THE ULTIMATED READING STORE

BACKGROUND
Muslim educationists feel it is reasonable for students to try to make the Quran as a much a part of their lives as possible. Thus, they would no doubt consider it a great achievement if the Quran could be fitted to a large extent into any curriculum, especially at Islamic institutions, in any medium of study- including the English language and Literature curriculum.

It is important for Muslim students to have many opportunities to read and study the Quran along with their regular coursework. If this is not possible in the language of the Quran, which is Arabic, then these opportunities should be made available through the translations of the meaning of the Quran in other languages.

This paper seeks to establish the suitability of using the English translations of the meaning of the Quran as literary texts in the teaching of figurative language, specifically imagery, to undergraduate ESL students, especially at Islamic institutions.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE TO THE FIELD OF ESL
Broadly defined and as mentioned by Laurence Perrine, a figure of speech is any way of saying something other than the ordinary or most direct way. Perrine goes on to say that figurative language is language using figures of speech and it is a form of expression that often provides a more effective means of saying what we mean than does direct statement (Perrine, 1983:571). The use of figurative language shows mastery in the language.

There is no doubt that to learn, understand and use figures of speech, one has to have acquire a good command of the language. Figures of speech enhance one’s ability to communicate expressively and creatively in English; they enable the language user to prove or display his/her mastery of the English language.

Figurative language is language that contains figures of speech, for example, metaphor, simile, etc. which are expressions that make comparisons or associations meant to be interpreted imaginatively rather than literally. It is reasonable to deduce that figurative language is essentially the language of poetry. Images that go beyond the fairly simple identifications of metaphor and simile are called symbols.

As discussed by Perrine, besides the fact that figures of speech help one to communicate more effectively, they also help us to exercise our imagination, add emotional intensity to otherwise merely informative statements, and bring imagery into verse which is a way to make poetry more sensuous; Figures of speech are also a means of concentrating thought and/or feeling, in other words, a way of saying much briefly (Perrine, 1983:578).

In the field of ESL, teachers are often on the look-out for appropriate literary texts to help students develop their ability in using the English language competently. Literary texts selected from any of the four major genres (novels, short stories, drama and poetry) are beneficial to the learner. The English language translations of the meaning of the Quran can be exploited in some of the courses being taught in the ESL curriculum to teach both imagery and Islam. The figurative language used in the Quran- its metaphors, similes, symbols, etc.- can certainly be looked at in more detail. Translators of the English language translations of the meaning of the Quran, in striving to put across the closest meaning they can of the original Quran, do not neglect to use figurative language effectively.

There are many techniques for teaching a language or aspects of the language in an ESL classroom . According to D.A. Wilkins, there is no single best way of teaching a language . He says that language teaching is a pragmatic business and what works is good, what does not work is bad. Nevertheless, he makes the statement that “ the ultimate aim of learning a second language must generally be to achieve the same flexibility, the same linguistic creativity that the native speaker possesses” (Wilkins, 1974:3).

Using appropriate literary texts in the ESL classroom can be beneficial to the learner from the perspective of both literature and language studies. Literary texts provide examples of language in use and thus can reinforce language learning as well as help to sharpen students’ aesthetic, intellectual and moral sensibilities since literature deals with life and issues in life, human beliefs, values and concerns. Literature can also help learners to develop or stimulate a reading habit.

Selecting literary texts for an ESL classroom is the first step in attempting to create a positive relationship between the text and the reader. Appropriate literary texts can help make language teaching and learning easier especially if these texts provide interest, context and variety for the learner. If the learner is interested in the text, he/she will be motivated to participate in class activities. The teacher will then be better able to organize activities which provide a context for the learners to get involved in the literature. Here the teacher’s aim is to help the learner understand the language and context of the literary text. Once this is achieved, the learners will be confident about delving further into the text for a deeper understanding which can stimulate their creativity and make them better able to analyse and evaluate the text itself. The learner will then be willing to read, explore and study other literary texts in the target language in and outside of the classroom. It is important that the learner enjoys interacting with the text because then learning reaches an optimal level.

When selecting appropriate literary texts, several objectives will have to be borne in mind. H.L. Moody discusses at length the selection of literary texts which revolves around three aspects- language, psychology and background (Moody, 1971:14). Briefly, what can be expected from the teacher is that he/she should be able to estimate the language capacity or proficiency of any group of students and make his/her selection on that basis.

In terms of psychology, Moody states that the teacher should select texts that will appeal to the stage of psychological development which a particular class has reached. For example, at the generalizing stage (from16 years of age onwards), students are not only interested in practical details, but are prepared to abstract, generalize, to search for the underlying causes of phenomena to make moral judgements, and generally, to philosophize.

Concerning the background aspect of selecting literary texts, Moody makes the point that literature offers one of the best possible ways for people living in one environment to learn something of the lives and problems of people in other parts of the world; and it is the teacher’s responsibility to be able to guide his /her students through the changing scenes of life in whatever text the teacher chooses.

It is important that a teacher lists his/her objectives before selecting a literary text because as Thomas K. Adeyanju says, “the whole process of outlining our objectives as clearly as we can is to guide us in choosing the literary materials that can best achieve them” (Adeyanju,1978:136).

THE USE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRANSLATIONS OF THE MEANING OF THE QURAN TO TEACH IMAGERY TO ESL STUDENTS
The Quran contains an abundance of imagery. Imagery as a general term covers the use of language to represent objects, actions, feelings, thoughts, ideas, states of minds and any sensory or extra-sensory experience. Many Quranic images are conveyed literally. These constitute descriptive imagery whereby they clarify or give a vivid picture of something. Then, there are images which are conveyed by figurative language, such as in metaphors, similes, symbols, etc. Figurative and descriptive imagery when projected, appeal to one’s senses. A Quranic image, like other images, may be visual (pertaining to the eye), olfactory (smell), tactile (touch), auditory (hearing), or gustatory (taste).

As mentioned above, there are images which are conveyed through the use of figurative language usually using these literary devices- metaphors, similes and symbols. As readers of the Quran, whether in Arabic or in any other language, one needs to identify and be able to interpret figurative language so as to achieve understanding and to be able to extract the deepest meaning of the message of the Quran.

It is important for ESL teachers to find as wide a range as possible of literary texts to use in the classroom because literary texts exemplify language in daily use. The rich variety of materials or literary texts can offer a wide range of activities so that the students will find pleasure and enjoyment in language and literature studies.

An ESL teacher wants to help learners develop their proficiency in order to use the target language competently. However, it should not just stop here. The teacher should strive to help the learner his/ her ability to constructively argue, converse and discuss with native speakers of the target language.

According to Earl W. Stevick, “learning a language (or anything else) is a matter of holding onto new words, new patterns, new skills and meaning” (Stevick, 1986:2). Memory is important in language learning and memory depends on mental imagery.

In the article, “Imagine if….-Changing Assumptions and Learning Styles Through Imagery,” McGillick and Mac Culum say that the mind works with images. They go on to say that “non- verbal thinking precedes the development of language and continues to be the most important way of thinking throughout life despite the apparent dominance of verbal thought”. McGillick and Mac Culum also state that ideas that come to the minds of many great thinkers come in the form of images or feelings rather than verbal concepts (McGillick and Mac Culum, 1993:12).

Quranic imagery from the English language translations of the meaning of the Quran can be used as a literary text for the teaching of imagery. Specifically, these Quranic images:

1)help learners to visualize what is mentioned in the Quran to encourage them to do good and avoid evil,

2)provide a suitable teaching strategy since comparing and contrasting the images are possible,

3)make teaching Quranic content while exploiting the figurative language in the English language translations of the meaning of the Quran possible,

4) spark interest among students since the Quran is a familiar book to Muslim students and for many, it is an important part of their lives.

The techniques used to accommodate the Quranic images can be advantageous in these aspects:

1)Accessibility. A teacher needs only to make copies of specific verses from the English language translations of the meaning of the Quran that are intended for use for that particular lesson.

2)The techniques used to teach Quranic images are easy to organize.

3)The techniques used generate a good amount of English language use and communication among students.

4)Quranic images would appeal to the interest of Muslim students, in particular, since studying them is new in ESL.

CONCLUSION
In the academic setting, especially at Islamic institutions, attempts have been made to incorporate Islam into all courses. From the discussion in this paper, one is brought to see that the English language translations of the meaning of the Quran could make good literary texts for the teaching of figurative language, specifically imagery, to ESL students at the undergraduate level. The use of the English language Translations of the Quran as literary texts in the ESL curriculum would be a sure way of incorporating Islam to a larger extent.

REFERENCES
Abdullah Yusuf Ali. The Holy Quran. Brentwood, Maryland:Amana Corp., 1983.

Adeyanju, Thomas K. “Teaching Literature and Human Values in ESL: Objective and Selection”. English Language Teaching Journal. 32.2 (1978): 113 – 8.

Al Ghazali, Muhammad and Hasanah, Umar Ubayd. Kayfa Nata’amalu Ma’al Quran : Mudarasah Bayna Alshaykh. Virginia: International Institute of Islamic Thought, 1991.

