Thursday, 31 October 2013

Theme of child abuse on Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner

 

Theme of child abuse on Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner

 

Introduction

 (2005) have indicated that, ‘The Kite Runner derives its name from an ancient Afghan hobby of dueling kites. Kite flyers attempt to down their opponent's kites. In most cases, the kite flyer is encouraged to duel aggressively at high altitudes by 'string giver' who usually holds the string reel while the hands of kite flyers are cut by the ground glass coating of kite string. When the opponent's kite has been downed, then the real battle turns into race, the kite run, to see who retrieves the fallen kite. Further noted that, Hosseini depicts the sociopolitical climate of Afghanistan and the Afghan community living in exile or as immigrants in the United States. Hosseini recreate lost Afghanistan during the last days of the monarchy of Zahir Shah and the regime that overthrew him ( 2005). There explores emigration during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan and the tragedies of displaced and tired people living in exile, describe the process of immigration and its implications for the expatriate community. The last part gives insight into the Taliban's regime in Afghanistan.  (2005) noted that, as ‘Hosseini made clear when visiting our campus, he believe that despite the many media stories about Afghanistan, little has been said about the Afghan people themselves, their culture as well as their traditions how they lived in their country and how they have managed abroad as exiles’.

 

The readers will then find that the author is telling story he has invented from his life experience as an Afghan American and from what he imagines about those who lived through the turmoil he dramatizes’ (2005) To create unique story about Afghan people, Hosseini knits together dialectical phrases of Dari and Pashtu with Afghan history, cultural traditions, humor and social criticism as well as confronts many prejudgments that exist in some Afghan groups and families.

 

Research Questions

 

  • What is the Kite Runner about? Tell something about Khaled Hosseini and his work
  • How the author touches the theme of child abuse? Elaborate and cite examples such as those of Afghanistan context
  • What about human rights? How can the latter be realized through present reality regarding child abuse?
  •  

    Hypothesis

  • There is positive relationship of child abuse and human rights
  • There is negative relationship of child abuse and human rights
  •  

     

     

    Research Methodology

     

    For methodology, applying and executing of preliminary literature (novel/book review) with comprehensive basis on critical discussion and analysis of Khaled Hosseini's novel, The Kite Runner upon such assumptions as well as signifying reflections in specific themes regarding the issues on child abuse in accordance to human rights principles. Furthermore, applying and integrating of case study method and analysis will be a part of this research presenting cases specifically cases of Rashed and Najia, Khushal Arsala as written by Sheetal Khemchandani-Daswani. Moreover, have in-depth analysis towards The Kite Runner chronicles the lives of Amir and Hassan within politically, socially and culturally charged landscape that is Afghanistan. Indeed, for community settings or small group settings, it may be sufficient to use only the movie and not on the novel as a means for discussion in order to amiably spark dialogue and debate linking to child abuse.

     

    Several Themes

  • Child Abuse Assumptions
  • Afghanistan: Face of Child Abuse 
  • Child Abuse Experience in Afghanistan
  • Child Abuse and Human Rights
  • Peaceful Resolution and Implications
  • ____________________________

     

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    Organisational Behaviour

    Expectancy Theory of Motivation

                The expectancy theory explores motivation through rewards. (1964) indicated three concepts in this model of motivation namely: expectancy, instrumentability and valence. The formula for motivation to work hard is basically the summation of the products of these three concepts:

    Σ ( E x I x V )

    where E = expectancy; I = instrumentability; V = valence

                In essence, the expectancy theory suggests that individuals feel motivated as the three concepts are perceived. The first concept is expectancy, meaning, the personal expenditure of effort will result in an acceptable level of performance. The second is instrumentability --- the performance level will result in a specific outcome for the person. And finally, the third is valence --- the outcome attained is personally valued ( 2001).

                (2005) say that the choices made by people regarding their course of action depend on their beliefs of their own capabilities, whether their guiding principles will lead to fruitful rewards, and how worthy the rewards will be. Meaning, when employees are capable to do their and complete their job, aware of the positive consequences of excellent performance, at the same time, need the money, employees are likely to develop and enhance work performance.  (1964) suggested that people consciously opt certain courses of action that is based on their perceptions, attitudes and beliefs and as a consequence of their desires to enhance pleasure and likewise avoid pain. Building upon the original concepts formulated by (1968) later developed a theoretical model which suggests that the expenditure of a person’s effort will be determined by expectations that an outcome will be achieved and the degree of value placed on an outcome in the person’s mind ( 1984). This model is generally known as the expectancy theory, also referred to as VIE (valence, instrumentability and expectancy) theory ( 1999).

                Expectancy theory is classified as a process theory of motivation (1999) since it stresses individual perceptions of the environment and subsequent interactions occurring as a consequence of personal expectations. In particular, expectancy theory depends on intrinsic motivators to explain causes of behaviors revealed in the workplace (1999).  (1990) states that motivational theories based upon the concept of extrinsic motivation (external rewards as inducing motivational states that fuel behaviors) assume that employees make conscious choices to maximize their self-interests.

    Discussion

                To start,  (2001) suggest that the expectancy theory in essence provides a vehicle for individuals to recognize their leadership goals as it equips them with tools to influence the psychological processes resident in their employees or followers as the employees continuously create expectations based from their individual perceptions. Accordingly,  (2001) noted that by presenting rewards in an appropriate fashion, the leader will be able to adopt a “pulling” or influence strategy which will enhance levels of motivation of employees who wish to maximize their self-interests.

                Expectancy theory assumes that motivation is not at all equivalent to job performance. To be more specific, expectancy theory assumes that personally, skills and abilities also add to a person’s job performance. According to  (1999), some people are better suited to perform their jobs compared to others by virtue of the unique characteristics, special skills and abilities that they bring to their respective works. As mentioned earlier, the expectancy theory realizes that job performance is influenced by an individual’s role perception --- what they believe is expected from them.  (1999) adds that poor performance poor performance does not necessarily result from poor motivation, but rather from misunderstandings regarding the role that one is expected to play in the organization.  

                Furthermore, the expectancy theory also realizes the role of opportunities to perform an individual’s job.  (1999) states that there is a high possibility that even the best employees will perform at low levels if their opportunities are limited. In example, even the most highly motivated sales person will have poor performance if opportunities are restricted like when the available inventory is very low or if the customers are unable to afford the product.

    The theory of expectancy basically says that people are motivated by some kind of behavior.  (2003) notes that this kind of incentive theory has been applied to the study of work to show that people are motivated by greed and money.  (2003) adds that the primary problem of this theory is that it claims that the only incentive a person has to perform well is because of the want for some kind of reward. The theory works on the idea that people are motivated by extrinsic rewards (i.e. money or incentives). Some authors have argued that people can also be motivated by other intrinsic factors such as sense of accomplishment ( 1954).

