Becoming Self Directed Learners

For an individual to be successful there is a need to become a self-directed and a self-aware learner. Being one entails the person to exercise habits which can influence his success. These habits are the so-called Habits of the Mind, which are presented in this paper, are most important to be practiced by both students and professionals in order to acquire knowledge and in order to discover that learning is, indeed, fun and exciting.In the context of being a self-directed learner, it is very evident that there is a need for an individual to possess skills and talents which makes him unique and which can make him the best student and professional he can be. However, to direct one’s self is not an easy tasks for it takes one to have patience and understanding that everything in the surrounding comes from a certain origin and that is what has to be discovered in the learning process. Moreover, self-directed learning and being a self-aware one makes an individual acquire more kno wledge other than what is taught and given within the four walls of the classroom.As mentioned, having to practice the 16 habits of the mind is the important factor which greatly influences a person’s success and his way towards being a self-directed and self-aware learner. Other than these 16 habits, there are also other factors which are important; these includes focusing one’s attention on the tasks and responsibilities being assigned to and being able to have that initiate and common sense to take necessary actions should the need arises.This paper clearly discusses how a student and a professional must engage themselves in behaviours and attitudes which can contribute to their success. INTRODUCTION All individuals have the intention of becoming a successful professional in whatever field one wants to engage himself in. There are factors which can influence the success of a person. It all starts in having a god foundation of basic, secondary and tertiary education. Academic institutions must, therefore, give the best instructions to all students so they can land a good job soon after they graduate.On the other hand, the success of a student could not only be attributed to the instructions given the teachers within the four walls of the classroom. There is also a need for the student to learn things on his own, to explore the world and to discover things which are not taught in school. It is a fact that everything is not learned from school. Some things are learned through experiences; reading books, newspapers; watching television shows and browsing the internet. These are not only the sources of information. There can be a lot more should a student is willing to devout much time of it.One of the many factors in which a student must develop in his early years of schooling is the ability to direct his own self towards the learning process. To possess the ability of self-directed and self-aware learner makes him easy to understand the instructi ons given by the teacher and to discover the wonders of the world. A self-directed learner and a self-aware one is one of the important behaviours each student must have in order to achieve what they want to achieve and in order to become what they want to be in the future.Successful business and government leaders in the country have the initiative to learn and discover things on their own; thus, they have practiced being a self-directed and a self-aware learner. ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION Students use various ways to learn and students have various intellectual levels, either. But this must not hinder one’s desire to be ahead of others and to learn new things other than those being taught in school. One of the attributes of being a self-directed learner is the ability to apply the 16 Habits of the Mind. These habits have been characterized by successful personalities in the world.These include having the persistence and perseverance to complete a task, being an impulsive manag er, to listen to others with understanding and empathy, to think with flexibility, have the ability of metacognitition, to strive for accuracy, to question and pose problems, to apply past knowledge to new situations, to think and communicate with clarity and precision, to gather data through all senses, to respond with wonderment and awe, to create, imagine and innovate, to take responsible risks, to think interdependently and to remain open to continuous learning.These habits focus the attention of the students and professionals on the processes and strategies to engage in an effective learning environment. (Campbell) The behaviour to direct one’s self to learning is a process and a psychological predisposition of the learner. In this process, the learner, on his own, identifies his needs, defines his learning goals and develops and implement the learning plans. Those who are successful in the practice of this process are those who are highly ready for self-directed learnin g which happens to be a complex mixture of knowledge, skills, habits and attitudes.(Guglielmo,P) In addition, self-directed learning is natural process in which it has not lost its power to output a high quality education which can bring fulfilment. For self-directed learning, the learner must choose the content on his own, be able to determine schedules, to learn with great passion and to lead and live a very productive life. Self-directed learners have the initiatives to develop learning style on their own. They are responsible in their own time and action. (Langerfeldt)For a student or a professional to become a successful self-directed and self-aware learner, one must possess the ability to engage himself in new styles and ways to acquire knowledge. With the advent of information technology, there are various styles which can then be applied by anybody who craves success. Being a self-directed and self-aware learner requires one to be a leader on his own. Being a leader means be ing real, being authentic. Being a leader also means focusing one’s strengths on the tasks assigned and to never forget that there is always a room for improvement and being a leader means to capitalize on one’s uniqueness.(Ambler,2006) In addition, there is a need for an individual to raise his awareness on the things that matter most. To raise self-awareness, one must be given choices regularly. For the teachers, there is a need to put himself on the learner’s shoes, the teacher must analyze the advantages of this type of learning and the teacher must be able to employ effective strategies to ensure that learning is facilitated in the most easy and convenient way. (Chojnacka,2000)To become a self-directed and self-aware learner, one has to practice mindfulness- that is to focus on the most important things which can contribute to the success of his own self and to the company, in general. There is also a need for an individual to know himself so he can make ch oices on how he can respond to the demands of the people around him and the situation he might encounter in the future. When one has an in-depth understanding of his own self, it is much easier for one to be consistent and to follow and trust those people who are sincere. (Ambler, 2007)The most important factor to influence one’s success is having the ability to direct one’s self in learning and be more aware of the people and the environment in which he is a part. Another characteristic of becoming a self-directed learner is the ability to be resourceful – to explore, investigate and delve into the reasons behind the existence of things. Being enrolled in the world class academic institution is not the only assurance to become a successful and an influential person; but also having the ability to lead one’s self towards the endless quest for knowledge.Students must always remember that learning is a continuous process; hence, they must acquire skills whi ch can make them different from the rest. In self-directed learning, the learner must be able to understand and recognize that learning includes actions on their part and they must acquire certain skills and knowledge to meet their learning needs. There must also be strategies in which these are flexible and adaptable to the learner to ensure that the process is conducted in a very smooth flow. (Wulff, Burke & Hurley, 2001)CONCLUSION In the world where competition is so stiff and strong, there is a need for an individual to possess skill which makes him ahead of others and which makes him more saleable than others. This starts in having the ability to learn and engage his self in activities which can enhance his critical-thinking and logical skills. To become a self-directed and self-aware learner, one must have the reasoning ability and the initiate to take actions on how to uncover the truth behind the existence of everything.Not only should this be sought by the learners but also the unending process of learning must be fully understood. It is, therefore, important for students and professionals to become self-directed and self-aware learners in order to excel and to bring pride and glory to the organization in which one works. It may not be an easy task to become a self-directed learner; however, it is a very fulfilling one. Lastly, in the area of learning, being a self-directed and self-aware are important behaviours which students and professionals must possess.RECOMMENDATION Becoming a successful student or professional is no easy task for one must be a self-directed and self-aware learner. To become such, it is recommended that students, as early as their education years, must practice the habits of the mind in order to exercise their thoughts and to invoke their reasoning ability to be able to cope with the demands of the people and the environment. It is also important for the teachers to give activities to students which allows them to think rationa lly and with deep understanding on what they are doing.In the same manner, in the professional world, there is also a need for an individual to engage his self to activities which enhances greater chance of developing his skills such as listen and understand that no two people or situation are the same. The attitude of listening and understanding are two most important factors for one to become a self-directed and self-aware learner. In addition, it is also recommended that an individual must, at all time, use his initiative in attacking problems. REFERENCES Ambler, G. (2006). †Leader, Be Yourself†. Retrieved on May 3, 2009 at [WWW] http://www.thepracticeofleadership. net/2006/04/03/leader-be-yourself/. Amber, G. (2006). â€Å"The Practice of Mindfulness†. Retrieved on May 3, 2009 at [WWW] http://www. thepracticeofleadership. net/2007/07/18/the-practice-of-mindfulness/. Campbell,J. â€Å"Theorising Habits of Mind as a Framework for Learning†. Retrieved on M ay 3, 2009 at [WWW] http://www. aare. edu. au/06pap/cam06102. pdf. Chojnacka,E. (2000). â€Å"Raising Self-awareness in advanced Learners Practicing Listening Comprehension†. Retrieved on May 3, 2009 at [WWW] http://www. iatefl. org. pl/tdal/n3selfaware. htm. Guglielmo,P. (2003).â€Å"Becoming a More Self-Directed Learner†. Retrieved on May 3, 2009 at [WWW] http://media. wiley. com/product_data/excerpt/49/07879650/0787965049. pdf. Langerfeldt, B. (2009). â€Å"Self-Directed Learning-The Seven Benefits of Designing your own Education†. Retrieved on May 3, 2009 at [WWW] http://ezinearticles. com/? Self-Directed-Learning—The-Seven-Benefits-of-Designing-Your-Own-Education&id=1054279. Wulff,S. ; et al. (2001). â€Å"Guided Self-Learning: Strategies for distance and On-site Education†. Retrieved on May 3, 2009 at [WWW] http://www. uwex. edu/disted/conference/Resource_library/proceedings/01_7. pdf.

