Consumer Interest in Space Tourism

Introduction and Background Tourism is a very rewarding economic activity in the present world, as it is among the largest income generators in many states and countries. For many years, countries have underscored the importance of tourism and its contribution to their economies. However, the act of underscoring the importance of tourism has gradually changed for a number of states have seen the benefits that accrue from organized management of tourism.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Consumer Interest in Space Tourism specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Unfortunately, several countries focus on common and traditional forms of tourism, such as beach tourism and expeditions to national parks and reserves. Stakeholders in the field of tourism, including the host government, communities, private investors, and the tourists accord little attention to alternative forms of tourism. Alternative forms of tourism include le isure, sport, adventure, ecotourism, and space tourism. Therefore, it is against this background that the research assesses the viability of space tourism as proposed by Sir Richard Branson in terms of market size, number of potential consumers, their perceptions, willingness, and expectations regarding the space tourism. Marketing Research Problem Tourism stakeholders like the government, private investors, service providers, non-governmental organizations, tourists, and the host communities have overlooked the benefits of diversifying tourism for a long time. Instead, these stakeholders emphasize on the development and consumption of common and prominent tourism products such as the expedition to national parks and reserves, as well as beach tourism, which incorporates sightseeing of elements like sand, sun, nature, and sea. The development and extensive marketing of these common forms of tourism has resulted in the degradation of these destinations. The degradation of these desti nations is due to the large number of tourists visiting the attractions. These tourists usually exceed the carrying capacity that the subject tourist destination can comfortably support. Additionally, the large numbers of tourists increase the susceptibility of the destination to degradation owing to the trampling of vegetation, fire outbreaks, pollution, and other negative effects associated with tourism. Extensive marketing of tourism attractions such as national parks, lakes, oceans, and seas, has led to pronounced degradation in the destination. Many tourists throng the tourist sites in these regions and in turn initiate several negative effects that only serve to degrade the destination and reduce the overall worth and value of the subject attraction.Advertising Looking for report on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, it has led to increased negative effects like pollution, which comprise s environmental, soil, water, and air pollution. Environmental pollution occurs when tourists in a given destination dump solid wastes in the attraction site, especially outside designated waste bins. Soil pollution takes place when waste from service providers like hotels and travel agencies seep into the ground. On the other hand, when tourism establishments release their wastes into water bodies like rivers and seas, it causes water pollution. Smoke from vehicles and emissions from tourist establishments leads to air pollution. Fire outbreaks, trampling, and destruction of vegetation are other negative effects, which transpire because of too much emphasis on common tourism attractions. Due to marketing and promotions on the common attractions, many tourists travel to these destinations and initiate negative impacts, which lead to depreciation of attractions. Mass tourists break vegetation, trample on grass and other small vegetations, and hence, destroy the vegetation found in su bject attraction. Furthermore, the large number of tourists increases the chances of carelessness that can sometimes result in dire consequences like fires in the tourist destination. The host community suffers from the effects initiated by the absence of alternative forms of tourism such as space tourism. The effects that the host community experience include child labor, increased cost of living, scarcity of resources due to high demand, and diversion of infrastructure to tourism facilities. Due to the absence of alternative forms of tourism, the pressure exerted on traditional tourism destinations led to short life cycles of the tourism products. Many of the destinations degrade and depreciate quickly and end up as desolate and derelict regions. The desolate nature of the destinations owed their states to the strain exerted on them by the tourists and tourism establishments. In addition, many tourism stakeholders fail to enjoy the revenues accruing from tourism due unsustainable use of tourism products and resources. Due to the absence of alternative forms of tourism levels in these areas declined since many tourists have already consumed tourism products from these destinations. Consequently, the absence of alternative forms of tourism limited the products of tourism only