Choosing between the Trans-Siberian, Bhutan or the South Pacific Essay Example for Free

Choosing between the Trans-Siberian, Bhutan or the South Pacific Essay Section One: I have always wanted to travel. In fact, if I had unlimited money and a lot free time, the thing I would like to do more than anything is see the world. Not just the tourist spots, but the real world – the places where real people live and work and have lives. My journey would largely ignore the main hotel chains and tourists spots. Instead, I would search out those places that are not well known to the average tourist. I would try to find places worth seeing because they have not been commercialized and because what they offer is a part of the real lives of the people who live there everyday. The kinds of places I am thinking about are the ones that tourists would not usually find unless they went â€Å"off the beaten path† and tried to experience the real essence and spirit of the location as a local person does. In general, there are already a number of places I would be interested in finding out more about. The Trans-Siberian railway route from Moscow to the east interests me. So does Bhutan. I am also interested in learning more about travel in the South Pacific Islands. For the purposes of this paper, my goal would be to research about these places and narrow down to one so that I could plan a trip that would take place in a year or two. The Trans-Siberian railway fascinates me. Starting from Moscow, it covers an incredibly large area of land and the cultures of the people who live along its route vary immensely. This trip would no doubt be one that would open my eyes. Nevertheless, I have heard many people say that it can be a dangerous journey for foreigners and I would want to know that I am not putting myself at risk by doing it. Bhutan is interesting because it is a part of the world that is largely closed off from the rest of civilization. I have heard that the government places restrictions on the number of tourists each year in order to control the effect of outside cultures on the local traditions. I do not know if this is true or not, but I would like to know more. The South Pacific is also fascinating. Aside from the stereotypical notion of palm trees and coconuts, this area is also largely unknown to the average person. A place of natural wonder, it also is a part of the word that has seen a fair amount of strife and turmoil. I don’t know very much about this region of the world at all and would like to find out more. In narrowing down the possibilities, I will research a number of things in each area. First, I will look at a general history of each area as well as overview the current social, economic and political situations. I will also gather as much information as possible about the tourist restrictions, rules and regulations for each area. Next, I will follow internet forums where people share information about their journeys to gather as much information about other people’s experiences in these areas. I would want to know both the positive things as well as the negative in order to prepare for any eventuality. I will also identify three people – one for each area- that have been to these places to do an email interview about their experiences, thoughts and suggestions. In doing this research, I am hoping that it will become clear to me which of these areas would my best choice as a destination. I am, nevertheless, aware that I may also conclude that I would like to visit all three or none at all. In this case, I hope to at least narrow down and identify my own person criteria for a successful personal journey.

Imperialism Essay -- Imperialism Colonization History Essays

Imperialism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Whether for economic, nationalist, or humanitarian reasons, more powerful nations have often interfered with the affairs of weaker nations. These more powerful nations, including the United States, Britain, and several European countries, have in the past exploited less fortunate ones for resources, capital, and knowledge. Yet in return countries located in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia have gained the technology and capital that, over a period of time and development, improves their quality of life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One point of view could be that imperialism results in oppression and abuse. While this is sometimes a temporary side effect of larger nations adopting protectorates, the long term effects often cause the weaker nation to grow stronger. Even when a country feels they must rebel against their suppressor, they gain a sense of nationalism and independence, resulting in a more distinct culture than before. Why then, should a country have to withdraw from such interference?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another argument could be that only when needed, should a country be involved with another’s affairs. Yet with this point of view most would agree that there would be too much diversity in opinion when deciding exactly when help is needed. Also, countries such as Japan would never have developed, whose primary success was to take the ideas of other nations and better them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Stronger countries must interfere in the affairs of weaker nations for the gain of both nations. A more powerful nation can better its own economy by sharing the resources of other nations and weaker nations are able to obtain an improved standard of living by learning new technologies that are more advanced than their own. Third world countries can receive food from stronger nations and heathen nations can learn to be civilized from missionaries. Imperialism also follows the laws of social Darwinism, where the â€Å"fitter† and more advanced countries must prosper.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  An excellent example of how imperialism can benefit a weaker nation as well as a stronger, more dominant one is the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854. This treaty, forced upon the Japanese by the Americans, opened up two Japanese ports to foreign trade as well as meeting other demands of the Americans. Japan’s point of view was that by surrendering to the more powerful Americans they could a... ...nd, resources, and money. Use of this theory has resulted in the creation of Canada, the United States, and many other former European colonies. By exploiting natives, European nations (primarily Britain and France) were able to create colonies that bettered their economy. When these colonies became independent and rebelled, it created an even more powerful and nationalistic country, the United States. This knew country then created a theory using social Darwinism called Manifest Destiny where Americans believed they would soon conquer all of North America. Thus the struggle for survival of the fittest went on. These theories of Darwinism are easily be used to justify the imperialistic views of more powerful nations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By learning from the past it is easy to see that nations help each other when imperialism occurs, and even when oppression of some nations does happen, a stronger, more patriotic nation is able to come to power. Through helping themselves, stronger nations are able to create economic conditions beneficial to all nations. Allowing stronger nations to intervene in the matters of weaker nations should be encouraged for the growth of both countries.