                Yet it is important that one must recognize that expectancy theory quite realistically views motivation as just one of the several factors of job performance. Motivation, along with individual skills, personality traits, abilities, role perceptions and opportunities, all constitute job performance. Also, expectancy theory has produced a significant number of researches and has been applied successfully to the comprehension in many different organizational situations. Yet, some specific aspects of the theory have been supported while others have not. Nevertheless, it has become a dominant approach in the field of determining organizational behavior due to the important implications of the said theory in organizational practice.

     

     

     

     

     

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    Examine the Relationship Between Human Population Size and Climate Change

    Examine the Relationship Between

    Human Population Size and Climate Change

     

    This paper will focus on analyzing the relationship or connection between population size and climate change. Thus, the author focuses on the two-way relationship between global change and increasing population size. Population size can change affect the environment because of the fact that increasing population means increasing consumption of energy and emission of different substances and chemicals that can affect the environment. On the other hand, climate change can affect population, particularly due to mass migration; this is because different developed countries will be having a hard time to manage their citizens due to the changes in the environment which can affect the resources. Therefore, population change can affect climate change, the same way how the second can affect the first.

     

    “According to the 2006 Revision of United Nations Population Division, the world population will likely to increase by 2.5 billion over the next 41 years, passing from the current 6.7 billion to 9.2 billion in 2050” (Friedman 2008). The rapid rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and average global surface temperatures in the twentieth century was escorted by the most striking or remarkable increased of human population in history – almost 300% between 1900 and 2000. Even though the casual links between these rising trends are considered as complex, the underlying facts are considered as straightforward. As the global population increased from 1.6 billion in 1900 to 2.5 billion in 1950 and 6.1 billion in 2000, people progressively consumed greater quantities of fossil fuel. At the same time, the world had expanded agriculture, deforestation, the production of certain chemicals and other activities which produce carbon dioxide and other gases that could create green house effect.

     

    Through the 1960s, the global emission had increase were the product of both rising population and per capita increases. "Since 1970, average per capita emissions have been stable, so that on a global scale the rise in industrial carbon dioxide emissions over the last three decades correlates closely with population growth. Population trends and policy therefore have played a major part in the trajectory of past emissions, and they could have an even greater role in the future. The size of the human population and its activities in the 21st century will be a key factor which affects the extent of emissions, biotic carbon sinks and climate change.” Similarly, the impact of warming on humanity will be greatly affected by population size. Larger numbers of humans will effectively reduce the options for mitigating or adapting to sea level rise, changes in precipitation patterns and other projected byproducts of warming (Hyndman 2009).

     

    Based on that, it can be said that the problem of population growth and climate change are considered as highly interactive. The more rapidly population increases, the more difficult it will be to deal with the different impacts of the rapid climate change. All of the people will be affected to some extent, however, in general, the greatest damages will mostly likely to be visited on the poor – those with fewest options for adapting quickly in order towards the changing climates. Among different nations, the developing countries are considered as the common vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This is particularly vital for those with broad, flat coastal plains, those which are economically dependent on agriculture, and those which are currently protected from open-ocean storms by coral reefs and will become less so if these reef’s deteriorate. Within countries, the poorest of the poor – those with little or no land and often dependent on the subsistence agriculture – may be seriously at risk (Harris 2007).

     

    Global warming affects the lives of poor people, because it can affect the different resources. Lake Chad is considered as the largest freshwater sources in Africa, and there are about 20 million people that are dependent on the said body of water. However, due to climate change, it has shrunk to 5% of its original volume. As a result, the lives of African dependent on Lake Chad have been affected. In connection, it is important to consider the fact that population growth, particularly in the poor cities or nations in the world is driving explosive demand for water, which prompt rivers in thirsty countries to be tapped to about every drop, thus water is connected with the aspect of climate change. Thus, boosting water stress in developing countries, where hydrological researchers are commonly not enough. Thus, like what have mentioned, the number of people around the world is growing, accordingly the demand for water is also increasing. Climate change can affect the supply of water in the world.

     

    On the other hand, the growing number of population creates a great impact over the energy consumption. This is because of the fact that the bigger the number of people in a given place can create greater needs or demands for energy, particularly those that are being used in households and those that are being used in order to maintain the different public facilities, particularly the aspect of transportation. This is applicable in developed countries particularly the US and the UK. In Europe, Niger is considered as one of the most populated countries in the said region, thus the said population size is predicted to increase by mid-century. Although, the said population will not have the direct influence over the climate change, it will affect the future policies and activities of the government towards informing the public about the impact of climate change.

     

    As of now, despite of the growing awareness of the people and companies in the world regarding green process and manufacturing, there are still different factors in the world which can greatly affect the environment. It include products which are commonly used at home, and products that are being used by those organizations or companies that are not following the policies and standards that have been set by the local and national government, together with the international authorities. As a result, the bigger the number of people in the world, the hardest it will be for the officials to evaluate and monitor activities and products that are related to the environment. This scenario is still visible in different developing countries that are not that fully aware of the current environmental issues and global conditions.

     

    On the other hand, climate change has a great impact over the lives of every individual. This is because climate change will create a domino effect in different industries and different departments of any country. Particularly, the environment has a great influence over the life of each individual, group, organization which will affect all the internal activities, together with their personal or group efforts. One of the common negative impacts of climate change is the growing loss in terms of natural resources. In simple scenario, climate change can greatly affect the performance of small-sized enterprise, particularly those that are connected in business of crops. Furthermore, it can affect the supply of foods for the people, particularly the poor people of developing countries. Particularly, climate change can affect the price of the different products and services due to the changing processes and factors in gathering and manufacturing raw materials. Thus, again, it can affect the lives of poor people. Above all, in a world of extreme weathers, where land is being lost due to the rising temperatures, desertification, floods and rising sea levels, the world will not be able to feed, water and sustain its current population.

     

    Like what have mentioned, climate change can cause mass migration. Historically, climate change and human migration have been indescribably linked. Natural climatic variation has been a driving force behind human migration for many thousands of years. Moreover, climate shifts often occur within the context of preexisting social, demographic or economic challenges. According to Astri Suhrke “environmental degradation appears as a proximate cause of migration, while the underlying factors are population pressures and patterns or resource use. As climate change and its associated processes result in more intense storms, sea level rise or other cataclysmic environmental events, as some scientific studies are predicting, these events are likely to generate large numbers of environmental migrants or refugees. As a result, migration may increase as populations on the margin begin to seek less vulnerable livelihoods in new places or as they are potentially forced from their homes by catastrophes.” As a result, by 2010, the world may have to cope with as many as 50 million people escaping the effects of environmental deterioration. Thus, “China may see as many as 20 to 30 million environmental migrants by the year 2020” (Russo 2008). Many people are force off their land by climate change, mass migration movements may be joined by up to 200 million refugees, and the poorest people will be most affected (Stern 2007).

