Expenses of an Adventure Recreational Activity Essay Example for Free

Expenses of an Adventure Recreational Activity Essay Abstract Estimates of recreation visitor spending provide inputs to economic analyses and help to identify the economic linkages between the recreational use of forest and its users. Using data collected through survey, this paper determines the type of expenditure of mountain bikers in Putrajaya Challenge Park (PCP). PCP is a recreation area that provides facilities for adventure recreational activities especially mountain biking (MTB). Food, petrol, toll charges and equipment constitute the main expenses for MTB in PCP. The study provides useful information with regards to the characteristics of users, pattern of use and user’s expenditure. It supplies the policymakers with information on the usage pattern that may help in developing the management plan to maintain or improve the quality of facilities provided in PCP. Keywords: adventurous recreation, mountain bike, recreational spending Introduction The Malaysian government encourages sports and recreation through the development of appropriate facilities and has launched many related events, including the adventure recreation. Ewert and Hollenhorst (1997) defined adventure recreation as recreational activities that contain structural components of real or perceived danger and usually involve a natural environment setting in which the outcome is uncertain but influenced by the participant. According to Arnold and Price (1993), adventure recreation activities are essentially non-utilitarian and provide intense, positive, intrinsically enjoyable experiences to participants. Putrajaya Challenge Park (PCP) offers customized facilities for extreme recreation in Malaysia. It was developed by Putrajaya Holdings with the cost of RM38 million and is currently operated by Putrajaya Corporation in collaboration with the Extreme Sports Association Malaysia (ESAM). PCP is well-equipped with facilities for adventure recreational activities particularly Mountain Biking (MTB). It covers an area of about 30.33 hectares and is located in Precint 5, Putrajaya. It has a network of MTB trails that passes through an oil palm and rubber plantation, secondary forests as well as bushes and grassy areas on hilly slopes. The establishment of PCP as an adventure recreation park has an impact on the economy. Estimates on the spending of forest recreation visitors provide the basis in estimating the contributions of forest recreation to local economy (Stynes and White, 2008). MTB contributes to economic growth through all the necessary expenditures to enjoy mountain biking. According to Chin Kriwoken (2003), the popularity of MTB has grown substantially over the last 25 years and continues to grow. Berg, Braun Otgaar (2000) found that sports events have become an important means for the economic development of local community, region or country. The expenses of these visitors support local businesses by bringing profits as well as creating professions for the region and the country (Stynes and White, 2008). Due to this advantage that comes along with MTB, it seems appropriate to develop an estimate of recreational spending by mountain bikers. The objective of this paper is to determine the type of expenditure incurred by the bikers of PCP for MTB activity. The potentials and benefits of studying Mountain Biking in PCP as one of the recreational attraction in Malaysia are also discussed as well as suggestions for the government or forest recreation authority regarding MTB activity. Findings from this study are hoped to provide the government with the information of how much PCP has economically contributed to the state. Figure 1: Location of Putrajaya Challenge Park Source: Putrajaya Corporation (2010) Methodology The data for this research were obtained from a series of on-site surveys conducted in PCP. The surveys took place at the access point of the Bike and Skate Complex in PCP from December 2010 to January 2011. The respondents were randomly selected among mountain bikers in PCP. Respondents were asked about their expenditures for MTB activity in PCP using a structured questionnaire. A total of 150 effective questionnaires were collected. Results and discussion Frequency of Mountain Bikers According to Residence All respondents were asked to specify their residence. The result shows that bikers in PCP came from various locations. Majority of the bikers were from Selangor (98), Kuala Lumpur (20), Singapore (14), Putrajaya (12) while other bikers came from Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang (Table 1). Expenditure of Mountain Bikers MTB expenditure consists of four categories; the cost for food, petrol, toll charges and MTB equipment. MTB equipment includes of bicycle, helmet, biking gloves and shoes, knee pads and elbow pads. It was estimated that the mean expenditure of MTB on food, petrol, toll charges and equipment was RM10.60, RM15.60, RM4.20 and RM1, 862.50 respectively (Table 2). Zero value indicates that there is no expenditure on food. This is because mountain bikers need to consume only a small amount of food which they brought from home for MTB activity. The highest expenditure (RM 1,862.50) was on equipment particularly the bicycle and its accessories. The apparently higher expenditure on MTB equipment compared to others expenses is due to the high initial cost required to involve in MTB activity. The lowest expenditure was on toll charges (RM4.20). It is because the majority of the mountain bikers came from Selangor and need not pay for toll charges. White and Stynes (2008) found that spending for any services and goods are mostly influenced by the type of recreational activity and the distance travelled. Other factors influencing the level of expenditure of mountain bikers include the size of the recreation group which means the number of persons in the group, the time spent at the recreation area, local prices and the opportunity to make expenditure on site. During the study, there was no shop or food stall in PCP. Although the mountain bikers normally come in group, the expenditure on food and/or drinks are low because they usually go to other locations for refreshment after MTB. Conclusion From this study, food, petrol, toll charges and equipment constitute the main expenses of MTB in PCP. Apart from MTB equipment, other expenditure remains low. It is proposed to PCP management to allow and encourage the local community to sell food and/or drink in and around PCP area by providing spaces for food stalls and souvenir shop. By having this, not only will it increase mountain bikers’ spending but at the same time generate economic return to the locals. Nevertheless, the study does not incorporate mountain bikers’ willingness to pay for additional recreational facilities in PCP. In estimating the expenditure for recreational activity and its local economic impacts, there might be difference in value between local and foreign mountain biker. This is due to longer length of stay of foreigner compared to local mountain bikers since they have to travel further from home. Longer stay would increase the expenditure, for instance for extra cost for accommodation and meals. In addition, the majority of the foreign mountain biker in this study came from Singapore. Since higher currency exchange of Singaporean dollars, the foreign mountain bikers have higher spending compared to the local mountain bikers. Hence, it is suggested studies on recreational visitor spending is further investigated in the future. Acknowledgements The authors owe thanks to Muhammad Firdaus Faisal and Muhamad Redzuan Abd Rani for their efforts during the data collection. A special thank also goes to the Manager of PCP Bazly Mohamad Najib, former manager, Mohd Asim Md Ali and the staff of PCP for providing the information and data of Putrajaya Challenge Park. This study was financed by a grant from Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) Project Number 03-01-11 1158RU. All remaining errors and omissions in this paper are solely ours. References Arnold, E., J. Price, L., L. (1993). River magic: Extraordinary experience and the extended service encounter. Journal of Consumer Research, 20 (June), 24-45 Berg, L. van den, Braun, E., Otgaar, A., H., J. (2000). Sports and city marketing in European cities. Rotterdam: Euricur. Brymer, G., E. (2006). Extreme dude! A phenomenological perspective on the extreme sport experience. Unpublished Ph.D thesis. University of Wollongong Chiu L. Kriwoken L. (2003). Managing recreational mountain biking in Wellington Park, Tasmania, Australia. Annals of Leisure Research, 6(4): 339-361 Ewert, A.W., Hollenhorst, S. (1997). Adventure recreation and its implications for wilderness. International Journal of Wilderness, 3(2), 21–26 Stynes, D., J. White, E., M. (2008). National forest visitor spending averages and the influence of trip type and recreation activity. Journal of Forestry, pp. 17- 24

