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Gastronomic Tourism
Gastronomic Tourism
“Using Rahn’s article Laying a Place at the Table: Creating Public Foodways Models from Scratch as a guide, evaluate the suitability (cultural, financial, and otherwise) of gastronomic tourism initiatives in New Zealand community. Begin by outlining Rahn’s approach, and then present GENERAL LINES of a custom-made proposal, through a well-developed argument based on ideas from scholarly articles. “
Gastronomic tourism is also known as culinary or food tourism is the process by which the food of a certain country, a region or an area is experienced and also how it is viewed as a component that is very vital in the experience of tourism (Long, 2013). The practice of dinning out by the tourists is viewed as a very vital and at the same time food is often associated with the climatic conditions of a place, accommodation that is available as well as the scenery. The world food travel association as defined this form of tourism as the pursuit of a unique as well as an eating and drinking experience that is memorable to the tourists.
This form of tourism differs from the agritourism in the perspective that culinary tourism is always viewed as a branch of the cultural tourism where the cuisine is always considered as a culture manifestation while the agritourism is seen as a rural form of rural tourism subset. These two are however linked inextricably since those seeds that are found in the cuisine can also be found in the agriculture sector of business. Ancient times proverbs tries to explain that what we eat is what makes up what we are but this proverb can be seen in a totally different way which is the complete opposite of this proverb that what we eat is actually what we are (Cai, 2009). The topic about food and ways is one of the hottest topics in today’s modern world same way tourism is one of the hottest topics today. The floodways projects are nowadays being seen as the one of the big things that is going to save the economies locally as well as promoting the sense of place. The driving force that is behind all this is the fact that everybody takes food and the fact that there is nobody who does not have an association with food either through the determination on how they perceive food as well as how they work with food on a landscape that is culturally centered (Long, 2013).
New Zealand cuisine is driven mainly the presence of ingredients that are locally available as well as the variations that occur seasonally. New Zealand in an island nation that relies heavily on the agricultural sector, therefore the country relies heavily on the yields it gets from the sea which is similar to that of Australia and is considered to be one of the most diverse cuisines that is British-based which has both the Mediterranean as well as the pacific which has resulted to the country becoming one of the most cosmopolitan countries in the world.
The historical influences in the country comes from the Māori culture and became one of the most popular cuisines in the country since the beginning of the 1970s. In this country most households, dinner which is in most of the times known as the tea is considered the most important meal of the day which is characterized by families gathering in the evening and share a meal. In such scenarios restaurants as well as fast food outlets are known to provide the largest proportion of food at such times (Hal, 2013). When the indigenous people of New Zealand who were known as the Maori arrived in New Zealand for the first time from the tropics of the Polynesia, they along with themselves which involved different and numerous food plants which included the sweet potatoes, the taro and the ti plant. These plants are known to have grown in the interior parts of the northern parts of the island and could not be grown on the southern parts since it is known to be cold. Native plants such as the fern root within no time gained fame and were quickly become an important part of the diet (Wolf, 2006). The Māori people just like other Polynesian people used to cook their food, which was done over ovens that were made of earth which were in New Zealand known as the hangi. Here in this country is not in any way related to religion, which means that food could not be in contact with religious places.
In today the world is facing a big threat of falling to the problem of presence of many fast food outlets such as the McDonalds as ell s the fear of succumbing to the problem of cultural homogenization. Despite all these, there is hope in the fact that there is emergence of culinary tourism where the tourists have the chance to enjoy the cultural food of the host country. This practice has always be seen as and accepted as a tourism model. This practice has implications that are far much important as well as implications that are far reaching for the development of regional economy, which also accompanied by the fact that it preserves the culture locally and regionally. Through the promotion of the local cuisines as well as those cultures that are responsible for their creation, tourism that is practiced regionally in the markets can be used to bolster the revenues of this communities as well as aid in the preservation of their customs locally as well as the local heritage which helps in provision to the increasing demands and the desires of the tourists who fall under the culinary tourism sector (Wolf, 2006).