to those tourists who consume traditional and common tourism products leaving out potential tourists attracted to alternative and unique tourism products. The Research Aims and Objectives Examine the existence of potential tourists who can consume unique products of space tourism. Determine the market size of space tourism because it is a new product in the tourism market. Establish demographic characteristics of potential space tourists. Assess the expectations and interests of potential space tourists. Find out the perceptions and attitudes of individuals concerning space tourism. The Research Questions Do potential tourists of space tourism exist? What is the market size of space to urism as an alternative form of tourism? What are the demographic characteristics of potential space tourists? What are the expectations of potential space tourists? What are the perceptions and attitudes of individuals concerning space tourism? Discussion Alternative Forms of Tourism and Space Tourism Popular and common tourist destinations experience challenges such as degradation, pollution, fire outbreaks, trampling of vegetation, pressure on social resources, and short life cycles of destinations due to increased tours. The presence of these challenges necessitates the need to diversify tourism and introduce alternative forms of tourism (Casino Hanna 2000).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Consumer Interest in Space Tourism specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The challenges also compel stakeholders in the field of tourism to think of diverse forms of tourism so that they would not only cater for the needs of tourists attracted to alternative forms, but also reduce the strain exerted on traditional tourism destinations. In addition, diversification of tourism would help distribute demand and increase the spectrum of available tourism products. Leisure tourism, sport tourism, and space tourism were among the forms of alternative tourism, which private and public stakeholders have introduced in the field of tourism. Space tourism is the latest form of alternative tourism that involves travel to the space. It is a unique form of tourism since it goes beyond the odds of common tourism products usually consumed on earth. Russian Space Agency dominated space transport for a number of years, but other companies such as Virgin Galactic, owned by Sir Richard Branson are gradually entering the world of space tourism. According to Crouch (2001), space tourism is a form of tourism that comprises of tours to the space for a period that exceeds a day and does extend beyond one year. Furthermore, spac e tourism does not only increase the amount of tourism products available for potential tourists, but it also introduces a completely new chapter in the field of tourism. Market Size for Space Tourism Space tourism serves to cater for the needs of space tourists who are usually explorers, adventurers, drifters, business people, and leisure tourists. Products offered by space tourism are unique as they include sightseeing of features in the sky from a close range. In addition, space tourists get the rare opportunity of looking at the earth from the space and travelling around it. Other products that space tourism offers include sightseeing of features such as millions of galaxies, stars, the earth, and the solar system. According to (Brown 2004), astronomical observation and space walk also comprise other products offered by space tourism. Sightseeing, space walk, astronomical observation, and a journey to the moon are some of the products that best meet the requirements of space tou rists. Many elderly individuals and young explorers are some of the potential consumers of products offered by space tourism. The main factors that determine the willingness and ability to consume products offered by space tourism include the purchasing power, buying behaviour, price of products, and perceptions of product quality.Advertising Looking for report on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to Collins et al. (1994), it is essential to understand that for tourism to progress, public and private stakeholders need to price tourism products within the purchasing power of potential consumers. Since consumer perceived product quality determines the willingness of consumers to use the products, it is important that service providers in space tourism design their facilities in a way that appeals to the potential tourists and increases their willingness to travel. Space tourism is a new form of tourism, and therefore, extensive marketing is required for increased awareness of space tourism products to potential consumers. Characteristics of Potential Space Tourists Space tourists are individuals who like exploration, adventure, leisure, and drifting. Therefore, the main set of consumers that space tourism marketers need to target include young individuals, wealthy businesspeople, and the elderly people who are adventurous. Many space tourists are individuals who like thrilling activities, as they like unconventional products of tourism because they are unique and exciting. Market segmentation is essential so that public and