Rhos-Y-Gwaliau Outdoor Education Center Essay Example for Free

Rhos-Y-Gwaliau Outdoor Education Center EssayHello, Im here to daylight to verbalize to you all about work on experience. I can chance a few anxious faces when I mention the words work experience, lone(prenominal) when I hope that my talk today leave change that. close in some of you are not exactly original what work experience is, its a placement that you personally choose yourself, and than you will go there for a period of two weeks. I now it might seem a retentive time, two weeks but when youre there time just flays, and itll be worthy it. And if youre lucky you might decide what you would alike(p) to do in the future from this experience, you never knowGetting a placement is quite straight-forward you know. Well it does search on were youre thinking of going. You can either phone them, e-mail them or send them a letter. What I did was phone them because I believe this was the most emotive substance and this way you are also able to find out more necessary info rmation. All I had to do after I phoned was go and visit my placement to get to know all(prenominal)one and to get to know the building. The day before I started on my work experience I was very anxious, but at the same time I was looking forward.So dont worry if you have similar feelings before you start your work experience because theyre just normal. The only advise I can give you is that you have an early night before you start your work experience so youll be rearing to go the next morning. Also on your first day you should make sure that you arrive at your placement right on time, so you make a good impression to your co-workers and employer. Its also important that you have a reliable transport. I was very lucky with my transport because my mum passed my placement on the way to her work, and it was very convenient.I went to Rhos-Y-Gwaliau Outdoor Education Center for my two weeks. I was very anxious before I got there each morning because I had no idea what was in store for me. The whole experience wasnt half as bad as I had predicted, I hope your outcome at the end of your work experience will be the same as well. Where I went on my work experience I didnt really have a typical day. Each day I did something different, sailing, canoeing, canoeing, climbing, hill trails and gorge walks.I arrived at the center at 8am each morning, then I had to make sure that all the children that were in my group had packed all the necessary kit they needed for the day. The we would all gather in the canteen, and make our lunches ready for the busy day that we had planned in front of us. Then we would all set off in our individual group and head towards our activity location. I had so some(prenominal) fun from my experience at Rhos-Y-Gwaliau Outdoor Education Center, and I found out a lot about myself.I do hope that you will choose a suitable placement for yourself and gain a lot of experience and knowledge. I sure did, and this whole experience will always go on with me. I dont have to tell you how much I enjoyed my work experience, because Im sure you can imagine. There was nothing I really disliked about my work experience, well the hours were a bit long, because twice a week I had to be there from 8am till 9pm, which I believe was a very long shift, but that didnt bring me down the slightest bit more enjoyable.The whole experience at Rhos-Y-Gwaliau Outdoor Education Center has definitely helped me choose what I would like to do in the future. This is an ideal work I would love to do when Im older. I found out that Im able to work with people from all ages and I truly enjoy working with children because you are able to see all the progress they have done and youre able to see the amazement on the childrens faces when they earn a new skill. When I help people I get a warm feeling in my heart.I wish you all the vanquish for the future, and I hope that my talk today has reassured you all, and you have a better incline of what to expect when yo ull be starting work experience in couple of weeks time. And I truly do hope that you will have two fantastic weeks at your placements, and try your best to enjoy them. Thank-you for listening to my talk today, and I hope that I have helped some of you, and you now know a little bit more of what youre in for. All the best to every single one of you. And thank-you for being such a good audience.

Security Site Survey Essay Example for Free

earnest Site Survey EssayThe security survey at the DeVry Corporate pump was conducted on June 10, 2013, by Christian Moreno who was retained by the DeVry University for this purpose. Information set forth in this report was obtained from Gregory Smith, Executive Vice President Chief financial Officer, and from David Davis, Facilities Manager, and from personalised observations of Thomas Brown during the inspection of this facility.This report is intended as a detailed audit of all phases of the DeVry Corporate Center security operations and a review and evaluation of those areas and activities most vulnerable to the theft or safety risks. Neither the DeVry Corporate Center nor the writer of this report is in a position to evaluate the integrity of the employees of DeVry University and this report does not attempt to do so.Summary The DeVry Center is located on a four-acre plot of land in downtown New York City. It is a 30-story corporate tower high-rise, which includes 1,25 0 underground parking garage spaces and a rooftop garden. Construction of the make was completed in December of 2008, and 27 of the 30 floors are occupied by tenants. Currently, there are 1,800 tenants in the building, which has a maximum content of 2,000.THE CAMPUS DeVry occupies five floors in the 24-story building at clxxx Madison Avenue. The campuss 48,750 square feet of space provide an outstanding, professionally attractive, high-tech learning environment for students. DeVry has 12 classrooms and seven state-of-the art laboratories. The classrooms have an average seating capacity of 20 students. The campus is equipped with a wireless network to accomodate laptop computers. There are three labs supporting the electronics programs averaging 21 seats. There is one Network science laboratory designed to support individual networks with a capacity of 18 positions.The remaining labs support the Computer Information Systems programs as well as those business and separate program s requiring the use of personal computers. Science and Biomed classes are taught in the Physics Lab. The Physics Lab is equipped with networked PCs and scientific testing equipment. The library has over 18,000 paper and electronic titles, 60 paper periodicals, 9 databases and 25 computer workstations for student use. The Academic Support Center provides students with free tutoring, computer-assisted instruction, and workshops on various instructional topics. Physical guarantorThe receptionist desk is staffed from 8 AM until 7 PM even though the company operates 24 hours a day. During other hours the security guard is stationed at the receptionists desk. Electronic identification cards are used by employees to gain access to the outdoor doors as well as interior doors on a curtail basis. A six-hour emergency backup arranging is a component of the door control system to ensure security in the event of a source failure. Additionally, there is a lockbox for keys to be used in an em ergency and it is located in the Facilities Managers office. A security guard patrols the exterior of the building and the parking lot during times when the receptionist is on duty.The security guard escorts the cleaning crew when working in the premises. Campus security personnel patrol the building on a regular basis (Monday through Friday from 700 a.m. to 1100 p.m. and Saturdays from 730 a.m. to 700 p.m.) and are alert to any suspicious activity. Security personnel report any possible criminal activity to local law enforcement personnel, and any possible code of conduct violation to the doyen of disciples. The Dean of Student Services also acts as the New York City Community Affairs Officer to aid in the monitoring of all crimes that occur on or around campus grounds. Campus safety and security is the shared responsibility of both students and staff. To enhance student and staff awareness of their responsibilities for their own safety the following leave behind be provided thro ughout the year. * Pamphlets on personal safety are posted on bulletin boards and available in Student Services. * Campus security has a transcript of the evacuation plan.* The Student Handbook includes emergency phone numbers for students, faculty and staff. * Displays of safety/security information are set up in the Lobby, Student Services Office and/or the Student Commons. * School publications are used as a forum for topics on the necessity of taking control of personal safety. * Procedures for informing appropriate personnel of any emergencies and emergency evacuation procedures are available in each department.Alarm System There is an alarm system installed but since the company operates around the clock there has never been the need to activate it. There are two emergency exits which are alarmed and all the way labeled.Closed Circuit Television CCTV There are sixteen closed circuit digital color cameras and the file is maintained for a period of thirty days. The monitors are located in the Facilities Mangers office and at the receptionists desk. Another monitor is located in the vault area to let employees there to view the lobby outside the shipping/receiving area.Visitors Visitor Log Visitors are required to sign in a log at the receptionists desk and wear a visitor badge while on the premises. Recommendation The implementation of Universal Access Cards would allow an observer to track a persons movement on site. In the matter of such cards, it is believe that some degree of track ability is acceptable. Naturally, certain sensitive non-facility areas mustiness be treated with care. For example, payroll and human resources some other areas of administration must be accessible to students without requiring them to use their unique access card. Other bring in may possible with the introduction of networked swipe-card locks, even if the actual transmission of data from the lock to the data center is encrypted (as the company requires from its future contractor).

