Islamic History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Islamic History - Essay Example The history of foundation of Islam is clothed with the veils of legend and obscured by multiple conflicting accounts that make its true outline all but impossible to discern with any clarity. But it is incontrovertible that Northern-Arabia prior to Muhammad was a predominantly tribal environment, structured by exigencies of camel herding, trading, feuding, and raiding. The ‘civilized’ area of Arabia was not in the heartland where Islam was born, but rather had long been located in the coastal south and along the gulf. Inland, the only possible location for development of any sort of state was in the impoverished and remote region dominated by Mecca and the Quraysh clan, where ancient pilgrimage centers protected markets in perfume, leather, and other trade goods. But no such development occurred until the advent of Muhammad, who was born around 570, received his first revelations at the age of forty, undertook his momentous journey to Medina (the hijra) in 622 (year one in the Muslim calendar) and died in 632, having led his people in the conquest of the whole Arab peninsula, and having initiated their great and ultimately successful war against the surrounding Sasanid and Byzantine empires.The religion of Islam is from the Muslim point of view, â€Å"the religion of Abraham and Ishmael† the forefathers of the Muslims. According to Ibn al-Kalbi, who conveys also the belief of his predecessors, Ishmael settled in Mecca where he became the father of many children who supplanted the Amalekites of Mecca; to him is ascribed the origin of the Arabs. Arabs. The Qur'an states that Abraham and Ishmael "raised the foundation of the House" and established a "proper worship". The rites of the pilgrimage, the circumambulation, the visitation of the lesser pilgrimage, the vigil of Arafat, the sacrifice of the she-camels and the acclamation of the name of the deity "came down from the time of Abraham and Ishmael", according to Ibn al-kalbi, and they constitute a part of the religion.(Tamara) Islam had come upon the world scene in the seventh century in connection with the explosion of Arabic-speaking, horse mounted warriors out of the Arabian desert under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad and his successors. The period of hemispheric history from 1000 to 1500 A.D., what we will call the Islamic Middle Period, witnessed a steady and remarkable expansion of Islam, not only as religious faith but as a coherent, universalist model of civilized life. The spread of Islam into new areas of the hemisphere during the Middle Period was given impetus by two major forces. One of these was the advance of Turkish-speaking of Muslim herding people from central Asia into the Middle East, a movement that began on a large scale with the conquests of the Seljuk Turks in the eleventh century. The second force was the gradual but persistent movement of Muslim merchants into the lands rimming the Indian ocean, that is, East Africa, India, Southeast Asia and China, as well as into Central Asia and West Africa south of the Sahara. A close look at the patterns of travel and migration in the post-Abbasid centuries reveals a quiet but persistent dispersion of legal scholars, theologians, Sufi divines, belle- lettrists, scribes and architects outward from the older centers of Islam to these new frontiers of Muslim military and commercial activity. (Spencer) The Islamic world in Ibn Battuta's time was divided politically into numerous kingdoms and principalities. Muslims on the move regarded the jurisdictions of states as a necessary imposition and gave them as little attention as possible. Their primary allegiance was to the Dar al-Islam as a whole. The terrible Mongol conquests of Persia and Syria that occurred between 1219 and 1258 appeared to Muslims to threaten the very existence of

The paradox of a marketing planning capability Essay Example for Free

The paradox of a marketing planning capability Essay Question 1 What (if any) concepts, methods, approaches or ideas do you think are common between the set readings for this week? What is not common? â€Å"The paradox of a marketing planning capability† The marketing planning capability is a skill to anticipate the shape of an uncertain future. It also is a skill to generate alternatives for operating effectively in changing environments. It is a skill to implement new plans rapidly and efficiently as well. The marketing plan content, marketing planning capability, incidence of improvisation from marketing plan and firm performance relative to competitors consists of the conceptual model. To know how marketing planning capability relates to plan content and the effect of the marketing plan, there are two dimensions: comprehensiveness and budgeting approach. The more comprehensive the plan, the credibility and utilization and the inertia in the organization will be higher. A comprehensive marketing plan covers a broad range of topics, in a thorough and exhaustive manner. A rational budget directs resource allocation on sound economic principles. Post plan improvisation is improvisation after implementation of the plan has commenced and the performance is defined as profitability and brand equity, which over 5 years. The post plan improvisation relates to the extent to an organization acts and approved marketing plan. Unlearning is the most important factors in post plan improvisation, however, it is difficult. Planning, implementing, evaluating