Freedom of Marriage Essay

The reasoning of any just law is meant to be rational and, moreover, fair. However, the government has failed to recognize the rights of many American citizens because they do not conform to society’s stereotypical standards. In a nation founded on freedom, have today’s citizens evolved into narrow-minded drones that bind minorities into what they believe are the â€Å"correct† moral standards? Have the basic freedoms guaranteed by our forefathers been stripped away in order to protect the strict moral codes society has placed upon itself. Same-sex marriage should be legal because it is discriminatory to deny homosexual couples the same rights as heterosexual couples. The illegalization of same-sex marriage excludes gay couples from the same financial marital benefits guaranteed to married heterosexuals. The denying of these rights is no longer a decision to be made by the U. S. government as religious beliefs are strongly imbedded in the ceremony of marriage. Contrary to common beliefs, the legalization of same-sex marriage has not degraded the traditional values associated with a marriage. The constitutional right of marriage is currently being denied to many American citizens. The actions of many have contributed to discrimination against a minority who deserve their birthright as American citizens to join in homosexual unions. Exclusion of marital benefits from homosexual couples contributes to the large financial strain of being gay. Taxation relief, family health care benefits, social security spousal benefits, and inheritance rights all lessen the financial burden on married heterosexual couples, but these benefits do not pertain to married homosexuals today. All of these benefits excluding same-sex couples lead to an exponentially higher cost of living. â€Å"In our worst case, the couple’s lifetime cost of being gay was $467,562. But the number fell to $41,196 in the best case for a couple with significantly better health insurance, plus lower taxes and other costs. † (Siegel Bernard, Lieber) The numbers represent the discriminatory effects of illegalizing homosexual marriage. â€Å"Same-sex couples, become â€Å"strangers† to the basic rights of liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and re at risk for minority stress and its health consequences. † (Riggle, Thomas, Rostosky) In a country founded on equal rights, American laws pertaining to gay marriage necessitate punishment on individuals only seeking to gain a right heterosexuals already have. Religious beliefs present the most persuasive arguments against the legalization of gay marriage. The majority of religions strictly prohibit the union of homosexual couples as the union supposedly to defile the religious ceremony of marriage. Some may recognize the validity of this argument; however, the U. S. government should not be influenced by this religious defense when considering illegality of homosexual marriage. America was founded on the belief in freedom of religion, which is why 221 years ago the first amendment to the U. S. constitution restricted the government from having any religious affiliations. The amendment stands today as the overpowering counterpoint against illegalization of gay marriage due to religious conflicts. The government does not have the right to illegalize homosexual marriage based solely on religious prohibition of the practice. Many individuals believe that same-sex marriage will increase the already high divorce rates. This belief is propelled by the misconception that the institution of marriage will be weakened by the allowance of homosexual unions thus increasing leniency of divorce. Allowing same-sex marriage will not impair family values, but will instead generate a new family dynamic. This new model of a family will not affect the traditional aspects of a family; it will simply leave the option of same-sex marriage open. The derogatory affects of same-sex marriage in society are so minimal that, â€Å"In Massachusetts, which legalized gay marriage in 2004, the divorce rate has declined by 21 percent and is the lowest in the country by some margin. The state which experienced the highest increase in its divorce rate over the period (Alaska, 17. 2 percent) also happens to be the first one to have altered its constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage in 1998. (Silver) Based on these statistics, same-sex marriage will not be detrimental to society. Those opposing gay marriage often argue that a homosexual couple’s inability to procreate is what makes them ineligible for marriage. It is obvious that is anatomically impossible for homosexual couples to reproduce, leading many to question the purpose of gay marriage if procreation is unfeasible. â€Å"Marriage was created to allow society to support heterosexual couples in procreation and society can choose not to give the same benefits to same-sex couples. (Jacobson) If marriage’s only purpose were to support reproduction, homosexual couples would have essentially no purpose for getting married. However, many successfully married heterosexual couples cannot reproduce because of incurable medical conditions. Without the ability to procreate, they would be fairly denied the right to marriage as well as homosexuals. Therefore, the argument presented is invalid because it does not address all couples without the ability to reproduce. The illegalization of same-sex marriage is to be determined by the value society places on fairness. Economically homosexual couples should receive the same compensations for being married as heterosexual couples are provided with. The resulting reimbursements would diminish financial struggles many homosexual couples encounter over the course of their lifetime. Spiritually gay couples deserve the right to freely exhibit their sexual desires without any discriminatory actions expressed by religious followers. Furthermore, the government should not consider these religious beliefs when determining the laws restricting one’s one right to participate in a homosexual marriage. Although many believe that the allowance of gay marriage will directly result in higher divorce rates, the freedom to be in a gay marriage has shown no direct correlation to divorce rates in state’s granting gay marriage. The illegalization of gay marriage is discriminatory against a minority of American citizens whose only desire is to be given the same rights as heterosexuals. The prejudice opinions opposing gay couples must be set aside in order for homosexuals to receive the benefits they fairly deserve.

