Sacrificing Long Term Value Creation for Short Term Profits!

In today’s corporate environment, professional corporate finance needs are increasing steadily. Major factors include the capital markets need for transparency in financial reporting and increasingly strict regulatory requirements. The need to fully comply with regulatory requirements can have numerous significant implications for an organization.

Nevertheless, the highest cost corporations have to pay is for the constant “cat and mouse” game to meet quarterly and annual projections. This constant pressure to increase short term profits hinders the company to achieve long-term growth and value creation. Too much money is spent on analyzing, monitoring, communicating, and adjusting forecasts, resulting that the organization is not able to quickly respond to its competitive environment and think in terms of long term value creation.

Peter Kopitz is currently living in Bangkok, Thailand after graduating with Honors from the University Of Chicago Graduate School Of Business with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He is actively involved in researching economic and political development in Thailand, focusing primarily on property development, security analysis and investment banking. Hawaii Home Loans | Honolulu Realtor | Hawaii Rentals

Instant Online Hotel Availability in Asia – Asia Online Group Changes the Travel Industry

Asia Online Group, an Asian based online travel network, specializing in low cost accommodations and travel resources in Asia Pacific, has created the first network of more than 2,500 hotels in Asia offering real time online availability. Travel Agents, customers, and businesses can now book directly to the hotel of their choice. The Asia Online Network offers three interfaces, one which links into travel agency systems, an online option for web consumers, and a portal for enterprise business travel solutions. Never again will travelers have to make a reservation request and wait 72 hours or more to receive confirmation on their booking.

Bangkok, Thailand – Asia Online Group has announced the first ever consumer targeted Asian Pacific hotel network which gives direct access to hotels in Asia for travelers. AsiaTiv.com now shows consumers instant availability for hotel rooms in Asia.

Dror Meytal, Asia Online Group’s CEO says: “Unlike in Europe and USA, none of the Asian online travel web sites offered direct access to dynamic room availability information in Asia. Until today, travelers would browse the web find a hotel, based on general agency inventory and seasonal price list, and based on that the traveler needed to make a reservation with their credit card information and wait up to a week for a response."

Previously hotel reservations were done with a system which estimated availability and had a very long turn response time. Mr. Meytal continued “There is a very poor trend where more than 50% of hotel reservations in Asia being made online were for rooms that were no longer available, and for rooms on holidays or peak seasons the rate jumped 70%! Customers were trapped by a scenario were their credit card was blocked for the amount of a purchase and they were not being rewarded for their patience. Our new network of over 2500 hotels gives them a real picture of room availability, price and simplifies the purchasing process.”

The Asia Online network offers other travel resources on top of low cost accommodations. Visitors to AsiaTiv.com , can reserve airport to hotels transfers, tours, boat trips, private cars with drivers and much more. Travel-hub.net, also part of the Asia Online Group, services travel agents and agencies. Travel agents can now offer real time hotel availability for their clients, saving them money and increasing satisfaction. Mr. Meytal commented “Travel Agents have known about this problem for years, and the feedback that we receive from them while building this network has been 100% positive.”

The Asia Online Network not only lets customers directly book their hotels, but offers a price match guarantee. Customers receive instant feedback and the lowest possible prices. Mr. Meytal concluded with “We wanted to improve the customer experience, whether online, on the phone or in our offices. We back up our network by having representation in 8 South Asia Pacific countries, so travelers can feel secure even after they have made a purchase.”

Travel destinations: Bangkok, Thailand

Nobody can consider themselves a true traveller before they have spent a few days in Bangkok, the beating heart of Thailand and South East Asia. A crazed but cultured city that packs over 10 million people into its lively lanes and gridlocked streets, Bangkok simply isn’t to be missed.

One of the best things about Bangkok is that it’s an essential destination for both backpackers and tourists who enjoy more creature comforts. Students who care little for air conditioning and comfy mattresses are best served heading for the Khao San Road area of the city, where accommodation is available for as little as 100 baht (roughly 1.50 sterling) and a host of cheap restaurants and bars are close at hand. While worthy of a visit, though, Khao San Road’s street stalls, restaurants and bars don’t really offer a true taste of Thailand as everything is geared towards the tourist market. If you want to see what Bangkok is really like, you are better served exploring the streets branching off Sukhumvit Road – the giant thoroughfare that flows through the city. Most of the main hotels are dotted along this huge road and if you stay there you won’t be short of things to do.

