Students with Language Problems

Abstract Language disorders that are often referred to as speech disorders interfere with an individual’s ability to speak. Quite often, the conditions are more prevalent to males than females. In addition, there are numerous disorders and each has its own distinct symptoms. The most notable symptoms include prolongation, repetition and blockage of sounds or words. It is evident that language disorders such as stuttering affect communication, a factor that is likely to affect academic performance among students.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Students with Language Problems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This paper explores the strategies, augmentative and associative technology devices that can be used to help students in language development and learning. Moreover, it will highlight on communication skills that can be used to teach and help such students during the process of learning so that they match with normal learners. Introduction According to Reed (2011), language disorder is a deficit that inhibits effective passage of communication and language use. Research has shown that language disorder often affects the speech pattern of an individual. There are numerous types of language disorder among students. Moreover, language disorders are often caused by numerous factors such as loss of hearing, neurological impairments or damage of certain parts of the brain that are involved with language development (Chiat, Law Marshall, 2008). There are distinct symptoms that students with language disorders exhibit. For instance, students who have stuttering disorder have difficulties in speaking fluently. It is against this backdrop that this paper intends to outline the strategies that are used to help students with language problems and also augment the assistive technological devices that can be used to foster language development (Vinson, 2011). Moreover, this paper will also explore the communications skills which a teacher should use to help such students. Strategies to use while working with students with language problems Whitaker (2009) argues that language problems among students can be grouped into several categories that are related to communication. For instance, there are problems associated with hearing, speech, language development and fluency. However, the most common disorder is the speech impairment that involves articulation and voice. In this case, articulation involves numerous aspects of speech such as sounds, phonology and syllables. In line with this, there are considerable aspects attached to the voice such as quality, pitch, fluency and intensity (Chiat, Law Marshall, 2008). It is notable that stuttering is a disorder that falls in the category of speech impairment. In this case, the disorder results into interruption of the fluency in speech. It is important to note that majority of the students who suffer from the disorder get affected right from childhood. In most cases, students who develop such a disorder in their childhood stage may experience the condition persisting to adulthood. This impairment inhibits communication by causing lack of proper fluency when communicating (Reed, 2011). It is characterized by repetition of sounds and extension of speech sound that occur unintentionally. In most cases, students with stuttering disorder often pause in their speech since they are unable to produce specific sounds at some point while communicating with other people (Fletcher Miller, 2005).Advertising Looking for research paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is imperative to note that communication is crucial and acts as a gateway to gaining educational experience among students. In this case, a teacher should understand and identify eligible students who have language problems (Vinson, 2011). As a matter of fact, a teacher sho uld be in a position to come up with appropriate strategies that can be used to help students with such difficulties to learn. These strategies involve applicable support and services that can be provided to students in order to foster proper language development or even cope with the impairment (Whitaker, 2009). However, it is worth noting that the level and type of speech disorders vary from one student to the other. This implies that strategies to be used will be determined by the type of language disorder (Reed, 2011). In this case, it is imperative that the teacher should have a diagnostic criterion that will enable him/her to identify a particular disorder in a student. This is important since certain language disorders might become empirically validated in students especially if there are no other factors that are likely to affect their language development (Reed, 2011). In this case, teachers should take time to discern language disorders that are inconsequential among stude nts yet they are likely to affect learning. Whitaker (2009) comprehends that a teacher should have a referral checklist when he notes the type of disorder, behavior associated with it and how often the problem becomes noticeable. Moreover, in a referral checklist, the teacher records the student’s reactions, peer reactions and even the referral reactions. Consequently, after a careful assessment and screening, the teacher should be capable to identify intervention measures that will be relevant to the student’s problem (Fletcher Miller, 2005). Intervention measures are one of the crucial strategies that help a teacher to work effectively with students who have language disorders (Rhea, 2007). Notably, these measures are arrived at after a professional consensus is made in regard to the existing problem. It is imperative to mention that intervention measures are mutually inclusive in the sense that both the school administration, teachers and the student must come toge ther in order to provide a remedy for the problem (Chiat, Law Marshall, 2008). As a teacher, one should make the student recognize and accept that he or she has a communication disorder and confirm that the situation can be improved. Moreover, the teacher should take a major role in helping a student to modify behaviors that are associated with the disorder. At this juncture, it is imperative to mention that most of language disorders require behavioral intervention rather than pharmacological measures (Reed, 2011). A teacher should formulate intervention objectives that will act as a guide in the process of helping a student to learn and develop language effectively. Intervention objectives should be detailed and include strategies that a teacher will use to help a student to learn and manage existing behavior. That’s notwithstanding, a teacher need to identify skills and techniques that to be used in order to improve communicative performance of a student.