Can a machine have a conscience Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Can a machine have a conscience - Research Paper Example pic indicate that conscience is a complicate matter to be understood even in humans and hence cannot be replicated in machines no matter how intelligent they are or will be made to be. With the new technological innovations of this century that continue to shock even the inventors, there is possibility of them developing a machine that will have a conscience in the future. One of the best brain scientists in the world Christof Koch who works for the Allen Institute for Brain Science located in Seattle is very positive of having a breakthrough in the scientific and technological industry which will lead to development of a conscious machine. He believes that it is only a matter of organizing the machine to work like a mammalian brain and the results will be epic (Regalado 2014). The institute he is working in has dedicated millions of dollars in neuroscience research of the mammalian brain studying its neurons and synapses and trying to find out about consciousness through the Human Genome Project. He vouches for the integrated information theory which will be able to explain about consciousness in detail which would in turn lead to development of a machine with the same components, neurons and synapses to enable it have a conscience. According to the authors Tononi and Koch (2008), the concept of consciousness is as imperfect to understand and explain in detail as the law of physics and other sciences but it is there and can be explored further. If there is a theory to explain about consciousness no matter how complicated or vague it currently is, it means that there is hope that further research, development and expansion of the theory will lead to reproduction of machineries with inbuilt conscious and hence will act, think, feel and make decisions similarly to a human being. Detailed clinical study using sophisticated instruments have provided a basic understanding of the process of consciousness (Tononi and Koch 2008). These results are the basics of the

Five different sources of risk capital financing Research Paper

Five different sources of risk capital financing - Research Paper Example One of the most common sources of risk capital financing has been the angel investing. Most small companies that are starting have endeavored to in various online platforms with the aim of raising money. Ordinarily, an angel investor which involves equity finance uses their individual disposable finance to make their personal decision about making the investment. Normally shares are taken by the investor into the business in return for providing equity finance. This is with the aim of not only providing business with money to grow, but also bringing their experience and knowledge to help the company achieve success. This is the most significant source of investment in start up and early stage businesses in search of equity to grow the business and other investments. (Anonymous, 2010) Another source includes the venture capital. Normally venture capital aims at adding value in addition to the capital, towards the companies in which they invest. This reveals efforts of these investors to help the business grow and realize a greater return on the venture that has been undertaken. Ordinarily, venture capital is a type of equity financing that addresses the funding needs of entrepreneurs and companies that fails to seek capital from more traditional sources that includes public markets and banks. (SBA, 2012)This could be because of size, assets, and stage of development of the business. As discussed it can be noticed that angel investment differs significantly from venture capital finance that invests in businesses via managed funds that has been raised either through private or public money.Normaly,the venture entrepreneur director will invests the money on behalf of the fund. The capitalist should ensure that the investment is profitable and that it makes returns for the fund’s investors.Normaly,venture capital funds are more risk averse compared with angel investors’ and thus make fewer small investments in start

Electric Cars Are Going to Be the Future Essay Example for Free

Electric Cars Are Going to Be the Future Essay Nearly every household in America owns a gas powered vehicle, which pollutes our environment daily. Our society needs to consider furthering its knowledge and use of electric cars. Pollution of our environment must come to a halt in every situation possible in order to save the future of our atmosphere. I believe that the switch from gas-powered cars to electric cars is a very necessary and reasonable approach to save the environment. Several different car manufacturers have already began making efforts to adapt their vehicles to become more environmentally safe products. Although our country runs off oil and its proceeds, we can still attempt to make conversions that will lead to an overall positive impact on the United States. Making the switch to electric cars that run solely on renewable energy is a very wise economical and green decision. Our environment is long overdue for help in making it a better place for living in. The way we plan to make the environment better for living is by eliminating pollution altogether. The world annually emits approximately 8. 