Abstract This paper takes a look at the restaurant industry in Australia and the international food trends for the year 2008. The author looks at how staple foods of Australia such as beef has gone beyond the typical cuts and is now available in more choices such as wagyu cattle. The author also explores how and why top grade Spanish hams are now listed on many entree menus in Australia - clearly an indication of Spanish influence. In addition to analyzing why the consumption of chicken is increasing in Australia more so now than ever, the paper also analyzes the increased interest in Asian cuisine, noting that as Australians become more health conscious, Asian takeaway becomes a more viable option than fast food. All of these influences also result in a new trend of fusion food with which chefs in Australia are experimenting.
From the Paper "The food service industry is traditionally defined as the sale of drinks and food for immediate consumption by the consumer. These can either be consumed on the premises that they were purchased from, or in eating areas that are designated and shared with other food service operators. This industry also includes takeaways transactions that are freshly prepared for immediate consumer consumption. The Australian food service industry is growing."
Tags: food industry, trends influences, international cuisine
Abstract This paper researches the impact that globalization has had upon international business organizational trends and attempts to determine the strategy of management found to be most effective for globalization.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Globalization
Characteristics of the Global Corporation
Sustainable Business Development (Rainey, 2007)
Sustainable Business Management Outcomes
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The really attractive outcome of SBD is the comprehensive perspective that this method of management view of the corporation as well as its business environment. The business environment includes the "direct relationships with suppliers, distributors, customers, partners, employees, and shareholders and direct linkages with stakeholders, competitors, related industries and the natural environment (the eco-systems)." (Rainey, 2007) Sustainable Business Development is stated of Rainey of the nature that may be perceived: "...as a subset of the broader concepts of sustainability and sustainable development as defined by the international community of nations and the United Nations. SBD is a "holistic management construct that includes the entire value system from the origins of the raw materials to production processes and customer applications to end-of-life (EoL) solution." Encompassed is the complete spectrum of existing relationships with "supply networks, customers and stakeholders, and support service providers for providing business solutions and also handling wastes, residuals, and impacts." (Rainey, 2007) Accomplishing this is assured through the management concepts of enterprise management and 'life cycle thinking' (LCT)" which not only serves to build the awareness of the organization but as well builds the strategic management concept to include the mindfulness beyond the companies direct actions only."
Abstract This paper explains why most popular fad diets, particularly Atkins, are based on faulty, unproven theories. It also describes some of the health problems that may accompany such diet programs.
From the Paper "It has been commonly known for ages that the food we eat provides us with energy in the form of calories. We consume these calories in our bodies for our body functions - the amount of calories burnt depending mainly on the nature and duration of physical activity and to a lesser degree, on metabolic differences in individuals due to genetic reasons. If our calorie-intake is greater than our calorie-consumption, we put on weight; if our intake is less than our consumption we lose weight. Low carb diets such as Atkins' purport to circumvent this basic fact of nutrition and attribute the weight loss to factors such as insulin resistance, ketosis, and increased fat burning. On closer scrutiny, however, it becomes apparent that such claims have no scientific basis and the low carb fad diets carry significant health risks."
Abstract This work briefly discusses the effects of fad diets on heart disease. Low-carbohydrate diets or all protein diets, such as the Atkins diet, are addressed, as their recent popularity among dieters is significant. The paper also analyzes diets that remove a great deal of fat from the diet, all carbohydrate diets, and combination protein and carbohydrate diets. The paper focuses on the cardiovascular reaction to these diets.