Allison, D. & Carey, J. “What do university language teachers say about language teaching research?”. TESL Canada Journal. 24(2007):61-81.

Al-Sha’rawi, Syaykh Muhammad Mitwalli. The Miracles of the Quran. Baker Street, London: Dar Al-Taqwa Ltd., 1980.

Asad, Muhammad. The Message of the Quran. Gibraltar: Dar al-Andalus Limited, 1980.

Borj, S. “Conditions for teacher research.” English Teaching Forum. 44(2006):22-27.

Bowen, T. & Marks, J. Inside Teaching. Oxford: Macmillan, 1994.

Carter, R. & Long, M. Teaching Literature. London: Longman, 1991.

Duff, Alan and Alan Maley. The Inward Ear. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1989.

Frye, Northrop, Sheridan Warner Baker and Geroge B. Perkins. The Harper Handbook to Literature. New York: Harper & Row, 1985.

Khalifa, Mohammad. The Sublime Qur’an and Orientalism. Essex, England: Longman Group Ltd., 1983.

Kramsch, C. Context and Culture in Language Teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1993.

Labom, Jol. Tafsil Ayat AlQuran AlHakim. Lebanon: Dar Alkitab Alarabi, 1963.

Larsen, F.D. Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.

Lazar, G. Literature and Language Teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Mawdudi, Abul A’la. Toward Understanding Islam. Leicester: Islamic Foundations, 1980.

Montet, Edward. AlMustadrak. Lebanon: Dar Alkitab Alarabi, 1963.

O’Malley, J.M. & Valdez, P.L. Authentic Assessment for English Language Learners: Practical Approaches for Teachers. New York: Addison Wesley, 1996.

Oxford, R. Language Learning Strategies around the World: Cross-cultural Perspectives. Manoa: University of Hawaii Press, 1996.

Peregov, S.F. & Boyle, O.F. Reading, Writing, and Learning in ESL. New York: Addison Wesley Longman, 2001.

Perrine, Laurence. Literature – Structure, Sound and Sense – 4th Edition. New York: Hartcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1983.

Pickthall, M. Marmaduke. The Meaning of the Glorious Koran. New York: Mentor Books, 1963.

Richards, J.C. & Nunan, D. Second Language Teacher Education. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1990.

Richards, J. & Rodgers, T.S. Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching: A Description and Analysis. (2nd ed.). New York: Cambridge University Press, 2001.

Stevick, Earl W. Images and Options in the Language Classroom. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1986.

Von Denffer, Ahmad. Ulum Al-Quran, An Introduction to the Sciences of the Quran. Leicester: The Islamic Foundation, 1985.

Wilkins, D.A. [David Arthur] Second Language Learning and Teaching. London: Edward Arnold, 1974.

Woodward, T. Models and Metaphors in Language Teacher Training. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991.

Wright, Andrew. Pictures for Language Learning. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1989.

Your master’s degree from Australian University has the international reputation. In the Australian education system, many graduate programs are offered in all possible areas of study. Typically, most of the Australian universities introduce many new programs as per the requirements of the occupations in the job market. Here, students will be offered their courses in the forms of attending lectures, tutorials, seminars in addition to that students are offered to erform independent research in libraries and laboratories.

Students pursuing masters’ degree from Australia are encouraged to collect and analyze the data either individually or in groups. They have to participate in various debates and will be discussing about their queries and related topics in a logical manner.

Typically, an Australian masters’ degree will be about 1 to 2 years and there will be unique way of assessment for the students. Students will be evaluated through conducting periodic tests, dissertation, oral presentation, class participation, practical work, examinations, essays and reports.

MBA in Australia:

Australian education is renowned for its MBA programs offered by many top Business schools in the country. It has become a popular destination for pursuing MBA. The following are some of the most popular business schools in Australia:

•Melbourne Business University

•Macquarie University

•Monash Mount Eliza Business School

•University of Queensland

•University of Adelaide

•RMIT

•Curtin University of Technology

•University of Australia

Admissions Criteria: Australian universities admission has its own entry requirements for the admission criteria of master’s program, where students have to get through the IELTS or TOEFL test scores. Many universities require students to have a certain grade point average, GPA, from high school or undergraduate degree.

To find a suitable program students have to identify their goals and constraints. This would help students in choosing the most efficient program that matches them much better, which can meet their academic, financial and personal needs.

Choose the most suitable location and university before selection of the study program. Impel highly recommends its students that environment is the essential element in the selection process. Students have to make their choice of the location, where they feel more comfortable. Impel provides proper guidance for the students and assist them in making choice of location, university and course program.

Thus, students have to consider various issues while choosing a program to study abroad either it may be Australia or USA or UK. However, Impel take cares of all the hassles in your processing and assures you in making right selection of excellent study abroad program.

Apparently a question flashes in mind that why many students are desired for overseas education. There are valid reasons for this change in the thought. Students today are not just satisfying themselves with the efforts of pursuing their education, they are desired to have a wider cosmopolitan exposure and experience. Additionally, the students prefer globally accepted degrees, which are welcomed in all the Countries. One can travel anywhere and live anywhere with dazzling careers with the help of these degrees. At the end of the day it’s the career enhancement that matters ultimately.

Overseas education provides a smooth path of fast career settlement, which is looked upon not only by the students, but by the parents also as well. One more thing by prosecuting Overseas Education, one gets the advantages of having comfortable ladders to peaking careers in unimaginably big way. Also the students overseas can earn while studying and have a self-support, which is very remote in India. Though there are few premier educational Institutions in India not many students have an easy access. Resultantly overseas education shows the way to the aspirants to reach the goal.

Major Reasons for Preferring Overseas Education:

The following are the major reasons for choosing overseas education and how many students are fascinated towards studying abroad:

• Premium Education: Usually students pursue overseas education from major study destination, USA, UK and Australia. These countries provide world-class education and enhance the students with globally appreciated skills and competency.

• Travel & Tourism: Students wish to travel and live in the countries like USA, UK and Australia. As every country is different from each other, students have to choose which country is most suitable for them. While studying abroad students will have the opportunity to visit every place in the country. Many countries provide concessions for international students to travel in the country.

• Culture: Students can discover and experience the culture and traditions of their study destination. It is a way of learning and understanding the cultural differences. Study their languages, habits and beliefs.

• Skills and Challenges: Overseas education gives a good opportunity to discover the skills and challenges that deals with the near future. Students can learn to adapt the situation and their abilities will be sharpen in resolving all difficulties.

• Social Relationship: While studying abroad, students build new relationships by the means of meeting new people from the country and also from international students from other countries who are also studying in the same university.

• Experience: After accomplishing of the study program, students will be enhanced with new bright ideas, experiences and techniques, which are learned by their own. A totally brand new experience will strengthen their values and beliefs plus adapting new concepts and perceptions in life.

• Good Employment Opportunities: Pursuing higher education from overseas (renowned study destinations) is the gateway to global job market. With an accredited degree, students will be finding good opportunities to work. Many international companies prefer to hire individuals who have an experience in studying abroad knowing that they are more independent, motivated and able to face challenges.

• Improving Communication Skills: Studying abroad gives a great chance to learn different languages and learn other native skills. It also provides to obtain new courses that are not available in your home country

Islamic dress, notably the variety of headdresses worn by Muslim women, has become a prominent symbol of the presence of Islam in western Europe. In several countries this adherence to hijab (an Arabic noun meaning “to cover”) has led to political controversies and proposals for a legal ban. The Netherlands government has decided to introduce a ban on face-covering clothing, popularly described as the “burqa ban”, although it does not only apply to the Afghan-model burqa. Other countries are debating similar legislation, or have more limited prohibitions. Some of them apply only to face-covering clothing such as the burqa, chador, boushiya, or niqab; some apply to any clothing with an Islamic religious symbolism such as the khimar, a type of headscarf. (Some countries already have laws banning the wearing of masks in public, which can be applied to veils that conceal the face). The issue has different names in different countries, and “the veil” or “hijab” may be used as general terms for the debate, representing more than just the veil itself, or the concept of modesty embodied in hijab.

lacy”>http://www.himfr.com/buy-lacy_tops/”>lacy topsAlthough the Balkans and Eastern Europe have indigenous Muslim populations, most Muslims in western Europe are members of immigrant communities. The issue of Islamic dress is linked with issues of immigration and the position of Islam in western society.

The reasons given for prohibition vary. Legal bans on face-covering clothing are often justified on security grounds, as an anti-terrorism measure. However, the public controversy is wider, and may be indicative of polarisation between Muslims and western European societies.

For some critics, Islamic dress is an issue of value conflicts and the Clash of Civilizations. These critics – prominent among them is Ayaan Hirsi Ali – see Islam as incompatible with Western values, at least in its present form. They advocate the values of ‘Enlightenment liberalism’, including secularism and equality of women. For them, the burqa or chador are both a symbol of religious obscurantism and the oppression of women. Western Enlightenment values, in their view, require prohibition, regardless of whether a woman has freely chosen Islamic dress. A more extreme, related view is that freely chosen Islamic dress is a declaration of allegiance to radical Islamism, and the wearers are enemies of western society, if not terrorists.

