Social Policy: Descriptive and Analytical

Social Policy: Descriptive and Analytical Social policy as an academic subject is both descriptive and analytical. Discuss drawing on at least three academic references. In this essay the author will define social policy as an academic subject and show that despite the fact that social policy draws on other academic social science subjects it is different because it is based upon a distinct empirical focus support for the well-being of citizens provided through social action (Alcock 2008:3). The author will show how as an academic subject social policy is both descriptive and analytical and will give examples. Social policy as an academic subject is difficult to describe as it is both the search of theoretical norms on how society should behave and the practical application and implementation of policies, which are considered to be social (Alcock et al 2004:1). The purpose of these policies is to improve welfare and to meet human needs (Blakemore, K. 2003:1). Spicker (2008:1) defines social policy as the study of social services and the welfare state. The study of social policy, originally known as social administration mainly pertains to social services and includes social security, housing, health, social work and education, these being described by Spicker (2008:1) as the big five. Social policy as an academic subject draws on other subjects such as economics, politics, history, psychology and sociology and has been described as a magpie subject by Blakemore (2003:3). These other subjects offer background information about the many aspects required to understand and develop social polic ies such as the effects of industrialisation and changes in social conditions, population changes, concepts of class, status and mobility. Understanding sociology gives a better understanding of industrial relations, minority groups and social control (Titmuss 1974:15). However, social policy as an academic discipline differs from these other subjects because it is based on a distinct empirical focus support for the well-being of citizens provided through social action (Alcock, P. 2008:3). Social policy as an academic subject has been described as the study of policy practice in order to contribute to policy reform. It combines both descriptive and prescriptive elements Becker (2008:11). Carlson (2004:89) contends that the descriptive element of social policy is normally involved in the production of classifications to make comparison easier, or to show the inter-relationships between cases. According to Spicker (2008:2) Titmuss suggested that social policy describes how policies are formulated and the consequences of policies. Social policys main focus is welfare and it describes peoples needs or problems such as poverty, housing, mental illness or disability (Spicker 2008:4). Social policy describes the origin and aims of a policy, how a policy is implemented and the results, either good or bad (Spicker 2008:5). Fitzpatrick (2001:4) wrote that social administration was concerned with the how and the what of social policy . An example of this descriptive element of so cial policy in practice can be found in a background paper on drugs and drug dependence written by Richard Hartnoll (2004). Hartnoll discusses how many people, what type of people use drugs, the type drugs they use, prevention, treatments and reduction in supply. This descriptive data contributes to addressing policy questions in relation to the impact of drug use on individuals and society. Descriptions also help to assess needs and deal with whether or not there are adequate resources to deal with the problem. Hartnoll concluded that although descriptions of the drug situation and policies had improved in Europe, that gaps remained and much more needed to be done in analysing policies. The study of social policy requires the rigorous linking of theoretical analysis with empirical enquiry. Social policy needs to analyse policies, their goals and impacts and consider if these policies achieve their goals, or if not, why not (Bochel 2005:7-8). According to Carlson (2004:88-89) Best and Kellner make a comparison between social theories and road maps, saying that in order to analyse, discuss and intervene in social processes we need to use maps to see how society is structured. Theoretical