Critiquing a science article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critiquing a science - Article Example Thus, the number of subjects were reduced to 70. The group was divided into two: ( High Glycemic Index) HGI and LGI ( Low Glycemic Index ) group. However, three members of the LGI group withdrew since two of them cannot comply with the nutritional intake while the other one gave birth. Therefore, the total number of subjects were reduced to sixty-seven. Towards the end, only sixty-two women completed the study. Considerably, this figure is statistically significant since this is composed of the pregnant women at that time. In fact, sample size is one of the strengths of this study which contributes to the studies’ reliability. Since obstetrics outcomes are the parameters for evaluation of the results, pregnant females were obviously used for this study. Considerations for inclusion in the study are the following: aged 21–40 y, had a singleton pregnancy, were between 12 and 16wk.gestation, were nonsmokers, and had no more than 1 alcoholic drink each day. All participants must fit into these requirements. Consent was properly sought before conducting the baseline trial. The study was done 5 times between 16 weeks gestation and delivery. Considerably, it is a long period of time since the women’s pregnancy were completely monitored until the time they gave birth. The whole study lasted for about 6 months since the women were at least 3 months pregnant at the time the study was conducted. Fetal size is the indicator in the principal findings, thus this meant that the study continued until the time the women gave birth. The study’s primary aim â€Å" was to assess effects of inclusion of high- or low-GI carbohydrate-rich foods on the outcomes of pregnancy. For this purpose the principal findings were indicators of fetal size†. In fact, the article mentioned that two studies on glucose intolerant women were done before but gave conflicting findings. This is the first study that

Out Stress and Pressure, In Health and Leisure The New Marketing Plan Essay

Out Stress and Pressure, In Health and Leisure The New Marketing Plan - Essay Example Is the resort ready and equipped Notwithstanding the impressive standards, a new marketing plan coordinating and embodying all related functions affecting sales strategies for both goods and services, current and new, has to be devised in order to further promote the facilities and, in the process, increase the traffic of the visitors coming in to attain the given objective. The quality and ingenuity of the products are among the top priorities. From here on, all physical care and massage creams, oils, balms and the like will be indigenous, to be procured from among the best in the world. The honey from New Zealand, the virgin coconut oil made in the Philippines, the balms from North America and the other natural consumables will henceforth become fixtures in the health and wellness centers and beauty parlors. Highlighting the use of these products with pictures and labeled exhibits in conspicuous spots in relevant venues will most likely help convey to the customers the hotel management's great concerns for their health and body aura. To be likewise introduced are variations in the gym programs and detoxification centers. Bottomless ginger shakes with muscovado sugar in calculated quantity, fresh tomato juice, iced garlic-in-tea drink, onion honey lemon beverage and similar thirst quenchers are to be provided each participating guest. To be added maybe is chilled fresh cow's milk which contains more anti-oxidants than commercially packed non-organic ones. (Health Benefits of Organic Food, Organic Facts Your Gateway to Unbiased Information. [internet]). Such a good deed shall verily manifest how true is the hotel to as far as concerning the quality of the products that the resort wants to be known for, among others. These are small things which mean a lot and which will surely show the passion for bringing real good health to the tired businessman or professional who has chosen this beautiful leisure landmark. Demonstration model gardens fully developed out of worm castings, Charles Darwin's living soil, will be put in place along prominent roads and pathways. Pretty-looking green and leafy veggies are to be planted in the plots for everybody to see. These will emote the seriousness of the in-house go-organic crusade for the satisfaction of the week-enders who have come to re-energize the body and the soul after a five-or-six-day boring routine. Any no-nonsense top-caliber achiever so deserves. The employment of masseurs and therapists must likewise be with some innovations. There will be free choices along age, race and physical build dynamics. For instance, the guy who desires Thai massage has to be attended to by a Thai or an Asian. We cannot imagine how a client will feel being Thai-massaged by a blonde-haired white European lady. All these propositions relative to the products of the resort surely answer the query why Hotel X will stand out over the rest. Simply said, it is because the new management knows and believes in the products and the care for those who will use the merchandise. One cannot sell something that he has no knowledge about. (Shari Waters, Benefits of Product Knowledge, About.Com. [internet]). The next item in this is whole caboodle is the needed

Fulfillment of the prophecies and Promises of a new Temple in Ezekiel Research Paper

Fulfillment of the prophecies and Promises of a new Temple in Ezekiel 40-48 - Research Paper Example To understand whether the prophecies are fulfilled, one has to relate these prophecies to the language in which the text is rendered, the relationship between the New Temple and the Restoration of Israel, the literal animal sacrifices in the Kingdom Age, the promise of a New Temple and the Coming of Christ, and the development and portrayal of the idea of the New Temple in the New Testament. Scholars view the fulfillment of the prophecies and promises from different angles. While many are of the opinion that these prophecies are merely symbolic, others believe that these prophecies have a literal context, and these will be fulfilled in the future. While the former group considers the prophecies as a symbolic representation of idealistic views, the latter argues that Ezekiel meant the temple to be literally constructed and consecrated for worship. The debates notwithstanding, the fact remains that Ezekiel’s proposition of the temple is founded on literal premises, rather than f igurative allusions, by way of its reliance on earthly language, understanding of historical events, rituals to be performed in the temple, the expected Second Coming of Christ and the development and portrayal of the ideas of the New Temple in the New Testament. ... Besides, he refers to priests donning linen robes and performing rituals in the New Temple. Scholars such as Feinberg, Gray, Kelly, Pentacost and Scofield maintain that all these allusions tend to validate that Ezekiel meant the temple to be literal rather than symbolic or figurative. Ezekiel 40-48 is based on the hermeneutical assumptions and manifests the same exegetical techniques. Most of the terms used are Christian and the â€Å"allusions to Ezekiel in the book of revelation are based on the Hebrew text†1 On another