3 billion tons of carbon and about four billion tons will remain in the atmosphere for thousands of years. The switch to electric cars is an easy accomplishment because the technology is already at the tip of our hands. The United States will benefit a great deal after the switch from gasoline cars to electric cars is achieved. After learning the facts, the reasons are oblivious as to why electric cars are more efficient than hydrogen cars. The technology is already prepared for mass production. The negative environmental effects of production and driving the car are minimal. Manufacturers have already succeeded at innovating designs and specific features into the vehicles to assure the public’s satisfaction. With all of this in mind, it is vital to realize that the main goal of individual transportation is to enable people to get where they need to be when they need to be there. Ideally, there should be extremely limited environmental consequences when transporting in a perfect world, there would be none. Therefore, engineers and car manufacturers are not fixing the problem as a whole with their efforts to revolutionize automobiles, but every step forward counts. Instead of being content with the advancements, car manufacturers and engineers should continue to explore the world of environmentally safe opportunities to bring forward into the public eye. One of the most widely known alternatives to gasoline in America is hydrogen or biodiesel. Some might argue that hydrogen-powered or biodiesel-powered cars are more efficient than electric-powered cars, but they are not even close. Hydrogen cars are more expensive to fuel. The hydrogen car costs about three dollars per gallon, which totals around fifteen cents per mile, while the electric car pays in kilowatt-hours, which totals about two cents per mile. The average hydrogen car costs about one million dollars and the technology is just not there yet. It would cost excessively much to install hydrogen fueling stations and biodiesel pumps when it would be much easier and more reasonable to install a greater amount of electrical outlets across the world. Although, electric cars are more expensive to buy off the dealership lot they outperform the regular gasoline cars physically and economically. The electric car overall is cheaper to maintain, but unfortunately, after about ten years the lithium ion batteries start to drain out, but instead of buying a brand new car every so many years all you would have to do is replace the batteries. In the end, this will be a very good deal. The electric alternative technology is already here compared to other alternatives like ethanol, biodiesel, and hydrogen, yes, these are all great ideas, but the technology is just not readily available to us. Therefore, we should not even bother with these alternatives at all. Lastly, the gasoline cars that we use today waste power by constantly burning gas when the car is not in motion, whereas electric cars do not waste power when the car is not in motion.

Overview Of Wilmar International Limited Company Marketing Essay

Overview Of Wilmar International Limited Company Marketing Essay Wilmar International Type Public (SGX: F34, ASX:à ¿SGT) Industry Agribusiness Headquarters Singapore Key people Kuok Khoon Hong, Chairman Products Palm Oil Revenue $23.89 billion USD (March 2010) Operating income $1.88 billion USD (March 2010) Total assets 23.36 USD (March 2010) Total equity 30.31 USD (March 2010) Employees >80,000 Website Wilmar International Homepage Wilmar International Limited[1] founded in 1991, is today Asias leading agribusiness group. It ranks amongst the largest listed companies by market capitalisation on the Singapore Exchange (second largest as of Sep 2010)[2]. It is a Singapore-based investment holding company that provides management services to its 400+ subsidiary companies[3]. Wilmar International business activities include oil palm cultivation, edible oils refining, oilseeds crushing, consumer pack edible oils processing and merchandising, specialty fats, oleochemicals and biodiesel manufacturing, and grains processing and merchandising. Wilmars merchandising and processing segment encompass (1) merchandising of palm oil and laurics-related products; (2) operations of palm oil processing and refinery plants; (3) crushing, further processing and refining of a range of edible oils, oilseeds, grains and soyabean. Its consumer products segment has oil bottling business in Peoples Republic of China, Vietnam and Indonesia. Its plantation and palm oil mills segment engages in oil palm cultivation and milling. Other segment includes manufacturing and distribution of fertiliser and ship-chartering services. Another success of the company are become a largest global processor and merchandiser of palm and lauric oils; it has a largest plantation companies