Telecom Services Providers Industry in UK

Introduction The telecom industry in UK provides information and communication services such as voice and data delivery. The industry has realized significant growth in the last three decades and is currently at its maturity stage (Streel, 2010, pp. 210-260). The industry is completely deregulated following the implementation of the 2003 Communication Act. Consequently, many firms have joined the industry thereby increasing competition.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Telecom Services Providers Industry in UK specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The steady growth in the industry is attributed to advancement in technology which facilitates product and process innovation (Hsuan and Mahnke, 2011, pp. 154-165). The growth is also attributed to high demand for mobile phone and data services. This paper analyzes the telecom industry in UK. The competitiveness of the market and the influence of the macroeconomic environmen t on the performance of the industry will be illuminated. Current Industry Overview Top Ten Firms in the Industry The recent deregulation of the industry has led to elimination of most of the entry barriers. Besides, advancement in information and communication technology has led to the development of new products such as online TV services. This has resulted in to high demand in the industry thus prompting more firms to join it. Currently, the following firms are the market leaders in the industry. The top ten firms include, Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile, British Telecom, Gamma, O2, Avaya, Vodat Telecoms, Cable and Wireless and Analysys (Cadman and Helen, 2010, pp. 320-364). Current Market Conditions The market is characterized by intense competition especially in the mobile and broadband segments. This has led to a significant fall in consumer prices (Michael and Hong, 2010, pp. 137-165). However, growth is expected to accelerate due to investments in next generation technologies and an ever increasing demand for data and mobile phone services. Since the market is at its maturity stage, most firms are consolidating their market shares through mergers and diversification of products. Competitiveness and Market Share The industry is characterized by high competition in all segments. The market shares of firms providing mobile phone services are as follows. O2 commands 26% of the market, Vodafone’s market share is 24%, Orange’s market share is 21%, followed by T-Mobile with 17% and the rest is shared by small operators (Rohrbeck, 2011, pp. 420-430).Advertising Looking for report on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Market shares for the top five firms in the broadband segment are as follows. British Telecom leads with 62.5%, NTL/Telewire is second with 16.7%, TalkTalk is third with 10%, Homecall commands 2.5%, Sky Talk commands 2.1% and the rest is shared by small firms (Ro hrbeck, 2011, pp. 420-430). British Telecom is the main provider of fixed wire call services. Concentration Rations The mobile phone segment has the highest concentration of 89% since it has only four firms (Rohrbeck, 2011, pp. 420-430). The internet service segment has the lowest concentration of 700 firms. Economic Conditions The industry continues to record robust growth despite the high competition. In the last quarter of 2010 revenue grew by 2% across all firms (Trath and Pitt, 2010, pp. 213-261). The industry is expected to realize $ 376 billion in revenue between the 2010 and 2015 (Trath and Pitt, 2010, pp. 213-261). The mobile segment is expected to record the highest growth of 12.7% between 2010 and 2015 (Trath and Pitt, 2010, pp. 213-261). Demand for fixed line phones continues to decline as consumers shift their expenditure to mobile phone services. Internal Industry Analysis Threat of New Entrants The telecommunication industry in UK is associated with a high level of pr oduct differentiation due to advancements in technology. The incumbent firms are able to enjoy economies of scale through expansion into new markets (Michael and Hong, 2010, pp. 137-165). However, high capital requirement prevents firms from joining the industry. Besides, switching cost in the industry is very high. These trends indicate that the threat of new entrants is low in the industry (Mankiw, 2008, p. 89). Bargaining Power of the Buyer The buyers (telecommunication firms) have a low bargaining power in the industry due to the following reasons. First, the concentration of buyers is low especially in the internet service providers segment (Michael and Hong, 2010, pp. 137-165).