Benefits of a Marketing Plan for Small Business

Research Topic 5: â€Å"I’ve got a small business with only 3 full-time staff. Marketing Planning’s no real practical use to me! Besides, I can’t afford the time and/or the money to do it† The writing of a marketing plan is extremely important step in the functioning of an effective and successful business. A marketing plan will give a snapshot of where the business currently stands, where the business hopes and wants to be and what needs to be done to achieve this. This is crucial if the business wants to grow or maintain its current level of profit. It could even be helpful if a business needed to down-size. Marketing plans can be as detailed as required, and as such are useful tools for large corporations and small businesses alike. The creation of marketing plans can be quite daunting without previous experience, and this is one reason why many small businesses don’t create a plan. Ross Cameron, of Cameron Research Group states â€Å"†¦there appeared to be a large number of small business owners who were not interested in growing. It is possible this is because many small business owners don’t know how to grow† (Hartnett and Keisler 2008, p. ) Many of the smaller businesses don’t understand the benefit of creating a marketing plan, and therefore avoid creating one. One benefit of creating a marketing plan is in analyzing the current situation. Particularly in small businesses, the ability to step back and take an external view of the business is often difficult for an owner, as that time can be put to use elsewhere, and the results of a situational analysis can often be confronting (Hartnett and Keisler 2008). Most successful entrepreneurs of the world are able to view and analyze the business from the outside. Another benefit of producing a marketing plan is the potential for â€Å"greater co-ordination of effort† (Overton 2007). In having a clearly defined plan for the direction of the business, as well as an idea of how to get there, all of the employees can be focused towards that same goal. A business that has no marketing plan can potentially have employees pulling the business in many different directions, as the goal is not clear. Producing a marketing plan can also help measure the success of any efforts put in to improve the business. In creating a marketing plan, it is best to quantify the desired achievement. For example, if a business wanted to improve its sales by 25% over the course of a twelve month period and this goal is identified within the marketing plan, then it can be reviewed after twelve months (or at intervals during this period). The results of the review measures the effectiveness of the marketing plan. If sales figures have grown by 25% or more, then it is seen as successful. If sales grew by under 25%, or worse, declined, then the marketing plan has not been as effective as it should be. The measurement of success of a marketing plan can also be used as a benchmark to set future marketing plans. Using the perceived effectiveness or not of the previous marketing plan, can be a useful tool for looking forward. It can inspire a business to set higher growth in sales figures, or to set the benchmark lower, to enable a sales figure that is a little bit more achievable, based on the previous marketing plan (Overton 2007). A marketing plan can also help a business by looking at its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (also known as a SWOT analysis). In providing this analysis, a business has a better viewpoint from which to build upon. Analysis of strengths provides important information about what the business does well in its operations. For example, it could be how the business differs from its competitors, or what makes the business more successful than others in certain aspects. For instance, this could mean that the employees of the business are better trained or motivated than at rival businesses, the business has higher valued intellectual property, or various other reasons. Similarly, the analysis of weaknesses provides information and comparisons with other businesses to enable better decision making and potential improvements. The analysis of opportunities and threats document how the business could be impacted in the future, for better or for worse. Opportunities enable a business to look at future growth potential, future trends in the marketplace, opportunities to take advantage of competitor’s weaknesses, or any other factor that may or may not have been identified in the strengths or weaknesses. Threats are basically negative opportunities and can be current