Hospitality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Hospitality - Essay Example F&B division ensures the achievement of a forecasted sale through suggesting promotional, selling and administrative strategies it ensures the implementation of internal control programs of company, also coordinate with the kitchen department and discuss the matters related to services and food preparations (Walker, 2010). F&B division manager is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and controlling the delivery of services in all required divisions and monitors that all services are performed well. Outlet’s supervisor is liable for the supervision of operations and makes sure that services are performed according to the prescribed policies and standards. Captain of waiters is legally responsible for the administration of service delivery and arrangements to the assigned location. Receptionist is responsible for greeting and escorting customers. Waiter is responsible for taking of the order and serving these orders to the customers on committed time. And the success of full service operation is not possible without the successful completion of each activity (Walker, 2010). The front office is the hub of communication for the hotel. The guests drive the communication as their actions trigger most communication. Describe how and for what purposes the front office and other areas in the Rooms Division communicate. In any hotel Room division plays very important role in the process of hotel working. The dining room managers are responsible for services, seating arrangements, and for the supervision of staff and have direct contact with visitors. This department is a combination of housekeeping and front desk. Room division and front office can have communication regarding the hotel’s promotional plans, cost cutting activities, and they can discuss the marketing and operational strategy, and both departments can have communication related to the hotel’s problems and their solutions (Walker,

Respiratory Distress in Newborn Essay Example for Free

Respiratory Distress in Newborn Essay Respiratory problem are often the case in newborns. It accounts for nearly half of neonatal deaths. Research by Kumar Bhat (1996, p. 93) states that Respiratory Depression (RD) is a common neonatal problem that generally occurs in preterm infants due to surfactant deficiency which relates to antenatal history of immature lung development and term infants of diabetic mothers. To describe some of the common diagnosis associated with RD are: Transient Tachypnea of the newborn (TTNB) was found to be common in both term and preterm babies. Hyaline membrane disease (HMD) was common among pre terms, and meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) among term and post-term babies. Fatality for RD was found to be 19%, being highest for HMD (57. 1%), followed by MAS (21. 8%) and infection (15. 6%). Therefore, it is crucial to recognise the signs of RD and ensure prompt treatment is rendered to minimize mortality and mobility in newborns at the delivery wards. Accurate physical assessment is done on the newborn on the first and fifth minute at birth to determine if the newborn is getting enough oxygen. By administering APGAR scoring based on each of the components that are assessed in the APGAR scoring are : Cardiovascular (heart rate, color of the skin), fetal respiratory (quality of breathing and neuromuscular function (tone and reflexes based on fetal tone and response to external stimuli). According to Apgar cited in Letko(1996, p. 299) the leading concerns was the ability to rapidly identify newborns requiring resuscitative measures in improving the prognosis. It is done to prevent respiratory depressed newborns from being incorrectly assessed, while minimizing delivery of oxygen and other unnecessary treatment to healthy newborns. Giacoia stated in Letko (1996, p. 300) indicates that a low APGAR score implies an abnormal condition in the newborn, but it does not suggest a specific etiology. Hypotonia in newborn with neuromuscular disorder, for example, may be mistakenly diagnosed to be the cause of birth asphyxia when the newborn is unable to establish or maintain breathing. Maternal sedation and analgesia likewise may decrease tone and responsiveness, resulting in lower score. Managanaro (1994, p. 99) added that infants with 1-min APGAR score was influenced by the mode of delivery and by gestational age rather than asphyxia. Instead, 5-min APGAR score had a high correlation with metabolic acidemia. Infants with low APGAR scores, presented with metabolic acidemia and arterial desaturation have the highest occurance of neonatal intensive care unit . admission and poor neonatal outcome. Therefore, study suggests that the 5-min APGAR score is necessary for immediate assessment and care of the neonate. Scoring APGAR is subjective in terms of interpretation and may lead to biasness. Therefore to correct this deficit, midwives are scoring APGAR at 1 and 5 minute intervals as recommended by Apgar supported in Letko( 1996, p. 00). Letko (1996, p. 302) furthermore, points out by determining oxygenation status by observing cyanosis is an inaccurate method. The manipulating factor consists of the examiner’s skill, adequate lighting, newborn’s skin condition, peripheral perfusion, and hemoglobin level. Physiological changes in the newborn such as functional closure of ductus arteriosus, ductus venosus, and foramen ovale may cause the newborn looking cyanosed. Midwives’ ability to differentiate central and peripheral cyanosis is critical for initiating treatment. Letko (1996, p. 