Risk Management Plan Travel

Risk Management Plan Travel Trip Overview and Description Travel is a popular activity and involves visiting of variety of sites and participation in an assortment of activities. Due to the varied nature of terrain and risk involved with some activity it is essential to plan adequately prior to the excursion.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Risk Management Plan: Travel specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In line with this one of the most important activities to undertake prior to departure is to prepare an overview of the trip and highlight some of the expected activities (Stellin 2006). This is mainly important due to the fact that it helps in reaching the desired destination. This overview and description requires that some research is undertaken by the organizer of the trip prior to making travel arrangements. In case the party is undecided on a destination it is necessary to consider the goals of the trip and visit websites which can be very h elpful in identifying a suitable destination (Stellin 2006). Important aspects to consider include weather patterns and peak seasons. This will play a major role in deciding on methods of travel and weighing potential losses or gains from alternatives (Stellin 2006). Other necessary considerations include holidays and significant events within the locality. In addition to that high and low seasons are often accompanied with changes in prices and will have an influence on the budget and as such must be researched and mentioned in an overview. In addition to the above points it has been mentioned that a glimpse at government sites may be helpful to see the authority’s position in regard to your proposed destination (Stellin 2006). Information that may be gleaned from government include terror alerts, penalties for drug possession, medical requirements, traffic and road conditions, aviation standards and potentially useful information on banking and scams, etc. It is also crucia l to provide information on age demographics in relation to the trip to ensure appropriate participants are sought.Advertising Looking for essay on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Leadership Before embarking on any outdoor activity it is essential to identify a leader for the proposed excursion. The main reason for this is due to the fact that should an emergency arise taking apposition of responsibility is potentially frightening. To avert such a situation it is best to select an effective, capable and trained individual to take on such a role beforehand (Barton 2007). The leader will take charge during an emergency where a democratic approach to solving the problem may lead to catastrophe. For this reason it is clear that the leader must possess some qualifications suitable for the role. The main role of the leader is to handle an emergency situation with as much concentration and focus as po ssible and avoid the distraction caused by panic (Barton 2007). It is suggested that though hands on involvement is useful, whenever possible a leader should delegate duties and create a sense of involvement. This allows the leader to focus on their key responsibility which is making good decisions and avoiding bad choices. It has been mentioned that the quality and experience of the leader can have major role to play in the safety and success of outdoor activity. The staff where available and leaders of outdoor activity are undoubtedly the most major influence on safety in any outdoor activity (Barton 2007). For this reason it is recommended that the leader is selected keeping these key traits in mind as opposed to the group disposition. Trip Itineraries In an outdoor activity the itinerary is the overall plan of how the activity will be carried out. It includes time for each activity, expected routes and a variety of information on the activity. The importance of the itinerary thu s grows based on the duration for the proposed trip or activity (Redmond, Foran Dwyer, 2010). A short trip such as a day hike on a well marked trail may not require much work as everyone knows where they are going. However, for a longer excursion a detailed itinerary detailing the specifics such as the size of the party, departure time and return time is crucial to manage safety for larger parties on longer excursions.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Risk Management Plan: Travel specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Such an itinerary should include the number of people in the party, their expected time of departure and return. In addition to that the equipment taken for the activity and the persons in charge of this equipment may need to be logged as well (Redmond, Foran Dwyer, 2010). On completion of the trip any changes in the itinerary can be used to form queries that may be the solution to an emergency that had tak en place earlier in the day. Maps and information about the region can be very useful and increase interest in the trip when included in the itinerary (See Appendix A B). It is advised to leave the itinerary with a responsible individual who can contact emergency services should there be a need for that (Redmond, Foran Dwyer, 2010). For example if on an outdoor hiking trip the itinerary could be handed to the ranger in charge of the park or attendant in charge (Redmond, Foran Dwyer, 2010). This document is also useful in estimating