Geography- Development

GNI stands for Gross National Income, therefore it basically finds the average of all the income the List the shortcomings of GNI per capita as an indicator of development. If a country has a GNI, that doesn't mean that everyone in that country is rich or living a good life. Because GNI is an average, there will always be people below the average and way above it too. Therefore GNI cannot tell us whether there are poor people or even if there is equality in the country, there might be more poor people than rich people but the money the rich people are making is very superior that it makes the average pretty high.Explain the concepts of underlying PPP. PPP stands for Purchasing Power Parity and it is defined by a number of units of a ountrys currency needed to buy the same amounts of goods and services in a country as $1JS1 would buy in the United States. PPP examines a wide range of goods and services, including food, transport, clothing and housing. It provides a measure of what peo ple can actually afford regardless of the local value and exchange rate of their currency.Explain why the three variables used to calculate the PQLI were chosen. The three variables: literacy, life expectancy and infant mortality were used to calculate the PQLI because they are three indicators of quality of life that were thought to be particularly important. Literacy rates are linked to the level of education the population is receiving, life expectancy is linked to how well the health of the population is and how advanced the doctors are and infant mortality shows how advanced the healthcare is.How does the HDI differ from the PQLI? HDI (Human Development Index) uses three measures to generate index and two of the three measures are the same: literacy and life expectancy. However, rather than using infant mortality, the HDI uses GDP per capita on a PPP basis. This was done to balance the social measures of development with an economics measure, as control f personal resources and wealth was seen as an important aspect of people's quality of life. 5. What is your preferred indicator of development?My preferred indicator of development is Literacy rate because that tell us whether the population is educated or not, if it is then most of then could get a decent Job, therefore they can have a decent life with resources at their reach. Some people could have really good Jobs because they were given the chance to learn and get an education. When there is a high literacy rate in a country, one can tell that the healthcare will be advanced because the education is good. Therefore there will be low death rates and high life expectancy. 2/11/2013 Why people who live in rural area susceptible to food insecurity: they depend on agriculture for food, they have limited alternative sources of income or employment (for example: floods and droughts) and they are vulnerable to crisis, prone to natural diseases, depend on farming, The key issues regarding Child and Female hun ger: one child is dying every 5 seconds of hunger, child hunger is inherited, they lose their curiosity, motivation and even the will to play, many leave school prematurely, stops physical and mental growth.Women are the primary food producers but they are more affected by hunger and poverty than men, 7 out of 10 of the world's hungry are women and girls, their hunger is the reason why we have a low birth-weight child. 2. Read: the origin of disparities, living conditions and land ownership p. 33 Poverty remains in the world despite economic growth in many regions, the world is more unequal than it was a decade ago. NICs (Newly Industrialising Countries) such as South Korea and Taiwan have a quite high level of GNP per capita.

Critically Compare the Concepts of Equal Opportunities and Sports Equity in British Sport

Critically compare the concepts of equal opportunities and sports equity in British sport This paper aims to compare the ideas of equal opportunities and sports equity with regard to sport in Britain. Within this structure, there will be particular emphasis on the theoretical approaches that are used to look at equality in British sport. A key part of this comparison is the study of (social) equality; this includes formal, radical and liberal interpretations of equality. The arguments and suggestions will be reinforced and supported by literature and other texts outside of just the sporting context.Many sports historians such as Holt (1989) say that sport, pre 20th Century, was almost private and restricted to the upper class minority. Recreational sports had a complex set of laws (i. e. tennis) this was to restrict participation from the lower classes. Another vestige of the times was the limitation of sport to women; this was not necessarily written law but was accepted none the le ss. Racism in sport was not tackled or even considered until well into the 20th century when the government introduced laws and legislation that banned prejudice based on race.As a consequence of these legalities, many recognised sporting institution in Great Britain have introduced policy and recommendations to deal with the problems of ‘inequality’ within their respective organisations. Nevertheless, as indicated by Guttman’s analysis (1978), continuous development in recent years has slowly begun to break down certain barriers to equality. Should someone wish to investigate further into actual modern equality work they can access a variety of net resources. A quick look at equality policies of the Football Association for example demonstrates that work is being done for the purpose of equality.Guttman (1978) even goes so far to say that in many sports worldwide, participants of any circumstance and environment are encouraged to participate. He also states howe ver that equality in sport and its aims is seen by some as a distant achievement, it remains unrealistic. Guttman’s (1978) study illustrates that as sport entered the 2nd half of the 20th century, systems that control other components of a balanced society would also affect modern sporting institutions in the same way In order to better understand the aim of this paper, a number of key terms need some more clarity. The first term that needs defining is ‘equality’ and more pecifically ‘basic equality’. According to Baker (2004) basic equality is the concept that people have the same worth and are consequently worthy of equal interest and value. Many would argue that certain individuals and groups have earned more respect than other people and therefore inequalities should exist. Maybe what we should be considering is a minimum level of equality, a fundamental idea of equality whereby people all exist at the same point of respect. This would mean putti ng a threshold on what it is to be human. As indicated by Craig and Beedie (2010) the study of equality is an area of fascination to many sporting sociologists.Coakley (2003, p326) states, that this curiosity is established because many believe that sport goes beyond monetary and economic inequalities. A common belief is that sport is available to all; irrelevant of which equality strand someone may fit into (age, race, ethnicity etc). According to Craig and Beedie (2010) some consider the sporting domain a discrimination free arena; where a result is contested on fair grounds and the result goes to those with the most aptitude or skill. Another key term is stratification. This is a way of breaking down the different levels of society based on their sociological group.This helps to highlight the in/equality that is present in sport. A number of actual examples have been highlighted by Craig and Beedie (2010). Examples of these stratification layers include; the system of class forma tion affects the poor, the working class, and the lower/ middle and upper classes, these structures all seem to be highly rigid. The concept of social class is best recognised by using Marxist ideas of capitalism, where the idea of equality is seen in financial terms. Feminism however opposes the theory that ‘class stratification’ is the most important foundation of social inequality.Justifications about the gender distinctions in a sporting context vary from those concentrated on a biological argument to the arguments that place more impetus on the social understanding of gender. There is a repeated and constant emphasis in sport and society on the power of patriarchal arrangements; this too is present in sport. Liberal equality can be a little difficult to decipher in that it accepts basic equality but denies some other aspects of equality. The main principle according to Baker (2005) is that inequality of income and power cannot be alleviated.Equality as a concept pl ays the part of controlling inequalities so that income and power are more fairly distributed. In a way it can be said that liberal equality requires supporting the bare minimum that people are allowed and have access to, whilst controlling the advantage experienced by those that have more. Baker (2005) further states that the main underlying belief of liberal egalitarianism is the upholding and support of the most basic rights that all should have access to. Equal opportunity of course plays a key part in this study. Liberal equality is often used in conjunction with equality of opportunity.This is where groups or individuals have equal access to the opportunity to gain higher representation within their respective circles. It is rooted in the idea that inequalities in power will be ever present. Baker (2004) summarises this sentiment, he claims that the point of equality of opportunity is for everyone to get a fair chance in the sociological struggle, within a society that is uneq ual. Baker (2004) describes equal opportunity as the belief that everyone in society deserves a fair chance to contest over the positions in society that carry the most power.This concept was first used officially in the French Declaration of human rights in 1789. It states that everyone can hold a position â€Å"within their abilities† (French Declaration of the rights of man 1789). These days institutions everywhere boast equality policies and equality laws that make the discrimination based on gender and race in social institutions against the law In support of this, equal opportunity claims that nobody ought to benefit or suffer from their social circumstances; any prosperity and expectation ought to come about due to personal skills and endeavours. Rawls (1971) labels this concept ‘fair equal opportunity’.He believes that education should be used as a vehicle by the lower classes to develop the skills that would put them into a more advantaged situation. Equ al opportunity is unachievable whilst those in positions of power use their influence to achieve hierarchy over others. Liberal equality approaches do not take into account the characteristics of structured inequality. Powerful social stigmas are not dealt with. We can therefore conclude that people’s opinions and beliefs (inequality) cannot change whilst such stigma still exist. Some would argue that this is good in theory but education doesn’t actually function in this way.A different aspect of equal opportunity includes establishing policies and legislation to assist people from minority groups in getting work and schooling/qualifications. Were people from minorities perhaps not supported properly in schools or education institutions then this could be down to them not having ‘equal opportunities’ to progress as the majority do. Baker (2004) appears to believe that the biggest sign of equal opportunity within an organisation is seen in the participation rates. A more comprehensive liberal equality view is that of Rawls (1971).This states that inequalities ought to favour those that need them the most. For those that believe in liberal equality this is not always the final solution however; improvements can be made to a number of factors contributing to equality, including: education, sport, the economy etc. A fine-tuning to these frameworks rather than completely overturning them is often the preferred way to achieve to equality. In order to understand liberal equality properly however, something to compare it to is required. Radical approaches to equality oppose the liberal view of equal opportunity.It maintains that in order to eradicate inequality much larger steps should be taken. Inequalities should not just simply be dealt with after recognition. â€Å"The key to this much more ambitious agenda is to recognise that inequality is rooted in changing and changeable social structures, and particularly in structures of dominatio n and oppression. These structures create, and continually reproduce, the inequalities which liberal egalitarianism sees as inevitable. † (Baker 2004, 18) This handsomely describes the way in which radical equality aims to eliminate equality compared to the liberal view.As oppose to the liberal view of concentrating on the power distribution allocated to individuals, the radical view allows for advantage to more than just individuals, but groups. On the contrary to liberal ideas of how power is allocated, the radical approach attempts find answers in the social connection between related parties. Another trend of the liberal approach is to reward individuals with their own triumphs and indeed failures. The radical approach on the other hand tends to attribute these triumphs and failures to larger social occurrences.As indicated by Baker (2004) many argue that the liberal approach to equality differs from that of equality of outcome. However, the radical approach, as does the l iberal approach encourages choice as the final outcome. There is no reason that both approaches to equality cannot allow for choice. In order to summarise the above comments â€Å"basic egalitarianism tends to concentrate on subsistence needs, liberal egalitarianism on the idea of a decent standard of living and radical egalitarianism on what people need for a full human life† (Baker 2004, 19) In order to fully understand this task, we must also look at the origins of sport in the UK.During the late 1800s (Victorian period) Great britain went through a major reform, this is commonly known as the ‘Industrial revolution’. It was driven by invention, engineering breakthroughs and class restructuring. A movement from farming and agriculture towards Industrial urban based work meant that labourers moved from the countryside to the city. This mass movement of workers into factories allowed the newly middle class employers considerate control over the workforce and the opportunity to influence the way workers should spend their leisure time.Throughout this era of reform, sport was still however considered an activity of the higher classes. The control exerted over the masses encouraged employees and workers into a different way to spend their leisure time. Structure in recreation became encouraged. According to Townson (1997) this became the norm as the middle classes had fears that the increasingly large urban population may become unruly. The idea of ‘rational recreation’ became the name of this notion. Over the years the bourgeoisie anticipated discomfort among the working class.Towards the end of the 19th century in Great Britain the concept of ‘Muscular Christianity’ (Holt 1989) was established in order to distract the masses from want to reform (Holt 1989) â€Å"The very idea of a play discipline would have seemed absurd, yet this is what a growing band of bourgeois idealists advocated during the second half of the century† (Townson 1997). Sport and recreation had been introduced by the bourgeoisie. This helped maintain a healthy labour force and diverted masses away from ‘urban radicalism’.It was during this time that the upper classes and more advantaged started to consider the importance of fairness through reform and education. While sport for the masses still took on a rational recreation edge, sport was undergoing a period of change. A combination of factors leading to this change included an emphasis on health through exercise (due in part to inferior performances from the British forces in South Africa) and an increasing emphasis on professionalism. Sports clubs and facilities were made available by middle class.Key factors that occurred during the Victorian period according to Davis (2000): †¢An ethical code produced by the bourgeoisie became associated with sport †¢Realisation of fair-play (introduction of rules and equal conditions) †¢Freedom at we ekends gave people more time for recreation. †¢Sport in education was limited to gym and discipline The second notable phase in british sport history swaying further towards equality was the establisment of the Wolfenden report of 1960. This was written for the Central Council of Physical Recreation by an autonomous group of individuals to determine the state of sport in the UK.According to Rous (1960) it was published to demonstrate the inequalities and problems that existed in UK sport in comparison with its peer countries. After the publication of the wolfenden report the government took yet a further step towards a more interventionist approach by establishing the GB sports council in 1972. Collins (2003) claims that this was an important step for the government, as it allowed authorities to make social and welfare provision for public sport After new labour came to power in 1997, sport was given a new social status.The organisation of UK sport structure at the time was con sidered an obstacle to governments recently set out aims: †¢Increased youth participation †¢Increased succes in elite sport This quote taken from Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) demonstrates the awareness that some had of the state of sport within the UK â€Å"There is a need for a radical rethink of the way we fund and organize sport, we offer a modernizing partnership with the governing bodies of sport† (DCMS 2000 p19).In the same review they also threaten Governing Bodies within sport with withdrawal of funding should they not meet required governmental targets. The 3rd and perhaps most important stage of movements towards equality came in the shape of sporting equity. Sport England (2000) very broadly defines sports equity as fairness in sport. According to Sport England (2000) sports equity is in place to make sport more accessible to everyone period. It is a concept larger than sports equality and all strands of equality are made irrelevant. Equi ty: In its simplest sense, ‘fairness’; the process of allocating (or reallocating) resources and entitlements, including power, fairly and without discrimination. It may also use positive action initiatives and measures to address existing inequities. † (Sport England 2000 p39) As already stated inequalities date back to the beginnings of sport, in some ways they were institutionalised (Sport England 2000). After all the development in sport however, cases of inequality do still exist. Even in todays modern society there are still only a handful of for example; ethnic minority ‘power’ in sport.Coaches seem to remain white, middle class. However, these inequalities are now recognised and agencies are putting in structures to improve the situation for these inequalities â€Å"Sport England is committed to supporting governing bodies in their quest to overcome inequality in sport† (Sport England 2000, p3). Equity in sport came around relatively la te. A number of thngs happened which really pushed the equity movement forward. Equity issues came under the spotlight during the Macpherson Report and the stephen Lawrence inquiry.Both of these highlighted the extent of discrimination still present in society. Sporting campaigns and government iniatives have pushed for further equity in sport and according to Sport England (2000) but have committed to further action in the future. â€Å"It cannot be assumed that any sport is open and accessible to all members of the community† (Sport England 2000, p4). Even the sport england equity page recognises that more needs to be done to secure access to sport for all. Further policy will be encouraged and implemented. Society is changing and the existence of organisations, societies or clubs that exclude large sectors of the population from their activities, whether directly or indirectly, is viewed as anachronistic and increasingly unacceptable†. (Sport England 2000, p3). This quote demonstrates that the government is aware of the mass change in stance towards inequality. Despite the emergence of sports equity policies and propositions; inequalities still exist in sport. This can be seen in the recent Luis Suarez racism case and the John Terry racism case. These examples demonstrate that equality exists at the highest level.Equality work needs further development, much in the same way sports equity has developed. References †¢Baker, J. ; Lynch, K. ; Cantillon, S. ; and Walsh, J. (2004) Equality: from Theory to Action London: Palgrave. †¢Coakley, J (2003) Sports in Society: Issues and controversies. New York: Mcgraw-Hill †¢Collins, M. F. with Kay, T. (2003). Sport and social exclusion. London: Routledge. †¢Craig P and Paul Beadie (2010) Sport Sociology. 2nd Edition. Active Learning in Sport †¢Davis, B. et al. (2000) Physical Education and the Study of Sport. UK: Harcourt Publishers Ltd †¢Department for Culture, Media and Sport . (2001a).Elite Sport Funding Review (chair, J. Cunningham). London: DCMS. †¢Guttman, A (1978) From ritual to record. New York. Columbia press †¢Holt R. (1989) Sport and the British: A Modern History. Oxford: Clarendon †¢Rawls, J. A. (1971) A Theory of Justice. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press †¢Sport and the community : the report of the Wolfenden Committee on Sport 1960 †¢Sport England, June (2000). Governing Body Resource Pack. Planning for sport. Factfiles: Sports equity †¢Stanley Rous. Chairman, Executive committee, C. C. P. R. 1960 †¢Nigel Townson 1997 The British at Play – a social history of British sport from 1600 to the present