Define empowerment, capacity building and participation

Define authorization, business leader mental synthesis and participationin the setting of your interrogation. Describe the dependent and self-governing vari sufficients in your enquiry and justify the family relationship between the dependent and independent variables.The ground of the concept of em forefingerment varies among disciplines. It is a cross-disciplinary term, chiefly intentiond in fields of Education, Psychology, Community Development, stintings, among former(a)s. Based on this galore(postnominal) meanings of the term, it has been mod epochten as a construct easy to prep ar by its absence solely difficult to define in action, establish on the concomitant that it takes different forms in different population and contexts (Rappoport, cited in Page Czuba, 1999). Therefore, how we define em causationment deep d admit our projects and programs will depend upon the specific people and context involved.In the context of community development, a general def inition of empowerment was proffered by Page Czuba (1999) as followsEmpowerment is a multi-dimensional social change that helps people deduce check out over their own lives. It is a play that fosters power (that is, the might to implement) in people, for use in their own lives, their communities, and in their society, by acting on issues that they define as important.From the above definition, triple basic components argon necessary to any sense of empowerment, namely multi-dimensional, social, and a process. By multi-dimensional, empowerment is frequently connected to the four schooling dimensions of equity, contentedness building, participation and self-reliance. According to Adams (2002) these four dimensions are regarded as the park denominators in most definitions of empowerment and debates regarding the agency of empowerment in the development process. It withal occurs at various levels, such as unmarried, group, and community. And it is a social process because it occurs in relationship to others. Embedded in this definition of empowerment is that the idiosyncraticistic and community are fundament solelyy connected. The importance of individual empowerment is such that it is a prerequisite for community and social change and empowerment (Speer Hughey, 1995), and a bridge to community connectedness and social change (Wilson, 1996).With specific reference to the current ruminate which looks at Youth development as a system for Poverty reduction, empowerment in this case entails the acquisition of power and the talent to give it make (Swanepoel, 1997). Theron (2005) buttresses this view by looking at empowerment in terms of dual perspectives, namely empowerment as a process of skills and abilities development and secondly, empowerment as a process that equips people to decide on and take action regarding the issues of concern to them. In the same vein, Burkly (1993) states that empowerment is a process that releases power to the people which they can use to access resources in order to win desirable goals.Although empowerment as a concept can be examined in the context of both(prenominal) individual and collective cheeks, the concept as apply here is operative at the individual level, rather than collective or organizational. period individual empowerment relates to the way people think about themselves, as well as the companionship, capacities, skills, and control they actually possess (Staples, 1990, p. 32), collective empowerment refers to processes by which individuals join together to break their solitude and silence, help one another, fill together, and develop skills for collective action (Boehm Staples, 2004). For the purpose of this study, empowerment is defined as a process whereby individuals develop the skills and capacity for geting some reasonable control over their lives.From the foregoing, empowerment in the context of this study does not only imply capacity building, by which is meant the building up of peoples knowledge, skills, and ability to enable them take actions correctly, it (empowerment) is also an leaven of this process of capacity building where the individual participants of the capacity building process overcome their poverty situation and enter upon self-determination. Self-determination is consistent with notions of personal control (Greenberg Strasser, 1991) and it refers to an individuals sense of control over his or her own work (Wagner, 1995). As a major component of individual empowerment, self-determination is most frequently reported in the literature (Sprague Hayes, 2000). Fetterman (1996, p.92) believes that self-determination, defined as the ability to chart ones own course in carriage, forms the theoretical foundations of the components of individual empowerment.Against this background, the individual participants, who thrust become self employed and are economically empowered, having acquired skills via capacity building, are e nabled to be in control of their lives. Therefore, empowerment here is an outcome of the process of capacity building. Individual empowerment is a development that involves many changes whereby an individual is able to strengthen and rehearse the ability to act to gain control over his or her life. Hence, the goal of individual empowerment is to achieve a state of emancipation strong adequacy to impact ones power in life.Capacity BuildingAs with the concepts of globalization, development, and sustainability, the term capacity building is an ambiguous concept that means different things to different people, groups and organizations. Although many people use these terms, their definitions do not conform to the same, as each puts emphasis on a sure aspect of capacity development (James, 2001). However, definitions of capacity building emphasize that capacity building is a tool to build and improve the skills, resources and ability of people to implement, monitor and assess a project .The United Nations (UNDP, 1997) looks capacity building as a process by which individuals, groups and organizations, institutions and societies increase their abilities to perform core functions, solve problems and define and achieve objectives to understand and deal with their development necessarily in a broad context and in a sustainable manner. Eade (1997) sees capacity building as an blast to development which encompasses all the fields that baffle the development sphere. In this approach to development, capacity building identifies the weaknesses that people experience in achieving their basic rights, and finding proper means with which to increase their ability to overcome the causes of their exclusion and suffering.In the context of this study, capacity building comprises the skills acquisition that the youth undergo in the process of their empowerment. Capacity building here is an interfere variable, which by its personality surfaces between the time the independent variable (participation) starts operating to influence the dependent variable (empowerment). It helps to condone the relationship between the IV DV. Thus, by participating in the development programmes, youth are equipped with the capacity, skills, knowledge that will enable them become economically empowered, employable and self-employed, thereby reducing unemployment and poverty among them. Capacity building as utilize in the study is not concerned about implementing a project or enhancing a particular aspect of life it is a comprehensive empowerment process which builds the capability of people with relevant skills needed to find meaning in their lives.Consequently, the concept of capacity building as used in the study is a process where people are developed in order to manage themselves. To this end, empowerment of the participants becomes the ultimate create of capacity building process. On this understanding of capacity building as a process, Eade and Williams (1995) elab orate the concept asMen and women becoming empowered to induce about corroborative changes in their lives about personal growth together with public action about both the process and the outcome of challenging poverty, conquering and discrimination and about the realization of human potential through social and economic justice. Above all, it is about the process of transforming lives, and transforming societies.In this process of capacity building, people acquire the skills, which in turn create an avenue for them as individuals and as members of the community to achieve their development objectives and improve the quality of their lives. Hence, capacity building is a response to community development needs.ParticipationParticipation is one of the essential aspects of community development associated with empowerment. It is a people-oriented approach to development, where people play an important role by feeling a high degree of ownership and are subjects rather than objects in the process of their development. According to De Beer and Swanepoel (1998), participation leads to empowerment and empowerment results in vulnerable people or oppressed groups achieving sufficient power or authority to be able to influence decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods, so that they can attain ownership of their lives.Participation in this study is the input variable or independent variable, where, through involvement in youth development programmes like railcar mechanics, electrical work, and weld, the participants acquire the capacity (skills, knowledge and training) that enable them to become self-employed and employable.By participating in the programmes, youth bedevil enhanced their capacity to comfort poverty. They have also built partnership with others by widening their employment opportunities. As marginalized members of the society, being involved in their development programmes enabled them to voice their concerns, hopes, and grievances. Adams (200 8) asserts that participants are able to contribute to their development by giving feedback on programmes that are aimed at them. With empowerment in mind, the youth are able to collaborate with the project providers, thereby paving way for a more active role, having greater choice, exercising more power, and contributing in decision-making and management (Adams, 2008, p.17). Their participation has also broadened their support network, resulting in opening up new opportunities through programme development and social action.By participating in their development process, youth not only gain skills and knowledge, but also gain self-confidence, pride, initiative, responsibility and cooperation which without such development components in people all hunting expeditions to alleviate poverty will be difficult.An important proportion of participation is community empowerment, which requires a people-centered approach that culminates in self-reliance. Chambers and Freire (1996, p. 77) e nvisage that participation and empowerment can enable