Academic-Capital

We live in an environment and that environment defines us as a person. What we know about the world and what we think about the world is often understood in terms of that environment. Those who live in the Northern cold will think differently than those who live in the warm South. It is important to ensure that our environment includes some open and green space to connect back to nature. Environment can be lush and green, hot and dry, rainy and seasonal, or even concrete and noisy. Those who have access to clean environments that are connected to nature have lower stress levels than those who live in congested, dirty, or noisy environments. As children our environment influences how we see the world. We adapt to our environment in order to survive and learn about our environment. This adaptation is often deeply rooted into our subconscious. I believe its important for all different types of environments to offer access to parks, green spaces, and areas that are quiet and design

The economy looks like it is growing faster than expected in the last quarter of 2016. Gross Domestic Product improved to meet inflation at 3.2%, total grown improved to 3%, consumer spending increased to 2.8%, and after tax corporate profits bumped to 3.5%. To keep the American economy moving in the right direction during 2017 means making sure investments continue to rise with profits. Investment and profits is a main reason why companies build new products, open plants and employ American workers. As recent data indicate that corporate profits are rising and this should encourage greater investments. When companies realize higher profits, when compared to other countries, they will invest more in the American economy. Profits lead to higher investment and additional employment opportunities. Of course greater employment also has a snowball effect that reduces poverty and crime while raising standards of living. Improving the American economy means we should continue to encou

American universities have some of the best elite colleges in the world but American students are suffering from a lack of skills in certain areas according to an article in the New York Times . Americans are not doing well in math and literacy which means we have lots of room for improvement. Rethinking higher education may raise quality and create greater price sensitivity. When market forces work well they can influence and improve American universities by pushing those institutions to grow and change. Such competition can impact the cost of universities as well as the quality of the curriculum. Whether we are discussing a business or a university it is necessary to keep higher education at the center of innovation and continually seeking methods of growth and development. They should be at the leading edge in quality and concept. It is difficult to grow and develop unless there are universities that push the limits and institutions that adapt and integrate successful programs

Supporting local communities means supporting products and jobs through purchasing power. Local economies offer something that world economy can't-a sense of identity. The greatest form of home branding is when people associate that brand with themselves in a way that perpetuates the local identity. Each choice to purchase a native product raises the strength of the local economy. Like local products, people feel enthusiastic about religion, sports, and politics because of the feelings and memories attached to them. These feelings and images create a deep connection because it is associated with who we are. When we brand a local economy we can also create a greater sense of community identity that fosters sales. Buying local means buying into a people's identity. You know instinctively you are fostering positive impressions of your personal image but also the needs of your community. Each dollar spent locally helps to support your community and its sense of self. Of cou

Ecotourism is big business in places where nature is in abundance and a local economy thrives off activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and nature products. Places like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan offer opportunities to develop cultural tourism in a way that keeps small communities in tact but still brings opportunities for employment.  These industries appeal to a younger and more trendy crowd that likes the outdoors and in general have a higher education. The towns provide quaint lodging, breweries, wine bars, recreational activities, outdoor recreational classes, and other activities that appeal to this demographic. In some cases the appeal can be international as alternatives to traditional beach and sun are sought. 

Businesses can differentiate themselves from their competitors through having strong customer service. When products and services are similar then it is the treatment of customers that will make a big difference. Customer service is a statement about how much companies care about the satisfaction of their patrons and can leave a long-term impact on their impressions. 1.) Greet customers quickly  2.) Stay positive and friendly 3.) Treat each customer as an individual 4.) Learn to say "no" without saying "no" 5.) When your business makes a mistake recover quickly 6.) Check back with customer often 7.) Remember names  8.) Customize service when possible 9.) Follow up on ideas

Keeping your expenses low and your income high has much to do with our way of thinking and our personal habits that is fueled by deeper feelings of inadequacy. If you are having a hard time controlling your spending you should delve deep into your needs and explore why these things are occurring. Don't allow your income and expenses get out o whack because you failed to understand yourself. There are a few triggers such as inadequacy, fear, and the positive feelings that push people to buy more than they should. These emotions have deep seated needs that may drive you to make impulse purchases even when you know they are not helpful. Most of our actions and activities are subconscious and form the backbone of our personality and decisions. The very way in which we view the world is based on our subconscious processes and how we interpret information. If your subconscious is saying you need approval from others or that you are afraid of inadequacy you might buy products you do

Standards of professionalism is a personal choice based on experience and understanding of its benefits. Professionalism gives the perception that you can be trusted and will be consistent in your offerings. To the future customer your value rises as there is a belief that you will follow through on implied and stated contracts. To be a professional means that you provide high quality service every time and know when you have reached your limits. If you cannot provide this quality service then you state that specifically to give the customer options and raise your trust level. Providing options and referrals is a solid practice. Professionals are also fair to all of their clients. They are not trying to penny pinch or manipulate others to make more money. They offer a solid service for a reasonable price. They seek to create a positive impression and solid brand image. Professionals are also capable of keeping up with the skills needed to service their clients. They typically hav

