Concepts in HR Managements

Concepts in HR Managements All around developed corporate system of an association grants to create arrangements and strategies that will help the association to develop in spite of the flimsiness of the monetary conditions or changes in the market. HR is a capacity in an association which gives the base to the corporate procedure of the association. Keeping up a legitimate arrangement with the organizations corporate methodology and human asset technique is vital for the execution of the association. Taking after parts assesses the arrangement of corporate procedure of Vodafone with the HR methodology which has been set up. a) Internal and outer condition in connection to the HR technique Vodafone is a gigantic association in the business and there are a few calculates the outside condition and also in the inward condition which posture difficulties to the human asset administration system embraced in the association. The opposition is getting solid in the business and this prompts detailing of powerful human asset techniques to enlist skilled individuals so as to face the opposition and be focused in the market. Interior condition of the HR technique ought to concentrate on preparing and advancement parts of the workers at Vodafone. Representative correspondence angle likewise should be record in the inner condition of the HR methodology inside the organization. Another angle which should be considered in the interior condition is representative strengthening. Representatives should be enabled in the association and it will help the association by delivering capable workforce which accomplishes the upper hand. b) Vertical and Horizontal joining of HRM Vertical and Horizontal joining are essential words in vital HR administration. These two combinations are measured as basic components in connection to the companys HR technique and the corporate procedure. Vodafone New Zealand has worried on both vertical and flat joining of the HR system. The system has been composed as an association wide approach and the applicable character has been conceded for the technique. The technique has planned understanding with the mission and goals of the organization and by executing the specific system the association hopes to take the most extreme of the workers by engaging them to do the right thing. c) Role of HRM for building up solid administration and hierarchical change HRM assumes a principle part in any association in making solid administration and starting hierarchical change HR procedure of the association is the hidden component of making pioneers in the association. Vodafones HRM is assuming a conclusive part during the time spent setting up solid initiative and encouraging authoritative change. The corporate culture has been allowed to encourage workers who show magnificent authority aptitudes and strategies of prizes contains on perceiving pioneers in the association and compensating them. Along these lines it can be inferred that Vodafone New Zealand Companys HRM assumes a noteworthy part during the time spent setting up administration and encouraging the change which prompts be aggressive in the market. As a conclusion, it is obvious that arrangement of the corporate technique is a fundamental assignment keeping in mind the end goal to upgrade the efficiency and execution of the association. Vodafone has coordinate the HR technique with the corporate procedure where giving careful consideration to its center business operation situations and the contenders. The HR technique has been incorporated vertically and on a level plane where it takes into account build up solid authority and hierarchical change in the organization. In this manner, Vodafone has accomplished a considerable measure through the arrangement of their corporate and HR systems. Address No 05 Adjust scorecard Adjust scorecard is a technique which give a 3600 assessment of a business association and it has been exhibited by Kalpan R.S and Norton D.P in the time of 1992. This approach has been measured as a main execution measure which gives a quick and finish perspective of the business association. Adjust scorecard approach will introduce the points of interest of monetary activities together with the operational activities on inside procedures of the association, consumer loyalty and the associations development and change exercises which execute as the drivers of future money related execution. Adjusted scorecard technique has been acknowledged, modified and connected by numerous business associations over the world since they have perceived this specific strategy as a conceivable supporter for the accomplishment of the association. The adjusted scorecard approach takes a gander at the vision and system of the association in four alternate points of view as takes after; Financial Customer Internal Business Processes Organizational Learning and Growth Vodafone has acknowledged this specific approach all together measure the viability of its HR methodology. Since the association is managing part of workers, it is indispensable to build up a sound procedure which is adjusted to the business targets and objectives of the association. In this manner key choices are being made by considering the points of view which has been presented in the adjusted scorecard approach which helps the association to accomplish the operational incredibleness. Best practice Best practice idea or the instrument in HRM grounded on an announcement that there are an arrangement of HRM practices which are being drilled generally since they are the best in any condition and will guide the association to achieve prevalent authoritative exhibitions. This apparatus wont consider the setting of the association works and best practices will be connected to the association. Vodafone has embraced a few thoughts of the prescribed procedures. Particular enlisting is one illustration which can be talked about in connection to the association. Association considers various calculates the course of enlisting a representative and guarantee the best worker is being contracted. Facilitate, association takes after a 3600 execution examination technique to assess the workers as led in many organizations on the planet. The correspondence procedure is additionally been dynamic since the association rouses the recommendations from the specialists in connection to the work that they perform. Contender Benchmarking Measuring execution of a business contrasted with the other association who are contending in the market convey more benefits to an association. It is vital to know for a firm their own particular measures and contrast it against others with recognize the position of the firm which it possesses contrasted with others in the market Benchmarking has been utilized as a strategy for measuring an associations execution against the execution of different firms. This will help an association to distinguish the accepted procedures and to take pertinent activities to enhance the associations own execution. Vodafone for this situation, likens it methodologies in HRM with the markers of the business and choices were made in light of the outcomes. Since Vodafone is a set up organization in New Zealand there are no significant players in the business. As of the perspective of the players, Vodafone is the lead in the business and contenders are contrasting themselves and this association. HRM. Other HR material HR measurements are being utilized by most business firms in New Zealand since HR measurements help business firms to make known qualities and shortcoming of an association. Thus, the association can comprehend the zones which they have to accentuation on in connection to creating sound methodologies of HRM. The measurements are indispensable for the association to recognize and asses the productivity of the procedures which have been executed. A few HR measurements have been perceived which can be utilized to dissect the methodologies of business association and a portion of the HR measurements utilized by the Vodafone as takes after; Vodafone utilizes the a few frameworks to assess the accomplishment and disappointments of the HR activities. HR measurements evaluates the cost of the procedures and taking after are the Vodafone has started in connection to its human asset advancement. Cost for each Hire Revenue created per Employee Absenteeism Rate of workers Turnover Cost Percentage of workers who leave for pay associated reasons The above instruments can be considered as helpful apparatuses for Vodafone during the time spent measuring the viability of the HR procedure for the association. The association can have a clearer picture through the appropriation of the considerable number of measures said above and do pertinent conformities in the HR methodologies to make the ideal yield for the association.