From the Paper "Within this small body if knowledge there are many conjectures about the lack of long-term results associated with fad diets such as the low-carbohydrate, high protein diets other than by those who profess that they work as a rout that seriously contradicts the view of many health care professionals, including doctors and nutrition specialists. These professionals obviously demonstrate a marked level of disregard for fad diets of any kind as they often do not represent a diet that offers the individual a balanced selection of food. Yet, those with the most the say contradict the all protein diets as the potentially most damaging to the body. "You will lose weight in the first week on these diets, but past that, they lack essential nutrients, and it is an unbalanced way of eating. It lacks fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Eating high-fat and high-cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and tests the kidneys." (Goff 1)"
Abstract The paper reveals that trends in culture are reflected in the public's perception of drugs and their usage. Therefore, the paper stresses that the social and cultural aspects and perceptions of drug usage are an important part of understanding drug trends. The paper discusses the drug trends of the past and notes that today the public is becoming more aware of the dangers of drug abuse. This is evidenced by declining drug usage rates in many sectors of the population. The paper points out, however, that this is countered by the alarming trend of increasing drug usage among very young children and the abuse of painkillers. The paper emphasizes how drug abuse is often unconsciously aided by social norms and trends. The paper concludes with the hope that the recent decline in drug usage is an indication of a new trend of mature awareness of this problem.
From the Paper "Drug usage in America has been an endemic part of the cultural fabric of the society since the early years of its history. Drugs played a part in the social exchange between the early colonists and the indigenous inhabitants and alcohol was also an ever-present element of America's early cultural history. For example, "As early as 1585, members of the first settlement on Roanoke Island achieved some success brewing beer from Indian maize." (Tracy and Acker 3) In the Jacksonian era alcohol was commonly brewed and distilled and was also used for the medicinal purposes. (Tracy and Acker 3) Alcohol is in fact is an important element in understanding the historical trends in relation to other drugs, as it provides an underlying rationale for the social acceptance of drug taking."
Abstract This paper examines how there are numerous trends that can be evaluated that impact organizational behavior. It looks at how these trends can affect the organization's behaviors as whole or at the employee level. In particular, it shows how the behavior within an organization can be affected by the following trends; influence of ethics on decision-making, the impact of technology on work-related stress, and the impact of globalization on business practices. Other trends include the impact of politics and power within organizations and emphasis on teamwork.
From the Paper "Ethical decisions are not just left to the managers of an organization; many organizations offer ethical training classes to help all its employees make ethically sound decisions. According to Bateman, T. & Snell, S. (2004), there are two ethic programs that organization follow, compliance-based and integrity-based programs. Compliance-based programs are organizational mechanisms that are typically designed by and organization's corporate counsel to prevent, detect, and punish legal violations. Integrity-based programs are organizational mechanisms that are designed to instill in its employees a personal responsibility for ethical behavior. It would be in the best interest of an organization to use both programs, as an organization must have a way to detect unethical behavior and know that the majority of its employees have a personal responsibility for ethical behavior."
Tags: ethics, technology, stress, decision-making, politics, power
Abstract Organizations must be willing to adapt or change in response to trends in the marketplace. This paper looks at how these trends include shifting demographics, new technologies, competition and changing social values. The paper also looks at how, in reaction to the external forces, high-performance organizations have emerged. Other trends in organizational behavior such as the influence of ethics on decision-making and the impact of technology on work-related stress are also detailed.
Outline:
Abstract
Organizational Behavior Trends Ethics and Decision-Making
Technology and Stress
Conclusion
From the Paper "Success in any work setting depends on a respect for people and an understanding of human behavior in complex organizational systems (Schermerhorn et al, 2005). Understanding the human behavior is especially important when trying to manage and develop people to make ethical and savvy business decisions on behalf of the organization. Most people will agree ethical behavior is defined as behavior that is morally right and good as opposed to wrong or bad. However, the consensus of what is ethical pertaining to a specific action will often vary from person to person."
Abstract This paper examines the popular American trend and phenomenon of buying on credit. It shows that the age of credit card possession is decreasing while the debts increase. It focuses on the social sub group of students who buy on credit and how they represent a growing trend in America today. Three magazine articles are examined and the dangers of this social trend is discussed in great detail.