Marketing a small business can be tricky when you don't have a marketing department or a person to guide you through the process. Small business and large businesses share some similarities but ultimately revolve around scale and market. Large businesses must reach a larger audience in order to keep their operations going while small businesses must reach the "right" audience. Small business will use different tools such as their local newspaper, door-to-door, passing out cards, social media (i.e. Facebook), and window advertising. Much of the success of a small business, depending on the nature of that business, will rely on social connections. Being involved in your local community and attending the business events will help in familiarizing people with your product/services. The key point about advertising is that it is exposure of your core value. Wherever that is possible and whenever that can happen is important. For small businesses without much of a budg

Small towns across America are dying as companies pack up and leave for foreign locations taking viable jobs with them. Common complaints from local residents are that young people move away, there is no money to be made here, and amenities are lacking. Rethinking our economic strategies may help in creating a more vibrant economic restructuring of rural areas. Without a doubt many of these towns are beautiful and offer charm for people who want to get out of the crowded cities. The problem is they don't offer solid employment and are many times too far to commute for busy professionals. The Internet may offer some advantages in the future to create virtual jobs and help employ people in areas that offer a slower and more family oriented environment. However, this may be a few decades off and many of these towns will continue to decline. Current approaches should focus on recreating small town cottage industries in niche markets that lead to greater overall growth. While it

Small businesses sometimes struggle to make ends meet. They suffer from an inability to capitalize on their niche offerings in a way that leads to higher profit margins and sustainable operations. Much like their larger competitors, they should consider diversification of offerings or specialization into a core demographic. Lets look at an example in the historic city Dubuque Iowa. A small coffee shop struggles to survive selling coffee and must make a choice to draw in additional customers. They can add more coffee and food items to penetrate their core demographic or they can expand their offerings to draw in a slightly different crowd. The owner decides that he doesn't want to be in the food business because of over concentration and regulation but decides to instead offer beer and wine. During the morning and day he has plenty of coffee drinkers but as the evening rolls on they die off and the beer/wine drinkers come in. At 9pm the coffee shop turns into a trendy lounge

U.S. leaders are contemplating new economic policies and there is hot discussion on restricting or not restricting foreign imports as a way of create a level playing field.  Import restrictions must be used wisely and only when necessary least they permanently damage the economy. Those times are defined by abuses in international trade and as a method of seeding American businesses. Economies are based on competencies of labor. When workers have knowledge and skill in certain areas they have a chance to compete internationally. To gain competencies it is necessary to have companies that employ and train people in those areas. The more jobs that employ skilled labor, the more competencies grow! A problem occurs when countries like China dump, in violation of treaties and good business practice, products on the American market. Part of their motivation is to kill off American businesses that have no way of competing with ultra low labor and materials cost. In cases where dumping is

There are lots of people willing to give you advice on money. Many of them have something to gain from it while others are trying to give you good advice based on experience. There are three simple rules to saving money that include 1.) spend less than you earn, 2.) understand interest/risk and 3.) . hedge your bets. 1.) Spend Less than you Earn: No matter what you make you will need to spend less than what you earn. If you made $1,000 a week and you spend $800 than you are saving $200 from that period. If you spend $1,100 than your going in debt $100. 2.) Understand Interest/Risk: The higher the risk then the higher the reward. Find investment vehicles that accumulate compounded interest over time and put your money that you saved from spending money into these accounts. 3.) Hedge Your Bets: Try and put money in various places such as your 401K, house, cash, land, Roth IRA, and anywhere else. As the mortgage crisis showed us, find a few different arenas that are not related

Researchers often work in silos and continue to create finite focus seeking deeper and deeper explanations for problems. Over time the lens becomes narrow and the knowledge more specialized. There is a constant search to find the head of the pin and few look back to see where their knowledge aligns with other fields. Integrating fields leads to new insights that would not be possible under traditional approaches to research. Not one explanation fits all situations making theories limited to contingent circumstances. Comparing and integrating theories helps them to be broad based and apply to other industries in a way that a single theory cannot. Together a bundle of theories is more useful and strong than a single unintegrated theory alone. For example, psychology, sociology and economics are not different fields but different lenses focused on various perspectives of a similar phenomenon. Psychology looks at the individual, sociology at the group, and economics at financial transa

A strong practice simulator or chaos is competitive sailing. If you can master chaos in a sailing race you can master chaos just about anywhere else; such as your job and relationships. As ships swipe within feet of each other at the beginning of the race and people yell out commands all over the place as the whole ship goes buzzing in activity one can get drowned, not in the water, but in the chaos of sailing.  A few tips can help you keep your mental bearings during chaos: Train: The key to overcoming crisis is the train yourself on what steps to take and what contingencies are available. More training will lead to greater understandings of what to expect and what actions are needed to make it through the stress. Stay Focused on Your Tasks: People will be screaming and running in a chaotic situation and will be creating additional chaos. Stay focused on your task and don't get overwhelmed. Drown out all the background noise and put one foot in front of the other. Take a

