With Independence Comes Greater Responsibility.

â€Å"With independence comes greater responsibility. † Ring! Ring! the alarm clock wakes me up at precisely 7:30 am on the first day of summer. My parents rush into my room yelling at me to get up. I’m oblivious to what’s happening because my eyes are still half closed. As I regain my senses I see that my parents are wearing tank-tops and shorts. Instantly I remember that we’re going to China for the summer. After that commotion my parents left the room leaving me with two empty bags to be filled with my belongings that would last me two months. It’s inevitable that I’ll forget something, I mean I always do.Every summer we go to vacations and I always forget to bring the right amount of underwear or my prescribed cream because usually my mom does it for me. This time it’s different, I’m older and I should be able to do it myself. I arbitrarily put everything in my bag. From every item of clothing, every pair of shoes plus the t hings in between. Next thing you know I’m at the airport with my parents unloading our luggage onto a cart. Inside, at the terminal desk the woman behind the counter was telling us that they were overbooked causing us to get upgraded to first class, but there was a problem.There were only two spots available, and one of us had to wait for the next flight. I told my parents that i wanted to stay behind, i mean, i wanted to prove to them that i was responsible enough plus it was kind of romantic for them to be alone. They actually listened to what i had to say and gave me what i wanted. Fast forward to the plane being boarded i was watching my parents leave without me, i had a little anxiety because it would be the first time that my parents let me go alone.Soon after they left i went to my gate with the help of the airport employees because i didn’t have a clue where anything was. I was on my own and i felt a little heartache watching the families around me having fun a nd bonding. We were being called onto the plane. First they called first class, seniors then it was my turn. I handed over my ticket and showed her my passport she noticed the tenseness in my body language and said â€Å"you look nervous, are you okay? †. I managed to let out a quiet â€Å"yes† even though i was telling a lie.I entered the plane and found my seat and sat down. After everyone settled down the plane started to move. It was doing circles around the driveway to warm up it’s engine. Then it stops and i could hear a huge roar from the engine. Before lift off my dad would always give me gum before liftoff so my ears wouldn’t pop. He would always buy juicy fruit but this time he wasn’t here and i didn’t have any. I forced myself to withstand the pressure. After the successful liftoff my moms lap would be my pillow and my mom would ask for a blanket.I was getting cold and tired so i asked the stewardess for a pillow and a blanket, ju st like how my parents would ask if they were with me. The blanket and pillow were amazingly comfy and i quickly fell asleep. Excuse me sir! Excuse me sir! It was the flight attendant asking me if i want beef or chicken. My parents would usually get my food for me and let me sleep longer. They weren’t here so i just picked what the guy beside me picked, beef. The airplane food was gross, i never liked it.I could see the family across from me and how they were all enjoying their meals and pretending that they were at their dinner table exchanging stories that happened to them. I sat quietly eating my meal. Then the guy beside me started to talk to me about the show i was watching. I usually never talk to anyone on the plane, but this time i thought i would give it a try. So i talked to him and he seem to be an interesting person to talk to. We talked the whole way before the seat belt sign went on. This is when we start landing and at that point my body started to shiver.I was always afraid of landing. My mom would usually hold my hand to keep me calm, but she wasn’t here. The guy who had become my friend saw me shiver and asked me what's wrong with me. I manned up and told him nothing’s wrong. Those last few seconds as the plane started to descend were the scariest time of my life. I kept my composure, and stayed calm. I knew i could do this , i know i can, I can, I can, I can. The heart was beating super fast. Then i heard â€Å"SCREECH† and i was safe. I knew my parents were waiting for me and i couldn’t wait to get off to see them again. I was so proud of myself.

