Strategic Planning Practices of Hotels in Kenya

This study broadens perspectives of strategic planning procedures in hotels by analyzing hotel managers’perspectives on hotel strategy formulation and planning.The study was a descriptive quantitative study that targeted managers from various Kenyan hotels.180 questionnaires were returned from a sample of 280 hotel managers who had attended management development programs at a hospitality school.The primary goal of the study was to analyze two aspects of the strategic planning process:strategy formulation and strategic planning.The findings revealed that hotels in Kenya have developed methods and are keen on scanning their external environments.However,with the product offerings being so comparable,competitive analysis played an important role in the context.Creating a unique or specialty offering was not a popular option for most hotels.Cost-cutting was the most favored strategic inclination to achieve desired results.The balanced scorecard was underutilized in the sector.While managers were involved in the strategic planning process,other lower cadre employees were not,they were provided with the targets for the hotels’organizational goals to be achieved.The findings reveal that with similar products and services,the industry creates a hostile business climate with fierce rivalry and must invest in the most obvious alternative of cost reduction to survive.Alternative product innovation is not common in this industry for developing a differentiation approach that allows a property to control a market.

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT ON LAND-USE PLANNING-A Case Study of Changchun Economic and Technological Zone

The study centers on the necessity,t he workflowand the synthetically in tegrated methods(Principal Compo-nentAnalysis(PCA),AndyticalHierarchy Process(AHP)andFuzzy Comprerhensive Evaluatio n(FCE))ofstrategic environ-ment assessment (SEA)on land-use planning.The whole article includes three main parts:firstly,some attribute database,graphic-base and the spatial transform matrix,which reflect the change of regional land-use pattern,can be ob-tained by GIS technique;secondly,a dopting fitting method of trend-sur face analysis will convert environm ent monitoring data from scattered spots to regular control spots,based on which we can p erform regional environment impact assess-ment;finally,Changchun Economic a nd Technological Developmen Zone is chosen as a case study on land-use pla nning.Through those efforts the results ma y be obtained as follows:1)according to transform matrix,the p ossibility of transforma-tion from one land-use to another can be obtained after the planning is carried out;2)environment quality would change as a result of the change of land-use p attern;3)the SEA on land-use plan is an effecti ve tool to make land-use pattern more reasonable.

A comparison of strategic mine planning approaches for in-pit crushing and conveying, and truck/shovel systems

In a global environment where energy and labor are becoming increasingly expensive, continuous mining systems such as In-Pit Crushing and Conveying(IPCC) systems have been advanced as offering a real alternative to conventional truck haulage systems. The implementation of IPCC systems in hard rock operations in open pit mines however requires different and more comprehensive planning approaches in order to adequately reflect the practical aspects associated with these. This paper investigates the impact that these approaches may have on the implementation of IPCC systems on a basic metalliferous deposit amenable to open pit exploitation. A strategic life of mine plan to provide numerous economic indicators for each approach is analyzed and compared to traditional truck haulage systems. The mine planning and evaluation process highlights the increased overall resource recovery that may accompany the use of IPCC systems. This investigation also provides insights into the issues associated with IPCC and the scale and type of operation and orebody that is likely to provide a feasible alternative to truck haulage.

Alternatives of Strategic Environmental Assessment for Road Traffic Development Planning——Case of Changchun City,China

On analyzing the achievement of the goal in the modem urban road traffic development planning, the alternative of Strategic Environmental Assessment for urban traffic planning should include the basic scheme, the extended scheme and the environmental protection scheme. This study from different perspectives designed the alternatives for Changchun＇s county-level road and urban road system planning, and used the method of System Dynamics to simulate, optimize and analyze those alternatives. Thereafter, some methods including the correlation function method were used to comprehensively assess and rank those alternatives for recommending two best alternatives with the consideration to the indicators, such as the total emission amount of CO, the total emission amount of nitrogen oxides, the noise value, the road construction cost, the fossil oil consumption and the traffic capacity. The result showed that the study would provide substantial supports for decision-makers to make more scientific decisions and promote the sustainable urban traffic in Changchun City.