perspectives or belief systems, referred to as ideologies of welfare (George and Wilding, 1994:1) play an important role in the analytical aspect of social policy. Ideologies have three main components as described by Baldock et al (2007:69-70). The first is a view, which stresses or explains argument without giving weight to other viewpoints. The second is the view of groups or individuals who have something to gain from an argument. The third and final component of an ideology is ho w it deals with more than one issue and refers to a wider set of coherent ideas. Analysing social policies in relation to lesbians, gay men and bisexuals in Ireland show how the ideologies of the Catholic Church have in the past influenced social policy. Sex between men was criminalized in Ireland in 1634 and was punishable by death. Amendments were made to this act broadening the scope from buggery to gross indecency in 1885. With the foundation of the Irish Gay Rights Movement in 1974 came the push to decriminalise homosexuality. David Norris took a case to the High Court in 1977 in which he challenged his constitutional rights of privacy and equality. This case was unsuccessful and the judgement of the High Court included reference to homosexuality been condemned in Christian teaching as being morally wrong. The High Court also judged that homosexuality posed damage to the institution of marriage. The Catholic Churchs ideologies are evident in this judgement. Norris was successfu l in 1988 when he took his case to the European Court of Human Rights. Homosexuality was eventually decriminalized in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act of 1993 (Considine, Dukelow 2009:438-443). In conclusion the author has defined social policy as an academic subject and explained the differences between social policy and other social science subjects. The author has explained how social policy is descriptive and illustrated this with the example from Hartnoll. The author has also shown how social policy is analytical and why when analysing policies consideration must be given to the influence of ideologies as demonstrated with the example given from Considine and Dukelow. List of References Alcock, Cliff., Payne, Sarah., Sullivan, Michael. (2004) Introducing Social Policy, England: Pearson Education Limited Alcock. Pete. (2008) The Subject of Social Policy, p. 3 in Alcock, Pete., May, Margaret and Rowlingson, Karen (eds), The Students Companion to Social Policy, 3rd ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. Baldock, John., (2007) Welfare, Ideology, and Social Theory in Baldock, John., Manning, Nick., Vickerstaff, Sarah., (eds) Social Policy 3rd ed, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Becker Saul.(2008) Methods and Approaches in Social Policy Research in Alcock, Peter, May. Margaret and Rowlingson, Karen., (eds) The Students Companion to Social Policy 3rd ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Blakemore, Kenneth (2003) Social Policy an Introduction 2nd ed, Berkshire: Open University Press Bochel, Hugh (2005) Introducing Social Policy in Bochel, Hugh., Bochel, Catherine., Page, Robert and Sykes, Rob., Social Policy: Issues and Developments, Essex: Pearson Education Limited. Carlson, Judith (2004) Theoretical Principles and Concepts in Alcock, Cliff., Payne, Sarah., Sullivan, Michael., Introducing Social Policy, Essex: Pearson Education Limited Considine, Mairà ©ad., Dukelow, Fiona., (2009) Irish Social Policy, A Critical Introduction Dublin: Gill Macmillan Ltd Fitzpatrick, Tony (2001) Welfare Theory: An Introduction, Campling, Jo (consultant editor) London: Palgrave George, Vic., Wilding, Paul., (1994) Welfare and Ideology Essex: Prentice Hall Europe Hartnoll, Richard (2004) Drugs and drug dependence: linking research, policy and practice, background paper for Pompidou Groups Strategic Conference on connecting research, policy and practice, Strasbourg. Germany: Koelblin-Fortuna-Druck Lavalette, Michael., Pratt, Alan.,(eds) (1998) Social Policy A Conceptual and Theoretical Introduction , London: Sage Publications Inc Spicker, Paul (2008) Social Policy Themes and Approaches 2nd ed, Bristol: The Policy Press Titmuss, Richard. (1974) The International Perspective, in Abel-Smith, Brian and Titmuss, Kay (eds), Social Policy an Introduction, London: Unwin Hyman Ltd