the poor to express and analyze both their individual and shared multiple realities. According to the World Health Organization (2002), community members should participate in their development because they have a right to have a say about decisions that affect their lives and will also lead to better decisions being made, which are more appropriate and more sustainable because they are owned by the people themselves.Dependent and Independent variables of the studyThe conceptual mannequin below illustrates the variables of the study Youth empowerment as a strategy for poverty reduction in Niger Delta, Nigeria. In a nutshell, participation is the independent variable, where youth, through their involvements in skills acquisition programmes in auto mechanics, electrical work and welding develop/acquire the capacity in skills, training, knowledge and competence that led to their empowerment (DV) hence, becoming economically empowe red, self-empowered and having a reduction in poverty.Empowerment sparing EmpowermentSelf-employmentIndividual EmpowermentUnemployment reductionPoverty reductionParticipationInvolvement inyouth development programmesCapacity BuildingSkillsKnowledge sensory facultyCompetence* Sense of communityInputAuto mechanicsElectrical workWeldinga. Independent variable ParticipationBased on the definitions and fashion model given above, the concept of participation will be the independent variable (IV) of the study, which will be manipulated in order to determine its influence or effect on the dependent variable (DV). As an input variable which influences the dependent variable, participation of the youth in development programmes will constitute the IV of the study, to see their relationship with the dependent variable. In other words, the youth participation in such programmes as auto mechanics, electrical work and welding will be operated to see how they lead to empowerment, which is the DV. Participation as employed in the study therefore is the social element whose characteristics or mutations shape and determine the dependent variable. In other words, it is through the participants involvement in the development programmes that they are eventually empowered. Thus, participation causes the outcome of involvement in development programme which is empowerment (the DV).Economic empowermentb. Dependent variable Empowerment Self-employmentUnemployment reductionThe dependent variable (DV) is a variable of primary interest to the researcher, whose task is to understand and describe it (the DV). And it is through the analysis of the dependent variable that the researcher is likely to find answers or solutions to the issues under study which is done by measuring the dependent variable as well as the other variables that influence this variable.In this study, empowerment is the dependent variable (DV) because it is a response to the action of participation (the IV). The DV d epends and responds to the action of the IV. Empowerment in this study is the variable that reflects the influence of the independent variable. As illustrated in the framework above, economic empowerment, self-reliance (self-employed), unemployment reduction and poverty reduction are the effects or outcome of participation of youth in development programmes. These outcomes are necessitated by the skills, knowledge, training and competence which the participants have acquired in the process of their capacity building via the development programmes. Capacity building therefore becomes the intervening variable that brings about the effect of the independent variable (participation) on the dependent variable (empowerment).Justification of the relationship of variablesThe independent and dependent variables are related based on the dependency relationship, where one variable, the dependent variable depends on the independent variable. It is a cause and effect relationship where the DV is an effect of the IV. In this study, empowerment resulted as an effect of participation. Participation (the IV) causes the change (effect) that resulted in the empowerment of the youth. To elaborate further, the relationship of participation (IV) and empowerment (DV) is such that the variation of the IV influences the DV. The dependent variable changes when the independent variable changes the dependent variable depends on the outcome of the independent variable.Further, capacity building relates to both the IV and the DV as an intervening variable by linking the independent and dependent variables. In this study, capacity building resulted as a function or operation of the IV (Participation) and helps to explain the influence of the IV on the DV. Capacity building here explains the relationship that exists between the action of the IV and the DV. As the diagram shows, the participants involvement in the skills development programmes equipped them with the enabling capacity (capaci ty building skills, knowledge, and training) that led or transformed them into empowered members of the community.2. Based on the main concepts of your research, provide a theoretical framework that can best explain the research that you will be undertaking. What are the opening/ies that can be used to support your research? Discuss the rationale for choosing the theory/ies and the strengths and weaknesses of the theory/ies.With regard to the main concepts of the research, Keiffers theory of empowerment as a process was considered relevant and suitable for handling the study. The theory illustrates the elements and stages of empowerment as well as the phases that the individuals undergo in the process of getting skills, which translate into full realization of empowerment. The theory was considered appropriate for the study as it has been extensively used in several(prenominal) related study.Keiffers theory of empowerment as a processThe theory applies to individuals in the proce ss of empowerment where the (empowerment) process passes through several phases in the participants. It shows the patterns and processes of the participants transition from a state impotency to empowerment. The theory is suitable to this research, which focuses on empowering the youth of the Niger Delta, who are ravaged by poverty and unemployment, coupled with what Keiffer (1984) referred to as a feeling of alienation from resources for social influence, an experience of disenfranchisement and economic vulnerability, and a sense of hopelessness in socio-political struggle.Understanding empowerment in the light of Keiffers theory starts by examining the concepts of power and powerlessness (Moscovitch Drover, 1981). Power is conceived as a multi-dimensional social process that helps people gain control over their lives (Page Czuba, 1999, p. 25). The Cornell Empowerment Group (1989, p.2) define power as the capacity of some persons and organizations to produce intended, foreseen an d unforeseen effects on others. Underscoring the need to produce these expectations or effects on others, some sources of power were identified as a panacea. Moscovitch and Drover (1981), for instance believe that the class-dominated nature of our society indicates that a small proportion of the people have enormous economic and political power as opposed to the greater number of the people that have little or none. Therefore, power is required to influence the outcome of life events.On the other hand, powerlessness is seen as an objective phenomenon, where people with little or no political and economic power lack the means to gain greater control and resources in their lives (Albee, 1981). Keiffer sees powerlessness at the individual level as the expectation of the individual that his or her own actions will be unavailing in influencing the outcome of life events (Keiffer, 1984). Lerner (1986) distinguished between real and surplus powerlessness. While real powerlessness emanates from economic inequities and oppressive control exercised by systems and other people, surplus powerlessness derives from an internalized belief that change cannot occur a belief which results in apathy and an unwillingness of the person to struggle for more control and influence.Keiffers (1984) effort on individual empowerment is one of the prominent studies which examine individual empowerment as a process. He conceives empowerment as a developmental process which consists of four stages entry, publicity, incorporation, and commitment. These stages areera of entry (characteristics powerlessness, sense of integrity, rootedlessness, sense of attachment, and support within a caring community of peers, experience of injustice) era of advancement (centrality of mentoring relationships, more critical understanding of social and political relations) era of incorporation (developed self concept, increased strategic ability, and matured critical comprehension, improved organizing and lea dership skills, and constructed survival skills) and era of commitment (application of new abilities to the naturalism and structure of everyday life worlds, commitment to adapting recent empowerment to continuing proactive community mobilization and leadership) (Keiffer, 1984).From the above, the individual is prompted at the entry level by his or her experience of certain disturbing self or family situation, which Keiffer refers to as an act of provocation. The advancement stage possesses three important characteristics that are necessary to the progress of continuing the empowerment process, namely, a mentoring relationship supportive peer relationships with a collective organization and the development of a more critical understanding of social and political relations. While the focal point of the third stage is the development of a growing political consciousness, the era of commitment, which is the fourth stage is such that the acquired participatory competence is applied by participants to ever expanding areas of their lives. Consequently, Keiffer believes that empowerment at the individual level is the experience of gaining increasing control and influence in daily life and community participation (Keiffer, 1984).A major strength of this theory is that the author worked on the premise that the existence of powerlessness or alienation is a given at the very first step of individual empowerment and this underscores the need for participation in view of acquiring skills. As with the area under study which requires a source of power to alleviate their poverty and unemployment, the author confirms that such a state of powerlessness becomes patent prompting a group of empowerment agents recognizing the alienated and oppressed. In this first stage of empowerment, both the alienated and the empowerment agents have come to true knowledge of the formers powerlessness, coupled with such social pathologies as disadvantages, oppression, alienation, and stratifica tion. The process of participation, thus, was both empowering and advanced in the process of empowerment