Shangri La Hotels Business Analysis

Shangri La Hotels Business Analysis Introduction Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad is an investment holding company and also a public limited company. This company was incorporated on June 29, 1971 and currently having a total of 2364 employees. Its headquarters is located at the Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang. This company is engaged with the operations of services such as hotels and beach resorts, golf course and clubhouse, property management and investment and commercial laundry. The Companys segments has two segments, which include hotels, resorts and golf course, which is engaged in hotel, beach resort and gulf course business; investment properties, which includes rental from offices, shoplots and apartment and rental of car parks, and others, which include commercial laundry services and investment holding. Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad has many hotel branches located at many different states and locations in Malaysia. Also, customers may have an infinite choice of luxury possibilities with Shangri-La Hotels as there are over 66 hotels located across the globe. Most importantly, customers may find themselves living in a hidden paradise once they chose to stay in Shangri-La Hotel. They can feel relaxed in the luxurious guestrooms, pampering themselves in a 5 star rated hotels with all the supreme services and facilities. As of December 31, 2010, Shangri-La Hotel (M) Berhad hotel had its properties included Rasa Sayang Resort Spa, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Traders Hotel Penang, Golden Sands Resort, Palm Beach Resort and Rasa Ria Resort. However, its subsidiaries include Shangri-La Hotel (KL) Sdn Bhd, Komtar Hotel Sdn Bhd, Golden Sands Beach Resort Sdn Bhd, UBN Holdings Sdn Bhd, UBN Tower Sdn Bhd, Pantai Emas Sdn Bhd, Madarac Corporation and Wisegain Sdn Bhd. The principal activities of the Company are investment holding and the operation of a beach resort, namely Rasa Sayang Resort. In Malaysia, Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad owns the 29-storey, 720rooms Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur. On the other hand, it also owns the Golden Sands Hotel, Komtar Hotel and Palm Beach Hotel in the island state of Penang. Shangri-La hotels always differentiate their service to match with customers taste and demand. Company Background The company was incorporated in Malaysia on 29 June 1971 under the Companies Act, 1965. The company was limited by shares with the registered name Taman Developments Sdn Bhd. On 7 September 1974, the name was then changed to Rasa Sayang Beach Hotels (Penang) Sdn Bhd. The company was converted to public company on 23 February 1977 under the name of Rasa Sayang Beach Hotels (Pg) Berhad. On 1 September 1982, the company was listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE). Yet, the company was delisted from KLSE on 21 December 1987 due to a general offer made by Perlis for the entire issued share capital of the Company and acquired more than 90% of the issued share capital of the company. On 2 January 1992, the company assumed its present name. The company had successfully merged with UBN Holdings Sdn Bhd which comprised the acquisition by the company from Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd and Landmarks Berhad, the entire issued share capital of UBN Holdings Sdn Bhd on 21 September 1992. However, the company was re-listed on the KLSE on 1 December 1992 with the company undertook a bonus issue and subsequently a public issue. Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad has its own vision for achieving the goals to be the best hotel. Its vision is to be the first choice for our guest, colleagues, shareholders and business partners. Whereas Shangri-La hotels also has its mission at all the time which is to delight our guests every time by creating engaging experiences straight from our hearts. The company is operating based on the following principles: Ensuring leadership drives for results. Making guest loyalty a key driver of the business. Enabling decision-making at the guest contact point. Creating an environment where colleagues may achieve their personal career goals. Demonstrating honesty, care and integrity in all relationships. Ensuring policies and processes are guest and colleague friendly. On top of that, Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad is operating under all professional persons in order to make Shangri-La hotels to be the top hotel in the world. Board of directors include : Tan sri A. Razak bin Ramli (Chairman) Kuok Oon Kwong (Managing Director) Datin Rozina Mohd Amin (Executive Director) Dato Haris Onn bin Hussein (Independent Non-Executive Director) Dato Seri Ismail Farouk Abdullah (Independent Non-Executive Director) Datuk Supperamaniam a/l Manickam (Independent Non-Executive Director) Dato Dr Tan Tat Wai (Independent Non-Executive Director) Tan Yew Jin Dato Khoo Eng Min Ravinder Singh Grewal Sarbjit S Joseph Patrick Stevens (Alternate Director to Ravinder Singh Grewal Sarbjit S) Business What is the basic requirement of a hotel in order to satisfy customers? Hotel is basically belongs to service industry which mostly provide accommodation services to people for a comfortable stay. Service is very important to a hotel as it will bring to customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Shangri-la Hotels (M) Berhad are definitely the best hotel which provides high standards of services to customers as it had awarded Best Business Hotel Brand in Asia Pacific by the Business Traveller 2012. Under Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad, it has currently 9 brands of hotels in the service industry. It includes, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-Las Rasa Ria Resort Kota Kinabalu, Shangri-Las Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa Kota Kinabalu, Putrajaya Shangri-La, Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour Johor, Golden Sands Resort Penang, Shangri-Las Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa Penang and Traders Hotel Penang. Every hotel under Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad are doing very well as mostly hotels are ranked five stars hotel and have a very good reputation among customers. Every hotel has its own special attractions such as Traders Hotel always located in the city which easier attach to the entertainment. Whereas Shangri-La hotel offers stylish and luxurious environment for customers. In order for a hotel to maintain and improve its business, Shangri-la hotels always push their services to a higher level as services are the main key to bring in more businesses. Its five-star reputation always maintaining a world-class service at all the time. Stylishly decorated, the luxurious guestrooms at Shangri-La hotel present large clear windows with beautiful city