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Students with Language Problems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moreover, such skills and techniques should foster the student’s ability on language use (Fletcher Miller, 2005). Succinctly, a teacher should opt to use techniques and skills that will eventually boost the student’s meta-cognitive, meta-pragmatic and meta-linguistic abilities. Besides this, self-regulated strategies are crucial in helping learners to improve their language skills. In this case, students with language problems should also take the initiative to identify their weaknesses in language such as difficulties in pronouncing certain sounds or words (Fletcher Miller, 2005). Students with language disorders should also have personal goals meant to boost functional communication skills. Research has shown that self-regulated strategies should conform to the day-to-day demands of learning, communication and language skill enhancement (Argye, 2002). There are cognitive strategies which a student can apply to improve his language use abilities. However, teachers should work along with learners in order to make this strategy effective. In cognitive strategies, teachers should encourage learners to exercise bottom-up strategy that involves repeating words that a student has difficulties in pronouncing (Rhea, 2007). In this case, a teacher needs to ensure that a student understand and pronounce words in selected texts until he is able to do it without problems. This strategy calls for authentic practice that is continuous and reinforcing (Whitaker, 2009). This gives a student an opportunity to learn how to chunk words, pause and intonation of particular speech pattern. Cognitive strategy is important and effective for students who stutter. However, through reinforces practice, students eventually acquire skills that enable them to improve their communication ability. In this case, they are able to consistently monitor their speech fluency, pitch and the physical tension when communicating (Chiat, Law Marshall, 2008). Speech pathologists recommend that students with stuttering disorder should begin with slow rate speech exercise. This involves reading, pronouncing and constructing short phrases and sentences. Eventually, students develop a natural rate of smooth speech and the speed improves with time. Speech pathologists highly discourage punishment and permissive speaking environments since they are likely to discourage students to learn language skills. There are social strategies that can be used to help students with language problems to learn. Chiat, Law and Marshall (2008) assert that language learning and development should not be considered as an individual activity. Instead, it should be considered as a social activity where individuals with mixed abilities interact and mentor each other. In a learning environment, students and teachers should interact, share ideas and help each other. In most cases, students develop and learn language from clarifications made by the teacher (Fletcher Miller, 2005).Advertising Looking for research paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Students who stutter are often forced to repeat certain words and sentences for verification. This provides a room for correction by the teacher. Needless to say, there are students who use aberrant behavior as a means of communication and thus a teacher should interact with them to understand them (Reed, 2011). Ideally, speech pathologists recommend schools to seek for therapeutic intervention in order to assist students with acute speech disorders such as stuttering. At this point, speech therapy calls for integrative strategies where the teachers need to consult the parents of the students. This approach emphasizes that teachers should accommodate students with language disorder and as well look for ways in which they can help them to learn (Chiat, Law Marshall, 2008). To a larger extent, this has to do with how teachers administer instructions to students with communication disorders. Instructions given in classroom should match with the pace in which a student is able to learn . Therefore, once a teacher identifies that a student has a speech disorder, he should modify the instruction environment such that the learner is not left out or feels neglected (Reed, 2011). In addition, it is highly advisable for teachers to work closely with parents or guardians of learners with speech problems so that the best learning techniques can be devised for them. This implies that a collective approach will help to reinforce what the student learns in class and at home. It is advisable to seek help and support from experts and service providers who have more experience in dealing with students with speech impairments (Whitaker, 2009). These include vocational instructors, counselors and speech pathologist. To a larger extent, such specialists will help to achieve developmental goals meant to help students improve language skills. Augmentative and assistive technology devices for language development Augmentative communication devices act an alternative for students with language impairments. In this case, students use receptive language that helps them to overcome difficulties resulting from any form of speech disorder (Fletcher Miller, 2005). Often, this form of communication is used by students with language developmental delays, autism and poor oral expression. Such form of communication can be