02) explains when present throughout the body, including the mucous membranes and tongue, this condition is termed central cyanosis. When limited to the extremities, it is termed peripheral cyanosis or acrocyanosis. In comparison, central cyanosis refers to central cyanosis is more detrimental as it can result in range of disorder in areas such as cardiac, metabolic and neurological disorders. Newborns may require supplemental oxygen therapy to correct cyanosis. To decrease the subjectivity of the color changes, new technologies, such as pulse oximetry, can be employed with APGAR scoring. Research conducted by House. et. al (1987, p. 96) with regards to the examination of oxygen saturation of neonates in delivery room via the use of pulse oximetry is applicable in my current setting. It states that oxygen saturation did not differ significantly whether by vaginally or by ceaserean section or the presence of any or type of anaesthesia administered. They then concluded that pulse oxygen saturation values are highly accurate and useful in objective judging the adequacy of resuscitative efforts and identifying arterial desaturation during early neonatal period. Alternative methods of assessing oxygenation in neonates, consists of evaluation of cord gas status. Blood gas values are significant for determining oxygenation levels in ill newborns. There are challenges faced in aspects such as blood sampling posed by fast changing bodily processes, difficult assess to arterial sites coupled with small blood volumes and mixed venous samples. Clinicians must consider the importance of associating cord gas results with history taking (maternal history), physical assessments findings and laboratory indices in order to have a comprehensive picture and formulate therapeutic decisions. Brouillette and Waxman (1997, p. 215) suggests when obtaining cord gas samples, arterial blood gas measurements were preferred and taken as the gold standard compared to capillary measurements. Arguments cited in Huch, Huch and Rooth (1994, p. 168. ) against capillary blood sampling include: The skills of the operator, the presenting part of the fetus and membranes must be ruptured. However, it is argued that the merits of sampling capillary blood via fetal scalp sampling for analysis of blood gases are that it is technically easier due to easy access to sites and less likely to result in serious complications than arterial puncture. Therefore, it is a clinically useful method only if the blood gas samples obtained are a sufficiently accurate for arterial measurements. Adapted from Brouillette and Waxman (1997 p. 219), pH values more than 7. 2 are considered reassuring and below 7. 2 suggest immediate neonatal attention is necessary. To ensure accurate results in cord gas samples, the following aspects should be carried out in clinical practice. These include applying good sterile techniques to the site of arterial assess and prevent hemodilution. Also when interpreting results, the midwife must consider different diagnosis that will affect acid- base balance in newborns. Eg. Pulmonary hypertension. Scopes and Ahmad (1966, p. 25) suggests that by monitoring rectal temperature can be used as an indicator to oxygen requirements. Inadequate oxygenation will lead to decrease in deep body temperature. Correcting hypoxia by increasing oxygen consumption will increase deep body temperature. In practice, it is important to maintain the temperature of the labor room to be constant 21-25 degrees and baby’s body and head should be dried immediately after birth to minimize heat loss by evaporation since newborns have poor ability to retain eat (due to their increase skin surface area) which resulted in hypoxia. Aspiration of meconium distinctively occurs after an event of fetal hypoxic stress which leads to intestinal peristalsis, meconium contamination of the amniotic fluid, and gasping respirations that could draw the harmful meconium-stained liqour deep into the fetal lung. All of these would result in white patches observed in chest X-ray. Reflecting on the current practice, after delivery of the fetal head suction is administered to the oropharynx and nasopharynx to remove meconium in the oral and nasal cavities. Initial treatment following delivery, endotracheal suctioning is carried out to remove any remaining meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Improvement in nursing care as cited in Shorten (1989, p. 167) can be made to minimize negative effects throughout the suctioning procedure includes: length of time away from the oxygen source, both the duration and magnitude of applied suction, the ratio of diameters of suction catheter to endotracheal tube, depth of catheter insertion and the amount the infant is handled throughout the procedure. Strategies to improve methods of maintaining airway and minimise negative effects during suctioning include: preoxygenation with hyperventilation or continuous insufflation of oxygen, limiting the depth of catheter insertion to just beyond the distal end of the endotracheal tube, use of sedation and minimise infant handling. Placing basic resuscitation skills and equipment in the hands of midwives would significantly reduce early newborn deaths . A complete neonatal assessment, midwives should include a detailed history (maternal history). Assessment of family history reveals the presence of inheritable congenital defects on the onset and duration of respiratory symptoms, providing clues for early detection and treatment. Such as TTNB begins early and improves with time. Conversely, sepsis and pneumonia may have no early signs but may develop