An empirical research on strategic planning in public libraries of China's Mainland

Purpose: As an important issue, strategic planning in public libraries has been paid more attention in China recent years. However, a comprehensive and systematic research, especially strategic models based on empirical studies, is required in the public library strategic planning. The purpose of this research is to investigate the current practices and propose an appropriate reference and guidance of strategic planning in public libraries in China’s mainland.Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire-based survey method is carried out to collect the views of public libraries staff at different levels in China’s mainland. The questionnaire is designed on the following four aspects toward strategic planning in public libraries: The attitude, the status quo, basic issues and the guides. The 882 valid questionnaires are processed by a statistic analysis to reflect the current practices of strategic planning in public libraries in China’s mainland.Findings: Our research results reveal that the unclear and confused understanding of the strategic planning still exist among the public libraries staff in China’s mainland. However, the majority of respondents still believe that the strategic planning in public libraries is significant and the library developments will be affected for lacking strategic planning. Moreover, it is considerable that the strategic plans are jointly made by independent agencies and public libraries, or by the public library itself. Also, guidelines and a set of softwares in strategic planning are needed.Research limitations/implications: The study was restricted to six main areas in China. A wider geographic sampling can preferable show the basic status of strategic planning in public libraries.The procedures of data collection would be another limitation. Nevertheless, case studies should be used in the further research.Originality: The importance of this research originates from a large number of first-hand data about strategic planning in public libraries in China’s mainland. The results provide extra perception into the future development of Chinese public libraries. The understanding obtained from this study will play a part in forthcoming evolution of this area of research.

Development of a Strategic Planning Model for a Municipal Water Supply Scheme Using System Dynamics

This paper reports the development of a system dynamics model for the strategic planning of a municipal water supply scheme. The model is capable of handling the critical variables that impact on the operations of a water supply scheme. The model was developed using the dynamo programming software to handle the process dynamics. Other supporting softwares—Fortran, Clipper 5, and Epiglue are used to handle data input, analysis and presentation of results in a user-friendly environment. The model was validated by applying it to the simulation of the University of Ibadan Water Supply Scheme for which extensive data of operations were collected over a period of ten years. The results obtained were found to be realistic and useful for the planning of plant operations. It is concluded that the model developed is sensitive to variable changes and has the capability of answering various operational “what-if” questions. As a strategic planning tool, the present model generates, for different scenarios, important operational information for the management of the water supply scheme. It is concluded that SD model is a useful tool to assist water managers and policy makers in making decisions and evolving strategic planning for water supply.

Information System/Information Technology Strategic Planning in Order Information Technology Development Strategy Using TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) Methodology in Achieving World Class University in Satya Wacana Christian University

Information systems and information technology (IS/IT) play an important role in supporting the organization to conduct its business processes. The research was conducted at the University of Satya Christian Wacana (SWCU). Business processes in perceived walking SWCU are not optimal in using IS/IT in the organization. The planning process/IT has not been done in all business units and SWCU does not have an Executive Information System that can help in the decision making process. The process of strategic planning of information systems and information technology using The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) has compiled a few methods of strategic planning. The results obtained by the study of the needs of IS/IT in SWCU generating application portfolio will be implemented in the institution.

The Principles behind a Strategic Plan

This strategic planning has changed dramatically between the 1960’s and 1970’s. Having survived its original design flaws, it has evolved into a practical system of strategic management. Planning systems, in fact, have become more sophisticated in their selection of planning approach and techniques. The approach to the strategic plan should involve different methods and techniques, more complete and more sensitive to the critical uncertainty of many of the variables that planning must address. This change represents a recognition of the basis of a strategic plan that are able to determinate its success. Implementing this strategic approach, focused on method and technique, can play a variety of important and useful roles peripheral to the strategy development and implementation process.