UK House Prices Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

UK House Prices - Essay Example Any government has the power to regulate the economy of a country and not only does it regulate the economy, it has a vital role to ensure that the economic condition remains stable. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that all the aspects of economy maintain a stable level so that the country can grow and expand. Government regulates many things in an economy including inflation, exports and imports, prices of many vital commodities, and also property prices to a large extent. Government of England has entrusted the job of determining the monetary policy, in the hands of Bank of England. Bank of England looks into many other big issues. One of the most important issues is that of ensuring monetary stability in the economy, which can be achieved through a combination of stable prices of goods and services across the economy coupled with a low inflation level and level of confidence of the investors in the currency of the country. The Bank comes out with the monetary policy in order to ensure a certain key objectives like, delivering price stability with a low inflation level coupled with an objective to support the Government's economic objectives of growth and employment. Price stability is taken care of, by the Government's usual inflation target of 2%. There is a need to contemplate the crucial and critical role played by price stability in achieving the aforesaid economic stability, and in providing just the right conditions for a sustainable and longe r living growth in output and employment. (How Monetary Policy Works) Inflation is a very sensitive concern that is one of the major economic factors and is generally impacted by the prices of different articles prevailing in an economy. For example, any increases in oil prices is expected to feed through into inflation over the next few years, and the gap between the value of imports and exports is growing to record levels, prompting expectations of a decline in the value of sterling, which is a welcome sign for the exporters but will hit the importers, as they will have to shell out more money for importing their raw materials leading to a further increase in inflation. Any decision is taken after considering the condition of the whole economy and all sections of the society at large and there are several other methods to tackle the prices of properties, but it will always be better to increase the rates at a slower but steady pace, rather than giving a monetary shock. Rising Inflation, if not tackled properly and at the right time may create a cycl e, wherein the inflation keeps rising due to no change in interest rates. Factors Influencing Property Prices in UK Assessing the price of a property is not an easy job, there are three main methods besides the economic factors that determine value, namely "Comparable Sales Method", "Income Approach" and the "Cost Approach" (Property Valuation for Home Buyers), but these methods are just a tool for a prospective seller to determine the price of the house they are going to sell and this price definitely influences the price at, which the transaction actually takes place. Let us now analyze how the concept of value plays a role in determining the prices and what

Partnering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Partnering - Essay Example Another example is provided by Kalundborg Symbiosis of Denmark, which is a public-private alliance that transforms waste materials generated by its member firms to the materials of raw production suitable for use by other companies. Over the time, Kalundborg Symbiosis has developed partnerships with nine companies some of which include Inbicon, Novo Nordisk, Novozymes, Gyproc, DONG Engergy, and RGS 90 (Turiera and Cros, 2013, p. 9). One way in which this partnership yields beneficial outcomes is Gyproc’s use of gypsum waste produced by Kalundborg Symbiosis during flue gas’s desulfuration to manufacture gypsum board to be used in the construction industry. Each of these partnerships has paved way for the development of pioneering services and products and have generated examples of some of the most successful businesses in the modern times. Developing successful business partnerships demands dedication, commitment, and patience on the part of all parties involved.  "Even when two people are a perfect fit, there are going to be times when someone needs to speak up, and say something difficult (in this case, "I dont want to share an office with you")† (Eisner,

Case study 1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Case study 1 - Assignment Example The child’s presence should also be used as a learning opportunity for other children (Marotz 102). In case of seizure, in a classroom, the teacher is required to attend to the child in order to avoid further worsening of the situation. The teacher should ensure the children are calm and control the situation. His presence is necessary; the child should be put in the same immobile position as they await medical help. The child’s condition should be evaluated by paying attention to breathing, open airway and circulation. The child’s cloth should be loosened around the neck. There should be no sharp objects around the child to prevent any injury. Seizure comes in various intensity and type. They are often caused by rush of abnormal electric impulses in the brain which trigger involuntary or unmanageable movements in different parts of the body. Some seizure result into momentary attention while others result into interruption of thought. The teacher should arrange safe environments and master emergency response techniques. In case, the situation persists, the teacher is required to seek medical attention. Teachers are supposed to complete a written document, which report their observations during the seizure. This should be placed in the child’s permanent health file. The document should have the following information on the child; child’s name, time and date of seizure, events before seizure, duration of seizure, nature, and location of convulsive movements, condition of child during the seizure, condition of child after seizure, and name of person who observed the report (Marotz

