Major Parties Platforms Essay Example for Free

Major Parties Platforms Essay Party platform is a list of the principles which a political party has set in order to convince the general public to vote in the political party into the office. It gives the party the objectives and goals that it will follow if it is voted in the office. In the United States they are two major political parties that is the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. The democratic party historically has supported the following platforms: ethnic minorities ,organized labor where it has emphasized on labor unions which provide a voting base that support the party and progressive reforms i. e. democratic party in it platform has always supported a more progressive tax structure that is able offer proper services and rule justly to its people. The Party has always favored greater government intervention in the U . S economy and opposed government intervention in the private sector since private sector are effective in helping the poor than the ruling government. On the other hand there is Republican party which historically has supported the following platforms: low taxation to the people due to the increases in the growth domestic product growth and also generate more income to the government, environmental standards , reduction in environment regulation, development of conservative policies in order to promote prosperity in the economy and also government protection. The party also advocates for a strong national defense for its people until recently when interventionist action ended. Republican has also stood up for corporation and individual decision making in promoting economic prosperity whereby one is economically responsible for the action and decision that he decide to incorporate. . Describe the Role of Third Parties in The Past Presidential Elections. The third parties have been of crucial importance in the US electoral process for a very long time. Third parties have sprung up from ideological spectrum although none of them has managed to win the election since the time of Abraham Lincoln. Third parties have much contributed in by pushing issues into light which would have been ignored by majority parties. For example if the issue looked at by third party finds resonance with the voters the major parties are likely to adapt the issue into their platform. Third parties have also helped in increasing voters turnout by bringing more people to the polls therefore impacting the chances major party candidate winning by gathering enough votes, for example in 2004 it was estimated that 33% registered republicans ,43%democrats and other parties contributing for 25%. Third parties also play a major role in the US policy and the political debates despite their minor presence in the congress. Therefore they end up contributing to the changing of the political debate and also the policy making process. Though this contribution the role of the third party depends on seriousness of the candidacy because he or she helps in Making the debate of issues more substantive and less vitriolic for example in 1992 when reform party nominated Ross Perot as the candidate for president. Ross Perot advocated for the reduction of budget federal deficit an issue that was not seriously looked upon in previous elections. By so this was where Perot Ross received a 19% of the total votes. REFERENCES George C. E, Martin P. W and Robert L. (2002). Government in America: People, Politics and Policy. Longman publishers: Texas http://www. wikipedia. com

Importance of Operational Efficiency in an Organization

Importance of Operational Efficiency in an Organization 1. Executive summary Operational efficiency and its quality of providing service is most important factor whatever organization either production or service. That is most important part in any company operations whether it is business oriented or nonprofit oriented organizations also are highly concern their organizational growth and local and regional expansion of their operations. Mainly operational efficiency and performance is depending on the external environment drivers. Those external drivers are creating competition and intense of the among the industry player. Therefore future strategic planning, contingency plan, operation strategy is most important and playing vital role to face forthcoming changes. If the organization is not be able to manage those changes that happening in the originations and outside organization directly affect on operational efficiency of the organization. To face those environment changes most prudent strategies make adjustment in organization operating style and strate gies. That does will help to achieve organizations corporate objectives as planned. Mainly manufacturing service organizations are performing functions such as; Sales Marketing Human resource Operation Accounting Finance or treasury IT/Information department Logistic/branch management Channel management Internal auditing Risk management So called functions linking each other and having inter dependencies, no one can override those operational activities. Everybody work in the must focus on very well on operational activities. Because, at the end of year shareholders (investors) are raising questions at AGM, how much of amount of return generate by businesses and whether business operations went smoothly, what will be the future plans to deliver high rate of return for our investment and what type of operational strategy going to carryout to face the completion. So on frequently raise the questions by shareholders. Production and operation management was begun with industrialization. But it play vital role in the service sectors. In the contemporary world named it as Operation Management. Contribution of this subject is making bigger differences for business functions. Multinational local companies have established independent department to manage their operational activities very well. For an instance nowadays eme rging business is banking financial service company name called Nation Trust Bank. That bank routine operations are making huge impact on their business performance. That is because; bank performance is driven by its operational capacity style. Mainly employees and customers satisfaction are most important element to show outstanding performance and to attract the new customers. In this industry is driven by managing effectively whole operations of the business. Lack of operation management delivers poor performance. To provide remarkable service wider range of service related need to have well defined operations strategy to uplift business. This assignment report mainly focused on current practice of operation management banking industry and assignment contain the followings. Define operation management, its characteristic and playing role in banking financial service industry. Evaluate the goals and objectives are achieved in operation management objectives. Define systems in operations in relation to service and routine activities. Major resource, tools and systems that are supporting operations and to support quality of service of the bank. Analyzing importance of quality audit and implementation of quality management system in bank. Major weakness and explore opportunities to improve the bank service to satisfy the stake holders of the business. Making recommendation to capitalize the opportunities and avoid weakness of the bank. Conclusion of assignment 2. Define term of operations management According to literature production operation management are considering as one subject but in the current situation totally expert says about it as Operation management is subject that Design, execution and control firms operations that converts it resources into desired goods and services, and implement its business strategy and its define as another way The maintenance, control and improvement of organizational activities that are required to produce good or service. Operations Management deals with design and management of products, process, services and supply chains. It considers the acquisition, development, and utilization of resources that firms need to deliver the goods and services their client wants. First definition can be related the following diagram is simple operation of any organization. Feed Back Input inputs Service Process servicing process Out put Maximize customer satisfaction Employees Money (local foreign) Savings accounts Information Systems Open up Bank A/C Cashiering Credit card promotion Mortgaging Generate bank statements Buying selling of foreign currencies Happiest or loyal customer The above diagram we can see operations different operations in the input level, process level and output level. Therefore we can conclude that 2.1. Operation management from aspect of Nation Trust Bank To get analyze importance of operations of the bank the vision mission and values is helping out it Vision Making life simple by being the benchmark of convenience Mission Be innovative in continuously developing customer centric solutions. Unleash the talent of our team to be the best in the industry. Consistently grow market share and be the most profitable and respected Sri Lankan bank by 2015. Values Inspirational leadership Integrity in all our dealings Open communication Learning focused Meritocracy Prudent risk management Respect for all Innovation and continuous improvement Nurture relationships Socially and environmentally responsible Vision, mission and value are Nation Trust Bank (NTB) operational objectives in relation to corporate objective. Organization chart shows hierarchy of the departments Chairman Deputy Chairman Board of Directors CEO Corporate management Senior management Branch management Managers Operation management Corporate management overlooking the follwing functions Director/CEO DGM Retail Banking DGM SME Banking DGM Cards, Consumer Assets and Strategic Marketing DGM Corporate and Institutional Banking Chief Operating Officer Head of Legal and Company Secretary Chief Financial Officer Head of Human Resources Head of Credit and Market Risk Management Head of Internal Audit Consultant/Head of Treasury Consultant/Head of Operational Risk and Compliance Senior management overlooking functions are; Trade Services Branches and PBC Alternate Channels SME Banking and Factoring Cards and Consumer Assets Branch Operations and Credit Wholesale Banking