Research Korner

Draw Academy

The first sentence of the Mission Statement yields the following words:  "personalized, supportive, and engaging school environment" not only to attain success as individuals but also as "members of their communities".  In the first sentence alone, it is clear that the Mission Statement has been incorporating what has been established in current brain research and Human Development.  The first word of emphasis is 'personalized'.  Earlier in the paper, it has been established that Human Development is a complex interaction of nature and nurture rather than a simplified general law that will determine growth.  Human beings are unique in their qualitative thinking due to their circumstances and culture.  They will need personalized and subjective treatment in order to maximize learning.  As learning does not solely depend on the individual's nature alone, the individual's environment must be designed in such a way that would nurture development.  As such a "supportive and engaging environment" is necessary to foster the learning and the interaction of the individual.  It will not do for the individual to grow and develop solely without interaction and without an environment that will nurture this and above all, without the "members of the community" which the individual must learn to interact with to find success.  The mission statement clearly emphasizes the role of 'others' in moving towards the learning success of the individual.  This invites the prospect of Cooperative Learning more than ever. The Mission Statement, furthermore, mentions how it will include "active" learning, rather one sided learning.  This will compliment the need towards interaction as it promotes active learning.  It further establishes the recognition of children as having "specific academic needs" and subjective learning.  As the paper had mentioned, the keyword is to be open to multiplicity which the mission statement invites through multiple language development and student diversity.  This will no doubt enrich the environment that will nurture the individual.  Its pledge to utilize current technology tools acknowledges the new step of Human development wherein there will be the presence of new entities in Human Development such as machines which are known to penetrate every aspect of the human lifestyle, growth and education, especially development.  The last sentence invites the prospect of collaboration which further supports the school's commitment towards a dynamic interactive approach in learning rather one-sided.  Not only does the school acknowledge each student to have his/her own individual talent determined by genetics, the school also recognizes that learning also takes place in an environment that will be open and broad minded to other fields.  Clearly there is theory (nature) and practice (nurture) working together so that the child may be able to adjust in "real world application of learning".  The school recognizes that learning is complex and definitely beyond the classroom.  Education takes place everywhere and anytime true to what is proposed by the Human Development theories.        Its Core Beliefs in the meantime solidifies the determination towards personalized and subjective learning by saying that "Every child deserves to feel known and valued".  There is the sensitivity needed and recommended by current brain research and Human Development theories for individual attention and care.  Furthermore it attests to define learning and education through experiences.  Experiences mean subjecting the student to the environment and allowing it to cause an impact on him/her giving way to nurtured development.  The paper emphasized also that Children education and specifically primary and elementary classroom education should no longer be reliant of one sole teaching and learning method because this limits the potential of students.  In order for the school to meet this, it needs to "provide opportunities" and "empower the child with many options" which the school includes in its core beliefs.  This again proceeds in the notion that each individual have their own unique personalized and subjective talents that will need more options than one in order to be addressed.  The Core Beliefs also cited an important detail which is the education "should be experienced beyond the school walls" which coincides with the Human development theory of education as ever-present in the environment.  The paper mentioned the crucial involvement of the socio-cultural factor in the learning of the student which the school becomes aware of thanks to its commitment of learning beyond the school walls.  Current brain research and Human Development Theories in this regard would attest to a learning that is outside the box which the tenth core belief, "That the community at large is a valuable and essential resource" coupled with the Mission statement's pledge to adjust the children to real world applications of learning.     In conclusion, the Mission Statement and Core Beliefs of the DRAW Academy are consistent with the links of current brain research and Human Development Theories.  Interesting News Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Draw Academy

The first sentence of the Mission Statement yields the following words: "personalized, supportive, and engaging school environment" not only to attain success as individuals but also as "mem…

Project Work On Child Labor In India

CHILD LABOR IN INDIA   The issue of child labor in India has been a serious problem  over these years, and the Indian government   is  just obviously mum about it.  During the  Congressional Conference which held on 25 July 1995, the Honorable Dan Burton of India  testified that  the exploitation of child labor in India  has been going on and has become  very rampant in  most of the industries in the country.  Undoubtedly, the  Indian government  has been abusive over the minorities in Kashmir and Punjab.  Human rights is  not really recognized and never practiced in a right way in Indian government.  In this connection, the  United States government and various international agencies and  communities  have paid  attention to the wide-spread child labor   in the said country.  For them, it is a high time that this  abusive treatment to the Indian children must be  put an end. Furthermore, the  children   who are  14 years below are  forced to work in glass-blowing, fireworks, and carpet-making factories. It has been reported that there are about 50 million children laborers in the country. This  child labor exploitation is very prevalent in the northern part of India, where the child labor exploitation is already a  normal practice in the communities due to severe poverty conditions of the  many households in the region.  In addition to that,  carpet industry  is one of the  business sector that has  the largest number of child labor record.  And,  what makes it even worse than  the issue is the very low wages that the children receive from these factories.  The scenario is  the adult laborers  refuse to work under that  low wages, and so, the factory owners  are recruiting children to do the job that the adult workers  turned down because of the  unjust compensation rate given to them.  Aside from that, the youngsters are working in unsafe, hazardous, unhygienic working environment.  The worst thing in this issue is the   parents  just allow their children to undergo this  abusive working condition because  most of the parents do not have sources of income, or if there are, they also earn  very low wages that cannot suffice the needs of the entire household.    Many children, are out of school  because they need to work  at an early stage to help their families  in order to survive their daily living.  The  children have to work for  long hours in a day, (12 hours per day), and they just allowed to  take a very short break for their meals.    Most of the children are malnourished because they are deprived of  the legal break-time for them to have enough rest and have the proper way to  eat  food.  Additionally, the children are not even allowed to go home after work.  They  are stay-in  young laborers; and they just sleep alongside of their working areas which caused the children to acquire various  illnesses and  led them to poor health conditions.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_labour_in_India ) Although, several international agencies have been working hard to eliminate this child labor problem among  the 75 percent  of the children population in India.  Likewise, the Indian government has  awaken by this  desperate  labor conditions of children,  is taking some steps  of at least lessen the  major problem in the country.  In this regard, the Indian government just  implemented a law that prohibits the employment of children under age of 14. But,  children who work in a family-owned factories are excluded  from the  labor restrictions. Just the same, the  children labor law is not followed and applied  strictly.  Many  family-owned factories do  not abide with the law.  Though, there are  government policies and labor mandate for the factory owners who will violate the  labor regulation, still  they are not   truly respected by many factory owners.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_labour_in_India )  Legal interventions just paved the way  for few  positive results , and they have  very minimal effects on the  proliferation of child labor in India.  Thus, an extensive reform process is necessary to eliminate the wide-spread  child labor abuses and practices in India which strives to end the desperate poverty in the nation.  The writer is looking at the possibilities of changing the employment structure  in the country can help to at least  minimize the problem.  Another recommendation is the building of  accessible schools  so that children will have the great chance to go to school even without money in their pockets.   The most important part here is  the “”awakening”   among the children and their families that their rights as children must be respected by all members of their society, as well as to practice those rights in  the right manner  for the betterment of their well-being as children. And with the major intervention of the United States of America  together with  the international agencies that mostly advocate for the protection  of human rights of children from all parts of the world; this advocacy will be soon achieved.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_labour_in_India )  Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_labour_in_India Interesting News Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Project Work On Child Labor In India

