Discussion Question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 8

Discussion Question - Essay Example Operations and supply management is vital in developing the supply chain of the vaccine to ensure that vaccines are delivered on time. More vaccines may be insufficient or unavailable if the patients and government paid more money because the producer or manufacturer may not have the capacity to generate more vaccines. Even if the manufacturer bought more machines to enhance production of the vaccine, it would consume a lot of time to ramp up and attain the expected vaccine capacity. The demerit or minus of producing more or extra vaccine at high cost is that it will automatically cut into profits because it needs new and modern machines to be bought. Further, it will require training and hiring of new workers, which may be costly. The process of manufacturing is devised in a manner that it balances costs, profits, and capacity. The producers and the government require to hold the vaccine to a high standard as this will enhance quick delivery of the vaccines to the patients. This could be devised in a manner that the government could test the quality of the vaccine and deliver it to the patients. The pluses of producing more vaccines at an increased cost is that it will enhance efficiency and quality of the vaccine produced because more money would have been used to conduct enough research about the vaccine. The government and producers can assess the risk of harm associated with the production of the vaccine. Therefore, they will determine if the intended vaccine confer immunity to certain virus or not. This will enable the government and the producers to provide advance warning that failure or harm of the vaccine may occur since vaccination is usually experimental each time it is administered on people. Vaccination may be risky or beneficial, therefore, in order to ensure the safety of the patients, the government should ensure that there manufacturers produce enough vaccines that can be delivered to be people in case the vaccine fails to confer immunity.

The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008 Essay Example for Free