Illy Ground Coffee Marketing Analysis

Illy Ground Coffee Marketing Analysis Nowadays, Illy can be characterised as one of the leading producers of high quality ground coffee in the coffee manufacturing industry. Illy has entered the coffee sector in 1933 by Francesco Illy, and in 1990s had its most important innovation, which began to look for the best coffee in Brazil, Africa, Central America and Asia (italtrade.com, 2010). It is based in Italy with a workforce around 700 people and operates in a wide range of global network (Datamonitor, 2009). Illy ground coffee can be used in all methods of coffee preparation and especially for espresso machines. The product comes in various forms of medium roast, dark roast and decaffeinated. While medium roast is about a smooth flavour mixed with aromatic bits of caramel and chocolate, dark comes to enrich the flavour with notes of cocoa (illy, 2010a). Similarly to medium roast, decaffeinated contains aromatic flavour of caramel and chocolate with reduced caffeine (illy, 2010a). Within the industry, Illy is known as an innovation pioneer, as it focuses on coffee perfection rather than creating something trendy and seductive. Achieving â‚ ¬280 million with net profits of â‚ ¬8 million, Illy succeeded by attaining 54% of total sales through exportation (illy, 2010b) The country and coffee market attractiveness PEST Analysis Regarding Morisson (2006), PEST analysis can assist the business in building up the best possible knowledge of the external environment in which the company is planning to operate in, so as to avoid costly mistakes. Therefore, an analysis has been carried out and can be viewed in Appendix 1 below. Upon reflection, the most important key environmental influences of PEST analysis have been considered and highlighted below: Economic Events: The recent global recession had directly affected the industry where people buy only essentials products, as their incomes have been decreased (Euromonitor, 2010a). Regulations: Legislations that the law establishes can directly affect the industry. Taxes and business regulations are rather heavy, making it hard to conduct business (Euromonitor, 2010a). Globalisation: Globalisation can be characterised as one of the most powerful factors that have changed the conditions and situations of the world economies, and especially for businesses (BBC, 2010). The reduction of national boundaries and the freedom of companies to transport is also important factor of change. Grounds Coffee Market Analysis McLoughlin and Aaker (2010) suggest that an examination of the market can assist to determine its current and future attractiveness. Even in the negative impact of recession, the Turkish coffee industry has shown a positive growth. Statements show that during the last years, ground coffee had a 5% increase in volume sales with the total of 33.6 TL million which is expected for a further 4% increase until the end of 2014 (Euromonitor, 2010a). With Nestle controlling 61% of the markets share and coffee unit prices increasing in recent years, the market has as consequently shown a positive growth (Euromonitor, 2010b). Considering the distribution channels, the market includes various ways of supply such as restaurants, bars, cafes, stores and so on. Competitive Analysis In order to identify the attractiveness of an industry, Johnson et.al (2008) argues that the five forces framework is a helpful tool for such a process. Thus, a Porters five forces Analysis has been carried out in Appendix 2. From the analysis summary, we can see that even with its growing direction, the coffee industry can be defined as an industry where brand loyalty is of major importance to the existence of a business. A strong emphasis is required in order to achieve good customer relationships and market share over the current competitors. In addition, the threat of new entrance is still high even throughout strong competitive conditions that exist in the market. Finally, the threat of substitutes is high as new alternative products can satisfy the need of coffee. Tea and hot chocolate are the major players for substitutes. Buyer Analysis Nowadays, competition has become stronger than other decades. Therefore, creating a good understanding of the potential customers (Buyer Behaviour) can be a vital tool for the company to get one step ahead of the competition. According to Euromonitor (2010a), ground coffee has been punched by the instant coffee where its sales are increasingly becoming much more than ground coffee, with young people preferring the more convenient method of instant coffee. On the other hand, older people insist on the traditional ground coffee. In addition, people try to get a cup of coffee mostly from bars, restaurants and coffee shops rather than to drink at home during every season of the year, while during winter; the consumption of coffee usually has a higher demand. 3) Opportunity Statement Casson and Buckley (2010) defines opportunities as the advantageous position that products, services, raw materials and methods include in order to increase company profits in the new market. 4) Marketing Objectives Brassington and Pettit (2006) suggest that objectives are important drivers of what the companys marketing strategies must be able to achieve. Following SMART concept (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time able), Illys main business objective is to manufacture and market products in such a way as to create a value that can be continued over the long term from stakeholders (Hollensen, 2010). Another important aspect of marketing objectives is the brands reputation that the company must achieve in the new market. A smart and long-time promotion with the combination of customer satisfaction can lead to the brand awareness and to profitable sales. The company can understand the significance of loyalty where illy must build on that as without loyal customers the company would not exist. As a consequence of customer loyalty, customers are willing to buy more from the same brand/company. Therefore, the company must be prepared to establish a wide range of coffee ground selections (MindTools, 2009). In addition, illy must manage to maintain its promise to follow and respect all applicable local laws in each of its potential markets.

