character in particular who gets the sting in tail of Hilly’s gossip and that character is Minny Jackson, known as ‘the best cook in Mississippi. † The only reason she isn’t the most popular choice for someone looking to hire a maid is because of Hilly spreading vicious rumours. Hilly wanted Minny to work for her, so she falsely spread it round town that Minny stole from Hilly’s mother who was Minny’s old employer, causing everyone to turn their noses up when Minny applied for a job, therefore forcing her back to Hilly. Hilly makes all the rules. If she has something, then everyone else wants that something too – † Hilly was the first of the girls to have a baby, and it must have come out of her like the forth commandent, because once Hilly had one, all them other girls had to have one too. † She started the â€Å"Home help Sanitation Initiative’ that required white houses to have a separate bathroom for the black help, ‘as a disease-preventative measure. ‘ One of her closest followers knew she couldn’t afford it, but in order not to issappoint Hilly, pulled money out of her daughter’s college fund in order to pay for the new bathroom. Hilly is terrified of losing her status and her title as top dog – ‘Chairman of the Jackson Junior League’ . Her fear rules her life so in turn rules everybody elses. The hero of the story wants to be a writer, so she writes a book about their town from the maids point of view. In the book some a wful things are written about Hilly that are for the first half of the book simply referred to as â€Å"the terrible alful’ committed by Minny who was seeking revenge once she knew Hilly had beaten her. Hilly knows that this would completely destroy her reputation if anyone ever figured out it was about her. This causes her to use all her power to try and convince everybody that â€Å"the book is not about Jackson! † The Character of Hilly is made memorable through Kathryn Stockett unique style of writing. She allows the reader to visualise the town of Jackson with all it’s colourful characters, of which Hilly was one of the most vivid. How to cite The Help (Kathryn Stockett) Important Character, Papers

Experts Delphi/Oracle Perspective

Question: Discuss about theExpertsfor Delphi/Oracle Perspective. Answer: Introduction Innovation is the utmost creativity technique used for foresight and creativity management. This is important business context which is also imperative for social growth. This is among the very important factors that look at the analysis of information when a creative foresight can be created (OLoughlin and Griffith 2013.). Discussion on Experts Foresight and Creativity Method The expert orientation and creativity method, this is a very important creativity forecasting models it analysis the information effectively to include the better analysis of information. There are several ways in which Delphi method is structured around communicative techniques. This technique is organically chosen as a systematic and interactive forecasting methodology. This is important to be analyzed how management can be helpful in understanding the forecasting method that is helpful in ensuring the systematic movement of innovation in various channels of information. This method starts with questionnaires in two or more rounds. There are ways in which facilitator or change agents provide experts forecasts and provide judgment for all types of information (Chen and Forbes 2014). There are several experts who are encouraged to revise their replies in light of the innovation and coverage management. There are also processes that involve the feedback management of predefined stop criterion that leads to attainment of consensus and steadiness of results. These median scores determine the results of the operation (Wald and Reis 2012). Example of Business and Social Context There are two major types of functions, task and maintenance functions. Task functions look at the role content and content of work. There are various ways in which maintenance functions look at the completion of tasks and team member satisfaction. It also looks at how important is business context in leadership roles. This is thus looking at the achievements of the group. Maintenance functions look at the roles that look at satisfaction of group members as a whole. It also looks at how the completion of tasks. These are both leadership roles and can be shared by every group member. Thus leadership can be everyones responsibility and prerogative. (Armstrong 2014) Key Insights on using Method Applied Maintenance functions look at the roles that look at satisfaction of group members as a whole. It also looks at how the completion of tasks. These are both leadership roles and can be shared by every group member. Thus leadership can be everyones responsibility and prerogative. In my case I was responsible for managing logistics within the team. I was a steward in my own way. I would effectively follow all tasks and complete them in time. These are important factors that help in deciding several factors in group building and solvency activities (Farrell 2013). Conclusion This is course has been a complete reflective and self-developing experience for me. I have reflected and learned how concepts like evidence, data, emotional intelligence and critical thinking. This has also led to a deep understanding of self-awareness and what has influenced my thoughts over the last semester. I have also understood the importance of writing and research methodology including extensive surveys. The purpose of this essay will also be to look at how to develop group skills and the necessity for to look at and evaluate how participation in the group and recognize what was learnt about self and about group process in general. There will be an evaluation of group participation and factors that lead to better understanding of group functions. The essay would explain with concrete examples and direct integration of course to ensure that the focus is primarily on your self-evaluation assessment and justification. Maintenance functions are role oriented that look at satisfaction of group members through coordination. It also looks at how the completion of tasks. These are both leadership roles and can be shared by every group member. Thus leadership can be everyones responsibility and prerogative. Thus an anticipated question from members can be addressed with better research and preparation. Thus inviting team members and thus an enthusiasm and reassured sense of feelings lead to concerns and feelings for team members instead. The purpose of this essay will also be to look at how to develop group skills. It will also serve the necessity to look at and evaluate how participation in the group and recognition for the learning about self. These activities also help understand group processes in general. There will be an evaluation of group participation and factors that lead to better understanding of group functions. References OLoughlin, V.D. and Griffith, L.M., 2013. Reflective writing highlights improved student metacognition in an upper level undergraduate anatomy course.The FASEB Journal,27(1 Supplement), pp.957-1. Armstrong, G.A. 2014. Bringing our whole person to whole person care: Fostering reflective capacity with interactive reflective writing in health professions education.International Journal of Whole Person Care,1(1). Wald, H.S., and Reis, S.P., 2012. Fostering and evaluating reflective capacity in medical education: developing the REFLECT rubric for assessing reflective writing.Academic Medicine,87(1), pp.41-50. Brown, K., and Young, T., 2014. Board# 108-Research Abstract Using Reflective Writing to Assess Impact of an Inter-Professional Cardio-Pulmonary Workshop for Medical, Nursing and Respiratory Therapy Students (Submission# 8645).Simulation in Healthcare,9(6), p.400. Farrell, T.S.C., 2013.Reflective writing for language teachers. Sheffield: Equinox. Chen, I. and Forbes, C., 2014. Reflective writing and its impact on empathy in medical education: systematic review.Journal of educational evaluation for health professions,11, p.20.

Singer Solution to World Problems free essay sample

If you discovered a pill that would cure AIDS, would you share it? If you discovered a magical bean that could diminish starvation, would you plant it? What about buying one less cup of designer coffee or that pair of shoes because they are on sale? Would you be able to give up something insignificant in order to give someone the most precious gift of all, life? Peter Singer argues, we all have a moral obligation to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. In Peter Singer’s New York Times article entitled, â€Å"The Singer Solution to World Poverty† he challenges citizens of first world countries to donate any money that is not used for day to day necessities to go towards charities that help feed, clothe, and medicate people in extreme poverty. He states that money spent at an expensive dinner, for a new suit, or on vacation could and should be used instead to save lives (Singer). We will write a custom essay sample on Singer Solution to World Problems or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Singer’s argument is unreasonable for the average American. The majority of American citizens are not at a financial point in their lives where they are able to give such generous donations. The ones that are, should give. Singer argues that, â€Å"each one of us with wealth surplus to his or her essential needs should be giving most of it to help people suffering from poverty† (Singer 4), he fails to consider that over 20 million Americans are enrolled in college (NCES). These people should not be held to the same standards as those people who have careers and are working in a field of their choice, making good money. Instead of trying to force people who are not yet in a position to give their money Singer should suggest that instead of giving their money students should give their time and talents to helping others that are in need. A law student could focus on how to change government policies so that taxes that are taken out of taxpayer’s paychecks can actually go towards overseas aid agencies that are already in place. A student in the medical field can focus their time and talents on drugs that can help eradicate diseases that claim millions of innocent lives. A student studying engineering can focus on designing cheaper and energy efficient ways to bring clean water and electricity to small villages. Perhaps, a person studying education can brainstorm ideas to implement lesson plans into schools that teach kids the importance of empathy and giving back. Singer’s argument that all people making over the amount of money that it takes to simply survive is an unfair burden to put on the average American’s conscious. As of July 2012 about 25% of Americans had no money in a savings account, only about 40% of Americans were saving for retirement, and the average household debt was over 117,000 dollars (Statistic Brain). The rule of thumb is that every person should have enough money saved to cover 6 months in expenses. In an economy like America’s where job security is diminishing it is unreasonable to expect others to sacrifice their wellbeing and future for other people. This moral obligation should be put off until the person gets to a point where they can help people without sacrificing their own livelihood. Without this being taken into consideration it is possible and likely that these very same people will find themselves on the receiving side of charity in the near future. However, Singer is right in expecting more of the nations wealthiest. The burden should fall on those who are well above the poverty line and have a large enough savings that retirement, debt, and college funds for their kids and grandchildren would never be an issue. In Singers article he states that, â€Å" $200 in donations would help a sickly 2-year-old transform into a healthy 6-year-old†(Singer 2). If this is the case then perhaps people earning in the top tiers of this nation should be obligated to help. CNBS’s study on charitable giving states that, Americans that make between $50,000 and $75,000 year give an average of 7. 6 percent to charity. Americans that make $100,000 give a little more than 4 percent of their income to charity. Americans that make over $200,000 only give about half that at 2. 8 percent (Frank). It would make much more sense for people who make less and have more debt to give at a lower percentage. Once they meet their financial obligations they will be able to spend more because they will have a higher disposable income that can then be given to those who are less fortunate. If people in the top 1% of the country could actually give a higher percentage of their disposable income that would benefit a larger number of people with absolutely no negative impact on their lifestyle, and also take pressure off those that are not yet in a position to give. The weight of the underprivileged shouldn’t be pawned off on those that are pursing an education or those that haven’t reached their high point in life. There are enough financial resources in the world to help those that need it while allowing others to climb to their pinnacle in life. In an article written by clinical psychologist Dr. Dreyfus he explains the importance of making sure that you are operating at your very best in order to be able to help the maximum amount of people at the most efficient rate. At the beginning of every flight the flight attendant stands in the aisle and gives a speech about what to do in the event that the plane’s cabin begins to lose pressure. He or she instructs passengers to be sure to place their oxygen mask on first before helping the young, old, or hurt. This can also be seen as a metaphor for life. How can you help lead others out of danger if you are not out of danger yourself?

Jack London1 essays

Jack London1 essays One is led to believe that if a person is an author, then that person would have the best education that is available to them. However, this is not the case for Jack London. He dropped out of school at the age of fourteen and explored San Francisco, stole oysters, worked for the government, went to Japan, and traveled around the United States by hitching rides on freight trains. This is just a list of the few things he did during the five-year period while he did not attend school. He then returned and finished high school at the age of nineteen to continue onto the University of California at Berkeley, only to quit after one semester. Yet, he is described by Howard Lacchtman, as a born teller of tales (Lundberg 1). Flora Wellman gave birth to Jack London on January 12, 1876 in San Francisco, California. Flora Wellman was an unmarried woman who came from a very wealthy background. Jack Londons father, an astrologer who was very nomadic, deserted him and his mother when Jack London was born. Jack London received his last name from his stepfather who married his mother late in the year of 1876. John London, Flora Wellman, and Jack London moved to Oakland, California in 1886 where Jack London spent his childhood years. It is said that London was a frequent visitor of the Oakland Public Library and loved to read at an early age. Yet, because of the hard times, he always helped support his family by delivering newspapers, sweeping saloon floors, setting up pins in a bowling alley and working at other jobs (Port of Oakland). At the age of fourteen, Jack London decided to quit school to escape poverty and gain adventure (Britannica.com Inc.). He did a number of things in the five-year period while he escaped from school. He pirated for oysters on the San Francisco Bay, worked to capture poachers on fish patrols, and sailed all around the Pacific Ocean on a sailing ship. He also "...