The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008 Essay This novel is broken into segments; the first of which discusses crisis’ that have occurred in the past that are similar to present day crisis’, for example, the Great Depression and the worldwide depression of 2008. The second segment analyzes the current crises, for example, the effects of the Latin American and Asian crisis in the 1900’s. Krugman also brings into light how countries thousands of miles apart have such a large impact on one another like a domino effect, for example, how when Russia experienced a financial crisis and economic reform, it devalued the Brazilian ‘real’, which then in turn effected the United States bond markets. The author uses his knowledge and view to analyze the United States’ and other county’s economic issues. He critiques the mistakes that were made and the warning signs that governments should be aware of and not overlook in order to prevent economic failure. An example was the over confidence in capitalism success due to increase of technology, globalization to third world countries, and the fall of socialism and socialist ideas that were prevalent in international ideologies. This confidence in capitalism blindsided Economists to an approaching depression. Krugman warns that even though an economy may be very strong, they are still subject to fall and should never take warning signs lightly, however these signs may not always be the same for every country. As brought up in the book, it is discussed that perfect solutions for fixing an economy in one country may not work as well, or at all, in another country, for example capitalism success in the United States versus Japan and Mexico. Another example was when the British government devalued the pound and increased the interest rates. This led a strong economic recovery for Britain, but when Mexico tried this same tactic, it had no such success. Britain’s pound was devalued by 15 percent in 1990, thus being dropped from the European Monetary System’s Exchange Rate Mechanism. In 1995, the â€Å"Tequila Crisis† resulted from the mistake of the Mexican government not devaluing the peso enough and the GDP in Mexico dropped 7 percent and depreciated the peso by 15 percent, consequently. This is also an example of the domino effect of economic downfalls in countries impacting others. Even though Argentina’s peso is governed by a separate currency board, since they call their money the peso as well, currency speculation from investors in other countries didn’t regard the currencies as separate, thus negatively impacting the country. Robert Lucas, a professor at the University of Chicago, states that Macroeconomics needs to move forward from depression-prevention since the problem â€Å"had been solved for all practical purposes. â€Å"The Great Moderation† speech, by Ben Bernanke, then provided support to Lucas’ claim by stating that the business cycle problem had diminished, however, Krugman explains that instances similar to the Great Depression have more recently occurred, and in other countries in the 90’s. In the late 1990’s, Thailand caused trouble to the rest of the surrounding Asian countries when they began making lo ans to foreign investors to try and help their struggling economy, consequently leaving them with crippled trade exports. The Thai ‘Baht’ was devalued since these foreign investors were mainly only people who had connections with the government and the interest rates were much higher than other countries in attempt to boost their economy. This stipulation caused the economy to worsen, other countries to loose confidence, and for Thailand to loose investments. Krugman explains that if Thailand hadn’t tried to control the currency and interest rate, the ‘baht’ would have risen instead of causing their poor economy to expedite. Another piece that Krugman brings up is the Hedge funds, which are privately and actively managed investment funds and are subject to the regulatory restrictions of their country. Two examples discussed in the book were with Asia and Russia. Hedge funds were used on Hong Kong’s capitalist government and were forced them to use government intervention and non-capitalist ways to take back their stock market. In Russia, hedge funds were more widely created to excel profits, but consequently, led to their financial collapse. Alan Greenspan, on the Federal Reserves Board of Governors, served from May 1987 to January 2006 and played a large roll in the 2008 crisis. It was believed that he was the best fit for his position because of his vast knowledge of the Great Depression. In the beginning of his term, the economy was stable with low unemployment rates and a rising stock market. Consequently, Greenspan â€Å"let the good times roll† and when the stock market was in a ‘bubble’ he cut interest rates, but to no avail. This caused the unemployment rate to rise for almost three years and the recession to return. The housing bubble then developed in 2006 from the lack of Federal Reserve regulation of savings and loans and the â€Å"Shadow Banking System†. The housing market prices slowly skyrocketed to fifty percent over value but then suddenly dropped up to fifteen percent in the second quarter the following year. Krugman explains how this housing market crash crippled the United States economy, costing millions of Americans their lives as they knew them before. I found this book very appealing considering my vague understanding of the financial system. Although at times I felt lost in the terminology, the majority of the time I was able to comprehend what Krugman was trying to get across to the audience. What I found most compelling was how the book brought into perspective how history has consequently been repeating itself and will only continue to do so. With the examples Krugman gives with the Great Depression, Japan, Mexico, and our own economy deficit in 2008, we can see the errors that are repeatedly made through history. Krugman points out, while constantly questioning, why economic catastrophes keep occurring all over the world if all the signs leading up to them are ever so similar. If Mexico had used Britian as an example, they would have been able to get out of the ‘Tequila Crisis† much quicker. I also found interesting, yet disheartening, the amount of money that is lent to other countries and spent on helping them repair themselves when we ourselves have repairing to do in our economy still. I understand that it is a cyclical effect, and we may not know every detail about what is going on, and for that I have to give the government credit, but at the same time I don’t agree with the amounts given away that we never see any benefit from. Krugman used the example of Russia’s debt and the twenty-two billion given to them for a stabilization plan that was unheard of, and another fourty-one billion emergency bailout funds to Brazil. After reading this book, it has enlightened me about how an economy can get back on its feet and also what signs to look for in our economy so that we don’t repeat the past and we start learning from other country’s mistakes as well. [ 1 ]. Krugman. About Paul. New York Times, n. d. Web. 04 May 2013. [ 2 ]. Hedge Fund. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 05 Mar. 2013. Web. 06 May 2013.

Picasso Essay -- essays research papers

Pablo Picasso. Self-Portrait. 1907. Oil on canvas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The formal and visual elements most utilized, recognizable, and original in Pablo Picasso’s Self-Portrait 1907 are line, texture, time, and color. As far as principals of design go, emphasis on proportion and scale of certain features makes them stand out, thus enhancing the expression of his face. I chose this artwork because the simplicity of the painting, especially the bold use of line, is appealing to the eye and looks like something I’d draw.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It appears as though Picasso started the painting with a heavy outline describing and exaggerating the shape of the head and its features, then went on to fill in the body and background. The lines outlining the eyes, cheekbones, and nose are much heavier than the lines making up the mouth. Perhaps this is because he saw himself as more the observer who expresses himself better through his art than through his words. With the eyes and nose overstated, the expression is one of curiosity and constant awareness, as well as optimism and enjoyment. Picasso makes great use of directional lines in this self portrait. His forehead slants at the same angle as his jaw and ear, collar, and lapel. His hair is combed at an angle that matches with the neck, left cheekbone and collar. His right cheekbone is a continuation of the line representing where his shirt buttons up which also matches the line of his left lapel. It looks like he...