Boko Haram

Boko Haram From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Boko Haram People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad | Participant in the Nigerian Sharia conflict| Active| 2002–| Ideology| Islamism Islamic fundamentalism Oppose man-made law Support strict sharia law| Leaders| Mohammed Yusuf Abubakar Shekau[1] Mallam Sanni Umaru[2][3][not in citation given]Abu Qaqa – spokesman[4] Abu Zaid – spokesman[3]| Headquarters| Kanamma, Nigeria|Area  of operations| Northern Nigeria| Opponents| Nigerian State| Battles/wars| Nigerian Sharia conflict 2009 Nigerian sectarian violence| Map of Nigerian states that currently implement Shariah (in green) People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad[5] (Arabic: , Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad), better known by its Hausa name Boko Haram, is a jihadist terrorist organization based in the northeast of Nigeria. 6] It is an Islamist movement which strongly opposes man-made laws. Founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2001[7] or 2002,[8] the organisation is a Muslim sect that seeks to abolish the secular system of government and establish sharia law in the country. [9][10] The group is also known for attacking Christian churches. [11] The movement, whose name in the Hausa language, Boko Haram, translates as â€Å"Western education is sacrilege†[9] or â€Å"a sin†,[12] is divided into three factions, and in 2011, was responsible for more than 450 killings in Nigeria. 9] Though the group first became known internationally following sectarian violence in Nigeria in 2009, it does not have a clear structure or evident chain of command. [13] Moreover, it is still a matter of debate whether Boko Haram has links to terror outfits outside Nigeria and its fighters have frequently clashed with Nigeria's central government. [9] Contents * 1 Etymology * 2 Ideology * 2. 1 Criticism * 3 History * 3. 1 Background * 3. 2 Origin * 3. 3 The beginning of violence * 3. 4 Reemergence * 4 Assessment * 5 Funding * 6 See also * 7 References * 8 External links| EtymologyThe group has adopted its official name to be People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad, which is the English translation of Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad ( ). In the town of Maiduguri, where the group was formed, the residents dubbed it Boko Haram. The term â€Å"Boko Haram† comes from the Hausa word boko meaning â€Å"western education† and the Arabic word haram figuratively meaning â€Å"sin† (literally, â€Å"forbidden†). [14][15][16][17] The name, loosely translated from Hausa, means â€Å"western education is forbidden†.The group earned this name due to its strong opposition to anything Western, which it sees as corrupting Muslims. [18] Ideology Boko Haram is an indigenous Salafist group which only turned itself into a Salafist Jihadist group in 2009. [6] It propagat es that not only interaction with the Western World is forbidden, but it is also against the Muslim establishment and the government of Nigeria. [19] The group publicly extols its ideology despite the fact that its founder and former leader Muhammad Yusuf was himself a highly educated man who lived a lavish life and drove a Mercedes Benz. 14] The members of the group do not interact with the local Muslim population[20] and have carried out assassinations in the past of any one who criticises it, including Muslim clerics. [18] In a 2009 BBC interview, Muhammad Yusuf, then leader of the group, stated his belief that the concept of a spherical Earth is contrary to Islamic teaching and should be rejected, along with Darwinian evolution and the concept of rain originating from water evaporated by the sun. [21] Before his death, Yusuf reiterated the group's objective of changing the current education system and rejecting democracy. 22] Nigerian academic Hussain Zakaria told BBC News that the controversial cleric had a graduate education, spoke proficient English, lived a lavish lifestyle and drove a Mercedes-Benz. [21] In the wake of the 2009 crackdown on its members and its subsequent reemergence, the growing frequency and geographical range of attacks attributed to Boko Haram have led some political and religious leaders in the north to the conclusion that the group has now expanded beyond its original religious composition to include not only Islamic militants, but criminal elements and disgruntled politicians as well. Boko Haram has become a franchise that anyone can buy into. It's something like a Bermuda Triangle,† said Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima. [23] Criticism Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, the Niger State governor, has criticised the group saying â€Å"Islam is known to be a religion of peace and does not condone violence and crime in any form† and Boko Haram doesn't represent Islam. [24] The Sultan of Sokoto Sa'adu Abubakar, the s piritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, has called the sect â€Å"anti-Islamic† and, as reported by the website AllAfrica. om, â€Å"an embarrassment to Islam. â€Å"[25] The Coalition of Muslim Clerics in Nigeria (CMCN) have called on the Boko Haram to disarm and embrace peace. [26] The Islamic Circle of North America,[27] the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada,[28] The Muslim Council of Britain,[29] the Organization of Islamic Cooperation[30] and the Council on American Islamic Relations[31] have all condemned the group. History Background Main articles: Islam in Nigeria and Colonial NigeriaBefore colonisation and subsequent annexation into the British Empire, the Bornu Empire ruled the territory where Boko Haram is currently active. It was a sovereign sultanate run according to the principles of the Constitution of Medina, with a majority Kanuri Muslim population. The Bornu Sultanate emerged after the overthrow of the Kanem-Bornu Empire ruled by the Saifawa dynasty for over 2000 years. The Bornu Sultanate of the Kanuri is distinct from the Sokoto Caliphate of the Hausa/Fulani established in 1802 by the military conquest of Usman dan Fodio. 6] Both the Bornu Sultanate and Sokoto Caliphate came under control of the British in 1903. However, due to activities of early Christian missionaries who used Western education as a tool for evangelism, it is viewed with suspicion by the local population. [18] Increased dissatisfaction gave rise to many fundamentalists among the Kanuri and other peoples of northeast Nigeria. One of the most famous such fundamentalists was Mohammed Marwa, also known as Maitatsine, who was at the height of his notoriety during the 1970s and 1980s.He was sent into exile by the British authorities, he refused to believe Mohammed was the Prophet and instigated riots in the country which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. Some analysts view Boko Haram as an extension of the Maitatsine riots. [32] Origin The group was founded b y Mohammed Yusuf in 2002 in the city of Maiduguri with the aim of establishing a Shari'a government in Borno State under former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. [7][32] He established a religious complex that included a mosque and a school where many poor families from across Nigeria and from neighboring countries enrolled their children. 18] The centre had ulterior political goals and soon it was also working as a recruiting ground for future jihadis to fight the state. [18] The group includes members who come from neighbouring Chad and Niger and speak only Arabic. [33] In 2004 the complex was relocated to Yusuf's home state of Yobe in the village Kanamma near the Niger border. [22] Human Rights Watch researcher Eric Guttschuss told IRIN News that Yusuf successfully attracted followers from unemployed youth â€Å"by speaking out against police and political corruption. Abdulkarim Mohammed, a researcher on Boko Haram, added that violent uprisings in Nigeria are ultimately due to â€Å"t he fallout of frustration with corruption and the attendant social malaise of poverty and unemployment. â€Å"[34] The beginning of violence Timeline of incidents| 7 September 2010| Bauchi prison break[35]| 31 December 2010| December 2010 Abuja attack[36]| 22 April 2011| Boko Haram frees 14 prisoners during a jailbreak in Yola, Adamawa State[37]| 29 May 2011| May 2011 northern Nigeria bombings[38]| 6 June 2011| The group claims responsibility for the 2011 Abuja police headquarters bombing[39][40]| 26 June 2011| Bombing attack on a beer garden in Maiduguri, leaving 25 dead and 12 injured[41][42]| 10 July 2011| Bombing at the All Christian Fellowship Church in Suleja, Niger State[43]| 11 July 2011| The University of Maiduguri temperory closes down its campus citing security concerns[44]| 12 August 2011| Prominent Muslim Cleric Liman Bana is shot dead by Boko Haram[45]| 26 August 2011| 2011 Abuja bombing[46]| November 2011| 2011 Damaturu attacks[40][47][48]| 25 December 2011| December 2011 Nigeria bombings[49]| 5–6 January 2012| January 2012 Nigeria attacks[50]| 20 January 2012| January 2012 Kano bombings[51]| 28 January 2012| Nigerian army says it killed 11 Boko Haram insurgents[52]| 8 February 2012| Boko Haram claims responsibility for a suicide bombing at the army headquarters in Kaduna. [53]| 16 February 2012| Another prison break staged in central Nigeria; 119 prisoners are released, one warder killed. 54]| 8 March 2012| During a British hostage rescue attempt to free Italian engineer Franco Lamolinara and Briton Christopher McManus, abducted in 2011 by a splinter group Boko Haram, both hostages were killed. [55]| The group conducted its operations more or less peacefully during the first seven years of its existence[6] That changed in 2009 when the Nigerian government launched an investigation into the group's activities following reports that its members were arming themselves. 56] Prior to that the government reportedly repeatedly ignored warnings about the increasingly militant character of the organisation, including that of a military officer. [56] When the government came into action, several members of the group were arrested in Bauchi, sparking deadly clashes with Nigerian security forces which led to the deaths of an estimated 700 people. During the fighting with the security forces Boko Haram fighters reportedly â€Å"used fuel-laden motorcycles† and â€Å"bows with poison arrows† to attack a police station. [57] The group's founder and then leader Mohammed Yusuf was killed during this time while in police custody. 58][59][60] After Yusuf's killing, a new leader emerged whose identity was not known at the time. [61] Reemergence After the killing of M. Yusuf, the group carried out its first terrorist attack in Borno in January 2010. It resulted in the killing of four people. [62] Since then, the violence has only escalated in terms of both frequency and intensity. In January 2012, Abubakar Shekau, a form er deputy to Yusuf, appeared in a video posted on YouTube. According to Reuters, Shekau took control of the group after Yusuf's death in 2009. [1] Authorities had previously believed that Shekau died during the violence in 2009. 63] By early 2012, the group was responsible for over 900 deaths. [64] Assessment Boko Haram is considered a major potential terrorist threat affecting Nigeria and other countries, and U. S. officials believe it is potentially allied with Al Qaeda. U. S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Carter F. Ham stated in September 2011 that three African terrorist groups – Shabab of Somalia, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb across the Sahel region, and Boko Haram – â€Å"have very explicitly and publicly voiced an intent to target Westerners, and the U.S. specifically† and that he was concerned with â€Å"the voiced intent of the three organizations to more closely collaborate and synchronize their efforts. â€Å"[65] General Ham reitera ted his concern after the Christmas Day 2011 bombings of churches in Nigeria: â€Å"I remain greatly concerned about their stated intent to connect with Al Qaeda senior leadership, most likely through Al Qaeda in the lands of the Islamic Maghreb. †[65] The US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence urged the Obama Administration and U.S. intelligence community in November 2011 to focus on Boko Haram as a potential threat to United States territory. [66] Nigeria's National Security Adviser, General Owoye Andrew Azazi, has been working with other African governments, European and Middle Eastern governments, and the U. S. government to build cooperation against Boko Haram. He met in 2010 with then-CIA Director Leon Panetta, and in 2011 with AFRICOM Commander General Ham, and other U. S. fficials, and was in the United States when the congressional panel was preparing its report on Boko Haram. He participated in a CIA conference at about the sam e time. [67] After the Christmas 2011 bombings carried out by Boko Haram, President Barack Obama's office issued a statement that confirmed that the U. S. and Nigeria were cooperating at a senior level against the terrorist group. [68] Funding A spokesman of Boko Haram claimed that Kano state governor Ibrahim Shekarau and Bauchi state governor Isa Yuguda has paid them monthly. [69][70]