The Redesigned SAT Math Test

The Redesigned SAT Math Test    In March of 2016, the College Board administered the first Redesigned SAT test to students who want to apply to college. This new Redesigned SAT test is very different from the SAT of years gone by and one of the major changes is the SAT Math Test. Different test types, content, and test format abound.   Confused about whats in store when you take the test and how the Redesigned SAT relates to the old SAT? Check out the Old SAT vs. Redesigned SAT chart for an easy explanation of each tests format, scoring and content, then read Redesigned SAT 101  for  all  the facts.   Aim of the Redesigned SAT Math Test According to the College Board, their wish for this math test is for it to demonstrate that students have fluency with, understanding of, and the ability to apply the mathematical concepts, skills, and practices that are most strongly prerequisite and central to their ability to progress through a range of college courses, career training, and career opportunities. Format of the Redesigned SAT Math Test 2 sections: Calculator Section and No Calculator Section80 minutes57 questions3 types of questions (multiple choice, grid-in, and extended thinking grid-in)4 content areas 4 Content Areas of the Redesigned SAT Math Test The new Math test focuses on four different areas of knowledge as described below. The content is divided between the two test sections, Calculator and No Calculator. Any of these topics can appear as a multiple choice question, a student-produced response grid-in, or an extended-thinking grid-in. So, on both test sections, you can expect to see questions related to the following areas: 1.  Heart of Algebra Analyzing and fluently solving equations and systems of equationsCreating expressions, equations, and inequalities to represent relationships between quantities and to solve problemsRearranging and interpreting formulas 2.  Problem Solving and Data Analysis Creating and analyzing relationships using ratios, proportions, percentages, and unitsDescribing relationships shown graphicallySummarizing qualitative and quantitative data 3.  Passport to Advanced Math Rewriting expressions using their structureCreating, analyzing, and fluently solving quadratic and higher-order equationsManipulating polynomials purposefully to solve problems 4.  Additional Topics in Math Making area and volume calculations in contextInvestigating lines, angles, triangles, and circles using theoremsWorking with trigonometric functions The Calculator Section: 37 questions | 55 minutes | 40 points Question Types 30 multiple choice questions6 student-produced grid-in questions1 extended-thinking grid-in question Content Tested 13 Heart of Algebra questions14 Problem and Data Analysis questions7 Passport to Advanced Math questions3 Additional Topics in Math questions The No Calculator Section: 20 questions | 25 minutes | 20 points Question Types 15 multiple choice questions2 student-produced grid-in questions Content Tested 8 Heart of Algebra questions9 Passport to Advanced Math questions3 Additional Topics in Math questions Preparing for the Redesigned SAT Math Test The College Board is working with the Khan Academy to offer free test prep for any student interested in practicing for the Redesigned SAT. In addition, other companies have great, reputable practice tests and questions to help get you ready.

Identifying 2 Potential Apps Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Identifying 2 Potential Apps - Research Paper Example This will need a group of twelve people to work on the project. This application will execute in advanced phones like those that use operating systems such as android, I Operating systems; windows mobile and HP web OS. This is because it supports portable executive format that is a property of .net framework. They also provide IDE (integrated development environment) and free SDK. This application is coded in advanced programming languages such as html, CSS, JavaScript, C, and C++. Since this application is web based, .net languages are the most suitable. This application queries the school database and gives the feedback via the phone. For this to work the apps must communicate with the server that stores all the information about the students. The school database must be updated regularly so that information send is updated. Other details about the student are also monitored so that the system becomes more user-friendly There two ways in which the app will function. The first one is through the web. In this the application is installed on the phone. To use it, you load the application just like the normal web page in the phone and it will display a form where you enter the student’s details for example the admission number, level of study and name then you submit. This can be made possible by interconnecting the app program with the school website or it can be stand alone. The other methods that the application can work are through the mobile phone features like the SMS and the MMS. For this to work you agree with the network providers in that particular region such that they facilitate the connection. The parent just composes an SMS containing the details of the student and sent to a specific number. Then network provider will query the database using the same app and gives the results to the parent as part of their network services. Andriessen and Matti 65. The applications that

Shugo Daimyo Muromachi Period. Japan in the Muromachi Age Essay

Shugo Daimyo Muromachi Period. Japan in the Muromachi Age - Essay Example The central component in this period was Heian duration that was later followed by war-oriented governments. Despite these changes, the government of the people continued but authority was vested on military Daimyo class. The medieval period is the most significant period in the history of Japan. The Kamakura period lasted between 1185 and 1333. This was the origin of the class rule system. However, civil affairs arbitration was the authority of the imperial court. After the defeat of Taira, the Yorimoto established family capital on the eastern side of Kamakura. Yoritomo was bestowed with the name Shogun. Moreover, clan disputes were rife at this period especially the Hogen and Heiji disturbance. Kamakura period was because of defeat of Taira family at the civil war. Yoritomo goals were on solid defense of the administration and for this purpose established the Shugo. Shugo administrative area was province and acted as military governors. They played oversight role though they also collected taxes. This form of administration lasted until the later days of 19th century. Shugo later transformed into Daimyo, whose significance was felt throughout the 15th century1. Some Japanese at this period possessed warrior qualities while majority engaged in farming activities. The other most important event in Japanese history was change in government structure. Government was warrior like in nature and acquired enormous amount of wealth. Shugo incorporated culture in their military rule. Art was prominent in this period while religion was Buddhism. The Buddhist teachers taught culture to all people. This lasted for a long period before the advents of Christianity. Monks were also essential in the military rule as chief advisors. Moreover, they influenced traditional values of this culture and activities of Shugo contemporaries. In medieval age, bows and horses were used for military purpose. Samurai were always ready for any battle and were highly focused and disciplined as taught by Yabusame. Initially, warrior society was based on family lineage and gifts, mostly land, was given to Samurai who served as Shugo. This meant that the vassal continued to serve lordship in their lifetime. This period was characterized with forming of alliances between warriors to guarantee source of livelihood. There was also reward for winning alliance and eminence was acquired. There was no family respect or recognition in a battle and in fact, one had to kill a family member if it was necessary to ensure sustenance of authority. Moreover, Shugo shifted allegiance and Daimyo were based on outcomes of the battle. In the last decades of 13th century, Kamakura came under crossfire. Mongol invaded them though they were unsuccessful due to heavy wind. The second invasion saw the neglect of the warrior. Ultimately, financial problems coupled Kamakura government and were faced by an invasion that they were unable to resist. Imperial authority was weakened but emperor legacy was maintained. Rivalry existed between the north represented by Samurai family and south led by emperor. This rivalry took close half a century. Finally, Ashikaga established unity between these two rival groups. The Muromachi existed from 1336 to 1573 and this period was characterized by social disorders, conflict, and uprisings. This characterized second period of Japanese history. This period is known as Muromachi or Ashikaga. Cities were continuously destroyed due to these occurrences. The dominant thing was Shoguns power based on coalition of Shugo who controlled land and powers in the province. As a result, these warriors became wealthy and feudal system, Daimyo was established. Success of establishment of