and evolving improvising is the steps of post plan improvisation. Method and analysis is quite important in this reading as well. There are three types of measures were used in methods: reflective multi-item measures, formative multi-item measures, and single-item measures. â€Å"Management process in marketing planning† Marketing planning decision making is used to pursue dynamic market opportunities and flexibility is quite important to the marketing planning. The author’s models examine the ability to improvise and the flexibility of decision making is the key factor that directly influence ability to improvise which is consist of proactive management, innovative management, organizational learning, market orientation, spare resources and competitive aggression. On the other hand, there are some moderate relationships between these factors. Question 2 What concepts, methods, approaches or ideas in the set reading(s) do you think might be useful in Business and Marketing Planning? In what circumstances? Why? Due to the fast development, the organization not only needs opportunities but also needs to pursue the new opportunities. The traditional model has three inadequacies: managerial behavior, gap between theory and practice and coordinating role marketing planning. These inadequacies are not in favor of pursuing new opportunities. However, the modeling management processes can solve these problems. For instance, during the development of an organization, if the senior manager made some mistakes, the organization has to face trouble which can be seen as a managerial behavior inadequacy. However, in new model, it will not happen. There are six factors which are proactive management, innovative management, organizational learning, market orientation, spare resources and competitive aggression can directly influence the flexibility of decision making.

Organisational Structure And Product Analysis Of Theme Park

Organisational Structure And Product Analysis Of Theme Park The philosophy of marketing needs to be owned by everyone from within the organization. Marketing focuses on the satisfaction of customer needs, Marketing is not only much broader than selling, it is not a specialized activity at all It encompasses the entire business wants and requirements. Future needs have to be identified and anticipated. The marketing concept is a philosophy. It makes the customer, and the satisfaction of his or her needs, the focal point of all business activities. It is driven by senior managers, passionate about delighting their customers.Marketing is not only much broader than selling, it is not a specialized activity at all It encompasses the entire business. It is the whole business seen from the point of view of the final result, that is, from the customers point of view. Concern and responsibility for marketing must therefore permeate all areas of the enterprise.This customer focused philosophy is known as the marketing concept. The marketing concept is a philosophy, not a system of marketing or an organizational structure. It is founded on the belief that profitable sales and satisfactory returns on investment can only be achieved by identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer needs and desires. INTRODUCTION OF Q1; Lost World of TambunTheme Parks in Malaysia The latest attraction from Sunway City Ipoh in Tambun, the Lost World is a new water theme park in Perak set to provide you a fun-filled adventure for friends and family! Nestled among lush greenery and limestone hills, the Lost World has a host of exciting activities to keep you coming back for more. Question 1: Your role: You are required to select a theme park of your choice. You are required to determine their organizational structure, products, markets, and competitors. Introduction As part of your research, you will need to define the structure of the franchise and the product that is being offered to the consumer. Content You are required to analyze: Their market strength Their zone of natural expansion Brand positioning and marketability of their brand Suggest steps to improve their sales and profits Suggest how they can take their business to a global scale Summary Conclude your research by summarizing all the above and provide a final solution on how the theme park may thrive in a completion market place. All cost for the event and portfolio must be self funding. Olympia College will not be responsible for any cost or any unforeseen circumstances occurred during this event. Answer Q1 As part of our assignment, I have chose the Lost World of Tambun theme park as my choice for doing my assignment. From my own research, there is five main elements which make up this world of adventures which is as stated in the structure belowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Jungle Wave Bay CLIFF RACER Tiger Valley Water park Hot Springs Spa FIVE ELEMENTS Water Park An exquisitely beautiful Waterfall Beach Garden exhilarating water rides in the theme park for everyone at the water park and where the water beach garden were the biggest wave pool in Malaysia where the waves could swell up to 3 feet high. At there, you could find a absolutely perfect landscaped beach which surrounded by 20 feet twin waterfalls with two rivers flowing into the pool. There is also a musical body wash as a refreshment before to the caption of Sandy Bay. Explorabay, a kids only zone which is specially designed for kids while Cliff Racer are intend for a adult and youth. And