Thursday, January 23, 2020

Global Health Care Challenges Essay -- World Health Organization, Poor

When analyzing the global health care crisis, one should pay particular attention of the problem from both the macro and micro scale. Overlooking either side of the issue wastes both valuable time and resources during an era that cannot afford such loss. Some argue that health care is a fight that politicians must win to enact change. Others say the crisis is simply another economic matter that will eventually resolve itself under the theories of supply and demand. When we look at these explanations without seriously considering the issues that arise in the microcosm, we expose ourselves to moral hazard. In Banker to the Poor (1), Nobelaureate Muhammad Yunus describes how a great deal of change can result from looking at the problem from a smaller perspective. A Lack of Labor In 2006, the World Health Organization released a report that assessed the global health workforce and concluded that the health care crisis was in part due to the lack of health care workers in many regions around the world. It is important to note that the WHO report defines health workers as individuals who act with the intent of improving health. This means that even a mother caring for a sick child is essentially a health worker. However, the WHO report recognizes the difficulty in drawing accurate conclusions from this broad definition and decided to hone in on two special types of health care workers. An example in the report compares a doctor working for a mining company and a painter working in a hospital. Ultimately, the report concludes that it would be best to count the two as health care workers, the doctor providing direct services and the painter providing indirect services. This definition assumes that without the support of the ... ...ever, even an increase for funds dedicated to health care is insufficient to meet the MDGs. Short-term and long-term plans must be implemented in both the micro and macro scale of the problem to ensure an even distribution of resources. Focused surge of health workers into key regions over time and improved access to information are both powerful solutions that will make all the difference within a few years. As Muhammad Yunus said, â€Å"my greatest challenge has been to change the mindset of people. Mindsets play strange tricks on us. We see things the way our minds have instructed our eyes to see.† Similarly, a lack of information has given many people certain mindsets that often lead them to become prone to illness. Information is practically free; why not distribute it to those who would benefit from its presence the most and save something as precious as a life.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Trend in Heritage Tourism

Are the trends in Heritage tourism having an effect on world Heritage sites? | | Abstract Using in depth secondary research this paper aims to examine the impacts of heritage tourism to various heritage sites in terms of potential threats and opportunities associated with tourism development and growth. In addition there will be an analysing of the research methodologies used in order to identify theoretical framework surrounding area of study to clarify the outcomes of results.With effective management and planning heritage tourism can contribute to the local economy as well as the preservation and restoration of the historical monuments at the same time connecting the local culture, which represents a significant period of human history, with global cultures. Although benefits of this type of tourism do exist there are various issues apparent at numerous historical sites. This study focuses on the concept of sustainability in terms of understanding the implications of tourism to bu ilt heritage and its surroundings. nd the local culture, as well as to the development of the communities if planning and management is that dwell therein in terms of planning and management in order to restore, preserve historical monuments at the same time understand Abstract Using in depth secondary research this paper aims to examine the impacts of heritage tourism to various heritage sites in terms of potential threats and opportunities associated with tourism development and growth. In addition there will be an analysing of the research methodologies used in order to identify theoretical framework surrounding area of study to clarify the outcomes of results.With effective management and planning heritage tourism can contribute to the local economy as well as the preservation and restoration of the historical monuments at the same time connecting the local culture, which represents a significant period of human history, with global cultures. Although benefits of this type of to urism do exist there are various issues apparent at numerous historical sites. This study focuses on the concept of sustainability in terms of understanding the implications of tourism to built heritage and its surroundings. nd the local culture, as well as to the development of the communities if planning and management is that dwell therein in terms of planning and management in order to restore, preserve historical monuments at the same time understand | | | Introduction A catalyst for poverty alleviation, tourism is considered to be one of the world’s largest industries, as it acts as a key driver for development through foreign exchange earnings and the formation of direct and indirect employment WTO (2012, a).Tourism contributes 5% of the world’s GDP and