     

    The study, In Search of Shelter: Mapping the Effects of Climate Change on Human Migration and Displacement, researchers questioned more than 2,000 migrants in 23 different countries which focuses on the areas that are likely to hit hardest by the climate change including desert regions, river deltas and islands. The study shows that in the Maldives, a group of 1,200 atolls in the Indian Ocean are showing danger. Some of the 40 islands states could disappear if the sea level rises by 6 feet. As a result, the government of Maldives is already taking security measures by planning fortifications and raising buildings. Furthermore, rising sea levels would also threaten global agricultural resources. In the densely populated Ganges, Mekong and Nile River deltas, sea level rises of just 3 feet could reduce land used for agriculture by at least 3.7 million acres. Above all, if the glaciers in the Himalayas will continue to melt, then there will be 1 billion people who live near the rivers including Ganges, the Mekong and the Yangtze would have to get ready for repeated flooding. On the other hand, in the summer, expect droughts due to the fact that there won’t glacier runoff anymore. Already arid regions will become drier, thus it will force the people to migrate north or away from agriculture in the cities. As a result, different experts warned that the climate change will injure or damage the different natural resources that are available and the increase in wars about the different natural resources. Thus, like what have mentioned, water will become scarcer in different regions in different parts of the globe. Therefore, countries of India and China will be affected because of their large population (Stern 2007).

     

    Conclusion

    As of now, both developing and developed nations in the world must focus on the growing impact of climate change in the lives of the world. The different reasons and scenarios that have been presented in this paper show that it is vital for different nations in the world to control the population. This is because of the fact that warming in 21st century is already causing different changes in terms of season timing and weather events that can be considered as extreme that are affecting in the agricultural yields and causes damages to the infrastructure in different countries.

     

    It is important for different European countries, particularly in the UK region to focus on its current role and part in emissions. It has nine tones of CO2 emissions every year for a population of 60 million, which already exceed the average of the world of about 4 tones every year and a sustainable limit of 1.44 tones per capita at the current level of population. As a result, if the population continues to grow, the said situation can only get worse because of the fact that UK citizen is likely to create more than 750 tones of carbon dioxide over a lifetime (Stern 2007). Therefore, aside from focusing on the different policies, standards and procedures which focuses on the different activities that will decrease or reduce the emission and other negative chemicals that could harm the environment, it is also important for every government and different international environmental groups to focus on how the people will be informed about the impact of population towards climate change. 

     

    References

     

    HARRIS, P. (2007). Europe and global climate change. Edward Elgar Publishing

     

    HYNDMAN, D. (2009). Climate change on natural hazards and water resources. Springer, Netherlands

     

    STERN, N. H. (2007). The economics of climate change. Cambridge University Press

     

    RUSSO, M. (2008). Environmental management. SAGE Publications

     

    FRIEDMAN, T. (2008). Hot, flat and crowded. Farrar, Straus and Giroux

     

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    Professionalization of a Female Dominated Occupation

    Professionalization of a Female Dominated Occupation

     

    A number of studies and researches have already been conducted in order to inquire and investigate on the nature of gender. The fields and practice of psychology, sociology, anthropology and philosophy have contributed to the rich archive of works on the issue of gender. The issue on gender discrimination is felt by two social groups namthe women and the homosexuals. Published books, journals, and essays; academic papers, thesis and dissertations have tried to explore and explain the different perspectives and depths of sexuality.  

     

    Moreover, the ideals of sexism and feminism have been examined using the critical as well as the cultural approaches have been applied and utilized to recognize and empathize with these groups of individuals who believe in the said principles. A lot of people from the academic society have proposed models and theories that specifically deal with the interest, social and cognitive processes and communication behaviors of gender dynamics.

     

                Discrimination is the act of making a difference, as in favor of or against a person or thing. It is often used to refer to the act of treating individuals differently on the basis of gender, age, race, religion, or other characteristics. It is a form of behavior that shows prejudice, but not only the form. It is the failure to treat people in the same way because of a bias toward some of them because of some characteristic - such as race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability - which is irrelevant to their suitability for something (e.g., to occupy housing or to perform a job) ().

     

    According to  (1988) even in the 21st century women will still be discriminated against when seeking a certain level of achievement in their career compared to their male counterparts.  It seems easy for women to gain employment at the lower to middle levels of the organization but very difficult for them to reach upper and senior management positions.  (2002) stated that sex equality is still undermined by the fact that women and men do not enjoy equal rights in practice. Certain examples of this inequality are: employment rates are higher for women without children; and women’s employment is concentrated in non-manual occupations, in particular clerical, sales and personal/protective occupations (2000).

     

    In addition to this, “a gap in lifetime earnings of £140,000 is experienced by a mid-skilled mother of two in addition to a gender earnings gap of £241,000, a total of £381,000 earnings foregone over a lifetime compared with an equivalently educated man” (, 2002). Furthermore, with half of the people who graduated first degree in 1999 were women, it is ironic that approximately 15,000 men aged 18-24 obtained a first degree in engineering and technology, compared with around only 3,000 women. Employment rates are higher among women with a higher level of qualification (2000).

     

    Statistical findings show, “18.8 per cent of managers are women, while at senior levels of management women occupy only 8.3 per cent of jobs” (1992). Yet more and more women are enrolling into management courses and obtaining their M.B.A degree. According to  (1992), “Female students attending Universities in management, from early to late 1970’s increased only by 15 percent.” In 1981, over 40 percent of management students in higher education were females. This type of discrimination seems to be a result of women refusing to engage in office politics and a dislike for political activity ( 1988).

     

    According to  (2000), the types of jobs available to women are due to changes in women's historical aspirations. Furthermore he added that in the early twentieth century, women were very traditional and only wanted standard women's jobs such as teacher, nurse, and secretary. But women's consciousness changed in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. They became more ambitious and career oriented. Because of women's greater occupational goals, they are applying for more demanding professional jobs that involve more responsibility and even higher pay. Nowadays, women take jobs that are dependable with their needs, and they don't take jobs that are not consistent with their needs. Women take only the kinds of jobs that they want. In the logical point of view, gender discrimination doesn’t make much sense, since it is the employer who’s got the final word to determine who will be accepted or not for any given job (, 2000).

     

    The concept of age discrimination likewise bears some brief explanation.  It is not illegal to discriminate against someone for being too young. In fact, the anti-age discrimination law does not protect anyone under 40.  The purpose of the law and the way it is written is to protect senior’s from being discriminated against solely on the basis of age. Most companies are very careful in avoiding discrimination against the older workers by offering them an early retirement package, moving them around or hiring them into a less satisfying, or rewarding position, opposed to laying them off, or refusing to hire them.

     

    Moreover, a lot of cases regarding verbal and sexual abuse, harassment and battery among females have plagued the courthouses. Peaceful conferences and violent demonstrations on the streets addressing their interests have been their ways of making the society hear their voices. Fortunatempowerment among the female members of the society at present have been constitutionally upheld and protected by a lot of government administrations (2000; 1995). Their representations in international conferences have helped in pointing out their views and opinions on different issues and disciplines.