of course, the longest inflatable tube ride in Malaysia, Tube Raiders which is the family favourite giant slides while Adventure River is more on relaxing water ride. Cliff Racer Sail through the jungle canopy in an old mine cart after a drop from dizzying heights; just like in the old Wild Wild West movies! The park is perfect for those family escapades. Be sure to bring spare clothes for a change after a whole days fun on the numerous water slides and water games. The park also plays host to a few tigers and albino tiger cubs and visitors can witness the tiger feeding times between 11.30am to 5pm every day. The park is open everyday except Tuesdays (school/public holidays excluded) from 11am 6pm. One can have a cocktail at the Rum Jungle Bar between 6pm 9pm every night. Entrance tickets start at about RM25 per adult and RM 19 per child (children under 90cm gets free entrance). The park also offers special food, entrance and rides packages. Lost World Hot Springs Spa As the latest supplement for the visitors to enjoy the inimitable feel of the hot spring, the water in the hot spring come from a natural source, and this is a sanctuary for the visitors to relax and enjoy and to experience hygienic and rejuvenating hot water. Besides, there are many other elements which are catered for the visitors presenting the ultimate relaxation experience Tiger Valley There are feeding tigers show and their handles at play in the tiger valley. You can learn abit about how the tigers are cared through the valleys educational program where you will be able to get close and personal with one of these exquisite tigers. Lost World Petting Zoo Visitors can take a walk on the wild side and The Petting Zoo allows the public to touch, feel, feed and play with the animals; giving those looking for a more personal encounter, a closer perspective. Body Market Strength So many words packed into one, the Lost World of Tambun, where providing an action packed with exciting adventures with the most sensational rides and glamour in Ipoh, Malaysia. A 60 million Ringgit theme park which located in this historical town of Ipoh, in the middle of the North South corridor in Perak; and is set in the inborn landscapes of Ipoh, surrounded by exquisitely breath taking limestone features. The Lost World of Tambun has its own market strength just like the other theme park as well. As my research all over these theme parks, The Lost World of Tambun is the best theme parks if compared to all the competitors around within the northern region in Ipoh example like Bukit Merah. They has providing a variety services which provides leisure, relaxation, enjoyment as well as entertainment. Moreover, the price are quite reasonable for the services they are providing. As another market strength, Lost world of Tambun is the only theme park with natural hot spring and the water come from natural source and the thermal water in the pool are not recycled. Furthermore, they got a formation of the stand alone rock formation 10 storey building within the theme park. Based on the 4Ps, place, people, promotion and products, Lost World of Tambun had provides all these 4Ps if compared to other competitors as their market strength. Place 800 parking spaces provided Good transportation Natural pleasant landscape People Good services Caring from staffs Friendliness from staffs Promotion Invite international performance during parties; beach party Promote online through hot websites; facebook, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Promote through travel and tour agencies for packages Product Water Park Amusement Park Lost World Hot Springs Spa Tiger Valley Lost World Petting Zoo Zone of Expansion For your information, Lost World are exposed to the nature. Therefore, it has ample of natural resources around and within the park. As for the future expansion, they should take this advantage to make more for its zone of natural expansion usage from the natural sources. Currently, they are building a hotel of themselves which are rated as 4 5 star grades; visitors like foreign visitors do not need to look for other accommodations and can just stay inside the Lost World of Tambuns Hotel which are surrounded by natural source. Besides, they are also upgrading the hot spring spa section. As their future expansion, it could build up a monorail system for the overall accessibility within the theme park itself; visitors are able to travel from the theme park back to the hotel after explorer. Moreover, wide natural resources in their theme park which enable them to have their own cave which creates jungle tracking and cave exploring experience for customers. They should expand more on dry rides in did of only focus in wet rides as there is already a lot of wet rides. This will enable the visitors to have more choices during their explorer and will not feel boring. Brand positioning and marketability of their brand A great theme park which have its own nature and gave us a refreshing feeling when you are living in a hectic lifestyle; a way to expose yourself to the nature. Besides, it is a time for every member in a family to spend their time together and have fun in Lost World of Tambun. This is a way for family bonding to happen. Moreover, we can spend our time with our friends during holiday at there for entertainment and leisure. And of course, it is a good place for a couple to have a great day. What are they famous for? Their natural resources and it located in a historical place in Ipoh with natural thermal