World Exposition - Research Proposal Example

Research Proposal on world expos INTRODUCTION World fair sometimes referred to as world exposition is usuallya large or rather huge exhibition to the public. It involves people from various parts of the world gathering to demonstrate their arts, products, and also to promote their respective homelands. It varies in terms of character and it is often held in different varying parts of the globe. The duration of the world expo usually last between the ranges of 2 weeks to 3months. The international body that sanctions world’s fair is referred to as International Exhibition Bureau. It approves three types of world fairs which are international, universal, and specialized world fairs. Currently, the Italian government is determined to successfully put up a stunning World Fair called Expo 2015. It will be held in Milan, Italy this year from the 1st this month of May to the end of October. The success of the Expo or the world fair 2015 will depend on the arrival of millions of tourists from all facets of the world. The theme of the expo 2015 is “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” and it is expected to last for a period of six months. The site of the exposition covers approximately 272 acres. The Italian Government expects the exposition to attract approximately 20 million tourists or visitors during the entire six month duration. Statement of problem Some of the world expos have been faced with the challenge of poor turnout of visitors or tourists. For an instant, during the Expo 67, despite its success, militants had threatened to disrupt the processes of the exhibitions. In addition, the American president’s visit at the expo provided the platform for the war protestors to advance their threats. Therefore, security is a major problem that the planners and the hosting nation of any world expo should guarantee for the success of the expo. Moreover, the current contemporary threat the world is facing is terrorism. Objectives of the study The main objective of this study is to determine factors that determine the success of World’s fairs. To achieve the above objectives, the following will be incorporated: i. To determine the indicators of success of a world expo ii. To determine the necessary requirements that planners of world expo must consider during the planning process iii. To determine the modalities of identifying the ideal attractive theme for an expo, as well as the contemporary issues of the society that are to be addressed in an expo iv. To determine the site of the expo that will attract visitors from across the entire globe v. To identify method governments holding the world exhibitions can employ to minimize disruption and ensure the success of the expo Research questions 1. What factors determine the success of a World exposition? 2. What are the roles played by planners and the government in organization and planning of a universal exposition? 3. What are the modalities that can be incorporated in the planning process of world exposition to ensure that it is not only attractive but also successful to meet the expectations of the world? LITERATURE REVIEW Overview of some of the world expos Some of the best notable World’s fairs in the history of world exhibitions are the Expo 67 that was held in Canada and the Expo of 1939 which was held in New York. Eva-Marie (1997) illuminates that Canada hosting of the Expo 67 and the participation in this particular expo majored on issues related to social and political issues across the world and their implications. The roles of women who are marginalized are included and during this exposition and comparisons are made with other expositions. Eva-Marie argues that the expo brought not only confidence but also the pride of the nation. The theme of the expo attempted to examine human being (man) and the world around them. Maria (2000) asserts that the artists in Canada during the Expo 67 were not cognizant to the geographical division of the shared culture inclusive of ethnicity and language. She elaborates that the artisans in reference to culture had a sense of identity during the periods such as the Great Depression, World War One which was noted in Expo 67. The other most memorable World’s fair was in New York. The expo was concerned on building of the future world. Becker (2001) claims that the first public presentation of TV was marked during this expo. However, since the US had entered the Second WW most homes in America lacked television hence were unable to view the proceeding inclusive of other programs broadcasted. Christina (2000) explains that during this expo, a designer by the name Norman Bel Geddes developed four exhibitions at this particular World’s fair. The designer was known for innovative work in lighting, designing theater, and set. On the other hand, the basis of Futurama was formed by Eugenics. This illuminated the idea Anglo-American hierarchy of evolution. Nicholas (1997) argues that during this expo, the British had a strategy of promoting its nation to the citizens of the US in a bid to prepare for war. However, the attendance of the leaders from this two nations proved to be success in elating the relations of the US and Britain. On the other hand, Gelvin (2000) argues that the America tried to use the expo platform to promote Zionism in the nation. This was perceived as a pavilion of the Jewish Palestinian during this expo. However, Hart (1985) asserts that New York fair was one of the most successful international expositions in the conveyance dissemination of perceptions and opinions of enlightenment and progress. He claims that the motives of the planners were to reveal to the fair goers the avenues and channels through which the Great Depression could be overcome and also to promote democracy. Kuznick (1994) explains that during the expo, scientist intended to popularize science so that it could be viewed beyond commodities, gadgets, and magic. Unfortunately, the planners of the expo denied them the opportunity to showcase their intention. Their desire to for the presentation of pure science at the