in Malaysia and Indonesia; one of the largest palm biodiesel manufacturer in the world; a leading consumer pack edible oils producer, oilseeds crusher, edible oils refiner, specialty fats and oleochemicals manufacturer in China, in India, one of the leading importers of edible oils into East Africa. These are news about its successes: Primarily in the core agricultural business, Wilmar has chalked up US$21.3 billion in revenue following increased sales volume in oilseeds and grains and consumer products as well as higher selling price of agricultural commodities. Under the deal, Wilmar is buying Malaysia-listed PPB OIl Palms Bhd, Kuok Oils Grains Pte Ltd and PGEO Group Sdn Bhd for 4.1 bln sgd in an all-share deal. Wilmar will issue to the Kuok Group 2.4 bln new shares at 1.71 sgd each as payment for the acquisitions, giving the Kuok Group a 31 pct stake in the merged entity. The stake of Wilmar Holdings Pte Ltd in Wilmar International will be diluted to 48.5 pct from 81.90 pct after the merger is completed. Separately, Wilmar International said it is buying the edible oil and grains businesses of Wilmar Holdings , including the interest of Archer Daniels Midland Asia Pacific in the said businesses, for 2.5 bln sgd. (http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2006/12/14/afx3254056.html 12.14.06, 5:28 AM ET) 2. CSR : Corporate Social Responsibilitties of the Company Like all the big and famous companies, they always focus on the responsibilities to the increasing demands of society for greater Corporate Responsibility, They are interesting in protect the environment, they participated into the Sustainable sourcing activities, and Community and Social Benefit, News from Businessweek.com/news / 2010, Wilmar International bought a CSR Ltd sugar unit: By Wendy Pugh and Luzi Ann Javier July 5 (Bloomberg) Wilmar International Ltd., the worlds largest palm oil trader, agreed to buy CSR Ltd.s sugar unit for A$1.75 billion ($1.5 billion), beating Chinas Bright Food Group Co.s bid for Australias biggest refiner. The offer includes A$1.35 billion in cash and A$403 million in assumed net debt, Singapore-based Wilmar said today in a statement. Sydney-based CSR is the worlds second-largest exporter of raw sugar and Australias No.1 producer of sugar- based ethanol and renewable energy generator from biomass. (http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-05/wilmar-to-pay-a-1-75-billion-for-csr-s-sugar-business.html ) In official website of the company, they wrote these as undertaking to the society : Our business activities have a direct impact on livelihoods and quality of living, both on our employees and our neighbouring communities. The nature of our business means that we sometimes operate in the most remote parts of developing countries. We have benefited much from these countries and we wish to do our bit for these countries too. We recognise our ability, and our responsibility to better the quality of living conditions of our neighbours, especially for the rural poor. Our approach is to ensure we bring meaningful and lasting benefits to the communities in areas where we operate, while we maintain the continual viability of our business. We reckon one of the best means to achieving this is to build open, honest and mutually beneficial relationships that promote harmony with them. To this end, we are committed to progressive socio-economic policies and programmes in the local communities and economies we operate in In a nutshell, we firmly believe that environmental conservation and economic prosperity through sustainable agriculture can work in practice. (http://www.wilmar-international.com/sustainability/community.htm on March 04, 2011) And how do they face to Climate changes? They said : Human pressure on the global climatic system is largely the result of economic and industrial activities that have increased the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases, associated with the greenhouse effect and subsequent global warming, are caused by the accumulation of mostly carbon dioxide and other gases such as methane and nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere. We monitor our GHG emissions and are constantly looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint in our plantation and industrial operations.à ¿ For example, our mills make use of biomass to generate electricity, including agricultural wastes such as empty fruit bunches, tree fronds from the plantations, by-products from mills like shells and mill fibre. à ¿This helps to cut down our consumption of fossil fuels, by reducing our dependence on electricity from the national and local grids, as well as diesel-fired plant generators. These biomass energy plants generate carbon-neutral electricity, and some are registered as Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects. Under the Kyoto Protocol, aà ¿protocolà ¿to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), industrialised countries (countries listed in Annex B) can fulfil their commitments to GHG reduction, by participating in project activities in developing countries, which