accounts for 6% of the world’s exports in services, making it the fourth largest export sector after fuels, chemicals and automotive products. Tourism is accountable for 235 million jobs or one in every 12 jobs globally (WTO 2012, a). With a record of 705 million tourists up to August 2012, global tourism is to rise to 1billion by the end of 2012(WTO, 2012, b). In 2007, cultural tourism accounted for 40% of all international tourism (Mintel, 2010).These results produced are highly adequate as they directly came from WTO whom monitors the trends of tourism and provide an up to date statistic analysis in a timely mode in order understand the affects and impacts of tourism on a global level. The results from Mintel can be considered reliable as information was influenced by organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) tourism committee whom activity aims at promoting the culture of evaluation in tourism.As the growth in tourism can help sustain cultural heritage sites, but has severe consequences, since immense growth can affect the configuration of cultural sites and monuments as they are becoming heavily congested by tourist. Discussions and analysis of key theories a nd interpretation of research methods Heritage mainly represents the past and the future, its meaning is associated with the word in heritance which basically explains when something is passed from one generation to the next generation. Heritage acts as a carrier of historical values from the past, which can be viewed as part of the cultural tradition.Therefore the linkage between heritage and tourism exist by reconstructing the past in the present through interpretation i. e. cultural brokers (Nuryanti,1996). Heritage tourism is a form of special interest tourism (Nuryanti,1996). Heritage can be a form of living or built elements of culture which has intangible or tangible features such as buildings, locations, cuisines and arts and crafts (Timothy and Nyaupane, 2009). The academic adapted these view by exploring various tourism related journals. This may be reliable as they are peer viewed by other academics and experts round the area of study.This type of research method can help when trying to understand a specific study area before it can progress to any other research methods. However journals may not be able to answer a specific question that needs to be investigated as it has been created around the academics particular area of study, answering questions that the academics are particularly researching or investigating around. According to Zepal and Hall (1991) heritage tourism motivations are based on ‘’nostalgia for the past and the desire to experience diverse cultural landscapes and forms†.This quote may not be factual but rather the author’s perspectives as the postmodern tourist may have influence by other motives. The motives to visit cultural historical sites were influenced by having a curiosity in history, visiting cultural attractions/events and visiting a historical attractions/events (Kolar and zabkar,2010 cited in Swarbrooke,1999). Cultural motivations can give an idea of what precedes authentic experiences (Kolar and zabkar,2010). This information was obtained by the means of conducting a survey on 25 Romanesque heritage sites in four European countries.The results identified that cultural motivation is significant subsequent of both object-based and existential authenticity, which in turn influences tourist perceptions. Although surveys can be gathered quickly and administered easily, response rates can be bias as the results of a survey are randomly sampled, normally used to target a selective of participants. Furthermore the results were only generalizing on specific heritage settings. This makes it difficult to identify if tourists have similar experiences and perceptions in other heritage settings.An idea of the motivations and behaviours of heritage tourists are, essential if the impacts on heritage sites are to be managed sustainably (Kolar and zabkar, 2010). Heritage tourism can create employment, alleviate poverty, curb rural flight migration, and increase community empowerment. Th e dynamic characteristics of tourism can contribute to preserving and enhancing intangible and tangible cultural heritage. However Intangible and tangible cultural assets whether it is built or a living must be analyzed and managed well in order to flourish in an increasingly globalized world.However this relies on stake holder’s involvement such as the partnerships between communities and the tourism and heritage industries. This is because the genuine appreciation for the aspirations and values of all parties can influence the survival of heritage tourism (UNWTO, 2012). This information can be considered as accurate as UNWTO monitor cultural tourism activities and are able to understand the implications of tourism through observations of tourist flows and tourism developments in various heritage sites, in addition working with various stake holders and tourism departments.UNESCO adopted the convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage site s in 1972(Garrod and Fyall, 2009). Since then there has been 936 designated world heritage sites located in 159 states party. The aim of the convention is to â€Å"ensure the identification, protection, conservation, presentation and transmission to future generations of cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value† (Garrod and Fyall, 2009 cited in UNESCO, 2008:2).The information produce can be considered accurate as it was obtained