Analysis of the Marketing Mix of Johnson Johnson Essay Example

Analysis of the Marketing Mix of Johnson Johnson Essay The case took into consideration the situation surrounding the handling of Johnson amp; Johnson under William Weldon. Based on the case study, Weldon was a master of marketing, which was then to the advantage of the monolith Jamp;J. The following discussions will analyze the capability of Jamp;J using the marketing mix to maximize the profits gained by the said company under the headship of Weldon. II. Marketing Points A. Product Based on the article of (2003) Johnson amp; Johnson was a company who dwell in innovation and new products. This shows that the company has a commercial advantage against its competitors. Not only does it have a recognizable brand, it also offers products which the public identify with them. This is possible because they have identified themselves with the product. A good example of this would be their treatment of the drug, Procrit. B. Place Along with the famous products of the company, it also shows how effectively they make these accessible to the public. In the case of their product Bandaid, they targeted hospitals by making it more scientific through the improvements made by their research and design department. The product was made liquid and thus accessible for hospitals as wound closing agents. Another product was also made accessible to the public. Their product, Nizoral, was formerly an antifungal treatment targeted for hospital use was transformed to commonplace merchandise, shampoo. This shows the tenacity of the company to offer the public their products and in the same time expand their market. We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of the Marketing Mix of Johnson Johnson specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of the Marketing Mix of Johnson Johnson specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of the Marketing Mix of Johnson Johnson specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer C. Promotion The promotion of the products of Jamp;J, the company takes on the persuasive craftsmanship of Weldon to the public. The article indicates that Weldon does impose rather challenging tasks to his executives. These tasks are expected to be successful at the first attempt that some of the executives even consider it impossible. Nevertheless, the pressure provided by Weldon has been considerably effective given the performance of Jamp;J in his reign. The competitive compulsion that has enveloped the company through Weldon has helped improved consciousness and creates a positive image towards the products offered by the company. D. Price Early on in the article, the discussions have presented that Jamp;J have offered the public with low-cost and considerably affordable products in the market. This doesn’t only make their product known to the majority of the public, but also the choice of many buyers. The good thing about Jamp;J’s recognizable brand name is that the buying public tends to trust their products. In this manner, this part of the marketing mix tends to contribute largely to the rest of the determinants of product choice. III. Conclusion The case study presented the circumstances surrounding Johnson amp; Johnson as one of the most influential companies in the commercial sector. One could learn largely on the situations of Jamp;J. It shows that a firm leader could do wonders for the company. The case study has presented that Weldon was cognizant of both internal and external elements that affect the overall environment of the company. In this manner, he was able to use these to his advantage. Knowing what needs to be done for product has greatly influenced how he became aware on how these are going to be carried out. More important than the effective implementation of the marketing mix, the proper communication within the organization is required. Along with the strong leader, the need of a healthy interaction within the ranks presents not only an opportunity to develop but also, as seen in the case of Jamp;J, to essentially make seemingly impossibly demanding tasks into measured ones. Nevertheless, the case study has also presented that the company have indeed taken several missteps in their quest for development. Again, leaders have to be constantly vigilant such that these errors could be mended before major implications have infected the entire operations of the company. Companies could learn from the case of Jamp;J. Firm leaders and able executives to realize the vision of the company spell success for the company.

Extended School Year Services (ESY) for Students with Special Needs

Extended School Year Services (ESY) for Students with Special Needs ESY, or Extended School Year, is additional instructional support for students with disabilities, required by the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Why is ESY necessary? Some students with special needs are in jeopardy of not being able to retain the skills they have learned during the school year unless given additional support throughout the summer. Those students eligible for ESY will receive an individualized program to support their learning and retention of skill throughout the summer holidays. What does IDEA say about ESY? Under (34 CFR Part 300) in IDEA Regulations (not the Act): Extended school year services must be provided only if a childs IEP team determines, on an individual basis, in accordance with 300.340-300.350, that the services are necessary for the provision of FAPE to the child. The term extended school year services means special education and related services that- (1) Are provided to a child with a disability- (i) Beyond the normal school year of the public agency;(ii) In accordance with the childs IEP; and(iii) At no cost to the parents of the child; and(2) Meet the standards of the IDEA  Ã‚  (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) How can I determine if a child qualifies? The school, through the IEP team, will decide if the child will qualify for ESY Services. The decision will be based on a variety of factors which include: the childs rate of progressthe degree of impairmentthe childs behavioral and/or physical problemsavailability of resourcesthe vocational and transitional needs of the childthe childs ability to interact with non-disabled childrenand whether the service requested is extraordinary rather than usual in consideration of the childs condition. It is important to remember, the key to qualifying is the childs regression during school breaks, these should be well documented and records or any supporting data should be on hand for the team meeting. The school team will also take into consideration the childs previous history, in other words, did having summer holidays mean re-teaching skills again upon school startup? The school team will look at previous regression. It is important to note that most students dont retain all skills taught, hence a spiraling curriculum. The degree of regression must be relatively extreme to qualify for ESY Services. How much will I have to pay? There is no cost to the parent for ESY. The educational jurisdiction/district will cover the costs. However, not all students with disabilities will qualify. ESY services are provided only if the child meets certain criteria determined by law and the specific districts policy. What are some of the services provided?The services are individualized based on the students needs and will vary. They could include, physical therapy, behavioral support, instructional services, take home packages for parental implementation with consultative services, coaching, small group instruction just to name a few. ESY does not support the learning of new skills but the retention of those already taught. Districts will vary in their form of services offered. Where can I find more information about ESY? You will need to check with your own educational jurisdiction as some states vary in their standards regarding ESY. You will also want to read the section noted above in the IDEA regulations. Be sure to ask your district for a copy of their ESY guidelines. Note, that you should look into this service well in advance of any school break/holiday.

