Controllers for Marine Engineering Systems Essay - 1

Controllers for Marine Engineering Systems - Essay Example Time was calculated with that device by regulating the water level in a vessel and ascertaining the quantum of its flow out of it. (Australian Maritime College, department of maritime time engineering lecture notes on instrumentation and process control. (http://academic.amc.edu.au/hnguyen/IPC/IPC01-06.pdf, viewed on 23rd August , 2007) Development of instrumentation and control systems were very slowly till the Second World War. It progressed and accelerated with tremendous speed after the war. Initial progress was in single loop control systems. These contain a single feedback channel and this technology was elaborated since then for acquiring multi-loop systems In recent years marine vehicles are designed in swift progression. There are unmanned underwater vehicles, surface ships and high-speed crafts with integrated bridges. These marine vehicles and their engines are controlled with the aid of computer science. But designing and producing a computer-based automatic control system were challenging in marine control engineering till recently. Several types of control are used now. They are control applications in marine and offshore systems like CAMS (Control Applications in Marine Systems) and MCMC (Maneuvering and Control of Marine Crafts), maneuvering, control and ship positioning systems, robust and reliable control systems, optimization methods in marine systems and modeling, underwater vehicles and robotics, offshore systems, traffic guidance and control systems, fault tolerant control, detection and isolation in marine systems, engine and machinery control systems, machinery surveillance, condition monitoring and quality control systems, networking and IT for marine control. (http://academic.amc.edu.au/hnguyen/IPC/IPC01-06.pdf, page 1, viewed on 23rd August 2007). The history of automatic process control reveals that the PID controller heralded all the mechanical devices used in the marine engineering. Earlier these mechanical controllers used a lever, spring and a mass. Compressed air activated the system and 2 such pneumatic controllers were treated as the industry standard. Times have changed then and likewise the techniques. Proportional Integral Derivative, abbreviated to PID controller is a generic control loop feedback mechanism. It is extensively applied in industrial control systems. This controller rectifies errors occurred between a measured process variable and a set-point by calculating and outputting corrective action which could adjust the process. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PID_controller, viewed on 23rd August, 2007). The calculation is based on three elements viz., the Proportional, the Integral and Derivative values. The first one considers the reaction to the present error, while the second regulates the reaction on the sum of recent errors and the third determines the reaction to the rate of error change. The sum of these three is taken as output to a control element. By adjusting the proportional, the integral and the derivative values, the PID can give control action for specific requirements.

Micromax Info Essay Example for Free

Micromax Info Essay Regd. Office: 21/14, Naraina Industrial Area, New Delhi-110028. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF MICROMAX INFORMATICS LTD. MICROMAX INFORMATICS LIMITED is committed to conducting its business in accordance with the applicable laws, rules and regulations and with highest standards of business ethics. This code is intended to provide guidance and help in recognizing and dealing with ethical issues, provide mechanisms to report unethical conduct, and to help foster a culture of honesty and accountability. Each Director, senior manager, officer and employee is expected to comply with the letter and spirit of this code. The Directors, senior management, officers and employees of the Company must not only comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations but should also promote honest and ethical conduct of the business. They must abide by the policies and procedures that govern the conduct of the Companys business. Their responsibilities include helping to create and maintain a culture of high ethical standards and commitment to compliance, and to maintain a work environment that encourages the stakeholders to raise concerns to the attention of the management. A present, overall, contents of this Code are in practice, being already followed by the Directors and the Senior Management, however, in compliance with the new Clause 49 of the listing agreement, the Code as set out below, is to take effect from the date, when approved by the Board in its meeting 1. APPLICABILITY: The Code is applicable to all the members of the Board of Directors, Senior Management, Officers and employees of the Company. Senior Management shall include all executives holding the positions of Director (Non-Board Member/s), Sr. Manager, Managers, Asst. Managers and all head of the departments excluding Board of Directors. Such personnel shall hereinafter be treated as members of its core management team. 2. DILIGENCE: The Directors, senior management, officers and employees are to exercise due diligence in attending to their respective duties and obligations in the best interest of the Company. 3. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: The Directors, senior management, officers and employees should be scrupulous  in avoiding conflicts of interest with the Company. In case there is likely to be a conflict of interest, he/she should make full disclosure of all facts and circumstances thereof to the Board of directors or any Committee / officer nominated for this purpose by the Board and a prior written approval should be obtained. A conflict situation can arise: a. When an employee, officer, senior manager or Director takes action or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her work objectively and effectively, b. The receipt of improper personal benefits by a member of his or her family as a result of ones position in the Company, c. Any outside business activity that detracts an individuals ability to devote appropriate time and attention to his or her responsibilities with the Company, d. The receipt of non-nominal gifts or excessive entertainment from any person/company with which the Company has current or prospective business dealings, e. Any significant ownership interest in any supplier, customer, development partner or competitor of the Company, f. Any consulting or employment relationship with any supplier, customer, business associate or competitor of the Company. 4. TRANSPARENCY: The Directors and the Senior Management are to ensure that their action/s in the conduct of business are transparent, except where the confidentiality of the business requires otherwise. Such transparency shall be brought through appropriate policies, procedures, and maintaining supporting and proper records. 5. FAIR DEALING: Each director, member of core management team, officer, and employee should deal fairly with customers, suppliers, competitors, and employees of group companies. They should not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of confidential, proprietary or trade secret information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair dealing-practices. 6. HONEST AND ETHICAL CONDUCT: The Directors, senior management, officers and employees shall act in accordance with the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, honesty and ethical conduct not only on Companys premises and  offsite but also at company sponsored business, social events as well as any places. They shall act and conduct free from fraud and deception. Their conduct shall conform to the best-accepted professional standards of conduct. 7. CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES: Directors, senior management, officers and employees owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises. Directors, senior management, officers, and employees are expressly prohibited from: a. Taking for themselves personally, opportunities that are discovered through the use of Companys property, information, or position, b. Competing directly with the business of the Company or with any business that the Company is considering. Using Companys property, information, or position for personal gain. If the Company has finally decided not to pursue an opportunity that relates to the Companys business activity, he/she may pursue such activity only after disclosing the same to the Board of directors or the nominated person/committee. 8. BUSINESS INTEGRITY: The Directors and the Senior Management are to ensure that the Company carries out its business as per accepted practices of business integrity, ethical standards, fair play and conduct, honestly, legitimately and as a fair competitor. 9. WORK PLACE: The Directors and the Senior Management are to ensure that there is gender friendly work place, equal opportunities are given to men and women, and there exists good employment practices. 1 0. QUALITY OF PRODUCTS/SERVICES: The Directors and the Senior Management are to endeavor that the products / services of the Company meet the accepted standards of quality including that of ISO 9001 and any other standard/s, and also the specifications of the legal authorities/laws so that customer satisfaction is ensured. Moreover costs are kept reasonable. 11. PROTECTION AND PROPER USE OF COMPANYS ASSETS: The Directors and the Senior Management are to ensure to protect Companys assets and property and the same should be used only for legitimate business  purposes. 12. CONFIDENTIALITY: The Directors, Senior Management, Officers and Employees shall maintain the confidentiality of confidential information of the Company or that of any customer, supplier or business associate of the Company to which Company has a duty to maintain confidentiality, except when disclosure is authorized or legally mandated. The Confidential information includes all non-public information (including private, proprietary, and other) that might be of use to competitors or harmful to the Company or its associates. The use of confidential information for his/her own advantage or profit is also prohibited. 13. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS: T he Directors, senior management, officers and employees shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Transactions, directly or indirectly, involving securities of the Company should not be undertaken without pre-clearance from the Companys compliance officer/Company Secretary. Any Director, member of core management team, officer or employee who is unfamiliar or uncertain about the legal rules involving Company business conducted by him/her should consult the legal department of the Company before taking any action that may jeopardize the Company or that individual. 14. RELATIONSHIP WITH CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS: The Directors and the Senior Management are to endeavor that their dealings with the customers are given due importance, value is created and relationship of trust is built. In dealing with suppliers it should be the endeavor that supplies are based on need, quality, service, price, and appropriate terms and conditions. 15. SHAREHOLDERS: The Directors and the Senior Management are to ensure that the rights of shareholders are met as per law and good corporate practices, and all efforts are made to provide best services to them. 16. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: The Directors and the Senior Management are to endeavor that the Company be a trusted corporate citizen and, as an integral part of the Society, fulfills its responsibilities and duties to the societies and communities in which it  operates. 17. CODE OF ETHICS FOR CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER: Honesty, integrity and sound judgment of the senior financial officers is fundamental for the success and reputation of Action Construction Equipment Limited. The professional and ethical conduct of the senior financial officers is essential to the proper functioning of the Company. The senior finance officers as well as Directors of the Company shall be bound by the following code of ethics: 1. Act with honesty and integrity, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal, financial and professional relationships, 2. Make full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits or makes periodically, to the shareholders, government authorities, and to the public, 3. Comply with governmental laws, rules, notifications and regulations applicable to the Companys business, 4. Disclose to the Board or any committee/officer designated by the Board for this purpose, any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to any violations of the code including actual or apparent conflicts with the interests of the company, 5. Promote prompt reporting of violations of the Code of Ethics to the Board of Directors or any person/committee designated for this purpose, as may be necessary, 6. Respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of employment unless legally obliged to disclose and ensure that no such confidential information is used for personal advantage/benefit, 7. Maintain the skills necessary and relevant to the Companys needs, 8. Act in good faith, responsibility, with due care, competence and diligence without misrepresenting material facts, 9. Refrain from any inappropriate or undue influence of any kind in all dealings with independent auditors, and avoid any actual or apparent conflicts with analysts, 10. Achieve responsible use of and control over all assets and resources employed or entrusted to them, 11. Promote ethical and honest behavior within the Company and its associates, Chief Finance Officer should adhere to both the code of business conduct and the code of ethics of the Company. Violation of the code of ethics will lead to appropriate disciplinary action including dismissal from the services of the Company any  deviation/waiver from this code can only be affected on the sole and absolute discretionary authority of the Board or any person/committee designated by the Board for this purpose. 18. INTERPRETATION OF CODE: Any question or interpretation under this Code of Ethics and Business Conduct will be handled by the Board or any person /committee authorized by the Board of the Company. The Board of Directors or any designated person/committee has the authority to waive compliance with this Code of business conduct for any Director, member of core management team, officer or employee of the Company. The person-seeking waiver of this Code shall make full disclosure of the particular circumstances to the Board or the designated person/ committee 19. COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF CONDUCT: Compliance with this Code of Conduct is an obligation. The Directors and the Senior Management are to ensure that this Code is communicated to, and understood and observed by all employees. The Directors and the Senior Management shall affirm compliance with the Code, on an annual basis. The Board expects employees to bring to their attention, or to that of Senior Management, any breach or suspected breach of this Code. Compliance with this Code is subject to the review by the Board and complemented by the Audit Committee of the Board. Any modification/s, amendment/s, or review of this Code shall be done by the Board.

