OB and HRM Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

OB and HRM - Assignment Example It has highlighted the strong points as well as the weak points of the team and presented a recommendation for the team’s future strategy. DSS Consulting was established in the USA in 1997 as an administrative support firm. Its primary objective consisted of providing organizational support to the local school districts located in the mid-western part of USA and also the mountain west region of the country. The company had been formed by three retired administrators of the local school districts. The local school districts of this region used to employ a limited number of staff who were not well equipped to deal with the various administrative problems faced by the educational institutions. The three founders of the DSS Consulting had already spent long years in the service of their respective institutions and by the time they founded the company, all of them had completed their years in service. However, experienced as they were, they were quick to realize the various administrative difficulties encountered by the modern schools. This was especially applicable in the case of the small local district schools which usua lly had limited staff members to deal with the multifarious organizational difficulties. The district administrators realized the need of a separate firm which could lend administrative support to these local district schools. This was the objective behind the setting up of the DSS Consulting Company. (Ancona and Caldwell, 2010, pp.1-2) DSS helped the district schools in negotiating agreements with the labor organizations, establishing their independent procurement system and so on. During the latter half of the 1990s decade, the local school districts encountered more complex administrative challenges. They were also put under pressure to curtail the costs of administration. DSS viewed this as an opportunity to showcase its potentials and tried to

Solar Powered Cars Essay Example for Free

Solar Powered Cars Essay Cars that run on fossil fuels are still standard, but many would like to replace those diesel or gas engines with alternative fuels. One promising possibility is to develop solar powered cars. Although this is not yet a reality, prototypes have been built and proven to be functional and now many researchers are trying to find ways of using solar energy to power cars. Solar powered cars would have many advantages over those that run on fossil fuels. These advantages are directly the result of the alternative source of energy. Cars that are solar powered basically run on energy collected from the sun’s rays and that means that there is an unlimited supply of the source energy. This gives solar powered vehicles an edge over those that use up the limited supplies of oil reserves. Another advantage of solar energy is that it is also free of future costs for the supply and requires very little maintenance and upkeep. This would make solar powered cars cheap to drive. Since solar power doesn’t have any emissions, the cars would also be considered clean or â€Å"green† and not have a negative impact on the environment. However, as of now there are no standard solar powered car models on the market. This may change in the near future, though, since many of the major manufacturers are also looking into this alternative source of energy and have ideas, such as adding solar panels to the car roof or to use solar energy as a power source to charge electric cars. Media Plan The medium we selected is Print media Commercial (TV) Print Medium: The Ad should be high resolute and innovated that if the customer is in market buy the product can actually picture the Ad .People we are targeting the middle class people. Ad will be advertized in Sunday Magazine The NEWS cover page as first impression is the last THE DAWN cover page as first impression is the last As many people we are targeting read news papers on weekends only and will impact them more efficiently It will help customer to Thorley read the ad and make a thought about the product, The cover page will cost on the NEW (cover page) 4’’ will cost 180000 per week And Dawn will charge on 230000 for a week Commercial (TV) Time should be exact before 9:00 headline (news) Geo News is the channel we have selected and time selected slot we are have finalized is 8:59 Time span will be 30 seconds   Geo is currently costing us 350000 per commercial, and off the peak time it will cost us 250000

Different Approaches Of Completing Tasks English Language Essay

Different Approaches Of Completing Tasks English Language Essay Culture is the continuum within which all communication takes place. Communication needs a certain platform shared by the sender and the receiver. Culture is the platform which makes sharing of cultural codes, values, icons, and symbols possible and meaningful. The medium of communication is after all a system of cultural codes that the sender borrows to express his/her ideas. The receiver must understand these codes in terms of the culture from which they have been borrowed and it is only then that s/he would derive maximum sense from it. Culture plays a major role by adding significance to apparently arbitrary conventions. Cultural conventions determine the way we communicate, how we communicate and what we communicate. If the conventions are broken, communication suffers a disjunction and there is great scope for ambiguity. Familiarly with the cultural codes enhances communication skills and allows people in that cultural context to exchange massages that are clear and more complete. Different culture-specific cues are called cultural variables. These bring in the social and cultural variations in the way we talk, dress, and conduct business, or even how we conduct ourselves. Cross-cultural communication is a field of study that looks at how people from differing  cultural  backgrounds communicate, in similar and different ways among themselves, and how they Endeavour to  communicate  across cultures. UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL DIVERSITY Different cultural contexts bring new communication challenges to the workplace. Even when employees located in different locations or offices speak the same language there are some cultural differences. In such cases, an effective communication strategy begins with the understanding that the sender of the message and the receiver of the message are from different cultures and backgrounds. Fundamental Patterns  of Cultural Differences: Different Communication Styles Different Attitudes towards Conflict Different Approaches of Completing Tasks Different Decision-Making Styles Different Attitudes towards Disclosure Different Approaches to Knowing As I work for a multinational IT company and have been transferred to Japan for five years on a project- I have to gather information as to how to avoid problems of cross-cultural communication for my successful stay in Japan. There are several ways to become knowledgeable about the culture of Japan and one of them is through information available on the Internet. I would also like to read books on Japanese culture, etiquette, food habits and about verbal and non verbal communication. Some basic features of Japanese culture gathered from different sources: Harmony is the basic philosophy of the Japanese in family and business matters and in society as a whole.   They value politeness, personal responsibility and working together for the group and society, rather than the individual good.   In their view, working in harmony plays a pivotal role in working meaningfully and productively. As the Japanese strive are group dependent, they depend on facial expression, tone of voice and gesture to express them what someone feels. They usually rely on non-verbal messages more than the spoken words.  Frowning while someone is speaking is termed as a sign of disagreement.   Inhaling through clenched teeth, tilting the head, scratching the back of the head, and scratching the eyebrow are watched closely. Staring into another persons eyes, particularly that of a senior person, is held as disrespectful. In any social event, the elder persons are served first. Since Japanese think that turning down someones request results in embarrassment and loss of face to the other person, if the request is not agreeable, they will say, its inconvenient or its under consideration.   http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQYGN3m_u_JzIijBzN6FUnryOIscnrvgKeifwp_a9md3z4glIm1 Knowing these key Japanese customs, Ill get closer to the locals and representatives of different business groups of Japan: 1. Addressing someone with due respect: For visitors like me a simple inclination of the head or an attempt at a bow at the waist would be a gesture of respect. 2. Manners while on dining table: If I am in a dinner party and receive drinks, I must wait before raising the glass to my lips. After everyone is served, and someone takes the lead, I must raise my drink, and say, kampai! (Cheers!). When I receive a wet cloth at Japanese restaurants, which is a common practice, I must use this to wash my hands before eating. Slurping noodles or making loud noises while eating is acceptable and reflects that the food is delicious. 3. No Tips Please: To tip someone in any situation is frowned upon as it is termed as insulting. 4. Chopsticks: One must learn to use chopsticks for taking lunch or dinner. 5. Visiting Homes and Houses: One has to take off ones shoes at the entrance to any home, and most businesses and hotels. Usually a rack is provided for keeping shoes. 6. Masks: Sterilized masks are generally used by salary men, office ladies, and municipal workers to protect other people from their germs. 7. Conformity: Drawing attention to oneself is a taboo. One must not blow ones nose in public, avoid eating while on the go and speak on mobile phone in crowded public areas. 8. Speaking English: Japanese generally assume the foreign visitor as a native English speaker until one proves otherwise. Although one may speak some or fluent Japanese, the default language of choice is English. Many Japanese still insist on using their own English language ability, however limited, to converse with foreign visitors. 9. Safety: Japanese generally warn tourists to be safe in their travels, to take care of their belongings. However, advise not to worry, nothing can go wrong, nothing will be stolen. APPEARANCE CODE One must dress to impress. For men, they must wear dark conservative attire. Business suits are most suitable. Shoes should be easy to remove, as one will be expected to do so quite often. One must avoid using large hand gestures, unusual facial expressions and any unusual movements. OK sign should be avoided; in Japan it means money. Pointing in not acceptable. One must not blow ones nose in public. Personal space is valued. A smile can have double meaning. It can express either joy or displeasure. The Japanese are not uncomfortable with silence. http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSR_EtxFTFJt0dtqajoy3IXY5N66m0sqhI8fmVqOgvF3VEZSSTDo755q_J1 BEHAVIOUR CODE Drinking is an integral part of Japanese culture. It is a way to relieve business stress. One must never pour a drink oneself, allow someone else to do it. Generally most business entertaining is done in restaurants or bars after business hours. Let the host order the meal and pay. Japanese generally refrain from entertaining in the home. If one is invited to the home of Japanese host, he should consider it a great honour and express gratitude. If one has to take ones host out, he must insist upon paying. It is generally acceptable to slurp ones noodles as it shows the food was delicious. Japanese term number 14 as bad luck, because in Japanese it sounds like the word hush-hush, pronounced like the word for death. Both business and personal gifts are happily accepted. But the gifts must be wrapped and should be given and accepted with both hands. Gifts should be given at the end of a visit. http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQfkdiWB0n9HpIMdoYngLmbYubELFaKHkAkSiR00A3gFU1RCyAh THERE ARE 10 STRATEGIES THAT HELPS IN MAKING CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONAL EFFECTIVE http://www.nynj-phtc.org/images/top10-400-white.jpg JAPAN RELIGION http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSP88Ii63ne9lM-6jI2gkVzEpMCM1Gyx7ktQcOJd43yRZlfP07W http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQmU1Hs97UlNqQ91YB6J20CpUUBNREzQ6kT26yD2-ptS7tpH_H3

Maos Last Dancer Essay -- Dancing Dancers China Essays

Mao's Last Dancer Staggeringly vast and a land of great diversity, China, the world's most populous and third largest nation is more like a continent in itself than a country. With that huge population and a long history, China has made itself become a glorious and controversial country during one hundred years, especially from 1949 when China was finally at peace after decades of war, a China under China Communist Party (CCP) and Mao Zedong. There was actually a lot of changing in society as well as in particular people’s lives. Li Cunxin, a dancer and the author of the book Mao’s last dancer - a huge bestseller in Australia and the thirty-fourth book of â€Å"Australia’s 100 favourite books† of the year, has his life changed clearly and dramatically which is explained emotionally in his book. Mao's last dancer touches every reader’s hearts by its beauty, its honesty and exhilaration. Through this book, we are able to learn more about China from a different side and obviously about Li Cunxin’s life – a life within a burning desire for higher achievements. Li Cunxin was born into an extreme poor peasant family in Qingdoa in 1961, Northern China. He is the sixth son in the family of seven sons, living in a small house with relatives. 1961 is the third year of Mao’s Great Leap Forward â€Å"which had left rural China suffering terribly from disease and deprivation†. But when he was eleven years old, Madame Mao decided to revive the Perking Dance Academy and sent her men into the countryside to find suitable children. And Li, thanks to his teacher pointing out, without any former experience, was chosen to become a dancer - one of the best dancers in the world. After seven years of hard training at Beijing Dance Ac... ...s and aspirations. His delivery was powerful and effective and he certainly had the audience with him all the way, conquered, inspired and enriched. Reference: [1] Mao's last dancer by Li Cunxin – Book Summary and Book Reviews, http://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm?book_number=1388, 17/08/05 [2] Li Cunxin – An interview with author, http://www.bookbrowse.com/author_interviews/full/index.cfm?author_number=995, 17/08/05 [3] Li Cunxin, Dancer Magnificent, http://www.anovelview.com/li_cunxin_dancer_magnifique.htm, 17/08/05 [4] Li Cunxin – An interview with author, http://www.bookbrowse.com/author_interviews/full/index.cfm?author_number=995, 17/08/05 [5] Li Cunxin, Dancer Magnificent, http://www.anovelview.com/li_cunxin_dancer_magnifique.htm, 17/08/05 * Li Cunxin, Mao’s Last Dancer, New York : Putnam, 2003.