water sources. They are also considered as under the umbrella of Sunway Groups which lead them to success because Sunway group had prove themselves in Sunway Lagoon. Steps to improve their sales and profit In order to improve their sales and profit, they should depend on the economy scale which is reduce their cost in order to get more people. Besides, its also depends on how they generate their profit through the existing products. They can also provide more new family packages and teenage packages. Another step to improve their sales and profit is to extend business hour for dry parks and more events should be organize example like beach party. International performances should be invite example like super junior, wonder girls and big bang in order to attract more visitors. And of course, special rates for senior citizen should be apply and toys should be given to kids to show that the management is caring enough even to every single matter. How they can take their business to a global scale Extend their business to global scale, they can deal with the travel and tour regencies for packages and brings the tourism to Lost World of Tambun and let them recognize it and bring back this information back to the country. Moreover, they can have a deal with a country ambassador to promote their theme park in their own country and to attract foreign investment example like an big organization and this will lead them to develop another branch in their country by the help in modal from the organization; targeting hot weather country like india. Besides, it should have a deal with large organization to have a big retreat ( international conference ). And of course, the lost world management should also advertise their theme park through hot websites example like facebook.com, youtube.com, twitter.com and etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Conclusion In any business success, marketing always plays a key part. You have to make a good relationship with your customers. You need to work out how you will reach and win new customers and make sure that they will be happy and remain satisfied of the services you are providing them. You need to always review and keep on improving everything you do to stay ahead of the competition.Although marketing plays an important role, it will not guarantee sales unless by doing it with a laid out plan. A well-researched and logical plan is important to have a better chance of building a long-term profitable relationships. A marketing plan will serve as a reference or your basis to execute a marketing strategy. By laying out plans, it will set out a clear objectives and explains how you will achieve them. You can define your business well if you have a written document that details the necessary actions to achieve your marketing goals. A marketing plan is considered a part of an over all business plan .

Great Barrier Reef Essay -- Wonders of the World, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is believed to be one of the most incredible places on this earth. This reef is the largest living organism on this planet and the only living thing on earth visible from space (2011). The warm waters of the southwest Pacific Ocean are the perfect environments to create the world's largest system of coral reefs. The Great Barrier Reef is in such pristine condition that it was listed by the World Heritage Trust as a protected site and is therefore, managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to ensure that its beauty is maintained for many travelers and sightseers (Edgar 2010). Due to the complexity of this natural phenomenon, human practices have led to ecological problems for the reef, but preservation efforts can provide future generations the ability to learn from and experience one of the largest oceanic coral ecosystems in the world. The Great Barrier Reef is located just off the coast of Australia. This marine park stretches over 1800 miles and is almost parallel to the Queensland coast (2011). The reef spans a distance of 65 km wide and reaches 15 to 150 km off shore (2011). At just 500,000 years old, the Great Barrier Reef is a relatively young structure. Yet even younger is the current reef's structure at less than 8,000 years old (Edgar 2010). The formation of the Great Barrier Reef is very complex. Coral reefs began to form in the region at about 58 to 48 million years ago when the Coral Sea Basin formed (Briney 2010). However, once the Australian continent moved to its present location, sea levels began to change, and coral reefs started to grow fairly quickly, changing climate and sea levels. This consequently caused them to... ...populations, some countries have invested into fish farming or aquaculture, but some controversy has followed from this practice. Studies have shown that fish farms are not helpful in sustaining the native fish, and have actually harmed them instead. There are two main types of aquaculture: onshore and offshore. These farms, often times due to overcrowded tanks, result in outbreaks of deadly diseases. An example is pop eye, an eye infection that causes swelling of the eye. On offshore farms, domesticated fish often escape through faulty and inferior netting, infecting native fish populations. Alternatively, offshore farms pose a different problem. Management of these facilities has been known to filter pure excess waste products of the fish into the ocean. The contaminated water, also full of nutrients, creates algae blooms and starves sea floor of sunlight.