Logistics Policy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Logistics Policy - Research Paper Example rategic design of structures and policies, as well as decision making dwelling on material and information flows, fashioned at supporting and enhancing competitive advantage (Waters, 2003). Strategic decisions hinge on aspects such as warehouses, distribution centres, as well as transportation modes to be employed. The logistics industry has undergone massive changes in recent decades, especially in areas of integration of information, transportation, inventory, warehousing, packaging, material handling, and security; it is no longer home-based and functions in a global market. The North America Free Trade Agreement involves U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and entails harmonization of the members’ logistics policies and procedures, as well as making logistics systems interoperable. The size of U.S. economy and its geographical location have motivated the United States in taking a factual leadership position in matters regarding facilitation of intermodal logistics and transport within the region, inclusive of cross-border facilitation. The move towards a unified and interconnected modal system has been critical in the growth of logistics systems. Benefits arising from an integrated intermodal system include lower transport costs, lower environmental impact, enhanced national productivity, and efficiency. Intermodal transport and logistics is mainly driven by the industry via its search for the low cost solutions. Other factors playing a part include market deregulation and competition between shippers and carriers, which lead to a reduction in transport-related transaction costs for business (Murphy & Wood, 2010). The global sourcing of parts, goods and services, and raw materials has heightened the importance of logistic networks. Besides, trends towards internationalization and innovation have enhanced the need for organizations to be more alert and receptive to the contextual changes. The evolving trends in the creation of an international logistics hub demands

Emerging Technologies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Emerging Technologies - Essay Example Here, it becomes possible to document, store, maintain, access and share information in just a blink of an eye. As names, cases, profiles, offenses, fingerprints and other data are entered into a digital library, they can be accessed by law enforcers through networked computer terminals, regardless of location and time. Furthermore, computing technology provides for intelligent applications that could classify information into an organized database - a feat that could take years and huge manpower to accomplish. Specific technologies that are increasingly being utilized today especially for solving cold cases include the DNA technology and the advanced DNA database systems. This partnership resulted in the establishment of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) - a computer network that links the forensic DNA laboratories on all levels from local, state to the federal level. The capability of the CODIS is astounding. In the event a DNA profile is extracted from a crime scene and entere d into the database, the system automatically launches a search among thousands of criminal profiles for possible match. Law enforcers have been successful using CODIS. For instance, there was the case of rape with murder in Austin, which could have left unsolved because there were no witnesses and the killer-rapist used gloves and condom during the assault. What happened was that, when he tied his victim, he had to grab an end of the cord with his mouth, so his saliva was deposited and eventually examined, leading to the identification of the perpetrator and the successful prosecution. (Justice Department, p. 2) There are also the softwares called â€Å"data mining† applications. Many police investigators are increasingly using this technology to identify the crime patterns that matches them to potential suspects. This is being done by analyzing the behavioral patterns of criminals that allows for the profiling of suspects, helpful in recognizing the identification of suspec ts that matches the computer’s working profile. Siegel also cited the use of computerized imaging systems that gradually replace mug books as well as the use of three-dimensional drawings in investigating and evaluating crime scenes. This latter is important because it enables investigators to visualize positional relationship of evidences. Cybercrime Computing technology, however, could prove to be a double-edged sword. The sophistication it offers to law enforcers is also made available to criminals. For example, when information is stored in a centralized database, the ease of access can benefit those who want to exploit information for criminal purposes. For example, a criminal can use the technology to embezzle funds or modify information that could lead to the wrong apprehension of criminals or tamper with evidence. Information technology can also enable criminals to kill people through the tampering of medical records that could result in wrong diagnosis or treatment. Then, there are those cases that involve theft of trade secret, financial reports, sensitive information, and so on. Clearly, one sees how the list of computer-aided crimes is growing as well. Another important problem that technology poses for law enforcers is the internationalization of crime. Through the networked computer terminals, criminals can operate globally without any difficulty, with the ease of

Agency visit project. the international center in the University of Essay

Agency visit project. the international center in the University of Missouri, columbia - Essay Example Similarly, I noticed that the center facilitates and supports students, as well as faculties outside the United States who are engaged in building relationship and international research. I was really moved by the efforts the center has made to ensure that the incoming international students get enough orientation to settle quickly in the United States. The organization of agencies is critical in the quest to offer quality service. The International Center in the University of Missouri is well-organized to offer quality service to the international students. I was able to note that the organization shares information regarding where the students can seek health care service after their arrival in the United States. In fact, the center gives the students the information before they even arrive in the United States. After the students arrive in the United States, the center has an orientation program in which it brings key speakers from students’ health center and counseling center to discuss issues pertinent to students’ health. Similarly, the center has ensured that the students overcome cultural shock within the shortest time possible. Culture shock can hinder the students’ pleasant stay in the United States (Williams, 2005).). In this regard, the center has ensured that the students do not face any challenges seeking the health services while studying in the United States. I believe that this is important because it can be challenging for the international students if they do not know where to find services central to their welfare. The mission statement guides agencies to achieve their goals. I recognized that the delivery of quality service, especially to the immigrants is enshrined in the center’s mission. Notably, the center is committed to ensuring it provides up-to-date information and support to the immigrants. The center uses a variety of communication channels

Market structure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Market structure - Essay Example The Spangles candy was a fruity boiled sweet with a slight fix about it, the packaging letters were big fat bottomed font, and they came in several flavors. These candies were popular enough that they made their way into pop culture through songs, and cultural references. â€Å"They were launched a few years ago, but didn't seem to take off. The wording on the packaging was in that big fat-bottomed font, the same one that The Goodies used on their opening titles.† (BBC h2g2, 2011) Available market segments include, persons who were born 5 years prior to the initial release of these candies through persons who were born in the late 1960’s, this would include the ages of 63 – 45. Another market segment could be a foreign market base, the youth market, and potential additional markets like comedy fans. Basic objectives for marketing the Spangles branded candy would be to increase product awareness by 20% in the first year, revive the popular side within the first 6 months, decrease customer resistance to buying our product, which would lead to a 50-100 percent increase in sales within the first year. To accomplish these goals we will need to introduce a valid marketing strategy. In the case of this candy we will want to use focused insertion, and narrow advertising structures. It will be important to introduce the product as a special historical re-launch. An additional objective should be the raised awareness of the Mars ® brand name as a result of the campaign, increases of between 10-15% should be realized in the entire Mars ® line which will make the re-launch a success regardless of the eventual outcome of the Spangles line itself. The price should be approximately what it was at the time of its peak popularity for the initial marketing phase; advertising should be done during the most popular hours of television and radio use for the target market. Distribution should be completed at the popular shopping destinations that already car ry other Mars ® products. One potential approach is to use displays that focus on Spangles as the â€Å"Candy you grew up with.† Another possible approach would include different flavours as well as less boisterous yet still â€Å"retro† looking label on the candy itself. Possibly the â€Å"green† approach can be utilized by promoting the use of recycled materials in the wrappings. Another approach could be the use of popular comedians as personalities promoting the cultural aspects from a comedic point of view on television and radio. If the product is marketed with current pop culture icons as spokespersons the additional benefit would be the appeal to the younger generation. By generating a potential new market and by using easily recognized pop culture icons Mars ® could potentially increase their market share not only through the re-launch of the Spangles boiled sweets but also increased interest in current products. If the marketing approach is followe d the potential for name recognition and additional sales of other popular Mars ® products should increase by 15% or more. Additional approaches can be looked to when the initial launch is complete and sales numbers have been returned. A successful re-launch could mean expanded markets in countries where retirees

The Role Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Role - Essay Example Moreover, they discuss the broader sense of this term by writing about social capital and social activities (Adler and Goggin, 2005, pp. 239-240). As for Schlozman et al. (1999), these authors propose to analyze civic engagement through the three-argument framework, which includes its appearance as volunteering activity, as promotion of democracy, and as manifestation of community interests (p. 428). Due to this, it is reasonable to state that civic engagement is a broader concept than a community problem solving one. In this case, Adler and Goggin (2005) define community activities as a narrower appearance of civic engagement term on the axis resulting in political activities (p. 241). Even though this concept is hard to define, all of its manifestations include the reaction on certain social problems. Thus, it is possible to assume that civic engagement as a phenomenon appeared as one of the tools of problem solving within a social community. In this context, Adler and Goggin (2005 ) synthetize all the available definitions of the term in the statement, â€Å"Civic engagement describes how an active citizen participates in the life of a community in order to improve conditions for others or to help shape the community’s future† (p. 242). In short, the attempts to define the concept reveal the importance of community dimension in its essence. With the very appearance of civic engagement in practice, it is common to associate it with active volunteering position of the youth. In this case, it mostly appears in the context of reforms within higher education institutions (Adler and Goggin, 2005, p. 237). As the research conducted by Adler and Goggin (2005) has shown, the age of people involved in civic engagement as community problem solving is younger in average in contrast to its wider dimensions of electoral and political