Investor Ratio Analysis

Investor Ratios There are various ratios that are designed to help investors who hold shares in a company to assess the returns on their investment. These are: Dividend per Share The dividend per share ratio relates the dividends pertaining to an accounting period to the amount of shares in issue during the period. The ratio is given as follows: Dividend per share = Dividends pertaining to a period Number of shares in issue The ratio provides an indication of the cash return a shareholder receives from holding shares in a company.Although it is a useful measure, it must be remembered that the dividend received will usually only represent a partial measure of the return to an investor. Dividends are usually only a portion of the earnings generated by the firm and available to shareholders. A business may decide to plough back some of its earnings back into the business in order to achieve future growth. These ploughed back profits belong to the shareholders and should in principle inc rease the value of the shares. Thus w h e n assessing the total return to an investor we must look at both the dividends received and any movement in the share price.The dividend per share for Alexis Ltd is given as follows: Page 1 of 5 Dividends per share can vary considerably between companies. A number of factors will influence the amount that a company is willing or able to issue in the form of dividends to shareholders. These factors include: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ The profit available for distribution to investors The future expenditure commitments of the company The expectations of shareholders concerning the level of dividend payment The cash available for dividend distributionComparing the dividends per share between companies is not always useful as there may be differences between the nominal value of the shares issued. It may be more useful to monitor the trend in dividends per share over a period of time. Dividend Yield Ratio This ratio relates the cash return from a share to its current market value and is given as follows: Dividend Yield Ratio = Dividend per Share Market Value of a Share * 100 1 The ratio for Alexis pic is given as follows: Page 2 of 5 In essence this ratio measures the real rate of return on a share.Investors can compare the returns from a company's shares to the returns that could be earned by investing either in another company or by investing in another form of investment. Dividend Cover Dividend cover (for ordinary shares) looks at how many time a firm's profits (after interest, lax and preference dividends) cover the ordinary dividends. Dividend Cover = Profit after interest, tax and Pref Share Dividends Ordinary Share Dividends For Alexis plc this ratio is calculated as follows: Interpretation: Alexis plc profits covers ordinary dividends 3. 96times.Dividend cover is calculated using the profit after interest and tax figure because banks, government and preference shareholders have a preferential claim on the pro fits of the firm. This ratio is of particular interest to ordinary shareholders. Earnings per share The earnings per share relate’s the earnings generated by the company during a period and available to shareholders to the number or snares in issue. For ordinary shareholders the amount available will be net profit after interest, tax and preference dividends because banks, the government and preference shareholders have a preferential claim on the profits of the firm.Page 3 of 5 Earnings per share = Earnings available to ordinary shareholders Number of ordinary- shares in issue For Alexis plc this ratio is calculated as follows: The EPS is regarded by many investment analysts as a fundamental measure of share performance. Tracking the EPS over time can help assess the investment potential of the company's shares. Care must be taken when comparing EPS from different firms as capital structures differ from one firm to the next. Price Earnings (P/E) R a t i o The price earnings ratio relates the market value of a share to the earnings per share.It is calculated a s follows: P/E Ratio = Market value per share Earnings per Share The P/E Ratio for Alexis is calculated as follows: Page 4 of 5 The ratio reveals that the capital value of the share is 9. 4 times higher than its current level of earnings. The ratio is essence is a measure of market confidence in the future of the company. A high P/E ratio means that relative to profits the price of the share is quite high. Why would this be the case? The higher the P/E ratio the greater the confidence in the future earning power of the company i. e. lthough current earnings are low investors expect them to increase in the future and therefore investors are prepared to pay a high price for the share in relation to the current earnings of the share. A low P/E ratio means that the share price is quite low compared to earnings – this implies a pessimistic view of the future. Nobody will be willing to pay a high price for a share in a company that has unexciting trading prospects. Because the P/E ratio gives a guide as to market confidence in a share it can therefore be helpful when comparing different companies although P/E ratios per sector will vary. Page 5 of 5

Free Essays on Opinions And Differences Between Windows NT And Unix (Linux)

Opinions and Differences Between Windows NT and Unix (Linux) â€Å"A Professional choice or decision for an Operating Systems† There are many different operating systems and many different types. Most people wonder what the differences are between these operating systems available today. Capabilities are the major factors that play a key part in decision making for individuals and corporations. Trying to determine which system is best to use depends on a lost of different things. Most major companies have to choose between many different types of servers. The most common two are Windows NT and Unix (Linux). Windows NT servers are increasing in popularity with Microsoft but is it increasing the productivity of your MIS operations? When trying to choose between Unix and Windows NT you must think about this: A Unix operating system will give you many choices; any type of hardware, diverse choices of vendors. It is dynamic; you can build a customized kernel to fit the specific computing needs at hand. Windows NT will give you restrictions: only Intel or Alpha and then only one GUI, NT server is static. For example you will never be able to build a customized kernel. IT professionals believe that some companies are going to Unix operating systems manly because NT fails too much. In network World, Companies aren’t inclined to talk about their decisions because of pressure from upstairs. Managers who decided, against advice from technology people, to use NT rather than Unix are not unwilling to lose face. Unix is not a single operating system; it refers to a family of operating systems. Mary Hubley mentions that the public’s overly positive perception of NT’s capabilities is based mainly on marketing hype, â€Å"Many people believe that NT is easier to use that it actually is, scales better that it does, and is powerful enough to do what Unix can do. But most of this perception is due to great marketing by Microsoft, ... Free Essays on Opinions And Differences Between Windows NT And Unix (Linux) Free Essays on Opinions And Differences Between Windows NT And Unix (Linux) Opinions and Differences Between Windows NT and Unix (Linux) â€Å"A Professional choice or decision for an Operating Systems† There are many different operating systems and many different types. Most people wonder what the differences are between these operating systems available today. Capabilities are the major factors that play a key part in decision making for individuals and corporations. Trying to determine which system is best to use depends on a lost of different things. Most major companies have to choose between many different types of servers. The most common two are Windows NT and Unix (Linux). Windows NT servers are increasing in popularity with Microsoft but is it increasing the productivity of your MIS operations? When trying to choose between Unix and Windows NT you must think about this: A Unix operating system will give you many choices; any type of hardware, diverse choices of vendors. It is dynamic; you can build a customized kernel to fit the specific computing needs at hand. Windows NT will give you restrictions: only Intel or Alpha and then only one GUI, NT server is static. For example you will never be able to build a customized kernel. IT professionals believe that some companies are going to Unix operating systems manly because NT fails too much. In network World, Companies aren’t inclined to talk about their decisions because of pressure from upstairs. Managers who decided, against advice from technology people, to use NT rather than Unix are not unwilling to lose face. Unix is not a single operating system; it refers to a family of operating systems. Mary Hubley mentions that the public’s overly positive perception of NT’s capabilities is based mainly on marketing hype, â€Å"Many people believe that NT is easier to use that it actually is, scales better that it does, and is powerful enough to do what Unix can do. But most of this perception is due to great marketing by Microsoft, ...

Noble Gases Properties

Noble Gases Properties The right column of the periodic table contains seven elements known as the inert or noble gases. Learn about the properties of the noble gas group of elements. Key Takeaways: Noble Gas Properties The noble gases are group 18 on the periodic table, which is the column of elements on the right side of the table.There are seven noble gas elements: helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, radon, and oganesson.Noble gases are the least reactive chemical elements. They are nearly inert because the atoms have a full valence electron shell, with little tendency to accept or donate electrons to form chemical bonds. Location and List  of the Noble Gases  on the Periodic Table The noble gases, also known as the inert gases or rare gases, are located in Group VIII or International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) group 18 of the periodic table. This is the column of elements along the far right side of the periodic table.  This group is a subset of the nonmetals.  Collectively, the elements are also called the helium group or the neon group. The noble gases are: Helium (He)Neon  (Ne)Argon (Ar)Krypton (Kr)Xenon (Xe)Radon (Rn)Oganesson (Og) With the exception of oganesson, all of these elements are gases at ordinary temperature and pressure. There havent been enough atoms produced of oganesson to know its phase for certain, but most scientists predict it will be a liquid or solid. Both radon and oganesson consist only of radioactive isotopes. Noble Gas Properties The noble gases are relatively nonreactive. In fact, they are the least reactive elements on the periodic table.  This is because they have a complete valence shell. They have little tendency to gain or lose electrons. In 1898, Hugo Erdmann coined the phrase noble gas to reflect the low reactivity of these elements, in much the same way as the noble metals are less reactive than other metals.  The noble gases have high ionization energies and negligible electronegativities. The noble gases have low boiling points and are all gases at room temperature. Summary of Common Properties Fairly nonreactiveComplete outer electron or valence shell (oxidation number 0)High ionization energiesVery low electronegativitiesLow boiling points (all monatomic  gases at room temperature)No color, odor, or flavor under ordinary conditions (but may form colored liquids and solids)NonflammableAt low pressure, they will conduct electricity and fluoresce Uses of the Noble Gases The noble gases are used to form inert atmospheres, typically for arc welding, to protect specimens, and to deter chemical reactions. The elements are used in lamps, such as neon lights and krypton headlamps, and in lasers. Helium is used in balloons, for deep-sea diving air tanks,  and to cool superconducting magnets. Misconceptions About the Noble Gases Although the noble gases have been called the rare gases, they arent particularly uncommon on Earth or in the universe. In fact, argon is the 3rd or 4th most abundant gas in the atmosphere  (1.3 percent by mass or 0.94 percent by volume), while neon, krypton, helium, and xenon are notable trace elements.​ For a long time, many people believed the noble gases to be completely nonreactive and unable to form chemical compounds. Although these elements dont form compounds readily, examples of molecules containing xenon, krypton, and radon have been found. At high pressure, even helium, neon, and argon participate in chemical reactions. Sources of the Noble Gases Neon, argon, krypton, and xenon all are found in air and are obtained by liquefying it and performing fractional distillation. The major source of helium is from the  cryogenic separation of natural gas. Radon, a radioactive noble gas, is produced from the  radioactive decay of heavier elements, including radium, thorium, and uranium. Element 118 is a man-made radioactive element, produced by striking a target with accelerated particles. In the future, extraterrestrial sources of noble gases may be found. Helium, in particular, is more abundant on larger planets than it is on Earth. Sources Greenwood, N. N.; Earnshaw, A. (1997). Chemistry of the Elements (2nd ed.). Oxford:Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN 0-7506-3365-4.Lehmann, J (2002). The Chemistry of Krypton. Coordination Chemistry Reviews. 233–234: 1–39. doi:10.1016/S0010-8545(02)00202-3Ozima, Minoru; Podosek, Frank A. (2002). Noble Gas Geochemistry. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-80366-7.Partington, J. R. (1957). Discovery of Radon. Nature. 179 (4566): 912. doi:10.1038/179912a0Renouf, Edward (1901). Noble gases. Science. 13 (320): 268–270.