A Report On Integrated Active Steering Engineering Essay

An incorporate vehicle kineticss control system which aims to better vehicle handling and stableness by organizing active forepart guidance ( AFS ) and dynamic stableness control ( DSC ) subsystems is developed in this paper. The DSC subsystem includes driveline- based, brake-based, and driveline plus brake-based DSC subsystems. The ini ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡uence of changing frontward velocity and sidelong acceleration on the sidelong vehicle kineticss is investigated foremost. The AFS accountant, which is used to better vehicle tip ability in the low to mid-range sidelong acceleration, and the DSC accountant, which manages to keep vehicle stableness during utmost driving state of affairss, are so designed by utilizing the skiding manner control ( SMC ) technique and stage plane method severally. Based on the two independently developed accountants, a rule-based integrating system is proposed to optimise the overall vehicle public presentation by minimising interactions between the two subsyste ms and widening functionalities of Individual subsystems. Computer simulation consequences in the effectivity of the proposed control system and overall betterments in vehicle handling and stableness. Yaw and turn over kineticss of vehicles can be controlled expeditiously by single wheel braking or by active guidance. Both attacks are compared on the footing of physical and application considerations. Two vehicle kineticss control constructs based on active guidance are summarized. One of them focuses on the decrease of swerve perturbations on the vehicle by robust one-sided decoupling of swerve and sidelong manner. The other attack purposes at rollover turning away of route vehicles. There, in uninterrupted operation, active maneuvering improves the axial rotation kineticss. In instance of exigency an efficient scheme applies coincident maneuvering and braking control. The response of the controlled vehicle is similar to the response of the conventional vehicle for nominal drive, b ut the guidance assistance system reduces the consequence of assorted factors for improved stableness. Keywords: Vehicle managing and stableness, active forepart guidance, dynamic stableness control, integrated vehicle kineticss control. 3. Introduction Active Steering is a maneuvering assistance system integrated in autos. An active guidance system is a complementary system for a front-steered vehicle that adds or subtracts a constituent to the maneuvering signal performed by the driver.We are get downing to see different trade names with different solutions on the market. The thought is to better safety and comfort by improved stableness and handling. Although the ordinances demand a mechanical connexion between the maneuvering wheel and the guidance rack, actuators are used to act upon the mechanical system. The undermentioned subdivision will depict different maneuvering system And some of the proficient solutions of the maneuvering systems used today. Solutions used by BMW and General Motors will be considered. Articles on Active Steering have been studied. The study focal point has been on the automatic control country and on the steer-by-wire development. Active guidance is the thought of an incorporate maneuvering support sy stem for autos. The system has to act like the maneuvering on conventional autos but with extra functionality such as perturbation rejection due to, for illustration, I -split ( disconnected adhesion coefficient between wheels ) , wind blasts or decreased route adhesion conditions. Several bing systems are conceptual and non intended for the market, but for illustration BMW has a semi-mechanical system installed on the autos. The systems explained are different illustrations on how to alter the conventional guidance of a auto. The maneuvering signal from the driver is an angular motion on the guidance wheel. The ensuing maneuvering angle is therefore composed by the constituent performed by the driver and the constituent contributed by the guidance system. It sounds great – and it feels even better, say those who have driven vehicles equipped with Active Steering Systems. These systems offer drivers many new characteristics and sweetenings, including parking aid, lane-keeping aid, stableness aid, and much more. Active maneuvering takes advantage of torque sheathing engineering. In such a system, a variable sum of torsion is added or subtracted to or from the maneuvering system, independent of driver input. The exact sum is determined based on analysis of inputs from multiple vehicle systems supervising assorted route and other external conditions. The important benefit of torsion sheathing engineering is that it ever keeps the driver informed of system action runing from the elusive jogs of route maintaining to the automated guidance wheel gesture of park aid. What increases driver assurance even further is that you can keep on to the maneuvering wheel at anytime and seamlessly override the system operation or take over control, as conditions warrant? The consequence is a pleasant drive experience with reduced driver work load and safer vehicle control. The enhanced vehicle and system public presentation achieved with torque sheathing can assist bring forth increased client satisfaction. When used in combination with a series of detectors like vehicle velocity detectors, driver province detectors, and cameras, Active Steering Systems with torque sheathing enable many possible capablenesss, including: Handling and â€Å" maneuvering feel † sweetenings such as active return, active damping, and improved on-center feel Disturbance direction, such as pull/drift compensation and cut downing the effects of air current blasts Driver aid, including guided and even independent parking Active safety, including yaw stableness aid, compensation when braking on uneven surfaces, and lane maintaining assist/departure warning For vehicles equipped with electric power guidance, torque sheathing control is applied through package programming within bing hardware. Hydraulic power maneuvering systems can besides be equipped with torque sheathing utilizing Magnasteer variable attempt maneuvering system engineering. Both electric and hydraulic torsion overlay solutions can be achieved in a cost-efficient bundle. Besides supplying variable maneuvering ratios, the computing machine is linked with the vehicle stableness control system to assistance in directional stableness of the vehicle. As the vehicle is going down the main road, route surfaces and air current blasts can impact the vehicle directional stableness. The auto may roll a small or flit to one side, as many who have met a tractor-trailer unit on a blowy twenty-four hours have experienced. Detectors on the auto detect this sudden unwilled motion and the computing machine will stabilise the auto by traveling the Active Steering electric motor and maneuvering cogwheel. The driver does n't turn the maneuvering wheel at all! If the driver experiences a skid or slide because of hapless route conditions, the Active Steering will respond to information from the swerve rate detectors to modify the maneuvering angle of the forepart wheels to stabilise the vehicle. This occurs much faster than the driver can respond. If the Active Steering angle is non plenty, so the Stability Control system intervenes to assist every bit good. CURRENT STEERING SYSTEMS Primary map of the guidance system is to accomplish angular gesture of the forepart wheels to negociate a bend. This is done through linkages and maneuvering cogwheel which convert the rotary gesture of the maneuvering wheel in to angular gesture of the forepart route wheels. Current maneuvering systems can be classified in to two viz. , mechanical maneuvering systems and hydraulic power maneuvering system.MECHANICAL STEERING SYSTEM andHYDRAULIC POWER STEERING SYSTEMMECHANICAL STEERING SYSTEMS:Conventional maneuvering systems are based on the mechanical guidance of which two discrepancies are in usage. The constituents of a rack-and-pinion guidance and ball-and-nut guidance, which is used for higher guidance forces, are strictly mechanical: Steering wheel, maneuvering column, maneuvering pinion, rack, ball-and-nut cogwheel, tie rod. Extra constituents are assorted cosmopolitan articulations and bearings. The assorted maneuvering systems that are normally used are worm and all wheel maneuvering, Cam and dual roller guidance, worm and nut guidance, recirculating ball type guidance and rack and pinion guidance. Among these types most normally used are rack and pinion guidance and recirculating maneuvering systems. Cam and dual roller maneuvering are normally used in Ashok Leyland vehicles ( maneuvering gear ratio used=24.7:1 ) . Recirculating ball type guidance are used by Tata, Dodge/Fargo, Standard 20 vehicles. Maruti 800 autos employ rack and pinion guidance. The of import types of mechanical maneuvering systems are discussed belowRACK AND PINION STEERING: –Rack and pinion guidance is rapidly going the most common type of maneuvering on autos, little trucks and SUVs. It is really a pretty simple mechanism. A rack and pinion cogwheel set is enclosed in a metal tubing, with each terminal of the rack protruding from the tubing. A rod, called a tie rod is connected to each termina l of the rack. The pinion cogwheel is attached to the guidance shaft. When we turn the guidance wheel, the cogwheel spins, traveling the rack. The tie rod at each terminal of the rack connects to the maneuvering arm on the spindle. The rack and pinion gear set does two things: It converts the rotational gesture of the maneuvering wheel into the additive gesture needed to turn the wheels. It provides a gear decrease, doing it easier to turn the wheels Some autos have variable ratio guidance, which uses a rack and pinion cogwheel set that has a different tooth pitch ( figure of dentitions per inch ) in the Centre than it has on the exterior. This makes the auto respond rapidly when get downing a bend and besides reduces attempt near the wheel ‘s turning bound.Pitman arm typesPitman arm mechanisms have a maneuvering ‘box ‘ where the shaft from the maneuvering wheel comes in and a lever arm comes out – the pitman arm. This pitman arm is linked to the path rod or Centre nexus, which is supported by loafer weaponries. The tie rods connect to the path rod. The pitman arm is connected straight to the path rod, to intensify linkages where it is connected to one terminal of the guidance system or the path rod via other rods. Most of the maneuvering box mechanisms that drive the Pitman arm have a ‘dead topographic point ‘ in the Centre of the guidance where you can turn the maneuvering wheel a little sum before the forepart wheels start to turn. The terminal of the shaft from the maneuvering wheel has a worm cogwheel attached to maneuvering box. It meshes straight with a sector cogwheel ( so called because it ‘s a subdivision of a full cogwheel wheel ) . When the guidance wheel is turned, the shaft turns the worm cogwheel, and the sector gear pivots around its axis as its dentitions are moved along the worm cogwheel. The sector cogwheel is mounted on the cross shaft which passes through the guidance box and out the underside where it is splined, and the Pitman arm is attached to the splines. When the sector cogwheel turns, it turns the cross shaft, which turns the Pitman arm, giving the end product gesture that is fed into the mechanical linkage on the path rod. The undermentioned diagram shows the active constituents that are present inside the maneuvering box. The box itself is sealed and filled with lubricating oil. The following are the four basic types of maneuvering box used in pitman arm systems.Worm and sector:Worm and nut or recirculating ball:As the maneuvering wheel is turned, the worm thrust bends and forces the ball bearings to press against the channel inside the nut. This forces the nut to travel along the worm thrust. The nut itself has a twosome of gear teeth dramatis personae into the exterior of it and these mesh with the dentitions on a sector cogwheel which is attached to the cross shaft merely like in the worm and sector mechanism. This system has much less free drama or slack in it than the other designs, therefore why it ‘s used the most.Worm and rollerTypically in these designs, the worm cogwheel is really an hourglass form so that it is wider at the terminals. Without the hourglass form, the roller might withd raw from it at the extents of its travel.Cam and leverCam and lever maneuvering boxes are really similar to writhe and sector guidance boxes. The worm thrust is known as a Cam and has a much shallower pitch and two he-mans that sit in the Cam channels. As the worm cogwheel is turned, the studs slide along the Cam channels which forces the cross shaft to revolve, turning the Pitman arm.HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM: –The hydraulic power maneuvering system today is the most used guidance system. It is based on the constituents of the mechanical guidance system, in add-on there is a hydraulic system, normally dwelling of hydro pump with V-belt thrust, hydraulic lines, oil reservoir and maneuvering valve. The indispensable new map of this power guidance is the hydraulic support of the maneuvering motion, so that the driver ‘s steering-wheel attempt is reduced. Therefore in the event of failure, the loss of maneuvering encouragement arises as a new safety facet in comparin g to strictly manual guidance. This can be caused by a escape of the hydraulic system or by a hydro pump failure. There are a twosome of cardinal constituents in power guidance in add-on to the rack-and-pinion or recirculating-ball mechanism. Pump, rotary valve, block and v-belt are some among such constituents. The pump normally used is a rotary vane pump due to its first-class volumetric efficiency, high force per unit area capableness, reduced noise emanation, low power ingestion, long life, light weight and cost efficiency.5. Working OF ACTIVE Guidance5.1 ACTIVE FRONT STEER: –The construct of Active Front Steering is based around a planetal cogwheel set, such as found in most automatic transmittals. A planetal cogwheel set is made up of three chief constituents: the Sun cogwheel in the centre, a set of planet cogwheels ( several cogwheels in a unit that rotate around the Sun cogwheel, and a ring cogwheel around the exterior that has internal dentitions engaging with the planet cogwheels. Any one of the three constituents can be the thrust input and any can be the end product, every bi t long as one or more of the constituents is held. This provides a assortment of gear ratios in forward and contrary. In the active guidance system, a little planetal cogwheel set is located between the maneuvering wheel and the conventional guidance rack as shown in Fig. BMW calls this unit a superimposing cogwheel. In the Active Steering system, the Sun cogwheel and planet cogwheels are the input and end product. The ring cogwheel that besides is input is controlled by an electric motor steered by a computer-controlled electric motor meshed to the exterior of the ring cogwheel. If the ring cogwheel is held stationary by the electric motor, the gear ratio of the cogwheel set is fixed. However, the computing machine can run the electric motor to turn the ring cogwheel at the same clip the driver turns the guidance wheel, supplying a variable guidance ratio. The consequence of the system operation is astonishing. In a parking state of affairs, the computing machine varies the ratio so that the maneuvering wheel demands less than two bends to travel the wheels lock to lock. As vehicle velocities addition, the maneuvering ratio additions, so it takes more bends of the maneuvering wheel to travel the wheels and additions vehicle stableness. In some state of affairss the ring cogwheel increases the re sponse of the maneuvering wheel, in other state of affairss the response decreases. The system that BMW uses has a velocity dependant variable maneuvering ratio and besides the ability to set for perturbations during driver reaction clip. This is achieved with a planetal cogwheel with two inputs and one end product and a fast transmittal of information ( 100 Hz ) from different detectors. The planetal cogwheel is able to add or deduct a signal from the response of the maneuvering wheel that controls the Sur wheel angle. At low velocity the planetal cogwheel adds a part to the maneuvering angle, which makes the maneuvering wheel lock-to-lock places less than two unit of ammunitions on the guidance wheel. This is advantageous in parking state of affairss and other slow traveling state of affairss since the driver can keep the clasp on the guidance wheel. At high velocity the planetal cogwheel subtracts a part to the maneuvering angle and between the maneuvering wheel lock-to-lock places it is about four unit of ammunitions. This increases the safety for evasive manoeuvres on the guidance wheel and it provides an increased preciseness at main road drive.Active REAR STEER: –BMW is besides researching the usage of rear-wheel guidance, a engineering subjugated to some grade by the Japanese in the eightiess. However, the usage of ‘active ‘ engineerings adds potentially much more effectivity to the systems. The system is a low angle rear wheel maneuvering system, which is specifically designed to offer European vehicle makers an advanced, low-cost solution for dynamic handling sweetening and active safety direction on rider vehicles. Active Rear Steering can function as a primary mechanism for raising