The Efficiency Resulting From Utilizing Information Systems

Table of Contents Website Cloud computing Information technology planning Conclusion Reference List This paper explores how the efficiency resulting from utilizing information systems plays a central role in shaping modern businesses. The paper further explores cloud technology in details and how it impacts on the current trend of technology. Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on The Efficiency Resulting From Utilizing Information Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moreover, the paper discusses the importance of information technology on issues of planning and protecting confidential information thus preventing major losses. Finally, the paper concludes by explaining the importance of planning to enhance efficiency in utilizing new technologies in businesses. One of the major technological advances that can make a business more effective and efficient is the use of ERP software applications. Moreover, a business is better off when it employs an accounting package. Such packages ensure accuracy and effectiveness in accounting / financial work. Accounting packages are designed in a way that they carry out huge amounts of transactions almost instantly which would otherwise consume a lot of time to be performed manually hence costing a lot for the business (Newman 2009, p.58). Database management systems software plays a crucial role in managing organizations’ information. The DBMS software ensures that an organization or businesses can easily collect information, securely store, manage and update the same as necessary. For example, most organizations have a wide customer bases. With a wide customer base, it is difficult maintaining customer related files or information especially when it comes to personal details. However with a data management system (DBMS), such an endeavor is simplified. The software allow for customer data to be stored in a sequential order to facilitate sorting, referencing and enquiries (Newman 2009, p.96). A data warehouse, which is a central storage area, can be used to facilitate easy storage and retrieval of information. The digital technology has enabled more robust online selling because it allows for retrieval and storage of a wider array of information on products and customers/ clients. This technology allows for interactive transactions between organization and customers over the internet. An interactive way of doing online business helps towards elimination of delay times for transactions, orders and payments. Another technology that organizations are adopting is data mining technology. Data mining technology is critical for organizational information management because it allows for sorting and fast retrieval of data from archives (Newman 2009, p.111). Data mining enables easy gathering, arranging and analyzing of information in an organization. Such ease comes in handy for example when trying to establish or determine trends or when an organization seeks to compare performance of products in the market (John, 2009, p. 60).Advertising Looking for assessment on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Data mining technology also comes with tools that allow for reporting or querying for data from databases. When reporting and querying technology is incorporated in most databases, it allows employees to easily generate reports and interpret the same for execution of plans in the organization. Other packages may also be used e.g. word processors to perform typing work and report writing (Newman 2009, p.134). All these software applications must be accompanied by the relevant hardware, so businesses must invest in efficient computers, printers, scanners and other hardware to be able to run its operations softly and efficiently. A network will also be very essential in disseminating emails or instant messages within the business or across its custome r base both internally or externally. Website Websites play a great deal in enhancing the efficiency of a business. By employing the web technology, businesses benefit by accessing useful. For example, many organizations are using websites to conduct surveys on their products. Search engines, which are websites designed to locate information on the World Wide Web can be powerful sources of knowledge. Despite web usefulness, the business must take extra care in testing the credibility of the information from websites (George, 2003, p. 43). The business may also use internet newsgroups to access business information. By creating its own website, the business will be able to market its products and services online hence increasing on the customer base. Cloud computing Information technology is always changing. A most recent innovation is called cloud computing. This is a technology that allows an organization to carry out transactions on the internet without having servers within its premises. Cloud technology has widely been used by businesses and has considerably decreased their cost of information management (John, 2009, p. 69). This technology allows its users to store information on ‘the cloud’ and by so doing; they can access their information from any computer as long as they have internet access. This technology allows for efficient usage of resources as a centralized storage process is created. It allows for sharing of infrastructure thus saving organizations a lot of money (John, 2009, p. 87). Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on The Efficiency Resulting From Utilizing Information Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More What this implies is that if the business puts up a website on a cloud, it means that if more users access the website and the business needs more computing power dedicated to the website, the business can get it instantly and the user needs will be met with ease. This is a major advantage that comes with cloud computing; the business only uses what it needs. Cloud computing has three major segments (John, 2009, p. 112). First there are the applications over which business transactions are run. These applications allow organizations to carry out transactions via the internet without having to install any on-site server. Due to not having to install on-site servers, the costs involved reduce drastically. If there is an on-site server, the organization has to look into related maintenance of hardware and processing necessary licenses and other installation costs. Cloud computing relies on interactive software sold on demand basis. As a result, the pricing of such software differs greatly from user to user. In normal computing, an end user buys a software license from a dealer or provider and goes to install the same on his or her on-site servers (George, 2003, p. 76). After the installation the end user continues to pay annual subscription fees and the license provider continues to update the software. As need may necessitate, the service provider occasionally sends the user update information on how to get the best out of the software (John, 2009, p. 133). To access this updates, the end user must have internet connectivity and enable or allow accessibility to the license provider. The second segment in cloud computing is the platform. Platform plays an important role in deploying the cloud application. Platform is used to refer to the products used to set up applications. Platforms are the interfaces over which the users are able to interact or deal with the programs or applications provided by other parties. Without the cloud technology platforms, uses cannot access customers or other partner’s applications thus rendering the whole system ineffective. The final part of cloud technology is the Infrastructure. Infrastructure is the major component or backbone of the cloud computing concept. There are organizations that provide the infrastructure i.e. servers, storage space and everything. These infrastructural vendors provide the processing and physical storage mechanisms (John, 2009, page 169).Advertising Looking for assessment on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Information technology planning Information technology planning is very essential in every business. This involves disaster recovery measures and control processes meant to protect confidential information and to prevent any major loss of information (Goetsch, 1999,p.37). This measures may include data encryption whereby information is encrypted to protect against unauthorized persons accessing it, regular backups made to ensure data which is lost can easily be recovered (Goetsch, 1999,p.56). Another way of ensuring security is through data masking. In this process, data is stored in a database cell that is locked to the access of only authorized individuals using measures such as passwords. This is a software controlled process, which involves erasure of sensitive data as soon as it has served its purpose. In often cases, the software overwrites data thus destroying sensitive information that could later be tapped into by people reusing the machine (Goetsch, 1999, p.87). Conclusion In conclusion, the new developments in information technology such as cloud computing have completely changed how businesses are conducted. Efficient strategic planning, monitoring and implementation play a pillar role in enhancing efficiency within an organization. One consideration users of information technology have to bear in mind is information security. All organizations embracing new information technology have to institute security measures. To embrace information technology fully and benefit immensely from the same, proper planning is a prerequisite. For many organizations, cloud computing is the most efficient and cost effective way accessing and using information technology. Reference List George, R., T. (2003). The Ethics of Information Technology and Business, Volume 3 of Foundations of Business Ethics. New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell Goetsch, L., A. (1999). Information Technology Planning. New York: Routledge John, R.,(2009). Cloud Computing: Implementation, Management, and Security. Boca Raton: CRC Press Newman, R.,C. (2009). Computer Security: Protecting Digital Resources. Massachusetts: Jones Bartlett Learning This assessment on The Efficiency Resulting From Utilizing Information Systems was written and submitted by user Daniela H. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The role of originality and creativity in setting out a good marketing communication strategy The WritePass Journal