Assessing The Agritourism Potential For Rural Tourism Essay

Assessing The Agritourism Potential For Rural Tourism Essay Development is critical and essential to the sustenance and growth of any nation. The main goal of each and every country is to reach development of the country. The term development encompasses the need and the means by which to provide better lives for people in a country. Itincludes not only economic growth, although that is crucial, but also human development providing health, nutrition, education, and aenvironment. However, in executing development is a complex issue and the basic perspective of it is equates development with economic. According to the United Nations Development Programme (2009) development is to facilitate a valuable long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to get opportunities to use the resources needed for a good level of living and to be able to take part in the community life. Gboyega (2003) captures development as an idea that embodies all attempts to improve the conditions of human existence in all ramifications. implies improvement in material well being of all citizens, not the most powerful and rich alone, in a sustainable way such that todays consumption does not imperil the future, it also demands that poverty and inequality of access to the good things of life be removed or drastically reduced. It seeks to improve personal physical security and livelihoods and expansion of life chances. Thus, development aims at improving important aspects of peoples lives such as livelihood, security, environmental, physical and mental well being. Enhance in knowledge, experience and resources is helped people to build a better life. The goal of development is to expand the capabilities of people to live the li ves they choose to lead (Amartya Sen 1999). It is most defined with their active participation. Development is different from growth. It has broader and deeper meanings. Economic growth is necessary but not sufficient condition for development and hence it can be viewed as a multi-dimensional phenomenon. The major dimensions of it include the level of economic growth, standards of education, quality of housing, level of health, distribution of goods and services, and access to communication (W orld Bank Ingredients for development and economic growth are capital formation, human resources, natural resources, and technology/entrepreneurship. Capital formation is essential to invest in sectors with high economic output, saving capital, investing in infrastructure creates jobs directly indirectly by attracting investors. Human resources are a key to development in any country. There is need to develop a mechanism to address lack of health facilities, lack of education, poverty, malnutrition, and disease. Human resource development is important if people are to make use of ICT for development. Natural resources are crucial in development. Development activities need to be harnessed more of their natural resources. It is imperative that they should improve farming techniques and develop better land ownership methods. Technology and entrepreneurship are important developing countries to improve the know-how and know-what. Openness to ideas is important if any economy is to develop. The fo rmation of regional and international blocks encourages technology and entrepreneurship Development should be a sustainable long-term condition for humanitys multidimensional well-being. It has been clearly explained in the Rio Declaration, of United Nations Conference in 1992, held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil as; Humanat the center for sustainable development. They are entitled to productive life in harmony with nature called equitable and balanced, meaning that, in order for development t, it should balance the interests of people, same generation and among generations, in three major interrelated areas social, and environmental and economic. Sustainable development equity, opportunities for well-being about objectives. Not all the countries in the world have same level of development. While developed countries have reached higher level of development or standard living due to better standards in their societies, developing countries have faced several issues and challenges along their way towards development Developed countries are countries whose lives are patterned industry and have some specific characteristics like higher level of average per capita income, level of education, life expectancy of the population and al so low level of population growth rate and death rate. Life style is based on the market economy and economic activities are mostly related with industry sector as well as export oriented. Furthermore, majority of the population lives in cities and there i s relatively higher level of health of the population. Countries that have Human Development Index (HDI) of or over are in the category of developed countries. According to th e IMF index of HDI released in 2011, there are 47 cou ntries in the and classified as possessing a Very high human development On the other hand several common negative characteristics can be seen among developing countries as well. These are preventing the development of those countries. Low living are manifested qualitatively in form of low incomes , inadequate housing, poor l education, low life and work expectancy, many cases, a general malaise and hopelessness are some of them. Moreover, low levels of productivity in many areas like labour productivity, agriculture or farm productivity. In addition, low level industrial development, high unemployment, small domestic market, small amount of disposable income and uneven regional development, problems in institutional changes , credit and banking, honest s and the restructuring of educational. Most of the developing countries population growth by high birth rate but declining rate Rural development in developing countries Rural development is an integral part of the national development of a country. Rural development actions mostly to the social and economic development of areas (Chigbu, 2012). Especially in developing countries, very high emphasis has rural development, aiming to gain equitable and balance development throughout the country. Rural Development concerned with economic growth and social justice, improvement in the living standard of the rural people by providing adequate and quality minimum essential. The present rural development poverty alleviation, livelihood opportunities, provision of infrastructure facilities programs of wage and self-employment Rural development process of improving life and economic wellbeing in relatively populated areas (Malcolm, 2003). Although rural development has on the exploitation natura lresources such as agriculture and forestry, due to changes in production networks urbanization have changed the areas. Increasingly, and recreation resource extraction and agriculture drivers (Neil and David, 2009). The need for approach a wider perspective has created on a range of development goals creating incentive for agricul tural or businesses. Education, physical infrastructure, infrastructure all play role developing regions (Conn, 1996). Rural development emphasis on locally produced economic development strategies (Malcolm Furthermore, rural development is the ways to improve the participation of the rural people as to meet the required need of the rural area. As people themselves in their rural development. When development is concerned, in one point of view it can be explained as the development consists of a wide variety of new activities such as production of high quality and region specific products, nature conservation and landscape management , agritourism and the development of supply chains (Knickel Renting, 2000). These new activities