Consumer Credit Risk and Collections Consumer Sales Treasury Services Leasing Corporate Banking Leasing Operations Management Information and Planning Cards Marketing Collections Central Operations Fixed Income Securities Leasing Zone 2 Leasing Recoveries Marketing Services Retail Banking Credit Delivery Channels Nations Insurance Brokers Technology Legal Credit Operations Credit Risk Corporate Banking Delivery Channels Leasing Zone 1 Internal Audit Infrastructure and Administration Business Banking Compliance and Financial Reporting Business Solutions Delivery Channels Credit Risk Leasing and Factoring By looking at the above orgnization chart and that functions, can get clear idea about the how its importace of the operaton mangement in the NTB operations. Here in the chief oprating officer and head operational risk is paly vital role of for the baking operations. They are responsible for the bank oprations as whole. Operational scope No of branches 40, No of leasing centers 9, No of ATM 43 , 6 personal banking centers as well as Internet Banking 2.2. SWOT analysis of NTB Strenght It is subsidiary of Jhon Keels group, idirectly they can gained group strenght. Reputed coporate brand name Coporate brand value is very high Has selected well profitable segment to provide the banking service Wider product portfolio Strong IT net work staff in every layer having experice More than 20yers experaince in that perticualr field. Carryingout more promotion Respect corporate governance Good Internal auditing risk management Weakness Faliures in th the IT system define some operations wrong manner Poor promotion Newly introdce gurnateed invetment paln will be fail because of it is irrational plan. More customer complins prices and products quality Few brach and ATM Suboptoimization is happening Employee discrimination Poor advertising in relation to market leader. Employee selections very static do not willing to new comers and do recruitment based on the personal contact. Poor strategic implication. Try to do mass scale promotion, it has failed Always try todepend group strenght Poor opertations of mini brach in the supermrkets Opportunities expansion opportunity in further in sri lanka in norht south ( war affected areas) Can be offered more differntiated Service by giving well traning for the staff. Customer driven promotion. Customer feed back system over the phone or by SMS,by mail. Rewarding system for employees Threat High competition in the banking industry. Overriding tax ruels and regulation by bank.may have legal risk for business. New management is do not more concern on the operations Paying high premius to get new business without cinsidering future feasibility. 2.3. Importance of operations management NTB To satisfy the share holders objectives Investors are expecting return by investing money on the banking business. If the bank is not generated sufficient of amount of return on the shareholders will not invest in the bank. Therefore its corporate objectives must design and link with operations. To defense the market share face the competition Another main importance area of the operation management is developing strategy to face the competition. To managing the risk of the business Mainly banks facing the following risk; Credit risk Market risk Asset Liability management risk. Operational Risk When look at all the risk are related with the operation with banking business, if bank the bank stopped their business operations there is no any risk to manage for them. Therefore, managing risk of the banking business should have smooth plan to manage the operations. To fulfill rules and regulation of governed by Central bank of the country To fulfill rules and regulation of governed company act and banking acts Supporting decision making Operational informations are giving support to make the decision making. As example to advertising effectiveness evaluate branded saving accounts can be used no of accounts opened up by customers on daily. To adapt new changes on technological information Technological environment is rapidly changing to adopt those changes ATM came into apply to increase banking operational efficiencies. 2.4. Performance analysis of the operations in relation to organization goals and objective External process changes (customer satisfaction) Personal banking service providing branches New investment plan offered by bank 24 hours banking facility Open mini branch in supermarket location. Online bank account opening systems SMS banking system Door step banking system Billing payment system via their mobile phone Internal process changes (to happy internal customers) new auditing system to analyze the business risk Make contract with the international HR consultancy firm for training development of staff. Policies have been changes when issuing loans Transferring staff between branches to reduce Giving good training for newly recruited employees regarding bank operations. To reduce bottlenecks IT system training was provided. To prevent hacking introduced new system PIN by IT 3. Routine banking operation and related resources, tool and systems in support to improve operation quality. As banks it having so many business process, that can be divided into two External business process Customer focused process Under this process defined that banking service which they provide to the customers. Those service are divided into 3 categories Corporate banking Personal banking Treasury Issue Letter of credit Current , saving and fixed deposit Foreign exchange dealings Shipping other guarantees Credit card Forward exchange booking Import export finance Debit cards Commercial paper SWIFT facility Branded Savings accounts Foreign currency swaps Syndicate loans Certificate of deposit Interest rate swaps Project financing Advice on foreign current market movement Securitization Salary remittance package Structuring , managing and underwriting of initial public offering and private placement of equity Housing loans Company valuation restructuring E exchange money transfer facility Structuring of Corporate debt instruments Holiday banking systems Working capital financing Red carpet banking system Bullion trading Off shore banking facility Leasing Internal business process Internal operation centric process Where mainly internal functions related process can be analyzed Marketing Management Ex. process of introduce of new product This the huge process from the idea generating and to launch to customers is having certain approval to procedure such as; Idea generating new service based products Evaluating feasibility with the market condition Getting approval from the Head of the marketing Head of the marketing and Director of the Marketing, brand manger discussing pros and cons of the product, brand name selection, effect of existing products and competitor response Finalized the approval brand name Registering to launch the product preparing budget and get approval for that brochures designing and making agreement with the ad agency Printing pass books Communicating to customers regarding the product via ad Get feed back from the customer Compare budgeted deposit or account to measure whether branches have achieved budgeted sales. Human resources management Opening new Branch fill the staff requirement Forecasting staff requirement Advertise regarding the vacancy application sorting and short listed candidates Call for the interview 1st interview for them and short listed for second interview Call for the second interview Select the right candidate for the job Giving the appointment letter Familiarizing for the organization via inductions Training for that candidate Permanent those staff Internal auditing system Here try to ensure that bank staff follow the procedure as planned and prescribed the accounts and finance. Here they evaluate Analyze search Fraud and errors Management auditing System auditing (IT) Accuracy of accounting entries Analyze search Ineffective accounting procedures Assets auditing Deposit management Under this category try to manage the deposit level with liquidity and profit. By balancing rules and regulations which are governed by central bank. Channel Development System This is described regarding new branch operation and development of customer service. Managing Assets Liability This also very important business process and functions in the banking operations managing their assets and liabilities. If these two are not balancing each other, the bank balance sheet will show impact on assets and liabilities. It should be managed by well qualified management account or fiancà © disciplined person. Otherwise bigger impacts made on the corporate image as well as destroy the customers relationship and may have position go out of the business. Ultimately it will makes huge impact banking system in the economy. Risk Management System major different risk component those are making bigger impact on the business continuation. According to bank information major risk rating as follows; Risk Areas Component of the risk Credit risk Default risk Security risk Sectoral exposure risk Legal risk Counterparty risk Cross border risk Sovereign risk Market risk and Asset Liability management risk. Interest rate risk Liquidity risk Exchange rate risk Investment risk Group financial risk Share price decline risk Country risk Operational Risk Employee behavioral risk such as omission, fraud, judgmental errors, negligence, etc. Disaster related risk Trained staff turnover risk Insider dealing risk Sensitive information leakage risk Lack of creativity and innovativeness Risk on MIS and IT related risks Planning Budget related risks Shortcoming in the organizational structure Credit rating falling risk Money laundering Risk of technological obsolesces Risk failing business volume and market share Risk is being overtaken and losing the leadership position Overtrading risk and risk of financial disintermediation When look at overall risk, high risk show by operational risk compare to other risk areas. Therefore, to analyze any type of these risks, need to have solid information to mitigate those risks in business operation. Operation management Operations managements are looking after following areas. Those are; Bank or branch opening procedure This is very important part in opening branches and head office. Opening must be done without authorized people. If not that is considered as misused of operational