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Telecom Services Providers Industry in UK specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Second, the products of the suppliers are highly differentiated since they are normally tailor made for each buyer (Rohrbeck , 2011, pp. 420-430). Besides, the switching costs are very high. The low bargaining power of the buyers means that they can be exploited by their suppliers through high prices of supplies (Frank, 2009, p. 65). Bargaining Power of the Suppliers The suppliers have a high bargaining power due to the following reasons. First, there are few suppliers as compared to the existing buyers (telecommunication firms). This means that there is high competition for supplies. Second, there is low availability of substitute supplies (Trath and Pitt, 2010, pp. 213-261). For example, networking cables and equipment have no substitutes. Finally, the suppliers’ products are highly differentiated. The suppliers thus have a high bargaining power since the buyers highly depend on them (Blanchard, 2010, p. 67). Threat of Substitutes The threat attributed to substitute products is very low in the industry. Postal services are the main substitutes to telecommunication services. However, postal servic es are having little differentiation (Michael and Hong, 2010, pp. 137-165). Their prices are also on the rise due to the increase in transportation costs as the price of oil rises. Thus consumers prefer telecommunication services that are differentiated and cheap to use (Hollensen, 2010, p. 84)). Intensity of Competitive Rivalry The industry is associated with intense competition in all segments due to the following reasons. First, apart from the mobile phone segment, all other segments have very many competitors (Michael and Hong, 2010, pp. 137-165). Second, the industry is experiencing a slow growth rate since it has already reached its maturity stage. Third, the industry is labor intensive thus the fixed costs are very high. The firms hire many employees to attend to their customers at various call centers. Therefore, competition becomes intense as firms struggle to lower costs and retain their market shares (Gary, Harker, Kottler, 2009, p. 89)Advertising Looking for report on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Complementary Products The incumbent firms are able to achieve high growth due to the availability of cheap complementary products. With advancement in technology, the cost of mobile phones and computers has significantly reduced. Currently, the mobile phone penetration rate in UK is 86% while 90% of households have computers (Trath and Pitt, 2010, pp. 213-261). This leads to high demand for call services and internet services (Roger, 2010, p. 35). External Macro Industry Analysis Political UK is one of the most politically stable countries in the Euro-zone. The government of UK has established strong political ties with most countries in Europe, America and Asia. At the national level, the strong political stability promotes economic activities since the investors are assured of the security of their investments. Besides, political stability promotes rapid economic growth which translates into high demand in the telecom industry. At the international level strong political ties wit h foreign countries has led to the entry of foreign firms in the industry. For example, Fujitsu from Japan has joined the industry (Vitorovich, 2011, p. 1). This has contributed to the high competition in the industry (Cadman and Helen, 2010, pp. 320-364). Besides, the foreign firms have stimulated innovation in the industry as firms struggle to lower costs in order to improve their competitiveness. Economic and Financial The economy of UK has since recovered from the effects of the 2008/ 2009 recession. In 2010, UK’s GDP grew by 1.7% and is expected to grow by 2.4% and 2.7% in 2011 and 2012 respectively (Global Economic Weekly, 2010). The inflation rate in UK was 3.2% in 2010 (Global Economic Weekly, 2010). Currently, the inflation rate is 2.7% and is expected to decline further to 1.8% in 2012 (Global Economic Weekly, 2010). The increase in GDP is expected to translate into high disposable income among the citizens. This will lead to high demand for telecommunication servic es. The reduction in inflation will reduce the prices of telecommunication services thus increasing their demand. Therefore, the robust economic growth in UK will translate into high growth in its telecom industry. Social Cultural Environment UK is associated with the culture of consumerism. Besides, the rich population has high preference for high quality products. This has resulted into a high demand for smart phones in the country (Rohrbeck, 2011, pp. 420-430). Thus most firms in the telecom industry are focusing on innovation and product differentiation in order to meet customers’ expectation in regard to product quality (Cambini and Jiang, 2010, pp. 559-574). The consumers are also very sensitive to prices (Charles, 2011). This has led to high price elasticity for most products especially internet services. Technology UK has a culture of developing technologies that change the lifestyles of its citizens and promotes economic growth. Currently, UK is the leading in resear ch and development in Europe (Lichtenthaler, 2011, pp. 317-330). Its investment in research and development grows at an annual rate of 10.3% (Lichtenthaler, 2011, pp. 317-330). This has facilitated innovation in the telecom industry. British Telecom is among the firms that have heavily invested in next generation technologies. Thus advancement in technology has enabled UK telecom firms to introduce new products, reduce costs and improve the quality of customer services. Legal The telecom industry in UK is completely liberalized (Business and Market Development, 2011). This means that the government has limited interference in the industry. Thus firms are able to pursue their growth plans effectively. Ofcom being the industry regulator formulates policies that guide competition (Business