private facilities offering space products reach out to the right set of consumers. Hall (2013) states that the understanding of the type and characteristics of space consumers helps the service providers to understand the correct market segment, buying behaviours, purchasing power and patterns, as well as demographic attributes of potential tourists. With good understanding of space tourism, service providers will be in a better position to provide the best products to their potential consumers. Explorers, drifters, and adventurous tourists are usually the primary consumers of tourism products, they form the first set of consumers that visit an attraction, and they sometimes take part in the initial activities of destination development. Therefore, since space tourism is a new and unique form of tourism with a number of thri lling and exciting experiences, explorers, drifters, and adventurous tourists will form the first category of tourists to enjoy its products. It is fundamental for private and public stakeholders in the field of tourism to understand the spending habits of explorers and adventurous tourists so that they can price their products within the purchasing power of potential consumers (Crouch 2001). Since many activities involved in the design and production of space tours are relatively high, service providers offering space tourism products need to be cautious when pricing so that they meet their expected targets, and at the same time achieve consumer satisfaction. Expectations of Potential Space Tourists Consumers expect product quality to reflect the product price and value utility for their money. Similarly, space tourists expect the products that service providers deliver to posses the same qualities. Space tourists value their money, and thus, they compare the product quality with t he price. Casino and Hanna (2000) highlights that the presence of alternative forms of tourism such as sport and marine tourism makes consumers very selective and keen on aspects that concern product quality and delivery systems. Since alternative forms of tourism offer services, which can serve the needs of potential space tourists, they can easily persuade consumers of space products, and lure them into their facilities. Therefore, space firms need to be keen on the quality and price of their services as well as that of their competitors. Product quality should match the expectations of consumers so that service providers achieve the much needed consumer satisfaction. For successful space tourism, service providers in this field need to provide accurate and correct information to their target customers. Collins et al. (1994) argue that giving false information leads to distrust and lack of confidence among the customers. Thus, it is paramount that firms executing space tourism con vey information using facts and tangible evidence on the nature of the tour and the quality of their services. The information is essential to increase the level of awareness among the potential consumers, and furthermore, help in balancing pre-consumption, consumption, and post-consumption customer experiences. Notably, space tourists like other tourists perceive the quality of the products and services based on the information offered by service providers. Therefore, to match perceived product quality and gain consumer trust and loyalty, it is important to provide information that is factual in all aspects. Perceptions and Attitudes of Individuals Concerning Space Tourism Many individuals believe that space tourism belongs to the rich and wealthy members of the society, and thus they think that space tourism caters for the needs of the few individuals who have money. Some individuals think that space tourism is not safe, and therefore, they are unwilling to purchase products linke d to space tourism. The perceptions owe their presence to the expensive nature of tours and services associated with space tourism. Consequently, the perceptions that potential consumers hold have great effect on viability of space tourism, and hence, determine their interests and willingness to consume the products that space tourism offers. Attitudes and perceptions that consumers hold are important as they determine the need and nature of marketing and promoting strategies necessary to influence potential customers to buy products and services of space tourism (Troung Hall 2013). Furthermore, service providers of the space tourism need to tailor their products in a way that match purchasing power of potential customers. Conclusion Space tourism is a very productive form of tourism that helps in diversification tourism to meet increased demand and reduce the strain on common and traditional tourism destinations. Since space tourism is a new form of tourism, many consumers are rel uctant to purchase its products. Many potential clients think that space tourism is for the rich and associate it with insecurity. Some of the requirements that investors in the field of tourism can adopt to enhance viability of space tourism include identifying the existence of tourists, target large market, customize products, and provide unique products. Additionally, service providers in