Buy vs Renting Research Paper

Buy vs Renting Research Paper Housing Decision: Should we rent or own a house Sugandha Amatya Narayan Deshar Rajesh Maharjan Suman Shrestha Bibek Tulachan Table Of Content (Jump to) Background Should Mr. X stay in a rented house or buy a house? Calculation of Rent Calculation of Cost of Buying House Calculation of Value Appreciation of Property Analysis of Gain or (Loss) between Staying in Rented House or Buying a House Conclusion    Background The Decision Problem The home ownership analysis to follow is intended to represent as realistically as possible as 2014 current market conditions in the areas two core cities of Kathmandu: – Jahmsikhel and Harisiddhi where the price is relatively low comparing to the first one. A quick survey/sampling of property in several housing areas in Jahmsikhel indicated that a house with market value of Rs 3.1 corer could be rented for approximately Rs 60,000 per month and the house with the market value of Rs 1.01corer in Harisiddhi could be rented for appro ximately for Rs 20,000 per month. Assuming that, there are two couples, each with Rs 40,000 per month. All two have the same gross income in salary and the filing status for income tax purposes. The first couple, designated as Owners,† purchases a home. The second couple, Renters†, decides to rent. The home buyers (Owners and Capita lists) are married and file joint returns. (Their income will be itemized later.) The market costs of their houses at Jhamsikhel is 3.1 corer and in Harisiddhi its 1.09 corer. (For tax purposes in Jhamsikhel Rs 75000 per year and for Harisiddhi it is allocated Rs 18,750 per month for the building.) In addition to that for the building insurance for Jhamsikhel @ 0.12% Rs 1500 per month and Rs 750 per month, Rs 5000 per month at Jhamsikhel and Rs 2000 per month at Harisiddhi, for maintenance cost at Jhamsikhel Rs 3000 per month and at Harisiddhi Rs 1000 per month is allocated. The Renters invest their Rs 20,000 in a money fund that yields 6% yearly. They reinvest the interest income into the fund each year. In the initial year, the Renters pay rent of same amount which is not changed of Rs 20,000. Throughout the 20-year period of the analysis, all variables increase annually at the 6% annual inflation rate. These variables include the couples’ salaries, loan service charge, and loan processing charge, property valuation charge, and mortgage loan payment, building insurance premium, maintenance cost, electricity, water and other utilities costs, depreciation on building, property tax and rental expenses. When discounting after-tax cash flows, we use a 6% interest rate that represents these couples’ market interest rate under inflation. Research Methodology: Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. Once can also define research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. Methodologyis the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study, or the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of knowledge. In short, the search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solution to a problem is Research Methodology. Research Objectives: The main objectives of conducting the following research are as follows:

Creditor's right and bankruptcy Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Creditor's right and bankruptcy - Term Paper Example But creditors have certain rights in bankruptcy claims. This paper briefly analyses creditor’s claims in bankruptcy cases. Business is not the right profession for all the people. Many people failed to prosper in business because of their inability in managing the business successfully. In some cases, unexpected business climate changes can destroy the backbone of the business people. For example, the recent financial crisis came quiet unexpectedly and even prominent business groups struggled for the survival. In short, business can be a risky act at times because of so many reasons and the entrepreneurs may fall in a state of bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is the legally declared inability of an individual or organization to pay its creditors. The outstanding debts might be too much for the person or the organization to pay at once and the court or judge will determine the payment schedule based on the type of bankruptcy filed by the entrepreneur or the organization. When a business enters the bankruptcy state, it means either the business is closed or the the business will continue to operate with reduced payments to debtors. This paper briefly analyses the creditor’s right and bankruptcy in a legal environment. Creditor is a party (a person or organization) which provided certain money, property or services to another similar party (Debtor). In other words, a debtor is a borrower from the creditor. Debtors normally file bankruptcy suits in order to prevent the creditors from collecting the debts immediately. A bankruptcy suit prevents a creditor from taking any action against the debtor till the court take any decisions on the case. However, creditors have certain rights even after the debtor files the bankruptcy case as the debtor might have signed some legal contracts with the creditor before the actual deal was taken place. Some debtors file bankruptcy cases even

Data Collection Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Data Collection Methods - Essay Example Focus group Advantages and Dis-advantagesAccording to Morgan (1996) focus group is a research method devoted to data collection to gather data through group discussion. It is an easy way to listen to diverse views of the research issue. Group discussion deals with real life issues and helps in gathering real time data. However there are several disadvantages of focus group. It is quite expensive and time-consuming research methodology. In focus group that some of the participants are mistaken by the group discussion and they jump to conclusion. It is hard for the moderator to keep the group of people focused on one topic for a long time. Group discussions are not planned. People can go in wrong direction and lot of time is wasted to come back to the original topic. In-group discussion, people take sides, and the mentality of follow the crowd exists. The research interview is defined as â€Å"a two-person conversation initiated by the interviewer for the specific purpose† to find research relevant information and focusing on the interviewee to gather the essential data (Cohen, 2000). The interview involves gathering data through direct verbal interaction between the individuals. Veal (2000) has described interview as a strategy to find out from people about the things, which cannot be observed directly. The interviews are meant to collect data from each respondent face to face. In the interview, each respondent contributes a different perspective of the same question. Personal interviewing provides face-to-face contact with respondents, which permits audible and visual communication with respondents in real time (Joann, 1990).