The Glass Ceiling Phenomenon :: Business Management Studies

The Glass Ceiling Phenomenon ‘The Glass Ceiling’ is a barrier to prevent women rising to the highest positions in an organization as a result of informal exclusionary practices (cited in Giddens 2002, pg, 552). These practices include sexual harassment, sexual discrimination and pregnancy discrimination. Explanations for the ‘glass ceiling’ phenomena derive from the stereotype of women into traditional roles. Many men still carry the attitude despite living in this modern day and age that women are not capable of higher managerial roles and that their place rightfully belongs at home along with the house-hold chores. There is also the point that many corporate firms think twice before employing women for the top position, in terms of their level of commitment, for it is inevitable that every woman will want to have a child at some point in their life. However maternity leave is viewed upon as an expense in terms of money and the valuable time that is wasted in order to fill the vacant position. The organisational structure is another barrier that women have to contend with for it is evident that most firms are male dominated and huddle together when it comes to after work social activities, thus leaving the woman to feel as an out cast. An article published in The Guardian 25/09/2002 backs ‘The Glass Ceiling’ phenomena as it shows that women are still not making it to the top of their professions, despite thirty years of equal opportunities policies in the public and voluntary sectors. While there may be some women higher up in management it can be argued that these are just ‘token’ positions so that the corporate management cannot be accused of discrimination. Those few who are successful in making it are then dealt the blow of being paid substantially less