the field of space tourism need to understand the characteristics, expectations, and perceptions of potential space tourists. Assessment of these requirements is effective in determining the viability of space tourism. References Brown, F 2004, ‘The Final Frontier Tourism in Space’, Tourism Recreation Research, vol. 29 no. 1, pp. 37-43. Casino, V, Hanna, S 2000, ‘Representations and Identities in Tourism Map Space’, Progress in Human Geography, vol. 24 no. 1, pp. 23-46. Collins, P, Kanayama, H, Iwasaki, Y, Ohnuk, M, Hanayama, H 1994, ‘Commercial Implications of Market Research on Space Tourism’, Journal of Space Technology and Science: Special Issue on Space Tourism, vol. 10 no. 2, pp 3-11. Crouch, G 2001, ‘The Market for Space Tourism: Early Indications’, Journal of Travel Research, vol. 40 no. 2, pp. 213-219. Hall, M 2013, ‘Framing Behavioural approaches to Understanding and Governing Sustainable Tourism Consumption: Beyond Neoliberalism, Nudging and Green Growth’, Journal of sustainable Tourism, vol. 21 no. 7, pp. 1091-1109. Troung, D Hall, M 2013, ‘Social Marketing and Tourism: What is the Evidence?’, Social Marketing Quarterly, vol. 19 no. 2, pp. 110-135. This report on Consumer Interest in Space Tourism was written and submitted by user Kallie Riggs to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Exporting Strategies of SME and MNE

Exporting Strategies of SME and MNE Introduction Exporting is a market entry strategy in which a company sells its products to the target country after manufacturing them in another location. SMEs and MNEs must weigh the advantages and disadvantage of this strategy prior to adopting it.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Exporting Strategies of SME and MNE specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Analysis Small and medium enterprises can enjoy a number of advantages if they choose exporting as an entry mode. First, the strategy has minimal risk; most SMEs do not have the luxury of taking a lot of risk because they will feel the effect of market shocks almost immediately. Furthermore, the strategy does not require a lot of resource input. This is highly favourable to SMEs because many of them have limited capital to begin with. Therefore, they can only invest in strategies that do not require too much financial commitment. Exporting also minimises the distribution chain within a certain organisation and thus increases the amount of returns gained by the SME. If such companies select market strategies that involve collaboration with various parties, then they may have to share profits with many players, yet amounts may not even be high. Since small businesses are good at giving personal services, the exporting strategy would be ideal for such organisations because it will provide the SME with direct market contact. Companies can get to know their clientele and give them support wherever they are. Additionally, since small and medium enterprises are still at the initial stages of growth, it makes sense to pursue a low commitment entry mode. The firm can gradually increase its commitment to the chosen market after it becomes larger (Lis et. al. 2012). On the flipside, SMEs must contend with the loss of control over marketing mix elements such as price since tariffs may come in the way. Additionally, the strategy will still require investment in sales. Cultural differences between the exporter and the target market could minimise the SMEs chances of success. It is also possible to find trade restrictions in the target country. Small businesses may have difficulties in accessing information about the trade regulations or financing opportunities available in that country. Even finding potential customers may be difficult for SMEs who have little experience in the field.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Exporting for SMEs Advantages Disadvantages minimal risk loss of control over marketing mix negligible resource input investment in sales minimises the distribution chain cultural differences direct market contact accessing information low commitment finding potential customers Multinational enterprises can protect themselves from excess risk if they choose exporting as a market entry strategy. However, most MNEs are already at a mature phase of growth, so they can handle risk. Exporting also provides MNEs with the opportunity of studying a certain market before setting up production facilities. Additionally, this strategy allows the organisation to learn its customers and thus meet their needs effectively. Furthermore, organization may also get an opportunity to protect their copyrights and patents through exporting (Rialp et. al. 2005). Several MNEs take pride in establishment of a strong brand image in target nations. If they choose exporting, then chances are that they will surrender control to overseas stakeholders. Since a lot of resources are already involved in MNEs, then this could prove to be quite troubling for the organisation. Multinationals have the advantage of high levels of experience as well as huge capital investment. Therefore, their market entry mode strategies should be guided by transaction costs or bargaining power. In