from UNESCO published documents which is based on factual information rather than ones opinion. However it has been debated that the world Heritage listings has had an influenced in the increase in visitor numbers to world heritage sites. Considerable growth in tourist interest has been distinguished as a driving aspect in latest world heritage selections (Landorf 2009 cited in Jones & Munday, 2001). This information was conducted by observations of tourist movements to six heritage sites in the UK.However as this type of research gathered is a form of observation it may be considered as a genuine approach as visitors do not notice that they are being watch so they would act to their normal nature. This approach allows you to understanding certain tourist’s behaviour patterns which can be based on Mathieson and Wall (1982) consumer buying behaviour model. The research associated with the Mathieson and Wall (1982) consumer buying behaviour model can be considered out dated as it does not look into the current perspectives of geographical approaches to understanding consumer behaviour.A more current consumer behaviour model will need to be adapted in order to understand today’s tourists as they may differ from the past tourists. Tourism might place stress on world heritage sites which growth, is intensified by which contradicts the standards at the core of the World Heritage Convention, which emphasis that world heritage sites should maintain a function in current community life at the same time b eing preserved for transmission to future generations (UNESCO, 1972, b).In this case it is a vital issue that tourism activities should be sustainable in order to allow sites that gain world heritage status to maintain their status (Garrod & Fyall, 2000). The information was conducted using desk top research. This information may be bias as it is based on expert’s personal opinions. Tourism may not be the best solution for the development of heritage sites unless planning is involved. Heritage tourism can influence community developments. For example Wadi Al-Hitan in Egypt, witnessed small scale developments by local communities supplying most of the services available to the visitor’s experiences.Management of the heritage site worked closely with locals of the site to develop their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to developing their skills for providing these services to the tourists i. e. tour guides. A positive outcome has been associated with this is economic development of local communities due to well-planned tourism at Wadi Al Hitan. The Canaima National Park in Venezuela and Shiretoko in Japan are other examples of sites that also demonstrate good methods for community involvement and collaboration and hence development of heritage sites (Borges et al, 2011).This information was collected by taking notes from the interviews from experts in this area of study. Interviews are very effective if conducted using appropriate questions in order to get an instant answer to your questions raised. This method of research is beneficial as it can validate information that already exists. The results for this interview did indicate that there are some positive outcomes for heritage tourism if managed well, however stakeholders will have to involve to community for it to be successful.Although tourism is normally honoured for being able to reconcile conservation and development goals in or near protected areas, there are existing negative impacts that are affecting world heritage sites status. For example Machu Picchu in Peru faces pressure from 900,000 annual tourists who visit the ancient Inca city. The tourists place a threat on the ecological integrity, physical body and cultural authenticity of the world heritage site and surrounding areas, including the Inca Trail (Larson and Poudyal, 2012).Information was influenced by Andean tour operators. As they are recognised tour operator this type of research approach is good, as they will have connections with other tourism related institutions in order to understand what is going on in particular countries in terms of tourist flows and impacts to particular destinations which they may be operating in. UNESCO has previously warned about uncontrolled access at Machu Picchu in Peru and advised the authorities to make conservation a priority (BBC news, 2012).This information was gather from the BBC news is reliable as news is a source which is most current and u p to date with worldwide issues. Due to immense tourism developments at heritage sites planning strategies are essential in order to control tourism (Hall, 2008). For a plan to be successful it needs to implement an effective planning approach which is vision and goal oriented, integrative, market driven, resource driven, consultative and systematic (Hall,2008). However Simpson (2001) identified that specific examples of community involvement in the planning process hardly exist.Environmental and economic objectives are more notional than social objectives, creating problematic process as the three dimensions as they are not being equally treated (Agyeman & Evans, 2003). Figure one illustrates the process in which sustainable tourism should be managed at heritage sites. Through sustainability soft and hard visitor management techniques have been implemented at various heritage sites in order to control and monitor visitor flows cooper et al, 2005. This information was obtained by ob serving the visitor management techniques implemented at the Great Wall of China.In