CHILD LABOR IN INDIA The issue of child labor in India has been a serious problem over these years, and the Indian government is just obviously mum about it. During the Congressional Con…

Quantitative Research On The Contribution Of Microfinance Institutions To Poverty Reduction

The Contribution of Microfinance Institutions to Poverty Reduction   In general, millions of poor rural households do not have the privilege to access to the basic savings and credit services   in financial institutions. This reason alone even leads them to find other ways and means to elevate their low economic condition.  In rural communities, the traditional ways of saving is through investing money in a livestock or jewelry.  But these investments are not efficient to help the poor families to get funds for their daily needs.  Hence, liquid cash is   most convenient way to acquire cash on hand. And, in order to do this better, micro saving facilities are needed in order to provide this rural poor borrower to access this kind of service.  This type of micro saving facilities, poor borrower can deposit their money when they have it on hand.  In addition, after selling their harvested crops, the money they earned can be deposited in the micro-saving facilities as well as to withdraw it in times of need. Such basic facilities could help the poor families to gradually rise from the poverty.  What else, a deposit account can help the rural poor to obtain insurance, giving a sense of security, and it can help them to take out a loan when they need it. Nevertheless, credit facilities are generally not extended to the rural poor at all times, because they have few or no assets to offer as collateral. The people who can borrow are the people who have stable income and have the capacity to repay their loans.  (http://www.ifad.org/media/pack/microfinance.htm)   For the last two decades, there has been a rapid growth of microfinance institutions across the world; this was based on the Rural Poverty Report of 2001. These include community-run rural banks, savings and credit cooperatives, and grass-roots organizations of indigenous areas.  However, the saddest part of this, the poorest area were not been reached by that financing programs for poor families because their small amount of money is not enough for a collateral for any loan.  Another thing is these poorest regions do not have the chance to comply with the requirements that are being asked by the financing agencies like attendance in the regular meeting. Therefore, the battle against poverty is still a long way to go.    This could only be done through enormous effort by the government and micro financing agencies to improve their credit facilities in order to extend their credit services to the poorest people in the community.  (http://www.ifad.org/media/pack/microfinance.htm) On the positive side, the multilateral lending agencies, bilateral donor agencies, developing and developed country governments, and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) all of them has been supported the development and growth of microfinance services worldwide.  And, besides, there is a wide-range of private banking institutions that joined this group over the past years.  The result was overwhelming; microfinance services have grown rapidly during the last decade, although from an initial low level, and have come to the forefront of development discussions concerning poverty reduction.  In spite of this initiative, there have been still 95 percent of some 180 million poor families in the Asian and Pacific region that have scarcity on the financial services. (http://www.adb.org/documents/policies/microfinance/microfinance0100.asp?p=policies)    Majority of the policy makers, development professionals, as well as multilateral, so as to bilateral lenders, strongly believe that there is a further need of  providing efficient microfinance services to the poor population because of the following reasons: 1.  Microfinance is the most efficient and effective               poverty reduction strategy. 2.  The savings, credit and insurance facilities are the financial credit tools that will help the poor households to manage the financial risk better than any other. 3.   Microenterprises can help these people to improve their income potential.             At the same time, they help the rural borrowers to enhance their             market, financial allocation, facilitates these poor people to be             equipped with new technology and strategies for small businesses. 4.  Microfinance can contribute to the growth and development of the entire             financial system through the joint efforts of financial markets.  5.  Micro finance institutions can help the women in the poor household to             become productive and empowered individuals in the society. (http://www.adb.org/documents/policies/microfinance/microfinance0100.asp?p=policies)   Moreover, in the developing countries in the world, microfinance services have already changed their economic condition, as well as taught them to be productive and competitive. In Bangladesh, there are about 11 percent of the borrowers who already improved their economic condition little by little through the help of Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee; this is a micro finance NGO. In the same manner, there are about 21 percent of the Grameen Bank borrowers who are in the same cases.  (http://www.adb.org/documents/policies/microfinance/microfinance0100.asp?p=policies)   References: (http://www.ifad.org/media/pack/microfinance.htm) (http://www.adb.org/documents/policies/microfinance/microfinance0100.asp?p=policies)   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Quantitative Research On The Contribution Of Microfinance Institutions To Poverty Reduction