Islamic dress is also seen as a symbol of the existence of parallel societies (de:Parallelgesellschaft), and the failure of integration: in 2006 British Prime Minister Tony Blair described it as a “mark of separation”.[1] Visible symbols of a non-western culture conflict with the national identity in European states, which assumes a shared (non-religious) culture. Proposals for a ban may be linked to other related cultural prohibitions: the Netherlands politician Geert Wilders proposed a ban on the burqa, on Islamic schools, on new mosques, and on non-western immigration.

In France and Turkey, the emphasis is on the secular nature of the state, and the symbolic nature of the Islamic dress, and bans apply at state institutions (courts, civil service) and in state-funded education. These bans also cover Islamic headscarves, which in some other countries are seen as less controversial, although law court staff in the Netherlands are also forbidden to wear Islamic headscarves on grounds of ’state neutrality’.

An apparently less politicised argument is that in specific professions (teaching), a ban on “veils” (niqab) is justified, since face-to-face communication and eye contact is required. This argument has featured prominently in judgments in Britain and the Netherlands, after students or teachers were banned from wearing face-covering clothing.

Public and political response to such prohibition proposals is complex, since by definition they mean that the government decides on individual clothing. Some non-Muslims, who would not be affected by a ban, see it as an issue of civil liberties, as a slippery slope leading to further restrictions on private life. A public opinion poll in London showed that 75 percent of Londoners support “the right of all persons to dress in accordance with their religious beliefs”.[2] In another poll in the United Kingdom by Ipsos MORI, 61 percent agreed that “Muslim women are segregating themselves” by wearing a veil, yet 77 percent thought they should have the right to wear it.

There is currently no ban on religious Islamic dress in Denmark. However, following an incident in which a burqa-clad journalist was able to pass unchecked through security at Copenhagen airport,[11] the government stressed to the airports the need for passengers to show their faces.

In 2006 Asmaa Abdol-Hamid caused much debate when she hosted a TV show on DR2 wearing a hijab.[12] The controversy continued the following year when she announced she would be running for parliament. Member of Parliament Sren Krarup, of the Danish People Party, questioned whether wearing a hijab in parliament was constitutional and said the headscarf is a totalitarian symbol, comparable to the Nazi swastika or the communist hammer and sickle.[13]

In April 2007 the Odense city council asked the Minister for Family and Consumer Affairs of Denmark to rule on a case in which a Muslim woman refused to remove her veil for her job as a family care worker. A majority in parliament was ready to give employers the right to ban Muslim niqab and burka veils for employees.[14]

In May 2008, the Danish government decided that judges in courts should strive for religious and political neutrality, and that consequently they would no longer be allowed to wear visible religious symbols, including Christian crucifixes, Jewish kippahs and Muslim head scarves.

The 2004 French law on secularity and conspicuous religious symbols in schools bans all clothing which constitutes an ostensible religious symbol from government-operated schools. It is typically justified as a measure to ensure the secularism and religious neutrality of the state – the principle of La. In December, 2003, President Jacques Chirac supported a new law to explicitly forbid any “visible sign of religious affiliation”, in the spirit of la. The law was approved by the French parliament in March 2004.

The law forbids the wearing of any “ostensible” religious articles, but does not cite any item; yet, ministerial instructions appear to target the Islamic veil, the Jewish kippa, and large Christian crosses. Instructions permit discreet signs of faith, such as small crosses, Stars of David, and hands of Fatima. The law applies to students, parents and personnel alike. Without specific legal prohibition, similar policies are occasionally applied in other state organizations and buildings, such as public hospitals.

The French controversy primarily relates to Islamic dress as a symbol of Islam itself, or of female subservience, and only secondarily to other factors such as face-to-face communication, or security risks. The new law says nothing about the wearing of Islamic dress in public (on the street), nor about wearing religious signs in higher education or private education establishments.

Immigration in the last two decades has introduced Islam as a second major religion in Italy, a country where the population was traditionally Catholic. The Islamic veil has become a national political issue, usually in combination with other Islam-related issues, such as new mosques, and the teaching of the Quran in schools. The anti-immigrant and separatist Lega Nord has focussed recent campaigns on prohibition of the burqa, although as with the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands, the wider issue is immigration. After local anti-burqa campaigns, several municipalities imposed a ban, but these have been suspended by Regional Administrative Tribunals.[21] The Regional Administrative Tribunal of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, suppressed, for largely technical reasons, bans imposed by a municipal government. Use of the law 152/1975 – which prohibits the use of motorcycle helmets to evade identification – cannot be extended to cover the veil or burqa.

Immigration and Integration minister Rita Verdonk announced in November 2006 that the Netherlands will introduce legislation to ban face-covering clothing in public.[23] Although a ban was publicly debated earlier, the legislation results directly from a motion tabled in the Netherlands parliament by the anti-immigration [24] politician Geert Wilders, calling upon the cabinet to introduce it. The cabinet proposals was delayed because of concerns about conflict with freedom of religion. The Third Balkenende cabinet thought that these issues are no longer an obstacle to legislation. The proposal was condemned by Muslim organisations.[25]

In the November 2006 general election, Wilders’ Party for Freedom won 9 seats (out of 150): a complete ban on the burqa and a ban Islamic headscarves in the civil service and schools is part of its platform, but all other parties refuse to include it in a coalition. A group of Muslim women organised a pro-burqa demonstration at the newly elected parliament in The Hague, on 30 November 2006. The demonstration attracted national media attention, despite having only 20 participants.[26]

Following the 2006 election, the new cabinet has not taken a final decision on whether to introduce a ban, and gave conflicting signals.[27] A February 2007 opinion poll indicated that 66 percent support a ban and 32 percent oppose it.[28]

Malaysia protested against the proposed ban soon after it was announced in 2006. Foreign minister Syed Hamid Albar called it a discriminatory treatment of Muslims, and said it infringed freedom of choice. The Islamic headscarf tudung is a political issue in Malaysia itself. According to the UNHCHR, female students in Malaysia itself are pressured to wear the tudung, and it is compulsory for female shop workers in Kelantan, while Malaysian politicians have protested against its prohibition in public schools in Singapore. [29] According to memo leaked to the Algemeen Dagblad, the Netherlands foreign ministry has warned of a possible controversy, similar to the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy. [30]

The proposed legislation in the Netherlands applies nationally. Earlier, schools and other institutions had enforced their own bans on Islamic dress, although usually not on the Islamic headscarf. Employers also have their own policies. Cases of dismissal or exclusion from school are sometimes handled by the Netherlands Equality Commission, creating de facto national guidelines on what constitutes discrimination. [31] In Amsterdam, school policies attracted media attention after an incident in 2003. A higher vocational college, banned three students for wearing the niqab. One was removed by police when she tried to enter the school wearing the niqab: the school regulations are legally enforceable because unauthorised entry is trespass. The students appealed to the Equality Commission, which ruled (in March 2003) in favour of the school. [32] The school justified the ban on the grounds that the niqab “hindered eye contact, which testifies to mutual respect”. The Commission agreed with the school, indicating that the educational necessity of contact and communication within the school building overrode the religious-freedom aspects. The education minister, Maria van der Hoeven, of the Christian-Democratic party CDA, publicly approved the Commission decision. The Amsterdam CDA subsequently called for a national ban on chador, burqa and niqab in schools, partly on the grounds that they conflicted with common national values. [33]

The cities of Amsterdam and Utrecht have proposed cutting social security benefit to unemployed women wearing a burqa, on the grounds that it makes them unemployable in a predominantly non-Muslim country.

Outsourcing means gathering, getting or reinventing new or extra sources of goods and services within the internal organization of a company, hotel, restaurant etc. Outsourcing always seeks provision of sources and services from those experts, specialists, or companies with reputable names, brands and services in order to facilitate continuation and survival of the businesses. According to Fair and Shaw (1997) abstract, outsourcing can be defined as the process of acquiring an item that the company cannot produce internally. It involves subcontracting or substituting an internal service or function with an external service which is provided by experts who are proficient in the provision of that service accordingly. A business would thrive when a company, restaurant, or hotel is able to respond to changes that arise within the central organization.

In another word, outsourcing is a kind of decentralizing business management and operations in order to enhance minimum cost of operation and to maximize profit while bearing in mind the risk involved. Outsourcing not only include getting external sources of goods and services, it also encourage sharing of ideas and this leads to coexistence of various chains of businesses and this facilitate spread of risk among the chain and spreading the cost of operation among the businesses.

Various methods can be incorporated in getting external sources from suppliers, clients who are your competitors .It is notably possible that getting sources from competitive field would aid proper analysis of services that would enhance proper competition among your competitors. It is always recommendable to investigate your competitor’s day to day’s performance. This would assist in coming up with an idea that would make a certain company to adapt to those services that would enable it to sail easily and to venture into competitive restaurant businesses. Outsourcing may involve alienating ones idea in order to perform better than your competitors. In the process you may outdo, eliminate, or sapless your competitors operation and emerge as reputable performer.