are certified to reduce GHG emissions. (http://www.wilmar-international.com/sustainability/stewardship_climate.htm on March 6, 2011) The concept of High Conservation Value Forests (HCVF) is defined by the Forest Stewardship Council as having outstanding and critical importance due to its high environmental, socio-economic, biodiversity, or landscape values. For example, the forested areas may contain rare, threatened or endangered ecosystems, or the areas may provide basic services of nature in critical situations such as erosion control. The concept is conceived as a way of reconciling socio-economic progress with environmental protection. (http://www.wilmar-international.com/sustainability/stewardship_land.htm on March 6, 2011) Subtainability But while fulfilling these obligations, businesses are often caught in a trade-off between the desire for economic growth and the imperative to protect the natural environment and safeguard the interests of the population; from climate change and environmental degradation, to the imbalance between rising population and depleting resources, as well as the widening rich-poor divide. In our endeavour towards achieving business excellence, we have learned from others as well as from our own experience that sustainable development is the way forward. With this appreciation, striving for the right balance between growth and sustainability becomes our principal goal. Amidst the impoverished regions of the developing economies in which we operate, our presence has brought relief and stability to many who live on the poverty line. In our farming practices, we have also adopted a responsible plantation management approach that enables us to enhance natures biodiversity without compromising yields or plantation profitability. In a nutshell, we firmly believe that environmental conservation and economic prosperity through sustainable agriculture can work in practice. At the same time, we also recognise we can do much more to benefit the world with help and support from other stakeholders. This refers to engaging stakeholders through listening and addressing their concerns into our business decisions and actions, as well as forming strategic collaborations with them, where relevant. Indeed, palm oil production can enjoy longevity if operators subscribe to the same set of principles and adopt the same set of responsible best practices They take care the Employee Welfare also as : Training and development have always been an integral aspect of continual investment in our human capital, to enhance individual and organisation effectiveness. We work to ensure that every employee has an equal opportunity at career development. We also encourage our employees to take up overseas assignments or postings to further their learning. Health and safety are Wilmars top considerations concerning the employees. Wilmar pays careful consideration to the safety of our employees at the workplace, for our plantation operations all over the world. We conduct regular trainings and implement programmes to foster awareness of occupational health and safety risks. Additionally, we inculcate stringent health and safety policies, as well as practices amongst our staff in all our operations. With a significant portion of our employees based in the plantations, we take an extra interest in their welfare. This is reflected in a series of undertakings to support their work and livelihoods. We provide rice at subsidised rates for our employees. In areas where oil palm cultivation is not suitable, we have converted the flood-prone lands to paddy fields for rice cultivation. The produce is then sold to employees at subsidised rates ( http://www.wilmar-international.com/sustainability/community_welfare.htm on March 6, 2011) Just look at the company website, we might have not a overall view of all, from another source we find out more about this : SYDNEY/SINGAPORE (Reuters) Singapores Wilmar International Ltd (WLIL.SI) on Monday struck a surprise deal to buy Australian conglomerate CSR Ltds sugar business for A$1.75 billion ($1.47 billion), trumping Chinas Bright Food Group. By Michael Smith and Charmian Kokin SYDNEY/SINGAPORE | Mon Jul 5, 2010 3:17am BST (http://uk.reuters.com/article/2010/07/05/us-csr-idUKTRE66328B20100705) While other companies either struggled or sank during the economic downturn last year, Singapore-headquartered agribusiness group Wilmar International had a busy 2009, continuing its growth strategy of previous years and making two large oleochemical investments. (http://www.icis.com/Articles/2010/09/30/9397836/wilmar-boosts-growth-in-oleochemicals.html on 30 September 2010 18:49) Will Wilmar Hit The Property Jackpot? Despite this, a challenging operating environment, lower margins and a hike in various expenses have brought about a 30% fall in Wilmars bottomline. Nevertheless, Wilmar generated 4.9 times increase in cash flow from operating activities. Notably, Wilmar was able to maintain its proforma net gearing at a healthy level of 0.7 times as at 30 September 2010, despite a 46.7% jump in net loans and borrowings. These