Cross-Cultural Communications Essay Example for Free

Cross-Cultural Communications Essay Setting standards and guidelines, such as the Florida Department of Education’s Subject Area Competencies for ESOL K-12, makes for a goal-oriented curriculum or educational program. Competencies, in all aspects, are the unique sets of â€Å"knowledge, skills, or attitudes† (CePH, 2006) that people from different fields of learning or work should accomplish or possess in order for them to meet the standards or expectations of education or work. For this reason, setting competencies in all fields of learning or work is extremely important because it provides directions or guidelines to people for them to accomplish success. In the field of education alone, setting competencies not only motivates students to acquire adequate knowledge, skills, or attitudes to achieve learning goals and objectives, but also helps in improving the quality of education by qualifying learning content and how educators should plan and carry out the teaching process, which are all based on what the students need to learn. Thus, setting learning competencies, just as creating learning goals and objectives, serve as precursors to other aspects of learning, including the selection of teaching strategies or approaches, instructional design, lesson planning, execution, the creation of assessment or evaluation tests, and so on. (Spector, 2007; Richards Rodgers, 2001) Consequently, it paves way to the development or progress of learning and education because it primarily makes the educational process precise or scrupulous and pertinent, and directs learning to the right path. Due to the perceived significance of learning competencies, the remainder of this discussion will explore how setting competencies affects the process of education specifically. This objective will be achieved by analyzing one of the Florida Department of Education’s Subject Area Competencies for ESOL K-12 and how it directly relates to education and the teaching and learning process. The Florida Department of Education’s Subject Area Competencies for ESOL K-12 The Subject Area Competencies for ESOL K-12 set by the Florida Department of Education contains the knowledge, skills, or attitudes that students in K-12 should exhibit or possess, which are specific to different subject areas under the English to Speakers of Other Languages learning programs in various schools in Florida. Since the basic learning necessities of ESOL students are distinct as compared to the learning program for a regular classroom setting, the competencies are constrained to the learning of English across various disciplines. From the 11 skills or competencies identified by the Florida Department of Education for ESOL K-12, only one will be considered for exploration and analysis. For this discussion, the underlying concepts and issues of the third competency will be used to explore learning and education in ESOL K-12. The third competency requires the student to display â€Å"Knowledge of sociolinguistic, cultural, ethnic, and sociopolitical issues. † Under this competency, there are nine sub-competencies that specify issues concerning sociolinguistic diversity, government policies, political and social trends, culture, cultural adjustment and adaptation, student involvement, and multicultural sensitivity. (Florida Department of Education, 2006) By and large, this third competency is concerned with the knowledge, skills, and values or attitudes that English Language Learners (ELLs) should acquire or exhibit in terms of the relevance of learning English in the present social, cultural, and political landscape of society. Exploring the Subject Area Competencies ESOL entails many difficulties and challenges especially since the learning goals and objectives vary from the regular classroom setting. Challenges and difficulties arise from the complex aims of ESOL. The program is not merely focused on teaching the English language to non-English speakers but also on how the learning process is relevant or correlated with other disciplines such as Science, History, Mathematics, and so on, and how it matches current social and political situations and addresses various cultural as well. The complex structure of the ESOL program is best illustrated by the Fourth Touchstone that makes up the foundations of All Language Teaching or ALL curriculum. The Fourth Touchstone reflects how communication, which is the medium and goal of language learning are intertwined with four other principles. The four principles include socio-cultural aspect of language learning, learning how-to-learn, language and cultural awareness, and general knowledge. (Vale Scarino, 2000) (Vale Scarino, 2000, p. 33) The integration of the other four principles establish the idea that language learning programs, including ESOL, are not simply concerned with language acquisition. Since these kinds of programs are adapted into a standard classroom setup such as K-12, the forerunners of language teaching and learning thought it best for these kinds of programs to be relevant and practical. At this point, language teaching and learning have evolved into the use or purpose of learning the English language. Thus, the goals and competencies prescribed for language learning programs, such as ESOL, include the acquisition of adequate knowledge, skills, and attitudes of ELLs that will enable them to communicate through the English language properly with the awareness of how it fits well with social landscapes, cultures, and politics. (Vale Scarino, 2000) These concepts and ideas match with the third competency included in the Florida Department of Education Subject Area Competencies for ESOL K-12. Sociolinguistic diversity refers to the different ways by which language is used and interpreted, based on social factors including culture, race or ethnicity, beliefs or ideologies, norms and mores, sex or gender, religion, contextual and connotative meaning, and so on. (Corson, 2001) This means that the practical use and interpretation of language shift due to the influences of various societal factors. For instance, the phrase â€Å"grab a bite† is a colloquial speech known to mean, â€Å"to eat,† for native speakers of English. However, for non-native speakers of English who are learning the language, the phrase maybe most likely interpreted literally losing the actual meaning of the colloquial phrase. In religion, ELLs may also find it hard to understand the meaning of English terms. One example would be the use of the word â€Å"Anaphora. † In language and literature, the term â€Å"anaphora† refers to a figure of speech. However, in Catholicism, â€Å"anaphora† is a prayer read during mass that conveys celebration. In addition, there are many varieties of English, American and British being two of the most widely used, thus the use and interpretation of English differ between these varieties, making language learning complex. (Pope, 2002) This only means that culture is very much tied with language structure. In terms of culture, ELLs should be aware of how cultural diversity affects the use and interpretation of the English language because their knowledge will depend on how they will communicate or interact with other people from various cultures later on. It will become easier for ELLs to understand other people from other cultures, and relate to cultural television shows, films, music, customs, and so on, if they learn how culture diversifies language. The confusion that arises due to differences on how the English language is used and interpreted, especially between native and non-native speakers of the language, requires that ELLs understand the concept of sociolinguistic diversity and how it influences the learning process – how the language is used and interpreted in different settings. When ELLs become aware of sociolinguistic diversity, they will be able to use and distinguish the English language comprehensively such that their knowledge and understanding of the language expands from the literal context to the connotative, colloquial, and even metaphorical contexts or meanings. Consequently, ELLs gain the skills and self-confidence to use the English language properly in real life situations. For these reasons, learning content and instruction in terms of sociolinguistic diversity cover how the language is used in diverse settings. Apart from sociolinguistic diversity and aspects of culture, government policies and political trends on educational programs for ELL affect the learning process. Although English language learning was not recognized until the 1970s in the United States (The Education Alliance, 2006), the educational policies being implemented by the federal and state governments today support English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. This is in line with the growing population of U. S. residents with no or limited knowledge of the English language. Some of these people are also enrolled in several public schools in the country. By conducting surveys, the U. S. government learned that the students’ lack of ability in applying the English language was significantly affecting their academic performances. (EPE Research Center, 2004) Thus, educational policies in the country instigate the development of learning programs developed with the ultimate purpose of improving English proficiency and academic performance among students. Perhaps the most significant policy is the No Child Left Behind Act implemented in 2001 that includes guidelines on language learning. This policy mandates that all school evaluate the English language competencies of students, and students who will not meet set standards will undergo fast track educational programs that will help them learn adequately and cope with their peers. (EPE Research Center, 2004) By and large, the entire point of the issue is that government policies concerning language education affects the success and achievement of ELLs. A government that supports bilingual education helps ELLs to obtain access to quality education and emerge successful from their undertakings. Changes in political and social trends influence the learning content of ESOL programs simply because the practical use of the English language by ELLs in the real world requires that they are also aware of current social and political issues. Their awareness of social and political trends allow them to not only use the English language but to use the language to relate with other people, especially since societal and political issues are two of the most common topics of conversation. At present time, for instance, most people use the Internet for socialization through social networking sites such as Facebook. To familiarize ELLs with social networking, learning content should include English terms used in cyberspace or in Facebook for that matter, so that they would be able to participate in the online community. In terms of student factors, the cultural backgrounds of ELLs may significantly influence their ability to adjust, learn, and participate in the ESOL program. There are various stages in cultural adjustment wherein one initially experiences feelings of enthusiasm and elation. When an individual begins to realize the great differences between the old and new culture and has trouble of coping or adjusting to unfamiliar cultures, he experiences hostility and loneliness. Through time, an individual learns to adjust until he finally adapts to and accepts the new culture. At times, people undergo re-entry when they climb down to their old ways or culture. (Hernandez-Gantes Blank, 2008) For ELLs, it is extremely important to understand these four stages of cultural adjustment in the beginning of the ESOL program in order for them to become aware of what they will come to experience as time passes. In doing so, ELLs know the challenges and difficulties that lie ahead and thus, are prepared to handle and overcome them. Consequently, language learning becomes less stressful or complex. However, cultural adjustment, as well as student participation and learning involvement of ELLs, are influenced by their beliefs, ideologies, values, attitudes, etc. as dictated by their culture. For example, ELLs who belong to cultures that value family ties and tradition may experience difficulties in adjusting to a new culture and thus, affect how their participate in class and adapt to the learning process. This is especially the case for ELLs who go to other countries to learn the English language. The distance between them and their families may become a source of distraction due to loneliness and depression that ELLs might feel, disabling them to focus on their studies, learning, and adapting to a new culture. For ELLs, understanding the roles of culture in cultural adjustment, student participation, and learning, enables them to assess or evaluate what part of their culture interferes with their learning of English. In doing so, they will be able to realize the importance of setting aside cultural differences and prioritize their personal learning goals and objectives. The last sub-competency requires ELLs to determine strategies and methods to increase their multicultural sensitivity. Multicultural sensitivity refers to an individual’s responsiveness to cultural differences, allowing him to understand that change and diversity are unalterable. This also allows him to understand his own culture in relation to other cultures as a means to reconcile differences. (Dana, 2005) By and large, multicultural sensitivity influences the achievement of other competencies already mentioned. When an individual learns to understand, accept, and respect other cultures, it will allow him to appreciate his own culture, adapt to a new culture that speeds up cultural adjustment, and ultimately, embrace his learning tasks and responsibilities increasing his student participation, learning, and chances for success. Furthermore, it is also important that in discussing issues in multicultural sensitivity in an ESOL class, the topics of universal ethics and human rights should be discussed to enrich the learning process by means of making it globally relevant and practical. Conclusion Ultimately, the competency and sub-competencies previously discussed covers the social, cultural, and political aspects of ESOL due to their roles in making English language learning relevant, efficient, practical, and purposeful. These competency and sub-competencies do not dwell too much on the technical aspects of learning the English language but on its practical uses as a means to express and communicate with other people, and understand current global or local issues and situations that are affecting the state of the people. Although these competency and sub-competencies were intended for the accomplishment of ELLs, these are also important pieces of information that the teachers and educational institutions should be aware of. These competencies not only ensure that ELLs will be able to achieve learning goals and objectives of ESOL but also ascertain that the teaching process designed, including the learning content, instructional design, teaching strategies and approaches, and so on, are in line with the competencies in order to directly help students in accomplishing them. References Corson, D. (2001). Language Diversity and Education. Hoboken, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. CePH. (2006). Competencies and Learning Objectives. Retrieved from Council on Education for Public Health, 1 Aug 2009. http://www. ceph. org/files/public/Competencies. pdf Dana, R. H. (2005). Multicultural Assessment: Principles, Applications, and Examples. New York, NY: Routledge. The Education Alliance. (2006). Linking Language Policy to Practice for English Language Learners. Retrieved from The Educational Alliance, 02 Aug 2009. http://www. alliance. brown. edu/tdl/policy/index. shtml EPE Research Center. (2004). English-Language Learners. Retrieved from Editorial Projects in Education, 02 Aug 2009. http://www. edweek. org/rc/issues/english-language-learners/ Florida Department of Education. (2006). Test Preparation Guide for English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) K-12. Retrieved from State Florida Department of State, 02 Aug 2009. http://www. collier. k12. fl. us/hr/certification/studyguides/ESOL%20K-12. pdf Hernandez-Gantes, V. M. and Blank, W. (2008). Teaching English Language Learners in Career and Technical Education Programs. New York, NY: Taylor Francis. Pope, R. (2002). The English Studies Book: An Introduction to Language, Literature and Culture, 2nd Ed. New York, NY: Routledge. Richards, J. C. and Rodgers, T. S. (2001). Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching, 2nd Ed. Cambridge University Press. Spector, J. M. (2007). Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology, 3rd Ed. New York, NY: Taylor Francis. Vale, D. and Scarino, A. (2000). Pocket ALL: A User’s Guide to the Teaching of Languages and ESL. VIC, Australia: Curriculum Corporation.

Gun Control: American vs the NRA Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Ess

Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is a Friday afternoon in Charlesbay High School. Students are piling into the lunch lines awaiting hot pizza, fresh French fries and ice-cold sodas. As the students discuss what they are going to do after the football game and how their 1st hour test was, a gunshot is heard not far away. The students are ordered to stay low to the ground by school security guards. None of the students know what is happening outside the lunch lines. What is going on is a 17-year old frenetic boy who attends Charlesbay, got upset with a couple students. He was sick of hearing them call him â€Å"dumb† or â€Å"butterball† and pushing him around the hallways. Robby, we’ll call him, took matters into his own hands and decided to do something about his bullies. The way Robby obtained his gun was by a friend, an older friend. This lethal weapon caused the death of 3 students and 5 injuries. What was just explained seems to be a typical storyline heard on the news daily. The debate over firearms has been polarized for too long. Gun law is a never-ending issue because there hardly is any true debate. Americans (and even gun owners) do support the governments efforts to make sure guns are less dangerous in violent hands, but that is the main problem-the guns getting in the wrong human hands. Millions of law-abiding Americans do own and do enjoy their guns. But criminals and sometimes-disconcerted kids often use firearms to kill. The use of firearms has increased tremendously. An average day in Los Angeles is four people dying in a gun related crime and the United States faces approximately 87 deaths a day. There are more than 200 million guns in circulation in the United States and if you don’t own a firearm, chances are that your neighbor or friend does (Fineman 27). Sure, the Founding Fathers incorporated the Second Amendment as â€Å"the right to keep and bear arms,† but it did not give the distinction of using guns to kill more childr en and people than anywhere in the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I. It is happening all over the country: kids are dying from guns. (Restatement) A. According to the governments statistics, 4, 223 children were killed by firearms in 1997, while many of these deaths occurred while playing at a friends’ home or even in their own neighborhood (Bai 32). 1.It is mostly due because their parents or other gun owners ... ...   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Madmen will always do mad things (Aphorism). People do kill with broomsticks and their bare hands. Yet the facts are inescapable, there are more than 200 million guns in circulation and more than 1/3 of American households owns a firearm (Fineman 32) (Restatement). Products are something we need to regulate, be they cars, lawnmowers or pharmaceuticals. It is time to apply this consumer-product safety standard to firearms. Perhaps it will take another school shooting to get the Americans and political leaders thinking. Perhaps it will take one more school shooting to move us from people who support for gun control to people who actually vote for it. Perhaps it will take one more shooting to make the Americans more powerful than the NRA. Perhaps it will take our school to be the chosen school to have a rampage, to finally open up our eyes to see how dangerous guns really is (Repetition). Works Cited Matt Bai, â€Å"Searching for Answers† Newsweek 10 May 1999 31:36 Howard Fineman, â€Å"The Gun War Comes Home† Newsweek 23 May 1999 22:32 Andrew Murr, â€Å"Follow the Firearms† Newsweek 10 May 1999 34 Anna Quindlen, â€Å"The Widows and the Wounded† Newsweek 1 Nov. 1999 98

Heald College Dress Code Essay

Heald College in Fresno, California has rules that change and get stricter every quarter. Dress code is one of those rules that are constantly changing at the Fresno’s campuses. Students are required to dress professional Monday through Thursday, and Friday through Saturday is allowed to wear a Heald t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Before the rules were changed, students were allowed to wear a Heald t-shirt on Thursday’s also. It would be nice to get that Thursday back, instead of it changing due to the rates of dress code being higher on that day than any other days. Students should be allowed to wear a Heald t-shirt on Thursday again because we need a day where we could dress comfortable, it’s not fair to students who go to school form Mondays through Thursdays can’t have a Heald spirit day, and it’s not fair to keep changing rules and punishing those who follow the dress code. Heald College requires us to wear professional attire because it is to make us more prepared for our career we are trying to pursue. I know at a job were not required to wear sweats or unnecessary clothing but we’re at school and it is one place we want to dress comfortably at. I always used to look forward to Thursdays because I knew it was t-shirt day. Students need at least one little break from dressing in tight slacks, shirts that are tight around our neck, and shoes that hurt our feet! One comfortable day at Heald is what students need especially if we have a long week of learning. Most students at Heald are attending school only from Mondays through Thursdays. The rules for dress code states students are allowed to wear Heald Spirit only on Fridays and Saturdays. It is not fair that students who go to school from Monday to Thursday for 10 weeks don’t get a day to wear a Heald t-shirt to school. Before the rules changed many students liked the idea that Thursday was a day that they can relax and just wear casual clothes and shoes that they feel more comfortable in. To students who have been here before the rules have changed were very unhappy that Thursday’s spirit day was taken away from them. I asked a Student named Jessica, who’s in her fourth Quarter, â€Å"If you could change the dress code what would you change? † She responded â€Å"The Heald Spirit Day on Thursdays should be allowed again. I just like the fact that it was not so hard to pick out an outfit for school on Thursdays. † It’s just not fair to students. Not all students are at campus Friday and Saturday. They should at least make Heald Spirit day on a Thursday where most of the students go to school and not days where most class rooms are empty. There are students at Heald who obey the rules well and there are students who don’t. The dress code at Heald changed at the end of January 2013 quarter. Students were sent emails stating the dress code violations were higher on Thursdays than any other days and there will be no more Heald spirit day on Thursdays. All the students were punished because other students who are supposed to be adults couldn’t follow a simple dress code for Thursdays. It is not fair to other students who obey the dress code to get punished for other student’s mistakes. Taking the Heald Spirit day on Thursdays is not all the students fault. Violations should be given to students who are out of dress code on Heald Spirit day, so they’re the ones who get in trouble not the whole campus. Were adults and those who obey the dress code for Heald Spirit should be treated like an adult and be allowed to wear the t-shirt spirit day attire on Thursdays again. All students shouldn’t be punished for simple rules adults can’t follow. Students want to get treated like adults not high school or elementary school kids. Heald College in Fresno has a strict dress code that Students are supposed to follow. Heald Spirit on Thursdays should be given back to the students as a reward for coming to school and having to get an expensive school loan to learn. Students should be allowed to wear a Heald T-shirt on Thursdays because students want to go to school comfortable at least once throughout their week, Friday and Saturday are days Heald is less busy, and It’s not other students fault who obey the dress code to be punished for other students faults.