accomplished by use of assistive technology devices. It is important to highlight that augmentative communication involves use of signs, symbols and signals other than speech. It is also worth mentioning that speech can be classified in terms symbols that is aided and that which is not aided. Aided symbols require external devices in order to communicate effectively as opposed to non-aided symbols (Chiat, Law Marshall, 2008). External devices can be classified as high-tech and low-tech. Therefore, there are numerous types of assistive devices that can be used to assist students with language development problems. Nevertheless, such devices depend on sp ecific needs of a student. This is due to the fact that there are student with simple problems whereas there are those with complex language dysfunctions. Therefore, it is important to analyze the strengths and needs of a student before making a selection on the devices to use. Factors considered include the student’s sensory-motor integration, interests, cognitive functioning, fine motor skills and the level of receptive communication (Reed, 2011). Examples of non-aided technology include use of signposts, gestures and facial expressions. On the other hand, aided technological devices include use of real objects, Braille’s, animated pictures and miniature objects (Whitaker, 2009). Notably, all the aided tools can be used together with low-tech devices to facilitate communication and learning among students. Moreover, unaided system of communication require that both communication party to be present and in same location (Whitaker, 2009). Examples of low-tech devices i nclude communication boards, eye gaze boards, clock scans and communication binders (Reed, 2011). There are students who are non-language impaired and thus can use talking switch that will enable them to participate in leading especially during group study. On the other hand, high-tech devices are usually computerized to enhance speech development. Research has shown that such devices provide students with a broad range of communication possibilities though this is not always the case (Fletcher Miller, 2005). For instance, digitalized communication tools aids one to synthesize and tape-record speech. It is apparent that Assistive technology devices compensates for the impairments that a student might have in his expressive abilities. Whitaker (2009) complement that these devices are crucial in the fact that they help to maintain a natural and functional level of communication. Nonetheless, it is important to point out that each assistive technology has its own strength and weakness es. For instance, researchers argue that Electronic fluency devices often alter the auditory input. Additionally, it also provides modified auditory feedback between communicating parties and this can result into mixed results and eventually lead to undesired outcome (Rice Warren, 2004). Communication skills used to teach learners diagnosed with language problems In most cases, there are needs that a teacher can handle individually until the student’s language skills become fully functional (Vinson, 2011). Therefore, there is need to use multiple communication approaches that will be geared towards developing an emblematic communicative interface. Communication skills should be geared to improve the student’s cognitive ability to interpret and understand instructions (Chiat, Law Marshall, 2008). Notably, there are numerous aspects of effective communication skills such as listening, speaking and observation. Communication is a process and thus has abstract and concre te systems in it. It is evident that communication is multi-modal and it is a complex process (Reed, 2011). In this case, for a teacher to be able to teach students with language problem effectively there are numerous tools he has to use in classroom situations. Hence, teachers should use facial expressions, gestures, vocalizations, speech and objects (Rice Warren, 2004). Observation skills are crucial for a teacher since he is able to identify and discerns student’s needs, interests and altitude in the learning process (Hulme Snowling, 2009). Therefore, successful communication depends on the skills of both the teacher and the students. It is therefore important for a teacher to modify his communication skills to ensure that students understand and give appropriate feedback (Reed, 2011). Additionally, use of listening skills allows learners to develop proficiency on language use. In this case, the student and the teacher should keenly listen to each other as they interact repetitively. This gives the teacher an opportunity to note and analyze the weakness of a student and thus he is able to select appropriate intervention measures to help the student (Fletcher Miller, 2005). Appropriate communication skills motivate learners to learn especially when the teacher is able to understand and respond to the needs on a student in classroom. In this case, appropriate choice of vocabularies is important and it should reflect or match with the student’s mental age (Reed, 2011). Eventually, students with language disorder such as stuttering develop communication interaction skills such as turn-taking, attention and communication styles geared towards helping a learner who has serious language problem.. Conclusion To recap it all, it is vital to reiterate that language disorder is a deficit that inhibits proper communication. Language disorders can be associated with issues that affect speech fluency, pronunciation, and prolonged sound. Notably, language disorders range from simple to complex and their severity varies in degrees from one individual to another. Examples of distinguished disorders include stuttering, speech apraxia and dysarthria. There are strategies that can be used to help students with language problems to cope with associative problems. These strategies include referrals, screening, cognitive, social and integrated approaches. All these strategies can be termed to as intervention measures. Moreover, there are augmentative and assistive technology devices that can be used to help students with language problems. For