Advantages & Disadvantages of the Internet in Education Essay

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/info_8109434_advantages-disadvantages-internet-education.html Nearly every classroom in America’s schools can access the Internet, a number that grew from 35 percent in 1994, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Some teachers use the Internet with every assignment while others take a different approach. As with any education technique, classroom Internet usage comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Read more : http://www.ehow.com/info_8109434_advantages-disadvantages-internet-education.html Information A major advantage of the Internet is the ability to access all types of information from library resources all over the world, including magazines, books, newspapers and journal publications, instantaneously. This information increases the learning potential by providing students with the latest information. It also expands the resources of a smaller library tremendously. Students using search engines can find information quicker and more tailored to their specific needs. As a disadvantage, educators may consider this information overload. With all of the information available to students, they may find it difficult to choose which information is most important to a topic and also when to stop looking. In addition, the validity of Internet sources varies considerably from website to website, which means students can very easily acquire inaccurate or out-dated information online. Online Education An online education provides students with the convenience of going to class and completing assignments on their own timetable. Students can take classes from a college or university nowhere near their home and get an education experience not available to them locally. Students who travel with a job can take a class in a house, hotel room or coffee shop. Students save on housing, gas money and travel expenses. However, an online education means face-to-face instruction does not exist, nor does the ability to get instant  feedback on class assignments in many situations. They also can’t hear questions from other students (or ask questions themselves), which often can give clarification to a student struggling with the concepts of the material. Sponsored Links $0.01 Web Hosting Scalable, Secure Web Hosting. Try Our Award-Winning Service Now! www.hostgator.com/1Penny Virtual Field Trips An advantage of a classroom Internet connection allows students to take a virtual field trip without ever leaving their school building. Students studying the animals of Africa, the Great Wall of China or the Egyptian pyramids, for example, never have to get on a plane. For schools struggling with budgets and for schools in rural locations, going to an online museum or virtual zoo gives them a unique opportunity they might not otherwise have without Internet access. Disadvantages of this experience mean students can’t ask questions of the zookeeper or touch a snake at a zoo. They can’t take pictures or create memories with their classmates. For younger children, a field trip can teach them how to behave in public and respect adults; since virtual field trips don’t leave the classroom, they only learn to respect their teacher. Social Skills The Internet allows students to meet people from all over the world at the click of a button. Suddenly doing a tenth grade literature project on Irish literature with the help of students in Ireland makes the project more interesting and thus a huge advantage. Artists studying Italian architecture can email experts in Italy about the vast amount of artwork. While these opportunities provide great details and resources, they also can damage social skills. Students who reply primarily on the Internet for information and interaction don’t talk to people in person as much; rather they just email back and forth. This can make it hard to develop listening skills, especially when interviewing someone, or to acquire appropriate social skills for face-to-face interactions. Advantages and disadvantages of school children using the Internet for  research Introduction Discuss the Advantages and disadvantages of school children using the Internet for research Over the last decade computers have been used more than ever before. The emergence of the Internet during the 1990’s allowed educational research materials to be made available through websites. Many people now use the Internet as a primary source of information for their work however there are many sides to this argument and there are doubts whether this is advisable in all cases. There are both advantages and disadvantages of school children using the Internet for research purposes, these advantages are: * The fact that the Internet is an easy tool to use and, once the child has learnt how to use the web; they can use search engines to find almost anything. †¦read more. Middle * There is a great deal of software available to stop unwanted sites, viruses or ads coming up, so the child could be trusted to use the internet without being in danger as long as they bear in mind that privacy is important and as long as they do not disclose personal information over the web. * You can get Current, topical information, such as news from around the world as the Internet is constantly being updated. * Also, there are many sites, which help children to study through the use of different media such as online Learning. Disadvantages include the fact that:: * Anyone can publish a web page to support his or her own intents and purposes. †¦read more. Conclusion some relevant information * Not all information is on the Internet and so the subject that the particular student may be researching may have more to it than is shown. * There can be many people such as hackers etc. who are trying to access your computer whilst you are on a particular site. This is important to remember when using the Internet for anything. In conclusion, I would say that the Internet is very useful to schoolchildren (like myself) in terms of its research potential but one must be aware of its limitations and should follow sensible practise in using it safely and wisely. However certain points must be remembered to ensure that the research produced is true and realistic. †¦read more. The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our AS and A Level Internet section. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet Can you imagine a life without the internet? Hasn’t it revolutionized and eased up our life in many ways? Read on to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the internet. By Ashwini Ambekar | Wednesday, October 22, 2008 PRINT ARTICLE Modern life and business has become easier and the world markets have shrunk thanks to the immense contribution of the internet technology to communication and information sharing. However this internet technology was not created overnight. In its initial stages of creation it facilitated communication within certain specific network stations through a central mainframe method. Eventually internet operations wherein multiple networks could be connected together was made possible. From here on internet service providers that were privately owned allowed for expansion and use of this technology and it has had a tremendous impact all over the world. The Internet not only allows for ease in communication through email but also ensures easy availability of information, images, and products among other things. Every day the internet continues to provide a new facility, something new that is immensely convenient and that makes life easier for many people. However this internet like any other technology is also like a Pandora’s Box and contains some unwanted elements or disadvantages. Following are the advantages and disadvantages of the internet. Advantages of the Internet The internet has opened up new avenues for communication. Email facility has allowed people to communicate with minimum wastage of time. It is now possible to send a message to any part of the world through a simple email address and the message is delivered in a matter of seconds. This has allowed businesses to expand and communicate with their vendors and customers located all over the world in record time. Personal communication has also become easier thanks to email. Chat rooms, video conferencing are some of the latest additions in this technology and these have allowed people to chat in real time irrespective of the location of the parties involved. The intranet allows for people within an organization to easily communicate and share information. The greatest advantage of this phenomenal creation is that it is easy to understand and simple to use. Information has been made available easily because of this wonderful technology. Search engines, websites dedicated to different subjects and large amount of articles and papers are available for perusal in a matter of few seconds. Forums on a number of sites allow people to discuss and share their thoughts and information with others located at different places all over the world. Whether this information is about the latest news happenings in the world or information about your favorite celebrity, everything is available at your fingertips. A huge cache of data is available on the internet on every single subject. With this storehouse of information people can not only increase their knowledge bank but can do so without wasting their time through traditional means such as visiting libraries and conducting exhaustive research. This is particularly relevant for students who can use this wealth of information for their school projects and also to learn new things about the subjects they are interested in. In fact this internet is a boon for many schools and universities that are now able to assign projects and work to the students and follow their progress which can be easily posted on the school/ university int ernal websites. Online education has grown at a very fast pace since internet allows the development and use of innovative tools for imparting education. The internet has also revolutionized the entertainment industry. You no longer need to go to a cinema hall to watch your favorite movie. You now have companies offering their services wherein you can just download or order your favorite movie and watch it with a fast internet connection. Likewise you can download your favorite music or other important software in a matter of few minutes. There are a number of shareware programs that allow you to share and download your favorite music and videos.The internet also allows people from different cultures and backgrounds to connect with each other. Internet gaming is a huge business and allows enthusiastic gamers to compete against each other in games even when they are located far apart. Likewise dating has also  allowed people to find their prospective soul mates. Shopping has also got a complete makeover thanks to the contribution of the internet. You have many websites selling a variety of products of products online and one just needs to select or bid for the desired product and entire financial transactions can be conducted through the internet. E commerce has got a facelift because of the internet and entire global business deals can be conducted over the internet. Transfer of money is also no longer a time consuming job and with just a click of a button you can easily transfer funds to anyplace you wish. Some of these services of course come at a price. A variety of other services are also available through the internet including booking of tickets whether they are for traveling, hotel reservations or for your favorite movies. Medical support and guidance is also available through the internet and there are many websites catering to this and a horde of other services. Disadvantages of the Internet While the internet has made life easier for people in many ways it is also reflecting an uglier side to its existence through a number of problems that it has thrown up for its users. With a large amount of information freely available on the internet theft and misuse of this information is a likely possibility. Time and again you see cases of people using someone else’s information and research and passing it off as their own. Another problem or disadvantage of the internet is that it has allowed a great deal of anonymity to a large number of people who may access the different websites, forums and chat rooms available. This has allowed perverted individuals to at times take advantage of innocent people and abuse their trust. Since business dealings and financial transactions have become easier because of the internet another problem that has arisen is that people can now misuse your private information including financial details such as the credit card number. There have been cases of financial frauds and other problems that people have experienced following misuse of such sensitive information. Some unscrupulous individuals have been successful in creating viruses and links that once clicked can automatically transmit your personal email addresses and other details to certain parties and even your bank account details in some extreme cases. The case where funds are withdrawn or where sensitive data are obtained is called phishing. One of the biggest problems that the  internet has created is that of spamming. Spamming refers to the activity wherein unwanted emails and other links are sent in bulk to people. These emails may pertain to advertising or random bulk emails and these may contain viruses that may corrupt the system and even if they don’t cause any harm these can be plain annoying. The internet has also given birth to viruses that can wreck havoc in the system and cause a lot of damage. Many websites are notorious for sending adware, viruses and also other malicious software that can slow the computer and in some cases even harm it considerably. The internet is particularly attractive for a child since it has so much to offer in terms of entertainment. However pornography is a serious threat in today’s world and this can cause a lot of problems in terms of emotional and mental well being of the child. There are practically millions of pornographic sites and without supervision a child can easily fall into the trap of accessing such sites. Even though a number of informative sites are available there is also a darker side to the internet with the availability of a large number of other problematic sites that can cause serious effects on a child during these impressionable ages. Even though the internet has in many ways brought the world closer together it has in many other ways caused a lot of damage to relationships and growth of individuals. This is because the internet can have a huge addictive pull and people are at times known to surf the internet for up to 15 or 16 hours a day. Chat rooms and forums or other ways of interactivity cannot really replace real life socializing and if that takes place internet can be quite detrimental.