views. Memorable and satisfaction of every customer became the crucial mission of Shangri-La hotel. Shangri-La hotel differentiate its rooms according to customers preference. Rooms can be chosen in Deluxe room, Executive room, Horizon Executive room, Premier room and Executive Suite. Customers are able to choose their rooms to prefer a better environment and comfortable stay in the hotel. There are varieties of services provided by Shangri-la Hotel in order to satisfy customers and bring customers loyalty to the business. Facilities provided by Shangri-la Hotel are partially free of charge for customers to fully utilize such as the facilities of fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, steam room, sauna, massage, aerobics or dance studios and many more. The beautifully landscaped outdoor swimming pool is the facility always satisfied the customers as they are able to relax and enjoy the fascinating environment. The fitness centre is also an important facility for hotel as many people nowadays are going to fitness centre every week. This had become a habit to them and the fitness centre is an important place for them to workout. In Shangri-La hotel, there have the facilities of clinic to provide medical service for customers who in ill. This will make customers convenient as they do not need to go clinic outside and able to rest in the hotel after getting medical treatment. Shangri-La hotel also provide disabled facilities for handicapped such as handicapped toilet as to satisfy them although they are people with disabilities. Customers are able to choose non-smoking rooms or smoking rooms according to their preference. Safe deposit box also provided to let customers safe keeping their important documents or expensive goods. Parking facilities and valet service are provided for customers who looking for a stay in the hotel. Services such as the complimentary shoeshine service is provided for customers who staying in the hotel for a period of time and looking for shoeshine service. Postal and courier service also provided in order for customers to deliver documents or packages. Laundry service provided for customers who want to wash their clothes. Those services are provided to easier customers as they are not necessary to looking those service outside. Child care or babysitting service also provided in the hotel as some parents have some urgent things to do, they can looking for babysitting of their babies. A hotel can be occupied without few facilities, but cannot be occupied without restaurants and bars. Shangri-La hotel features the impressive selection of international, award winning restaurants, including the award-winning Restaurant Lafite, which serves the finest western cuisine. There are five awesome restaurants and two bars located inside the hotel. The wide selection of dining options makes Shangri-La hotel a best location for travellers who enjoy fine cuisine, and also makes the hotel an excellent location for businessman to convene meetings and conferences. Not only that, Shangri-La hotel provides free breakfast or drinks for customers at the cafà © while they preparing rooms for customers. This implication done by Shangri-La hotel is to concern the desired expectation of customers and try to satisfy customers by exceeding customers perceived expectation. Shangri-La hotel also provides 24-hour room service which customers are able to request dishes or drinks with a simply phone call. 24-hour room service is best required by businessman who went out for business meeting and came back late night. It will satisfy them with a delicious meal and the fast delivery. Few shops are located inside the hotels such as the foreign exchange counter and gift shop. Foreigners are able to exchange their currency in the hotel and tourists can purchase gifts in the shop. As now technology became more important, Wi-Fi is the best tool for tourists and businessman. Free Wi-Fi access is provided for every room guests in order for them to access to the internet. Shangri-La also provides travel and transportation service for customers. Airport connection is one of the service included, guests can choose to reach hotel by hotel limousine pick-up, express train or taxi. This usually is made for foreigners and tourists. Hotel limousine pick-up can be chosen with different types of cars. Car rental service and travel agency also provide for customers in order for them to visit any places nearby the hotel. This services provided for customers so they do not need to look at outside of the hotel and can be avoid scamming. Many business amenities are offered to businessman such as the meeting rooms, binding service, laser printing, scanning and photocopying services in order for them to prepare important documents in their trip. Prompt and fast check-in and check-out service also attract customers as they dont have to wait for so long with the service process. Helpful and cheerful receptionists are also type of service that the hotel provided for customers. Receptionists and customer service can help the customers to solve problems such as the changes of rooms or handle complaint. Outstanding staff will satisfy customers as they provide great and wonderful service for them. Hotel employees with smile and cheerful look will make the customers feel happy and satisfied in terms of hospitality service. By according to the feedback received online, Shangri-La hotel can said to be the highest positive feedback received by the customers. Most customers are satisfied and happy with the services provided by the hotel. Satisfied customers will promote and recommend to others with the great services they received at the hotel. Positive word of mouth can improve the reputation of the hotel and this enable the hotel to attract more customers. Customers satisfactions always brings Shangri-La hotel the effort to do better and it leads to customers loyalty where customers will come back to visit the hotel next time. Shangri-La hotel always maintain a high standard of services as they believe service is the crucial rules of a successful hotel. This is how Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad do business in a fully competitive environment and yet did so well in the service industry. SWOT Analysis A companys successfulness always depends on the strategy that the company used to improve its business. SWOT analysis is one of tools that most companies like to use to determine the companys strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threat. Hotel industry such as Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad also need SWOT analysis to use as a guide for the business and distinguish between today situation and future situation. SWOT analysis will be very effective and useful for Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad to improve its strengths and opportunities and yet minimize the weaknesses and threats. Strengths, which are the beneficial aspects of the organization or the capabilities of an organization, which includes human competencies, process capabilities, financial resources, products and services, customer goodwill and brand loyalty. One of the strengths of Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad is the brand name. Brand is very important for every business as it helps to internationally recognized for its luxurious hotels and resorts. Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad is said to be an aspirational brand to the public. Besides, the leadership and management skills of Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad is well known for its fine and tuned management that is capable enough to run the whole corporation. It helps Shangri-La hotels provide great and excellent service for every customer. Next, the high quality service of Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad also attract a large number of repeat customers which form a loyalty between them. In addition, another strength of Shangri-La hotels is its five-star venture that won numerous awards including the leading spot as the Top Asia Hotel in Malaysia, Best Luxury Hotel in Malaysia by the 2012 Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards and World Luxury Hotel Awards Global Winner in the Best Luxury Business Hotel and Best City Hotel category 2011. These awards build up a branded image for Shangri-La hotels and reputation in the hotel field. Not only that, Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad also is the leading corporation on its line of food expertise in various cuisine from eastern to western. Many customers visit Shangri-La hotels are mostly due to the delicious and relaxing restaurants. Clean and tidy of the hotel rooms are the main reason of customers likes to visit Shangri-La hotels as they always satisfied with the environment. Weaknesses, which deteriorate influences on the organizational success and growth. There are little of weaknesses of Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad as they always minimize their weaknesses and transform to their strengths. One of the weaknesses is the inadequate of staff with qualifications as Shangri-La only hires personnel with skilled expertise and the draught for manpower. This may affect the shortage of workers and influence the performance of the hotel. Furthermore, the concept of Shangri-La is outdated and does not appeal to younger generation. They rather go for hotels such as Hard Rock Hotel or G Hotel. Next, the maintenance cost is too high to handle as Shangri-Las hotel and resort must be excellent to its quality for accommodation. This will increase the expenses of Shangri-La hotels and thus the price of the hotel room will also increase. Opportunities, that are presented by the environment within which our organization operates. These arise when an organization can take benefit of conditions in its environment to plan and execute strategies that enable it to become more profitable. As economy of Malaysia had improve steadily nowadays and tourism sector is growing and booing in the recent years making the demand for hotels to increase significantly. Economy of the country will directly enhance the tourism sectors, thus service industry such as hotel will be attractive. Besides, online market is one of the opportunities that helps the growth of Shangri-La hotels as it ranks No.1 in the Tripadvidor website. Technology helps Shangri-La hotels to attract customers as it is kind of marketing and promotion strategy. On the other hand, partnership with international airways, KLIA, is one of the opportunities that more foreigners will be able to visit Asia. This in return increases the occupancy in hotels. Besides, as the steadily growth of economy had increase the job opportunities in Malaysia and this will occurs the lack of human resource. Thus, the lack of human resource will encourage expatriates to come and work in Malaysia. These are the upper class people and usually require hotels for their choice of stay. Threats, one of the threats facing by Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad is the competition of the business. Rival hotels are setting up their base in Asia and lower their prices making it more competitive. Those competitors will influence the sales of Shangri-La hotels. Guesthouses will also compete as they provide much lower rate and affordable to all people. Low budget hotels are the competitors which offering lower costs of accommodation for customers to compete with Shangri-La hotels. In addition, spreading virus such as SARS and H1N1 and robbery cases will discourage people not travel overseas and thus affected the business of Shangri-La hotels. SWOT analysis is one of the tools that are very important and effective for every business to determine the situation of the business and thus making improvement for it. Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad will keep providing great service for customers after doing SWOT analysis as understand the internal and external determinants of the business. Marketing Strategies (7 Ps) A companys success is not only depends on the effectiveness and efficiency of the companys management. It also need to focus in marketing which is the important process of communicating the product or service with customers. Customers are important as without customers, a company will not grow and success. In order to grow a company, customers satisfaction need to get into details. Shangri-La hotel is a company which marketing its services to the customers. Therefore, Shangri-La hotel must has its marketing strategies to achieve the companys goals. Marketing strategies defined as the marketing logic by which the business unit hopes to achieve its marketing objectives. Marketing strategy consists of specific strategies for target markets, marketing mix and marketing expenditure level. Marketing mix is the most common strategy used by many company. Shangri-La hotel is one of the companies which implement marketing mix strategy. Marketing mix consists of 7Ps for developing an effective marketing strategy. It consists of product, price, people, process, promotion, place and physical evidence. The first P Product, usually defined in the capacity of goods or services. Product can be differentiated with quality, design, variety and features. The product of Shangri-La hotel is providing services to customers instead of goods. Shangri-La hotel provides online customer service for customers and customers can get to know the hotel with their website provided. Accommodation service is the main service a hotel provides for customer. So, in order to satisfy customer, types of rooms are playing an important role. There are five types of rooms provided for customers according to their preferences. A hotel must always satisfy customer and build a good relationship with customer through service