Questions - part III Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Questions - part III - Essay Example The statecraft explains amongst other things the strategies, which are used by countries to have control in the international relations. The latter makes it possible for the international relations is imperative in the sense that it makes it possible for countries to be more cohesive and foster economic and political development. In the contemporary statecraft, the critics indicate that the relationship is based on increased competition amongst the member countries. Each of the countries tries to gain political and economic strength in order to have a competitive edge. From both the realism and Marxism theories, it is indicated that one of the main strategies used in statecraft today is based on accumulation of wealth for economic growth purposes. There is a direct relationship between economic gain, political strength, and military strength with power of control. The biggest economies such as the United States, Russia, and China have the power of influence. The realism theory on the other hand agrees that the relationship established between countries has nothing to do with improving the livelihoods of the people, or assisting the member countries. It has to do with the accumulation of wealth and growth of economy. ... However, this can only be achieved by ensuring that such a country export finished goods and imports only raw materials at a relatively cheaper price. This explains why the developing countries have been reduced to exporters of raw materials, which fetch little compared to the finished products. However, the statecraft ought to ensure that all the member countries benefit from the relationship established. The developed countries should seek to ensure a balanced economic development of each of the member countries. For instance, the developed countries should be supported in terms of the development of the local industries. However, with the current globalization spirits, such infant local industries have been challenges due to competition by already established institutions. The statecraft should not be used as a way through which countries accumulate wealth meant to have control on others. For instance, the United States has been accused of interfering with the internal mattes of v arious countries in the world. Most of such countries such as China and Russia have been through cold war with the United States for decades. This owes to the fact that while the United States holds on the need to embrace capitalism, these countries use the communism economic system. One of the countries that have been a victim for decades has been Cuba. Using its economic and military power, the United States ensured that this country is not given an opportunity to belong to the international community. This is an indication of how statecraft can be used at the detrimental of other countries. According to my assessment, all the countries should be treated fairly regardless of their economic strength. The developed nations should be willing to assist the developing ones to

A New Model for Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

A New Model for Change - Essay Example These stages are saying goodbye which is having the commitment to leave how things used to be, shifting into neutral which is the middle ground between the old practice and the change which is desired to be executed, and moving forward which involves embarking in the set direction. Leaders should be aware of these stages, move from one stage to another by avoiding the tendency to be stuck. Understanding transition is one of the requisite for managers. For one, they are advised to bear in mind that their people need to be given some time in order to internalize the desired change. Also, managers should clearly identify the reasons why some of the employees are hesitant to embrace the transformation which is instituted. And lastly, they should realize that people are often held back not by the changes themselves but by the process of transition. The transition can be smoothly managed by the employment of a coach who oversees the process that the manager is going through to bring about the needed change. This is important because of a manager is less from being well-rounded and might be inclined in only in one functional area.