for the participants. As participants got involved in development programmes, they see it as a process towards the reduction of their poverty. It is in this way that participation advanced the process of individual empowerment (Keiffer, 1984).On capacity building, the theory underscores the fact that the transition towards individual empowerment was an exceptionally ongoing process towards skills acquisition. And that the skills which the participants acquired will function as catalysts for the empowerment process, making them become aware of their own capacities and developing new directions for themselves while in the process of emancipating from the experience of powerlessness. Here participants have to gain the skills and the potential to change their circumstance. As participants gain mastery over their lives and learn and utilize skills, which are the skills (capacity) for gaining some reasonable control over their lives, they become empowered.With the foregoing, individuals become empowered when they develop capabilities to overcome their social obstacles and attain self-determination. Self-determination, defined as the ability to chart ones own course in life (Fetterman, 1996) is repeatedly presented in the literature and considered as a sole and vital component of individual empowerment (Sprague Hayes, 2000). Boehm and Staples (2004) advocated mastery and self-determination as the components of individual empowerment. Mastery is understood asfull control over someone or something, and through in-depth understanding or greater skills, can be a variety of types, such as physical mastery, mastery of emotion and behavior, mastery of information and decision making, mastery of social system, efficient mastery of time, mastery as connected to autonomy and individual freedom, and planning mastery, thus enabling consumers to prevent negative situations an d to actualize positive ones (Boehm Staples, 2004).As components of individual empowerment, self-determination is associated with the power that enables individuals to meet the challenges of different life situations mastery on the hand is concerned with increased levels of the individuals ability to understand reality and the capacity to make decisions that impact the conditions and quality of life.Conversely, one of the limitations of Keiffers theory is the fact that it did not elaborate how the individuals impact their community with their acquired participatory competence. He limited individual empowerment as the experience of gaining increasing control and influence in daily life and community participation. It was earlier noted that sustaining involvement in participation deepens the competence and control of the participants leading to the advancement of the process of personal empowerment (Keiffer, 1984). Although empowerment can exist at the individual level, yet one woul d have expected that the theory incorporated how the participatory competence can impact the larger community bearing in mind that community development entails meliorate the community life in its wider sense.Another weakness of the theory emanates from a theme which the theorist identified as underlying the movement through all phases of the empowerment process the view that conflicts and growth are inextricably intertwined (Keiffer, 1984). The suggested dynamics of praxis advocated by the theorist for resolving these conflicts may, after all, be time-consuming and toothless in the empowering process. Praxis, for himrefers to the circular relationship of experience and reflection through which actions evoke new understandings, which then provokes new actions The building up of skills only progresses through insistent cycles of action and reflection. In other words, crucial for the building of empowerment is time and practice (Keiffer).There is a likelihood that conflict may dege nerate and also prove irresolvable by the praxis within a given period of empowerment process thereby hampering the skills developing process of participants which should have a time frame.3. Compare and contrast 2 different research methods (qualitative and quantitative) that might be used in your study. For each approach, discusshow the research question are explicate/arrived at (what kind of questions are posed)the approach to data collectionthe approach to data analysishow the findings might be triangulated andhow the findings might be presented and discussed.There are two broad approaches in the collection of information for research purposes, namely quantitative and qualitative methods. A basic understanding of both methods will be highlighted to show their differences.First quantitative data It is an objective, formal, systematic process in which the enquiry is based on numerical data findings. It derives from the scientific method used in the physical sciences (Cormack, 1991 ). Quantitative method describes, tests, and examines cause and effect relationships (Burns Grove, 1987), using a deductive process of knowledge attainment (Duffy, 1985). In other words, it tests theories deductively from alive knowledge, through developing hypothesized relationships.On the other hand, qualitative research differs from quantitative approach as it develops theory inductively. Qualitative researchers are guided by certain ideas or perspectives regarding the subject to be investigated (Cormack, 1991). It is used as a vehicle for studying the empirical world from the perspective of the subject, not the researcher. Benoliel (1985) buttressed this aspect, describing qualitative research as modes of systematic enquiry concerned with understanding human beings and the nature of their transactions with themselves and with their understandings. The aim of qualitative research is to describe certain aspects of a phenomenon, with a view to explaining the subject of study. Unl ike the quantitative method, qualitative research derives from the social sciences such as sociology, anthropology, psychology and philosophy, (Cormack, 1991).For sampling, both research approaches require a ensample to be identified which is representative of a larger population of people or objects. Quantitative research employs random cream of the sample from the study population and the random assignment of the sample to the various study groups. Results obtained from random sampling have an advantage, which is an increased likelihood of the findings being generalizable. Its disadvantage stems from the fact that random selection is time-consuming, with the result that many studies use more easily obtained opportunistic sample (Duffy, 1985). This hampers the possibilities of generalization, especially if the sample is too small.Qualitative research uses non-random sampling, which is a selective sample, because of the in-depth nature of studies and the analysis of the data requi red. Hinton (1987) confirms that the strength of this approach is seen when the sample is well defined, for then it can be generalized to a population at large. A disadvantage of this approach can be suspicion that the researcher could have been influenced by a particular predisposition hence having a tendency of affecting the generalizability of the study.a. how the research questions are formulated/arrived at (what kind of questions are posed)Based on the statement of the problem, the research questions were formulated with a focus on what the researcher expects to achieve in the study. They show close relationship to the statement of the problem and arise from issues raised in both literature and on the ground, not deviating from the objectives of the study. The questions were arrived at to establish a clear purpose for the research in relation to the chosen field.The issue of manageability was considered in formulating the questions. This relates to the researchers ability to ta ckle the scope and scale of the project. For instance, the ability to access people and documents from which to collect the data required to answer the questions fully and whether the data can be accessed within the limited time and resources available to me.b. the approach to data collectionThis study will adopt both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to collect data, through questionnaire survey and in-depth interview. The study will be in the beginning quantitative, while the qualitative aspect will complement it in order to increase understanding of the study, and to generate richer and deeper research findings. Both approaches will be concurrently undertaken. The research design therefore relies on a mixed-method approach to investigate the topic under study.The primary method of data collection will be through questionnaires. A Likert scale questionnaire survey will be the major instrument for quantitative data collection and the questions will be formulated based on the research objectives, as a means of exploring respondents views on the topic under study. Likert scale provides researchers a way of measuring the degree of agreement or disagreement of the respondents to a question. It is also very convenient for the respondents due to the non-ambiguous nature of the format of the questions. The research variable will be measured on a 5-point Likert scale, with a score of 1 representing strongly disagree, and a score of 5 representing strongly agree.A pre-test will be conducted with a convenience sample to check up on the clarity and validity of the questions. Respondents will also be asked to comment on any difficulties encountered in completing the ques

A Comprehensive And Complete Strategic Report On Airasia Marketing Essay