From the different meaning of outsourcing, it can be deduced that there are different types, which may be grouped according to various criteria depending on the degree of decision making among the associated managers, analysis of various outsourcing methods in order to measure their effect, the range of outsourcing and what to incorporate in the process, the degree of integration of services from the sources, the property relationship, the level of administrative control, the chain link and ownership. The main outsourcing types include strategic and tactical operations.

In strategic outsourcing, more detailed operations are incorporated. This involves all managers that are supposed to be there and this process follows a certain rational process of decision taking. In this type of outsourcing, it is possible to outsource various activities that are essential to the company day to day’s operations and maintenance that leads to medium or long-term corporation with the suppliers who are not main competitors. Strategic outsourcing is all inclusive, since it involves achieving improved quality for the goods and services provided. It also involves stiff operation methods that would enhance proper competition, availability of resources, abilities to develop activities or to access capabilities and knowledge to operate efficiently. Strategic operation is broader, and involves more competitive concept of process.

When it comes to tactical outsourcing, it is less detailed as compared to strategic outsourcing. It involves operation whose motive is to lower the cost of operation as opposed to strategic which incorporates stated methods there above.

There are various aspects that are associated with the benefits of outsourcing. Each type of outsourcing process has its role and effects. To start with, the first advantageous role is the availability of wide range of goods and services at your disposal. These services as stated before include, provision of services sought from the qualified specialist, experts, and from firms with reputable brands, names, and that are believed to offer excellent services. By externalizing the service, it is effective since the restaurant is in a position to easily adopt the process of responding to changes that may arise as a result to customer’s demand, changes in market operations, eruption of new rules and regulations as it pertains to running of businesses etc.

All these would lead to flexibility within the organization. According to Gilley and Rasheed (2000) Outsourcing in this manner would enable a company to offer different services at the same time. For example, hosting sports, entertainment, recreational and providing political arenas etc. In this case the experts are contacted to offer the best quality where possible. This really helps to provide a service that would lead to customer satisfaction.

From the abstract concerning a hotel in shanghai China; the other role of decentralization of services enables the restaurant to reduce the risk of operating at a loss. When tactical system of outsourcing is maintained, there is cost reduction within the central organization. When the cost is reduced, outsourcing would lead to running of businesses efficiently. Importation of services from other sources will enable the management team to select the services and goods that would lead to the company making or running at a profit. There is a chance of a company to call for an improvement where they have failed by outsourcing from external experts.

Being responsive; Outsourcing easies the process of adopting, improving, and eventually advancement of technology. Stiff competition causes innovation of new ideas, hence technology to allow operating in a competitive world. The managers would not relax to see their restaurant or any other business vanishing. They must do something to save the situation this involves upgrading of services, buildings, and operation strategies.

Sometimes integration of outsourcing in our businesses is not always effective. It is astonishing that while outsourcing, importation of non profitable services might ruin the internalization of a company. This happens when the central management organization is done away with and ineffective external management is applied. Lack of proper empirical working formula to analyze the effects of acquiring a certain outsourcing process gives insatiable results e.g. terms of contract. You might outsource a service that might lead to adaptation of foreign unprofitable service e.g. a Chinese cook cannot be incorporated in preparing delicacies for Africans. These would lead to mixture of culture that is not resourceful.

It is advisable, to concentrate on areas where the company can do best and outsource where it cannot. Otherwise outsourcing might become solely dependable leading to extinction of internal operation even where the managerial system can do better.

Due to outsourcing, there is sharing of profit together with the affiliate runners. But if there wasn’t such party, the profit would not be shared. Going on, incompetence outsourcing would drag the enterprise behide. This is because you entrust a certain economist but you come to realize later that he cannot perform. This happens in large restaurants and hotels. Outsourcing may also led to wastage of time and resources incase the company does not perform. It is known that some hotels, companies, restaurants etc have experienced success through the process of outsourcing. Supportive services such as maintenance of companies, provision of security, laundry and baking systems that assist in achieving of improved quality and services in a hotel would be more complex. This would threaten the image of a hotel brand and name hence lowering the dignity of a certain hotel or restaurant.

Conclusion

From the discussion about roles and effects of outsourcing, it is importance to note that the key to developing an efficient operation strategy boils down to understanding how to create or add value for the customers. This would be achieved by working on and stressing different competitive priorities.

According to the journal by (krajewski and Risman, 2000.Dawis et al., 1999) these competitive advantages are the capabilities that companies must have to obtain in order to enhance competitive advantage and to succeed simultaneously. The motive for outsourcing currently involves embarking on those factors that can lead the benefits of outsourcing which include; efficiency, low cost improved quality, flexibility, being responsive and to pursue different competitive priorities.

Subcontracting has great potential for strategic operation particularly for non cost- related objectives. This is so because future outsourcing targets cost non-related effects. These effects are the benefits of outsourcing which include efficiency, flexibility, improved quality, being responsive etc. It is of good importance that managers should understand the need to outsource. They should not concentrate only on cost reduction but they should look forward to other benefits of outsourcing e.g. intellectual access, greater visualization, being more innovative, reliability, quality oriented services and search for wider solutions that add value as indicated by (Quinn, 1999).

Catrett J. (1999),”Top school alters course to reflect growth of restaurant outsourcing”, Caterer and hotel keeper, 20 may, pg 14

Hallary G. and Baum T. (1996),”Contracting outsourcing foods and beverages operations in hotels)”: a journal of hospitality management vol.15 no. 1, pg41-50

Alphas, p. Saharia, A.N, (1995) “Outsourcing information systems functions”, A journal of organizing computing 5(3), 197-217

Gardener Merchant, (1998) “Sales and market analysis”,

Krawjeski and Rismin, (2000), “competitive priorities”, a journal on food outsourcing.

Camerron, K.S, (1994),”Strategic outsourcing for successful organization”, a journal on downsizing, Human Resource Manager, volume 33 No.1 pg 179-203

Hammington, N.R and King, C, (1998),”hotel and restaurant; key dimension in co-branding”,

Hothorn, M. (1992),”restaurant business, market tracker international, (1998), UK, catering report1999-2002, DewberryBoyes.

Animal behavior (2005) animal reproduction and behavior, retrieved on 11th August

Food and beverage (2006) Branding and repositioning food and beverage, retrieved on 23rd August

Food and beverages (2005) key dimension of outsourcing food and beverages, retrieved on 23rd August

Outsourcing (2004) key dimension of outsourcing food and beverages, , retrieved on 23rd August

Harrigan, K, (1985),”strategies for intrafirm transfer and outside sourcing”, a journal on academic management, volume 28, No.4, pg 914-925.

Bernard Davis, Andrew Lockwood, Sally Stone (2004),”Food and beverage management”, pg 416

MKT 255

Trade and barriers to trade:

Unit 3 Individual Project

Abstract

NOTE: no indentation is required. The next page will be an abstract; “a brief, comprehensive summary of the contents of the article; it allows the readers to survey the contents of the article quickly” (Publication Manual, 2001). The length of the abstract should be @75 words (2-3 sentences) based on the length of the body of the paper.

Highlight to Delete this content

General Form for Citation

From the 5th Edition of the Publication Manual (© 2001)

One Work by One Author

Walker (2000) compared reaction time….

In a recent study of reaction times……supported earlier research (Walker, 2000).

In 2000 Walker compared reaction times.

Within a paragraph, you need not include the year in subsequent references to a study as long as the study cannot be confused with other studies cited in the work.

In a recent study of reaction times, Walker (2000) described the method…….Walker also found….

One Work by Multiple Authors

When a work has 2 authors, always cite BOTH names every time the reference occur.

Smith & Jones (2000) compared reaction time….

In a recent study of reaction times……supported earlier research (Smith & Jones, 2000).

When a work has three, four, or five authors, cite all authors the first time the reference occurs; in subsequent citations, include only the surname of the first author followed by et al. (not italicized and with a period after “al”).

Wasserstein, Zappula, Rosen, and Smith (1994) found that [Use as 1st citation text]

Wasserstein et al. described [Use as subsequent citation per paragraph thereafter]

Two or More Works Within the Same Parenthesis

Order the citations of two or more works within the same parenthesis in the same order in which they appear in the reference list.

Past research… (Edeline & Weinberger, 1991, 1993).

Earlier research indicated… (Balda, 1980; Kamilm 1988; Pepperberg & Furik, 1990).

If no author is stated

(“Short Title of Article”, year). The punctuation goes after the citation not at the end of the sentence.

References

Armstrong, G., Kotler, P. (2006). Marketing: an Introduction. Upper Saddle River, N.J.:

Prentice Hall.

Highlight to Delete this content

General Form for Electronic References

From the 5th Edition of the Publication Manual (© 2001)

NOTE: A reference list is presented alphabetically by author’s last name

Note: Some elements of the 5th edition’s style guidelines for electronic resources differ from previously published guidelines.