The History of Automobile Essay Example for Free

The History of Automobile Essay 1. The history of automobile The first working steam-powered vehicle was probably designed by Ferdinand Verbiest, a Flemish member of a Jesuit mission in China around 1672. It was a 65 cm-long scale-model toy for the Chinese Emperor, that was unable to carry a driver or a passenger. It is not known if Verbiests model was ever built. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot is widely credited with building the first self-propelled mechanical vehicle or automobile in about 1769; he created a steam-powered tricycle. He also constructed two steam tractors for the French Army, one of which is preserved in the French National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts. His inventions were however handicapped by problems with water supply and maintaining steam pressure. In 1801, Richard Trevithick built and demonstrated his Puffing Devil road locomotive, believed by many to be the first demonstration of a steam-powered road vehicle. It was unable to maintain sufficient steam pressure for long periods, and was of little practical use. In 1807 Nice phore Nie and his brother Claude probably created the worlds pce first internal combustion engine which they called a Pyre olophore, but they chose to install it in a boat on the river Saone in France. Coincidentally, in 1807 the Swiss inventor Franc Isaac de Rivaz designed his own de Rivaz internal combustion ois engine and used it to develop the worlds first vehicle, to be powered by such an engine. The Nie pces Pyre olophore was fuelled by a mixture of Lycopodium powder (dried Lycopodium moss), finely crushed coal dust and resin that were mixed with oil, whereas de Rivaz used a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. Neither design was very successful, as was the case with others, such as Samuel Brown, Samuel Morey, and Etienne Lenoir with his hippomobile, who each produced vehicles (usually adapted carriages or carts) powered by clumsy internal combustion engines. In November 1881, French inventor Gustave Trouve demonstrated a working three-wheeled automobile powered by electricity at the International Exposition of Electricity, Paris. Although several other German engineers (including Gottlieb Daimler, Wilhelm Maybach, and Siegfried Marcus) were working on the problem at about the same time, Karl Benz generally is acknowledged as the inventor of the modern automobile. An automobile powered by his own four-stroke cycle gasoline engine was built in Mannheim, Germany by Karl Benz in 1885, and granted a patent in January of the following year under the auspices of his major company, Benz Cie. , which was founded in 1883. It was an integral design, without the adaptation of other existing components, and included several new technological elements to create a new concept. He began to sell his production vehicles in 1888. In 1879, Benz was granted a patent for his first engine, which had been designed in 1878. Many of his other inventions made the use of the internal combustion engine feasible for powering a vehicle. His first Motorwagen was built in 1885, and he was awarded the patent for its invention as of his application on January 29, 1886. Benz began promotion of the vehicle on July 3, 1886, and about 25 Benz vehicles were sold between 1888 and 1893, when his first four-wheeler was introduced along with a model intended for affordability. They also were powered with four-stroke engines of his own design. Emile Roger of France, already producing Benz engines under license, now added the Benz automobile to his line of products. Because France was more open to the early automobiles, initially more were built and sold in France through Roger than Benz sold in Germany. Bertha Benz, the first long distance automobile driver in the world In August 1888 Bertha Benz, the wife of Karl Benz, undertook the first road trip by car, to prove the road-worthiness of her husbands invention. In 1896, Benz designed and patented the first internal-combustion flat engine, called boxermotor. During the last years of the nineteenth century, Benz was the largest automobile company in the world with 572 units produced in 1899 and, because of its size, Benz Cie. , became a joint-stock company. Daimler and Maybach founded Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) in Cannstatt in 1890, and sold their first automobile in 1892 under the brand name, Daimler. It was a horse-drawn stagecoach built by another manufacturer, that they retrofitted with an engine of their design. By 1895 about 30 vehicles had been built by Daimler and Maybach, either at the Daimler works or in the Hotel Hermann, where they set up shop after disputes with their backers. Benz, Maybach and the Daimler team seem to have been unaware of each others early work. They never worked together; by the time of the merger of the two companies, Daimler and Maybach were no longer part of DMG. Daimler died in 1900 and later that year, Maybach designed an engine named Daimler-Mercedes, that was placed in a specially ordered model built to specifications set by Emil Jellinek. This was a production of a small number of vehicles for Jellinek to race and market in his country. Two years later, in 1902, a new model DMG automobile was produced and the model was named Mercedes after the Maybach engine which generated 35 hp. Maybach quit DMG shortly thereafter and opened a business of his own. Rights to the Daimler brand name were sold to other manufacturers. Karl Benz proposed co-operation between DMG and Benz Cie. when economic conditions began to deteriorate in Germany following the First World War, but the directors of DMG refused to consider it initially. Negotiations between the two companies resumed several years later when these conditions worsened and, in 1924 they signed an Agreement of Mutual Interest, valid until the year 2000. Both enterprises standardized design, production, purchasing, and sales and they advertised or marketed their automobile models jointly, although keeping their respective brands. On June 28, 1926, Benz Cie. and DMG finally merged as the Daimler-Benz company, baptizing all of its automobiles Mercedes Benz, as a brand honoring the most important model of the DMG automobiles, the Maybach design later referred to as the 1902 Mercedes-35 hp, along with the Benz name. Karl Benz remained a member of the board of directors of Daimler-Benz until his death in 1929, and at times, his two sons participated in the management of the company as well. In 1890, Emile Levassor and Armand Peugeot of France began producing vehicles with Daimler engines, and so laid the foundation of the automobile industry in France. The first design for an American automobile with a gasoline internal combustion engine was made in 1877 by George Selden of Rochester, New York. Selden applied for a patent for an automobile in 1879, but the patent application expired because the vehicle was never built. After a delay of sixteen years and a series of attachments to his application, on November 5, 1895, Selden was granted a United States patent (U. S. Patent 549,160) for a two-stroke automobile engine, which hindered, more than encouraged, development of automobiles in the United States. His patent was challenged by Henry Ford and others, and overturned in 1911. In 1893, the first running, gasoline-powered American car was built and road-tested by the Duryea brothers of Springfield, Massachusetts. The first public run of the Duryea Motor Wagon took place on September 21, 1893, on Taylor Street in Metro Center Springfield. To construct the Duryea Motor Wagon, the brothers had purchased a used horse-drawn buggy for $70 and then installed a 4 HP, single cylinder gasoline engine. The car had a friction transmission, spray carburetor, and low tension ignition. It was road-tested again on November 10, when the The Springfield Republican newspaper made the announcement. This particular car was put into storage in 1894 and stayed there until 1920 when it was rescued by Inglis M. Uppercu and presented to the United States National Museum. 2. Direction of automobile industry 2. 1Fuel technology As we all know, the earths resources are limited, so human beings develop fuel technology, let us make better use of these resources. There are many resources we can use, like Air engine, Battery-electric, Solar, Bioalcohol, Hydrogen and Hybrid vehicle. A hybrid vehicle uses multiple propulsion systems to provide motive power. The most common type of hybrid vehicle is the gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, which use gasoline (petrol) and electric batteries for the energy used to power internal-combustion engines (ICEs) and electric motors. These motors are usually relatively small and would be considered underpowered by themselves, but they can provide a normal driving experience when used in combination during acceleration and other maneuvers that require greater power. The Toyota Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997 and it is sold worldwide since 2000. By 2010 the Prius is sold in more than 70 countries and regions, with Japan and the United States as its largest markets. In May 2008, global cumulative Prius sales reached the 1 million units, and by September 2010, the Prius reached worldwide cumulative sales of 2 million units. The United States is the largest hybrid market in the world, with more than 2 million hybrid automobiles and SUVs sold through May 2011. The Prius is the top selling hybrid car in the U. S. with 1 million units sold by April 2011. The Honda Insight is a two-seater hatchback hybrid automobile manufactured by Honda. It was the first mass-produced hybrid automobile sold in the United States, introduced in 1999, and produced until 2006. Honda introduced the second-generation Insight in Japan in February 2009, and the new Insight went on sale in the U. S. on April 22, 2009. Honda also offers the Honda Civic Hybrid since 2002. Among others, the following are popular gasoline-electric hybrid models available in the market by 2009: Ford Escape Hybrid, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Saturn Vue Green Line, Lexus LS600hL, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan Hybrid, and Mercedes S400 BlueHybrid. Several major carmakers are currently developing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Chinese battery manufacturer and automaker BYD Auto released the F3DM PHEV-68 (PHEV109km) hatchback to the Chinese fleet market on December 15, 2008. The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is the first mass produced PHEV launched in the United States, and it was introduced in November 2010. Other PHEVs undergoing field testing as of December 2010 include the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, Volvo V70 Plug-in Hybrid, and Suzuki Swift Plug-in. The Sinclair C5 pedal-assisted battery vehicle. The Elantra LPI Hybrid, launched in the South Korean domestic market in July 2009, is a hybrid vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine built to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a fuel. The Elantra PLI is a mild hybrid and the first hybrid to adopt advanced lithium polymer (Li–Poly) batteries. 2. 2 Driverless car A driverless car is a vehicle equipped with an autopilot system that is capable of driving from one point to another without guidance by a human operator. This is intended to produce several direct advantages: Avoiding crashes by eliminating driver error 2. Increasing roadway capacity by reducing the distances between cars and better managing traffic flow 3. Relieving vehicle occupants from driving and navigating chores, so allowing them to concentrate on other tasks or to rest during their journeys Indirect advantages are anticipated as well. Adoption of driverless cars could reduce the number of vehicles worldwide and eliminate the need for drivers licenses, rules of the road, traffic lights, traffic signs, highway patrols and vehicle insurances. The systems currently under development work by simulating human perception and decision-making during steering of a car via advanced computer software linked to a range of sensors such as cameras, radar and GPS. Current driverless passenger car programs include the 2 get there passenger vehicles from the Netherlands, the DARPA Grand Challenge from the USA, and Google driverless car.