Cirque Du Soleil Essay

1. Cirque du Soleil does not have a product, they have a diverse, creative, critical thinking, artist works company; a circus without animals. Within this company, this show allows their featured unique artists, to tap into their creative side and create magic for an audience. Cirque du Soleil aims to create the greatest shows onstage all around the world. The core for a functioning Cirque du Soleil is behind the scenes, with artists and staff. Recruiting these people seems to be a challenge for this ever diverse world we live in. Recruiting and hiring these staff members for Cirque du Soleil is difficult because not many people will just run away to the circus. This lifestyle is an ever changing one, with artists of different cultures and diverse backgrounds. It cannot always be an easy mix for everyone to get along. It takes a special kind of person with that magic in their eyes, that will keep evolving and keep being an asset to the ever changing show. Although it is the same lifestyle these employees will be part of, they service two completely different jobs. Artists perform for the audience, whereas staff is simply there to serve the artists needs. Recruiting for this job takes time, the director Cantin has even traveled to twenty countries in search of local talent. In terms of recruiting and hiring staff, again asking someone to uproot themselves, for little pay, to cater to extremely unique artists demands can be a challenging proposition. Creating extensive rewards for these employees is key. The owners of this company have taken time to understand what the needs are of their staff and artists. Compensation such as free meals and board, as well as the opportunities to improve a talent or passion are aspects of this company where they continue to grow positively. From this article I would say that this company takes extensive time to evaluate and understand the needs of everyone they have on board. In the small market Cirque du Soleil services, it is essential every performer or staff member is â€Å"fit† for the company. This market seeks out individuals who are qualified mentally, and physically for the strenuous changing show and lifestyle. They search for people who are ready to hit the ground running and jump into shows. Here employees are encouraged to discover their magic and embrace their talents, in fact Cirque provides outlets to bring your talents to the next level. They want employees to be able to continuously develop as well as have clear heads of stereotypes. % quit: %15 %quit x current population : 15% x 475 = 71.25 = 72 Artists left: 475-72=403†¨Future demand: 500†¨Needed (500-403= 97) Keeping employees happy enough to stay is and will continue to be a problem for Cirque du Soleil. This problem will affect retention because, if employees are not happy, they will leave. If employees leave, there may not be enough staff to sustain the upcoming show, but the show must go on. This problem could potentially lead to a default product, a poor performance. Cirque provides an environment with different experiences constantly with no fixed structure but to allow artists to tap fully into who they are. By designating a heavy amount of time for managing the artists needs and analyzing what what would make there experience even better. Cirque du Soleil aims to create an environment with the best possible conditions that you don’t want to leave. By retaining employees core artists to the Cirque shows have and can obtain more hands on experience out in the world. Recruiting employees cost money and time. When artists are better at their job they provide stability within the company for a better transitional environment for new employees. Employees will effectively be able to teach each other the ropes, or provide support for one another. The concept is for artists to learn together. With the wide diversity of ethnicity, or gender it can be problematic to find employee who are non stereotype. Those who are open to all cultures. Compensation and benefits however is variable because income becomes an issue. Cirque has a variety of shows and venues that do not always provide steady pay. With that being said its hard to keep up with the rewarding benefits Cirque boasts about, such as providing new experiences. By giving the artists more say, a greater employee output is achieved, with higher job satisfaction, keeps employees. To solve its retention problems Cirque’s benefits heavily outweigh their drawbacks. Ultimately providing the best work environment than anyone in their competing market. Finding talent i is the second current problem Cirque is facing. Cirque du Soleil has created a name for themselves