the transaction cost theory, a firm ought to consider the amount it stands to loose if it makes a strong commitment in a host county, through licensing or full ownership (Taylor et. al. 2000). Therefore, multinationals would find more cost savings if they transferred production to host nations. Since exporting does not entail more cost savings, then it would not be advantageous for multinationals to select it. Additionally, it is quite difficult for MNEs to respond to customer demands as effectively as smaller organisation. Products that require onsite support cannot be sold effectively (Whelan et. al. 2011). Exporting for MNEs Advantages Disadvantages Protection from excess risk surrender control to overseas stakeholders studying a certain market more cost savings elsewhere protect their copyrights and patents slow response to customer demands no consideration of licensing or ownership Having considered the advantages and disadvantages of exporting as a market entry strategy, it is clear that co mpanies must strike a balance between risk aversion and customer contact. SMEs have minimal resources so they are bound to be more risk averse than MNEs; exporting is thus ideal for them. Besides, SMEs are still at the early stages of business growth, so they need to learn new markets before they can increase their commitment. On the other hand, MNEs have already reached a maturity phase, their concern should be cost savings in production rather than risk aversion, so exporting would not make much sense.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Exporting Strategies of SME and MNE specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Small and medium sized enterprises are in a position to offer highly personalised service; conversely, MNEs may not prioritise this issue as much as smaller firm, so exporting would be more suitable for SMEs. Nonetheless, both organisations may need to exert control over their businesses if they sell technical items or if they value their brand image. Furthermore, an MNE may have experienced a series of internationalisation failures in various markets; therefore, it may be more risk averse than usual (Ahsan Musteen, 2011). The dependence of most exporting businesses on people power may cause SMEs and MNEs to consider the strategy. Customer support is still a valued trait regardless of whether an enterprise is small or large. Conclusion The low level of commitment associated with exporting strategies is highly appropriate for SMEs as they have few resources and are still growing. SMEs do not have the luxury of risk-taking, and they value the personalisation of services; these are all qualities that are synonymous with exporting. Conversely, MNEs can afford risk and if they choose exporting, they would loose the benefit of transferring production to an economical location. Furthermore, some of the benefits of exporting, like personalisation of services, are not valuable to MNEs. These factors ma ke exporting more appropriate for SMEs than MNEs References Ahsan, M Musteen, M 2011, ‘Multinational enterprises’ entry mode strategies and uncertainty: A review and extension’, International Journal of Management Reviews, vol. 13 no. 4, pp. 376-392. Lis, B, Nienstedt, H, Proner, P, Yalazo, G Mauch, A 2012, ‘SMEs going global: A comparison of internationalisation strategies of publishers and online social networks’, International Review of Management and Marketing, vol. 2 no. 1, pp. 1-9. Rialp, A, Rialp, J Knight, M 2005, ‘The phenomenon of international new ventures, global start ups and born-globals: what do we know after a decade (1993-2002) of exhaustive scientific inquiry?’, International Business Review, vol. 14, pp. 147-166.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Taylor, C, Osland, G Zou, S 2000, ‘Foreign market entry strategies of Japanese MNCs’, International Marketing Review, vol. 17 no. 2, pp. 146-156. Whelan, J, Marshall, R Ryan, G 2011, ‘Multinational companies account for bulk of irish exports’, IDA Ireland, 27 July, p. 15.

CSR and Fair Trade Approaches to Economic Development Essay

CSR and Fair Trade Approaches to Economic Development - Essay Example This analysis of CSR and Fair-Trade initiatives has revealed that the private corporate sector in conjunction with NGOs can be the main driver for economic development particularly in the developing countries. The evolvement of CSR conception from the philanthropic approach to the pro-poor policies whereby communities are economically empowered through fair trade and mutually beneficial projects is a welcome advance that can lead to an enabling sustainable development. More involvement by the corporate sector is nevertheless, necessary in future including enacting laws that make it a requisite for corporations to inject back some tangible funding to local communities. Although proponents of free trade have maintained the need for a pure capitalistic model, recent events including corporate scandals and collapse depict the need to spread wealth away from the top equitably to cushion the poor against devastating effects of economic upheavals, which is ethically and morally obligatory f or the more wealthy corporations and nations.