instance, it may include use of aided and non-aided tools of communication to foster language development. Technology devices used can be classified as low-tech and high-tech devices. However, the selection of assistive devices for students depends on their strengths and needs. Communication skills play a crucial role in helping learners to develop language skills. Ideally, there is an ongoing researc h to device better ways of helping learners with language problems. References Argye, E. (2002). The Handbook of Adult Language Disorders: Integrating Cognitive Neuropsychology, Neurology, and Rehabilitation. New York; Psychology Press. Chiat, S., Law, J, Marshall, J. (2008).Language Disorders in Children and Adults: Psycholinguistic Approaches to Therapy. London: John Willey Sons. Fletcher, P. Miller, F. (2005). Developmental Theory and Language Disorders. Philadelphia: John Benjamin Publishing, Inc. Hulme, C. Snowling, J. (2009). Developmental Disorders of Language Learning and Cognition. New York: John Wiley Sons Reed, V. (2011). An Introduction to Children with Language Disorders. Boston: Allyn Bacon, Inc. Rhea, P. (2007). Language Disorders from Infancy Through Adolescence: Assessment Intervention. Amsterdam: Elsevier Health Sciences. Rice, M Warren, F. (2004). Developmental Language Disorders: From Phenotypes to Etiologies. New York: Routledge. Vinson, P. (2011).Presch ool and School-Age Language Disorders. New York: Cengage Learning, Inc. Whitaker ,H. (2009). Concise Encyclopedia of Brain and Language. Amsterdam: Elsevier, Inc. This research paper on Students with Language Problems was written and submitted by user Brylee Franklin to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Essays on Patriotism

Essays on Patriotism Essays on Patriotism Writing essay on any of the listed below critical essay topics, you should evaluate the subject critically: advantages and disadvantages, what do the people think about the essay subject and what is your opinion. Writing critical essay state whether you agree or disagree and why. State your position in the introduction, support it in body and restate the final point in conclusion. Essays on patriotism are especially interesting to write as they must reflect your own opinion about patriotism, either general or specific. At the end of this article, you will find sample essay on patriotism: Controversial essay topics: Adoption, Biological Weapons, Racism, Abortion Rights, Steroids, Juvenile Offenders, Terrorism, Mental Health, Teenage Pregnancy, Gun Control, Rape, Animal Rights, Gangs, Middle East, Prisons, Domestic Violence, professional essay on Poverty, National Security, Homosexuality, Capital Punishment, Medical Ethics, Immigration, Cloning, Environment, Stem Cells, Political Corruption, Nutrition, Euthanasia, Eating Disorders, Genetic Engineering, Human Rights, Health Care, Crime Victims, Population, Animal Experimentation, Endangered Species, Welfare, Nuclear Weapons, Suicide, Alcohol, Global Warming, Homelessness, Smoking. Argumentative essay topics: Academic Dishonesty, Euthanasia, best Global Warming essay, Homeland Security, Poverty, Transportation, Working Women, AIDS/HIV, Genocide, Global Resources, Feminism, Teen Pregnancy, Water Resources, Media Violence, Medical Ethics, Vaccinations, Abused Women, Homeless in America, Government Fraud and Waste, Family Violence, Academic Freedom, National Tobacco Settlement, Foreign Policy, Age Discrimination, Tobacco Industry, Violent Video Games, Voluntary, National Testing, Welfare Reform, Iraq, Airline Safety. Writing Essays on Patriotism The below sample essay on patriotism is offered to give you idea of writing on similar college English topic. The essay sample provided can be used as the model writing, no referencing is needed. This essay was posted here with the permission of our client. Otherwise, we do not post or resell delivered papers to protect our clients. If you need help with essays on patriotism, do not hesitate to contact us. We are working 24/7 to provide you with timely response. The most urgent papers are written without delays! ...Finally, Stalin's patriotism too was not informed by nostalgia but was part of his general interpretation of society as an efficient productive organism. The point is that, in his opinion, under the present level of development of the productive forces an integrated world economy was impossible to realize. To attempt it nevertheless could only result in chaos and stagnation. Under the existing technological conditions, the national state and the multinational federation remained the only frameworks in which production could be organized in a viable way. The final integration of humankind into one immense productive organism was a matter of the faraway future. In the present world economy, patriotism was the only realistic option.... Popular posts: Business Ethics Paper Term How to Write a 10-Page Term Paper Education Term Paper Communism Paper Philosophy Term College Term Paper

I do not know yet Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 14000 words

I do not know yet - Dissertation Example For instance, the qualitative research approach has been used to investigate the impact of the Chinese exchange rate policy on South East Asian Economies, as this requires a qualitative evaluation of the policy being followed by the Chinese government over the years. On the other hand, the quantitative research approach has been considered as justified in the evaluation of factors which influence the changes in the exchange rate of the Chinese Yuan and the US Dollar. The study has revealed that there has been a significant impact of the Chinese exchange rate policies on the ASEAN members’ preference for the Chinese Yuan as a currency for international settlements. In addition, the study has concluded that the exchange rate for Chinese Yuan against the US Dollar has been influenced by money supply in China, difference in real interest rate for China and the US and growth in inflation rates for China and the US. Acknowledgements I take this opportunity to acknowledge the help an d assistance of my supervisor, teachers and friends, who