serving as a business that lets you play to your full potential as an artist. In doing so they created an even more diverse product that makes it hard to find that diamond in the rough in cities and continents. This problems affects staffing mostly because they have created a name for themselves that their brand is a luxury good, possibly making artists perceive their company as unachievable. Perspective employees want to work with the best performers around. Now that the company has made a name for themselves, they are hiring staff with more direct experience instead of performers with potential. With a changing and diverse work force this poses a problem within staffing. In creating diversity, gaps in language and background quickly becomes an issue. Training and development problems are solved by having current employees that have open mindsets about other cultures, providing a more welcoming environment. People coming from different socioeconomic backgrounds I would imagine feel secure in knowing they at least have paid meal and board. The shows performances cannot continue to increase levels of diversity without new talent. The current employees care about quality of their product. By having varying levels of skill and ability this could be exciting for new artist morale. Also by having a good training system to develop and articulate performances would provide a great benefit to perspective employees. The movement to keep the excitement alive is on!

The Assyrian Empire vs, The Phoenician Empire Essay Example

The Assyrian Empire vs, The Phoenician Empire Essay Example The Assyrian Empire vs, The Phoenician Empire Paper The Assyrian Empire vs, The Phoenician Empire Paper The Assyrian Empire vs, The Phoenician Empire Within the Assyrian and the Phoenician Empires there was truly a contrast in their institutions, goals and values. While the Phoenicians conducted a society based on trade and religion, the Assyrians mainly focused on expansion and control. Moreover, both empires had their strengths and weakness within their respected societies. During this time period the Phoenician and Assyrian empires differed in Just about every aspect of society. While the Assyrians were an absolute ambitions empire that sought out territorial expansion and control of trade route and cities, the Phoenicians made no attempt to build a territorial empire and focused more on the creation of trade routes and ports. Also, the Assyrian empire tok much interest in huge labor forces for agricultural work and building projects, while the Phoenicians also put more work towards the innovation of ship building and seafaring, rather than building projects and agriculture. These two empires also had an absolute contrast when it came to their goals and values. Within the Assyrian empire, there were massive armies that were well trained and ruthlessly disciplined. This not only reveals how much the Assyrian relied on onquering land but it also shows how much they valued their military. On the contrary, the Phoenicians were more of a social empire that political, much like the mesopotamians; the Phoenicians saw religion as very important along with laws, science and writing. This goes on to show that the Phoenicians valued the human ming and spirit. In addition, the Assyrian empire created a cruel propaganda machine to support and Justify their system of expansion and inequality. Therefore showing how much the Assyrians truly valued their interest in expansion if they were illing to lie to their people to make it alright. In contrast, the Phoenicians saw no point in seeking to lie to their people to make it alright. In contrast the Phoenicians saw no point in seeking out new territories mostly because their coastal cities made them ideally situated to develop trade in the Mediterranean, which does to show that the sea and trade was a way of life for the Phoenicians. Also, the Assyrians has a rigid social structure that was not only made of mostly peasants but it also left women without any control of their own lives, which provides the thought that most people ithin the Assyrian empire were seen with no value at all. With that said, Phoenicians were more of a society based off religion and would even conduct sacrifices for their gods and at times children would also be sacrificed, which truly shows how much the Phoenicians valued their gods and religion. Moreover, the Assyrians and Phoenicians had completely opposite views of how to work a civilization. The Assyrians and Phoenicians definitely had different ways of conducting a made do with what they had. In Conclusion, These two Societies truly differed when it came to their institutions, goals and values.