Foreign Direct Investments, Environmental Sustainability, and Strategic Planning： A Local Perspective

The present work constitutes further explorations on Foreign Direct Investments （FDI） and environmental quality linkages and a starting point in the strategic planning process in the metropolitan area of Bari （the main province of the Apulia region in southern Italy） in the context of transfrontier commercial cooperation. A panel data analysis is used to show either the existence of the relationships across FDI, economic and environmental variables or their nature across provinces and time （fixed or random effect model）. Model results suggest that diversification of policies across provinces would be more effective in the strategic planning process of a metropolitan city.

Present Situation of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery in Shiyan Taihe Hospital and Plan of Establishing Strategic Alliance with General Surgery Department

The accelerated rehabilitation specialist surgery and general established strategic alliance plan of Taihe hospital is introduced in the paper.The background of strategic alliances established,and the political,environmental and technological factors are introduced,and stakeholder analysis and management plan,risk analysis and management plan are made.Furthermore,a junior coalition problem that may occur in the process and the resulting deep thinking is analyzed,to provide the reference and enlightenment for the management of hospital and establishment of strategic alliance.

Strategic Planning as a Competitive Advantage by Using the BSC as a Management Tool： A Case Study in Application of Radioisotope Technology at IPEN

Strategic planning is one of the most important management tools for organizational decision making. The nuclear area represents a segment of energy production used by many countries in America, Europe and Asia. It is known that in the future nuclear energy can be a major exit to the global energy crisis. The aim of this research was to use the BSC （Balanced Scorecard） as a strategic tool for decision making in a teaching and research institution of the nuclear area--IPEN （Nuclear and Energy Research Institute）, located in the city of Sao Paulo, which belongs to the CNEN （National Nuclear Energy Commission） in Brazil. The methodology used in this academic doctoral study was a case study, which considered the period of research from December 2012 to December 2015. The main results expected from this case study are： the improvement of information flow, the view, the increased visibility of an organization providing education and especially research in relation to published works, increased interaction among IPEN and the main global research institutes and centers, increasing academic production of technical articles, indicator improvement, improving the monitoring of management actions, among others. Given the expected results one can conclude that this study will be of great value to the IPEN and also for the Brazilian energy sector, as it will allow and contribute to the dissemination and demystification of nuclear power as an energy source of mankind, its peaceful applications and for the management activity of knowledge and innovation production in the nuclear area of IPEN.

Management Accounting as a Science： From Costs and Benefits Analysis of Productions to Strategic Planning of Uncertainty

This article discusses the role assumed by management accounting as a discipline over years. Management accounting has long lived in the shadow of financial accounting, and has been often accused of fostering productivity rather than creativity. The revolution involving the business environment in the last decades has much improved the role of creativity and innovation and the adaptability of the fn-m to the context often was a key to success. This article supports the innovative role of management accounting in the post-modem era, aimed at reducing the strategic dominance of the increasing uncertainty.

The Concept of Using the Strategic Noise Maps inPlanning of Urban Space in Poland

In the territory of Poland the manner of urban space management is defined by a planning document called LLUP （local land use plan）. When analyzing the development process of Polish cities, an obvious conclusion emerges about the lack of complex studies and researches of the environment concerning the issue of acoustic climate. The procedures of development of local land use plan involve merely a general diagnosis of an environment excluding measured values of pollution, including noise levels. The main aim of this article is to introduce the issue of the influence that acoustic climate has on the urban space planning with the application of SNM （strategic noise mapping）. The map enables holistic assessment of the degree to which urban areas are exposed to noise, determines its sources and forecasts variations of its levels. Preliminary research results confirmed the necessity of including noise level influence in the procedures related to urban space planning especially concerning its forecasted levels resulting from estimates of local land use plans. Applying SNM in verification of conceptual space arrangements in terms of protection against noise in the preparation of LLUP as well as their further application in the plan is a considerable advantage.