the vehicle ‘s managing public presentation by utilizing it ‘s extremely tune able package. For case, if the coveted vehicle character is for a drum sander drive via a softer suspension, Active Rear Steering can be used to assist recover the coveted handling utilizing an algorithm that dynamically adjusts the rear wheel angle harmonizing to a vehicle behaviour theoretical account. The consequence is optimized managing public presentation and drive comfort. A † Active Rear Steering separates the swerve and sidelong kineticss of the vehicle, † explained by Dr. Jean Botti, main engineer, Innovation Center, BMW Dynamics & A ; Propulsion Center. â€Å" This gives human body design and tuning experts a new grade of freedom to command vehicle gesture. When combined with the latest in advanced algorithms, Active Rear Steering allows their clients to accomplish superior managing public presentation while besides increasing dynamic safety through active rear guidance. † BMW ‘s Active Rear Steering helps minimise over tip and under tip at all velocities, and on virtually all surfaces, even during normal drive, without decelerating the vehicle. Emergency lane alterations, or elk trial manoeuvres, go more predictable, more manageable and less nerve-racking when rear guidance is added to the equation. Active Rear Guidance can be integrated with controlled braking to supply a more effectual vehicle system solution to stableness control than brakes entirely. Together these systems help deliver instantaneous rear maneuvering control to convey a vehicle back on its intended class and combine braking as needed. This attack minimizes any deceleration of the vehicle doing the rectification less intrusive to the driver. In add-on, by leting maneuvering to keep directional control and braking to decelerate the vehicle, this combination can assist cut down vehicle-stopping distances on split and assorted frictional coefficient surfaces, such as snow and ice , in a stable, controlled mode. â€Å" Active Rear Steering balances and expands the impact of brake-based stableness control systems on vehicle kineticss by bettering handling and swerve stableness conveying maneuvering into the equation allows their clients to present the ultimate in active safety combined with a comfy drive and superior handling. †6. SYSTEM DESCRIPTIONThe system described in Figure is a control system. The input signal to the system ud is the maneuvering angle set by the driver. In ordinary vehicles there is a changeless ratio between the maneuvering wheel angle and the Sur angle. Thus ud is equal to I?d /R where R is the characteristic guidance cogwheel ratio and I?d is the maneuvering wheel angle. This is peculiarly of import during high velocity and/or low route adhesion. The entire guidance angle, expressed in Figure6.1 by u, is compound by the signal from the driver and an extra guidance angle I?c from the control system: The accountant has a provender frontward K1 and a feedback K2. Then it is possible to compose the look for I?c as: Merely the swerve rate is used for the feedback so the control system is theoretically possible to implement in an electrically steered vehicle. Equipment for mensurating the velocity, the swerve rate and the maneuvering wheel angle is needed and of class an actuator and its mechanical device for lending the extra guidance angle. The 2nd input to the vehicle is the side wind force with a predefined action point, which is assumed to move 0.4 metres in forepart of the Centre of gravitation on the right side of the auto. This influence can be modelled in assorted ways. Figure 6.1: A description of the complete system . Design The vehicle theoretical account is derived from the equations of gesture of a forepart steered 4-wheel vehicle. Figure 7.1 shows the parametric quantities involved and their definition. The positive x-axis starts at the Centre of gravitation and points in the forward way of the vehicle. This way is besides referred to as the longitudinal way. The y-axis corresponds to the sidelong way and starts from the Centre line. As shown in Figure 7.1. The Centre of gravitation ( CoG ) is located on the centre line but closer to the forepart axle than to the rear axle. At a short distance ( Lw ) from the Centre of gravitation. Which is an action point of a perturbation air current force defined ; its way is parallel to the sidelong way. Since sidelong control is concerned in this hypothesis gestures such as axial rotation, bounciness and pitch are neglected ( see the glossary for definitions ) . The forepart wheel brace is assumed to hold the same guidance angle. Fig 7.1: Definitions of forepart steered vehicleNON-CONTROLLED ACTIVE Guidance: –Single Track Model Since the concluding theoretical account will be a additive single-track theoretical account a few estimates and simplifications will be made. For simpleness the sidelong forces of each wheel brace are added into one force ; Fxf for the forepart axle and for the rear axle Fxr. The same is done for the longitudinal forces Fyf and Fyr. For the torsion in the system the ensuing forces iˆÂ §Ff and iˆÂ §Fx are needed. Notice that iˆÂ §Fx is about 0. The equations specifying the forces are Writing the translational and the rotational equations of gesture outputs a non-linear system. The co-ordinate system of the equations is the vehicle co-ordinate system i.e. the vehicle frame. A transmutation of the co-ordinate system has to be made to be able to follow the vehicle path in the route frame ( the inertial co-ordinate system ) . Since the first row describes the gesture in longitudinal way it will be ignored because merely the sidelong stableness is of involvement in this instance. By utilizing the estimate for little angles, ( cos ( x ) , wickedness ( x ) ) a†°? ( 1, ten ) , and reshaping the look, the equation of gesture can about be written as Non Linear Model The non-linear theoretical account is developed with the sidelong and rotational portion together with the non-linear look of the sidelong forces. The expression of the Sur faux pas angles below is the input. The theoretical account is built up in Simulink. Equation: Non additive Sur faux pass angles Fig 14: Yaw rate for additive and non additive theoretical account for two instancesCONTROLLED ACTIVE Guidance: –The control system is composed of a feedback and a provender frontward portion. The method used for calculating the accountant is Ha?z optimisation. First the feedback portion is developed to guarantee robust stableness and to reject measure perturbations on the swerve rate. Then the provender forward portion makes the system fast plenty and ensures the same steady province value as the conventional auto. By mentioning to Figure 6.1 it is clear that the transportation map of the vehicle is a 2Ãâ€"2-transfer matrix G, two inputs and two end products. The transportation map from the maneuvering angle to the swerve rate is called G22, and it is a proper and stable transportation map. The inquiry of stableness and hardiness of the system has been explained through simulations. Different simulations are done for the system to be able to make up one's mind whether stableness truly is improved or non by the control system. And to make up one's mind if the active guidance system has a suited response for existent drive bids. Due to the hold of the active guidance response a hazard for driver induced oscillations exist. Since drive is composed of an eternity of more or less different driver events and conditions it is necessary to restrict the country of involvement for the simulations. Two different conditions will be considered here, at-the-limit drive and nominal drive. Changing the two variables A µ ( route adhesion ) and V ( velocity ) attains these two conditions. The definitions of the drive conditions are arbitrary and in no manner normalized. All the simulations use the non-linear vehicle theoretical account for both the controlled and the conventional system. The maneuvering angle, which is the maneuvering bid of the vehicle, is the angle of the forepart wheels. The maneuvering angle is related to the maneuvering wheel angle by a multiplicative factor, the maneuvering gear ratio. The maneuvering angle will be illustrated for all the simulations. A positive signal is a gesture on the maneuvering wheel to the left, counter clockwise. For the conventional vehicle the maneuvering angle is the bid performed by the driver. For the controlled vehicle the maneuvering angle is an add-on of the bid performed by the driver and the signal from the control system. If the illustrated guidance angle is multiplied by the maneuvering cogwheel ratio 21 the angular motion of the maneuvering wheel is received. Nominal drive is the term used for driving at V = 20 m/s and A µ= 1. At-the-limit drive is decided as the two instances: V = 40 m/s and A µ = 1. V = 20 m/s and A µ = 0.3. The different instances, nominal and at-the-limit drive, are summarized by the undermentioned figure Figure 15: Friction-velocity diagram Following simulations have been performed: Wind blast perturbations have been investigated presuming two instances, with driver action and without driver action iˆ A terrible dual lane alteration has been simulated with the maneuvering angle input from existent driving experiments. Different speed and route clash parametric quantities will be considered. Wind force perturbation and variable alterations. All the figures incorporating responses of the controlled and the uncontrolled system has the controlled response depicted with a solid line and the conventional with a flecked line. 7. Undertaking GOALS Steering has come a long manner from the yearss of the Equus caballus and roadster. Active Front Steering ( AFS ) system will enable vehicle makers to better vehicle stableness control and to plan the desired variable maneuvering ratio while virtually extinguishing tradeoffs to establish maneuvering public presentation such as noise, cilium, return ability, and on-centre feel. In add-on, the Active tip system is designed for efficient interaction with conventional hydraulic guidance and can be installed with no addition in hydraulic system or constituent size, ensuing in efficiencies comparable to traditional hydraulic guidance. BMW has demonstrated its active forepart maneuvering system capablenesss and received really positive comments from several vehicle makers and it ‘s design addresses many of the vehicle makers ‘ concerns and as a consequence provides a transparent, smooth system with virtually no via media or tradeoffs to establish maneuvering public presentation. † AFS helps supply drivers with simplified metropolis drive and parking by cut downing the turning required at low velocities so that a hand-over-hand parking manoeuvre can be accomplished in every bit small as two tierces of a bend of the maneuvering wheel. AFS smoothly passages from a low-speed guidance ratio to a high-velocity guidance ratio, supplying a tighter, sportier feel for driving enjoyment and better control on the main road. AFS accomplishes this by modifying the guidance kinematics, or gesture, of the vehicle in a mode similar to steer-by-wire. The system electronically influences the maneuvering angle on the wheels enabling it to be greater or less than the driver ‘s maneuvering wheel angle input. Hence, turning into a parking topographic point or even steering a hairpin bend at moderate velocities can be accomplished with significantly fewer bends of the maneuvering wheel. In kernel, the system electronically turns the route wheels at a rate different than the rate the driver turns the guidance wheel. Although some may believe this could be upseting or commanding, those that have experienced Delphi AFS recognize it aids make driving really easy and gratifying with a really natural, crystalline feel. Unlike steer-by-wire, AFS maintains the mechanical nexus and uses the bing electrical architecture. This mechanical nexus helps guarantee system safety. If the system is switched off or unwittingly loses power, AFS applied scientists incorporated a smooth default to the base maneuvering ratio without upseting or dismaying the driver. AFS is the newest engineering in line of Advanced Vehicle Dynamics, which utilizes built-in control engineering to assist better safety and better vehicle public presentation, drive and control. AFS can be integrated to supply a seamless connexion between maneuvering, braking and suspension subsystems. Active Front Steering can be integrated with controlled braking to supply a more effectual vehicle system solution to stableness control than brakes entirely. AFS outright delivers maneuvering control ; counter maneuvering the vehicle to convey it back on its intended class and blending in braking, if needed. This is accomplished through finely tuned electronic controls that are virtually crystalline to the driver. In add-on, this integrating can assist minimise vehicle-stopping distances on split and assorted coefficient surfaces while keeping directional stableness 8. Users8.1 Benefits: –Dynamic control algorithms allow vehicle makers to dial in coveted handling features. Helps equilibrate drive and managing public presentation with improved vehicle kineticss or active safety Helps minimise over and under maneuvering at all velocities on all surfaces without decelerating the vehicle. When integrated with control braking active tip can supply a more effectual stableness sweetenings option than brakes entirely Maintains traditional forepart wheel maneuvering benefits Can be configured with alone algorithms for improved handling and safety. Reduces vehicle turn circle for added way during the metropolis drive and parking. Low-cost, light-weight and modular actuator can be used with assortment of suspension constellations.Future SCOPES: –With more than a century of maneuvering heritage, BMW Steering is unambiguously positioned to present wheel-to-wheel guidance system expertness. A full-service provider, BMW Steering provides advanced systems designed for security, comfort, and flexibleness to vehicle makers worldwide. Delphi Steering offers full system integrating and has one of the most extended guidance merchandise ranges in the industry. Since developing the first hydraulic power maneuvering system in the 1950s, Delphi Steering has been at the head of power guidance development. Now, electric power maneuvering from Delphi Steering delivers the high public presentation of traditional hydraulic power guidance, with important added value and fuel economic system betterments. Delphi Steering has produced more than 6 million electric power aid maneuvering systems since 1999. â€Å" Our Active Steering Systems are advanced extensions to our bing maneuvering merchandise lines that enhance driver experience and supply increased value to our clients. Delphi Steering is unambiguously positioned to offer these characteristics on both electric and hydraulic systems † said David Aden, Steering Systems merchandise line director. Advanced characteristic integrating is an of import patterned advance in our ongoing attempt to supply complete maneuvering solutions to clients worldwide — these are exciting systems that address a broad assortment of driver demands. BMW ‘s active guidance construct has been introduced in it ‘s 530- cars.BMW 6 and BMW 7 series are besides equipped with AFS, DSC and DTC constructs. Some companies such as GENERAL MOTORS, TOYOTA have launched their autos with incorporate active guidance and active braking systems. The future work could be to implement the active guidance system in an experimental auto. Most suited would be a auto with steer-by-wire. Execution in a auto is the lone true manner to analyze the perceptual experience of the feeling of the driver. An execution in a existent auto demands alterations in the system so that for illustration velocity fluctuations are considered. Since the transportation map of the vehicle is dependent of the speed9. CONCLUSIONSActive guidance is an efficient agencies to act upon a vehicle ‘s swerve and axial rotation kineticss. A comparing with vehicle kineticss control systems which make usage of single wheel braking reveals the cardinal advantages and drawb acks of both attacks. Individual wheel braking is implementable with less hardware attempt since the actuators and wheel velocity detectors are avail-able by anti-lock brakes. However, active guidance is more efficient with respect to cardinal mechanical considerations. Therefore, the physical bounds in footings of maximum force between tyre and route can be farther subjugated to supply extra safety borders. In this paper two active maneuvering constructs have been summarized, which are suited to better the swerve perturbation fading and to cut down rollover hazard severally. The possible being built-in in active guidance will be easy useable one time steer-by-wire is established. But one does non hold to wait until the present hurdlings in both the legal and technological sense are overcome. There are already proficient solutions which provide the possibility to put an subsidiary guidance angle to boot to the one straight transmitted by the maneuvering wheel. At the present phase o f engineering, active guidance suggests itself as stand-alone or as a powerful complement to show single wheel braking systems10. Referencewww.sae.org/automag/techbriefs/01-2001/techb2.htm www.seminar topics.com/techies/abs/act.htm www.californiadriver.com/delphi/news/active guidance www.bmw-sauber.com www..toyota.com www.delphi.com/asm/articles.htm www.over-drivemagazine.com/steer-active/articles/act.htm www.cds-caltech.edu/