The Contribution of Microfinance Institutions to Poverty Reduction In general, millions of poor rural households do not have the privilege to access to the basic savings and credit services i…

Metal products are made primarily of tremendous number of single grains or crystal

Strengthening of Mechanics of Metals   1.    Introduction The commercial metal products are made primarily of tremendous number of single grains or crystal that do not deform according to the simple laws. The preparation and purity of the initial dislocation of substructure and density can be generally predicted in the high precision of the function, temperature, strain, as well as the stress rate. Nevertheless, the use of the still greater complexity can be use in order to produce materials that has the highest usefulness and strengths. The various mechanism in the strengthening the mechanisms as well as the other aspects for the deformation can be considered (2008).   2.    Common Ways of Metal Strengthening There are many ways in strengthening the mechanics of metals. One of these is the strengthening form the grain boundaries. This means that the simple grain boundary can have to inherent the strengths due to the results of the grain boundaries from the interference of the slip grains which are mutual. The other way is the strain aging or the type of way which is commonly correlated to the phenomenon of yield-point whereas the strengths of the metal can increase while the ductility can be lessen through the heating of the temperature right after the cold-working. The solid solution strengthening can also be way in order to strengthen the metals and can produce alloys which are stronger as compare to the pure metal (Ibid). One of the ways also is the strengthening from the fine particles which are the hard particles that are mixed in the consolidated and matrix powder fro metallurgy technique while many of the alloy systems can strengthened with the aide of the precipitation reaction in the solid states.  From the Modulus Change, it can also be source of strengths and the variation of the elastic module as the matrix and precipitate will be the ways for strengths ( 2008).   3.    Strengthening Aluminum The age hardening or the precipitation hardening is the technique that most of the experts are using in order to strengthen the malleable materials that includes the structural alloy of aluminum. This relies on the changes of the solubility of solid with the given temperature that can produce the particles of the phase of impurity that can impede the dislocation movement and can lattice the crystals because the dislocations can serve as the carrier of dominance of plasticity and can harden the material. The solid solution and precipitation for the atoms in the lattice can increase the resistance of the slip which is strengthening mechanisms. This interaction of precipitates and disclosure can produce either softening or hardening. This interaction of disclosure with the solid solution atom, to the precipitate, in the cells, grains cells, and to the sub grains can be isotropic effects of hardening which can be presented through the scalar drag stress or hardening. The initial strengths of the aluminum can increase the particle size and to reach the peak levels to the maximum hardness. This had been founded by  that observed the hardness of the Al- 4% in an increase time to the ambient temperature right after it has been quenched to the high temperature ( 2006,). This precipitation is applicable in aluminum in order to add strength in it. In this method it can maintains the ageing times for up to 1000 h and the treatments of tempering to 650o C which will be needed by aluminum. It can be achieved through the solute atoms in the dissolved so that it can form the solution of single phase and the supersaturated solid solution in the remaining stable and heat the treatment to induce the precipitation to keep some of the time aging and cannot find to the other strengthening techniques.   4. Metal Strengthening affects Skateboards                         Accordingly, strengthening is the ability of a metal to deform or distort depending on the ability of dislocations to move.  Restricting the dislocation motion of metal makes it stronger.  It is said that strengthening reduces ductility of the materials, which is important for manufacturers. Strengthening changes the way the carbon atoms in the steel affects the hardness of the material. Metal strengthening is said to have effects on skateboards.  There many types of skateboards and some of them have these adjustable features to suit board flexibility and for accommodating performance requirements of different maneuvers executed by skateboarders.  A skateboard with hardened or strong can secure the underside of an arched end of the skateboard.  Hardened or strengthened metal plate for skateboards can provide a ribbed-skidding performance. Strengthening metal mechanism can also provide mechanical strength for the skateboarder.              The strengthening of metals for skateboards also relates particularly to the enhancements in skateboards as well as the like, specifically to new and enhanced skateboard in which a protective shoe or plate. In the skateboard zone, it has been a major practice to use metal to provide durable and strong assembly.  Although these materials have served their purpose, metals should still be hardened or strengthened to prove their importance in the skateboard.             The metals in skateboards can be found at the wheels which bear the weight the person and the skateboard integrated but also give or maximize immovability.  Although there are no particular standards or criteria for skateboard metals or bearings, it can be said that experts try to strengthen the metal to give them smooth rite and enhance their performance while riding with it ( 2008).             Skateboards can be made of woods, plastic and metals, but most prefer to use metals in order to enhance their presentations and routines. In addition, it also helps them to make additional exhibitions when they are performing or doing the sport.             All in all, it can be said that metal hardening or strengthening is important to secure the capabilities and the performance of skateboards. It helps skateboarders to run smoothly to give their best performance. In addition, strengthened metals secure that all parts is well-balanced. In choosing materials for skateboards, it is essential that one should choose materials that can be strengthened to ensure long-lasting durability and flexibility. Furthermore, skateboarders should often check their skateboards to know which parts to needs to be fixed and hardened.           Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Metal products are made primarily of tremendous number of single grains or crystal

Strengthening of Mechanics of Metals 1. Introduction The commercial metal products are made primarily of tremendous number of single grains or crystal that do not deform according to the sim…