hours to days later. A proper evaluation is crucial as it allows anticipation of any disease that may cause impairment in oxygenation of neonates. Antepartum infection status is important, with regards to assessment on the duration of rupture, color of amniotic fluid . If Group B streptococcous colonisation is present after rupture of membranes, antibiotics can be administered as prophylaxis Additional skills that a midwife should include to effectively assess oxygenation are: applying skills of cardiac auscultation, it detects murmurs indicative of congenital heart anomalies and allows for early intervention to resolve respiratory depression before it worsens. Adding on to assessment using lung auscultation skills may show asymmetrical chest movement in pneumothorax or crackles in pneumonia, or it can be completely clear in transient tachypnea or persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. General assessment of physical examination, midwives are prudent to look for apnea, tachypnea, grunting, stridor, retraction, nasal flaring and using hands to feel for equal lung expansion to identify signs of RD in neonates. Regular monitoring of vital signs such as maternal temperature, maternal tachycardia, and fetal heart status are essential to identify and arrest meconium aspiration and chorioamnionitis Training programmes are developed to reinforce skills which includes; evidence-based action plans with pictorial algorithm through problem-based scenarios in curriculum to facilitate better understanding and learning. Additional courses can also be conducted to correct any knowledge deficits such as: refresher courses, regular neonatal ‘mock’ scenarios to keep midwives updated of current procedures and aid revision of neonatal resuscitation protocols. To ensure prompt action, better communication pathways can be put in place to reinforce the urgency of NICU staff on the need to attend a delivery by the midwives. Which includes: where, when, urgency, indication and gestational age. (â€Å"Neonatal Resuscitation Reviewing the Past to Improve the Future†, 2001). Hermansen and Lorah (2007, p. 990) suggests treatment for neonatal respiratory distress can be both generalized and disease-specific. As Carr (2011) highlighted that midwives should be updated of current neonatal resuscitation protocols. Simple skills like tactile stimulation could save the majority of babies that require help to breathe at the time of birth. Neonates who require oxygen can be enhanced with supplemental oxygen, nasal cannula, or mechanical ventilation in severe cases. Endogenous surfactant administration may be necessary. Antibiotics are administered if bacterial infection is suspected. In conclusion, midwives are in unique position to render lifesaving care to newborns. They can do so by incorporating their skills in doing general assessment first hand to spot RD. Then, applying proper treatment to correct poor oxygenation levels so that to increase the survival of the newborn. Midwives constantly seek to increase their knowledge to improve their skills by demonstrating evidence- based practice in their daily care.

Franchising In Hospitality Industry Commerce Essay

Franchising In Hospitality Industry Commerce Essay The following paper deals with a recent type of management entitled franchising. In the hospitality industry and currently within Accor, the franchise has become a real stake and strategy to continue to perform. Accor Hospitality is an international player which has decided to turn its strategy into a franchise system that combines company owned hotels and franchisees. Nevertheless, such a network has to be livened up and controlled in order to perpetuate the reputation and then the business. Therefore the case study sustained by qualitative research aims at suggests recommendation to the company, but key issues need to be viewed and overcome first. Foreword This report is to summarize the experience of a six-month internship within the Business Intelligence department of Accor Hospitalitys headquarter, as well as to demonstrate my personal understanding of the changing of strategy, by confronting and comparing theory with practice, identifying its pros cons as well as its key factors of success in the hospitality industry. For my third and final year of business studies at INSEEC, I chose to major in International Business Strategy. This is a Master of Business qualification run in partnership with the SRH Hochschule in Berlin. The two main reasons for this choice were due to my strong interest in discovering many cultures and ways of conducting business and strategies. On the one hand, my strong interest in acquiring skills in business analysis in the hospitality industry, combined with the importance of the hospitality industry worldwide, oriented my applications to Business Analysis positions within this sector. On the other hand, my personal motivation for discovering new cultures, coupled with my academic qualifications and my language skills also encouraged me to apply in International companies where I could speak as much English as possible. As a French student extremely interested in working in a multicultural environment, the ACCOR group seemed to be a fantastic opportunity. As a Business Analyst I was part of the Business Intelligence team and reported directly to the Director of Strategy and Business Performance. I had to have full experience of distribution, and work on the different aspects of analyzing the business that such a position commands. My personal mission within the team has been to provide support to the two Business Analysts, and help them