Mean temperatures are rising these may result in physiological and ecological effects on living organisms

Mean temperatures are rising – these may result in physiological and ecological effects on living organisms. Describe and explain these effects. Rising global temperatures, due to an increased concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, are likely to have enormous consequences on many, if not all, species. Although the effects may not be direct potential outcomes include: loss of habitat, reduced species diversity, disturbed food chains and weather cycles, denaturation of enzymes. One of the biggest potential issues of global warming is causing a rise to sea levels. Low-land countries and cities (e.g: Venice) are likely to become frequently flooded. This means the habitat changes and organisms whose niche is not specific to the new conditions are likely to either move away from these environments or die – this is most likely to happen to terrestrial animals. This is likely to have a massive consequence on both the ecology and the economy in that location. The loss of species could have wide-spread effects on food chains. Reduced food for some organisms means those lower on the trophic level will die out (the effects of rising sea water will affect smaller organisms the most!). Therefore, the numbers of top predators will also fall. In terms of the economy, many countries are famous for specific dishes or nature reserves. If the beauty of these nature reserves, or the availability of the animals for the specific dishes is affected this could significantly reduce the number of tourists to that country. Rising temperatures could have a more permanent effect on food webs world-wide. Most organisms are adapted to a specific niche and will be unable to adapt to changing environments. Organisms living in extreme environments will be affected most. The loss of their habitat could lead to species extinction. It is a known that if air currents above the sea are above 25oC (or thereabouts) then hurricanes and tornadoes are more likely to occur. These hurricanes and tornadoes could have devastating effects on the economy of many countries. Increasing global temperatures, however, can also affect the ability to grow crops in certain areas. Plants that require cold conditions could die out completely and plants requiring warm (but not hot) conditions will be able to be grown in countries not thought possible! Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses thrive at higher temperatures (they reproduce fastest at high temperatures). As global temperatures rise, the spread of disease is likely to increase. If the disease spreads to crops this is likely to adversely affect yield. Despite all this bad news, photosynthesis and respiratory rates are likely to increase due to increased activity of enzymes. This could result in an increased yield of crop which is a great bonus. These increased rates will be matched by faster diffusion and active transport rates. Thus plants will be able to take up the required nutrients and minerals more quickly, again increasing the yield! A major physiological effect will be on proteins. All proteins have an optimum temperature. As temperatures rise, ectothermic organism who are unable to control their core temperature, are the most likely to be affected first. Rising temperatures could cause Hydrogen bonds to break thus the tertiary structure of these proteins will change. These changes could render the proteins useless as they are no longer specific to their original needs. Thus organisms could have difficult in digestion (enzymes denatured), cell division (controlled by proteins) and hormonal control (hormones are proteins).