offered me unconditional support throughout the conduct of this study. Contents Abstract 2 Acknowledgements 3 Contents 4 List of Tables 7 List of Figures 8 Chapter 1 - Introduction 10 1.1.Background to the Context 10 1.2.Research Aim 11 1.3.Research Objectives 11 1.4.Research Questions 11 1.5.Importance of the Study 12 1.6.Ambit of the Study 12 1.7.Structure of the Research Report 12 Chapter 2 - Literature Review 15 2.1.Introduction 15 2.2.Chinese Exchange Rate Policy 15 2.3.Initiatives taken by United States to Influence the Chinese Exchange Rate Regime 21 2.4.The Relationship between Exchange Rate and Macroeconomic Variables 24 2.5.Chapter Summary 27 Chapter 3 - Research Methodology 28 3.1.Introduction 28 3.2.Research Approach 28 3.3.Data Collection and Information Sources 29 3.4.Data Analysis 30 3.4.1.Econometric Model 30 3.4.2.Descriptive and Graphical Illustration of Variables 31 3.5.Limitation of the Methodology Adopted 31 3.6.Ethical Issues and their Resolution 31 3.7.Chapter Summary 32 Chapter 4 - Influence of Chinese Exchange Rate Policy on South East Asian Economies 33 4.1.Introduction 33 4.2.Internationalization of Chinese RMB 33 4.3.Trade, Economic and Financial Integration between China and the Member of ASEAN 34 4.4.Chapter Summary 38 Chapter 5 - Factors Affecting Changes in Exchange Rate between the Chinese Yuan and the US Dollar 39 5.1.Introduction 39 5.2.Descriptive Analysis of Selected Variables 39 5.3.Relationship between Exchange Rate and Macroeconomic Variables - Findings from Regression Analysis 45 5.4.Chapter Summary 52 Chapter 6 - Conclusion and Recommendations 54 6.1.Test for the Validity of Research Hypotheses 54 6.2.Recommendations for Future Researchers 54 Bibliography 56 Appendix 62 List of Tables Table 1: Top 10 Import Origins for ASEAN (2010 - 2011) 34 Table 2: Top 10 Export Origins for ASEAN (2010 - 2011) 35 Table 3: Swap Agreements between China and Neighboring Countries 36 Table 4: Correlation Results between GDP Growth Rates of China and US (1980 – 2012) 41 Table 5: Regression Model Summary 45 Table 6: Values of Coefficients, Standard Errors and Significance Levels 46 List of Figures Figure 1: Chinese Yuan Settlements of Cross-Border Trade 37 Figure 2: Comparison of Exchange

Plato and Solomon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Plato and Solomon - Essay Example In contrast, Solomon is of the view that that love is rather a convergence of various desires i.e. sexual, ethical or other practical emotions which makes love a matter of rational choice based on human`s subjective understanding of phenomena. Thus, it is clear that on one hand where Plato treats love as a philosophical entity, on the other hand Solomon takes love as reciprocity of emotions based on one`s past experiences. To further elaborate, it is crucial to discuss in detail separately how Plato and Solomon perceived the concept of love. In one of his speeches, Plato clearly reinstated the idea that seeking love is parallel to seeking wisdom. In other words, there is no wisdom in suppressing one`s sexual desires or other similar emotions, rather wisdom lies in training and refining these desires to acquire higher levels of wisdom (Plato 84-85). One of the speeches where Plato presented his idea of love was at a symposium which was central to the social life of Athens, during a discussion on the concept of love. During the speech, the central argument of Plato was to prove that love surrounds the concept of philosophy always, and can`t be understood otherwise. More so, he treats philosophy as the highest of the expressions that love may acquire and further prompts that this philosophy drives us in our everyday affairs (Santas 33). This could further be augmented by the fact that humans develop a se nse of attraction and appeal to beautiful people or aesthetic music as a direct appeal for ‘beauty’ and philosophy is what directs one to desire what is considered to be beautiful. This concept can be related to Aristophanian view of love, alongside Socratian analysis of the conception of love. Aristophanes understands love as one of the forms of some myth. He presents his myth as the genesis of human race, where they had four legs and four arms, also two heads where a few were males and other were females, and yet a few hermaphrodites. Thus, we were

How can public transport systems be improved in the uk Essay

How can public transport systems be improved in the uk - Essay Example The UK toad transport system, for example, is faced by endless traffic jams and expensive parking spots (Paulley et al 2006). This has called for improvement of the UK transportation system. More than other areas, the public transportation system needs improvement in order to serve members of the public better. A good public transportation system is vital in building a good society, in addition to creating a strong economy. A good public transportation system for the UK should be fair for all users and be properly integrated to ensure the effective flow of door-to-door transport services. To achieve this, public transport stakeholders should work together with local authorities and transport operators to improve rail and public road transport (Paulley et al 2006). There should also be improved access to public transportation system through good cycle paths, roads, and sidewalks for pedestrians. Furthermore, the transport systems, especially roads should have traffic signs which go a long way in easing traffic flow, reducing accidents, and providing direction to members of the public. A good public transport will ensure that people do not use their personal cars every time they travel, which is important in reducing congestion on the roads (Litman et al 2008). Reduced use of personal cars will also help in reducing carbon emission and consequently contribute toward the achievement of a cleaner environment. Currently, trains are found far away from many people’s places of residence and are often congested (Wiltshire Council 2011). The current train and bus services cannot compete with personal cars in terms of cost, comfort, and convenience. Furthermore, many bus and train operators are offer low quality services, are expensive, and charge varying fares. Public transport services can be improved through the implementation of traffic management systems (Wiltshire Council 2011). This will help free buses from