The role that is always played by food is always a big one which varies from the role of procurement to that that of preparation of the food and lastly to role of consumption of that food that has been prepared. However the relationship that exists between these three roles has changed gradually over time. Food has now become a source of entertainment while others view it as a hobby and to some cultures it is viewed as a cultural artifact. Culinary tourism over time has been known to have many different impacts that are of positive use to the community especially in New Zealand especially to the culture of the host people of this country. This is mainly because tourists who visit this country have food experiences that are unique which leads to the creation of an experience that is authentic and that is completely different from the experience that they are used to back home in their cultures.
Tourists of these type normally provides motivation to the specific culture that is involved and they help in the celebration of the local cuisine that is used to showcase the different and the diverse heritage of the local people in new Zealand. Many people and scholars have expressed their fears of a situation arising where there is cultural homogenization and also high probability rates of loss of cultural diversity among the modern day society. However we cannot fully say this has not already occurred in some place this has been met by a counter trend, which has been on the rise in the recent past. Some of these trends that hinder the development of the gastronomy tourism include the fact that most of the local communities have no appreciation for the tourism industry.
These communities in most of the cases view tourism as a detriment in the perspective of the cultural heritage that is already in existence when those tourists come and carry out investigations regarding their cultural practices and their heritage in general. To counter this on the other hand, the government of the country came up with educative measures that educate the people on how this form of tourism can also help in the reviving of some of the cultures that were long forgotten in the society.
Lastly this type of tourism has another type of positive impact on the country’s economic sector with more positive developments being experienced on the rural areas of the country. As the tourists try to be more adventurous, the people and the authorities that are located in the rural areas have the opportunity to make capital gains from the tourists. Promotion of food tourism in those remote areas has led to local farmers get bigger markets of their produce and has also helped the owners of small businesses. In conclusion the practice of food tourism is one of the business ventures that is greatly up coming and is of great importance to both the tourist market industry as well as on the academic researchers. The need for high quality food has increased and has also gained massive appreciation and interest from the academic researchers who are keen on the legacy that has been left behind by this type of tourism. Many more people are becoming more interested in travelling far as well as widely to have a taste of this new type of experience. There I s also new opportunities for the regional markets to grab the opportunity of this new type of tourism whose advantages surpasses the disadvantages by a big margin. As we have noticed The driving force that is behind all this is the fact that everybody takes food and the fact that there is nobody who does not have an association with food either through the determination on how they perceive food as well as how they work with food on a landscape that is culturally centered (Rubin, 2008).
References
Cai, L. A. (2009). Tourism Branding. Emerald Group Publishing.
Hal, M. ( 2013). Sustainable Culinary Systems. Routledge.
Wolf, E. (2006). Culinary tourism: The hidden harvest: a dozen hot and fresh reasons how culinary tourism creates economic and community development. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt.
Long, L. M. (2013 ). Culinary Tourism. University Press of Kentucky.
Rubin, L. C. ( 2008). Food for Thought. Rozelle, N.S.W: Spinney Press.
Gas Price in USA (Solution)
Gas Price in USA (Solution)
Author
Institution
Introduction
Perhaps there exists no domestic issue that frustrates and challenges every American daily more than the increasing cost of gas. This is especially because the cost of fuel has a direct impact on almost every person and aspect of the economy, from small businesses to multinational corporations. Unfortunately, there has been a common misconception that American-based oil companies or even local gas station owners have a hand in the price that one pays for fuel. However, these parties have extremely little roles to play in the price of oil or gas.
Quite a number of forces are involved in the determination of the price of oil. These include the decreasing value of the American dollar relative to leading world currencies, the Middle East unrest, financial problems in Europe, as well as the sharp increase in oil demand from India and China (Jacobe, 2012). This is because oil is not only a commodity but also an investment vehicle. In this case, it creates speculation, which many not be resulting from demand or supply of oil in the short term. Speculation affects the pricing of gas in the international market, as well as the global economy’s condition. The price of gas responds to the international oil price, which in turn reflects the global economy’s health, as well as the speculation in the world pertaining to the future supply of oil and gasoline. In addition, it reflects the willingness of Americans to tolerate increased oil prices (Jacobe, 2012).