Thorncrown Chapel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Thorncrown Chapel - Essay Example Comparing two researches concerning the impasse on the hermeneutic of sacred building from the building itself, opposed to culture, social and personal understandings. According to Berger, hermeneutic of sacred architecture ought to reflect in the architect’s signs and symbols themselves (98). Thorncrown chapel glass wall gives the people inside the outdoor feeling unlike the regular church setting. Moreover, acknowledging church as a heaven icon, Thorncrown frequent more tourist than worshipers. It has become a stop point to millions of visitors each year. Additionally, the number of wedding bookings in Thorncrown increase day in day out. The image of redemption, divine energy, Gods present and glow as portrayed in Catholic Church is reduced into a feeling of nature. In consideration of hermeneutic approach that might solve Jones’ lack of architectural hermeneutics in his designs, practice will involve implementation of hermeneutic architectural symbols and archetypes by the earlier architects mentioned in â€Å"Sacred Space† (Berger et al 117-121). These symbols can be referred as the sacramental use of architecture knowledge in providing the optimal heavenly

Motivation Of Volunteer Tourists And Leisure Traveling Decisions Tourism Essay

Motivation Of Volunteer Tourists And Leisure Traveling Decisions Tourism Essay Travel experience is, restrictedly, perceived as seeking relaxation including sun, beaches, shopping and freedom. However, volunteering could actually be happened during a vacation or become the main reason of the trip which highly involved in the local culture (Maureen, 2006). According to the Tourism 2020 Vision report made by the United Nation World Tourism Organization, which normally abbreviated as UNWTO, international tourism will possibly encounter a 4.1% increment of annual growth rate on average from 1995 to 2020 meaning to around 1.56 billion visitors. However, travel promotes not only world peace and friendship, but economic inequalities, cultural and environmental deteriorations (Poelzl, 2002). Figure 1: Conceptual map of alternative tourism (Mieczkowski, 1995, p459) Mass tourism mainly consists of purchasing standardized products and visiting those prevailed and well-developed tourism destinations (Robinson Novelli, 2005). Having more leisure time and higher purchasing power triggered the desire to have different experiences (Hall Weiler, 1992). Nowadays people are looking for unique, novel and meaningful travel experience to satisfy themselves (Robinson Novelli, 2005). Due to globalization, nations become closer neighbours, and unveiling each others problems. Closeness helps the less fortunate and raises the environmental awareness (Uriely, Reichel Ron, 2003). It gives raise of alternative tourism, which including a diversity of tourism forms into niche markets such as nature and special interest tourism which is abbreviated as SIT. SIT offers customized leisure and travel experience according to increasing needs from the individuals (Derrett, 2001). For instance, several projects related to volunteer tourism and ecotourism have been actively promoted mainly in developing countries while conservation projects have been executed in developed countries (Britton, 1977; Saglio, 1979; Wearing, 2001). SIT travellers involve in cultural and leisure activities developing their special interests, gained insights and satisfied themselves by fulfilling the higher level of needs namely self-esteem, belonging and self-actualization (Neulinger, 1982; Henderson, 1984; Hall Weiler, 1992; Wearing, 2001, 2004). Volunteer tourism is a potential profitable market as the majority of this segment are higher educated and more sensitive to the environmental and social costs they brought (Hall Weiler, 1992; Lynne, 1993). Volunteer tourism and ecotourism both offer an alternative tourism experience and their underlying focus is sustainability in order to ensure the impacts on destination are minimized (Sofield, 1991, Wearing, 2001). Both forms are aiming to balance development to meet present needs without compromising the ability to meet the needs of future generation (Mieczkowski, 1995; Wearing, 2001). This can be found by the fact that volunteer tourism pays special attention to the environmental and social carrying capacity, coinciding with the aims of sustainability (Colton, 1987; Wearing, 2001). 1.2 The Global Development of Volunteer Tourism Since 1915, the phenomenon of overseas travelling of international volunteers, existed and is supported by a range of organizations and groups around the globe (Gillette, 1968; Clark, 1978; Beigbeder, 1991; Wearing, 2004). However, it was not being regarded as a tourism form. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, which is abbreviated as OECD, estimated over 33,000 overseas volunteers engaged during 1990 (Beigbeder, 1991; Wearing, 2001, 2004). Furthermore, the renowned guidebook, Mcmlillon, noted there were 75 organizations in 1987 (Campbell, 1999), with contrast to 275 in 2003. In addition, there are other sources also suggesting the significant growth in volunteer-based organizations (Holder, 2002; Brown Morrison, 2003; Brown, 2005). Based on a survey of over 300 volunteer tourism organizations worldwide, it is estimated overall market has grown to 1.6 million volunteer tourists a year, with a total market value of between GBP 832 million and GBP 1.3 billion (Association for Tourism Leisure Education, 2008). The most substantial growth in the sector has taken place since 1990 (Association for Tourism Leisure Education, 2008). These figures show a rapid growth in volunteer tourism. The popularity of alternative tourism has increased significantly such as volunteer tourism and ecotourism (Wearing, 2001, 2002; Mustonen, 2005). This is further witnessed by leisure travellers desiring to connect with locals and their culture in order to stimulate and fulfil their need of cultural immersion by combining travel, adventure and service (Brown Morrison, 2003; Hall Raymond, 2008). Several reports indicated 77% of organizations are non-government such as Youth Challenge International and Earth-watch, while 13% are commercial such as i-to-i, 5% are government ran such as Volunteer Service Aboard New Zealand, and 3% are operated by universities like University of Californias University Research Expeditions Programme (Ellis, 2003; Board, 2003; Coghlam, 2008). 