Education vs. Non-Education Essay

There are two important stories called, â€Å"Front Seat Brahman† and â€Å"Teachers of Import† that have a common conflict. That common conflict is education vs. non-education. The character in â€Å"Front Seat Brahman† is Sushil Rao. He is from Bombay, India. The characters in â€Å"The Teachers of Import† are Amarel Collymore and Elke Walcher. Amarel is from Bridgetown, Barbados and Elke is from Austria. They all moved to Queens, New York for a particular reason. Sushil did not mention whether or not he went to elementary or high school. However, from the story it sounds like he took school lightly compared to Amarel and Elke. Sushil states, â€Å"I went away to agriculture college to learn how to be a farmer, but they made me dissect frogs in a botany class so I quite. So I enrolled in a philosophy college. A year later, my father died and I was kind of out of control. I quite college and became a traveling hippie† (Lehrer/ Sloan, 32). This proves that he did try to go to college, but was not dedicated enough to finish college. He thought there were better opportunities and prospects out in the world than just going to college. That was not the case for Amarel and Elke. Amarel was a college graduate and taught high school English. She had decades of teaching experience and decided to come to New York. Elke was also a college graduate and taught science. Both teachers came to teach in New York because there was a shortage of teachers and the New York City Board of Education was looking to recruit teachers from different countries. Amarel was not used to the student’s behavior the first week of classes. She states, â€Å"In Barbados, if a student acts up, they get put out the door right away. When I first started teaching here I thought the kids were raging all the time. Then I figured out its just normal for them to curse and swear† (Lehrer/ Sloan, 55). This shows the differences between the way students act in Barbados vs. America. I think American students, depending on the school though; have very low respect for their teachers compared to certain countries. Elke had a different experience. She said, â€Å"It’s a prejudice Europeans have against blacks anyways. The movies give the impression that all blacks are criminals and they all live in the Bronx. I couldn’t believe the class was half black. Most of the guys are wearing gang jackets and bandanas† (Lehrer/ Sloan, 59). This proves that Elke was in for a big surprise and they were not like the Austrian students that she was used to. Sushil was more of a spiritual person rather than educational. For example Sushil says, â€Å"You can live without food for days at a time. But water you need almost every four hours. Water is like diamonds. Our life depends on it† (Lehrer/ Sloan, 36)! People know they cannot live without water, but I have never heard anyone phrase is quite like that. This shows that Sushil is such a deep and meaningful man. Sushil has such a great view of life and appreciates it so much more than the average American. The two teachers and Sushil make the education vs. non-education conflict have some similarities and differences. The two teachers take such great pride in their work as teachers. Just as Sushil takes pride in sharing his stories with people, cooking and his publishing company. He did not need college to succeed like Amarel and Elke, but the women definitely make education a big part of their lives. These are just two different views these people have. In a way, Sushil was teaching the people in the cabs about his country and his beliefs, just as the two teachers teacher their students. Sushil does not mention how education is portrayed in India, but according to Amarel and Elke teachers are very well respected and getting an education is very highly though of. The two teachers were not sure they wanted to stay in New York or go back home and teach. In the end, they did both want to stay. Amarel concludes with, â€Å"I’ve gotten accustomed to these kids. The Lord brought me here for something. I am not yet sure what it is. I know now if I hate to, I could teach anywhere. But I’d like to teach here again next year if I can† (Lehrer/ Sloan, 57). Elke concludes with, â€Å"Teaching is a calling. If you do it just for the money you won’t last. Especially in New York. Some of the teachers look at me like I’m nuts whenever I talk with great enthusiasm for teaching† (Lehrer/ Sloan, 61). This show that both teachers are now getting used to the idea that they can help these students and teach them to respect teachers more. They both succeeded in the end. Sushil also succeeded even though he did not go to college and education was not a part of his life. He was starting to make dinners for his friend and all his friends. Then Sushil and his friend started up a publishing company together. That proved he did not need a professional education. He was poetic and creative and that made him a success.

Brand Identity Development Assignment Example

Brand Identity Development Assignment Example Brand Identity Development – Assignment Example The paper "Brand Identity Development" is a wonderful example of an assignment on marketing. These are a brand of human characteristics, which are in most cases attributed to the name of a certain brand. When brand personality is mentioned, it reflects the sense that a consumer/client can easily relate to the brand. Also, it is expected in the business world that a good and effective brand should have the capacity to brand equity, and this can only be achieved by having consistency in a certain set of traits. Apart from the core values of the brand, brand personality comes in as an added value. The elements of brand personality shall be integrated into the paper, and include sincerity, ruggedness, competence, excitement, and sophistication (Amelia 48). Every individual possesses their personality. The personalities can be categorized to five, the openness to experience where the individual is known to appreciate emotion, adventure, art, ideas among other positive attributes. The othe r personality is the conscientiousness, where the person is organized and efficient. Extraversion is a personality portraying energy and zeal and is usually compared to the reserved people who are not outgoing. Agreeableness is a friendly personality that also depicts compassion the last is the neuroticism, where an individual possesses the stability of emotions (Mike, 2013). According to Katharina (9), brand personalities are directly linked to human personality. The above-mentioned attributes are expected to be linked to brand personalities such as excitement and sincerity, so as to achieve the best branding effects. The mood board depicts different images of certain drugs, which are both pain killers and curative in nature. The temporary logo that is to be used is the Vicks symbol which is a symbolization of the entire products on the mood board. The consumer has the impression image, through visuals, of the product that relates to them (Daniel 40).

Are you guilty of sending those dreaded generic LinkedIn invitations Dont do it!

Are you guilty of sending those dreaded generic LinkedIn invitations Dont do it! At a recent social event, I met a masters degree student who wanted to connect with me on LinkedIn. I found her profile on my handy mobile app and handed her my phone so she could confirm I had the correct person. Before I knew what was happening, she had pushed the â€Å"Connect† button. I had unwittingly sent out (gasp!) a cookie cutter invitation on LinkedIn. I’ll tell you a secret: I once did this myself. That big blue Connect button is just too tempting!! The generic LinkedIn invitation is a pet peeve of most LinkedIn experts and business people on LinkedIn, prompting such snarkily written articles as Why I Didn’t Accept Your LinkedIn Request. While I realize that following instructions will not in a million years prevent you from ever sending out a generic LinkedIn message again, I hope they will at least decrease the occurrence of this social gaffe. Initiating a Connection the Right Way Prior to LinkedIns recent interface update, it was easy to mistakenly send a generic â€Å"I’d like to join your LinkedIn network† message from your desktop app. With the new LinkedIn, you get a nudge not to go down this road. After clicking on the Connect button you’ll have a choice of whether to Add a note or Send now. Click Add a note and you’ll have this nice blank box to fill in: Write your note (300 characters) and send! If you don’t choose to add a note and accidentally hit â€Å"Send now,† your connection will get an email that looks something that looks like this: What would someones incentive be for accepting such a generic invitation? Most people won’t. How to Send a Mobile Invitation the Right Way! When I deliver LinkedIn workshops, I always make a point of teaching people how to send a customized, personal invitation from their phones, so as not to send the dreaded â€Å"I’d like to join your LinkedIn network† canned message. I give careful instructions and invite people to practice by connecting with me. Nine times out of 10, someone in the audience pipes up, â€Å"Oops! I just sent you a generic invitation by mistake!† Despite the potential futility of doing so, I will now explain how to personalize your invitations on your mobile device. To send a customized invitation via iPhone or Android, go to your contacts profile and click the 3-dot †¦ button in the upper right (tie your hands behind your back and do NOT click CONNECT!! LinkedIn will not warn you on your phone that you’re about to send a generic invitation): From the dropdown menu, click Personalize Invite (note this menu might vary depending on what operating system you’re using): And write your message. On some Android devices, after going to a member’s profile, you may need to tap either the Menu or the More button, then Customize Invite, write your message and Send. What Should I Say? If you want to make a connection and youre stuck on what to say, you can say something about someone you know in common, or about a place you used to work together or where they work now. Perhaps mention a conversation they started or participated in a LinkedIn group. Or maybe you have a potential work project for them. Be friendly and let them know you are human! Fixing Mistakes If you accidentally connect with someone without including a message, you can always cancel the invitation or, if you miss the window for cancellation, you may be able to send another message with a customized note later. Note that this second solution will only work for people who accept non-InMail messages, or if you are able to send InMail! To rescind your invitation before it’s accepted, click on the My Network tab: Next, click â€Å"Manage all† in the upper right-hand corner: On the resulting page, click on Sent and you’ll get a list of pending invitations. You can click on Withdraw to cancel that message you sent accidentally. Practice! Now that you know the basics about LinkedIn invitations, heres a chance to practice Click here to connect with me on LinkedIn! If we’re already connected, find someone else you want to add to your network and send them a nice message. You’ll both be glad you did. Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

The Value of the Internet to our Knowledge and Thinking Essay

The Value of the Internet to our Knowledge and Thinking - Essay Example The internet is a broad and intricate network of interlinked computers. The exponential growth of this huge, artificial information system has been a significant factor that motivates research scientists to adopt a new angle on how they view the human brain. According to Carr, the brain is highly adaptable since it can imagine the mechanics of using a new technology even before the technology exists (Carr 129). Apparently, the human brain and the internet have a lot of similarities. For starters, they both are highly non-random interconnected network that enhance the communication between distant elements. Such a similarity may seem remarkable given the huge disparity between the two. One possibility provided by scientists is that fact that both the internet and human brain have evolved to meet the general fitness measure. Both the human brain and the internet are highly effective in processing information and can rapidly adapt. The human brain is more like a muscle. The more one exercises it the stronger, flexible and versatile it becomes. The internet can be likened to a weight training machines for the brain while books are analogous to free weights. Each avenue has its merits, but when used efficiently one works the brain harder. Weight machines are more directive as they persuade a person to think that he or she has worked harder though with minimal effort. The same case applies to the internet, it usually shows us what we think we know and while misinforming us at the same time.

Corporate Social Responsibility in event management in the 21 century Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility in event management in the 21 century - Essay Example It plays a crucial role in shaping an organization’s reputation, to either praiseworthy or poor. This depends with how it aligns its objectives in line with that of the stakeholders, especially customers. Corporate social responsibility of event planning in the 21st century aims at satisfying those around even if it is at the expense of the company. This is because the stakeholders are the backbone of any company. Failure to treat the stakeholders in a fair way may lead to failure of the business. One of the ways that corporate social responsibility gets attained in an organization is through public relations (Yeoman et al 2004, 29). Public relation assists the business in achieving corporate social responsibility by means of monitoring the business environment. Public relations make it possible for an outside –in approach to reflect on the things that make the organization favored and a decent picture in the eyes of the stakeholders. It reflects on the expectations and standards that the community has about the organization. Event planning is a role that mostly requires direct interaction with the stakeholders and hence a strong relationship with them gets to be always preferred. ... , develop an event design, search for the vent’s site, arrange for food, decor, as well as entertainment, plan for transportation, send invitations, arranges for needed accommodation, supervision of an event and event evaluation. It involves brand intricacies by identifying target customers, logistics planning, as well as coordinating the procedural aspects. These events impact the community in a variety of ways. Event management tool is used as a marketing strategy tool that for communication. The events promote communication with the stakeholders. Corporate social responsibility for event planning in the 21st century concentrates on minding about the event’s impact on the environment, economic as well as social matters. Event management CSR incorporates sustainability both socially and environmentally. The event management team works at making responsible decisions that will not have a negative impact on the stakeholders. The organization plans, organizes implements t he vent with the community in mind. Event management and planning should always involve CSR in events to improve the sustainability of the event management organization. CSR programs always do a lot in creating a compelling legacy in the community. Event management managers should have always assume responsibilities of the work seriously, especially commitment to stakeholders. Particular interest is taken in the conservation and restitution of the global environment (Werther & Chandler 2005, 54). Corporate social responsibility for event management in the 21st century seeks to reduce the ecological impact of organized events by reducing emissions and energy and raw materials consumption. Corporate social responsibility of event planning in the 21st century focuses on three principal categories of

The Various Concepts of Factors for the Job Satisfaction Essay

The Various Concepts of Factors for the Job Satisfaction - Essay Example Comparing and contrasting the various concepts of factors that contribute to job satisfaction. In my view, the factors of appreciation, support, employee feedback, remuneration, relationship with the manager are all factors which are most essential for an employee to be completely satisfied with his or her job. If an employee is appreciated for his good work and efforts, such an employee will tend to work hard every time and face challenges and overcome them because that employee will know that he will be recognized for his/her efforts. The support that he gets from his seniors and his colleagues at his workplace boosts his courage to work through work problems. Moreover, if the management maintains a routine of reviewing the on job positives and negatives through the employees feedback such employees feel that they are being heard and protected. The salary that the employees are being paid is one major factor that can either completely motivate or demotivate the employees. Steps to improve employee morale and overall job satisfaction: the concept of morale includes both fragments of satisfaction and motivation. Morale is basically the motivation and determination that the employees tend to carry on their jobs with. Employee job satisfaction affects the morale and consequently, the determinants of job satisfaction give in to the forecast of morale within the worker. I would make sure that our company implies the factors of employee appreciation, support, employee feedback, employee remuneration, employee relationship with the manager.