Art critique essays

Art critique essays I have always enjoyed scenic landscape paintings. One piece of artwork that really caught my eye was the Two Watermills and a Sluice painting found at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. This particular painting was created by the Dutch artist Jacob van Ruisdael in 1653. Ruisdael created the painting using oil on a canvas. The paintings dimensions are 26 x 33.25 inches. Captured in the painting are, as the title reveals, two watermills. One of the watermills is more centrally located than the other. In fact the second watermill is only shown partially, as the rest of the structure seems to disappear off the canvas to the right. Between the two watermills is an actively flowing expanse of water. A very large tree is an easily noticeable landmark that is positioned just to the left of the central watermill. The painting seems to embody a very simple theme, yet it is still visually captivating. There are various amounts of foliage painted in great detail shown in the foreground of the painting. There are also delicately brushed clouds in the sky. The clouds on the left and the right portions of the canvas are darker, making way for brighter, wispier, clouds resting in the center of the sky. There is a man in a resting position with his dog at his side in the far off background. A very good sense of naturalism is personified throughout the whole of the painting. When looking at the painting the viewers eyes are drawn from the lower left of the painting towards the center in a sweeping motion. Starting where the river begins on the lower left side by lighting the center of the river with softer colors surrounded by darker reflections and plant life on either side, the artist creates a path for your eyes to follow. The motion of your eyes drawn across the river begins to dissipate as the rivers softer shades of aqua and faint whites are covered by the darker colors of the shrubbery on the river bank. But, just as the moti...

Countertrade Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Countertrade - Assignment Example cting countertrade in that deals can be discussed and online and even technical support to buyers can be provided online without incurring travelling expenses. 1. Only option: Trade can be financed with counter-trade when other means are unavailable. Either supplier or buyer credit may be impossible to arrange. Performance or payment bank guarantees may be too costly. The project might call for longer term financing then government-supported export credit facilities allow. The political situation in host countries might preclude other government financial aid. The host country might not permit currency repatriation. 3. Non-trade benefits. Long-range management and technical benefits from joint venture partnerships can often be achieved through buyback counter-trade arrangements, specifically coproduction transactions. In most cases a host-country partner brings to the partnership local management techniques and protocol that might take a foreign company years to develop on its own. In some cases, the partner brings technical or application techniques unique to the host-country cultural environment. 1. Disposal of goods: Counter-trade contracts involving the exchange of goods that cannot be consumed internally require the sale or trade of these goods on the open market. Even with an in-house trading specialist and assistance from an international consultant, the process is time-consuming and costly. Using a third-party broker increases the cost of disposing of the goods. 2. Internal expertise: To achieve long-term success in counter-trade transactions, a company must establish internal expertise. This means setting up a department dedicated to arranging and managing counter-trade deals. This can be costly addition for a smaller company, and unless it engages in several counter-trade deals, these personnel add unabsorbed

Poverty and Pollution Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Poverty and Pollution Case Study - Essay Example It would be convenient for these businesses to ignore environmental regulations because it would be more cost-effective for them and they can easily get away with these violations (Singer, 1972). Moreover, most of them do not see a sense of environmental responsibility for these affected developing countries because these countries are not their home countries. In other words, these MNCs would feel that they would not be affected by the impact of the pollution they would be releasing in their host countries (Singer, 1972). Fewer environmental regulations include limited resources for host countries, especially on the detection of greenhouse gas emissions from these businesses (Shue, 1999). Businesses polluting in the third world countries are violating environmental laws and the inherent right of all human beings to live pollution-free lives. These violations also imply contraventions on developments and strides towards sustainable development, as well as violations in the protection of the environment vulnerable to destructive man-made activities (Norton, 1984). Violations of environmental laws also indicate the application of post-modern policies which often do not ensure the protection of the environment. Under these conditions, businesses polluting in third world countries are discarding environmental laws and ethical values in favor of financial gains. 2. ... The primary regulatory authority for any country is always the government. In instances where the legislative and executive functions of this government are weak, it is easy for its citizens and the citizens of other countries to perpetuate wrong and illegal acts in the territory (Fobete, 2008). Most of the time, the executive departments of these countries are extremely weak and corrupt, and officials are often easily vulnerable to bribes. These businesses may also disregard standards of pollution control because the third world countries do not have sufficient technology to detect and monitor any environmentally damaging activities which these businesses may perpetuate in their country (Fobete, 2008). The standard monitoring devices in developed countries which monitor air, water, noise, and land pollution and toxicities are often not present or are too expensive for these developing countries to avail (Taylor, 2010). Most of the monitoring in developing countries is carried out wi th personnel who occasionally inspect the facilities for apparent signs of pollution. It is easy enough for businesses to conceal their environmental violations during these inspection periods (Taylor, 2010). Actual monitoring of toxic levels of pollution cannot accurately and efficiently be carried out through visual inspection alone. Hence, without firm and effective tools, these businesses can easily disregard any standards of pollution control. As such, these businesses can easily carry out activities which would normally have high levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in these developing countries (Adams, 2001). Normally, in developed countries, GHG levels would be regulated and violations may prompt government regulatory processes, including closures (Adams,

Coloniaism, Development, Culture and Resistance Essay

Coloniaism, Development, Culture and Resistance - Essay Example The New World inhabitants had accumulated a lot of golden treasure throughout the eras, besides the first deluge of "novel" gold into Europe and Spain came because of the  conquistadores  Ã¢â‚¬ËœSpanish for "conqueror’ take hold of this accumulation (Cole, 2002)  . Through the takeover of Peru by Pizarro Francisco, novel gold started to be excavated; and, through the unearthing of the silver in Mexico, vast quantities of silver started to surface. The European voyagers started to search mainly for gold. Therefore, as silver and gold reached in Europe from the New World, the value of everything started to rise gradually. The perpetual increase of silver and gold in Europe caused what historians term as  the price revolution (Diffie, 1977) and (Armesto, 2006). This paper will discuss the economic advantages that Europeans gained from their conquests in the ‘New World’. Food The new-fangled plants, which were initiated from the New-World, provided adequate fo od supplies for the growing population in Europe. The Europeans began to plant corn and potatoes from the New World. Although it was hard to get accustomed to corn, some Europeans, for instance, the Italians finally became adjusted to corn; nevertheless, it was utilized mainly as food for geese, chicken as well as other fowl as well as for pigs. The potatoes introduction created a revolution of calories, while the reception of corn created a revolution of proteins (Cole, 2002) and (Armesto, 2006). As Europe’s land could now yield more foodstuffs, the value of foodstuffs began to decline. The land production capacity had kept up with the populace, as well as the common European could at the moment eat more. In turn, the Europeans, initiated corn into the Africans as well as sweet potatoes to the Chinese, where these novel foods also altered conditions dramatically (Donkin, 2003) and (Armesto, 2006). The French brought in  tomatoes that they termed as "apples of love," and ut ilized them for decorative purposes within their flower parks. They believed that they were toxic. In time, nevertheless, the poison-producing tomato capacities were kept out, in addition the tomato turned out to be one of the highly popular supplements to European food (Donkin, 2003) and (Armesto, 2006). There were numerous other food vegetables transported back to Europe -- mainly many selections of  squash,  pumpkins,  beans,  peppers  -- that started a welcome diversity, along with a wide variety of vitamins, to the European cuisine. The healthiness of the common European started to improve, as well as his weight, height, and potency increased. While As this transpired, his endurance to illness grew (Cook, 1998) and (Armesto, 2006). Drugs A lot of awareness is directed to the dreadful death toll amongst the native populaces of the New-World instigated through the European's initiation of novel diseases that were incurable (Cook, 1998). It should as well be observed tha t majority of Europeans arriving to the New-World died in a year, generally from some illness, as well as that the demise toll amid Europeans within the central of Africa was very huge that it stayed largely uncultivated by them up to the 19th era (Dunton, 1896) and (Armesto, 2006). The Europeans were hasty to utilize native medicines for their illnesses, and the cinchona tree’

Can you help me to choice one, thanks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Can you help me to choice one, thanks - Essay Example The perceived relations do not carry any universality or necessity. This means that certain phenomena are not related to certain causes. This paper examines Hume’s theory that there is no self, and certain effects are not related to certain causes. According to Hume, impression or sensation are not related to one another; therefore, they do not have in them anything necessary or universal (Chaffee 234). The effects are only chances, and nothing is certain. This implies that particular effects are not because of particular causes. Causality depends on mere belief or instinct. Nobody is aware of any certainty, uniformity or regularity in the working of nature. Therefore, everything becomes a matter of probability (Chaffee 234). Hume further argues that people are limited to images and perceptions. If people cannot determine the exact cause of a particular effect, then they can also not be sure that an external object caused it (Chaffee 237). Although most people are accustomed to believing that there is a casual relationship between objects and perception, there is no valid proof that justifies the relationship between objects and perception. In summary, in accordance to Hume’s interpretation of freedom of the will, there is continuity of self-unconsciousness. He argues that people should be responsible for their actions, as the effects of their impulses within. He further says that metaphysics of reality does not exist. Nobody knows anything that is real in itself, including the world or God. Therefore, there is no

Going for growth by investing in people, products and plant 2 Essay

Going for growth by investing in people, products and plant 2 - Essay Example Question 1 Before making an investment, it is prudent that one possesses an effective understanding of the market of operation. This is important in making an informed investment move. The process of studying the market and developing an understanding of the same is collectively referred to as investment appraisal. It involves a series of market evaluation through a number of mechanisms which result in the comparison of the business’ key objectives which are profitability under the existent market forces (Willey, 2012). There are a number of investment appraisal methodologies including net present value which investigates the ability of the market to repay the investment given the numerous present market factors such as inflation. One of the most preferred of these methods is the direct payback method in which the investor calculates the number of years it may take the business to return the initial investment. Some other investment appraisal method is the accounting rate of r eturn which bases its assessment of the market on its ability to earn profit to the investment. Despite their different approaches to the appraisal, the methods safeguard the interest of the business by trying to determine its profitability and above all its longevity. The life of a business is of great importance to the investor since the longer a business stays viable, the more the investor earns. The company makes an extensive capital investment with the sole aim of achieving the business objective. Capital investment is the amount of money that the enterprise invests in fixed assets which are directly used before implementing its investment plan. In this case, the Hazelwood Sandwiches Company carries out an extensive market research and investment appraisal thereby ensuring that their company stays relevant in the evidently dynamic market (Tabbush, 2011). This includes enhancing the production process such as the machinery and the production plant. The company does this after st aying in operation for some time; it therefore has an understanding of the market. Its decision to make such an expansive capital investment arises from the understanding that it has for the market. The company, just as any other desires, to stay active in the industry for as long as it takes. It therefore collects adequate information about the market and has its market facts right (Thomas & Michael, 2001). After determining the market size, the company determines its market share which is indeed the largest. The subsequent investment therefore arises from the desire to retain the position thus safeguarding both the profitability and the longevity of the company. The company has therefore mapped out its capital investment plan in phases to ensure that it does not become bankrupt in the process since such as scenario might have stifled the production process thereby either incurring debts or resulting in the eventual closure of the company. While purchasing fixed assets and improvin g the scale of production, the company also increases its working capital which is also part of capital investment. Question 2 The investment decision technique is synonymous to the investment appraisal method. The three discussed in the article are the playback method, the net present value, and the account rate of return (Alexander, 2010). Despite the fact that they all lead to an appropriate investment decision, they are different in their provisions and therefore possess unique advantages and disadvantages. The net