1.3 The development of SIT and volunteer tourism in Hong Kong SIT is still developing in its infancy stage in Hong Kong. Despite the fact that little Hong Kong residents thoroughly know about SIT, a number of volunteer travel service suppliers do exist in Hong Kong. For-profit tour operators such as Hong Kong Study Tours Centre (Hong Kong Study Tours Centre, 2007) organize conservation volunteer tours to Australis and New Zealand for students. Other volunteer travel opportunities are usually provided by non-profit organizations. For instance, International Youth Culture Exchange Association (H.K.) Ltd. occasionally provides volunteer tours for secondary students and undergraduates. These volunteers will usually be involved in teaching English and simple hygiene knowledge in China (International Youth Cultural Exchange Association (H.K.) Ltd., 2007). Global Neighbor Network is dedicated to promoting volunteer tourism in Hong Kong by organizing volunteer tours regularly to different needy communities such as Sri Lanka, Kenya and Jordan (Global Ne ighbour Network, 2006). It has also worked with local universities such as medical students from The University of Hong Kong to provide basic medical care and treatment for patients in Indonesia. Besides, volunteers in Global Neighbour Network will partner with international volunteers in Global Hope Network to participate in different volunteer tours. Other non-profit organizations involved in volunteer tourism include Yellow House, Volunteer Space and LoveFaithHope Charitable Foundation. Due to insufficient awareness of the general public, volunteer tourism is still not very well-known in Hong Kong and the number of participants is limited, yet it has been gaining popularity in these few years. Both secondary school and undergraduate students are given more opportunities to give back to the needy community in China, although they may only do voluntary work for one or two days of the entire tour and engage in cultural exchange activities for the rest of the tour. In addition to students, religious groups make up most of the volunteer travellers in Hong Kong. They will visit various impoverished places on mission travel, with some of the time spent on volunteering. In general, they will provide education and development aid in the needy communities. 1.4 Problem Statement Volunteer tourism is a relatively recent phenomenon around the world. Though there has been increasing research on the motivational factors of volunteer tourists, little of such research has been done in the Asia-Pacific context, let alone within the Hong Kong context. It is of paramount importance to understand the travel motivation of volunteer tourists because it is the driving force behind their behaviors (Schiffan, Bednall, OCass, Paladino Kanuk, 2005). In addition, studying their perceived value of the volunteer trips will help to determine their intentions to recommend and repurchase the volunteer travel opportunities (Petrick, 2004a; 2004b). This research is designed to explore why Hong Kong residents participate in volunteer tours, what motivates them and what their perceived values towards their volunteer trips are. With a better understanding of the aforementioned issues, tourism marketers and professionals and potential service providers such as travel agencies will be a ble to identify if there is any market potential to organize more volunteer tours and diversify the tourism products in Hong Kong. The results of this study will help non-profit organizations to better understand why people choose to volunteer overseas, then they will be able to segment and target the markets, create tailor-made volunteer tours to recruit more warm-hearted people to become volunteers, as well as develop appropriate marketing strategies to promote volunteer tourism in Hong Kong. 1.5 Objectives To examine the motivational factors behind Hong Kong residents towards volunteer travel. To examine the perceived constraints of repeat participation among volunteer tourism among participants. To examine the influence of a volunteer tourism experience on future leisure travel decisions. Chapter 2 Literature Review This chapter offers a review of the literature with reference to the theme and research purposes of this study. There are four sections in this chapter. The first section will define volunteering and volunteer tourism. Second, tourism motivation, development of motivational theories and volunteer motivation is reviewed, followed by a summary of previous related research on volunteer tourism. The concept of perceived value an individual holds when evaluating travel experience is then discussed. The summary section will provide a conclusion of this chapter. 2.1 Volunteering vs. Volunteer Tourism Volunteer tourism, or also known as Voluntourism or volunteer vacation, actually combined two major elements which obviously are volunteering and travelling. More accurately, it contains the motivations of both volunteering and travelling sides and shows how they pertain to and interplay with each other. 