Marine General Brute Krulak Essay Example for Free

Marine General Brute Krulak Essay In writing the book First in Fight, the legendry Marine General Brute Krulak has submitted an unparalleled assessment of the US Marines. The book gives details of the fighting on the battlefield as also a detail of the Marine’s life when not at war. He has skillfully blended autobiography with history, analysis with action and separated facts from legend. General Krulak has touched upon the core qualities of the Corps in narrating the implications of being a Marine and the reasons for its outstanding and consistent performance. The general has also addressed the most pertinent and challenging issues regarding the Corps. A thorough analysis has been made about how the Corps manages to survive and to prosper despite the awesome political hurdles and the adversities it has to face in a routine manner. In explaining the unique characteristics of the Corps, General Krulak has delved into the core structure on which it has been built. What emerges is a system that is intensely loyal to God, the country and to other colleagues. A close look has been taken at the war practices of the Marines whereby stimulating details of their actions and experiences have been outlined in regard to World War II and the wars in Vietnam and Korea. Additionally, he has also described the relationship that the Corps enjoys with other services by giving special reference to the battles of unification that were fought in the aftermath of World War II. New insights have been offered in regard to the processes of decision making during times of emergency. First in Fight is a book that makes for appealing reading. It covers details of General Krulack’s personal experiences while he was engaged in the battle for the union of the armed forces. The book also explains very effectively how the entire chain of command of the US Military is set up and managed (Victor H. Krulak, 1999). References Victor H. Krulak, First to Fight: An Inside View of the U. S. Marine Corps, 1999, US Naval Institute Press

Monetarism Emerged In The 1950s Economics Essay

Monetarism Emerged In The 1950s Economics Essay Keynes, who theorized economic panic to stem from an insufficient national money supply leading the nation toward an alternate currency followed by eventual economic collapse, his theories focus on the value of currency stability to maintain national economic health. Milton Friedman, in contrast, focused on price stability to ensure economic health and looking for stable equilibrium between the supply of and the demand for money to bring about such well-being. Friedman argued that inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenonà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚  and advocated a central bank policy aimed at keeping the supply and demand for money at an economic equilibrium, as measured by a balanced growth in productivity and demand. Friedman originally proposed a fixed monetary rule, where the money supply would be calculated by known macroeconomic and financial factors and would target a specific level or range of inflation. There will be no flexibility for central bank reserves, and businesses can expect all monetary policy decisions. Friedman restated the quantity theory of money, and argued that the demand for money depended predictably on several major economic variables. He claimed that if the money supply were to be expanded, consumers would not seek to hold the extra money in idle money balances. This argument follows that consumers, assumed to be in equilibrium before the money supply increase, already held money balances that suited their requirements. With the increase, consumers would have a surplus of money balances that exceeded their requirements. These excess money balances would therefore be spent and cause an increase in aggregate demand levels. Similarly, if the money supply experienced a reduction, consumers would aim to replenish their holdings of money by reducing their spending levels. In this argument, Friedman challenged the claim that Keynesian money supply is not effective in analyzing the level of aggregate consumption. Instead, Friedman argued that indeed the money supply affect total sp ending in the economy, in doing so the term monetarist was coined. The popularity of monetarism increased as Keynesian economics seemed unable to explain or cure the problems that seem to contradict rising unemployment and price inflation which erupted after the collapse of the Bretton Woods system gold standard in 1972 and the 1973 oil crisis shock. Although higher levels of unemployment seemed to call for Keynesian policies on inflation, the rising level of inflation seemed to call for Keynesian deflation. The result is a significant disappointment with Keynesian demand management. In response, the Volcker sought as main objective to reduce inflation, and consequently restricted the money supply to tame inflation the economy. The result was the worst recession of the post-war period, but also the accomplishment of the desired price stability. Milton Friedman and Anna Schwartz argued that the Great Depression of the 1930 was caused by the large contraction of the money supply and not by a lack of investment as argued by Keynes. They also maintained that post-war inflation caused by an over-expansion of the money supply. For many the perception that the economy has been shaped by the ideas of Keynes, it seemed that the Keynesian-Monetarism debate was merely about whether fiscal or monetary policy was the more effective tool of demand management. By the mid-1970s, however, the debate had moved on to things more deeply, as monetarists presented a more fundamental challenged to Keynesian orthodoxy in looking to recover the pre-Keynesian idea that the economy was of an inherently self-regulating nature. Many Monetarists raised former view that the market economies prove stable in the absence of major not expected fluctuations in the money supply. This belief in the stability of free market economies also asserted that active demand management, especially fiscal policy, it is not necessary and in fact tend to be dangerous economy. The basis of this argument centered around an equilibrium was established between stimulus fiscal spending and future interest rates. In fact, Friedman argues that the model of fiscal spending creats as much of a drag on the economy by raising interest rates as it does to create consumption. According to monetarists, fiscal policy was shown to have no real effect on total demand, but merely shifted demand from the investment sector to the consumer sector. Monetarism became less credible when once-stable velocity of money defied monetarist prediction and began to move erratically in the United States the early 1980s. Monetarist methods of a single-equation model and non-statistical analysis of plotted data also lost out to the simultaneous-equation modeling favored by Keynesian. Policies and analysis of monetarism lost influence among academics and central bankers, but its core tenets of long-run neutrality of money (increase in money supply can not have long-term effects on real variables, such as output) and use of monetary policy for stabilization to be part of the macroeconomic mainstream even among Keynes.