and Market Development, 2011). Environment The telecom industry has little negative impacts on the environment since it focuses on the provision of services. However, disposal of complementary produc ts such as cell phones leads to environmental pollution. Building telecommunication networks also leads to destruction of ecologies or animal habitats (Huang, 2011, pp. 641-653). Consequently, most firms channel a high percentage of their social responsibility funds towards environmental conservation programs (Cohmann, 2010, 499-534). Conclusion Telecom industry is the strongest in UK. It is completely deregulated and is associated with intense competition. The main drivers of growth include technological advancements, innovation and product differentiation (Streel, 2010, pp. 210-260). The incumbent firms are able to maintain their market shares due to the low threat of new entrants and substitutes. Growth in the industry is also enhanced by the rapid economic growth and political stability (Streel, 2010, pp. 210-260). The main barriers to growth include, low buyers’ bargaining power and the high threat of competitive rivalry. References Blanchard, O. 2009. Macroeconomics. Ne w York: John Wiley and Sons. Business and Market Development, 2011. UK telecommunications market research report. [Online] Available at: http://www.mbdltd.co.uk/ . Cadman, R. and Helen, C. 2010. Market structure and innovation in UK telecommunications sector. Journal of Information Technology. 8(12), pp. 320-364. Cambini, C. and Jiang, Y. 2010. Broadband investment and regulation: a literature review. Telecommunication Policy. 33(10), pp. 559-574. Charles, F 2011. Contemporary marketing mix in UK telecommunication industry. [Online] Available at: https://scribd.com/ . Cohmann, L. 2010. Towards a different debate in environmental accounting: the case of carbon and cost-benefit. Accounting, Organization and Society. 34(3), pp. 499-534. Frank, T. 2009. Principles of economics. London. Prentice Hall. Gary, A., Harker, M. and Kottler, P. 2009. Marketing. New York: McGraw-Hill. Global Economic Weekly, 2010. Goldman Sachs global economics, commodities and strategy research. Web. Web. Holle nsen, S. 2010. Marketing management. New York: McGraw-Hill. Hsuan, J. and Mahnke, J. 2011. Information, imagination and intelligence. RD Management Journal. 3(1), pp. 154-165. Huang, C. 2011. Corporate governance, corporate social responsibility and corporate performance. Journal of Management and Organization. 16(5), pp. 641-653. Lichtenthaler, U. 2011. Outbound open innovation and its effects on firm performance. RD Management Journal. 39(4), pp. 317-330. Mankiw, G. 2008. Principles of economics. New York: John Wiley and Sons. Michael, B. and Hong, C. 2010. Cost and regulation in the UK telecommunication industry. Management Accounting Research. 11(1), pp. 137-165. Roger, A. 2010. Macroeconomics. New York: Cengage learning. Rohrbeck, R. 2011. Opening up for competitive advantage. RD Management Journal. 39(4), 420-430. Streel, A. 2010. Current and future European regulation of electronic communications: a critical assessment. Telecommunications Policy. 32(11), 722-734. Trath, E. an d Pitt, D. 2010. Government and industry relations in the UK and US Telecommunication industry. Journal of Information Technology. 7(1), pp. 210-260. Vitorovich, L. 2011. Fujitsu to build super-fast network for rural UK. London: Dow Jones and Company. This report on Telecom Services Providers Industry in UK was written and submitted by user Kinsey S. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

analysis of Prverts paroles essays

analysis of Prvert's paroles essays Q: Discuss Prverts ideas of childhood and youth with reference to poems from Paroles. Jacques Prvert was born on the 4th February 1900 in Neuilly-sur-Seine. Famous poet, scriptwriter and close friend of artists Picasso and Motand; he was a prominent figure of the post war cultural scene in Paris. Known for the phenomenal success of his collection of poems Paroles and his key role in the French surrealist movement; Prverts early childhood days were far from the successful figure he later became. Prverts younger childhood days were a very happy time for him. He had fond memories of this time and this was often reflected in his work. However, when Prvert was 7 years old (in 1906) his father, Andr lost his job; and the idyllic, carefree childhood young Jacques had once known, disappeared all at once. The family moved to a hotel in the poorest quarters of Paris. Prverts world was turned upside down, into that of a working class Paris and its Parisian street urchins. Childhood is a recurrent metaphor of poetic imagination and eternal youth, and is a prevalent feature in his work in Paroles. It is believed that Prverts own childhood has had a strong influence in his ideas both positively and negatively. The purpose of this essay is to discuss this idea. Prverts father finally got a job working in the central office for the poor of Paris. He would find families and assess their financial situation. His father was dealing with some of the poorest people in the city. Prvert who was only seven years old at the time evokes this memory in the poem La Grasse Matine Lazy Day. This is a poem, which vividly evokes the readers imagination and tells the tale of the torment of someone unab ...