     

    The society has long been defined as patriarchal where women are treated unequally compared to men. But despite the drastic change and the very different lifestyle that women have these days, cases of discrimination, usually indirect, are still experienced in the house, workplace and community in general. There is still a set of norms that dictates the female individuals on how to behave in certain situations. Their social roles are still directed by their gender roles.

     

    Most of the time, discrimination is associated with the act of making a disparity, as in favor of or against a person or thing. Individuals are being treated unequally due to the influenced of some strong factors like religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, and even disability. It is a form of behavior that shows prejudice, but not only the form. It is the failure to treat people in the same way. In most cases, discrimination exists because there is no acceptance and respect. It has also been influenced by traditions and cultures.

     

     

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    Tourism in Dubai: Overcoming Barriers to Destination Development

    Tourism in Dubai: Overcoming Barriers to Destination Development

    A Comprehensive Review

     

    I. Introduction

                The article, “Tourism in Dubai: Overcoming Barriers to Destination Development was written by  for  Business School, Singapore 639798. The Middle East seems to attract lesser and lesser investors and visitors every year due to political instabilities and international conflicts. Other things that prevent tourism boom in the Middle East are poor accessibility, less media exposure and coverage. Though these hindrances may relatively restrict people coming in, international tourism has been made the basic and top priority for Dubai’s diversification project. They have undertaking extensive marketing and promotion, and also given much into developing Dubai as a whole. The result is also as they have expected. The rate for tourism has soared since the projects began. Still, lots of hindrances may constrict the growth of tourism in Dubai, so steps must be taken in order to overcome these hindrances. What Dubai has gone through may serve as a lesson to itself and to others in overcoming barriers and developing itself into a strong tourism destination.

    II. Main Body

                Destination Development. It is critical that the destination spot be well-developed and relatively easy to access. Tourists find destinations which are accessible, full of amenities and relatively safe and interesting, more appealing to their taste. The Middle East however, is ill-suited to the taste of foreign tourists due to harsh climates, underdeveloped cities, and relatively unstable and unsafe government. Dubai, however, an oil-producing state, is greatly becoming one of the world’s top tourist destinations. The table in the article presented showed the annual growth of the rates in tourists coming into the country. Though the Iraqi war lessened the favorable growth spurt of the tourism in Dubai, it was still, nonetheless, a very good achievement, considering that its neighboring countries may well never have had that high foreign tourist rate. Factors that play a major part in the destination development will be mentioned as we go along.

     

    II.A. Factors Critical to Destination Development.

                Stability. It is a critical factor in attracting tourists into coming into the country. As was mentioned in the article, Dubai is viewed as a liberal and cosmopolitan society. It is a melting pot for different societies in the Middle East. Though Islam remains to be the basic and dominant religion, practice of religions other than Islam is permitted. Dubai enjoys a relatively low-crime rate status and little possibility of civil unrest. Also, almost 80% of its inhabitants are expatriates. From those facts alone, one can draw a conclusion that Dubai is really a stable tourist destination. Government Tourism Policy. As mentioned in the article, tourist destinations which are under less government intervention and unclear tourism agenda may thrive, but still, government intervention is a very vital part in sustaining the development of the said tourist destination. As in Dubai, they greatly focused in developing and maintaining the development of the said state. Making tourism as the heart of the diversification program, the propelled Dubai into the world’s “leading tourist destination and the commercial hub center of the world”. Visions of increased tourism rate for the coming years are slowly becoming a reality for the tourism sector of Dubai. Accessibility. For countries seeking to increase their tourist rates, having easy accessibility into their country is a must. Easy transport outside and within the destination is a plus and also a great attraction to tourists. So far, Dubai has invested much into modernizing and widening its air transport. The municipal Authority of Dubai is opting to open another international airport that would cater to more international flights and to more destinations. Emirates, the largest airlines in the middle east, owned by Dubai, has initiated plans to add more airplanes, 120 planes to be exact, to their current number of planes in order to be able to cater to more number of people and to more destinations. Dubai also invested in cruising. Simplification of VISA processing has been implemented to lessen barriers for people wanting to explore Dubai. Also, their Cruise port has been widened in order to accommodate two ships at the same time. all in all, Dubai is making accessibility into it much more easier and efficient. Amenities. Hotels and accommodation greatly affects the destination choice of tourists since of course that will be their base for the duration of their stay in that area. Dubai has been investing much on the developments of its hotels and accommodations. Its crowning achievements so far has been Burj Al Arab, the billowing sail-like hotel, The Palm, the palm shaped man-made islands which will accommodate hotels and residential areas. Plans for the construction of Burj Dubai, is well underway, accommodating the Dubai Armani Hotel, a partnership between the fashion designer and a Dubai property developer. Also, restrictions have been relaxed in order to put hospitality to foreigners into action. Attractions. For this, Dubai employed its local and some foreign attractions. It promoted activities which can be done in their climate such as windsurfing, water skiing, golfing, diving, sailing, exploring the desert, visiting Bedouin villages and other such activities that can be done in their climate. But they did not stop at this. Hey built the Mall of the Emirates which is said to be the second largest mall in the world, outside the United States, which houses snow-related activities. Plans are underway for the construction of Dubailand, a theme park that will entice everyone’s desire. Promotion. Promotion for Dubai’s above mentioned attractions are well underway and they can increase the number of tourists coming in the country.

    III. Conclusion

                Tourism is not restricted to better faring nations. Dubai underwent major changes to overcome challenges that faced them. They were able to overcome that and so will the rest of the Middle East, if they chose to have the same conviction and dedication as the independent state of Dubai.

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    Article Analysis

    QUALITATIVE METHODOLOGY IN RESEARCH: A REVIEW OF BODDY’S ARTICLE ON THE MARKET RESEARCH INDUSTRY

     

    Introduction

     

    The market research industry in the United Kingdom has been among the few subjects that exist in the study of businesses and international trade. However, this subject is the focus of Clive Boddy’s work. In looking at the setting in 2001, the research tried to present a view of the market research industry of UK through a qualitative methodology. Normally, a quantitative method is employed when measuring levels of success in the business setting. However, Boddy to a different step in addressing this type of subject. In employing a qualitative based analysis of the subject, the discussions may possibly compromise certain aspects of the findings of the paper considering that the information employed are not based on figures and facts. This might pose a notable threat in the findings considering that the data that has been used are based solely on the perceived success indicators of the market research industry. To this end, this study intends to analyze the methodology employed by the study of Brody in addressing the perceived reasons of success in the market research industry in UK. Specifically, the employment of such methods revealing a qualitative nature will be the focus of the discussions.        

     

     

    The Qualitative Method in General

     

    The work of Boddy has chosen to employ the qualitative method in conducting his study. In the field of business, using such methodology has acquired several issues. To illustrate, it has been established that the qualitative research is deemed as a minority and even a marginalised activity within the context of business (2004). This means that the employment of qualitative methods is not normally used in the study of the business sector. Moreover,  similarly contend that the data specify that the implementation of qualitative research in the business setting could be deemed as a mediocre career move with an unappealing potential for doctoral students. A variety of contributors provides a well-built case on the subject of the relative overlooking of qualitative research by the main journals that dedicate itself in issuing business research. Nevertheless, even though the noticeable marginalisation of qualitative research works,   vehemently contended that it is very important that qualitative researchers still carry on to present their work to major journals even though it appears that the channels seem to be practically blocked.