Electronic sources include aggregated databases, online journals, Web sites or Web pages, newsgroups, Web- or e-mail-based discussion groups, and Web- or e-mail-based newsletters.

Online periodical:

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (2000). Title of article. Title of Periodical, xx,
xxxxx. Retrieved month day, year, from source.

EXAMPLE:

Reinartz, Werner, Thomas, Jacquelyn S., Kumar, V. (2005). Balancing acquisition and

retention resources to maximize customer profitability. Journal of Marketing, v69, Issue 1.

Retrieved 6/13/2005, from Business Source Premier.

Print Resource

Electronic Resources:

Rodamia:

Rodamia is an agricultural economy, it mainly produces wheat, cotton grains and other farm products, it is a developing country and therefore its level of GDP and per Capita income is quite low, despite all these disadvantages it has a potential to develop and attain high levels of development, according to the classical economist economic development can be achieved through trade and favorable terms and balance of trade.

Theories of international trade:

Adam smith and David Ricardo developed theories to show how countries gain by trading, Adam smith developed the theory of absolute advantage, this theory states that trade is caused by differences in labor productivity, he stated that cost differences between countries will cause trade, this theory states that if country A produces two products Y and X, and also country B produces the same products then if country A has absolute advantage in producing Good X whereby it uses 10 units of labor and country B uses 20 units of labor to produce the same product then the two countries will trade.

David Ricardo was also a classical economist who formulated the comparative advantage theory of trade, in his theory he stated that even if one of the countries either country A or country B is more productive in all the products they trade the two countries can till gain through trade, he considered Portugal and England who produce both wine and cloth, Portugal has absolute advantage in the production of both wine and cloth, however Portugal was more efficient and more comparative advantage in the production wine, therefore the two countries would still gain through trade.

Therefore the economy of Rodamia has comparative advantage in the production of cotton and therefore it will gain through trading with other countries even if those countries have absolute advantage in the production of all the products it produces and export.

Barriers to trade:

Trade impediments include tariffs, quotas and qualitative restrictions and also bans, all these are barriers to trade in that they restrict the value of potential export or imports.

Tariffs:

Tariffs are imposed on imports where import duties are imposed on imports, when tariffs are put in place they increase the prices of imports, the purpose of these tariffs is to protect infant industries in a country, raise government revenue and to block undesired imports. When tariffs are imposed the price of imports rises and therefore the demand for these good goes down.

Tariffs in Rodamia will be used to protect the local industries, restrict the quantity of imports to improve the balance of trade and also to raise government revenue that will be used in the provision of public goods and improvement of the infrastructure.

Quotas:

This form of trade barriers are also referred to as quantitative restrictions, the government restricts the quantity of imports of certain product, in this case the government does not necessarily gain revenue but quota holders do get revenue, the purpose of quotas is to protect infant industries and at the same time reduce the balance of trade of a country.

Quotas in Romania should be used to improve balance of trade, this is to ensure that imports do not exceed exports; also they will be used to protect local industries that are not internationally competitive.

Dumping:

Dumping is the process of exporting substandard quality products to trade partners, this is the process of exporting products that do not meet international standards, dumping involves exporting products at very prices which increases the demand for this products and at the same time the products are not of quality standard.

The government should avoid dumping of substandard goods through establishing a standard bureau that will inspect all products imported.

Trade agreements include:

There exist various trade agreements which aid in stimulating trade between countries, trade agreements are also referred to as regional integration and all involve offering fair trade to member countries through removal of trade barriers, here is some of the regional integration the country should join:

PTA- referred to as preferential trading agreement, in this type of integration countries impose low tariffs on goods imported from member countries than the rest of the world.

FTA- referred to as free trade area, this is a zero tariff integration whereby member countries impose zero tariffs on goods imported from member countries, and however there exist transshipment rules that prevent imports being channeled via low tariff countries.

CU – referred to as common union, it is similar to an FTA but with a common external tariffs by member countries.

UTL- unitary trade liberation, this is a non discriminatory reduction in trade barriers where goods imported are imposed zero tariffs

The above integrations will stimulate trade and offer fair trade between member countries therefore the country will experience favorable terms of trade when it joins such regional integrations.

The possibility production frontier of the Rodamia economy:

Point A on the diagram above shows an impossible achievable production point, point B on the diagram shows underproduction whereby the country does not utilize all its resource, the production possibility curve joins together the points at which different combinations of capital and labor can be used to produce optimally, therefore a point on the curve is the most optimal point the country can produce.

Conclusion:

Romania should join trade agreements in order to increase exports and improve terms of trade and trade balances, it should also consider avoiding dumping and at the same time use trade barriers to imports from countries that are not from its trade integration.

References:

Robert Heller (1973) International Trade: Theory and Empirical Evidence, Prentice-Hall publishers, US

Introduction

Leadership has its concern in ensuring that it gives direction and the leader is concerned with the influence on others so that they can do their work as expected. There are the leadership theories that explain how the leaders ought to work so that success can be reached and they are: the great man theories which has got the believe that most of the great leaders are born with the desire and the role to lead this means that one is not just leading through learning but such a person is born to lead others. This means that the person is heroic and should be destined to achieve the best qualifications that are required by that particular organization. The trait theories have the assumption that the people who are leaders inherit certain qualities and traits from others and this will enable them to be the best leaders. This theory has got the identification of the personality characteristics that is shared by the leaders and therefore with that particular trait then one is seen to lead others as expected. (Helen, 2003)

The contingency theories thuds has got focus on the variable that are related to the environment that will have the determination of that particular leadership style that is required so that a person who is a leader has got the ability and the capability to work in that environment that will lead to the success of his or her work. Situational theories this argues that a lead has got to choose to work in a particular situation like in making the decisions that are accepted this means that such a person will be able to do the work as expected and therefore that situational variable will be the guide on how to lead. The behavioral theories this has got the argument that the leaders are made and it mainly focuses on the actions of these people To be a leader then on requires to have the qualities that will enable such a person know what to go about the problems that may take place in the organization. The person learns how to become a leader through observing or learning from others. The participative theory this is where by the leaders encourages their people to participate and contribute in the group so that they can do what is expected by the organization. The leader has got the right to allow the dithers have their views concerning that particular work that has to be done. In the managements theories the leader focus on the supervision, the organization and the group performance in that his or her main concern is to ensure that the organization is working well under the right directions and rules been followed. (Hartman, 2005)

The relationship theories this has the focus that the leader has the motivation and inspiration ability meaning that in any work that has to be undertaken then the people will do the best as it is targeted by the organization. These leaders have high ethical and moral standards so that they can be able to motivate others do their work well. There are different types of leadership styles and they include: the laisaez faire where by the leader has got to minimize the amount of direction and the face time that is required such a leader should be highly trained and motivated on the direct reports so that he or she can direct people on achieving the high performance of that particular organization. The autocratic leadership styles where by the leader should be able to advocate what is to be done and lead the others in the direction that will lead to high performance. The participative leadership style where by the leader has got to ensure that he or she is involved in the works that are done in the organization so that the employees can do all the best in working for the organization. The leader should be creative so that incases of problems taking place in the organization then they can be solved, also can improve the quality and be able to provide the best customers services so that they do not have to get complaints from the workers of what has to be done for the betterment of the organization. The leader should be able to form team work with the workers in that her or she should focus on making the irrelevant changes that will lead to the high performance thus is because teamwork is favored as it leads to the best performance been attained in that particular organization. The leaders should be able to rise the occasion and have a high inspiration of confidence so that the workers can do all that is expected so that work is done perfectly. The leader should be a great decision maker so that the right direction has to be followed this is in that the workers should know the advantages and disadvantages of an activity that will lead to more work been done. Without the right decision then it becomes very hard for the organization to make implementations on the plan that is prepared and this will mean that the collapse of such organization will be very great. The leader who does not care of how the organization is performing will end up doing things that will not be of help to the organization and this will have high impact on the work of that organization. This is because for an organization to succeed there should be decisions made on the changes that have to be done so that in making implementation to that particular part in the organization the agreement has been reached and this will lead to the best work been attained. Therefore a leader should be able to set a process that will be followed in coming into the agreement of an issue that is related to the organization performance. (Fulmer, 2003)

There are different characteristics that a leader should have and they are: the vision in that the leader should have a view of what the organization will be in future this is because the organizations that have no vision have no clear direction on its operations and this will lead to the collapse of the organization. Therefore it is good for that leader to have in mind how the success will be and the best ways to reach to that success. The vision has got to be well known in the organization this is because it will act as the guide on the operations that will be taking place in the organization in that with what is to be achieved in future then it becomes possible to know how to go about everything that is to be done so that what is planned is achieved. The leaders should be able to understand what motivates people in that the leader should offer the working environments for the workers to be desirable so that as the employees do their work they are willing to offer the best production. The leaders should be ready to recognize what the workers have done and appreciate them this will mean that they will be willing to work because they have seen the concern from their leaders therefore so that the employees can feel motivated then they have to be praised, recognized and appreciated and this will lead to high performance been achieved as the workers will not work under supervision because they are willing to provide what the organization expects. (Evans, 2004)