The role of originality and creativity in setting out a good marketing communication strategy Introduction The role of originality and creativity in setting out a good marketing communication strategy ). The paper panda tour serves as a proper example of how business should provide customers with more than the standard form of advertising (Thun, 2010). For instance, the idea of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) makes a clear sense in this context by emphasising the originality and creativity dimensions of the strategy behind the paper panda tour. Researchers suggest that marketing teams should focus initially on the customer, which is the case with the paper pandas (Porcu, del Barrio-Garcia, Kitchen, 2012). Customers are exposed to the original and creative project of paper pandas through a mix of integrated communication methods, which are considered by people eye-catching and trustworthy. According to marketing researchers, IMC is an innovative and creative step because the complete culture of marketing agencies, in-house marketing departments, and marketing consultants had expanded the idea of separating advertisement, direct marketing, sales promotion, and public relations, rather than the pleasant, customer-centred development process that IMC requires (Duncan Mulhern, 2004). Integrated Marketing Communication has become an important part in marketing because the technological system has the integration of business stakeholders (Kalamas, Mitchell, Lester, 2009). According to experts, planning and implementation of all marketing communications are required to be done in an original and creative manner in order to meet the marketing objectives and attract more customers (Vance, Howe, Dellavalle, 2009). The process of building and applying different communication programs reflects in the possibility to have a solid impact in the future over time (Kitchen Schultz, 1999). The general IMC method focuses on customers and functions to establish and classify the methods to extend the influential communications programs. For the creators of the paper panda tour, it has become important to plan, develop, implement and assess the coordinated and measurable influential marketing communication programs applicable to external and internal viewers over time (Laurie Mortimer, 2011). It is a policy in which different marketing communication tools like promotion, public relations, sales promotion, direct marketing and personal selling operate together to st rengthen the communication process to target consumers. Such holistic and creative approach has led to the popularity of paper pandas. Media has experienced a wide phase of development in the last decade, implying that the creators of this original project have considered the importance of applying essential marketing strategies to reach out an optimal number of customers (Duncan Mulhern, 2004). Marketing managers were formerly focused on advertising their product/service through traditional marketing forms like TV, radio and newspapers (Gronroos, 2004). However, now the current marketing trend appears to be digital as Information Technology has become an important element of daily lives (Reid, 2005). The digital aspects of originality along with the physical dimensions of creativity evident in the massive project of paper pandas have indicated the use of proper communication strategies. A concept shift has been presented, or in other words, the creators of the project have focused on demonstrating a move from traditional marketing towards digital content that flows across various integrated media channels. As a re sult, more people can be informed about the project of the paper pandas and thus would prefer to see it (Laurie Mortimer, 2011). The theory definitely suggests about building the marketing communication mix which is considered being interdependent and bringing more incorporation and moving towards having several methods of accessing media, i.e. bringing in more flexibility in the marketing mix by using a combination of traditional and new digital media. Furthermore, it refers to the actions of media audience as being migrant, i.e. changing the marketing form that can provide them with the required experience. In such marketing environment, customers are dynamically involved and looking for new, original and creative content to make proper connections. Transition has played a relevant role in shifting the marketing trends, which is obvious in the formation of the paper panda project. The concept of transition indicates that the traditional media is not being displaced; rather its operations and significance are being shifted with new media options (Reid, 2005). This reflects in providing detailed online information about the project, such as in social media platforms and blogs. For instance, in a blog by Ng (2014), the focus is on describing the paper panda project in detail, with an emphasis on the substantial number (1600) of paper pandas exhibited to the audience in Hong Kong. In this way, media transition is more than merely a technological shift changing the relationship between existing technologies, sectors, markets and supporters (Kelm, 2011). Transition has brought remarkable changes in the media rights and has improved marketing media concentration. The elements of originality and creativity have played an important role in forming a good strategy that involves a combination of different IMC elements (Michaelidou, Siamagka, Christodoulides, 2011). According to marketing experts, there are five established IMC elements known as Advertising, Promotion, Direct marketing, Personal selling and PR (Public Relations). It has been indicated that the paper panda project in Hong Kong has been successful in covering all these elements and achieving substantial customer interest (Porcu, del Barrio-Garcia, Kitchen, 2012). A good marketing strategy normally focuses on building original and creative content that creates attention as well as motivational encouragement for users to share it with their friends and families (Kelm, 2011). For instance, the paper panda project can be adequately popularised through different social media platforms because it is a relevant step to rely on the contribution of different users to talk about the exciting project. The keys to social media