rule on the other hand it taken as illegal act. Therefore those rules regulation must very well. Cash handling process by cashiers Main cashier hand over cash to the counter cashier Get it signed on the log book Cashier log on the computer Carryout the day today operation (saving, withdrawals) Handover cash to main cashier after counting Fill the cash summary by using slip Main cashier reconcile the cash with slip Cash put into the safe box Managing bank electronic data Data management is major important part of business process. Bank decisions are making process based on this process. If there is an error in the data, outcome (information) is will be inaccurate, ultimately, made decision are delivering risk picture. Following the appropriate tool for quality assurance of the data applied by the banks; Describing data that is in the warehouse Specifying what In and out of data is warehouse business events scheduling extract based Documenting and monitoring data synchronization requirements Measuring validity quality of data Data process management and security management system for data building Capacity of the bank To improve productivity of service that providing process by bank need improve existing capacity in terms of ATMs, Branch and staff. Loan Management system The following process is involved in under the loan management; Analyzing suspension of the loan and advance Then made reservation or taking legal action to receiver those loans Managing the Finance of the bank Financial management process overlooking low cost funding sources and mainly following procedure also looking after by fiancà ©e manager Working capital management Corporate tax planning Analyzing Investments Debentures and Share issue Corporate planning Budgeting Bank corporate planning and budgeting strategies are followed by operations, main step that is following certain steps in the corporate, business and operations levels. Analyze the Vision, Mission, Goals and objectives of the bank Carryout position audit (SWOT) and environment analysis (PESTEEL) Generate strategic options Analyze strategic options are generated And Develop functional strategies such as finance, marketing, HR, operation, and IT to achieve corporate objectives. Such as Profitability (Profit before tax) return on capital employed of the bank Growth and Market share of the bank Customer satisfaction and value addition for service Quality of service 3.1. Analyzing and evaluating resources, tools and system to support in the quality operation Bank or any other business resources, tools and system can be divided into 3 categories based on value platform. Those are; Customer capital Structured (organizational) capital Human capital (Human Resources Customer loyalty Corporate brand name and it reputation Business collaboration Intellectual property Patents copy rights Design right Service mark Trade mark Infrastructure assets Management philosophy ,Corporate culture, Management process ,Information systems, Net working systems ,Financial relationship Know how (serving offering process) Education level of employee, Vocational qualification, Work related knowledge, Proactive and reactive abilities, Changeability, Occupational assessment 3.2 Define and implement quality management for bank Quality management defined by American Society for Quality Quality is the totality of features and characteristic of product or service that bear on its ability satisfy stated or implied needs. Banks can focus on their quality the following way. Quality of services or business can be measure by using the following methods; Six dimensional performance matrix Balance Score card systems Generic measurement 3.2.1. Six aspect or dimensional performance matrix Dimension of the performance Type of measures Competitiveness Relative market share Measure of customer base Deposit growth Financial performance Profitability Liquidity Capital structure Market ratios Quality of service Reliability Responsiveness Aesthetic/appearance Comfort Friendliness Courtesy Flexibility Volume flexibility Delivery speed flexibility Specification flexibility Resource utilization Productivity Efficiency Innovation Performance of the innovation process Performance of the individual performance 3.2.2. Balance scorecard (BSC) system BSC is identifying financial and non financial measures to evaluate quality of service. 4 pillars are representing by BSC. Those are; Customer perspectives Satisfaction of the customers Financial perspectives Satisfaction of Share holders Internal business process To satisfy both party what must be offered Learning and growth Improving, developing, changing process and procedures to satisfy all the parties in the organization to improve efficiency of the organizations continuously. 3.2.3. Generic measures system To evaluate service efficiency the following generic measures can be implement Generic Measures Type of measurement Service of Quality Access Easy to find out supermarket Appearance Staff appearance, well groomed Availability products availability Cleanness Gondolas and shelf must free from dust Competence Speed of cashiering Courtesy CSA must polite and respect to customers Responsiveness Response any queries Security personal security 3.3. Implementing quality management system (six sigma model) Improve any process performance either production process or service providing process. This model can be implemented and it has 5 steps. Step Define measures Step Measure Step Analyze Step Improve Step Control 4. Identifying Weakness and opportunities in the process 4.1.Weakness analysis and strategic implication Wrongly define some operations To collect the deposit banking assistant are sending to the outide banking premises, that is very risky because the rob or theft money. Faliures in th the IT system Banking industry one of the key driver is IT systms in those suystmens failutre affect couters, ATM or brnach operation. Therefore IT deparment need to take relavent action to prevent this kind of situations. Poor promotion Newly introdce gurnateed invetment paln will be fail because of it is irrational plan.We the customers are get calcualte benefit of the invesment plan, relizing bank try to make fool the new customerss. Therefore NTB need to evaluate that promotion of investment plan. Few brach and ATM To satisfy customers need exiating ATMs and branch are not adequate. Therefore top management need to increase number of ATMs and mini brach increse the customer service. Suboptoimization is happening Employee discrimination This always happen in the top management and they dont allow come with new ideas and try discriminte those people as headche for the bank. This is not acceptable level of pracite because of new ideas are helping to develp the bank service. That culture must changed by HR department. Poor advertising in relation to market leader Commercial bank is market leader in the banking industry but problem is that NTB is not spend sufficient amount of cost on advertising and they have selected brand ambassder as sport star that is not reflect imporatnce of the bank service. cost of staff training is very high and cust down other cost NTB has made an agreement with interanationl HRM consultancy firm to get trian the satff. But it is very cost. There are experianced firms are availble in locall to get bank staff training at resonable cost. That must be changed. Employee selections very static do not willing to new comers and do recruitment based on the personal contact. Junior and senior level staff recruitment is made via personal contact, that is not good practice, it will leads poor operational perfornances.That is need to be chaged by HR department. Poor strategic implication Competition of the banking inductry is very high and NTB strategies not capable enough to cope the competition. Try to do mass scale promotion, it has failed Promotion that made by using brand ambassader was not successful. Even the NTB advertising fail to highlight their major benefit of the each of bank accounts. That has already capitalized by other players of the industry. Always try todepend group strenght JKH is large conglomarate bunines group, therfore NTB try use the those group of companies money in their accounts as corporate accounts. But it will not be successful strategy, if any buisness will fail that will directly affect o on the bank operations. Poor opertations of mini brach in the supermrkets In the supermarket bank service expecting customers are very high, but mini branch is included 3 staff members they cant manage rush time banking operations. 4.2. Opportunities analysis and strategic implication Expansion opportunity in further in sri lanka in norht east ( war affected areas) There is an opportunity to open up new brach north east. Because of those areas high ended customer is having desire to get good banking service. Therefor NTB could capitalize that chance. Can be offered more differntiated Service by giving well traning for the staff NTB staff always having an attitude as most prestige bank, but they need change that attitude and need do differentiated bank service for the customers. Customer driven promotion. By analyzing most valuable customer, NTB must offer rewarding system such as; Interest excemeptions Gift vouchers Seasonal promotions on the minor accounts, Customer feed back system over the phone or by SMS,by mail. This will help to increase the customer satisfaction efficicny of the bank by merging with new technological development.That will help to increase the number of customers and reduce operational failures. Rewarding system for employees To motivate the employees need to have proper and stimulus arisen rewardign system to increase the sales and productivity 5. Conclusion According to the report and based on practical application of operation management, can be make the following conclusions Importance of the operations management will be increased in future This subject will be more developed and that knowledge need put into practice. Operation manager role of will highly important. HR department must play as supportive department in managing people to implement operational strategy Marketing department is play a bigger role when comes to the sales management or branch level operation. To improve the business performance and quality benchmarking need be practiced by any company. Most effective bench marking practice is industry based bench marking.