provided in order to get loyal customer for the hotel and yet maintaining a long term business. Shangri-La hotel provides variety of facilities for convenience their customer to enjoy the stay from the time check-in until check-out. Facilities can be included exclusive room facilities, hotel facilities, dining and entertainment, sport and leisure for customers. Services with intangible are the helpful services provided by receptionists and the smiling face welcoming customers by the staff. The second P Price, is the amount of money for customers to pay for accommodation service in the hotel. Shangri-La hotel always fixed the price according to the types of rooms chosen by customer. Customers are able to make booking online as to convenient them for make comparison and know the price. Online booking usually will requested customers to choose few options according to their choices and they can pay the total amount of the room by using credit card. Besides, online booking will convenient foreigners as it provide currency converter for them to convert into their currency. Pricing strategy using by Shangri-La hotel is based on the service ordered by customers, so customers will be more satisfy with the service because the hotel provide service according to customers order. Discounts and allowances will be given by Shangri-La hotel in the off-peak seasons as to attract more customers to increase sales. By giving discounts in a special room rate, customers can have the chance to stay in the hotel with a relatively lower price and the hotel can build the customer loyalty at the moment. Customers also can made their payment with cash or card as to convenient customers and prevent hassle of customers. The third P People, relate to persons who involve in the process of interaction. People can be classified into target customers and service personnel by Shangri-La hotel. Target customers of Shangri-La hotel are mostly from upper-class or those who posses higher financial ability. Shangri-La hotel is mostly targeted customers of tourists and businessman. Tourists who come from overseas are willing to stay in a luxurious and expensive hotel as they are of higher financial group and likes with relaxing lifestyle. Besides tourists, businessman is another target customer who mostly required to stay in a five star hotel as their expense will be paid by company. By choosing a five star hotel by business travelers, it will create a good image of the company he/she represented. Whereas the people of service personnel involve in the interaction, Shangri-La hotel must recruits and hires employees with skills and attitudes. Skills can be relate to the qualification, ability and competency. Attitudes are those behavior that every staff in the hotel must be acquired such as helpful, responsive and smiling. Shangri-La hotel has provided training programmes for all the hotel employees to make improvement. With skills and attitudes, employees are able to satisfy customers in any issues and lead them back to loyalty. The fourth P Process, refers to the systems used to assist the organization in delivering the service. For example, when enter a hotel, you welcomed by staff with smiles, check-in service is fast, baggage is taken to room, have a great service from the restaurant and facilities, and finally ended trip and baggage delivered to you. This is the process in Shangri-La hotel. Shangri-La hotel demonstrate process involve in delivering services. Fast check-in process is the key of first impression of customer as reservation will be served directly by the receptionist. Besides, when customers are in hunger and order dishes through room service, a fast delivering process is enough to satisfy customers. If customers want to make a complaint regarding the non-working of air-conditional, the fast process of making complaint and solve the problem is very important. Shangri-La hotel always help customers to solve problem as they care of customers. The fifth P Promotion, usually made to attract more customers to increase sales. Shangri-La hotel usually have promotion and special offer to build long term relationship with loyal customer. Shangri-La hotel is using advertising and online marketing to make promotion. Advertising can be regarded as the banner and brochures of the hotel. Technology had become very important nowadays as most people know how to surf internet. Online marketing is the trend to promote Shangri-La hotel. Customers can book hotel rooms at other website such as booking.com and agoda.com. Those websites are able for customers to leave feedback regarding their stays. Positive feedback will successfully attracted more customers to visit the hotel. Furthermore, customers are able to pay less for more with special offer and promotion made by Shangri-La hotel. Customers can enjoy delicious meals at the restaurant with the special offer made in particular day such as Valentines day. Positive word of mouth is one of the ways for promotion as satisfied customers will recommend other customers to visit the hotel. The sixth P Place, where customer can receive the service. Shangri-La hotel is a world-class hotel as hotels are distributed all over the world such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Australia and etc. New hotels are built by according to the demand chain management as the company knows what places are demanded by people for a hotel. There are three Shangri-La hotels in Penang, two at Batu Feringgi and one located in Georgetown. Batu Feringgi Beach is one of the tourist attractions in Penang. Foreign travelers love to visit the beach and this had made the popularity of Rasa Sayang Resort and Golden Sands Resort. Traders hotel is located in Georgetown where most of the businessman likes to visit. Hotels located in the city will be more preferable by travelers as they can go visit any place nearby. Places of the locations of Shangri-La hotel are wonderful and it has its own specific environment. The seventh P Physical evidence refers to services in tangible. The most common physical evidence of Shangri-La hotel is the brochures which mostly customers can requested at the counter. Business cards of receptionists or managers can be regarded as physical evidence as it can be used for next visits or recommendations. Customers can enjoy the beautiful and extraordinary designs of the outdoor swimming pool as it is regarded as the physical evidence. When customers made payment of the hotel room, an invoice of payment will be received by customer. It belongs to physical evidence as shows that customers are able to enjoy the optimum level of satisfaction of services. Service Issue Shangri La Hotel Berhad is a limited company that operates throughout Malaysia. Although Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad is doing good in the service industry, there have some issues that need to be improved and overcome. One of the issue faced by Shangri