make reports related to the Distribution strategies. As a team, we were accountable to understand the needs of the various brands and teams, then to create tools to provide accurate information (project managers) and finally to analyze the data (business analysts). Therefore, in my position, I was in charge of carrying out three main functions: Updating the Distribution Monthly Report for the Top Management for both Direct and Indirect Sales Analyzing the hotels performance worlwide Answering to Adhoc demands in order to measure the impact of promotional offers. This report, however, has its limits. A valid quantitative study for example, would have allowed me to support and corroborate my findings with the franchisees satisfaction and suggestions regarding their links with the franchisor. As well, it would be promising to investigate some topics as for example the behavioural customer evolution regarding the hospitality industry or develop further some of the challenges the hospitality industry is facing applying Dynamic Pricing, as they could easily be the subjects of a study on their own. Finally, both on a personal and professional level, my experience within Accor Hospitality headquarter in Evry has been a real success. All I can believe for the future is to have a chance to further develop my analysis skills in similar conditions: team spirit, communication and trust. Acknowledgements Firstly, I am extremely grateful to Pierrick Le Masne for giving me the chance of being parts of the Strategy and Business performance department within the ACCORs headquarter in Paris. I would like to express many thanks to Alison Broussy for welcoming me in her Business Intelligence team and sharing her expertise, training and giving me the opportunity to further develop my business analysis skills over the last six months. I would like to add special thanks to Nicolas Leseurre, Fara Rabesoa, for sharing their experience and knowledge with me. I am also thankful to Isabelle Duflot and Olivier Poujol for sharing their thoughts and opinions regarding Project Management. Finally, I would like to thank the overall team for the warm welcome and team spirit I have received since being part of this company these past few months. Table of Content Introduction 1 Tapez le titre du chapitre (niveau  2) 2 Tapez le titre du chapitre (niveau  3) 3 Tapez le titre du chapitre (niveau  1) 4 Tapez le titre du chapitre (niveau  2) 5 Tapez le titre du chapitre (niveau  3) 6 Introduction Franchising is an ancient type of network that is simple, formalized in its organization and in its functioning (Anderson and Coughlan, 2002; Blair and Lafontaine 2005). However, literature on the control of the franchising network are seldom particularly in France, whereas it is a rich and interesting lead of research (Elango and Fried, 1997). Franchising is a way of doing business that has grown fast, and more particularly in Europe. The reason can be found in the will for the franchisor to develop its network quickly and for the franchisee to benefit from an expertise in a specific field. France is the European leader and has seen its franchising network doubled within the last ten years and acknowledges a constant growth between 8% and 11% for 5 years. Even in a crisis period, franchising has continued to grow thanks to the support and training provided by the franchisor. All sectors taken together, France owns 1,234 networks  [2]  of franchisor and 49,094 franchisee, and realizes a turnover of about 47.7 billion Euros in 2008. Franchising has been defined as a system of marketing goods and/or services and/or technology, which is based upon a close and ongoing collaboration between legally and financially separate and independent undertakings, the Franchisor and its individual Franchisees, whereby the Franchisor grants its individual Franchisee the right, and imposes the obligation, to conduct a business in accordance with the Franchisors concept.  [3]   In other word, the definition underlines that a franchising network is a complex organization where the relationship and trust between the franchisor and franchisees are essential. When a company decides to develop its know-how into franchising it is because the company has gained a certain maturity and expertise in its activity and then will be able to convey the operational management to its franchisees. Within the Hospitality Industry, it exists different ways of managing a hotel. Indeed, a hotel can be a subsidiary as an entire part of the corporate company, a managed hotel or a franchisee. ACCOR is a company that has been created in 1967 with the first opening of a Novotel. Then, step by step the company has opened several hotels in France and in Europe and further worldwide. Owning many hotels the company has known how to become a leader in that field. Today, leader in France and in Europe, the company wants to become more present worldwide and has recently decided to change its business model. This changing of strategy called asset right is a real stake because it is going to disrupt an organization which relies on a family mind, history and way of running the business. As a part of the Accor team, this research would like to expose the changing of the Accor strategy from an hotels owner to a franchisor. The case study would outlines how the company can optimize the relationship between itself and its franchisees within a mixed network. Chapter One: Theory on franchising The first part deals with the analysis of the franchising system in its complex form. The key concepts to understand the overall functioning of the franchise are developed. 