From the Paper "However, this familiar sight is one of the many reasons that college students are becoming more and more deeply ensnared in debt. These smiling individuals prey upon students when they are at their most vulnerable. Most of these students have just had to pay hundreds of dollars for a semester's worth of books. Perhaps they are still looking for a part time job to help out with their tuition bill. These students are the perfect candidates to trust an young individual whom does not seem so different from themselves, who promises them a favorable monthly rate in exchange for their signature. Even the added "free gift" makes signing for a credit card one is ill-equipped to pay more like something fun, like getting a birthday party goody bag as one did when one was a child, rather than engaging a serious economic decision that could impact one's future life. In fact, one could say, one is signing away one's economic life into a form of indentured servitude or slavery."
Abstract This paper argues that the seemingly disparate trends in the American construction industry are in fact related by the geography of modern employment. Our booming technology-based economy has focused its growth in urban areas, leading to skyrocketing housing prices and urban sprawl while simultaneously leaving construction employment and nationwide building trends dormant.
From the Paper "In 1982, total construction receipts for single-family homes totaled $5.3 billion. By 1997, receipts had grown to an inflation-adjusted amount of $7.9 billion. This 60% increase is significantly less than the overall growth in construction in the United States in that time period, which almost tripled from $313 billion to $835 billion(US Census Bureau, 1982, 1987, 1997). The causes underlying this startling difference are hard to pin down, but a large part of the blame can probably be ascribed to the significant depression of the late eighties and early nineties. The high interest rates and high inflation figures of the era scared away new home buyers, while government investment in the private sector spurred other aspects of construction (Econedlink, 2000)."
Abstract This is a short paper regarding the association of future trends in hospital financing and the accompanying changes and requirements that would be placed on an in-hospital pharmacy. The paper discusses various trends, such as closing or merging for those in capital poor situations; increased collections, greater use of technology and specializing were trends for those in capital rich situations. The paper examines the necessary pharmaceutical recommendations in response to these changes.
From the Paper "Future trends in hospital financing are either exciting or dismal, depending on what the hospital's current bond rating is ("How are Hospitals," 2004). If it is secure, the future is bright, as that hospital belongs to the group of hospitals considered "the haves." For the haves, money is not an issue and capital is readily available. For the "have nots" operating capital is scarce if it is there at all, the hospital is in jeopardy of closing its doors, and financing options are virtually non-existent ("How are Hospitals Financing, 2004). A reported "47% of hospital CFOs say they can't keep up with the basic need for capital improvements" (How are Hospitals, 2004)."
Abstract This paper discusses the trends in the airline industry and their effects on the airline business. The author explains how rising fuel costs can lead to higher fees for extra baggage weight, elimination of fuel-inefficient planes and possibly reduced job benefits for airline personnel. The paper also analyzes how there will be a rise of irate travelers due to stricter security checks. The author also adds that the reduction of on-flight meals and entertainment to combat rising fuel costs will also add to customer dissatisfaction
From the Paper "Fuel costs can now consume 40 percent or more of airline carriers' revenue on many routes. To cope with heightened fuel costs, airlines have had to reduce their services and increase their fares. Flights to less high-demand cities are being eliminated, and flights are being packed with more passengers, to make up for the increased fuel costs. But ticket prices, although escalating, also remain relatively low compared to the past, because of the presence of competitive online Internet ticket vendors. Many airlines are still operating at a lost. There is a limit to what can be saved through packing more passengers into an aircraft."
Abstract This paper provides an analysis of curriculum trends in America's public and private schools over the next decade and notes that the trend in the past has been to modify the curriculum in an effort to learn and do the right things. The paper includes a summary of the research in the conclusion.
Background and Overview
What Curricular Changes Will We See and Why?
What Will be the Content of the Curriculum in the Next 10 Years
What and Who Will Influence Content?