The World and Ideas of Karl Marx :: Expository Essays Research Papers

The World and Ideas of Karl Marx The latter part of the nineteenth century was teeming with evolved social and economical ideas. These views of the social structure of urban society came about through the development of ideals taken from past revolutions and the present clash of individuals and organized assemblies. As the Industrial Revolution steamed ahead paving the way for growing commerce, so did the widening gap between the class structure which so predominantly grasped the populace and their rights within the community. The development of a capitalist society was a very favorable goal in the eyes of the bourgeoisie. Using advancing methods of production within a system of free trade, the ruling middle class were strategically able to earn a substantial surplus of funds and maintain their present class of life. Thus, with the advancement of industry and the bourgeoisie's gain of wealth, a counter-action was undoubtably taking place. The resultant was the degradation of the working-class, of the proletarians wh om provided labour to a middle-class only to be exploited in doing so. Exploitation is a quarrel between social groups that has been around since the dawn of mankind itself. The persecution of one class by another has historically allowed the advancement of mankind to continue. These clashes, whether ending with positive or negative results, allow Man to evolve as a species, defining Himself within the social structure of nature. Man's rivalry amongst one another allows for this evolution! through the production of something which is different, not necessarily productive, but differing from the present norm and untried through previous epochs. At this time in history, mankind was moving forward very rapidly, but at the price of the working-class. Wages were given sparsely, and when capital gain improved, the money payed for labour did not reflect this prosperity. This, therefore, accelerated the downfall of the proletarians and progressed towards a justifiable revolt against the oppressive middle class. The conclusion of this revolt was envisioned to be a classless society, one in which its people benefit from and that benefits from its people. The overthrow of capitalism would create a socialist society eventually flourishing into communism. Karl Heinrich Marx (1818 - 1883) was the philosophical analysis who created communism and saw it as an achievable goal. Marx denounced religion and created what were thought to be radical ideas, which resulted in the banishment from his native land of Germany and then France, eventually ending up in England.

whip poor will Essay -- essays research papers

Whip-poor-will explanation The poem, â€Å"Whip-poor-will† by Donald Hall is written beautifully with a sense of nature and family. Throughout this poem, Hall illustrates these natural occurrences, such as the â€Å"sandy ground†, â€Å"the last light of June†, and â€Å"a brown bird in the near—night, soaring over shed and woodshed to far dark fields†. The bird in this instance is a whippoorwill, defined as a nocturnal nightjar of Eastern North America that uses loud, repetitive calls suggestive of its name. The whippoorwill is an imaginary representation of the poets long lost grandfather. The whippoorwill is active at night, when the subject of the poem is asleep, indicating that the memory of his grandfather is not needed at that time. When he hears the call â€Å"Wes-ley-Wells† each morning, he understands...

space probes :: essays research papers

Deep Space Probes 1 Have you ever considered life on other planets, or maybe galaxies that we have never heard of? Thanks to space probes these dreams may become a reality sooner than u think. In the past years there have been many space probes launched and even more discoveries made by them. These probes are helping people to better understand our solar system and everything it. They are also helping to make many new discoveries.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What exactly is a space probe? A space probe is an unmanned space vehicle that is designed to explore our solar system and everything in it by using very high-tech instruments. Some common instruments that you will find on a spacecraft include magnetometers, radiometers, cameras that are sensitive to infrared and ultraviolet light, and tools that can detect micrometers, cosmic rays, solar winds, and gamma rays. Space probes study structures in our solar system for various reasons. They use onboard computers to send data back to Earth. In order for these space probes to actually reach space, they must be launched with enough energy to escape the gravitational pull of the Earth. Space probes are not designed to return back to Earth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the past years, many space probes have been launched for many different reasons. They have visited all of the planets in our solar system besides Pluto. The earliest space probes to be launched in the United States were the Mariner Series. They investigated Mercury, Venus, and Mars. The Mariner II flew within 35,400 km of the surface of Venus. (1) It sent information back to Earth about Venus’s atmosphere, rotation period, and information on its magnetic field. Mariner 10 has been the only space probe to reach Mercury so far. Another space probe, Helios I came within (1)Amazing Spacecraft 2 47 million km of the sun. (1) The Luna II and III space probes landed on the surface of the moon and took the first photos of the far side of the moon in 1959. Another space probe called the Pathfinder was launched on December 4, 1996 and made a successful landing on Mars in July of 1997. Other space probes to reach Mars include the Mars Pathfinder and the Mars Global Surveyor. A few other past space probes include the Voyager II, which is the only space probe to reach Uranus, The Venera VII, which was the first space probe to space probes :: essays research papers Deep Space Probes 1 Have you ever considered life on other planets, or maybe galaxies that we have never heard of? Thanks to space probes these dreams may become a reality sooner than u think. In the past years there have been many space probes launched and even more discoveries made by them. These probes are helping people to better understand our solar system and everything it. They are also helping to make many new discoveries.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What exactly is a space probe? A space probe is an unmanned space vehicle that is designed to explore our solar system and everything in it by using very high-tech instruments. Some common instruments that you will find on a spacecraft include magnetometers, radiometers, cameras that are sensitive to infrared and ultraviolet light, and tools that can detect micrometers, cosmic rays, solar winds, and gamma rays. Space probes study structures in our solar system for various reasons. They use onboard computers to send data back to Earth. In order for these space probes to actually reach space, they must be launched with enough energy to escape the gravitational pull of the Earth. Space probes are not designed to return back to Earth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the past years, many space probes have been launched for many different reasons. They have visited all of the planets in our solar system besides Pluto. The earliest space probes to be launched in the United States were the Mariner Series. They investigated Mercury, Venus, and Mars. The Mariner II flew within 35,400 km of the surface of Venus. (1) It sent information back to Earth about Venus’s atmosphere, rotation period, and information on its magnetic field. Mariner 10 has been the only space probe to reach Mercury so far. Another space probe, Helios I came within (1)Amazing Spacecraft 2 47 million km of the sun. (1) The Luna II and III space probes landed on the surface of the moon and took the first photos of the far side of the moon in 1959. Another space probe called the Pathfinder was launched on December 4, 1996 and made a successful landing on Mars in July of 1997. Other space probes to reach Mars include the Mars Pathfinder and the Mars Global Surveyor. A few other past space probes include the Voyager II, which is the only space probe to reach Uranus, The Venera VII, which was the first space probe to

Events Planning and Management Essay