The Relationship Between the Real Estate Market and the Stock Market and Its Impact on the Strategic Planning Process in the Jordanian Organizations

This study aims at the relationship between the real estate market and Amman Stock Exchange, through the impact of three macroeconomic factors （GDP, inflation rate, and the population growth rate） and another three factors from the microeconomic indicators （interest rate, remittances of Jordanian expatriates, and the loans provided by the Jordanian banks）. The results show that the stock market is more sensitive to the microeconomic indicators than the real estate market, and responds more rapidly than the real estate market for the changes in the microeconomic indicators. The study presents some recommendations for the Jordanian companies who own or manage any investment portfolio to be aware for the existing relationship between the two markets, and to reflect this awareness in their strategic Plans, Particularly in the regression atmosphere that causes by global crisis.

Noise Action Plans for the Acoustic Protection of Urban Areas around the Athens International Airport （A.I.A.） Strategic Noise Maps 2006 ＆ 2011

Athens International Airport ＂Eleftherios Venizelos＂ （AIA） is considered a pioneer international Public-Private Partnership, being the first major int. airport constructed with the participation of the private sector with the BOOT method （Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer）. AIA＇s 1st day of operation was in March 2001 and the aircraft traffic on 2006 reached 191.000 movements ＆ 15.1 million passengers. According to the European Directive 49/2002 and the Joint Ministerial Decision 13586/724-28/3/06, Athens International Airport （AIA） is included in the category of＂large airports＂ and it consequently comes under the authority of the above mentioned legislation on the evaluation and management of environmental noise. A complete Study on Aircraft Noise [1], according to the European Directive 49/2002 [2] and Joint Ministerial Decision 13586/724-28/3/06 was undertaken under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, Energy ＆ Climate Change, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, and AIA S.A. In this article the following results are presented： （1） The 2006 Strategic Noise Map （SNM） of both indicators Lden and Lnight based on the ECAC.CEAC Doc 29 methodology ＂Report on Standard Method of Computing Noise Contours around Civil Airports＂, 1997 [3], （2） A statistical analysis of predicted vs measured noise levels based on the existing Noise Monitoring System, （3） Effects from the removal of marginally accepted chapter 3 aircraft, （4） A complete evaluation of results regarding calculation of area/land uses and number of individuals living in residences inside blocks exposed in various levels of noise, and （5） A full evaluation of Noise Action Plans （NAP） regrouping existing and foreseen actions FOR 2006 ＆ 2011 scenarios, especially regarding among others, noise abatement procedures, a comprehensive noise insulation legal framework.

Strategic Planning for Avoidance of Catastrophic Flood Consequences

The present study is to deal with the strategic planning in avoidance of all catastrophic consequences of major flood in West Attica region in 2017 and is divided into three main sections.The first one comprises the study of the internal and external environment of the Regional Unit of West Attica with analysis of resources,procedures,culture that governs the internal environment,external bodies and mapping through PESTEL(Political,Economic,Socio-Cultural and Technological)analysis as components of the external environment.The second section comprises the vision and mission of this strategic plan and specializes in reporting and analyzing the strategic objectives as well as the actions that characterize them in order to complete the mission that has been set and to achieve the vision that has been planned.The last section focuses on the feasibility of the above proposals formulated in the midst of actions and strategic objectives with the help of SWOT(Strength,Weakness,Opportunity,and Threat)analysis and concludes with a proposal for the implementation of strategic planning with the implementation of the Integrated Spatial Investment tool.

China's Strategic Measures to Develop Coal Industry During the Period of the Ninth Five-Year Plan

A reporter for China’s Foreign Tradehas learned from the Ministry of theCoal Industry that China will takethe following steps to develop its coal industryduring the ninth five-Year plan period. 1. To regulate the policy for buildupthe coal industry and to make a good job ofthe comprehensive development of buildinga number of key coal production bases.

A Lesson Plan Incorporating Collaborative Strategic Reading

This essay is going to have an in-depth analysis of the Collaborative Strategic Reading, a four-step reading comprehension strategy popular in the Western classrooms. It will start with some brief introduction about this instructional approach in company with its theoretical rationale and research evidence for its effectiveness of improving learners' reading competence. Focused on the previewing skill, the first step of the reading instruction, a modified lesson plan is designed in the Chinese high school setting, followed by justification of the major elements of the plan, and some practical implications.