1.1 History of franchising The franchise business model was born in the United States of America, especially encouraged by the antitrust laws. This solution can be explained by the size and the importance of the American market that forced the societies to turn into a system enabling the increase of the market shares without huge investments. Nowadays, the number of franchisees reaches 760,000 in the United States spread out 1500 networks that represent a turnover of more than 1500 billion dollars and employs 9.7 million people in 2004.  [4]   In France, the first franchised network appeared around 1930 a little time after the creation of the wool producer in Roubaix. The phenomenon of franchise has been developed further, at the beginning of the seventies, in order to modernize the convenience trade and create a real competition to the Big boxes. Today France is the leader of franchising in Europe and concerns various types of activity such as fast food industry, bakers, apparel and hospitality industry. 1.2 Concepts and definition In a franchising system, the franchisor grants its knowhow and its trademark to franchisees, which are independent and have the contractual obligation to exercise the activity described into the respect of rules and procedures defined by the franchisor. The latter must follow the concepts exploitation and provide support to its franchisees. The franchisor is paid by an entrance fee at the signature of the contract and also by regular royalties based on the franchisees turnover. The contract of franchise has a variable length often comprised between five and ten years. Thus, the franchise includes a key firm, the franchisor, and multiple satellites firms, legally and financially independent called the franchisees. Usually, the franchisor brings intangible assets (products, services to develop, know how or trademark), whereas the franchisee provides financial and human assets. The purpose of the agreement is the exploitation of the concept developed by the franchisor. The franchise seems to be a special type of network where there is an inter-organizational division of the work. The franchisor is in charge of the strategic activity whereas franchisees work more on operational activities (Frà ©ry, 1996). Skills and resources mobilization within a franchising system are more carried out in logic of exploitation rather than propriety (Frà ©ry, 1995) because associates are independent. Therefore there is coexistence of economic dependence and legal independence between partners of the franchise. Sometimes the franchise network is described as unstable because the key firm could try to own the most performing units.  [5]   Many franchising network are mixed because they combine company owned units and independent franchisees. This is the case for instance in Hospitality industry. This specific kind of network enables to mix the experience effect from company owned units with the human and financial power of the franchisees. Indeed, information available from company owned units are used to negotiate and attract new franchisees. The franchising network enables a mutual process of learning that can lead to trust relationship between the franchisor and franchisees. To sum up, a franchise system is composed of: A purpose: repetition of a commercial success Supplementary resources from both sides Favourable institutional framework Interactive relationship between players. A purpose  due to a commercial success Franchising system Supplementary recources Interactive relationship between players A favourable institutional framework Figure 1 The franchising system 1.3 Purpose of the franchise system Each side of the franchise system finds an advantage of coming into this specific type of network. The franchisor hopes to develop its network as quick as possible in a part to compete with others chains and then to obtain geographically the best places. Entrance fees and royalties ensure a permanent payment. However the franchisor must control the concepts development and has to be sure that the offer is as consistent and homogeneous as possible. Regarding the franchisee, he develops the commercial offers in being supported by the franchisor in terms of training, advisory, innovation. The franchising system enables to get an access to information from people who are in direct relation with the client and particularly in a mixed network (Perdreau, Le Nadant and Cliquet, 2007). Because of the information sharing, new franchisees know a failure rate under the average failure rate of any new created enterprise.  [6]   1.4 The legal framework of a franchise system The basis of the franchise can be found in the legal contract and the code of practice that both parties have to sign in order to create right and duties to respect. The franchise contract, one of the foundations of the franchise system is a contract in which the owner of a distinctive sign, generally registers the brand name (the franchisor) and grant it to an independent storekeeper (the franchisee). The owner holds an advisory and commercial assistance role whereas the franchisee has to pay to enter into the franchise and a fee based on the turnover of the shop. Sometimes the contract can also commit the franchisee to buy equipements and furnitures to the franchisor and to respect standards and certifications in the management of the units.  [7]   The franchise contract must be in compliance with the national law, European law and the code of practices. It describes the interests of members of the franchise network in protecting the franchisors patent rights and in maintaining the common identity of the franchise system. The key points of the contract are the following: The franchisor and franchisees rights and duties Goods or services provided to franchisees The length of the contract The payment terms for the franchisee Renewal terms Termination contract clause, clause of non competition Franchisors duties Franchisees duties Definition of the concept/ innovation regarding the concept to stay competitive/ Ensure a stability in the network Financial duties: entrance fee/ marketing and advertising fees/ Royalties Development of the brands/ of the trade name Respect of the global concept, respect of the trade name, respect of the clauses of the contract, return of all documents and tools at the end of the contract, Convey a knowhow, tools, support Sometimes, exclusivity of supply Table 1 Focus on the basic duties for both parties in the franchise contract Nevertheless, the partners motivations are quite different and can lead to an opportunistic behavior from both parties. Conflict of interests can appear when there is an alignment of interests and behaviors of the franchisor and franchisees (Dant and Nasr, 1998). Indeed, the franchisor is concerned by the profitability of the network and the strengthening of the reputation of the brand (long and middle term objectives) while franchisees seeking short term profitability sometimes in not taking care of the brand image. In the theory of contracts and franchise network (Penard et al., 2004), it has been pointed out that the franchisor can miss to its duties of support, but he can also prevent the franchisee to manage freely its unit or impose a price of sale. The franchisor should have in that field a role of adviser because according to the European law  [8]  , he cannot take an active part in the management of the franchisees unit. In a franchising system, even if it is against the law, the franchisor could give more importance to its company owned units instead of being neutral. However the franchisees can sometimes fail in its duties as well when he does not respect its commitment regarding the commercial standards of the franchisor, some delays in the payment of fees or a lack of cooperation in the data transfer when the franchisor is auditing the unit. 1.5 The relationship between the franchisor and the franchisees The franchise system does not include only two players (the franchisor and the franchisees) but four players according to the French Franchise Federation (2004): The franchisor, an independent contractor that can be a corporate body or a natural person. The franchisee, an independent contractor, corporate body or natural person that has been selected by the franchisor. The network, made up of the franchisor and franchisees. They all work under the same trade name which is a symbol of identity and makes the reputation of the network. The customer who buys for himself products or services and who does not want to know if behind there is a franchisee or a company owned unit. He only seeks a certain quality that makes the brand that known. Figure 2 The conceptual Framework Will to start a business Business ownership Business site Knowledge of the local market Access to the customer Surety of satisfaction/loyalty Know-how Marketing success Distinctive concept Strong brand Surety of turnover Surety of efficiency Franchisors resources Franchisees resources In order to make the franchising concept works efficiently, both side have to work together. To help and protect them, it exists a legislation framework. The contract has to be balanced in order to satisfy both parties. The turnover has to be shared according to the agreement the parties agreed upon. Three decisive factors make a franchising system (Jauffrit and Sie, 2010) efficient. First of all, the quality of the business model and the conditions to test it at the beginning of its creation are essential. The strength of the resources available is also important: financial, technical and above all the human resources from both sides and the quality of the cooperation. Moreover the network should be developed as quickly as possible in order to reach the critical size and make economies of scales. The latter enables to develop the brand, to stretch over the territory, to pay the common equipment, and benefit from purchasing cots more interesting. All these factors permit the access of a well ranked position and gain a competitive advantage.  [9]   1.6 Different ways of controlling in a franchise system In the hospitality industry it exists four categories to control a network (Baglin and Malleret, 1995). The legal control is essential in a integrated network where it exists a capital-intensive link between the company and its manager, but has a less importance in a franchise system. The control on the product or service enables to keep a certain level of standardization defined in the contract and can be completed by the visit of mysterious client or a network coordinator. The respect of the norms is essential in an international network where the brand offers a standardized product or services. It enables to keep a certain consistence in a brand within peoples mind. The control of the financial management, based on the reporting and budget, are partially practiced in a franchise network. The key performance indicators are centralized within a detailed reporting as the fees and royalties are usually calculated on. Regarding the specific performance of a franchisee, the methods are generally advised and supervised but seldom imposed because the law restricts the franchisor to manage and handle the franchisees business. The franchisor has a role of advisor and assistance. Finally the control of human is applied during the recruitment, training and payment. The payment of the franchisee depends on the profit of its business after having paid the franchisor royalties and fees. The franchisor uses its control only when he recruits a new franchisee and when he liven the network up. Controls in a franchise system seem to be rather technical because the franchisor has to be sure that the franchisee respects the offer and the level of standards. 