Bring Safe Drinking Water to the World Essay

Lack of clean water for drinking affect many people in every continent. Around one-fifth of the population in the world stays in areas of physical scarcity while five hundred million people are said to be approaching this situation. This problem is more serious in Africa than in any other continent. Lack of safe water for drinking is explored in the accompanying paper. In this paper, results of lack of clean drinking water in Africa is assessed more so in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper also explores the impact of water scarcity on stability of Africa and the World. It further evaluates how United Nations have helped solve the problem and ways in which developing countries can ensure they have adequate clean water. Lack of safe water for drinking is a one of the leading problem in the world. It has an impact on over 1.1 billion people all over the world. Safe drinking water is defined by World health Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund and Joint Monitoring Program for Water Supply and Sanitation as water that has microbial, physical and chemical characteristics that meet the guidelines of National standard on quality of drinking water (Campbell, Caldwell, Hopkins, Heaney, Wing, Wilson, et al. 2013). Lack of safe drinking water is looked through a population to water equation treated by hydrologists as 7,700 cubic meters per person. This is the threshold for meeting water requirement for every industrial, agricultural production and the environment. It is said that a threshold of less than 1,000 cubic meters of water represent water scarcity and below 500 cubic meters of water represent a state of absolute scarcity. Inadequate safe drinking water is a major challenge to many countries. It is a major problem for developing countries that are racing forward towards physical limits of expansion of fresh water, expanding urban settlement, commercialization of agriculture and industrial sectors. Fresh water is a crucial resource in development of Africa. It is said that Africa continent has a population of 800 million people. 405 of the total population in Africa lack access to safe drinking water. It is argued that half of people living in rural areas of safe drinking water. It is reported that Sub-Saharan Africa has more water stress than other parts of the world. Sub-Saharan Africa has a population of over 320 million people have no access to quality water. It is said to be the only region in the world that will not be able to meet the 2015 millennium development goal. In 2012, a Conference on ‘’Water Scarcity in Africa: issues and Challenges† was presented with information that by 2030, 255 million to 760 millions in Africa will be staying in areas with high water stress (Barone, 2008). Scarcity of safe drinking water has lead to poor heal in Sub-Saharan Africa. People in water deprived areas use unsafe water that causes spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, typhoid fever, malaria, trachoma, typhus and plague. Scarcity of safe water forces people to respond by storing water in their households. This further increases chances of water contamination and spread of malaria due to mosquitoes. Infected people with waterborne diseases reduce chances of community development and productivity due to lack of strength. Government resources are used to buy medicine for these people. This takes away funds meant for food supply, school fees and other development projects. It is estimated by Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council that treatment of diarrhea caused by water contamination in Sub-Saharan Africa takes away 12% of countries’ health budget. Government in the areas channels their energy and part of fund allocated for other expenditures to helping people affected by lack of water at the expense of other essential services like maintaining peace and security in the region. Human Development report suggests that use of water by human is mainly on agriculture and irrigation. In Sub-Saharan Africa, agricultural activities account from over 80% of the total water consumption. Majority of people in this region depend on agriculture. In rural areas, 90% of families rely on producing their own food hence water scarcity leads to loss of food security. Conflict arises in this region due to political interferences in irrigated land due to land tenure and ownership problems. Governments in this part of the world lack funds and skilled human resources that can support technology and infrastructure needed for good water management and crop irrigation. Scarcity of safe water makes people use waste water for irrigation. This makes a lot of people to eat food with disease causing organisms. Women in this part of the world are burdened by lack of clean water for drinking. They are the collectors, managers as well as guardian of water in domestic spheres which include household chores such as washing, child rearing and cooking. They spend a considerable amount of time fetching water (Dreibelbis, Winch, Leontsini, Hulland, Ram, Unicomb, et al., 2013). This causes a decrease in the time available for education. Their health is also at risk of skeletal damage caused by carrying heavy loads of water every day over long distances. Loss of potential school days and education prevents the next generation of women from holding professional employments. Access to safe water for drinking will make women in Sub-Saharan Africa increase time allocated to education which will make them take leadership positions. Scarcity of water makes many children in this region drop out of school to help in household chores which are made more intense by lack of water. Increase in population in Africa and lack of safe water for drinking has caused a lot of strain and conflict on relations between communities and between countries.It has been argued that Nile River is a source of conflict in nine countries. Water fro Nile River is the only source of sustaining life in both Sudan and Egypt. Egyptians use military force to make sure they retain control over Nile River because she has no other source of water. This conflict runs from the colonial era when England textile factories depended on Sudan and Egypt agricultural activities. After the colonial era, Egypt continued to create political instability in Ethiopia. It blocked international financing agencies from giving loans to Ethiopia in order to finance projects on the river. The conflict is now real because Ethiopia has now managed to carry out water projects on her own like building hydro-power dams and irrigation programs. Egypt has been reported to issue threats of war to Tanzania and Ethiopia. In 1970s, Egypt armed Somalia separatist rebels in Ethiopia in the Somali invasion. The nine involved states have had agreements and treaties in a bid to control conflict. However, treaties and agreements have resulted to inequitable rights of using water from Nile River between countries. An example is a treaty between Great Britain and Ethiopia, Emperor Menelik II, king of kings of Ethiopia. He agreed with the government of His Britannic Majesty not to construct or permit construction projects across Blue Nile, the Sobat and Lake Tana in 1902. In 1906, an agreement between Britain and Government of Independent state of Congo would not construct or permit any construction of projects over or near Semliki or Isango rivet that would reduce the amount of water entering Lake Albert. In 1925, conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia escalated because Ethiopia opposed earlier agreements (Dreibelbis et al., 2013). The League of Nations demanded Italy and British government give an explanation on sovereignty of Ethiopia on Lake Tana. The League of Nations did not help resolve the conflict because there was no self enforcing and reliable mechanism to protect the property rights of stakeholders which is necessary for international water development to be applied. Due to failure of United Nations to help solve the Nile basin conflict, nine riparian states formed a partnership called Nile Basin Initiative. Its mandate is to develop Nile River in a cooperative way, sharing social-economic benefits that promote regional security and peace. World Bank agreed to support the work of Nile Basin Initiative as a development partner as well as an administrator of multi donor Nile Basin Trust Fund. Disputes have also erupted in Niger River Basin. Disagreements and disputes in this basin are caused by limited access to safe drinking water. The disputes are between communities in Mali, Nigeria, and Niger. River flows and rainfall have reduced from 1970s leading to tension between two communities that live in the basin. The two communities are pastoralists and farmers. Pastoralists are forced by lack of water to travel farther with their herds. On the other hand, farmers expand their cropland to take care of increasing population. This reduces pathways that are available to herder and their livestock. Tension increased due to poor policy decisions. In Lokoga in Nigeria, government started dredging Niger River in early 2009 to increase commercial shipping (Huang, Jacangelo & Schwab, 2011). The government of Nigeria argued that dredging would help reduce flooding but late farmer suffered from floods in 2010. Farmers resulted to building homes and cultivating land away from the river leading to reduction in land available for grazing. This has facilitated conflict between the two communities greatly. New dams rose built by the government of Nigeria raised ecological issues that provoked hard negotiations over sharing of resources equitably in Niger Basin (Loftus, 2009). It was reported that Mali and Niger did not support construction of dams across the river. Navigation of the river was also constrained by the availability of large boats when water is deep enough. Climate change in Niger Basin has caused a high degree of variability in river flows, rainfall and temperature. The international community is doing little in helping the conflicting countries in the Niger Basin resolve the conflict. Scarcity of safe drinking water has also led to a lot of competition in Volta River basin. Volter River basin is said to be one of the poorest part in Africa continent and is shared by six West African states. People in the basin depend on agriculture as their means of livelihood. The population in West Africa is growing at the rate of 3% thus putting pressure on water resources and land. Burkina Faso is increasing agricultural development upstream using surface resources such as water (Okun, 1991). Water