Tv vs. Internet - 1042 Words

Will TV Succumb to the Internet? Case Study 1 John Doe 01/01/2010 Submitted in Partial Requirement for CIS-511-110 Managing Information Systems Important Case Facts Widespread use and ease of access to high-speed internet connections, powerful computers, and portable software devices have changed the way people obtain songs, videos, TV shows, and books. File-sharing and DVR service have increased the ease at which TV shows and music can be uploaded to the internet and shared with other for free. Although these TV shows and music files are illegal to share it the current laws against those who supply and download these digital files have almost no effect on users because of the scarcity in frequency in†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ Slowly change over to all TV shows accessible only though the internet. The way the internet is progressing and technology eventually all TV shows, movies, music will only be accessible thought he internet and cable will be a thing if the past. TV’s are already internet capable and it’s just a matter of time before everything is digital and there are now â€Å"hardcopies† of anything. It may take 20 years for this to happen but it will and if companies don’t wait to go out of business or bankruptcy they will have no choice but to adapt. †¢ Have more strict and comprehensive laws in place for copyrighted material violators. Having the laws in place to where all countries collaborate toward one common goal will be almost impossible because those last few nations that refuse to cooperate with the other major nations because the servers that host the websites that have the copyrighted material on them will bring too much revenue to the country. The only way to make this work is to have teams of computer programmers sponsored by corporations seeking to protect their copyrighted material and be endorsed by all the entire major nations. These team will have to patrol the internet and will write viruses that will prowl the internet looking for the fingerprint of copyrighted material so the material can be erased and the servers crippled by viruses so they are no longer useable. Recommended Action The recommended action for theShow MoreRelatedThe Evolution Of Internet : Incredible Speed On A Fiber Optic Network Essay896 Words   |  4 Pagesevolution of Internet: Incredible speed on a fiber-optic network [SHOP FIOS PLANS] # # # C MODULE Frontier Fios Internet vs. the competition Head to head, how does fiber fare in the Internet battles? Fios vs. Cable Cable providers serve metro areas. The network for cable TV delivers Internet to the same homes. It’s via copper wiring, though. Fiber-optics consist of hair-thin, flexible glass fibers that deliver data through pulses of light. Fiber technology is way more advanced. Fios vs. DSL ExistingRead MoreStreaming Medi An Emergent Technological1432 Words   |  6 Pagesinvented. As Netflix offers the hole season all at once vs. waiting a week to see the show on conventional channels. Amazon Prime Launched in 2005, Amazon was trying to get customers to spend more money. $79 a year, ($99 a year now), ($49 a year for student prime, with .edu email) people would get free two day shipping on many items. Starting in 2011 Prime members were introduced to prime videos, which was an unlimited movie and TV streaming service, and the kindle service a digital bookRead MoreHow Netflix Can Continue Expanding Business Opportunities Essay1166 Words   |  5 Pagesfor wireless internet TV’s became more affordable. Source: http://mobile.businessweek.com/articles/2013-10-21/netflix-may-ditch-dvds-sooner-rather-than-later CONSUMER TRENDS DIGITAL REVOLUTION The home entertainment experience is changing with content delivered on-demand through web applications, game consoles, and tablets. People are investing in TVs that compatible with wireless internet. Consumers between the ages of 18 to 34, spend one-third of their time watching original TV series throughRead MoreNetflix Vs. Netflix, Hulu, And Hulu1346 Words   |  6 Pagesaverage cable TV bill, not including fees, promotion or taxes, has increased by whopping a 97 percent over the past 14 years, according to the media research firm SNL Kagan. That bill could reach whopping $200 per month by 2020, one study found.† (Stenovec 1). Even after paying hundreds of dollars per month, consumers can only watch TV in their living room, and if they want cable service in their other rooms, it will cost them additional money. On the other hand, consumers only need internet access toRead MoreInternet Impact on TV Synergy767 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Monroe Community College Internet Impact on TV Synergy: The Television That Goes Above and Beyond Brian Holcomb Mark Ricci Intro to Mass Media March 27th, 2014 Brian Holcomb Mark Ricci Intro to Mass Media March 27th, 2014 Several years ago, the introduction of social media, like Twitter and Facebook, ultimately took society by its horns, creating the initial interaction between the ever growing internet phase, and the everlasting television access networks. TheseRead More DSL or Cable Essay1537 Words   |  7 Pagesare millions of people connecting to the Internet. The Internet is made up of networks of computers linked together around the world where people can chat, shop, instant message, and e-mail each other. With so many people connecting one might wonder how all of these millions of people are connecting to the Internet. There are many different options for people to use to connect to the Internet, such as dial-up, DSL, Cable, and Satellite. Dial-up internet connection uses the telephone line; thisRead MoreInternet vs Television669 Words   |  3 PagesInternet vs Television The internet is more convenient than television when it comes to knowledge. The internet has more to offer than television, however television provides more accuracy.   