success are user contribution, user brand loyalty, user enthusiasm, and the communication between people (Laurie Mortimer, 2011). The introduction of an original and creative design related to the paper pandas, and the creation of opportunities for social interaction, are some of the features making this project quite appealing to the general audience. Many marketing experts long before have recognised synergism and originality as important concepts behind the introduction of a good marketing strategy; the incorporated effect of each effort would force the marketing communication to become more effective (Laurie Mortimer, 2011). In this way, originality and creativity can enhance the brand image and popularity of companies that consider the importance of endorsing those concepts (Kelm, 2011). Communication, especially if it is done in an original manner, also represents a significant driver of marketing communication activities. Communication, as seen in the paper panda project, is a fundamental element which allows the creators of the project to connect with the audience (Duncan Mulhern, 2004). This simply occurs through communicating of ideas and seeking to establish particular perceptions of these original paper pandas introduced in a quite creative way. With the rapid development of technology, modern organizations can utilise different communication channels to attract a significant number of customers. As mentioned, the role of social media platforms is important in the process of facilitating organisational communication (Kelm, 2011). The creators of the paper panda project have obviously ensured the creative application of a relevant marketing planning platform in a direction of expanding the positive impact of communication on all stakeholders (Ng, 2014). Commun ication has a strategic role in contemporary organisations. It is important to emphasise its priority of expanding particular marketing activities through the development of diverse communication channels. The emphasis is to deliver a consistent and properly structured message about the original project. Creativity is basically the application of better ways of solving organisational problems. The ability of an organisation to change in the environment provides the degree of elasticity and adaptability in all kinds of situations through creativity (Laurie Mortimer, 2011). Originality means that a company has promising financial prospects that will ensure increase in profits. It means that whatever changes occur in the market, the company will continue to grow by providing the required services, hence increasing its market share and in the end have high revenues. Thus, originality and creativity can be used as adequate measures of performance as related to the paper panda project (Ng, 2014). It is important to mention that this project is quite flexible and has produced the necessary positive effects that original and creative projects usually produce in the audience. This paper discussed the role of originality and creativity, which have been indicated as essential principles of a good marketing strategy (Duncan Mulhern, 2004). Details about the paper panda project have been provided, as this information was closely related to the dimensions of originality and creativity (Kelm, 2011). The paper focused on explaining how the paper panda project ensured the use of originality and creativity in the sense that no one has ever done a similar project. In conclusion, the success of this project points out that marketing managers have demonstrated the implementation of a proper marketing strategy combining the dimensions of originality and creativity. References Duncan, T. Mulhern, F. (2004). A white paper on the status, scope and future of IMC. New York: McGraw-Hill. Gronroos, C. (2004). The relationship marketing process: Communication, interaction, dialogue, value. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 19(2), 99-113. Kalamas, M., Mitchell, T., Lester, D. (2009). Modeling social media use: Bridging the communication gap in higher education. Journal of Advertising Education, 13, 44-57. Kelm, O. R. (2011). Social media: It’s what students do. Business Communication Quarterly, 74, 505-520. Kitchen, P. J. Schultz, D. E. (1999). A multi-country comparison of the drive for IMC. Journal of Advertising Research, 39(1), 21-38. Laurie, S. Mortimer, K. (2011). ‘IMC is dead. Long live IMC’: Academics’ versus practitioners’ views. Journal of Marketing Management, 27(13/14), 1464-1478. Michaelidou, N., Siamagka, N. T., Christodoulides, G. (2011). Usage, barriers and measurement of social media marketing: An exploratory investigation of small and medium B2B brands. Industrial Marketing Management, 40(7), 1153-1159. Ng, P. (2014). 1600 pandas haunt attention! Harpers Bazaar. Retrieved from harpersbazaar.com.hk/lifestyle/entertainment/1600-pandas-hong-kong-tour-timetable-2014 Porcu, L., del Barrio-Garcia, S., Kitchen, P. (2012). How Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) works? A theoretical review and an analysis of its main drivers and effects. Comunicacion Y Sociedad, 25(1), 313-348. Reid, M. (2005). Performance auditing of integrated communication (IMC) actions and outcomes. Journal of Advertising, 34(4), 41-54. Thun, J. H. (2010). Angles of integration: An empirical analysis of the alignment of internet based information technology and global supply chain integration. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 46(2), 30-44. Vance, K., Howe, W., Dellavalle, R. P. (2009). Social internet sites as a source of public health information. Dermatologic Clinics, 27(2), 133-136.