Effectiveness: Communication and Team Members Essay

Aims / details: The primary purpose of the report is for you to work with three other people and undertake a study of an organization – the steps for establishing team performance plans, the development and facilitation of team cohesion, the facilitation of teamwork and, liaising with stakeholders. Reviewing the effectiveness of teams within an organization is imperative so that opportunities for improvements may be identified and investigated. The study necessitates an evaluation of an organization’s policies, procedures, processes and resources – whether they are sufficient, or whether additional arrangements need to be looked into. The study may reveal a need for: more documentation, infrastructural changes and/or employee requirements. During your study of the organisation you must consider the following: how are team members consulted about their roles, responsibilities and accountabilities; how do team members develop performance plans; how are team members supported in achieving performance outcomes; what are the strategies, policies and procedures to ensure team member participation; how is feedback about team member efforts provided; what are the processes for raising and addressing concerns; how are team members encouraged to take responsibility for team activities; how does the contributions of team members serve as a role model; how are communication processes established and maintained; what are the arrangements for communicating information; what are the arrangements for communicating issues and problems; how is corrective action evaluated and taken to resolve those issues and problems. From the information that is gathered, you will also be required to make recommendations for improving the problem areas that you may have identified. It will be crucial for you to liaise and interview the appropriate key personnel for this report. These may be: employees, the chief executive officer, direct superiors, other management representatives, board members,  business or government contacts, funding bodies, union/employee groups and representatives and work teams. Elements / performance criteria: This workplace related report would assess all the topics of the module Ensure Team Effectiveness. The assessment is done holistically. Remarks: This assignment must be presented in a report form and Presented professionally – bound or presented in a file. Include an assignment cover sheet, table of contents, introduction, body, recommendation/conclusion, and in the bibliography use the Chicago style referencing (refer to Summers, J and Smith, B 2004, Communication Skills Handbook. How to succeed in written and oral communication, Wiley, Queensland, Australia, Chapter 2). As a guide, the report should be approximately 10 to 12 pages-this excludes the bibliography / any other attachments. Typed/font size 12 (Times New Roman) or 10 (Arial) Margins to be 2.5 cm all round. Line Spacing – 1  ½ BRIEF REASONS must be given to support the points raised in your report. The project (report) will be marked according to the headings / guidelines as provided in the DAS – the outline of what are to be included. Note that each report may contain different details –as each organization may have different systems, procedures, processes and programs etc. You are expected to be able to aptly apply the concepts to a real life situation. Granted that there will always be a degree of difficulty in assessing all the details of any company, a fair amount of secondary data and ‘common sense’ will be needed in working through this project. The company that you are choosing to ‘study’ must be willing to be interviewed / provide information where necessary. Actual information on the organisation and relevant information of organizations in a similar industry must also be available / able to be obtained. The following headings could be used in your report. You could also choose to have your own ‘headings’ and /or add additional headings / sub- headings as you deem appropriate. The notes following the headings provide some guidance of the kinds of information and analysis that would need to be considered. Group Report Provide an appropriate title (as it relates to the organisation under study) Suggested headings For report – EnSURE TEAM EFFECTIVENESS (name of organisation) 1. Introduction Provide an overview of what this report entails – include aspects of the purpose of your report and what the report entails. You should also briefly include a brief overview of the organisation (for example, its name, type of business etc) 2. Sources of information Outline the various sources of information that you used to gather your information. Such sources could include gathering information from primary sources (e.g. the relevant personnel in the company- personally and via questionnaires) and secondary sources (e.g. company reports, documents). Include copies of your interviews as an appendix in the report. 3. Develop Headings and Sub-headings Clearly describe what is included/considered (keeping in mind the Module Topics, required knowledge and required skills). a) Establish Team Performance Plan Explain the mechanisms that the organization has in place for consulting with team members to establish a common understanding of team purpose, roles, responsibilities and accountabilities in accordance with organizational goals, plans and objectives Briefly outline the steps and procedures that the organization has to develop performance plans to establish expected outcomes, outputs, key performance indicators and goals for work team Describe the steps/procedures that the organization has to support team members in meeting expected performance outcomes b) Develop and Facilitate Team Cohesion Briefly outline / summarize the strategies the organisation has in place to ensure team members have input into planning, decision making and operational aspects of work team Explain the steps that the organisation has in place to develop policies and procedures to ensure team members take responsibility for own work and assist others to undertake required roles and responsibilities Describe the arrangements that the organization has to provide feedback to team members to encourage, value and reward individual and team efforts and contributions Summarize the steps/procedures that the organization has to develop processes to ensure that issues, concerns and problems identified by team members are recognized and addressed Include copies of the organization’s policies, procedures and codes of practice in the appendix of the report. If these are not available, you should note these and make suitable recommendations on how these deficiencies should be addressed. c) Facilitate Teamwork Explain the steps that the organisation has in place to encourage team members and individuals to participate in and to take responsibility for team activities, including communication processes Describe the procedures  that the organization has to support the team in identifying and resolving work performance problems Briefly describe the arrangements that the organisation has to ensure own contribution to work team serves as a role model for others and enhances the organization’s image for all stakeholders d) Liaise with Stakeholders Explain the processes that the organisation has in place to establish and maintain open communication with all stakeholders Describe the steps that the organization has in place to communicate information from line manager/management to the team Outline/summarize the arrangements that the organization has in place to communicate unresolved issues, concerns and problems raised by team members and follow-up with line manager/management and other relevant stakeholders Briefly explain the provisions of the organisation to evaluate and take necessary corrective action regarding unresolved issues, concerns and problems raised by internal or external stakeholders 4. Recommendations & Conclusion Briefly summarize your findings Outline the problem areas that have been identified.  Explain whether the current procedures, processes, activities and resources in the organization are sufficient, or whether additional arrangements might need to be looked into. Indicate what those arrangements are (i.e. more documentation, infrastructural changes and/or employee requirements)