     

    The relative scarcity of the employment of qualitative research in business studies has similarly been apparent in the work of Boddy. There may possibly be a variety of motives for the pitiable representation of qualitative research in top- level periodicals (2004), nevertheless this obvious predisposition towards quantitative researches has brought about setbacks for the progress of business studies. It merges practical suggestion and theoretical argument, tackling and discovering a lot of the subjects that confront academics who take on qualitative research and sums up inclinations and discussions in the field.

     

    Moreover, in employing such a methodology, the work of Boddy has also achieved several things. In keeping with (1984), qualitative methods help academics who wish to comprehend intricate social phenomena. They are suitable when seeking out information with reference to the basic features of a phenomenon being examined prior to hypothesizing about it. This information frequently comes to light by means of close contact with issues of a study, permitting the author to identify with their perspectives and knowledge with the phenomenon. Nevertheless, the propensity of qualitative methodologies in granting responses to inquiries regarding phenomena connected to administration and organization science has been held up by the mix-up on the subject of the character of qualitative research.

     

    Academics even conflict on the characterization of "qualitative." For instance, a number of researchers employ terms like naturalistic and descriptive, on top of field, product, and case study. Possibly the best means to resolve a number of the misunderstanding on the subject of qualitative research is to look at a number of its most established methodologies and attributes. (1992) suggests that there are three common kinds of data-gathering practices in qualitative research: experiencing, enquiring, and examining (). These three practices are employed, Wolcott contends, in such different qualitative methods like case studies, interviews, and participant observation. As indicates, most qualitative research is anchored on a case study that employs a single or more than a few of these qualitative methodologies, permitting academics to engross themselves within a culture or a situation, creating questions to chase for additional research and knowledge of the phenomena.

     

    The Analysis of the Methodology Employed by Boddy

     

    Boddy stated that he had employed the qualitative form of research in order to “maintain an objective approach to the study” and characterizes it as “exploratory in nature.” This reveals that making use of qualitative research techniques are much preferred in such studies so as to build theories consequently.  However, it is still apparent that quantitative research methods are more efficient and competent for testing one’s theory. (1992) Whether or not one concurs that qualitative methods have capabilities in testing theories in conjunction with quantitative methods, qualitative methodologies are a familiar initial step in quantitative studies.

     

    In looking into the previous discussion regarding the characteristics of a qualitative research, it appears that Boddy has bee able to acquire a technique that is  more amenable to the regulating and refining of study ideas as an investigation develops. Similarly, the researcher appears not trying to influence the research background, but somewhat aspire to comprehend naturally occurring phenomena in their naturally occurring conditions. Inductive analysis, in preference to deductive way of thinking, is frequent in qualitative research, in company with content or holistic study representing statistical analysis.

     

    Moreover, in the case of Boddy, the contextual and subjective character of qualitative data can be an alarm for the researcher who intends to generalize the judgments of the study. What is accurate in one instance or circumstance may not be factual for another. To triumph over this fear, data need to be acquired in different contexts, which acquire substantial time and effort. Consequently, researchers who might have been under pressure to publish may not possibly see a qualitative study as a viable research model. This shows that the work of Boddy might have been done with much time in order to rationally present his findings before it is published.

     

    Analysis of the Utilized Sampling Method

     

    Based on the work, Boddy implemented a purposive sampling technique to gather his data. Purposive sampling implies choosing a sample anchored researcher-recognized selection measures. In this case, the sample was members of the AMSO, particularly senior board level directors, managing directors, managing owners, or chairpersons of the companies. At the end, six interviews were completed.

     

    Using such sampling technique might have been detrimental to certain factors of the study. To illustrate, using such technique does bounds the generalisability of discoveries beyond the research sample employed in the academic work. Nevertheless, this sampling process is a suitable option, particularly for exploratory studies that are principally purely descriptive, which is actually what the study of Boddy possesses.  

     

    Use of Interviews as a Main Source of Data

     

    The study under consideration employed interviews as its primary source of information with regards to the discussions in his study.  (1991) suggest that focus groups tender business researchers a well-off basis in which to assemble authentic data with reference to participants' opinions, knowledge, and outlooks which offer a foundation from which to construct a theory. An additional variation of interviewing methods suggested by  (1992) is the Delphi method. This is close to what Boddy has used in his study. This method is helpful in acquiring information on a theme from a panel of experts. In the case of Boddy, he used board-level directors such that they are more knowledgeable in the business and in the industry to provide such information.

     

    Moreover, research methods like the employment of open-ended interviews, which have previously been an element of a more qualitative research ritual, authorize study to be an instrument not merely for acquiring data but for personal and group empowerment in addition to action and social change. For instance, qualitative models can offer a medium for respondents to enlighten their narrative in their own words. Such results imply possibilities for the kind of transformative and empowering knowledge that Boddy stated originates from contact with others.

     

    The authority of qualitative methods to write down the reality of people's knowledge turns out to be a basis of empowerment by insisting the actuality of a community's historical knowledge and documenting that knowledge in printed form. Moreover, this will also facilitate the distribution of these communal narratives through periodicals and oral diffusion to a more extensive audience, a procedure which can consecutively acquire superior attention and resources to the requirements and fears of society as a whole.

     


     

    Conclusions

     

    The use of qualitative method in the study of Boddy has been sufficiently discussed in the paper. In looking is the said discussions, qualitative investigators believe they can get nearer to the actor's viewpoint by means of thorough interviewing and observation. They contend that quantitative researchers infrequently are capable of seizing the subject's viewpoint for the reason that they have to be dependent on more isolated, inferential empirical matters. This is significant in that a cost of diversity needs that people labour to incarcerate and state perspective of others who may possibly be dissimilar from oneself. Moreover, qualitative research does not start with surveys created from the standpoint of the researcher or copied from universal models which may possibly possess small relation to the settled knowledge of the group of interest, in this case the players in the market research industry. Furthermore, qualitative researchers make out that there may possibly be a number of features of a phenomenon that are failed to spot if people limit people to forced-choice responses. In its place, qualitative techniques like in-depth interviews support the researcher's capability to acquire the viewpoint of the respondent.

     

    Similarly, the capacity to confine and appreciate the perspectives of dissimilar research respondents includes new and vital voices to one’s perception of phenomena, which consecutively provides new information that can be employed to build up new or amended models. As it was claimed earlier, qualitative research can similarly be perceived as revealing an alternative scientific theory. From this standpoint, it reveals values of science that does not give emphasis to the significance of scientific objectivity and interpersonal indifference in the research development. In its place, reality is perceived as being strained through local, historical lenses. From this perspective, the best opportunity of understanding the world is by understanding these numerous, local frameworks and accounts and acquiring rich detail concerning them.