Strategy Implemented In Starwood Hotels And Resorts Tourism Essay

Strategy Implemented In Starwood Hotels And Resorts Tourism Essay To critically evaluate the strategy implemented in Starwood Hotels and Resorts in responding to the Environmental Concern: A Case Study of Element Hotel ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to critically evaluate the green initiatives implemented in Starwood Hotels and Resorts by introducing a green hotel chain, Element hotel. The author intend to assess to what extent the implemented strategies are all-encompassing in responding to environmental concern as one of major contemporary issue in todays hospitality industry. As the matter of fact that the global environment is severely affected by todays business, natural resources are predictably running out in next 50 years if no improvement is being made by all business. In the last decade, peoples awareness of environmental protection is significantly increasing. For instance, new emerging market of eco-conscious traveler and pressure from eco-ethic group act as the driven force to urge business companies rapidly launch environmental friendly program to support sustainability development. In this research, green initiatives implemented in Starwood Hotels and Resorts are critically examined basing on ISO 14001 model. The positivism philosophy with deductive approach will be adopted throughout the research. The author will critically review the literature related to environmental management. Secondary research will be used to investigate the green initiatives implemented in Starwood Hotels and Resorts with a case study focused on Element hotel, followed by a critical analyze on the strategies with application of ISO 14001 model. Last but not least, the author will assess to what extent the implemented strategies are all-encompassing in responding to environmental concern. The research has shown that Starwood Hotels and Resorts have successfully implemented comprehensive green initiatives by introducing a green hotel chain, Element hotel. The author suggests that further evaluation and improvement should be continuously carried out to strive be the leader in supporting sustainability development in hospitality industry. Moreover, the author advises that primary research should be carried out for future study in order to gain more generalized and specifically up-to-date result. TABLE OF CONTENTS _______________________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND INFORMATION Background of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Element Hotel NECESSITY TO RAISE THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY IN LONG RUN Increasing pressure from ethical consumers New emerging market, Eco conscious traveler The impact of environmental problem onto hospitality industry AIM AND OBJECTIVES Aim Objectives THE ISO 14001 MODEL Environmental Policy Planning Implementation and Operation Checking and Corrective Action Management Review Continual Improvement RESEARCH STRATEGY AND METHODOLOG Proposed Study Design Secondary Research Limitations 3.0 FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS 3.1 Environmental Policy 3.2 Planning 3.3 Implementation and Operation 3.4 Checking and Corrective Action 3.5 Management Review Continual Improvement CONCLUSION 5.0 REFERENCES 6.0 APPENDICES 1.0 INTRODUCTION __________________________________________________________________________ In the past few years, environmental issue has severely plagued hospitality industry (Pasiuk, 2006). The significant changes in global environment and climate definitely draw attention to all business. People start to think about how the mother earth can be saved from harm and the way to sustain hospitality industry. The popularity of eco-friendly hotel is closely related to the growing awareness of global warming (Guitierrez, 2008) and also the new emerging market segment Eco-traveler (Patterson, 2007). According to Forbes (2007, cited in Go Budget Travel, 2007), it stated that traveler with sense of eco-awareness is a new trends nowadays. Hence, many hotels and resorts make effort to launch wide variety of initiatives on green management (Enz, 2010). As a global leader in hospitality industry, Starwood Hotels and Resorts steps forward responding to the trend with action on building up its own culture of sustainability by introducing its innovation Eco-Friendly hotel chain called E lement (Starwood Hotels and Resorts, 2010). The purpose of this report is to critically evaluate how Starwood Hotels and Resorts in responding to environmental concern by introducing a green hotel chain, Element hotel. In order to achieve the purpose, the author first highlights Eco-traveler as one of the mainstream in hospitality industry and identify the importance of taking environmental concern as a corporate social responsibility. Furthermore, the author is then illustrates the theoretical framework of ISO 14001 model and critically evaluates its application to the strategies implemented in Starwood Hotels and Resorts in responding to the contemporary issue of environmental concern. Last but not least, a brief summary and recommendation will be provided. BACKGROUND INFORMATION __________________________________________________________________________ 1.1.1 Background of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Element Hotel Starwood Hotels and Resorts grow to be a hotel behemoth through every effort made by Mr. Barry Sternlicht (Starwood Hotels and Resorts, 2010). At the present time, Starwood is widely renowned as one of the luxury hotel chain worldwide. Starwoods fleet is currently owns and operates approximately 750 hotels under premium leading brands including Sheraton, Four Points, St. Regis, Westin, W brand, the luxury collection and notably its latest innovation product Element, in 80 countries over every continent (Starwood Hotels and Resorts, 2010). Element hotel is a green hotel chain newly launched by Starwood Hotels and Resorts by the year of 2008 (Starwood Hotels and Resorts, 2010a). The inspiration is induced by travelers eco-etiquette. According to Savage (2008, cited in Press Release, 2008), most of the traveler adopts green routine at home however only a few of them do the same at the hotel. In response, Element hotels take the lead in going green. Element is built green to reduce from the ground up, as the first major hotel brand pursue U.S. Building Councils LEED Certification for every property (Press Release, 2008a), depicting the importance of the environment in todays world. Element is committed to provide the guest with a no-compromise, eco-chic experience and also as an easy way responsible to be eco-friendly without sacrificing guest experience, in addition, the element philosophy is to satisfy guests needs with the environment in mind (Elements hotel, 2010). Nowadays, Starwood is recognized as the environmentally friendly luxury brand within the hospitality industry (Rockmael, 2007). With the recognition of its remarkable green initiatives, the author is intended to critically evaluate the strategy implemented in Starwood Hotels and Resorts in responding to environmental concern. Green initiatives undertaken by Starwood Hotels and Resorts will be further elaborated in details by focus on the case study of Element hotel. Necessity to raise the importance of sustainability in the long run __________________________________________________________________________ Increasing pressure from ethical consumers It is not surprising to find that a significant growing number of large-scale corporate are experiencing an exerting pressure from consumer activist groups requiring betterment on the performance of both social and environmental aspect. An elevating level of these issues are gradually becoming mainstream and the consumers are commonly raising question about the general performance in terms of ethical, social and environmental of the service and product they consume. More enlightened companies treat these prompting changes as a golden opportunity of embracing social and environmental concerns integrated into their operation (Gupta, M.C., 1995). 