How fashion as a styling tool can be used for self expression Essay

How fashion as a styling tool can be used for self expression - Essay Example He talks of fashion in the American journal of sociology, as a form of imitation in the attempt of attaining social equalization. In contrast, it brings out inequality and changing from differentiating one social stratum to another. It, however, unites people from the same social class while segregating them from those in a different category. Although fashion is only for the wealthy and does not exist in tribal or less fortunate societies. It only affects the superficial image of a person, differentiating them from different groups, but does not cause any harm. On the negative side, it denies one the personal freedom dressing because they have to fit in. In most cases, it features both the female and the middle-class individuals. â€Å"The charm of imitation in the first place is to be found in the fact that it makes possible an expedient test of power† (Simmel, 1957, p. 542). In the agreement, Pierre Bourdieu in the Taste of Luxury, Taste of necessity talks of fashion in terms of the economic value of the commodity. The type of dressing one puts on depends on the economic status of the individual. With fashion in place, the works of art designs different attires with different pricing. In the end, the poor tend to buy cheap clothes that differentiate them from the rich. The source and amount of income define the so-called â€Å"slaves to fashion† as the cash one sets aside for dressing differs (Bourdieu, 2013, p. 72.). Some even emulate what they see von media to determine what they put on as long as they have the money. According to this, mainly the poor but ordinary to the rich consider fashion luxurious. According to Thorstein Vablen dress as an expression of the pecuniary culture, he considers fashion as a form of wasteful consumption. The outlook that one needs makes the person budget for a particular type of clothes. The social perspective of the person is entirely defined by what they are seen

Blood Donation Marketing analysis Research Paper

Blood Donation Marketing analysis - Research Paper Example The collected blood will be supplied to the military camps, churches, community organizations etc for emergency purposes ( American Red Cross, 2010).The guidelines, benefits of the blood donation camp are available for free through social media networks like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter (Donate Blood, 2013d). Weakness Recruitment of first time blood donors require extensive identification, education and motivation. Training, educating and motivation these first time blood donors consumes a lot of time (Red Cross, 2010). The trainers have to maintain a record of the first time blood donors since the repeat donors are already provided with an identity card by the blood organizer camp. Apart from time consumption, the blood organizers have to deal with the pre donation anxiety and nervousness of the first time blood donors. Opportunity The benefits about blood donation are being taught to the college children, this has eased the task of the blood donation camps to communicate the benefits of blood donation. Technological development has made it easier for the blood donors to schedule their appointments online (Donate Blood, 2013e).... †¢To develop an integrated marketing communication strategy which motivates current, non and lapsed donors in the target market to increase their blood donations in 2013-14. †¢To improve and increase blood donation accessibility for the 18-24 year-old age group in 2013-14. Issue Analysis In Australia, marketing effort is aimed at attracting and maintaining sufficient numbers of regular, volunteer blood donors in the under-represented age group of 18 to 24 year-olds. It is essential that the Australian Red Cross Blood Service ensures are reasonable and safe blood supply throughout the year. Each week, at least 27,000, blood donations, are required to assist people with serious blood illnesses (e.g., cancer, blood diseases), surgical patients (e.g., open heart surgery, burns), kidney disease patients, pregnant women and traumatic accident patients (Australian Red Cross Blood Service, 2013). Only a relatively small percentage of the eligible population within the 18-24 year-ol d age group donates blood on a regular basis. Furthermore, eligible donors often lapse in their blood donating behaviour after their blood donation. Marketing Strategy Arranging for a blood donation campaign is a challenging task and requires intensive market study, planning and psychological analysis of the blood donors. An effective marketing strategy needs to be developed to ensure the smooth functioning of the blood donation campaign. Marketing Objective To encourage blood donation among individuals aged between 18 to 24 years old from the period 01 July 2013 to 30 June 2014. Budget Allocation The allocated budget for the blood donation campaign would be AUD20 million which would be required to cover the research process, media, medical equipments, advertising

Safety in Outdoor Adventure Activities