level, the contents of the book promote ritual codes of behavior that protect the community from the threat of impurity and set the whole ritual system inside the impregnable fortress of the new community. It is not only in the content that the prophet’s background becomes evident but also in his constant and striking use of cultic language. Many scholars believe that Ezekiel’s text â€Å"uses for preference the priestly/cultic language of defi lement†2 Even when the sins illustrated in the work are not in themselves ritual, Ezekiel frequently applies cultic language to explain them. Ezekiel’s inventive reaction to the crisis was to refresh the old institution of the temple by expanding its symbolic language further than the strictly priestly sphere and taking it into a level where the literal meaning would become evident through his allusions about the ordinary materials such as common wood or stones (Ezekiel 40:16, 22, 26, 34, 37, 42, 41:16-22, 25-26). This is in utter contrast with John’s version, which speaks of a heavenly city made of â€Å"gold, pearls and rare gemstones† (Revelation 21: 16- 21). Thus, by the deployment

Supply and Demand Concepts Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Supply and Demand Concepts - Assignment Example The price floor of 16 create a surplus of 4000 in the tablet market. Price floor alters the forces of demand and supply in the market (Bhaskar, 1997). In a natural case, the tablet would be selling at 12, but the price floor of 16 prompt the producer to produce more due to the high return expected in the market. On the other hand, consumer would be hesitant to buy at 16 thus, making the market have a surplus of 4000. Price ceiling is maximum price set for a specific good to help the citizen afford at a considerable price lower than the market value. In the tablet market, market price ceiling will create a shortage in the market as a supplier would not be willing to supply a tablet at a price lower than the market price. For this case where price ceiling is set at price $8, the market will experience a shortage of 4000 tablets. The purpose of price ceiling is to bring equity among all customers. A drop in price for the tablet by 50% would alter the market equilibrium. People will demand more tablet than before and the supply for the same will decrease as the prices drops from $12 to $6. The ultimate impact is a downward shift in the demand curve. The market for tablet will have more demand than the supply of table. This scenario is what is referred to as shortage in the market. In cases, all thing are kept constant when price decreases; the market will have to endure with shortages of tablet as the demand will not be met by the available supply. However, according to the laws of demand a reduction in price dictate that the quantity supplied would also reduce. Thus, the supply curve shift to the left and the market will return to the equilibrium price. An increase in income for the tablet consumer would shift the demand curve to the right (other thing constant). Increase in customer’s income leaves them with extra money after their other expenditure to buy tablets and thus increase the demand for tablet. However, because the market for tablet is free

The Crucible by Arthur Miller Essay Example for Free

The Crucible by Arthur Miller Essay When a conflict arises, many people stand back and watch as their beliefs are trampled on, but sometimes one person will stand up and die for what they believe and inspire all those with similar beliefs. Of the many people who died in the Salem witch trials, one man stands out as a true martyr who died in the pursuit of justice and whose actions served as a model for all the people in Salem. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller portrayed the character of Giles Corey as a martyr through his strong convictions, honesty, concern for justice, and his willingness to die for these causes. Giles Corey, a man of strong beliefs, refused to give the authorities the lie they demanded, therefore, he died a martyr. Unlike many of the people of Salem, Giles Corey held fast to his strong convictions. When he believed something was wrong, he refused to sit and passively accept the injustice, but instead notified the authorities and demanded a fair trial. When his wife was being wrongly accused of witchcraft, Giles stood up for her, yelling in court Youre hearing lies, lies! (84). Giles is clearly concerned with the truth and frequently pleads with the court to reject the girls statements and understand that they [were] telling lies about [his] wife (85). Again, he pursues justice when he urges the court to hear Mary Warren confess that she and the other girls had lied. He introduces her by stating she comes now to tell the truth (88). Giles Corey demonstrates his strong beliefs through his preoccupation with truth and justice in the witch trials. Not only was Giles Corey adamant about justice and other peoples truthfulness in the court, but also he showed that he was an honest man and therefore refused to give an untruthful confession. When Proctor was accused of plowing on Sunday, Giles reminded the court that there were other Christians that do plow on Sunday if the truth be known (91). Giles again offered honest information to the judges, explaining that he had been thirty-three time in court (95). Even if that information made him look bad during his trial, he always felt compelled to tell the truth. Because he had told the truth before and his wife had suffered because of it, Giles refused to speak in court explaining I mentioned my wifes name once and Ill burn in hell long enough for that. I stand mute (97). Giles never  lied, but when he realized that the truth could hurt other people, he simply refused to give any information to the authorities. Following his strong convictions and refusing to lie, Giles Corey died a martyr, suffering a slow put painful death not for personal reasons but for justice in his community. The only words Giles Corey spoke when they placed the stones on his body and demanded a confession were More weight, symbolizing his refusal to lie and his intentions to die in the name of truth (135). Goody Proctor noted that he had remained mute and died Christian under the law making him an example in the community and keeping his name clear from guilt so that his children could keep his farm and continue their lives (135). After hearing the news of Giles strong character and martyrdom, John Proctor declared that he had to confess because he could not mount the gibbet like a saint the way Giles had done (136). Proctor revered Giles for his noble deed and was eventually inspired to give up his own life for the people he loved. Sometimes it is necessary to die so that beliefs and morals may live on. As a man of strong principles who refused to give in to the authoritys demands to sacrifice truth for a quick solution, Giles Corey died a martyr. He held strong to his belief in the importance of truth and chose to give no statements over one that could potentially condemn a friend, family member, or himself. He was a model for the people of Salem in that he accepted his punishment so that they could rid themselves of the plagues of a town wide witch hunt. When justice is in danger of dying, a human death often seems the only way to save such a cause.