A Comprehensive And Complete Strategic Report On Airasia Marketing EssayThe report includes a detailed description of the social club and highlights the achievements and strategic decisions that the corporate has undertaken since its establishment in 1993.Further much(prenominal) the report depart drivel on a detailed Macro environs analysis to evaluate the external factors which may affect the keep company currently or in the future. afterwards analyzing the external factors and their impacts on the company, the report moves on to analyzing the companys micro environment. The comprehensive SWOT analysis also applied for understanding the companys current situation.The company occupies a inviolable position within Asian civil aviation, according to its successful low-spirited- embody clientele strategy model and financial resources.After great consideration and analyzing incompatible strategic options for the company, this report recommends two possible future strategies fo r AirAsia, which are aligned with its current cost leader strategy.2.0 IntroductionAirAsia was established in 1993 in Malaysia. It was in the first place founded by a government conglomerate DRB-HICOM Holding Berhad. On the second of December 2001, the heavily- indebted air duct was purchased by partners Dato Pahamin Rejab (former chairman of AirAsia), Dato Kamarudin Meranun, and Dato Aziz Bakar, Dato Sri Dr Tony Fernandes1.AirAsia began its operation as a inexpensive carrier with two planes (both ageing Boeing B737 aircraft), serving five destinations (Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Labuan, Langkawi and Penang) and a staff of 250.In 2003 the company commited a second hub at Senai world(a) airport near Singapore and launched its first inter subject field low-cost flight to Bangkok. Since then it started a Thai subsidiary and launched Low-cost flights to Singapore and Ind whizsia. In 2004 flights to Macau were launched and in following form, 2005 flights to China, Philippi nes, Vietnam and Cambodia been launched by the company.AirAsia now is one of the award winning and largest low-cost air hoses in the ASEAN which is expanding rapidly. It started with a simple goal that how to free air travel and guess it so affordable that now everyone can fly. AirAsia Group (including its Thai and Indonesian affiliates) now operates a authorise of 90 aircraft and flies to to a greater extent than 60 destinations from hubs in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.AirAsia operates more than 3,500 flights a week, colouring the blue skies over Asia a b sound red with their striking livery. The Group employs close to 7,500 staff and in its short-change history, has ferried more than 90 million passengers.AirAsia has become recognised as The ASEAN airline. It has achieved this by providing effective route connectivity and launching direct, unique and high-frequency flights linking ASEAN t haves and cities much(prenominal) as Kuala Lumpur- Vientiane, Kuala Lumpur-Bandun g, Phuket-Ho Chi Minh City and Bali-Bangkok.2.1 imaging statementTo be the largest low cost airline in Asia and serving the 3 billion people who are currently underserved with poor connectivity and high fares2.2.2 bang statementTo be the silk hat company to work for whereby employees are treated as part of a big family Create a globally know ASEAN brand to attain the lowest cost so that everyone can fly assert the highest quality product, embarking new(a) technology to reduce cost and enhance return levels3.2.3 Business StrategyThe foundation of the business has been set to deliver a no-frill, low cost, hassle-free and reliable flights and services to its passengers. The company believes in keeping costs consistently low which requires high efficiency and maintaining simplicity in every part of the business.http//www.airasia.com/iwov-resources/my/common/images/AirAsia/aboutus/strategy.gifsourceaurasia.com2.3.1 mainstay strategic implementationsSafety FirstHigh Aircraft util isation quick turnaround of 25 minutesLow Fare, No FrillsStreamlined Operations making the process as simple as possible, single aircraft fleetLean Distribution System bookless servicePoint to Point Network2.4 Highlights of the companyAccording to IATA in 2009 the traffic dropped 3.5% overall in aviation perseverance which included 5% decline in Europe, North the States and the Asia Pacific region. However in 2009 despite of global economic downturn and fear of A(H1N1) influenza pandemic, AirAisa managed to produce an astounding 148% increase in its core operating Profit to RM447 million4. The company ferried around 22 million passengers. It also succeeded in cause its Ancillary services by introducing new lines of the service. It expects deliveries of new Airbus A320 aircraft and the phasing out of its Boeing B737 aircraft in 2010.In amountition despite tight credit lines it was able to secure funding at competitive pricing for all its aircraft deliveries for 2009 and 20105.F ive years financial highlights(RM million, unless otherwise stated)For the year ended JuneFor the 6 months ended 31 DecemberFor the yearended 31 December20062007 Restated2007 Restated2008 RestatedRevenue1,0711,6031,0942,855Operating expenses9971,3418753,207Operating arrive at/(loss)74262219(352)Associates contributions(0.5)(3.9)Profit/(loss) before tax86278277(869)Tax116220149373Net profit/(loss)202498426(496)BALANCE SHEETDeposits, cash and bank balances426595425154Total assets2,5744,7796,4309,406Net debt6271,9593,2726,453Shareholders equity1,1481,6622,0991,606CASH FLOW STATEMENTSCash flow from operating activities282595256(416)Cash flow from spend activities(1,249)(1,943)(1,581)(2,602)Cash flow from financing activities1,0671,5091,1412,749Net Cash Flow100161(184)(269)CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE (%)Return on total assets7.810.46.6Return on shareholders equity17.630.020.3Return on capital employed4.27.24.1Operating profit margin6.916.320.0Net profit margin18.831.138.9CONSOL IDATED OPERATING STATISTICSPassengers carried5,719,4118,737,9395,197,56711,808,058Capacity7,378,07511,140,7646,621,27615,660,228 extend factor (%)78787875RPK (million)6,7029,8635,93014,439 hire (million)8,64612,3917,91919,217Aircraft utilisation (hours per day)12.012.011.911.8Average fare (RM)174171195204Revenue per ASK (sen)12.412.913.813.9Cost per ASK (sen)11.510.811.011.4Cost per ASK excluding fuel (sen)6.65.25.44.2Revenue per ASK (USc)3.353.654.064.22Cost per ASK (USc)3.123.063.253.49Cost per ASK excluding fuel (USc)1.791.461.601.27Number of stages48,33968,19538,50789,118Average stage length (km)1,1631,0881,1831,207Average fleet coat (Malaysia)20.527.131.636.6Size of fleet at year end (Malaysia)26343944Size of fleet at year end (Group)42546578Number of employees at year end2,2242,9243,4743,799Percentage sales via net profit (%)60656570 originairasia.com2.4.2 Ancillary functionThe company offers contrasting narkary services, such as AirAsia cargo, insurance, holiday packa ges and credit cards. Since 2010 it offers a non flight ticket booking service called AirAsia RedTix which offers ticket booking for concerts, musicals, theatres, sports and other events. It also offers some loyalty programs. Furthermore it is focusing on building its own sum chain for ancillary services to volunteer better pricing for its passengers. The company mainly use its website as a distribution channel to offer its services.The company achieved 34% ripening in its ancillary income in 2008 and it expect around 50% growth in 2010.2.5 Company descriptionIts subsidiaries are Crunchtime Culinary Services Sdn Bhd AA outside(a) Ltd, which is an investment holding company AirAsia Go Holiday Sdn Bhd, which is engaged in tour operating business AirAsia (Mauritius) exceptional, which is engaged in providing aircraft leasing facilities to Thai AirAsia Co. Ltd Indonesia AirAsia VietJet AirAsia AirAsia RedTix Airspace Communications Sdn Bhd AirAsia (B) Sdn Bhd AirAsia Corporate Services Limited Aras Sejagat Sdn Bhd, which is a special purpose vehicle for financing arrangements required by the Company, and Asia Air Limited, which is engaged in the provision and promotion of AirAsia Berhads in-flight food to the European food market6.2.6 AirAsia organizational structureThe following chart shows the corporate structure and principal operating companies for AirAsia.http//www.airasia.com/iwov-resources/my/common/images/AirAsia/aboutus/chart_organization.gifSource aiasia.com2.7AirAsia route NetworkOne of the key strengths for its business is to continuously expand its route network and the frequency of flights, which provides the advantage of more connectivity for the passengers.AirAsia operates from nine regional hubs. AirAsia flies to over 60 cities in 16 countries with 126 domestic and international routes7.When the company attempts to launch its low cost long draw play flights (AirAsiaX) most of the airlines assumed that such attempts will fail due to the more cost and complicity in long draw play flights. However the company were quiet successful since it has launched its long haul flights trope as AirAsiaX and has earned numerous application awards, including Asia Pacifics best New Airline in 2008 for its low cost long haul business model. Now there is huge market to expand its long haul flights to different countries. Currently AirAsiaX flies to China, India and Indonesia. The company uses the brand likening agreement which allows it to use the AirAsia brand and a shared services agreement which will benefit the company by sharing resources such as marketing team, distribution channel, cabin crew and pilots. The combined short-haul and long-haul networks feed each other.In the six short years since its inception, Thai AirAsia has become Thailands largest low cost carrier with a market share of 67.81% by passengers and of 67.80% by aircraft movement. It has ferried over 19 million passengers to motley destinations. In 2009 the c ompany expanded its rous in Thailand from 19 to 26 destinations.AirAsia now has two Airbus A320 aircraft based in Phuket, and achieved a load factor of 76% (79% domestic and 74% international)8.AirAsia currently operates four hubs in Indonesia. As the main hub, Jakarta connects Indonesian passengers to many cities across ASEAN.In 2009, it expanded its routes to Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Taiwan. The company key focus in 2010 is India. Apart from Tiruchipillai, the company has added Kolkata, Kochi and Trivandrum to their network. Furthermore the company will focus into six new India routes in 20109.2.8 Joint venture and strategic compact highlightsThe company business strategy is cantered on cost leadership, which is focused on price-sensitive guests on long-haul and short-haul flights. The company is mainly focused on joint venture alliance to expand its long-haul flights globally. As AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes said With joint purchase power it means that we can potencyly work with airline manufacturers on the right configuration and design of an aircraft specifically forAirAsia and that the best suits our operational needs for the future10Airaisa recently (09/04/2010) singed a strategic partnership agreement with VietJet Aviation Joint caudex Company. The company earlier had acquired a 30 percent equity stake in VietJet Air( Vietnam Airlines) which was the first step to lunch of a Vietnam-based, low-cost subsidiary. The trade name is VietJet AirAsia which will be operating both in domestic and international market. The governments of respective companies were fully supportive to the lunch of VietJet AirAsia which will be offering low fares to promote the travel and tourism in Vietnam and the rest of ASEAN region11.http//www.asianewsnet.net/home/images/space.gifAirAsia recently (06/01/2010) signed an airline alliance agreement with Australias Jetstar to pool recourses and expertise, procure new aircraft and revenue-sharing deals wh ich could lead to cost savings of $200m and $300m annually. The next step for the partners would be to look at joint venture on routes and other commercial activities including joint procurance of hotel inventory for holiday packages. Plans include saving on costs including aircraft purchasing, maintenance and design, since both airlines operate with similar fleets12.The