or future factors that may possibly have a negative impact on the business. In drawing up the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) for the business, and similarly for its competitors, the business can have a greater understanding of its current situation, and moving forward, a greater understanding of any potential hurdles or windfalls that may impact the business (positively or negatively). This in turn provides a better platform from which to determine the way forward, and to provide a plan to achieve the goal of the business successfully. One of the main benefits gained by creating a marketing plan is the actual documenting of the businesses goals and direction. By having a plan in hard copy, and having all employees working towards the same goals and in the same direction, the business is more likely to succeed in reaching those goals. A marketing plan is also beneficial in setting a budget for effective marketing. A marketing plan will allow the business to look at its target objectives and determine the amount of money to be spent on that goal. Stephanie Paul (2010) insists that a marketing plan is â€Å"†¦Often considered the most effective budgeting method†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and that many experts believe that it is definitely the most logical way of setting a marketing budget. Similarly, a budget can also help create realistic strategies when looking at objectives from a budgeting aspect. â€Å"Understanding the return on investment on a marketing activity enables you to determine whether to keep them running or stop them and try something else†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Murphy 2009) Many small businesses feel that they don’t have time to develop arketing plans and strategies, but a marketing plan can be as thorough as the business needs it to be. In the case of most small businesses, the owner of the business inevitably works â€Å"in† the business, and has very little time to work â€Å"on† the business. However, a marketing plan doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. Whilst a large business may need h undreds of pages for a marketing plan, many small businesses can create effective marketing plans using as little as â€Å"half a dozen pages† (How to Create a Marketing Plan) McDaniel (2003) states â€Å"Developing a marketing plan is free and can be as simple as a time line of when to order business cards, networking opportunities, organizational meetings, speaking engagements and deadlines for publications†. The article also goes on to quote Ronelle Genser of Genser International Consulting â€Å"†¦there are three secrets to marketing. Commitment, Investment (not just money but of time, energy, and talent, as well), and consistency. † A marketing plan would be difficult without these aspects (McDaniel 2003) Around 98% of small business owners state that marketing is the hardest part of their job†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (McDaniel 2003). As seen above, a marketing plan can be effective at any scale, and should be a necessary tool for succeeding in business. For addressing the issue of time management in preparing a marketing plan for a small business, How to Create a Marketing Plan suggests taking â€Å"a couple of months to write the plan, even if it’s only a few pages long†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In conclusion, there are many benefits for writing a marketing plan, even for the time-poor owner of a small business. It enables the business owner to analyze the past and the present, as well as plot and plan the future direction of the business, the money spent on that plan and measuring the effectiveness of past, current and future plans. These are all practical uses of marketing plans, and for the basis of successful businesses, whether they are large multi-national corporations, or a small home business with few or no employees. Bibliography Hartnett R. , Keisler, K. , 2008, Small Business, Big Opportunity: Winning the right customers through smart marketing and advertising, Second edition, Sensis, Melbourne How to Create a Marketing Plan, 2010, Entrepreneur, viewed 2nd April 2010, Murphy, D. , 2009, Marketing Budget – Where do I start? , Vista Consulting, viewed 2nd April 2010, Overton, R. , 2007, Marketing Simplified, An introduction to marketing, eBOOK version, Martin Books, EBL EBook Library, viewed 2nd April 2010 Paul, S. , 2010, Cost of Marketing: What Is the Average Budget? , LegalZoom, viewed 2nd April 2010, < http://www. legalzoom. com/business-management/promoting-your-business/cost-marketing-what-is>