Impact Of Christian Missionary Activity

Impact Of Christian Missionary Activity Colonialism in the nineteenth century and early twentieth centuries was part and parcel of the world history, whether one was part of the Colonial empires or countries under colonial rule. Colonialism was not simply a social and economical form of oppression but also cultural, mostly religious for those who lived under its grip. Indeed from the British Raj to the French rule around the world, religion acted as a backbone to infiltrate and convert en masse or divert locals or natives from what was believed to be erroneous religions. Christianity in this way became an important import for colonies around the world. India is such an example. Under British rule since the 18th century, India was subjugated for three centuries until its independence in 1947. This rule has obviously left a big impact on the Indian landscape namely on the cultural and political scene because of education and the counter reaction of Hinduism. This essay will thus attempt to gauge the extent of Christian Missi onary activity in India and its modernizing effect if any. The different ways in which Christian missions operated will be analysed as well as its impact on education and Hinduism. This will be undertaken by describing the concept of modernity from a western perspective and how it applies to the Indian case. The impact of Christian Missions on education will be accounted for as well as the debate over the Hindu Renaissance of the 19th century and whether it was indeed a renaissance. Moreover this essay will assess the impact of Christian activities as having been conducive to the Indian nationalist movement and how this subsequently led to Indias Independence from British Colonial Rule. MODERNITY AND WHAT CONSTITUTES MODERNITY. The concept of modernity is western and a term devised and applied in the West because of the shift from the medieval era to the modern since the Enlightenment. Thus to speak of modernity in the Indian context, one needs to define what modernity entails. Firstly modernity for Marx was to be associated with the rise of capitalist commodity production and for Weber, in the abstract principle of rationalization of the world (Kaviraj, 2000 p137). Modernity sees a state possess several features like a capitalist industrial economy, modern state institutions like the army and forms of democracy. Moreover the community of the traditional society tends to be replaced by the individual enterprise whilst religion tends to be overshadowed by secular values. (Kaviraj, 2000 p137) .Whilst all of the mentioned elements do not have to operate at the same time for a modern society to take shape, they are the prerequisites for one. Furthermore, it is believed that due to prerequisites like democracy, capitalist industrial economy ,etc ,that modernity tends to replicate itself around the globe as it supplants the traditional environment and replaces it with new set of practices altogether. However, this idea does not take into account the plurality and diversity of some places (Kaviraj, 2000 p138) India is such an example. Modernity does not operate on a tabula rasa but rather has to work along existing cultures and beliefs. Moreover, modernity in the Western perspective tends to suggest an image of homogeneity, where rationality prevails over economic, political and cultural spheres. This is rather far from the truth as one can see in Indias case, where plurality and diversity have always been present and in fact regions make up this vast country. Therefore, modernity cannot be applied to all cases in the same way and does not replicate itself around the globe through a common pattern. Even western countries had rather diverse trials and errors path towards modernity.India for i nstance is an extreme culturally fragmented case. The notion of being Indian did not take shape until British Colonial rule. Also, the social fragmentation of class and castes and royalties controlling parts of India made it hard to translate into a nation. However, British rule did contribute into putting perspective to the various religions and their differences. India first of all came under British rule due to the lack of a central state and lack of forms of democracy. Initially starting as a corporation enterprise, the East India enterprise very quickly saw itself acting as a state mostly by collecting revenues, production of statistics etc (Kaviraj, 2000 p143). In this way, British rule sought to transform the Indian colony into a western type state. However Indias diversity and class/caste ridden society could not follow into the Western tradition. India at that point was too embedded by religious and traditional beliefs to be turned into a modern state The modernity that beset the West socially, economically and culturally could thus not be repeated in India. The district of Bengal for instance saw a definite cultural revolution in the 19th century, where Western rationalization of thought seemed to have taken place. However the lack of infrastructures and material prospects could not emulate Western Counterparts so that Bengal could be termed as modern (Kopf, 1979 p9-11). Modernity in 19th century Bengal was allowed by the implementation of rising communication such as printing, education in the form of missionary schools. Moreover, the rise of Bhadraloks and the consolidation of intellectual elite as Ranmohun Roy witnessed a shift from the traditional to the modern. However this was concentrated mainly in urban areas and reserved for the privileged, mostly the middle class. Calcutta is such an example whereby the Bengali Renaissance found itself being the preserve of the few intellectual elite and not one to touch base with most people in general. The next chapters will thus determine whether India turned into a modern state under Christian Missionary activity or did it only see a cultural revival. It is essential to start with education as it became the first port of call for missionaries in India to use