RESEARCH~FINDINGS

Research question: How does a model communicates within the internal and external environment of an organization to gain a higher status?   Modeling Agency Finding 1: If the models can maintain a good relationship with their agents, they will gain considerable benefits.   Actually, the model and the agency share a certain level of partnership. The agent is responsible for selling the product to the market, which is the model. The agent is also the one responsible for generating work opportunities for the models. As the model represents the agency, the quality of the model must be ensured. The agent must then be very familiar with the models before promoting them to the clients. Naturally, if the model shares a good relationship with the agent, both will know each other better. With this relationship, the agent will give due priority to the model and offer more job opportunities outside the industry. In addition, the good relation between the two will encourage the agent to support the models and teach them regarding the nature of their jobs; this would help prepare the models during actual castings.   Finding 2: Models have to completely obey with their agents’ instructions.   The modeling business is a highly competitive industry. Hundreds of models compete over good work opportunities. If the models do not comply with the instructions of their agents, the agents could easily find a replacement.   Finding 3: Modeling agencies praise and value their models based on their obedience, working attitude, talents and reputation.   Appearance and talent are both essential factors for models aiming for praise, greater value and higher positions within the agency. However, their work attitudes, obedience, reputation and communication skills are also important.     Models Finding 1: To make people in this industry like you. The opportunity of the models to be successful in the industry is mostly dependent on chances. Thus, getting more people to appreciate you and your work is one of the most effective ways to have more work opportunities and reach the top. The models’ fate in the industry is then based on how they value and establish interpersonal relations.    Finding 2: To avoid disagreements and conflicts with people working in this industry Models have to bear in mind that they should never offend other people who are working within the industry, particularly those who serve as the sources of their work opportunities.     Finding 3: To accommodate yourself to the ever changing modeling industry In every business industry, there are certain cultures and rules to be followed; in the modeling industry, the ability of the models to adapt to their environment is an important key to success. This ability of the models is typically termed as their dark sides. While models have natural talent and beauty to succeed, they must do other tactics in order to ensure their spot as top models. Agencies for example, would usually arrange gatherings or parties so that their models could meet various influential people. In other cases, models would have to do things against their will so as to become successful; models who fail to adapt with this type of environment on the other hand, acquire less work opportunities. Though using the models’ dark side is only optional, models and agencies use this strategy to climb their way easily to the top.         Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

RESEARCH~FINDINGS

Research question: How does a model communicates within the internal and external environment of an organization to gain a higher status? Modeling Agency Finding 1: If the models can maintain a…

Ten Things That Annoy You

10 things that annoy you, explain why             Like all other people, I also have several likes and dislikes in a person and in situations. And, just like other individuals and female entities, we may consider very similar things that we dislike which eventually annoy us.             Back to my high school days, gossips are everywhere. And, they’re treated like the most precious things in the world when you get the most of the latest issues. And, it annoys me most when people, who do not even know me well, make such issues that could really make a reputation. What makes it annoying is that gossips are naturally made to make a really bad reputation in a large public. I find it hard to believe that people, even as young as high schoolers could spread rumors that are delicately analyzed in order to make you look odd in front and behind most people. In the end, it indeed sucks when you could do nothing but to almost hold a campaign for people to believe that everything were only woven stories that do not have anything to do but destroy you.             I also find it hard to believe that even our blood-related fellas are one of the most annoying persons in our life. But, they are. I’m sure most of you affirm this too. Families just have that kind of bonding over years that make each of its members believe that he/ she can say and do anything towards another family member. Especially in my case with my only sibling, my brother. There’s no time in our life when we’re together that we do not fight. We say the meanest words to each other and none of us both lowers his or her pride. But, when we part ways, we miss those quarreling and shouting days with each other.             Another annoying thing is when I am stuck inside the dorm, inside a four-walled room. Having no television, a one-third screen laptop, and nothing more. It’s boring and annoying at the same time. It felt like I’m imprisoned.             I hate it when my best friend is being too honest. Can she just spare me some consideration and think first before she says the truth on how to deliver the lines? It’s not the honesty that really hurts, it’s the way she says it. I’d love to hear the truth (although it hurts most of the time), but it makes a difference when the words are delivered carefully and sympathetically.             It’s annoying when my boyfriend always hurries to leave for home and reasons out that he’s been expected to arrive early by his mother. It’s kind of weird because unlike other guys, he wants to be home early. I like the idea that he’s being a good son but why does that sound weird? Because he’s already an adult for heaven’s sake but he still couldn’t make up his own excuses rather than using his moment order to get rid of some situations. His reasons are often; “because my mother said…””because my mom told me to…” It only makes him look like a mama’s boy, and it’s embarrassing.             It annoys me when I couldn’t make it to the top. Unlike everyone, I always want to be the best among the rest and it’s so hard for me to accept failure. It’s annoying and very much frustrating when I’ve done so much in order to get to the top and be the best, but in the end, I am the loser. So, I’m way too annoyed to those spotlight-stealers especially when they act as if they were the ones who worked hard for it, while I were the one who really deserve the appreciation.             Individuals who are underminers are very much annoying. They are very sarcastic, they say nice words out of a very mean intention. Of course, for a person who has some brain, you would know that he/ she meant the other way around. Underminers are almost equivalent as the plastics, but I would admit that I am more annoyed to the latter (at least, the underminers are easier to judge).             It’s annoying when somebody thinks that I am stupid and that all I have is the good looks (thank you for the compliment). But I think it’s better to be treated as an ugly duckling than be treated that you know nothing but being dolled up. When in fact I have really have better ideas than those intelligent-acting individuals who know nothing but be so traditional.             It’s annoying to see couples who are doing PDA (public display of attention). Other couples couldn’t even help themselves even if they are in the church attending the Mass. It’s a holy act, so it’s very excruciating to see those kinds of deeds in those kinds of places. Sometimes I want to ask them why did they still come to church when in fact, all they want to do is let their hormones rush into their veins and do everything they wanted, why didn’t they just get a room?             Of course, it’s annoying when things don’t work the way you’ve planned or had expected them to be. I do not want to end having so much frustrations but I can’t help it when things don’t end up the way we want them to be.             In the end, these annoying things would just stress us and these make lines in our face. So, instead of being annoyed and analyze why things work out that way, it’s better to sit in a corner, have your best dessert or have a sip of coffee with a food buddy, then discuss the problem. If there seems to be no way of solving the problem, then just end the conversation and laugh it out. As long as they cause no trouble to you or to your love ones, those worries are no worth of your wrinkles. Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Ten Things That Annoy You