Safety in Outdoor Adventure Activities How oft, in spirit, have I turned to thee, O sylvan Wye! thou wanderer thro the woods, How often has my spirit turned to thee! William Wordsworth Introduction Within the vacillations of the framework for environmental adventure education, it is of extreme importance that the instructor/evaluator be able to integrate the predetermination of participants into their scheme or objectives. In this way, the student guides the instructor into lines of necessity as well as the instructor laying ground rules for the future participation in outings or events. Additionally, the achievement protocol must become based entirely on the mental success of students as well as the substantiation of their prideful focus on these activities. The only growth potential for a student participating in adventure activities comes from the assimilation of new techniques and the mitigation of challenging evidence to the contrary of their own prideful and successful belief structure. Environment Prior to the approach of adventure travelers into this unique world of kayaking, it was important to access the environmental affecters which might change or determine the course of participation. Particular evaluations made prior to the event inception include the legislative comprehension, evaluation of the weather and potential natural events, and the ability to access the area of travel. Legislation: Obviously, it is of significant import to determine if the government regulates any particulars of a given activity. In this situation, it was determined through research of the location, contact with the governing authority, as well as research via the internet, that there was no mitigating legislation which might inhibit our participation. Weather: Secondly, it was of high import that on the morning of our event that I evaluate the current weather forecast in order to determine the propensity for travel during our given timeframe. Fortunately, on this day, there was only a ten percent change of rain and no other signs of negative influence on our journey. It was, however, an interesting indicator of the success for future adventure travel that the frequent variations in weather could potentially inhibit the safe travel and passage of my guests. Accessibility: Finally, the ability to access the chosen area was necessitated by the current stratification of river bodies which occupy the housing of exclusive clubs and organizations. In this particular scenario, integration with the Wey Kayak Club offered ease of access into the determined junction and we were able to put in our kayaks without problem or negative event. Safety As the group set out for the kayaking expedition, it was the integral safety of this particular activity which was at the forefront of our situation. The Kayaks loaded onto our transport, my mind returned to the analysis which I had conducted prior to embarkation and the results propelled us forward. Significantly, the most important factors which would affect this expedition were the abilities of the adventurers, the quality of the equipment, and the pattern of the river. The Adventurers: In this particular exercise, due to the beginner requirements of the River Wye, there is minimal training which must occur prior to integration into the waters. However, several basic skills must be mastered for the particular possibility of catastrophic events. These include the ability to rollover one’s Kayak in still water and the ability to paddle, determined by the comfort level of the user to rotate from control to free hand and integrate this motion into actual events. Equipment: Obviously, the choice of equipment for beginner kayakers was essential to the experience of the adventurer as well as the integration of their skills into the required exercises. This choice was made based upon the structural stability of the craft, the ease of maneuverability, and finally, the portability based on weight. For this project, we chose the recreational kayak, as regardless of distance upon the river, the necessity of a touring, whitewater, or downriver kayak was not insinuated. It was through the simplified maneuverability and average weight of the recreational model was perfect for beginners. River Topography: Essential to the affectation of a safe and enthralling kayaking expedition are the dynamics of the river traveled. Through careful analysis of entry and exit point, including the portability of the equipment, the expected encounter of rapids, and the re-transportation of the kayaks to the vehicles, essential standards were established for the decided location for participation. The unique makeup of the Wye river as topographically without rapid intervention, as well as the sustained current and comfortable beginner training area made for a well participated journey. Near the A3 just off of the Riverside Guildford offered a unique put in area, and nearly five miles downriver, there sat our retrieval vehicle for our expedient return. Participants Obviously, the essential integration of diverse participants into the leisure industry is entirely reliant on the ability to create and perpetuate the inclusion of exciting and