Essay on Flow Cytometry Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

On Flow Cytometry - Essay Example The light source usually used is a laser light. The cells are hydro-dynamically maneuvered such that only one cell intercepts the laser beam at a given time. When these cells intercept the laser beam, light is scattered by them and absorbed by the fluorochrome. The fluorochrome gets excited and releases a photon of light with specific spectra unique to that fluorochrome. This scattered and emitted light is converted to electrical pulses by the optical detectors. Parallel light waves are picked up by the confocal lenses focused at the point where the cells intercept the laser beam. Optical filters are used to send light to different detectors, where it is processed by a series of linear and log amplifiers and finally the analogs are digitalized to plots and graphs (Berkeley). Flow cytometry is done when the experimenter is not interested in keeping the cells but simply in analyzing the distribution of cell size and/or surface molecules on the cells in the suspension. But if he/she is interested in identifying and separating the cells, then a flow cytometer equipped with fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) is required. In FACS, the scattered and emitted signals passed onto the computer are used to generate electrical charge, which is then passed onto the cells-stream just before forming droplets. Having attained a charge, these cells deflect from the main stream as they pass between plates having opposite charge. Positive drops go to negatively charged plate and vice versa. In this way subpopulation of cells can be purified from a collection of cells, distinguished by the labeled antibodies. Data Analysis: An important principle of flow cytometry data analysis is to selectively visualize the cells of interest while eliminating results from unwanted particles e.g. dead cells and debris. This procedure is called gating. This is based on the fact that dead cells have lower forward scatter and higher side scatter than living cells. The data collected by the com puter is represented in several ways like density plots, contour diagrams, and histograms. On density plots each dot represents an individual cell that has intercepted the laser beam. Contour diagrams are an alternative way to demonstrate the same data. Joined lines represent similar numbers of cells. Histograms can be a single parameter or two parameter histograms based on the parameters displayed on the two axes. Single parameter histograms are graphs that display a single measurement parameter (relative fluorescence or light scatter intensity) on the x-axis and the number of events (cell count) on the y-axis. Two parameter histograms are graphs that display two measurement parameters, one on the x-axis and one on the y-axis, and the cell count as a density (dot) plot or contour map (Kenneth 2012). Technical Hints: Single cells must be suspended at a density of 105–107 cells/ml to prevent tubing from clogging up. The rate of flow sorting should be adjusted to 2000–20 ,000 cells/second. If cells have intracellular antigens, these cells have to be fixed and permeabilized prior to adding the fluorochrome. This allows probes to access intracellular structures while leaving the morphological scatter characteristics of the cells intact. Splenocytes: Mouse spleen can have several cell types at any given time. These cells could be B cells and its subtypes, T cells and its sub