development in Burkina Faso has had a negative impact on Akosombo Dam which Ghana depends on for its energy supply. In 1998, low water level caused energy crisis in Ghana which ended up blaming Burkina Faso water project. Low water levels could have been caused by other factors such as unreliable rainfall variability. Peaceful conflict resolutions could be hindered in the future by insufficient communication between Ghana and Burkina Faso (Ram, Kelsey, Miarintsoa, Rakotomalala, Duns ton, & Quick, 2007). Ghana wants to create dams for power generation while Burkina Faso plans to use water for irrigation hence causing conflicts of interest. This conflict received international community recognition which formed a major inter-governmental program to enhance regional cooperation. Green cross water for peace project was put in place to ensure full and also active involvement of representatives of civil societies across the region in generation of basin’s agreement, management policies and principles. Developing countries can learn form developed countries on how to have adequate water supply and sanitation facilities, management of floods, pollution, management of rivers and large dams. Ram et al. (2007) argues that good governance can help address the lack of safe drinking water. He further argues that good governance is essential in procuring loans and aid for water projects form international organizations like world bank, International Monetary Fund, Africa Development bank and from developed countries like Britain, Germany, china, France, united Sates of America and Russia (Rosenberg, 2010). An example of a country that applied good governance to address water problem is South Africa. After Apartheid, the government of South Africa inherited huge problems of access to safe drinking water. It had a population of over 15 million people lacked access to clean water. The government managed to commit itself to high standards and investment subsidies to achieve its goal. From that time South Africa has made good progress to a point where it reached the universal access to improved water source in its urban centers. Similarly, the percentage of people in rural areas with access to clean water increased from sixty six percent to seventy nine percent from 1991 to 2010 (Loftus, 2009). Good governance will help government in developing countries partner with institutions that will help turn all underperforming utilities into good service providers. They would also benefit from the expertise in local, national and international sectors. Research has shown that it is difficult to change processes in water sectors. There has been friction between stakeholder and partners in determining priorities. This led to ambiguities in the role and responsibilities allocation resulting to the high cost of transaction. Just like in developed countries, good governance in developing countries will enable providers and policymakers are accountable to water users. This assists in improving services and enhancing consumer understanding the need for changes and the possible contribution of public private partnership (Ram et al., 2007). Great relationship with international financial institutions will enable developed countries have an adequate supply of safe water. World Bank is known to finance building of infrastructure such as funds to dig boreholes. It usually subsidizes the cost of infrastructure through inter-governmental transfers, donor projects and social development funds (Okun, 1991). Developing countries should consider the use of use Decentralized Mebran Filtration system. This technology provides safe drinking water that is clean. This system employs effective ways of removing surrogate bacteria and parasites from drinking water hat is responsible for contamination of water. This method is affordable to low income countries. Decentralized Mebran Filtration system is appropriate where central municipal water treatment is not possible. It aims to apply integrated bench scale and field scale approach in evaluating sustainability of Decentralized Mebran Filtration system in providing safe drinking water (Huang et al., 2011). Another possible solution is applying desalinization technology. This technology is said to filter salty water through membranes and removing salt through a process of electro dialysis and the reverse osmosis. The technology has worked in over one hundred and thirty countries in Middle East and in North Africa. With this technology, countries that are currently using it produce over six billion gallons of safe drinking water a day. Recycling and filtration should also be encouraged because the two methods are easy and cheap. Conserving water can also be achieved on a smaller scale beginning with improvement in homes (EMD, 2009). Developed countries should explore and exploit underground water. A country like Kenya and Namibia has discovered a 10,000 year old supply of water in underground aquifers. This underground water can satisfy the needs of Namibia for over four hundred years. Researchers argue that throughout Africa, there is twenty times more underground water than volume of surface water. The population of Africa is expected to increase to over two billion in 2050. This implies that countries need to explore other sources of water since traditional sources of fresh water are affected by changes in climate, lack of rainfall and rises in temperature that evaporate lakes and rivers. Other methods that developing countries should encourage their citizens to use include boiling water. It is an efficient method of water sterilization though boiling is costly in terms of fuel use. Another method is solar disinfection by use of ultraviolet radiation. This method is cheap and less damaging. It involves putting water in transparent plastic bottles and exposing it to sunlight for about forty eight hours. This technology cost people nothing by only plastic bottles full of water on corrugated metal roof. Low income countries should also start water projects like water dams and rain catchment systems. These methods are simple and inexpensive. A well close to a village or in a village ensures people do not walk long distances in search of water. It saves time hence making sure there is enough time allocated for other things like learning (Barone, 2008). Campbell et al. (2013) argues that integrated research can help countries achieve adequate supply of safe water for drinking. He attributes the lack of water to fear and inadequate reorganization by communities. He points out that global research can help solve the problem of water scarcity and proper sanitation. This implies that United Nations should put more effort in bringing solutions to water problems. African countries can achieve adequate supply of clean water if they invest in integrated research and funding. They should also put in place policies and infrastructures that attract foreign investments from developed countries such as United States of America, France, China and Russia. Lack of safe water for drinking is a global problem. It affects both developed countries as well as developing countries. United Nations should look for ways to deal with water scarcity and amicable ways of resolving political instabilities resulting from water stress. Developing countries should learn from developed countries on the most appropriate ways of providing clean water. They should maintain good governance and a good environment that can attract foreign investors as well as donors. Through collective effort from all stakeholders, the problem of water can be solved. References Barone, J. (2008). Better Water. Discovery, 29(5), 31-32. Campbell, R. L., Caldwell, D., Hopkins, B., Heaney, C. D., Wing, S., Wilson, S. M., et al. (2013). Integrating Research and Community Organizing to Address Water and Sanitation Concerns in a Community Bordering a Landfill. Journal of Environmental Health, 75(10), 48-50. Dreibelbis, R., Winch, P. J., Leontsini, E., Hulland, K. R., Ram, P. K., Unicomb, L., et al. (2013). The Integrated Behavioural Model for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene: a systematic review of behavioural models and a framework for designing and evaluating behaviour change interventions in infrastructure-restricted settings. BMC Public Health, 13(1), 1015. EMD Millipore (2013, September 23). EMD Millipore Donates $30,000 to Charity: Water in Recognition of World Water Week. Pharma Business Week, p. 22. Huang, H., Jacangelo, J. G., & Schwab, K. J. (2011). Decentralized Membrane Filtration System for Sustainable and Safe Drinking Water Supply in Low-Income Countries: Baseline Study. Journal of Environmental Engineering, 137(11), 981-989. Loftus, A. (2009). Rethinking Political Ecologies of Water. Third World Quarterly, 30(5), 953-968. Okun, D. A. (1991). A Water and Sanitation Strategy for the Developing World. Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development, 33(8), 16-43. Ram, P. K., Kelsey, E., Miarintsoa, R. R., Rakotomalala, O., Dunston, C., & Quick, R. E. (2007). Bringing Safe Water to Remote Populations: An Evaluation of a Portable Point-of-Use Intervention in Rural Madagascar. American Journal of Public Health, 97(3), 398-400. Rosenberg, T. (2010). The burden of thirst. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Magazine. Source document

Hitler's Death Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hitler's Death - Term Paper Example Speculations, arguments, doubts and questions arose regarding the validity of the death of the most famous dictator to date, Adolf Hitler. Different analysis were conducted and different results were obtained from these studies the issue still had been going on for a while until the skull fragment was displayed in Moscow a little over a decade ago. Although it may seem still a little vague to some today, it is no longer a question whether Hitler is dead or alive but just the truth behind his death. Considering his recorded condition before the 30th of April in 1945, he would unlikely survive a decade after that. So whether he escaped from the ruins of Berlin or not, he is, for the lack of better term, ‘dead’, by now. Some historians doubted Hitler’s death and suggested that the Nazis orchestrated propaganda to make the Fuehrer a hero. The US also doubted the dictator’s death and speculated the he may have escaped from Berlin in 1945 and did not take his own life. These doubts were caused by the unclear showcasing of facts and mismatching data in the past. These speculation and arguments just settled when the skull fragment with a hole caused by a gunshot was put on display in Moscow in 2000.