La Hotel Berhad is the insufficient manpower to conduct the daily operations. This is because Malaysia is facing lack of workers and is importing workers from other foreign countries. The link between manpower and Shangri La Hotel Berhad is fairly simple as manpower is proportional to productivity. The more people are available to work, the faster projects can be completed or the more projects a company can take on. Conversely, a lack of adequate manpower prevents businesses from completing tasks. The lack of productivity translates into a reduction in revenue and profit, which in some cases means the business cant stay operational. Hence if Shangri La do not handle this issue adequately, the efficient and effectiveness of the company will be affected. The second issue faced by Shangri La is the standards of the hotel staff not on par. With the increasing challenges the hotel sector is facing globally and the escalating demand for tourism products and services, especially in the emerging markets, there is urgent need for players in the region to offer high quality performance standards to survive. As stated, because of insufficient workers, Shangri La has to hire foreign workers in order to balance up the workforce. Foreigners on the other hand are usually hired from third world countries because of their low cost. This in return has taken toll on the overall performance of the company. Therefore, Shangri La should also look into this matter. The third issue is about the maintenance handled by Shangri La. As noted Shangri La Hotel Berhad is engaged in the operation of hotels and beach resorts, a golf course and clubhouse, property management and investment and commercial laundry. In the field of golf courses and clubhouse, maintenance is the upmost important. Shangri La on the other hand is doing just average based on the reviews. Because Shangri La Hotel Berhad is a five star company, they should be able to improve their maintenance and achieve excellence. As stated, maintenance is important in the hospitality trade as it reflects the service provided by Shangri La to their customers. Besides that, Shangri La also engages in beach resorts, having one in Batu Ferringhi and one at Sabah which is the more popular ones. Based on the reviews of the hotels, Shangri La Hotel Berhad has received complaints on the lack of entertainment provided on the beachfront which is also one of the issue faced by Shangri La. The beach itself is already amazing to enjoy. However, being viewed for their excellence, Shangri La Hotel Berhad should enhance a solution to that matter. Several reviews stated that there is nothing for the people to do at the beach but loafing around making the stay boring and unworthy. All these issues should be addressed by Shangri La Hotels Berhad as to maintain their international standards. If these service issues are solved, there is no doubt that Shangri La Hotels Berhad will achieve excellence in their line of trade. Latest Venture / Business Plan Although Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad already owns 66 hotels all over the world and has long term customers, Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad want to keep expand and differentiate its business in order to provide more service to the public. This is also a way to get more income and try to satisfy customers in a long run. Recently, Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad have some new business plan and latest venture for its business. For example, they planned to have some major renovation programme for certain resorts. For example, some renovation would be held in Rasa Ria Resorts Garden Wing guestrooms. When the renovation is fully completed, those improved room products will give the resort a stronger business platform for the companys future growth and well to compete strongly in this competitive marketplace. They try to satisfy customers of their specific services provided which cant be found among competitors. This will lead to a competitive advantage for them and customers will looking forward for new venture and service provided by Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad. Besides, Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad has planned to

In Pride and Prejudice, Austen explores the conditions that will :: English Literature

In Pride and Prejudice, Austen explores the conditions that will allow for the right kind of marriage. Which of the marriages do you think she sees as likely to be the happiest, and why? In Pride and Prejudice, Austen explores the conditions that she believes are required for true happiness through different couples. The couples that she sees to have promising, long lasting relationships are portrayed through characters, which complement one another. She also shows how romantic feelings can overwhelm us. Couples where parties are in love with each other seem very happy, but even so, Austen shows us that this does not mean a long lasting relationship. Austen shows what she believes to be the contributing factors of a happy relationship with longevity, through how she portrays the main characters and their relationships. We are first introduced to Mr and Mrs Bennet at the beginning of the novel; it is their absurd personality clash that causes us to look for qualities in their relationship that could make a good marriage; their, seemingly, satisfied demeanours must not fool us into believing that theirs is a happy marriage. Unlike most other couples in the novel, we are able to see the results of time and its effect on their relationship. We can see, by the way Mr Bennet freely mocks and teases his wife about her 'poor nerves', that it is a regular occurrence and possibly has been for a long time. Mr Bennet had been 'captivated by youth and beauty' but Mrs Bennet's 'weak understanding and illiberal mind' prevented any long lasting affection. They show no signs of being in love at this stage; however, they both seem to draw vague contentment through compromise and small things. For example, when Mr Bennet proclaimed himself adamant not to visit Mr Bingley when his intentions were otherwise. Mr Bennet gets to have his fun and Mrs Bennet gets to have her daughters introduced to a 'young man of large fortune'. Their relationship is not explored much in the novel, we never read of much interaction between the two solely. Like Charlotte Bennet we see that Mr Bennet spends much of his time in his office, as Charlotte learns to cope by spending time in a back room to avoid her husband. It seems that even if their marriage was happy in its beginnings, it did not have the requirements of a happy long lasting marriage. I believe Austen thinks their relationship is comfortable but not happy. Perhaps the most peculiar, surprising marriage is between Charlotte Lucas and Mr Collins. We see nothing of a previous relationship before engagement, and the text suggests that there was none.