While the problem of oil prices cannot be mitigated with simplistic solutions, there exists quite a number of solutions that may salvage the situation. These solutions should aim at taking control of speculation that triggers the increase in oil prices. It is noteworthy that, while the demand and supply may not necessarily be the culprit, it has a stake in the speculation. In essence, the solutions should aim at controlling these forces so as to control speculation.
First, America should expand its domestic energy production. This solution would include an increase in the issuance of offshore oil leases in places that are open for oil production, such as the Gulf of Mexico. On the same note, the government should allow the proposed Keystone XL pipeline to be installed. It is worth noting that the pipeline can bring an extra 750,000 barrels of gasoline from Canada to United States refineries when operating at full capacity (Cassidy, 2012). The validity of this solution rests on the fact that, contrary to what many people believe, a large percentage of the United States’ oil imports come from Canada rather than the Middle East. In this case, the development of the Keystone XL pipeline would not only strengthen the relationship with Canada but also provide the United States with sufficient supply of gasoline (Cassidy, 2012). As a bonus, the process of establishing the pipeline would create numerous jobs for Americans. An increase in the domestic production of oil would ensure that the United States has sufficient stock of oil, and reduce the effect of unrest in the Middle East on oil and gas prices in America. This is also cemented by the increased importation of oil from relatively stable countries such as Canada, which would allow for the stabilization of prices not only in the short term but also in the near future. Secondly, the United States should increase its investment in renewable sources of energy. As much as an increase in the production of oil would be imperative in the present so as to stabilize oil prices, it is noteworthy that these resources are becoming depleted at an extremely high rate (Frum, 2012). In essence, they cannot be depended upon in the long term in which case looking for renewable sources of energy including wind energy, solar energy and others would be imperative.
These solutions come with an element of easy implementation. As many would argue, investing in electric cars is preferable as they do not consume oil, unlike the contemporary oil vehicles. However, it is worth noting that the absorption of these vehicles has been extremely constricted. This is because the cars are limited as concerning the distance they can travel before they need recharging, which in itself takes a lot of time. In essence, convincing people to take these cars may take ages, in which case the oil price dilemma would not be resolved as fast as required (Frum, 2012). The actions proposed here would only need the approval of the government, which is not only easy but also quick to implement once approved. In any case, the problem cannot be resolved using a singular strategy but a comprehensive combination of strategies aimed at curbing speculation. It would be absurd to convince people to spend some more money on buying electric cars, while they are trying to cut expenditure as a result of increase in oil prices.
In conclusion, the increase in oil prices is arguably the most contentious problem in the United States, affecting almost every household. This problem mainly occurs as a result of speculation, rather than changes in demand and supply. In essence, the solutions should target the elimination of this speculation. This should be through the establishment of the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to the United States. This would increase oil supply in the country, especially when coupled with increased domestic oil production. In addition, the government should increase its investment in renewable sources of energy.
References
Jacobe, D. (2012). The Solution to High Gas Prices. Gallup Business Journal. Web retrieved 5th June 2012 from HYPERLINK “http://businessjournal.gallup.com/content/148013/solution-high-gas-prices.aspx” http://businessjournal.gallup.com/content/148013/solution-high-gas-prices.aspx
Frum, D, (2012). The Answer to Rising Gas Prices? Better Consumer Choice. The Huffington Post: Business Canada
Cassidy, B. (2012). Solutions to high gas prices are within reach. Greater New Orleans
Gas Lift method and ESP Method (Research Proposal)
Gas Lift method and ESP Method (Research Proposal)
Name
Course
Tutor
Date
Introduction and Topic
The development in science and technology has greatly enhanced the way production processes are carried out in both large and small scale firms. Through technological advancements, high level of competition and emphasis on products’ quality, many organizations has found it necessary to deploy various methods of production engineering. The engineering methods are diverse and complex with a lot of emphasis on processes quality management and need for efficiency. As such, many firms have found it necessary to have Research and Development departments with a view to scan the environment, come up with viable opportunities and develop products that are specially customized to suit the identified user needs. The relevance of scientific methods of production and need to choose the best method to employ for a given process emanates from the fact that, there is always resource constraints, need for products’ quality, timeliness in production and fusion of cost-benefit analysis in each stage of production. As such, firms will go for a value additive production engineering method if the application of the same is in line with its strategic plans and product specifications.