10 things that annoy you, explain why Like all other people, I also have several likes and dislikes in a person and in situations. And, just like other individuals and female entities…

Project Report – Customer Service Levels In the Metro-Suites Serviced Apartments

Customer Service Levels in the Metro-Suites Serviced Apartments   1.1 Workplace Finding             Primarily, the objective of this paper is to assess the customer service level of Metro-Suites Serviced Apartments. In this report, it has been found that the company has been able to provide quality customer service with their clients. In addition, the management are able to handle different clients with different needs efficiently, based on their management and hospitality management approach. However, it is still essential to conduct this research to know the perception of the customers in their personal experience.  Specifically, this paper aims to achieve the following objectives: 1.    Analyse the customer service level of the Metro-Suites Serviced Apartments. 2.    Review relevant literatures in customer service. 3.    Provide recommendation on how Metro-Suites Serviced Apartments improve their customer service. 2.  Personal Observation and Personal Experience Also known as the value of receiving people entirely and sincerely as well as treating them essentially hospitality has been recognized as a desirable attitude in dealing with clients and other members of the society. In most industries, particularly in tourism, hospitality management has been a valuable means of maximizing the return on investment. Such trend is perhaps attributable to the common conception that the value of attracting potential customers equal in keeping existing ones. Hospitality industries are among the fastest growing economic sectors in the global market. In fact, the hospitality industries by itself are recognized as multi-billion dollar and still progressing industry (Flora, 1998). While this type of industry enables the provision of vast services for the customers/guests, work opportunities are also diverse. Indeed, the provisions of the industry for the customers/clients are as unlimited as its opportunities for employees. People are able to work is different areas of interest while still be in a job within the industry. At present, more employees are considering jobs in service provision than in manufacturing, indicating the continuous growth of the hospitality industry. I can say that being a newcomer in this company, I am able to see different approaches that makes the company meet and satisfy the needs of their clients. Herein, I can say that the management of Metro-Suites sees to it that they are always ready whenever the clients need them. In one instance, I have noticed that the manager always find time to see if the employees, specifically newcomer like me are doing well. 2.1 Customer Service/Personal Experience The provision of efficient customer service is a multi-faceted concept as a number of facets and elements must be met by the Metro-Suites Service Apartment in order to achieve it. To be able to incorporate quality in service provision, it is significant that the organisation has the right skills, resources and values. As efficient customer service is influenced by various facets and elements, the involvement of both industry management and the employees must be present. In this paper, it has been made clear that training alone is not sufficient for efficient customer service (Duffy & Ketchand, 1998). The commitment, leadership as well as the adaptability of the management towards change is also significant for efficient customer service. The values and skills of the service providers especially employees on the other hand, must be prioritised as well. They must be given enough empowerment to be able to provide great contribution towards client’s satisfaction (Eccles & Durand, 1997). The importance of quality in customer service has been recognised by Metro-Suites Serviced Apartment. Based on my personal experience and stay in the company I can see that the company have applied prioritised quality in efficient customer service, resulting to positive Metro-Suites Service Apartment outcome. Client’s satisfaction, loyalty, employee satisfaction and profit growth are some of the main advantages Metro-Suites Service Apartment practice. To be able to cope with the present challenges metro-Suites Service Apartments are able to implement different strategies that enhance their respective efficient customer service. Consumer studies, trainings and application of information technology are some examples of the most commonly used strategies for efficient customer service. Accordingly, service delivery is an interactive and dynamic process that from the consumer's point of view is much more than a passive exchange of money for a particular service. Characteristics of services (e.g., intangibility, heterogeneity, simultaneity, and perishability) often require clients to be actively involved in helping to create the service value -- either by serving themselves (as in getting food in a buffet restaurant line or by pumping their own gas) or by cooperating and often working collaboratively with service personnel (as in settings such as hair salons, motels, universities, or lawyers' offices) (Gronroos, 1990). In my personal experience, I observed that although there is some customer complaints, Metro-Suites are still able to handle it very well leading to have more satisfied clients. Summary of Personal Observation and Experience       The main aim of the industry report is to assess the customer’s service level of the Metro-Suites Serviced Apartments. Herein, the report aims on looking into the perceptions of the clients and managers towards the values of considering efficient customer service, in the hospitality industry, studies have found that providing efficient customer service largely depends on the employees, specifically those at the front-line client’s contacts (Maxwell, Watson and Quail, 2004). In addition, it has also been stated that efficient customer service is related to the behavior of employees mainly with customers/guests but also with each other to generate – directly and indirectly – the right type of organizational structure which will encourage appropriate employee/clients exchanges.  Herein, this type of customers’ service means providing the clients with an exceptional product by exceptional employees in terms of service and flexibility. Based on my personal experience in the management approach of Organization, I can say that the management as well as the employees of the Metro-Suites has been able to provide a comprehensive and understandable Customer service process so as ensure that their consumers are provided with quality and efficient customer services.  As mentioned earlier there is a standard operations procedure in the customer service process in which it should be based on the needs and demands of their customers and clients. In addition, Customer service process is done in order to have an appropriate and accurate service provision for the benefit of the entire organization, .             