speak volumes about the strong financial position Wilmar is in. (http://www.sharesinv.com/articles/2011/01/17/will-wilmar-hit-the-property-jackpot/ 17 January 2011) Why could they face with the world crisis? They were undertaking to protect environment, protect human work right, they had good policies to expand to another countries like China, and India which is along with the globalization large champagne, so the company could be faced to world crisis in recent years. Another way, in the company website, they said : Our business strategy involves building an integrated business model which captures the entire value chain of the agricultural commodity processing business, from origination, processing and transportation to the branding, merchandising and distribution of a wide range of agricultural products. Our business model enjoys lower cost due to economies of scale, integration, logistical and distribution advantages, and superior market intelligence. (http://www.wilmar-international.com/business_index.htm on March 7,2011) I think this is the main key of the company which it makes them overcome the crisis, while the world is faced the big inflation. Due to lower cost, supply for big customers with large volume of quality goods, they keep on the success way to maintain the reputation and revenue of the company. This is its strategy over past few years, Significance: Wilmars latest investment is in line with its long-term processing strategy and may see the company reap benefits in the future from rising commodity prices as palm oil is one of Indonesias main export commodities. (Singapore Daily Bulletin 08/02/11) The Markets it has focused are China, India Market to exploit the potential factors of these land while these countries are on the way to develop: that is the large market, great number of labours, and good source of materials etc for its improvement. The Globalization Strategy of the company is that process. And they have success on this strategy rather quickly, from 2006 until now. 5. Vision, Mission, goals: As the above evidence, we found out that the vision of Wilmar OUR VISION To become the best, reliable, honorable oil palm plantation and put on the international level. OUR MISSION To manage healthy and innovative oil palm plantation and processing industry and to put priorities on quality and environmental sustainability through the implementation of Good Corporate Principles in ensuring the goals of all companies stakeholders. (http://recruitment-wip.com/ on March 7, 2011) And what are goals: that is bring the value things to life for stakeholders, customers, environment, society and so on. REFERENCE: WILMAR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (Company Registration Number: 199904785Z) (Incorporated in the Republic of Singapore) Page 1 of 3 NOTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 704(11) OF SGX-ST LISTING MANUAL List of persons, occupying managerial positions in the Issuer or any of its principal subsidiaries, who are related to a Director, CEO or Substantial Shareholder of the Issuer.

Origins of the Biblical Flood of Genesis and the Flood of Gilgamesh :: Epic Gilgamesh essays

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Flood stories have been a common thread in many religions across the globe. One of the stories we are most familiar with in our culture, the story of Noah’s Ark, is a well-known segment of the old testament, and an interesting story of how God punished the world for how corrupt it had become. God accomplished this by flooding the world, and annihilating all the creatures upon it, save for Noah and his family and a pair of each type of creature on the earth . This story, however, has roots deep in the past, some of which have only come to light with the development of new archeological techniques and technology. As more and more is found out about the era from when this story originates, discoveries are made as to the origin of the story, what tale it was based upon, and as to the authenticity that such an event may have actually even occurred, if on a somewhat smaller scale. Based on the information available at the present time, one can make fairly confid ent inferences as to the root of this story. One could argue that the story of Noah’s Ark was based on the Epic of Gilgamesh, and that in turn was based on older stories that were based on a real flood of the Black Sea. The story of Noah’s Ark was first written as part of the old testament by the Jewish people. However, it is predated by far by the story of the Epic of Gilgamesh, a story that originated in the same area that holds many striking similarities to the tale of Noah’s Ark. Though the story was modified to accommodate new characters, many properties of the story are similar, from small details like the creatures used as scouts to the religious purpose of the flood itself. For example, both the flood stories start with the characters receiving specific building instructions for a ship, which is to be used to spare the lives of one set of pairs of the creatures of the world. The dimensions of the ship underwent