In this regard, two engineering methods that are largely used by petroleum engineers are Gas lift method and Electric Submersible Pumped (ESP) Method. Electric Submersible Pumped Method is mainly applied in the process of analyzing the ways through which a well’s output values can be maximized. To ensure that the desired results are achieved, the engineers are required to gather relevant data relating to the wells under study while at the same time carry out field analysis. The motivation would be to evaluate the pressure of a well’s pump intake with a view to evaluate its performance. The data is then related with that obtained from the well bottom pressure. In the process, the engineers will come up with a mathematical correlation between the data so as to determine the pressure of a pump’s intake and the pressure at the oil is flow.
The Gas lift method on the other hand entails use of air to pump oil to the surface. The process entails use of lift gas concept where the gas is allowed to move through a well network in a cyclic flow. As such, the vacuums created allows for a sucking kind of process where the fluids are sucked up from the well while the gas is allowed to circulate in the network as the oil is harvested. The major engineering work is to create a system that allows for scientific and optimal separation of oil, water and gas. The system should also allow for recycling of the gas within the reservoir to enhance the net returns. The role of the engineers here is to ensure that the compressors are working as well as the suction pressures rate so that the maximum pressure is generated to enhance oil flow. As such the engineers need to come up with optimal lifting capacity for the individual wells. This way, a mathematical model would be developed to help determine the net revenues and the contribution margins for each well, based on the lifting rate. Based on the above analysis, the emergent issue relates to the problems and benefits that come with the application of any of the two engineering methods.
Study Approach
Qualitative research design/approach will be adopted to evaluate the application of the two engineering approaches in real cases. Acciodring to Frankel & Devers (255), this approach can be effectively applied in research in situations where there is already well structured “theoretical and conceptual frameworks, and much is already known about the topic”. It is suggested that the two methods will be studied over a three month period, depending on the type of access granted, allowing the researcher sufficient time to develop a reasonable familiarity with each, and generate sufficient and trustworthy data. It should be stressed, however, that this study aims to explore the pros and cons of each of the methods with a view to give analytical and objective explanation on the popularity and application of each.
Ethnographic techniques will be utilized with the researcher employing participant observation of the wells. The participant observation will be conducted by looking at the application of the methods by two drilling companies. This will enable the researcher to develop an in-depth understanding of the methods, their cost implications and applications. As such the approach will be to compare the Gas lift method and Electric Submersible Pumped (ESP) Method based on their cost implications, popularity, pros and cons.
Research Questions.
The questions to be addressed include:
What is the general description of Gas lift method and Electric Submersible Pumped (ESP) Method?
The information relating to this question will help the researcher to have an overview and insightful understanding of the topic under review. As such, it would be possible to carry out the research and write a report from an informed perspective.
Based on past studies for example, give a diagrammatic description of the ESP. The method is described as having perforations at the bottom which allow fluids flow through the pressure exerted by electric energy (Kirvelis & Davies, 342). To ensure that enough and powerful energy to push the oil up the well is generated, the ESP has a centrifugal pump which pumps the oil up, through the mechanical energy that is converted from electric energy.
How do the engineers come up with the cost benefit analysis under Gas lift method and Electric Submersible Pumped (ESP) Method?