I can say that, Metro-Suites have been able to plan and amend their customer service process   and they are able to clearly state the mission and objective of the customer service process to be done. Specifically, the purpose of such approach is to offer a criterion and standard providing quality and efficient customer service.  3. Methodology Since the final goal of the project is to improve quality customer service at Metro-Suites Serviced Apartments it is necessary to explore the existing practices. This information will equip the management of Metro-Suites Serviced Apartments with the tools necessary to initiate change and to boost customer service. The research utilizes two types of research methodologies, i.e. qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative methodology is about the work-collected information, namely the interviews, observations, questionnaires and the work of the focus groups that help understand the current situation and to interpret it properly (West , 2005). It is necessary to understand why and how things happen and to understand the underlying motivations, drives, urges and perspectives (Elspeth, 2006). Quantitative research, focuses on exact and precise measurement represented in figures and numbers be it measurement of preferences, likes, dislikes, behaviors or attitudes. It measures “how”, “when”, and “who” questions posed by the research. In the research, different types of information collection were used. For instance, one relied heavily on the interviews, questionnaires, and personal observations. These different methods rely on both qualitative and quantitative methodologies thus making the research both easy to understand and precise enough to make some reasonable calculations with respect to planning new initiatives. The observation was conducted across the company in order to understand the status quo. It allowed the management of the company to understand the present to plan for the future. After the observation, one relied on the questionnaires distributed to 15 customers to assess their opinions and experiences. Finally, the location manager was interviewed in order to check if he understood the situation in an organization. The interview was unstructured and allowed the manager much flexibility in discussion and expression. 3.1  Respondents of the Study The respondents of this report include 15 customers/guests of the apartment and one manager to be interviewed.  The customers were considered to ensure that only coherent and pertinent data will be collected 3.2   Research Instruments For this industry report, two research instruments were used achieve the goal of this paper. These research instruments included the survey questionnaire methods. A self-administered questionnaire has been distributed to the d to the selected customers. The questionnaire given to the respondents aimed to assess the customer service level of the apartment (See Appendix 1). In addition, this also aims to evaluate the efficiency of the organization through the perspective of the operation managers, hence interview questions were provided to the chosen manager for this research.  In this report, the likert scale has been utilized to interpret items in the questionnaire. Such responses were based on the perception of the participants The range and interpretation of the five-point scale are shown in Table 1.   Table 1: The Seven-point Likert Scale 	 			 			 			Scale 			 			 			 			Range 			 			 			 			Interpretation 		 			 			 			5 			 			 			 			4.50-5.00 			 			 			 			Strongly Agree/Excellent 		 			 			 			4 			 			 			 			3.50-4.49 			 			 			 			Agree/Satisfactory 		 			 			 			3 			 			 			 			2.50-3.49 			 			 			 			Neutral 		 			 			 			2 			 			 			 			1.50-2.49 			 			 			 			Disagree/Unsatisfactory 		 			 			 			1 			 			 			 			0.00-1.49 			 			 			 			Strongly Disagree/Pot 		   In addition, this report also considered the use of the weighted mean to measure the answers of the responders whether they agree to a given statement or not. The formula in computing weighted mean is as follows:                                     Where:           f – weight given to each response                                                             x – number of responses                                                             xt – total number of responses The survey result was analyzed with the use of statistical approach and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets as well as the SPSS.   4.0 Discussion and Findings             This part of the ireport shall provide the discussion and findings based on the gathered information from 15 customers of Metro-Suites Service apartment. The main goal of this report is directed towards the customer service level of the apartment. Primary data came from the answers of the customers and the chosen manager. The questionnaires have been considered to collate quantitative data while the interview was used to give qualitative insights into the data gathered. This part of the report was divided into several parts. The first part shall present a general description of the respondents. Specifically, it conversed to the respondents’ age and gender. The second part provides the analysis of the perception of the respondents about the customer service level of the apartment. The third part will provide the discussion of the answers of the 2 operation managers chosen in the interview. 4.1 Demographic Profile             This part will present the demographic profile of the customers of the Apartment. Table 2   Figure 1   Based on the table and graph above, it shows that majority of the customers of the apartment are young adults to adults. Herein, 47% of the total respondents belong to 22 years old to 35 years old while 53% composes of 35 years old to 43 years and above. Herein, it can be said that the apartments customers are mostly composes of mature individuals.     Table 3     Figure 3             The table and figure above presents the gender of the customers of the company. Herein, it shows that majority of the customers who participated are female (60% out of 15 customers). This indicates that female customers were more willing to join or participate in studies.             Figure 4 Residential Area of Respondents   To determine the appeal of the apartment among customers in different regions, the respondents were asked about their residential area. Herein, 53% out of 15 customers noted that they are from Auckland, 34% came from Wellington and 13% came from Hamilton. This indicates that even in other cities, Metro-Suites still attracts other customers. Part 2 Perception of Respondents             This part will discuss the perception of the customers regarding the customer service level of Metro Suites Service Apartment with the use of Likert scale. Table 4     Figure 5             The participants were asked on how they have known the apartment and here majority of the respondents (8 or 54% out of 15) have mentioned that they have known in through their friends and relatives. 26% out of 15 customers noted that they have known it through newspaper and brochures while 20% have known about the apartment through the internet. In this regard, the word of mouth is one of the reliable advertising contexts of the apartment. Table 5     Figure 6 The table and figure shown above presents the reasons of the customers for visiting at the apartment. Herein, it shows that 40% of the customers are visiting the apartment to meet with friends. 