Why University of Florida is better than University of Central Florida :: UF UCF College University Comparison Essays

UF vs. UCF: Reasons why UF is Superior Reason 1: National Rankings UF: 19 UCF: Unranked UF ranked in the top tier for Best Colleges 2004. UCF is the in last tier. UF is ranked 19th among public universities in the nation and is approaching the Top 10 Public Universities list. UCF did not even make the list. UF is ranked 48st in the nation among all universities. UCF is ranked somewhere between 188 and 250. There, that settles it; UF is better. Doesn't this make any other reason pointless? Source: US News College Ranking Index Reason 2:Individual Program Rankings (Note: US News discontinued the free access to College Rankings based on colleges so I am forced to use old data or else I would be infringing on their rights) Program UF (2003) UCF (2003) Business Education Engineering Law Medicine 43rd in Nation 29th in Nation 29th in Nation 45th in Nation 44th in Nation All Unranked A Closer Look at Business and Engineering UCF Office of Admissions UF Academics 2002 UF Business Programs and Departments Business program rank: 23 Accounting: 10 Finance rank: 16 General management rank: 19 Marketing rank: 8 UCF Academics 2002 UCF Business Programs and Departments Business program rank: 128 (in 2001 only). Currently Unranked. UF Engineering Programs and Departments (with Ph.D. Programs) Engineering program rank: 32 Aerospace Engineering rank (2002: 11) Environmental Engineering rank: 13 Industrial Engineering rank: 16 Materials Engineering rank: 9 Nuclear Engineering rank: (2001: 6) Currently 9 UCF Engineering Programs and Departments (with Ph.D. Programs) Engineering program rank: Unranked. (Odd, wasn't UCF supposed to be a technical school?) At a recent career fair, I was able to talk to a Lockheed Martin representative. Lockheed Martin chooses the University of Florida as it's primary recruiting target for engineering. The next university is Georgia Tech. I cannot imagine why someone would chose UCF over UF or Georgia Tech in engineering. Note: On my friend's site, he implies UCF is better then Georgia Tech in engineering. lol. Reason 3: Athletics Multiple Images of Current UF Stadium Construction Inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium's Skybox Lobby. There is no better place than 'The Swamp'! That opening on the big screen with the alligator, it's the best ever. When the Gators run out of the tunnel, it is absolutely the moment of moments in college football." - Lee Corso, ESPN College Football Analyst, FSU Graduate I think it is a well known fact that to compare any of UF's athletics to UCF's is pointless, considering UF is an athletic powerhouse, but I'll do it anyway.

Euthanasia Essay -- Euthanasia Essays

Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Individual cases presented to justify legalizing physician assisted suicide fail to deal with underlying medical failures to control pain, creating an illusion of control over death, and not acknowledging the thousands of patients murdered inappropriately. This is an interesting and a very controversial issue in today’s society. Euthanasia has negative sides, it can hurt society, and everyone needs to learn more bout it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The word Euthanasia is Greek in origin. It arrived from the prefix â€Å"eu†, meaning fear, easy, and fortunate and from the word â€Å"thanatos† meaning death. The main idea of Euthanasia is that someone has a conscientious death or a fortunate one. In other words, we attempt to ease one’s pain by murdering another human being to give him/her a so-called â€Å"easy death† which is illegal and morally wrong. The key element of one human being taking the life of another human being is not present. It is exactly this element that causes euthanasia to be morally wrong (Gay-Williams,288)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are different cases that might be hard to distinguish whether it is, or isn’t Euthanasia. There are murders in â€Å"just†, war, when trying to protect oneself, and in federal executions. It can be said that one of those is amiss; it would be arduous to prove that they are always amiss. When someone looks at those examples above and euthanasia, he/she can tell their inequality. The person who is murdered above is considered by the murderer as an adversary, an assaulter, or criminally culpable. But the individual in Euthanasia is neither of the three we mentioned (Gay-Williams, 288). As I defined earlier, euthanasia is taking someone’s life, either his/her own or of another person to add to that, the human being whose life is confiscated must be a person that is assumed to be experiencing a disease or injury from which regaining life cannot reasonably be anticipated. Ultimately, the attempt must be deliberate and intentional. Thus, euthan asia is purposely confiscating the life of a believed hopeless person, whether it is the person’s own or of a relative or friend, it is still euthanasia. It is critical to be apparent about the deliberate and intentional appearance of the death. If a desperate person is injected with the incorrect drug unintenti... ...Cited Darr, Kurt. â€Å"Physician-Assisted Suicide and the Supreme Court: Implications for Health Services   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Delivery.† 22 Jun. 1997. On-line. Netscape. 1 Oct. 2002. Dekker, Diana. â€Å"Life or Death.† The Evening Post. 23 Jun. 2001. On-line. Netscape. 1 Oct.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2002. Gay-Williams,J. â€Å"The Wrongfulness of Euthanasia† Taking Sides: Clashing views on Controversial Moral Issues. Ed. Stephen Satris. 5th ed. Guilford, CT: Dushkin/McGraw Hill, 1997. 288-289, 290-293. Hending, Herbert.†Selling Death and Dignity: Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Bioethical Issues. Ed. Stephen Carol Levine. 7th ed. Guilford, CT: Dushkin/Mcdraw-Hill, 1997 80-81, 87-94, 95. Hupfer, Sherrrie. â€Å"Ethical deisions at the Darkest Hour.† Radiologic Technology. 11 Jan. 1996.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On-line. Netscape. 1 Oct. 2002 Komp, Diane. Assisted Suicide. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Pres. 1998 Shapiro, Joseph P. â€Å"Expanding a Right to Die.† U.S. News and World Report. 15 Apr. 1996: 63. Vallis, Mary. â€Å" Study Pinpoints Fear that pushes some to Euthanasia: A Means of Limiting a loss of Self.† National Post 3Aug. 2001. On-line. Netscape. 5 Oct. 2002