Leadership skills and Personal Professional Development Plan Essay

Leadership skills and Personal Professional Development Plan - Essay Example Will take responsibility in decision-making roles and will apply logic to facts and precedent, such as in the role of operations manager in a manufacturing firm. Will be effective in resolving conflict among people in situations that may be addressed with logic and the ability to think with clarity Threats May not be effective when put in a role where one has to settle conflicts among subordinates, and may be seen as insensitive by followers. May not be tolerant towards others perceived as different or unpredictable, such as the role of a diplomat engaging with those of different or unfamiliar cultures. May tend to be impatient in projects that require prolonged development time and which are influenced by many uncertainties. May be ineffective in a highly emotional or subjective situations requiring empathy, such as the role of counselor or HR manager. ... At first blush, there are many things that are contained in the assessments which I took with great doubt and disagreement. But for certain items, after some thought I began to gain some glimmer of insight into my personality which I was not aware of before. For instance, I disagree with the assessment about my apparent lack of creativity and ability to respond to people and situations at a deeper and more spontaneously profound level than just on the superficial and predictable level. I know from several instances that I have shown imagination, creativity, innovativeness, and spontaneity several times, although these were not always seen from the outside. The following analysis shall be based on the results of my Leadership Traits Questionnaire Rating which is shown as Appendix B. Fourteen leadership traits are shown here, together with the average rating corresponding to the mean of the scores given to me by five raters, against which the scores from my on self-rating are compared. This exercise will show where and how I disagree with other on the way I see myself, and where our perceptions coincide. The level of agreement or disagreement will allow me to gain some insight into the leadership traits I already possess, and those which I still have to work on. There are a few traits where the way I rate myself coincided exactly with how others rated me. I gave myself a perfect score (5) for being self-assured, trustworthy, and friendly, and I gave himself a slightly lower score (4) for being determined. I was pleased to discover that the scores given by all five rates exactly matched the score I had given myself. As a matter of

Substance abuse Essay Example for Free

Substance abuse Essay It is quite clear that substance abuse almost always occurs within the context of other problems. Common presenting problems that are related to substance abuse are marital and family conflict, child abuse, unemployment, financial problems, multiple medical problems, depression, suicide, and problems with aggression and violence. In assessing the role of substance abuse within the context of other problems, we also need to understand the dynamics of other behavioral problems and how they may be exacerbated by substance abuse. It is estimated that most domestic violence occurs during periods when one or both parties are abusing some substance and that as many as two-thirds of homicides and serious assaults involve alcohol. Criminal behavior such as child abuse or sexual molestation may be committed when the perpetrator is under the influence of a drug or alcohol. In one study, Chasnoff (1988) found that 64 percent of all child abuse cases in New York City involved a perpetrator who was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Although researchers disagree about the exact nature of the relationship between substance abuse and violence, there is clearly a strong correlation between the two. Substance abuse does not only cause social problems, but it can also cause health problems too. For example, according to the American Health Association guidelines, cocaine use can cause a number of heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, palpitations, dizziness, nausea and heavy sweating (Stengle, 18 March 2008). Physicians must remain aware that cocaine use can cause heart attack symptoms in younger patients with no heart disease risk factors, the guidelines said. Cocaine use can cause heart attacks, but only about 1% to 6% of those who use cocaine and experience chest pain have heart attacks. The guidelines warn that two common heart attack treatments blood thinners and beta blockers can cause injuries or death in those who use cocaine. Blood thinners can increase risk for bleeding into the brain for patients with elevated blood pressure caused by cocaine use, and beta blockers can increase