1.2.2 New emerging market segment, eco-conscious traveler According to the research conducted by Green Hotel Association (2007), about 43 millions travelers in the United States are concerned about environmental consciousness in the hospitality industry. Meanwhile, referring to the survey done by USA Travel Association (2008), 54 million peoples search for companies that are concerned with the protection of local environment and incline to book travel arrangement with these companies. Korman (2008, cited in Press Release, 2008: 2) also agree that Todays consumers including guests who stay with us, corporate customers who select hotel providers and the development community who build our hotels are increasingly demanding green options when they select hotel brands. At the present time, eco-awareness is very popular in travel trends (Harding, 2010). And Chemla (2007, cited in Vora, 2007:1) also argued that now upscale travelers want to do whatever they can to be eco-conscious. The characteristics of eco-conscious traveler (refer to Appendix 1) can be concluded as lack of knowledge about environmental issue, however, they are keen to learn. Element hotel is tailor-made for eco conscious traveler, as Savage (2008: 1) stated that We know our guests want to be eco conscious, it is our job to make it easy for them. Eco-conscious traveler is defined as a person who yearns for making positive contribution while travelling with the companies that sustain development on environmental practices (Eco media group, 2010). With the emerging segment of eco-conscious traveler, in response many hotels and resorts started to launch green management program to emphasize their concern in environmental sustainability. Green initiatives are implemented into the hotel s operation to maintain brand image (Grant, 2007), reputation and remain competitive in the marketplace (Schulz, 2009). As Ryan (2006 :1) stated that Going green isnt necessarily about saving the environment, rather its about saving the business. All the undertaken green initiatives are viewed as marketing strategies helps to boost up the sales as well as the occupancy rate (Honey, 2008). According to the research conducted by Watkins (1994), the findings shown that about 71 percent of respondents would likely or extremely likely to stay in a hotel implemented with environmental strategy. Furthermore, in the case of The Sol Elite Falco Hotel, they recorded a significant growth of 15% in business after the adoption of environmental practices (Honey, 2008). 1.2.3 The impact of environmental problem onto hospitality industry In the past few decades, as a matter of fact that global population is dramatically escalating, it is not surpirsed to find that both rural and urban area are densely-populated. It leads to accelerating demand on not only living space but also resources to accommodate peoples physical need for basic living. Besides, with the promising stability of global economy, at the present time vast majority of people are capable to lead a better living, to pursue a quality of life. Driven by that reason, many businesses habitually utilize limited resource to fulfill the unlimited needs and wants from the consumer. In the meantime, the consequence is commonly neglected. Overusing resource on the mother earth, many negative impacts and problems can be severely affecting the society such as occasion of global warming, pollution and climate change. As Aldunce and Leon (2007:33) stated that disaster risk does not only exist because of the presence of a physical hazard, and it is compounded by the pr esence of vulnerable populations. In that sense, both direct and indirect impacts are possibly brought to hospitality industry. Greenhouse gases are the driven force to the elevating average level of temperature on the planet (Tisdell, 2008). It is resulted as rising sea level that leads to drastically changing of water availability geographically. Thats the reason why the weather is in instability correlated with the harvest of agricultural and the phenomenon of natural disasters happen more frequently in last ten years (Mckibben, 2007). Above mentioned circumstances are inevitably threaten hospitality and tourism industry (Kirby, 2007). For instance, in 2004, tsunami in Phuket (BBC News, 2009) brought relentless damage to the local community. The infrastructure and the landscape were completely destroyed. Phuket is as a renowned tourist destination with approximately 7 millions of tourist annually (TourismThailand Org, 2010). Tsunami was harshly hit the hospitality industry which is the mainstream sector in Phuket. Tsunami caused the local communities and business to spend large sum of money on reconstruction of the environment and infrastructure including numerous hotel property and facilitates. As mentioned, the changing climate is associated with the harvest of agricultural. It impacts on the reduction of the availability of agricultural thus the food cost raise up correspondingly. Likewise, due to water pollution, reduction of water supply leads to increasing price of water. As the result, hotels are undoubtedly affected with larger expenditure on acquiring water supply and food materials from the suppliers. To conclude, water and energy are the necessity to hotels daily operation. In the viewpoint of hotel, they would acquire this necessity to sustain the business at all cost. Consequently, hospitality industry should not hesitate and to take proactive measures to against the potential challenge and also encourage the sustainable development incorporated with environmental concern. Natural disaster is inevitably takes place, however, hospitality industry could strive to launch environmental management program to at least minimize the probability of its occurrence. 