Hamlet :: essays research papers

Hamlet's agonized worrying over his state of existence begins before his first encounter with the ghost. He reports first to his mother that "These but the trappings and suits of woe" (I,ii) do not begin to illumine his inner heartbreak over the death of his father. But it is soon revealed in his first soliloquy that he despairs more over the hasty remarriage of Gertrude than the death of King Hamlet. "...a beast, that wants discourse of reason, / Would have mourn'd longer." (I,ii) Gertrude's apparent disregard of his honorable late father causes his suicidal dejection.When he hears from the ghost of his father's murder, he does indeed vow revenge. However, that revenge never seems to materialize, he thinks and worries but commits no action to fulfill his vow. For some reason, he plays the fool and delays his revenge. Significantly, he presents the play with the scenes altered to mirror the circumstances of Claudius' crime so Hamlet can watch his reactions with his own eyes. "For I mine eyes will rivet to his face, / And after we will both our judgments join / In censure of his seeming." (III,ii) Hamlet's revenge, when it finally occurs, is the result of considerable provocation. Claudius has been exposed by Laertes as a conspiring murderer of Prince Hamlet. Claudius has caused Hamlet to be the death of several people, notably Ophelia and Gertrude. In the end Hamlet kills Claudius, and the ghost is revenged.But truly, whose revenge has taken place? The connection among all of Hamlet's actions is merely himself. He certainly mourns his father, but mainly he feels sorry for himself because he lost his mother and his crown the day his father died. It is possible that he misses Gertrude and Denmark more than his father the king. Also, Hamlet cannot accept the ghost's word for Claudius' guilt, he arranges a situation where he can watch Claudius condemn himself. Again, this is a reaction from his self-centered motives-he requires the feeling of hatred that is only achieved when he is the victim of a crime. Although the play shows him a first-hand picture of Claudius' guilt, it is still not enough provocation for murder. In Hamlet's case, "self-centered" is not a fault but a way of feeling emotions. He is evidently unable to feel the necessary passion when they are related secondhand, he must have the immediate relation to his own psyche.