Looking At Different Aspects Of Foster Care Social Work Essay

Looking At Different Aspects Of Foster Care Social Work Essay A kinship care arrangement is an agreement that is commonly made between the parent of the child, the local authority and a close relative such as a grandparent or aunt on a short or long term basis, the kinship carer must be approved by Warwickshire Fostering Panel. Where the child is accommodated by the local authority that is often subject to an Interim Care Order the kinship agreement is reviewed under the Child in Need procedure s (Warwickshire County Council 2009). There is a six week timescale to complete the kinship assessment. The fostering team has the responsibility for completing this within the timescale set out in line with the Fostering Regulations 2002. A Viability Assessment which is Schedule 3 of the fostering regulation 2002 requires that there is a detailed report complete with references be submitted to the Fostering Panel for approval (Warwickshire Fostering Services 2002). As part of this assessment I had to complete a two part Health Safety Checklist Part One during initial visit and Part Two during the actual assessment, which is updated annually as part of the Foster Carer review. I was required to complete the initial 6 week Kinship Assessment on Arthur and Joan to be submitted to Warwickshire Fostering Panel approval, followed by submission to a Finding of Fact meeting in court. Jane is a 6 year old dual heritage female who lived close to Nuneaton centre with mother, Ruth 28 white female unemployed recovering heroin addict and her current partner Jason 35 year old unemployed white male with offending history for violence. The local authority have been involved with Ruth and her child since 2008 the police contacting social services to advise them that Ruths partner had been arrested for having indecent images of children on his computer and serious abuse of babies. Ruth was advised of this but did not appear to recognise the risk he presented to Jane. The courts ordered that Ruth should only have supervised contact due to this. Warwickshire Council convened a child protection conference which concluded that Jane be made subject of a child protection plan. Whilst the investigation into the neglect was ongoing, Jane stayed with her maternal grandfather Arthur and Joan his partner. Arthur is 58 year old football coach and Joan is a 62 year old retired book keeper and they live in a 3 bedroom house close to Ruth. A kinship referral was received by the Fostering Team to complete a viability assess Arthur and Joans ability to meet Janes needs as temporary carers. Jane is still subject of a child protection plan, as well as Looked After Child procedures and is subject of an Interim Care Order made in December 2009. The responsibility for completing the kinship assessment was given to the fostering team that I am on placement with and I was then asked to complete the assessment under supervision. This is the type of assessment that is completed when a child is looked after and placed on a statutory order. Jane is currently experiencing problems at school with bullying because of her skin colour and is in a minority. Jane is being teased because her hair is not the same as other children. I feel that Jane has not recognized that her mother is white and her father black. Arthur has stated that although she is not white she is his granddaughter and he doubts whether Jane even recognises her skin colour as significant. It is important for the Fostering Social Worker to have access to all case files relating to the child when completing the viability assessment so that the assessment demonstrates the level of commitment the grandfather and his partner have and have had to the child (BAAF, 2009). Farmer and Moyers (2005) suggest: Kinship care occupies an uneasy position on the boundary between the public and private spheres of caring and this leads to a situation where some kin carers struggle to care for needy children with low levels of support and financial help. Janes maternal grandfather has shown incredible commitment including being willing to give up his fulltime job to be able to meet Janes needs. This is causing tension in the relationship between Arthur and Joan as this will significantly reduce their income. She has also expressed concerns at not always being able to cope with the high demands of Jane and how this has brought her relationship with Arthur to breaking point at times. When childs behaviour is causing a disruption, kinship carers (as opposed to foster carers) tend to be more willing to persevere with the difficulties faced by the child (Broad and Skinner, 2005, Colton et al, 2008: 38). It is important that when examining Kinship Care that the outcome for the child is measurable, this could be in terms of regular contact with the birth parent with less supervision. Legislation has a propensity towards securing long term placements, children who were placed with their grandparents were the least likely to experience disruption when compared with other family or friends (Hunt et al, 2008). Some placements continued with little monitoring or supervision from the social worker. In other instances social workers had allowed professional standards to fall well below what would have been acceptable to another child. This can cause the child rights to be compromised as they will not receive a service that they are entitled to (Farmer Moyers, 2005). An assessment involves assembling full and accurate facts about a service users circumstances and it is essential during the assessment process that person being assessed is fully engaged with the assessment and as the assessor I am in continuous consultation with my supervisor. The information collected must be recorded in a systematic way to give a clear and accurate understanding of needs and a possible plan of action (Smale Tuson, 1993). The viability assessment must pay close attention to the circumstances around the reason why the kinship arrangement is needed. Arthur and Joan realise that if they do not take on the role of carers then Jane is likely to be placed with unrelated foster carers. The assessment includes the family to look at creating a kinship arrangement that will at best be acceptable to the child, the local authority should consider the childs extended family as an alternative to the mainstream fostering system when completing the assessment. The Childrens Act 1989 directs that where the child is looked after by the local authority the child should be placed with a relative, friend or significant other (www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk accessed 16/01/2011) if this is a viable option. The Adoption and Children Act 2002 directs that relatives must be considered in care proceedings and in line with Public Law Outline which emphasizes the importance of robust judicial case management. The Children and Young Persons Act 2008 has led to developments that promote the childs welfare and are likely to increase the use of placements with family members. Over a 15 year period from 1989 to 2005 there has been a gradual increase in the numbers of children in care that are fostered with family and significant others, from 6 per cent to 12 per cent of looked after children in England (Department of Health, 2006; DfES, 2004). If a child is looked after by the Local Authority and is placed with a family member or significant other for a p eriod exceeding 6 weeks then the carer should be approved as a foster carer by the Local Authorities Fostering Panel (Warwickshire Council 2009). The Local Authority must have a clearly defined role in enabling the parent of the child to have some input in the care arrangements of their child in accordance with section 20 of the Childrens Act 1989. Where the local authority places children in kinship care arrangements they also must assess the kinship carer(s) in line with existing legislation that applies to unrelated foster carers therefore have responsibilities to ensure that the kinship carers receive financial support in line with boarding out regulations (Warren-Adamson, 2009). The Munby judgement in 2002 set a precedent that local authorities must treat kinship carers in the same way as non related foster carers. This means that Warwickshire County Council must assess Arthur and Joan as kinship carers even though they may well already be looking after the child at the point the assessment starts. The difficulties I experienced as the Fostering Social Worker completing the assessment was mainly around the support, training and payment of Kinship Carers. The research also found that Kinship Carers are unlikely to challenge parents legally for the kinship of the child because it can have a negative impact on the parents relationship with the Kinship Carers. One of the implications highlighted by the research document was that Kinship Carers are unlikely to go for Special Guardianship Orders due to the reduced payments and support. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) research found that kinship carers may resent the intrusion the assessment process will entail into their lives by statutory services and feel they are being monitored and placed under surveillance (JRF, 2002). The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) found that unsatisfactory placements with family and friend lasted significantly longer than with unrelated carers (Farmer Moyers, 2008). Local Authorities are required under the Childrens Act 1989 to operate a policy of less intrusive intervention when intervening with families. Argent (2009) draws attention to the assumption that social workers from non ethnic backgrounds tend to assume that families from Black Minority and Ethnic groups would rather manage the kinship without outside help or they do not understand the process. Argent highlights that some minority groups have a strong sense of kinship without any legal or statutory intervention. There are four types of kinship care these are determined by the legal status of the child that is being accommodated Fostered with a family or friend; Residence Order; Living with family and friends and a Special guardianship order. The viability assessment I undertook was to assess whether Arthur and Joan were suitable to go on to the next stage of the assessment, the Special Guardianship Order. Special Guardianship Orders were introduced in the Adoption and Children Act 2002 to encourage flexibility with regards to the length of the placement. This order recognizes that long term fostering or adoption might not be an option and that this type of order gives parental responsibility until the child is 18. At present there is not a legal requirement for Warwickshire Council to explore Kinship but the legal framework implies that it is a preferred option to private fostering. A family group conference is called with a view to exploring the potential of a family member becoming a kinsh ip carer (Hunt et al, 2008). The aim of the Viability Assessment is to make certain that Janes needs remain central to the assessment (Hunt et al, 2008). Milner and OByrne (2002) suggest that assessments can be divided into a number of stages: Preparation: I gathered information from case notes and other reports that have previously been written, in consultation with the Janes social worker we agreed on who to interview with regards to people that are a part of the extended family or wider support network and would be in contact with Jane. Preparing for the interview I ensured that I had the essential questions and an explanation of the interview purpose along with timescales for the viability process. Collecting data: I checked on sources of written information for factual accuracy. Weighing the data: I identified gaps, consulted colleagues and began to identify any key facts or themes. Analysing the data: I considered relevant research evidence and theory. Using the data: I analysed the data and formed an opinion as to whether Janes needs would be met by Arthur and Joan. The outcome of the above process was to make a recommendation to the court. Along with the viability assessment was the health and safety of the property that the child will be living in also had to be assessed. . I had to think about how the separate pieces of information interlink and about their impact on the grandfather. It has been suggested it is important to avoid subjectivity and not to dismiss information that does not fit with preconceived assumptions: Taking information for granted and not checking. Getting stuck with one perspective, and failing to recognise alternative explanations. Stereotyping situations and solutions to them. Making assumptions about age, culture, disability or any aspect of a service users life. The way its done here approach fitting service users into the routine response of the agency instead of focusing on the client. Using the assessment process to ration resources or disguising their absence, in other words, assessment becomes resource-led rather than needs-led (Milner and OByrne, 2002). Smale and Tuson (1993) propose three models of assessment: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The questioning model: where the worker is seen as expert and follows a set format of questions à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The procedural model: in which the worker gathers information in order to see if agency criteria are met à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The exchange model: in which the service user is seen as expert in his or her own situation and the worker helps to provide resources and seeks to maximise potential. In conclusion, I realise that people change and as a social worker I need to be aware that new information may emerge that causes situations change, so I have to consider the impact it has on the assessment. Although the assessment is often viewed as a separate stage to the intervention, it is also a continuous process and there is a need to constantly re-assess throughout the intervention (Milner and OByrne, 2002). I used a Task Centered Model for completing the Viability Assessment as it was a short term (6 weeks) problem solving approach with a clear beginning, middle and end, and has a specific timeframe to complete the assessesment and submit it to the court. I adopted a Solution Focused approach in my intervention as it worked with Arthur and Joan to help them to look at their strengths and to find their own solutions to challenges they may face. A Solution Focused approach enables people to see better futures, it can be used to focus on the positives whilst also accepting that their strengths which are Arthur and Joans commitment to meeting Janes needs for as long as she needs them and fact that this can be used as a platform for future long term planning. In practice I found it difficult to choose a single model as I realized I would be using all three in this case. Firstly, the Viability Assessment for kinship involved me in the role of expert with a set format of questions, and secondly, I was conscious of the criteria for kinship to enable me to ask appropriate supplementary questions but lastly, I feel that the exchange model reflects the values of anti-oppressive practice in that Arthur is placed in a position of control and so that the process meets his expectations as well as mine as the assessing social worker. However, as social workers operating within a statutory setting we must recognize that there are pressures to conform to questioning or procedural models. To work in an anti-oppressive manner is to incorporate necessary questioning, schedules and scales into an assessment that respects Arthurs expertise in caring for Jane (Smale and Tuson, 1993).