1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES __________________________________________________________________________ 1.3.1 Aim To critically evaluate the strategy implemented in Starwood Hotels and Resorts in responding to environmental concern by introducing Element Hotel 1.3.2 Objectives To identify the environmental concern as a contemporary issue affecting Starwood Hotels and Resorts To review the literature related to environmental management and ISO 14001 model To identify the associated challenges and factors of environmental concern in hospitality industry To critically investigate and evaluate the strategies implemented in Starwood Hotels and Resorts in responding to environmental concern by using ISO 14001 model THE ISO 14001 MODEL __________________________________________________________________________ Source: EnviroManager (2009) Environmental Management Software; (http://www.enviromanager.net/index.htm) According to Latham (2007), an appropriate theoretical framework can be guidance for the research study thus enhances the efficiency. ISO 14001 model is renowned as a global green standard, therefore, it is being chosen by the author as a tools to critically evaluate the strategy implemented in Starwood Hotels and Resorts in responding to environmental concern. In-depth explanations and critical analysis of this framework will be carried out in the following session. ISO 14001 is recognized as one of the most noteworthy initiatives on sustainable development. It is an Environmental Management System (EMS) providing any organization a theoretical framework for effectively managing environmental responsibilities to facilitate its efficiency and better integration into business operation (Hansen, Mowen Guan, 2007). This model is clearly presenting the whole procedure towards effective environmental management. Moreover, continual improvement is particularly emphasizes within the process which indicates that it is an essential component contributing toward the success of environmental management. On the contrary, Plan, Do, Check, Act Model known as Deming cycle, is another approach of Environmental Management System. However, it is not adopted by the author as its simplified structure, relatively low accuracy and the process of continual improvement is not encompassed in the model. Most importantly ISO 14001 model is basically built on the Plan, Do, Check, Act model. Hotels that efficiently integrate an Environmental Management System into organizations operation can enjoy so many benefits. Nowadays, majority of consumers seeking guarantee they are sustaining and choosing operations that encourage protection of the environment. An Environmental Management System helps to uplift the hotels reputation, awareness of the public and creates an opportunity to develop new market segment, environmentally conscious consumers (Bill and Monaco, 1999). In general, hotel can facilitate efficiency and achieve reduction of operating costs through setting an unambiguous and realistic performance goals and objectives that hotel can put efforts towards. It also helps to increase competitiveness in global market, expand tactical advantage over non-certified competitors, meet consumer requirement and demonstrate commitment to quality (Anderson, 2000). Moreover, the potential economic benefit is surprisingly far more than enough to launch an Environmental Management Systems in the property (Tibor and Feldman, 1996). Environmental Policy Establishing an Environmental Policy is certainly requiring the participation of top management of the organization to deeply define the policy that is consistent with the span of an EMS and suitable to the organization (Johnson, 1997). According to Moore (2000: 14-6), Environmental Policy is the statement by the organization of its intentions and principles in relation to its overall environmental performance which provides a framework for action and for the setting of its environmental objectives and targets. The Environmental policy should be embodied with an obligation to continual improvement, prevention of all kind pollution and obedience to the legal requirements (Woodside, Aurrichio and Yturri, 1998). Lastly, this policy ought to be documented and published to the public before communicating with all the personnel working for or the representative of the organization. A comprehensible vision of the policy helps the management in planning activities. Planning An effective planning is necessary and a crucial process to determine an assessable organizational goal and offer guidance to fulfill the achievement (Johnson, 1997; Montana and Chamov, 2000). For that reason, the author recognizes the importance of Planning process in ISO 14001 model. Besides, the organization should be pragmatically stipulating the objectives with reference to both direct and indirect impacts deriving from previous management for instance reduction of water consumption. According to Block (1999; 1), Organization shall ensure that environmental aspects related to these significant impacts are considered when setting environmental objectives. Furthermore, environmental activities should be inclusively all-encompassing supplies, waste management and notably obligation of responsibilities (Rao, 2008). From the authors point of view, a comprehensive planning would drive the organization to the right direction on developing its culture of sustainability program in respon ding to environmental concern. Implementation and Operation In this stage, the author suggests that the roles and responsibilities of job task need to be clearly assigned to every employee in order to efficiently implement the environmental management system. Furthermore, senior management must employ a representative especially in charge of environmental management. Representative is responsible to extract report on the performance of EMS and potentially offer recommendation for betterment on a regular basis. Senior management is also responsible to ensure the availability of the materials which is needed for implementation and further improvement on EMS in the property (Tibor and Feldman, 1996). Specific practice is necessarily established to facilitate internal and external communication as regards to environmental issues, For instance, company report of its adopted environmental practice can be issued to the public to maintain continual communication externally thus raise up public awareness to the company (Culley, 1998). Continuous train ing and regular meeting is essentially held frequently to increase awareness of employee on environmental practices and its impact (Cascio, Woodside and Mitchell, 1996) consequentially to ensure that employees are completely understand the system and their roles within the EMS (Sullivan and Wyndham, 2001). Checking and corrective action According to Withcer, Chau and Harding (2007), the significance of checking is in relations to the long-run strategy and effectively manages organizations performance. Checking process helps to identify and ensure the environmental performance in terms of quality and standard of ISO 14001 model is on the right track and facilitate betterment to meet the purposed organizational goals. Corrective action should be undertaken appropriately to the magnitude of the problem as immediate measurements (Rao, 2008). Management review It requires senior management of the organization to evaluate the EMS to make certain the continuous capability, aptness and effectiveness. Evaluation is necessarily undertaken to promote further improvements. Also, management review can benefit an organization to experience more extraordinary environmental performance (Rao, 2008). Continual improvement Continual improvement is the methodical approach to recognize the potential problem, seek opportunity, establish measurement, collect data, and make comparison to the trend purposing to verify if the progress is smoothly ongoing