Research Methodology on Employee Satisfaction

Research Methodology on Employee Satisfaction Employee satisfaction is a concept gauging how content the workforce is with their work and the workplaces environment. Hence Employee Dissatisfaction occurs when the workforce becomes unhappy with these aspects of their job, which can lead to negative impacts in the business, such as decreased motivation and declines in productivity, as well as increased labor turnover common problems that occur in most businesses, regardless if theyre small entrepreneurships or large corporations. We have selected to study specific events in HPs corporate history; specifically: the reduction of wage rates, multiple employee redundancies, sexual harassment and MAs (Mergers and Acquisitions). Dividing these issues up into four separate reports, we have attempted to analyze the correlations between HPs different corporate issues and their relation to employee dissatisfaction, by using external sources of information (such as news articles based on the relevant issue and applicable Human Resource theories) and knowledge to support our findings. After analyzing these issues, we will conclude our findings into a summarized statement evaluating employee dissatisfaction present in HP. We will then present collective solutions that can be implemented to help alleviate HP of similar problems if they should ever show up in the future once again. Analysis/Discussion In order to evaluate each problem, the implications of each issue on HP must be discussed in detail. Across-the-board pay cuts and salary adjustments that incensed employees in 2009 We dont know what were going to do. We dont know, the man told NBCDFW, as tears streamed from his eyes. (Mackilwain, 2009) HP chairman and CEO Mark Hurd announced that they would reduce base pay and some benefits across the company in the wake of disappointing earnings. As for the fiscal first quarter 2009 results, HPs earnings were $1.9 billion, or $0.75 earnings per share, down from $2.1 billion, or $0.80 earnings per share compared to the same period last year. Starting with a reduction in his own salary by 20%, followed by senior executives who would take a drop between ten and fifteen percent, regular employees 5 percent and exempt employees 2.5 percent. All this in reaction to a 13.5 percent fall in the companys first quarter profit. (Dubie, 2009) Why did HP executives make this salary adjustment while they all know this would incense employees? Before answering this question, there are some basic facts one should consider. The recent recession of our decade has resulted in a sharp drop in international trade, and unemployment reached 9.2% by the end of 2009. The average salary of HP is about $62,000 (before salary adjustment), which is higher than that of others such as Dell, Apple and Cisco. These factors enforced employees continuance commitment, which encouraged them to stay with HP based on the perceived costs of leaving the organization. Another factor that could relieve employees dissatisfaction is the broadness and equity of the salary adjustment. Since the salary-cutting was due to the unexpected decrease in net profit, hence, as long as the procedure of salary adjustment was made fairly and objectively, and in accord with employees perception as much as possible, employees might not be dissatisfied when they compare themselves with co-workers inside HP (Self-Inside Comparison). HPs such across-broad cut is basically a result of Profit-Sharing Plans in which the employer shares profits with employees based on a predetermined formula. Similarly, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is another adoptable option to associate companys profit with salary, and give employees a sense of ownership through ESOP. The next solution is to develop a flexible benefit package to allow each employee to put together a benefits package individually tailored to his or her own needs and situation. Moreover, another way to adjust pay structure is to use bonus. Unlike Profit-Sharing Plan, bonus reward employees for recent performance rather than historical performance. Which one is the best for salary adjustment? As mentioned before, the world was still digging itself out of economic collapse in 2009, price-earning to ratio had yet to drop as low as previous recession, therefore the ESOP is less attractive since people were recognizing the reality of the weak performance during slumping economic. Hence, I would recommend a combined salary adjustment includes bonus and benefit package. Based on the diversity of cultures, values, ages, personalities and personal situations, HP should design various benefit packages to fit into employees needs. There are three types of benefits plans: modular plans, core-plus plans, and flexible spending accounts. In order to make benefits plans fit into employees need, managers should particularly communicate with employees from different regions, age-ranges, and departments to acquire what employees need most according to Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Theory. As for bonus, managers need to set a base pay; this new base pay should be lower than prior one. Bonuses are designed to award recent performance rather historical performance, and only applied to individuals. Moreover, the process of awarding must entails balancing internal equity and external equity. Allegations of sexual harassment and improper business conduct that exhibited a profound lack of judgment by top executives Be it an entry level employee or for that matter the CEO, violation of business conduct policies can lead to serious consequences. The recent HP sexual harassment scandal serves a perfect demonstration. Mark Hurd who had served as HPs CEO for the last five years resigned at the Boards request after an investigation concluding inappropriate behaviour that had violated HPs behavioural standards. While HP did not find any facts that supported the sexual harassment complaint in general, they revealed that the Board would not tolerate any business misconduct. For HP, what began as an investigation in response sexual harassment complaint by a contractor ended with the companys CEO resigning from his post. Sexual harassment is a crippling reality in the work place the effects of which ravage not only the victim and the alleged harasser, but the fellow employees and the organisation as a whole. The direct impacts of this scandal were seen through the drastic drop in share value of 8% immediately after Hurd resigned. Yet what surfaces as an important issue is the response of the HP employees to this situation. In response to Hurds resignation many employees revealed happiness over him leaving the company making statements like the tyrant is gone or Mark Turd. (Golijan, 2010) What do such allegations draw out? These allegations prove that the HP employees have been dissatisfied in long and an event like this only triggers their emotions to be revealed. In the first place, any event of such a controversy threatens employee in the workplace. As the Maslows hierarchy of needs suggest an individuals elementary needs includes safety and security at work. Witnessing such an improper business conduct by the top executive himself certainly affects employees within all levels of the workforce. The employees would then begin viewing their peers and superiors with disbelief. Such misunderstanding and lack of trust has a great impact on the formation of long term relationships at work. Furthermore, such controversies lead to people feeling uncomfortable from associating themselves with the organisation. As Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies Inc. noted: The scandals do impact peoples impression on the company,. A reduced company morale not only means the possibility of a high labour turnover but also the difficulty that HP would face in attracting good quality employees. A second impact that this scandal had was the emergence of a new leader for HP. Hurd is now replaced with Leo Apethekar. For HP employees who had already faced a rough time, change in leadership brings forth another new challenge, for a change in leadership also means a change in the overall organisational culture. In response to the tarnished companys image, employees get disconnected from the top management leading to the creation of a them and us culture in the workplace. An essential role for the new leader is therefore to regain the trust which could be facilitated by adopting a more Charismatic leadership style and the same time enforcing ethical conduct. What lead to Mark Hurd Scandal being so detrimental, was that he did not himself comply to the business standards that he created Further, hypocrisy is one of the most destructive elements in an organisation. It is important for executives to set the tone of behaviour before they expect the same from their employees. The Hp sexual harassment scandal is therefore an important lesson that reflects upon the significance of the conduct of leaders. The profound impact that this scandal has had on the employee level of dissatisfaction leading to a possible feeling of insecurity in the workplace is an important issue to consider. What happened in the case if Mark Hurd, has been principally attributed to not defining the behavioural standards appropriately. We believe that apart from only setting quantitative clauses, it is important to define moral clauses in the conduct as well. Lastly the most important lesson to learn from this scandal is that if an organisation aspires to achieve maximum productivity from its employees they must make them feel comfortable in the workplace. At all times employees must be assured that they will be heard to. Setting up an effective system to address employee grievances is probably the best solution to handling immediate problems and help them from blowing up to create a major controversy/scandal for the organisation. Enormous layoffs, e.g., 15,000 in 2002, 14,000 in 2005, 24,000 in 2008, and most recently (in June, 2010) 9,000. HP is facing a major problem involving layoffs. Due to several reasons, HP has laid off over fifty thousand employees in the last 8 years. For example, most recently, HP laid off nine thousand employees in order to consolidate data centres at an expected cost of $1 billion. (Sherman, 2010) These reoccurring layoffs trouble employees in many ways but the main aspect that should be taken into account is the effect this will have on employee dissatisfaction. Employee dissatisfaction can instigate severe ramifications for the company because how the employees work affects how well the company does in terms of success. Job security is something that the average employee cherishes. When an employees job is secure, there is a feeling of safety and this usually leads to more confidence and higher productivity. But in this case, job security is not something that the employees hold. Due to the multiple layoffs that occur in such short time periods, employees would feel that their jobs are not safe at all. How does this effect motivation? Maslows Hierarchy of Needs can be applied to this situation. Maslow developed a hierarchy of needs with the levels: physiological, safety, social, esteem and self-actualization. His theory was when one stage of the hierarchy was complete and fulfilled by the employee; the next need on the hierarchy becomes dominant. So when this motivational theory is applied to the situation at hand, it is clear that the employees cannot pass the safety needs stage in the hierarchy. They are striving to achieve job security but cannot due to the consistent layoffs. So therefore, accor ding to the theory, employees cannot go on to satisfy social, esteem and self-actualization needs and this slows down progress in the company. This situation also fits into the motivation-hygiene theory. This theory relates intrinsic factors to job satisfaction and extrinsic factors with dissatisfaction. Job security is the issue here and it is an extrinsic factor, and therefore, dissatisfies employees. The hygiene factors are not being taken care of by HP. This obviously hinders performance of the employees. How can HP resolve some of the employee dissatisfaction problems that they have? One solution is that they can try and find another way to cut costs, other than making employees redundant time and time again. They could reduce wages of employees, or cut salaries from higher managers, but it can be argued that this will also lead to an increased level of employee dissatisfaction, depending on how the employees are motivated. However, if HP find it essential and most efficient to lay off employees to cut or cover costs, then the company can keep current employees motivated by making the work environment more relaxed. This could help calm down the employees and reduce dissatisfaction (another motivation-hygiene theory concept). This will not necessarily motivate employees, but it will reduce dissatisfaction. Also, in order to prevent further dissatisfaction, HP could cut down on other possible extrinsic factors that cause dissatisfaction. For example, supervisors could start acting friendlier towards employees or any form of strict supervision and punishment can be abandoned. The continuous layoffs create a resistance to change in employees as many aspects of the company changes when massive layoffs occur. To overcome the resistance to change, HP could help employees find logic in why these massive layoffs have occurred. Employees will still have security issues, but once they have all the reasons for change and there is no ambiguity, the environment would be more relaxed and any unnerving rumours floating around in the grapevine would be abolished. This could reduce dissatisfaction of the employees slightly. A risky merger (with Compaq) that would create a bloated, vulnerable company anchored on the manufacture of commodity products at little or no profit. Business mergers occur when two firms combine together to form a new firm. Many reasons are associated with mergers the most common ones including potential Economies of Scale, increased market share, and so on. But what is less regarded by higher management levels in organizations is the impact on mergers on the overall workforce, and the deteriorating affects a merger can have on remaining labour. This report will address the human resource issues emerging from the merger of Compaq with Hewlett Packard (HP). There are multiple causes for negativity in the workforce after an MA, some including increased centralization in the organizations structure and loss of organizational culture. Centralization occurs when decision-making power is centered at one point in the company normally towards the higher levels of hierarchy (senior managers). This cuts off communication to lower levels of the organization, which can decrease the amount of communication flowing through the chain of command in the business and hence contribute to increased uncertainty in the workforce (Kusstatscher,2005 ). After this, once a merger takes place there tends to be a loss of previously accepted culture from the prior-merged firm. Employees who identified more so with the businesss previous culture will likely become more isolated and secluded upon the merger where there can be a new culture imposed on them due to the presence of another business. This can trigger a loss of identity for employees, which may alter their perception of the business that they work in, and will likely also increase the amount of uncertainty that they experience within the merged business. Another major effect of an uncoordinated merger includes employee stress, contributed by concerns of job security due to potential layoffs after the merger. These redundancies occur because merging companies do not wish to duplicate job roles; hence by making specific job roles redundant they can rationalize costs and utilize the minimal amount of workers required in each department. This was the case between the merger of HP and Compaq which reported a job cut of approximately 15000 (Foo and Menon,2001) people, triggering increased stress levels amongst staff as to whether they would retain their job in the merger process or not. Employee stress thus tends to lower overall moral and decrease productivity in the long run due to frustration over job security, as one employee expressed from HPs Singapore branch: either way, were done for iii( Foo Menon,2001) In conclusion, employees will find it increasingly difficult to cope from the many challenges involved with a merger: due to emotional stress from feelings of fear and anxiety for job security, to loss of corporate identity due to a change of organizational culture. This could contribute to increased employee dissatisfaction with the business to those who remain in the workforce, due to negative emotions and lack of support from the business. Thus in the future, HP must address such concerns by implementing policies to help employees cope with such emotions. This could include increased communication from managers if employees were kept in constant communication with managers about changes in the overall business and were aware of re-structuring issues and redundancy potentiality, then this would reduce the impact when redundancies are issued as employees whove known about the possibility of a lay off prior would have better mental preparation. Another suggestion could include adapting the merger and acquisition process so that cultures are able to integrate more effectively increased dialogue in the form of conferences or workshops between the two merging companies would help to improve communication and overall exposure between the different business cultures to make the integration of the two companies smoother. This could help motivate employees to corporate with each other more willingly and stimulate an increased sense of new culture that benefits both previously separate companies. Conclusion and Recommendations Conclusion In conclusion, it is very much clear through these examples that employees are very dissatisfied with the way HP is operating. HP operations are disgruntling the employees and this is possibly hindering their performance, and therefore, halting progress for the entire company. Whether it is through salary adjustments, unnecessary ill treatment of employees, colossal number of employee layoffs, or massive overall change through mergers and acquisitions, HPs way of running things is displeasing the employees. Recommendations HP must find solutions to satisfy their employees more sufficiently. Dissatisfaction levels must be reduced in order to see some progress in the company. The first solution is a simple, but effective one: HP should make the work environment friendlier and more relaxed in order to gain some employee confidence. Currently, it does not appear that HP is very friendly with their employees due to the several issues discussed above, however if HP were to treat their employees better, and make the work environment more relaxed, then the employees dissatisfaction level would decrease. Another recommendation to HP would be that they should manage change amongst employees more effectively. If you look at the merger, the pay cuts, and the enormous layoffs, these are rather big changes to the company. If HP could manage this change in a more effective manner, then employees would not be as dissatisfied. HP should first and foremost warn employees of upcoming change to abolish any nervousness and ambiguity. The facts should be laid out and employees need to be made to understand them. Also, to avoid further dissatisfaction, the changes must be applied fairly, and not with any prejudice or any other sort of unfair actions. A form of manipulation could also be adapted by the company. Manipulation is not the most ethical of methods to lower dissatisfaction, but in the end, it does lower dissatisfaction. Manipulation involves twisting facts to make the situation at hand seem more attractive. False rumors are usually spread and eventually, employees accept the change and th is lower dissatisfaction.