General Douglas MacArthur Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

General Douglas MacArthur - Essay Example General MacArthur was supposedly larger-than-life, outspoken, talented and egoistic, and he often courted controversy. (History). One of his trademarks was the corncob pipe he smoked, which was custom made by ‘The Missouri Meerschaum Company’, which continues to manufacture the pipes in his honor. He graduated from the US Military Academy at the top of his class in 1903. (Biography). He was the intense American military pioneer who saved the Pacific, yet Freda Bender says General Douglas Macarthur had an astounding delicate side outside the war room. (Cardy). After Graduating at the top of his class in 1903, he was positioned in the Philippines and around the United States, served as a helper to his father in the Far East and partook in the American the occupation of Veracruz, Mexico, in 1914. After the United States entered World War I in 1917, Macarthur helped lead the 42nd "Rainbow" Division in France and was elevated to brigadier general. (History). From 1919 to 1922 Douglas Macarthur served as the superintendent of West Point and founded a mixed bag of changes expected to modernize the school. In 1922 he went on to marry socialite Louise Cromwell Brooks (1890-1965). The two separated in 1929, and in 1937 Macarthur wedded Jean Faircloth (1898-2000), who soon attacked the Philippines with whom he had one kid, Arthur Macarthur IV, the accompanying year. In 1930 President Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) named Macarthur head of staff of the Army, with the rank of general.

Are minority perspectives in psychology a option for the reduction of Essay

Are minority perspectives in psychology a option for the reduction of prejudice - Essay Example To be sure, prejudice against ethnic and gender minorities impedes upon the progression of the social sciences. Solutions to this substantial problem have been proffered. One such recommendation has been that an increase in minority perspectives in psychology may reduce the amount and level of ethnic-based prejudice in the field. On many levels, this seems like a viable option; minority doctors are more socially equipped to handle the cases of minority patients. There is, however dissent from this theory. Here we will discuss both the problem and this possible solution to minority and gender prejudice in the field of psychology. The traditional framework for psychological assessment uses Eurocentric masculine behavior as the standard of normality. The western male model is not only seen as universal, but as ‘good’. Eurocentric standards of mental health are often inappropriate for ethnic minorities, because they are based on the philosophies, values and other aspects of the European culture, and these combinations are used as a basis for normative standards of mental health. These standards are routinely used for assessment and diagnosis. Likewise, masculine standards have proven to be somewhat ineffective in the diagnosis and treatment of women What is considered as sane or insane behavior, mental health or mental illness, normal or abnormal behavior is therefore always in relation to a white male normative standard. These standards are applied to minorities, and result in increased rates of misdiagnosis. The Eurocentric approach does not take into account cultural and language differences and how minorities express their inner feelings. The masculine approach does not take into account feminine sensitivities and varied modes of thinking and feeling. In the earlier days of Eurocentric practice, diagnosis like drapetomania (the escape behavior exhibited by enslaved Africans) was

Nazi Leadership Pictured in the Black Book Term Paper

Nazi Leadership Pictured in the Black Book - Term Paper Example In the time of its release, it indeed was the most expensive Dutch film that ever existed as well as the most commercially successful film in the Netherlands. The film stands out more realistic depiction of some history. It has been used to offer the conventional wisdom that the Dutch and the resistance were the heroes while the Germans with the Dutch sympathizers were eventually the villains. Additionally, the film acts as a magnificent cross in the business and art. It has been such an entertaining film that appeals the audience from the professors down to the shop assistants which remains worthwhile for many years. During the final years of the World War II, a beautiful woman singer Rachel Stein finds refuge with the Tsjempkema family in the rural part of the Holland. She waits out the war just like any other Jew in Europe as a popular and a wealthy singer. Separated from the family with some moment away from being captured by the Gestapo, her temporary house is destroyed by the Allied bomber in fire by a German fighter where she is left in the arms of Michel Huisman-Rob a very sympathetic boy who promises Rachel’s safety in the period. The following morning Rob helps Rachel to her contact in the town helping that she will be assisted in finding her family to escape across in the liberated territory (Harris 123). On arrival at home, Mr. Smaal with the wife Diana Dobbleman who is a compassionate lawyer having worked secretly in helping the Jews to escape from Holland, reluctantly arranges that Rachel joins the family and crosses the enemy lines in the allied territory, marking her name i n a little leather notebook. In the period of the dangerous crossing, the German troops ambushed the boat whereby the Nazi kills the boat passengers ruthlessly but Rachel narrowly escapes jumping overboard in a river.

Schindlers List Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Schindlers List - Movie Review Example The plot of Schindler’s List runs on multiple accounts under the overall parasol of German atrocities on Jews, but at the core of film is rooted on the transformational narrative of a corrupt and flamboyant German businessman named Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) into an unexpected hero for the Jews. In the event of German capture of Poland in 1939, Oskar moves to Krakow in hopes of establishing a business with the help of local Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern (Ben Kingsley). Initially to prosper but eventually to rescue Nazi victims, Oskar bribes the brutal SS Lieutenant Amon Goth (Ralph Fiennes). The documentary style of the story, scripted by Steven Zaillian that is based on Thomas Keneally’s book Schindler’s Ark, excels in describing what had actually happened. Since, not much was written about Oskar Schindler (Manchel, 1995 March), Zaillian had the flexibility to mould the character in the best possible manner. The essence of story would not have been captured in the movie that well if it were not because of powerful and gripping performances given by the cast. Liam Neeson’s portrayal Oskar, an enigmatic entrepreneur, with a carefree attitude exudes confidence and empathy. To the other extreme is Ralph Fiennes’ Goth character, a psychopath and cold Nazi official. The third arc, Stern essayed by Ben Kingsley has been portrayed as a calculative businessman with a hidden agenda to save lives. Minor roles such as Helen Hirsch (Embeth Davidtz) - the object of Goth’s lust and the Jewish couple that marries in the concentration camp helped recreate images of humiliation, grief and torture, often providing useful insights about the cultural chasm created at the time. The powerhouse of acting in the film coupled with equally powerful technical expertise in filmmaking provides audience the desired effect of being right there in Krakow, 1939. A variety of visual and auditory techniques have been used to inject right emotions in each frame. Using real locations, Krakow (Poland), Aushwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp (Poland) and Jerusalem, Israel (The Internet Movie Database, 1993), Spielberg enhance movie’s claims of authenticity and credibility. The settings of dark and damp Aushwitz camp, kitchenware factory of Krakow or the posh German nightclub by production designer Allan Starski add authenticity to the story’s interest. For example, a stark duality between two back-to-back scenes, one detailing Oskar’s rich wardrobe and the other of thousands of Jews entering Krakow provides to audience an apt visualization of the two worlds of Germans and Jews. Adding to the set-design, costumes by designer Anna Sheppard also highlights the stark brutalities amongst powerful and the powerless. Oskar’s movie star possessions, Nazi uniforms, German women’s chic dresses and innocent captives’ modest clothing opinionates viewers towards what the director is narrating. The monochr omatic palette transports the viewer to that era by switching from the riches to the ghettos, and from the ghettos to the camps. Despite the fact that the film is in black-and-white, specific use of color has been used 5 times to bring viewer’