some drastic changes however, quite possibly because the dimensions of Gilgamesh’s boat were rather unreasonable: â€Å"Equal shall be her width and her length†¦Ã¢â‚¬  . Both Gilgamesh and Noah received 7 days notice, and after the flood ceased, both employ ed doves and ravens as scouts to determine if the land was dry yet (Gilgamesh also employed a swallow, but the results of its trip did not greatly differ from the first trip of the dove in Noah’s tale ). Origins of the Biblical Flood of Genesis and the Flood of Gilgamesh :: Epic Gilgamesh essays   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Flood stories have been a common thread in many religions across the globe. One of the stories we are most familiar with in our culture, the story of Noah’s Ark, is a well-known segment of the old testament, and an interesting story of how God punished the world for how corrupt it had become. God accomplished this by flooding the world, and annihilating all the creatures upon it, save for Noah and his family and a pair of each type of creature on the earth . This story, however, has roots deep in the past, some of which have only come to light with the development of new archeological techniques and technology. As more and more is found out about the era from when this story originates, discoveries are made as to the origin of the story, what tale it was based upon, and as to the authenticity that such an event may have actually even occurred, if on a somewhat smaller scale. Based on the information available at the present time, one can make fairly confid ent inferences as to the root of this story. One could argue that the story of Noah’s Ark was based on the Epic of Gilgamesh, and that in turn was based on older stories that were based on a real flood of the Black Sea. The story of Noah’s Ark was first written as part of the old testament by the Jewish people. However, it is predated by far by the story of the Epic of Gilgamesh, a story that originated in the same area that holds many striking similarities to the tale of Noah’s Ark. Though the story was modified to accommodate new characters, many properties of the story are similar, from small details like the creatures used as scouts to the religious purpose of the flood itself. For example, both the flood stories start with the characters receiving specific building instructions for a ship, which is to be used to spare the lives of one set of pairs of the creatures of the world. The dimensions of the ship underwent some drastic changes however, quite possibly because the dimensions of Gilgamesh’s boat were rather unreasonable: â€Å"Equal shall be her width and her length†¦Ã¢â‚¬  . Both Gilgamesh and Noah received 7 days notice, and after the flood ceased, both employ ed doves and ravens as scouts to determine if the land was dry yet (Gilgamesh also employed a swallow, but the results of its trip did not greatly differ from the first trip of the dove in Noah’s tale ).

Challenges Facing 5 Star Hotel Businesses Essay

The hotel industry contributes significantly to revenue generation through customs, license fees, value added tax, landing fees, and exercise duty. The revenue generated plays a significant role in the overall development of resident economy as well as the global economy. The hotel industry, under the umbrella of tourism and hospitality, has faced numerous challenges that have led to a stagnated growth. Most 5-star hotel businesses across the globe often shift their operation to restaurants that have potentially limited their growth. Most hoteliers have mentioned short comes in demand and supply that are not in sync. Likewise, the market for five-star hotels is growing at a slower rate that demands operational efficiencies to have a bigger share of the pie. As such, this paper discusses the challenges experienced by five-star hotels in this century based on current research validations. Description of a 5-Star Hotel and Rationale for the Choice The term five-star hotel is most often associated with ultimate luxury and by implication, expense. Five-star hotel groups are committed to displaying conduct through their behavior and actions. Hotels promote corporate citizenship through their strategic private-public partnerships. The significance of hotels is to reduce malnutrition, enhancing employment, promoting indigenous craftsmen and artisans. Five-star hotels present a unique scope and opportunity that enables the development of raw potential individuals to a skilled workforce, which according to Chandana, are immediately employable by the key players in the hotel sector (Chandana, 2013) Likewise, five-star hotels drive myriad community projects that emphasize on food production, housekeeping, kitchen management, spas, and customer service to promote economic empowerment for candidates from vulnerable social and economic backgrounds. The rationale for choosing the hotel sector is due to their capability and previous good re cord in global economic performance. However, the challenges facing the hotel sector are numerous and solutions are readily available. Likewise, the commitment of