Who Will be Involved in its Development and Design
What Part will you Play in Curriculum Development in the Next 10 Years
How will These Changes Impact you Personally
From the Paper "In spite of initiatives such as the Eight-Year Study and student-centered learning, public schools in American have remained deeply entrenched in traditional teaching; nevertheless, because the need is so great, renewed efforts to reconceptualize teaching in order to improve learning continue to emerge (Gross, 1997). What subjects should be taught in our schools, by what means, to whom, under what circumstances, and with what objective in mind? According to Reid (1999), these are the fundamental questions of curriculum that continue to be debated by politicians, administrators, educators, and, not least, the public at large; however, just what is curriculum? "It is a multitude of encounters between teachers (practitioners) and students (clients) in circumstances of great individuality, where outcomes are seldom predictable" (Reid, 1999, p. 3). In addition, a curriculum is also, by necessity, an institution. This is possible because both educators and the public alike have a firm conception of curriculum as institution, which includes concepts of "gradedness" (what it means to be a fifth grader), concepts of "subjectness" (what it means to study fifth-grade geography), and so forth (Reid, 1993). "
Abstract This paper examines trends in nursing, which are due, in large part, to the formation and lasting structure of labor unions. The paper reviews the historically dis-empowered positions of nurses, nurse assistants and certified nurse assistants in negotiating with their employees. Then the paper discusses the advent of the nurses union, which the author asserts enabled many nurses to finally gain the power to achieve results through bargaining and negotiating. The paper also provides research regarding nurses' attitudes toward unionization. Research about job satisfaction -- as reflected in the declining rate of nursing shortages -- is also offered.
Outline
Abstract
Changing Trends in Health Care: Nursing
From the Paper "Within the field of nursing in the health care environment, for years there has been an abundance of staffing shortages in this area. This has been due to low pay, long hours, and inequality in the working environment. However, with the powerful idea of a form of a union among nurses this has changed the outlook for this field immensely. CNA's, Nurses assistances, LPN's and Registered nurses have all gone through a number of changes due to the various issues that have taken place through the years. For instance, the view of the Nurse's Unions that shows what the most common reasons are for organized labor to walk off the job and strike are wage related and the employment environment. The shortage of nurses has occurred due to the high demands that have been placed on them for years but for which now they are and have not wanted to put up with any longer. Therefore, this explains why there has been such a trend in the nursing area for years now."
Abstract This paper explains that the objectives of this research study are to compare the U.S. educational system with the European educational system by identifying (1) three major trends in education today and (2) the critical factors relating to education, which are most likely to improve student performance in the future global economy. The author points out that current studies indicated that time and time again European students score better than American students on critical subjects including mathematics and the sciences; however, the extent to which this discrepancy is relevant is debated by numerous researchers, who claim that a liberal arts education as more frequently encouraged and offered in the United States, is more important than a strictly science-based education. The paper proposes a qualitative study, based on the analysis of documentary data, systematic observation of behavior and in-depth small groups interviews using a questionnaire and a population of 20 professors from select universities and of 10 teachers from local high schools.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Significance of Study
Literature Review
European vs. U.S. Education
Curriculum Differences
Trends in Education
Methods
Population
Data Collection
Results
From the Paper "Part of the reason may be European instruction is more vigorous; there are many curriculum differences that should be examined. Students in the United States generally have the option to take classes that are considered rigorous, such as calculus, chemistry and physics to complete high school, whereas European schools generally require at minimum three years of native language, math, foreign language, physics, chemistry and biology. The U.S. system is based on the notion that education should be more flexible, allowing for personal choice and directions, whereas the European system is considered more focused on academic rigor, which is "a consequence of the educational traditions of the Old Continent." "
Tags: science, liberal, groups, questionnaire, population
Abstract This paper examines the implications of key trends and forecasts relating to higher education in the counseling area. It contends that these trends could lead to new approaches or leadership strategies. The paper discusses the increased technology that counselors must learn and explores the human interaction that takes place in the learning process online. The author also expands on the need for counselors to deal with students and teachers and their culture shock related to online learning and teaching.
From the Paper "The following identifies key trends and forecasts relating to higher education in the counseling area. These trends and future projections could become the impetus for new approaches or leadership strategies ..."