When I say that the internet is more convenient, I mean you can look for what to what and theres a good chance you will find it. If you’re looking for things like a TV show, a video, or even a movie you’re most likely to find it. While television provide accuracy on exactly what is coming on and what time it’sRead MoreAtT Business Strategy631 Words   |  3 PagesUverse, which is ultra-high speed internet and interactive high definition cable TV service. ATT also provides wireless phone and data service, primarily to American customers, in over 200 countries. (http://www.att.com/gen/investor-relations?pid=5711). The US wireless market constitutes over 243M wireless subscribers. This represents a market penetration of 81%. The wireless market sells mobility of voice and data (video-media, download content and internet access). The wireless market isRead MoreNetflix : A Competitive Market Essay1265 Words   |  6 Pages and threats (Abraham, 2012). Netflix does have a competitive market such as Amazon.com and Hulu that are becoming more popular with their lower monthly pricing. They also have a more simplified catalogue of consumer favorite new titled movies and TV shows. In order for Netflix to stay competitive with a strong strategic plan, let’s take a look at the SWOT to identify what the best course of actions would be to increase and/or sustain the current procedure for the benefit of the company, its employeesRead MoreEssay on Advertising for Online Businesses1478 Words   |  6 PagesAdvertising for Online Businesses The internet is a huge business and its constant and significant growth attracts more and more businesses to be online. In 2004, online sales reached $117 billion (www.comscore.com with more than 812 million internet users (www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm). All these internet users are potential customers and it is essential to exploit such an opportunity. However promotion is crucial, not only to increase traffic. A basic

The impact of Climatic Change on the Decline of Black French Truffle Free Essays

Introduction 1.2 Background Truffles grow under a very sensitive environment; they naturally occur in the Mediterranean region of Europe. This has been a mysterious crop grown under a veil of secrecy for years in this region of Europe (Ruffles Estate, 2013). We will write a custom essay sample on The impact of Climatic Change on the Decline of Black French Truffle or any similar topic only for you Order Now This crop is regarded as a delicacy and has sustained its appeal to food lovers all around the world. Truffle are actually a unique edible mushroom that grows underground also regarded as a fungus and is considered a delicacy complimenting the best foods worldwide. Its aroma as well as flavour is commonly described as unique (Ruffles Estate, 2013). The most preferred quality in truffle market is the black French truffle also known as Tuber melanosporum is one of the most expensive varieties in the market and occurs naturally in parts of France also geographical referred to as the Mediterranean basin (Jolly, 2012). However, the Tuber melanosporum is becoming scarcer, and there is a common idea that this scarcity is due to global change of the climate (Jolly, 2012). This has led to a sharp price increase of this rare commodity, but most of all is the concern of the gradual decline in its availability. Europe, and more so, the Mediterranean basin has seen a steady decline of this rar e species over the last 40 years (FAIR, 2000). This decline has been both in quantity, as well as quality, however this paper will examine the former. 1.3 Project Aims and Objectives This project’s principle aim is to collect and analyse data using both quantitative and qualitative methods to understand the increasing decline in the production of black truffles from France also referred to as Perigord truffle and Tuber melanosporum. In this regard, the project will adopt cause-effect deductions, hypothesis testing, and observations to develop understanding this decline in truffle production and in particular whether it affects the natural occurring or cultivated truffles. A secondary aim of this project considers the reasons for the decline of production of the black French truffle. This project, through careful analysis of related research acknowledges the fact that there is a general decline in natural occurring truffle and that this decline is associated with various factors. The study seeks to identify the main reason for the decline in production and harvesting of black French truffles. The study also aims at providing recommendations to address the decline in truffle production. This study will be documented accurately in order to provide subsequent researchers with all the information necessary to further the development in this field of study. Literature Review In consideration of Truffles biological and ecological growth and development Smith and Read (1997), assert that root symbionts are most significant in checking the ecosystem function in most temperate forests of the world, and this includes the rare ectomycorrhizal fungi. Their main function is the provision of the much needed trace minerals to the truffles as well as protection from drought, disease causing agents and pests (Garbaye, 2000; Govindarajulu et al., 2005). Smith and Read (1997) further add that truffles reciprocate provision of food and protection from disease with provision of carbon to the micro-organisms. The ecology in these temperate regions is complexly interconnected, the mushrooms that are produced by the micro-organisms and are significant sources of food for the animal populations in the forests (Carey et al., 2000). However, according to FAIR (2000), the black truffles production in Europe has dramatically declined over the last half century, this is both in quality as well as quantity. Furthermore, efforts have been made to increase the vegetation that promote truffle growth, but the decline has persisted. This trend had been identified earlier by Cherfas (1991), and in his research, he claimed that the decline had begun over 100 years ago in the natural habitat, in the temperate forests. The cause of this decline in the growth and development of black truffles has been the subject of inquiries and research. There is still little explanation for these long term decline in both natural and cultivated truffle.Research is needed to help understand this decline, the real difficulty lay in understanding the underground microbial since experimental environments fail to match the necessary real world conditions (Macdonald et al., 2005). As a matter of fact Lamon et al (2009) agree that there is sca rcity of much needed extended observations of quantitative data generated from natural the natural setting. Chevalier et al. ( 2001), assert that both Tuber melanosporum and Tuber magnatum are the most valuable species in the market. These varieties are also the endangered species at the brink of extinction. Hall et al. (2001), in their findings explain that geographically, Tuber melanosporum naturally occurs in France, Italy, Bulgaria and certain areas in Europe. Martin, F. et al (2010), specifically examines the decline in the production of Tuber melanosporum, however, he also adds that they naturally occur in the Mediterranean habitat. Sourzat (2002), in the french publication, explains that T. melanosporum’s fruits best in its natural setting characterized by rocks, forests that are open that are generally warm with mild winter seasons, as well, as regular precipitation in the summers. In addition, best production is expected on the slopes where the produce receives protection