as weapon for conversions. THE IMPACT OF MISSIONARY SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION IN INDIA. The printing of ancient texts revived a spark of interest in Indian traditions and texts even from British scholars and missionaries. In effect comparative studies became a key tool into understanding the Indian tradition and values (Killingley, 2003 p509-14).A world completely different from the homogeneity of religion and languages of the Western world, understanding the Indian society and transforming it into a Western project as was the British agenda could be achieved only by instilling western values of religion namely Christianity. This was to be attempted by mission school and missionaries which were meant to bridge the religious gap between Christianity and Hinduism and also Islam. Although initially banned for fear on treading on local beliefs and traditions, missionary schools soon became more popular than anticipated and can be said to be conducive to Indian modernity through the revival of Hinduism (Bellenoit, 2007 p369). Missionary education would also be a catalyst for the Independence movement for it enabled men as Mahatma Gandhi to formulate their political discourse for Indian and Western audiences as well. Missionary education was set up by the British as means to be promote Western education, mainly the notions of rationalization but also to separate the false religions from the real. Indeed, Christianity in the late 19th and early 20th century had become the most widespread religion through colonies and in the Western World, the religion de facto in a sense. Western education in India was to thus boost Christian morality as opposed to the myriads of myths and ancient rites of Indian society. Practices like Sati, the Caste system with its unfair treatment of untouchables and the subordination of women in general became a cause for concern for some of the missionaries. Mission schools were thus intended to be centres of spiritual and religious dialogue as well as centres of academic learning but more importantly a way to impart Hindus the right Christian and moral ways ( Bellenoit,2007 p371) The colonial enterprise in India was a Christian enterprise above all. Missionary schools became increasingly popular, especially North India. They became synonymous to better life opportunities and social status. At the heart of these schools, lay religious debates and comparative lectures between Hinduism and Christianity. Through the comparative studies, missionaries wished to universalize Christianity by finding common things with Hinduism and help the pupils dispel traditions and mythical beliefs which went against the core values of Christianity. These schools moreover relied also on Indian agency and enterprise rather than British administration, which was thought to be conducive to Indians as being part of the Western modern family. However, these comparative studies only served to destabilize the imparted Western knowledge at these schools .Indeed, rather than concentrating on the religious curriculum these schools became centres of academic pursuits by most students. Conversions being the ultimate goal were viewed suspiciously by parents who s ometimes threatened to pull their children out of these schools. Protests were often made by parents who feared that their children would turn Christians and any Christian activities would be frowned upon, seen as a disregard to Hindu culture and values (Bellenoit, 2007 p372) The Christian education only appealed to Indians for it automatically secured better life opportunities and social status within Indian society. Students meanwhile seemed to develop dual allegiances, one to their rational westernized education and the other to the beliefs of their ancestors, seeped in myths and traditions. Mission schools thus were subject to protests and Indian agency from parents to administration and were not just a passive process where Indian pupils imbibed Christian lessons and forgot about their traditions. In Northern India for instance, missionary schools became a way for Indians to contest the so called superiority of Western knowledge and Christianity especially when it came to the i ssue of the dvaita (duality) nature of God which both Hindus and Christians believed in (Bellenoit, 2007 p373-374) The mastering of English language enabled students to forage into Western literature and philosophy. This allowed for Indians to seek and re read their own sacred texts as well as ancient writings which showed the richness of Indian culture and lost traditions of reason and logic which had predated the Italian Renaissance and the Enlightenment. Western notions of rationalization and education in effect helped shape the Indian enterprise for learning and by extension helped them revive or discover what would eventually shape Indian modernity and the process of Independence. However these mission schools were reserved to a few privileged. Moreover, the issues of caste and class still persisted. The interesting outcome of the missionary schools is that they were marked by interdependency and contestation between Europeans and Indians and that this was also a side of coloni al rule and that Indians did not allow themselves to be culturally subordinated (Bellenoit, 2007 p393) In this light, it can be said that Christian activity did bring some forms of modernity in India, mostly in the form of Western style schools and education. Indians, mainly the privileged classes saw the benefit of this system. Indias vast middle class would be formed by this Christian education. However, the outcome of mission schools also meant the revival of Hinduism pupils now armed with English language could compare the West and their own culture. A cultural modernity seems to have taken place with the activities of Missionary schools. REFORM IN HINDUISM DUE TO COLONIAL PRESENCE. It has been pointed out that missionary schools were set up to bridge the gap between Hinduism and Christianity. The presence of Christianity