What is an EventSpecial or spectacular occasions where people gather together for a purpose whether they be to celebrate, educate, promote or commemorate. They are not the usual and ordinary activities that one engages in as part of his daily life Who is an Event PlannerAn event planner is, quite simply someone who organizes events. He is the person behind the scenes who gets the job done and make sure everything is done and done flawlessly to ensure successful staging of the event. He must be well versed and trained on the communication and organization aspects and requirements of the job. Event planners usually get their start doing, supplying or providing services in one or two particular aspect of an special events such as catering, floral arranging, entertaining and talent agents eg before they decide to plan entire events. Or they may also have started planning and coordinating events for companies they were employed with before deciding to go into the business for themselves Since events may vary in size, scope and complexity, it may require an event planner to do any number of different task but all with the end result of achieving a successful event Categories of EventsSocial Events- more on a local level, attendees are usually related and/or know each other on a more personal level. Care and caution must be taken as the event planner may find himself in the storm of a family event , as emotions often run high on these special occasions. Make sure everyone knows their role and exactly what’s expected of them. List of common social events: weddings, reunions, housewarming/blessings/holiday parties and dinners/birthday parties/bar or bat mitzvahs/baby showers/anniversary parties/bridal showers/stag parties, et al. Corporate Events- the term â€Å"corporate† includes not only companies but also charities and nonprofit organizations. Charities and nonprofit organizations host gala fundraisers, receptions and athletic competitions, among other events, to expand their public support base and raise funds. Companies host trade shows, conventions, company outings, holiday parties and meetings for their employees, staff, board members and stock holders. Some types of corporate events: Annual shareholder meetings, board meetings, client appreciation events, company socials (such as holiday parties, intramurals and sports events, company outings), groundbreaking ceremonies, incentive travel, open houses, new product launch, press briefings, staff training, union events/meetings et al Industry Events – Industry events today are sophisticated affairs designed to inform, influence and form consensus on a specific issue or common topic. Industry specific events include: Conventions, association meetings, conferences, industry tradeshows, public exhibitions(bridal fairs, auto shows, home shows), symposiums et al Special Events – The term â€Å"special events† can describe a broad range of affairs which are big, national or local in scope such as major sporting events (palarong pambansa), major public events (EDSA Day celebration), major cultural and religious affairs ( Baguio mayflower festival, dinagyang, ati-atihan, sinulog festival), However special events may also be much smaller, specific and more private in scope. List of special events include the following: Award events, book launching, signing/author reading, CD release parties, charity fund raisers, children’s festival, ethnic celebrations, fashion shows, holiday special events, inauguration ball, music festival, parades, political forums or debates, restaurant openings, sporting event-car races, store grand openings STEPS IN EVENTS PLANNING 1. Client Consultation Whether you have your own event planning business or work full time planning events for one company you will work with clients. As a corporate events planner your internal clients will be other departments (HRD, Marketing, Operations etc). on the other hand if you are doing events planning independently you will be dealing with company representatives or in some cases the company officials themselves. In each case consultation will be of primary importance as these will determine the direction, objective and purpose and vision of the event. At the initial meeting do more listening than talking, pay careful attention to everything the client says, make notes or record the meeting(with clients permission), bring an assistant to make notes for you. When its your turn, ask the client to describe their vision for the event. Then from broad ideas, you will refine the vision as you move through the planning process. Questions such as those below will help the events planner to begin to visualize the event and serve as the foundation for all the work to come. Things to discus with the client: What kind of event do you want What do you hope to accomplish When is the event to be held Who are expected to attend What is the budget At the end of the consultation you should have a clear picture of what your client envisions for their event and be able to form a clear, concise â€Å"mission statement† or objective. Other things to discus: who will be involved in the planning process, who will be the key decision makers, and how information should flow during the planning stage. This is precisely to anticipate and eliminate possible roadblocks as you can before you reach them since as the events planner it is your responsibility to take charge of planning. After the initial meeting and while it is still fresh on the mind of both parties (planner and client) summarize the discussion in writing and send a copy to the client if possible on the same day or soon after. 2. Set Objectives The best and most successful events have a clear purpose or objective. Event planners can avail of the SMART method for setting strategic objectives: Specific- What is the specific result of you event Measurable- Outcome should be measurable accurately Attainable- Given the existing budget and resources and constraint, is the objective attainable Relevant- Do the people involved have the authority, the skill and the resources needed to meet the objective? Is the objective important to the organization or individual? Time- Based- Is there a start and end point to the objective? Setting smart objectives will not only make the planning easier but will help measure the success of the event and create a positive experience for all involved. 3. Choose a Date and a Location At this planning stage, preferred date should be decided upon. Client will often but not always come with a date in mind for the event. If they don’t, it will be your job to help pick a suitable date. But whether you do the setting of the date or not you need to consider the following before choosing the date or accepting the client. Things to consider when choosing a date: Consider your availability Consider other events in the area Consider the season and usual weather in the chosen location Consider your suppliers Consider other related events Consider other holidays Consider your time needs 4. Decide Who to Invite Your client needs to give you an idea of who they want to attend their event before you can begin to formulate a plan to attract the target audience or plan activities. The following data or information are required (depending on the type of event) How many people are to be invited Will spouses or children also attend Demographics of the target audience (eg. Gender, median age, ethnic background, income bracket) Common or shared interest What payback does the client expect Where are the attendees coming from (travel arrangement, customs and traditions) 5. Create Your Theme The most memorable events have a cohesive theme that runs through-out, from initial publicity to printed invitations to decor and right through to the entertainment and final applause. One of the biggest advantages of a strong theme is its usefulness in helping you make decisions throughout the event process. Once a theme has been decided on, print materials such as invitations, banners, place cards, brochures, advertising and websites can be designed. Where to get ideas for a great theme Brainstorm Events Industry Current Events and Trends Adding a Musical Touch 6. Set the Event Agenda After the date, guest list, the theme and setting of the smart objectives , its time to set the agenda for the event. Whether its a simple house blessing or a three day corporate event, its important to layout the entire schedule. Include adequate time for arrival, socializing, speeches, awards/games, food, etc. â€Å"Visualize† the event and run through the entire program from start to finish. Make notes of all you might need such as