Virgin Group became an investor inAirAsiaX to the song of a 16% stake. The majority stake with 48% is a Malaysian group that includes Fernandes, whileAirAsiaitself has 16% Japanese aircraft lessor Orix Corporation has 10% and Bahrains Manara Consortium has 10%. AirAsiaX began operations in late 2007 to Australias Gold Coast and now flies to three destinations in that country and two points in China, as wellhead as the UK. It is seeking more A340-300s for longer-haul routes and has 23 A330-300s on order.3.0External analysis3.1 PESTEL analysisPOLITICALECONOMICSOCIALPolitical uncertainly in Malaysia and ThailandIncr eased tightness between Malaysia and IndonesiaSevere Security Measures and RestrictionsTerrorism attacks mostly in Malaysia and ThailandIncrease in route charge by the GovernmentGovernment support for national carriersEstablishment of Climate Protection Charge, so the aviation industry has to compensate further taxes for carbon emission..Currency fluctuationGPD growth rateThe low-cost airline industry is in the growth rate of the life cycleHigh price ceiling of petroleum products and fuelsRecessionChanging economy leads to change in lifestyle which includes frequent flying for vacationsOperating in ASEAN with different cultures and languagesOperations increased in grey marketIncreasing PopulationRising in middle classTECHNOLOGICALENVIRONMENTALLEGALFuel efficient engines and air framesTeleconferencing for businessTechnology expansion in terms of internet salesOnline check inUse of technology for ancillary servicesWireless technology expansionUse of new Airbus A330-300Use of informat ion and intercourse Technology(ICT)Yield management transcriptionComputer reservation dodgingEnterprise resource planning systemStrict checks on Green house and global warming issues due to pressure from eco-friendly friends.Emission trading schemeEnergy consumption and noise pollution controlsLand for growing airportsNo food and drink service inside the flights so reduce leftover wasteRestrictions on mergersPreferential airport rights for some carriersASEN RegulationsHealth and safetyOther landing charges earningsPoliticalPolitical uncertainly in Indonesia and Thailand is not in Airasias favour as it operates mainly in both countries. Since 2006, Thailand has been facing many political issues. In April 2009, Red shirt protestors, who were angry that Thaksins government was forced out of office, caused the cancellation of ASEAN summit and their latest antigovernment protestors went on March 2010 which caused the closure of some airports in Thailand. Moreover as a result of grant ed exploration rights in oil rich waters off the coast of Borneo have increased tension between Malaysia and Indonesia13.As mentioned earlier, AirAisa offers long haul flights through strategic alliance with different airlines and willing to expand it further. The main political issue which the company may face in the future is the political relationships with the respective countries which may affect the operation of the company.EconomicFluctuating fuel prices It has increased turbulence in aviation industry. According to the International Energy Agency the world aviation fuel demand will grow through 2010 led by Asia14. This current technique of global supply chain incurs large-scale costs to AirAsia who is unable to secure low-cost fuel. This is not good for this no-frills airline ait wants to stay in the market as a low-cost airline and to deliver customers what they want without added costs.Malaysia GDP Growth Rate The Gross Domestic Product in Malaysia is in companys favour as GPD contract at an annual rate of 2.60 percent in the last quarter. Malaysia Gross Domestic Product is worth 192 billion dollars or 0.31% of the world economy, according to the ball Bank. Malaysia is a rapidly developing economy in Asia. Malaysia, a middle-income country, has transformed itself since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into an emerging multi-sector economy. The Government of Malaysia is continuing efforts to boost domestic demand to wean the economy off of its dependence on exports15.CountryInterest RateGrowth RateInflation Rate unwarrantedRateCurrent AccountExchange RateMalaysia2.75%-2.60%1.70%3.70%304493.1820Economic Forecast 2009 2010Malaysia GDP Growth RateSources ASEAN Finance and Macro-economic Surveillance Unit Database national statistical offices.SocialAirAsia operates in a region with diverse culture, language, origin and religion. As a result the company operates in a market where consumer preferences and demographics are different and uncontrol lable. Consumer behaviours are becoming increasingly difficult to predict as contemporary consumers tend to shift loyalties from one brand to some other due to price differences or even lack of basic consumer consistency. The competition in low-cost airlines within Asia region is increasing, giving consumers vast choices to choose an airline. Thus in order to fully utilise a market, bring repute, increase its consumer generated revenue and relate to the diverse consumer needs, AirAsia must completely understand the market.TechnologicalAirAsia uses the latest information and technology system which allows it to reduce its operating costs. The company has adopted variety of information technologies such as Yield management system, Computer reservation system (CRS), Enterprise vision Planning System (ERP). Furthermore the company operates with youngest fleet, Airbus 300-330 which again allows the company to operate more efficiently.EnvironmentalIn the Asia Pacific region, rapid econ omic and population growth creates serious social consequences from environmental problems ofglobal warming and air pollution. The air travel is constantly increasing in that region as consumers are more driven with better technology this has however increased issues related to global warming and green house effects. AirAsia is always expanding which spells disaster for the planet as more flights mean busier airports, bad sound quality for people living and working near the airports, more noise and air pollution. The company however says its airplanes are more efficient, quieter and thus have less environmental impact.CO2Emissions from MalaysiaTotal Fossil Fuel CO2 Emissions from Malaysia graphSource http//cdiac.ornl.gov/trends/emis/mys.htmlLegalAs mentioned earlier, AirAisa offers long haul flights through strategic alliance with different airlines and willing to expand it further through more partnerships all over the world. The main legal concern for the company is to sort out th e legal issues and obtain clearance from the respective countries. As AirAsia Group CEO Fernandes has said that the budget airline would fly to North America once it sorted out the legal issues and obtained clearance from the respective countries16. Also the company has signed sponsorship deals with different companies, such as its sponsorship deals with National Football Leagues (NFL) Oakland Raiders, which brings its own legal issues. Furthermore the company should pay more attention to health and safety regulations as well.Overall it can be said that the external environment (PESTEL) for AirAsia is relatively stable, however the companys biggest problem involves the legal obligations. It should try to keep the Legal environment as steady as possible. Furthermore the perception of consumer behaviour is another issue for the company and it should develop strategic tools to improve total consumer investment and sales performances.4.0 The industry environmentAirAsia is engaged in the civil aviation industry where it provides low fare, long haul, short haul, point-to-point scheduled passenger airline services. In 2009 AirAisa managed to produce an astounding 148% increase in its core operating Profit to RM447 million17. The company ferried around 22 million passengers. It also succeeded in driving its Ancillary services by introducing new lines of the service.4.1 Porter five forces mogul of the providerSupplier power is clean high. Airbus is AirAsias main aircraft supplier, which means they have high supplier power. Also the switching cost from one supplier to another one is high as it involves lots of hidden costs, e.g. retraining pilots and mechanics. Airports also plays a crucial role as suppliers, the charges for main airports are very high as they are dominant player in supply chain, but the secondary airports have lesser bargaining power.Power of the buyerBuyer power is moderately high due to no switching cost from one airline to other one and it can be e asily achieved. Also the easy access to the internet will allow customers to gain information on the prices which are charged by other airlines.RivalryRivalry power is in the companys favour. The low-cost operation of the company allows it to offer the cheapest price in the market. However there is a threat that, the profitability of LLC will attract full service airline to lunch its LLC version which will increase the degree of rivalry in the industry.Power of substituteFortunately, the geographic structure of Asia which is so vast and the large remoteness between countries has made the air travel the most efficient and convenient way to travel, which makes the power of substitution such as trains or ferries low to the company.Power of new entrantThe threat of new entrants is moderately in AirAsias favour at present. The high capital requirements to enter the market and high exit barricade prevent many entrants to the market. In addition, AirAsias current leading role and favoura ble brand awareness make it a first choice amongst the current competition. However, potential new entrants from full service carriers could be threats in the future and long term.Based on the industrial scanning, the demand for low-cost airlines in Asia is expanding. The profitability of LLC will attract full service airline to lunch its LLC version which will increase the degree of rivalry in the industry.However AirAsia is the market leader in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia and in order to overcome the future rivalry it should focus to add apprise to its services in order to keep its position in the market.4.2 value chainThe value chain logic is that every company occupies a position in the chain which is then passed downstream to the customer. Inbound Logistics is the start of the value chain which includes airport agreements, low cost suppliers and so on. AirAsia serves through secondary airports (significant savings) in various locations where it is able to get good contrac ts with the airport authorities. It even attempts to act discounted fees by delivering an annual increase in passenger traffic where practical. So it has good relations with its contractors, Airbus being its main supplier of aircrafts provides on-time delivery, gives discounts so it is able to maintain common fleet which reduces costs and saves time. It also does outsourcing in the form of