Eulogy for Son :: Eulogies Eulogy

Eulogy for Son Good morning. Joe and I thank you all for coming to celebrate our son Mark's life. About four months ago on February 21, 1999, Joe and I had one of our biggest dreams come true. God blessed us with a beautiful baby boy. We named him Mark Warren, after his two grandfathers--and two of the strongest men we know. By bringing the names together, Mark became the greatest little boy we know. A lot of people called him "Markie," including his big sister Madeleine. Together, Madeleine and Mark made us very happy. We had the family we always dreamed of and a home filled with warmth and love. We were devastated on March 25th when Mark was admitted to the hospital, where he stayed for nine weeks. It was the most difficult time in our lives, to know that our beautiful baby boy was so sick. After many tests and consultations with many doctors, we found out that Mark had a severe neurological condition that affected his brain and development. We quickly realized that Mark would not live the life we had dreamed of for him. Fortunately we have been blessed with a very loving, supportive family and thoughtful, caring friends to help us through this difficult time. It was also Mark's strength, courage, and love, together with our faith in God, that brought us comfort. Mark went through so much and hardly ever complained. He was a tough little guy with a brave heart and innocent soul. It was because of these qualities that Mark touched so many lives and spread love and comfort to all those who knew him. Mark has made Joe and I better people. Mark has made a huge impact on the world by using the gifts that God gave him, which is, after all, what we as parents want from our children. Ever since Joe can remember he has wanted a son. Anyone that knows Joe knows that he has a very special relationship with his dad. Joe was ecstatic when Mark was born. He was going to create a relationship with Mark similar to the one he shares with his own dad. He made plans for them to go fishing and play one-on-one basketball in the driveway. When that dream was taken from Joe, he felt lost. As time went on, Joe realized how truly special a father/son relationship can be, and how love can overcome obstacles and bring peace.

Great Gatsby Empathic Response

Empathic Response You are Tom at the moment you recognize the attraction between Daisy and Gatsby. What are your thoughts? That is absolutely preposterous! I cannot believe this; especially after all I have done for her! All of the money spent on her, the dinners we enjoyed, the Jewelry I bought and all the useless crap I spoiled her with. All wasted, thrown down the drain. She would honestly be nowhere without me. To be completely frank with my self, I expected this.How could I have not, with my relationship with Myrtle, I felt the strong sense of Jealousy grow between us. If it were not for Pam, I doubt we would still be together? This could be some sort of payback. Myrtle had a purpose, there was reason I escaped my boring life of Daisy. Although who would even dare to cheat on me, after all I have done. The most disgusting part is Gatsby. He is a wastrel polluting the very community we live in. Such an arrogant man who has none of the slightest it of morals.His parties are a meet ing place of the sickest members of our society who mean nothing to me. How could anyone find love in this man? His arrogant and egotistical personality could turn anyone off, yet Daisy is blind. I will get revenge. I would do anything to watch Gatsby suffer after what he has done. He is trying so hard to turn her against me yet she will never leave my side. Deep down inside she loves me and she knows it. I'm going to love to see how this ends.

God’s Expectations for the Kings of Israel and Judea Essay

When the children of Israel demanded a King, God warned them that a king would exploit them. In demanding a king, the people rejected God (I Samuel 8: 10-17). Judges were charismatic individuals chosen to deal with crises confronting the 12 tribes. The fear was that they this did not provide stable leadership. God then allowed Saul to become king. Saul ruled from about 1020 to 1000, then lost God’s blessing. He disobeyed God’s instruction to destroy the Amalekites, so God withdrew the spirit from him (I Samuel 18: 10). God took the notion of kingship and placed high expectations on those who ruled. Other nations saw kings as Gods. Biblical kings were to serve God and God’s people, shepherding the people (Ezekiel 34: 1). The command to rule justly runs through the Bible, as does the command not to exploit the people or to worship false Gods. God and the Biblical kings are both described as Shepherds. David, who succeeded Saul, enjoyed an eternal covenant with God, 2 Samuel 7: 16. God promised to regard David’s son as if he were God’s own son. David and Solomon, his son, ruled justly. David was not allowed to build the Temple due to his act of adultery (2 Samuel II: 4). Solomon, who asked only for wisdom to rule well, not for personal gain, built the temple. His sons, Jeroboam and Rehoboam rebelled, splitting the kingdom. Jeroboam ruled Israel (North), Rehoboam Judea (South). Their descendants were judged good or bad depending on whether they imitated David and ruled justly or worshipped false Gods, exploited the people and shed innocent blood. Too many failed to uphold justice. In 722, Hoshea lost Israel to the Assyrians. In 597, Zedekiah lost Judea and Jerusalem to Babylon.