Parkinsons Disease Essay -- essays research papers

James Parkinson first discovered Parkinson's Disease in 1817. Parkinson's Disease is a common neurologic disorder for the elderly. It is a disorder of the brain characterized by shaking and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination. This disease is associated with damage to a part of the brain that controls muscle movement. Parkinson's Disease is a chronic illness that is still being extensively studied. Parkinson's Disease has caused problems for many people in this world and plagued the elderly all over the world.Parkinson's disease still puzzles doctors and the causes are unknown. It is known that it is a non-communicable disease and may even be hereditary. Parkinson's disease is thought to be caused by external factors. Most of the cases of this disease are caused by progressive deterioration of the nerve cells, which control muscle movement. Dopamine, one of the substances used in the brain to transmit impulses, is produced in the area of deterioration. Without this vital dopamine nerve cells cannot properly transmit messages resulting in a loss of muscle function.Parkinson's Disease is a non-communicable disease and doctors have not yet found out whether or not it is a hereditary disease. Parkinson's Disease has many distinct symptoms. The symptoms are:Muscle Rigiditystiffness difficulty bending arms or legsunstable, stooped, or slumped-over posture loss of balancewalking pattern changesslow movements difficulty beginning to walk difficulty initiating any...

Physiologic Effects of Insulin :: essays research papers

Stand on a streetcorner and ask people if they know what insulin is, and many will reply, "Doesn't it have something to do with blood sugar?" Indeed, that is correct, but such a response is a bit like saying "Mozart? Wasn't he some kind of a musician?" Insulin is a key player in the control of intermediary metabolism. It has profound effects on both carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and significant influences on protein and mineral metabolism. Consequently, derangements in insulin signalling have widespread and devastating effects on many organs and tissues. The Insulin Receptor and Mechanism of Action Like the receptors for other protein hormones, the receptor for insulin is embedded in the plasma membrane. The insulin receptor is composed of two alpha subunits and two beta subunits linked by disulfide bonds. The alpha chains are entirely extracellular and house insulin binding domains, while the linked beta chains penetrate through the plasma membrane. The insulin receptor is a tyrosine kinase. In other words, it functions as an enzyme that transfers phosphate groups from ATP to tyrosine residues on intracellular target proteins. Binding of insulin to the alpha subunits causes the beta subunits to phosphorylate themselves (autophosphorylation), thus activating the catalytic activity of the receptor. The activated receptor then phosphorylates a number of intracellular proteins, which in turn alters their activity, thereby generating a biological response. Several intracellular proteins have been identified as phosphorylation substrates for the insulin receptor, the best-studied of which is insulin receptor substrate 1 or IRS-1. When IRS-1 is activated by phosphorylation, a lot of things happen. Among other things, IRS-1 serves as a type of docking center for recruitment and activation of other enzymes that ultimately mediate insulin's effects. A more detailed look at these processes is presented in the section on Insulin Signal Transduction. Insulin and Carbohydrate Metabolism Glucose is liberated from dietary carbohydrate such as starch or sucrose by hydrolysis within the small intestine, and is then absorbed into the blood. Elevated concentrations of glucose in blood stimulate release of insulin, and insulin acts on cells thoughout the body to stimulate uptake, utilization and storage of glucose. The effects of insulin on glucose metabolism vary depending on the target tissue. Two important effects are: Insulin facilitates entry of glucose into muscle, adipose and several other tissues. The only mechanism by which cells can take up glucose is by facilitated diffusion through a family of hexose transporters. In many tissues - muscle being a prime example - the major transporter used for uptake of glucose (called GLUT4) is made available in the plasma membrane through the action of insulin.