varied events. Additionally, it is through the one on one coaching that the student may become inspired to the revision of pre-determined tactics. In terms of the kayaking exercise, it was essential for me to establish my own flow and abilities prior to begin to coach the ladies with their approach. Therefore, through acceptance of their instructor’s usefulness, students will continue to find their challenges lurk in personnel as well as their susceptibility to the norm when it should be through the modification of corporate structure that corporations actively seek out success. Skill/Behavior: This critical area of adventure evaluation determined the extreme tasks undertake by our group of participants. It was essential for our success in this event that my perception prior to water immersion was integrated with the information provided by the group. Of those participating, there were two kayakers in particular who were at a significant disadvantage to the others, having neither paddled in placid nor rapid water. It was my primary objective to identify their weaknesses and instruct their advance in the tactics for water safety and effective technique. As I, myself, was challenged by the opportunity to move from test cycle to natural environment, it would become prudent that my water skills be tested and personally approved prior to leading the expedition downstream. My noticeable flaw was my inability to maintain a consistent paddling rhythm, resulting in a circular motion unbefitting of an instructor. Through readjustment of my grip, from tension upon the control hand and an integrated relaxed method of my free rotating hand, I was able improve greatly within the first few minutes of water immersion. Ultimately, when kayaking, your control hand must hold the shaft with the knuckles lined up with the upper edge of the blade. The opposite hand now has the ability to relax and rotate. Importantly, one hand must release slightly from the paddle during strokes or the grips will be in direct opposition to each other’s movement. As my students watched my struggle, and eventually my success, their confidence was additionally improved and paddling techniques became more fluid and effective. It was essential to the group safety that this establishment of technique be a priority, regardless of the anxiousness of the more proficient participants. I also noticed a particular flaw in several group members as their challenge of interactivity within the integrated setting set them off on tangents which drove their progress too far downstream. This safety risk and particular avarice to my instruction demonstrated a need for adaptable discipline, and as I coached them on their group progression, I showed group reintegration and the affectation of a common goal of the waterway traverse. Confidence Development: Of particular importance to the adventure sports leadership is the response by participants to the activities and circumstances of their journey. The unique ability to watch as my group utilized peer support in order to affect skill development, coupled with the integration of a common objective was highly inspiring. I realized that as I utilized my maneuvers to coach and develop participants, they in turn were able to break away in order to perpetuate the growth of others. It was through this interaction that the group developed significant self-confidence, as their skills and application of environmental integration offered a high standard of pride and personal affectation. As students were able to finally overcome the challenge of task integration into a mentally perceived practice environment, their speed, dexterity, and skill all became more proficient and inspired. In fact, their skills were excitedly exploited during one course of a set of small rapids as student participated in a group attempt to enact an individual rollover at the base. The perception was that through the group collaboration, in spite of the danger or challenge, that each student would be able to descend the current, come to a halt with a  ½ rotation spin, and cause themselves to flip over at the base of the rapids. They would then utilize their skills and technique previously acquired to upright themselves, and if there was in fact difficulty, I sat by, ready to rescue any stranded paddler. Finally, the exit point offered a unique affectation of success to all participants, as they landed and exited from the soft current, renewed and rejuvenated in their decisive attempt to improve their mastery of a world sport. The integration of cultural pride into their own personal appropriation of skill and success substantially imbibes their demeanor with a noticeable happiness and achievement. This ability to watch all participants exit the water with jocular praise and ebullience was not only enjoyable but invigorating for me, as I knew that my attention to safety and the detail elements of this adventure were securely rooted in my learned skills and teaching abilities. Takeaways The significance of the appreciated takeaways during this adventure outing will be integrated into my future teaching and leisure travel techniques. It will become