materials, services, special arrangements, eg. Create a list of vendors and suppliers to contact and task to be done. GETTING ORGANIZED As an event planner, you will need a variety of organizational tools that will help you keep track of all the many details involved in organizing the event and ensuring an orderly and systematic execution of plans aimed towards making the event successful 1. Establish an Event Committee Although it is a given that you will do all the planning and planning of the event yourself, in most cases, you will work with a group of people who are expected to make the event successful Choose a select group of key people to form an Events Committee Assign specific task to each committee member Regular committee meeting Document everything 2. Create a Timeline Schedule Base your timeline on factors such as The size of the event The location The time of year The number of people involved in the planning Develop an outline of specific tasks, deadlines and responsibilities 3. Adding Detail As you start developing your checklist, add as much detail as possible for each item. For example under the â€Å"Assigned tasks for day of event† list the specific task that needs to be assigned such driving to airport pick up, supervising set up, leading briefing sessions with speakers, seating, greeting, supervising set up of luncheon, etc. Once you have develop the checklist, assign target dates to each item, It is a good idea to work backwards from your event date 4. Critical Path ( Assignment of Task) A critical path lists each of the tasks that needs to be accomplished; who is responsible for it and the deadline by which it will be done. It is used as a guide map for the event to assist when delegating responsibilities and show whether you are on track. 5. Budgets Creating a budget is an important ingredient in a successful event. Once you have created a timeline schedule and critical path, you can come up with a list of estimated expenses such as venue rental, food, transportation, accommodations, audio-visual equipment, printed materials and gifts. Get price quotations from your suppliers to find out how much a particular item costs You will also need to include your own fee and corporate clients may want to include any staff time they spend on the event as an expense. When planning a budget, include your potential revenue to offset the cost. For example, is the event a fundraiser? Is it a conference or convention that should aim to cover its own expenses? Attendance fees, sales of related materials, donations, ticket sales and sponsorships can all be good ways to raise revenues. After the event you should compare actual expenses and revenues to your budgeted amounts. This will help you determine if your objectives were met and it may assist in budgeting for future events. PREPARATION TIME FOR VARIOUS EVENTS TIMELINE SCHEDULE EVENT TYPE Recommended Preparation Time Wedding 3-6 months Parties (birthdays/anniversaries/debut) 1-3 months Seminars/Meetings 1-3 months Conference / Convention ~ Domestic ~ International 6months – 1year 1-2years Organized Tours / Field Trips 1-3 months Concerts 6months and above Festivals 6month-1year Exhibitions / Expositions ~ Domestic ~ International 6months-1year 1-2years Sales Bazaar (â€Å"tiange†, night market) 6months Competition / Contests 6months-1year Sport Festivals 6months-1year SAMPLE TIME ALLOCATION (More Than A Year Pre-planning Activity) Activity Period Announcement date & location 52weeks before the event First press date 24-36weeks Publication 24th week Mailing of brochures 14-18th week Mailing of 2nd reminder 14th week Mailing of final reminder 8-12th week Mailing of final program 2-6 weeks Sample Budget Groundbreaking Ceremony Estimated Expenses Groundbreaking Site Tent 1,200. 00 Chairs600. 00 Banner600. 00 Podium Sign150. 00 Lights150. 00 Flowers600. 00 Shovels200. 00 Subtotal 3, 500. 00 Luncheon Expenses Lunch 12,000. 00 Rental of Civic Center 1,500. 00 Floral centerpieces600. 00 Gifts for dignitaries (6plaques) 2,000. 00 Gifts for guests (60 mini shovels) 1,600. 00 Information kit folders 1,500. 00 Printing of Fact Sheet 650. 00 Podium Sign 150. 00 Subtotal20, 000. 00 Other Expenses Services of Event Planner 10,000. 00 Long distance / Phone300. 00 Printing of Invitations 1,200. 00 Courier charges for invitations500. 00 Delivery of boxes to site500. 00 Photographer800. 00 Sound system 1,500. 00 Event Planner’s transportation600. 00 Rental of van/minibus 2,500. 00 News release 1,000. 00 Subtotal18,900 . 00 TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES42, 400. 00 (taxes not included) Event Planning Budget Form EXPENSES Estimated Actual Site Venue or tent rental______________________ Tables and chairs______________________ Meals and beverages ______________________ Tableware rental______________________ Staging______________________ Audiovisual equipment______________________ Decorations______________________ Flowers______________________ Other: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Program Musicians______________________ Speakers______________________ Celebrities______________________ Entertainers______________________ Gifts______________________ Award______________________ Activities (e. g. golf)______________________ Other: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Event Planning Budget Form (continued) EXPENSES Estimated Actual Printing and Promotion Printing invitations______________________ Mailing invitations______________________ Banners and signs ______________________ Printing tickets______________________ Event programs______________________ Name tags______________________ Shipping materials to venue______________________ Advertising______________________ Distribution of news release______________________ Media kits______________________ Long distance telephone______________________ Other: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Personnel Event Planner______________________ Staff salaries and benefits______________________ Registration______________________ Photographer______________________ Bartenders______________________ Security staff______________________ Set-up and tear down______________________ Other: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Event Planning Budget Form (continued) EXPENSES Estimated Actual Travel Airline tickets______________________ Hotel rooms______________________ Ground transportation ______________________ Other: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Other Expenses Registration fees______________________ Ticket sales______________________ Sponsorships______________________ Advertising in event program______________________ Other: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ REVENUE Estimated Actual Registration fees______________________ Ticket sales______________________ Donations______________________ Sponsorships______________________ Advertising in event program ______________________ Other: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ COSTING OF A BIRTHDAY EVENT Profile: No. of Persons: 50 Time: 7pm-12mn (5hours) Site: Function Rooms 3 – Globe Telecom Plaza AT COST 1. Venue a. Function room rate †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 2,300. 00 b. Electricity for 5hours†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 500. 00 c. Parking for ingress and egress†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 100. 00 d. Move-in (refundable)†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 1,500. 00 4,400. 00 2. Decor a. Balloons and Arrangement†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 2,500. 00 (free 50balloons/arched shape/2tower) b. Flowers and Arrangement†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 1, 250. 00 (centerpiece for guests tables & buffet table)3,750. 00 3. Invitations & Giveaways a. Invitations (P25. 00 x 50)†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 1,250. 00 b. Angels (70 pcs at P23. 00 each)†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 1,610. 00 2,860. 00 4. Tables and Chairs a. Rent for 6rounds tables†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 270. 00 (for 8persons at 45. 00 each table) b. Rent of chairs (5. 00 x 50)†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 250. 00 c. Rent of buffet table (100. 00 x 5)†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 500. 00 d. Table Napkin (5. 00 x 50)†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 250. 00 e. Chair cover with ribbon (15. 00 x 50) †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 750. 