in rural areas mean new income sources to local people. Therefore it doing diversification and utilizing multi-functionality of agri culture and formation of agritourism can be used as a strategy to enhance rural development Rural Development and national development in developing countries In developing countries, the rural development is one of the most important factors for the growth of the national economy. Desai (2009) recorded Rural Development is an important segment of national development. Developing countries are primarily agriculture-based countries and majority of the population are in rural areas. Agriculture contributes for a significant share of the gross domestic product (GDP) of those countries Agriculture, mining, forestry, handicrafts, fisheries, poultry, diary and rural tourism are the primary contributors to the rural business economy of developing countries However, in many developing countries sufficient amount of investment in rural sector doesnt take place (United nation, 2011). The rural sector not able to contribute its full potential for the national development. For example, in the Asia-Pacific region governments implement strategies, including fiscal policies, which are the rural sector in general. Policies affecting the livelihoods development of producers and producers areas (United nation, 2011). As a consequence of the biased polic ies allocations government most concerned unable promote agriculture and rural development provision of timely and production services areas making lesser contribution for the national development (FAO, 2003). Not only in Asia-Pacific has this problem existed in other regions of the world as well. The countries of the Caribbean need to invest in rural communities econo mic contribution development is officially believed, according World Bank report recently. The report evaluates the rural sector on poverty reduction, environmental degrada tion both in the rest of the economy, as the public policies that ts contribution to development (Viveros and Morrison 2005). A study of Onyemelukwe (1981) on the assessment of the performances of the rural the typical African country Nigeria in national development contexts has found out the critical role of the sector and the system effects of inadequate equipment of the sector for such role. The Nigerian situation is used to illustrate the prospects and the problems of the rural sector in most African countries Rural sector in Sri Lanka is mainly consisted of farming community. The agriculture sector is the cornerstone in Sri Lankas economy with more than of the population living in rural areas depending on agriculture for their livelihoods. Currently this sector contributes to about 18% of the Domestic Product (GDP) and 30% of the employment (Central bank of Sri Lanka, 2011). Therefore, without taking into consideration agricultural development, we cant even imagine rural development in this country What is Agritourism In general, agriourism is the practice of attracting travelers or visitors to an area or areas used primarily for agricultural purposes. In particular, it refers to farm enterprises and community events that showcase the activities and produce of rural families and the agricultural heritage of farming regions to travelers. Agritourism provides rural experiences to travelers with the goal of generating revenues for farmers and surrounding communities. These experiences typically include a wide range of attractions and activities that take place in agricultural areas Important ingredients of agritourisms rural experiences include open spaces, low levels of urban or industrial development, and opportunities for visitors to directly experience agricultural, pastoral, and natural environments. Moreover, agritourism is a type of rural tourism. It is a combination of two complex industries; agriculture and tourism, to open up alternative income sources for the farmers as well as surrounding community (Wicks and Merrett, 2003). Brscic (2006) has explained agritourism as a of tourism which takes place within the family farm that symbolizes a specific form of business, giving a number of benefits to the families involved, with multiple impacts on the socio-economic relations and the space in rural areas. It is a form of farm diversification aiming some benefits from exiting farm resources. Agritourism can be also explained that gives as an activity, enterprise , which help or business that combines most important characteristics of agriculture, industry investment and tourism that helps and provides an experience that stimulates economic activity and community income. Relationship between agritourism and rural development Several research findings in many developed countries have shown that agritourism as a possible rural development strategy. For example, Haghiri Okech (2011) discovered role of the agritourism in developing the economy of rural areas in the province of Newfoundland. According to Topcu (2009), agritourism is a new element for rural development in Turkey. Agritourism as an effective vehicle for development in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan (Dernoi, 2002; Weaver and Fennell, 1998). Study of Hightower (2011) is being used as a catalyst for additional income and triggering economic growth in rural areas. Disez, (1999) revealed represents and innovative activity taking place within the framework of rural development in Massif Central region in France, agritourism is the best way for the preservation of traditions and customs in the rural areas, supplying a sustainable rural development. In some countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland and Norway it is a growing sector with the policies of the governments aiming to benefit from it as a regional development instrument (Demirta? Topcu, 2007; Frater, 1983). Rural tourism benefits to local areas by bringing visitors to the region, increasing awareness for agricultural products and showcasing produce to the local regional community. It can also provide incentives for local heritage and conservation groups to preserve unique heritage landscapes and built heritage. Most studies have highlighted the multiple benefits that agritourism brings to the farm, local communities, agriculture heritage and natural resources (Fleischer and Pizam, 1997; Busby and Rendle, 2000; Ventura and Milone, 2000; Sharpley, 2002; Wicks Przezb? rska, 2005; Fleischer and Tchetchik, 2005; Mitchell and De Agritourism Research conducted in developing countries A small number of researches have been conducted in some developing countries in Asia. Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and India are examples of such countries. When South Asian countries are concerned, the number of research is very few. India is the country leading in agritourism in this region According to Tiraieyari and Hamzah (2011) in Malaysia, there are potential benefits of agritourism for farmers and local communities in general. Further indicated that agritourism as an economic development instrument has great potential to contribute to rural development as Malaysia is one of the tourist countries with great potential to develop agritourism. As per the national Council of Agriculture and fisheries (COA) of Taiwan, after registering a huge and wide decline of GDP in 2001, 173 Farms had been soon established for tourism sector and this created the development of rural Taiwan such as chi-ching Shwei-Li in (Murangwa, 2 010) A recent research study on agritourism in Thailand discovered that agritourism has been utilize the agricultural holdings produce for such as scenery from paddy fields and farm lands , food and fibre from products (vegetable, fruit, e from local products, accommodations from farm stay or vacated property to gain local development in area As reported by the South East Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture ( SEARCA), in Manila Philippines, could be a nich? tourism product that would help improve farm incomes provided a well-planned program is put in place. It will consolidate initiatives in agriculture and tourism sectors nationwide that contribute d to poverty reduction, natural resources management, and rural development in Aguiba. A research in Chitwan District in Nepal found out the importance of agritourism for the rural development in Nepal. Agritourism is the concept of diverting the tourists to those rural areas, where there is range of agricultural activities, services and amenities provided by farmers and rural people attract both internal as well as international tourists in order to generate extra income for their business. The living standard of the farmers and rural poor can be raised by identifying high value-low volume crops, which have comparative advantages and by optimally utilizing the available resources for sustainable development (Maharjan, 2008). However, the available literature evidence that our neighboring country India engaged in agritourism successfully. According to the research on Agritourism the potential for sustainable development and growth explore the scope for developing agritourism in India has been conducted by Raghunandan et al.,(2010). This research has concluded that pot ential for Agritourism in India to grow into an important source of income for the rural population if the development is focused on integration and participation. Furthermore, Agritourism has been identified as a source of generation of alternative income for farmers and local employment opportunities, reduction of gender bias and accelerate growth rate by Chadda and Bhakare (2010) based on their research on Socio-Economic Implications of Agritourism in India Agritourism in Sri Lanka Evidence on only one study related to agritourism and rural development of Sri Lanka was found as a result of the vigorous literature search during the study. One study i s the research conducted by Senanayaka and Wimalaratna (2010) about agritourism and rural development in Sri Lanka. Special reference to Nuwara Eliya District. They have found that the economic problems as well as development potentials remain in areas side by side in the country. Only a small fraction of the vast rural agritourism resource base is being utilized by the industry now with little or no benefits to rural people. Dedicated research work on agritourism will promote the sector with the participation of policy makers, communities and private investors on a sustainable manner while trickling down a reasonable fraction of the benefits to the rural people. This would diversify their agricultural livelihoods and improve their income and living standards As per the literature review, agritourism in most of the countries has a short history and it is at the developing stage (Maumbe, 2012; Bernardo et al., 2007). Several countries have the research findings mainly based on preliminary research and pilot studies. Therefore, there definitely a need for future research to verify the preliminary findings of these researches especially in developing countries. Moreover, several researchers have shown that agritourism ha s lots of strengths and opportunities for the improvement of rural areas and rural development. However those researches have been conducted in specific condition which is unique to that particular country itself. Therefore, generalization of the findings to other countries is not so valid specially, for developing countries having lots of variations in geographical, political, economical and environmental conditions. Not only the differences among the developing countries, there are several regional level differences within a country. Furthermore, in a country, rural areas are different from each other. Thus, testing the level of contribution of the rural development at provincial level is the best way to identify the real potential of it. Since a very few number of research have been conducted at provincial level in developing countries, there is a need for lots of research of this kind. Even though in Sri Lanka there may be potential in this regard, no sufficient research have been conducted in this field. Therefore, this kind of research is highly important. Problem statement Sri Lanka is a developing country and there is a need to enhance the living condition of the people by developing the total economy of the country There is a gradual, but comparatively slow increase in GDP in the country for several years (Figure Figure 1.1: Improvement of the GDP from 2002 to 2012 Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka tourism has contributed to the growth of total economy for several years. However, due to existing civil war during 2008-2009, tourism being faced a declining trend. Alon g with ending the war in 2009, tourism industry restated to flourish and contribute for the significantly. As a result, by now it is one of the main contributors of the national income of the country and expects to have further growth in future. The total annual direct contribution of Travel and Tourism GDP in 2011 was LKR219.7 (3.4% GDP). This is future based forecast to rise by 5.6% to. This figure has primarily reflects the economic activity really generated through the industries such as hotels, restaurants, parks, travel agents, airl ines and other local and foreign tourist transportation services (excluding commuter services). The average gross direct contribution of travel and tourism is expected to grow by 5.7% per annum to of GDP) by 2022 Figure 1.2: Contribution of travel and tourism to GDP from Source: World Travel and Tourism council Moreover, travel tourism generated 236,500 jobs directly in 2011 (3.0% of total employment) and this is forecast to of total employment). This includes employment by hotels, tour operators travel agents, airlines, sea line and other passenger transportation and helping services (excluding supportive services). It includes, for example, the prent activities of the restaurant, hotels, villas, and leisure industries directly and highly supported by tourists. By tourism will account for 293,000 jobs directly, an increase of 2.2% per annum over the next ten years. Figure1.3: Travel and tourisms contribution to employment opportunities from 2011 Source: World Travel and Tourism council Rural sector performs a significant contribution for the national development in the country. About 70 percent of Sri Lankas population lives its rural areas. In rural areas, main sectors that are helping for rural development are agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining, art and craft and rural tourism. Among these sectors, the most important one is agriculture. A large number of people in the rural sector engaged mainly agriculture and allied activities. Agriculture sector can generate regionally equitable economic growth, rural livelihood improvement, and food security through efficient production of commodities for consumption for agro-based industries. Since agriculture sector has multi-functionality, it can link with other sectors like tourism and form new opportunities for local and regional development. Considering the experience of other developing countries in Asia, it can be assumed that there will be a potential for agritourism for the rural development in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study will answer the question does agritourism represent a significant and viable rural development tool in Sri Lanka. Objectives of the study The broad objective of this research is to explore the potential of agritourism for rural development in Sri Lanka with special reference to demand, supply and impacts of agritourism issues. Specific objectives of this research are To find out the current