Analysis of the Hotel Industry in Malaysia

Analysis of the Hotel Industry in Malaysia CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Overview Basically, this chapter is an introduction of the research topic. In the Section 1.2, it briefly introduces the background of this study. Introduction of hotel industry in Malaysia is included in Section 1.3. Next, problem statements are explained in Section 1.4 while the research objectives are laid out in Section 1.5. Besides, Section 1.6 and Section 1.7 have included the scope of study and the significance of this study respectively. Lastly, Section 1.8 is about the explanation of the organization of this study with a flow chart attached depicting the tasks to be carried out. 1.2 Background of Study In todays increasingly competitive and complex business environment, being sustainable in the business arena is no longer the mission of any of the organization, but to grow. Competitive advantage gives organization to shield and isolate itself temporary from the intensive competitive environment. This advantage could be taken away when competitors improved their products or services that potentially make more appealing to customers. Therefore, organization requires a never-ending process of continuous improvement. The word kaizen has been used by Japanese for describing this ongoing process of unending improvement by setting and achieving of ever-higher goals that involves both managers and workers (Imai, 1996; Heizer Render, 2006). Over the years, organizations from every industry keep coming out new products, either with a different exterior or equipped with better and more advanced features. For example, todays mobile phones have almost the same function as a computer except with a smaller screen and size, auto industry comes out cars that strongly emphasize on performance, safety, comfortably, elegance and so forth. Same thing goes to services, organizations come out with services that are tailored to every customers. As a result, this provides what the customers are really wanted and undoubtedly, customer satisfaction increased. For instance, Tune Hotels has made all services as optional, from breakfast, air-conditioned room to water-heated bathroom (TuneHotels.com, 2009). All of these are normally being provided as a package in any other hotels. As a consequence, customers have the right to select which services they want and they are being charged according to what services they have selected. To sum it u p, organizations in 21st century are being very innovative in serving their customers. Instead of merely come out with novel products and services, organizations have to look into the quality issue of the products or services produced. Customers will never be satisfied if the products or services they received have no quality, regardless of how novel and unique it is. Here we need to look into quality issue. According to Blankenship and Petersen (1999), W. Edwards Deming is known most widely for his work in quality management. Demings 14 points help Japan in achieving very high levels of quality in products and turn out to be a great shock for the westerners because Japanese goods were perceived at low quality and cheapness before this. He used statistics to examine production processes for flaws and greatly influenced Japanese industry as it rebuilt in the years after World War II. Today, TQM is a popular topic for quality management. TQM is called total because it entire the whole organization, from the supplier to customer (Sharmma, 2008). In other words, TQM talks about the satisfaction of customer, supplier, and employee. Furthermore, quality assurance systems such as statistical process control, quality control and better conformance quality are lined to better business performance (Dick, 2000). Other than that, people in todays world are relatively concern with the quality of the products and services they purchase. With the advancement of Information Technology (IT), gathering information regarding quality for various products has no longer a time-consuming task. All of this information can be gathered with only a few clicks. For that reason, quality has become one of the considerations at customers pre-purchase stage. Since the quality has become more and more important nowadays, a non-govermental organization (NGO) named International Organization of Standardization (ISO) has published the ISO 9000 series of quality standards at year 1987 (Dick, 2000). The ISO 9000 series of international quality system standards provides a framework for a basic quality assurance system and a good starting point for achieving total quality (Evan Lindsay, 1999). Generally speaking, businesses can base the development of their products and services on reference documents which have broad market relevance. This, in turn, means that they are increasingly free to compete on many markets around the world. As on the customer side, the worldwide compatibility of technology which is achieved when products and services are based on International Standards brings them an increasingly wide choice of offers (ISO, 2009). By implementing TQM, both the organizations and customers can enjoy ever greater benefits. From the aspect of organizations, in reality, both the tangible and intangible ones are offered by TQM, such as cost savings for the employer and greater job satisfaction for the employee (Gunasekaram, Goyal, Martikainen, Yli-Olli, 1998). According to Shemwell, Tavas, Bilgin (2008), the key to sustainable competitive advantage lies in delivering high quality service that will in turn result in satisfied customers. In addition, Dick (2000) has proven that better quality does have a consistent positive relationship with improved business performance. Figure 1.1: Two Ways Quality Improves Profitability (Adapted From: Heizer and Render, Operations Management, 2006.) Also, Heizer and Render (2006) says profits can be increased by improved quality as the figure depicted above. Firstly, improved quality generally leads to both sales gains and reduced cost. This is because improved response, higher prices and improved reputation are all make sales gain happened. Moreover, reduction of cost happens when productivity increases, rework and scrap costs decreases and warranty costs decreases. Therefore, profits will be increased when expenditures (costs) have been lowered and revenue (sales) has been increased. 1.3 Hotel Industry in Malaysia As a sub-sector to services sector, tourism has an increase in foreign exchange earnings from RM17.3 billion in year 2000 to RM46.1 billion in 2007 (Bank Negara Malaysia [BNM], 2008). It shows that tourism had a growth in its revenue for 166% in a period of only 7 years. This is largely due to the effects of campaigns â€Å"Visit Malaysia Year† (Poon Low, 2005) and â€Å"Cuti-cuti Malaysia†. Up-to-date, tourism has recorded total receipts of RM49,561.2 million for the year 2008, an increment of RM3,491.2 million from year 2007 (Tourism Malaysia Corporate, 2009). Spillover effects have been generated by the increase in tourism activities into other sectors of the economy. In other words, the steadily growth of tourism industry has contributed to the growth of all related industries and businesses. These included hotel industry, retail businesses, restaurants and transportation (Bank Negara Malaysia [BNM], 2008). Hotel industry plays a very important role in complementing tourism as it provides accommodation to travelers and tourists. Nevertheless, hotel industry has been a major player in the growth of the Malaysian economy, which contributing approximately 50 percent of the nations real GDP (Awang, Ishak, Radzi, Taha, 2008). As today, there are approximately 105 hotels with different ratings and sizes in Kuala Lumpur alone (Malaysian Association of Hotels [MAH], 2009). This has shown that Kuala Lumpur has an incredibly high density of hotels. Here the problem arises, how is the hotel industry in Kuala Lumpur cope with the never ending increase of tourists and travelers? In this context, it seems not possible to provide more rooms by simply adding the number of hotels in Kuala Lumpur. This is because the land area of Kuala Lumpur has only 244km ², meaning that there will be 1 hotel in every 2.3km ². In this sense, hoteliers have to find other ways to increase their productivities. In recent years, governments from all over the world have been putting more and more emphasis in developing services industry in their countries. They are all now aware of the unique characteristic of services and its importance in supporting a countrys economic growth. Business services showed the strongest growth in terms of value added and economic productivity (Wirtz Ehret, 2009). Theoretically, any organization in developing countries must endeavor continuously to improve productivity in order to increase profitability (Oluleye Olajire, 2001). As a consequence to the Malaysia economy, a higher amount of GDP will be recorded, more and more employment will be provided and so on. Hence, these have made hotel industry as a key sub-sector to services industry and these social responsibilities should not be overlooked by hoteliers in Malaysia. 1.4 Problem Statements In general, Malaysian will have perception saying that things made by western countries and Japan have higher quality, things from China have no quality and so forth. This is partially true in reality, majority of the Malaysians opt to buy import goods where there is an option for them. Therefore, local made products are usually having less supports from Malaysian as it has been perceived to be low quality in terms of unreliable and unattractive (Damodaran, 2009). This shows that local made products have lesser competency even in local market. Consequently, government encourages both the manufacturer and services provider to look seriously in quality issue by giving several incentives (Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council [MREPC], 2009). However, the outcomes of it are not up to the expectation. This may due to the inadequate research carry out in Malaysia. Thus, organizations especially the small size ones will definitely lack of information when trying to implement quality man agement system. Kuala Lumpur is one of the major cities in Malaysia with an estimated of 1.6 million of population at the year 2005 (KL City Plan 2020, 2009) and it is to be said as the fastest growing region in Malaysia. This figure says that Kuala Lumpur is the most densely populated district in Malaysia. Moreover, Kuala Lumpur has a vast number of tourists and it increases over years. Just to name a few, its major tourist destinations include Dataran Merdeka (the Independence Square), House of Parliament, the Istana Budaya, the Istana Negara (National Palace), the Kuala Lumpur Tower, the Muzium Negara (National Museum), Petaling Street and etc (Tourism Malaysia, 2009). With the limited land that Kuala Lumpur has, it is almost impossible to build more hotels in order to cater the increasing number of tourist in the near future. Therefore, several actions have to be taken in order to best serve the tourists with the limited number of hotels in Kuala Lumpur. This is to ensure that the receipts from tourism will not be negatively affected while the hotel industry can continuously contribute significantly to GDP. As time goes by, Human Resource Management (HRM) has become a popular topic than ever before. Organizations have understood the importance of employees (human resources). At the same time, empirical research studies have been done by researchers to further understand and prove those theories related to motivate and compensate employees. Dessler (2005) says that employee satisfaction and performance are positively related. Therefore, hoteliers must understand the importance to maximize their employee satisfaction as this could lead to greater business performance. However, by solely compensating employees with both monetary and non-monetary rewards has its limitation. Performance will stop increasing when the problem arises are not come from employees but the management. For instance, it could be lacking a well-planned system in executing tasks, ineffective communications in organization and so forth. In other countries, TQM has been so popular for a period of time as it helps organiz ations to achieve even higher of performance. In other countries, plenty of research studies have been carried out to investigate which TQM factors are the most influential to the particular country. Unlike in Malaysia, the number of TQM study that can be applied is limited and lacking of guidelines for hoteliers is still a major problem. Someone could say that hoteliers can simply use the findings from other countries as a guideline for implementing the TQM. But, there is always a high possibility that those mentioned as important factors are not important in Malaysia, when compared to the original country that the research is carried out. In other words, it is imperative to understand the applicability of the findings from other countries. The applicability of some of the findings from research still remains questionable. For example, information and analysis, one of the TQM factors is said to be extremely important to developed and developing countries but it is not persuasive enough to apply on third world countries. This is because they probably lack of necessary infrastructure. Therefore, it can be said that Malaysias hoteliers are actually lack of a blueprint when initially applying TQM to their respective hotels. In other words, hoteliers may not known which factors of TQM can generally lead to better performa nce in the Malaysia. Furthermore, with the limited of number of such research available to Malaysia, it has nothing to show hoteliers how strong the impact of TQM factors is to labor productivity, thus lack of motivation to change their routine and ways of doing business. When this occurs, Malaysia hotel industry can never be improved, previously owned competitiveness can be competed away and GDP can be affected. 1.5 Research Objectives The general objective of this study is to identify the impact of each of the selected TQM factors towards the labor productivity. Next, it is then to be expressed in term of its level of correlation between each of the independent variables and the dependent one. Therefore, this result could be used by the Malaysia hoteliers in increasing their labor productivity as these findings will show which of the independent variables plays a more important role in achieving higher labor productivity in the Malaysia context. The following objectives are specifically derived from the problem statements: To identify the relationship between the chosen independent variables and dependent variable; To investigate the level of impact for each of the chosen TQM factors towards labor productivity; To determine whether high TQM commitment hotels will generally generate higher labor productivity than the low TQM commitment hotels; and To provide insights and recommendations for improvement to Malaysias hoteliers at the end of the research. 1.6 Scope of Study The scope of this study covers a discussion on TQM as well as the importance of productivity. As the scope of both TQM and productivity are broad, this study will primarily focus on the aspect of TQM factors and labor productivity. Besides, this study investigates the relationship between selected TQM factors and labor productivity. Theoretically, those selected TQM factors is to be said to have influences on the labor productivity. Therefore, this research is also carried out with the intention to identify the degree of impact of the selected TQM factors towards labor productivity, either a stronger or a weaker one. Moreover, this research is intended to provide useful and relevant findings for hoteliers in Malaysia, in order to achieve the ever higher labor productivity in Malaysia hotel industry. Therefore, it is targeted to hoteliers in Malaysia primarily located in Kuala Lumpur. Lastly, a questionnaire has been included in this study and carried out on hoteliers of Kuala Lumpur in order to measure the impact of TQM factors towards labor productivity. 