A New Approach to Stadium Experience: the Dynamics of the Sensoryscape, Social Interaction, and Sense of Home Essay

Abtract The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable, valid instrument of the sensory experiences of sport attendees. It identified 22-items to represent five dimensions of the sensoryscape; they are sight, smell, sound, taste and touch. The authors used CFA ( confirmatory factor analysis) and SEM ( Structural Equation Model ) to confirm the reliable of Sensoryscape. The sensoryscape, social interaction, and sense of home each had a positive, direct impact on fans’ satisfaction for both major (N = 259) and minor {N= 218) league venues; and they also had correlation among each other. Satisfaction with the stadium experience had a positive and direct impact on intention to revisit. Implications for sport marketing practice and future research are discussed. 1.0 Introduction The importance of the experience economy has been widely recognized in consumer research. According to Holbrook & Hirschman (1982), experiences have always been at the heart of the entertainment business including in sporting events. When fans have good experiences in the facility, there is greater inducement to their repeat attendance Many studies have begun to pay close attention to consumers’ experiences via their five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell and taste (Gobà ©, 2001, et al). A higher quality or more powerful sensory experience has been shown to influence the extent of the purchase and, when positive, result in a higher level of customer loyalty. Anderson and Sullivan (1993), consumer satisfaction is one of the most important predictors of consumer retention. Traditionally, product or service quality is one of the most powerful determinants of customer satisfaction and behavioral, however, more recent work has focused on sustaining the brand and customer experien ce. On the other hand, sport marketing researchers have primarily focused on two types of antecedents that lead to customer satisfaction and behavioral intention: * Core product * Customer service According to Westerbeek and Shilbury (1999), in the professional sports industry, a stadium is an important venue in which sport consumers directly consume and experience sports, and social interaction is a key element that affects spectators’ stadium experience. Sigmon et al, 2002, researched that fans also report experiencing a feeling of home in their home stadium, to some fans, a professional team’s stadium is not just a facility; it is their psychology home. The purpose of this study is to provide a more complete understanding of the sensual, social, and psychological aspects of the sport consumption experience within the stadium. Specifically, the purpose of this research is to develop a reliable, valid scale of the sensoryscape. 2.0 Theoretical Background and Hypotheses 2.1 Sensory Experience Consumers’ sensory experiences play an important role in their perceptions of the value companies provide; however, the sensory experience alone may not guarantee that consumers remember the experience A stadium can be considered a â€Å"sensoryscapeâ€Å" which provides a memorable experience by appealing to all five senses. Gaffney and Bale (2004) suggested five sensual factors that affect stadium experiences: sight, sound, touch, smell, taste. Gaffney and Bale (2004) suggested five sensual factors that affect stadium experiences. It is likely that more positive experiences of the sensoryscape lead to higher levels of satisfaction with the stadium experience. Based on the literature we suggest the following hypothesis: H1: More positive experiences of the sensoryscape will lead to higher levels of satisfaction with the stadium experience. 2.2 Social Interaction The effect of social interaction on stadium satisfaction may be more direct and salient. Further, there is some evidence that social interaction can stimulate communisis, but this effect has been shown only in the case of mega-events. It is not clear whether social interaction can and does evince the same experience at smaller, more regularly occurring events. Recognizing the lack of knowledge regarding the effect of social interaction, the following hypothesis is proposed: H2: Social interaction will have a positive and direct impact on stadium experience satisfaction. 2.3 Sense of Home According to Crawford (2004), professional sport teams have a significant link to the specific place where they are located. Further, at the societal level, the sport venue becomes an â€Å"emblem of locality† that represents a town and its residents Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that when fan’s experience their team’s stadium as home, their overall stadium satisfaction with the venue will increase. H3: A sense of home will have a positive and direct impact on stadium experience satisfaction. 2.4 Relationship Among Sensoryscape, Social Interaction, and Sense of Home Research clearly suggests that the sensoryscape, social interaction, and sense of home should each affect fan’s satisfaction with the stadium; however, There are grounds for expecting the three factors to be related with one another. It is reasonable to expect that the sensory scape may contribute to spectators’ experience of the stadium as home. On the other hand, those who seek to feel a sense of home are more likely to be receptive to the sensory scape. H4: Sensoryscape, social interaction, and sense of home will be correlated with one another. 2.5 Stadium Satisfaction and Repeat Attendance. Anderson & Sullivan (1993) and Oliver (1980), consumer satisfaction bas been the subject of much attention in the context of spectator sports, because of its influence on consumers’ behavioral intentions and customer retention. Satisfied consumers tend to report stronger repurchase intentions, and are more likely to recommend the products or services purchased to others This study focuses on consumers’ stadium experience satisfaction rather than their game satisfaction. Stadium satisfaction will be defined as a sport consumer’s overall evaluation and associated emotions based on all experiences within the stadium. H5: Stadium experience satisfaction will have a positive and direct impact on future intention to revisit. 3.0 Methodology Minor context: Data were collected in person for the minor league context, the sampling for the Round Rock Express. A total of 218 completed. Males were 59%, age from 11 to 85 years (M = 40.7). Most respondents were White (71%) followed by Hispanic (16%). Major context: Data for the Houston Astros were collected via an online survey.A total of 259 completed responses were obtained for the study. Males were 64%, and age ranged from 15 to 77 years (M= 34.6). most respondents were White (67%) followed by Hispanic (21%). 3.1 Measurement Spectators rated each item on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). The questionnaire for the scale validation study included five measures: the sensoryscape, social interaction, sense of home, consumer satisfaction at the stadium, and repeat attendance. Total items are 33. 3.2 Data Analysis Structural equation models (SEM) using AMOS were conducted separately for each context (i.e., major league and minor league) to test the hypothesized relationships among the sensoryscape, social interaction, sense of home, stadium experience satisfaction, and intention to revisit in both major and minor league settings. 