Traffic rarely moves on Sukhumvit Road so this leaves tourists with three realistic options for getting around the city. A monorail system, called the Skytrain locally, runs above Sukhumvit Road and offers a cheap and scenic way of getting around. Multi-journey tickets are available at a reasonable price but the one limitation of the Skytrain is that it doesn’t cover the whole city and areas such as Khao San Road are out of reach. The recently opened underground system does go all over the city and is reasonably priced but it can’t beat the Skytrain when it comes to aerial views of the city. The last option for travellers keen to avoid traffic jams is a thrill ride on either a motorcycle taxi or tuk-tuk. Neither are for the faint of heart, with the motorcycle taxi being particularly hair-rising. Most drivers won’t give you any safety equipment and you simply have to hang on for dear life as they weave through the cars stuck in traffic. A fun but foolhardy form of transport and if you don’t have travel insurance it’s best to steer clear. Tuk-tuks are a little safer, depending on the mental state of your driver, and it’s worth taking a few trips on these crazy, motorised rickshaws. Be careful, though, because the driver negotiates a price with you before you depart and always tries to rip you off. As a rule

Discover Bangkok – The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

Anyone intending to travel to Thailand my appreciate this snapshot of life in Bangkok, Thailand. There are many different aspects to Bangkok in every possible sense and this is only providing a brief glimpse of a few of them here.

First the good:
Number one on most peoples list after a visit to Thailand is the people. Amongst the most accomodating and friendly on the planet, usually they cannot do enough for you and when they have done all they can they’ll find some one else who can do even more to help you. The tourist industry thrives partly due to the fact that Thais are so service minded and so very good at it. Several of the Worlds finest Hotels are located in Bangkok such as The Sukhothai and The Oriental both demonstrating this extraordinary level of service.

Now the bad:
Well, I guess we have all heard of the usual scams and yes they all do exist here but by in large though if you were sensible you wouldn’t get caught out. As an exception to this there are a certain amount of scams that appear so well organised that anyone could easily fall prey to them if they were unwary. Travellers report the lengths that the scammers go to even recruiting monks to aid there success! Just google bangkok scams and you’ll find a host of examples and travellers warnings.

In many areas of Bangkok you will also unfortunately experience the Bangkok stench that often permeates from badly covered sewerage pipes and drains. The easiest solution is to go into any of the tremendous array of restaurants available.

Finally The Ugly:
There is a large thriving market in sex tourism based mainly around areas such as Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy and Patpong. These places cater largely for the lone male sex tourist and the ‘bar girls’ there appear experts at identifying the wealthier tourists and extracting cash from their wallets with expert ease.

And well lastly the recent Coup last year wasn’t nice but fortunately within a couple of days local expats reported young children jumping and crawling over the tanks in the street and being given brief tours by some of the soldiers on duty. Whilst still the countries politics may not be in a very good state it certainly appears to not have bothered the tourism industry or expat community too much.

There really is so much to promote about Thailand the list is never ending including: Scuba-diving, Islands, world-class restaurants and stunning national parks and wildlife. All yours to discover and made even easier with the ability to transfer money overseas from your home country to Thailand boosting your travelling budget within moments.

Visit Thailand – The Land Of Buddha

Thailand is the perfect tourist destination for nature lovers, shopping lovers and for the followers of Buddhism. Thailand is all these teemed together and much more. Situated in the heart of South East Asia, Thailand has some of the best Buddhist temples, which offer peace, serenity and tranquility.

The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha

The temples and monasteries of Thailand date back to a few hundred years. The Emerald Buddha Temple is one of the most sacred sites in Thailand and requires visitors to be properly dressed before they can enter the holy place. The Jade statue of the Lord, which is elevated off the ground is a visual treat for visitiors. This temple occupies just one corner of the court of the grand Palace.