from excessive cold and dry wind. According to Hall et al. (2001), research reveals that truffier es grown in rainy areas with lower temperatures and have not yielded any truffles. In fact, truffles of the T. melanosporum species grew best in climatic regions with between 600-1500 mm average precipitations, average temperatures of 18-21 degree Celsius in the summer and the winter, an average of 1-8 degree Celsius (Zambonelli Di Munno, 1992). It seems areas that continuously have frozen ground in the cold seasons are not suited for the growth of T. melanosporum because the fruits spoil when frozen. Fontana and Bonfante (1971) in their publication introduce the idea of growing truffle fungi in an artificial environment. They explain that this idea was to supplement the deficit of the produce collected in the natural habitat. This method was developed back in the 1970s indication that the decline of truffle had already been the cause of concern in the market. By the turn of the millennium, truffle grown in orchards accounted for half of the truffle produced around the world (Hall et al., 2003). It also important to note that a majority of these orchards are developed within truffles natural geographic areas. Having highlighted the required natural habitats for the truffles, and in reference to their decline, there are several suggestions based on various research on this decline. Cherfas (1991) traces back the history of this decline by asserting that the number of mushroom species gathered in every foray dropped from 72 to 38 between 1912 and 1982 in the Netherlands. In the same publication, it is revealed that chanterelles in central European market in mid 1970s were found to have reduced in size 50 times than those in 1950s. Hall et al.(2003) in their publication reveal that, by the 20th Century, T. melanosporum in the French market had dropped to 2000 tons annually and a further decline was witnessed by the turn of the 21st Century by 150 tons. It is true that the truffle harvesting in France has been an affair by a small number of people who mainly collected them from their natural setting. As seen in the previous paragraph, there is an increase in production of truffles in orchar ds as a supplement to the dwindling natural supply. In a later publication Hall et al., (2007), affirm that the decline in natural truffle harvest has persisted and is at an all time low of between 12 to 150 tonnes per year from the 1000 to 2000 tonnes in the 1990s. The steady decline in the production of truffle has led to the rise in price per unit over the last decade with an increase in demand (Lee, 2008). The decline of French Truffle has been a point of concern in the scientific research circles with some as Hall et al. (2003) in their study, pointing at water and air pollution, in addition to other factors including, the dynamism in forest structure and the lack of knowledge in traditional gathering as a result of world wars. Similar findings have been published in a report by Amaranthus (2007) citing destruction of truffle natural habitat, urban development, among the reasons for the decline. Such factors are most likely to continue reducing the production figures and specifically those in their natural settings (Amaranthus, 2007; Hall et al., 2007). Garvey and Cooper (2004), in their report further allude that this decline in natural habitat has resulted in the production of truffles on cultivated farms where the trees or truffieres are inoculated. However, these remedies cannot beat the native oak and hazel vegetation as the major producer of the French black truffles in France. In the recent years, the decline in truffle has been experienced in many regions of the world and especially the fast declining French black truffle or the Tuber melanosporum. However, it appears that most researchers are turning to climate as the main culprit. Buntgen et al.(2012) in their study on drought induced truffle decline explains the effect of climate on the production of truffle. They claim in their research that the effect of climate can either be directly or through the truffles symbiotic host vegetation. This literature review delves much into this article because of its relevance to the topic. Buntgen et al. (2012), provide in depth review on the yearly inventory of regional collection of truffle from Spain consisting of Aragon, France mainly a Perigord or Tuber melanosporum, and Italy a combination of Piedmont and Umbria. In this analysis, they indicate that the change in truffle production between 1970 and 2006 was similar between the species from Spain and France that is Aragon and Perigord respectively. Their analysis also found a lack of similarities in changes of production between Perigord and Piedmont–Umbria from France and Italy respectively. This observation from the regional-scale coherency is consistent with Sourzat (2002) observation that western mediterranean basin is the home of truffle fruiting. In addition, the harvests of Aragon and Perigord have revealed significant correlation, this the authors relate to the similarity in summer precipitation, whereas lack of correlations was found between Piedmont and Umbria production and precipitation (Buntgen et al., 2012). The difference in levels of sensitivity here is understandable because the Piedmont and Umbria experience double summer precipitation than Spanish Aragon with Perigord ranging in between (Zambonelli Di Munno, 1992). The average of the three, truffle production outcomes, their regional mean correlated both positively and negatively at higher significant leve l of 99.9 percent with between June and August rainfall totals as well as maxima temperatures. The authors, Buntgen et al.(2012), posits in their analysis that both the natural and the cultivated truffles in the Mediterranean are seasonal and are subjected to the season between November and February a claim supported by Mello et al., (2006). In addition, this is dependent on the summer condition with rainy and cold weather instrumental in the fruit body development as supported by Gallot, (1999) in his publication more than a decade prior to Buntgen et al., (2012). Buntgen et al. (2012) postulate that given the relationship between fungi and host vegetation, there is bound to be competition for moisture due to the amount of rainfall in this season and this correlate significantly at 99.9 percent level with the yield. Fischer and Schar, (2010) present a suite of a dozen climatic models leading to rise in mean temperatures and decrease in rainfall totals for the Mediterranean region until the end of the 21st Century. This is indicative of the increased summer evapotranspiratio n. It is interesting to note that the simulated southwest European climatic conditions representing the last ten years are consistent to the drop in the production of truffle harvest (Buntgen et al., 2012). Nonetheless, Buntgen et al. (2012), state that it is unclear whether the truffle will reach tipping points as a result of the projected shift in climate, this is regard to their physiological and biogeochemical fruit body development. In their assumption, the expected or projected summer dryness will result in a sustained decline, in truffle yield, while the regions north of Alpine arc are most likely to provide suitable habitat for the truffle due to their calcareousness. Based on their observations, Buntgen et al.