toward the set objectives embodied in the environmental policy and planning (Johnson, 1997). According to Rao (2008:87), continual improvement helps to achieve the fulfillment of the urge for contributing toward sustainability. RESEARCH STRATEGY AND METHODOLOGY __________________________________________________________________________ This section provides the reader with better understanding on the research method that the author has been adopted throughout the research. The research design and data collection method is justified in this chapter. Proposed study design The purpose of this research is to find out how Starwood Hotels and Resorts is responding to the challenge of environmental concern, therefore the author will adopt positivism as research philosophy for this study. And the author will use deductive approach to test whether the organizations strategy is all-encompassing with the theoretical framework of ISO 14001 model. In order to achieve the research purpose, the author conducted secondary research to collect information on environmental issues theories and the strategies that the Starwood Hotels and Resorts put on practice. Primary research is not conducted for this report, because the author recognized there is a bulk of data was published online that is sufficient for the author to make analysis. The author decided to analyze the strategy the organization adopted by using a theoretical framework and academic theories related to green management.. Since the author can easily access the information required for the research, therefore, only secondary research is conducted. Secondary research Veal (2006) stated that secondary research enriches the reader with existing information which has already been collected. The author collected both quantitative and qualitative data on the organizations environmental-friendly strategies and literature of environmental issues. Information was sourced from the SHMS-UC library; where textbooks with hospitality-related topics are available; in addition, online articles and journals were sourced from the online database such as Emerald. Through the use of internet, the author can access a wider range of up-to-date information about environmental issues. 3.0 FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS __________________________________________________________________________ In this section, an in-depth evaluation on how the Element Hotel responds to environmental concern with the application of ISO 14001 framework will be carried out. The green initiatives launched by Element Hotel will be elaborated and categorized into the process of ISO 14001 model. 3.1 Environmental Policy According to Element Hotels official website (2010), Element embrace the responsibility for continual environmental stewardship and are committed to integrating leading environmental practices and sustainability principles into the core business strategy. Element has focused on the conservation of natural resources, reduction on waste and pollution, betterment and enhancement of indoor environmental quality and raising awareness of environmental concern between employees, guests and local community (Element Hotels, 2010). Moreover, Element is committed to develop an economically responsible LEED-certified hotel concept that is promising a more sustainable future (Paasschen, 2008:1). In authors opinion, the statement of Element environmental policy is clearly showed the intentions and principles related to environmental practices by Element hotel and evidences of complying with legislation requirement. To contrast with the ISO 14001 model, Element hotel has developed a statement which is committed to green environment. The principles of the hotel are all about green. In addition, employees and customers can have a better understanding about the green strategies undertaken at the Element. In this section, the author strongly agrees that Element hotel has implemented the environmental policy successfully. Planning Element hotels are primarily introduced to the public by Starwood Hotels and Resorts as a strategic plan to against the challenges in environmental concern. The element philosophy is to satisfy guests needs while keeping the environment in mind (Element Hotels, 2010a). Element is actively make effort striving to minimize the environmental impact stemming from business activities and enhance continual improvement and innovation on practices. As McGuinness (2009) stated that elements efforts around green are great for the Earth and great for our guests. Element endeavors to launch green initiatives to diminish the operation cost as well as expend the market share by building up a reputable green image. The planning of green initiatives at Element are categorized into Reducing, Reusing and Recycling (Element Hotels, 2010a). At Element, departmental managers are participated in environmental management planning in order to fulfill different range of needs within each department, and establish a realistic and effective plan on environmental management. The author agrees that an accessible plan is essentials to provide employee a better understanding thus to take action properly following the proposed planning. In the planning process, the author mentioned the planning will establish an assessable organizational goal. The reducing, reusing, and recycling planning could help the hotel to achieve the hotels strategy which is to develop the green philosophy to the employees and customers. In the next section, the operations will be discove red in order to complete Elements planning. Implementation and Operation Element hotels score high marks from U.S. Building Green Council (USBGC, 2010), that indicates the significance of its variety of cost-effective green principle on the improvement of environmental sustainability. Element have launched a responsible business program to staff on seeking feedback. As Potts, Christenbury Wolak (1994: 41) mentioned that The hotel staffs are a key source of information, their input and suggestions for improvement are critical to implementation of a good plan. Feedback can make certain the inaccuracy and errors to be corrected before problem arise once again (Lancaster and Stanhope, 2004). Moreover, meeting holds in a regular basis in order to maintain staff awareness of the implemented environmental program at Element. The author suggests that social activities such as picnics and hikes or competition can be organized to encourage motivation and enhance communication within the workforce. Management can allow people to take ownership of certain project al so a means of motivation. In addition, suggestion boxes and reward staff for success in terms of introducing and educating the guest with on-site green initiatives. At Element hotel, a module on its comprehensive environmental policy is en-compassing in staff induction and also refresher training. Adequate Training is important to endow the staffs with necessary tools in order to maximize the benefits to staff member (Remenyi, 2007). Reduced water consumption According to Green Lodging News (2008), Element efficiency features saving 942,000 gallons of water per guestroom every year through the adoption of water conservation measures. Element implemented Grey water system which is any