aspects such as walking pace to maintain during the excursion. In addition to that it is useful in planning various sections of the trip such as rest stops where the group can catch their breath while the leader checks whether the party navigation is on track (See Appendix C). Equipment During the management of outdoor activities equipment is crucial to the success and even the completion of various activities. For this reason in planning an outdoor ac tivity it is necessary to carry out a needs assessment to evaluate whet the program requires (Walker Seidler, 1993). This needs assessment involves an overview of the situation and makes considerations such as whether the program is new or existing. It is also crucial to consider if the activity is intended to be done for recreation or competitively (Walker Seidler, 1993). This is evident due to the fact that the needs for an elementary school will vary greatly when compared with those of a college. In making consideration on equipment to be used for the proposed activity it becomes important to consider the space available for this activity. This is because most equipment comes with directions on the space requirements for optimal operation. Lack of adherence to the considerations therefore renders the installation of such facilities unsafe (Walker Seidler, 1993).Advertising Looking for essay on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition to the above considerations it is clear that the desired activity will influence the selection and purchase of equipment. Alongside this comes the health and safety of participants involved. It goes without saying that the equipment chosen must first and foremost promote the safety of the participants for it to be considered suitable (Walker Seidler, 1993). Water Sources and Treatment It has been reported that the presence of large volumes of water is often regarded a fundamental requirement for outdoor recreation (Jenkins Pigram, 2003). This occurs for two reasons namely, the water acts as a medium for recreation or to enhance the appeal of the recreational setting. This position in relation to water lets us know that adequate consideration should be given to the water used in these settings. The activities undertaken in water include diving, snorkeling and other deep sea activities as well as rafting, canoeing and fishing which are more common in river waters (Jenkin s Pigram, 2003). Due to the widespread appeal of water for recreation there has been a surge in usage that has led to situation where water quality is lowered and thus unsuitable for outdoor activity. This is especially due to the fact that for activities such as fishing the quality and quantity of water play a major role in popularity (Jenkins Pigram, 2003). In addition to the above considerations it has been mentioned that in outdoor activities it is crucial to treat any water taken from unprotected sources (Muller, 2003). This arises due to the fact that such water which is available in these circumstances can cause illness and as such remedial action is necessary. In addition to that it is advisable to practice proper hygiene in outdoor activities (Muller, 2003). Untreated water comes with potentially harmful micro organisms such as Giardia which if ingested can cause serious medical problems to an individual (Muller, 2003). Such organisms are introduced to the water due to an imal activity or sewerage that seeps into the water from nearby settlements. For this reason it is advisable to purchase pills used for water purification prior to visiting these areas. Weather Related Information It is important that during any outdoor activity the collection of information is carried out as an ongoing process (Dickson Gray, 2012). Information such as predictions on weather patterns can be a major factor in relation to safety of outdoor activities. For this reason it is essential to update the party in relation to most current weather prior to embarking on an excursion while taking time to consult on any expected changes in weather (Dickson Gray, 2012). In this regard it has been observed that the internet and mobile technology has played a significant role in averting potential crisis (Dickson Gray, 2012). Due to this technology it is now possible to view live radar images and examine river height gauges within minutes as opposed to hours in the past. Some info rmation that may be relevant includes the expected temperatures, water levels in rivers and wind related information (See Appendix D). However, despite the advances in technology it has been observed that communicating weather information may at times be difficult due to remoteness. In such instances it has been suggested that good knowledge of the locale may prove useful in the outdoor activity (Dickson Gray, 2012). Transportation This aspect forms a significant part of the budget allocated for any outdoor activity (Harrison, 2012). For this reason a properly planned outdoor activity will require the analysis of various options for transportation. In this regard some considerations to make will include the type of vehicles, whether to lease or outsource transport another company, among other considerations. The age demographics of the group also play a role in selection of appropriate mode of transport for the activity. It is important to keep in mind that there are significant ri sks and legal implications to be considered in relation to