Trends In Merchandizing Essay Example for Free

Trends In Merchandizing Essay Over several years ago, manufacturers and retailers have been putting more emphasis and placing increased importance on the in-stock merchandizing and marketing. Since mid 1990s, the effectiveness of traditional marketing has really declined. Also the competition between retailers and channels has been increasing which have been treated as the factors in driving the trend. According to Bishop Willard in October 2002, he noted that more consumers make around 70% of all purchasing decisions while in store shopping. This has been the main reason as to why stores are the new platforms for brand marketing while the difficulties in delivering effective in store solutions for merchandizing increases, and also the need to implement state-of-the art merchandizing software capable of strategizing, planning, visualizing and communicating such solutions arises (Varien 2001, pg 45).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Interactive edge in merchandizing has built many interactive sales applications for the top consumer package goods manufacturers for about ten years ago. Since the year 2002, there has been an increase in demand for interactive requests which focused entirely on planning and communicating merchandizing solutions. The ability to create account specific market plans is very crucial because each customer has specialized schedules, strategies, programs, objectives and store and market conditions. Marketing plans are ideally supported by customer and category insights, analysis of promotion that speak in the situation of the customer, sales goals and brand information. The marketing plans that are informed by customer insights and account specific category have greatest impact in setting the stage for activities in merchandizing. In any marketing planning, it is important to implement the existing opportunities and conditions for each customer by first assessing the customer’s current merchandizing solution.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Smart bargains have managed thousands of dollars of continual changing inventory on daily basis. The firm’s experienced buyers should act on a moment’s notice to buy a wide range of high quality products at unexpected discounts. At the midst of controlled disorders at the core of this changing business, smart bargains required a solution to enable buyers, senior executives and planners to report and manage future and historical merchandize plans in a responsive, efficient and highly flexible manner. Smart bargains has turned to Envisa to implement and architect a business intelligence suite through use of Microsoft server 200 analysis and Microsoft table in excel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The solution which leveraged merchandizing data mart had been developed during earlier incentive which provided smart bargain with a powerful reporting architecture that untied business users from the need to make complex questions in custom report writing. Merchandizing strategy creation does not imply a complete decorator make over. In order to enhance customers’ image of store, one should perceive his own store the way the customers see it and provide the customers with their requirements. According to research by Russel M who is a retail hardware operator, the consequences of a customer satisfaction survey came up with seven aspects customers want their hard ware stores to play for them. The customers require hardware stores to offer services which are special, make enjoyable shopping, have provision of one stop shopping destination, help them to save time, help them to save money, assist them better to understand d-i-y projects, and also make shopping easy (Phelps 1963, pg 78). At global shop, retail design experts, annual retail design exposition co-produced by design ideas and display conducted studies on why and how today’s consumer shop and also how a store can merchandize its goods so as to best meet the customers requirements. Those designers came up with emerging merchandizing trends to assist the retailers in all firms and industries to provide their customers with the kind of shopping experience they need. It is very important to keep up to date with these trends because as the number of shopping choice in the market grows, clients will find the most enjoyable and satisfying experience for shopping. This is also a better way of reaching ones store’s changing customer base. This includes more shoppers of females and also the next shopper’s generation who would expect more interactive and entertaining shopping experience.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to maintain home improvement shoppers from shifting to other shopping alternatives like big boxes, the internet and mass merchandisers, the retailers require incorporating an updated merchandizing strategy so as to cultivate customer loyalty and sales based on preferences of consumers. Some of the emerging trends, with details on how the home improvement industry is incorporating these trends are outlined below. Accommodation for shopper’s need for entertainment competing with the increasing popularity of increasing sales during an uncertain economy and internet shopping one the only two major factors that drive the today’s trend towards entertainment in retailing according to Schaffner K who is the publisher of design ideas and displays searching for ways to get customers to interact with the produced products is the core of the retail tainment concept, according to Schaffner. He added that this strategy does not hurt while conducting it. Such thinking was behind sears’ new tool territory format which so far has implemented in 131 stores of mall nation wide with around 200 additional stores slated for format incorporation this year (Brand 1963, pg 85).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The tool territory concept was created from consumer’s point of view and its caters to how the stores target clients –male-d-i-years-prefers to stores. The purpose of designing the tool territory was to be an interactive playground for men according to Costello Larry who is a senior manager in communications for sears. He further explains that, sears created a tusk force to research for customer’s requirements and expectations especially when shopping for tools. The study concluded that, individuals want to interact with tools and also experience their features in the stores. In incorporating these hands on approach to buying tools, sears have positioned a strategy of â€Å"try me† stations in several locations within the hardware department. For instance, if a client is deciding which item to purchase, like hammer, he or she can first try it our by hitting it on a free standing metal spike that has been placed in front of hammer display. Prospective buyers of power drills can pick up on the drills displayed outside the boxes on light displays with signed, and use it to make a hole in a well placed block of wood (Shilburg 2003, pg 231).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   With all consumer packed goods or items available and the notice able changes in effective displays of merchandizing and the market place promotions, it becomes very hard for a consumer to come up with proper decisions. Manufacturers and retailers should start to cut through this clutter by having simplified shopping experiences the latest research conducted from the information researchers has not covered the early indicators that point to consumer centric approach to emerging merchandizing consequently, merchandizing as it is defined today is likely to undergo major of transformations. By considering the emerging trend, trends report and the latest times and also the growing demand for a consumer centric approach, the world’s largest provider of enterprise market information services and solutions for the customer package goods, health care industries and retail, explores trends in practicing merchandizing, including displays, new practices of innovations like manufacturers embark up on this transformation, customer packaged goods and temporary price reductions. As the retailers reduce the grocery display space, manufacturers require innovative merchandizing devices that should have a stress to the importance of consumer centric merchandizing to provide more profitable rewards in order to feature and complete space during the next several years.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Marketers should step up merchandizing innovation in have the shopping experience simplified, to have a break through the clatter and have better alignment with consumer segments and their patterns of shopping. The Information Resources Inc report aimed at helping the consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers to see new risks and opportunities that will arise with the new trends of merchandizing so that they can be able to act on the insights with confidence and speed and win at the shelf (Beck man 1967,pg 421).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For the past several years, merchandizing activity has been declining in more than half of all the customer packaged goods categories as the CPG marketers start to realize that, more of anything is not better with respect to merchandizing. Through development of new store formats and pronounced focus on perimeter upscale and departments, uncluttered layouts, a competition for shrinking grocery display space has intensified for various categories. Merchandizing is perceived as an effective sales driver as the majority of consumer categories gain an average volume lift of around fifty percent or more with around 25 percent reacting 100 percent when the tactics of merchandising are applied. References Beckman T, (1967). Marketing. New York. Brand E, (1963). Modern Supermarket Operation. New York. Phelps D, (1936).Migration of Industry to South America. New York. Shilbury D, (2003). Strategic Sport Marketing. Crows Nest. Varley R, (2001), Retail Product Management in Buying and Merchandising. London.