Democracy and Best Form

1. Democracy represents the views and notions of all the citizens of the country, whether majorities or minorities.2. It helps in solving conflicts and quarrels in a better way.3. It provides a dignity to the people.4. It helps in realising one's mistakes and improving upon them.5. There is no other form of government or an lternative better than a democracy. Yes democracy is the best form of government.Democracy is the best form of government simply because no other form of government is known to work well. Democracy may have it's flaws but all in all it works very fluidly. Socialism, for example, does not even come close to the best form of government. One can easily see this in Greece's current state. Democracy has never led to complete government disorder like one can see Socialism does. DEMOCRACY is the best form of govt.Yes democracy is the best form of govt. It grants us many things. 1.Right to speech. 2.Right to information. 3.Right to vote and etc.It represents each and ever y citizen equally whether you are poor or you are rich. In a monarchy or dictatorship no one can say or present their point of view. They have to follow what a single man says but in democracy we have been granted by RIGHT TO SPEECH. Democracy is the best form of governmentAs democracy means rule of people †¦ That is of the people for the people and by the people. Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens participate equally—either directly or through elected representatives. 1. Democracy represents the views and notions of all the citizens of the country, whether majorities or minorities. 2. It helps in solving conflicts and quarrels in a better way. 3. It provides a dignity to the people.4. It helps in realising one's mistakes and improving upon them. 5. There is no other form of government or an alternative better than a democracy. democracy is the best form of governmentDemocratic states nearly always have freer people than autocratic states. T hey obviously have the right to vote for their government so by extension deciding the policy of their nation and what their nation should be like. They have more freedom of speech and expression than in autocracies. In particular they are free to criticize their own government. Democracy is the best form of governmentAs democracy means rule of people †¦ That is of the people for the people and by the people. Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens participate equally—either directly or through elected representatives. Democracy is the best form of government simply because no other form of government is known to work well. Democracy may have its flaws but all in all it works very fluidly. Some plus points of having a democratic form of government:- 1. Freedom2. Democracy represents the views and notions of all the citizens of the country, whether majorities or minorities. 3. It helps in solving conflicts and quarrels in a better way. 4. It provi des a dignity to the people.5. Democracy allows various people to rule the country through the representatives. 6. It also allows people to express themselves clearly and freely. 7. It Respects & promotes Human Rights 8. In this form of government all people are equal before the law. 9. Democracy is the only form of government where the people can voice their opinion. 10. In my view there is no other alternative form of government better than a democracy.Freedom for peopleDemocracy allows various people to rule the country through the representatives . It allows people to express themselves clearly and freely. People and media criticize the ruling party without any censorship unlike autocracy where there is a limit on people's power of speech. People have the right to protest,celebrate and freely express themselves .I am currently doing a debate on this topic, and I do agree with this question because a democratic government represents the people. It gives the people an equal say by voting for different properties of the nation/state in which they live. No other form of government has been proven better. Democracy represents allWell, we all know the best form of government where every group gets it equal representation and equal chance of winning is democracy. Every citizen has the right to vote on their own. It gives complete freedom of expressing one's feeling on who would they want to be governed by. In the end nobody wants to be enslaved.In the end everyone wants to have control over their own life. As long as people aren't robots, they will crave democracy and freedom, as they should. It is also true the Democracies tend to do better because some of the people in it will seek to advance themselves and that will lead to innovation and growth. You don't get the same effect with other countries where thinking for yourself is sometimes punishable by death. Fundamental characteristics of democracySeparation of powers: The legislative, executive and the judicia ry operate independently without any interference of one of the others Rule of law: Every one is equal in the eye of the law.As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. Freedom and liberty in Democratic form of Government Democracy is the only form of government where the people can voice their opinions, whereas in other forms of government such as Monarchy, the law making is rested in the hands of the king who is considered most superior.In democracy we have the freedom to reside in any town or village of the country, have the freedom to select occupation of choice, raise voices, organize protests and rallies, etc. Thus Democracy is the best form of government and can be applied to all the spheres of life. Yes democracy is bestDemocracy is a form of govt. in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in decisions that effect their lives. Democracy allows eligible citizens to participate equally either directly or through elected representatives in the proposal, development, and creation of laws.Democracy by definition is a political system in which supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them. Yes it is the best form of governmentAs democracy means rule of people †¦ That is of the people for the people and by the people. Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows eligible citizens to participate equally—either directly or through elected representatives—in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. It encompasses social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination.Yes it is Democracy is the best form of government because it is for the people by the people with the people. In this form of government people elect their own representatives through voting or elections. In this government if people are not happy with the government they can remove it from power by not voting them in the next elections.Support people's rights In a democratic country a person is respective. In a democratic country like India, our govt. Has provided fundamental rights. But in a non- democratic country no basic rules are provided. We can move freely in our country or a person can express his or her opinion. We can change our govt when it doesn't work.Support people rights In a democratic country a person is respective. In a democratic country like India, our govt. has provided fundamental rights. But in a non-democratic country no basic rules are provided. We can move freely in our country or a person can express his or her opinion. We can change our govt when it doesn't work.Yes it is I am currently doing a debate on this topic, and I do agree with this question because a democratic government represents the people. It gives the people and equal say by voting for different properties of the nation/state in which they live. No other form of government has been proven better and its gives freedom to the people but with boundaries. So therefore, democracy is the best form of government! Represents the peopleThe biggest virtue of Democracy is that it is government by the people for the people. The government represents the views of the people who elect them and can throw them out if the government does things that the people do not like. Unlike other forms of government democracy is about the little man, everyone rather than the elite that are often disconnected from how everyone else lives their lives. i think democracy is niceYes I feel that it is because it allows us the freedom to choose. The majority of our country is allowed to choose what they feel is best for them. It is not just one person deciding what they think is best for everyone else. Democracy will always win out over other forms of government.Yes democracy is the best form of government. Democracy is the best form of government simply because no other form of government is known to work well. Democracy may have it's flaws but all in all it works very fluidly. Socialism, for example, does not even come close to the best form of government. One can easily see this in Greece's c urrent state. Democracy has never led to complete government disorder like one can see Socialism does.Best Option overall If we can't elect who we want the what kind of world are we. I now sometimes democracies can be corrupt but so can monarchies. If the people do not like their king then you have to fight a war to kick him out of power. So democracy is best Democracy represents unity1. Democracy shows to the citizens that the government cares about them and their opinons.2. The citizen's voices and opinions can be heard3. It gives us the right to vote and the right of knowledge4. It promotes equality to the rich AND poor5. It gives other's the chance to become president or prime minister, or such. In a monarchy, it is simply passed down through generations to come. Oh yes alwaysYes it is The very clichà ©d definition of a democracy- it is of the people for the people and by the people. This means that it functions not only for the people but also for their benefits as the people are the rulers and they can understand each others necessities. Also in the other forms of government whether it be anarchy or monarchy, people are coerced with laws and rules they may not want to follow but just have to bare with it which created anger and disharmony for instance in the case of Syria rebellion. There is also no constitution which guarantees the people certain human rights and they cannot even use it as a living document. Thus it is somewhat not a good form of government. However in democracy one can voice out their own opinions and views as it guarantees freedom of speech, action an the list goes on . Thus democracy is the best form of governmentYes I do It's really fair, and in that way, your voices are heard!!!!) Everybody in countries like America and Australia are happy, because there is a democracy, and they get a vote.Also, the votes of the minority are counted too, and people are free to do anything. Other forms of government aren't that productive, while de mocracy is. I have no headingDemocracy is the best form of government. People want freedom, and with  democracy, that’s what they’ll get. This government respects people and their rights. It also promotes them. It is based off of the discussions and opinions of the people. It is important that the people can control the government. An autocratic government could create laws that have nothing to do with the current situation that the country is in and the citizens wouldn’t be able to do anything about it.Yes it isThe best form of the government because it is according to the nature of the man.A man wants to be free and want to express his thoughts what democracy provides.Unlike monarchy or anarchy system which are against the nature of a man and according to that systems a man become just like a slave who have to follow the orders of the KING or QUEEN.One of the Best Democracy can be called the best form but still it is far better than the other forms of the government. Every one has the right to express himself, people have right of freedom in various sense. Anyone would like to be free and this is what provided by the democracy. Democracy is the bestIn some places, people believe that is not the best. However it is the best because the government cannot do whatever, they still have to follow some laws, and almost everything is voted on. Whenever a vote is taken it is won by majority rules, so the public has a say in everything that goes on with the government. Obviously it isWith a Democracy we can elect people who have similar views as us instead of trusting a king or queen. Yes their are flaws in Democracy but no government is perfect. At least with democracy we have a way to express our thoughts by peaceful protests because, in other countries its against the law to protest.Yes, best form Democracy as defined, is Govt of the People For the P eople By the People. So it's for the people who are given all the rights to choose their leaders, enjoy freedoms as of Expression, Religion, Movement, holding their leaders accountable for the decisions they make on their behalf in governance etc. It's simply the best form of govt because in monarchy and other types of govt the citizenry don't enjoy such privileges.Best form of government Nowadays, there is no ideology with any political party. A majority of the political leaders in our country have become corrupt and selfish. They never care the fact that they are the representatives of the public and they have some duties towards them. Once elected, they forget their promises, which they make at the time of election. Yes it isBecause we get the right to choose the government of our own choice we can do everything . A democratic country is a well developed