(2012), are inclined to the idea that climatic change and more so reduced summer precipitation and increased temperatures are the cause for truffle yields in the Mediterranean basin the natural habitat of T. melanosporum. Mello et al. (2006), in their analysis claim that the reduction in future summer rainfall coupled with summer aridity will result in drought resistant strain of T. melanosporum within its natural setting or distribution range. Samils, et al, (2008) in their research predict that the expected drop in truffle harvest in the Mediterranean region, will have a significant impact not only on the local tourism, but the agriculture as well as the global prices of this valuable commodity. This is most likely to increase the value of other varieties with artificial metabolism and not specific to the requirements of their ecological niche as the T. melanosporum (Mello et al., 2006;Gallot, 1999). This might see an increase in T. aestivum cultivation in areas where traditionally T. melanosporum was predominant as well as an increase in demand of truffle from non-traditional T. melanosporum producing regions outside Europe (Buntgen et al., 2012). Splivallo et al. (2012), in their analysis of the Burgundy truffle, suggest that the change in climatic conditions that were said to have begun a century ago has no impact on the current burgundy truffle distribution. However, they concur with Buntgen et al.(2012) on the impact of climatic change on species with narrower ranges such as the French black truffle, Perigord or Tuber melanosporum, and Italy a combination of Piedmont and Umbria. They support this by claiming that if the climate fails to restrict the distribution of these two species, then even a slight temperature increase in northern Europe as predicted by Buntgen et al. (2012) might result in its northern expansion. They confirm what Chevalier et al.(2001) had outlined that rainfall, soil composition are also factors that contribute to the decline in the production of Perigord. Splivallo et al. (2012), concur with Buntgen et al.(2012) assertion that other options will be needed to avert the looming shortage of this truf fle species, success cultivation lies in orchard farming as a change from the current empirical practices. They claim that cultivation of truffle in a bid to mitigate the effects of climate change which is a major cause of the decline should be based on scientific evidence. Therefore, the rise in temperature, in its self, will not be sufficient for the shift of truffle production in the northern European region (Splivallo et al., 2012). Methodology and Procedure 3.1 Research Design This study will adopt a mixed methods research design. This process entails collecting and analysing data using both quantitative and qualitative methods to understand the research problem comprehensively. When both qualitative and quantitative methods are combined in research, they supplement each other allowing a comprehensive analysis of the research problem (Tashakkori Teddlie, 2003). According to Charles Mertler (2002), quantitative methods deal with numerical data using cause-effect deductions, hypothesis testing, and observations to develop an understanding of the research issue. On the other hand, qualitative methods require the researcher to develop a complete picture of the research issues by conducting an in-depth analysis of words, as well as, compiled reports by the study participants. In this approach, the researcher adopts a constructivist approach to have a complete understanding of the problem centred on different contextual aspects (Charles Mertler, 2002). In the mixed research methods, the uses pragmatic philosophy by affirming that truth is what works. Therefore, mixed methods integrate both text and numerical data to give a clear overview of the research problem. In this regard, this study will use surveys and interviews since they are the most popular data collection research tools (Creswell, 2002). In the first step of data collection, a web-based survey will be used, and data analysed using discriminant function. The qualitative method will involve semi-structured interviews to collect textual data from people to regarding the decline of Truffles. 3.2 Research Sample The target population sample will be about 1,200 environmentalists and hoteliers in France regarding the decline of truffles. These individuals are people who have been working in the hotel and environmental sectors in France. For the first quantitative stage of the research, a convenience sample will be chosen comprising individuals studying truffles decline, locals, and environmentalists, as well as, hoteliers. For the qualitative phase of the research, a smaller sample will be used to understand the main issue regarding the decline of French truffle (Creswell, 2002, p. 194). This is to ensure the selected participants will give appropriate answers to the research questions. Besides, for the qualitative part of the research, participants will be notified of their selection for voluntary follow-up individual interviews. Given the use of mixed methods research in the study, selection of participants for the qualitative part will rely on the outcomes of the quantitative stage. The us e of this approach will ensure the researcher gets a multidimensional outlook of the research problem. For this research, the participants will be chosen centred on the statistically significant difference outcomes of the discriminant function analysis. 