essential that I remember particulars of this event in order to further my own comprehension of the inspirational power of personal achievement. Additionally, I will continue to focus on the training techniques which I utilized during this outing and will modify to affect growth in future interactions. It is essential to the success of future endeavors that the location of integration for any type of adventure group be established, evaluated for potential challenges, and cleared by the government legislation of that particular area. Additionally, while not addressed during my study, the group appreciation for this area will be determined by their ability to interact successfully with their environment, therefore, I will consider the challenge of engagement as a personal goal in all future endeavors. The integration of participants into the particulars of the environment becomes a unique opportunity to actualize individual affectation within the activities. Similarly, it will become a personal objective to hone the skills unique to the event or venue optioned for integration into leisure travel management. This means that regardless of the outdoor activity, my own integration into the abilities required will continue to positively affect the morale and abilities of my students. People who decide to involve themselves in group outdoor activities are most likely not experts in that particular field, and therefore, they look for support from their leader to determine the path to success. Conclusion The utilization of outdoor entertainment for physical and mental challenge has become a highly integral industry in the field of hospitality and leisure. It is therefore of specific import that the technician of such events be able to strategically evaluate the potential for success through the location, abilities of the participants, and the environmental affecters. It is key to the confrontation of individual challenges that the instructor find the ability to effectively communicate objectives and strategies to his participants, in addition to encouraging individual growth and participation. Only through the full integration of the mindset and acceptance of activity, will the students find their experience not only rewarding but a stepping block for future challenges. And through the dissolution of mental blocks to the challenge framework, it is possible for the instructor to inspire great internal growth and a spectacular inclusion of a set of new and varied skills and abilities.

George MacDonalds The Princess and the Goblin :: MacDonald Princess Goblin essays

George MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin All over the world people have believed in a race of creatures, superhuman and subhuman, that are not gods or ghosts, but differ from humans in their powers, properties, and attributes (Briggs, Vanishing 27). The concepts of these creatures/fairies have been passed down through generations in many cultures through forms such as songs, sayings, and stories. Stories such as folktales and myths have wide array of fairy types found in them from various cultures' folklores (Abrams 101). Little people (lesser spirits) are often considered a subclass of fairies and include creatures like gnomes, trolls, and goblins (Rose 200, South 329). George MacDonald in his myth novel, The Princess and the Goblin, draws from many folk sources to bring to life his underworld "goblins." These "goblins" are an amalgamation of various types of little people. MacDonald effectively brings together attributes of goblins, dwarfs and trolls, gnomes and kobolds, and brownies to create a narrative full of tension and humour. First, MacDonald's "goblins" once lived above ground as humans, but they chose refuge underground to avoid severe taxes placed on them by the king (MacDonald 3). Through time, these people were transformed into "goblins." This is similar to the common suggested origin of the little people as humans conquered by other races that now conceal themselves from their conquerors (South 334). The fairies are often said to have been Eve's children whom she hid from God because she was embarrassed by them; God was not deceived and decided that those children should be "hidden from all Mankind" forever (Briggs, Vanishing 31). These origins suggest that the creatures are half human, which is a common idea in Scandinavian tradition (Briggs, Vanishing 31). This human origin of the "goblins" suggests that they are one side of human nature. There is a tension between the "goblins" and the humans as they show different aspects of life and morality. Second, the goblins, dwarfs and trolls, gnomes and kobolds, and brownies are all small, but they are humanlike in form though often described as misshapen and grotesque, and except for brownies, they are also often described as being old with gray hair and beards (Rose 51, 93, 128, 316). MacDonald's "goblins" are dwarfed and hideous, and though they are not described as old looking, their cleverness is associated with this characteristic (MacDonald 4). The use of these common folklore images of little people creates creatures that can be imagined easily by the reader.