2.1.1 Volunteering Volunteering is widely perceived and defined as freely chosen and generally providing aids and services for the host community simultaneously without any incentive to gain any financial rewards from them (Beighbeder, 1991; Van Til, 1979 cited in Stebbins, 1982). Supposedly volunteering or voluntary service is both beneficial to the community and the well-being of the volunteers (Cnaan et al., 1996; Stebbins, 1982) since it could build up a social network and develop a mutual understanding, friendship and adventurousness between each other (Gillette, 1968; Wearing, 2001, 2004). Volunteering may benefit volunteers in acquiring skills such as communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills which would absolutely be useful for their career (Broad, 2003; Brown Lehto, 2005). It provokes participants contemplation, encourages their concerns for others, offers them with an opportunity to develop an interest and creates a sense of deep personal fulfillment (Stebbins Graham, 2004). S tebbins (1992) also suggests that volunteering may achieve volunteers self-actualization, recreation or renewal of self and feelings of accomplishment. The volunteer is the one who gains mutual learning, friendship and adventure (Gillette, 1968). Volunteers from all age groups will most likely feel happier and less depressed. Neulinger (1982) and Henderson (1984) both noted that volunteerism and leisure fulfil higher level needs such as self-esteem, belonging and self-actualization. 2.1.2 Volunteer Tourism Volunteer tourism is slightly like an expansion of volunteering. Undoubtedly it includes the motivation of volunteering and, meanwhile, involves desires or incentives of travel. The term volunteer tourism intends to the tourists who organize to provide voluntary service during their vacations which is described by Wearing (2001): aiding or alleviating the material poverty of some groups in society, the restoration of certain environments, or research into aspects of society or environment In fact, the definition of volunteer tourism has become gradually ambiguous since a large number of individuals, who are willing to spend most of the time during vacation on volunteering, may not perceive themselves as volunteer tourists. However, there is a conceptual framework of volunteer tourism developed to classify volunteer tourists into different classes (Callanan Thomas, 2005). The framework was drawn on another framework related to ecology (Sylvan, 1985 cited in Callanan Thomas, 2005, pp. 196-197). It mainly divided volunteer tourists into shallow, intermediate and deep class based on the duration of their trips, their required skills or qualifications, degree of both passive and active involvement, level of contribution to the host communities and focus of the experience. Another way to classify the volunteer tourists basically depends on their mindsets. Volunteer tourists should be further divided into two types. Some of them may be willing to spend most of or even all of their holidays on volunteering, they, therefore, are identified as volunteer-minded tourists. The other type of volunteer tourists are identified as vacation-minded tourists who will possibly just treat volunteering as a short-term, may be only a half-day or up to three days out of a trip, activity during their vacation. (Brown Morrison, 2003; Brown Lehto, 2005, p. 480). 2.2 Motivation As motivation is a very significant variable in the contribution of explaining peoples travel behavior, this section aims at providing a comprehensive literature review on tourism motivation and volunteer motivation. The definitions of motivation and tourism motivation will first be given, followed by a description of the development of motivational theories. 2.2.1 Travel Motivation To understand travel motivation, a variety of scales and theories have been proposed and empirically tested in the tourism literature. Many researchers have used motivational theory to try to interpret the motivations of tourists. Wahab (1975) argued that travel motivation is so basic, essential and fundamental while doing tourism studies or tourism development. Generally, motivation is usually defined as the driving force behind all actions (Crompton, 1979; Fodness, 1994). At the meantime, motivation would be a key factor influencing ones travel decisions and be closely related to their psychological needs to explore something they have never met in their home countries. Travel motivations will probably be affected by any changes occurred in ones life stages. However, travellers may commonly be influenced by a certain number of motivators other than just one. (Swarbrooke and Horner, 2003). 2.2.2 Tourism Motivation Theories A few definitions have been developed for tourism motivation. Dann (1981 cited in Snepenger et al., 2006, p.140) stated that tourism motivation is: a meaningful state of mind which adequately disposes an actor or a group of actors to travel, and which is subsequently interpretable by others as a valid explanation for such a decision Crompton and McKay (1997) built their definition of tourism motivation on those suggested by Crompton (1979) and Iso-Ahola (1989 cited in Crompton McKay, 1997). Crompton and McKay (1997, p.427) which included the concept of optimal arousal level. For example, homeostasis (Snepenger et al., 2006) helped describe tourism motivation as: a dynamic process of internal psychological factors that generate a state of tension or disequilibrium within individuals. Moreover, Fodness (1994) and Crompton (1979) agreed and suggested that more knowledge of tourism motivation were necessary to assist tourism marketers in understanding individuals travel patterns so that they could develop and promote tourism products according to customers needs and wants. Over the years, a myriad of tourism motivational theories have been developed. There are some prominent theories which contribute to a better understanding of why individuals choose to travel. 2.2.3 Motivation Theory Maslows Hierarchy of Needs When discussing motivation theory, Maslows five-stage hierarchy of needs ought to be of the utmost importance. It emphazizes human needs could be differentiated into five different levels from extrinsic to intrinsic needs. These five levels are also in hierarchical order of increasing motivational importance. From the least to the most importance, they are physiological, safety, social, self-esteem and self-actualization need (Maslow, 1970). This hierarchy could be highly related to the travel industry since it mentioned individuals will less likely be interested in high-level needs if they cannot meet their physiological and safety needs. It implies the individuals will less likely be interested in travel. Additionally, Self-actualization could be considered the end or goal of leisure (Mill Morrison, 2002). Analyzing all five stages can derive some potential hints and clues to help understand the motivation of volunteer tourism. 