Life of Bob Marley

Gabrielle Coelho ENC 1101 Informative Essay Bob Marley â€Å"Who are you to judge the life I live, I know I'm not perfect and I don't live to be, but before you point fingers make sure your hands are clean†, one of my favorite Bob Marley quotes; I know it by heart. This quote is perfect to me because I know I'm not perfect and I don't allow anybody to judge my lifestyle or decisions especially if they have or made the same or worse decisions. I grew up listening to Bob Marley's music because of my dad. Nobody loves reggae or Bob Marley more than my dad.So ever since I've been little I've had a love for Bob Marley. Bob Marley, born Robert Nesta Marley, is a singer, song writer and musician. He was the most widely known reggae performer and was a great aid in spreading Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement. Marley first began his career as the lead singer of the music band â€Å"Bob Marley and the Wailers†, making songs such as â€Å"I Shot the Sheriff† and â⠂¬Å"Get Up Stand Up† which are still known today. The Wailers later broke up while each of the members continued to pursue solo careers.Marley later had his first international hit, outside of Jamaica â€Å"No Woman No Cry†. Marley was also very much involved with the social and political issues going on in Jamaica. He held rallies and free concerts, which some turned violent where Marley was shot, but fully recovered after. Bob Marley had many children; two from is wife Rita Anderson, two adopted from Rita's previous relationship and several others from different women, according to the Bob Marley official website. Bob also has many grandchild, a few I personally know myself from middle school.Most of Marley's children and grandchildren reside in Miami now. Bob Marley continued to make the best lyrical and influential reggae music, with songs like â€Å"One Love†, â€Å"Jamming† and â€Å"Redemption Song†. In July 1977, Marley discovered a type of melanoma under his toe, which was a symptom of already existing cancer. Doctors told Marley that he should get his toe amputated, but refused because of his religious beliefs. Despite his illness Marley continued on with his world tour up until his final show in at the Stanley theater in Pittsburg.Marley became very ill and the cancer spread through out his body. After fighting the cancer for eight months without success Marley died on the morning of May 11, 1981, in the Cedars of Lebanon hospital in Miami. All in all, Bob Marley introduced the world to the mystic power of reggae. His influential music is loved by everybody all over the world. His music was educational, lyrical and very positive. Bob Marley always stood up for what he believed him which is why I adore him too. Marley is still very popular after his death and his legacy still lives on today.