in India was subject to coexistence and conflict. This conflict/ coexistence relationship thus allows for individuals to stay within their religious boundaries or to try synthesising both. The presence of Colonial rule in nineteenth century India forced Hindus to reanalyse the fundamental structure of Hinduism. The threat of missionary schools and the en mass conversion of low caste groups became a turning point for the future of Hinduism which had until then been free from any pressures except for Islam through the Mughal empire. Christianity in India was present through the Church and it was a force to be reckoned with, for it had a clear structure and hierarchy unlike the multifaceted one of Hinduism This then encouraged Indians to congregate and to create a semblance of unity for political aspirations and discourses (Beckerlegge 2004 p145). The creation of the Brahmo Samaj by Ranmohun Roy and the Dharma Sabha and Swami Vivekananda Ramakrishna Math and Mission are such examples. Although these groups are western in form, they were effective in regrouping like minded men, although mostly from upper classes to find ways into counter attacking British policies and rules. Moreover it helped into bringing about changes within Hinduism. (Beckerlegge, 2004 p149). Missionary activity thus sparked a Hindu revival that would follow in the European traditions of rationality and intellectual thought. Faced with an ever present Christian force, Hinduism would face change from the inside as what is known as the Hindu Renaissance. The Hindu Renaissance. The Hindu Renaissance can be described as a time marked by the reformulation of Hindu thought, practice and organization. It started roughly in 1820s and lasted until India gained its independence from Britain( Beckerlegge,2004 p138) The Hindu Renaissance is extremely important as it shaped modernity in India and allowed for charismatic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo to formulate their political discourses thereafter. The Hindu Renaissance promoted a different style of Hinduism ,namely a modern Hinduism , a neo Hinduism characterized by the relationship between religion and nationalism , the majority of its thinkers having been exposed to western thought , Christianity and education (Beckerlegge,2004 p 139)Placing greater importance on the individual similar to the Enlightenment rather than traditional authorities , the worship of idols and belief in old traditions became a burden. Moreover the traditional Hindu concepts such as dharma and yoga were reinterpreted, eve n gaining International recognition. This new style Hinduism also sought to be at the service of humanity and to its betterment (Beckerlegge, 2004 p 139) As Sarkar points out, the Hindu Renaissance appealed to the middle class for it was created by a middle class which saw the movement as a transitional shift from medieval times to a modern one (Sarkar in Beckerlegge,2004 p 140) The Hindu Renaissance saw the emergence of figures as Ranmohun Roy, Swami Vivekanda and the prominence of cities like Calcutta acting as intellectual hub. People like Roy and Vivekananda tried to incorporate the elements of Christianity and Hinduism into their discourses and writings believing it would not only educate Hindus but also Christians. The precepts of Jesus by Roy are such an example. The Hindu revival aimed into seeking the universality of religions, by finding their common link, a supra power. Roy saw in Christian teachings the universal truth found in all religions but that the greatest form was in Hinduism, namely the Advaita Vedanta. Similar to the traditions and practices that had beset Hinduism, he thought Christianity had been riddled with the Trinitarian theology and supernaturalism (Beckerlegge, 2004 p 151). Similarly Swami Vivekanandas attempt to an inclusive and dynamic Hinduism made him accept the person of Jesus and his teachings. He believed individuals and religions were aiming for the same destination albeit at different times and places. The truth of religions was found in their convergence rather than their historical differences. Figures like Roy and Vivekananda were referred to as Hindu Christians or tacit Christians. However this is a rather Eurocentric view. Hinduism was then reformulated by social and political context of the 19th century Calcutta and the clash of Indian and colonial rule. The Hindu Renaissance also posited a fundamental question, the relationship of the colonized versus the colonizer, a debate which made Indians question why they had been colonized in the first place and why Hinduism had been threatened by the advent of Christianity. The colonial project was an inherently Christian enterprise. The works of Roy and Swami Vivekananda aimed at answering this fundamental question by finding a common ground through the universality of religions. (Van der Veer, 2001 p44-8, 66-70,72-4). It is the western quality of these writings appealed to Western and Indian audiences alike. But these western type discourses were motivated by a Hindu spirituality not to be found in Christianity (Van der Veer, 2001 p44-8 ,66-70,72-4). However the Hindu Renaissance was not a fundamental break from its past. The issues of castes, namely the Untouchables was not abolished. This Bengali renaissance culture only spread in urban areas and amongst the upper middle class bhadraloks . Some of Hinduisms rigid lines when it came to castes and hierarchy were still very traditional and still pervade (Sarkar, 1990 p 95-105).Moreover it took a longer period from the Hindu Renaissance to the actual independence of India , meaning the Hindu Renaissance was not as planned but rather occurred on an ad hoc basis. The Hindu Renaissance did not transform Indian society in a modern one. Christian Missionary activity in India had a modernising tendency to the extent that it brought a western style education through mission schools and the Church. Missionary activity acted as a binding factor for India as it made Indians think of themselves as Indians