2.2.4 Motivation Theory Travel Career Ladder (TCL) TCL is actually partly based on the Maslows Hierarchy of needs. According to TCL, tourists who own more experience would more probably seek satisfaction of higher needs (Pearce, 1991; Ryan, 1998). It reflects travel motives are changing according to life span and accumulated travel experience (Ryan, 1998; Schewe, 1988) and describes travellers motivation as consisting of five different levels, respectively they are relaxation, safety or security, relationship, self-esteem and development and self-actualization or fulfillment need. Normally travelers are not dominated by only a level of need but a set of needs. They will not always remain in the same stage and will probably descend as well as ascend on the ladder. 2.2.5 Push and Pull Factors Except the two hierarchical needs of human mentioned above, there is a two-tiered scheme of motivational factors, push and pull factors. Several theories also refer to these two factors to carry out, for example, Iso-Ahola personal interpersonal motives. Push factors mean all social-psychological motives which push individuals to go travelling. They are intangible and more like intrinsic desires of individuals, for instance, relaxation and exploration. On the other hand, pull factors mean those external forces which affect or attract individuals to travel to fulfill their identified wants. Any tangible things including the architectures, historical resources and the intangible elements including local culture, the attractiveness of the destination itself can also arouse travellers interest (Andreu, Bigne Copper, 2000). However, a travel is normally occurred based on the reason why individuals would like to leave their home country rather than the appeal of the destination which lure the travellers to visit. Travellers motives and behavior are markedly self-oriented (Witt Wright, 1992). Obviously, the push and pull factors may not be perceived appropriate to understand the motivation of volunteer tourism because 2.2.6 Motivation of volunteers being engaged in voluntary services Altruism (Bussell Forbes, 2002; Callanan Thomas, 2005) and doing something meaningful (Cnaan Goldberg-Glen, 1991 cited in Ryan, Kaplan Grese, 2001) are believed to be the central motives for individuals to participate in volunteer work. Individuals who desire to assist others are more likely to become volunteers. However, egoism may probably be included in the motivation of volunteers as well (Bussell Forbes, 2002; Ryan, Kaplan Grese, 2001). Participating in voluntary work can actually provide individuals with change to satisfy their social and psychological needs (Cnaan Goldberg-Glen, 1991 cited in Bussell Forbes, 2002). The first self-interested motivation is social which involves volunteering together with ones family members and old friends to strengthen kinship and friendship (Bruyere Rappe, 2007; Ryan, Kaplan Grese, 2001) as well as meeting new people with similar interests. The next motivation is learning and career. Volunteers may learn deeper about the natural environment (Bruyere Rappe, 2007); develop new skills and abilities which may be useful with ones career (Broad, 2003); obtain job-related experience and explore career opportunities which may aid future employment or career advancement (Bruyere Rappe, 2007; Riecken, Babakus Yavas, 1994 cited in Bussell Forbes, 2002) Another prominent motivation of volunteer is values and esteem. Volunteers can share their core values and thoughts with other people (Bruyere Rappe, 2007; Clary Snyder, 1999); gain a sense of self-worth as well as boosting self-esteem (Bruyere Rappe, 2007; Bussell Forbes, 2002). Some of the less obvious reasons for people to volunteer may include a desire to wear uniforms which symbolize authority, mixing with celebrities, travel opportunities (Wilson Pimm, 1996) and religious involvement (Mattis et al., 2000). 2.3 Previous Related Research on Volunteer Tourism Having looked at travel motivation and volunteer motivation individually, it is necessary to review the previous studies on volunteer tourism. A very similar research on the motives and benefits of volunteer vacationers in the United States was done by Brown and Lehto (2005). They employed focus group and in-depth personal interviews as their data collection methods to gain a deeper understanding of this rarely researched phenomenon. The results showed that there were four main motives of why people volunteer while taking a leisure trip. First, travellers were motivated to volunteer because they would have precious opportunities to interact with local people and immerse oneself in the local culture and community (Brown Lehto, 2005, p.487) Second, volunteer tourism was seen as a way to give back and make a difference in others lives, especially the less unfortunate. Third, travellers sought camaraderie on volunteer vacation trips. They were motivated by the fact that they would be ab le to make friends with people with common interests, values and minds. Fourth, volunteer tourism was perceived as an educational opportunity for children. It was believed that the volunteer experience would instil the value of giving to the younger generation in their lives. Another related motive was the opportunity to build a better bonding between parents and children. The major benefits of participating in volunteer tourism found in this research were greater satisfaction with the overall travel experience, self-fulfilment, opportunities to directly interact with the local community, the meaningful experience and wonderful memories, personal growth and enhancement of family relationships, Among the aforementioned benefits, self-fulfilment and personal growth