How does Deforestation effect Malaria Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How does Deforestation effect Malaria - Essay Example These areas have a wide history of malaria infection due to the harsh climatic conditions and environmental degradation. According to Guerra et al., (2006), the estimated number of the population at risk of malaria in increasing and currently exceeding 3000 million people. There are more than 500million cases of malaria infection all over the world. According to health experts, various environmental, climatic and topographical conditions greatly influence the transmission and spread of malaria in various areas, in the world. Deforestation is one of the environmental factors that greatly influence and facilitate the widespread of mosquito breeding and malaria transmission. There are many publications that support this hypothesis. According to global geography, many forests are found within the tropic especially within the equator. They are dense and forested compared to forests in other areas. These areas have cool and wet climate that supports mosquito breeding and transmission of malaria. The forest cover is gradually decreasing day by day due to deforestation in various parts of the world. The malaria causing parasites that are common in deforested areas include A. philippinensis, Plasmodium falciparum, A. minimus, A. culicifacies, and A. nivipes. These parasites are harmful and malaria causing. The parasite is common in forested areas such as Amazon, Kenyan highlands, India Central Africa, Western Pacific and South-East Asia. These forested areas are always subjected to severe deforestation in various periods. For instance, the population of people at risk of malaria is 11.7 million in Amazon, 70.1 million people in South-East Asia, 35.1 million people in Western Pacific and 18.7 million people in Centra l Africa (Guerra, Snow & Hay, 2006). According to the study done Assam on the influence of deforestation in malaria, deforestation influences the rate at which mosquito parasites develop and spread malaria. Findings revealed that

Selecting Source of Literature Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Selecting Source of Literature - Assignment Example The articles also support the various solutions and recommendations that can be used to reduce obesity levels among many nurses globally. Proposed change- The article proposes a number of interventions that can be used to prevent obesity in many hospitals globally. This includes the use of sedentary living styles to prevent, control and reduce weight gain among older nurses. Nature of the problem-This article provides a detailed description of the problem of Obesity among the nurses community in the United States. The article also covers some of the major causes of obesity as well as premature mortality rates in the U.S health institutions. Mortality rate- The article states that the relative mortality rate of obesity cases is about forty percent among female nurses and sixty percent among male older nurses. This results into about seven percent deaths in the United States. Proposed change-The article describes various obesity causes such as alcohol drinking, smoking and poor healthy habits. The article clearly supports the proposed change of avoiding smoking and eating healthy foods as ways of controlling obesity. Statistical information- The article clearly states that obesity is the largest health problem in U.S. Increase in obesity is attributed to the high number of junk food outlets in the country and poor healthy living habits. Proposed change-The article also provides various solutions that can be used in controlling obesity among adult population globally. The article proposes the abolition of many junk food outlets in order to reduce obesity among adult population. This clearly supports my proposed change of reducing the number of fast food outlets in the country to reduce obesity. Bottone Jr., F. G., Musich, S., Wang, S. S., Hommer, C. E., Yeh, C. S., & Hawkins, K. (2014).Obese older adults report high satisfaction and positive experiences with care. BMC Health Services Research, 14(1),

Process Architectural Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Process Architectural Design - Essay Example The essay discusses that the fire and security monitoring system is meant to manage, and to monitor the fire security alarms in a building. In order to best understand how this system works, it is only prudent to define its design both in terms of the software and the hardware components that it is made up of; we have to know how the systems components relate to each other and functions of every component involved in the working of the whole system that is controlled from the central point of security monitoring. When designing the system, we assumed that the system acts in real time and does not respond on false alarms. A large building requires an automated alarm system to monitor and control all fire and security alarms within the building. The building is sub-divided into zones, and a given number of alarms are associated with each zone. Alert for a central manned control area is provided by the alarm. This centre may may respond personally or pass these on to the emergency servi ces. Automated alarm system helps recognizing the risk and allows quick response. Fire and security alarm systems are often active to ensure that whenever there is a fire, the presence of the fire is immediately established and reported through the interactions of the software and hardware components of the whole system. The software components of the system work to manage the various different hardware components, which are associated with the alarm, which is installed to notify the necessary authorities to go to the attention of the fire and put it off. In modern equipped facilities, and in modern buildings, fire alarm and security systems are always associated with the whole security systems of the buildings. These systems work in tandem with them most of the time (Robinson 2009). This interaction is necessary to ensure that