Impacts of Ecotourism: Singapore Case Study

Impacts of Ecotourism: Singapore Case Study A Case study of: Pulau Ubin Island, Singapore Introduction Background Many developing countries frequently use ecotourism as an excellent tool for promoting sustainable development. In many instance, ecotourism is suitable way to protect natural environment and create socio and economic benefit for the local community. What David Weaver says that interest in ecotourism is rationalized among tourism planners and marketers by number of potential assumption regarding sectors environmental, economic and socio cultural benefits (Weaver 1999). There are some ecotourism projects that support to the local community. On the other hand, many ecotourism projects have failed to address some fundamental issues and dont generate the very benefits that are expected to provide by ecotourism. Economic gain of ecotourism may turn into social and environmental damages when inadequately planned and implemented it. Anyhow, ecotourism has continued to gain popularity over the two decades and has developed into worldwide phenomena that show no signs of slowing down. The fact is that ecotourism is one of the rapid growing sectors in the tourism industry (Sharpley 2003). The demand for ecotourism is increasing at an annual rate of 10 to 30 percent (TIES 2000). In this circumstance, it is important to recognize possible physical environment, socio-cultural and economic impacts and its effectiveness as a strategy for sustainable development. Problem statement There are lot of negative impact on the environment and local community due to unsustainable planning and management of ecotourism (Honey 1999). In rural areas, managing and controlling the development of ecotourism may be somewhat complex because of lack of experiences on the subject of the carrying capacity of the host destination. Therefore, it is necessary to have an assessment of potential physical environmental, socio-cultural, and economic impact of ecotourism for the planning of sustainable ecotourism development in an area. Further Analyzing the potential of ecotourism as a strategy for sustainable development of a particular area is important to carry on development activities in future. In that way, Pulau Ubin doesnt experience rapid urbanization like other parts of Singapore. Still it has its own nature and unspoiled environment. But, Singapore government implements several ecotourism development projects on this small island right now. Those projects are so much problema tic and controversial. There are strong voices regarding environmental protection of the Island. Thus, indentifying potential impacts of ecotourism and its compatibility for sustainable development must be studied in Pulau Ubin Island Singapore. Justification of the study According to available literature, ecotourism is growing rapidly in Singapore (Herbig). At the same time, one of the problems regarding ecotourism is that it is developed without satisfying knowledge of the impacts on local environments. It is a rather new type of tourism and yet there are few clear papers written in this field particularly about Pulau Ubin. Therefore, it is better studying about potential physical environmental, economic and socio-cultural impact of ecotourism and its compatibility for sustainable development in Pulau Ubin Island Singapore. Therefore this research attempts to fulfill these objectives as much as possible. Objectives of the research and research question Objectives of this research are To assess possible physical environmental, economic and socio-cultural impacts of ecotourism To investigate the potential of ecotourism as a strategy for local sustainable development. The following research question will be used to address the purposes of the research What kind of impacts are on the physical environment, economic and socio-cultural due to development of ecotourism? What sort of factors should be taken into account before introducing ecotourism in the Pulau Ubin Island? How ecotourism can be utilized as a tool for local sustainable development Study Area Pulau ubin is the second the largest, first one is Pulau Tekong, offshore island of Singapore. It is located in the strait of johor just opposite to Changi. Pulau Ubin has been described as being boomerang shaped. Pulau Ubin is about 8 Km length and 1.3 to 1.7 Km breadth with the area of 10.3 Km2. It is almost flat land. The highest point is Puaka hill. It is around 74m height from sea level. Pulau Sekudu or Frog Island (opposite Chek Jawa), and Pulau Ketam (opposite Ubin Lagoon Resort) are the two major offshore islets which are very near to the Pulau Ubin. There are several rivers which are meandering through Pulau Ubin in which Sungei Besar and Sungei Mamam are the main rivers. Pulau Ubin is made up mostly of granite. This controls the much of the activities of the island. Especially the name Pulau Ubin arises from this crucial geological structure. Pulau Ubin doesnt experience rapid urbanization and industrialization like main land of Singapore. Still it has its own traditional w ay of living. Most of the people inhabit with the scattered settlement model. Major portion of the population around two third is Chinese and rest is Indians and malays. Major activities of income are subsistence farming, commercial fishing and net-cage fisheries, prawn farming, coconut plantations and so on. This small island is very popular for leisure and recreation activities among local and international tourist. (http://www.wildsingapore.com/ubin/places/geography.htm). Figure 01 Map of the Study Area Methodology Research design Research design helps researcher to decide research approach. That is to say, either qualitative or quantitative or the combination of both. Further, research design put a basic for analyzing the collected data. This will lead the researcher to think of time availability, practical problems and so on (Kitchin and Tate 2000). There are no specific rules and regulations as to how to develop research design. When Kitchin and Tate (2000) point out regarding research design, it is very difficult to give a guideline as to how to design a research. Most of the time, research design is the outcome of the knowledge and imagination of the researcher (Kitchin and Tate 2000). This means, research design comes from researchers own view and judgment. Selection of the research methods will vary according to the nature of the research. Besides, a research method depends on the research problem, research question and experiences of researcher. Accordingly, I adopt qualitative methods in this research to perform well. A literature review will be done to get more information regarding this study. In fact, Secondary data will be used as a supportive data to the primary data. In this research, qualitative methods will be used as key method to get information since this is going to deal with environmental, Economic and socio cultural impact of the ecotourism. Most part of the research may deal with community based activities. Justification of the methodology The qualitative method that I choose in my research is based on the nature of the study. This research partially deals with social aspect. Therefore, qualitative method is considered more suitable to assess possible physical environmental, economic and socio-cultural impacts of ecotourism. Crang (2002) points out that â€Å"Qualitative approaches have enabled the study of, and emphasized the importance of, seeing economic activity as a set of lived practices, assumptions and codes of behavior†. Further, Qualitative method is used to understand the lived experience and to reflect on it and sharing the meaning of everyday social world and realities (Limb and Dwyer 2001). In addition, qualitative method is used to collect about the activities, behavior and problems that the people face in their daily context. Further, qualitative methodology is considered as good to study about the diverse view of the stakeholders in the ecotourism since it involves with many different stakeholde rs interest. When we are more stick on the multiple meaning, representation then qualitative methodology is useful one (Limb and Dwyer 2001). Further, qualitative methods will help me to make sure the date that I am going to obtain from different interview in the field. In fact, qualitative methods have its unique features as I mentioned above. But there are certain limitations in the qualitative methods. For instance, sometimes it may be bias. That is to say, there is possibility to have researchers influence in the finding of the research. When many researchers use qualitative methods in their research, theme may be same, but interpretation of the same theme will be in different point of view according to researchers background. When Kvale (1996) points