1.7 Significance of Study The importance of this study is to explore the relationship between the selected TQM factors and labor productivity in the context of Malaysia hotel industry. Similar research studies have been done to prove the relationship between the TQM factors and productivity. However, most of it were not focusing on the hotel industry. Some of them might have focused in hotel industry, but the issue of applicability remains noticeable. For that reason, this study is focusing in the Malaysia hotel industry as an applicable guideline and reference for the Malaysia hoteliers. Besides that, this study will be able to contribute relevant information to the Tourism Malaysia Promotion Board (Malaysian Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism). In Section 1.3, it shows the importance of tourism is to the nation GDP. Furthermore, hotel industry is relatively important to the country as an accommodation means for tourists to visit Malaysia. In addition, through this study, government is now able to identify unsuitable approaches and strategies. Therefore, essential action such as coming out new incentives scheme can be taken to effectively replace the old ones. Thus, national resources can be distributed and used even more effective and efficient than ever. As to hoteliers, this study helps to lighten their worries when first implementing the TQM as they are now getting more supporting evidence from this study. According to Yesawich (1997), building customer loyalty is one of the biggest challenges for the hotel industry. Successfully implemented TQM contributes to customer satisfaction. From customer satisfaction, loyalty and profits are positively related. In other word, TQM can potentially overcome one of the biggest challenges in hotel industry. At the same time, organizations can enjoy the benefits from TQM such as creating competitive advantage, providing unique services and so forth. 1.8 Organization of Study The organization of this research study comprises of 5 chapters. This research study begins with Chapter 1 that covers the introduction for the chosen topic. It consists of the background of study and hotel industry in Malaysia. Next, problem statements, research objectives, scope of study and the significance of study are laid out in different section. Lastly, organization of study that shows the overall flow of this study ends the Chapter 1. Chapter 2 provides the literature review for the chosen topic. It includes all the related empirical studies that have been done by the previous researchers. Several of viewpoint, definition and argument have been included in this chapter as well. For instance, different point of views from different researchers for the same variable can be found here. Chapter 3 outlines the overall methodology being used in this research study. It shows the research framework together with the explanation and hypothesis of the framework. Besides, data collection method, sources of data, sampling method and sampling size will be discussed in separated section. Furthermore, there is the outline of the questionnaire development and scaling techniques before discussion of data analysis and measurement close the chapter. Chapter 4 discusses the findings and the results of this research study. Therefore, all related chart, graph, data will be included in this chapter. This chapter basically ends with the interpretation and discussion regarding all of the findings. Finally, conclusions and recommendations will be formed and given to readers. It concludes which TQM factors have a stronger effect and vice versa. Besides that, limitations of this study will also be included. The following figure shows the overall outline of this study. Figure 1.2: Flow Chart of Study CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Overview This chapter develops and provides the foundation for this research study. Previous works done by other researchers that relate to labor productivity, total quality management, customer focus, human resource management, information analysis, leadership and strategic management are all presented in this chapter. Besides, in order to gain a better understanding of this research, viewpoints from different researchers are then compare and contrast in this chapter. 2.2 Labor Productivity In the 21st century, productivity growth plays an important role in GDP growth of any nation. According Chapman, Murray Mellor (1997), the use of sales per employee has been widely used to measure labor productivity for individual companies. Besides, Sauian (2002) says that in knowledge-based economy, competitive advantage can be maintained through â€Å"high productivity† and efficiency. In the other way round, labor productivity is an important element used to gauge competitiveness in producing goods and services (Sauian, 2002). Moreover, Hoffman Mehra (1998) argues that high productivity effects are impossible to sustain without a quality-based process-oriented environment which emanates from the support of employees, upper management, and the organization. Malaysia registered a productivity growth of 2.9 percent from RM 48,113 in year 2007 to RM 49,526 in year 2008. Furthermore, productivity contributed 62.2 percent while employment contributed 37.8 percent to the GDP growth of 5.98 percent. This growth surpassed several major countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). As shown in Figure 2.1, the Rep. of Korea recorded a productivity growth as much as 3.6 percent, the USA (2.1 percent), the Japan (0.8 percent), the Australia (0.4), the Germany (0.1 percent) and the rest had zero or negative growth (Malaysia Productivity Corporation [MPC], 2009). Figure 2.1: Productivity Growth of Malaysia and Selected OECD Countries, 2008 (Adapted From: MPC, Annual Productivity Report 2008) Thomas (1994) defined the simplest form of labor productivity (LP) as the hours of work divided by the units of work accomplished. In general, LP is a measure of output from a production as per unit of input. Therefore, it can be expressed as: LP From the above formula, LP consists of the total output and total input. It can be in terms of a particular production, a department, an organization or even a nation. In general, if we want to increase productivity, it is necessary to increase the systems output, if the input is to remain constant. Similarly, if the systems output is to maintain the status quo, then we need to utilize less input. From a different aspect, if both output and input are increased, then it is mathematically obvious that the rate of increase of output should be higher than the rate of increase of input, if productivity needs to be improved (Sauian, 2002). Therefore, in order to achieve higher LP, input and output should be manipulated in various ways. Schonewille (2001) said the effectiveness of training is lower compared to initial education when comes to contributing to labor productivity. Even thought training has smaller effects on labor productivity, still the estimated coefficient is positive (Schonewille, 2001). A number of researchers have proven the positive impact of quality on productivity, whereas both can influence positively profitability (Bylund Lapidoth, 1994). This relationship has been generally accepted within the manufacturing industry (Chase Aquilano, 1995). However in reality, LP is a much more complex phenomenon which largely depends on quite diverse factors such as workers competence, motivation, supervision and so forth. Also, management does affect LP (Enshassi, Mohamed, Mayer, Abed, 2007). Chapman and Al-Khawaldeh (2002) has investigated the relationship between TQM implementation and labor productivity in industrial companies in Jordan, as shown in Figure 2.2. The results of data analysis indicate that there is a positive relationship between TQM (and each TQM element) and labor productivity. Interestingly, it is found that companies with ISO 9000 certification has high positive slope whereas companies without ISO 9000 certification has low positive slope. 2.3 Total Quality Management (TQM) TQM emerged in the mid-1980s in response to Japans invasion of US markets with their high quality-low price automobiles and electronic products. Quality has been defined differently as conformance to requirement (Crosby, 1979), fitness for use (Juran, 1979), continual improvement (Deming, 1982) and as define by customers (Ford, 1990). Whereby, Spitzer (1993) called TQM â€Å"the only source of sustainable competitive advantage†. Also, TQM is continually satisfying agreed customer requirements at lowest cost through harnessing everyones commitment (Burton Franckeiss, 1994). In theory, TQM seems to assure performance improvement for any organization. But, in practice, TQM works for some organization and not for others (Terzioski, 2006). According to Chapman and Al-Khawaldeh (2002), TQM is a key strategy for maintaining competitive advantage and is a way of managing organizations to improve its overall effectiveness and performance towards achieving world-class status. During the last two decades or so, simple inspection activities have been replaced or supplemented by quality control, quality assurance has been developed and refined, and now most companies are working towards TQM (Dale Bunney, 1999). Dale (1999) indentifies four discrete stages: inspection, quality control, quality assurance and TQM, as shown in Figure 2.2. Figure 2.3: The four levels in the evolution of Total Quality Management (Sources: Adapted from Dale Bunney, Total Quality Management Blueprint, 1999) Inspection is defined as â€Å"activities such as measuring, examining, testing or gauging one or more characteristic of an entity and comparing the results with specified requirement in order to establish whether conformity is achieved for each characteristic† (BS EN ISO 8402, 1995). Quality control is defined as â€Å"operational techniques and activities that are used to fulfill requirements for quality† (BS EN ISO 8402, 1995). Quality assurance is defined as â€Å"all the planned and systematic activities implemented within the quality system and demonstrated as needed to provide adequate confidence that an entity will fulfill requirements for quality† (BS EN ISO 8402, 1995). TQM is the highest level which involves the application of quality management principles to all aspects of the business, including customers and suppliers. It is then defined as the management approach of an organization, centered on quality, based on the participation of all its members and aiming at long-term success through customer satisfaction, and benefits to all members of the organization and to society (BS EN ISO 8402, 1995). A number of research studies have been carried out to investigate the impact of TQM factors and implementation (Sila Ebrahimpour, 2005; Khan, 2003; Terzioski, 2006). Miller (1993) reported that success with TQM depends on the facilitating conditions. Leadership, human resource management and some other TQM factors are found to have positive impact on business results (Sila Ebrahimpour, 2005). Therefore, these findings can be reasonably useful in assisting managers so that they can allocate resources to improve their typical routines to obtain the best results. Next, five TQM factors have been selected as the independent variables for this study, namely (1) Customer Focus, (2) Human Resource Management (HRM), (3) Information and Analysis, (4) Leadership and (5) Strategic Planning. It is said that customer focus pays more attention on the customers whereas the rest of TQM factors have focused on the internal aspect of the organization. As for HRM, it focuses on the practices involved in carrying out the â€Å"people† of a management position. Information and analysis is said to be the information and communication technology used to further enhance labor productivity as automation has been widely used. Leadership is important as it creates synergy for achieving favorable business results whereas strategic planning is a set of process undertaken in order to develop a range of strategies that will contribute to achieve organization direction. Further elaboration and review for each variable will be discussed in different sub-section lat er. 2.3.1 Customer Focus According to Dean and Bowen (1994), customer focus is as important as many other TQM practices to organizational performance. Being customer-focused keeps us aware of quality, or rather it focuses our quality initiatives on what really matters to the customers (Cox, 1997). Also, Piercy (1995) says that TQM has too much focused on the internal aspect of the organization and much less attention on the customers. Customer satisfaction begins by discovering precisely what customers want and gearing every practice to their exact expectations (Kearney, 1994). Customer focus has changed mass production to mass customization. In addition, being far from depersonalizing the world, technology has the power to return us to being treated as individuals while getting all the benefits inherent in large-scale enterprise (Cox, 1997). Sousa (2003) pointed out the importance of customer focus lies in the fact that it is the starting point of any quality initiative. However, it has not received enough attention from quality management researchers (Cai, 2009). In the final decade of twentieth century, the term, customer-centered competition has been introduced. Customer-centered company is a company that focuses on customer developments in designing its marketing strategies and on delivering superior value to its target customers (Kotler Armstrong, 2008). It is common to hear the statement â€Å"customer is always right† in any organization. This could be the trend that organization is to focus on customer needs to be customer-led, to be market-oriented, to care for customers and so forth (Piercy, 1995). These are to make total customer satisfaction a strategic foundation for achieving competitive advantage (Kearney, 1994). Customer focus has been therefore defined as the degree to which firms continuously satisfy customer needs and expectations (Philips, Chang, Buzzell, 1983). The difference between customer focus and customer understanding is, according to Lagrosen (2001), mainly a matter of perspective. Customer focus means the activities of the companies are intended to benefit the customer but the customer is seen from the companies own perspective. Therefore, effects are usually being made to gain information about the customers needs and wants, although always in a set framework that originates in the companies view of the product and its features. Whereby, customer understanding needs perspective to be shifted. It means the company needs to gain entry to the customers own perspective and adopt the customers framework of viewing the product (Lagrosen, 2001). Cai (2009) found that organizational customer focus affects customer relationship practices, which subsequently influence production performance and customer satisfaction, and production performance and customer satisfaction lead to financial outcomes. Ooi, Bakar, Arumugam, Vellepan, and Loke (2007) says TQM practices such as teamwork, reward and recognition, customer focus and organizational trust are positively associated with job satisfaction within their organization. For instance, customer focus was found to have a direct influence on emplo