Product and SWOT analysis of kinder bueno

Product and SWOT analysis of kinder bueno Kinder Bueno is a chocolate bar from Ferrero. Ferrero SpA is a producer of chocolate in Italian with other confectionery products. It founded by confectioner Pietro Ferrero in 1946 and based in Pino Torinese, Italy. There is a Reputation Institutes 2009 examination ranks that Ferrero is the most trustworthy company in the world. Ferrero is a private firm owned by the Ferrero family. It has been described as one of the worlds most secretive company (wapedia, 2010). Strengths The Ferrero success story as a main result of the strengths is its brands. In the Ferrero family, all best in their types: Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, Kinder Bueno, Kinder Surprise, Tic Tacà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Although Kinder Bueno is a chocolate bar, it is so characteristic. Firstly, Kinder Bueno is 43g. So it is light and it easy to take. Here is an example. Chocolate is the most popular snake for peoples life. Almost of people can put some chocolate into their bags. When someone is hungry and he cannot go anywhere. The chocolate is the best choice. Kinder Bueno has two bars inside. They are detached pack. If people want to share with friend, that is a good idea. Secondly, Kinder Bueno is delicious combination. It includes crispy wafer and creamy hazelnut filling all wrapped up in smooth milk chocolate (kinder bueno, 2010). By explanation, milk is a wholesome healthy food, and the fact that Kinder Bueno has increased milk and decreased cocoa. Thirdly, Kinder Bueno has two kinds of taste: milk chocolate and white chocolate. People get one more choice. Weaknesses Chocolate market is one of the most competitive and crowded in the world, with more than 500 brands and many kinds of taste products. For any brand, they need try their best to achieve standout in such a scene is a hard job. In these companies, Ferrero does not have the price superiority. If price is a bit higher than other brands, people in Australia prefer Cadbury, Nestlà © or other substitutions. For instance, the net weight is the same such as hazelnut chocolate. The price of Kinder Bueno 43g is $1.15, but Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut gives a lower price ($1.09) in Woolworths. If these two companies have the similar quality and credit worthiness, more customers may prefer Cadbury Daily Milk Hazelnut rather than Kinder Bueno. The second disadvantage is type. Now there are so many types of chocolate in the market. For example, black chocolate, milk chocolate, with fruit and so on. People not only choose with hazelnut today. So it will be reduced profit. The last one, Kinder Bueno just has one package. One package only has two bars. If Kinder Bueno has four bars or six bars each package and price decreases 5-10 cent, it will keep some customers. Opportunities Chocolate is the most popular in peoples life in Australia. Almost of people eat chocolate every day. Kinder is as a German word which the meaning is children (Kinder-chocolate.com, 2009). Today Kinder strives to provide an alternative to the traditional brands, and it has instituted itself as a strong player in the childrens chocolate confectionery market. As a confectionery brand, offering a wide range of products including chocolates, biscuits and toys. Kinder planed particularly for children. Children are important customers in the market. Parents hope their child is healthy and has a happy life. All Kinder products get free from artificial colourings and preservatives. Although there are many kinds taste of chocolate in the market, but Kinder still have more than five kinds of products. They are Kinder Chocolate, Kinder Schocolade, Kinder Surprise Eggs, Kinder Happy Hippo Cocoa, Kinder Bueno, Kinder Happy Hippo Hazelnut, Kinder Country, Kinder Shoko-Bons, Kinder Riegel and so on(12 kinds of products)(Wikipedia, 2010). Each of products has their own character. So both of points, they can keep a lot of children and parents. Anyway, Australia as important as stockbreeding, so milk is specialty in Australia. Using local milk, Ferrero SpA can get some profit. Threats Today, we can see more and more different kind taste of chocolate or different brands in supermarket. As well as we know that more and more substitutions, Cadbury, Nestlà ©, Lindt and so on. If Ferrero has no new goods or special goods, its hard to keep some customers. Today, there are some new competitors in chocolate market. Because of Kinder Bueno package is made of plastic, it can not be recycled. It must pollute environment. Product Ferrero SpA provides many brands. It excludes Nutella, it still produces many different products: the chocolates Ferrero Rocher, Confetteria Raffaello(coconut candy), Pocket Coffee, Giotto(wapedia, 2010). Kinder product series include Kinder Chocolate, Kinder Surprise Eggs, Kinder Happy Hippo Cocoa, Kinder Happy Hippo Hazelnut, Kinder Bueno, Kinder Schocolade, Kinder Country, Kinder Shoko-Bons, Kinder Riegel ,Kinder Delice and so on(Wikipedia, 2010). People can choose any taste or needs if they want. Ferrero SpA also provides other parts of goods such as drink. However no more competitors provide these different kinds of goods in the supermarkets, like Woolworths, Coles and so on. They consider the market of special customers, designing the packaging easy to open. For example, Kinder Surprise Eggs, as well as we know that children are main customers for Kinder series of products, so the packaging must to be easy to open for children. In addition, a small one is easy to take such as Kinder Bueno 43g. Ferrero SpA was established in 1946 which company has a long history. The older brand may affect consumers. When people buy some goods, they more like to choose the brand which they have heard it before. In another words, awareness index of a brand may influence people to rely and accept its goods. Ferrero has the advantage in this area. That makes Ferrero steadier in peoples mind. The Kinder brand as one successful brand of all Ferrero Brands whose has a secret the ability to convert a TRADEMARK into a strong and powerful BRAND (Brioni.G, 2009). As well as we know that children are main customers for the Kinder, so that sits in childrens minds and has a strong attachment to their hearts. Ferrero has another advantage is the packaging. About the packaging, Ferrero has two unique features make them so appreciated by consumers. Kinder Bueno is packaged in boxes with two small chocolate bars. It has individually-wrapped in order to better keep the product and allow the portion control. Another special packaging is Ferrero Rocher. Its an imaginable way to celebrate the holidays, birthday and other special day and show that special someone who you care. Some heart shaped boxes and square boxes look like so beautiful. They are clear plastic boxes. Ferrero Rocher is available in all sorts of different sized. The small size has three packs inside. The big size is called Ferrero Collection has three taste (Rocher, Raffaello and Rondnoir ) (amazon.com, 2010). It looks like so amazing. Every Ferrero series product can has a nutrition label printed in the wrapping paper. Customers can see the different number of energy, protein, fat-total and sodium in different kinds of chocolate. For example, Kinder Bueno 43g per package has two packs. So quantity per 100g has energy is 2365kj and protein is 9.3g or quantity per serve has energy 508kj and protein is 1.9g. Chocolate can get some benefits for peoples health. It clear to know that, cacao is included in chocolate which contains antibacterial agents that battle tooth decay (momscapers, 2010). The smell of chocolate can increases brain waves, making people relaxation. Chocolate also contains phenyl ethylamine which makes people mood mild. For example, people like eating chocolate who lives a year longer than those who do not (momscape, 2010). According to a study shows that 8000 male Harvard graduates of chocoholics lived longer than abstainers (chocolate, 2010). Accidentally or not, there are many oldest super centenarians in the world such as Jeanne Calment (1875-1997) and Sarah Knauss (1880-1999) were chocoholics and overpoweringly love of chocolate. Jeanne Calment habitually ate two pounds of chocolate per week, but her physician induced her to give up sweets at the age of 119 until after three years her death aged 122. These rich benefits are reason to purchase these goods. Price As we all know that price and demand are Mutual Influence. When the price increases, the demand will decrease. And when the firm finds the quantity of the consumers purchase is too low, they will try to decrease the price to improve the demand. There are two factors to influence the changing of the price. The first one is the competitors. In fact that Ferrero SpA has many mighty competitors such as Cadbury, Nestlà © and so on. Ferrero does not have the price superiority in the market. If price is a bit higher than other brands, people prefer Cadbury or Nestlà © or other substitutions in Australia. But Ferrero give special price of Kinder Bueno for customers in supermarket such as $0.99 for each one. Sometimes, it is reduced about 2 for $1.5. Some consumers who do not care the brand will choose the cheaper one as the substitutes. The other factor is the cost. Australia is a predominantly agricultural country. Australia milk is really popular in the world. If Ferrero series products use the preponderant location to reduce the cost of production, that can get a higher profit to Ferreo firm. Place The distribution component of the marketing mix focuses on the decision and actions involved in the making products available to customers when and where they want to purchase them. Ferrero using special channel which moves good from the producer to a retailer and then to customers. Ferrero firm has their own logistic team deliver their products to different retail stores and supermarkets. The three types of utilities (time, place and possession) are suitable to put in the Ferrero daily business operation. They need to analysis how long will the quantities of chocolate sell out; which location is the best place to sell to customers and estimates the number of stock to sell the products. Intensity of market coverage Kinder Bueno marketers must determine the intensity of coverage of the product should get such as the number and kinds of outlets in which it will be sold. Kinder Bueno is a convenience product, so it uses intensive distribution method to distribute their products to all available outlets. With the strong coverage of the well established local network and high quality of the support service. Ferrero products can be found in the supermarkets, school, mass retail stores, primacies, convenience stores and many other food selling storesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦etc. Promotion Kinder Bueno spends lots of money on the promotion part to stimulate product demand. Through different methods of promotion, Kinder Bueno can gain several benefits such as create awareness, stimulate demand, retain loyal customers to achieve companys sales goal. There are four elements in the promotion mix: advertising, personal selling, public relations and sales promotion. Kinder Bueno uses those four elements to promote its product. Advertising Chocolate is a convenience product. It is easy to buy in the market. Kinder Bueno spend huge amount of money on the advertisement to promote their brands product. The mass media such as television, radio, the internet, newspapers, magazines, outdoor display and signs on mass transit vehicles are the main tools to get the target market group attention. Personal Selling In general, Kinder Bueno is rare to use this method to promote their product. This is due to Kinder Bueno has enough image in the customers mind. The cost of reaching one person through personal selling is considerably more than through advertising. Kinder Bueno will only use this method when it lounge new products. Public relations Cause of personal or environmental reason, a lot of healthy problems are paid close attention to. The big problem is over-eating. The incidence of obesity and its rapid growth make Ferrero SpA to support food education and sponsored together with the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate of the European Commission actively (ferrero, 2009). Sales Promotion In Australia, there is almost of chocolate is being sold in the supermarket. Woolworths, Big W, Coles and Frinklin share in the mass retail store sector. Therefore, Kinder Bueno does lots of sales promotion in those supermakkets. The sales promotion includes have a special price on buying 2 or 3 items in the same time; discount ont the individual package product. Kinder Bueno also use the point of purchase material likes outside signs, window display, display racks and self-service cartons to attract attention. Conclusion Through doing the marketing mix analysis and select the target customers, companies will know the product sell to which type of customers. They can put more resources on promoting the selected target customers to receive maximize profit. Company also can set a goal and make a long term marketing plan to achieve the goal and for the long term growth of the company. Frerro SpA is one of the most successful companies on building their brand equity, positioning itself in the market and expands their product line to enhance their target customers. Reference lists Amazon.com, 2010, viewed 02/09/2010 Brioni.G, 2009, TRADE MARKS AND BRANDS, PP.2, viewed 02/09/2010 Chocolate, chocolate: Directory Of Chocolate, viewed 02/09/2010 http://www.chocolate.org/index.html Ferrero, 2009, COMMUNICATIONS POLICIES, viewed 09/09/2010 Kinder bueno, viewed 02/09/2010. Kinder-chocolate.com, 2009, Kinder, viewed 02/09/2010 http://www.kinder-chocolate.com/ Momscapes, The Health Benefits of Chocolate: Can Chocolate Benefit Your Health? viewed 02/09/2010 Wapedia, Ferrero SpA, modified 02/09/2010, viewed 02/09/2010. Wikipedia, Kinder Chocolate, modified 26/07/2010, viewed 02/09/2010