supply of agritourism in the To study the government policy interventions in tourism and agritourism sector of the country To identify and assess the visitors needs and satisfaction of and demand for agritourism of the country To find out the local residents attitude towards impacts of agritourism economic and contribution of agritourism for rural development and also To study the national and provincial level support to the development of agritourism as a sector of rural development To recommend ways and strategies to development of agritourism in Sri Lanka as a sector of rural development Conceptual Framework The aim of this research is to study the agritourism and its contribution for the rural development in the country. The main agritourism are agritourism providers, visitors, local residents and the government. Figure1.4 shows the relationship of the stake holder in agritourism and how agritourism links with rural development Agritourism providers supply the agritourism. They can be farmers, private sector companies or organizations. Agritourism supply can be conducted by adding tourism activities to the existing farm and arranging facilities for the visitors to come to the farm, see those activities and get knowledge about them, spend leisure time at the farm. In supply agritourism three things are important. Things to see (farm animals, fruits, vegetables, Herbal plants) activities to do (feeding animals, milking cows, harvesting crops, climbing trees, picking fruits, threshing paddy) farm products to buy (yogurts, curds, fruits, vegetable, jam jelly Visitors can be local or foreign people those who are ready to buy the agritourism services. They make demand for agritourism. They come to visit the farm to see things, get a rest, enjoy farm activities and sometimes study on farming, Farm stay for few days, visit surrounding villages, buy local art and craft items, see cultural shows perform by local people and pay for the farm goods and services they consumed. In this way agritourism provider can earn extra income and other returns from agritourism which is the main aim of providing agritourism. Improvement of the level of income and living standard of the agritourism providers (especially farmers) is the main aspects of agritourism business. Other important point regarding agritourism is the presence of other tourism attractions in the area. Other tourism attractions can act as a motivational factor for visiting agritourism operation. Moreover, proper government interference through correct rules and regulations are essential to operate the agritourism industry smoothly Also, on the way, visitors can buy local products of nearby local residents, can visit other interesting places in the village like religious places cultural sites, national parks, forests, waterfalls, traditional festivals, folk games. In this way, visitors can interact with local residents of the area. These interactions create economic, social-cultural and environmental that impacts for the rural development of the area. Furthermore local residents can sell their products and labour to agritourism operation and ear n some money. Enhancement of the level of income and living standard of local residents are the other aim of agritourism along the way to rural development. The other important factor is the government attitude towards agritourism and intervention to rural areas where agritourism operations are available. Especially provincial and local level governments have responsibility to enhance the condition of the area up to a good stand making it suitable for conducting tourism activities. So that, provision of infrastructure facilities such as road system, transport facilities, water, electricity telecommunication to the area have to be taken place. Not only that, banking facilities, safety and security, medical facilities for the area also needed to be provided. In this way, provisions of infrastructure facilities directly help for the rural develop of the area Figure 1.4 Conceptual Framework of the Scope and Limitations of the Study This study has covered important aspects such as the supply of agritourism (number of destinations, scale of operation, available facilities, number of visitors, length of stay etc). Demand for agritourism (demographic information of visitors, nature of their demand, visitors satisfaction towards agritourism, demand function) information of local residents (impacts of agritourism on them, their attitudes towards agritourism development) and policies related to agritourism development in the country. Agritourism is a business process. However, aspects like establishment, management development, improvement, marketing and promotion of the operations are beyond the scope of this study There were few limitations in this research. This is a small-scale research conducted at local level with four types of stakeholder; operators, visitor, local residents and government officials within only few districts without the whole country. In terms of operators, analysis like benefit cost ratio, IRR of agritourism etc., could not be done as they did not want to disclose financial information due to tax problems. With regard to agritourism visitor s, comparatively a low number of visitors were included in the study. The sample size resident is also comparatively low. The study was totally based on a cross sectional data, not the longitudinal data Organizing the Dissertation This dissertation consists of seven chapters. Chapter one presents the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, conceptual scope and limitations of the study. Chapter two explains about tourism and agritourism. Introduction to tourism, definitions, industry, initiation of and development of agritourism have been discussed. Chapter three is focused on rural development Introduction to rural development, definitions of rural development, relationship between rural development and agritourism, agritourism, activities involved in agritourism, history of agritourism have been explained in detail. Chapter four explains the methodology. Different research philosophies, approached, designs have been explained at the beginning. After that justification of research approaches and designs related to this study have been presented. Then, introduction to research study area and the research designs have been explained in detail. Chapter five discusses about Sri Lanka: tourism and development. Detail introduction to Sri Lanka in general and tourism in the country in particular have been presented. Furthermore, information about tourism policy and needs for agritourism policy in the country have been discussed at the end of the chapter. Chapter six devoted to present the research outcomes. Present situation of supply of agritourism in the country, different suppliers available facilities, agritourism activities, strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of agritourism have been discussed as the first section of this chapter. Then, profile of visitors and their satisfaction level towards available products and services are presented as the second section of this chapter. Thereafter, demand for agritourism, visitors awareness, desire on agritourism and factors affecting the demand have discussed as the third section. Furthermore, evaluation of the perception of local residents towards different impa cts of agritourism in country has been done as the forth section and finally, government officials attitude towards impact of agritourism for the rural development in the country and national and provincial level support to the development of agritourism as a sector o f rural development have been explained in detail. Chapter seven is the last chapter. At the beginning of the chapter conclusions of the study have been presented and it is followed by the recommendations of the study.