Is a Publicly Funded Transit System Reasonable Essay

Is a Publicly Funded Transit System Reasonable - Essay Example The essay "Is a Publicly Funded Transit System Reasonable?" talks about a transport agency Toronto Transit Commission which operates streetcars, rapid transit, and transit bus services in Canada, Ontario and Toronto. It is the quickest and most convenient way to get into Toronto. Currently, the public sector runs this commission. As much as many people may prefer running institutions privately, public good funded systems are better managed. Public or common good as defined by John Rawls as a general condition that is equally advantageous to everyone. By using public good, affordable and accessible services are available to both workers and consumers of the service. It also promotes a political and just legal system in the country. Public good in a transport system actively creates a better environment that may be defined, creates justice, and a liberal, fair social infrastructure that permits the pursuit of virtue. Publicly funded transit system provides competitive advantages. An ar gument for the public good in the transport system is based on the philosophy of John Rawls of Justice is fairness. Any person participating in a practice or is affected by it poses an equal right to a more general liberty compatible with liberty for all. Inequality is arbitrary unless it is illogical to expect that it will work out as an advantage to everyone, and provided the offices and positions to which it attaches is open to all. It is always a right of any person in Toronto to get access to inalienable good public transportation.

Can you help me to choice one, thanks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Can you help me to choice one, thanks - Essay Example The perceived relations do not carry any universality or necessity. This means that certain phenomena are not related to certain causes. This paper examines Hume’s theory that there is no self, and certain effects are not related to certain causes. According to Hume, impression or sensation are not related to one another; therefore, they do not have in them anything necessary or universal (Chaffee 234). The effects are only chances, and nothing is certain. This implies that particular effects are not because of particular causes. Causality depends on mere belief or instinct. Nobody is aware of any certainty, uniformity or regularity in the working of nature. Therefore, everything becomes a matter of probability (Chaffee 234). Hume further argues that people are limited to images and perceptions. If people cannot determine the exact cause of a particular effect, then they can also not be sure that an external object caused it (Chaffee 237). Although most people are accustomed to believing that there is a casual relationship between objects and perception, there is no valid proof that justifies the relationship between objects and perception. In summary, in accordance to Hume’s interpretation of freedom of the will, there is continuity of self-unconsciousness. He argues that people should be responsible for their actions, as the effects of their impulses within. He further says that metaphysics of reality does not exist. Nobody knows anything that is real in itself, including the world or God. Therefore, there is no

Is a Publicly Funded Transit System Reasonable Essay

Is a Publicly Funded Transit System Reasonable - Essay Example The essay "Is a Publicly Funded Transit System Reasonable?" talks about a transport agency Toronto Transit Commission which operates streetcars, rapid transit, and transit bus services in Canada, Ontario and Toronto. It is the quickest and most convenient way to get into Toronto. Currently, the public sector runs this commission. As much as many people may prefer running institutions privately, public good funded systems are better managed. Public or common good as defined by John Rawls as a general condition that is equally advantageous to everyone. By using public good, affordable and accessible services are available to both workers and consumers of the service. It also promotes a political and just legal system in the country. Public good in a transport system actively creates a better environment that may be defined, creates justice, and a liberal, fair social infrastructure that permits the pursuit of virtue. Publicly funded transit system provides competitive advantages. An ar gument for the public good in the transport system is based on the philosophy of John Rawls of Justice is fairness. Any person participating in a practice or is affected by it poses an equal right to a more general liberty compatible with liberty for all. Inequality is arbitrary unless it is illogical to expect that it will work out as an advantage to everyone, and provided the offices and positions to which it attaches is open to all. It is always a right of any person in Toronto to get access to inalienable good public transportation.

Of Mice & Men - Character Analysis Essay Example for Free

Of Mice Men Character Analysis Essay During chapter two of the novel Of Mice and Men, we are introduced to another six different characters as George and Lennie begin work on a farm. These characters are the boss, his son, Curley and Curleys wife, and the other itinerants Candy, Slim and Carlson. The first of these characters that we meet is Candy. Candy Is introduced as an old man with a physical disability. Out of the sleeve came a round stick-like wrist, but no hand. His physical description shows that he cannot work on a farm, and we find out later that he has been demoted to a cleaner. Candys behaviour and the way he speaks links to each other. At first he seems a bit hostile towards George and Lennie as he doesnt really welcome them. He then starts to talk to them properly and tells them about the ranch. Candy doesnt really have any moral values. When he talks about the way the black stable buck is beaten up by the boss, instead of expressing concern he laughs and jokes about it. This shows that he is very biased. George and Lennie and Candy get on right from the start, but George is very angry after the interview when Candy eavesdrops on a conversation between George and Lennie. Candy is a very lonely man with no family. The only thing of significance to him is his dog, who is very much in parallel to him. The dog is very old and half-blind. Both are disabled and near the end of their working life. We learn a few things about the boss when Candy is telling George and Lennie about him. The first thing that Candy says about the boss is that he was very angry about them being late. Wheres the hell them new men? He always takes all of his anger out on the nigger, showing that he is racist. The stable buck, Crooks, even has a crooked back which he got from being kicked by a horse. Despite all of this anger, Candy goes on say how nice the boss is and about the Christmas where he bought a gallon of whiskey for the workers. Hes a pretty nice fellow, but he also Gets pretty mad sometimes. We then meet the boss who stepped into the room. As expected the boss is already angry about George and Lennie being late, but he is already suspicious. This is because George doesnt let Lennie speak and the boss assumes that there is something dodgy going on. The boss accuses George of stealing Lennies wages. You taking his pay away from him? The boss is paranoid and doesnt really believe in friendshi p. He is very suspicious about them and asks George questions, forcing him to lie, Hes mycousin. The tone of voice that is used throughout the interview is angry and suspicious. He is angry at George and Lennie for being late and suspicious about Georges behaviour. The next character is the bosss son, Curley. Curley is described as A little stocky man. The clothes that he wears remind us of a typical cowboy. blue jean trousers, a flannel shirt, a black, unbuttoned vest and a black coat. His thumbs were stuck in his belt, on each side of a square steel buckle. This shows us that he is not a labouring man and has a higher status. This is also shown by the fact that he stands confidently and arrogantly. He is broad, short and stocky, but also powerful. When George and Lennie meet Curley for the first time they immediately make an enemy. Right from the beginning Curley gives them a hostile reception when he walks him. He glanced coldly at George and then at Lennie. For some reason he seems to be looking for a fight, his hands closed into fists. Curley seems to have a problem with Lennie. Curley is very small and not like a normal man and is jealous of Lennie he sees Lennie as a threat. Lennie is huge and muscular, but Curley is small and stocky. Even though he symbolises a higher status he is morally and physically stunted. Curley is very violent for a small man and can be compared to George, as he is a worse version of George (George is tamed my Lennie. Of all the characters we have met so far most of them are physically or mentally disabled. Curley is very small and unman-like, Crooks has a crooked back, Candy only has one hand and Lennie is mentally disabled. Steinbeck is trying to show that even though America is the land of dreams, these people have been damaged by America. Crooks is also the target of racism. Even George is damaged by America as he has failed in life. Candy is the first person to talk about Curleys wife, who describes her as a tart. George and Lennie meet her for the first time when she is supposedly looking for Curley in the bunkhouse. We cannot say that this is the real reason because Curley would not be there and she would have seen Curley go home. This shows that she may be a lonely person, or may have gone there to flirt with some of the men. However, her behaviour doesnt seem flirtatious. Im trying to find Curley, Slim, shows us that she is not coming on to Slim, but her physical appearance says that she is. The use of red imagery symbolises danger, and Curleys wife is full of make-up that is red, rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes, heavily made-up. Her finger nails were red. Not only is her make-up red, but so are her clothes, red muleslittle bouquets of red ostrich feathers. She is a scarlet and loose. She likes showing herself off and is not used to farm life, so she dresses quite provocatively. She is a femme fatale because Lennie is attracted to red. This links back to the woman in Weed who had a red dress. This woman is a danger to Lennie, and also to George and Lennies jobs. Lennie watched her, fascinated. Slim is the most respected man on the farm. He is described as a tall man who was well-built and strong. He is not crippled in any way like some of the other characters. Slim is a master-craftsmen He was well respected and revered by everyone on the farm and everyone would look up to him and follow him, giving him authority over everyone else. Slim is very serious and intelligent and the prince of the ranch. This shows that everyone looks to him for guidance. His voice was very gentle. Slim doesnt need to shout to get attention and respect, unlike Curley, who needs to fight and threaten. Slim can even hear things before people say something. Slim seems God-like and unrealistic because Steinbeck shows him as too perfect. He is an omnipotent who is idealised and no one is like him. Slim is used as a moral yardstick to measure everyone else. He welcomes George and Lennie to the ranch. He does this in a friendly and gentle way. His tone was friendly. It invited confidence without demanding it. He is not suspicious like the boss and believes in friends travelling together. He doesnt seem hostile and gives George and Lennie a welcoming atmosphere and understands that George and Lennie look out for each other. George is also given the confidence to open up to George and reveal his true feelings about Lennie. George is able to trust Slim and knows that he will understand and not tell anyone. Carlson seems like a nice person from the start and by the way he welcomes George and Lennie. Glad to meet ya. Like Slim, he Carlson is described as a powerful, big-stomached man. He shows his respect to Slim and lets Slim go first. Carlson stepped back to let Slim precede him. However, we then find out that he is very insensitive. He begins a conversation about Slims dog and then talks about wanting to kill Candys dog. That dog of Candys is so God-damn old he cant hardly walk. Stinks like hell, tooWhynt you get Candy to shoot his old dog. Carlson wants to kill Candys dog because he is too old and smells and is a nuisance. This is very insensitive.