Research Process and Terminology Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Process and Terminology - Research Paper Example Hence, correctional personnel, the police forces, judges, and other legal practitioners use qualitative and quantitative research to improve in their service delivery. The role that research methods plays in criminal justice cannot be overemphasized. With many research methods available in the field of research methods, the terminologies involved are crucial when applied to the field of criminal justice. This expose elucidates on the whole issue of criminal justice while focusing on new terminologies learnt, how failure to understand the terminologies used affects individuals conducting research in criminal justice, and the importance of knowing these terminologies as assets to individuals evaluating and analyzing studies or data in criminal research. One key word in criminal justice research is conceptualization. Simply put, a concept is the mental image an individual forms that summarizes a position on their ideas, feelings, or their observations. Case in point, a concept such as t hat involving substance-free housing necessitates a precise definition since there is a lack of certainty whether all readers share the same definition. Therefore, the meaning of concepts is usually under dispute from the experts in a certain field ultimately not benefitting those not familiar with the concepts. Nevertheless, in order to carry out sufficient research, conceptualizing the research matter in criminal justice is crucial to distinguish inner characteristics of a concept. Thus, conceptualization becomes the process of specifying the meaning of a term in a research study. Hence, conceptualization in deductive research becomes useful in translating parts of an intangible premise or theory into a hypothesize involving a variety of variables tested in the research study. On the other hand, conceptualization in inductive research is crucial to making sense of observations with related or similar evident features (Bachmann & Schutt, 2010). Effectively, without conceptualizatio n research in criminal justice would prove to be completely different and incomplete. In this case, if a researcher never understood the meaning of conceptualization, understanding the concept under study becomes challenging to them. Effectively, since they will lack the ability of defining the concept, identifying the variable of the study in criminal justice research becomes a challenge. Failure to identify clearly the variable of research influences the research findings with researchers embarking on study of the wrong variables. Eventually, the conclusions and findings becomes nothing more than a misinformation adversely affecting the case presented and its outcomes. Another crucial term in criminal justice research is casual. Casual, in criminal justice research parlance, does not mean the approach to doing things or carrying out research work. Casual implies that criminal justice research should concentrate in researching the cause-and-effect relationship of variables in the r esearch study (Hagan, 2005). In effect, this clearly illustrates that studies should simply carry out the observatory role. Case in point, a research study might seek to express the proportion of people holding a particular attitude. In this regard, most research in criminal justice and other social sciences explore relationships. Effectively, this makes such studies use descriptive and correlation studies as the major components of the studies. Thus, the failure to understand the term casual makes an individual

Politics of Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Politics of Globalization - Essay Example Iran not only recognizes the validity of globalization, but has time and again stressed the need for incorporating it within the ambit of globalization at various international forums (Xinhua News Agency 1). At the same time, Iran insists on continuing with its staunch anti-West policies and vociferously defends its poor human rights record. Though philanthropy and altruism are an integral part of the Iranian culture, in the last two decades these noble gestures have emerged in a more formal orientation, in the form of NGOs. These NGOs tend to differ from the NGOs of the past in the sense that they have turned out to be immensely successful in soliciting the support and cooperation of the Iranian youth (Sayyah 2003). Such NGOs are involved in a variety of pressing issues such as human rights, environmental issues, women empowerment, child well being, social development, trafficking etc (Sayyah 2003). The problem that most of these NGOs face is a pathetic lack of expertise and professional management (Sayyah 2003). The situation urgently calls for an ameliorating intervention of the Northern and Southern NGOs that is severely constrained by the restrictive nature of the Iranian laws that govern the registration and functioning of NGOs (Katirai 2005). However, the new regulations promulgated by the Iranian authorities hav e made it slightly easier for the foreign NGOs to operate in this country. Still it is the tacit policy of the Iranian regime to allow for a closely monitored working of the charitable and humanitarian NGOs while strictly forbidding the NGOs associated with controversial issues such as human rights and women rights. There exist many Iranian NGOs like Society of Patriotic Women, Women's Center and Iranian Women's League who profess a deep concern for securing the rights of women within the family and the society. Though these NGOs were secular in their moorings, yet over the years they have become "overtly Islamist in nature" and tactfully abstain from directly attacking Islam (Brill Online 2008). Instead they resort to explaining the suppression of Iranian women as a distortion and misinterpretation of Islam (Brill Online 2008). The proliferation of NGOs associated with human rights, be it of Northern or Southern origins is strictly banned in Iran. However, the Northern human rights affiliated NGOs like Human Rights Watch, though operating from outside, serve the vital purpose of exposing the infringement of basic freedoms and rights by the conservative elements within Iran and are an important source of motivation and inspiration for the civil society activists in Iran (Human Rights Watch 2004).Drug abuse and AIDS has become a big problem in Iran. Many of the Iranian NGOs are working in close coordination and cooperation with the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime to deal with the menace of drugs and HIV/AIDS (United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime 2008). Iran's Green Society and Green Front of Iran are the two leading NGOs active in the field of environmental conservation. Mother and Child's House has done immense work in extending reproductive healthcare facilities to the women in the region. According to some authentic estimates, at present there exist some 1500 NGOs in Iran.

Do Consumers Really Make Rational Decisions Essay

Do Consumers Really Make Rational Decisions - Essay Example To be able to answer the question regarding the rationality of the choices made by the consumers, it is important to explore the issues related to the decision-making process of the consumers. There are different internal and external factors that can affect the choices of the consumers. The internal factors of a consumer include factors in his or her psychological core such as motivation, ability, and opportunity; exposure, attention, and perception; knowledge and understanding; attitude formation and change, memory and retrieval. These factors comprise the core values of a consumer which can affect the decisions that he or she makes. In addition to these factors, the external aspects or the consumer’s culture also contributes to the choices made. The external parameters are composed of the consumer diversity, the social class and household influences, the psychographics or the values, personality, and lifestyles, and the social influences. Through the interaction of the internal and external factors, the decision-making process can be completed.... The problem can be equated to the need of a consumer which can only be answered by a particular product or service. This need also dictates the possible outcome of the decision-making process. The needs of a consumer can be defined by the necessities of the daily existence (Mullen and Johnson, 1990, p. 91). One paradigm that presents the basis of a consumer’s needs is the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs which defines the consumer behavior as an effect of the human needs. The said needs then are considered as â€Å"underlying factor of consumption† which are classified into physiological and psychological needs. Physiological needs are for survival thus considered basic and found at the lowest level of hierarchy. This is followed by another physiological need which is the safety needs such as shelter and insurance. The next levels consecutively comprise the psychological needs such as belongingness and love needs; need for esteem; and self-actualization needs (Jansson -Boyd, 2009, p. 119). By tapping any of the said needs different companies and business can generate profits. Although this is one of the basic factors, the consumers’ needs are only considered as one of the many factors that contribute to the complicated web of interaction to come up with the client’s choice. Actual Process of Decision-Making It is important to consider that the said needs are the stimuli that can lead to the decision of the client to buy a particular product or avail a particular service offered. Once the need of the client had been recognized, it leads to the second level of the decision-making process which is deciding whether to buy a product or not. It is important to consider that the act

Identify & reviewing the company's investor relations information Essay

Identify & reviewing the company's investor relations information - Essay Example In sum, net profit declined by 3.13%. This can be attributed to a significant increase in operating expense from $46.875 in 2010 to $47.373 in 2011 while increase in sales was only moderate from $49.243 in 2010 to $49.747 in 2011. The profitability ratio of the company is not that very good. Return on assets (Net income/average total assets, 1,427.00/17,849.00) is only 7.9 %. It meant that the company use a lot of resources to yield returns. Return on equity ratio(net income/average stockholders’ equity, 1,427.00/6,602) or Equity per share (EPS) however is moderately positive with 21.6 % return to investors. But while the company is giving modest returns, its stability in terms of debt to equity (total liability/total stockholder’s equity) ratio is very disturbing. Its debt is more than 270.35% (17,849/6,602) than its equity which means that the company is heavily indebted. This is being supported by its liquidity ratio which has current ratio (Current asset/current lia bility) of .47 which means that Best Buy cannot settle its obligations right away and has to source out more than half of its obligations. The shortcoming of Best Buy is however recognized by the company and vowed to address them. In its press release, it enumerated as one of its action plans to improve business performance is its reduction in its operating cost which caused the the company’s lesser profitability. It vowed to reduced cost by $800 million dollars and along with this is the closure of 50 big box stores in 2013 to be replaced by 100 Best Buy Mobile small format stand-alone stores in fiscal 2013 (Epstein, 2012). It also plans to grow its online presence revenue by 15% recognizing the growing profitability in ecommerce. If I am an investor, I will not put my money in Best Buy because I am worried with the company’s long-term stability. It just owes a lot

Essay on a religious leader - Abu Hanifa Annotated Bibliography

Essay on a religious leader - Abu Hanifa - Annotated Bibliography Example When Hanifa was growing up, the people around him were being oppressed by the rule of Abdul Malik bin Marwan. At this time also, Al-Hajjaa ibn Yusuf was the governor of Iraq. Yusuf was a staunch follower of Abdul. Amazingly, these issues did not affect Hanifa in any way. He never pursued any elementary education, instead choosing to be a businessman just like his ancestors. . His earliest business was a silk waving shop. Here, his fairness and honesty were exhibited. Hajjaj and Abdul died in 95AH and AH respectively, and this marked the start of fair rule in the area (. Good administration and justice prevailed in the land unlike in previous regimes. The new ruler, Umar encouraged and promoted education all over the land. He was so passionate about education such that every homestead was a Madrassah. As a result of this, Abu Hanifa started taking an interest in education (Khan 67). His quest for education was boosted by the advice of as-Sha’bi, a respected scholar in Kufa. His keen interest in education would later have a profound effect on Islam. Madrassahs were Hanifa’s earliest source of education. Through this, Hanifa was able to learn about the Quran and Hadith. A jurist in kufa called Hammad assisted Hanifa greatly in his quest for Islamic studies (Umar-ali-qadri 42). Hanifa performed very well in his studies. Abu Hanifa declined a post in 763 by al-Mansur to be the Chief Judge. Hanifa wanted to remain independent. However, his students benefitted from his tutelage. One of them, Abu Yusuf was instead appointed the Chief Judge of the State instead of him. When declining the post, he asserted that he was not fit for the post, a fact that illustrates his humility. Mansur was incensed by his decision to refuse his appointment (Sachedina & Esposito 176). He branded him a liar, but Hanifa responded to this by asking him that if he was indeed a liar,