out regarding researchers bias, he says that, there is lack of objectivity in the qualitative research. Objectivity means here is freedom from being bias. There is another critique about qualitative methods that, information for the research use to collect from very small amount of respondents. Therefore it will not represent whole population or the society. Data Types, Sources and Collection This research will be contained both primary and secondary data. Most of the researches and other articles which are related to the study will be reviewed as secondary data. For instance, previous research about the Pulau Ubin Island. Basically, both primary and secondary data will be used to prove the objective of the research. Secondary data will be functioned as more supportive data to the primary data. Methodology of research Methodologically, this study will be carried out in three phases. Phase I concerns the literature reviews. This will be accomplished through searching literature on tourism and ecotourism to discover the possible impacts of ecotourism on visited destinations. The literature review covers books, articles, and website data which will be systematically assessed to identify the three major areas of economic, socio-cultural, and physical environmental impacts on eco-tourist destinations and ecotourism as a strategy for local sustainable development. Primary factors of above mentioned areas will be identified that influence of ecotourism developments and their impacts on the local levels. Phase II applies the factors elaborated upon in Phase I to assess the Pulau Ubin Island. This will be done by using the data that I am going to collect in Pulau Ubin Island during the summer of 2008. The data collection will include observations, interviews with elected officials and some governmental and private business entities, tourists (if possible both international and national tourist) and some secondary data sources. Phase III these data will be assessed according to the identified factors for two purposes: first, to assess possible physical environment, Economic and Socio-cultural impacts of ecotourism in Pulau Ubin Island; second, to look into the potential of ecotourism as a strategy for local sustainable development. Sample selection Respondents will be selected by using snowball sampling methods to address the research question and objective of the study. Snowball sampling methods will help the researcher understanding of the problem and research question. For example, key informants will be selected based on their professional status to get more and more relevant information. Tourists will be selected randomly including local tourist. This will diminish some kind of inconveniences to the researcher. Primary data will be collected through around 30 semi-structured interviews that will conduct with 30 people from June 15th to August 15th 2008. These interviews include: 14 villagers, 3 owners of restaurant, 2 employees of the restaurant, 4 employees from companies that are working in the study area, a person from central environmental authority of Singapore, a person from Ministry of Environment of Singapore and 5 tourists (both international and local). Therefore a total of 30 interviews will be conducted and analyzed as part of this research. Semi-structured Key informant and individual interviews In this research, primary and data will be gathered by using semi structure interview and direct observation. Semi structured interviews will be used to collect data from both individual and key informants. Semi structured interviews acts as an effective tool for collecting basic information stakeholders regarding ecotourism. â€Å"Qualitative methods are methodologically appealing because they allow a wide range of experiences to be documented, voices to be heard, representations to be made and interpretations to be extracted. Open ended qualitative interviews are, after all, the obvious way of allowing people to speak for themselves about their own view and experiences of the world† (Limb and Dwyer 2001). When we have interviews it generates lots of information very quickly. So it helps researchers to handle lot of topics of the research at a time. Sometimes, qualitative interview helps us to clarify the problems raised by the interviewer. Always interviews are really good f or studying peoples understanding of meaning, describing their experiences, clarifying their own perspective on their day to day live (Kvale 1996). There are certain critiques on the in-depth and semi structured interviews. That is to say, in-depth and semi structured interviews are very much dependent on the skill of the interviewer. This means, amount of the expected data is based on the expression of the interviewer and how interviewer interacts with informant. In many instance, interview may divert into another direction due to the skill of argument or interest of the informant and sometime there is chance to mislead the interviewer by the key informant (Mikkelsen 2005). This is also one of the disadvantages of having interviews. In the in-depth interviews, it is very difficult to keep important question from omitting that can address our research objectives. Always researcher has to be very careful on the topic and related question when he conducts interviews. Good interviews require expertise in both subject matter and interaction (Kvale 1996). In addition, flexibility of researcher in sequences and words of the interview may affect the result of the informant namely there may be different answers from the different perspective (Mikkelsen 2005). All interviews in this research will be carried out with take into account all of these strength and weakness of the interview. Interview guides are formulated to conduct these interviews (see appendix 01). Participant Observation Other than interviews, participant observation will also be engaged. Participant observation activities contain living with a family in the community, working with them and spending time to understand their activities, behaviors and so on (Laurier 2003). In that way there are possibilities to attain in tourism activities, and meetings of local residents in Puau Ubin Singapore. Participant observation will be used to harmonize and support the interview process in three ways; first, it yields insights that assist in the formulation of questions for interviews. Second, it makes easy relationships with local residents. Finally, participant observation offers the opportunity to confirm or question the information gained through interviews. When Smith (2001) points out â€Å"there are lots of thing that can only be obtained through participant observation†. Participant observation and interviews are not separate activities, but mutually informative methods. When Kitchin and Tate (20 00) point out that direct observation is an inductive method to obtain fruitful information. It is important to note, however, that in this research the interviews are the primary source of data, while participant observation plays a supporting role. Data analysis Data of this research will be analyzed according to the theoretical frame work and objective and research questions of this research. The collected data in this study will also be analyzed according to the theoretical framework of the research. The collected date from interviews will be transcribed and coded into theme in relation to the concept, theory and interviewees response and researchers observations. In addition, secondary data will be analyzed by using text analysis. Use of the secondary date will help us to get more understanding of ground situation of the field. Validity and reliability In qualitative research, validity and reliability are two most important factors that should be taken into account when designing, analyzing and evaluating quality of the research. Conclusion of the qualitative research should be very strong and natural to accept it without further doubt or confusion (Kitchin and Tate 2000). There should not be bias in order to get validity and reliability in qualitative research. Validity in qualitative research is a tool to make sure the logical order, foundation, and soundness of the research (Kitchin and Tate 2000). Validity depends on the nature of the theme that we investigated in the field (Kvale 1996). Normally, validity in qualitative research means that true and certain of findings. It can be motioned in anther way that validity measures the truthful of how far reached its intended objectives. Researcher uses series of question to maximize the validity of the research. Each question should be justified in relation to the objectives and rese arch questions of the research to establish validity. Most of the time, validity interlink with empirical knowledge of the subject and area of the