transportation. The individual in charge must confirm efficiency and safety standards offered by any proposed contractor (Fulbrook, 2005). The distribution of routes and scheduling of transport must also be carefully coordinated and any changes quickly communicated to other members of the transportation unit. This is believed to be a sure way to minimize disorder and lack of satisfaction during the activity. Rules and Regulations In many outdoor activities there is a significant degree of risk involved which with the guidance of an experienced guide can be overcome. However, in certain instances there may arise occasions when due to unforeseeable circumstances an injury or accident occurs. It is reported that many times this occur due to lack of adherence to the laid down rules and regulations (Harrison, 2012). In order to avoid any subsequent legal actions that could come about it is considered wise to provide a document co ntaining the rules and regulations that will govern the trip and potential risks involved. In instances where such a document is produced and signed by participants, the organizer or individual in charge can be considered legally protected from legal action. This however does not imply that negligence is tolerated but acts as a barrier to protect the organizer from unfair legal actions (Harrison, 2012). Risk Assessment and Management In operating a successful outdoor program one of the major tasks is the evaluation and management of risks. The identification of risks involved can be achieved by using four specific categories namely field, operational, financial and strategic risks (Harrison, 2012). Field risks include environmental hazards such as flash floods. Operational risks include poorly managed equipment and inappropriately trained staff. Financial risks include unexpected financial losses due to increased expenditure during seasonal changes. Strategic risks include issues th at may arise due to lack of vision and foresight (Harrison, 2012). Once all the potential risks have been identified it is important to categorize them based on their likelihood to provide a clear picture of issues that need to be tackled (See Appendix E). Based on the picture presented it becomes easier to identify strategies to counter these potentially risky situations (Harrison, 2012). This process and the strategies identified form the organization’s risk management program and should be embraced within the organization as part of organizational culture (Harrison, 2012). Among the important aspects that may be included in such a program include possible additional training that should be given to staff. In addition to that it is crucial to identify and prepare material that needs to be shared with participants prior to the activity. Emergency Action Plan It should be noted that an emergency action plan (EAP) is a very essential component of any outdoor activity. There is no standard EAP for all outdoor activities based on the fact that facilities, communities, resources and communication facilities available vary a great deal (Moffitt, 2011). In addition to that the plan should be distributed t relevant personnel and participants as an invisible EAP is worthless. The EAP should include guidelines to be followed in various scenarios such as fires and other emergency situations. It must include guidelines on the evacuation routes and procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency (Moffitt, 2011). Such a plan should also include telephone numbers of hospitals and medical facilities close by to assist with casualties and other medical related issues (See Appendix F). As is seen in the appendix the document is a detailed writing that categorizes risks and clearly defines response to the risks within the organization. It also provides information on the staff in charge in case of an emergency and the training received for the situation (CDC, 2004 ). Contingencies Just as with any activity there is a need for some preparatory actions made to handle unexpected situations in business. For example, a camping site may be prepared to accommodate twenty tents but due to circumstances be forced to deal with twenty five tents suggesting an unexpected increase in the size of the party. These situations call for an alternative plan in place to handle such scenarios (Martin, 2006). In addition to such circumstances contingency planning should cater for activities that can be undertaken when weather interrupts or causes postponement of one activity in the itinerary. Such planning ensures participants are kept engaged and receive and experience worth their while. Miscellaneous In addition to all the above mentioned plans and guidelines there is still need to cater for additional requirements that may arise in the course of outdoor excursions. An example of this occurs where a member of the visiting party is accompanied by an aged person o r a young infant. In such cases the organization will need to have prepared or arranged to acquire some equipment such as safety seats for babies or wheel chairs to cater for senior citizens. To provide a memorable and efficient outdoor trip there is no limitation to the extent of preparation necessary. It is not uncommon to find that the more prepared organization attracts more clientele simply as a result of this. References Barton, B. (2007). Safety, risk and adventure in outdoor activities. London: Paul Chapman Publishing. Breckenridge. Sample Itineraries (n.d.). Retrieved from boec.org/programs/professional-team-building-retreats/sample-itineraries/ CDC. Emergency Action Plan. (2004). Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=vq=cache:lPZpfBXizoEJ:www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-101/emrgact/emrgact.doc+emergency+action+plan+samplehl=engl=kepid=blsrcid=ADGEESimoLwdaHAJZ5Drvtz7uVHmkBjZ5VaPbtqYwV9KHzpak1KRiZW7ZJ3VnUNeC_ZsuK9XznQ9ZKEG8D7Se47MrjYTstaa5n2S6ZYV_CL2m71aLxRRmXWmTQMc6q gwTvC2P9g3svFdsig=AHIEtbRx0MVkSuDJkVcNVX0Wn3NXCc-a7w Cyborlink. China Business Etiquette, Culture, Manners. (2012). Retrieved from cyborlink.com/besite/china.htm Dickson, T., Gray, T. (2012). Risk Management in the Outdoors: A Whole-of-Organization Approach. Melbourne: Cambridge University Press. Fulbrook, J. (2005). Outdoor activities, negligence and the law. Hampshire: Ashgate Publishing Company. Harrison, G. (2012). Outdoor Program Administration: Principles and Practices. Printed in the USA: Sheridan Books. Jenkins, J., Pigram, J. (2003). Encyclopedia of Leisure and Outdoor Recreation. London: Routledge. Martin, B. (2006). Outdoor Leadership: Theory and Practice. Printed in the USA: Human Kinetics. Moffitt, J. (2011). Day Camp Programming and Administration: Core Skills and Practices. Muller, J. (2003). The Colorado Year round Outdoor Guide. Golden, CO: The Colorado mountain Club Press. Redmond, K., Foran, A., Dwyer, S. (2010). Quality Lesson Plans for Outdoor Education . Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Stellin, S. (2006). How to travel practically anywhere. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. Walker, M., Seidler, T. (19993). Sports Equipment Management. London: Jones Bartlett Publishers International. Yellowstonepark. Interactive map. (2011). Retrieved from yellowstonepark.com/maps-itineraries/interactive-map/ Appendix Appendix A: Sample Map of Yellow Stone Park (Yellowstonepark, 2011). Appendix B: Research and Supplemental Information on China (cyborlink, 2012). Appendix C: Sample itinerary (Breckenridge n.d.) Appendix D: Sample Weather Information (Dickson Gray, 2012). Appendix E: Sample Financial Risk evaluation (Harrison, 2012). Appendix F: Sample Emergency Action Plan

History of the Caste System in India

History of the Caste System in India The origins of the caste system in India and Nepal are not fully known, but castes seems to have originated more than two thousand years ago. Under this system, which is associated with Hinduism, people were categorized by their occupations. Although originally caste depended upon a persons work, it soon became hereditary. Each person was born into an unalterable social status. The four primary castes are Brahmin, the priests; Kshatriya, warriors and nobility; Vaisya, farmers, traders and artisans; and Shudra, tenant farmers, and servants. Some people were born outside of (and below) the caste system. They were called untouchables or Dalits- the crushed ones. Theology Behind the Castes Reincarnation is the process by which a soul is reborn into a new material form after each life; it is one of the central features of the Hindu cosmology. Souls can move not only among different levels of human society, but also into other animals. This belief is thought to be one of the primary reasons for the vegetarianism of many Hindus. Within a single lifetime, people in India historically had little social mobility. They had to strive for virtue during their present lives in order to attain a higher station their next time around. In this system, a particular souls new form depends upon the virtuousness of its previous behavior. Thus, a truly virtuous person from the Shudra caste could be rewarded with rebirth as a Brahmin in his or her next life. Daily Significance of Caste Practices associated with caste varied through time and across India, but all shared some common features. The three key areas of life historically dominated by caste were marriage, meals, and religious worship. Marriage across caste lines was strictly forbidden. Most people even married within their own sub-caste or jati. At mealtimes, anyone could accept food from the hands of a Brahmin, but a Brahmin would be polluted if he or she took certain types of food from a lower caste person. At the other extreme, if an untouchable dared to draw water from a public well, he or she polluted the water, and nobody else could use it. In religious worship, Brahmins, as the priestly class, presided over rituals and services including preparation for festivals and holidays, as well as marriages and funerals. The Kshatrya and Vaisya castes had full rights to worship, but in some places, Shudras (the servant caste) were not allowed to offer sacrifices to the gods. Untouchables were barred entirely from temples, and sometimes they were not even allowed to set foot on temple grounds. If the shadow of an untouchable touched a Brahmin, the Brahmin would be polluted, so untouchables had to lay face-down at a distance when a Brahmin passed. Thousands of Castes Although the early Vedic sources name four primary castes, in fact, there were thousands of castes, sub-castes, and communities within Indian society. These jati were the basis of both social status and occupation. Castes or sub-castes besides the four mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita include such groups as the Bhumihar or landowners, Kayastha or scribes, and the Rajput, a northern sector of the Kshatriya, or warrior, caste. Some castes arose from very specific occupations, such as the Garudi- snake charmers- or the Sonjhari, who collected gold from river beds. The Untouchables People who violated social norms could be punished by being made untouchables. This was not the lowest caste. The person deemed untouchable- and their descendants- were condemned and completely outside of the caste system. Untouchables were considered so impure that any contact with them by a caste member would contaminate the member. The polluted person would have to bathe and wash his or her clothing immediately.  