for the first time. As seen above, modernity entails a notion of statehood as well as industrial and economic growth. The weak links of Hinduism were introspected as well as the clear lack of hierarchy and structure that Britain possessed. A major question was to ask why India had been allowed to be colonized in the first place and how different was it from the Wests state structure. This in turn brought about the Hindu Renaissance with clear western features but imbued with a Hindu spirituality and essence. Morever it allowed Hinduism to possess a more rational and intellectualized discourse through men like Ranmohun Roy and Swami Vivekananda. They wished to syncretise Hinduism and Christianity to prove the universality of religions and thus demonstrate that colonialism was a discriminate and unfair venture on the Wests behalf. Missionary schools as highlighted above allowed Indians agency and contestation as education gave a platform to voice out opinions about Christianity and the colonial rule. Hinduism was thus further reinforced by western educated voices rather than traditional and illiterate ones. Although not advanced infrastructurally by comparison to its western counterparts, India had entered a new era of political and cultural effervescence under the pressure of Christian missionaries and colonial rule. Those activities helped modernity trough key figures as Gandhi and Nehru who would eventually help India gain independence. It can be concluded that Christian mission activity helped India culturally modernize itself and think as a nation although marked by major regional differences.

Market analysis and business plan for a gym

Market analysis and business plan for a gym Stayfit gym is a privately owned business which is positioned at 15 Menai Road, Menai. The estimated opening date is August 2010. The establishing business, Stayfit gym is dedicated to provide the best personal fitness service. The mission is to offer the general public with the willpower to set reachable goals and to reach ultimate health and fitness level. The business will take a holistic approach to lifestyle, health and fitness management and work around the clock to provide the public with practical and innovative fitness programs that flexibly put together into busy lifestyles. Stayfit gym will include of 1-20 employees making it to be a small business. Stayfit gym will be registered as a sole trader ownership (Maroutcha Hadwan) meaning it is an incorporated business with one owner. The owner is responsible for all decisions made within the business and is able to retain all profits. Funding for the business is through the owners equity and money and money borrowed from financial institutions. An advantage of a sole trader is that all profits go to the one person; unlike a partnership the profits made are split evenly between all partners in the business. The risks in opening this business as a sole trader are that the owner of the business is personally responsible for the debt incurred by the business (unlimited liability). In the event that the business is unable to meet its financial obligations, the owner must take responsibility for finding funds to pay off all debts, the owners personal assets are all at risk of the business does not succeed. Purpose of Plan Planning is important to guide the business, the purpose of this business plan of that it gives clear direction for the future of Stayfit gym, it also increases awareness of opportunities arising in further future growth. It helps the business prevent failure and to achieve goals. Stayfit gym holds many different goals such as: personal, social, and financial which consist of the following goals: Personal Goals: Upholding a good image Being a sole trader (being their own boss) Satisfaction from your work Social Goals: Helping the general public improve their fitness To help children over come obesity Financial Goals: Gaining maximum wealth Making a great profit Situation Analysis SWOT Analysis The SWOT analysis provides the business with an opportunity to examine the strengths and weaknesses Stayfit Gym must address. It also allows the business to examine the opportunities presented to Stayfit Gym as well as possible threats. Strengths Weakness Knowledgeable and friendly staff Top of the line equipment Flexible operating hours Complementary service Womens room Free parking for all gym members Childminding Newness Viable workers may leave the gym Membership fees High health care costs Poor brand image High staff turnover Opportunities Threats Opening more gyms in the future Growing population interested in fitness Buy out a competitor Growing economy Increasing high health conscious population New exercise trends New government health care regulations Decease in the number of competitors Declining economy Local competitors Change in government regulations Equipment shortage Decreasing local population Competitors Analysis The three main competitors for Stayfit Gym are: Fitness First Miranda Goodlife Gym Menai Contours Ilawong Fitness First As fitness first being a well known Gym nationwide, it then has the major influence on Stayfit Gym. As Fitness First being the main competitor because they can offer better prices and more services, product and have more capital behind them and are able to take more risks than a newly established Gym like Stayfit. An advantage for Stayfit Gym is that Fitness First doesnt not offer flexible contracts, like Stayfit Gym, as for example at Syatfit Gym we do not charge joining fees, as for fitness first do. Goodlife Gym Goodlife Gym is another competitor which also has an influence on Stayfit Gym for it being located nearby. It also influences Stayfit Gym as it is well known in the area, and has been open for a long period of time. This gives a reason why Stayfit Gym offers better and suitable pricing which will benefit those who are willing to lose weight for an affordable price. Contours Like any other competitor, Contours is also well known throughout Australia, as well as the