Magnificent Bangkok

You must be out of your mind, if you visit Thailand and leave without visiting Bangkok. The capital of Thailand has everything that a tourist can dream of. Shopping plazas, Temples, Museums, Hotels offering exquisite Thai food, Islands, Beaches, Tall high-rises and a sprawling nightlife, Bangkok has it all. Be it the largest building in the world to be made of Teak wood, in Vinmanmek Teak Mansion, or the 46 meter long statue of reclining Buddha in the Wat Pho temple, you will never ceased to be stunned by the beauty of Thailand.

Shopping enthusiasts can head off to Siam Square, which is one of the most popular shopper’s destinations in Thailand. Ma Boon Krong and Siam Center are two of the biggest shopping centers here. You can spend an entire day here and yet comeback unsatisfied. There are so many restaurants, theatres and shops to keep you busy. Thailand also has cheap roadside shopping opportunities for tourists who do not wish to blow away much money on shopping.

For Nature Lovers

Nature lovers can head straight to the Ko Chang national park that has many activities. Apart from the wildlife, tourists can also pursue diving, snorkeling or elephant riding over here. The place usually overflows with tourists all the time. Beach lovers can head off to Pataya, which is a pretty serene beach. It is located just 150 kms away from Bangkok.

Go discover Thailand!!

Exotic and Amazing golf in Thailand

Over 260 golf courses, white sand beaches, tropical weather and friendly people make for an ideal golf vacation. Thailand golf holidays also promise a great value, top playing conditions, fascinating culture and awesome service. This golf in Asia paradise is growing in popularity, particularly with golfers and couples looking for an exotic golf location. The green fees are inexpensive from a western perspective. There is a wide range of courses, accommodations, destinations, sight seeing tours, and historical sights. The local currency is the Thai baht and there are golf courses in every major tourist destination. Golfers will find premier golf courses in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi (River Kwai), and Samui island.

The golf courses range from PGA championship layouts to municipal courses run by the Thai government and military. Every golf club has a clubhouse which serves a wide variety of Thai and western food. Caddies are included at all golf courses in Thailand and this makes for a fun way to enjoy golfing in Thailand. For the more adventurous, golf side trips to Vietnam and Cambodia are easily arranged from Thailand and these make excellent get-away golf vacation destinations. The capital city of Bangkok Thailand has over 60 golf courses to choose from. This makes Bangkok the usual first stop on most Thailand golf tours. In addition to golfing, there are numerous sights, markets, entertainment, and spas. It is an exciting blend of modern golf in a major capital city. Nightclubs, entertainment and restaurants give the city its after golf vibrancy.
The most popular golf courses are Thai Country Club, Alpine Golf Club, Navatanee Golf Club, and Royal Gems Golf Resort. Suwan Golf Club is a new course that rivals the others mentioned. Beach golf resorts entice many visitors, particularly Phuket, Hua Hin, and Pattaya. They caters to the golf holidaymakers tourists with numerous championship golf courses, hotels of all standards, shopping outlets and nightlife. Pattaya is also famous for its numerous go go bars and therefore appeals mostly to single golfers. Phuket and Hua Hin are more scenic and tranquil, thus attracts golf visitors who prefer more luxurious golf holidays. Thailand golf holidays can also appeal to non-golfers. Golf resorts which have on site spa and massage centers make for good choices for mixed groups of golfers and non-golfers.
Also resorts with water sports are well liked by golfers. Other activities such as elephant trekking, scuba diving, rafting, and Thai cooking are all very popular. The largest island in Thailand is Phuket and it is a center for golfers from around the world. Phuket Town is the largest town and a great place to shop. There are market stalls, department stores, shopping malls and outlets for golf equipment, antiques, and crafts. As usual on Thailand golf holidays, there are some premier golf courses like Blue Canyon, Mission Hills, and Red Mountain on the island.

Great restaurants and areas to eat in Bangkok, Thailand

When you’re in Thailand you will never be short of great places to eat at cheap and affordable prices. Thai food is found all over the world but like many places, what you get in Thailand will totally blow your mind in terms of quality and what authentic Thai food really tastes like.