Africa and Colonial Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Africa and Colonial - Essay Example Later the British conquered and held for a period, todays Egypt, Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa to name a few. The French controlled what today is Madagascar, Algeria, and most of West Africa. Belgium controlled the Belgium Congo, which included todays Rwanda. Rwanda is one example of how African colonization is important to understand the study of Africa. Belgium used the Tutsi as servants against the Hutu. The Hutu massacred between half a million to a million Tutsi in 1994 for grudges left over from Belgium rule. Colonization separated, lumped together, and turned African against African. The major colonizers of Africa were France, England, Germany, Belgium, and the Portuguese. The formal colonization of these nations over Africa began at the Berlin Conference 1884-1885 with the debating parties being Germany, England, and France. Although this conference really did not solve anything, the race to colonize Africa begin. With military might, new maps of the interior, the Europeans set up local governments in Africa. For example, the French, Portuguese, Germans, and Belgians set up direct governments. These governments had French, Portuguese, Germans, and Belgians in positions of power in Africa. The English ruled indirectly. They set up local power holders, then made them serve British interests. European powers were able to conquer Africa, because Africa had great travel routes. These routes helped in military and trade ventures for the Africans, but made them weak to the Europeans. Secondly, the thousands of different African tribes made unity impossible. The Europeans used this to their advantage, turning African against African. Especially after the mistreatment, Africans were afraid, but defiant. Their defiance was met by more force. In the end, the Africans submitted to the European colonists. However, their fury never abated. Today in liberated South Africa, white farmers are attacked. Rwanda has been through genocide.

Fieldtrip - King Arthur's Cave and Wye Valley Catchment Assignment

Fieldtrip - King Arthur's Cave and Wye Valley Catchment (Herefordshire) - Assignment Example It is important to highlight that the cave is located at the bottom of the low lying cliff that is at the mouth of the Lord Woods in the north eastern end in Doward, this is next to the Symonds Yat with a distance approximated to be 4 miles. It is known that the cave is said to have been inhabited by the early man in the upper Paleolithic era. The evidences that vindicate this are the archaeological exhibit that is the flint tools and the bones of the wooly mammoth. (Arthur, 2007). It is important to highlight that King Arthur’s cave is made of two chambers that intersect at the point of entrance. This is estimated to lie 300 feet above river Wye. It is important o note that one of the chambers is 25 feet in diameter and is circular in shape. The entrance also has a hearth that the archaeologists say was in existence for the past 12000 years. The Mesolithic artifacts have also been found in the cave. The chambers were called Bear’s den and Lion’s cave. This was because of the archaeological evidences that were confiscated in there. (John 2000). It is important to note that among the items that were found in the cave, the following were the ones that gave the evidence of the Mesolithic inhabitance as well the upper Paleolithic inhabitance. The bones were; wooly rhinoceros, cave bear and the hyena. The foreman of the elephant too was found in the cave. The people therefore spend much in the various areas that they spend their time in the name of visiting the place and this therefore earns foreign exchange to the country in question. The money that is earned from this is therefore use in the developments of the various infrastructural facilities that help in the boosting of the various economic sectors (John 2001). It is as well important to note the point that the Herefordshire is at the point of interconnection and at a point that it joins the Wye River. The place therefore has an added advantage of the valley is the nearby forest also acts

Effectiveness of Bollinger Band in Signaling Essay Example for Free

Effectiveness of Bollinger Band in Signaling Essay Financial markets are the most difficult markets to operate in when determining the price at which stocks (bonds and foreign exchange are trading). Since stocks trade for long duration of time, traders need to know the appropriate time to buy or sell their stocks. To do this, they must have perfect information on the trends in the market through the market indicators. These indicator are always not obvious and at times require technical devices to show exactly how the trend of a particular stock ha been moving for a period of time (Bollinger 56). A trader can calculate deviations of the prices of that particular that he/she intends to trade and observe it. Though this is one way of observing the indications of stocks in financial market, there have been other means of observing the trends which are easier to use. One of these is the Bollinger Band which was developed by John Bollinger in the early 1980s (www. investopedia. com ). Bollinger band is a technical indicator of a stock in the financial market which consists of a centerline/middle line and two bands that indicate the deviations of the stock’s performance in the market from their pre-determined true trading value (Bollinger 56). These two bands indicate whether the stock was over-trading or under-trading. The upper band indicates the extent at which the prices went above the true value while the lower band indicates the extent at which the prices went below the true value. Through such indications, traders know when to sell or when to buy and make profits. When the upper band is high above the middle band, it means that the prices are high above the true value and when it is below the prices are lowest below the true value. These bands only show indications and they are not actual buying or selling prices. When the band is high, it is said to be expanding such that traders would want to sell the stocks while the band is below the centerline it is said to be contracting and the traders would be willing to buy the stocks (Murphy 344). Bollinger bands technique is used along with other techniques (like the Profit Magic of Stock Transaction Timing and Dow Jones Industrial Average) to give the best results in stock trading. This technique is very effective in that accurate trends can be observed since the bands adapt dynamism as the prices go up or down. The stock price is said to oscillate between the two bands (Murphy 348). They can also be customized to meet each traders needs. Bollinger bands can be set in a way that they only show what each trader needs in the market and hence the kit focuses on a wide range of investor in the financial market ( http://biz. yahoo. com ). They also show whether the prices are high or low and hence indicating the range of how the price had moved in the market. This enables investors to know when to lay off some of their stocks and when to acquire more. Mostly they would acquire more when the prices are below the centerline and shed-off or sell more when the band is above the centerline. And when the price is very much close to the centerline meaning that the prices have not deviated from the true price of that particular stock, no action should be taken (Bollinger 92). Bollinger bands are also consistent since they use the moving average which is used in calculating standard deviation. Thus they give reliable information and at times investors need not require other technical analysis in making their sell and buy decisions (The Quarterly Journal). The Bollinger band also captures much data and hence at a glance one can tell the trend of the stock much faster. Below are examples of analysis of international stocks to show how effective the Bollinger bands are: Intel Corp analysis for 2006: Intel’s lower Bollinger band closed below the centerline on Dec. 22, 2006 and this was a signal for over selling of the companies stock. (www. investopedia. com ). New York Stock Exchange: On June 12, 2006 the stocks broke the lower Bollinger band indicating that there was over selling. Through these signal technical traders would place orders to buy. The Bollinger band showed the extreme end of its lower band the following day putting much pressure for investors to sell. Yahoo! : On Dec 20th, 2006, Yahoo Company’s stock lowered the band which called for more buying. (Lifted from StockCharts. com) The chart shows that there was selling pressure on the stock and it turned out that most people were selling their stocks whereas the strategy was that of buying. Though Bollinger band analysis in the stock market has advantages, there are situations when this method does not give the expected results and it turns out that the market is operating in the opposite direction. Even if this is the case, the bands still oscillate and the trends will continue to show but the prices do not change quickly and thus the effects are not that severe. Over time, since stocks trade for long periods of time the strategy will be correct and the trading goes back to normal (Rachev et al 126). IBM: For instance, on February 26th 2007 IBM was trading below the lower Bollinger band. This meant that the pressure was mounting and forcing the technical traders to sell more. Since the prices were that low, the strategy was to buy stocks the following day on which it turned out that the day was trading low (The Quarterly Journal). This was abnormal in financial markets and this led to down fall of the stocks even greater. (Lifted from StockCharts. com) The stocks were sold well and the business would close below the lower band till March 5th when the selling pressure ceased. This resulted to the band starting to expand and approaching the centerline although huge losses had already been incurred. Apple Inc: On 21st December 2006, Apple closed below the lower Bollinger band which required that stocks be bought the following day. The stocks traded on the lower band and thus the selling pressure continued to take the stocks down. This trend continued until 27th December when some relief was felt. (Lifted from StockCharts. com) In conclusion, Bollinger Bands are just like moving averages which contradict and expand as they move. As they move they form unique patterns that investors are able to observe. Bollinger bands are used as signals of when to sell or buy a stock in the financial markets. Though used as signals, they are not the final indicators as to whether the stocks are to be traded but other factors need to be considered (Schlossberg). These bands are easy to use and one need not go for classes to learn about how to use them in making decisions about stocks. Since prices in the short run are not predictable, investors cannot make decisions based on short-term period but since Bollinger bands are a reflection of a longer period of time, they can make their decisions on that (Schlossberg). List of References John Bollinger: The eSignal Bollinger Band Tool Kit, accessed on 25th September 2008 from http://www. esignal. com/solutions/studies/bollingerband_article. aspx , John Bollinger: Bollinger on Bollinger Bands: McGraw-Hill Companies. 2001 John Devcic: Tales From The Trenches: A Simple Bollinger Band Strategy: accessed on 25th September 2008 from. http://www1. investopedia. com/articles/trading/07/bollinger. asp Boris Schlossberg: Using Bollinger Band Bands To Gauge Trends: Accessed on 25th September 2008 from 38. 102. 154. 10/articles/trading/05/022205. asp Bollinger Charts lifted from StockCharts. com on 25th September 2008 John J. Murphy: Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets: A Comprehensive Guide to Trading Methods and Applications: New York Institute of Finance,Prentice Hall Press. 1999 324-430 The Quarterly Journal of Business and Economics, Spring 2007 Bollinger Bands: Accessed on 25th September 2008 from http://biz. yahoo. com/charts/guide13. html . Rachev; Svetlozar T. , Menn, Christian; Fabozzi, Frank J. , Fat Tailed and Skewed Asset Return Distributions, Implications for Risk Management, Portfolio Selection, and Option Pricing, John Wiley, New York (2005) 123-145 Technical analysis in the forex / Bollinger band : Accessed on 25th September 2008 from www. forexchannel. org/technical_analysis/bollinger_band/