Innovation: The Key to Achieve Organizational Sustainability Essay

Introduction Currently, the theory of sustainability has gained an international popularity not only in the more macro social and ecological level, but also in the relatively micro organizational level. To be more specific, now it has become the primary goal of an organization to sustain a healthy and long-term development, or sustainable development. The role of innovation in the organizational sustainability, however, is not yet decided partly because that the notion of innovation is so elusive (Elke & Bos-Brouwers 2010). After a wide literature survey, in this essay it attempts to put forth and prove the hypothesis that innovation is the key to realize organization sustainability. Organizational Sustainability and Innovation? As pointed out in the research book by Dunphy, Griffiths and Benn (2006), corporation has been the fundamental cell of modern economic life as it brings people such a huge physical wealth that is unthinkable for the generations before. The importance of corporation, however, leads to the question of how to maintain a sustainable development of corporation in order to achieve the sustainability of human society and the plant. This is called corporation sustainability or organizational sustainability. Accordingly, one can see that in the literary sense, organizational sustainability is a sustainable and healthy development and maintenance of the organization to fulfill its goal to provide its members the financial returns and other kinds of outcomes in the long run. However, it is just one part of organizational sustainability. From a more profound perspective, it has the sustainability of human society and the plant as its ultimate goal. Human beings are living in this earth for quite a long time and will continue to live in this plant; therefore, it is important to study the approaches to a sustainable development. Someone also link the organizational sustainability with enterprise social responsibility. The two terms coincide in the point that they are both meant for a long-term development for the organization and human beings as well. Innovation, nevertheless, is much more elusive to define that organizational sustainability. Based on the broad survey, it is summarized that there are  at least the following two indispensible aspects in the notion of innovation. For one thing, innovation is the concept of innovative thinking. It is deeply rooted in the members of an organization and reflected by the organizational culture. In the innovative culture, the opinions from multicultural backgrounds are welcomed and respected. For another thing, innovation also refers to the methods to bring about new and creative organizational changes through innovative methods, such as technological innovation or institutional innovation. By adopting the innovative methods, it is possible to bring a significant change to an organization. Theoretical Perspective To realize the primary importance of innovation of innovation in organizational sustainability, one has to find out the inherent link between them. Organizational sustainability is nothing like the previous production mode which puts extreme and even solo emphasis on the short-term and economic gains in an organization. It is aimed at a comprehensive development of economic returns, social welfare, ecological impact, and human development. The essence in this new mode of organization development lies in creative change or a fundamental change to the old-fashioned one. Therefore, the theoretical reasoning will be conducted from two aspects—innovative mindset and innovation method. Innovative mindset, or innovative thinking, is of a vital importance for the possibility of organizational sustainability. As pointed out by Dunphy, Griffiths and Benn (2006), because of the unsustainability of some traditional organizational values and forms, one cannot achieve the sustainability of society and the plant if they are not significantly reshaped. It is echoed from the research result by Weiss and Legrand (2011), who also conclude that to foster innovative thinking, or embrace a culture of innovation, is the key to ensure the implementation of sustainable measures in an organization. It is because sustainability approach is such a newly emerged organizational practice that one has to be spiritually innovative to accept this new idea. In the second place, sustainability in an organization is equally impossible  when no innovative methods can be put forth. It is true that the organization members should be of an innovative mindset. However, it is also important to work out measures to bring a highly efficient production while at the same time bring benefits to the society, such as technological process (Elke & Bos-Brouwers 2010). In this case, the embrace of multi-culture values is of great importance (Florea Cheung and Herndon 2013). New and innovative methods will come up when different or contrasting ideas are presented for discussion. In addition, apart from technological innovation, the institutional innovation can also result in organizational sustainability. An institutional arrangement that encourages the sustainability of an organization will definitely stimulate the members in it to make the best of their individual efforts to realize this goal. Empirical Approach The inherent link between innovation and organizational sustainability has been revealed in the above theoretical perspective. It is equally important to discuss this issue from an empirical approach. According to the research by Center for Sustainability Organization (n.d.), there has come out the research focus on Context-Based Sustainability, which interprets organizational performance not only from the economic perspective, but also relates it to social and ecological thresholds. It is also coincides to the discussion about organizational sustainability in the first part. And it is also directly linked to the organizational practices taken by Coca cola, who intends to realize the sustainability of the organization. In the Sustainability Innovation Summit held by Coca Cola Enterprise (2013), measures to achieve organizational sustainability are heatedly debated by delegates from scholars, entrepreneurs and government officials. In the end, conclusions have been reached that it is important to â€Å"embrace disruptive approaches through innovation, collaboration and technology.