33% visits the apartment to spend holiday while 27% are staying because of business meetings. The result just shows how functional and operational Metro-Suites and it can be used for leisure and business activities. Table 6 Reasons for Staying at the Metro-Suites Service Apartment 	 			 			 			 			Statement 			 			 			 			 			Frequency 			 			 			 			 			Percentage 		 			 			 			The excellent of Accommodations 			 			 			 			13 			 			 			 			86.67 		 			 			 			Promptness of service 			 			 			 			12 			 			 			 			80.00 		 			 			 			The friendliness, knowledge and help of staff 			 			 			 			15 			 			 			 			100.00 		 			 			 			The convenient location 			 			 			 			12 			 			 			 			80.00 		   Figure 7 Reasons for Staying at Metro-Suites The reasons for staying at Metro-Suites were also asked among the respondents. In this regard, it shows that 86.67% out of 15 customers noted that they are staying at the apartment because of the excellent accommodations. 80% noted that they are staying because of the promptness of the service, while all the customers noted that they are staying because of the friendliness, knowledge and help of staff. On the other hand, 80% noted that they are staying because of the convenience of the location. In this regard, it can be said that the employees have an efficient customer service that makes their guest stay at their apartment. Table 7     The customers were asked if they were able to stay in the Metro-Suites Service Apartment before. And 80% of 15 customers noted that they have stayed in the apartment before and only 3 (20%) noted that they have not yet stayed in the apartment before. In this regard, it can be said that most of the customers of the Metro-Suites Service Apartment are repeat-customers. Those who answered yes were asked about the frequency of their stay at the apartment. Table 8   Figure 8 The result shows that 50% out of 13 respondents who were repeat customers noted that they are staying at the apartment once a month, while 25% noted that they are staying on a weekly basis and another 25% out of 13 repeat customers noted that they are staying everyday at the Metro-Suites Service Apartment. This indicates that some customers are living in the apartment or are regular clients. Table 9     Figure 9 In order to measure the customer service level, it is important to give emphasis satisfaction rate of the customers. The table and figure above presents the distribution of the answers of the customers. Herein, 40% out of 15 noted that the satisfaction level is very good, 27% noted that the satisfaction level is good. There are 20% of respondents who noted that the satisfaction level is fair while there are 13% who mentioned that the level is excellent. In this regard, it can be said that based on the perception of the clients, the customer service level of the Metro-Suites in terms of satisfaction is can be considered to have quality customer service. Table 10 Level of Customer Service Satisfaction 	 			 			 			 			STATEMENTS 			 			 			 			Service 			 			 			 			 			5 			 			 			 			 			4 			 			 			 			 			3 			 			 			 			 			2 			 			 			 			 			1 			 			 			 			 			Weighted Mean 			 			 			 			 			Interpretation 		 			 			 			Courtesy and professionalism of office staff 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			5 			 			 			 			10 			 			 			 			4.67 			 			 			 			 			Excellent 		 			 			 			Knowledge and helpfulness of staff 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			2 			 			 			 			13 			 			 			 			4.87 			 			 			 			 			Excellent 		 			 			 			Explanation of policies, rules, regulations 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			8 			 			 			 			7 			 			 			 			4.47 			 			 			 			 			Satisfactory 		 			 			 			Willingness to explore options to solve problems 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			10 			 			 			 			5 			 			 			 			4.33 			 			 			 			 			Satisfactory 		 			 			 			Response to phone inquiry or complaint 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			7 			 			 			 			8 			 			 			 			4.53 			 			 			 			 			Excellent 		   The perception of the respondents regarding the level of customer service satisfaction was also considered. In this regard, the satisfaction rate of the customers was satisfactory and excellent. According to customers the courtesy and professionalism of office staff and the knowledge and helpfulness of staff are excellent. In addition, they also considered response to phone inquiry or complaint as excellent. On the other hand, the customers found explanation of policies, rules, regulations and willingness to explore options to solve problems to be satisfactory. In this regard, the apartment through their employees is able to provide excellent and satisfactory customer service. Table 11 	 			 			 			 			STATEMENTS 			 			 			 			Service 			 			 			 			 			5 			 			 			 			 			4 			 			 			 			 			3 			 			 			 			 			2 			 			 			 			 			1 			 			 			 			 			Weighted Mean 			 			 			 			 			Interpretation 		 			 			 			Overall Quality 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			5 			 			 			 			10 			 			 			 			4.67 			 			 			 			 			Excellent 		 			 			 			Overall Accommodation 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			7 			 			 			 			8 			 			 			 			4.53 			 			 			 			 			Excellent 		               The respondents were asked to rate the overall quality of the service of the apartment and the customers noted that the overall quality of the service is excellent. On the other hand, the customers noted that the overall accommodation of the apartment is also excellent. Table 12 	 			 			 			 			STATEMENTS 			 			 			 			Room Service 			 			 			 			 			5 			 			 			 			 			4 			 			 			 			 			3 			 			 			 			 			2 			 			 			 			 			1 			 			 			 			 			Weighted Mean 			 			 			 			 			Interpretation 		 			 			 			Cleanliness. 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			5 			 			 			 			10 			 			 			 			4.67 			 			 			 			 			Excellent 		 			 			 			Décor and Ambiance. 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			2 			 			 			 			13 			 			 			 			4.87 			 			 			 			 			Excellent 		 			 			 			Noise Lève 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			8 			 			 			 			7 			 			 			 			4.47 			 			 			 			 			Satisfactory 		 			 			 			Spacing/seating comfort. 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			0 			 			 			 			10 			 			 			 			5 			 			 			 			4.33 			 			 			 			 			Satisfactory 		   The customers were also asked about their views on the room service and majority of them found cleanliness, and décor and ambience to be excellent while noise level and spacing/seating comfort to be satisfactory. Table 13   The respondents were asked if they are going to recommend the apartment and all of them noted that they will recommend the apartment. The reasons that most of them mentioned that they will recommend the apartment is because of the quality of the service and the convenience and comfort of their stay in the apartment. The respondents’ main reason on why they are recommending the apartment is because of the quality of the service that the employees and management provided. In addition, the customers also noted that they will recommend it because of the convenience and comfort they receive and also because they want their friends and peers to experience the satisfaction that they have felt during their stay at the apartment.             