Where do you start when you’re in Thailand? Well if you’re in central Bangkok and want an array of choices, head for the new CentralWorld Shopping complex. Southeast Asia’s largest megamall offers over 50 restaurants up for you’re choosing and this isn’t inclusive of their humungous food court that might tempt you as well with its cheap and delicious servings.

Another place similar would be The Emporium which plays host to the The Park Food Hall and the Erawan Bangkok which is home to Urban Kitchen. The Park Food Hall is a more formal kind of setting with many food bars and a huge 400 seating dinning area in a soft-lighted atmosphere. Choose from gourmet Arabic dishes, Japanese sashimi, fresh pizzas from the pizzeria, Thai delicacies and even simple dishes like bangers and mash. The Urban kitchen is a little different, with 14 restaurants under one roof. Choose from the famous Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, which serves Chinese dim-sum and freshly made noodles, Erawan Japanese Restaurant; which serves authentic Jap food, The Erawan Tea Room which overlooks the famous Erawan shrine and much more.

If you want a break from the malls, try Baan kanitha; an award winning Thai Cuisine restaurant located on 69 Sathorn Road. Located in a grand Thai House, this neat restaurant doubles up as an art gallery as well, branding works of art all over the walls, adding an even more special ambiance to your dinning experience. Try some of their signature dishes such as the stir-fried river prawns with curry powder and chicken wrapped in pandan leaf to complete a satisfying experience.

For a journey back in time try out the Blue Elephant restaurant located on 233 south Sathorn Road. Traditional Thai cuisine with fusion flare is on the menu in this lovely restaurant that makes you feel like you’ve travelled back a 100 years. Try their specialty house starter, the pearl of the Blue Elephant which compromises a selection of Asian favorites such as Satay and fish cakes with different sauces. If you’re in to trying something slightly different, dishes such as stir-fried crocodile meat might be something to look out for on their menus.

A single womans guide to Bangkok, Thailand – Part 1

I’m a worrier. I don’t think I’d have got around the world a few years ago without being a worrier.

So this article will concentrate on the single “lady” being careful in Bangkok – or anywhere for that matter – rather than on the places she might want to visit.

First of all, I’d prefer “female” or “girl” or even “chick”. “Lady” sounds like a 1920s Englishwoman off on safari!

OK, so pack an extra pair of panties! That’s what you’d expect me to say, right? But that’s for a separate article.

When a girl is travelling alone, there are different rules and regulations than there are for a boy travelling alone. Often BECAUSE of boys travelling alone.

In Bangkok, unless you’re a well-seasoned traveller, DON’T just turn up at a backpackers’ hostel and ask for a bed. Even if you don’t get offered one in the corner of a room full of men smoking goodness-knows-what (and it does happen!), you’ll at best be squeezed into a women’s dorm in which are girls who return, drunk, at 2 a.m. and spend the rest of the night between bed and bathroom.

Ah, the bathroom! Bangkok’s aren’t the worst in the world (those are in Hong Kong in my experience) and they usually DO provide paper, but the female traveller ALWAYS needs to be wary of them! Travellers from the U.S. please remember – Eastern facilities are rarely “restrooms”.

If you sit, hold your bag on your lap; if you squat, strap it around our neck before you even drop your jeans. WHEREVER you travel, carry some tissues with you and always have some spare ones in your bags back at the hotel. There are few day-to-day things worse in life than there being no tp!

Back to bed. If you DO have to bunk in shared accommodation, keep your valuables in the bed with you – either in pockets of whatever you wear (and do wear something!) or under the sheet you’re lying on.

If you have a quick check of your belongings everytime you move, you’ll never forget them. The easiest way to do this is by choosing a phrase or sentence to represent your important things. (E.G. carrying a purse, tickets, money, keys, tampons and passport? The initials are P, T, M, K, T, P, so make up a silly phrase you’ll always remember. Something rude is often best (!), but here we’ll settle for “Please Take My Kettle To Paris”. Say that 10 times a day and you’ll soon know if anything’s missing!).

Where to hide things when on the move? Well, you’re a woman. An obvious hiding place for money is in your bra. If someone tries to pinch it from there, believe me, you’ll

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