Hotel Description Location The Grand View Hotel Tourism Essay

Hotel Description Location The Grand View Hotel Tourism Essay The Grand View Hotel is a traditional hotel built in the 1950s offering traditional facilities. It is sited on the seafront at a convenient location, which is close to its competition hotels and the main shopping center. Accessibility of the hotel is high. It is less than 30 minutes from the nearest airport and supported by good road, rail and bus linking to major cities. The Grand View Hotel is a 250 rooms establishment in which 200 are double rooms and 50 are king bedded rooms, all includes private bathroom. The rooms are of a good size, comfortable and with different decorative styles. At present, there is a large garden and a small swimming pool in the hotel, parking space with a capacity of 120 cars is also available. On top of that, there is a restaurant which serves buffet for breakfast and lunch as well as a la carte for dinner. The lobby lounge area is fairly large which is suited to a business type of hotel. There is also a pub; however it is in poor decorative order. There were several refurbishment programs launched which included the signs replacement, renovation and redecoration of front desk, restaurant and bar. Generally speaking, the hotel is in good physical condition except the front desk. On top of that, the hotel used to redecorate 25 guest rooms each year. Consistent Standard of Excellence: We will consistently provide our guests with a superior quality product and make a conscious daily effort to be better than our competition. Personalized Guest Service: We will meet the specific meet of each guest with a professional, friendly, prompt, courteous, and enthusiastic, attitude from all staff all times. Company Goals The purpose and values of Grand Ford are to generate a multi-faceted success. Maintaining the financial well-being of hotel by the strict control of all costs at all times without exception. Gain reputation by providing high quality of products and services which beyond the guests expectation. Increase the quality of the entire workforces and reduce the staff turnover rate by providing better staff training benefit. Provide a fantastic and comfortable environment to every valuable customer in order to satisfy their needs. Company Objectives In order to reach our goals, several objectives should firstly be achieved: Reduce the total labor cost from 46% to below 35% within the first year. Reduce the cost of sales in FB department to 35% within the first year. Reduce the annual staff turnover rate from 102% to 50% within the first year. Increase the average room occupancy rate from 19% to 55% within 2 years and reach the standard of 70% within four years. Human Resources Human Resources Policy The hotel is able to reduce labour costs and staff turnover by hiring the right person for the right position at the right time for the price, or salary in another word. Training programs will be provided to staff mambers in order to enhance their performance thus the guest satisfaction and finally increasing profitability. Organizational Structure Staffing It is known that reduction of staff can be a de-motivator, however, there will be a huge over staffing if we do not reduce any workforce on such a low occupancy. It is planned to reduce serveral staff in some particular departments such as housekeeping and front office. With the growth of business and new coming construction projects, the hotel will certainly relocate and hire a certain munber of staff in order to maintain a smooth daily operation. Staffing level will be monitored on a monthly basis in the first year operation and quarterly in the rest of the operation with high level of flexibility. Recruitment With the aim of having the most suitable person to be crew members who are able to generate an overall experience beyond guests expectations, both internal and external recruiting methods will be applied in the Grand View Hotel. Positive attitude, enthusiasm, outstanding interpersonal relationship and high standard of qualification will be required for appliances. Aiming to reach the potential pool of appliances, recruiting advertisement will be placed in industry journals and in the hotels official website. For the internal preparation, the hotel will review the job analysis on a regular basis to ensure that the documents best describe the job and that they are properly prepared for effective recruitment and selection process. On top of that, laws and regulations will be taken under serious consideration during the process. Selection In order to be fair and to get the most suitable person to fill up vacancies, a multi-hurdle strategy will be applied meaning that elimination of candidates during selection process will be based on the job specification. Interviews will be the most commonly used tool to assess a candidate. Furthermore, for external appliances, job tests will be another method that the Grand View will use to select an operational staff while group assessments will be applied for the rest. For internal selection meaning promotion and relocation of staff, potential employees performance and past records will be taken under consideration. Orientations Orientation programs are designed to provide new employees a clear direction of their job and the hotel directions. The hotel can benefited from a good orientation program in terms of higher morale in the workplace thus improving the performance and the productivity and therefore a higher bottom line. Regarding the above factors, orientation programs will be provided to each staff member within their probation period in the Grand View Hotel with the following elements. Aimed to improve the skills and performance of staff members, thus enhance the customers comfort and satisfaction therefore raise the reputation and influence the revenue of the hotel. Training for staff in all levels is considered as the main step to achieve goals. On the job training is one of the training methods that will be applied in the Grand View focusing on operational and entry level staff. It is effective in both cost control and performance improvements as it is conducted during business operation in actual work settings. For managerial level staff, group discussion and workshops will be useful in order to share experience and keep track of the hotels operation generally. All training programs will be reviewed on an annual basic. Besides on-site training, off-site training is also encouraged. The hotel will support staff to take job relevant courses organized by recognized organizations. Staff Payroll We intend to maintain an annual staff payroll with a maximum of 35% of total revenue. Salary of level 1 will be offered to entry level employees and level 2 for department heads for the first half year in order to control costs. However, salary levels will be adjusted according to the performance which will be reflected by the bottom line in order to motivate the staff and ecourage better performances. Salary reduction will unusually be seen in the Grand View Hotel since this will de-motivate the employees and as a result, the staff turnover rate will increase. Environmental Scan Political The political environment includes such areas as government policies, political trends and internal political issues. The political environment is very stable and beneficial for the hotel meaning that the political situation supports local businesses and establishments. This is extremely beneficial for the hotels future because this means it can concentrate on attracting more markets meaning more variety in customers. We can also concentrate on the customer satisfaction which involves their needs and expectations. September 11th had a huge impact in the tourism in the USA. The uncertainty of political situation because of the September 11th attracts, have led potential customers to think twice about travelling abroad or within the country itself. This has a huge effect on the hotels business which we will also have to contain in to the analysis. Economic Since the main industries of the area are Distribution/ Hospitality, Banking and Finance. We intend to meet the demand in these areas by offering various services especially in the area of conferences since our target market is business costumers during the weekdays. Unemployment levels also have a big effect on the economic situation. The employment level is high especially in the areas of management/professional and clerical/secretarial work. This in return aids our hotel in the way that the environment is safer due to the high employment rate and this attracts more travelers, giving us the opportunity to catch the attention of these customers, to maximize our revenue. Social The employment level is very high; it is currently half of the national average. A large proportion of the populations of that employment level are in management/professional and clerical/secretarial jobs. But also the employment levels for skilled non-manual, skilled and semi-skilled manual work is also high. But that is not the case for unskilled employment. A large proportion of the population is families with the average of 2 children per family. Since one of the main industries is Banking and Finance, we will be looking to attract business travelers whose aim is to locate a convenient and appropriate property that accommodate their needs for a professional working ambience. Technological The continuous changing world of technology can pose a lot of threats, but if the right actions are taken at the right time it can also be an opportunity. Technology can give us the competitive edge in terms of conference and meeting equipment. Equipment is expensive, but with a large variety of suppliers and different options like buying, renting and leasing, it can become a relatively in expense way of modernizing our facilities. The hotel technologies include fast wireless internet, security cameras which ensure the safety of the guests, conference equipment, transportation, and so on. We will also try to build up and maintain good relations with our technological and safety partners to ensure that when problems do occur, that they can be solved as fast as possible. Legal In the United States there are 3 different kinds of legal systems. The first being Local legislation, the second State legislation and the third being Federal Legislations. There three have a huge amount of impact on how the hotel is run. The legislations meaning the laws that are imposed on the hotel include and are related to the operators of the hotel, consumers and employees. These 3 legal systems enforce various laws and regulations which include the minimum wage, health and safety laws, anti-discrimination laws, employee rights and employer rights. Environmental The environmental aspect is a very critical issue since it encompasses a wide range of aspects. It ranges from ecological issues to staff attitude/morale to environmental regulations. This is where we split up the environmental issues into 2 sections. They are internal and external. Internal is everything that is within the hotel that has a moderate amount of affect on the hotel. External is everything that affects the hotel coming from outside the four walls. Internal environment includes staff attitude and morale which has been low since the poor performance of the hotel which can also be seen from the high staff turnover. These will decrease tremendously due to the new regulations, training and vision of the hotel. External Environment includes environment regulations which are set by local, state and federal legislations which the hotel has to abide by. Marketing Plan The marketing plan is a very important guide to lead a successful establishment. Our marketing plan will be based on the companys target market, as well as the goals and objectives of the property. Situation analysis: Internal environment The guest rooms, front desk, restaurant and bar, are all in poor condition. The restaurant and the front desk were last refurbished 7 years ago. Only 25 guestrooms were redecorated each year, which demonstrates that the guest rooms are potentially not in the most desirable standard and lack of modern amenities. As the hotel is located in a popular area for conferences during both on and off seasons, there will be a very high demand of business travelers. But when considering internally, there are no conference facilities or any sort of business services in the hotel. Moreover, the guestrooms are not suitable for holding conferences or meetings. Those problems have drawn the attention of the management team, and proper investments and constructions will be conducted in the very early stage of the operation in accordance with the aforementioned. By reviewing the information and statistical facts which were provided by the previous owner, we found that the hotel occupancy was always below the average. On the other hand, the staff turnover rate was extremely high, which means that the morale of the employees was unacceptable. The customers were all disappointed by the food, the facilities and the service quality of the hotel. As the reputation of the hotel was bad, occupancy rate will inevitably be affected. In regards to the financial situation, it was terrible to see that the net income was growing negatively. Furthermore, there were plenty of long term debts and accounts payable, which even worsened the financial situation of the hotel. Those liabilities should be of concern by the management team as they can potentially affect the upcoming operation of the property. Customer environment Referring to the marketing research and statistics, we found out that there are 2 main types of customers, them being business and leisure travellers. As the local area is becoming well known in terms of conferences, it