Financial Analysis Report Hyatt Finance Essay

Financial Analysis Report Hyatt Finance Essay This report is prepared to analyse the financial statements for Hyatt Hotel Corp. I have analysed three years Balance Sheet and Income Statement for the year 2009 to 2011. An introduction has been provided with the key data of Hyatt, its geographic spread, market, brands, strategy and a brief history is covered. Income Statement Analysis is performed followed by various financial ratios, profitability ratio, solvency ratio, liquidity ration and activity ratios has been calculated and compared for the years 2009 to 2011. A discussion on how well the Hyatt has performed with in the industry has been provided. Its performance is benchmarked with two other industry leaders, Accor Hotels and Marriott Hotels. Some of the issues identified are discussed in conclusion. All the findings are supported with data available from the financial statements. Balance sheet analysis is done and various ratios have been discussed in details. Hyatts performance is evaluated for the year 2009, 2010 and 2011. At the end a conclusion is made followed by some recommendations to buy, sell or hold on the investment is provided. HYATT was established in 1957 by Mr. Jay Pritzker, after acquiring Hyatt House Motel located near Los Angeles International Airport. Hyatt became a public company sector company in 1962 as both Pritzker brothers Jay Donald expanded the family business into North American Management Hotel ownership country. Hyatt became the global hospitality leader after its Launching of innovatively designed Hyatt Regency Atlanta in 1967. Hyatt is now named as Hyatt Hotels Corporation after Hyatt International Hyatt Corporation was conjoined in to one company and operating for Pritzker Familys interest (Hyatt 2013). Hyatt believes in expansion, innovativeness diversification this represented by its 9 competitive brands owning 500 properties which are globally spread around the world into 46 countries. (Hyatt 2013). Each brand is designed uniquely to offer a distinguished experience of Food Beverages, ambience and services to the guests. It is their attitude and personalized touch that makes the stay memorable. Park Hyatt which is known for its luxury sophistication has a spread of 30 hotels in major gateway cities of America, Europe, Africa Middle East, and Southwest Asia Asia Pacific. ANDAZ as the name suggests has a unique design and at the same time has insights of local neighbourhood. The company has 9 hotels under this brand. Grand Hyatt has huge infrastructure and spectacular design, with innovative concepts of food and beverage. It is preferred brand for grand weddings, convections and meetings. Hyatt brand has 28 properties. Hyatt Regency is aimed for business travellers convention travellers, equipped with most of modern technologies and guest friendly atmosphere. Hyatt Place is ranked no. 1 select service brand by Business Travel News 2012 Survey, it has a wide range of 172 properties in United States and Costa Rica. Hyatt House was formerly known as Summerfield Suites and is designed in residential size to make the guest feel at home as it offers extended stay in all their 54 properties. Hyatt Resorts are all located at the vacation destinations thus they are well known as beach resort, mountain resort, dessert Resort etc. they are most conveniently constructed with all the leisure around to make the tour relaxing and adventurous. Hyatt Vacation Clubs are time share properties which offers ownership to the members to enjoy access to any Hyatt Vacation club in addition to their home destination, Hyatt entered into vacation ownership in 1994(Hyatt 2013). Hyatt has partnership with 19 diversified non profit organisations and contributes them in their various activities; this is a part of their social responsibility. Hyatt has identified specific market segments and their competitors in order to make their services the best and customer friendly, like introducing Web Check in for any Hyatt properties, various spas and leisure activities at tourists and business properties, has identified requirements of amenities by guest feedback and introduced it. The company understands that customer satisfaction is totally dependent on employee satisfaction in a service industry and their asset is their work force, therefore Global Hyatt was awarded as 2011 Best place to work. Hyatt has also been awarded as Best Elite program in Asia-2012 for boosting their guests loyalty through Gold, Diamond and Platinum memberships. This strategically planned program offers complimentary stays and services; this ensures higher frequency of their guests. One of i ts major introductions of competitive strategy is ANDAZ which is an eco friendly brand and an intelligent innovativeness to decrease the carbon footprints. Hyatt accomplishes it mission and goals by Diversity and Inclusive Framework for building and focusing on their work place, work force and market place (Hyatt 2013).Hyatt has 60 individual spas with the original concept of healing with water and it introduced its spa in 1972, in Indonesia. This is a strategy of diversification and expansion. Hyatt plans to introduce an Eco Track web based tool for monitoring Hyatts environmental impact by gathering monthly data of their environmental goals, it aims to start full fledge by 2015. This would include reduce energy consumption, water consumption, green house emission and waste sent to the landfills in comparison to 2006 levels. Hyatt Union Square in Manhattan along with restaurants of One Five hospitality group is in pipeline for April 2013, besides that Andaz Tokyo, first Andaz Hotel in Japan is to open in 2014. Park Hyatt Mallorca is the first Hyatt hotel in Mallorca, an island in Mediterranean for which Hyatt has entered into an agreement with Spanish real estate company. Moreover Hyatt plans for expansion and growth in the competitive hospitality