4.0 Result 4.1 Major League Context The structural model indicated that the sensoryscape, social interaction, and sense of home explained 71.1% of the variance in satisfaction with the Houston Astros’ stadium, and that these four factors predicted 45.1% of the variance in spectators’ intention to retum to the stadium. Correlations among the sensoryscape, social interaction, and sense of home were significant: 0.35 < r < 0.49, p < . H4 was supported. The four paths were all significant: 0.22 < g < 0.68,, P < 0.01. Therefore, H1, H2, H3, and H5 in the major league setting were supported, 4.2 Minor League Context The structural model indicated that the sensoryscape, social interaction, and sense of home explained 70.5% of the variance in satisfaction with the Round Rock Express stadium experience; these four factors predicted 55% of the variance in spectators‘ intention to retum to the Round Rock Express’ stadium. The correlations among the sensoryscape, social interaction, and sense of home were significant: 0.19 < r < 0.44, p < 0.01 H4 was supported. All the four paths between latent variables were significant: 0.17 < g < 0.15, p < 0.01. H1, H2, H3, and were supported. 5.0 Discussion The Sensoryscape scale , including 22-item, five-dimension scale is a reliable and valid instrument to measure fans’ stadium experience. The most significant factor affecting spectators‘ overall stadium satisfaction was the sensoryscape for both major and minor league contexts. Although the magnitude of the effect was much higher in the minor league context than in the major league context, social interaction had a positive impact on stadium satisfaction Spectators’ satisfaction is positively and meaningfully impacted by sense of home with the stadium experience in both major and minor-league context. This also offers suggestions for enhancing fans’ sense of the stadium as home: * First, marketers should find more ways for spectators to come into contact with the stadium and images of the stadium. * Further, sport teams can host more fantasy camps where fantasy camp participants can play with or have lessons from the team’s players. It found that the correlation between the sensoryscape and social interaction in both contexts was similar in its magnitude, the correlation between social interaction and sense of home was much higher in the minor league context than in major league context, and the correlation between sensoryscape and sense of home was much higher in major league context than in major league context. 6.0 Limitations Future research should explore other ways in which fans use their five senses to experience the stadium, to continue to improve the Sensoryscape scale and seek to confirm the proposed model with data collected from major league sites, or to compare fans’ responses to the same facility via on-line and on-site methods. To this end, other contexts could be explored (e.g., college sport, individual sport settings such as golf and tennis, road races) 7.0 Conclusion The overall sensoryscape construct explained the most variance in spectators’ satisfaction with the stadium experience. This research suggests a new direction for experience marketing in sport that leverages each of the five senses. By cultivating the sensoryscape, facilitating social interaction, and providing a sense of home, sport consumers can have a more enjoyable and memorable game experience, regardless of the game outcome.

Partnership transportation Essay

Partnership transportation in broad mind means involvement of all parties in the running and operations of transportation and its impact, retrieved from a journal on â€Å"facilitating partnership in transportation (2005) page 7 and 8†, by James A Merchant and Barbara T Harder. Transportation and maintenance is a work done by local government and the state in collaboration with other partners. Partnership transportation involves integration of various bodies in the transport sector. Partnership in transportation sector can be classified into two categories. First there is incorporation of all means of transport, this include pipeline transportation method, railway transportation method, airway, shipment, road transportation methods. Second, there is integration of private companies and people that own the vehicles, marine ships, airbuses and pipelines, chamber of commerce and industry that has the potential human resource powers to innovate new technologies that enhance fuel saving, and other automobile associations. In transportation, no specific body that can handle transportation sector individually without cooperation of other parties as indicated by Mark Wymond-1917-178 pages in his book â€Å"Our transportation problem† ,www.worldcatlibraries.org . For example, poor management of institutional framework may deteriorate roads management, railway management etc. Poor conditions of road, railways and airports because of poor services and maintenance may be another issue of concern. Lack of defined responsibilities of each associate party, ineffective and weak management structures can also have adverse effects in the transportation sector. Lack of managerial accountability is another issue of concern; this is because transportation itself is an individual identity. Hence, there must be somebody to respond to various issues that may arise. The responsive party would include government officials and private transport cartels.   Failure due to road and railway engineers adversely affects transportation sector. The government is involved in financing public roads and other means of transportation. The government makes sure that there is rule of law that is followed. It is the work of govern to mitigate the transportation processes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Historical background Partnership transportation resulted in manner that was not supposed to be. It dates us back to the early seventeen century when the prisoners in Victoria were being transported from various parts of the country to Australia.[1] This was an intention to punish the prisoners since there were no enough prisons to keep them. Therefore, a solution was found on to how to punish those prisoners. One of the best ways to do that was to compel the prisoners to carry out hard work, tiring jobs and boring tasks such as walking miles away to transport goods or to peak oakum.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Farming is another issue that resulted to partnership transportation. This included commercial activities occurring as transportation route; this made the construction of various transportation route e.g.   The Chin ago canals, and rail lines were developed, linking the town to other parts of the region. A tract was opened to settlers and land companies by the Clinton treaty in 1788. The growth of Hamilton town was because of stimulation by several main roads, which crossed from east to west. Therefore, there erupted a relationship between the farmers and transportation board in various countries. Transportation of farm produce resulted to growth and development of transportation sector. On the other hand, farmers benefited from easy means of accessing the markets for their produce. In the process, trading started and business thrived tremendously. This resulted to stiff competition that enabled business partners to merge and to come up with an idea to work together, this is how the partnership transportation emerged. That resulted to automobile firms that started competing on manufacturing different kinds of vehicles. Since then the technology has advanced to the manufacturing of space ships. Status: current issues, practices, developments, controversies and impact of partnership transport.