Is the information society a coherent concept Essay

Is the information society a coherent concept - Essay Example Virtually, there are no segments of human life which are unaffected by information. In political, social, and economic circles, information is vital. The growth of computer and internet related technologies increased the importance of information on human life. These technologies help human life in many ways at present. The term information society has gained popularity only in recent times, after the developments of computer and internet related technologies. An information society is one that makes the best possible use of ICTs. It is a society in which the quality of life, as well as prospects for social change and economic development, depend increasingly upon information and its exploitation. In such a society, living standards, patterns of work and leisure, the education system, and marketplace are all influenced by advances in information and knowledge (Ogbomo & Ogbomo, 2008, p.1). Life without computers or internet is unimaginable at present. Any problems occur to computers or internet may cause huge damages to human life. It should not be forgotten that humankind was under tremendous pressure when Y2K problem aroused early in the beginning of the twenty-first century. â€Å"Everyone has his or her more or less well formed opinion about the information society, the Internet and its influence on our everyday lives even if they have never used a computer or surfed the Internet†(Pinter, 2008, p.12). Even a layman understands the importance of computers, internet and information at present. Under such circumstances, the concept of information society should be considered as a coherent one. An information society can be built if the people and the government have the will to do so. A development oriented information society is a society in which everyone ‘can create, access, utilize and share information and knowledge, enabling individuals, communities and peoples to achieve their full potential in promoting their sustainable

The Potential Causes of Female Violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Potential Causes of Female Violence - Essay Example However, one can see that ‘Women are more likely to commit crimes now than in the past, although women who commit crimes are more likely to be arrested for nonviolent property crimes compared to male criminals whose crimes are more likely to involve violence’ (The White House). But an overview of some of the female offenders in America proves that there were women who engaged in violent crimes like men. One of such examples can be cited with Aileen Wuornos, a very notorious female serial killer and prostitute who took the life of seven men in Florida from 1989 to 1990 (Criminal Justice Degrees Guide, 2013). The way she committed the crimes are more aggressive than the male offenders and she won in her attempts to escape from trial till she commits the seventh murder. Analyzing the social factors that contributed her criminal behavior, one can see that Wuornos had a rocky upbringing that led her into prostitution at a young age. The improper guidance she received from the tender age itself had channelized her into criminal activities such as disorderly conduct, assault, armed robbery and theft. Considering the psychological reasons for her criminal behavior, it is evident that her social background is the main culprit. She committed all these crimes to make money in order to help support Tyria Moore, a hotel maid, to whom she had established an intimate relationship (Criminal Justice Degrees Guide, 2013). When Wuornos felt that her prostitution earnings are insufficient to help the maid she turned to criminal activities by robbing her customers and shooting them. Regarding the biological factors, one is sure that naturally a woman cannot overpower a man physically. Therefore, Wuornos engaged in sexual contact with her customers and after making them physically weak, she shot them to death. Among violent female offenders, 53% committed the offense while alone, and 40% were with others, all of whom were female (Greenfeld, L.A., Snell, T. L., 1999). The

Paper Assignment 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Paper Assignment 2 - Essay Example With that, their programming strategies in these countries are similar despite the clear cultural differences. There has been a lot of argument as to what difference transnational television brings when compared to the television programming strategies and dynamics that are portrayed in a majority of US based television networks which implement a localized multi-directional media flow (A localized multi-directional media flow is media programming that is customized and/ or localized to fit into the culture and dynamics of the country and/ or region in which it is showcased). It should be noted that localization of channels brings a cultural benefit which in turn increases the audience / viewer numbers in different regions. The article by Lustyik (2010) seeks to discover the difference between transnational and localized multi-directional media television networks. MTV is one of the most popular international television networks that are owned by Viacom International media networks. As such, it also has a large number of viewing audiences in a number of countries and/ or regions in the world. These include the likes of: Africa, Asia, Pacific, North America, South America and UK. The programming in these countries and/ or regions can be termed as multi-directional media - where programming in these different regions has been localized to suit the different cultures that are present in these specific regions. For example, MTV programming in Africa is different from that of Asia, UK and USA. A good example is that of South Africa. MTV South Africa has been optimally localized to showcase programming as well as presenting and advertising that are totally South African. As such, this option seeks attract a larger audience of South African viewers. Some of the localized programmes include the likes of: The Official African Chart and The Base Chart Show – both of which air different South

EC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

EC - Essay Example Allen gets the bonds. She reclaimed the safe back in the same condition that she had entrusted it to the agent plus the bonds signed on it. The fact that Barbara kept the bonds means that the safe was in a good condition than it was with the entrusted agent. The agent had sold the safe to neither Barbara nor any other person; Allen thus reserves all rights to the safe and its contents. Barbara was only keeping the safe for the agent and has no rights to the safe or its contents whatsoever. Although the discovery was not planned for, Barbara’s duty in the whole scenario was to keep the safe or sell it to any prospective buyer for the $100. She did not sell it; Allen who is legally the owner gets the safe and the bonds. Allen has claims to the bonds. This is because the safe had not been sold yet and she has a right to reclaim it and the bonds that come with it. Barbara discovered the crack on the safe with the bonds signed on it. Barbara though cannot claim the bonds since she refused to buy the old safe even after the discovery of the bonds. If she had bought the safe, she would then claim the bonds. The agent, on the other hand, was to fuel the purchase of the old safe. He never knew the bonds existed, nor did he have any rights to neither the safe nor the bonds signed on it (Clore, 164). Allen gets the bonds. She reclaimed the safe back in the same condition that she had entrusted it to the agent plus the bonds signed on it. The fact that Barbara kept the bonds means that the safe was in a good condition than it was with the entrusted agent. The agent had sold the safe to neither Barbara nor any other person; Allen thus reserves all rights to the safe and its contents. Barbara was only keeping the safe for the agent and has no rights to the safe or its contents whatsoever. Although the discovery was not planned for, Barbara’s duty in the whole scenario was to keep the safe or sell it to any prospective buyer for the $100. She did

Re-writing a Creative Writing piece Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Re-writing a Creative Writing piece - Essay Example She entered the postgraduate door and nodded to greet the porter who was still on the telephone but was courteous enough to nod back. After checking for mail she turned towards the library, her head full of the dreaming spires and grey skies of Oxford. The hushed atmosphere of the library was like a second home. Mohamed searched his usual furrow of bookshelves, selecting a complete works of Shakespeare, a very large English/Arabic dictionary and the post-colonial journal that he was currently working his way through. He went back to the table where he left his briefcase, passing by the section for women’s studies. The hours passed just like minutes and when the college clock struck eleven, Mohamed retired to the prayer room. As he passed by the common room on the way back, he saw Alice beaming and showing a glint in her blue eyes. â€Å"Yes, but it is our culture. Our women do not feel that it’s unfair. Besides, Islam allows us to have four wives at the most. Usually, we can afford only one. But our society is compassionate. Children are born into a loving home with all that they need. The men do not need to go astray because they always have a woman at home for, for†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Yes, of course. And there are things that I find hard to understand. Sometimes I just don’t get what men are all about. Strange, isn’t it? We both come from far places to seek knowledge in this ancient place.† As I reviewed the article, particularly the dialogue, while taking consideration of the feedbacks gathered, I realized that there was a tendency for the two characters to indeed sound like the other. This was expected if the writer does not put himself into each character’s distinct natures. This could also be the reason why a reader would think that the dialogue sounds too formal or scripted. Because of this, I had to make sure that the manners in which Mohamed and Alice would state

Understanding the principles and practises of assessment Essay Example for Free

Understanding the principles and practises of assessment Essay 1. Understand the principles and requirements of assessment. 1.1 Explain the functions of assessment in learning and development. An assessment has to be carried out to show that learning is taking place. The initial assessment will show me the learner’s knowledge, skills and capability in the hairdressing industry. The easiest and most effective way to show their understanding is by demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of the criteria that has been given. This can then help me and the learners to see if they have fully understood, and if not is should encourage the learner to ask questions. Sometimes a learner will need guidance to understand what exactly they have to learn, and if they are on track and how they can improve their skills/ techniques. For this to be effective it means that a thorough assessment will need to take place. Formative assessment is where a focus on monitoring the learner’s progress and response to instruction is taken place. This will allow me to observe the learners progress and then give feedback to the learner starting with positive first leading into the more negative feedback where I can then give information derived from the assessment to help improve the next time. Feedback is key and can be given in writing or oral. Learners can also do self assessments to reflect and monitor their progress. summative assessment take place at the end of an unit, this will help me find the right method for obtaining information about what has been learnt, and provides me with information about a students achievement of specific units. This can be done by getting the learner to create a project on a specified aspect of hairdressing e.g. colouring hair. This will then give me an understanding of the individual learner’s performance and understanding of the criteria that needs to be covered. Summative assessment is more formal and can be done through assessments, exams, professional discussion to confirm learn er’s achievement. 1.2 define the key concepts and principles of assessment Assessment is carried out to evaluate that learning has taken place. Assessment used as a progress of making judgements are important, as it helps me to measure where the learner is at, and also measures the attainment of knowledge and skills in the unit that is being assessed. It also helps me to ensure that learners are learning the right criteria.  Learners should know why they are being assessed and what they have to do to meet the assessment criteria. I should not assess the learner unless they are ready to be assessed. The validity of the learners work means that the work that is being produced is relevant to what is being assessed, and it meets the right criteria for the certain level. To ensure reliability of the learner, the work must remain consistent across all learners over a period of time. Evidence is key as it can determine the decision that is being made by me. Ensuring that the learner is doing the work and this it is kept up to date. The anticipated outcome of ass essment is that the learner will complete assessments of city and guild standards within the time frame given, with no assistance and show through answering questions so that they have full understanding of the subject. Evidence should be authentic, the only way I can gather authentic evidence is by observing, so I can witness the learner working. This work has to be produced solely by the learner. Sufficient work is important to ensure the work that is being assessed covers the requirements at that time. Benchmarking can help inform target setting for learners. If targets are not met the learners work will need evaluating so improvements can be implemented. Learners work needs to be current to ensure the learners are producing work that is relevant to the time of assessment. Work can be evaluated to inform current and future practise. Assessment has to remain fair, consistent and valid, to ensure all learners have equal and fair chance of receiving fair assessment. By following the awarding bodys criteria, when all judgements are made about a learner’s performance, it will ensure all assessment is marked to the same criteria to be fair with learners. My own interpretation and understanding of assessment requirements is important. It includes the transparency of making sure everyone who is involved in the assessment process clearly understands what is expected, and can see there is nothing untoward taking place. It is key that I am honest and open with the learners so they do not feel that they have achieved more than they have whilst under assessments. 1.3 explain the responsibilities of the assessor. My main role as an assessor will be to plan and carry out assessment according to the requirements of the qualification and specification of city and guilds. One of my responsibilities is to decide if an assignment having  been completed by the learner has reached the required standard, if it falls short of this then it is my responsibility to assist the learner in the understanding of the subject. To safeguard against standards failing my evaluation is then checked by and I.V, assessing both learner and myself. We both must maintain and improve the assessment process as they will then be assessed by an E.V. During planning my assessments for the learner it needs to be consistent and fair. I need to take into account individual needs of learners. An assessment could be an observation, test or questioning and when devising my own assessment I need to make sure it is at a level of achievements of that learner. There should always be a reason for my assessment, so then I can find out if the learner is ready to progress further. It is important I communicate with the learners so I can inspire and motivate them. I also need to provide feedback to the learners so that they can improve where needed. I should always remain professional and know my boundaries, not getting too friendly. Also I should be fair and ethical towards the learners with no favouritism. While carrying out assessments I need to make a right decision and be fair towards the learners.