Fighting Rising College Tuition Costs Essay -- Education Policy

Declining state support, educational race for top rankings, uneven financial aid, or economy downfall: there are reasons all across the board as to why the cost of college tuition is getting out of hand. Envision a senior girl whose heart had been set on her dream college for years. An elite, honorable college where everyone seems to want to go. She has been telling her parents from an early age she was going to one day be a member. While on a visit to the college in late fall of her senior year, she fell in love with the beautiful campus which seemed to spread for miles. The advisers and professors she met with were polite and unquestionably convincing. Her favorite part of the visit was seeing how happy all of the current students seemed to look with their college decision. Overall, she believed she had found her home for the next four years. She went home excited to tell her parents the good news. This is where the excitement soon ended. 35,000 dollars a year was the out rageous sticker price for her dream college. Her parents said there was no way possible they could ever afford to send her. Tears started flooding down her face; her dreams were crushed. Now what was she going to do? Where was she going to go? Although this story has been made up, similar situations like these are arising more and more often. College tuition has reached an all time high; with the economy in its current standings, there needs to be solutions so every young adult has an equal opportunity to go to college. No one disputes the importance of a college education in today’s job market. Society has taken on a much higher demand for the well educated. With this being a growing trend, why does it seem colleges are trying to make gettin... ...ons need to be fulfilled if results are to be seen in the pocketbooks of every young adult looking for an equal opportunity to go to college. Works Cited â€Å"Barack Obama and Joe Biden: Making College Affordable For Everyone.† Web. 6 Dec. 2010. Berman, Talia. â€Å"Student Debt Crisis: Are There Any Solutions?† WireTap. 23 Aug. 2006. Web. 6 Dec. 2010. Block, Sandra. â€Å"Rising costs make climb to higher education steeper.† USA TODAY. 12 Jan. 2007. Web. 6 Dec. 2010. Dickeson, Robert. â€Å"COLLISION COURSE: Rising college costs threaten America’s future and require shared solutions.† Lumina Foundation for Education. 2004. Web. 6 Dec. 2010. Ehrenberg, Ronald. â€Å"Tuition Rising: Why College Costs so Much.† Cornell University. Web. 6 Dec. 2010. â€Å"Rising College Costs.† Web. 6 Dec. 2010. â€Å"What is a 529?† Web. 6 Dec. 2010. â€Å"What It Costs to Go to College.† Web. 6 Dec. 2010.

Different Style of Learning

Different Styles of Learning By Jason D. Himel COLL100 DO41 WIN 13 American Military University Maureen Horowitz As individuals I found we all learn in many different ways. You have from people learning on-line while other attends a class room environment. Some people are hands on learners while others can read an assignment and retain the information very well. When I first started this exercise I thought to myself how I learn the material I am trying to obtain. After taking all four of the surveys and completing the exercises I found it very interesting the breakdown of my learner abilities.In all the styles and ways of learning I found that I am a visual learner. As a visual learner I prefer hands on training, taking lots of notes, and visual seeing the big picture and then breaking down the picture while trying to understand how it all comes together. But being a visual learner doesn’t really stop here. I decided to go further into detail to see what a visual learner means to me. I have decided to seek a college degree to prepare myself for the future and prepare myself for the new chapter in life. I only have about two years remaining in the military and a few courses left to complete my bachelor degree.My supervisor a few weeks ago sat down with me really broke it down for me and helps me understand time management and finding time to finish my degree. She pretty much gave me a more time so I can finish my education. A challenge I am willing to accept. Despite me working full time and many long hours I decided to attend on-line classes. Considering surveys taken; on-line courses is one of my weaknesses since how I prefer eyes on and hands on training but through the proper motivation and dedication I can overcome my weakness and make it my strength. This I hope I am able to overcome and do extremely well.As I was doing the exercises I found two of which most interesting and yet I totally agree was from the learning styles and strategies website and the learning style preference website. My learning style is sequential and global learner and my style of preference was a kinesthetic learner. According to Felder & Soloman, a sequential learner tends to gain understanding in linear steps, with each step following logically from the previous one. Global learners tend to learn in large jumps, absorbing material almost randomly without seeing connections, and then suddenly â€Å"getting it.Retrieved from http://www4. ncsu. edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/ILSdir/styles. htm. In The Center for New Discoveries in Learning, a kinesthetic learner we prefer to be a hands-on learner and most likely love to move around frequently, like athletics, and to build things with your hands. Be grateful for your talents and also, it is important to know that most company and school environments cater to people whose highest learning style preference is visual. Retrieved from http://www. howtolearn. com/quiz-results? id=34681D5B-149A-D43E-1E F8-212F30D45B44&source=HTL. In conclusion, now I have a better understanding on my particular learning styles and habits I believe in can improve on areas that I may be weak at by taking it upon myself by learning other styles individuals have mastered. This will help me more effectively interact, while also increasing my learning potential because I can learn from other individuals. Knowledge truly is power, and the more I acquire, and the more I can learn from myself and other people, the better off I will be.