were believed to have an enduring effect on individuals after the volunteer vacation trips. A case study conducted by Broad (2003) investigated the relationship between volunteers, their volunteering and the outcomes and impacts at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP) in Phuket. Four categories of motivation were identified in this study using qualitative method. Volunteers participated in the GRP because they wanted to travel to a different country and learn something about the country. They would like to obtain experience with reference to their studies and future career plans and they support conservation based on altruism. (Broad, 2003, pp.66-67). Their self-interested motivation was related to meeting like-minded people or developing their personalities. Her findings supported Gazleys (2001, cited in Broad, 2003) claim that both volunteer motivation and tourism motivation may apply to volunteer tourism. Similarly, it was found in Broads (2003) study that the volunteer travel experience had inspired some changes in the participants and their life. The experience was a life turning point for some of the volunteers, for instance, finding a career direction or entering into relationships with the locals. Other volunteers indicated that they had gained more confidence, knowledge and skills, and learned more about themselves. They had also developed a different view of life and the world. 2.4 Chapter Summary Chapter 3 Methodology The purpose of this research is to explore the motivations, constraints and how volunteer travel experiences influence travel decision among volunteer travellers. Since little academic research had been conducted in this area, especially in the Asia-Pacific context, no confirmed theories or methods were available to be adopted for this study (Brown Lehto, 2005). An exploratory study thereby seems appropriate to offer a better understanding of this research topic. The methodological issues were discussed in four sections: (1) research design, (2) data collection, (3) data analysis and, (4) limitations. 3.1 Research Design This is an exploratory research which is inductive in nature. The study used a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews (Brown Lehto, 2005). Qualitative research approach helped to gain more knowledge as to how individuals gave meaning to their volunteer vacation experiences (Halpenny Caisse, 2003). Simultaneously in-depth interviews provoked interviewees to express their thoughts which were neglected by marketers before so they can actually cater to the potential needs. (Patton, 1990; Jenning, 2001). The data gathered were helpful to reveal the what. how and, more importantly, explore the why for individuals to participate in volunteer travel (Saunders, Lewis Thornhill, 2007). The value of the knowledge is largely based on the context and the use of the knowledge. (Steinar, 1996) It can, for example, be used to examine travellers attitude towards volunteer travel, and the knowledge gained used to motivate leisure travellers to join volunteer travel. In addition, the interviews embraced different kinds of interview questions so as to deeply examine why potential travellers in Hong Kong are motivated to join the volunteer travel. Introducing questions were used since such open-ended questions may 3.2 Data collection Since it was improbable to identify and interview all volunteer travellers in Hong Kong, the interviewees were chosen from a population of Hong Kong residents who had participated in any volunteer travel before. Snowball sampling technique was used to collect the data until the required sample size was reached (Jenning, 2001). There were 8 desirable interviewees invited to participate in the individual interview which fitted the required sample size determined by theoretical sampling principle (Glaser, 1992). Furthermore, the interview process lasted till the theoretical saturation, where no new ideas or themes could be developed. 3.3 Data Analysis The personal interviews were transcribed word for word immediately. Owing to the time limit, the researcher translated the Cantonese discussions directly into written English. The transcripts 3.4 Limitations Fundamentally people, time and place would be the major limitation of the research. Finding appropriate interviewees was the first to be concerned so the researcher kept asking referrals from friends. After finding the right people, the researcher needed to make respective appointments with all interviewees in terms of Secondary data were so limited that could not sufficiently cater to the needs of this research, detailed and in-depth data and descriptions were therefore required (Geertz, 1973; Jenning, 2001). However, secondary data sourced from newspapers, academic journals, websites and books were so useful to provide understandings of initial concepts. Chapter 4 Research Findings Development of volunteer tourism in Hong Kong is still in its infancy at this stage. Hence, the aims of this chapter are to look into and have a better understanding of the motivation and constraints of repeat volunteer travellers. In addition to exploring how the experience influence their leisure travel decisions. Findings of aforementioned eight in-depth interviews were concluded in terms of three research objectives. Original statements of the interviewees were used as evidence to support each concept. 4.1 Motivations of repeated participation in volunteer travel All of the interviewees showed that they are very likely to attend volunteer travel again. There were six major motivational factors found which can be dissected by and highly related to Maslows Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow, 1970). Altruism and broadening personal horizons can be defined as self-actualization, which is of the highest level of the hierarchy. Furthermore, changes of self-image can be defined as self-esteem, which is positioned in the second highest level whilst desire for escaping from daily bustling life and enhancement of social life belong to belongingness and love, which is of the middle level of the hierarchy. Apart from those could be analysed by the Maslows Hierarchy of Needs, previous experience can either be one of the motives for taking volunteer travel again. 