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The current issues of partnership transportation include commuters and commuting society, insurance and registration, maintenance and repairs, safety and development. There is the issue of confronting the daunting challenge posed by global climatic change. The main source of green house gases like carbon dioxide is burning of fossil fuel by either through burning coals, oils, petrol, kerosene etc. Burning of fossil fuel include even idling. Therefore, global warming is caused by emission of green house gases that pollute the atmosphere and this go hand in hand with industrialization. It is due to industrialization that transportation is enhanced by manufacturing of automobiles. Therefore, there must be away of partnership association in combating the consequences of transportation. It is fair for industrialized countries to enhance the issue of mitigating this effect as they are the main cause.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Global warming is one of the negative impacts caused by the gas emitted by automobiles. Mainly the climatic change is usually caused by pollution that affects the ozone layer. Then the ozone layer becomes less effective in controlling the remittance of radiation from the sun. Therefore, the transport board must tackle this problem since they are part of the cause beside industrialization. In addition, this pollution has a major impact on the quality and feasibility of transit-oriented development. The current issue of concern is to mitigate fuel consumption and to avoid accidents caused by reckless driving.   Reckless driving practices can have a negative implication on automobile fuel economy. This project of training drivers can enhance fuel economy because experienced experts would save consumption. This is by using simple techniques like cruise control mechanism, pricing whenever possible, avoiding use of cab appliances, soft and gradual acceleration and progressive shifting. All these mechanisms enhance reduction of speed. Transport sector in collaboration with the traffic police; address this issue by ensuring that transport rules and regulations are adhered to. Transit connectivity plan is improved daily to enhance pediatrician walking; this makes passenger’s movement easy from one movement to another. Goods movement services should be improved to enhance cargo and freight transportation, this include transit expansion program resolution for rail, road, bus and ferry transit projects. Freight movement is essential to any economy and way of life. For example in each year in the US, automobile moved about ten billion tons of freight worth more than 7.5 trillion dollars whereby, the ground freight consumed significant energy and the sector grew as   expected. This is a development issue because over thirty five billion gallons of fuel will increase to about forty five billion by the year 2013. The ground freight industry is large and decentralized; this is because seven million freight trucks and twenty thousand locomotives are in partnership transportation in US and this is not a simple thing. Another development issue is the ongoing activities concerning pedestrians planning strategies, bicycle riders, community-based planning and development they intend to take. Controversies results due to the need of expanding the transport course, this is because expansion might lead to congestion or evacuation of some people from the intended bypass. This program’s goal is to advance the findings of the lifeline transportation network suggestion through collaboration with community organizations, transit agencies and congestion management agencies in order to minimize the dispute. Therefore, the controversies that arise due to congestion are dealt with. Other developmental plans include new means of transport being innovated to cater for the transportation needs of the countries low-income, elderly and disabled populations. For example, the community-based planning program. This program’s goal is to advance the findings of the transportation network system through collaboration Going on, there is this issue about the automotive & transportation practice and development.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These are the some of the current practices that include the automotive and transportation practice that provides global market research for the completed automobiles. Industrial   analysis, concurrent business research which involves custom market research and consultation, market predicament, management consulting and innovation of new strategies result to emerging technologies that are designed to help transportation sector to address current trends and challenges affecting transportation sector and partnership. Another function is to identify new technologies that can lead to advantageous opportunities for growth. This work involves a   global team of automotive and transportation market research analysts, industry experts, and market  consultants who continuously monitor the automotive and transportation industry including logistics, rail systems, automotive testing, diagnostic sand new chassis technologies. In this partnership transportation, there is training for drivers to be equipped with driving dynamics. This is because, new   commercial vehicles that are being manufactured have these new technologies, for example   telemetric and infotainment, power train ,alternative propulsion, safety and   driving assistance not forgetting warning systems.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The floor is open for those wishing to join the partnership. The advantage is that there is acquiring of freight carrier innovative strategies, freight carrier commitment is enhanced through partnership, freight carrier fleet performance model are available and of course freight carrier benefits of partnership[2]. For example, truck and rail transportation provides a cost-effective means to transport much of America’s freight. Truck and rail fleets can take simple actions to make ground freight more efficient and cleaner for the environment. The following technologies and strategies can help reduce fuel consumption and emissions from freight trucks. First there is idling reduction in the engine mechanism, there is improved aerodynamics in aerial crafting, improved freight logistics. Other current developments include, tire technology that involve automatic tire inflation systems of which tires with wide base are manufactured. In tire inflation system, there is adjustment of the level of tire pressure. This maintains proper tire pressure especially when the automobile is moving; hence facilitating longer service for the tire It is known that tires with wide base can reduce friction and resistance on the road. This would lead to saving consumption of fuel and other fuel related expenditure. Tire technologies improve on reducing accidents by stabilizing the vehicles movement and grasping on the roads. Furthermore, there is production of low-viscosity lubricants that are used in breaks and other movable parts, less viscous artificial and semi-artificial lubricants can reduce friction losses in automobile drive train, emission of gases, and its engine friction. This actually saves the fuel consumption and hence emission of harmful gases.   