Uzbekistan Business Opportunities

Uzbekistan Business Opportunities Topic: Discuss the business environment of International business opportunities in the given country and its economic indicators. Explore and elaborate if there is any bilateral trade agreement with India. INTRODUCTION Country Name : THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN Republic of Uzbekistan is the largest country in the region and occupies a specific geographical and geopolitical position in Central Asia abundant with natural and human resources. Uzbekistan consists of 12 provinces and Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan. Independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Uzbekistan was proclaimed on August 31, 1991 in Tashkent. Geography Location: Central Asia, north of Afghanistan. Access to sea: Country is encircled by land. Note: border passes through Aral Sea (420 km. of seaside of Aral sea). Neighbours: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Coordinates: 41 00 N, 64 00 E Area: total 447,400 sq. km.; land 425,400 sq. km.; water 22,000 sq. km. Currency Since July 1st, 1994 Soum the national currency has been introduced as a unique lawful payment mean on territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 1 Soum = 100 tiyn. Notes are in denominations of Soum 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 3 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 tiyn. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Basic Business Environment 1. Small and Private Business It is the most dynamically developing sector of the economy, and stimulated due to several state reforms effective from the end of 1998 with a view of supporting of small and private business. In particular: reduction of inspections by state bodies, unified tax for carrying out of small business, liberalization of a cash turnover and conditions of crediting of domestic and foreign financial institutions. In the earlier years of the independence the share of turnover of small and private businesses in the countrys GNP made approximately 1% in comparison to the year of 2002 the parameter was 35%. Small and private businesses contribute to the reduction of unemployment by job creation in the country. Foreign credits and attracted investments directed by the GOU for stimulation of small and private business are repaid in due time under the favorable tax conditions and the optimized mechanism of sales of output on export by the enterprises of small and private business. 2. Import Substitution The main purpose of import substitution, per se an instrument of currency exchange regulation, is to reduce unreasonable import of the goods similarly produced in the republic and direct the flow of released monetary resources for the development of a domestic production and an increase of the application of hi-tech. effective from 1996. The changes that were introduced in 1996 to the legislation that regulated the currency flow can be one of the examples of the simplification and flexibility of the currency exchange regulation. Besides, the currency fund derived form sales of automobiles, agricultural equipments, flour and sales of other several liquid goods on foreign markets has allowed to provide currency self-recoupment of enterprises using in manufacture of imported raw materials, materials and component. It is necessary to note that currency earnings of enterprises derived due to sales on export sufficiently directs to a profit markup and an enterprise development, workflow au tomation, labor stimulation and an improvement of a current infrastructure. 3. Economic Growth and Inflation One of the factors constraining the economic growth and the stability of any country is inflation. However, the GOU as a consequence of number economic reforms has achieved real decrease in inflation rate. According to the official statistical data, the inflation rate was more than 26.0% in 2001, but because of the favorable economic conditions, the datum has decreased by 6.8% in 2006. According to bases of economy, the growth of GDP also depends on the exchange rate used for converting national currency into a foreign currency. In this respect the GOU has created the steady mechanism of the free currency convertibility by means of several Currency funds and stock exchanges. The exchange rate is periodically fixed by the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, allowing free and independent convertibility of any currency of the world. The analysis of the trend of GDP shows stable growth and significant budget surplus of Uzbekistan. At the 4.0% GDP growth the budget deficit of the country was 0.8% of GDP in 2002. The liberal approach of the GOU to the development of sectors of economy resulted in achievement of GDP growth over 7.0% with the budget surplus by 0.5 % in 2006. The major factors of the economic growth have become the increase of the volume of industrial production and the agriculture by 10.8% and 6.2% respectively. According to statistical data, by the end of 2006 the average real wages in Uzbekistan accounted for UZS 185,000 or nearly USD 150, that 5 times exceeds the datum of 2001 and 2002. 4. Balance of Payments (BOP) As a result of implementing of number significant reforms by the GOU directed to liberalization of a national economy as a whole, the volume of currency reserves by the end of 2002 was increased by 167.9% and has made about USD 4.7 bn in comparison to those of past period. Due to the implemented protection policy of interests of domestic manufacturers, the import of the goods similarly produced in Uzbekistan was reduced by 38.0%. The export of goods correspondingly increased on average by 23.0%. Moreover, the share of cotton fiber decreased by 17% in the export volume of the country, the rest of the export accounts for machines and equipments, fruit-and-vegetable manufacturing and processing, construction materials, agricultural equipment, electro-technical products and others. The control system of the external debt of the country in 1999-2006 has been stable and less moderate. Furthermore, the external debt rate has been at the rate of 20.6% of GDP in 1999 towards 22.8% in 2006. The critical ratio was marked in 2003 when the parameter made about 40.0% of GDP. Hence, investments into any sector or region of the country today can be considered guaranteed to the development and repayment in time, due to constant growth of priority macroeconomic parameters. The main investors of the country have been such companies as Gazprom, Lukoil, Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Itochu, Nestle, Coca-Cola Bottles, Vimm-Bill-Dann, SIEMENS, ZEROMAX, MTS, Vimpelkom, BAT, Marubeni, Samsung, ABN Amro Bank, Kanebo Silk, KOC, IRANSADERAT and etc. 5. Currency Convertibility With a view of strengthening of currency balance of the country in Uzbekistan there were sometimes restrictions on converting of UZS into a foreign currency. Additionally, the Republic of Uzbekistan has joined to the Article VIII of the Agreement of the IMF in 2003 and these restrictions have been removed. Today, converting is regulated by specific decisions of the GOU and instructions of the CBU. The incomes of the foreign investor derived in Uzbekistan can be re-invested on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan or used by any different way at discretion of a foreign investor. Foreign investors are guaranteed for free transfer of cash resources in a foreign currency into Uzbekistan and from there without any restrictions under condition of tax payments and other mandatory payments in accordance with Uzbek legislation. 6. Priority Sectors of Economy Agriculture The main and leading sector of economy is the agriculture (about 40.0% of GDP). Basic manufacturing of the sector is cotton-fiber, wheat, and fruit-and-vegetable products. Favorable weather conditions have determined the corresponding regional distribution of the basic export-oriented products of the agricultural industry of the country. For example, vegetables, fruit, melons and gourds are raised basically in Namangan, Fargona, Andijon and Samarqand provinces, rice and other cereals in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorazm province, meet and dairy products and tanning materials mainly are produced in Bukhoro, Surkhondaryo and Qashqadaryo provinces, wine and other alcoholic products are produced in Tashkent, Andijon provinces and the Republic of Karakalpakstan, tobacco products are produced in Tashkent and Samarqand provinces.  · Light industry One of the priority directions in the development of an export policy of Uzbekistan is the development of light industry, basic exports are cotton yarn, silk and silk products, cotton severe fabrics, knitted cloth, garments, and etc. The sector is characterized not only by the opportunity of a quick return of investments, but also by cheap labor force, the availability of raw materials, and the developed infrastructure. It is also necessary to note that Uzbekistan is one of the largest manufacturer of cotton, silk, and astrakhan fur in the world. The country is on the fourth place in the world in volumes and quality of manufacture of cotton and the second place in volumes of cotton fiber export. There are more than 200 large enterprises and associations, a network of branches, the modeling centers of clothes and jersey, a design bureau, a network of firm trade, and etc in the Uzbek light industry. Due to re-equipment of manufacturing by modern equipments the Program of Quality Improvement and Increase in volumes of production, expansion of assortments, the organization engaged in processing of cotton fiber on the basis of attracting both local and foreign investments by creation of JVs is realized. The followings are the mainstreams of the development of the sector: Spinning manufacture updating of plants of not-spindle spinning on the basis of modern equipment; Weaving manufacture implementing of automatic winding machines, warp drawing-in machines, replacement of weaving looms by modern shuttleless weaving machine; Dyeing manufacture implementing of new equipments with the electronic control and regulation of processes.  · Heavy Industry Uzbekistan has rich spectrum of the natural resources, the developed mountain and oil-and-gas industries. The country is rich in inexhaustible natural resources, including oil, gas, uranium, gold, copper, aluminium, iron ores and others. Uzbekistan heavy industry is represented by the developed and complex spheres of aircraft construction, motor industry, a network of the enterprises producing agricultural machines and equipment, cable conductor products, tools and parts for a railway transportation and etc. Uzbekistan is known also for reserves and extraction of precious and rare-earth metals gold, silver, uranium, and etc. In volumes of manufacture of gold the country is on the second place in the CIS, the eighth in the world and the fifth in per capita production. Quality of the Uzbek gold meets high world standards. The significant stocks of copper, lead, zinc, molybdenum, tungsten, lithium, not-metallurgical raw materials (kaolin, fluoric and feldspar, quartz sand, phosphorites, etc.) exist in the country. They serve for manufacture of mineral fertilizers, porcelain-faience products and other production, competitive in domestic and foreign markets. The country has strategic mineral resources of raw materials: oil and gas, ores of ferrous, nonferrous and precious metals. In addition, the total potential of mineral resources of the country is estimated to be USD 3.3 trln. From entrails of the country minerals for the sum of 95.5 bln are derived annually, thus, the annual growth of reserves makes about USD 6-7 bln. TRANSPORTATION NETWORK Development of transport communications between the states from ancient times was one of the basic ways for unification of nations, development of economy, mutual enrichment of cultures and, finally, made a significant impact on peaceful and harmonious development of mankind in its strides forward. The territory of present Uzbekistan lies at the heart of The Great Silk Road and precisely the shortest transport corridors from Europe to Asia passed through this route. Situated in the centre of the region, Uzbekistan is objectively said to play a vital role of geopolitical bridge in relations between the countries of the West and East. Utilization of Uzbekistans geographical location on crossroads between the West and East, and also the North and South of the Euro-Asian continent, opens an opportunity for many countries of the Euro-Asian continent to access the overland continuous and safe transport communication. Having the developed networks of railways and highways, a complex of the international airports, the airways which pass the territory of the country in latitudinal and longitudinal directions for international and, first of all, transit transportations, Uzbekistan possesses huge transport potential and is capable to utilize national transit resources for ensuring the Euro-Asian communications and meet the demands of the country in transportations of passengers and cargoes in all kinds of transport. In questions of attraction of transit cargoes, the international transport terminals and the centers of logistics should be given special emphasis. These centers should coordinate activity of various types of transports which are rather important in the conditions of the countries of the Central Asia with no access to the sea. Accordingly, the logistical centers should be established alongside the main transit corridors, and also on borders between the states of the region and, in effect, fulfill the functions of so-called dry ports. The International logistics center being projected now in Tashkent is unique in Central Asia and should serve as transshipment and transit-transfer base for all kinds of cargoes on regional transport corridors. Transport infrastructure Modernization and development of transport infrastructure, construction of new transport corridors are the important section of attraction of investments. All types of transport have been developed in the republic. Today the length of railways comprises 6,5 thousands km. Density of railway network in the republic is the highest in the Central Asia. Automobile transport plays significant role in shipment of cargoes and passengers. During years of reforms over 43,5 thd. km. of highways were constructed and put into operation, 97% of them have a hard covering. The Uzbekistan Railways existing network of railways and roads connects the most remote regions and uninhabited areas of the country to major centers, providing access to international transport systems and basic natural mineral and raw materials resources in the country. The country has prioritized its international system of transportation creating reliable short distance transport lines, providing access to the neighboring countries and the rest of the world. The railway line passing through Tedgen Serahs Meshhed, an integrated part of the Trans Asian line connecting Beijing and Istanbul is in operation. Since 2000 this line is to transport goods in both directions totaling 6-8 million tons and possibly doubling this capacity. Transportation along this corridor provides Uzbekistan with additional foreign trade relations with Eastern countries of the Asia-Pacific Ocean regions, West Turkey and some European countries. An import contribution towards the development to transportation in the country is the TRASECA Project implemented by the