wastewater has been used within the property except toilet water can be re-used for watering plants and toilet water through filtering treatment. Dual-Flush toilet is installed in all guest room and public area that helps to lower water consumption up to 67%. Low flow shower heads and water-efficient faucet aerators also means to conserve water, all dramatically increase the efficiency and ease the burden of water supplies while giving the guest a great experience. Reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions Element conserve energy by launching energy conservation measures en-compassing an environmental friendly lighting system throughout the property supported by compact fluorescent light (CFL) and Light-emitting diode (LED), Energy-Star labeled appliances in each guest room and high efficiency ventilating and conditioning system. And the roof top is equipped with solar reflect panal that reflect heat from the sun so as to ease the burden on hotel air conditioning systems. Element also encourages the development of renewable energy technology through purchasing credits of renewable energy to compensate partial electricity consumption. According to Element Hotels (2010), 35% of the used electricity comes from renewable sources such as wind power at Element Hotel. Recycling by Element hotel is estimated to have already conserved enough energy to supply approximately 9 million households in United States (Press Release, 2008a). Improved indoor environmental quality measures Element hotel is in partnership with EcoLab for the implementation of Green Housecleaning practices, to encourage using environmental friendly cleaning products and facilitate day-lighting throughout the property by installing oversized window in every guest room (Green Lodging News, 2008). Smoking is strictly prohibited in and around the property to ensure good air quality. Furthermore, element hotel applies low Volatile Organic Compunds paints and carpets made of 100% recyclable materials. Traditional Do Not Disturb sign paper tag is replaced by the environmental friendly magnet (Press Release, 2008). Execution of waste management and Recycling At Element hotel, pa

Australian Wool Industry Essay -- essays research papers fc

INTRODUCTION Australia is the world’s largest wool producing country, and has been for decades. The fine quality of wool from the result of fine breeding has definitely help contribute to the high demand of the wool industry. Much of Australia’s wool has been exported to other countries such as China, Italy, Taiwan, Republic of Korea and France. However, Australia’s wool production has been decreasing for the last 10 years and the demand has been declining because of the other, easier to manage, synthetic fibers and materials that have been introduced to the market. This following report is regarding the changes and effects the wool industry had on Australia in the 19th century, the reasons for the successful development of the wool industry, and also Australia’s current position in wool production. HISTORY – JOHN MACARTHUR The first sheep to arrive in Australia, Botany Bay was in 1788 on the First Fleet, brought by Governor Phillip. The sheep that were brought over were only to be used for food and not for wool production for the new settlement in the newly found country. They had thick, hairy fleeces and small groups of them were brought frequently, however only a few survived the journey and the few that survived were not use to the climatic changes and died soon after. Governor Philip later realised Australia’s soil and climate were better suited for livestock grazing than any farming. So after setting up many farms in 1792 Governor Philip headed back to England and left a temporary governor, Major Francis Grose to replace him until 1794. This was when the significant changes occurred, free settlers were allowed in Australia and officers and officials were given grants of land. John Macarthur, an officer in the New South Wales Corps took advantage of the grants of land, he was the most productive of the officers. He and two of his friends brought several pure blood Spanish Merino sheep to Australia, he then started breeding them some of his mixed breeds. He continued with this practice until he was certain that the result was that the quality of the wool was alike to the wools from Spain and Germany. John Macarthur’s success in fine-wool production gave Australia great wealth. AUSTRALIAN MERINO WOOL Australia produces the world’s best woollen fibre, Australian Merino wool, which is also the main sheep breed in this country (75% are Merino’s ... ...l to profitable levels. The price of broad micron wool has increased and in some cases is equal in amount paid for fine wool. BIBLIOGRAPHY  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Australian Bureau of Statistics, (2005). The Wool Industry [on-line].Available:http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/cd302ee1b133891eca256f720083301d?OpenDocument  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bird. J, (2005). This Bloody Disgrace is Called Mulesing [on-line]. Available: http://www.animal-lib.org.au/lists/mulesing/mules.shtml  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Curriculum Council. (1977). Australian People 1977. Education Department of Western Australia, Australia  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Elders, (2005).Daily Wool Prices. [on-line] Available: http://wool.elders.com.au/viewpdf.asp?PDF=media/reports/Reports_56.pdf  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fleet, M., (2000). Matilda – Australia’s First Cloned Merino [on-line] Available:http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/pages/showcase/media_releases/2000/matilda.htm:sectID=83&tempID=27  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mooney, J., (2003). Sheep Farming in Australia in the 19th Century [on-line].Available:http://athena.english.vt.edu/~jmooney/3044annotationsp-z/sheepfarming.html Australian Wool Industry Essay -- essays research papers fc INTRODUCTION Australia is the world’s largest wool producing country, and has been for decades. The fine quality of wool from the result of fine breeding has definitely help contribute to the high demand of the wool industry. Much of Australia’s wool has been exported to other countries such as China, Italy, Taiwan, Republic of Korea and France. However, Australia’s wool production has been decreasing for the last 10 years and the demand has been declining because of the other, easier to manage, synthetic fibers and materials that have been introduced to the market. This following report is regarding the changes and effects the wool industry had on Australia in the 19th century, the reasons for the successful development of the wool industry, and also Australia’s current position in wool production. HISTORY – JOHN MACARTHUR The first sheep to arrive in Australia, Botany Bay was in 1788 on the First Fleet, brought by Governor Phillip. The sheep that were brought over were only to be used for food and not for wool production for the new settlement in the newly found country. They had thick, hairy fleeces and small groups of them were brought frequently, however only a few survived the journey and the few that survived were not use to