industry by diversification and innovativeness (Hyatt 2013). Income Statement Analysis How has the group performed? In last three years of Hyatts performance (year 2009 to 2011) review I can state that its sales has been increased each year, the increase is not constant but each year has shown overall increase from the previous year as shown in Appendix-I Profit Loss Statement of Hyatt. The % movement (sales) of year 2009, 2010 and 2011 is 6, 5 and 11 respectively. From the last three years of review, it can be said that the performance indicators are showing a positive upward trend for the company (Hyatt 2013). The percentage movement of rooms in the year 2009 was not very promising for the company but the positive trend of sales improved the room % movement for the year 2010 and 2011 as 4.1 and 8.5 respectively. The average occupancy data supports the increase in sales for years 2009-2011. For the said period average occupancy is 65.7, 70.9 and 72.5. (Hyatt 2013) REVPAR defined as revenue per available room has shown an upward increase from year 2009 to 2011 ($103 to $122) refer to the values in Appendix-I Profit Loss Statement of Hyatt. The companys revenue has been on steady increase as per REVPAR. The average room rate (ARR) often known as average daily rate (ADR) has been on increase in the last three of review. The ADR or ARR for the said years are $157, $163 and $169 for the year 2009, 2011 and 2011 respectively. The % movement increase for the years 2009 to 2011 is 4% to 7.6%. The company has seen a growth of REVPAR despite some of its properties were under renovations during the period 2009-2010 as mentioned in the annual report of the company. From its North American Management and Franchising, the companys revenue has increased due to the increase in franchisee and other fees increased due to improved profitability across the portfolio. Hotel industry/companies are evaluated in terms their ability to generate profits on sales, known as profit margin. Poor pricing and sales volume can bring down the profit margin. The gross profit for the last three years of the company has increased from $579 to $741 thereby increasing the gross margin % from 17.4% to 20%. This shows that the company has been performing well and its management has control over its expenses. The net profit has fell sharply in the year 2009 which is -$43. This sharp fall was due to the high operating expenses and low operating income, added to it was low equity earnings and high interest expenses. Net profit shows a rapid upward trend in the year 2010 and 2011 i.e. $66 and $113. This was due to the high operating income at hand and low interest expenses. This indicates that the company has recovered from losses and looks more promising in the year 2010-11. The net profit margin of the company has increased from negative to positive value showing profitable growth earnings for the company. The net profit margin for the last three years is -1.29%, 1.87% and 3.06%. Benchmarking of the Company (Hyatt): The benchmarking of the company is performed with two of industry leaders named Accor Hotels and Marriott Hotels. Various financial ratios are compared for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. Profitability comparison of two industries: ROA: Hyatt has shown a better return on assets or in other words a better profitability of hospitality industry (-0.65) as compared to Accor (-2.3) and Marriott (-5.3). The performance of Hyatts has been steady and its profitability has increased in three years term to 1.53%. In the year 2011, Hyatt is under performing as compared to Marriott but better than Accor which has ROA of 0.60% as shown in following graph: Fig 1 In the year 2010, Accor has a very high ROA followed by a sharp fall in year 2011, which indicates that very high fluctuations of ROA possess a higher risk of instability of the company. ROE: Another key ratio is return on equity which compares the net income of the companies with owners investment. Hyatts ROE has shown a gradual increase for the last three years. Compared to Accor and Marriott in the years 2009, it was the best investment company in hospitality. In 2010, Hyatt has shown a gradual increase of 1% on ROE as compared to Accor and Marriott which has shown a very sharp rise of 100% and 29% respectively. A company with a higher ROE is a better investment than one with a lower ROE since it has a stronger ability to generate cash flows internally; however, this is not completely accurate. Looking at the Accor and Marriott for the year 2010, they show a high ROE values, but the following year they have shown a greater investment risk as compared to Hyatt, the graph below represent the same. Fig 2 EBIT: Lower EBIT ratio means the company is less capable of meeting its liabilities. If the ratio is 1.5 or less, then it is considered a high risk and its ability to meet its interest expenses may be questionable. As compared in 2009, Hyatt is not performing well as compared with Marriott whose EBIT is 3% as compared to Hyatts -0.09; however, in 2011 the situation is upside down. Hyatt is performing well as compared to Marriott. The EBIT of Hyatt is -2.49% whereas Marriott stands on -12%, refer to the graph below: Fig 3 After analysing various financial ratios between three groups of hotels, I have analysed that, Hyatt has performed better and shown constant improvement in recent three years, whereas Accor and Marriotts have shown huge up and downs throughout, which describes these groups have less stability. Balance Sheet Analysis The total assets of Hyatt have shown an upward movement for the year 2009 to 2011 from $7,155 to $7,507 or in other words, the percentage movement of total assets has a sudden rise from 1% to 5% for the year 2009-2011. This is due the fact that the total non-current assets have increased from $5,146 to $5,916 even though the current assets have decreased from $2,009 to $1,591 for the said period. Looking at the current assets trend the financial perform has taken the downward trend from year 2009 to 2011. This downward trend of current assets has raised the questions about how quickly the company can meet its