blood pressure and restrict arteries in those who use cocaine (Stengle, 18 March 2008). We all know that alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol-related deaths from cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, motor-vehicle crashes, falls, drowning, suicide, and homicide. Alcohol affects nearly every system in the body, and contributes to a range of medical problems, including altered immune system functioning, bone disease, hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease, reduced cognitive functioning, fetal abnormalities, traumatic injury, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancers of the neck, head, stomach, pancreas, colon, breast, and prostate (Werch, 2002). Behaviorally, substance abuse can be considered any use of a psychoactive substance that causes damage to the individual or society or both. Becoming dependent on any substance is a process that occurs over differing periods of time for different individuals and varies with the use of different substances. A dependence on alcohol may take several decades to develop while an addiction to cocaine, especially crack cocaine, may occur almost immediately. There are, however, certain phases that individuals are likely to pass through as their dependence on a substance increases. An old proverb regarding alcoholism outlines the progression of addiction: â€Å"The person takes a drink, the drink takes a drink, and the drink takes the person. † The journey from controlled use to being controlled by their use is the nature of addiction. No one begins using alcohol or other drugs with the goal of becoming addicted. With these voluminous data about the ills of substance abuse, we should all know by now that we have to curb this problem that eating away our society. I also experienced substance abuse first hand because I have people close to me who had been affected by substance abuse. My cousin has drug problem as he is hooked with marijuana, while my uncle and aunt are alcoholics. I witnessed that how they engaged in prolonged, continuous substance abuse and saw how they were unable to function without using his drug of choice on some regular basis. They somehow neglect their daily needs to the point of not eating or caring for themselves. Attempts to control their usage are abandoned as the periods of intoxication and recovery encompass most of their time. My uncle allowed himself to undergo detoxification at a rehabilitation center but my aunt has developed cirrhosis because of her alcoholism. Ultimately, we need to join hands in informing everyone about substance abuse. Common misinformation about substance abuse may divert the focus of the problem to other factors that are then presented as the primary problem. It should start with the family of the abuser who should support their loved one in this matter. Starting from family, communities can then undertake several strategies to stop substance abuse because there is no single solution that can surely alleviate substance abuse-related harm to individuals and populations. The comprehensive approach should use a wide range of strategies that address the multiple causes and dimensions. These strategies should include educational approaches—such as public health education and awareness programs, including school and community-based prevention programs; environmental approaches—such as controls on the price and availability of alcohol and drugs, minimum age for purchase of alcohol, legislative measures to curb driving under the influence of alcohol, and restrictions on the promotion, marketing, and advertising of drugs alcohol; and health care efforts—such as primary health care screening, advice by health care providers, preventive services, and effective treatment using psychological and pharmacological approaches. References Mackesy-Amiti, M. E. and Fendrich, M. (1995, November). Delinquent Behavior and Inhalant Use Among High School Students. Paper presented at the American Society of Criminology meeting, Boston. NIH Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Program. (2003). Preliminary Data on Drug Use Related Matters Among Adult Arrestees and Juvenile Detainees, 2002, Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice. Steingle, J. (20008, March 18). Cocaine May Cause Heart Attack Symptoms. Newsday. Retrieved March 22, 2008, from http://www. newsday. com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-cocaine-heart,0,6680577. story. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2006). National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2006. Office of Applied Studies. Retrieved March 22, 2008, from http://www. oas. samhsa. gov/nsduh/2k6nsduh/2k6Results. cfm#1. 1. Werch, C. E. (2002). Alcohol Use and Abuse. In Breslow, L (Ed. ), Encyclopedia of Public Health vol. 1, New York: Macmillan Reference USA.