     

    A vital consequence to this is the appreciation that researchers similarly see the world by means of local and historical lenses and therefore require considering their individual values and partialities as they control the research procedure. Qualitative research, in its concentration on broad account of particular contexts may similarly assist the public to pay closer consideration to the exceptional connection of researcher and respondent and similarly offer liberty for a cautious deliberation of the researcher's individual stance and its implication on the research.

     

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    EQUALITY AND DIFFERENCE

    African American Deprivation

     

    Introduction

                It is noted that African-American are known as the most discriminated race in the United States.  Most probably, African American has been the victims of oppressions and inequalities in every aspects of life such as economic, social and political factors. Accordingly, many of the African American experience inequalities in this aspects. The goal of this paper is to identify the effects of social, economic and political inequalities in gaining power and authority by African American in the United States.

     

    Social, Economic and Political Inequality

                According to  (1989), the problem of the 20th century was the problem of color line. According to him, although African Americans had made progress in terms of education, civil rights, voting rights, occupation, income, housing, literature and arts and science, such accomplishments can still be considered as unequal and incomplete. Historians believed that in the United States, there still exists racial inequalities in general and economic, political and social inequalities in particular.

                The existence of these inequalities is still festering both public and private conversation in American society. After the dismantling of the most oppressive racist policies and practices that the Americans practiced over the past, many have come to believe that the United States has moved beyond race and that the most pressing racial concerns must center now in having social, political and economic neutrality and color blindness.

                Social scientists typically analyze inequality as imbalance in the distribution of power, economic resources and opportunities. In terms of social inequality, it can be said that most of the African American are deprived of different resources that will enhanced their quality living. For example, not all African American are given opportunities to have good educations in different universities in the United States. Although there are few who can afford to study in these universities, there is a possibility of being discriminated by the peers or worst by some of the teachers. Access to some important resources for living is also unequal. Whites can access all their needs while African American has limited resources and sometimes there are no resources at all.

                In addition, it can be said that white Americans continue to reap advantages from the historical, Institutional, structural and personal dynamics of racial inequality, and they are either unaware of these advantages or deny they exist. Black Americans in particular pay a very steep tax for this uneven playing field and outcome, as well as for the denial of white advantage. In housing markets, for example, we will see that it is harder for equally creditworthy black families to qualify for home mortgages, that blacks receive far less family financial assistance with down payments and closing costs that black homeowners pay higher mortgage rates, and that homes in African American communities appreciate less in value

                In terms of economic inequalities, it shows that white Americans are able to enjoy high income while African Americans are being deprived of this opportunity. One study, for example, argues that the racial wage gap is really 23 percent higher because incarceration rates hide low wages and joblessness among blacks (, 2001;  2002).  At comparable incomes, more African American family members work to earn the same money as white families. Working longer hours and more weeks per year means that middle-income black families worked the equivalent of 12 more weeks than white families to earn the same money in 2000 ( 2003).

    The tremendous growth of the black middle class often is cited as a triumphant sign of progress toward racial equality. Indeed, the raw numbers appear to justify celebration: In 1960 a little more than three- quarters of a million black men and women were employed in middleclass occupations; by 1980 the number increased to nearly three and a third million; and nearly seven million African Americans worked in middle-class jobs in 1995 (1999). This impressive growth in achieving upward mobility, however, does not tell the whole story, as some argue that stagnating economic conditions and blacks' lower-middle-class occupational profile have stalled the march into the middle class since the mid-1970s.

    The real story of the meaning of race in modern America, however, must include a serious consideration of how one generation passes advantage and disadvantage to the next—how individuals' starting points are determined. While ending the old ways of outright exclusion, subjugation, segregation, custom, discrimination, racist ideology, and violence, our nation continues to reproduce racial inequality, racial hierarchy, and social injustice that is very real and formidable for those who experience it. This book will explore the bedrock of racial inequality.

    Traditional measures of economic wellbeing and inequality, such as income, education, and jobs, show authentic and impressive progress toward racial equality from the mid1960s through the early 1980s and stagnation since ( 1997). This is not to suggest by any stretch of the imagination that we have seen the dawning of the age of racial parity in the United States, because, indeed, wide racial gaps and discrimination persist in all of these domains. Employment discrimination, educational discrimination, environmental discrimination, and discriminatory immigration, taxation, health, welfare, and transportation policies continue ( 2001). Despite the passage of major civil rights reforms, most whites and blacks continue to live in highly segregated communities. Furthermore, although the US prizes political equality, some people still believed that racial minorities, especially African American are underrepresented in governmental decisions.

     

    Analysis

                Accordingly, power is embedded in decision - making so that it is held by those who make decisions that can affect the community in general. Someone who involved in making the key choices shaping a community have power in
    the sense that what they decide on changes people’s lives and in this way, these decision - makers have power or control over other people. This is typical of pluralist theories of power. They focus their attention on the exercise of power, rather than its sources. Hunter, in the other hand, felt that there was dominant elite in the community, that power is concentrated in the hands of a few. His might be called a "stratification theory" of power, where power is a "subsidiary aspect of the community’s social structure" and the main determinant of the distribution of power within a community is its social stratification. Stratification studies assert that communities are divided into classes. The upper class, or the group with the highest social - economic standing, holds the most power. They are the "power elite" and can exercise influence over a large number of community decisions, thus "ruling" the local community. This is true in case of African American who are considered as being one of the the lowest class in American society.

    The 'empowerment' of black Americans has been a central theme of the Civil rights struggle since its inception. Within the broad framework that this sets there has been a great deal of debate as to the specific goals the 'movement' should be aiming at as well as concerning the methods to be used in their attempted attainment. Was the intended outcome that of integration into mainstream society, embracing the white formulated values of American liberal democracy, or was the intention their rejection, and the redefinition and transformation of these structures through which white power is seen to operate.

    As mentioned above, most of the African American is being deprived to have better social, economic and political conditions that white Americans. And because all important aspects of becoming a more effective and productive part of the society are being deprived to African American, this gave them little chances of gaining more power and authority than white Americans.  Accordingly, in the society, especially the American society, those who have the wealth, good educational background and belongs to higher level of races are the one who are given more chances to gain more power and authority. If you are an African American, with a low educational attainment and with little income, most of the people would just ignore you and an important decision. This is because for some, your background would not be compared to those who achieve a lot which they consider to deserve in attaining the power.

                Furthermore, being uneducated is also a great influence for not being powerful. Consequently, there are times that African American is not given the chance to achieve higher and quality education by the white American because they think that these minorities are incapable and unable. Since most white Americans are unjust and jealous, they are not giving the African American the chance to have equal opportunities for good education which is one of the most important factor in achieving power or authority. With this it can be said that social, economic and political inequality has a greater influence in gaining power and authority especially in terms of social divisions.