research. Reliability is some sort of trustworthiness of the research and findings. Validity and reliability are the two side of a coin because there is no reliability without validity. Presentation of validity will be good enough to reliability later. Patton (2002) says that ability and skill of the researcher in a qualitative research will have major influence on the validity and reliability. In addition reliability will depend on the respondents answer. Form instance, some informant will be reluctant to answer for some sort of question and sometimes they give sort of wrong or biased information. Therefore this will reduce the level of reliability of the study. I have planned to use a combination of qualitative methods to minimize the risk of bias. I will use both semi structured and direct observation to collect primary data. It helps me to crosscheck the data that I am going to collect in the field. I will keep my position as research student and try my best to convince my respondents. And also I will follow the ethical concept of conducting research. Further, snowball sampling method that I am going to use in this research will help me to get more correct or useful informant. This will increase validity and reliability of this research. Besides, there may be some kind of short comes in the date collection and interpretation. It is extremely not easy to avoid some unexpected incidents in the field. I as a researcher will try my best to keep validity and reliability of this research. Limitations Since Ecotourism and sustainable development is a broad topic, it is difficult to include all aspects. Therefore this research has been limited to identifying potential environmental, social and economical impacts of ecotourism and also, analyzing the potential of ecotourism as a strategy for local sustainable development. The study area has been limited to an Island to have in-depth study. Field work period is limited to two months. Researcher (me) may face some kind of language barrier in the field. Most of them speak Chinese. But there are people who speak either Tamil or English. Therefore, I hope that I would be able to manage it. Since the study area is very new for the researcher, it may consume few days to get familiar with the area and people. References Crang, M. (2002) Qualitative methods: the new orthodoxy? Progress in Human Geography 26, 5 pp. 647-655. Honey, M. (1999). Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise? Washington, D.C.: Island Press. Kitchin, R. and Tate, N. J. (2000). Conducting Research in Human Geography: Theory, Methodology and Practice, Pearson Education Limited, Essex. Kvale, S. (1996). Interviews: An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing, Sage Publications, Lund. Legends of Ubin [Online]  // Wildsingapore web site.   2003.   03 15, 2008.   http://www.wildsingapore.com/ubin/places/geography.htm. Limb, M. and Dwyer, C. (2001). Qualitative Methodologies for Geographers: Issues and Debates. Oxford University Press, New York. Mikkelsen, B, (2005). Methods for Development Work and Research: A new guide for practitioners, SAGA Publications, New Delhi. Patton, M.Q. (2002). Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods (3rd ed.), Sage Publication, London. Paul Herbig, P( ?) CULTURE Influlences ON ECOTOURISM PARTICIPATION Marketing and the Environment Lecture Series Lecture 4: available at www.herbigandsons.com/lecture/Ecotourism.doc reviewed on 2008/04/21. Sharpley, R. (2003). Tourism: Tourists Society, ELM publication,Cambridgeshire. Smith, V. L., and Eadington, W. R. (ed) (1992). Tourism Alternatives: Potentials and Problems in the Development of Tourism, New York, John Wiley. The International Ecotourism Society, (2000) Ecotourism Statistical Fact Sheet, Journal of Travel Research. Available at http://www.ecotourism.org/WebModules/WebMember/MemberApplication/onlineLib/MemberApplication/onlineLib/Uploaded/Ecotourism%20Factsheet%202000.pdf reviewed on 2008/04/21. Weaver, D. B. (1999). Magnitude of Ecotourism in Costa Rica and Kenya, Annals of Tourism Research, 26(4), 792-816. Appendixes Appendix I Interview guide Individual Interview guide 01 Individual questions Your occupation? Your age? How long you are living in this area? What kind of economic benefits you gain from ecotourism in this island? What is your experience with ecotourism? Are you working in the tourism industry in this island? What economic activities are undertaken by your family members? What is your average income per month? How does ecotourism support you to improve standard of living? What is your perception on ecotourism in this island? General questions Is there any impact in this island due to ecotourism? Is there unemployment problem in this island? Could you observe any impacts on local employment in this island after set up ecotourism? How do the economic benefits from ecotourism support the services to the island? Most villagers are involved in which aspects of ecotourism? How do the villagers utilize their natural resources to support tourism? What are the local attitudes about sustainable ecotourism? What does the island still need to support sustainable ecotourism? How has the villagers quality of life been influenced by the advent of tourism? What are the negative impacts caused by tourism on the island? Key informant Interview guide 02 Individual questions When was these hotels established here? Why did you decide to establish ecotourism here? What is your experience with ecotourism? Have you observed any conflict related to community conservation? Do you think local people benefit from Ecotourism? How? General questions Who is the management authority? What is the source of funding for management of these hotels? What are the potential tourist attractions here? Where do visitors come from? International or local? What are the good and bad things about Ecotourism on the Pulau Ubin Island? Who is in charge of Ecotourism activities on the Pulau Ubin Island? What are the benefits and challenges about running ecotourism in this area? Does ecotourism contribute to the economic development on the Pulau Ubin Island? Does ecotourism contribute to conservation in the area? And How? What are the opportunities and constrains on livelihood or job in this area? What kind of challenges and opportunities are there in offering good services to the tourists? What types of outside influences are there in the ecotourism development? For instance political influence or public opinion on environment? Interview guide 03 For administrative officers What are the general objectives towards tourism? What are the specific objectives towards ecotourism development? What strategy (or policy) exists for ecotourism development in the Island? What legal documents exist to regulate tourism/ecotourism activities in the Island? What are the specific rules and regulations in these documents for tourism and ecotourism activities? What monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to monitor ecotourism development? What benefits have been realized in terms of ecotourism revenue (e.g. employment, conservation, services, other) for community development? What measures have been put in place to ensure that the local heritage is not threatened by the development of ecotourism in the area? Who are the major stakeholders involved in the management of the ecotourism in Pulau Ubin Island? What challenges have been faced with regard to ecotourism development in Pulau Ubin Island? What are the major constraints that inhibit ecotourism development in Pulau Ubin Island? What opportunities exist for ecotourism development in Pulau Ubin Island? What future plans exist for ecotourism development in this area? Interview guide for Tourist What are your motivations for visiting to this island? What did you like most during your stay on this island? What did you dislike about the stay here? What kind of gifts, souvenirs and services would you like to have available? What are you expectations from the trips to the island? Which elements of sustainable ecotourism do you believe the Island best meets? How did you travel to the area? What is your length of stay in this island? Number of people in your travel party to the island? How did you learn about the island ecotourism? Where are you from? What is your occupation? Who much money you are going to spend during your stay here? Age? Do you think you will travel to this island again? Do you have any other suggestion and comments of your visit? What do you think about ecotourism on the island? What are good things and bad things about ecotourism on the Pulau Ubin Island? Appendix II Work plan of report writing NO Program May 2008 June July August September October November December January February March April May June 2009 1. Proposal preparation X 2. Field work X X X <