3.3 Data Collection For the quantitative phase of the research, a cross-sectional survey will be used; this implies that statistics will be gathered at one point in time (McMillan, 2000). The survey used for this research will be of different formats including multiple choices, yes/no questions, self-evaluation items, and open-ended questions. The questionnaire will comprise twenty four questions divided equally into six sections. The first section will contain questions regarding truffles and the participant’s understanding of truffles measured on a 7-point Likert scale. The second part will evaluate the participants’ awareness regarding the decline of truffles using a 7-point scale. The third part will provide information regarding the factors participants believe to cause a decline in truffles. The current issues regarding management of truffles will constitute the fourth part while the fifth segment will provide data answering how ecological factors influence truffles survival. Demogra phic questions will be in the sixth part of the survey regarding data about the participants’ age, residency, gender, and employment among others. Besides, the final question in the survey will be open-ended asking for additional information about truffles decline in France. The survey will be web-based accessible through a URL address given to the participants. For the qualitative method, in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews will be used to collect data. Half of the research sample will be interviewed regarding the research question. Historical texts will be further used to validate the data collected from the interviews. The interviews will include twenty open-ended questions pilot-tested before the interviews. The interviews questions will be formulated based on the results from the quantitative method. During the interview, the participants will be debriefed to obtain reliable information for the interview questions though, they will be issued with the questions prior to the interviews. The interviews will be tape recorded with the participants’ consent and a copy of the transcript emailed to them after the interview. The respondents will also be allowed to review their answers for the interview transcripts to ascertain their correctness. 3.4 Data Analysis Prior to the statistical analysis of the survey results, the data will be screened on both univariate and multivariate levels. This will help the research detect any multicollinearity in the collected data. Any data that shows a high probability in another category will be excluded during the analysis since they may give a poor model fit (Tabachnick Fidell, 2000). The research’s data screening will entail descriptive statistics for the variables, linearity and homoscedasticity, normality, multivariate outliers, multicollinearity and singularity. The descriptive statistics will be tabulated, and a frequency’s analysis conducted to determine the validity of the survey questions. The discriminant function analysis will be used to determine the proportion by which the variables differ, and classify the functions into predictable groups. The results will then be reported in the form of discussion. Nonetheless, all the statistical analyses will be conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 11.0. In most qualitative research, data collection and analysis progress concurrently. For the qualitative analysis, data collected from the interviews will be coded and analysed for premises using the Qualitative Software and Research (QSR) N6 for qualitative data analysis. Furthermore, a visual data display will be used to identify the relationship in the data collected from the interviews. Data analysis for this phase of the research will involve creating a comprehensive description of the results; the researcher situates the cases in its context to make the case descriptions, and premises related to particular activities in the study’s outcomes (Creswell Maitta, 2002). The researcher will construe the meaning of the results and describe them in the discussion section of the research proposal. Bibliography Amaranthus, M., 2007. Independent Truffle Expert’s Report in Product Disclosure Statement for the Oak Valley Truffle Project. Oak Valley Project. Buntgen, U. et al., 2012. Drought-induced decline in Mediterranean truffle harvest. Nature Climate Change, 2, pp.827-29. Carey, A.B., Colgan, W., Trappe, J.M. Molina, R., 2000. Effects of forest management on truffle abundance and squirrel diets. Northwest Science , 76, pp.148–57. Charles, C.M. Mertler, C.A., 2002. Introduction to educational research. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. Cherfas, J., 1991. Disappearing mushrooms: Another mass extinction?. Science, pp.254: 1448. Chevalier, G., Gregori, G., Frochot, H. Zambonelli, A., 2001. The cultivation of the Burgundy truffle. In Proc Second Intl Conf on Edible Mycorrhizal Mushrooms. Christchurch: Crop Food Research Limited. pp.1-12. Creswell, J.W., 2002. Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative approaches to research. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Pearson Education. Creswell, J.W. Maitta, R., 2002. Qualitative research. In N. Salkind, ed. Handbook of research design and social measurement. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. pp.143-84. FAIR, 2000. Improvement of the organoleptic quality of European truffles (EUROTRUFFE). Cooperative Research Measures. Fischer, E.M. Schar, C., 2010. Nature. Geoscience, 3, pp.398–403. Fontana, A. Bonfante, P., 1971. Mycorrhizal synthesis between Tuber brumale Vitt.and Pinus nigra Arnold. Allionia, 17, pp.15-18. Gallot, G., 1999. La truffe. INRA. Garbaye, J., 2000. The role of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis in the resistance of forests to water stress. Outlook on Agriculture , 29, pp.63-69. Garvey, D. Cooper, P., 2004. Increasing the productivity of truffieres in Tasmania. RIRDC. Govindarajulu, M. et al., 2005. Nitrogen transfer in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Nature , 435, pp.819-23. Hall, I.R., Brown, G.T. Zamboneli, A., 2007. Taming the Truffle. The History Lore and Science of the Ulimate Mashroom. Timber Press. Hall, I., Byars, J. Brown, G., 2001. The Black Truffle: Its History, Uses and Cultivation. Christchurch: New Zealand Institute for Crop Food Research Limited. Hall, I., Yun, W. Amicucci, A., 2003. Cultivation of edible ectomycorrhizal mushrooms. Trends in Biotechnology, 21, pp.433–438. Jolly, D., 2012. $1,200 a Pound, Truffles Suffer in the Heat. [Online] Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/21/business/global/is-climate-change-shrinking-the-luxury-truffle-crop.html?_r=0 [Accessed 2 December 2013]. Lamon, L. et al, 2009. Environmental Science Technology, 43, pp.5818–5824. Lee, B., 2008. Taking Stock of the Australian Truffle Industry. Barton: Canprint. Macdonald, R.W., Harner, T. Fyfe, 2005. Macdonald, R. W., Harner, T. Fyfe, J. Sci. Total Environ. J. Sci. Total Environ., 342, pp.5–86. Martin, F. et al, 2010. Tuber melanosporum. Nature , 464, pp.1033–38. McMillan, J.H., 2000. Educational research: Fundamentals for the consumer. 3rd ed. New York: Addison-Wesley Longman. Mello, A., Murat, C. Bonfante, P., 2006. FEMS Microbiol.. Lett, 260, pp.1–8. Ruffles Estate, 2013. An Internationally Recognised Gourmet Experience. [Online] Ruffles Estate Available at: HYPERLINK â€Å"http://canberratruffles.com.au/† http://canberratruffles.com.au/ [Accessed 2 December 2013]. Samils, et al, 2008. Econ. Bot., 62, pp.331–40. Smith, S. Read, D.J., 1997. Mycorrhizal Symbiosis. London: Academic Press. Sourzat, P., 2002. Guide pratique de trufficulture. Station d’experimentation sur la truffe. Le Montat: Lycee professionnel agricole et viticole de Cahors. Splivallo, R. et al., 2012. Is climate change altering the geographic distribution of truffles. Front Ecol Environ, 10, pp.461–62. Tabachnick, B.G. Fidell, L.S., 2000. Using multivariate statistics. New York: Allyn Bacon. Tashakkori, A. Teddlie, C., 2003. Handbook on mixed methods in the behavioral and social sciences. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Zambonelli, A. Di Munno, R., 1992. Indagine sulla possibilita di diffusione dei rimboschimenti con specie tartufigene: aspetti tecnico-colturali ed economici. Ministero dell’Agricoltura e delle Foreste. How to cite The impact of Climatic Change on the Decline of Black French Truffle, Essay examples