This information is very critical in advancing the theoretical knowledge about the engineering methods. Similarly, it would be possible to evaluate the net revenues that can a accrue to a firm if it is torn between choice of the methods. By coming with a better cost benefit analysis for each method, it would be possible to understand why they are deployed and the attempts made to minimize the associated costs. For example , the ESP method has a higher energy cost implication in comparison to the air lift method. This is because of the very high level of energy losses that occur as the shafts of the centrifugal pump undergo friction . at the same time, the ESP model has a higher chance of oil leaks that may cause great losses to a company.
What are the pros and cons of Gas lift method and Electric Submersible Pumped (ESP) Method?
This information would be vital in attempts to understand the risks and benefits of each method. This way, the knowledge will help the researcher to understand why firms prefer a given method. This information is also important to other researchers and new entrants who would want to choose the best method for a given scenario. For example, the ESP method is known to work well with less viscous fluid as the centrifugal pump’s efficiency is compromised when there is less heat to warm the fluid (Kirvelis & Davies, 342).
As such, the ESP model requires more heat/ energy to run, but is very efficient when sufficient heat is available to melt oil. On the other hand, the gas lift method is comparatively cheaper in relation to energy requirement. Similarly, the gas used for lifting oil can be recycled thus promoting environmental conservation.
Which method, between Gas lift method and Electric Submersible Pumped (ESP) Method is preferred by most drillers?
This information will help to reinforce the aim of the study as the researcher will come to a conclusion on the use and popularity of the methods. As such, the strengths of each production method will be vital in determining its popularity.
Research Methods.
The research ,method to be employed will entail observation, research on secondary data and interviews. Informal and formal semi-structured interviews will be conducted with the field engineers and the top management to gain an insight into the views and experiences of different levels of employees throughout the companies . Such interviews will also help audit the project’s findings at each stage of the analysis.
The data collection process will take various forms. The researcher will keep a daily personal journal containing field notes, where the relevant information collected will be recorded. To ensure that information from third parties is not lost, audio tape will be used. As such, the interviews will be recorded on audio tape whenever possible, and transcribed to avoid mistakes and mis-interpretations. For counterchecking, the copies of the tape records will be issued to the subjects to authenticate the accuracy of the contents. Secondary data will be collected with a view to understand the past studies on the topic and the past study outcomes. In research, use of secondary or existing research literature helps a researcher to understand and appreciate may the ‘areas where further research is needed’ (Frankel & Devers, 255). These will include books, journals and the internet. Relevant company documentation like capital budgets and strategic plans, will be examined, if permitted, to provide additional information related to petroleum engineering methods.
A flexible time plan has been developed, with the two months to review the literature extensively, conduct the pilot study and seek formal access to the wells. The next 2 months will be used to collect the data, with on-going analysis, followed by 2 months for completing the analysis and the final report.
The collected data will undergo objective coding and analysis in order to develop a full picture of the tow types of engineering. Such a systematic approach to the analysis, will result in the reconstruction of audited engineering methods and the related information, which will provide the basis for the resultant thesis.
Conclusion.
In the proposal it is deduced that the two engineering methods are very vital in the process of oil drilling and well management. Because of the risks associated with oil drilling, it is vital that strategies be put in place to help organizations understand the applications and the technical aspects of each method. As such, the petroleum engineer needs to come up with the cost breakdown and the benefits as well as the challenges associated with each method. It is therefore significant that a comparative study that evaluates and analyses Gas lift method and Electric Submersible Pumped method be carried out to expose the specific benefits, challenges and cost implications associated with each method.
Works Cited
Frankel, R. & Devers, K. “Study Design in Qualitative Research—1: Developing
Questions and Assessing Resource Needs”. Education for Health, Vol. 13, No. 2, (2000), 251–261.
Kirvelis, R. & Davies, R., D. “Enthalpy balance model leads to more accurate
modeling of heavy oil production with an electric submersible pump”. Institution of Chemical Engineers. TransIChemE, Vol 81, (2003).