catastrophes do not happen; or in any case, they do happen, they can be attended to in due time. When a fire starts in such a building, one of the hardware c omponents detects it through one way or another as will be discussed later on in this document. The component coordinates with another component in the system to notify or to activate something or an action of the surveillance system and even the security system. In a typical fire and security alarm system, components are installed in such a way that they are according to the specifications of the devices and make it easy to access them when the need arises (Robinson 2009). The hardware components that have to be in a fire alarm and security system include: 1. The control system – this is the central component of the entire fire alarm system. It is known as the fire alarm central. This component allows for the precise programming of the manner in which the other individual components behave, hence the behavior of the entire system can also be programmed. This makes sure that notification come in at the precise time and accurately as possible in case of an event. The fire alar m central has points of input; with which it receives signals from the devices that initiate notifications, as well as points of exit; that it uses to activate alarm systems. 2. The initiating and the alarm devices – the initiating devices can be automatic as smoke/fire detectors or can alternatively be manually actuated to notify the central. 3. The power supply and the cabling – it is critical to have a very reliable power supply for a fire and security system so that it remains on at all times. Power back up systems must be installed just in case the main power systems fail. The signal cables are the ones that make the connection and links between each and

An Overview Of Wildlife Tourism

An Overview Of Wildlife Tourism It may be high volume mass tourism or low volume and low impact tourism. It may generate high economic returns or low economic returns, be sustainable or unsustainable, domestic or international, and based on day visits or longer stays (Roe et al., 1997). Wildlife tourism includes activities such as bird watching, whale watching, reef diving, gorilla tourism and photographic safari. Wildlife tourism can include interaction with animals in captivity but for the purposes of this paper the narrower definition of wildlife tourism as denoting only human contact with animals in the wild is used. Wildlife tourism is a holiday with a difference. A wildlife tourism holiday offers a different experience for each traveller on each occasion, as the major component of the holiday, the wildlife, is unpredictable. Tourists often feel that they, and they alone, have experienced a particular aspect of an animals behaviour. Wildlife tourism often involves not only seeing rare or exciting animals in their natural habitat, but visiting areas that are difficult to travel to and hence not visited by many tourists. This perceived exclusivity adds to the appeal of wildlife tourism. In the a study reported in the Times, three of the top five Things to Do Before You Die involved an aspect of wildlife tourism (swim with dolphins, whale watching and swim with sharks respectively). For many participants a wildlife holiday will be remembered for many years to come as a holiday with a difference. Trends in Consumer Behaviour that are Catered for by Wildlife Tourism Public interest in conservation and environmental matters is growing. 85% of industrialised world citizens believe that the environment is the most important public issue (Carson and Moulden, 1991). This socio-cultural trend has led to an increase in the demand for ecotourism. Ecotourism is nature-based tourism that involves ecologically sustainable management of natural areas and an interaction with or observance of either flora or fauna. This is precisely what wildlife tourism provides. There has also been a trend towards experiential tourism; that is active, rather than passive travel. People increasingly want to feel that they are participating in and influencing the area they travel to. Wildlife tourism caters for this trend in that tourists often feed or otherwise interact with the wildlife they visit. The major world tourism markets, Europe and North America, are affected by an increase in the proportion of older people in the population. In addition, changes in working practises have meant that people have more flexibility to get longer periods of time off work. The days when gap years were restricted to students are gone. More mature people than before are taking sabbaticals from work or travelling after retirement. Wildlife tourism caters well for these grown up gappers as a longer time frame will allow remote geographical areas to be accessed and increase the chances of a successful wildlife encounter. Management Issues Facing Wildlife Tourism The management issues facing wildlife tourism are twofold, identifying methods of minimising the impact on the wildlife resource itself and ensuring that the tourists receive a valuable experience from the holiday. Sometimes these two aims are mutually exclusive. There are many direct impacts of wildlife tourism on wildlife. They can be divided into categories such as habitat destruction, disturbance of feeding and disease transmission. Each of these categories will now be illustrated with an example. Tourism can contribute to the destruction of wildlife habitat. In the Norfolk Broads, UK, large volumes of boat traffic, especially motor boats, result in considerable boat wash and river bank erosion and undermine on-going efforts to improve the Broads severely impaired water quality and threatened aquatic wildlife (Brouwer et al, 2001). The consequences of erosion can lead to important habitats being lost and the silt from the disappearing banks clogging up the waterways, which further deteriorates water quality. In the Yacatan Peninsula, Mexico, boatloads of tourists were driven into groups of feeding flamingos to make them take flight (Long, 1991, cited in Chin, Moore, Wallington Dowling, 