the hotel sector in economic development, creation of employment, food security campaigns, and environmental sustainability is significant for developing careers in the sector.Shortage of Qualified Employees According to a study conducted on the Romanian 5-star hotels, approximately 40 percent of the 5-star hotels are facing the shortage of qualified employees. Besides, Haidment (2007) predicts that within the next ten years, employee shortage in terms of talent in a five-star hotel would increase by 15 percent. As such, five-star hotels around the globe, according to him, will face challenging times from the human resource point of view. However, the problem is not the presence qualified and talented candidates to work for these hotels; rather it is the inability of these hotels to attract talented and qualified candidates for the hotel industry (Haidment, 2007). The deficit mainly refers to the specialized positions such as receptionist, cooks, pastry cooks, chambermaids, and waiters. The study further reveals that the number of vacancies in five-star hotels is continually increasing with 11, 000 jobs announced annually, according to data forecast by World Travel and Tourism Council (2 007). The causes of labor shortage in five-star hotels, Haidment (2007) explains, begin with the shrinking of the population due to emigration. Besides, the lack of national integration plan to and action plan to support the development of human capital in the hotel industry, 5-star hotels, in particular, partially explains the deficit of employees in 5 star hotels. Look more:Â  the basic economic problem essay Insufficient Employee Training and Development The current market for 5-star hotels is highly competitive and requires skillful workforce to remain successful in the competitive hotel sector game. Boella and Goss-Turner, (2005) indicates that one of the major obstacles that affect the workplace of 5-star hotels is the lack of employee training and development. According to him, employee training is an essential process that should be designed and implemented continually in any 5-star hotel as well as other firms. The significance of human resource department is to improve the attractiveness of the organization by providing the employees with skills, knowledge and attitudes that in turn improves their current job performance (Boella & Goss-Turner, 2005). However, five-star hotels have experienced limited development activities that have reduced the acquisition of new knowledge and skills for the purposes of employee career and personal growth. The current economic downturn has hit five star hotels with appalling impacts everywhere especially Europe and U.S. Thus, the productivity of the employees in the sector, according to Boella et al. (2005), has reduced in double digits further challenging the organizations in meeting their establishment goals. Insecurity Terrorism is a global problem affecting both the developed and developing countries. According to Chandana, (2013) terror groups that exist in many nations have led to a sharp economic downturn. In particular, the hotel industry is a sector that provides revenue for the government and employment to numerous people globally. However, the acts of terrorism have led to the closure of some 5-star hotels and numerous people rendered jobless. Chandana, (2013) notes that most five-star hotels, especially, in developing countries relies on visitors from abroad touring the nation. However, the threat due to terrorist and bandits in these countries has led to decrease in traveling and tourism activities. For instance, the recent terrorist activities and attacks by bandits in Kenya and Nigeria have seen some countries such as U.S warning their citizens to visit these countries at their own risk. Yet, these countries have five-star hotels that heavily bank on of foreign visitors that seek the se rvices of their facilities considered expensive for most of their citizens. Therefore, terrorist activities and bandit attacks, according to Lockyer (2007), provides a significant challenge to five-star hotels and the tourism sector at large. Also, bandits that reside within the countries have discouraged domestic tourism with the few potential visitors of 5-star hotels avoiding such places. Lockyer, (2007) further highlights that 5-star hotels attract terrorist activities as some of the agendas derived by the terrorists aim at seeking audience of the high class. Thus, the terrorists keep on storming 5-star hotels and kidnapping and killing people. In a nutshell, the resultant victim in this tussle is the five-star hotel investors that experience severe losses leading to closure in extreme scenarios. Competition Fierce competition among the 5-star hotels has recently underscored by the increased opening of more hotels across the globe. Currently, luxury hotels are build up to 180-story with numerous rooms and reduced charges. The cut-throat competition among the hoteliers has led to the withdrawal of some hotels and mergers. Lockyer, (2007) writes that hotels have experienced mergers and acquisitions to achieve competitive