The untouchables historically did work that no one else would do, like scavenging animal carcasses, leather-work, or killing rats and other pests.  Untouchables could not eat in the same room as caste members and could not be cremated when they died. Caste among Non-Hindus Curiously, non-Hindu populations in India sometimes organized themselves into castes as well. After the introduction of Islam on the subcontinent, for example, Muslims were divided into classes such as the Sayed, Sheikh, Mughal, Pathan, and Qureshi. These castes are drawn from several sources: The Mughal and Pathan are ethnic groups, roughly speaking, while the Qureshi name comes from the Prophet Muhammads clan in Mecca. Small numbers of Indians were Christian from around 50 CE onward. Christianity expanded in India after the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century. Many Christian Indians continued to observe caste distinctions, however. Origins of the Caste System Early written evidence about the caste system appears in the Vedas, Sanskrit-language texts that date from as early as 1500 BCE. The Vedas form the basis of Hindu scripture. The Rigveda, however, which dates from around 1700–1100 BCE, rarely mentions caste distinctions and is taken as evidence that social mobility was common in its time. The Bhagavad Gita, which dates from around 200 BCE–200 CE, emphasizes the importance of caste. In addition, the Laws of Manu or Manusmriti, from the same era, defines the rights and duties of the four different castes or varnas. Thus, it seems that the Hindu caste system began to solidify sometime between 1000 and 200 BCE. The Caste System During Classical Indian History The caste system was not absolute during much of Indian history. For example, the renowned Gupta Dynasty, which ruled from 320 to 550 CE, was from the Vaishya caste rather than the Kshatriya. Many later rulers also were from different castes, such as the Madurai Nayaks (who ruled from 1559 to 1739 CE) who were Balijas (traders). From the 12th century to the 18th century CE, much of India was ruled by Muslims. These rulers reduced the power of the Hindu priestly caste, the Brahmins. The traditional Hindu rulers and warriors, or Kshatriyas, nearly ceased to exist in north and central India. The Vaishya and Shudra castes also virtually melded together. Although the Muslim rulers faith had a strong impact on the Hindu upper castes in the centers of power, anti-Muslim feeling in rural areas actually strengthened the caste system. Hindu villagers reconfirmed their identity through caste affiliation. Nonetheless, during the six centuries of Islamic domination (roughly 1150–1750 CE), the caste system evolved considerably. For example, Brahmins began to rely on farming for their income, since the Muslim kings did not give rich gifts to Hindu temples. This farming practice was considered justified so long as Shudras did the actual physical labor. The British Raj and Caste When the British Raj began to take power in India in 1757, they exploited the caste system as a means of social control. The British allied themselves with the Brahmin caste, restoring some of its privileges, which had been repealed by the Muslim rulers. However, many Indian customs concerning the lower castes seemed discriminatory to the British, so these were outlawed. During the 1930s and 1940s, the British government made laws to protect the Scheduled castes, untouchables and low-caste people. A movement toward the abolition of untouchability took place within Indian society in the 19th and early 20th centuries as well. In 1928, the first temple welcomed untouchables (Dalits) to worship with its upper-caste members. Mohandas Gandhi advocated emancipation for the Dalits, too, coining the term harijan or Children of God to describe them. Caste Relations in Independent India The Republic of India became independent on August 15, 1947. Indias new government instituted laws to protect the Scheduled castes and tribes which included both the untouchables and groups living traditional lifestyles. These laws include quota systems that help to ensure access to education and to government posts. Because of these shifts, a persons caste has become somewhat more of a political category than a social or religious one in modern India. Sources: Ali, Syed. Collective and Elective Ethnicity: Caste among Urban Muslims in India, Sociological Forum, vol. 17, no. 4, December 2002, pp. 593-620.Chandra, Ramesh. Identity and Genesis of Caste System in India. Gyan Books, 2005.Ghurye, G.S. Caste and Race in India. Popular Prakashan, 1996.Perez, Rosa Maria. Kings and Untouchables: A Study of the Caste System in Western India. Orient Blackswan, 2004.Reddy, Deepa S. The Ethnicity of Caste, Anthropological Quarterly, vol. 78, no. 3, Summer 2005, pp. 543-584.