2000). This type of disturbance during feeding can have several effects depending on the magnitude of the disruption. Some birds may take flight temporarily, but return after the disturbance ends. Other birds may modify their feeding habits and desert the site of tourism disturbance permanently. When a bird is unexpectedly forced to take flight during feeding, energy intake terminates and energy expenditure significantly increases. Where disturbance causes a bird to desert a particular site, the availability of suitable alternative sites is critical for the birds survival. Furthermore, the site in which it settles may already be populated or may be of lower quality resulting in lower rates of energy intake. The possible transmission of diseases from humans to animals is a serious threat resulting from the close contact between species that many wildlife tourism experiences involve. It is though that the mountain gorillas of Rwanda are particularly affected. Humans and gorillas share about 97% of their genetic makeup and they are therefore susceptible to many of the same diseases. These include tuberculosis, influenza, measles, polio and intestinal parasites (Cameron). The single population of 300 mountain gorillas in the Virunga Volcanoes is particularly badly affected. More than seventy tourists and a similar number of guides, porters, rangers and researchers visit seventy percent of the gorillas in this population daily. There have been several outbreaks of disease that can probably be attributed to humans. This includes an epidemic in 1988 in which six habituated gorillas died of respiratory illness and twenty-seven more became ill. Methods of managing these and other negative effects on wildlife caused by wildlife tourism include restricting the number of tours allowed, education and finally licensing, and thereby controlling, the activities of tour groups. The most popular example of restricting the number of tours allowed is that of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, which were protected in 1934. In the Galapagos Islands parts of the islands are designated as Intensive Visitor Zones, where a maximum of ninety people are allowed simultaneously on shore. The Extensive Visitor Zones are open to groups of less than twelve individuals (de Groot, 1983). Education of operators and tourists about appropriate behaviour to adopt in the presence of wildlife is another method of managing the negative impacts of wildlife tourism on the animals involved. A code of conduct can be distributed to tour operators and publicly displayed in the local area. Tourist education can develop a demand-lead requirement for responsible tour groups. Licensing of tour companies is a method of minimising the impact of wildlife tourism. Licensing is often dependent on compliance with particular regulations, such as minimum approach distances. Many whale watching regulations specify a minimum approach distance of 100m (Brouwer et al, 2001). The choice of type of management depends on the nature of the target species and the severity of the impacts on them. An analysis of the impacts of the specific wildlife tourism would be required before a management method was selected. As well as managing the needs of the wildlife by minimising wildlife tourisms impact on them, tourism managers, of course, need to consider the needs of the tourists. Tourists want a wildlife watching experience that is both enjoyable and informative. The skills and knowledge of tour operators add to the experience of wildlife tourists and so should be maximised. Wildlife tourism is inherently seasonal. Most species act differently according to the season. The best example of this is migration. The Great Migration is the movement of over a million wildebeest between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti plains. There are numerous wildlife tourism opportunities presented by this, but there are of course dependent on the timing of the migration. The migration usually occurs May to June, but this can be affected by rainfall, which in turn affect availability of vegetation. Wildlife tourism management involves understanding the environmental influences on species behaviour and how this will affect tourism opportunities. Wildlife tourists also want to get close up to the wildlife (Orams, 2000). Managers of wildlife tourism need to attempt to ensure predictable occurrence of species within a relatively restricted area. Managers of wildlife tourism need to carefully integrate visitors and wildlife through management of their interactions whilst still ensuring damage to the species is limited. Managers of wildlife tourism also need to ensure that there are other activities to keep tourists amused for times when wildlife does not co-operate with tour schedules. There needs to be an awareness of either other geographical locations that can be utilised to view the same wildlife or other species that can be more easily located. Back to: Essay Examples Conclusion Wildlife tourism offers a holiday with a difference. It caters for emerging tourism trends, particularly ecotourism, experiential tourism and longer duration holidays. There are two main management issues facing wildlife tourism. These are minimising the impact of tourism on the species involved and ensuring that wildlife tourists receive a quality experience. The particular management strategies that can be utilised depend upon the species involved and the severity of the impacts upon that species. Bibliography Akama, J. (1996). Western environmental values and nature-based tourism in Kenya, Tourism Management, 17, (8), p567-574. An overview of apes in Africa Gorilla Taxonomy. 