the climatic changes and died soon after. Governor Philip later realised Australia’s soil and climate were better suited for livestock grazing than any farming. So after setting up many farms in 1792 Governor Philip headed back to England and left a temporary governor, Major Francis Grose to replace him until 1794. This was when the significant changes occurred, free settlers were allowed in Australia and officers and officials were given grants of land. John Macarthur, an officer in the New South Wales Corps took advantage of the grants of land, he was the most productive of the officers. He and two of his friends brought several pure blood Spanish Merino sheep to Australia, he then started breeding them some of his mixed breeds. He continued with this practice until he was certain that the result was that the quality of the wool was alike to the wools from Spain and Germany. John Macarthur’s success in fine-wool production gave Australia great wealth. AUSTRALIAN MERINO WOOL Australia produces the world’s best woollen fibre, Australian Merino wool, which is also the main sheep breed in this country (75% are Merino’s ... ...l to profitable levels. The price of broad micron wool has increased and in some cases is equal in amount paid for fine wool. BIBLIOGRAPHY  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Australian Bureau of Statistics, (2005). The Wool Industry [on-line].Available:http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/cd302ee1b133891eca256f720083301d?OpenDocument  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bird. J, (2005). This Bloody Disgrace is Called Mulesing [on-line]. Available: http://www.animal-lib.org.au/lists/mulesing/mules.shtml  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Curriculum Council. (1977). Australian People 1977. Education Department of Western Australia, Australia  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Elders, (2005).Daily Wool Prices. [on-line] Available: http://wool.elders.com.au/viewpdf.asp?PDF=media/reports/Reports_56.pdf  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fleet, M., (2000). Matilda – Australia’s First Cloned Merino [on-line] Available:http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/pages/showcase/media_releases/2000/matilda.htm:sectID=83&tempID=27  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mooney, J., (2003). Sheep Farming in Australia in the 19th Century [on-line].Available:http://athena.english.vt.edu/~jmooney/3044annotationsp-z/sheepfarming.html

Scarlet Letter Essay + :: essays research papers

Throughout life we all will be faced with hypocrites or have the choice to be true to ourselves or to deceive ourselves. Especially as a Christian you may wonder if people look at you as a hypocrite and should also strive to not be one. Of course, the most important part is to be true to yourself because only then may you be true to God and to others. Nathaniel Hawthorne also shows this in The Scarlet Letter through the characters he portrays. In chapter 20, Hawthorne writes, “No man, for any considerable period, can wear one fact to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true.'; Hiding the truth from others just confuses life and oneself. Hawthorne often focuses on the point that truth reveals itself. For instance, Hester Prynne was quite aware of the fact that truth will be revealed. She was forced to wear a scarlet “A'; on her bosom, which stood for adultery, for her entire life. Truth was revealed to Hester by the fact that she became pregnant with a child as a result of her sin. Pearl noticed her mother’s scarlet A as a baby and was attracted to it instantly for some reason. Pearl notices the letter as an infant as her “eyes had been caught by the glimmering of the gold embroidery about the letter, and, putting up her hand, she grasped at it…';(98) and Hester feels the “torture inflicted by the intelligent touch of Pearl’s baby hand.'; (98). This seems to suggest that truth was once again revealed to Hester whenever Pearl noticed the scarlet letter and it shows how Pearl seemed to know the significance of the letter as an infant. While Hawthorne shows how truth revealed itself to Hester he shows a different way that truth was revealed to Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. At the beginning of the novel Dimmesdale seems to be doing a good job of keeping his secret to the whole town who respects him immensely. Although in the first chapter Reverend Dimmesdale argues on Hester’s behalf the town seems to think nothing of this other than that he is trying to not judge her. As the new doctor in town Roger Chillingworth befriends Reverend Dimmesdale. Chillingworth notices a scarlet letter of guilt on the Reverend’s chest and soon begins to take his revenge. The doctor who plays on the Reverend’s guilt increases Dimmesdale’s torment.

Computers and Homeland Security Essay -- United States Department of H

Computers and Homeland Security Homeland Security is one of the most important departments in the United States. The United States Department of Homeland Security job is to reduce our vulnerability to terrorism and lead a national effort to help prevent terrorist attacks on our nation (Computer Concept, pg. 50). As technology evolves over the course of time, computers end up playing a crucial role in homeland security. Computer systems are used throughout everyday lifestyles in order to make difficult tasks much simple. The government utilizes such systems in order to support their efforts in locating suspected terrorists throughout U.S. boundary lines. There are several software programs, which can be used in helping homeland security become successful. One program is known as the MATRIX, which is an abbreviation for the Multistate Anti-terrorism Information Exchange System. The MATRIX collects, analyzes, and exchanges terrorist and criminal intelligence data among state and federal agencies. It is a useful program because it contains data, such as criminal histories, driver licenses, and vehicle registrations. . Computer technology has greatly increased the success of homeland security throughout recent years. It has increased the efficiency of homeland security because without software such as the MATRIX, identifying terrorists and locating criminal histories would become much more time consuming. Receiving satellite pictures and interfering phone calls with suspected terrorists would consume valuable time in the security process. Computers are beneficial because they can increase the speed of the security process and help us locate vital information with greater ease. .. ...d much faster. Without computers we would be unable to track threats to our nation as fast, causing us to not be prepares, and would take to much time to look up histories of people without computers. They are also able to identify people by fingerprints with the computers to track histories of that person. Not only computers increased security, but they have also created more jobs for people to work with the government. Works Cited Oja, Dan, and Parsons, June J. Computer Concepts. 8th ed. Boston, MA, 2006. Security-Enhanced Linux. January 7, 2005. October 4, 2005 . Travel and Transportation. Feb. 24, 2004. US Department of Homeland Security., Washington, DC. October 5, 2005 .