Hotel and Hospitality Management Echo Entertainment

Question: Describe about the Hotel and Hospitality Management for Echo Entertainment. Answer: Strategies of Star organization The Star is a treasury and casino hotel in Sydney Australia that is one of the establishments of Echo Entertainment group now known as The Star entertainment group in Australia. The strategies of the Star entertainment are to formulate a proper marketing plan that includes the ways of promotion and categorization of the customers based on target market. The strategy of the organization is based on the objectives of the company. The objective of the Star entertainment group is to achieve sustainability. The strategies focus on helping the organization expand its business in a sustainable way. The organization aims at using the water and energy in a sustainable way and develops echo friendly techniques that will help the organization expanding its business in a sustainable way (Corporate Governance statement, 2015, Pg 4-5). Diversify The aim of the Star group of entertainment is to achieve diversity among all the nominated diversity groups. The board of directors of Star group of entertainment is to manage people, culture and social responsibility of the committees. The strategy focuses on achieving gender equality. The other diversity topics are age diversity, multicultural diversity and LGTB diversity. The strategy focuses on implementing key performance indictors to review the measurable objectives for the success of the organization. Various gender programmes had been implemented in order to achieve inclusiveness (Loh et al., 2015, Pg 783-823). The strategies for attaining its diversity objectives are as follows: Gender diversity: to achieve gender diversity the organization formulated strategies of including fifty percent female workforce in the top four levels of Echo entertainment leadership by 2020. The strategy formulated will focus on the recruiting more of female workforce in top level of management. Multicultural diversity: the second strategy focuses on formulating policies and programmes that will provide a more inclusive workforce for all the employees by preserving the culture of the organization. The strategy focuses on including the people of Asian ethnicity in top three levels of management. The aim is to achieve the objective by 2020. The objective is to include Asian ethnicity in the position of senior, executive and general managers ("Performance Against 2014 Objectives", 2016). LGBTI diversity: the third strategy focuses on the development of policies, programmes and activities to give equal opportunities to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender by including them in the workforce by an increase in fifty percent. This is done to increase the Australian workplace equality index. Age diversity: the fourth strategy focuses on the development of policies, programmes and activities to give equal opportunities to aged workers by increasing the employee engagement related to age demographics (Ng Austin, 2016). The star entertainments group formally known as Echo entertainment group ensures that its strategy focuses on achieving diversity at the organization by formulating strategies focusing on inclusiveness. Sustainability development The aim of the Star entertainment group is to expand its business in a sustainable way by optimally utilizing water and energy and generating minimum waste. The company has developed echo friendly technologies, environment, and sustainability five year strategies that focuses on using such technologies that reduces water consumption and energy use. The objectives focus on following strategies: To develop a proper communication plan so that the company can communicate with the customers related to the sustainability issue and feedback performance. The aim is to work as team members to generate ideas that are innovative and efficient. The suppliers are requested to reducing the packaging of key food and beverage product lines and promote the products in the entire supply chain process ("The Star Entertainment Group", 2016). The sustainability strategy also focuses on employee engagement and implementing energy and water saving technologies. Target to Chinese tourists The Star group of entertainment focuses primarily on Chinese tourists. Since the Chinese tourists are a great opportunity for the casino gaming, Star group mainly focuses on Chinese tourists. Chinese culture is in favor of casino gaming that can be advantageous to the Star group of entertainment. The middle class families from China travel to the integrated resorts that have an option of casino gaming. The Star entertainment group focuses on Chinese tourists because of the economic growth of Chinese economy. The increase in the visit of Chinese people to these hotels has increased the material opportunity for tourism and growth (Echo entertainment group, 2016). The Star group of entertainment focuses on both the international VIP customers and international mass-market customer. The focus is more on china and Asia due to their interest in the integrated resorts that provide an opportunity of gaming and casino. Event Center at the Star Casino Sydney Stakeholder engagement plays an essential role is The Star organization. It is essential for the organization to establish a good interrelationship between internal and external stakeholders in order to fulfill the objectives set by the organization. The author works in the event center at the Star Casino, Sydney. At event centre, coordination and communication plays very important role for the development of the business. The sustainability objectives of the organization are aligned to the business strategies to deliver tangible outcomes. All the departments in The star entertainment group work in compliance