liabilities if the need arises? Combined with the non-current assets of the company the overall movement is upward. The reason for the increase in total assets is the year 2011 is due to the high increase in property equipment assets; refer to the Appendix-I Balance sheet of Hyatt. (Hyaat 2013) Current ratio of the company shows its liquidity power, in other words, liquidity ratio analyse the company ability to carry out its short term obligations. For companys liquidity ratio for the year 2009, 2010 and 2011 are 4.06, 3.63 and 2.8 respectively. High current ratio in the year 2009 and 2010 indicates a high risk as management was not investing the companys assets productively to grow the revenue in 2009-10. This also means that the company has too many idle assets not being invested. Total current liabilities has increased from year 2009 to 2011 from $495 to $568, this is mainly due to the Accrued expenses increase for the year 2011 from $188 to $306. The total current liabilities movement has taken a sharp dip from 20% to -5% and then rise to 15% for the year 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively. This also led to the net assets for the company decreased from $5040 to $4828 from year 2009 to 2011. The inventory turnover rate of the company has risen from 25.1 in 2009 to 42.5 in 2011. This growth was appreciated by the shareholders because it implies that company has become more capable of efficiently turning its inventory into sales in these three years. Companys earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased quickly in the last three years (from $5 to $142), which finally resulted in a big increase of profit margin in 2010. Return on assets measures how much profit a company can squeeze out of its assets. A higher return is preferred. The situation of the company is much better in the later years as compared to the starting years of analyses. Its return on assets ratio has increased year by year in the last three years. The ROA % has increased from -0.6% to 1.5%. Return on equity ratios are used to interpret a companys ability to generate earnings from its investments. (Andrew, Damitio, Schmidgall 2007). ROE% for the company has shown a steady increase from -1% in 2009 to 2% in 2011, the profit margin% increased to 3.06% from -1.29% (because companys net income had become positive) respectively(Hyatt 2013) Debt ratio measures how much debt a company has in its total assets. A lower debt ratio can be interpreted as the company being capable of carrying its liabilities since there are enough assets (Andrew, Damitio, Schmidgall 2007). Companys debt ratio increased from 42% to 55% thereby meaning that the companys ability to satisfy its liabilities has decreased. The financial leverage of the company is the ratio of its total liabilities and total assets. The lower the ratio is, the better the company is performing and has a lower risk of failing down or becoming bankrupt. The leverage ratio for the company has shown a decline from -29.6% to -35.7% from year 2009 to 2011 which shows a lower financial risk for the company. Interest coverage ratio determines companies ability to pays interest on outstanding debts, here company has shown constant downfall in interest cover from -0.09, -2.91 and -2.49 for year 2009-11 respectively. Here companies ability to meet interest expenses are questionable, company is in burden by debt expenses (Andrew, Damitio, Schmidgall 2007). Conclusion The Hyatt has shown an increase in its performance and reviewing its last three years of Income Statement and Balance Sheet it is evident that this group is doing better than its other two competitors in hospitality sector; however, there are some issues with its investment policies. Its management did not invest its assets efficiently which led to a higher current ratio in the year 2009-10 exposing the company as high risk to meet its liabilities. This behavior is also supported by return on assets ratio. In the later year, the company has shown a decline of leverage ratio, putting the company into better financial shape and making low risk company in its sector. To sum up, there was a significant increase in companys financial statement in 2011. Compared to 2009, its revenue and net income increased sharply, while its total assets grew by $7507 million dollars. The equity of company decreased to $4828 million, while there was an increase of the total liability to $2679 million. According to the previous analysis of Hyatt Hotel Corporations financial performance from 2009 to 2011, it is clear that company has experienced a sharp increase of its revenue and net income in 2011. One of the main reasons is that the occupancy rate and room rate increased. Overall, trends are looking decent and I would recommend buying the investments in the company.

Agamemnon Essay -- essays research papers fc

Agamemnon Agamemnon is a confusing tale of the people that are waiting for the soldiers to get home from the Trojan war. Most of the play is the chorus singing about many of the things that happened during the war. The play also shows the disrespect the men had for women in that time period. In front of Agamemnon's palace, a watchman wishes his shift would end. He is tired and wants to sleep but he must stay awake. He awaits news from Queen Clytemnestra. The Chorus of Argive elders enters, singing of the war. They sing of the gods, asking for them to help them win the war, and of the great army. They anxiously await the news from the Queen. In the song, they tell how Agamemnon killed his child. He sacrificed his daughter to Apollo so that Apollo would make the winds blow for his armies ships. The chorus thinks that deed was horrible, but had to be done for the good of the country. The leader asks Clytemnestra if she's heard any news. He doesn't like being ruled by a woman and treats her somewhat rudely. He only listens to her because of his loyalty to his King. She tells the leader that the army has taken Troy. The leader is skeptical and asks her to repeat herself several times. The Queen gets angry and tells him she is not a "credulous girl." When the leader asks how Clytemnestra...