Vodafone Analysis: Marketing Mix, SWOT and PESTLE

Vodafone Analysis: Marketing Mix, SWOT and PESTLE OBJECTIVES OF THE BRAND AUDITING To know the these days market scenario of Vodafone Cellular Services w.r.t. not only the Indian, on the other share extremely for the field wide Cellular Services. To know the Marketing-Mix of the Vodafone Services. To find elsewhere the customer response for the Vodafone Services. BACKGROUND OF THE CELLULAR Utility INDUSTRY In November of 2006, India reached 100 million GSM subscribers. This places it at 3rd, persist China and Russia, in national subscribers to GSM. All told, there are 140 million cellular subscribers in India. With a total population of 1.1 billion, this system that 12.7% of the population uses cell phones. Compare this to China, with 449 million subscribers and a population of 1.3 billion, with 34.5% saturation. Both countries have cellular concentrations in their major cities, with some spotty coverage in outskirt villages. If you contemplate at this graphic, youll see that the major cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai cause up about 20.7% of cellular usage. Not only does the native land have margin for growth, on the other artisan the governments rationale is to have 500 million subscribers by 2010. GSM will provide the course of action for this duration as will expansion of companies enjoy Texas Instruments. With that in meaning, finding an entrance into the Indian cellul ar market can be difficult. So, many of the companies have operations in other countries and are not a pure play. Hutchison Telecom Int Ltd (HTX) is a multinational society based in Hong Kong, whose Indian manner, Hutchison Essar, has an impressive 25% market knowledge in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. They extremely have an impressive presence in the smaller cities and more rural areas of India. Their business in India is just a parcel of the puzzle, as Hutchison Telecom has operations in a number of Asian markets. HTX isnt the meaning to enter into this market, as they are looking to sell off the Hutchison Essar division, for 14 billion USD. Maxis Communications BHD [5051.KU], U.S. private-equity kingdom Texas Pacific Quota [TPG.XX], Vodafone Plenty PLC (VOD), Indias Reliance Communications Ltd. [532712.BY], and Indias Essar Quota are among those interested in buying the native land. Whoever buys this division will ease from the strong market presence, GMS capability and duration practicable. A kingdom with a mini footprint in the cellular market is Mahanagar Ring Nigam Ltd (MTE), which trades in ADRs on the NYSE. Unfortunately, they have a petty market presence (2.3 million subscribers) and offer cellular servicing only in Delhi and Mumbai. Land-line call services bring in the majority of their revenue. Revenue from mobile services only brought in 10% of their revenue in the persist fiscal year. Between March and November, their cellular subscribers have grown 21%. The cellular market in India stands to facilitate their duty and if they can increase the scope of their internet services, the credible of that market will extremely facilitate them. COMPETITIVE Subject OF CELLULAR SERVICES IN INDIA Airtel is ranked number one in terms of building brand equity. Vodafone is ranked second in maintaining reliability, knowledge, esteem. The brisk competitor of Vodafone is Airtel followed by Sense, Tata, Reliance and BSNL. Brand equity can be managed by stressing on brand loyalty, creating brand responses .i.e. how customers respond to the brand marketing career, focusing on the customers personal impression and probation, by increasing brand quality .i.e. services that are been provided by Vodafone ,brand credibility .i.e. the kingdom should have a beneficial reputation in the minds of the customers. Airtel is in a superior way than Vodafone in terms of Brand Reputation bill. Vodafone is having highest Brand equity valuation in the Indian Cellular Services Industries. Airtel This kingdom was established in 1995 by Sunil Mittal as a Universal Limited Gathering, Airtel is the largest telecom overhaul provider in Indian telecom sector. With market capitalization of over Rs. 1,360 billion, Airtel has 31% of total market knowledge of GSM servicing providers. Providing GSM services in all the 23 circles, Airtel was the first private player in telecom sector to connect all states of India. Extremely, Airtel is the first mobile overhaul provider to introduce the generation prepaid services and electronic recharge systems. After establishing itself in the domestic market, Airtel is these days spreading its wings in US by providing its mobile overhaul under the reputation call home to the NRIs. Having achieved huge success in mobile services- postpaid and prepaid- Airtel has at once entered fixed-line telephony providing broadband services in 92 cities across India. The society has an optical fiber network of 35,016 km and a customer mould of 35,440,406 GSM mobile and 1,819,083 broadband subscribers. About Vodafone The society was formed in 1984 as a subsidiary of Racal Electronics. By 1991, it was a separate class, known by its present reputation, and with its first controlled overseas development in Malta. A combination of acquisitions and partnerships with other networks has made Vodafone the worlds largest mobile telecommunications society, with equity interests in 26 countries across five continents and partnerships in another 14. Vodafone is teaching itself quickly to have a deeply ingrained customer understanding in line to cause it nimble while developing the scale, scope, and potency of a large multinational. The focus on customer understanding and segmentation knowledge is highly salient to insure that Vodafone doesnt get sluggish and is able to deliver on customer needs rapidly. Vodafone is the worlds largest mobile telecommunications community, employing over 65,000 staff and with over 130 million customers. The business operates in 25countries worldwide across 5 continents 40 partn er network with200 million customer worldwide. Vodafone is a public limited convention with listings on the London and Virgin York stock exchanges. Global recognition of the Vodafone brand is growing as the gathering rolls elsewhere its identity into modern markets. On the other share, it retains limited names and imagery in markets where this is authentic to maintaining the trust of customers. To relieve promote its image worldwide, Vodafone uses leading sports stars from high profile global sports, including David Beckham and Michael Schumacher. Basically our objectives were to find elsewhere the behaviors of the consumers towards the Quality of the product. After the cost of the product. After the acceptable presentation of the product which includes the utility. If the consumer is after or comes for particular product and why, either by rationale of of effective advertisement on the media enjoy television or info papers or other means of advertisement. Vodafone Essar in India is a subsidiary of Vodafone quota commenced transaction in 1994 when its predecessor Hutchison telecom acquired cellular licenses for Mumbai. These days it has operations in 16 circles covering Indias mobile customer mould with 34.1 million customers. Vodafone Essar under hutch brand has named the most respected telecom society best mobile servicing in native land. They are most effective creative advertiser of the year. Vodafone has partner with Essar plenty as its principal joint venture partner for Indian market. Vodafone launched there brand across in India on 21st September 2007 Essar plenty has diversified Office Kingdom with governance in manufacturing as well as utility sector. Steel Force Potency Indication Shipping logistics Constructions Mission Statement We will be the communications leader in an increasingly connected area Vodafone Quota Plc is the worlds influential mobile telecommunications kingdom, with a significant presence in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the United States through the Companys subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures, associated undertakings and investments. The Groups mobile subsidiaries manipulate under the brand term Vodafone. In the United States the Groups associated undertaking operates as Verizon Wireless. During the persist two financial years, the Quota has extremely entered into arrangements with network operators in countries where the Parcel does not hold an equity stake. Under the terms of these Partner Network Agreements, the Quota and its partner networks co-operate in the development and marketing of global services under dual brand logos. At 31 December 2008, based on the registered customers of mobile telecommunications ventures in which it had ownership interests at that h our, the Plenty had 289 million customers, excluding paging customers, calculated on a proportionate target in accordance with the Companys percentage polity in these ventures. The Companys ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Interchange and the Companys American Depositary Shares (ADSs) are listed on the Virgin York Stock Interchange. The Gathering had a total market capitalization of on all sides of  £74 billion at 31 December 2008. Vodafone Portion Plc is a regular limited society incorporated in England under registered number 1833679. Its registered office is Vodafone Habitat, The Connection, Newbury, and Berkshire, RG14 2FN, England. Vodafone is the worlds largest provider of voice and string letter services to consumers and enterprise customers. The society employs about 66,000 community on all sides of the existence. The native land headquarter is situated in Berkshire, UK. Vodafone operates through single reportable business segment: servicing of communications services and products. At the speck of March 2007, the native land had 206 million customers worldwide. (Vodafone, 2007) VODAFONES STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES Revenue stimulation and cost reduction in Europe Innovate and deliver on our customers total memo needs Deliver strong activity in emerging markets Actively manage our portfolio to maximize returns Align capital structure and shareholder returns policy to strategy Key issues and problems Key issues and problems for Vodafone insert how the kingdom manages to coordinate its growth and to maintain its competitive servicing in the dramatically changing market area of the dynamic telecommunication sector. BRAND ELEMENTS OF VODAFONE VODAFONES BRAND MANTRA Vodafones internal brand mantra is simple and memorable. It stands for Prize, Reliability and Innovation. It is referred to throughout all business activities across the existence. BRAND Bill BRAND PERSONALITY OF VODAFONE A series of virgin corporate values and four desired brand personality traits for Vodafone were identified: Energetic Passionate Proactive Expert To instill the contemporary brand personality traits within the attitudes of employees at Vodafone, NKD chose a teaching pathway that involved hands-on experiential learning using a range of sensory techniques. At each learning interval, employees were immersed in a friendly, themed existence which exuded the virgin Vodafone brand personality. NKD focused on three core programmers to reinforce the modern kingdom branding. A series of live events called Winning Together was used to inspire the companys 400 retail employees and equip them with world-class sales skills. This has by target of become the induction program for all modern retail employees. All shop managers and limited area managers attended a two-day session called Salient Together, which provided leadership and governance skills designed to be applied back in the workplace. Staying Together was a live subject of key community processes, transforming them where necessary to reflect the modern retail promise, brand person ality and society culture. VODAFONES PERSONALITY CAMPAIGN Strengths Influential Consistent Integrated Weaknesses Not own able Not sustainable Vodafones brand essence is: Red: For the prize and spirit. Rock Solid: dependable and empathetic Restless: always challenging to improve and career funny. COMPETITIVE Utility The competitive utility of Vodafone Services was that, that it is equally strong as Mobil ink on the other share at an affordable bill. This function possesses some kind of uniqueness which the other brand does not possess. Which differences to promote Not all brand differences are salient or worth-while not every difference makes skilled differences are primary or worth-while not every difference practise a beneficial differentiator. Each difference has the feasible to draw up society costs as well as customer benefits .therefore; the kingdom must carefully appropriate the ways in which it will distinguish itself from competitors. A difference is valuation establishing to the extents that it satisfies the later criteria: Affordable: Our services are a unique in many aspects; one of them is the valuation. We have offered our comment services at low cost than the other services. We are able to do this by target of of the virgin technology, equipments, and accessories. The contemporary techniques relieve us to minimize the valuation in the tea production. Influential: The difference delivers a highly valued facilitate to target buyer. Superior: The difference is superior to other ways that customers might receive the same facilitate. Communicable: The difference is communicable and visible to buyers. Preemptive: Competitors cannot easily draw up the difference. Profitable: The product must provide a authentic advice to consumer. With a large market knowledge in Indias major cities and presence elsewhere of the cities, they will be able to capitalize on Indias cell call expansion. Hutchison has said that it will not select anything less than 14 billion and assorted think that the offers are creeping closer to 20 billion. Vodafone is a major player in this acquisition, on the other artisan they have some hurdles to overcome. Vodafone has levy forward a non-binding offer of 16.5 billion, on the other share Essar has a chance to match this, and with the backing of Reliance Communications, the ante could come close to 20 billion. Essar Groups these days 33% stake in the society gives them salient influence if Vodafone were to try to practise changes to the society post-acquisition. If Vodafone does really get Hutchison Essar, the knowledge valuation might drop pending the final purchase cost. I would wait and examine the outcome of this before making a move on Vodafone. If its shares drop when the offer is announ ced, I would pick them up. The street meaning Vodafone spent extremely all the more when it acquired Turkeys Telsim Mobil Telekomunikasyon, on the other share Vodafone quickly turned that native land on all sides of and it is in a all the more in a superior system position. Facing cellular saturation in the European market, Vodafone has found acceptable activity credible in emerging markets and acquiring Hutchison Essar would only strengthen its office as