4.1.1 Altruism Personal altruistic desire for providing others with assistance and sympathy was stated by the interviewees as an important factor motivating them to partake in volunteer travel. Five interviewees considered it their first priority whilst other three interviewees considered it the second motivation. They volunteered, for example, to teach the local students, to provide necessities, to take care of the elderly and children, to bring happiness, to show love, and to encourage people to live under a stern environment. Three interviewees shared that it helped the organization to further understand the genuine needs amongst the locals, so more effective assistance could be provided in the future. I can help others or bring them (the local) caring and happiness to them. (Interviewee F) Most of their parents left them (local children) and work in other provinces, come back only one or two a year only. Theyre lack of parental love. (Interviewee A) One of the interviewee was eager to raise public awareness of the poverty gap between Mainland China communities and Hong Kong people. the number of participant is just 30, but if I spread the idea and my experience it would be many times than the number of participants. Perhaps, they know more after hearing from me, they are more interested in, and know the suffering of others in the world. Because I have my personal experience, it is more persuasive than the related TV episodes. (Interviewee E) So i think the children living in Hong Kong are having luxury lives. (Interviewee D) Similar concepts shared by all interviewees were meaningful because they felt happy with contributing to help and thus enhanced their sense of self-satisfaction and accomplishment. The word meaningful was mentioned at least once by each interviewee and three of them even emphasized this word for up to five times. It showed that participants looked for a meaningful experience in volunteer travel. I feel I gradually become kinder after volunteering every time as I am willing to help others even though I may not have contributed to the society a lot. Anyway, I learnt how to return the society rather than taking advantages from it. (Interviewee A) You can feel more satisfied with partaking in a volunteer trip and benefit much more from it than from ordinary travel., I

mafia Essay -- essays research papers

Their guns terrorized the streets of New York. They were murderous, brutal thugs that killed with no feelings of remorse. They were bank-robbers, drug dealers, casino owners, hit men and pimps. They were the Mafia of the 1920's and 1930's. These degenerates played an important role in American history, they were more than just bank-robbers and gunslingers, and they were men that affected all facets of society. They were celebrities, some of the most recognized men in America. Their evil deeds made the front page of every newspaper. They were some of the richest men in America, but most of all; they were the scapegoats for America's problems. They were hated by many, respected by few and feared by all. In times of poverty and despair, they were looked upon as the "problem", which needed to be "fixed". The fear they imposed on America gave Americans something to unite over and fight against together. Sometimes, a person is most courageous when they are most fearful. They made America "roar" in the twenties and they took "the wrath" of thirties. They were some of America's most dangerous men and some of its most famous as well. In order to obtain an objective view towards the Mafia, one must know a little about its history. The Mafia was first started in the ninth century, in Sicily. At this time, Arab forces were occupying Sicily. The natives were being oppressed, so they took refuge in the surrounding hills and formed a secret society to protect against the foreign invaders. This secret society was named Mafia, after the Arabic word for refuge. The society's intentions were to create a sense of family, based on ancestry and Sicilian heritage. During the 1700's, Mafia leaders began to force their way to the head positions in the Sicilian government and used government funds for their own private endeavours. In the early 1900's, when Mussolini and the Fascists came to power, he vowed to rid the country of all the Mafia. Keeping this in mind, and the fact that there was money to be made through extortion, prostitution, gambling and bootlegging in the United States, many Mafioso's decided to come west to America. Charles "Lucky" Luciano, the eventual organizer of the New York Mafia, was born in Sicily in 1897, and came to New York. Luciano climbed the "criminal ladder" and by 1935, he was known ... ...titution was so profitable, because it offered the most easily marketable and vendible product in the world; sex. The Mafia used the prostitutes as tools to make more business. They placed their "girls" throughout their clubs, so they could lure some high roller in the back for a drink or two. They worked the bars, and listened to lonely middle class men who needed a shoulder to cry on. They were on the streets mingling with the crowd, looking for their next perverted customer. The bosses often used prostitutes to "sweeten" deal between rival leaders or crooked politicians. They were as dangerous as the trained killers were, because they possessed something more powerful than guns. They were just as ruthless as the men that put holes in people's heads; they only came in a nicer package. The Mafia men of the 1920's and 1930's were some of the most influential men in American history. They robbed banks, killed people, stole, cheated, lied and corrupted an already corrupt country. They were not role models, and they did not aspire to be. They were businessmen, men who had only two objectives, money and power. They saw a need for something and they produced it.