     

    Reference

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    Discuss the impact of the Internet on Porter’s competitive forces model

     

     

    The Internet is a global network that connects a vast number of internal organizational computer networks worldwide. Some typical examples of internal organizational computer networks are the computer systems of a university, a corporation and a hospital. (Turban p.169)

     

    The model is used to develop strategies of the competitiveness of companies. The component of the model may be various. There are five major forces can be generalized. First, the entry of new competitors is threatening. This would enlarge the capacity of industry because of increase in competition in business.

    Secondly, due to the keen competition, buyer would have more choices and would have high buying power, forcing prices down. Higher quality. Also, higher services of flexibility may be required. The Internet services of different companies would differentiate.

     

    Thirdly, supplier power will be higher with raising costs and have more dominating power on quality and availability of supply. Therefore, extended quality control is recommended to exert on suppliers.

    Fourth, substitute products are threatened due to potential market and profit are limited. However, products, services and market segments could be redefine to maintain reasonable business value.

     

    Fifth, intense competition from rivals due to price competition and repaid development on products, and the requirement of customer loyalty by different competitors in the industry.  Price and service performance have to be improved. The enterprises had to maintain a way to get closer to the end of consumer so as to understand the requirements of the market.

     

    Reference:

    Turban. Mclean. Wetherbe 1999  Information Technology For Management Making Connections for Strategic Advantage 2nd edn, John Wiley & Sons. Inc.

     

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    Thesis Chapter 5 On The Benefits To Hotels Of Using Online Reservation Systems

    Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation

     

     

     

     

     

    Introduction for chapter 5

    Conclusions are known as the realizations done as the study sums up. Conclusions are made via analyzing the results of the study.  Recommendations provide the suggestions to the subject of the study. This chapter will present the conclusion and recommendations for the study. It will provide a summary of the results, what it means and the conclusion for the study. This part will include a recommendation for the study.

     

    Conclusion

     The results of the study strengthened the literature in its description of how online reservation systems helped the hotels attract clients and sway consumers into getting their services.  Online consumers can be greatly affected by many things including the changes in technology. A business should make use of technology and its advancements to make things better for a client.  The online clients of hotels have the desire to know some information about the hotel and what would they receive if they book a room in there. Online clients rely on online reservation technology to be properly informed and make the best booking decisions. Hotels have made use of advancements in technologies to answer the needs of clients. They have used highly advanced reservation services such as online reservation systems. Online reservation systems created websites that specialize in giving good deals for rooms. Online reservation systems are used to make sure that there would be a higher chance for the hotel to be fully booked. Information about the hotel was a vital need for clients but not readily available in past years. The creation of new technologies paved the way for information to be acquired by clients and used by individuals that try to market a hotel. Online clients rely on online reservation technology to be properly informed and make the best booking decisions. Most of the respondents were older than 18. This shows that the respondents were in the legal age and had enough experience in answering the questions. Half of the respondents were male and half were female. The opinion would come from both the masculine and feminine gender.  The ideas on hotel industry’s benefit of using online reservation systems to hotels would come from not only one gender. Most university respondents were single but had relative years of experience in a hotel. Most respondents are those kinds of people who have no responsibility towards a wife thus they can make bookings at hotels whenever they want. Most respondents were high school graduates.  This shows that the respondents had better comprehension skills and was able to understand the different questions. Given their educational achievement, the respondents can understand questions about hotels and reservations systems.  The respondents have a good educational background to answer questions about the benefit of using online reservation systems to hotels. Most of the respondents have been long time users of the internet. The respondents are well versed in the internet technologies and can narrate their numerous experiences with the use of internet technology.

     

     Most respondents have been frequent users of the hotel’s reservation system.  Most respondents had a feel and understanding of the concept of online reservation systems.  Most respondents think that their life has been made easier by online consumption. They believe that online consumption reduced their difficulties in purchasing a product or availing a service.  Most of the respondents believed that online consumption is affected by instances of financial problems. For the respondents the need and desire to consume online can be hampered by financial problems. Financial problems force a consumer to purchase less and think of means to budget their finances. A lesser financial resource means that the consumer would reduce or totally refrain from online consumption. Most of the respondents agreed with the notion that online consumption has helped them acquire various kinds of services. This shows that the respondents have gotten much favor in their use of online consumption. Most respondents believe that reservation system is a vital part of a hotel’s services. For the respondents hotels need technologies such as reservation systems. Reservation systems make sure that the hotel can know the number of guest they will expect. Reservation systems make sure that clients can have an idea of the available rooms in a hotel and make bookings early. Based on the literature Hotels use online tools to market the hotel to perspective clients and communicate with them directly. There are some hotels that require the clients to download an application that they can use to book a room and make inquiries. Clients who book directly with a hotel have a privilege to ask for immediate cancellation without worrying about recovering their deposits.

     

    Most online reservation systems are based on Global distribution systems. Online reservation systems based on Global distribution systems usually use the concept that clients doesn’t need to pay once the reservation is done but instead the clients will pay once the client checks in or  once the client checks out. Most of the respondents believe that the reservation system gives convenience to clients. Although there are some doubters most of the respondents think that the reservation system gives hotel guest an easier time in booking for a room. A system or service is convenient if it saves resources such as time or energy or it reduces the frustration of someone. The respondents stated that the reservation system makes sure that they don’t have to worry on the time that will be spent on going to the hotel, waiting for their turn and reserving a rood. The reservation system makes sure that the consumer doesn’t have to call the hotel, wait for someone to answer, talk about the available rooms and its price and then reserve a room. Most respondents believed that the creation of online reservation system was a favorable and positive changing thing. The respondents think that the creation of an online reservation system would only bring good things to the hotel. For the respondents, the creation of an online reservation system would mean more convenience and relief to them. Most of the respondents agree that the online reservation system reduced their trouble in finding a nice place to stay. As the literature mentioned online reservation systems for hotels have become a popular means for booking a room. In such system clients can book a room without being physically present in the premises of the hotel. In online reservation systems, clients can have a room without compromising their security, privacy, and financial data.

     

    Through online systems clients can know the rates of the hotel; compare prices and identify the facilities of the hotels. Before the surge in the popularity of the internet clients can call the hotel or write to the hotel about their desire to reserve a room. In early years, clients can also deal with a travel agent for them to have a room in a hotel. In current times, travel agents have their own picture of the hotels, its rooms, and information on the prices. Travel agents and their partners use the internet to feature reviews on the hotel and its features.  Most respondents believe that online reservation system made sure that they will not have difficulty in looking for a place to stay whenever they travel.  There are some people who do not reserve a hotel room ahead of time, the use of online reservation system helps to satisfy their need for a hotel room at the most urgent time. For the respondents the online reservation system reduces the difficulty in finding a place to stay whenever they tour a country or they have an urgent need for a place to stay.  The online reservation system gave them immediate ideas on hotels that does not cost much but has still some vacancies left. As per the literature the onset of online reservation systems make it sure that people who had a sudden need for a hotel room would be given service. The competition and the onset of online reservation systems created price wars and sudden drops in prices. Online reservation systems created websites that specialize in giving good deals for rooms. Online reservation systems are used to make sure that there would be a higher chance for the hotel to be fully booked, to have a wider client base and to be a popular destination. Most of the respondents believe that online reservation system made sure that they can budget their finances during trips. Budget is a personal financial plan that focuses on allocating one's income towards savings, payment of debt and current expenses.