An Personal Statement Of A Teacher s Goals - 1226 Words

An educational philosophy is a personal statement of a teacher’s goals or belief. A teacher comes to the classroom with a distinctive set of principles and ideals that affect how a student learns and expand the child’s potential in his or her venture into knowledge. I believe that education should actively involve students instead of just revolving around the teacher. The three (3) principles I believe that work harmoniously with my educational philosophy are the teacher acting as a facilitator to foster critical thinking, allowing the child’s natural curiosity to steer his or her learning for personal development, and providing an environment conducive to student learning through active participation. Lisa Delpit, Jean-Jacques Rousseau†¦show more content†¦However, some people may argue that students cannot have a voice in their learning because they do not have the professional training as that of a teacher. In order to facilitate learning, there must be some amount of preconceived knowledge to work with. Children enter a classroom without the knowledge and teachers are meant to â€Å"teach† them new knowledge using strict curriculum rather than merely â€Å"facilitate† what is not there. Therefore, the teacher is the leader of the classroom and tells students how to think and what to think about. However, despite this criticism, I believe that teaching should be collaborative with students because, in the end, learning is about the student and not the teacher. The second principle in support of educational philosophy is that educators should allow the student’s natural curiosity to steer his or her learning for personal development. I think it is significant that students are given the chance to study subjects that are worthwhile and purposeful to their interests. I believe that developing a curriculum around a student’s interest fosters deep-rooted motivations and stimulates the passion to learn whic h helps to mold personal development. Children are particularly curious and full of wonder. As an educator, I can harness that natural curiosity within my student and help him or her to learn and grow from those questions. Students can create ideas and set goals when they are given a chance to input that leadsShow MoreRelatedMy Personal Philosophy Of Education1476 Words   |  6 Pages CLES 871 Foundations of Higher Education Summer 2015 Instructor: Joel Abaya, PhD Personal Philosophy of Education Submitted by: Wessam Elamawy . Personal Philosophy of Education Introduction: From the very beginning of my life I recognized the importance of higher education. I am 34 years old. I am Egyptian. I was born in a highly educated family . My father earned a Ph.D. in chemistry. My uncle earned a Ph.D. in Engineering . My aunt is a doctor. My grandparents wereRead MorePersonal Statement On Educational Leadership1423 Words   |  6 PagesWill Hardin 5040 Create a personal, professional mission statement summarizing philosophy, knowledge and skills of instructional supervision from which to guide future leadership actions. Assessment: Students will articulate a personal theory of instructional leadership and specify a personal, professional mission statement as a guide to socially responsible, ethical leadership behavior. Mission Statement â€Å"We are all in this together. Once we know that we are, we’re all stars and we see thatRead MoreA Teacher s View On The Purpose Of Schooling989 Words   |  4 PagesAs an educator, it is important to have a personal teaching philosophy based on your beliefs. It also helps you to keep the focus on what your goals are as an educator and the way you plan to integrate those goals into your teaching. A statement of philosophy begins with the educator s view on the purpose of schooling. In what ways are teachers going to challenge students to have high achievement standards? Along with goals for students, what are their responsibilities going to entail? TheseRead MoreNew York Schools Chief Advocates More Balanced Literacy Essay1013 Words   |  5 Pagesliteracy† has a chance to come back to NY City Schools. Hernandez revealed with explicit why C. Farina believes in balanced literacy and what is the difference between CCSS and balanced literacy program. The article’s statement indicates that the new school s chancellor, C. Farina, wants to return balanced literacy program to NY schools. She refuses the evidence that â€Å" the city’s Education Department turned away from balanced literacy several years ago amid concerns that it was unstructuredRead MoreRole Of Social Media On Classroom1390 Words   |  6 Pagesabout the role social media should play in education. Advocates point out the benefits that social media provides for today s digital learners while critics call for regulation and for removing social media from classrooms. Finding a middle ground has become a challenge. As an educational tool, social media enriches the learning experience by allowing students and teachers to connect and interact in new, exciting ways. Web sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn provide a platform where usersRead MoreMovie Analysis : The Big Bucks 871 Words   |  4 Pagesmany aspire to earn careers that either make money or improve their social status, teachers are the few who instead of earning the big bucks, will settle to inspire the young, and mold the future. It is an educator’s goal to promote the desire to learn as stated by Jaime Escalante in Stand and Deliver: â€Å"If you don t have the ganas [or desire], I will give it to you because I m an expert.†(Menà ©ndez). Future teachers can learn from the film Stand and Deliver to appreciate the positive impact educatorsRead MoreVision Reflective Essay : Vision853 Words   |  4 PagesVision Reflective Essay Vision Statements define the school s purpose according to the shared values. Values are guiding beliefs about how to get things objectives accomplished. The vision statement gives direction about how the faculty members are expected to behave and inspires them to give their best. Developing strong vision and mission statements can help stakeholders in your school reach a common understanding. A vision is your school s ultimate goal. A state where you hope to see it inRead MoreAnalysis Of The Writing Red Pen Rhetoric Essay1606 Words   |  7 Pagessetting knows the difference between a challenging teacher that helps his or her students learn and a chill teacher that doesn t teach his or her students anything. Many students would probably prefer to have a strict teacher who genuinely helps them learn from their mistakes and improve their writing in general, especially if these students are planning to go on to college. These future college students also typically go to their chall enging teacher for more criticism and advice in order to improveRead MoreStrength Based Iep : A Program1386 Words   |  6 Pagesdevelopment, and academic achievement to levels of personal excellence (para. 4). This quote is the perfect example of how IEPs should be written with the student s strengths in the forefront of all goals. Students and teachers can form better relationships when the student knows the teacher is supportive and believes in them. (Goldberg, 2012) O’Conner Wyaskit believe, â€Å"the IEP should be based on appropriate assessments, as well as the student s strengths and needs, considered by the team as aRead MoreThe Ultimate Test Of A Moral Society867 Words   |  4 Pagesreciting the oath, he closed his eyes and remembered the moment that had changed his life dramatically. He was only thirteen years old when his English teacher asked him, â€Å"What are your goals in life?† This question left the boy speechless. He returned home contemplating the answer to this question. He reached for a pen and paper and began writing down his goals. A few years later, he was honored by the Ministry of Education for maintaining a level of excellence in high school. He then graduated from Medical