Analysis of the Hotel Industry in Malaysia Analysis of the Hotel Industry in Malaysia CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Overview Basically, this chapter is an introduction of the research topic. In the Section 1.2, it briefly introduces the background of this study. Introduction of hotel industry in Malaysia is included in Section 1.3. Next, problem statements are explained in Section 1.4 while the research objectives are laid out in Section 1.5. Besides, Section 1.6 and Section 1.7 have included the scope of study and the significance of this study respectively. Lastly, Section 1.8 is about the explanation of the organization of this study with a flow chart attached depicting the tasks to be carried out. 1.2 Background of Study In todays increasingly competitive and complex business environment, being sustainable in the business arena is no longer the mission of any of the organization, but to grow. Competitive advantage gives organization to shield and isolate itself temporary from the intensive competitive environment. This advantage could be taken away when competitors improved their products or services that potentially make more appealing to customers. Therefore, organization requires a never-ending process of continuous improvement. The word kaizen has been used by Japanese for describing this ongoing process of unending improvement by setting and achieving of ever-higher goals that involves both managers and workers (Imai, 1996; Heizer Render, 2006). Over the years, organizations from every industry keep coming out new products, either with a different exterior or equipped with better and more advanced features. For example, todays mobile phones have almost the same function as a computer except with a smaller screen and size, auto industry comes out cars that strongly emphasize on performance, safety, comfortably, elegance and so forth. Same thing goes to services, organizations come out with services that are tailored to every customers. As a result, this provides what the customers are really wanted and undoubtedly, customer satisfaction increased. For instance, Tune Hotels has made all services as optional, from breakfast, air-conditioned room to water-heated bathroom (TuneHotels.com, 2009). All of these are normally being provided as a package in any other hotels. As a consequence, customers have the right to select which services they want and they are being charged according to what services they have selected. To sum it u p, organizations in 21st century are being very innovative in serving their customers. Instead of merely come out with novel products and services, organizations have to look into the quality issue of the products or services produced. Customers will never be satisfied if the products or services they received have no quality, regardless of how novel and unique it is. Here we need to look into quality issue. According to Blankenship and Petersen (1999), W. Edwards Deming is known most widely for his work in quality management. Demings 14 points help Japan in achieving very high levels of quality in products and turn out to be a great shock for the westerners because Japanese goods were perceived at low quality and cheapness before this. He used statistics to examine production processes for flaws and greatly influenced Japanese industry as it rebuilt in the years after World War II. Today, TQM is a popular topic for quality management. TQM is called total because it entire the whole organization, from the supplier to customer (Sharmma, 2008). In other words, TQM talks about the satisfaction of customer, supplier, and employee. Furthermore, quality assurance systems such as statistical process control, quality control and better conformance quality are lined to better business performance (Dick, 2000). Other than that, people in todays world are relatively concern with the quality of the products and services they purchase. With the advancement of Information Technology (IT), gathering information regarding quality for various products has no longer a time-consuming task. All of this information can be gathered with only a few clicks. For that reason, quality has become one of the considerations at customers pre-purchase stage. Since the quality has become more and more important nowadays, a non-govermental organization (NGO) named International Organization of Standardization (ISO) has published the ISO 9000 series of quality standards at year 1987 (Dick, 2000). The ISO 9000 series of international quality system standards provides a framework for a basic quality assurance system and a good starting point for achieving total quality (Evan Lindsay, 1999). Generally speaking, businesses can base the development of their products and services on reference documents which have broad market relevance. This, in turn, means that they are increasingly free to compete on many markets around the world. As on the customer side, the worldwide compatibility of technology which is achieved when products and services are based on International Standards brings them an increasingly wide choice of offers (ISO, 2009). By implementing TQM, both the organizations and customers can enjoy ever greater benefits. From the aspect of organizations, in reality, both the tangible and intangible ones are offered by TQM, such as cost savings for the employer and greater job satisfaction for the employee (Gunasekaram, Goyal, Martikainen, Yli-Olli, 1998). According to Shemwell, Tavas, Bilgin (2008), the key to sustainable competitive advantage lies in delivering high quality service that will in turn result in satisfied customers. In addition, Dick (2000) has proven that better quality does have a consistent positive relationship with improved business performance. Figure 1.1: Two Ways Quality Improves Profitability (Adapted From: Heizer and Render, Operations Management, 2006.) Also, Heizer and Render (2006) says profits can be increased by improved quality as the figure depicted above. Firstly, improved quality generally leads to both sales gains and reduced cost. This is because improved response, higher prices and improved reputation are all make sales gain happened. Moreover, reduction of cost happens when productivity increases, rework and scrap costs decreases and warranty costs decreases. Therefore, profits will be increased when expenditures (costs) have been lowered and revenue (sales) has been increased. 1.3 Hotel Industry in Malaysia As a sub-sector to services sector, tourism has an increase in foreign exchange earnings from RM17.3 billion in year 2000 to RM46.1 billion in 2007 (Bank Negara Malaysia [BNM], 2008). It shows that tourism had a growth in its revenue for 166% in a period of only 7 years. This is largely due to the effects of campaigns â€Å"Visit Malaysia Year† (Poon Low, 2005) and â€Å"Cuti-cuti Malaysia†. Up-to-date, tourism has recorded total receipts of RM49,561.2 million for the year 2008, an increment of RM3,491.2 million from year 2007 (Tourism Malaysia Corporate, 2009). Spillover effects have been generated by the increase in tourism activities into other sectors of the economy. In other words, the steadily growth of tourism industry has contributed to the growth of all related industries and businesses. These included hotel industry, retail businesses, restaurants and transportation (Bank Negara Malaysia [BNM], 2008). Hotel industry plays a very important role in complementing tourism as it provides accommodation to travelers and tourists. Nevertheless, hotel industry has been a major player in the growth of the Malaysian economy, which contributing approximately 50 percent of the nations real GDP (Awang, Ishak, Radzi, Taha, 2008). As today, there are approximately 105 hotels with different ratings and sizes in Kuala Lumpur alone (Malaysian Association of Hotels [MAH], 2009). This has shown that Kuala Lumpur has an incredibly high density of hotels. Here the problem arises, how is the hotel industry in Kuala Lumpur cope with the never ending increase of tourists and travelers? In this context, it seems not possible to provide more rooms by simply adding the number of hotels in Kuala Lumpur. This is because the land area of Kuala Lumpur has only 244km ², meaning that there will be 1 hotel in every 2.3km ². In this sense, hoteliers have to find other ways to increase their productivities. In recent years, governments from all over the world have been putting more and more emphasis in developing services industry in their countries. They are all now aware of the unique characteristic of services and its importance in supporting a countrys economic growth. Business services showed the strongest growth in terms of value added and economic productivity (Wirtz Ehret, 2009). Theoretically, any organization in developing countries must endeavor continuously to improve productivity in order to increase profitability (Oluleye Olajire, 2001). As a consequence to the Malaysia economy, a higher amount of GDP will be recorded, more and more employment will be provided and so on. Hence, these have made hotel industry as a key sub-sector to services industry and these social responsibilities should not be overlooked by hoteliers in Malaysia. 1.4 Problem Statements In general, Malaysian will have perception saying that things made by western countries and Japan have higher quality, things from China have no quality and so forth. This is partially true in reality, majority of the Malaysians opt to buy import goods where there is an option for them. Therefore, local made products are usually having less supports from Malaysian as it has been perceived to be low quality in terms of unreliable and unattractive (Damodaran, 2009). This shows that local made products have lesser competency even in local market. Consequently, government encourages both the manufacturer and services provider to look seriously in quality issue by giving several incentives (Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council [MREPC], 2009). However, the outcomes of it are not up to the expectation. This may due to the inadequate research carry out in Malaysia. Thus, organizations especially the small size ones will definitely lack of information when trying to implement quality man agement system. Kuala Lumpur is one of the major cities in Malaysia with an estimated of 1.6 million of population at the year 2005 (KL City Plan 2020, 2009) and it is to be said as the fastest growing region in Malaysia. This figure says that Kuala Lumpur is the most densely populated district in Malaysia. Moreover, Kuala Lumpur has a vast number of tourists and it increases over years. Just to name a few, its major tourist destinations include Dataran Merdeka (the Independence Square), House of Parliament, the Istana Budaya, the Istana Negara (National Palace), the Kuala Lumpur Tower, the Muzium Negara (National Museum), Petaling Street and etc (Tourism Malaysia, 2009). With the limited land that Kuala Lumpur has, it is almost impossible to build more hotels in order to cater the increasing number of tourist in the near future. Therefore, several actions have to be taken in order to best serve the tourists with the limited number of hotels in Kuala Lumpur. This is to ensure that the receipts from tourism will not be negatively affected while the hotel industry can continuously contribute significantly to GDP. As time goes by, Human Resource Management (HRM) has become a popular topic than ever before. Organizations have understood the importance of employees (human resources). At the same time, empirical research studies have been done by researchers to further understand and prove those theories related to motivate and compensate employees. Dessler (2005) says that employee satisfaction and performance are positively related. Therefore, hoteliers must understand the importance to maximize their employee satisfaction as this could lead to greater business performance. However, by solely compensating employees with both monetary and non-monetary rewards has its limitation. Performance will stop increasing when the problem arises are not come from employees but the management. For instance, it could be lacking a well-planned system in executing tasks, ineffective communications in organization and so forth. In other countries, TQM has been so popular for a period of time as it helps organiz ations to achieve even higher of performance. In other countries, plenty of research studies have been carried out to investigate which TQM factors are the most influential to the particular country. Unlike in Malaysia, the number of TQM study that can be applied is limited and lacking of guidelines for hoteliers is still a major problem. Someone could say that hoteliers can simply use the findings from other countries as a guideline for implementing the TQM. But, there is always a high possibility that those mentioned as important factors are not important in Malaysia, when compared to the original country that the research is carried out. In other words, it is imperative to understand the applicability of the findings from other countries. The applicability of some of the findings from research still remains questionable. For example, information and analysis, one of the TQM factors is said to be extremely important to developed and developing countries but it is not persuasive enough to apply on third world countries. This is because they probably lack of necessary infrastructure. Therefore, it can be said that Malaysias hoteliers are actually lack of a blueprint when initially applying TQM to their respective hotels. In other words, hoteliers may not known which factors of TQM can generally lead to better performa nce in the Malaysia. Furthermore, with the limited of number of such research available to Malaysia, it has nothing to show hoteliers how strong the impact of TQM factors is to labor productivity, thus lack of motivation to change their routine and ways of doing business. When this occurs, Malaysia hotel industry can never be improved, previously owned competitiveness can be competed away and GDP can be affected. 1.5 Research Objectives The general objective of this study is to identify the impact of each of the selected TQM factors towards the labor productivity. Next, it is then to be expressed in term of its level of correlation between each of the independent variables and the dependent one. Therefore, this result could be used by the Malaysia hoteliers in increasing their labor productivity as these findings will show which of the independent variables plays a more important role in achieving higher labor productivity in the Malaysia context. The following objectives are specifically derived from the problem statements: To identify the relationship between the chosen independent variables and dependent variable; To investigate the level of impact for each of the chosen TQM factors towards labor productivity; To determine whether high TQM commitment hotels will generally generate higher labor productivity than the low TQM commitment hotels; and To provide insights and recommendations for improvement to Malaysias hoteliers at the end of the research. 1.6 Scope of Study The scope of this study covers a discussion on TQM as well as the importance of productivity. As the scope of both TQM and productivity are broad, this study will primarily focus on the aspect of TQM factors and labor productivity. Besides, this study investigates the relationship between selected TQM factors and labor productivity. Theoretically, those selected TQM factors is to be said to have influences on the labor productivity. Therefore, this research is also carried out with the intention to identify the degree of impact of the selected TQM factors towards labor productivity, either a stronger or a weaker one. Moreover, this research is intended to provide useful and relevant findings for hoteliers in Malaysia, in order to achieve the ever higher labor productivity in Malaysia hotel industry. Therefore, it is targeted to hoteliers in Malaysia primarily located in Kuala Lumpur. Lastly, a questionnaire has been included in this study and carried out on hoteliers of Kuala Lumpur in order to measure the impact of TQM factors towards labor productivity. 