with the various management policies such as environmental management policy, sustainable procurement policy and principles to manage its operations. The strategy focus area of Star entertainment group is as follows: Stakeholders of the organization Governance and reporting Team members Suppliers Environment Community (McKercher Tung, 2015, 310-315.). Compliance of department objectives with organization objective The organizational objective to expand and grow complies with the department objective. The event centre at the Star Casino Sydney aims at achieving growth and development sustainably by managing the water and energy consumption. The event centre organizes various events such as weddings, birthday parties and new year or Christmas event. It is essential for the organization to ensure that the events do not lead to destruction of environment. Hence, the event sector uses the technologies that leads to optimal utilization of water and energy and generates minimum amount of waste (Sorokina, 2015). The objective of the event centre is as follows: The event centre provides transparent and non-financial report related to environment and sustainability that complies with the governance and reporting committees. The second objective is to formulate an effective communication plan to communicate with its guests, customers and employees to improve the performance on sustainability. It is essential to develop a strategic plan based on the customer feedback. The employees of the event centre are recognized and given awards based on the performance. This is part of the environmental and sustainable program. The event centre does not only require the employees and the customers to become sustainable but also the suppliers. The suppliers of the event centre are food and beverage suppliers, and decorative suppliers. The event centre requires the suppliers to be ethical and innovative in order to improve the sustainability performance. The event centre at the Star group of companies aims at reducing the material consumption and waste generation. Events lead to huge amount of waste and hence it is necessary for the event centre of build such strategies that lead to minimum amount of waste generation (Mendham, 2012). The strategies formulated by the Star entertainment group aims at achieving business welfare and community welfare. The event centre focuses on improving the community welfare by donating few amount of profit to the Non governmental organizations such as child care units ("The Star Event Centre", 2015). Diversity: recruitment process Recruitment process of Event Center follows the standard diversity of the Star entertainment group. Finding the right people for right job is essential and this is most applicable in case of the event center. The event centre does not follow any kind of discrimination while recruiting people for the job. All the types of employees from different places, culture, age, sex and gender work together to make an event successful. What matters is the talent and creativity of people. Event centre requires its employees to be very creative and highly knowledge as the work requires them to do so. The success of the event has nothing to do with the age or sex but what matters is the unique way to think and create. In fact, women are considered better in organizing the event (Weber et al., 2013, pg. 313-332.). The event centre at the Star organization aims at creating diversity in age, gender, culture, race and LGTB. While recruiting the employees the principles are based on various criterias such as career, profession, experience and creativity. The event centre just like the Star entertainment group aims at increasing the number of female workforce by recruiting women in top four level of management that is at executive level (Wolfe Kim, 2013, pg. 175-178.). The event centre does not discriminate employees based on race that is ethnicity of people. Even the lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender employees are preferred for the job. The aged people are also recruited for the job. Hence, the aim of the event centre is to follow inclusiveness and not discrimination just like the Star entertainment group. Environment The primary aim of the Star entertainment group is to achieve growth and development without hampering the environment. It aims at developing technologies that is eco friendly such as green technologies. The event centre is responsible for generating various types of pollution such as noise pollution or land pollution (Ahmad et al., 2013, Pg. 331). The event centre at the Star entertainment group focuses on developing strategies that does not create noise pollution. It ensured that the sound is not too loud that is disturbing. Often parties and other events are conducted at soundproof venues so that the sound does not disturb others. The event centre also aims at optimally using water and energy so that the same is available for future generation (Saad, 2013, pg. 333-354). Chinese guest The number of Chinese tourists visiting Star organization has increased due to the increase in the interest of Chinese people on gambling and casino activities. The event centre also focuses on the Chinese guests. The Star organization has an opportunity to grow by attracting the Chinese tourists because of an increase in their interest in gambling. Hence, it is the duty of the event company to satisfy the Chinese tourists by setting the ambience and surroundings in such a way s that they are motivated to visit the hotel again. The event entre is responsible for setting the table in authentic Chinese style with chopsticks, and tea. The menu emphasizes on food that the Chinese eat such as noodles, and rice. The conference hall or the venue is decorated in Chinese theme with lights, and authentic design. The music played is also the ones that the Chinese love. The event is functioned on the basis of Chinese character and culture. This is done to impress the Chinese. Evaluation I work in an event centre in Star organization that was formed in 2012. 