Hamlets Struggle with Time out of Joint Essay -- Essays on Shakespeare

Hamlet's Struggle with "time out of joint"  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   The time is out of joint./O cursà ©d spite, that I was ever born to set it right.  Ã‚   This essay will examine Hamlet’s dramatic struggle to â€Å"set time right†. The issue will be divieded in two parts, one the upset to Denmark and Elsinore, the other the struggle to repair it; each shall be dealt with in turn. From the opening few lines of Hamlet we know that things are not 'right' in Denmark. The opening Act of the play is an unfolding litany of portents and signs until in Scene 5 the Ghost tells Hamlet of the murder by Claudius. We have already heard, in his first soliloquy, of Hamlet's struggles; in this case his depression and suicidal thoughts. This is typical of Hamlet's struggle in the first part of the play, the struggle is an internal one. It is only later that the struggle becomes an external, physical one. We will also see that Hamlet's struggle is more than just one of revenge, it also encompasses life over death and love over hate before returning to revenge. The first line of Hamlet, Barnardo's peremptory "Who's there?" when he approaches Francisco's guard post, rather than the more usual challenge of the guard, tells us that the soldiers are nervous in their duties. When Horatio and Marcellus arrive they also give us signs of upset with their talk of the war with Fortinbras of Norway. Marcellus enquires :- Why this same strict and most observant watch So nightly toils the subject of the land, And why such daily cast of brazen cannon, And foreign mart for implements of war, Why such impress of shipwrights, whose sore task Does not divide the Sunday from the week: What might be toward that this sweaty haste Doth make the night joint-labourer with the day,... ...ue to his 1948 film version of the play, "This is the story of a man who cannot make up his mind." In the final analysis that may well be Hamlet's struggle. Notes 1 Germaine Greer, Shakespeare (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1986), p. 58 2 Laurence Olivier(Director), Hamlet (Rank Film Distributors, London, 1948) Bibliography Bradley, A.C., Shakespearean Tragedy. London:Macmillan, 1957. French, Marilyn, Shakespeare's Division Of Experience. New York:Summit Books, 1981 Greer, Germaine, Shakespeare. Oxford:Oxford University Press, 1986 Kott, Jan, Shakespeare Our Contemporary. London:Methuen, 1695 Olivier, Laurence (Director), Hamlet. London:Rank Film Distributors, 1948 Rowse, Alfred Leslie, The Annotated Shakespeare. London:Orbis Publishing, 1978 Shakespeare, William, Hamlet. London:Macmillan Education, 1973         

Social Deviance Essay -- essays research papers

"Social Deviance" Social deviance stems from the passive-aggressive attitudes parents have upon their children. This pressure, coupled with society's own conformist attitude, causes certain members of the society to drift toward what sociologists call deviant groups. These deviant groups, like punks, hippies or other radical organizations, often fight against a society they deem unworthy of their attention and thus ignore. However Emile Durkheim pointed out that deviance is important for the structure of society (Durkheim 1893,1964). Certain groups deviate from social norms because of both their raising and social pressures at the time while others conform for the exact same reason. "One of the main reasons people choose to conform to society is that their family responsibilities impose caution. Also the weakening of youth's rebelliousness because the youth has begun to find his own identity (Dr. Spock, 1969)." People who conform to society's wishes may also be greeted with more job expectations and higher wages. Oft times these people will choose a specialist in their field and pattern their behavior after this person. This type of social conformity is extremely necessary to any growing society. Without this kind of conformity the greats of civilization would likely never exist. As each great followed in the footsteps of another, for example Thomas Edison followed in the footsteps of Aristotle, society continues to progress in leaps in bounds. The social order can thus be maintained by social conformity. Conformity also adds to the level of social control a society can attribute to its overly passive citizens. The more conformist and meek a socie ty is the easier it is for the controlling class to subvert the general citizen and force them in to their own beliefs of social control. "The conformist aspect of society seeks to subvert and control the more deviant aspect, taking an approach of them and us (Graffin, 1996)." The socialization process seems to favor those in society who would choose to conform. This makes sense since the socialization process is based upon parents teaching, and rearing, their children to become productive members of society. Almost all societal pressures aid those who would choose to conform to society, so why would anyone choose social deviance as their means of public o... ...eving they don't need belief or other people. This type of self-destruction is common among social deviants and indeed expresses much about why youths would choose deviance as a way of life (Klockars, 1974)." The social deviant often conflicts dramatically and violently with the social conformist. Two examples of this are the 60's and, in Britain, the early 80's punk movement. More examples are likely to appear as our society's atrophy spontaneously creates more and more deviant subcultures. Social deviance is difficult to define, as each group chooses to be known in their own particular way. Social conformist is not as difficult as it is the standard with which we are all identified. Without deviance, however, how we come to know what is normal? The answer to that question is we wouldn't the deviant both makes our perception of society more clear and causes us to react and act according to our beliefs. Either hatred or understanding, the end result is irrelevant it is merely the existence of the action that is important. Thus, society can continue to grow and change thanks to those who would choose deviance over conformity and chaos over order.

Reflective Essay on Fiction Writing :: Teaching Writing Education Essays

Reflective Essay on Fiction Writing I’ll be honest. I was worried about writing fiction up until I realized that fiction is just nonfiction exaggerated, nonfiction with a wider allowance for artistic merit, and nonfiction with the gaps filled in. And fiction doesn’t have to be as imaginative, in a fantasy sense, as I had thought. It’s still very real, or at least mine is. For the nonfiction essay, I wrote a string of memories, anything I could think of and that I could potentially expand upon in a longer piece, and I did this early on. For this fiction essay, I am doing something similar; I made a list of character types and wrote some sketches of ‘characters’ I’ve come across in my own life. I used one of these character types for my extraordinary scene, and then sought help from the king of making the ordinary extraordinary, William Carlos Williams, to fix the character in a scene. Using the character type worked for me this time because I was merely observing her; there was some distance, and I didn’t have to get inside her head so much. In general, though, I find that I shy away from the character types, at least for our assignments, because they require a lot of work on my part, and I didn’t have enough time to get to know them well enough to do them justice in a story. So I stuck to the characters I knew more ab out. For my short fiction, I worked off the framework of a story that I knew happened. But my knowledge of the event was very limited (it could be told in one sentence), so I filled in the gaps and made it fiction by telling my version of what might have happened. For the longer fiction, I worked off of something that one of my real life ‘characters’ said jokingly, but I built a fictional story around it being said in all seriousness. Overall, I’m happy with my extraordinary scene. I like the picture I created. It’s satisfying. I like it on its own, but I also wonder what more I could do with it. I think I could work with her character, maybe bring her up against some trouble. We discussed this in conference, but I really think that I should think up some trouble for my characters. I think I have developed and even embodied my characters well, but my stories don’t push any limits because they lack tension and urgency.