All the respondents have provided positive feedback for Metro Suites. When they asked what they want the company to improve, some noted that they want the company to have discounts especially for regular customers. In addition, they also noted that they want the management to provide some freebies for the customers, especially those regular customers. Part 3 Interview of the Operations operation managers             This part will provide the answers of the operation managers in the questions provided. In terms of core competencies, both operation managers have noted that the apartment’s core competencies includes well trained staffs and employees that have the ability to meet and satisfy the needs of their clients. In addition, the operation managers also mentioned that the apartment have the ability provide innovative services among customers. The operation managers also consider the efficiency of the facilities and equipments in the apartment to be their core competencies.             The operation managers noted that the factors that enable them to satisfy their customers include their 24/7 customer service communication lines, their commitment to customer service quality, good customer and employee relationship and the ability of the management to consider changes when they see that their current approach is not working or meeting the needs of their clients.             The operation managers were asked if they want to change on the way they provide their services to their customers and one of the operation managers noted that they don’t want to change what they are doing right now since most of the customers are satisfied in their service. On the other hand, the second manager noted that want he want to change is the marketing and promotion approach of the company. Herein, he noted that to gain more clients, they should be able to invest more on their internet marketing and promotion and also other media advertisements.  5.0 Summary and Conclusion             This report investigated the customer service level of the Metro-Suites Apartment. In this report, the respondents were composed of 15 customers and 2 operation managers who answered the survey questionnaire and interview questions respectively. Majority of the respondents were female and are young adult and adult in terms age. In this report, it has been known that the reason of the customers why they are staying in the Metro-Suites Service Apartment is because of business meetings, holiday vacation and meeting with friends. Herein, majority of customers have known the apartment through word of mouth.             In terms of the level of customer service in the apartment, majority of the customers noted that the employees and the entire apartment provide excellent services to satisfy them. Majority of the clients give excellent remarks on the quality of the service including the room service of the company. In addition, the respondents noted that cleanliness, efficiency in handling customer complaints and the overall service in the company are excellent. Most of the customers are repeat customers or regular clients which means that the apartment have been able to build good relationship to retain their customers.             In line with the operation managers, it can be noted that the management of the apartment give importance on satisfying their clients and customers. The management are also aware that in order to satisfy their clients, they must be willing to undergo changes to meet the needs of their customers. 5.2 CONCLUSION Based on the findings of this study, this report concludes the following: 1 The customers of Metro-Suites have given an overall rating of excellent and very good to each of the criteria. Most of the customers believe that they are satisfied on their stay in the Metro-Suites Service Apartment. This shows that respondents knew the importance satisfaction to their clients to the current state of things in the apartment. 2.  There are several factors affecting the progress of the apartment. there are some factors to be considered in apartment’s improvement i.e. training of the staffs and proper positioning of the apartment. 5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the foregoing summary of findings and conclusion, the researcher recommends the following: 1.     Maintain open communication lines between the employees and clients/guests. 2.     Review the program of the each of the Metro-Suites Service Apartment and update the content to increase the standard of the Metro-Suites Service Apartment based on the adjustments suggested by the standard of hospitality industry. Employee must also be given stricter training requirements to ensure that they understand their job well.  3.     Metro-Suites Service Apartment open communication lines between clients/guests and administrators especially in disseminating information and communication.  This is to ensure that the clients/guests know what the administration is up to and vice-versa. 4.     Provide proper information about the job vacancies of the Metro-Suites Service Apartment and job opportunities for newly graduates of any Metro-Suites Service Apartment services related courses Reference Antony, J., Antony, F.J., & Gosh, S. (2004). Evaluating service quality in a             UK hotel chain: a case study. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 16(6), 380-384] Duffy, J.A.M. and Ketchand, A.A. (1998). Examining the Role of Service    Quality in Overall Service Satisfaction. Journal of Managerial Issues,         10(2) Eccles, P. and Durand, E. (1997). Improving service quality: lessons and   practice from the hotel sector. Managing Service Quality, 7(5), 224–226 Flora, G. (1998). The hospitality industry. The Black Collegian. Grönroos, C. (1990), Service Management and Marketing. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books Maxwell, G, Watson, S and Quail, S (2004). The name assigned to the document by the author. This field may also contain sub-titles, series names, and report numbers.Quality Service in the International Hotel Sector: A Catalyst for Strategic Human Resource Development? The entity from which ERIC acquires the content, including journal, organization, and conference names, or by means of online submission from the author.Journal of European Industrial Training, v28 n2-4 p159-182 2004 Min, H., Min, H. & Chung, K. (2002). Dynamic benchmarking of hotel service quality. Journal of Service Marketing, 16(4), 302-321 Tsang, N. and Qu, H. (2000). Service quality in China's hotel industry: a    perspective from tourists and hotel operation managers. International Journal of       Contemporary Hospitality Management, 12(5), 316-326   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Project Report – Customer Service Levels In the Metro-Suites Serviced Apartments

Customer Service Levels in the Metro-Suites Serviced Apartments 1.1 Workplace Finding Primarily, the objective of this paper is to assess the customer service level of Metro-Sui…

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