1.7 Significance of Study The importance of this study is to explore the relationship between the selected TQM factors and labor productivity in the context of Malaysia hotel industry. Similar research studies have been done to prove the relationship between the TQM factors and productivity. However, most of it were not focusing on the hotel industry. Some of them might have focused in hotel industry, but the issue of applicability remains noticeable. For that reason, this study is focusing in the Malaysia hotel industry as an applicable guideline and reference for the Malaysia hoteliers. Besides that, this study will be able to contribute relevant information to the Tourism Malaysia Promotion Board (Malaysian Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism). In Section 1.3, it shows the importance of tourism is to the nation GDP. Furthermore, hotel industry is relatively important to the country as an accommodation means for tourists to visit Malaysia. In addition, through this study, government is now able to identify unsuitable approaches and strategies. Therefore, essential action such as coming out new incentives scheme can be taken to effectively replace the old ones. Thus, national resources can be distributed and used even more effective and efficient than ever. As to hoteliers, this study helps to lighten their worries when first implementing the TQM as they are now getting more supporting evidence from this study. According to Yesawich (1997), building customer loyalty is one of the biggest challenges for the hotel industry. Successfully implemented TQM contributes to customer satisfaction. From customer satisfaction, loyalty and profits are positively related. In other word, TQM can potentially overcome one of the biggest challenges in hotel industry. At the same time, organizations can enjoy the benefits from TQM such as creating competitive advantage, providing unique services and so forth. 1.8 Organization of Study The organization of this research study comprises of 5 chapters. This research study begins with Chapter 1 that covers the introduction for the chosen topic. It consists of the background of study and hotel industry in Malaysia. Next, problem statements, research objectives, scope of study and the significance of study are laid out in different section. Lastly, organization of study that shows the overall flow of this study ends the Chapter 1. Chapter 2 provides the literature review for the chosen topic. It includes all the related empirical studies that have been done by the previous researchers. Several of viewpoint, definition and argument have been included in this chapter as well. For instance, different point of views from different researchers for the same variable can be found here. Chapter 3 outlines the overall methodology being used in this research study. It shows the research framework together with the explanation and hypothesis of the framework. Besides, data collection method, sources of data, sampling method and sampling size will be discussed in separated section. Furthermore, there is the outline of the questionnaire development and scaling techniques before discussion of data analysis and measurement close the chapter. Chapter 4 discusses the findings and the results of this research study. Therefore, all related chart, graph, data will be included in this chapter. This chapter basically ends with the interpretation and discussion regarding all of the findings. Finally, conclusions and recommendations will be formed and given to readers. It concludes which TQM factors have a stronger effect and vice versa. Besides that, limitations of this study will also be included. The following figure shows the overall outline of this study. Figure 1.2: Flow Chart of Study CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Overview This chapter develops and provides the foundation for this research study. Previous works done by other researchers that relate to labor productivity, total quality management, customer focus, human resource management, information analysis, leadership and strategic management are all presented in this chapter. Besides, in order to gain a better understanding of this research, viewpoints from different researchers are then compare and contrast in this chapter. 2.2 Labor Productivity In the 21st century, productivity growth plays an important role in GDP growth of any nation. According Chapman, Murray Mellor (1997), the use of sales per employee has been widely used to measure labor productivity for individual companies. Besides, Sauian (2002) says that in knowledge-based economy, competitive advantage can be maintained through â€Å"high productivity† and efficiency. In the other way round, labor productivity is an important element used to gauge competitiveness in producing goods and services (Sauian, 2002). Moreover, Hoffman Mehra (1998) argues that high productivity effects are impossible to sustain without a quality-based process-oriented environment which emanates from the support of employees, upper management, and the organization. Malaysia registered a productivity growth of 2.9 percent from RM 48,113 in year 2007 to RM 49,526 in year 2008. Furthermore, productivity contributed 62.2 percent while employment contributed 37.8 percent to the GDP growth of 5.98 percent. This growth surpassed several major countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). As shown in Figure 2.1, the Rep. of Korea recorded a productivity growth as much as 3.6 percent, the USA (2.1 percent), the Japan (0.8 percent), the Australia (0.4), the Germany (0.1 percent) and the rest had zero or negative growth (Malaysia Productivity Corporation [MPC], 2009). Figure 2.1: Productivity Growth of Malaysia and Selected OECD Countries, 2008 (Adapted From: MPC, Annual Productivity Report 2008) Thomas (1994) defined the simplest form of labor productivity (LP) as the hours of work divided by the units of work accomplished. In general, LP is a measure of output from a production as per unit of input. Therefore, it can be expressed as: LP From the above formula, LP consists of the total output and total input. It can be in terms of a particular production, a department, an organization or even a nation. In general, if we want to increase productivity, it is necessary to increase the systems output, if the input is to remain constant. Similarly, if the systems output is to maintain the status quo, then we need to utilize less input. From a different aspect, if both output and input are increased, then it is mathematically obvious that the rate of increase of output should be higher than the rate of increase of input, if productivity needs to be improved (Sauian, 2002). Therefore, in order to achieve higher LP, input and output should be manipulated in various ways. Schonewille (2001) said the effectiveness of training is lower compared to initial education when comes to contributing to labor productivity. Even thought training has smaller effects on labor productivity, still the estimated coefficient is positive (Schonewille, 2001). A number of researchers have proven the positive impact of quality on productivity, whereas both can influence positively profitability (Bylund Lapidoth, 1994). This relationship has been generally accepted within the manufacturing industry (Chase Aquilano, 1995). However in reality, LP is a much more complex phenomenon which largely depends on quite diverse factors such as workers competence, motivation, supervision and so forth. Also, management does affect LP (Enshassi, Mohamed, Mayer, Abed, 2007). Chapman and Al-Khawaldeh (2002) has investigated the relationship between TQM implementation and labor productivity in industrial companies in Jordan, as shown in Figure 2.2. The results of data analysis indicate that there is a positive relationship between TQM (and each TQM element) and labor productivity. Interestingly, it is found that companies with ISO 9000 certification has high positive slope whereas companies without ISO 9000 certification has low positive slope. 2.3 Total Quality Management (TQM) TQM emerged in the mid-1980s in response to Japans invasion of US markets with their high quality-low price automobiles and electronic products. Quality has been defined differently as conformance to requirement (Crosby, 1979), fitness for use (Juran, 1979), continual improvement (Deming, 1982) and as define by customers (Ford, 1990). Whereby, Spitzer (1993) called TQM â€Å"the only source of sustainable competitive advantage†. Also, TQM is continually satisfying agreed customer requirements at lowest cost through harnessing everyones commitment (Burton Franckeiss, 1994). In theory, TQM seems to assure performance improvement for any organization. But, in practice, TQM works for some organization and not for others (Terzioski, 2006). According to Chapman and Al-Khawaldeh (2002), TQM is a key strategy for maintaining competitive advantage and is a way of managing organizations to improve its overall effectiveness and performance towards achieving world-class status. During the last two decades or so, simple inspection activities have been replaced or supplemented by quality control, quality assurance has been developed and refined, and now most companies are working towards TQM (Dale Bunney, 1999). Dale (1999) indentifies four discrete stages: inspection, quality control, quality assurance and TQM, as shown in Figure 2.2. Figure 2.3: The four levels in the evolution of Total Quality Management (Sources: Adapted from Dale Bunney, Total Quality Management Blueprint, 1999) Inspection is defined as â€Å"activities such as measuring, examining, testing or gauging one or more characteristic of an entity and comparing the results with specified requirement in order to establish whether conformity is achieved for each characteristic† (BS EN ISO 8402, 1995). Quality control is defined as â€Å"operational techniques and activities that are used to fulfill requirements for quality† (BS EN ISO 8402, 1995). Quality assurance is defined as â€Å"all the planned and systematic activities implemented within the quality system and demonstrated as needed to provide adequate confidence that an entity will fulfill requirements for quality† (BS EN ISO 8402, 1995). TQM is the highest level which involves the application of quality management principles to all aspects of the business, including customers and suppliers. It is then defined as the management approach of an organization, centered on quality, based on the participation of all its members and aiming at long-term success through customer satisfaction, and benefits to all members of the organization and to society (BS EN ISO 8402, 1995). A number of research studies have been carried out to investigate the impact of TQM factors and implementation (Sila Ebrahimpour, 2005; Khan, 2003; Terzioski, 2006). Miller (1993) reported that success with TQM depends on the facilitating conditions. Leadership, human resource management and some other TQM factors are found to have positive impact on business results (Sila Ebrahimpour, 2005). Therefore, these findings can be reasonably useful in assisting managers so that they can allocate resources to improve their typical routines to obtain the best results. Next, five TQM factors have been selected as the independent variables for this study, namely (1) Customer Focus, (2) Human Resource Management (HRM), (3) Information and Analysis, (4) Leadership and (5) Strategic Planning. It is said that customer focus pays more attention on the customers whereas the rest of TQM factors have focused on the internal aspect of the organization. As for HRM, it focuses on the practices involved in carrying out the â€Å"people† of a management position. Information and analysis is said to be the information and communication technology used to further enhance labor productivity as automation has been widely used. Leadership is important as it creates synergy for achieving favorable business results whereas strategic planning is a set of process undertaken in order to develop a range of strategies that will contribute to achieve organization direction. Further elaboration and review for each variable will be discussed in different sub-section lat er. 2.3.1 Customer Focus According to Dean and Bowen (1994), customer focus is as important as many other TQM practices to organizational performance. Being customer-focused keeps us aware of quality, or rather it focuses our quality initiatives on what really matters to the customers (Cox, 1997). Also, Piercy (1995) says that TQM has too much focused on the internal aspect of the organization and much less attention on the customers. Customer satisfaction begins by discovering precisely what customers want and gearing every practice to their exact expectations (Kearney, 1994). Customer focus has changed mass production to mass customization. In addition, being far from depersonalizing the world, technology has the power to return us to being treated as individuals while getting all the benefits inherent in large-scale enterprise (Cox, 1997). Sousa (2003) pointed out the importance of customer focus lies in the fact that it is the starting point of any quality initiative. However, it has not received enough attention from quality management researchers (Cai, 2009). In the final decade of twentieth century, the term, customer-centered competition has been introduced. Customer-centered company is a company that focuses on customer developments in designing its marketing strategies and on delivering superior value to its target customers (Kotler Armstrong, 2008). It is common to hear the statement â€Å"customer is always right† in any organization. This could be the trend that organization is to focus on customer needs to be customer-led, to be market-oriented, to care for customers and so forth (Piercy, 1995). These are to make total customer satisfaction a strategic foundation for achieving competitive advantage (Kearney, 1994). Customer focus has been therefore defined as the degree to which firms continuously satisfy customer needs and expectations (Philips, Chang, Buzzell, 1983). The difference between customer focus and customer understanding is, according to Lagrosen (2001), mainly a matter of perspective. Customer focus means the activities of the companies are intended to benefit the customer but the customer is seen from the companies own perspective. Therefore, effects are usually being made to gain information about the customers needs and wants, although always in a set framework that originates in the companies view of the product and its features. Whereby, customer understanding needs perspective to be shifted. It means the company needs to gain entry to the customers own perspective and adopt the customers framework of viewing the product (Lagrosen, 2001). Cai (2009) found that organizational customer focus affects customer relationship practices, which subsequently influence production performance and customer satisfaction, and production performance and customer satisfaction lead to financial outcomes. Ooi, Bakar, Arumugam, Vellepan, and Loke (2007) says TQM practices such as teamwork, reward and recognition, customer focus and organizational trust are positively associated with job satisfaction within their organization. For instance, customer focus was found to have a direct influence on emplo