Indias cellular market begins to explode. VODAFONES MARKETING MIX -4PS A longer reputation marketing strategy is underpinned by careful planning and a successful marketing mix. The marketing mix is a combination of many features that can be represented by the four Ps. Product features and benefits of a skilled or utility Place where the acceptable or servicing can be bought Valuation the valuation of a acceptable or utility Promotion how customers are made aware of a skilled or overhaul. Product A product with many different features provides customers with opportunities to chat, play games, dispatch and appropriate pictures, moderate ring tones, select string about travel and sporting events, hire billing string and soon impression video clips and dispatch video messages. Vodafone live! Provides on-the-move string services. Place Vodafone UK operates over 300 of its own stores. It extremely sells through independent retailers e.g. Machine ring Warehouse. Customers are able to examine and practice products they are considering buying. Community are on labourer to ensure customers needs are matched with the correct product and to explain the different options available. Bill Vodafone wants to practise its services accessible to as assorted community as practicable: from the young, through apprentices and high powered business executives, to the more mature users. It offers various pricing structures to suit different customer groups. Monthly reward plans are available as well as prepay options. Call users can top up their telephone on dossier. Vodafone UK gives NECTAR reward points for every  £1 spent on calls, subject messages, picture messages and phone tones. Promotion Vodafone works with icons such as David Beckham to communicate its brand values. Above the list Advertising on TV, on billboards, in magazines and in other media outlets reaches large audiences and spreads the brand image and the comment extremely effectively. This is known as above the borderline promotion. Below the dossier Stores have special offers, promotions and speck of sale posters to attract those inside the stores to purchase. Vodafones stores, its products and its staff all project the brand image. Vodafone actively develops skilled regular relations by sending press releases to national newspapers and magazines to explain contemporary products and ideas. BRAND AND CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS Among all the Brand most powerful brands ranking is Ranked 9th globally. Vodafone has continued to focus on delivering a superior, consistent and differentiated customer participation through its brand and communications activities. A virgin Marketing Framework has been developed and implemented across the office, which includes a contemporary vision of expanding the Groups category from mobile only to total communications to be the communications leader in an increasingly connected existence. Brand and customer participation continues to implement Vodafones promise of helping customers cause the most of their interval. The brand utility has extremely developed a methodology to develop competitive limited market brand positioning, with limited brand positioning projects these days implemented in 12 markets. To enable the consistent practice of the Vodafone brand, a fix of guidelines has been developed in areas such as advertising, retail, online and merchandising, all including naked truth on how to cause the brand duty across every touch speck. By rationale of June 2006, eight markets have implemented the global retail base. In September 2007, Vodafone welcomed India with the Hutch is these days Vodafone campaign. The migration from Hutch to Vodafone was one of the fastest and most comprehensive brand transitions in the novel of the Plenty, with 400,000 multi brand outlets, over 350 Vodafone stores, over 1,000 petty stores, over 35 mobile stores and over 3,000 touch points reframed in two months, with 60% completed within 48 hours of the regulate. Vodafone regularly conducts Brand Health Tracking, which is designed to measure the brand performance against a number of key metrics and practise insights to facilitate the polity of the Vodafone brand across all Vodafone branded operating companies. This tracking has been in place by rationale of 2002 and provides continuous historical list against key metrics in all 19 Vodafone branded operating markets. Each operating society manages a interpret that complies with the standards and methodology fix by Vodafone Plenty Insights. An external accredited and inde pendent market trial aggregation provides global coordination of the methodology, reporting and subject. As a result of these activities the Vodafone brand is these days ranked number 11 in the Brand Top 100 global brands record, recently published in The Financial Times, with an estimated bill attributable to the brand of  £18.7 billion. For the 2008 financial year, Vodafone brand preference among its own users reached 81.9%, up 2.0 percentage points on the previous financial year, and a performance level that is 1.0 percentage speck higher than its closest competitors. In addition, the brand control among non-users of the brand has increased in the 2008 financial year to 33.5%, 1.8 percentage points above its market knowledge. STP Controversy Segmentation Mode Generation Overhaul usage Area of customer Duration of overhaul Geographical poser Targeting Vodafone is adopting a multi segment approach. They are offering a series of differentiated products to their respective market. Habitat calling cards for the family of those professionals who used to business abroad. Rs. 10 recharge for mini users. Cheap SMS facilities for youth. Facilities for circle users. Positioning -Where you go network follows you. Hutch as a brand always tried to connect with consumers in simple honest authentic transaction, while Vodafone is more young fun brand. So consumers will scrutinize a shift reflecting a more vibrant brand. The pug actor Irfan Khan will be retained for the brand promotion. They are talking about the exclusively of the network services they are offering to customers. Stores Mass media coverage Innovative distribution to reach customer Exclusive shops Hubs spoke Associate distributor Customer function Shop call centers Vans Relieve desk BRAND POSITIONING OF VODAFONE IN 1997-98 Brand Positioning of Vodafone currently VODAFONES POSITIONING OPPORTUNITY Differentiate the market using two vastness: service and consumer mindset. Telstra, as the traditional market leader, was perceived to have an audience comprising a conservative and older mindset. Its communications reinforced this perception. Optus with a servicing focus was increasingly becoming a conservative son of Telstra. BRAND EQUITY Probation OF VODAFONE Vodafone stands 9th position among all over the worlds brands in the terms of brand valuation. Points of Parity and Points of Difference of Vodafone Airtel Points of Parity Both the brands have same pricing strategies. Both the brands have same market segmentation. Points of Difference Target customers of Vodafone are middle troop citizens whereas Airtel targets the elite and up market aggregation citizens. Airtel positions itself as a lifestyle brand whereas Vodafone positions itself as habitual mans brand. SWOT Subject OF VODAFONE Strengths Diversified geographical portfolio with strong mobile telecommunications operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and to some amplitude the US Network infrastructure Influential presence in emerging markets such as India Weaknesses Slender focus of coercion of mobile on climate. Negative reimburse on assets (ROA) under perform key competitors liking ATT, BT Portion, Deutsche Telecom US business not nearly as strong as European/rest of the existence operations 80% of its duty is generated in Europe (see below for explanation) Opportunities Improve accessibility to wide range of customers Focus on cost reductions improving returns Majority stake in Hutchison Essar in India Probation and development of modern mobile technologies Threats Highly competitive market All the more lags extreme major competitors in the US Besides high penetration rates in key European markets European Union rule on cross-border cell telephone usage by customers Airtel is the biggest threat in India, it has maximum market participation in India. Meet the rising expectations of the brand loyal customers. PEST Examination Its an controversy of native land at broad macro level examines the kingdom under heading of political,  economic, social technological factors. Political- governmental legal issues affecting how gathering operates Edict Infrastructure Banning of telephone in trustworthy circumstances Health issues Economical Factors influencing the purchasing force of customer companies publish of capital. Valuation of 3G licenses Reward of telephone duration driven down. Worldwide recession. Third existence countries. Social Demographic cultural aspects of existence witch influence customer needs market bigness. Health subject. Demographic social trends. Picture phones. Mobile Etiquette. Saturation site. Technological Modernization innovativeness over a hour of generation influential to contemporary contemporary  technology. The cellular services has been started modern technologies enjoy following- 3G UMTS (2.5G) GPRS/WAP SMS/MMS The VRIO Framework Reward Rarity Imitability Aggregation Competitive implications Network infrastructure Yes No No Yes Competitive parity Diversified revenue base Yes Yes No Yes Temporary competitive utility Salient market position Yes Yes Yes Yes Sustained competitive function Network infrastructure One of Vodafones key technologies and wealth is the strong network infrastructure that supports its operations. To be able to provide mobile services, a strong network infrastructure is fundamental for the society. Vodafone operates 2G networks, through GSM networks, in all its mobile operating subsidiaries, offering its customers services such as voice, subject messaging and basic string services. All the networks application GPRS or 2.5G as well, which enables wireless access with mobile devices to list networks prize the internet. Vodafone extremely controls 3G networks offering its customers mobile broadband record access services allowing list download speeds of up to 384 kilobits per second. 2006 launched High Rapidity Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) technology shortens download times significantly with record transmission speeds of up to 3.6 megabits per second and makes the usage of mobile broadband services all the more more skilled for the customers. HSDPA is enabled in the existing 3G network with after software updates. (Vodafone, 2007) The strong network infrastructure is a primary resource and enables the native land to respond to the growing customer needs with high quality services these days and in the ultimate. This salient resource is not a rarity in the wireless telecommunication industry and therefore it cannot be costly for the competitors to imitate. Many of the worlds large mobile operators have the same access to the same technology as Vodafone and a governance over massive networks. Vodafone is extremely well organized to exploit the all-inclusive competitive practicable of the network infrastructure by providing the employees a productive and safe working nature with good-looking performance based incentives. This resource is an organizational compel and generates a competitive parity. Diversified revenue mould By acquisitions, stakes in companies, and partner networks Vodafone has strategically expanded its presence to consider the whole existence. The native land has equity interests in 25 countries. Vodafones partner network arrangements extend to a further 38 countries. (Vodafone, 2007) Vodafone has significant mobile operations in countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, E gypt, Kenya, South Africa, Australia and Contemporary Zealand. In 2007 the largest geographic region was Germany with a contribution of 17.1% to the total revenue, followed by UK 16.3%, Spain 14.1%, Italy 13.5%, and other Europe 13.5%. Arcor and Pacific contributed 9%, Middle East, Africa and Asia 8.2%, and Eastern Europe the rest 9% of the revenues. (Datamonitor, 2007) Vodafones global reach and geographically diversified revenue base is a leading resource for the native land. This primary resource helps the kingdom to compensate its risks and losses. As diversified as Vodafones revenue replica is it is a rarity within the wireless telecommunication industry. Vodafones strategy is to actively plain their portfolio by investing into markets that offer a strong limited position. With strict financial investment criteria Vodafone maximizes its and its shareholders returns. (Vodafone, 2007) Vodafones competitors would not face a bill disadvantage in trying to imitate this resource. It is more about the strategy that a society implements than about the financial resources. Vodafone is well organized to exploit the plentiful competitive feasible of this leading and infrequent resource. The Boards argument is to generate trustworthy that the companys employees are aware of Vodafones strategic goals and mutual obligations. This resource is an organizational vigour and distinctive potency and generates a temporary competitive utility. Influential market position Vodafone is the worlds primary mobile telecommunications society. Vodafone operates in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the US by subsidiary undertakings, associated undertakings and investments. In countries with significant operations Vodafones market shares are impressive; Germany 36%, Italy 33%, Spain 31%, UK 26%, South Africa 58%, US 25%, Egypt 48%, and Australia 18%. (Dossier monitor, 2007) A strong market share with the market leader position is an extremely influential and meagre resource which improves the companys brand image and gives it a solid foundation to enter contemporary credible markets. This resource is imperfectly imitable and the competitors would face a cost disadvantage in obtaining or developing it. Vodafones market leader position is based on the liking and effort of the companys employees. The society is well organized to plain effectively its employees to reach their all-inclusive practicable and benefiting themselves and the native land. This resource is an organizational coercion and sustainable distinctive potency and generates a sustained competitive overhaul. Porter Five Forces Of Vodafone Rivalry The threat of rivalry in this business is impacted by the low number of big firms in the market. There are a sporadic numbers of large firms worldwide that competes for the market share; this lowers the threat of rivalry. The firms that are in the profession on the other artisan are besides competitive and by rationale of of a relative slow market activity in this industry the firms fight over the market shares that are elsewhere there and that increase the threat. There is extremely a low level of switching costs to