The Great Controversy of Newton and Leibniz

The great controversy as to who discovered the Calculus first, either Isaac Newton or Gottfried Leibniz, is indeed a sordid affair, which has sullied the arena of science. Boyer speaks the truth when he says that no invention in science or mathematics can be said to be the accomplishment of one or two persons (1959, p. 187). Newton himself admitted â€Å"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants† (qtd. in Rees 2006, p. 340). Such self-effacement is part of the magnanimity that we expect from a true genius. But did Leibniz conduct himself similarly? This, I believe, is the crux of the debate. Scientists not only stand on the shoulders of the giants of the past, but they also collaborate with each other. The very greatness of science stems from the fact that it is practiced in broad daylight. There should be no place for pride and vanity here. And yet the great controversy involves nothing but vanity. In the first instant it involved the vanities of two personalities, and then embroiled the vanities of two nations. If the accolade of the â€Å"inventor of the Calculus† must go to one among the two, I believe it must go to him who has conducted himself with most honor. And in this duel Newton emerges the winner. I first catalogue all that can be said in favor of Leibniz. He was truly a philosopher, in contrast to the scientific genius that Newton was. If we examine his philosophy we will find that it is in complete harmony with what the science of the calculus describes. He postulated a theory of â€Å"monads†, which are infinitesimal units of reality in which the microcosm contains the macrocosm. Calculus is the analysis of infinitesimals, and we are able to see in it a reflection of the Monadology. Therefore it is very likely that he came to an independent discovery. Calculus was on the verge of being discovered in any case, which the works of Huygens, Barrow and Fermat attest to. It is recorded that Leibniz began work on the Calculus in 1674, independently of Newton (?), and was the first to publish in 1684 (Stillwell 2002, p. 159). His unique approach (the dy/dx notation) demonstrates clearly his originality. And because he starts from a philosophical point of view, his analysis is more intuitive and suitable to demonstration. This is why the Leibnizean notation and approach that has become the norm. But the fact remains that Newton was the first to come a thorough formulation of the Calculus. In a note to a paper written in 1666 we find him deriving a tangent to a curve using his â€Å"method of fluxions†. In this note there is as aside that reads â€Å"This is only a special case of a general method whereby I can calculate curves and determine maxima, minima, and centers of gravity† (Boyer 1959, p. 207). This clearly indicates that Newton had come to a complete formulation. But he has no regard for the vanity of publication, being the consummate scientist that he was. In the height of the controversy Newton is reported to have said, â€Å"I have never grasped at fame among foreign nations, but I am very desirous to preserve my character for honesty† (Brewster 2004, p. 72). Calculus to Newton was merely a tool that he required to come to his universal theory of gravitation and motion, and not something that should be flouted separately. He was even reluctant to publish the revolutionary Principia, and did so only after the prodding of Edmund Halley. Leibniz, on the other hand, was eager to publish and propagate his findings. While we admit to his originality to a large extent, the conduct of Leibniz is highly suspicious in the proceedings. He makes no defense of his integrity, as Newton does, but instead seem entirely intent on pushing the evidence alone, as if defending himself in a court of law, and this makes us feel that he is hiding something. Subsequent scholarship does indeed reveal that he manipulated documents before being released. He is also found to have possessed crucial papers of Newton which he fails to admit of, which C J Gerhardt unearthed in 1849, even though he did make such an admission shortly before his death (Cajori 1898, p. 240). We must judge by circumstantial evidence, because it is all that we have at this distance. When we focus on the conduct of the two disputants, Leibniz is certainly the suspect one. There is no doubt that they both collaborated with each other. But plagiarism must be construed when any one among them fails to be completely honest and forthcoming. From this point of view the accusation falls on Leibniz, who has surely acted suspiciously. Even by his own admission he was aided by Newton’s papers, yet he failed to acknowledge his debt in time. This amounts to plagiarism. And since it is Newton that he plagiarized from, it is fair to name Newton as the inventor of the Calculus. Reference List Boyer C B. (1959). The History of the Calculus and Its Conceptual Development. Chelmsford, MA: Courier Dover Publications. Brewster D. (2004). Memoirs of the Life, Writings and Discoveries of Sir Isaac Newton Part 2. Whitefish MT: Kessinger Publishing. Cajori F. (1898). A History of Elementary Mathematics. London: Macmillan. Rees N. (2006). Brewer's Famous Quotations: 5000 Quotations and the Stories. New York: Sterling Publishing Company. Stillwell J. (2002). Mathematics and Its History. New York: Springer Publishing Company.