There is the emotional intelligence where by the leader should be ready to identify, use and understand the emotions of there employees and through knowing how to go about these emotions then the employees will work to the target. This is because emotions may affect the performance in an organization, as the employees will not be ready to provide what is focused on company this means that they are doing the work just to earn a living and not for the betterment of the organization. Been able to read people will lead to making the right changes that will not have effects to them and the organization will benefit in exchange this is because what is done will be to ensure that their attitudes are changed to fit that which is required in the organization. The leader should be able to empower which means that in the use of either policies of other things like training the people then this will make the working easier and therefore the performance is increased therefore a leader is required to train the employees on how to go about the problems that take place in the organization, also how to go about the risks that are expected and this will lead to the high performance as the careless mistakes will be reduced all the time. The leader should be trustworthy in that how he behaves should be easily copied by the followers and should not misled them this means that the leader has to check his or her behavior well and do what is expected by the organization so that the employees can copy from him or her. The leaders must be willing to take risks in that incase uncertainty occurs in the organization then the leader should have the knowledge on how to manage these risks so that it does not affect the performance of the organization. This is because if the risks are not prevented then it is easy for that organization to collapse due to the fact that it will be late to get the right measures after a problem has occurred in the organization. Therefore the leader should have the skills on risk management so that any time there is an indication of risk then the right measures are taken early in advance. (David, 2002)

The leader should be able to focus and follow through in that he or she should see the priorities that will be used as a guide so that work is done as expected this will mean that the leader knows what to do and then has got to tackle the next step of doing it so that success in achieved. Without priorities then the leader will aim at benefiting him and not the organization and this will lead to poor management of that organization leading to collapse. The leader should have a sense of humor in that the leader should have a degree of self knowledge this will make the workers change their attitudes towards then organization and be willing to work for the betterment of achieving high production. Therefore with humor then it is very possible to break a tension in the organization and this will mean that without tension then the employees are willing to work for the organization to see its success. With tension the work will not be done and most of the employees end up on attending their work as expected leading to collapse of that particular organization. Therefore a leader should ensure that these traits or characteristics are incorporated so that work will be done, as it is required. The leader should also be able to bear in that the leader should not be quick to anger this is because they are dealing with the followers they are different in their personality and therefore if one is not ready to bear the challenges that are put by the followers then it becomes hard for such a leader to lead the people and this will lead to the person been psychologically affected like been in stress which will mean the organization performance will decline. All the leaders therefore should be ready to know the best measures to take so that they take the right relationship with all the employees of all kinds so that all in the organization benefit from what is to be achieved. (Carol, 2002)

The leader should have enthusiasm in that he or she should be willing to offer the presentations that will assists the followers understand what is expected of them in the organization without proper knowledge then it is possible for the careless mistakes to be done and therefore this will affect the organization which will mean that a lot has to be done so that the organization performance is raised. The leaders should be ready to offer sound judgment on what has been done in the organization this is because without the right judgment then the workers will not be willing to have relationship with the leaders and therefore it becomes difficult for such a leader because there is always conflict existing between them. To ensure that relationship is maintained between the leader and the followers then the right judgment has to be passed to all who have done wrong. The leader should have tact in that he or she should be caring on the opportunities that have to be done in the organization and also make the right evaluation that will lead to high performance. The leader should like to fail in that through the failures then it will mean that such a person will know how to go about the best ways that will not lead to the failure again in future this is because if one is not ready to fail then it means incases of failures existing in the organization such person will be confused on how to go about them and this brings problems in the organization. A leader should accept his or her responsibilities and this will bring about the right view that the leader will have towards the operations of the organization without knowing and accepting the responsibility then it is not possible to lead the people and therefore all leaders should have the clear know how of what the organization requires from them and this will lead to high performance. (Chapman, 2004)

A leader should be in a constant state of change in that he or she should be eager to know what is happening around him or her and be able to change with the changing world like the changes in technology the leader should make use of the best technology that will not affect the employees but will lead to high production this is because if the leader does not know about what is taking place in the organization then the organization operation will be stagnant meaning that less will be achieved for that particular organization as it will not be able to know how to go about the changes taking place in the world. If a leader is not careful on what he or she is doing then careless mistakes can be done leading to problems in the organization and therefore these problems will not be possible and easy to come up with the right conclusion that will help the organization. The leader should be unselfish in that the leader should do things that will benefit the employees and not for his or her own benefit. Therefore the leader should offer the benefits that are required by the workers like promotions, trainings and other benefits that will motivate the workers do their best. If the leader is selfish then it becomes hard to know how to go about ensuring the workers receive what they desire and therefore working will be hard to go through with such a person who does not mind of others in the organization. It is not a hard thing to lead but without the qualities that are needed then it becomes a bother and therefore such a person will be greatly affected due to the fact that problems will arise and such a person will not know how to go about it leading to poor performance of that particular organization. Throe is need for any leader to build excellence this is the notion that it will ensure that the work that has to be done at that particular time is of great importance and therefore for that leader to have excellence then first he or she should have a good character. This will mean that such a person is supposed to do everything that is right for the organization so that its performance is improved in all directions. For a leader to have the required character then he or she should show the drives, the energy, he or she should be determined on what is to be done, there is need for self discipline in that a leader should act as the role model for the followers and therefore it will not lead to more problems been faced if the person is well behaved. (Caroselli, 2002)

A good leader should have attributes that will assist him or her to do the work as expected. Therefore the leader should have the standard bearers in that one should commit his or her life in undertaking activities in the organization that will lead to success and therefore he or she should have in mind that what has to be set will become the rules in the organization and therefore they should be serious and keen on what they have to do. This means that if the leader is a standard bearer them the followers will have trust in him or her. The leader should be a developer in that he or she should lead others in getting new ideas through teaching or training them on what is expected and therefore it becomes a challenge for such person because what is required has to be done rightly so that it can help others in achieving the goals that are set. This will help the followers have the knowledge on how to go about the risks that occur in the organization, how to go about the mistakes in the organization and how to become winners and therefore this will mean that the workers will be targeting at becoming winners and therefore they are ready to do all what is expected of them without been supervised by their leaders. The leader should be an integrator in that one should be able to provide a view of the future and the ability to obtain what has to be done and therefore the leader should ensure that their is unity that is required so that what he or she is achievement will be a success and will assist others in getting into success, such a leader will know where the problems will occur and the best ways to deal with these problems before they interfere with the performance of the organization. Therefore this will mean that the employees will work targeting at the visions that are set for that organization and that is done has got to succeed. Those behind the leader get examples from him or her this is based on the fact that if the leader has got undesirable behavior then the followers will just behave in the same manner like he or she is doing. (Bennie, 2002)

To be a good leader then the followers should have the trust in you in other words the followers should be ready to copy what that particular person is doing and have the belief that he or she is right and this will lead to the work been done as expected in the organization. Without trust then it is not possible for the workers or the followers to do as expected and this will mean that every one in the organization will have his or her own views about the work that is to be undertaken. A good leader is ethical and with strong vision which means that such a person has got high desires to do something that will benefit the organization and the followers in general. The behavior of such person will lead to the capturing of the trust that will come from the followers, there will be also loyalty on the leader from such things that are seen to be important then it will be a better thing that will lead to success of such organization. In building trust then the character will be involved with the beliefs in that what people have value on is deeply rooted in them and therefore if they have the belief in the leader to have the right leadership then it means that such a person will be trusted and will be used as the role model by the people. The traits that is the characteristics that will differentiate one person from another in that people have got different traits and therefore it becomes possible to know how to go about the changes that take place so that the work can be done as required. (Bellman, 2005)

The traits of a good leader includes: the honesty in that the person should be sincere on what he or she is doing so that he does not mislead the others; the competency in that what has to be done should be based on the reason and the principles so that the leader does not have to do something just for the sake but should know what it requires and the outcome of such activity; he or she should be forward looking in that one should have a vision on what is to be achieved in future at that current time and therefore the leader should have the know how of what to do and how to get the desires this means that it is always in the leader to make the decision on the good things that are to be achieved by the organization the leader should be inspiring in that he or she should be confident on what has to be done and therefore all the work will be done without fear in that he or she should be able to endure mentally, physically and spiritually all that is best for the organization; the leader should be intelligent in that one should be ready to learn and get the challenges that have to be undertaken and this will mean that the work will be perfectly done because he or she will be ready to face challenges; the leader should also be fair in that he or she should take all the followers with the same concern and should show justice to the people whom he or she has to lead; the leader should be broad minded in that one should be ready to do things adversely without waiting for the others to work so that one can follow and therefore the thinking should be very deep; should be courageous one should have the assurance that the work will be completed even if there are challenges; should be straight forward in making decisions the leader should come up with the right decisions so that the work that is to be achieved is of the right standard and lastly the leader should be imaginative in other words he or she should be able to come up with an idea that will help the others in the society and able to make plans that will help the organization to acquire success.( Alice,2005)

People have strong beliefs on what is good or bad and therefore it will mean that they will do something in regard to the belief they attach on it. The values that is the attitudes about the view that is seen in that person like for example one might have value on good house therefore a leader with value will not enter into problems of the working paces of the workers. The skills that is the abilities and a person has in his or her life meaning that a person with high knowledge and ability to learn will get more skills from different places depending on what he or she requires in other words if one requires the performance of the organization to improve then it means that such person will work targeting the high performance and this will be achieved through the gaining of skills on how to go about the operations in the organization. With leaders who are serious in their work then it is most likely for the organization to come up with the right performance this is because if the leader does not care about the best methods to use for the organization to be well known then it means that working will be interfered with leading to delays and poor performances in that organization.