Going on, synthetic transmission and oil lubricants can raise fuel economy by 0.7 and 2.1 percent in summer and winter respectively. Good news is that by replacing all transmission lubricants with less viscous fluid saves fuel with less or no additional cost. Other development systems are low weight body parts. This is enhanced by sing materials made of aluminum or other lightweight materials. By reducing weight, much oil consumption can be reduced. Actually, the possibility for weight savings is even greater in the automobile. Lastly, there is use of inter modal shipping systems and hybrid power train technology advancement. In the current development systems, several technologies and practices can be used to assist drivers in reducing truck idling. A case study that was performed in one of the automobile firms show that reducing or eliminating prolonged idling of long-transit trucks can save up to one thousands gallons of fuel per truck each year. This would reduce global warming by reducing pollution emissions, and lowering the cost of engine maintenance.   Some idling reduction technologies can minimize fuel consumption through air conditioning.[3] Some of the latest technologies include reduction on fuel consumption; manufacturers have focused considerable attention on implementing new truck tractor aerodynamics systems. By so doing they have achieved significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduction.   To improve efficiency in fuel consumption, improved freight logistics can enhance achieving the goal which include improved operation efficiency, saving fuel and increasing benefits and profits for automobile companies.   Some of the current diplomatic strategies include load scrutiny and matching, more efficient coursing and scheduling of automobiles, and improved working policies. There is use of software to structure more efficient automobile routes. [4] Social, economic and environmental aspect   There is a suggestion for long lasting solutions that would address social aspects, economic aspects, and environmental aspects. The suggestion involves a lifeline transportation program that works with local agencies to improve access to public transit for new entrants to the job market. For example, regional rail plan is helping develop a bay area regional rail plan to improve the current rail system, map out future rail lines and station locations, and integrate passenger and freight from rail sharing on existing tracks. Another example is the suggestion for a smart growth and transportation for livable communities bay area.[5] The communities should embrace the idea by getting a little tender loving care from partnership transportation, in the form of initiatives to foster pedestrian-friendly development and travel options such as walking, bicycling and public transit. [6]   It is visible that Urban Partnership Program proposal to deliver congestion reduction by 2009 through a bold program combing the affiliated parties and experts concerned in tolling, advanced technology, transit and transportation if effective will address some controversies. The current controversies affecting the transportation sector include lack of agreement on terms of scrutiny. There are two controversy terms, that define the impact of partnership transportation i.e. there is technical controversy that defines failure due to decision of an expert appointed by the parties and non-technical controversy that deals with the rules and regulations. The latter, involves bleaching of the contract that involves disputes arrangement on investment. This happened in an oil transportation controversy whereby they wanted the project to be concerned in establishing standards service for the future, rather than examining current controversies about work programmed.   Overcrowding and reliability is also another negative impact caused by partnership transportation. This is a sensitive issue in transportation that require more detailed hearing to solve the pending problems   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Some of these pending issues include, perceived transport problems, factors influencing travel behavior, transport licensing board service provision, infrastructure schemes, partnership approaches and innovative solution. [7]Other development measures currently undertaken include expansion of airports and upgrading to an international level. For example, Durango la Plata county airport is expected to undertake some upgrading changes in the coming years[8]. Some of Strategies to facilitate development could include expansion of the planning area, code requirements for aviation easements, and establishment of requirements for special construction on lands adjacent to the airport. Retrieved from www.laplatacountycolorado.org Conclusion Partnership transport is a broad business operation that currently integrates all areas of work. It has enabled the world to be seen as a global village. In essence, partnership transports easies the work of transportation and collaboration in the sector and other chambers of commerce.   However, the controversies and negative effects should be dealt with immediately when they arise. Safer means of transport should be innovated to avoid negative impact such as pollution to the environment, air pollution and water pollution. Therefore, it is of great importance to associate all stakeholders in transportation sector e.g. oil companies should manufacture lead free fuel to lessen the negative impact caused by the fuel.   Actually, the engine life and service is directly related to the amount of fuel burned. In essence, the reduction of driving speed can minimize the cost of repairing the engine. The maximum automobile driving speeds can be minimized through electronic software engine controlling mechanism, improved driver-training programs, or I house programs that motivate drivers for abiding with the rules and regulations. Almost, all new automobile engines in use today are electronically manipulated and the cost of changing the highest acceleration setting on these engines is to some extent negligible. The stated mechanisms, developments and resolutions to partnership transportation are the currents undertaking towards strengthening of the transport sector.    References: Current developments in airport expansion, retrieved on 25th August 2007, available at www.laplatacountycolorado.org Current undertakings on transportation sector, retrieved on 29th August 2007, available at www. emeraldinsight.com Fleet strategies, retrieved on 29th August 2007, available at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/smartway/smartway_fleets_strategies.htm James A Merchant and Barbara (2005) Transportation: Facilitating partnership transportation, page 7 and 8 New York Transport scrutiny update, retrieved on 25th August 2007, available at www. London.gov.uk Transportation problems, retrieved on 25th August 2007, available at www.worldcatlibraries.org Jacques and Whit ford (2003) Environmental impact: Road environmental aspects, published by St Johns N, L London Smart innovation in technologies, retrieved on 29th August 2007, available at www.epa.gov/smartway