Research on Tourism: A Review Essay

The following is a review of three (3) completed research articles on the tourism industry, all taken from Higher Academy Network for Hospitality, Leisure, Sports & Tourism Network and administered by the Higher Education Academy. All the above pedagogic researches pertain to processes and ideas in the teaching of tourism-related courses, which include, aside from Tourism, Sports Education, Leisure and Hospitality. Each one is aimed at contributing to the sustainability of education in these areas and in supporting students in their academic and project work. Two of the research articles use materials based on sources from the internet. Here the students are provided with assistance on how online reference materials can be useful in both their academic and extra-curricular studies. These researches form part of the Network’s intention to spread its work and coverage to the wider academic community through the Pedagogic Research Project Fund used in undertaking the research projects. The Hospitality, Leisure, Sports and Tourism Network  covers a wide range of subject areas including Recreation, Events Management and Sports Science, as well as Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism. The aim is to create a network within the subject grouping and this is being achieved through a structure where the Liaison Officers link with the different industry associations, Institutional Partners (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) contribute both an institutional and a geographical context, and Departmental Contacts who are located in the majority of institutions offer the subjects. The over-all objective of the Network is to share practices and ideas to make the processes of learning and teaching within the different subject areas simpler and more effective. The Higher Education Academy is the lead agency in the network, working with the UK higher education sector for knowledge, practice and policy related to the student experience in higher education. In the next section a review of each of the three research articles will be made, specifically covering the methods of research used, their effectiveness and appropriateness. There are several methods used in collecting data to be used in undertaking research. There is substantial online material which provide information on these. Among the general methods used are the following: questionnaires, surveys, checklists, interviews, documentation review, observation, focus groups, and case studies.[3]   The Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction identifies five (5) research methods used in the social and natural sciences and these are: experiment, correlation, naturalistic observation, survey and case study.[4]   With knowledge of these methods, a review will be made of the three research articles. Agenda 21 & Higher Education: Sustainable Development Education in Leisure and Tourism Degree Courses (by Tony Curson, University of North London) [5] Based on the project brief about the research, this project was undertaken from April 2001 to March 2003 by Tony Curson from the University of North London. This was in partnership with the Tourism Concern & University of North London Business School and funded by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Learning and Teaching Support Network (LTSN). The project aimed to ensure the inclusion of Sustainable Development Education (SDE) within the leisure and tourism Higher Education sector, using Agenda 21[6] as a focus. The project aims to identify the most relevant subject areas and arrive at the most appropriate means for introducing sustainable development education in the leisure and tourism undergraduate curriculum. The practical recommendations were changes in the appropriate areas of the leisure and tourism curriculum and their value and effectiveness  monitored. A pilot program of student support was initiated for sustainability issues outside  the formal curriculum and a guidance paper was produced. The research methods used were the following: consulting with staff at all levels, mapping existing sustainability content, identifying opportunities for sustainability, identifying obstacles to sustainability, recommending integration measures, and disseminating the outcomes to others. The recommendation was a proposal to integrate the  following subjects in the curriculum: First year: â€Å"Business in Society†, Second year: â€Å"Tourism Business in Society† and Third year: â€Å"Sustainability tools and solutions for tourism†. Specific guidelines were made to include the teaching methodologies, desired learning outcomes, duration of courses, course content, among others. The outcome of the project is contained in the Guidelines for Integrating Sustainability into the Undergraduate Curriculum: Leisure and Tourism.[7] The Guidelines indicate that this is a well-organized research paper that observed the entire process of completing the work from the collection of data to its evaluation. Consultation was effectively used from start to finish and even after the completion of the research, a workshop was organized to obtain feedback. Even the methods used in organizing the workshop were well-processed. In getting feedback from the practitioners, the Guidelines were sent prior to the workshop, giving the participants time to properly evaluate them. The workshop articipants were properly selected as they were mostly those with the knowledge and experience about sustainability issues. Over-all, the methods used were effective in achieving the objectives of the research project.  Research Gateway for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism: A Project to Dev elop and Evaluate Online Materials to Support Student Project Work (by Dr. Tess Kay and Dr. Leigh Robinson, Loughborough University)[8] As outlined in the project’s Final Report, the aim is to develop, pilot and assess  materials to support student research project work in hospitality, leisure, sports and tourism. Part of the objectives too was to produce generic web-based materials that could be used as models by institutions involved in student work of this type, and to evaluate the  effectiveness of these online resources in supporting student research project work in  the specified subject areas. The method used was not identified in terms of concrete steps but from the summary report the following method was determined: A search of online materials was made following the formulation of a research structure in consultation with the persons in charge of supervising student projects. Then the students were asked to use the online materials identified. An evaluation of the students’ research projects was made at various points over their completion. The findings showed that the information gathered for the research gateway was very useful because it was organized around the objective of helping them come up with good research papers. However, some were confused or overwhelmed with the amount of information available that they need not access all the sites. While the method used was the conventional way of evaluating available reference material (by surfing the net), the way it was evaluated as to its usefulness and effectiveness was not completely organized. Some students were only encouraged to use the Gateway materials, some were not even told to use them at all. If an evaluation is to be made, there must be consistency in the methods used. A sample group must be made to uniformly undertake a particular action. This is the reason why the research project failed to evaluate the impact of the Gateway work. The student projects could not be evaluated as to the quality of their work since not all of them used the reference materials prescribed. This means that the impact of the gateway research could not also be determined. Virtual Learning Environments in Hospitality, Leisure, Tourism and Sports – A Review (by David Botterill, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff) [9] This project’s objective is to scope the existing and potential exploitation of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) in the subjects Hospitality, Leisure, Tourism and Sports. The means of doing was through a survey of founding partner institutions in the subject areas and a benchmark exercise matching the findings of the survey against best practices in selected subject areas. Recommendations were made for the future of VLE in the different subjects. Among the outcomes were: a review of the current status of VLE application in founding partner institutions of the Leisure, Tourism and Sports Network, examples of best practices from the subject areas adopted as benchmark indicators, a scoping statement on potential developments in VLE for the identified subject areas, and a written report of the project. The method used was a two-fold qualitative research approach focused on seeking data at both the subject-specific and the institutional level, using survey research questions. This was participated in by the network’s Institutional Partners (10 universities).   Subject level and institutional individuals were identified and asked to participate in either an email or telephone survey. Further, a snowballing technique was used to identify individuals with examples of current practice in using VLEs. This research project is largely based on the use of the research questionnaire method. The outcome of the research indicates that the method was effective in attaining its objectives. The key to the success of the research is the questionnaire because this serves as the basis of the evaluation. All conclusions and recommendations are based on the information contained in the questionnaires.   From the survey, the research even contributed  to increasing the levels of understanding among individuals and institutions regarding the learning environments used. The only limitation perhaps is that it failed to make specific recommendations on improving the application or delivery of virtual learning environments. The three research projects made use of similar methods like the questionnaires, surveys, interviews, documentation review, among others but each method was used in a way that will make the research attain its individual objectives in a more complete way.