The traits are guidelines that will assist the person who is leading have the right direction so that he or she will not face challenges and problems that will affect the working conditions of the employees and lead to poor performance. With these traits been practically performed then it becomes possible for the organization to make the right amendments that are important for that organization to achieve success in its operations. Traits ensures that no time is to be wasted in achieving the goals that are set and the mistakes that take place in the organization is dealt with in the right manner leading to more been achieved that is helpful for the organization. Every organization has to ensure that the leaders have the leadership skills so that the management is not interfered with and this will mean that working of that organization will be desirable and therefore all that it has to do is to get the best trained people in leadership and management skills. (Albritto, 2006)

Conclusion
Leadership is something that a person has got to take serious this is because one is based in dealing with people of different personalities and therefore if one is working with people without having the right traits then it becomes a bother in the organization. A leader should be ready to get views from the followers on what they think is the right thing to be done so as to achieve what they require, through this then the organization will not face challenges of poor management as the leader and the employees are in right relationship meaning that work will be done for the benefit of the organization. In the organization the leader should have the skills that are required so that the working is not interrupted this is because without the leadership traits then the operation of that organization is affected in one way or another and therefore all that has to be done is to ensure that the right skills are achieved for one to lead others.

Reference:

Albritto, D. (2006): development oaf leadership skills. A source book for libraries. Englewood.

Alice, M. (2005): leadership. The qualities for a leader. Jefferson, McFarland.

Bellman, Y. (2005): leadership skills. The traits for a good leader. Cambridge university press.

Bennie, B. (2002): leadership. The strategies applicable for leaders in an organization. New York: Harper and Row.

Caroselli, H. (2002): leadership skills for leaders in an organization. New York: McGraw- hill.

Chapman, D. (2004): leadership. The knowledge that is required by leaders. Chicago: SRA.

Carol, M. (2002): leadership styles and its roles. Michigan university press.

David, D. (2002): leadership. How the companies have been able to offer guidance to the leaders for the best performance. San Francisco: Jossey- bass.

Evans, H. (2004): basics for the leaders. What a leader’s required to have for the followers. New York: Neal- Schumann.

Fulmer, N. (2003): leadership. Training developments that will assist the leaders. Rutgers university press.

Hartman, M. (2005): influence on leaders. The best ways that an organization does to have high influence on the leader. Training development, pp89-90

Helen, P. (2003): roles of leadership. The requirements for a good leader. Cambridge university press.

Joan, P. (2003): leadership. Learning how to lead. Cambridge, mass: Perseus

Keith, D. (2002): the attitudes of leadership. How to lead successfully. Cambridge university press.

Lord, M. (2004): the relationship between personality and leadership. Journal of applied psychology, pp 67-100

Marable, D. (2002): the secrets of leadership. The dimensions of leadership that is applicable. Supervision, pp, 7-10.

Miller, K. (2003): leadership. The theory and practice that is related to leadership. Sage publications.

Mary, G. (2003): taking leadership. How to become a powerful; leader in an organization. Rutgers university press.

North house, P. (2004): essentials of leadership skills. The most important essentials that is required for one to become a leader. Supervision, pp 10-20.

Thomas, K. (2004): the effectiveness of a good leader. The trainings that is required for a great leader. New York: wayden books.

Modes of transport:

There exist different modes of transport and these include road transport, railway transport, air transport and sea way transport. Some modes are expensive while others are cheap; others are fast whereas others take long to travel. This paper investigates why some industries will choose some modes of transport while others will opt to other modes. Air transport is the fasted mode of transport and yet does not face such problems as traffic congestion apart from times of crisis such as extreme weather conditions. Railway transport is mostly used by people who prefer to transport heavy goods.

Modes of transport:

The choose of the mode of transport by industries will depend on the nature of a good whether perishable or non perishable, whether bulky or light weight, cost of the mode of transport, custom duties by the export or import duties, the source and destination of the goods.

Perishable and non perishable goods:

For the perishable goods industries will choose the fastest mode of transport and discard the slow methods of transportation, for the case of perishable goods the mode of transport preferred is air transport, an example of these perishable goods include flowers, fruits and other agricultural products. For the non perishable goods the industries will use other modes.

Bulk or light weight goods:

The mode of transport to be used for bulky goods will not be air transport the reason being that it is very expensive, bulky goods will usually be transported by road, rail or shipment. For light weight goods the mode of transport will be air transport.

Custom and exercise duties;

The existence of duties by the government will also determine the mode of transport to be used by an industry, some transportation modes experience high taxation levels and therefore most industries avoid them as a result.

Source and destination of goods:

The source of the good and their destination will also determine the mode of transport to be chosen by the industries, for short distance transportation the mode of transport to be used will be road transport but if the distance is long then the mode hereto be used is rail, air or even the use of sea transport.

Advantages and disadvantages of the various modes of transport:

Air transport:

This mode of transport is used for perishable goods and also fragile goods and goods that are not bulky, this is a very fast mode of transportation and therefore used for goods that need fast delivery. The bulk per value ratio will determine the choice of this mode of transportation.

Advantages:

It is a fast mode of transportation

It has an advantage in that there is the issue of time saving for delivery of goods

It is a reliable means of transport

Disadvantages:

There exist freight delays and cancellation in case of crisis such as weather problems

High duties Levied on goods delivered through these means

This is a very costly method of transportation

Sea Transport:

This mode is used by industries especially when goods to be delivered are bulky and the distance between the source and the destination is large.

Advantages:

It is a good mode for the transportation of bulky goods

Transportation of goods for large distance is made possible

It is less costly than other modes of transportation

Disadvantages:

It takes longer time to deliver goods from the source to their destination

Cannot be used in the transportation of perishable goods

It is usually hard to monitor the location of goods being transported oedr the time period the goods will be under transit.

Rail transport:

This is also a reliable mode of transportation for bulky goods and it is used to transport coal and other bulky goods

Advantages:

It is a fast mode of transport

It can be used to transport heavy and bulky goods

It is a safe mode of transportation

Rail transport is a reliable mode of transport

Disadvantages:

There may be delays in the transportation of goods

It might be unreliable where the destination of the goods is not covered by the rail network and therefore there is need to change the mode of transport.

Road transport:

This is the most widely used mode of transportation; this is a reliable mode of transport because there exist a reliable transport network which is extensive to every part of a region.

Advantages:

It is a cost effective mode of transportation

Reliable in that it offers fast delivery of goods

It is an ideal means of transport over short distances

Monitoring of goods over transit is made easy due to ease of communication and locating the exact location

Disadvantages:

Traffic congestion may cause delay of delivery of goods

There may be breakage of fragile goods as a result of caress driving

Traffic regulations on speed may cause delays

We will use the data given to analyse the relationship that exist between the miles covered and the tonnes transported by the modes of transports, then we will get the regression models that give us the relationship that exist between the mode of transport and the tonnes and also the miles travelled, afterwards we will compare this regressed models with each mode to analyse what causes the industries to choose differing modes of transport.

METHOD:

We will consider data that depict the miles covered by rail transport, road transport (highway miles) and air transport and finally the GDP level of the economy at the time, we are set to find out what determines the choice of transport by industries and our first regression will be to determine the effect of income on the choose of transport. Here we will consider the relationship that exist between the level of GDP and the mode of transport, this will include

GDP level and rail transport

GDP level and road transport

GDP level and air transport

GDP level and rail transport:

In this estimation we estimate the model of the form

Y = b0 + b1X

Where Y is the miles travelled and X is the GDP level

The estimated model is as follows:

Y = 75.75234213 + 0.066655757 X

Therefore from the above model it is clear that we have a positive autonomous value, and then increase in miles travelled as we increase GDP level is 0.06666 miles

The above model shows that an increase in income will negligibly increase the miles travelled by rail transport.

The R squared which is the correlation of determination is 0.862551199 and this shows the strength of the relationship that exist between rail transport and increase GDP level, the value is that there exist a weaker relationship between GDP and miles travelled by rail as compared to other values we will get from other regressions.