TACIS Program (European Community Technical Assistance for the CIS), which provides for the construction of the Trans-Caucases main line passing through the Central Asian countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Black Sea ports. In addition to building a new railway, Uzbekistan takes part in the project to construct a road connecting Andijan, Osh, Irkeshtam and Kashgar. This road will provide access to China and Pakistan. The road will continue through Bukhara, Seraks, Meshhed, Teheran, Termez, Heart, Kandagar and Karachi, providing access to the Indian Ocean. This corridor makes the distance to EEC countries 3 times shorter. The establishment and strengthening of these trans-continental main-lines provide favorable conditions for foreign economic relations for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries. The expansion of transit passenger and cargo transportation connects Uzbekistan to Asian-Pasific Ocean region countries such as India and China and Near East countries such Turkey as well as Europe. These so-called â€Å"new routes† practically coincide with the routes of the Great Silk Road. These routes provide opportunities to develop regular tourist and cultural relations with numerous countries of the world as it did so long ago. At the countrys expense, 2 large strategically important main lines between Navoi, Uchkuduk, Sultanoizdag and Nukus were built totaling a length of 342 km. Another line was built connecting Guzar, Baysun, Kumkurgan with a total length of 233 km. These new projects will provide access to some of the richest natural mineral resources in the country, decrease transportation expenses inside the country and provide access to sea ports and international destinations. UZBEKISTAN AIRWAYS† NAC Uzbekistan Airways is the state airline of Uzbekistan, which provides aviation needs for the national economy. Uzbekistan Airways National Air Company (NAC) was founded on January 28, 1992 in accordance with a Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov. Today, the Uzbekistan Airways is the leading carrier in the Central Asian region. Uzbekistan Airways keeps a sound position on the international market and provides high quality competitive services. During the years of operation our company has been awarded the International fund for Aviation Safety Diploma and a Certificate from Airports International Association and Euromarket-2000. The scheduled flights fly to more than forty cities of the world including America, Europe, Middle East, Southeast, Central Asia and the CIS. Uzbekistan Airways continues to establish long-term and reliable business contacts, to increase the number of countries where its aircraft flies to and to improve its services. It makes the company one of the worlds dynamic airlines. Domestic Routes. In domestic TASHKENT is the hub of airlines. International Routes. Uzbekistan by Air. Flights to Uzbekistan. Airlines in Uzbekistan. Foreign Uzbek Airlines Uzbekiston Havo Yullary (Uzbekistan Airways) Aeroflot, Asiana Airlines, Domodedovo Airlines, Indian Airlines, Airlines of Kuban, Malaysia Airlines, Pulkovo Airlines, Samara Airlines, S7 Airlines, Transaero Airlines, Turkish Airlines LAW STATISTICS Dynamic of the main macroeconomics indicators of the Republic of Uzbekistan (in % to the previous year) 1. GDP Analysis During the years 2002-2004 the GDP has been increasing but in 2005-2006 the growth has decline. 2. INFLATION Analysis The inflation rate has been declining since 2001 to 2004 but there is a little increase in 2005, 7,8 which has not affected much the economy then in 2001. 3. STATE BUDGET (incomes, expenses, deficit, in % to GDP) Analysis Income and expense have a direct relationship. From 1998 state income and expense has been declining due to less proficiency, certain attention is required for improvement. Export structure of the Republic of Uzbekistan Analysis Cotton fibre is the main item of export as its export has been increasing over the years from 2002-2006. whereas items of foodstuff has also show an increment ,almost all the items have shown an increment which is good for the countrys economy, as it will bring more foreign exchange. Import structure of the Republic of Uzbekistan Analysis Import of machines equipments has been increased over the years whereas other items of import needs to be controlled. Trade turnover with a number of countries being the leading partners of the Republic of Uzbekistan Foreign countries Analysis Trade with Turkey, China and Iran has shown an increment from approximately 520-720 ,420-700, and 450-650 million US dollars , which is tremendous but trade with other countries such as Singapore and France needs to be improved. CIS countries Analysis Trade with Kazakhstan has shown a little improvement as compared to other countries as such Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine and Tajikistan. Trade with these countries needs to be improves for better flow of trade as well as maintaining good relation with neighbouring countries FOREIGN INVESTMENTS More than 20 billions US dollars of foreign investments have been attracted in the economy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, including 5 billions during the last 3 years. Uzbekistan is one of the developing economies with so many business prospects. As due to its stable govt policies which has made it possible. The volume of direct foreign investments into the economy of Uzbekistan has increased in 24% and made up more than 1.2 billions dollars in 2006. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN UZBEKISTAN Uzbekistans independence has been recognized by 160 states. On March 2, 1992 Uzbekistan became a full-fledged member of the United Nations. Also, the Republic is a member of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and several other prestigious international organizations. The Republic of Uzbekistan was one of the first Soviet Republics to declare independence, adopt its own Constitution, and introduce a presidency and democratic parliament. Five years ago no one could have predicted that Uzbekistan would become one of the most dynamic and progressive among all the former Soviet Republics. It has the best investment opportunities today. Uzbekistan is the only state, among, the post-Soviet countries that has increased its oil and gas production in recent years (indeed it has doubled oil production) to ensure its own energy self-sufficiency. In 1995, growth in the extraction of oil and gas condensate increased to 37.5%, and natural gas production grew by 2.9%. Another impressive result is that Uzbekistan has increased its self-sufficiency in grains; its output rose to over 3 million tons, and according to some estimates in 1996, the Republic may achieve 4.5 million tons of harvested grain. Real privatization in Uzbekistan has been dramatic, but has not been accompanied by economic disorder and social discontent as elsewhere. The private sector in the economy now produces 44 % of the industrial production and 97% of agricultural production. The non-state sector consumes 44% of total capital investments and employs 64% of the labor force. More than 250 representative offices of foreign companies and banks are in Uzbekistan. The United Nations, the World Bank, IMF, and many other international organizations have opened their headquarters in Tashkent. Over 2000 joint ventures are registered in the Republic. Foreign investments of over $3 billion have been made in Uzbekistan. Moreover, the Republic fulfills all of its obligations on foreign credit repayments without default and is generally regarded as an excellent credit risk-taker. Main reasons for Uzbekistans success The central reason is that, unlike leaders of the many other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, the President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, has shown exceptional intuition and has created an extraordinary degree of domestic and foreign confidence in Uzbekistan. Consequently the realization of his strategy for transition to a free market economy, in which he has taken into account the peculiarities of the Republic and the experiences of other countries, showed that it was the right choice. He and his advisors have found a unique middle ground between painful shock therapy and backsliding into an economic decline. The five basic principles which have minimized the pain of transition and have already initiated dynamic growth, are: supremacy of economics over politics   the state as the major reformer and guarantor of economic transformation supremacy of law in all spheres of activities for both state and society powerful social policy consistent and stage-by-stage accomplishments economic reforms Thus, Uzbekistan has transformed from a society driven by ideology to a pragmatic country aimed at attracting businesses and incurring high levels of domestic and foreign investment. During the transition, the Uzbek Government has actually accelerated infrastructure development, in contrast to many other CIS countries. A second factor is that since the first steps of independence, an array of necessary laws and regulations have been adopted. In a remarkably short period of time, standard and legal frameworks have been created. During the past five years, laws and regulations in virtually all main areas of the formation of the market economy have been passed. These include laws On Foreign Economic Activity and On Foreign Investments and Guarantees of Foreign Investors Activity. These and other laws and standard regulations provide many privileges, benefits, and guarantees for foreign investors. For example: There are particular taxation privileges for profits reinvested in the broadening and modernization of production. The enterprises with 50% participation of foreign capital, and which produce consumer goods, are free from the obligatory sale of foreign currency to the Central Bank for up to 5 years from the date of their registration. The enterprises with 30% participation of foreign capital, and which specialize in the production of various agricultural, consumer, and industrial products (except the mining industry) are granted a two year grace period for profit taxation. The given grace period can be prolonged for up to 5 years for projects, which included into investment program of the Republic of Uzbekistan. For enterprises with 30% participation of foreign capital, the rate of the tax on income is reduced from 18% to 10%. A third reason for Uzbekistans achievements is the realization of an open door policy, which has been a top priority of general economic policy. Structural reorganization, overcoming the economys one-sided orientation toward raw-material production, and producing export-oriented and import-substituting products are the priorities in the external economic and investment policy. Priority areas for investment include the following: mining and metallurgical production and expansion of extraction and processing of non-ferrous and ferrous metals drilling, processing, and transportation of oil and gas advanced processing of cotton, agricultural raw materials and products, including fruit, vegetables and grain production development of transportation and telecommunications engine production, including automobile, aircraft and agricultural machinery manufacturing production of building materials development of the tourism industry environmental protection industries A fourth factor is that the priority in the economic reform has been given to the creation of the market infrastructure and the development of small businesses. In recent years, Uzbekistan has witnessed the creation of the Republican Stock-Exchange Center, regional stock market, and private stock and securities trading offer. Private business growth has also accelerated. In 1995, more than 4,000 joint stock companies were registered in Uzbekistan. Also, in 1995 and in the first quarter of 1996 more than 75,000 small enterprises were registered. BILATERAL TRADE AGRREMENT Uzbekistan has engaged in bilateral, economic cooperation and double taxation with many countries, including the United States, China, Korea, Great Britain, Russia, India and others. In order to reduce the cost of attracting foreign investments to Uzbekistan and diminish the risks of foreign investors, Uzbekistan joined the Washington Convention of 1964 and the Seoul Convention of 1964. In addition, the national insurance company, Uzbekinvest, was established to cover political and commercial risks. Uzbekinvest and the National Bank of External Economic Activity joined with the American Financial Group, AIG, Inc. to establish joint insurance companies to: * cover political risks (its headquarters is in London) and * cover commercial risks (its head office is in Tashkent). As a result, the UzDaewoo-Auto Project (with the South Korean conglomerate Daewoo), which amounts to $700 million, is one of the largest projects with direct foreign investment participation on a 50:50 basis. The assembly plant in the Andijan region came on-line in April 1996 and has a production capacity of 200,000 cars annually. Another large single investment of the CIS is the Zarafshan Newmont Gold Mining Project (over $229 million) with Denver-based Newmont Mining Corporation. Also Lonro company recently created a joint venture in Uzbekistan and has invested in a gold-mining branch worth $250 million. In addition, British American Tobacco has a tobacco joint venture with the State and plans to invest a total of $232 million. All of these companies came to Uzbekistan because they were convinced of the desirable business climate in Uzbekistan. During his recent visit to the United States and meeting in Denver with American businessmen, the President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, said that Uzbekistan has an excellent system of privileges and guarantees for foreign investors. With his decree on additional measures to encourage the creation of enterprises with foreign investments and their activity from June 1, 1996, foreign investment enterprises that produce export-oriented and import-substituted products received additional benefits, such as: *  · They shall be granted the right to receive a tax credit for the development of production; that is, they shall be granted a deferment for a period of up to two years for their profit tax, value added tax and land tax payments into the budget. *  · Enterprises with a share of foreign capital in the authorized capital of not less than 500,000 US dollars, shall be exempt from the payment of property tax. As additional proof the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has eighteen projects operating in Uzbekistan with a total value of $520 million. This is the second largest amount in the investment portfolio of the CIS, after Russia. Also, the World Bank chose Uzbekistan as its first investment in an agro-industry project in the CIS. In short, Uzbekistan stands clearly, as one of the most exciting emerging markets. It enjoys a popular, stable government, a highly skilled labor force, and virtually no violent crime. President Karimovs government is efficient, pragmatic, and pro-business. Thus, the foreign investors become interested in Uzbekistan, because: (a)  · Historically its territory was a cultural and economic center of a vast empire that stretched across Central Asia into India and Iran, and had a key post in the overland trade route between China and the West. As such, Uzbeks have an historical trading culture; (b)  · Large markets such as Chi