1.7 Focus on the technical control One of the most important difficulties in a franchise system concerns the asymmetry in the information exchange. The franchisor can visit the franchisee, can employ a mysterious visitor to control and can measure the retro claims regarding a specific franchisee. Nevertheless, the dissatisfaction of customers is measured in a satisfaction survey conducted when the malfunctioning has already been realized. However the franchisor can today use new information system tools. He can follow in real time the activity of a franchisee, for instance through an Enterprise Running Planner, and ensure a good visibility. The gathering of data and information can thus be done without supplementary costs and at anytime (Boulay and Kalika, 2007). In addition to the real advantage of such tools, it has an effect on the franchisees behavior and enables to exercise a constant control in the network operations. Chapter Two: Theory on franchising Le desinvestissement par la franchise

My Philosophy of Teaching :: Philosophy of Education

Philosophy of Education Having graduated from a public school system, I feel my experiences and opinions are not only first hand, but they are something I should always try to consider when thinking about or dealing with my own students. As every student has, I have had great teachers as well as terrible ones; some of those teachers everyone loved or hated, and other received varied opinions about themselves from their students. The student teacher relationship is something that is unavoidable, as it should be. The reason I am pursuing teaching as my profession is because I understand that children need someone in their lives to make a difference, and if I could be that someone for only a handful of my own students, I will have succeeded. I view teaching as being more than simply showing a child how to read-as important as that is-teaching is also about showing a child the importance of self. Without self-esteem, self-discipline and self-control, there would not be many people who could make it successfully in today’s world. And if I’m successful in teaching children how to read, as well as something important about themselves, I will have helped some kids survive as adults. I don’t care anything about being the teacher that everyone thinks is so cool and loves, nor do I want to be the one that everyone hates. What I do want to be is a teacher that is respected by my students because I have been fair and have given each of them a chance to pass and succeed. I want my students to trust me. I want them to know that I am not perfect and realize that none of them are, but I do hope that they realize that I do expect from them what I would expect from my self if I were one of my own students. Knowledge of subject is next on my list of importance. I know how important it is for my self to be knowledgeable about the subject I am teaching; but no matter how much I know my students will only learn what I teach to them successfully.

Meaning of Life and Ordinary Person Essay

I cannot sum up my philosophy with one broad term. I will discuss my philosophies but they all connect based on my main philosophy. My main philosophy is that hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny. Ordinary people from the past that endured through hardships, such as Anne Frank, Martin Luther K. Jr. and Caesar Chavez, had an extraordinary destiny. I am not comparing myself to these magnificent individuals, but they are a source of encouragement for an ordinary person like me. I felt in my heart that everything happens for a reason. There is no way that my life should have or could have turned out like this. My belief was solidified and my faith strengthened, when I became a mentor to the Women at La Casita Rehabilitation Center. I am perfect for this volunteer service! My experiences enable me to care so deeply and empathize with these women in recovery. I find meaning in this work. There is no monetary gain. It’s the intrinsic feeling I get when I see a woman get her 30 day, 60 day, 90day and 1year sobriety chip. This service provides me with gratitude for my recovery and humility. I was that woman, maybe not exactly, but the feelings were very similar. Another aspect of my philosophy of life is; life is not about finding yourself but creating yourself. I have developed my philosophy of life based on my experiences in life and made a decision to re-create myself. I am a fervent believer that you can become whoever you want to be in this life. We should not take life for granted because it is a gift and tomorrow is not promised to anyone. If you don’t like your circumstances, it is okay to change them. There are some things we have no control over, but for the things we can control, we have the power and responsibility to change it. If not, stop complaining and adjust to the situation. However, if we simply sit there and wait for things to change, it probably will not change. Or the situation may become worse over time. In the interim we will be missing out on the joys and blessings of life. At least this has been my experience.