its online web check-in for its passengers.Support activitiesFirm infrastructureFinanceAccountingQuality assumptionHR managementProviding recruitment and staff trainingProviding pilot trainingProviding Yield analyst trainingProviding In-flight trainingTechnologyAdopting information technology such as CRS, FSS, YMSbaggage tracking systemIn-flight systemProcurementTechnology acquisitionPrimary activitiesInbound logisticsAircraft purchasing or leasingAircraft fuel and parts purchasingLanding slot acquisitionFlight and crew schedulingOperationsTransporting passengersFlight schedulingCourier operatio nOn-board servicesOutbound logisticsProviding transportationBaggage claimingMarketing and salesAdvertising and promotion the most important activity to create more brand awareness.Direct salesSelected travel agentServicesCall centre system to tackle problems with customer enquiriesLost and found servicesAirAsias value network is a combination of players which comprises of its external network of its customers, stakeholders, complementors, open innovation networks, intermediaries and suppliers, and its internal network focusing on key activities, processes and relationships such as order fulfilment, innovation, customer support and so on. In order to add value it is necessary to position all parties in the value network business model so they can then deliver value to customer supply. Based on the information collected, value can be analyzed, and within this network a companys value share position can be determined.5.0 innate analysis5.1 Current strategic implementationsAirAsia has currently adopted information technologies strategically to integrate the operations and coordinate all the business and management functions. The followings are a couple of(prenominal) system implementations that AirAsia has done in its marketing and sales activities as well as operation activity in the value chain.Yield management systemComputer reservation system(CRS)Enterprise Resource Planning System(ERP)IT implementation and strategic alignment5.2 PositioningThe company has p

Gaussian Mixture Model

Gaussian Mixture ModelMany computer related vision technology, it is critical to identify pitiful ends from a sequence of pictorial matters frames. In order to achieve this, dry land minus is applied which primary(prenominal)(prenominal)ly identifies paltry objects from to each one portion of video frames. circumstance subtraction or segmentation is a widely utilize technique in video surveillance, target recognitions and banks. By development the Gaussian Mixture Model play down model, frame picture elements atomic number 18 deleted from the required video to achieve the desired results. The application of footing subtraction involves various factors which involve developing an algorithm which is able to divulge the required object robustly, it should also be able to react to various changes like illumination, starting and stopping of moving objects.Surveillance is the monitoring of the behaviour, activities or otherwise changing in coiffeion usu all(prenominal)y of p eople and often ina surreptitiousmanner. Video surveillance is commonly utilise for event maculation and human identification. But it is not plunder as think to detect the event or tracking the object. There are many techniques and papers introduced by many scientists for the backend process in the video surveillance. Different automated softwares are used for the analysis of the video footage. It tracks large body movements and objects.In this report we discuss the application of mixture of Gaussian (M.O.G) which is used as a background subtraction model in order to achieve object/target recognition this method involves calculation the recall and measure deviation of each pixel frame which will be discussed more in detailed as the report progresses.2. Background Subtraction (Literature Review)Figure 1 Background subtraction Flow Diagram 1According to 1, the supra figure shows the basic flow diagram on how background subtraction algorithm is based. The intravenous feeding i mportant blackguards described by 1 and which play an important role in background subtraction are described below and include2.1 Preprocess temporal role or spatial smoothing is used in the early pre processing stage to eliminate device noise which flock be a factor beneath several(predicate) light intensity. Smoothing technique also includes removing various other elements like environment such as rain and snow. In real- season systems, frame sizing and frame rate are commonly adopted to reduce the data processing rate. Another key factor in preprocessing technique is the data format used by the background subtraction model. Most algorithms give the bounce grapple luminance intensity which is one scalar encourage per each pixel. As shown in the examples below 2Figure 2 Image on the left shows snowing and image on the right is a resultant of smoothing effectIn the figure 2, shown are two images which shows snow on the left and whereas with the application of spatial and tem poral smoothing on right image results in the elimination of snow producing an more clear and effective image for background subtraction.2.2 Background ModelingThis tone of voice uses the new video frame in order to calculate and update the background model. The main aim of developing a background model is that it should be robust against environmental changes in the background, but sensitive enough to identify all moving objects of interest. 2.3 Foreground DetectionIn this step, it identifies the pixels in the frame. Foreground detection compares the video frame with the background model, and identify candidate highlight pixels from the frame. Commonly- used approach for cozy up detection is to check whether the pixel is significantly contrastive from the corresponding background estimate as show belowA different foreground detection scheme is normalised threshold based statistics as shown belowWhere, d and are the mean and standard deviation of the for all spatial locations (x, y).2.4 Data ValidationFinally, this step eliminated any pixels which are not connected to the image. It involves the process of improving the foreground mask based on the information obtained from the outside background model. Most background models lack three main points1. Ignoring any cor affinity between neighbouring pixels2. The rate of adaption may not match the moving speed of the foreground object.3. Non-stationary pixels, from moving leavers or shadow cast by moving objects are at multiplication mistaken for true foreground objects.3. Background ReadingThere are different types of background modelling which are as follows3.1 Simple Frame DifferenceFrame difference is considered the simplest form of background subtraction. The method involves the subtraction of previous pixel frame with current pixel frame and if the value obtained from this greater than a set threshold then it is considered as the foreground. Advantages Less complex The method can easily and quickly adapt t o changes Able to distinguish the background from foreground much affectively.Disadvantages Not Robust, object has to continuously move. Only applicable when with fixed camera. Fails to handle illumination changes.3.2 Moving Average Filtering Referring from 3, Moving Average trying is a method in which an estimate value of a particular background pixel value is weighted as average of the previous values. Pixels in the far part are weighted at Zero and the weights increase smoothly. 3.3 Online Gaussian ModelIn this method, we assume the background as a Gaussian distribution rather than a single value. To calculate Gaussian for 1-D is as follows4Where, x is the current pixel value, is the mean of each pixel and sigma is the standard deviation of the pixel.Finally, the following equations are used in online updated of Gaussian mean and varianceIn the above equations4(t) is the mean for each pixel where is the learning rate, t is the time of the previous pixel and x is the current p ixel value. 2(t) is the standard deviation of the each pixels.The foreground conclusiveness rule applied here is when the distance between each pixel value and Gaussian model is larger than a certain threshold, it is considered as the Foreground.3.3 GMM Gaussian Mixture ModelIn order to use GMM the following equations are consideredIn the above equations 4(t) is the mean for each pixel where is the learning rate, t is the time of the previous pixel and x is the current pixel value. 2(t) is the standard deviation of the each pixels.The description and implementation of GMM model will be discussed more in detail in the later part of the report3.4 Codebook based TechniqueIt is a method where a quantized and clustering technique is motivated by Kohonen to construct the background model from long observation sequences, without making any parameter assumptions. For each pixels, a codebook contains one or more codewords and mixed backgrounds can be modelled by using multiple codeword s. Samples at each pixel are clustered into the set of codewords based on a color deviance metric together with a brightness ratio. 44.0 Gaussian Mixture ModelIn this report we implement the Gaussian Mixture Model for background subtraction. This background subtraction model is more robust than other models discussed in previous section. Most importantly it can handle multi-modal situations e.g. trees and sky which is more effectively striveed by the GMM model.Each pixel value is modelled by a mixture of Gaussian rather than a particular type of distribution. Based on the variance of each of the Gaussian of the mixture, we determine which Gaussians may correspond to background colors. Pixel values that do not fix the background distributions are considered foreground until thither is a Gaussian that includes them with sufficient consistent evidence supporting it 5. This method is very adaptable with lighting changes, repetitive motions and slow moving objects.This method contains 2 main significant parameters -alpha, the learning constant and T, the proportion of the data that should be accounted for by the background The Gaussian mixture components for a pixel have normalized weights calculated from the previous(prenominal) observations. The likelihood that a pixel has a value of Xt is assumed to be 5The parameters of the mixture components are updates with the new frames. A retrieved pixel value is compared with all the components of the mixture assigned to that pixel to find out if there is a match. A match is said to happen when the retrieved pixel value is within 2.5 times standard deviation of a mixture component. The update procedure is different for the coordinated component and other components. The mean values and the covariance matrices are updated for only the matching component. The value formulas for the matching components areAnd the weights are updated with given formula 6In case there is not a match between