Submissive and Evil Women of The Holy Bible :: Holy Bible Essays

The Submissive and Evil Women of the Bible      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Bible and the church have been the greatest stumbling blocks in the way of woman's emancipation.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A famous 19th century feminist named Elizabeth Cady Stanton voiced this about her struggle for women's freedom. Women, considered a lower class than the men, wanted this subjugation changed. Part of the reason for the subjugation of women is that the Bible could be interpreted in many different ways to suit the needs of the interpreter. These interpretations of the Bible are in part responsible for the belief that women are of a lower class than men. The reason this belief is present in our society is that approximately 85% of Americans are Judeo-Christian. We see examples of these beliefs when we look at the church, the daily lives of women, and the media. Looking at 1 Timothy 2:11-12, we see why our religious society could interpret the Bible this way:    Let a woman learn in silence with all submission, and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   We must look at the historical context of the passage. Written approximately 2000 years ago, many parts of the Bible seem outdated. The passage portrays a time when women were property and were â€Å"trained† to be weak and fragile. This stopped only about 30 years ago. Before this time, society taught women from birth to be submissive to men. What does this mean to us today? It means that although American Society is no longer training women to be submissive, the problem is still present in our belief system. Many churches do not believe that women should be part of the clergy. This is because they interpret parts of the Bible, such as 1 Timothy 2:11-12, as saying that only men should preach. In 1848, women made a retaliation to these sentiments. At the Seneca Falls convention, women (including Elizabeth Cady Stanton) signed a Declaration of Sentiments. In the declaration it states:      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   He allows her in church, as well as state, but a subordinate position,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   claiming apostolic authority for her exclusion from the ministry,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   and, with some exceptions, from any public participation in the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   affairs of the church  Ã‚   (Declaration 1)      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The people that these women fought against, including other women, believe that it is the duty of a woman to be quiet and submissive. I have experienced this anti-freedom dogma growing up in the Church of Christ community. I experience this dogma when I talk with my grandmother, a woman who lives by

West Nile Virus :: Biology Health Medical Essays

West Nile Virus Life History West Nile Virus, WNV, was first isolated in 1937 in the West Nile section of Uganda. It was the found in Egypt in the 1950's. It was first found to cause meningitis and encephalitis during an outbreak amongst elderly people in Israel in 1957. It was first found to infect other vertebrates (equine species) in France in the early 1960's. It did not cross over to the US until 1999 and has now spread to 44 states. There have been 8219 cases in the US since then with 182 deaths. Connecticut has had 12 cases without a death. Microbial Characteristics WNV belongs to the virus family arboviruses, so called because they are arthropod-borne. The virion is about 40 nm in size. WNV is a +ssRNA virus. It is also an enveloped, icosahedral virus. Incubation period is about 3-14 days. Transmission WNV is transmitted by the female mosquito of the Culex species and can be transmitted to many vertebrates including birds, horses, dogs, cats, and humans. WNV has not been found to be transmitted through person-to-person contact or between any of the secondary carriers (i.e. birds to humans, etc.). It can be spread through blood transfusion, but this has only happened twice in the US. Symptoms Most people who are infected with West Nile virus either have no symptoms or experience mild illness such as fever, headache and body aches before fully recovering. Some persons may also develop a mild rash or swollen lymph glands. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, West Nile virus can cause serious disease that affects brain and spinal tissue. Severe illness may include encephalitis, meningitis, and acute flaccid paralysis. Symptoms may include: headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, coma, tremors, convulsions, and muscle weakness or paralysis. At its most serious, West Nile virus cancause permanent neurological damage or death. The fatality rate is 10-15% of t he only 1% that develop the more severe condition. Diagnosis Diagnostic testing is usually only done on patients that acquire the more severe meningitis or encephalitis. A MAC-ELISA test is performed on the CSF to detect any virus specific IgM. A MAC-ELISA can also be done on serum samples to confirm viremia. Like many other new viral diseases, this test is done when all other infections, bacterial or otherwise, are ruled out as the causitive agent. Diagnosis is based highly on clinical suspicion.

External Analysis

External Analysis 1. PESTLE Factors Political and Legal · Government has high work efficiency, justice and transparency.  · Company or individual have low tax rate easy to calculate.  · Government supports the development of industry and commerce. | Economic ·Hong Kong is the world’s 11th trading powers and 2nd stock market in Asia.  ·One of the most free trade port and open investment policy. It is the only one RMB offshore market.  ·Over-estimation of the number of visitors. Loss $46 million in the second year and $12 million in its third year. | Socio-Cultural ·By colonial influence, Hong Kong’s culture will more closely to the western country.  ·More open and easy then investment in mainland China. Widely recognized as one of the freest economies in the world.  ·Well adapt the Chinese culture.  ·Marketing campaign was not aggressive enough. | Technological ·Diversification in Business and professional service. Have highly educated professional talents and modern management structure. | Environmental ·Resulted in major environmental problem, such as the death of the marine life and pollution from the nightly fireworks display. | | 2. Implication of PESTLE Analysis * As the management over-estimation of the number of visitors and with the Shanghai Disneyland will open in 2014, Disney HK should consider expansion their current target markets, not only focusing on the visitors are from the mainland China. Hong Kong Disney should be more aggressive in their marketing campaign to let more visitors will able to make more visit. At the same time, Disney HK should improve their service quality also the management as well. * Hong Kong public feels that Disney has shown little respect for the sentiments of people and has exhibited little social responsibility. Disney HK should increasing emphasis on environmentally and become more socially responsible. External Analysis External Analysis 1. PESTLE Factors Political and Legal · Government has high work efficiency, justice and transparency.  · Company or individual have low tax rate easy to calculate.  · Government supports the development of industry and commerce. | Economic ·Hong Kong is the world’s 11th trading powers and 2nd stock market in Asia.  ·One of the most free trade port and open investment policy. It is the only one RMB offshore market.  ·Over-estimation of the number of visitors. Loss $46 million in the second year and $12 million in its third year. | Socio-Cultural ·By colonial influence, Hong Kong’s culture will more closely to the western country.  ·More open and easy then investment in mainland China. Widely recognized as one of the freest economies in the world.  ·Well adapt the Chinese culture.  ·Marketing campaign was not aggressive enough. | Technological ·Diversification in Business and professional service. Have highly educated professional talents and modern management structure. | Environmental ·Resulted in major environmental problem, such as the death of the marine life and pollution from the nightly fireworks display. | | 2. Implication of PESTLE Analysis * As the management over-estimation of the number of visitors and with the Shanghai Disneyland will open in 2014, Disney HK should consider expansion their current target markets, not only focusing on the visitors are from the mainland China. Hong Kong Disney should be more aggressive in their marketing campaign to let more visitors will able to make more visit. At the same time, Disney HK should improve their service quality also the management as well. * Hong Kong public feels that Disney has shown little respect for the sentiments of people and has exhibited little social responsibility. Disney HK should increasing emphasis on environmentally and become more socially responsible.