Love at First Sight Essay

Love at first sight is a common trope in Western literature, in which a person, character, or speaker feels romantic attraction for a stranger on the first sight of them. Described by poets and critics from the Greek world on, it has become one of the most powerful tropes in Western fiction. In the classical world, the phenomenon of â€Å"love at first sight† was understood within the context of a more general conception of passionate love, a kind of madness or, as the Greeks put it, theia mania (â€Å"madness from the gods†).[1] This love passion was described through an elaborate metaphoric and mythological psychological schema involving â€Å"love’s arrows† or â€Å"love darts,† the source of which was often given as the mythological Eros or Cupid,[2] sometimes by other mythological deities (such as Rumor[3]). At times, the source of the arrows was said to be the image of the beautiful love object itself. If these arrows arrived at the lover’s eyes, they would then travel to and ‘pierce’ his or her heart, overwhelming them with desire and longing (love sickness). The image of the â€Å"arrow’s wound† was sometimes used to create oxymorons and rhetorical antithesis. â€Å"Love at first sight† was explained as a sudden and immediate beguiling of the lover through the action of these processes, and is illustrated in numerous Greek and Roman works. In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Narcissus becomes immediately spellbound and charmed by his own (unbeknownst to him) image. In Achilles Tatius’s Leucippe and Clitophon, the lover Clitophon thus describes his own experience of the phenomenon: â€Å"As soon as I had seen her, I was lost. For Beauty’s wound is sharper than any weapon’s, and it runs through the eyes down to the soul. It is through the eye that love’s wound passes, and I now became a prey to a host of emotions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ [4]†Love at first sight† was not, however, the only mode of entering into passionate love in classical texts; at times the passion could occur after the initial meeting or could precede the first glimpse. Another classical interpretation of the phenomenon of â€Å"love at first sight† is found in Plato’s Symposium in Aristophanes’ description of the separation of primitive double-creatures into modern men and women and their subsequent search for their missing half: â€Å"†¦ when [a lover] †¦ is fortunate enough to meet his other half, they are both so intoxicated with affection, with friendship, and with love, that they cannot bear to let each other out of sight for a single instant.†[5]

Chi Mei Opto Electronics

Brief Introduction Chi-Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) is a world-leading manufacturer of TFT-LCD display panels for use in applications such as desktop monitors, notebook PCs, and LCD TVs. The company was founded on August 6, 1998 and was listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (stock symbol 3009) in August 2002. As of early 2006, CMO had over 15,000 employees worldwide. CMO has long cultivated its base at the Tainan Science-Based Industrial Park, where it currently operates four production facilities including one 3. 5-generation fab, one fourth-generation fab, one fifth-generation fab and one 5. -generation fab. To maintain a high level of competitiveness and flexibility, CMO is relentless in its investment activities and has aggressive plans for the deployment of its next-generation plants. In addition to capacity expansion plans for its current facilities, CMO is in the process of building its second fifth-generation fab, and a new 7. 5generation fab. With its commitment and heavy R&D foc us on the highest quality of in-house self-developed technologies, CMO is able to attract the most brilliant TFT-LCD R&D talent in the industry.In addition to ongoing innovation in production process technologies, CMO strives to satisfy consumer demands and expectations for high quality LCD panels by continually making technology breakthroughs and refinements. CMO is also dedicated to facilitating the clustering of the Optoelectronics Industry, and has put tremendous effort towards vertical integration with its suppliers. CMO has brought together leading upstream suppliers, including producers of glass substrates, backlight units, polarizing films, cold cathode fluorescent lamps and driver integrated circuits.CMO also initiated the Optoelectronics manufacturing cluster in Tree Valley (previously known as the LCDTV & Industrial Support Park), and has been ahead of the curve in localizing the procurement of key components and equipment to enhance supply chain efficiency. This in turn has significantly stimulated the upgrade and development of Taiwan’s innovative Optoelectronics Industry. The world is currently entering a new golden era of high definition digital TV and multimedia.As one of the leading manufacturers in the global LCD-TV panel industry, CMO continues to focus on the development of advanced technology and innovative products, and shares in the responsibilities of promoting the knowledge-based concept of the â€Å"digital home†. Last year, CMO organized the â€Å"2005 Digital TV Technology Forum† in which government representatives and experts from around the world were invited to share their experiences and visions on the future of the digital home.We at CMO believe it is our duty and obligation to satisfy our customers’ needs and expectations with high quality displays, and to enhance Taiwan’s presence in the world’s TFT LCD display industry. Corporate Structure Business Performance 2005 Operation Results In 2005, CMO’s panel production set another historical record. Annual panel shipment increased by 90% to 23,685 thousand units, while annual revenue increased by 49% to NT$152, 844 million. Net profit amounted to NT$ 8,047 million. Revenue from LCD-TV panels contributed over 40% of annual sales, with an annual shipment of more than 5. million units. Our annual capital expenditure was NT$ 62,018 million. Operation Strategies We expect that the China market will play a very important role in our global operation strategies. Therefore, we established Ningbo Chi Mei Optoelectronics in the second half of 2005, which was a very important first step to implement CMO’s global operation and cost reduction strategies. More importantly, Ningbo Chi Me Optoelectronics, as our first investment in China, also builds a stronger base for the long-term development of CMO in this competitive TFT-LCD industry.Also, to provide high quality customer service and maintain close customer relat ionships, CMO established two new subsidiaries, one each in Europe and Singapore. Additionally, CMO will invest more aggressively in the technologies of various key input components to protect our company from potential industry-wide shortages. 2006 Operational Goals Buoyed by the expected strong replacement demand and imminent emergence of digital life, the worldwide TFT-LCD market is forecasted to experience strong growth and profits in 2006.To strengthen our position as a leading manufacturer of LCD-TV panels, we will keep expanding our production capacity through the mass production and ramp up of our second 5G Fab and Ningbo Chi Mei module assembly plant, as well as achieving higher yields at the 5. 5G Fab and the equipment move-in of the 7. 5G Fab. Meanwhile,CMO will aggressively invest in the market of key input components to achieve cost reductions in an efficient manner. For 2006, with all our empolyees’ efforts and innovations, we have confidence in keeping our posi tion as a leading manufacturer of LCD-TV panels.In addition, we will continue to strive for higher market share in the notebook computers and desktop monitors markets. Operational Highlights Business Activities CMO’s scope of business includes the research, development, production and sale of TFT-LCD display panels and color filters. 2005 Sales Chart: Industry overview Due to the dominating technology, diversified applications and cost effectiveness, TFT-LCD monitors has become the mainstream product in the flat panel display industry in recent years.In 2005, the suppliers of the key components such as backlights, color filters, driver ICs, and polarizers benefited greatly from the strong demand generated by the mass production of next-generation TFT-LCD fabs. According to DisplaySearch, Taiwan’s share of worldwide LCD TV panel revenues grew dramatically from 27. 4% in 2004 to 38. 7% in 2005. TFT-LCD is a capital-intensive and technology-intensive industry. The main co untries include Taiwan, Korea and Japan. In 2005, LCD TV panels bloomed due to the smooth mass production and ramp up of worldwide ifth generation and above fabs. According to DisplaySearch, the production of LCD TV panels increased to 28 million units in 2005 from 8 million units in 2004. In the past, the main manufacturers focused on competing for higher production capacity. Now, in order to gain better positioning in the future LCD TV market, the key players are paying more attention to accurate demand predictions, flexible production, and new advanced technologies. Also, the price fluctuations of LCD TV panels have smoothed out compared to before 2005.The following chart is an overview of the TFT-LCD industry: R & D Expenditures Short and Long Term Operating Development Plan In 2006, CMO will continuously strive to capture a higher market share in the TFT LCD market and provide more diversified products A. LCD-TV Product CMO will continuously improve our market shares and revenu es in this market. Due to the strong demand for LCD TVs, we will offer an extensive product line of full HD panels above 40† to fulfill the demands of our clients.Based on our solid worldwide customer base, CMO will continue to improve the operation performance in each area. Also, CMO will more aggressively explore new business opportunities in developing countries. B. OA Product In 2006, CMO expects to capture 1 to 2% more market share than last year in the desktop monitor and notebook applications. We will offer more competitive wide-format products, and develop 22†, 24† and 30† panels for the monitor segment. Also, we will produce notebook panels in our fifth generation fab, which will improve our competitive advantage as well.In 2006, CMO will not only offer more diversified products, but also continuously provide our customers with better service and cooperation in order to achieve higher a market share in the TFT-LCD industry. Industry growth forecast D isplaySearch has forecasted the large-sized TFT LCD panel demand in 2006 to consist of 7. 86 million units for notebook computers and 135 million units desktop computer monitors (11. 6 million units for other applications), with respective annual growth rates expected to be 24% and 14%. We produce notebook panels in our 3. , fourth and fifth generation fabs, which can economically cut sizes such as 12. 1†, 13. 3†wide, 14. 1† and 14. 1†wide, 15†and 15. 4†wide, and 17†wide. Monitor panels are produced in our fourth, fifth, and 5. 5 generation fabs, which have economic cutting sizes for 17†, 19†, 20. 1†, 19† wide, 22†wide and 24† wide format. CMO’s marketing division expects the LCD TV panel market will reach approximately 43 million units with an annual growth rate of 54% in 2006. More importantly, 32† and above panels will account for more than 40% of the total market.We have strengthened our p osition in the 20† and above LCD TV market in the past 3 years. Our annual LCD TV panel shipment is more than 5. 5 million units in 2005. CMO’s market share in LCD TVs is on par with the two Korean manufacturers. Our innovative technologies and products have enabled CMO to make significant advances. Manufacturing Process Sales and Production over the last 2 years Domestic and Export Sales over the last 2 years Financial Analysis of the Last Five Years Unconsolidated Sales Breakdown by Application Sales Breakdown by Application Unconsolidated Sales Breakdown by Panel Size Sales Breakdown by Panel Size