Facquier Gas Company Essay

The case study link is provided below for the Case Study 2 Facquier Gas Company. Read and study the case and complete the questions at the end of the study. Use the case study outline below to assist you with your analysis. Questions should be answered using case study format. Ensure that you adequately explain the problem, describe alternative solutions and justify your recommendation. This exercise should be able to be completed in approximately 3-6 doubled space pages. Attached completed Case Study #2 as a MS Word document in the assignment area of the classroom – Mr. Murphy, the manager of supply management is responsible for procurement for Fauquier Gas Company. Mr. Murphy specializes in the procurement of materials used in gas distribution such as pipe, meters, fittings, furniture systems and forms, stores management, and materials forecasting and control. A situation has occurred when it has come to the attention of Mr. Murphy that he has understood that Clive Byers, the construction project manager is working on adding an extra 3  ½ miles of new gas lines for the Fauquier Gas Company. Mr Murphy has a few concerns about the procedures and the pipe specification. Mr. Murphy is asking a â€Å"purchase request† from Byers to be sent in good time as the lead time can slow the project down, thus wasting money and time. This requires getting quotations, contacting suppliers and delivery times and it looks like Byers schedule does not give Mr. Murphy enough time to ensure the procedures are carried out correctly. The process also involved ensuring that the purchase request is approved by two units, the design engineer Pat Wilson for approval and the pipe specification Sam Law. Mr.  Murphy contacted Pat Wilson regarding the pipe specification of the standard wall thickness of â€Å"3/4 inches and 37 feet long had changed to 3/8 inches and 40 feet plus or minus 5 feet.† (Hood, J.) Murphy was concerned when Wilson stated that the project would be â€Å"governed by less stringent specifications if the wall thickness was 3/4 inches† and also that Wilson did not get the specifications for the wrappers to be applied to the pipe and stated that â€Å"Fauquier had used two types of wrappers—coal tar and pry-tech.† (Hood.) Murphy is the manager of supply management is responsible for procurement for Fauquier Gas Company and has every right to question Clive Byers actions. Mr. Murphy has identified that there is a problem with the pipe specifications, as â€Å"specifications and standardization play important roles in the search for the right quality and the right value.† (Burt.2009) Murphy is concerned that this deviation in in size and length of the gas pipe could potentially cause conflicts in â€Å"engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and supply management.† (Burt.2009) I can identify that there is a problem with communication, lack or procedures and Byers seems to working on his own instead of being part of a cross functional team. The process of building pipe lines requires several teams to approve piping specifications and design, Byers seems to be misunderstanding of the company’s procedures and standards and is not meeting the standard piping specifications and is lowering the standards of Fauquier by taking less stringent specifications for the new piping. The wall thickness is an issue and the length of pipe might cause problems in construction and Murphy’s role as a supply manager is important that all materials meet the â€Å"specifications and standards set by the company, they must be â€Å"functional, precise and complete.† (Burt.2009) If the pipe is substandard and an accident occurs, life and property could be at risk, this would definitely cause a dispute between â€Å"the purchaser and the supplier.† Mr Murphy would have have gone through the correct procurement procedures to seek a supplier and settle a contract. Mr Murphy’s job is to make sure the buying policies and practise I would recommend that Murphy contact Mr. Charlie Buck, the design superintendent of Fauquier in a timely manner to make sure that the change of specifications is acceptable and or to make the management aware that the piping standard is being reduced. Mr Buck needs to improve the communication and team work, this  could be sorted by more meetings regarding procedures or training. There is a time management issue by Clive Byers, as he clearly doesn’t understand that purchase request may have lengthy lead time which could potentially slow down the business processes. This needs to be addressed by upper management to make sure that Byers submits the purchase request in a timely manner, as he is now potential adding weeks to the project. I would recommend that Mr. Buck rejects the change of change of specifications, a management meeting would then be required to ensure that all upper / middle management understand that specifications and requesting a purchase order in a timely manner is essential to the success of Fauquier. Failing to comply with the piping specifications could cost the company millions of dollars in down time and could cause a potential danger and health hazard with a gas leak. The reputation of the company is at risk and Mr Murphy concerns are eligible to raise as a deviation from standard business practise.