Development in the novel Essay

â€Å"Great Expectations† has been described as the story of a â€Å"snob’s progress†. In the light of this comment, describe Pip’s development in the novel. Refer to the changes in the way he behaves and talks, the reactions of other characters in the novel and the reasons why he normally retains the reader’s sympathy.  In â€Å"Great Expectations†, Pip’s character goes through many changes. His morals and outlook on life are both greatly affected by his lifestyle, and his view of other characters is changed by his experiences and surroundings. At the beginning of â€Å"Great Expectations†, we see Pip as a very young child, living in fear of his sister, Mrs Joe Gargery. Joe is described in much the same way, which shows how he is childish at heart. We are told that Pip also sees this in chapter 2, when he tells us â€Å"I always treated him as a larger species of child†. Pip and Joe both live in fear of Mrs Joe’s regular â€Å"Ram-pages†, and her wax coated cane, Tickler. Although Pip and Joe obviously fear Tickler, Pip never really speaks of his fear in the book. It is seen more as a part of his life than a painful experience. For example, when Pip arrives home late after his encounter with Magwitch and learns of Mrs Joe’s â€Å"Ram-page†, he is told by Joe that â€Å"Which is worse, she’s got Tickler with her†. Instead of showing fear, we are simply told that â€Å"At this dismal intelligence, I twisted the only button on my waistcoat round and round, and looked in great depression at the fire† Mrs Joe’s treatment of Pip is mimicked by Uncle Pumblechook, who seems to be fully supportive of her complaints against Pip – mainly that he exists and that she has to look after him. At the start of the book, Pumblechook is very nasty to Pip, and is also fully supported by the Hubbles (at Christmas dinner) and Mr Wopsle. The main topic of conversation (apart from pork) is how ungrateful Pip is. This is brought up first by Pumblechook, who says â€Å"be grateful, boy, to them which brought you up by hand.†. This is then backed by Mrs Hubble, who adds â€Å"†Why is it that the young are never grateful?†. This conversation continues for some time, which cause Pip to remain silent and sink into his chair. These two examples show that in the first section of the book, Pip is afraid of his surroundings. He keeps quiet and tries to stay away from company (except Joe) to avoid punishment. Joe is Pip’s only friend, and makes up for the absence of other children in his life. Pip is happy talking to Joe, unlike Mrs Joe and her circle of friends.  Pip meets two other main characters in the first part of the book, and they are Miss Havisham and Estella. These are two of the most important characters in â€Å"Great Expectations†, and Dickens develops their characters a lot. Upon Pip’s first meeting with Miss Havisham, he is afraid of her, but it is not the same kind of fear as he has for Mrs Joe. He fears Mrs Joe as he fears Tickler, and does not want to be punished. However, he is afraid of Miss Havisham because she is strange and twisted. Pip does not understand her, and does not know what she is capable of, or what she could do to him. He speaks of her as a â€Å"ghost†, and sees many disturbing sights inside Satis House, such as the infested wedding feast and the stopped clocks. Pip tells us of his terror at his first sight of Miss Havisham. She can see his fear, and asks him â€Å"You are not afraid of a woman who has never seen the sun since you were born?†. We are then told that â€Å"I regret to state that I was not afraid of telling the enormous lie comprehended in the answer â€Å"No.†Ã¢â‚¬  As the book progresses, Pip comes to realise that there is nothing to be afraid of in Miss Havisham. By the end of the book he is happy to confront, criticise and even insult her. Pip also misinterprets Estella’s character. He falls in love with her the first time he sees her, even though he is only seven years old. This is obviously what Miss Havisham was trying to achieve, as she is continually quizzing Pip on his thoughts about Estella, and one of the first things she asks him is â€Å"What do you think of her?†. Pip, after some hesitation, replies that he thinks she is â€Å"proud† and â€Å"rude† but also â€Å"pretty†. Pip says little to Estella herself, but once he has left Satis House he is totally obsessed by Estella. This leads us onto a sudden change in Pip’s character.

Meaning of Education

The Key to Success â€Å"Yep, that’s the last of it† my dad yelled as he slammed the trunk shut. Totes were piled up high and filled with clothes, shoes, and lots of old memories. After getting all settled in my new apartment my family and I said our goodbyes. This next chapter in my life was finally here. I was now a college student entering the real world. We all have our purposes for taking the next step in life and going to college. My purpose for attending college is to take a leap towards creating success and meaning in my life.My family has been a giant influence on attending college. The day my older brother went off to college it was no surprise. It seems that moving on to college was the natural thing to do. For instance, graduating kindergarten and moving to the 1st grade is similar to graduating from high school and moving on to college. It’s just a chapter in life that our parents brought us up expecting to reach and we’ve been taught that it would be the right choice since elementary school. It’s what we grew up knowing we were supposed to do when we got to that point in life.Ultimately, we were taught that this step would lead us to the success to building a more meaningful life. All in all, education is the key to success. Having an education opens many doors to amazing opportunities. Why waste time stuck in a slump when one can go out into the world and be someone, make a difference in this world, and have the pride to say that â€Å"I am successful†. With a college education, the amount of freedom is endless. There are many more careers to choose from and the ability to stand out from others increases your career success.An education helps one develop a more meaningful life, that’s what I want to achieve. I want to make a difference in this world by not only my art but my everyday life. My goals are to one day be very well off financially, enabling me to support my future family and enjoy all th e accomplishments and great opportunities life has to offer. Just on a walk to school, I get a glance of the harsh reality by seeing all the unfortunate civilians struggling to survive each day. For instance, an old man and his dog, hungry as can be, asking for money on the corner of the street.This makes me realize that I am very grateful for what I have and that an education is what I must pursue to accomplish my goals and dreams. With all the love and support of my family and friends I have a great positive outlook on a college education. Having moved on to this next step in my life, I already feel as if I’m that much closer to reaching my goals. I can see how proud my family is as they watch me better my life and future. With all my past experiences, I now have a strong mentality to finish with pride and follow all my dreams. Overall, an education is the way to success and the key to many great opportunities.