local community. Unlike Fitness First, and Goodlife Gym, Contours is a circuit gym as well as an all ladies gym, this being one their weaknesses which benefits Stayfit Gym. Although, Contours offers those women who are not confident and comfortable working out in front of men the luxury and comfort to work out, this strength is a major disadvantage towards Stayfit Gym as the majority of women may prefer this environment. Market Analysis Stayfit offers everyone, no matter your age, anyone looking to loose weight; anyone looking to get fit, and anyone looking to stay fit! With Australia being the fattest nation on earth there is an ever more increasing need for easily accessible gyms with these facilities like Stayfit Gym who target and encourages people to exercise and get fit, as well as the opportunity to have fun. As the main aim of this business is to overcome obesity, Stayfit Gym mainly targets those who are overweight, obese, and morbidly obese. Statistics show that the main reason why Australias decided to join a gym and take over a healthy life style is to loose weight and this is shown in the table below. For further information visit the following website: http://www.executiveresults.com.au/health-and-fitness-statistics.cfm The Marketing Mix Product Price Stayfit Gym aims to provide top quality and safe equipment, which benefit members in weight loss. Stayfit Gym offers penetration and a discount pricing, as it is competing with other gyms who offer the same facilities and services as Stayfit Gym but for a better price. Discount pricing is offered for those who are students, and off-peak gym use, the prices reflect the quality of the equipment and service. Place Promotion The upcoming Gym will be located on 15 Menai Road, Menai. The population of this community has grown by 5% each year for the past three years, giving Stayfit Gym a better opportunity to gain more members of the public and customers to join and become apart of the Stayfit family. Stayfit Gym works to promote there services throughout advertising ads on local billboards, handing out flyers also by setting up stands in local centres. Stayfit also wishes to promote their gym through T.V commercials as well as radio broadcasting. Market Segmentation The market segmentations for Stayfit Gym customer consists of the following geographic, demographic and behavioural factors: Geographical The immediate target region of Stayfit Gym is Menai, Illawong, and Alfords Point. As the population of these areas continue to increase, this will have a positive impact towards Stayfit. Demographic Stayfit Gym targets both males and females from 15years and over. Income range of $35,000 $75,000. Behavioural Recognises that they need to improve their fitness Those who have recognised that they need to lose weight Those who are willing to enjoy extreme sport Marketing Strategies and Objectives Marketing Objective Marketing Strategy Overtake competitors Keep an update competitor profile Offer better pricing to the public (6months) Price level Maintain a price level lower than competitors as then it will be harder for the competitor (4months) Discounts Offer a range of discounts (9months) Online access to the gym To build up an online website of the gym which will be easy for the members to access and also helps promote the business. (2months) Equipment To provide the gym with more equipment, and to improve facilities(12months) Sales Force Employ telemarketing staff (13months) Product Analysis Stayfit Gym provides individuals with the opportunity to exceed their fitness expectations, which are delivered through expert coaching, high-quality equipment, convenient scheduling and great exercise programs. The equipment division of Stayfit Gym offer the largest range of quality fitness equipment from the worlds leading brands, including: Technogym Cybex Precor Zest Life Fitness Equipment Positives Negatives Cardio Treadmills Elliptical cross-trainers Exercise bikes Stair climbers Summit trainers Having a different range and variety of cardio equipment benefits Stayfit Gym, as having more facilities available for the public will then attract more people to join Stayfit. A negative of cardio equipment is that when equipment brakes or is miss used, also safety issues, for example: falling off equipment, this can give a bad reputation for Stayfit. Strength Chest press Biceps press Triceps press Shoulder press Bench press Lateral chest press Leg press Dumbbells Torso rotation Chin dip Iso glute Lateral chess press Vertical Ab trainer Rower Having a wide range of strengthening facilities will also have a great benefit on Stayfit as other Gyms may not have the same equipment available. A negative of strengthening facilities is that when one equipment brakes or is miss used, also safety issues, for example: falling off equipment, this can give a bad reputation for Stayfit. Objectives and strategies Stayfits primary goal is to create a community committed to best functional fitness. Objectives Strategies Our monthly objective is to generate at least 20 new members. This will be done through advertising Stayfit, also free weekly trials of the gym and Stayfit aims to open and run a facility at full capacity within the first year with 150-200 members. This will be carried out by providing new members better opportunities and pricing. Better membership deals by the second year of operations Offering on-peak and off-peak membership, this will be better for people who want to use the gym during hours when not busy. For example, during the day when school kids are at school. To franchise Stayfit in other areas towards the further future This will be done by upholding the right image and keep a good reputation for Stayfit. To make people fit and healthy! This will be done through providing the right exercises, staff and classes that will help the general public stay fit and healthy. To make profit and pay off all debts within 1st two years of opening This will be done by having more members entering the Gym, and with that money