     

     In creating a budget one considers the spending in the past and the debt one has. After a budget is made it must be followed at a great extent. Most of the respondents believe that online reservation system helped them to compute and prepare for any expenses on their trip. Most respondents think that online reservation systems reduced the need for contacting more than one hotel. The respondents believe that online reservation systems remove the decision making processes done in choosing a hotel. In decision making there should be objectives and it should be classified then arranged on its order of importance. In decision making any alternative actions should be created. In decision making the alternative action should be compared with the objectives. In decision making, any action that can make sure that the objective will be acquired is considered to be the tentative decision. In decision making tentative decisions are checked for possible negative effects. In decision making, the chosen action is observed for sudden negative effects. Secondary actions are taken to make sure that any effect of the chosen action would not lead into bigger problems. For the respondents, the creation of online reservation systems makes sure that there would be lesser need for a decision making processes in choosing hotel. The online reservation system brings about loyal clients that would have no other choice but the hotel that provided an online reservation system. As the literature stated the features of online reservation systems for most hotels have become somewhat similar since more hotels are encouraged to have such system. Hotels need to make sure that the hotel's online reservation system would be unique and would influence the decision of clients. 

     

    Most large hotel chains have links with distributions systems of Airlines, it helps in giving travel agents an idea of the hotels that are available and the services it provides. As the literature stated smaller hotels usually don't have the finances to have distribution systems thus they use connection with other companies to provide information to travel agents. The onset of the internet created online travel sites which also act as travel agencies. These types of websites send hotel information to clients and they receive some monetary reward once a client engages in the services of the hotel they are partners with. Most of the respondents believe that an online reservation system must be easy to understand and navigate. Most of the respondents think that for an online reservation system to be commendable it must be easy to understand and easy to navigate. Not all clients have the time to learn all the function of a website. Not all have the time to understand how a part of a website works. Online reservation systems should make sure that the client would easily understand the parts of the website and they can easily click the website function that they deem as important to them. The more people use the internet and its related technology the more there is a need for researches on the best design for such technology. The growth of the internet has created the need to identify processes and practices that are in line with such technology. Most of the respondents believe that an online reservation system must contain the price list for the different rooms and the availability of each room. The respondents believe that an online reservation system should feature the prices for each room and a comment if the room is available or not.

     

    The respondents think that an online reservation system should give all the information a client would need. Information about the hotel was a vital need for clients but not readily available in past years. The creation of new technologies paved the way for information to be acquired by clients and used by individuals that try to market a hotel. New technologies cannot be successful if it is not used in a strategic manner. Strategic use of IT, the internet and distribution systems created and instituted the concepts of Global Distribution Systems and Computer reservation systems which were originally used only within the premises of a hotel but have branched out to an international system through the help of the internet. The internet and e-commerce made sure that reservation systems would reach more people. Most respondents think that a good online reservation system features fast upload of pages and lesser occurrences of bugs or any other error. A computer and software bug composes of an error, flaw or mistake in a computer system which creates an incorrect result. Bugs come from errors in creating the system. Bugs result from misunderstandings during the creation and implementation of a system. Most respondent think that the online reservation system should be accurate and should lead to lesser errors. The accuracy of online reservation system would prove its use to clients. Most of the respondents believe that the online reservations should have security and safety. The respondents believe that security is an important consideration for websites. The concept of computer security applies to the protection of computers and networks. Computer security's objective includes the reduction of threat from the theft or corruption of information. In computer security threats are dissuaded, at the same time the information remains available to authorized individuals.

     

    Computer information security composes the processes that are used to protect information from being tampered or use for unauthorized means. As soon as a computer establishes a link with a network or with the internet, it tends to face a risk. The concept of the security of files while using the internet includes the processes wherein a firm or individual gets to be protected by a complicated passwords, well coordinated change in the permission to acquire files and data backup. Concerns on security issues can be considered as a normal part of engaging in business but a concern in security can prove that users need to feel confident when they use an internet related system. It is vital for a security system to be given high priority by a firm since security can attract or dissuade a client. It is vital for a firm to have a good security system since criminals will attack at any given time without any form of warning. Criminals will always find means to over ride the security system since criminals believe that a successful attack on a company's system would be highly profitable. Security systems should be one of the top priorities of a firm. Those who create an internet security system for a firm should understand the concept of penetration testing, they should know how to detect any cyber intruders and they should know how to act quickly. Most respondents think that online reservation systems should be similar to successful websites. The respondents think that an online reservation system should follow the examples set by other firms. Online reservation systems help a hotel by establishing a good relationship between the client and the hotel. Online reservation systems help in making sure that people who do not book a room in an earlier time would still have a chance to book a hotel room. Online reservations systems help a hotel attract clients by making sure that clients get information and convenience in looking for a room to stay. Online reservation systems helps hotel attract clients by making sure that the clients would feel secure as they use the system. Online reservation systems are a vital technology for any hotel thus its maintenance and constant evaluation should be prioritized by any company.

    Recommendations

  • Hotels need to be always adaptable to newer technologies such as the keyless locks to hotel rooms so that they can maintain the quality of their service. The keyless locks would ensure that the guests would be safe and would have privacy.
  • Hotels should check for the security features of their online reservation system. Hotels should check the authorization and activity tracking features of the hotel’s website. Authorization features make sure that there would be a limited number of personnel that can view information. Activity tracking components would make sure that any suspicious web related activity would be identified.
  • Hotels should make sure that the security features of the online reservation system would be up to date to the current situation. Hotels should make sure that the authorization components of the website is constantly checked and updated to changes in the hotel.
  • Hotels need to add web conferencing features to their online reservation system so that they can discuss with the client who wants to book for a hotel room. The use of web conferences to talk to clients would make sure that the perspective guest would feel respected as they negotiate the stay in a room at the hotel.
  • Hotels need to check the online reservation system for errors in information like any change in price range or the change in status of room. Hotels need to make sure that the price stated in the online reservation system is a current one so that the client will not feel that the company cheats on him/her.
  • Hotels need to make sure that the online reservation system will be always on time and will not contain any error. The information in the online reservation system should be up to date and should contain lesser instances of erroneous information such as a mistake in the price or a mistake in the room available.
  • Hotels need to find out about other technology that can be used to provide service to clients.  Hotels need to make further use of the internet wherein they can use non competitor’s website to promote the hotel and its service. Hotels can also engage in partnerships with travel websites and the like.
  • Other business should understand how reservation systems can be used at its full extent and capabilities. Travel agencies, Airline companies and sellers of concert tickets should make sure that they can make full use of the concept of reservation systems.
  •  

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