A Visit to a Mosque

Theology I have been a member of the Catholic Church my entire life. Although I have often taken time to reflect on my faith, never once have I made an attempt to explore a religion aside from my own. Recently, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and was fortunate enough to visit a mosque. A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam, or one who is Muslim. There are a multitude of services I could have visited to experience a new religion, each with their own identity.The reason I ultimately chose o visit a mosque is because Muslims believe all life begins and ends with God, as do l. However, unlike Catholics, the Islamic religion does not believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God, nor that he was crucified on the cross. My goal was to gain a better understanding of the beliefs Catholics and Muslims share, how they differ, and why. The experience was refreshing, and I feel as though I left the mosque with solid answers to my questions, and a new outlook on my own faith. The mosque I visited, called the Mosque Foundation, is located in Bridgeview, Illinois.Although there are mosques shorter in distance from my home, I was told the experience would prove to be better at this particular mosque. When first walking in, I observed many people gathered in the hallways visiting and conversing with one another. After a short time, the women proceeded down stairs and the men stayed upstairs near the main entrance. One woman was gracious enough to explain to me the events taking place. Men and women separate to take part in Salat, or prayer. Because the prayer ritual requires putting one's forehead to the ground, shoes are emoved and placed on shelves.Every woman was dressed modestly and wore a veil/ scarf covering their hair. While many people are aware that Muslim women wear this garment on their heads, perhaps what is not known is that this is a religious practice. Many Muslims believe God requires the hair to be covered, as this is stated in the Qu'ran (what Muslims believe to be His final book). I sat on a chair in the back to watch the group of women prays. I noticed there were a handful of girls sitting on chairs in the back as well, away from the group.It was explained to me that Muslim irls who are menstruating are not permitted to participate in prayer, as they are considered to be unclean. In order to practice traditional salat, one must be in a state of ritual purity. The salat itself is of great importance to Muslims because it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The Five Pillars of Islam are five basic acts that are mandatory of Muslims and are considered to be the foundation of Muslim life. The pillars are as follows; 1 . Shahadah- declaring there is no God except God, and Muhammad is God's messenger. 2 .Salat-a ritual prayer done five times a day. . Sawm- fasting and self- control during Ramadan. 4. Zakat- giving 2. 5% of one's savings to the poor. 5. HaJJ- Pilgrimage to the Mecca at least once in lifetime if he/she is abl e to do so. The Muslim faith pray five times a day. The actual salat consists of a series of movements called Rakat. Verses are read aloud by a man over a loudspeaker and the movements are made. The movements, or different parts of the Rakat consist of bowing low with the hands on the knees, lowering oneself to the ground with the forehead and sitting with the feet folded under the body.The actual prayer lasts for less than ten minutes. When the men and women were finished praying, I had a chance to sit down with the Imam, the one who lead the worship service. The Imam's name was Khalid. Khalid welcomed me into his office and talked with me for over an hour about Islam. He knew I was of the Catholic faith, thus the majority of our conversation was spent discussing the differences between us. What I gathered from Khalid is that Muslims believe in one God, who created all, and nothing is worthy of worship except Him. Our entire purpose in this life is to serve im.Muslims do love and v enerate Jesus only as a prophet and a messenger, not as the Son of God. They do not feel Jesus was slain on the cross. According to Khalid, Jesus was sent to the people of Israel to revive a spiritual connection with God. This is one very significant way Catholics differ from Muslims, because not only to we feel God gave the world Jesus as His son, but we also worship Jesus and pray to him. Catholics also believe Mary to be the Mother of God. Muslims do believe Mary did indeed give birth to Jesus, though she was a virgin.The Imam was very adamant bout the fact that Muslims do not Judge others, nor impose their beliefs upon others. They do however feel that Imam is the right and only way one should live, and those that do not practice the right way will be sent to hell. Those who do not live as God wanted us to, especially those that have been shown the way and turned their back, will be punished. I asked how the Muslim faith feels about those that were never shown the way of God-per haps a tribe of some sort never connecting with the outside world- how does God treat them? I questioned how could they know if they were never taught?The answer I received was simple. The Muslims leave those type of questions to God, because only He knows the answer-but they do believe He will treat them fairly. The conversation I had with Khalid had me questioning my own fate. Certainly, I nave been shown the way. Even though I am Catholic, I – like the Muslim taitn- teel as though our purpose is to serve God. This is what He wants us to do and why he put us here. My visit to the mosque made me realize that it is time to make a choice on how I serve God. I feel giving minimal attention and thanks to God is not good enough.Khalid opened my eyes when he said â€Å"those who turned their backs will be punished. † I would never turn my back, but I do need to make some small, achievable changes to feel right again with the Lord. I respect how loyal followers of Islam are. Even with the world changing rapidly, the apathetic attitude people have about religion, technology, temptation, etc. , the Muslim faith is stronger than ever, now the largest religion in the world. The reason they devote their lives to Islam is because they are certain they will be rewarded. Perhaps we could all learn something from visiting a mosque once in our lives.