1. My strengths I do not have previous experience for Event Service. My strengths at workplace while working at an event sector are as follows: Flexible: I am flexible at workplace while working in an event centre, which is means that I am able to do any kind of work. I do not have a fixed role in the event centre and hence i am flexible to do any kind of work. Even sector is just a work where an employee has to be flexible so that they can perform any type of activity or work. An event manager needs to be flexible because anything can change at any moment. Hence, it is essential for the event manager to be flexible at work in order to handle such unforeseen events and situations (Dredge et al. 2013, pg. 89-102). Fast learner: another strength that I hold is that I am a fast leaner. Since I have no past experience at an event sectored everything I started from scratch. Hence, it was essential for me to cop up with the speed of other employee and the organization for which it was essential for me to learn things quickly. Event sector organizes an event in a very short span of time and hence all the work needs to be completed on time. I was given a task of organizing an event for a birthday celebration of one of the guests that was staying at The Star hotel in Australia. The entire event had to be organized and planned in one day which I did very efficiently as I got appraisal from guests and also my boss. This helped me evaluate that I am a fast learner as I had joined the organization just two weeks back before the event. Enthusiasm: it is very essential for an event manager to be enthusiastic and energetic. It is essential for them to be passionate in organizing an event. Enthusiasm helps in binging creativity and generates excitement. Enthusiasm had helped me in thinking creatively. Creative: another strength that I have is that I have an ability to think creatively and innovatively that is helpful in organizing an event. I have set new trend for the event service by introducing the concept of tray service and fan service. The waiters will serve the snacks and the beverages to the guests in tray so that they can enjoy the program as well keep their appetite full. The new trend in an event service is to present welcome gifts to the guests based on the theme. For example, a party is organized based on Chinese theme then the guests will be given either fan or a Chinese dress as a welcome gift. Areas for improvement Analyzing the performance so far the areas that I need to improve are on is as follows: Improve the communication process: this is one of the areas that I need to improve on. The communication process with the mangers and colleagues needs to be improved as I have faced many difficult situations due to miss communication or communication gap with the employees. Communication is the most important tool for the success of any event. Hence, I have realized that I urgently need to improve the communication process with my colleagues and managers to eradicate any communication gap. Learning third language: I also feel that I need to learn Mandarin to improve the performance as maximum communication is done through this language only. Areas of achievement during placement One of the biggest achievements that I got after being recruited was the experience to work at the biggest hospitality organization in Sydney that is famous all over the world. The induction process was also very good. I got two inductions one was informal and the other formal. Both the induction processes was good where I got to learn various things that helped in expanding my knowledge. I also got an opportunity to work in an international environment where many international guests visit. Being placed in such a big organization I got to learn work of managing events where I got a practical experience. Leadership While working at the event centre I did not learn anything about leadership because I am the only staff that works there. I am an independent worker, hence I did not learn anything about leadership. All the workers work as a team. However observing the qualities of managers and assistant manager, I learned that it is essential for the leader to be friendly and flexible who is able to handle all the situations. It is essential to be flexible at work in order to enhance the leadership quality. Building on my experience, I want to study Mandarin such as there is the increase in the requirement for recruiting staff with third language. This can be achieved by taking a Mandarin class. References Ahmad, N. L., Rashid, W. E. W., Razak, N. A., Yusof, A. N. M., Shah, N. S. M. (2013). Green Event Management and Initiatives for Sustainable Business Growth.International Journal of Trade, Economics and Finance,4(5), 331. Dredge, D., Benckendorff, P., Day, M., Gross, M. J., Walo, M., Weeks, P., Whitelaw, P. A. (2013). Drivers of change in tourism, hospitality, and event management education: An Australian perspective.Journal of Hospitality Tourism Education,25(2), 89-102. ECHO ENTERTAINMENT GROUP LIMITED 2015 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT. (2015). static1.squarespace.com. Retrieved 20 October 2016, from DOI: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55f76728e4b0799db9586a8d/t/56133e6fe4b0e10cc03b8223/1444101743115/2015+Corporate+Governance+Statement+%28Final%29.pdf (Pg. 4-5) ECHO ENTERTAINMENT GROUP. (2016) (1st ed., pp. 1-106). SYDNEY. Retrieved from DOI: https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/echo-proposal_0.pdf Gursoy, D., Sandstrom, J. K. (2014). An updated ranking of hospitality and tourism journals.Journal of Hospitality Tourism Research, DOI: 1096348014538054. Loh, C. M., Deegan, C., Inglis, R. (2015). The changing trends of corporate social and environmental disclosure within the Australian gambling industry.Accounting Finance,55(3), 783-823. McKercher, B., Tung, V. (2015). Publishing in tourism and hospitality journals: Is the past a prelude to the future?.Tourism Management,50, 306-315. Mendham, T. (2012). Star performer.CIO, (May/Jun 2012), 62. Performance Against 2014 Objectives. (2016).Star Entertainment Group. Retrieved 19 October 2016, from DOI: https://www.starentertainmentgroup.com.au/sustainability-performance2014/ Rebranding. (2016).Star Entertainment Group. Retrieved 19 October 2016, from DOI: https://www.starentertainmentgroup.com.au/rebranding/ Saad, S. K. (2013). Contemporary challenges of human resource planning in tourism and hospitality organizations: A conceptual model.Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality Tourism,12(4), 333-354. Singapore, Macau and Australia: the changing policy landscape.Asian Journal of Political Science,24(1), 42-62. Sorokina, N. (2015). Sustainable event management: A practical guide.Tourism Management, (47), 77-78. The Star Entertainment Group. (2016).Star Entertainment Group. Retrieved 19 October 2016, from DOI: https://www.starentertainmentgroup.com.au/starentertainmentgroup/ The Star Event Centre. (2015). The Star. Retrieved 19 October 2016, from DOI: https://www.star.com.au/functions-and-events/star-event-centre Weber, M. R., Crawford, A., Lee, J., Dennison, D. (2013). An exploratory analysis of soft skill competencies needed for the hospitality industry.Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality Tourism,12(4), 313-332. Wolfe, K., Kim, H. J. (2013). Emotional intelligence, job satisfaction, and job tenure among hotel managers.Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality Tourism,12(2), 175-191.