00 2,020. 00 5. Audio Equipment a. Rental†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 5,000. 00 5,000. 00 6. Food (2 appetizers/ 5 courses / 2desserts/ bottomless drinks-tea/ softdrinks) a. Cost Breakdown 250. 00 rate per person 25. 00 10% service fee 275. 00 x 50 persons†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 13,750. 00 13,750. 00 TOTAL 31,780. 00 YOUR COSTS CHECKLIST TYPE OF COST Details Examples FIXED COST Projection Screens, Video projectors, slide projector/OHP, video players(back-up player), preview monitor, LCD for Power point presentation, laser pointer, lectern monitors Sound Speakers, lectern microphones, tie-microphones, CD player, talkback system, mixer cabling, adaptors, music copyright or creation fees Speaker support Design, image production, print proofs, scriptwriting, speaker training, rehearsals Staging Design lecterns, backdrop, steps, dais, furnishings, graphics, carpeting, seating area, special construction, drop banners, room decorations, floor plan, revised lay-outs. Lighting Design, equipment hire, installation, crew, freight and transportation, rigging and de-rigging costs Crew/Staff Get-in crew, on-site crew, De-rigging crew, transportation per diems (allowance for sustenance) for each member, show caller, script assistant, live video crew, lighting director, sound technician, vision technician Fees and Insurance ‘Procedure’s fee, Project fee, contingency for administration cost, equipment insurance Invitations process Cost of advertising, posters, and follow-up activity, flyers, direct mail costs Function Rooms and Contracts VARIABLE COSTS Banqueting Food and Beverages Accommodation Types of accommodations and, inclusions Travel Types of transportations and inclusions Fees Porterage fees, gratuity fees, parking fees, service charges Decors/Giveaways Flowers, candles, souvenir items Insurance Surety bonds, cash bonds, personal accident insurance, travel insurance CONTIGENCY COSTS Contingency for direct costs Contingency for currency fluctuations Peso-dollar exchange rate TYPE OF COST DESCRIPTION LIKELY PERCENTAGE F I X E D C O S T S Production, staging & outside speakers Invitation process, marketing, design Venue Agency fees Signage Security, car parking set-up Cabaret, entertainment Registration costs Utilities (telephone, faxes, e-mail) We weather back-up 35% Production Costs could be as much as 25% of direct costs V A R I A B L E C O S T S Meals, breaks Beverages Accommodation Travel Delegate print Table/room gifts Porterage, car parking per person Late bar drinks Insurance, purchase tax Gratuity Fees 50% CONTINGENCY 10% to cover all contingencies for direct costs Allowance for currency movements (for abroad) 15% TOTAL BUDGET 100% 6. Crisis and Back Up Planning Disasters and crises can range from relatively small (the guest of honor’s plane is delayed due to bad weather) to huge and seemingly insurmountable, like the heavy rains and flooding that tropical storm Ondoy brought in Sept. 2009 . A good event planner will be able to think on his or her feet for the small stuff, and have a solid crisis plan in place for dealing with the biggies. You can’t possibly expect to plan for every type of crisis, but a little advance planning will go along way to ensure that you can handle whatever comes your way. a. Maintenance Emergencies If your event takes place in hotel or convention facility you should discuss emergency plans with the Director of Sales and Maintenance Engineer. They should provide you with a contact at the site who will take care of any emergency or maintenance issues. If your event is being held in a private hall, find out who in their organization is responsible for facility maintenance and ask for someone to be available during your event. In your contact list, keep numbers of 24-hour locksmiths, plumbers and electricians. b. Medical Emergencies When planning a large outdoor festival or sporting event, it is advisable to have first aid personnel on hand for emergencies. Festival-goers may suffer from heat stroke (or hypothermia in a cold location), minor or major cuts, sunburn or food poisoning. It’s a good idea to include in your rental items a tent that can be used to shelter people fro the sun or cold while receiving treatment for minor injuries. Discuss option and get advice from your local ambulance volunteer force or contracted service providers. Be sure to include the local hospital, emergency line and non-emergency police number in your list of contacts. Organizing the Team for the Event Most events are organized through good team (2 or more persons working together) work. It is important that when tasks are allocated within a team the strengths of its members are put to good use. For example, it is no good asking someone to be the secretary who is has little skills in oral communications. The following are the roles that can be adopted in any event: Coordinator Secretary Treasurer Marketing/Promotion **The Number in the Team and their responsibilities will vary according to the scale of the event. It is important that all team members fully understand what their jobs entail and are aware of all the schedules and deadlines that have been agreed. It is much better to have someone in your team who is reliable rather than a â€Å"prima donna† who promises everything and delivers nothing. Planning Contributions to A Team Event Most events are not the result of one person’s work alone. Events are made through the concerted efforts of a group of people or a team who are working for the same general objective ~ to achieve a successful event. Within this team there will be a number of weakness in their areas of work. These skills, strengths and weaknesses should considered carefully when the various jobs within the team are allocated. Each team member will plan their own contribution to the event to be staged. The following details have to be considered: How one’s role in an event can support another’s and can support the objectives of the event How by adopting certain methods the resources available can be used to their maximum benefit What a person should do when something happens and their role does not go to plan Problems that may occur and how they could be handled effectively to try to reduce their impact on the event How staff and customers can be informed promptly and clearly of any changes which may affect them General guidelines for undertaking a role in an event Roles and Responsibilities of the Team The Coordinator (Chairperson) Overseas the Event Liaising with other members of the team Ensures that deadlines are met Raises any problems that may be occurring and finding solutions Chairs meetings of the event committee Ensures that everyone has a fair share of time to raise issues. Voice opinions etc. at meeting discuss issues Makes sure that the agenda for the meeting is covered Resolves any disagreements in the team regarding issues concerning the event through voting The Administrator Deals with correspondence, letters and other forms of communications Produces minutes of committee meetings Assist other members of the team with administrator The Financial Controller (Treasurer) Overseas all financial transactions Records financial transactions Holds the cheque book Sets-up a secure system using money available Produces income/expenditure accounts with receipts and others clearly documented Designs procedures for the secure holding of income before, during and after the event Ensures that the event meets the budget set The Publicity Officer Promotes the event Organizes promotional materials (ads, leaf- lets, brochures, flyers, etc) according to the scale of the event Liaising with outside agencies (eg. Local newspaper companies, radio/TV stations, etc. ) Organizes press coverage of the event The Facility Officer Finds and organizes the venue Organizes special tools and equipment needed in the event such as lighting fixtures, sound system etc Arranges for security Arranges for parking Arranges toilet facilities and waste disposal **Though each team member has his own set of res- ponsibilities, it is imperative that he communicate effectively with the others so that problems (should they arise) can be highlighted and dealt with as effectively as possible. After the Team has been organized, the following details will now be covered: Reason/s for holding the event Objectives to be attained Your target beneficiaries/market Period to hold the event Identifying the best site to hold the event The cost of the event including budget allocation The selling price