2000. http://www.berggorilla.de/english/gjournal/texte/21butyn.html (25 Mar. 2005) Boo, E. (1990). Ecotourism: the potentials and pitfalls. Washington D.C: World Wildlife Fund. Brouwer, R, Turner R.K Voisey, H. (2001) Public perception of overcrowding and management alternatives in a multi-purpose open access resource Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 9, (6), p471-488. Caalders, J van de Duim, R. (2002). Biodiversity and tourism: impacts and interventions, Annals of Tourism Research, 29, (3), p743-761. Cameron, K. Providing healthcare to a wild gorilla population The Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. http://www.azadocents.org/The_Mountain_Gorilla_Veterinary_Project.pdf (27 Mar. 2005) Carson, P Moulden, J. (1991). Green is Gold: Business Talking to Business About the Environmental Revolution, Toronto, Harperbusiness. Chin, C et al. (2000). Ecotourism in Bako National Park, Borneo: visitors perspectives on environmental impacts and their management, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 8, (1), p20-35. Curry, B et al. (2001). Modelling impacts of wildlife tourism on animal communities: a case study from Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 9, (6), p514-529. de Groot, R.S. (1983). Tourism and conservation in the Galapagos Islands. Biological Conservation 26, p291-300. Gorillas are my patients BBC Science. 2002. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/gorilla.shtml (27 Mar. 2005) Ingham, R and Summers, D. (2000). Cruise ship tourism in the Falkland Islands UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum. http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/calpe/calpe106-124.pdf (25 Mar. 2005) MaLellan, L. (1999). An examination of wildlife tourism as a sustainable form of tourism development in North West Scotland, International Journal of Tourism Research, 5, p375-287. Mathieson, A Wall, G. (1992). Tourism: economic, physical and social impacts. Harlow: Longman. Murphy, P. (1991). Tourism: a community approach. New York and London: Routledge. Orams, M. (2002). Feeding wildlife as a tourism attraction: a review of issues and impacts, Tourism Management, 23, p281-293. Orams, M. (1999). Marine tourism: developments, impacts and management. New York and London: Routledge. Priskin, J. (2001). Assessment of natural resources for nature-based tourism: the case of the Central Coast Region of Western Australia, Tourism Management, 22, p637-648. Reynolds, P Braithwaite, D. (2001). Towards a conceptual framework for wildlife tourism, Tourism Management, 22, p31-42. Shackley, M. (1995). The future of gorilla tourism in Rwanda, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 3, (2) p61-73 Shackley, M. (1996). Wildlife Tourism. London: International Thompson Business Press. UK background factsheet The Orangutan Foundation. http://www.orangutan.org.uk/history/ (10 Mar. 2005)

Digital Home Convergence Essay -- Technology Technological Essays

Digital Home Convergence Overview As technology and entertainment converge inside the home, major players in various industries are taking different strategies in planning for the future. The concept of the â€Å"digital home† will likely take one of two forms: a closed wired entertainment network (PVRs, OnDemand) or an open wireless data network (web, email, VOIP, IPTV). The closed model is already being offered in many homes across the country, but as technology advances, the open model will become the standard. It is important to understand how both technology and entertainment are companies are strategizing to control the â€Å"digital home†. Based on research in this report, it appears that four things are likely to occur. First, convergence of technology will create the need for standards in the digital home network. Much in the way it took some time before the Wintel model became standard, we will have to wait and see which model takes hold in home entertainment. Once a model is chosen as standard, there will be an explosion of products and services catering to that model in the market. Second, increasing competition will lead to alliances between companies in different industries. PC technology companies that have no presence in home entertainment might look to deal their way into the â€Å"digital home†. For example, Microsoft is currently striking deals with several major phone companies to provide the platform for IPTV. Many people also suspect that Apple might acquire TiVo in order to gain a presence in TV and create a service platform for video-on-demand. Third, the successful companies in the battle for t he digital home will be the ones who earn customer loyalty. Consumers are reluctant to change their behaviors, especially ones like TV watching that are so entrenched. Companies need to deliver products and services reliably in order to facilitate a consumer shift to the â€Å"digital home†. Finally, major content providers will hold up the process until they see digital distribution as a way to increase their long-term profits. Home video divisions of entertainment companies are extremely profitable. They do not want to jeopardize this profitability just to be at the front of the technology curve. The infrastructure behind the â€Å"digital home† will have to be in place before the major studios choose to participate. Hardware - PCs Companies in the ... ...cess is due to a combination of factors, including â€Å"pricing, infrastructure, demographics, geography, deregulation, and clear user benefits.† Conclusion In conclusion, we expect to observe significant convergence of technology and entertainment, which will either be in the form of a closed wired entertainment network (PVRs, OnDemand) or an open wireless data network (web, email, VOIP, IPTV). We predict that the open model will become a standard in the future. In support of our thesis, we would like to recapitulate four major trends that will likely happen in the near-term future. 1. A standard(s) will be created in the digital home network. Once a model is chosen as a standard, we can expect to see a proliferation of products and services that are compatible with that standard. 2. Increasing competition will lead to increased synergies and alliances amongst hardware, software and distribution companies. 3. The companies successful in the digital home entertainment space will be the ones who earn customer loyalty. 4. Major content providers (e.g. movie studios) will hold up the process until they see digital distribution as a way to increase their long-term profits.