this case this is a good method as the results give an understanding of what management techniques effective for heritage sites. Source: (Larson and Poudyal, 2012) Source: (Larson and Poudyal, 2012) Conclusion It is evident that academics in this area of study heavily rely on qualitative research in order to discover their answer. This may be that due to the nature of heritage tourism, the best way to understand the area is by identifying what motivates tourist to this type of tourism and what are the implications, opportunities and solutions in order to sustain heritage tourism.These types of questions may need to be answered by tourists that participate in this type of tourism and stake holders involved. In this way it can be said that the reason why surveys, interviews and observation methods might be used is to investigate specifically in detail answers that may not be found conducting desk top r esearch, due to the limitations of areas that are specifically studied around a particular academics research. However institutions such as the WTO, OECD use quantitative and qualitative, methods in order measure and monitor progress and direct actions related to tourism related impacts, threats and opportunities.It can be recommended that academics use both qualitative and quantitative research in order to develop well detailed and effective results around the area of study. Overall it is clear from the study that in order for heritage tourism to be preserved sustainability is the key concept surrounding the phenomenon. Tourists, Stake holders, communities and tourism institutions are equally involve in achieving sustainability in world heritage sites as they each have an effect on the outcomes of its survival in terms of future developments. References Agyeman, J. & Evans, T. (2003). Toward sustainability in urban communities: Building equal rights with sustainable solutions. Anna ls of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences. 590. pp 35–53. BBC news, (2012) Machu Picchu: Peru unveils plans for new airport. Available at: http://www. bbc. co. uk/news/world-latin-america-19353660 [Accessed: 2nd December, 2012] Borges,A. M. ,Carbone,G. ,Bushell,R. and Jaeger,T. (2011) Sustainable tourism and natural World Heritage. Switzerland: IUCN Gland, Switzerland Cooper,C. ,Fletcher,J. ,Fyal,A. , Gilbert,D. & Wanhill,S. 2005)Tourism principles and practice. Essex: Pearson education limited Garrod, B. , & Fyall, A. (2000). Managing heritage tourism. Annals of Tourism Research. 27(3). pp 682–708. Garrod,B. and Fyall,A. Contemporary cases in Tourism. Volume 1. Oxford: Goodfellow Publishers Limited. In UNESCO (2008) World Heritage. Availble at:http://whc. unesco. org/en/list/514 Garrod, B. , & Fyall, A. (2000). Managing heritage tourism. Annals of Tourism Research. 27(3). pp 682–708. *Hall, C. M. (2008). Tourism planning. Policies, processes a nd relationships, Harlow, Pearson Education LimitedKolar,T. and zabkar,V. (2010) A consumer-based model of authenticity: An oxymoron or the foundation of cultural heritage marketing. 31 (5) October. pp. 652–66. In Swarbrooke, J. (1999) The development and management of visitor attractions. Oxford Butterworth-Heinemann, Kolar,T. and zabkar,V. (2010) A consumer-based model of authenticity: An oxymoron or the foundation of cultural heritage marketing. 31 (5). October. pp 652–664 Larson,R. L. and Poudyal,C. N. (2012) Developing sustainable tourism through adaptive resource management: a case study of Machu Picchu, Peru. 0(7). pp 917-938 Landorf ,C. ( 2009) Managing for sustainable tourism: a review of six cultural World Heritage Sites. 17(1). pp53-70. In Jones, C. , & Munday, M. (2001). Blaenavon and United Nations World Heritage Site status: Is conservation of industrial heritage a road to local economic development? Regional Studies. 35(6). pp 585–590. Mathieson, A. and Wall, G. (1982) Tourism: Economic, Physical and Social Impacts. Harlow: Longman. Mintel (2010) Cultural and Heritage Tourism – International. Available at:http://academic. mintel. om/display/482710/? highlight=true[Accessed:2nd December, 2012] Nuryanti,W. (1996) HERITAGE AND POSTMODERN TOURISM. Annalr of Tourirm Research. 23 (2) pp. 249-260, Simpson, K. (2001). Strategic planning and community involvement as contributors to sustainable tourism development. Current Issues in Tourism, 4(1). pp 3–41. Timothy, J. D. and Nyaupane, P. G. 2009 Cultural Heritage and Tourism in the Developing World: A Regional Perspective. Oxon: Routledge UNWTO (2012) Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage. Available at: http://ethics. unwto. rg/en/content/tourism-and-intangible-cultural-heritage[Accessed: 3rd December,2012] UNESCO. (1972). Convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage. Paris: UNESCO. WTO (2012 a) Tourism and Poverty Alleviation. Avail able at: http://step. unwto. org/en/content/tourism-and-poverty-alleviation-1[Accessed: 2nd December, 2012] WTO (2012 b) International tourism strong despite uncertain economy. Available at. http://www2. unwto. org/en/press-release/2012-11-05/international-tourism-strong-despite-uncertain-economy[Accessed: 2nd December, 2012] Zeppal, H. and

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

US Punitive Expedition During the Mexican Revolution