Chanakya On Military Mobilization History Essay

Chanakya On Military Mobilization History Essay Ancient India produced many philosophers and strategists, whose works contribute immensely to understand the great civilization and its religions even today. Of all the great thinkers and strategists who left their mark in Indian history, Chanakya is perhaps the most important, because it was his strategy that led to the realization of the idea of a unified India. It was his student Chandra Gupta Maurya who followed his strategy to unify India in 321 BC. Unlike many other contemporary Indian thinkers who focused on religion and thought of heavenly realms, Chanakya had his feet firmly planted on the ground and thought about the ways to make a country rich and powerful. His book on statecraft, Arthashastra, is one of the first books by any Indian author to highlight the importance of the military in the smooth functioning of the state. In other words, he was a realist who understood the power a strong standing military in sending out a clear signal to other countries and its contribut ion to bolstering national pride. It was his emphasis on military, diplomacy and covert operations and his ruthless practicality that earned him his nickname, Kautilya, the shrewd one who employed all means possible to keep the national pride intact. Although there are a lot of controversies about the identity of Chanakya, a master strategist and kingmaker, it is beyond the scope of this article. The article will only deal with his views-or what is now regarded as his view by many scholars-on military mobilization. Chanakya comes out as one of the first strategists who not only wrote on how to mobilize the military, but also how to organize it. As someone who grew up witnessing wars among the various kingdoms and republics that existed in India then, and also having witnessed Alexander’s invasion of India, he clearly saw the need for a strong unified India that would be peaceful and deal with others on its own terms. And he clearly realized that to turn his dream of a strong India, a strong military was a must. Without a strong military to back the ruler in conducting his domestic and foreign policy, he realized, the country would perish. Thus, in his book he highlights the importance of military, how to organize and mobilize it when needed. His chapters on military reads like chapters from any modern book on military science. It is hard to imagine that more than 2,000 years ago, he thought of sending a medical unit to campaigns to take care of the wounded. In Arthashastra, he clearly highlights the need to divide the military in units and battalions, with their respective flags and commanders. He also writes on the chain of command and how to maintain it. And like any modern book on military science, also mentions the importance of covert operations and psychological warfare to subdue the enemy. More than that, he clearly writes the criteria for choosing the commanders of each unit. For example, the one who heads the infantry has to have battle experie nce, know about the weapons necessary for his troops. Similarly, the one heading the cavalry should be able to choose the best horses for his unit, and know how all things about the horses. Similarly the officers heading the chariot and elephant units too should have knowledge and experience in choosing the right equipments and animals for their units.