advantage in the market. Due to the decrease revenues, merger and acquisition among hotels are the key marketing strategy of sustaining a competitive market. As such, numerous hotels are forced into mergers and acquisition, thus shutting their individual objectives. Conclusion Five-star hotels around the world have documented numerous challenges over the past, according to research. The main challenges facing five-star hotels are competition, insecurity, and lack of competent employees. However, in order for five star hotels to survive the management must set most efficient strategic goals, identify the needs for implementing the goals, train employees and equip them with skills and knowledge required for job performance. Likewise, employee motivation to improve their skills is essential for curbing some challenges facing the hotel industry. References Boella, M. & Goss-Turner, S. (2005), Human Resources Management in the Hospitality Industry, London: Elsevier Chandana, C. J. (January 01, 2013). The Canadian hotel industry: innovative solutions to secure the industry’s future. Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 5, 2, 219-230. Haidment, F. (2007), Human Resources 2006-2007 – Annual Editions, London: Then McGraw – Hill Companies Lockyer, T. L. G. (2007). The international hotel industry: Sustainable management. New York: Haworth Hospitality & Tourism Press World Travel and Tourism Council (2007), Romania – Travel &Tourism Navigating the Path Ahead Source document

Child Development: My Virtual Child Essay

My Virtual Child has been a fun and interesting experience. In order to raise a child a person has to be patient, calm, and prepared for any situation. Raising a virtual child prepares and gives you tips for the real world. However, this essay will discuss and compare how my virtual child and I are similar by using specific examples while referring back to the child development concepts and research and also the similarities between my middle childhood and my child’s and how it relates to the topic of social relationships within the family. As I recall my middle adolescent years, I remember having small arguments with my mother over any and everything. The reason for this was because I believed I was able to think and do certain things on my own without anyone’s opinion. My middle adolescent years, when I was in middle school, was when I thought I was grown and becoming more independent and often disagreed with my caregivers. I would argue with my mother over clothes in the shopping mall, what chores I did and did not want to do, and about having a bedtime. I felt as if I had a say so since I was the person who thought of it or was going to do it, but at the end of the day my mom and I always got along. This example of me also has some things in common with my virtual child and his behavior. Beginning at the age of twelve and continuing occasionally until the age of fourteen my child began arguing with me and my partner. Similar to what I would argue with my mom about. He argued with me about issues such as bedtime, chores, curfew, clothing choices, music choices, and much more. At the age of twelve and fourteen my child was discovering his own identity and becoming independent behaviorally and emotionally (Cook & Cook, 2010). However, we still got along pretty well. These two examples of my virtual child and I are both related to the topic of teens developing autonomy and conflict with parents that’s discussed more in depth in Cook & Cook (2010). The two examples of my virtual child and I are similar because the both of us were in the process of developing autonomy. Autonomy is the ability to think and do things on your own, control actions, and take responsibility for your own behavior (Cook & Cook 2010). Teens typically argue with their parents over things that occur every day. This is normal and teens feel that they have the choice and option to do anything that they want. This is when conflicts occur because the development of autonomy is not fully developed. Arguing with a parent about rules depends on how the teen view the problem especially if the teen see it as being personal (Cook & Cook 2010). My child and I both saw it as a problem when rules were enforced about chores, bedtime, and clothing choices. These things are seen as personal to teens because it involves them. I wanted to wear what I chose to wear and not what my mom chose for me and this is related to my development of autonomy and the same goes for my virtual child. Dealing with teen-parent conflict is not as bad that it may seem. Parents and teens having conflict with one another have positive outcomes such as development in identity, understanding others views, and improved reasoning (Cook & Cook 2010). Although parents and teens have conflict does not mean they hate each other. They actually have close relationships depending on the parenting style, like my mom and I and my child and I. These conflicts usually end when someone gives in or drops the situation. My child and I relate in many ways when it comes to this topic about teens developing autonomy.