2017 CEBU International Conference on Studies in Business, Management, Education and Law (SBMEL-17) 26th to 27th January 2017 Cebu, Philippines CHED Endorsement - http://www.ched.gov.ph/central/page/2017-events-activities#events-activities-announced-and-endorsed-by-ched SUBMISSION METHODS by Email: editor@belrg.org BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT - Advertising - Banking and finance - Business - Business Ethics - E-commerce - Economics - Human Resources - Management - Marketing EDUCATION - Distance Education - E-learning - Higher Education - Lifelong Learning - Teaching and Learning LAW - Accidents & Injuries - Arbitration & Mediation - Bankruptcy & Debt - Car & Motor Vehicle Accidents - Civil Rights - Consumer Issues - Criminal Law - Dangerous Products - Divorce & Family Law - Education Law - Elder law & Aging - Employee’s Right - Estates & Probbate - Health Care Law - Immigration Law - Intellectual - Internet Law For Th

One of the old beauties of California is the popular tourist destination of Julian California. Started in 1850 by an English settler and freed slave, the town became a gold rush and transformed from a tent city to a permanent settlement overnight. Since that time Julian has become a know as a resort town that offers wine, pies and bed & breakfast establishments. With a median household income of $51,000, high home ownership rate, and population of 1,500 people, the economy relies heavily on tourism income that include Gold Rush structures, quint stores, mine tours, wine bars, and restaurants. Future job growth is expected to beach national average at 39.4%. Revitalization has occurred through maximizing tourism income and popular attractions. Many American cities have not been so lucky and small businesses have failed to survive (Gunwell & Ha, 2014). Some success has been found in anchor institutions such as companies, industry, higher education, or healthcare. However, m

Donald Trump may have won the elections but the real work on the economy just started! Each new leader has an opportunity to change economic policies. To do anything meaningful means that both parties will need to have honest heartfelt discussions on where we should be heading as a country regardless if Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton won. While the country has been slowly moving forward it has not done so at the pace many emerging nations have experienced. Creating policies supported by research that appeal to both parties is difficult but not impossible if we understand how the economy actually works. Three reasons we should reconcile and create new policies. 1.) We all are influenced by the economy whether we like it or not. You are a willing or unwilling stakeholder to economic policy and there is no way to escape it! It makes no difference how rich or poor you are because you emerged in it. Your paycheck, taxes, purchases, and lifestyle are influenced by economic policy. 2.)

2017 International Business Tourism and Applied Sciences Research Conference in London London, United Kingdom Submission Deadline April 5th, 2017  (Miss a deadline please Contact us via email) OVERVIEW The ICBTS Conference Center, four years ago for organized conference, hosts the International Conference Business Tourism and Applied Sciences to promote all academic research in the field. Please join us for the 2017 International Conference Business Tourism and Applied Sciences in London. The purpose of the conference is to provide an opportunity for researchers to present their ideas, proposals, or completed research in all areas of education. Since 20 to 30 different countries are typically represented, presenting at this conference is a great way to get feedback from researchers with a different perspective. An extensive list of acceptable topics is available on our website.  In addition to the International Conference Business Tourism and Applied Sciences, we are also h

Ancient paintings can tell us a lot about a refined personality and its capacity to think on multiple levels. The Painting School of Athens by the Italian painter Raphael includes nearly all of the world's greatest philosophers in one communal setting. The painting currently sits within the Vatican and is a reminder of the benefits of philosophy in society. More importantly, it also teaches us about how the great minds during that time worked and how they can be used as a mental reference point for high capacity leadership.  The painting is one of a group of four of which each represents four distinct branches of knowledge that include "Seeking Knowledge of Causes", "Knowledge of Things Divine" "Divine Inspiration" and "To Each What is Due". Those categories correspond to the mental development of philosophy, religion, poetry, and law (Gombrich, 1975).  Philosophy: The science before modern science that included anything from wh

Meeting of Doctors University of Paris 16th Century "Chants royaux" manuscript A recent article entitled Where PhDs Work and What they Earn published in Inside Higher Ed highlights the importance of preparing Academics to work outside the traditional halls of higher education. Fostering the skills necessary to help academics to work in industry and academic rolls helps bridge the gap that leads to greater innovation in both worlds. Preparation means providing theoretical and practical knowledge in ways that can be applied to solve real world problems. One of the complaints of the hallowed halls of higher education is that academics live in a bubble and don't contribute fully to practical problems. While academic jobs may become more difficult to obtain it also becomes possible to shoot three birds with one stone by adjusting higher edu curriculum to formalize industry knowledge, fill industry leadership positions with practitioner scholars, and create more rele