Marketing Research Report on Co-op Bookshop

Marketing 202 Research Report Co-op Bookshop Executive Summary Co-op is a bookshop in Macquarie University at North Ryde Campus, and it sales new textbooks and references books to students, as well as popular novels and so on. However, after beginning of the semester, the quantity of sales of Co-op has an obvious decline. In this situation, our group use online survey method to collect questionnaires from 108 students in Macquarie University at North Ryde, and with the purpose of measuring students potential purchase behaviors and attitudes towards the Co-op, in order to help Co-op to improve the sales. Through use of the SPSS program, frequency, one-sample t-tests, cross tabulation and Chi-Square Tests data to show and analyze results of the survey, then in the following report there are four points can be concluded, and three commendations can be found. The most obviously one is that most of the students prefer to buy textbooks at a much lower price, compared with the demand for book quality, cheaper price seems more attractive. That is, although the second hand bookshop cannot to be a competitor on service and quality with Co-op bookshop, potential price threats could be bring to influence the Co-op bookshop’s sales volume. Then do some price promotional activities in Co-op is necessary. Table of content Introduction3 Hypothesis4 Research objectives4 Methods5 Results and finding6 Analysis16 Limitations19 Conclusion19 Recommendations20 Appendix21 Introduction University students are big and traditional market for textbooks, references books, magazines and journals, especially those with strong professional and academic focuses. Facing such a market, it is critical for bookshop owners to understand how to efficiently operate and manage the bookshops so as to meet the demands of the particular customer group and keep the business going under the fierce competitions from other channels. A traditional bookshop providing regular book categories and services may not satisfy this particular group and consequently ends with poor sales results. This report is based on the study on the Co-op, a bookshop in Macquarie University. It is observed that when the new semester begins, Co-op bookshop, with convenient access and abundant variety of stocks, becomes a destination for students to get new textbooks; however, sales shrink dramatically after the opening weeks. In this situation, our group tries to figure out the potential demands from the student group by understanding their purchase behaviors and attitudes towards the Co-op bookshop. A survey is made to understand the gap between the actual demands from the students and the current operation situation at the Co-op, and consequently to help Co-op to improve the sales. We use online survey method to collect questionnaires from 108 students in Macquarie University at North Ryde. In the following report, diagrams are used to discuss and analyze the survey result related to the research topics. Hypothesis †¢ Macquarie University students prefer to buy brand-new books at the Co-op bookshop rather than to get used books in second hand markets. †¢ Only Co-op bookshop sells new textbooks and academic references in Macquarie University. †¢ Quite a portion of the students are using second hand book, feeling easy with them. This is one of the reasons that make the sales shrink for the Co-op bookshop. †¢ Student opinions on the discounts offered by the Co-op bookshop are diverted. The student preferences survey shows that half students appreciate the discounts from the Co-op while the rest do not show big interest on it. Research objectives Several key objectives are decided for this research: – To identify the students group who prefer to buy textbook or other academic references in Co-op bookshop. To identify the student who are likely to join the membership to have discount plans with Co-op bookshop. – To measure student attitudes and beliefs about buying new books at Co-op bookshop. – To identify the level of satisfaction of the students who use second hand books. These research objectives are presented on the survey questions and will be explained in details in later part of this report. The research objectives are used to identify whether Co-op bookshop should enhance pric e promotion or leverage other methods in order to increase sales profit. The survey questions are based on the research objectives to help figure out an efficient promotion method. Methods Questionnaire survey is designed for this study since it is inexpensive, timesaving, and convenient. When properly designed, this method is very efficient because the survey questions are eligible for collecting opinions on multiple subjects from a large number of people. This research is targeted at all Macquarie University students at North Ryde campus. The feedback rate for this survey is 95%. 08 students are sampled after wiping off invalid questionnaires. We collect these samples using random sampling. We spread this survey question randomly to our classmates, student in library, student in SAM building and canteen. The statistical methods used to analyze the data are obtained through the SPSS Program. Through the use of SPSS program, frequencies, one-sample t-tests, cross tabulation and Chi-Square Tests data are generated reflecting the results of the survey. Resu lts and finding Question 1 |If you want to buy some books, which way comes to your mind first? | |Frequency |Percent |Valid Percent |Cumulative Percent| |Valid | | |Frequency |Percent |Valid Percent |Cumulative Percent | |Valid | | |Frequency |Percent |Valid Percent |Cumulative Percent | |Valid | | |Frequency |Percent |Valid Percent |Cumulative Percent | |Valid |I don't want to |14 |13. 0 |58. 3 | | |pay the | | | | | |membership fee | | | | [pic] 14 students out of 24 say they don’t want to join because of the membership fee, which makes up 58. 3 percent; 7 students out of 24 think the discount is too low to be attractive, which constitutes 29. 2% of total valid samples; 3 students out of 24 claim that they have no idea about the membership, the 12. 5%. We have expected a lower percent on the fee consideration, because the fee is not high and is apparently beneficial with 10% saved on each purchase. This percentage is obviously higher than our expectation. 29. 17% of students think the discount rate is the reason, however we have expected this number to be higher, because the main benefits of membership is the discount. Discount also to some degrees shortens the gaps between brand-new and second-hand books on the price consideration. Thus we expect the main reason of not getting membership is due to a discount lower than students’ expectation. Question6: If the Co-op bookshop sells combined textbooks cheaper than the separate one, do you prefer to buy? |Frequency |Percent |Valid Percent |Cumulative Percent | |Valid |Yes |74 |68. 5 |68. 5 |68. 5 | | |No |14 |13. 0 |13. 0 |81. 5 | | |I do not care |20 |18. 5 |18. 5 |100. 0 | | |Total |108 |100. 0 |100. 0 | | [pic] For this question, 68. % of the students appreciate the bundled offer at a more favorable price than that for individual sales at the Co-op bookshop. The bundle promotion type not only attract the student with textbook demand, with Co-op gradually recognized as a resort for favorable seller, more people will think of Co-op whenever they want to search for some other references. This probably will bring back the rest 18. 5% people who initially say no to the Co-op. Thus the demand for new textbook in MQ campus will ramp up, and the Co-op bookshop will sell more books than ever, even the profit per each sales decrease a little, then the overall profit will increase with higher sales volume. Question7: If Co-op bookshop provides  extra discount  on the  other  books besides textbooks periodically,  would you like to come? | |Frequency |Percent |Valid Percent |Cumulative Percent | |Valid |Yes |63 |58. 3 |58. 3 |58. 3 | | |No |45 |41. 7 |41. 7 |100. 0 | | |Total |108 |100. 0 |100. 0 | | [pic] From this question, our group wants to know the attitude of the students in North Ryde MQ campus towards books other than textbooks. From the diagram this survey reveals a satisfactory result with 58. 3% people in the survey willing to buy other books from the Co-op shop. For the rest 41. 7% who claim no intention to buy books other than textbooks, we think this will not impact the sales and promotion strategy of the Co-op shop to ignore the potential market demand other than textbooks in North Ryde MQ campus. Question8: Have you used second hand textbook before? | |Frequency |Percent |Valid Percent |Cumulative Percent | |Valid |Yes |92 |85. 2 |85. 2 |85. | | |No |16 |14. 8 |14. 8 |100. 0 | | |Total |108 |100. 0 |100. 0 | | | | | | | | | [pic] The result of this question turns out that about 85. 2% students in our survey have used secondhand textbook, with only 14. 8% using only new books. This reveals that the biggest competitor of Co-op shop is second hand bookshop. Question 9: What are you feeling when using second hand textbook? |Frequency |Percent |Valid Percent |Cumulative Percent | |Valid |Regretful |7 |6. 5 |6. 6 |6. 6 | | |Poor |25 |23. 1 |23. 6 |30. 2 | | |Good |59 |54. 6 |55. 7 |85. 8 | | |Excellent |11 |10. 2 |10. 4 |96. 2 | | |Delightful |6 |5. 5 |3. 8 |100. 0 | |Total |108 |100. | | | [pic] The result further expands the discovery in the previous question. The result shows 6. 5% of the surveyed people thinking regretful for the quality of second hand books and 23. 1% feeling them poor; while 54. 6% finding them as a good choice, 10. 2% believing second hand books just excellent and 5. 5% reporting delightful user experience. That means about 70. 3% people in the survey think second hand book markets are better resorts for textbook and they prefer using it given that they have convenient access to them. Therefore, this result of this question confirms again that the biggest competitor of Co-op shop is second hand bookshop. Question 10: |Are you an international student? | | | | | | | | | | |Gender |Total | | | | |Male |Female | | |% Within Gender |100. 0% |100. 0% |100. 0% | Chi-Square Tests | | | |b. Computed only for a 2Ãâ€"2 table | Among the surveyed student, 83. 7% male students and 72. 9% female have Co-op bookshop membership, which does not stand for distinct difference between gender groups. The result is reflected in the Chi-square test table. The p-value in chi-square tests is more than 5% cut-off, thus the gender has no significant impact on people decision to get membership or not. |Are you an international student? * What's your feeling when you use the second hand textbook? Cross tabulation | | | | |Value |df |Asymp. Sig. (2-sided) | |Pearson Chi-Square |2. 009a |4 |. 734 | |Likelihood Ratio |2. 323 |4 |. 677 | |Linear-by-Linear Association |1. 329 |1 |. 249 | |N of Valid Cases |108 | | | |a. 5 cells (50. 0%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is . 37. | | Question 9 reveals student attitudes towards second hand textbook, with 7. 1%, 24. 5%, 55. 1%, 10. 2% and 3. 1% of the surveyed students claiming second hand book user experience as regretful, poor, good, excellent and delightful. In total 108 surveyed students, 98 are international students and only 10 are local students. However, their opinions do not vary much as reflected in the Chi-square test table. A p-value of 0. 734 that is more than 5% cut-off, thus the feeling of using second hand books is not significant affected by whether the students are international or local. |Which facility are you in? Have you used the second hand textbook before? Cross tabulation | | | | | Value |df |Asymp. Sig. (2-sided)| |Pearson Chi-Square |3. 261a |3 |. 353 | |Likelihood Ratio |2. 576 |3 |. 462 | |Linear-by-Linear Association |. 529 |1 |. 467 | |N of Valid Cases |108 | | | |a. 6 cells (75. %) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is . 59. | From the cross tabulation, 87. 2% students majored in business/economic have used second hand book, turning out the highest rate among the rest groups. Only 60% human science students have used second hand book, which becomes the lowest in the survey. In average, 85. 2% out of total 108 students have used second hand book, which mean in this campus, the second hand book market is a big rivalry to Co-op bookshop. However, in the chi-square test, the p-value of more than 5% cut off indicates that facility has no significant impact on student decision to use second hand books or not. Limitations There are many limitations affecting our projects, for all Likert questions, we try to provide the respondents a chance to answer in neutral way to reflect a true situation of the book sales on campus. However, some people give up in the middle of survey with the questionnaire half complete. If these data are recorded for the data analysis, the inaccuracy will be introduced in the final result. Therefore, these survey input must be manually removed before the analysis. Another limitation is that the survey samples are not diverse enough, with most respondents being international students but only 10 out of 108 students as local. This reason may affect the accuracy of data result. This problem could have been avoided with careful selection of the sample student and more samples. Moreover, the descriptions for questions do not make sense in their word meaning, which confuse the student and affect their answers. We should have more carefully reviewed the descriptions and adding necessary explanations before handing them out for the survey. Conclusion According to the results of the survey discussed and analyzed above, the following points form North Ryde’s Macquarie University students can be concluded. Firstly, most of the students go to Co-op bookshop for textbooks at the beginning of the semester. Secondly, most of the students have a membership even they do not choose to buy books at the Co-op bookshop at the first thought. This finding does not show big variation between the gender groups. Thirdly, although it is obvious that second hand bookshop cannot compete on service and quality with Co-op bookshop, most of the students prefer to buy textbooks at a much lower price while the demand for book quality are not that important to them compared with the price At the same time, buying second handbooks are not divided between the international students and the local students, or among the facilities they are in. Thus, second hand bookshop turns out to be a threat to Co-op bookshop sales in Macquarie University. Moreover, from the data that received in the survey, it seems that the reason why most students are not willing to become members of the Co-op bookshop is the extra membership fee. Recommendations †¢ From the survey it can be found that most students like to purchase the textbooks in bundle at a favorable price, because it is cheaper than purchasing separately. It would be feasible for Co-op bookshop to offer more bundled selection to increase sales volume. Qui te some students think the discount rate to be unsatisfactorily low, which prompts the Co-op bookshop to offer a higher discount rate to attract these students. †¢ Most students only go to the Co-op bookshop for textbooks at the beginning of the semesters. Thus, the Co-op bookshop shall put more emphasis on promotion by, for example, handing out more advertisement fliers to students to explain favorable offerings and to spread recent promotion activities so as to attract the potential customers. Appendix Q1 [pic] If you want to buy some books, which way comes to your mind first? †¢ [pic]The co-op bookshop †¢ [pic]2nd hand bookshop †¢ [pic]Other book stores Q2 [pic] Have you  ever  bought books from the co-op bookshop? †¢ [pic]Yes †¢ [pic]No | |[pic] | | | |[pic] | | |If No Is Selected, Then Skip To End of Survey | | |Edit | | | | | | Q3 [pic] Which  time period do you go to the Co-op bookshop often? †¢ [pic]beginning of the semester †¢ [pic]interim of the semester †¢ [pic]end of semester †¢ [pic]aperiodicity Q4 [pic] Were you joining membership of Co-op bookshop? †¢ [pic]Yes †¢ [pic]No | |[pic] | | | |[pic] | | |If Yes Is Selected, Then Skip To if the co-op bookshop sells combined textbooks†¦ | | |Edit | | | | | | Q5 [pic] Why do you not join a member of the Co-op bookshop? †¢ [pic]I don't want to pay the membership fee †¢ [pic]The membership discount too low †¢ [pic]I have never known about the membership †¢ [pic]I have never bought books in the Co-op bookshop †¢ Q6 [pic] If the Co-op bookshop sells combined textbooks cheaper than the  separate one, do you prefer to buy? †¢ [pic]Yes †¢ [pic]No †¢ [pic]I do not care Q7 [pic] If Co-op bookshop provide  extra discount  on  the  other  books (except textbook) periodically,  would you like to come? †¢ [pic]Yes †¢ [pic]No Q8 [pic] Have you used the second hand textbook before? †¢ [pic]Yes †¢ [pic]No Q9 [pic] What's the feeling when you use the second hand textbook? |Regretful |Poor |Good |Excellent |Delightful | |[pic] |[pic] |[pic] |[pic] |[pic] | Q10 [pic] Are you an international student? †¢ [pic]Yes †¢ [pic]No Q11 [pic] Gender †¢ [pic]Male †¢ [pic]Female Q12 [pic] Which  facility are you in? †¢ [pic]Art †¢ [pic]Human Science †¢ [pic]Business/Economic †¢ [pic]Science