of the event (per person/ per total package cost) The financial goal of the event ~ To raise money To make a profit To cover costs of the event A time-scale of how different tasks to be planned and implemented The need for good team effort, sticking to budgets and using resources available to their best advantages Efficient uses of communications between members Effective publicity Contingency plans Strategy for dealing with customers A good working environment friendly, support, etc Feedback to all contributions on the outcome of the event 3 PHASES OF EVENT MANAGEMENT 1. Pre~Event Phase (Preparation of Materials) Organization of the Team Venue/Site Selection Food Requirements Equipments & Tools Preparation of Materials Decors/Artwork Communications & Proposal Promotions Schedule of Activities (Program) Costing and Design 2. Actual Event Phase (Implementation & Administrative Stage) Production of Materials Needed for the Event Promotions Rehearsal/ Final Briefing Decorations Registration The Output Security Participant’s Evaluation 3. Post Event Phase (Disposal Stage) Egress Evaluation Profitability of the Event Building your Budget Defining the budget is the first major challenge an event organizer faces as eh plans the event. An experienced organizer will know whether the budget is sufficient to do the job to the standard expected. Depending on the event you are organizing, compile a checklist of all costs that will be incurred in making the event happen. Classify costs accordingly: Fixed Costs Variable Costs Contingency Budget CO-PRENEURS OF AN EVENT ORGANIZER 1. Hotels and Other lodging Facilities 2. Travel Agents/Consultants 3. Caterers/ Food Establishment 4. Airline Companies and Other modes of Transportation 5. Artist 6. Audio/ Visuals Consultants 7. Other events specialist (wedding planner/meeting Planner/tour planner) 8. Entertainers/Talents 9. Professionals and consultants, EVALUATING THE EVENT Evaluation of any event is concerned with the feedback from the event – not just from those who organized or staffed the event but from anyone who played a part in it. This could include: Staff Organizers Clients/Visitors Volunteers Sponsors Officials And other co-preneurs of the event planner When an event is planned the purpose of the event is clearly defined. It is against this that the event should be evaluated. Evaluation does not just take place at the end of an event. It is an ongoing process which occurs throughout the event. During the planning stage everything to do with the event is monitored and if any problems appear, adjustments have to be made. It is through this process that the event is finally stage and organized to meet the objectives of the event. **The opportunity to review and evaluate the event is important as a learning exercise. If the event is to be stage again in the future it is an invaluable help as the thing that went well can be repeated and those things that were not too successful can be changed next time. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR EVENTS BE PREPARED. As the Scout motto says! Good preparation is the foundation for a good event. If the team as a whole are well prepared this will set the tone for the event. BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR OBJECTIVES. Make sure that the all team fully understand what is to be achieved by the staging of this event. If all team members are will informed, everyone will be working towards the same goal. WORKS AS A TEAM. Any good team builds on the strength of its members and is supportive and helpful to each other. To operate effectively the team should meet on a regular basis and be able to communicate with each other with relative and be able to communicate with each other with relative ease. A good team has a good team leader at its front. This team leader should be a good motivator who can generate enthusiasm and perseverance. REMEMBER CUSTOMER CARE. A smile of welcome costs nothing and will affect the way visitors feel about the event. Remember, even if your stand/ job in the event isn’t very busy do not sir around looking bored and uninterested – this is sure to put potential clients off. Try to be alert, ready for action and enthusiastic at all times. If clients enjoy the event they will come back and tell their friends. BE RECOGNIZABLE. More and more teams in organizations are adopting their own uniforms. These help the visitors as it makes the staff immediately recognizable from the clients. When you stage an event you should consider adopting a uniform for all the staff involved in the event. This does not have to be complicated or expensive . For example, the team may decide to wear black trousers and a white T-shirt. These are items of clothing that most people have in their wardrobes. Plain colored T-shirts are relatively inexpensive to purchase. You may have the name of your event on the front, or local screen printer would do this at a small cost. This creates a good image for the visitors of the event and is something the rest of the team can keep to remind them of the event in the future. KEEP TO SCHEDULES. Reliability, both within the team and within the event itself, sis important. The team should make sure the all deadlines are met if it is at all possible to do so. Punctuality should be important for all team meetings etc. If someone is always late for a meeting it is unsurprising that other team members act on their knowledge and turn up, not at the start time of befo

Managing across border

How does culture affect the process of attribution in communication? Can you relate this to some experiences you have had with your classmates? When the message reaches the receiver, it undergoes a transformation which is influenced by the receiver's culture. What is stereotyping? Give some examples. How might people stereotype you? Stereotyping happen when a person assumes that every member of a society or subculture has the common characteristics. Take I-JK is an example. Vietnamese often do nails Chinese often open restaurant Indian often are doctor Asian often know martial art What is the relationship between language and culture?How is it that people from different countries who speak the same language may still miscommunicate? Language conveys culture, technologies and priorities. Language is inseparable from culture; language cannot be interpreted without an understanding of culture. Within a given language group are many sub-cultures that have their own interpretations of cer tain words or phrases, or who may have their own idioms or regional expressions Give some examples of cultural differences in the interpretation of body language. What is the role of such nonverbal communication in business relationships?Americans look straight at you when communicating, whereas the British keep your attention by looking away. Arabs prefer to touch and stand very close when communicating. Koreans speak more loudly to emphasize a point; Americans speak loudly when they are angry. Improper non-verbal communication can add a significant level of noise to the communication process. The listener may attribute meaning to the noise that might damage the business relationship. Explain the difference between monochronic and polychromic time systems. Use some examples to illustrate the differences and the role of time in intercultural communication.Monochronic time systems have a linear system of time with a past, present and future. People in monochronic systems generally co ncentrate on one thing at a time. Polychronic time systems are a non-linear system of time where people tolerate the simultaneous occurrence of many events. Explain the differences between high- and low-context cultures, giving some examples. What are the differential effects on the communication process? In high- context cultures, the context in which the communication takes place is vital to the communication of the message†the message is implicit.In low-context cultures, the ontext in which the communication takes place is secondary to the communication† the message is explicit. Discuss the role of information systems in a company, how and why they vary from country to country, and the effects of these variations. Communication in organizations varies according to where and now intormation originates and the channels and speed at which information flows internally and externally. One example of how cultures vary is on the importance of the source of information. Some cultures prefer important information to originate only from the top of the hierarchy.