the current pixel value and the mixture components related to that pixel .the component having the smallest likelihood with respect to the current pixel value is discarded. A new Gaussian component is created in place of the discarded one, having a mean value equal to the current pixel value, and a variance equal to a predetermined constant.To retrieve the foreground the following equation is used.Where, T is the threshold value for the sum of the weights.65.0 AlgorithmIn order to give a better understanding of the algorithm used for background subtraction the following steps were adopted to achieve the desired resultsFirstly, we compare each input pixels to the mean mu of the associated components. If the value of a pixel is near enough to a chosen components mean, then that component is considered as the matched component. In order to be a matched component, the difference between the pixel and mean essential be less than compared to the components standard deviation scaled by factor D in the algorithm.Second ly, update the Gaussian weight, mean and standard deviation (variance) to take a hop the new obtained pixel value. In relation to non-matched components the weights w decreases whereas the mean and standard deviation stay the same. It is dependent upon the learning component p in relation to how fast they change.Thirdly, here we identify which components are parts of the background model. To do this a threshold value is applied to the component weights w.Fourthly, in the final step we determine the foreground pixels. Here the pixels that are identified as foreground dont match with any components determined to be the background.6.0 Experimental ResultsFor better results, median filter was used where the main purpose was to filter out unconnected pixels from the large connected pixels (e.g. people, vehicles) so that it was easy to distinguish between the background and foreground. With median filter the value of the output signal pixel is determined by the median of the neighboring pixels instead of the mean. Median has a much smaller insensitivity compared with mean to fundamental values.The function used was medfilt2(A,m n).Figure 3 GMM Background Subtraction with high light intensityIn the above image, the picture on the right shows the output of background subtraction using the GMM model. There is still false blackball foreground detection which produces the disturbances in the image. Although it still shows the objects moving hence, making it suitable for object tracking. The reason for these disturbances can be narrowed down to illumination changes.Figure 4 GMM Background Subtraction with Low light intensityFor the above, a oblivious 30 second video was recorded where light intensity was moderate and the camera was still. It can be observed that the hand is visible and false negative detection is low which suggests that the model works robustly in low light intensities. From the above results, we can say that there are still improvements to be made in the algorithm mostly to work with illumination which increases the false negative background subtraction. 7.0 Further ImprovementsThe GMM model used in this paper could be further tweaked to provide better results in terms of zero disturbances/noises. The use of morphological filters could be implemented into the algorithm to reduce these unconnected pixels which were seen in the figures above and make it more robust in object tracking. The algorithm has the capabilities of further improvements to run large size videos and importantly the ability to process more frames per seconds using larger number of Gaussians in the mixture model. Apart from the above improvements, we further plan to research the model using PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) technique to study the processing rate of frame/second and observe the robustness of the algorithm in terms of disturbances/noise. There are possibilities of false positive results where background could be prize as foreground.8.0 ConclusionsIn this project we implemented a very strong and widely used background subtraction method according to the paper adaptive background mixture models for real-time tracking. This method is very adaptable for lighting changes and shadow removals. Also it finds the repetitive actions as well with the use of mixture of Gaussians. Alpha and T are the key parameters in this paper. The values of these parameters changes with the different cameras and different environment. So it is very important to get the best values for them to work with for different videos. Also we tried to improve the output quality by using some filtration methods like median filter. The guassain model is not perfect with the result since there are some disturbances after the modelling also. But there are many goodish post processing techniques are introduced and we referenced two of them. A new region Gaussian background model for video surveillance by Xun Cai and Long Jiang, and improve Post-Processing for GMM based Ada ptive Background Modeling by Deniz Turdu,Hakan Erdogan.But the 1st paper doesnt give any clear information about the techniques failed to explain the equations as well. Second paper introduces a very good technique and we couldnt able to get the result properly. But this assignment was very challenging for us and helped us to get a very good friendship about different background subtraction methods used in Video surveillance.9.0 References1 Robust techniques for background subtraction in urban traffic video Sen-Ching S. Cheung and Chandrika Kamath, 2006/072 Background Subtractions of Moving Objects https//computation.llnl.gov/casc/sapphire/background/background.html3 Page444, Computer vision A modern approach, David A. Forsyth4 Dr J. Zhang, CSC7006 Lecture 2 Slides, Queens University Belfast.5 Adaptive background mixture models for real-time tracking, Chris Stafer, W.E.L Grimson 6 Improved Post processing for GMM based adaptive background modelling by Deniz Turdu, Hakan Erdogan

The Character of Kent In King Lear :: William Shakespeare Plays Essays

The Character of Kent In King LearWhile reading Eva Turner Clarks analysis of King Lear, in her Hidden Allusions in Shakespeares Plays, I was struck by the polarity of our interpretation of this supreme drama. Where Clark finds historical and political allusions, especially for the years 1589-1590, I find personal ones. For King Lear is a drama of internal, personal tragedy. With this in mind I strongly disagree with her statement, I consider Kent represents Drake. (P. 869 n.) Therefore I sought another contemporary of Oxfords who would fulfill the characteristics and qualities of the Earl of Kent. In looking tor this prototype, I drew upon J. Thomas Looneys methodology. (See Shakespeare Identified, p. 80.) Simply stated my task was to examine the text of Lear, to draw from it a definite image of the character and qualities of the Earl of Kent, and accordingly look for a man who fits that description. Once such a man was found it was necessary to connect him with the character of Kent and with the author. Eventually I found that my conception of Kent had been accurately described by S.T. Coleridge, Kent is, perhaps, the nearest to perfect goodness in all Shakespeares characters, and yet the most individualized. There is an extraordinary charm in a bluntness, which is that only of a nobleman arising from a contempt of overtrained courtesy, and combined with easy placability where goodness of heart is apparent. His passionate affection for and fidelity to Lear act on our feelings in Lears own favor virtue itself, seems to be in company with him. (Complete Works of Samuel Coleridge, Vol. IV, edited by W.G.T. Shedd, Harper and Bros., New York 1884, pp. 138-39.) The first two requirements of Looneys blueprint had been completed. I had read and examined the text of Lear, and with the aid of Coleridge, I had out-lined the qualities of Kent. It was now necessary to find the man. He must be blunt moreover charming noble and courteous, but not overbearing in rank or slavish to authority. He must be loyal to his country, his monarch, and his friends. He must be someone congruous to lead men even nations. (It must be remembered that Kent is one of the triumvirate who, it is implied at the close of the play, will lead Englands destinies.) He must be someone who had won the highest respect and admiration of Oxford the man chosen to be old King Lears personal champion (and, in effect Oxfords also?

Fantasy in Theatre :: Fantasy Shakespeare Theatre Drama Essays

Fantasy in TheatreIn preperation for our performance on the above subject, we firstlylistened to several pieces of fantasy music as a guided visualisationin which we were asked to imagine going through different doors and to project what was behind them. This then inspired us to experimentwith diferent stylistic devices to include in our performance.We were given deuce pieces of text that was goin to be the scope for ourpiece of Drama, they wereA Midsummer Nights Dream - A play by William Shakespeare. Era wise,there were no problems with using this, as Shakespeare is timeless and lot be set in any period of history, including modern day. Thisparticular play is set in the dream like world of fairies. The Lord ofthe fairies, Oberon, has an argument with his lover, Titiania, over a new-made boy she has adopted after the death of her waiting woman. Oberonwants her to hand over the child to him, Titania refuses. Oberondecides to send Puck to fetch a magic flower, the succus of which,dropp ed into Titanias eyes will make her fall in love with the firstthing she sees in order to trick her. He hopes that this will distracther so he can take the boy.The Jabberwocky - This is a poem written by Lewis Carroll (fromThrough the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, 1872) It tellsof the defeat of a mythical monster. By reading the text, we can seethat it doesnt really make much sense, but we can make some sense ofthe words by their sounds.In our group, we started discussing our ideas then looked at the twotexts and fitted our ideas around them.In our performance, we decided to have good and wretched involved, we had2 dream get the hang and 4 other people. 2 of which were taken by the evildream master who gave them nightmares, the other 2 were taken by thegood dream master who fulfilled their fantasies. The 4 characters hadthere own dream, one cute everything they asked for, another preciousto be an Indian, another wanted to remain popular and successful atschool, and la stly the focal point was on the character who wanted tosee her Mother again because she passed away. We used the idea out ofA Midsummer Nights Dream where Titania was put asleep, in ourplay,we also took the idea of having 2 dream masters from thecharacters Oberon and Puck. The dream master puts the 4 characters tosleep using his powers.The first 3 characters have there dream or fantasy then the girl who