Importance Of Employee Productivity

Importance Of Employee Productivity Abstract Employee productivity is very important for the success of the company in todays global competitive environment. Organizations now realized that key asset is the human capital. Employees get stress in the working environment and this slows down their productivity. There are different factors like poor air quality, open space, noise pollution, temperature, lighting, interior together effect the productivity of employees. The objective of the repot is to increase the productivity in the workplace with a particular focus on the design and interior of the office. The design of the office gives solution to all the elements which contribute in the slow productivity of employees. Environmentally responsible material and furnishings were selected to protect the health and well-being of both employees and global ecosystems. Introduction This is the era of globalization. The business environment in America is growing by giving tough competition to each other in all aspects (Marilyn, 2001). To stay in the market and deal with these changing trends, the organization or firms are focusing on internal operations like productivity, team work, and resources. They now realized that their key asset is human capital. Around 50% of North Americans work in offices, and a large percentage of these work in open-plan offices. Because people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, and much of it in their workplaces, the physical environment in offices should be carefully designed and managed. The physical conditions that tenant experience are important determinants of satisfaction, comfort, well-being, and effectiveness. Changes in modern business practices have considerably changed the way we work in the office (Kate Charles etal). When doing modern knowledge work, employees are required to analyze and integrate complex information , create new ideas, learn new skills continuously, and work in collaboration with colleagues. According to Marilyn (2001) the employees recognized their power and are now searching for new ways of giving their maximum productivity. Companies have come to realize the importance of comfort in the workplace environment in order to retain quality personnel, increase productivity, and maintain a competitive edge (Luparello, 2004). It is very important to increase comfort level of employees in order to increase profit for organization, firm and corporations. Another study was done by Ernesto (1997) in which he analyzed that on an individual level, most people experience some degree of stress in their daily lives and in their workplaces. To deal with this growing problem of work-related stress, employers must identify the specific sources of stress and take clear measures to address them (Allie, 1996). Good workplace design can make a big difference in staff satisfaction, attraction, motivation, and retention. It can also affect the level of knowledge and skills of workers, how innovative and creating they are, and how they respond to business and technological change. Poor workplace design, by contrast, is linked to lower business performance and higher level of stress experienced by employees (Amble, 2005). Vangen (1999) notes that the design of the workplace may be a significant driver in reducing employee stress. Consequently, by addressing such issues as poor acoustics, poor lighting, and poor indoor air quality, employers can go a long way towards reducing workplace stress. Karen (2004) during his research noticed that companies will look toward designs that will provide, open, technologically advanced, flexible, comfortable, and secure spaces-all the necessary components to attract and retain high caliber employees and maximize productivity. Welch (1996) focused on stress re duction issues. There are numerous, well-studied strategies that employers can apply, including anti-stress seating zones, ergonomic furniture, physical fitness centers (DiNubile Sherman, 1999). Knisley (2005) gave the idea that lighting level must be separated for individual workstation so they can perform better. However, it is important to note that this area of study is still in its relative infancy, and there is much research to be done on the subject (Beehr, 1998). An office building must have flexible and technologically advance working environment that are safe, healthy, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and accessible. It must be able to accommodate the specific space and equipment needs of the tenant. Special attention should be made to the selection of interior of the office. Karen (2004) during his research noticed that companies will look toward designs that will provide, open, technologically advanced, flexible, comfortable, and secure spaces-all the necessary comp onents to attract and retain high caliber employees and maximize productivity. Aims and Objectives The core objective of this repot is: To increase the productivity in the workplace with a particular focus on the office design. To explore interior design techniques that may reduce employee stress and enhance productivity while using environmentally responsible materials and furnishings Justification It is very important to understand the work place environment where workers are exposed to stress. Therefore, all the workers involved in the business are the major constituent of an organization. As the time passes workers gain experience and became more important tool of the organization. It is evident from different researches done in past that poor working environment is one of the cause of stress. It is very important to give them healthy work environment so they remain more useful for longer period. Office design has a direct correlation with high efficiency of workers. According to a report by the Rocky Mountain Institute in Boulder (Training, 1997), employees could do a much better job if employers paid attention to the work environment. Factors increasing workers productivity The following factors will reveal the way in which the physical, technological, and logical systems work together to promote work process and increase employee productivity while decreasing their stress: Open space and productivity Nowadays, there is a blurring of the hierarchy in the organization, and people are working in a more collaborative environment. Evidence abounds that a more open environment can facilitate team members contributions to productivity. Work spaces are designed to increase informal interaction, not just to save cost and space (Wah, 1998). One of the ways to enhance an open environment and increase interaction between employees is by using the cubicle, which was introduced in the 1970s. However, one problem with using a cubicle is that employees may feel some level of stress due to lack of privacy (Bencivenga, 1998). At the same time, the need for occasional privacy can be accommodated in a variety of ways: separate telephone rooms, conference rooms, and glass walls that can be shaded if necessary (Asirvatham, 1999). Indoor air quality In practical terms, poor air quality can make it harder to concentrate and work effectively leading to symptoms such as headaches, drowsiness or eye, nose or throat irritation. The indoor air quality is determined, to a large extent, by the buildings ventilation system. Researchers have recorded that approximately one third of all employee sick leaves are due to symptoms caused by poor air quality (Mendell et al, 1999). A single source of contamination, in the form of a contaminated carpet, was found to have a marked impact on the typing speed and error rate of occupants in an office building (Wargocki et al, 2002). Evidence indicates that, while the physical attributes of the workplace such as air quality and lighting can have an impact on the productivity of occupiers, it has been known for some time that what might be termed the psychosocial aspects of the working environment can also be significant contributors (or inhibitors) towards greater productivity. These aspects may relat e to the ability to interact with colleagues, the degree of social equity and community in the workplace and the provision of a stimulating visual environment. Access to windows and view, opportunities for interaction and control of ones immediate environment are some of the factors that contribute to improved workplace satisfaction. A substantial portion of the US population suffers from communicable respiratory illness, allergy, asthma symptoms, and symptoms of sick building syndrome. There is evidence that changes in the building design, operation, and maintenance can significantly reduce these illnesses. A decrease in these health problems would lead to lower health costs: a reduction in sick leave, and shorter periods of illness, which might increase work productivity. These benefits can be economically translated into billions of dollars (Fisk, 2000). Lighting Daylight provides important benefits to workers, including better visual acuity, a connection to nature, and enhanced productivity (Means, 2002). According to the Steelcase Workplace Index survey (released Dec. 1, 1999), 56% of the office workers responding said that poor lighting in the workplace caused them tired or watery eyes, while another 30% said it caused headaches Therefore, daylight was used throughout the office to promote productivity. In addition, a combination of indirect and direct electrical lighting was used to provide an even, glare-free ambiance, while task lighting was added to increase light levels for specific tasks (Steffy, 2002). Slater (1984) found that task lighting had the greatest impact on performance compared with down lighting and side lighting. The design of office environments must place emphasis on providing each occupant with access to natural light and views to the outside. Knisley (2005) found that in todays dynamic workplace, employees are shifti ng among a variety of tasks during a typical day. A high light level is needed for reading documents with small text, a medium light is more appropriate for meetings, and an even lower level is required for keyboard tasks on a computer. In addition, each employees personal light requirements may differ based on age, vision, or preference. The open office area would have pendant ambient lighting that would provide primarily indirect lighting but also some direct lighting to create an even, glare-free environment. In addition, task lighting will be added to each desk as needed. Lighting in conference rooms would be manually dimmable to provide light adjustment that supports different activities. Accent lighting will be installed to emphasize certain decorative features on the walls. In addition, daylight sensors would be installed to control electrical lighting level based on daylight contribution and thereby maximize efficiency. The following discusses some specific solutions for the lighting: In addition, a study conducted by the Commission for Architecture the Built Environment and the British Council for Offices found that even simple things such as good lighting and adequate daylight can reduce absenteeism by 15 per cent and increase productivity by between 2.8 per cent and 20 per cent (Amble, 2005). Windows have also been found to play an important role in employee stress. There is a relationship between lack of windows in the workplace and employees feelings of job dissatisfaction, depression, and tension. A view of natural elements such as trees, vegetation, plants, and foliage was found to buffer the negative impact of job stress (Leather Di Beals, 1998). Control noise levels. Cooper, Dewe, and ODriscoll (2001) suggest that poor noise conditions can have a severe impact on a workers physical health and psychological well-being.Unpredictable noise has been found to increase arousal levels but such noises also require more attention and cause distraction. Telephones ringing, doors banging, mobile phones ringing and coworkers shouting across the room could all be termed unpredictable noise, unless they occur with such frequency as to become the norm. Technical Connectivity Technology has become an indispensable tool for business and industry. Given that technology is driving a variety of changes in the organizational and architectural forms of office buildings. The design made must include easy access to this technology. Temperature It should not be too surprising to learn that performance levels of workers, whether in the office or factory environment, drop off when it gets too hot or too cold yet that is the finding of many research projects conducted over extended periods of time. In other words, there is an optimum temperature or band of temperatures to maximize performance. This is true particularly when considering the effects of temperature on physical performance although the link is less evident when considering effects on mental performance. To put it another way, the band of temperature that secures optimum mental performance is wider. Despite this finding, building management systems are typically operated to achieve a narrow spread of acceptable temperatures in the office environment. Wyon (1974) found that typewriting speeds were approximately 40-50% slower when temperatures rose from 200C to 240C. In a later study, Wyon et al (1979) concluded that certain office-based tasks can be improved by tem peratures up to 260C. Interestingly, when other tests were performed (assessing creativity, spelling, vocabulary and manual dexterity), the researchers found no material difference in performance as the temperature levels changed within a broad range. What the above research shows, if anything, is that the ideal temperature for a specific office-based activity may not be ideal for another activity or, occupiers are more resilient than is imagined and can cope adequately with a range of temperatures The vast majority of health research has focused on Building Related Illnesses (BRI) and the relationship to indoor air quality and the thermal environment. Occurrences of Building Related Illness can be very costly to an organization, especially when symptoms are associated with reduced work performance, absenteeism, or temporary abandonment of the building. Not surprisingly, one of the driving forces behind the sustainable design movement is the improvement of indoor air quality Use mobile furniture Adjustable and mobile furniture is a good option for growing businesses with limited space; you can easily reconfigure cubicles and workstations and rearrange your office to accommodate growth, partition departments, or separate equipment areas and other noisy parts of the office. Mobile furniture was selected to provide flexibility in accommodating team meetings and gatherings of different sizes and to adjust more easily to future changes (Sterk, 2005). The furniture should be extremely durable to avoid early replacement Relaxation, and exercise rooms An important component of stress management programs is relaxation centers that are analogous to fitness centers (Ernesto, 1997). The purpose of these facilities is to provide employees with an area, equipment, and qualified staff to encourage learning and practicing stress management and relaxation techniques. Special relaxation rooms are also mentioned by Stevens (2001). These rooms are totally enclosed and soundproof Therefore, the design strategy included support spaces such as meditation, exercise, and relaxation rooms. These rooms would provide employees with comfortable, stress-free venues to enhance creativity and productivity. The meditation room would have a view to the outside landscaping as suggested by Leather Di Beals (1998), who found that a view of natural elements such as trees, plants, and foliage could buffer the negative impact of job stress. Both the meditation and relaxation rooms would also be insulated and soundproof to limit noise distractions. Conclusion Based on the research cited in this study, it is clear that the stress levels, health, and productivity of people in their workplace can be greatly influenced by the environment and physical work space they occupy on a daily basis. It is important to continue to educate the business community regarding the direct benefits of providing an improved work environment. Good working environments can help employers recruit and retain well-qualified employees, and any improvements in the well-being of employees are in the best interests of the employers themselves. Before embarking on a design project, the designers must review the literature to identify the design theories and research that will guide design decisions (i.e. researchbased design). In this project there were two areas of interest: 1). reducing stress among employees and 2). Creating greater productivity for the company. Of equal importance is the need to educate the community about the benefits of using environmentally respon sible furnishing and finishing materials, which are now widely available. Increased use of these materials not only benefits the individuals in the workplace, it contributes to protection of global ecosystems. The research that supports this study suggests that a company that provides a well-designed work environment not only enhances the wellbeing of its employees but also increases productivity and may ultimately reduce its healthcare costs. Furthermore, it will set an example in the community as an environmentally responsible employer and member of that community. Recommendations An outcome of the research includes a series of recommendations targeted the designs of work place. Hire professional designers or engineers to ensure compliance with safety standards and codes. Provide designs in accordance with good practice as well as applicable building, fire, health codes and regulations. Conduct preliminary hazard analysis and design reviews to eliminate or mitigate hazards in work place. Provide engineering controls in place rather than rely on personal protective equipment or administrative work procedures to prevent mishaps. To reduce auditory distractions, put fax machines, copiers and other noisy office equipment in a separate area surrounded by cubicle walls Try to keep noisier employees, such as customer service representatives or salespeople who spend a lot of time on the phone, away from those who require quiet work spaces. Consider using panel systems, carpeting and ceiling tiles to absorb sound and provide privacy. During the planning stage, identify all necessary technological systems (e.g., voice/cable/data systems such as audio/visual systems, speaker systems, Internet access, Consider and accommodate for wireless technologies