The Skystone and The Singing Sword :: Historical Novels Jack Whyte Essays

The Skystone and The Singing Sword Marion Zimmer Bradley, a book critic, says The Skystone is "one of the most interesting historical novels that I've ever read, and I've read plenty"(Front cover). In writing, success is generally a direct result of an author being able to keep a reader interested. Jack Whyte is an interesting and successful author throughout The Skystone and The Singing Sword because of his development of characters and his ability to write strategically. Character development is an important element in a story because if readers feel strongly about the characters, they are interested in reading further, and are more apt to enjoy the novel. Jack Whyte effectively develops the characters Caius Britannicus and Claudius Seneca through their words and actions in The Skystone and The Singing Sword, creating a strong impression of these characters in the mind of the reader. Another crucial element to Jack Whyte's success is his strategical writing. His ability to seize the attention of a reader imm ediately, and to maintain that level of intrigue throughout the novel until his climactic ending is reached, demonstrates a well planned writing strategy, and is a significant contribution to his success. In The Skystone and The Singing Sword, Jack Whyte's character development and strategical writing create and maintain the interest of the reader, exhibiting a basis for his success. In Jack Whyte's novels, he develops his characters effectively, sparking the interest of the reader. In The Skystone and The Singing Sword, one of the characters that Whyte develops well is Caius Britannicus. Throughout these two novels, Britannicus' development is seen through the eyes of Publius Varrus, the main character, and Britannicus' eventual lifelong friend. From the very beginning of their friendship, Publius recognizes the qualities of Caius as a person, and as a leader, and describes them in The Skystone when saying, from the outset of our relationship Britannicus invariably treated me with military correctness, slightly warmed by courtesy and consideration. I found him to be just, temperate, and dispassionate in his dealings with the men under his command. But he could be awesome in his wrath when provoked by incompetence or malfeasance. A rigid disciplinarian, he was implacable once he had decided that punishment was in order. And never, at any time, did he show any ca pacity for suffering fools gladly(37). Although Caius does not initially strike the reader as a particularly amiable character, Jack Whyte continues to develop Britannicus and his friendship with Publius, revealing a more compassionate character.

Pollution in Vietnam

HANOI—As Vietnam's economy has boomed in recent decades, so too have pollution levels in its major cities, with experts concerned that air pollution could pose a major public health concern. â€Å"Environmental pollution in Vietnam is a real problem,† said Tuong Lai, former dean of Vietnam's Social Science Institute. â€Å"It's not just foreign visitors who have complained about our dust pollution—people in our country are also very dissatisfied with it,† he said.A study conducted by employment consultants ORC Worldwide put economic boomtowns Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi on a list of the 20 worst cities in the world in which to live and work, for environmental reasons. Air pollution was cited as a key factor for both Ho Chi Minh City, which was the ninth worst place to live, and Hanoi, which was ranked 11th worst. A 2008 environmental report by the World Bank ranked the two cities as the worst in Vietnam for pollution, while an environmental study by 400 int ernational scientists in the same year said Hanoi and Saigon were the worst-ranked cities for dust pollution in the whole of Asia.Expert warning And experts at a Southeast Asia air pollution seminar hosted by the Industrial Institute of Asia warned that air pollution in Vietnam had reached dangerous levels. In 2007, Vietnam started to publish results of its own surveys, with an Environmental Protection Bureau report officially recognizing in 2007 that dust pollution was a serious problem in Vietnam. Vietnamese residents of the worst-ranked cities were well aware of the heath effects, and of the effect on tourism revenues. The atmosphere in this country is now seriously polluted, yet the government has not found any solutions,† one Hanoi resident said. â€Å"The air pollution in Saigon and Hanoi has annoyed not only the people in the country, but also the Vietnamese who come back to Vietnam as visitors,† he said. â€Å"It has disappointed so many foreign tourists, too. † Thousands of deaths Health authorities say that thousands of cases of death or illness have been confirmed as having been caused by atmospheric pollution with carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, and fine particulates (dust).In 2007 the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that an average of 16,000 deaths a year in Vietnam are now caused by air pollution, with thousands of people now confirmed to be suffering from pulmonary disease. Environmental studies blame fuel emissions from public transportation and industrial pollution from factories. Pressure is now growing on Hanoi from international as well as domestic environment specialists to step up controls on industrial pollution and clarify the responsibilities of the various government agencies involved in environmental protection.Calls are emerging in domestic media for the government to enforce a switch to cleaner fuels, and to punish or penalize anyone causing environment pollution. â€Å"Pollution greatly affe cts the health of our people,† Tuong Lai said. â€Å"Therefore the government must make multiple efforts to make a healthy living environment for the people who crowd such big cities as Saigon [Ho Chi Minh City] and Hanoi,† he added.