is important for us to realize that many events will be held throughout the year. Therefore, we predict that the demand for accommodation of the business travelers will increase. Besides, we can see from the statistics that 80% of the customers came for business purposes in the first quarter and more than 50% for the entire year. In addition, around 154,000 of those travelled during the weekdays according to the research provided by local Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Board, which contributed the most to the customer base. These factors and numbers provided us with significant information about the importance of investing in business and in conference facilities. Also, the hotel is located along the seafront, just 30 minutes away from the airport, therefore the leis ure travelers will also be our main customers as our property can easily be accessed by the customers due to the geographical reason. Tourists nowadays are expecting more they are willing to spend more in order to get better experiences for their stay. By this, we reckon that services and facilities rank the first when it comes to choosing hotels. Therefore our upcoming investments, constructions, and strategies would be tailored for our customers in order to satisfy or even to exceed their expectations. SWOT analysis Strengths Convenient location for customers because of the nearby airport and excellent transport links. Prefect venue for conferences. Having the biggest capacity while comparing with the competitors within the same area. Weakness Lack of development in terms of facilities and services. No clear guidelines and competent management team to operate the hotel. High turnover rate. Poor image and reputation. Poor and inconsistent service. Limited financial support. Of poor condition including the front desk, restaurants, guest rooms. Low liquidity and high liabilities. Opportunities Plenty of conventions and events will be held within the area. New technologies to reduce the operation cost. Fast market growth Threats The ever-changing market trends and needs. Government regulations and laws which may restrict expansions and developments Economic instability New entrants Target Market: The main target markets of the Grand View Hotel are Business and Leisure travelers. Special packages and facilities will also be promoted to attract the customers. Marketing Mix: 4Ps Product As Grand View Hotel will be a 3 diamonds hotel, we provide different facilities to fit with the needs of the market. We guarantee that the services will be delivered with high quality and all the employees will be trained for enhancing the skills and knowledge. . The Grand View hotel has 200 Double rooms and 50 King rooms, a restaurant, a lounge and a bar. We also provide room services, conference facilities, fitness facilities including a fitness club and a swimming pool. Furthermore, parking spaces are also available. Some of the facilities will be constructed within one year and we plan to constantly refurbishing the guest rooms and to provide more amenities and entertainment. There will be also some modifications for the restaurant so as to provide better services. Different packages will be provided to attract more guests, such as Honeymoon packages, conference packages as well as leisure traveler packages in order to diversify our customer base. Price As there is high elasticity of demand in the hospitality industry, its a big challenge to establish the most appropriate price. Therefore, the price should be flexible to handle and fit in different target markets. The room rate will be modified seasonally according to the demand and from the surrounding competitors as well. Special price and discount will be offered for large group and business travelers. But, the groups have to discuss with the sales department for more details. The price for the regular guests will be consistent to keep their loyalty. The leisure travelers will be upgraded for free during the low seasons and also free use of the facilities depends on the demand and season. The discount will be offered for weekends. The price will be differentiates at different times. But, the main idea for the price is to maximize the revenue but also to satisfy our guests. Place The location of the hotel is fixed. The hotel is sited along the seafront, close to other hotels and a short distance from the main shopping center, and also it is near the airport and with good transport links to major cities and other resorts. Moreover, the area of the resort has become a popular location for conferences, both in and out season. Its also the best place for holding conferences which includes conference facilities, fitness club, good infrastructure and superstructure in the city, and a fantastic sea view. We will provide shuttle bus to take customers from the airport and to the airport every 30 minutes from 6a.m to 1a.m. Promotion We will promote through direct and indirect distribution channels. We will approach our potential customers who are already targeted through the direct sales call and mail, to communicate with them and find out whats best suitable for them. And then, we will also advertise in local newspapers and business press to let people know about the hotel. Moreover, we will also put the hotel on the Local Visitor Guide to attract more transient guests and place posters throughout stations and airports. Furthermore, we will pay the Public Relation Agency to find more potential customers and transient customers from all over the world. We will use different advertising media depending on different conditions for different markets. Moreover, we will set up our own hotel website so that the potential guests can have access to the hotel easier. Competitive advantages: As we are going to be a 3 diamond hotel, we are going to provide quality services and comfortable ambience for our customers, and re-create customers satisfaction and professional image. The employees are the ones to deliver the quality service so they will be trained to be professional and efficient by effective training programs. As the employees can learn by working and training, they will be motivated and the morale will increase in order to provide and give the best services to the guests. Furthermore, the guests can also keep their memorable and happy experiences with us. These factors will contribute to our uniqueness among our competitors and gain the reputation. The Grand View hotel will provide many different business services and facilities such as photocopying, stationary preparing, direct dial phone, fax, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Moreover, we have a fitness club, including a swimming pool, stair climbing machines, treadmills, fitness walking, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Since our hotel focuses heavily on our guest rooms, we will provide a wide range of guest amenities and entertainments. We try our best to maintain a very competitive edge and we strive to be the best amongst our competitors with our comfortable guestrooms and quality services. Action Plan In order to turn around the worst situation that we are facing currently, we are going to do several revolutions, investments and constructions according to the marketing plan and try to improve and gain back the reputation within the first operating year. The first action that we are going to do is to adjust the staff numbers of different departments since effective staffing schedule can save the hotel dozen of money. In order to schedule the staff effectively due to the low occupancy, the number of staff in food and beverage, hotel service and front desk will be cut down. The main goal for the FB department is to maximize revenue. For that to happen, the first action that will be taken is that employees are required to participate in numerous training sessions (training program 3), which include general training for example up selling, but also on the job training and coaching which will be carried out by the supervisors and/or the FB manager. Targets will be set for each and every employee, which they will have to achieve. If these targets or requirements are not met then some corrective actions will have to be taken, and this will be done in the form of further training and coaching sessions but also severe employee evaluations. The menu types will be shortened (Menu type 1), to ensure that we can minimize our costs but also we will find a right supplier with the right quality for the right price (Supplier type 2) to ensure that we find the perfect equilibrium between the quality of our food and the production cost and the selling price. All these d ecision will be in affect as soon as we reopen the hotel. Revision of Standard operating procedures will be set in place to ensure speed, quality and to satisfy guests to the fullest. Moreover, we will do the refurbishment (level 2) of the rooms and front desk upon we start the operation in order to create better working environment to our staff and more enjoyable lodging venue to our customers. The refurbishments will include the new decorative scheme. Replace carpets, curtains, linen, light fittings, deep clean other furnishings. Paint woodwork and ceilings, wallpaper walls. We are planning to refurbish 50 rooms every year. In order to provide a better lodging experience to our customers, the in room entertainments and amenities will be added into service. Since our first mission is to attract the guests to come to our hotel and gain reputation by our excellent services and facilities. As advertising helps to promote our hotel, therefore we are going to do our advertising in accordance with the most profitable market timely. First of all, we will do our advertising through the local newspaper, business press and direct mail in the first three months. We will focus on advertise the weekday and weekend rooms, and also the meal. Since the above media are the most effectiveness in advertise the rooms and meal, therefore we will use those media for our first advertising. Risk Assessments and Control Risks are inevitable. We have to identify different risks to avoid and reduce the possibility of risks occurring. Investing in insurance is essential because if these risks occur, it will cost more and at the same time affect the reputation of our hotel. Here are some risk assessments identified: Asset Property risks There are some risks, such as fire, explosion, crime or natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and tsunamis which could possibly occur and destroy our assets and property. Legal risks Large amount of money are being won in consumer, individual lawsuits and in class action suits. Our hotel is liable to its employees, its guests and, in some instances, to the general public. Bomb threat After the 911 incident, the United States has the essential risk of more terrorist attacks. Economic Crisis threat A loss amount of money may be happened due to the economics crisis of country. For example: the great depression. Leakage of private and confidential information of the hotel There are a lot of private and confidential information of the hotel and there is a risk of employees leaking out the other information which can greatly affect the business of our hotel. Budget 1st year Assumptions: Room Division Totally 50 rooms under renovation Contribution to revenue: 65% Food and Beverage Department Cost percentage: 35% Contribution to revenue: 35% Sales Room 4,823,174 FoodBev 2,597,094 7,420,268 Cost of Sales Room 353,246 Food Bev 908,983 908,983 Payroll Related Room 558,495 Food Bev 506,584 1,065,079 Gross Profit less Wages Room 3,911,433 Food Bev 1,181,527 5,092,960 Central Admin Payroll 154,140 Other Direct Costs 256,250 Income before Fixed Charges 4,682,570 Total Fixed Costs 674,325 Income before Taxes 4,008,245 Business Tax Paid 1,202,473 Income after Business Taxes 2,805,771 2nd year Assumptions: Average room rate states the same Average occupancy increased to 55% New facilities: in room mini bar, second bar, data point, quick check in/out, shop business service and additional parking area Sales Room 5,863,284 FoodBev 3,420,249 Other 1,465,821 9,772,140 Cost of Sales Room 353,246 Food Bev 1,197,087 Other 879,493 2,076,580 Payroll Related Room 609,450 Food Bev 506,584 Other 34,000 1,150,034 Gross Profit less Wages Room 4,900,588 Food Bev 1,716,578 Other 552,328 7,169,494 Central Admin Payroll 154,140 Other Direct Costs 678,250 Income before Fixed Charges 6,337,104 Total Fixed Costs 674,325 Income before Taxes 5,662,779 Business Tax Paid 1698834 Income after Business Taxes 3,963,945 3rd year Assumptions Average room rate states the same Average occupancy increased to 62% New facilities: health club, conference and function rooms Sales Room 6,570,348 FoodBev 3,832,703 Other 1,642,587 10,950,580 Cost of Sales Room 353,246 Food Bev 1,341,446 Other 985,552 2,326,998 Payroll Related Room 738,899 Food Bev 680,428 Other 85,000 1,504,327 Gross Profit less Wages Room 5,478,203 Food Bev 1,810,829 Other 572,035 7,861,067 Central Admin Payroll 154,140 Other Direct Costs 1,613,625 Income before Fixed Charges 6,093,302 Total Fixed Costs 674,325 Income before Taxes 5,418,977 Business Tax Paid 1625693 Income after Business Taxes 3,793,284 4th year Assumptions Average room rate states the same Average occupancy increased to 70% Sales Room 7,394,419 FoodBev 4,313,411 Other 1,848,605 12,324,032 Cost of Sales Room 353,246 Food Bev 1,509,694 Other 1,109,163 2,618,857 Payroll Related Room 834,449 Food Bev 680,428 Other 85,000 1,599,877 Gross Profit less Wages Room 6,206,724 Food Bev 2,123,289 Other 654,442 8,984,455 Central Admin Payroll 154,140 Other Direct Costs 1,634,000 Income before Fixed Charges 7,196,315 Total Fixed Costs 674,325 Income before Taxes 6,521,990 Business Tax Paid 1,956,597 Income after Business Taxes 4,565,393