Hypothesis test:

The test hypothesis is for both the autonomous value and the slope of the model

Hypothesis test:

The test hypothesis is for both the autonomous value and the slope of the model

Autonomous value b0

Null hypothesis:

H0: b0 = 0

Alternative hypothesis

Ha: b0 ≠ 0

For Autonomous value b0 testing at 0.05 significant levels

T critical 1.770933

T calculated 135.9412476

T critical < t calculated

Therefore we accept the null hypothesis

When we accept the null hypothesis this means that the autonomous value is not statistically significant

For the slope b1:

Null hypothesis:

H0: b1 = 0

Alternative hypothesis

Ha: b1 ≠ 0

For slope b1 testing at 0.05 significant level

t critical 1.770933

t calculated 9.283886104

t critical < t calculated

Therefore we accept the null hypothesis

When we accept the null hypothesis this means that the slope is not statistically significant

GDP level and road transport

In this estimation we estimate the model of the form

Y = b0 + b1X

Where Y is the miles travelled and X is the GDP level

The estimated model is as follows:

Y = -6463.79099+ 318.3163124X

from the estimated model it is clear that we have a negative autonomous value, then increase in miles travelled as we increase GDP level is 318.3163124 miles, the negative value of the autonomous value depict that if the level of real GDP was zero then the miles travelled by road will be negative.

The above model shows that an increase in income will highly increase the miles travelled by rail transport.

The R squared which is the correlation of determination is 0.862551199 and this shows the strength of the relationship that exist between road transport and increase GDP level, the value is that there exist a strong relationship between GDP and miles travelled by road

Hypothesis test:

The test hypothesis is for both the autonomous value and the slope of the model

Autonomous value b0

Null hypothesis:

H0: b0 = 0

Alternative hypothesis

Ha: b0 ≠ 0

For Autonomous value b0 testing at 0.05 significant levels

T critical 1.770933

T calculated -45.6190148

T critical > t calculated

Therefore we reject the null hypothesis

When we accept the null hypothesis this means that the autonomous value is statistically significant

For the slope b1:

Null hypothesis:

H0: b1 = 0

Alternative hypothesis

Ha: b1 ≠ 0

For slope b1 testing at 0.05 significant level

t critical 1.770933

t calculated 174.363

t critical < t calculated

Therefore we accept the null hypothesis

When we accept the null hypothesis this means that the slope is not statistically significant

GDP level and air transport

In this estimation we estimate the model of the form

Y = b0 + b1X

Where Y is the miles travelled and X is the GDP level

The estimated model is as follows:

Y = -104.019+ 0.58514X

Therefore from the above model it is clear that we have a negative autonomous value, then increase in miles travelled as we increase GDP level is 0.58514miles

The above model shows that an increase in income will negligibly increase the miles travelled by rail transport.

The R squared which is the correlation of determination is 0.994554 and this shows the strength of the relationship that exist between air transport and increase GDP level, the value is that there exist a weaker relationship between GDP and miles travelled by air

Hypothesis test:

The test hypothesis is for both the autonomous value and the slope of the model

Autonomous value b0

Null hypothesis:

H0: b0 = 0

Alternative hypothesis

Ha: b0 ≠ 0

For Autonomous value b0 testing at 0.05 significant levels

T critical 1.770933

T calculated -114.791

T critical > t calculated

Therefore we reject the null hypothesis

When we accept the null hypothesis this means that the autonomous value is statistically significant

For the slope b1:

Null hypothesis:

H0: b1 = 0

Alternative hypothesis

Ha: b1 ≠ 0

For slope b1 testing at 0.05 significant level

T critical 1.770933

T calculated 50.11764

T critical < t calculated

Therefore we accept the null hypothesis

When we accept the null hypothesis this means that the slope is not statistically significant

Results:

From then above findings it is clear that there exist a strong relationship between the GDP level and the mode of transport, this is evident from the high values of the correlation of determination that is close to the value one. this is because the value one of the correlation of determinations indicates a perfect and strong relationship between variables, the rejected hypothesis however is as a result of a very high stochastic variable, this is to say that the error term is high in all the estimated model, the solution to this is to add more independent variables to explain changes in miles travelled.

However from the above findings it is evident that as the income or real GDP level increases then the miles travelled per mode of transport increases, the most effective mode is the road transport, when the real GDP increases then the miles travelled by road increases by a high proportion than any other mode.

Therefore firms that use other modes of transport and the real GDP increases then they will tend to use more of road transport. This can also explain why firms with high levels of income and profits use the road transport network.

for railway transport the increase in income will result into a very negligible change in the miles travelled and also that if we hold all other factors constant then the autonomous value of miles travelled will be positive in the rail network, therefore firms will still use rail transport despite the income level, this can mean that railway transport is used not because of the cost but because of other factors such as bulk transportation.

for air transport it is evident that the increase in income will result into a slight but higher level of miles travelled than rail transport, this is to mean that an increase in income will result into an increase in the miles travelled by air, the autonomous value of the regression on air transport is negative and this shows that for zero income levels then the miles travelled by air will be negative, this shows the effect of income on air transport, only the industries with high levels of income and profits will sue air transport and that income levels are a determining factor in choosing air transport.

Introduction:

This paper tends to find out whether the price for one type of a product is more expensieve than the other; in this case data is selected including the type of product, the price and the age. However the only relevant data is the data regarding the price and the type, the type is assigned numerical values 0 and 1 and therefore we have two types of the product, prices range from 10,000 to 4000 and using the sample means we will be in a position to formulate our hypothesis which we will test.

Data:

The sample whose n = 80 contains both types, the table below summarizes some of the central tendencies of the entire sample data:

Price

Price($000)

Age

Type

total

1857453

1857.453

3372

50

mean

23218.1625

23.21816

42.15

median

22831

22.831

42.5

mode

20642

20.642

46

1

standard deviation

4354.43781

4.354438

8.217148

From the table the mean price is 23218.1625 while the mean age is 42.15, the standard deviation for the price is 4354.43 meaning that the data deviates 4354.43 from the mean, the mode for the type data is 1 and from the total it means that type 1 has 50 units of data while type 0 has 30 units of data, the mean value oif price gives us the average price of products in this sample, we now check the mean value for both types.

type 0

type 1

n

30

50

total

775386

1082067

mean

25846.2

21641.34

median

24414.5

20642

mode

#N/A

20642

standard deviation

4288.838

3594.166144

From the table that summarizes values for both types it is evident that type 0 has a greater mean than type 1, type 0 has a mean value of 25846 while type 0 has a mean value of 21641, however type 0 has a higher standard deviation value than type 1, we now investigate whether type 0 is more costly than type 1.

Hypothesis:

From our above analysis of our sample data type 0 has a higher mean price than type 1, we tend to investigate through hypothesis testing whether type 0 is more expensive than type 1, we state our hypothesis as follows:

The mean price for type 0 is greater than the mean price for type 1

We now state our null and alternative hypothesis as follows:

We assume that the mean price for type 0 is a1 while the mean price for type 1 to be a2, we state the null hypothesis as follows:

Null hypothesis:

H0: a1 = a2

Alternative hypothesis:

H0: a1 >a2

Having stated our null hypothesis as a1 = a2 this means that both means are equal and non of the types is more costly than the other type, it can also be stated as a1 – a2 = 0 because the alternative hypothesis means that the mean price for type 0 is greater than the mean price for type 1.

Test statistics:

To test the difference between two mean we use the following formula to determine the calculated value;

A1 – A2

T Calculated = ___________

((σ12/ n1) + (σ22/ n2)) ½

Where σ1is the standard deviation for type 0 while σ2 is the standard deviation for type 1

In our case we will substitute our values as follows:

type 0

type 1

n

30

50

total

775386

1082067

mean

25846.2

21641.34

median

24414.5

20642

mode

#N/A

20642

standard deviation

4288.838

3594.166144

variance

18394131

12918030.27

25846.2 – 21641.34

T calculated = ______________________

((18394131/ 30) + (12918030.27/ 50)) ½

4204.86

T calculated = ______________________

((613137.7) + (258360.6054)) ½

4204.86

T calculated = ______________________

(871498.2914) ½

T calculated = 4204.86/ 933.5407

T calculated = 4.504206

After determining our T calculated is determined we now determine the level of test, we base our test on the 98% level of test using the table, a two tail 98% level of test from the table the critical value is 2.374.

The T calculated > T critical, this can be demonstrated in the diagram below:

Because the T calculated > T critical then we reject the null hypothesis that a1 = a2, by rejcting the null hypothesis it means that we accept the alternative hypothesis which is a1 >a2, this therefore means that type 0 products are more expensive than type 1 products, this means that at 98% level of test we have tested our hypothesis that type 0 is more expensive than type 1 products,

Having tested our hypothesis we can now rely on the results to make decisions, it is evident that type 0 products are more expensive than type 1 products, in order for proper decision making it is important to choose the type 1 product which is less expensive and also the producers of this product may decide to lower prices in order for them to increase the demand for their product, by reducing the price the demand would rise for type 0 and this would mean increased profit levels. Consumers will also benefit in the process in that lower prices would mean an increase in consumer surplus and also real income.

References:

Burbidge S. (1993) Statistics: An Introduction to Quantitative Research, McGraw Hill, New York