† The approaches to be adopted are disruptive because they are not at all similar to those before. Or rather, one might call them innovative methods. However, in order to take these disruptive approaches, it is important to embrace innovation and technology. Technology is the result of innovation, to some extent, because there is no technological breakthrough without innovation. That is  to say, innovation is the key in taking the disruptive approaches. And these approaches are for the purpose of organizational sustainability. It becomes clear that innovation plays such a key role in the realization of sustainabili ty for an organization. Conclusion Nowadays, the management of change has become one of the primary tasks for the leaders in an organization, because of the rapid change in economic climate and theoretical innovation in management. The concept of organizational sustainability, however, is also one of the major theoretical challenges to the previous out-of-mode organizational practices. It not only focuses on the short-term and economic outcomes from an organization, but also extends to the social welfare and individual benefits provided by the organization. Such a contrast to the old practices, it is important to realize the importance of innovation and make the best of it to realize the sustainability of an organization. Specifically speaking, on one hand, it is necessary to foster an innovative thinking among the members of the organization; on the other hand, it is also essential to work out innovative methods to realize the goal of organization sustainability. References Center for Sustainability Organization. (n.d.). Retrieved Apr. 9th, 2014, http://www.sustainablelifemedia.com/events/sb14/program/workshops Coca Cola Enterprise. (2013). â€Å"Sustainability Innovation Summit explores how organizations can think differently to drive the next era of sustainable business.† updated Oct. 11th, 2013, retrieved Apr. 9th, 2014, http://www.cokecce.com/news-and-events/news/sustainability-innovation-summit-explores-how-organizations-can-think-differently-to-drive-the-next-era-of-sustainable-business-video-and-summary Dunphy D., Griffiths A. and Benn S. (2006). â€Å"Organizational change for corporate sustainability.† Retrieved from Routledge Talor & Francis Group, Apr. 9, 2014, http://www.sustenn.com/files/user_files/25_Frederic_Laloux/dunphyorganization al-change-for-corporate-sustainability.pdf Elke H. and Bos-Brouwers J. (2010). â€Å"Corporate sustainability and innovation in SMEs: evidence of themes and activities in practice.† Business Strategy and the Environment (retrieved from Database Wiley), Vol. 19, No. 7, pp. 417–435 Florea L., Cheung Y., and Herndon N. (2013). â€Å"For all good reasons: role of values in organizational sustainability.† Journal of Business Ethics(retrieved from Database Jstor), Vol. 114, No. 3 (May 2013), pp. 393-408 Weiss D. and Legrand C. (2011). Innovative Intelligence: The Art and Practice of Leading Sustainable Innovation in Your Organization. John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd., Ontario.

Eating Disorders Essay

Eating disorders are devastating and harmful behavioral patterns that occur within people for numerous reasons. The three types of eating disorders I will be discussing include the three most common of the disorders: anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating (known as binge eating). Though the disorders take physical damage on the body, they are not in fact physical illnesses. You cannot â€Å"catch† and eating disorder. Rather, they are mental issues that develop more frequently within females but do affect the male population somewhat as well. Eating disorders are very common in our culture many people have them or know someone who does. With our cultures unrealistic views on what is beautiful the supper skinny models that woman see everywhere makes many people think that they have to live up to those standards. Some people feel if they cannot be up to these standards that they are not good enough and this causes them to do things that a person in their normal state of mi nd would never do. When people starve themselves to like in anorexia they end up developing many different psychological problems and find excuses to keep up with their destructive habits. There are also people who are addicted to eating they use eating as a way to feel a void that they feel like they have. They lean to use eating as a cooping tool in turn they become obese then they use eating to deal with their depression which works as a double edged sword. What they love is what is destroying them physically as well as mentally. This can also be considered emotional eating this is eating when you’re angry, sad, or even anxious. Many cultures have different views as what is considered attractive these variables play a large part in what peoples diet habits are this can be seen in the magazines and television from the area to show what they culture is  expecting people to look like and what they are expected to eat. Women have been the main ones with eating disorders but men with them are on the rise this is due to the unrealistic thoughts on them as well. Men are more prone to work out more than what is really necessary that way they get lower body fat. Many men think the lower their body fat the better they are this can cause many other mental issues that were not originally perceived as a female problem. With the current changes in culture the rise in men having eating disorders will keep rising. Bulimia occurs with or without anorexia symptoms. Individuals with bulimia tend to binge eat then self induce vomiting. However, binge eating is sometimes not a component of bulimia. Individuals may eat normal a mounts, and then excuse themselves to the bathroom. Another common trait is the use of laxatives, diuretics, and enemas in thoughts that it will excrete those calories. Bulimics are not necessarily underweight. Some are even over weight if not at a normal weight, and they almost always have a swollen appearance to their stomachs. Compulsive overeating is a disorder in which individuals overeat, often using food as an addictive substance. As others may turn to alcohol, drugs, or gambling to alleviate stress, compulsive overeaters turn to food. Eating disorders can plague women, and men of any age. With treatment people can overcome eating disorders and regain a normal lifestyle. They of course will always struggle with their initial issues related to food, however the treatments can teach them and give them the strength to overcome the impulses.