Issues between the United States and Mexico began shortly after the beginning of the 1910 Mexican Revolution. With various factions threatening foreign business interests and citizens, US military interventions, such as the 1914 occupation of Veracruz occurred. With the ascendency of Venustiano Carranza, the United States elected to recognize his government on October 19, 1915. This decision angered Francisco Pancho Villa who commanded revolutionary forces in northern Mexico. In retribution, he began attacks against American citizens including killing seventeen aboard a train in Chihuahua. Not content with these attacks, Villa mounted a major assault on Columbus, NM. Attacking on the night of March 9, 1916, his men struck the town and a detachment of the 13th US Cavalry Regiment. The resulting fighting left eighteen Americans dead and eight wounded, while Villa lost around 67 killed. In the wake of this cross-border incursion, public outrage led President Woodrow Wilson to order the military to make an effort to capture Villa. Working with Secretary of War Newton Baker, Wilson directed that a punitive expedition be formed and supplies and troops began arriving at Columbus. Across the Border To lead the expedition, US Army Chief of Staff Major General Hugh Scott selected Brigadier General John J. Pershing. A veteran of the Indian Wars and Philippine Insurrection, Pershing was also known for his diplomatic skills and tact. Attached to Pershings staff was a young lieutenant who would later become famous, George S. Patton. While Pershing worked to marshal his forces, Secretary of State Robert Lansing lobbied Carranza into allowing American troops to cross the border. Though reluctant, Carranza agreed as long as US forces did not advance beyond the state of Chihuahua. On March 15, Pershings forces crossed the border in two columns with one departing from Columbus and the other from Hachita. Consisting of infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineers, and logistical units, Pershings command pushed south seeking Villa and established a headquarters at Colonia Dublan near the Casas Grandes River. Though promised use of the Mexican Northwestern Railway, this was not forthcoming and Pershing soon faced a logistical crisis. This was solved through the use of truck trains which used Dodge trucks to ferry supplies the one hundred miles from Columbus. Frustration in the Sands Included in the expedition was Captain Benjamin D. Foulois First Aero Squadron. Flying JN-3/4 Jennys, they provided scouting and reconnaissance services for Pershings command. With a weeks head start, Villa dispersed his men into the rugged countryside of northern Mexico. As a result, early American efforts to locate him met with failure. While many of the local populace disliked Villa, they were more annoyed by the American incursion and failed to offer assistance. Two weeks into the campaign, elements of the 7th US Cavalry fought a minor engagement with Villistas near San Geronimo. The situation was further complicated on April 13, when American forces were attacked by Carranzas Federal troops near Parral. Though his men drove off the Mexicans, Pershing elected to concentrate his command at Dublan and focus on sending out smaller units to find Villa. Some success was had on May 14, when a detachment led by Patton located the commander of Villas bodyguard Julio CÃ ¡rdenas at San Miguelito. In the resulting skirmish, Patton killed CÃ ¡rdenas. The next month, Mexican-American relations suffered another blow when Federal troops engaged two troops of the 10th US Cavalry near Carrizal. In the fighting, seven Americans were killed and 23 captured. These men were returned to Pershing a short time later. With Pershings men searching in vain for Villa and tensions rising, Scott and Major General Frederick Funston began negotiations with Carranzas military advisor, Alvaro Obregon, at El Paso, TX. These talks ultimately led to an agreement where American forces would withdraw if Carranza would control Villa. As Pershings men continued their search, their rear was covered by 110,000 National Guardsmen that Wilson called into service in June 1916. These men were deployed along the border. With talks progressing and troops defending the border against raids, Pershing assumed a more defensive position and patrolled less aggressively. The presence of American forces, along with combat losses and desertions, effectively limited Villas ability to pose a meaningful threat. Through the summer, American troops battled boredom at Dublan through sporting activities, gambling, and imbibing at the numerous cantinas. Other needs were met through an officially sanctioned and monitored brothel that was established within the American camp. Pershings forces remained in place through the fall. The Americans Withdraw On January 18, 1917, Funston informed Pershing that American troops would be withdrawn at an early date. Pershing agreed with the decision and began moving his 10,690 men north towards the border on January 27. Forming his command at Palomas, Chihuahua, it re-crossed the border on February 5 en route to Fort Bliss, TX. Officially concluded, the Punitive Expedition had failed in its objective to capture Villa. Pershing privately complained that Wilson had imposed too many restrictions on the expedition, but also admitted that Villa had outwitted and out-bluffed [him] at every turn. Though the expedition failed to capture Villa, it did provide a valuable training experience for the 11,000 men who took part. One of the largest military American military operations since the Civil War, it provided lessons to be utilized as the United States inched closer and closer to World War I. Also, it served as an effective projection of American power which aided in halting raids and aggression along the border.