Natural Selection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Natural Selection - Essay Example "Birds that survived in arid environment, the ones that had beaks were best suited for that particular environment and they got more food than the others, the same affected their mating process also, the ones that got more food had better mating conditions than the ones who got less food. Similarly the birds who had beak shaped beaks conjured up the resources from the environment like nectar from flowers etc and they were also in a very good position. Natural selection refers to being in a very good position and being able to reproduce. This whole process is referred to as Natural selection." (Darwin and Natural Selection, 17 April 2009). "Charles Darwin is believed to be the founder of this theory and he conducted a research in the 19th century on an island where he found that organisms that suit better to the environment are more likely to survive than the organisms that don't suit the environment." (Theory of Natural Selection, 17 April 2009). The above diagram shows the evolution of beaks of these birds; their beaks are instrumental in determining how much food they get. Their beaks enable them to survive in different ecological conditions, the birds that eat grubs have a thin and an extended beak and the same enables them to poke into various holes and get the grubs. Finches that eat fruits and similar items would be less successful in doing so because their beaks don't allow them to do so. Peppered Moth is a classic example of Natural selection; Industrial melanism is a process that occurs in these species. This process has become very common since the beginning of the industrial age. The pollution let out by industries and vehicles would collect on the sides of several buildings and the same changes the color of the buildings making the buildings darker. The Peppered Moth is usually light in color and the predators that eat Peppered Moth can easily catch and feed upon the moth because of its evident visibility against the dark background caused by pollution. After a point in time the process of mutation took place in these species of Peppered Moths and these days, they have become darker in color when compared to the white Peppered Moths, this means they have again become very difficult to trace and hunt for predators that feed upon them. In this particular case, the process of Natural Selection

The major challenges for China; Why the past successful export-led Essay

The major challenges for China; Why the past successful export-led growth model cannot continue; How the Chinese economy should be further reformed - Essay Example Despite all these down turns, there is hope for the resurgence of this economy; the Chinese government has re-embarked on strategic plans that would enable resurrection of its previously steadily growing economy. A country with settled political situations, democracy and that is well equipped in terms of technology has all the privileges to kick start the road to an impressive economy. The Chinese economy has been one of the most consistent and swiftly growing with a sustainability growth rate of 10% (Naughton, 2007). China has portrayed a dynamic and unrivaled density; however, it is still transforming from two transitions as first, it â€Å"is still completing its transition away from bureaucratic socialism and toward a market economy† (Naughton, 2007, p. 4). Naughton further explains the second transformation with which China is transforming, which is the fact that â€Å"China is in the middle of the industrialization process, the protracted transformation from a rural to an urban society† (2007, p. 4). These two transitions are still far from completion and therefore China still has challenges. The Chinese economy can now be compared to those of developing nations. While this economic similarity exists, so do the challenges. One of the crucial challenges that have been faced recently due to the transition is the shift from the socialist type economy to the market based economy. This challenge was however fixed but again, it led to the rise of another challenge related to development. According to Naughton, these challenges are â€Å"the need to invest in human skills and physical infrastructure, the need to create effective institutions, and the need to protect underprivileged and vulnerable sections of the population† (2007, p. 5). Although there are many positives related to the growth such as improved living standards, many Chinese have fallen in the hands of uncertainties marred with risks. Majority

Managing change in orgainsations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Managing change in orgainsations - Essay Example The common definition of globalisation suggests that globalisation is fuelled by the interrelationship between various central trigger factors including economic, technological, socio-cultural, political and biological factors, resulting in the interconnectivity of states. In turn, the proliferation of the globalisation phenomenon has offered novel business opportunities regarding expansion in international business strategy. The integration of the globalisation phenomenon into business with the increased movement of capital and commodities has had a significant impact on international business strategy (Tomlinson, 1999). Additionally, Held and McGrew argue that globalisation represents the interconnectedness of states, societies and culture, which has thereby propelled global trade, ideas and capital (Held & McGrew, 1999). Furthermore Brah et al, argue that globalisation as a novel cultural paradigm is exemplified by the internet revolution, which has challenged methods of dissemination (Brah et al, 1999: 3). Moreover, Tomlinson posits that globalisation has had a concomitant effect on traditional cultural models with the creation of new cultural models (Tomlinson et al, 1999). The digital era fuelled novel business opportunities and the continuous evolution of online business channels has made multi-channel retailing a reality, with the customer now placed at the forefront of business strategy. In turn this has reshaped business distribution and marketing models in addition to competing in a product marketplace; in certain industries the customer is the marketplace. Indeed, the e-commerce business model has challenged traditional adage that â€Å"location, location, location† is critical to commercial success (Chaffey, D. 2006); which has threatened the traditional business model for travel agencies in the tourism industry; compelling agencies to formulate novel strategic moves to sustain continued growth (Zhou, Z. 2003). A prime