fair was not only thwarted but also marginalized. This foreshadowed the appropriation of corporate science for both industrial and military means. Nye (1994) referred to the New York World’s fair of 1939 as “man-made sublime.” It was fair that attempted to align or commensurate modernization with Broadway vernacular. The contributors in the expo attempted to demonstrate how modern technology inclusive of the incorporation of science could significantly aid in finding solutions to the world problems such as the economic crisis due to the Great Depression. Benefits of world expos The ability of world expos to attract large mass of individuals cannot be underestimated. The hosting of the expo may result into numerous benefits. One of the benefits is that it leads to creation of job opportunities. According to Rizvi (2013), Bureau of International Expo (BIE) has predicted that the Expo 2015 in Milan will approximately generate 70, 000 jobs. On the other hand, direct investment into the economy of Italy due to the expo is expected to be roughly 15 billion Euros and Milan are will benefit economically in the figures of approximately 44 billion Euros. Expos are characterized by bring large mass of visitors which in turn generates a lot of money to the economy hence the host nation is bound to benefit from the phenomenon. It also provides the hosting country with the opportunity to brand itself to the world. This is due to the fact that the hosting nation has the ability to showcase various aspects of the country such as its leadership, technological, advancement, and economic activities such as tourism, among others. In addition, it plays a vital role in strengthening diplomacy and international relations. Rizvi (2013) further asserts that the expo 2015 aims at not only educating forks but also to strengthen the relations between the participating countries and the host nation. The other likely benefits of world expos are increase in revenue for businesses in the host nation and infrastructural development. METHODOLOGY The methods that will be employed in this particular study to collect data will be the use of questionnaire, interviews, observation, and sampling. Sampling A sample of 100 participants will be involved. These participants will be randomly selected and will majorly comprise of international event planners from different countries. The sample will be gender sensitive in that 50% (50 participants) will be male while the other percentage will be female participants. In addition to the event planners, world events analysts will also be incorporated in the study. This will entail 20 analysts. Questionnaires The questionnaires that will be employed will be both the open ended questionnaires and closed ended. The open ended questionnaires will be aimed at obtaining detailed information from the participants while the closed ended will be aimed at obtaining specific information concerning expo. The respondents will be the participants identified through the random sampling technique. Interviews The interview method of data collection will only involve the world event analysts identified during sampling. The method of retrieving the interviews will comprise of recording through writing of the opinion of the analysts, as well as the use of a recording device. Observation The observation technique will encompass the research closely following the events of the World’s fair Expo 2015 and making observations on the planning. The researcher will then note down the observations made in writing. Analysis technique The analysis method that will be incorporated in this study will comprise of the qualitative analysis method and the quantitative analysis method. Qualitative analysis technique will involve the use of descriptive method while the qualitative will entail the use of statistical technique. The statistical technique will involve the use of excel work sheet. Ethical issues The researcher will be cognizant to the ethical requirements of conducting research. The identified participants will be notified promptly of the intention of the research and before participating, they will be required to sign consent forms. Before they append their signature, they will be adequately informed on the objectives of the study. Moreover, they will be informed that they are at liberty to either participate or not to participate and also to withdraw from the study at any time on their free will. Besides, they will be guaranteed confidentiality. Work Plan ACTIVITY Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 1 Writing proposal 2 Proposal presentation/submission 3 Data collection 4 Data analysis 5 Report writing 6 Presentation of results Reference list: Eva-Marie, K (1997). "Expo 67: Canadas Camelot?" Canadian Literature, 152/153: 36-52. Maria, T (2000). Expressing Identity. Beaver [Canada] 80:1 (2000): 18-27. Becker, R (2001). "Hear - and -See Radio: In the World of Tomorrow: RCA and the Presentation of Television at the Worlds Fair, 1939-40." Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television 21:4: 361-378. Christina, C( 2000). "The Futurama Recontextualized: Norman Bel Geddess Eugenic World of Tomorrow." American Quarterly 52: 2 (2000): 193-245. Nicholas J,C (1997). Overture to an Alliance: British Propaganda at the New York Worlds Fair, 1939-40. Journal of British Studies 36: 3: 325-54. Gelvin, J, L (2000). Zionism and the Representation of Jewish Palestine at the New York Worlds Fair, 1939-40. International History Review 22 :1: 37-64. Hart, J (1985). Yesterdays America of Tomorrow. Commentary 80 (1985): 62-65. Kuznick, P, J (1994). Losing the World of Tomorrow: The Battle Over the Presentation of Science at the New York Worlds Fair. American Quarterly 46: 3: 341-73. Nye, D, E (1994). The 1939 New York Worlds Fair. In American Technological Sublime. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press. Rizvi, M (2013). Economic benefits from Expo 2020 immeasurable. Retrieved on 15th May 2015 from: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/nationgeneral/2013/February/nationgeneral_February552.xml§ion=nationgeneral Read More