Stayfit will then be able to payoff debt More classes available by 6 months of operations (zumba, urban dance, and etc) By hiring staff that are able to carry out these classes. Provide the only fitness facility truly dedicated to solving the fitness needs of our customers This will be done through providing the highest quality equipment available, constantly keeping our staff up to date on certifications, providing a clean and crowd-free gym. Description of product/service At Stayfit Gym we provide you with comfortable surroundings, with the latest facilities and equipment to facilitate your training and exercise needs. Stayfit also aim ensure that the members receive a fantastic exercise experience. Stayfit aims to provide the following classes/sessions free weights, kickboxing, personal training, cardiovascular, and group cycling; we also offer professional instruction, well-balanced and enjoyable workouts which focus upon strength gain, aerobic conditioning, weight loss and increasing fitness levels. Stayfit Gym also provides a womens only room, including both cardio and strengthening equipment. Stayfit Gym also provides childminding, for those who have young children and want to achieve the ideal fitness levels. Our services are directed at maximizing your health and fitness levels in a safe, productive and exciting environment to give you a fantastic health and fitness experience. We also offer a range of drinks to freshen in between workouts, towels; also a wide range of protein shakes and supplements, Stayfit also offers free and convenient private parking for all members of the gym. Pricing NO joining fees or administration fees! Free weekly trial pass for new members! $590 12 Months up front $590 12 Months off peak $540 6 months $350 3mothns $220 1month $75 10 day gym pass $60 Casual Visit $10 10% Discount for students Under 18 years old Trading Hours Monday to Friday 5am 10pm Saturday 7am 7pm Sunday Public Holidays 8am 5pm Workout Timetable Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 6.00am Body Pump Body Balance Body Pump Fat Burner 7.00am Body Attack Body Combat Body Balance Spin 9.00am Spin 1.00pm Spin Body Combat Fat Burner Body Pump Body Attack 3.00pm Kick Boxing Kick Boxing 5.00pm Fat Burner Body Balance Body Attack 7.00pm Kick Boxing Body Pump Spin Session/Class timetable available for members and general public: Class Description Body Pump Non-impact class created to shape and tone the entire body, using weights and barbells. Body Attack High intensity strength, aerobics and stabilization exercises. Fat Burner Standard high energy aerobic exercise. Body Combat aerobics based on a variety of exercises, such as: Tai Chi, Karate, Boxing and Taekwondo. Spin Calorie and fat burner cycling exercise. Body Balance A class combining Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. Kick Boxing Circuit kick boxing, using high energy boxing techniques and stations. For those who are members of Stayfit Gym all classes are free, and for those who wish to take part of these classes pay $5 per class. Staffing Requirements The manager, who will also be the owner of Stayfit Gym (Maroutcha Hadwan), will be qualified to hold the following certificates: Certificate in Fitness Certificate in Personal Training First Aid Certificate Diploma in Fitness It is preferred that the manager has prior experience in field, as Stayfit Gym is dedicated to provide a diverse range of programs suitable for all people. Job Title Quantity Skills, Qualifications and Experiences Receptionist 1 Computer skills Communication skills Social skills First Aid Certificate Child minding 2 At least 2 years experience prior too Certificate in child care Certificate in First Aid Personal trainers 7 First Aid Certificate Communication skills Certificate in fitness Certificate in Personal Training Specialized in karate Specialized in boxing Specialized in aerobics Specialized in cycling Specialized in body building Must have at least a year experience prior to working at Stayfit Gym, as we are dedicated to provide the public with the best of our ability. Dieticians 2 First Aid Certificate Must have at least 1-2 years experience Certificate in dietician Spotters 9 First Aid Certificate Specialized in Yoga Specialized in Pilates Specialized in Tai Chi Specialized in cycling Certificate in fitness Social skills Must have at least a year experience Financial Forecasts Revenue Statement for Stayfit Gym Pty Ltd For the period ending 01/08/2011 Cash Flow Statements Cash Flow Statement for Stayfit Gym Pty Ltd From period ended 01/08/2012 Opening Cash Balance $415,000.00 This projected cash flow statement shows that this upcoming business will be Surplus, as of the period ended 2012 whereas the closing chase balance was a greater amount of money than the opening cash balance. Critically Review of the Plan and Process Throughout this business task I managed to meet all deadlines and make sure everything was up to date. My weaknesses throughout this assignment was the Market Analysis and Financial Forecast, where as I was unsure how to complete both sections. In relation to Market Analysis, I feel that I havent covered all sections in this heading. For financial forecast I first started of with balance sheet, but i was unable to complete this section as my balance sheet was not balanced so I then chose to complete the cash flow statement and revenue statement, I also struggled to completed these two finical records. Overall my progress within this assignment was satisfactory, and I am happy with my overall work, as I never knew I was capable to completing this task meeting the criteria. Index Description of Business Ownership 2 Purpose of Plan 3 Situation Analysis 4-9 Swot Analysis 4 Competitor Analysis 5 Market Analysis 6 -8 Product Analysis 9 Objectives and Strategies 10 Description of Product/Service 10 -11 Pricing 11 Trading Hours 11 Class Timetable 12 Staffing Requirements 13 Financial Forecasts 14 15 Revenue Statement 14 Cash Flow Statement 15 Critically Review of Plan and Process 16