Classroom Management-Routines and Procedures Essay

The following in-class activities are in the specialized area K-8. The first in-class activity is the use of centers. In this activity student are able to pick their center that they would like to participate in. Students are given a 20-minute center time that is split into two 10-minute sessions. This allows the students to stay interested in the activity. Types of centers that the students can choose from are: Reading Center, Write the Room, Money Center, Art Center, Listening Center, Pattern Block Center, Puppet Center, Computer Center, or Poetry Center. While students are seated, the teacher reminds the students of center procedures. The children have previously been instructed how to utilize each center. The teacher will choose a stick with the child’s name on it, to determine who gets to pick first and there after. They are reminded that no more than 2-3 people can be at each center, and because of this should be thinking of another center in case the center they first c hoose is full. Students will remain in there seats until everyone has picked a center. The children will hear a bell and are asked to stop what they are doing, clean up their center, and go to their desk where the teacher will now assign them to a different center. During this activity one of my behavioral expectations will be that students are quiet during their center time. Quiet doesn’t mean that the student can’t talk, but they must whisper to their fellow center members if they need too. Center time is still learning time and I want each student to respect that. Students are told that should they break that rule, a warning will be given and then if broken again, they will have to go to their seat until it is time to switch centers. The second expected behavior is that the students stay at his/her center, until they are told to switch. The students are not permitted to roam around the room and visit with classmates at other centers. It is important to maintain a structured, well-balanced classroom environment where students carry over my behavioral expectations from activity to activity. The second in-class activity is the morning meeting board. This activity is done first thing every morning. During this activity we discuss what our schedule for the day will be, take our lunch count, practice our days of the week, months of the year, what the temperature for that day is, daily smart board activities, and many other repetitive activities we do on a daily basis. This activity requires students to be on the floor in front of the meeting board facing me. The morning meeting board requires individual student answers and a high level of engagement. Students are required to sit in an assigned seating area on the floor and remain there until meeting board is over. During this activity one of my behavioral expectation is that there is no talking. Children are not allowed to talk, as it is a distraction to the learning process. Children are told that they are not allowed to talk unless their name is called to answer a question or a group response is needed. The no talking rule, fixes the need for a child to blurt out the answer when it is not their turn. The next behavioral expectation is that students will keep their hands and feet to themselves. It is very tempting to distract your classmate while seated on the floor close to each other. By implementing this expectation, students are learning self-control and the skill of accountability. Students are expected to be able to stay in their assigned area and engage in the activity with little or no distractions. There are many opportunities to take students on the adventure of learning outside the classroom. The first activity is a school wide assembly that would require K-12 students to meet in the gymnasium. The assembly is in an environment that is energetic and fun. The students listen to music by the band, watch or participate in a fun activity with older students, and listen to administration lecture about upcoming events and other important information. This atmosphere will bring out many different behaviors from my students. It is important that I allow them to have a fun, positive experience but with expectations on how they need to behave. My first expectation is that the students will remain in their seats and not move around. With the energy that this assembly will bring, students will need to stay seated so that they are not distracting the other students or those who are putting on the assembly. Students will also be expected to not visit or talk with their classmates during the assembly, as it is a classroom rule to sit quietly while others are speaking. Setting these expectations and explaining why I have them is important for the student to understand. The next out-of-class activity is a field trip to a pumpkin patch. This field trip is a fun, hands on learning experience. The pumpkin patch has a petting zoo, zip line, corn maze, tractor rides, train rides, face painting, pedal tractor racetrack, and many engaging activities. This activity can also bring out an array of different behaviors in children, which the teacher must be mindful of. On field trips there are teacher helpers like volunteers/parents, who go along to help keep a watchful eye on the students. Students are split into small groups and are teamed up with a teacher helper. Teacher helpers are given instructions as to what I expect from my students. One of my behavioral expectations is that the students remain in their group at all times. Students are told that they will not be able to roam about the pumpkin patch without their group and their teacher helper. They are told that the teacher helper will be the one who decides when to move on to the next activity. My next behavioral expectation is that the students respect the property of the pumpkin patch and those who work there. This is already one of our classroom rules and they will be expected to follow it even though we are not in school. A teacher must try to always be one step ahead of their students when it comes to how students will behave in situations. It is extremely important that students always know what is expected of them. A teacher may continually have the child recite the rules over and over, but that doesn’t mean they understand what it means. A teacher may think that the classroom rules are clear and concise, but to a few students they many not be. The first way a teacher can evaluate what her students understand about those expectations, is through discussion. The teacher must state the rule and then explain what it means. The teacher’s explanation should provide examples and scenarios that the student can understand. Allowing the children to give examples that they can relate to, can also help evaluate their understand of the expectation. Another way to evaluate is through role-playing. Children are given scenarios on how to break the rules or follow the rules and then they act it out. The class audience can then determine what rule is broken and how it could have been prevented. The students may also act out how it looks to follow the rule. The teacher can then explain what consequence would be given if rules are not followed. This is fun for the students and allows the teacher to see who is or doesn’t understand the expectations.

Economic Ideas of the Enlightenment essays

Economic Ideas of the Enlightenment essays The Enlightenment is the name given to the intellectual movement that was centered in the Western World, mainly Europe, during the 18th century. The rise of modern science greatly influenced the enlightenment. It was also the aftermath of the long religious conflict that followed the Reformation. The thinkers of the Enlightenment were dedicated to secular views based on reason of human understanding, which they hoped would provide a basis for beneficial changes affecting every area of life and thought. There were many people during the Enlightenment that made an impact on the world. Many people had different opinions about what was happening and how to fix the problems facing the world at that time. One man started this change with his Encyclopedia. This man was Diderot; it was called the great work of his life. This book was a major weapon against the old French society. His book made a great impact on the people because it was so cheap that everyone could obtain a copy. With the printing of this book a new group emerged from the populace. This group, named the Physiocrats, has been viewed as the founders of the modern discipline of economics. A well-known member of this party is known for his thoughts on the old economic ideas. His name was Adam Smith and he had many economic ideas of the enlightenment. Adam Smith wrote the book Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. This book had three basic principles of economics. The first principle was the condemning of mercantilist use of protective tariffs to protect home industries. "A tailor does not try to make his own shoes, nor does a shoemaker try to make his own clothes." (Western Civilization pg. 493) With this line of reasoning Adam Smith was saying that a country should not try to make their own products when another country can supply them for cheaper than the one country can make it. A nation should make what it can for the least amount of mon...