William Herschel the Man Who Discovered Uranus

Sir William Herschel was an accomplished astronomer who not only contributed volumes of work that astronomers use today, but also composed some pretty hip music for his time! He was a true do-it-yourselfer, building more than one telescope during his career. Herschel was fascinated with  double stars. These are stars in close orbits with each other, or that appear close to one another. Along the way, he also observed nebulae and star clusters. He eventually began publishing listings of all the objects he observed. One of Herschels most famous discoveries was the planet Uranus. He was so familiar with the sky that he could easily notice when something seemed out of place. He noticed that there was a dim something that seemed to move slowly across the sky. Many observations later, he determined it ws a planet.  His discovery was the first one of a planet that had been noted since ancient times.   For his work, Herschel was elected to the Royal Society and made Court Astronomer by King George III. That appointment brought him income he could use to continue his work and build new and better telescopes. It was a good gig for a skygazer of any age!   Early Life William Herschel was born on November 15, 1738 in  Germany and brought up as a musician. He began composing symphonies and other works as a student. As a young man, he worked as a church organist in England. Eventually his sister Caroline Herschel joined him. For a time, they lived in a house in Bath, England, which still stands today as a museum of astronomy.   Herschel met up with another musician who was also a math professor in Cambridge and astronomer. That sparked his curiosity about astronomy, which led to his first telescope. His observations of double stars led to studies of multiple star systems, including the motions and separations of the stars in such groupings. He catalogued his discoveries and continued to search the skies from his home in Bath. Ultimately he ended up re-observing many of his discoveries again to check their relative positions. In Over time, he managed to find more than 800 new objects in addition to observing already-known objects, all using a telescope he built. Ultimately, he published three major listings of astronomy objects:  Catalogue of One Thousand New Nebulae and Clusters of Stars  in 1786,  Catalogue of a Second Thousand New Nebulae and Clusters of Stars in 1789, and  Catalogue of 500 new Nebulae, Nebulous Stars, and Clusters of Stars  in 1802. His listings, which his sister also worked on with him, eventually became the basis for the New General Catalog (NGC) that astronomers still use today. Finding Uranus Herschels discovery of  the planet Uranus  was almost entirely a matter of luck. In 1781, as he was continuing his search for double stars, he noticed that one tiny point of light had moved. He also noticed that it wasnt quite star-like, but more disk-shaped. Today, we know that a disk-shaped point of light in the sky is almost certainly a planet. Herschel observed it a number of times to make sure of his finding. Orbital calculations pointed to the existence of an eighth planet, which Herschel named after King George the III (his patron).   It became known as the Georgian Star for a time. In France, it was called Herschel. Eventually the name Uranus was proposed, and thats what we have today.   Caroline Herschel: Williams Observing Partner Williams sister Caroline came to live with him after the death of their father in 1772, and he immediately had her join him in his astronomy pursuits. She worked with him to build telescopes, and eventually began doing her own observing. She discovered eight comets, as well as the galaxy M110, which is a smaller companion to the Andromeda Galaxy, and a number of nebulae. Eventually, her work caught the attention of the Royal Astronomical Society and she was honored by that group in 1828. After Herschels death in 1822, she continued to do her astronomical observations and expand his catalogues. In 1828, she was also given an award by the Royal Astronomical Society. Their  legacy of astronomy was carried on by Williams son, John Herschel.   Herschels Museum Legacy Herschel Museum of Astronomy in Bath, England, where he  lived part of his life, remains dedicated to preserving the memory of the work done by William and Caroline Herschel. It features his discoveries, including Mimas and Enceladus (circling Saturn), and two moons of Uranus: Titania and Oberon. The museum is open to visitors and tours.   There is a renaissance of interest in William Herschels music, and a recording of his most popular works is available. His astronomy legacy lives on in the catalogs that record his years of observations.