Difference And Inequality Essay

City Road is a good place to investigate inequality and differences as it plays host to a variety of different people, businesses and cultures. Inequalities and differences can be observed just by walking along City Road in the changes that have taken place, in the people that we meet and in the shops that we see, and can be measured in in many different ways. Inequality is prevalent all over the world and can be for various reasons. To discover where inequality and difference can occur we can compare the lives and circumstances of different individuals by asking questions and looking deeper into their stories to see if there is a pattern, in doing so we can get a sense of how inequality can occur. In the first video we heard from John Arthur, a homeless resident of City Road. John tells us of his childhood and how he started to drink at a very early age, he tells us that as an adult he made bad choices and even spent time in prison for his actions. John explains how he never felt like he fitted in anywhere, and blames this on his earlier years. This example in my opinion shows an unequal distribution of circumstance and care as a child and has directly impacted his place in society as an adult. As we compare John Arthurs`s story to Mark Hocking the differences are immediately obvious. Mark`s circumstances and social standing are better than John Arthur`s because Mark Hocking is well known and has a respected and well known business. Mark Hocking tells us how he had a car repair garage which did well in the early days, and he even managed to sell a few cars from the forecourt, however due to larger car show rooms emerging Mark felt his place on the street was in danger so he took the opportunity to reinvent his business and is now a well-established company making bespoke architectural items to order. John Arthur and Mark Hocking are excellent examples of how different lives and circumstances can affect your place in society, and how inequality can occur just by where you are born and how it can create differences in opportunities and income. In conclusion Inequalities can be defined in many different ways, through culture, distribution of resources, wealth, social stature and opportunity and many more.

Mining Industry Overview

Mining? Industry? Overview? Boyi? Xie? March? 5,? 2012? Michael? Porter’s? Five? Forces? Outline? †¢? †¢? †¢? †¢? †¢? †¢? †¢? Products? Suppliers/Customers? Industry? Compe? tors? Cost? Revenue? &? pro? t? Overall? trends? Other? factors? Products? †¢? †¢? †¢? †¢? †¢? †¢? †¢? †¢? †¢? †¢? †¢? Aluminum? Copper? Lead? Zinc? Gold? Silver? Uranium? oxide? Diamonds? Stainless? Steel? Materials? Iron? Ore? Coal? Aluminum? Zinc? Copper? Gold? Iron? ore? Diamond? Marketing? &? Customers? †¢? Marke? ng? centers? of? mining? companies? †¢? Sell? products? at? the? most? advantageous? price? to? make? the? most? of? their? intrinsic? value? ? Act? as? a? source? of? specialist? exper? se? †¢? Iden? fy? value? opportuni? es? †¢? Customer? service:? †¢? Technical? assistance? †¢? Transporta? on,? e. g.? BHP? Shipping,? Rio? Tinto? Marine? †¢? Customers? †¢? Jewel ry? makers.? E. g.? gold,? silver? and? diamonds? †¢? Manufacturing/construc? on? companies.? †¢? E. g? Hyundai? Steel? †¢? Government? †¢? Other? retailers? BHP? Billiton? †¢? BHP? Billiton? is? a? global? mining,? oil? and? gas? company? headquartered? in? Melbourne,? Australia? and? with? a? major? management? o? ce? in? London,? UK.? It? is? the? world’s? largest? mining? company? measured? by? evenue.? †¢? BHP? Billiton? was? created? in? 2001? through? the? merger? of? the? Australian? Broken? Hill? Proprietary? Company? Limited? (BHP)? and? the? Anglo? Dutch? Billiton? plc.? (Billiton? origins? stretch? back? to? 1860)? †¢? It? is? now? a? dual? listed? company? in? Australian? Securi? es? Exchange? and? London? Stock? Exchange.? †¢? It? operates? a? wide? variety? of? mining? and? processing? opera? ons? in? 25? countries,? employing? approximately? 41,000? people.? †¢? It? has? opera? ons? on:? aluminum,? diamonds,? iron? ore,? petroleum,? stainless? steel,? uranium,? etc.? †¢? Mines? in:? Algeria,?Australia,? Brazil,? Canada,? South? Africa,? USA? Rio? Tinto? †¢? Rio? Tinto,? now? headquartered? in? London,? UK? (and? Brisbane,? Australia),? was? founded? in? 1873,? when? a? mul? na? onal? consor? um? of? investors? purchased? a? mine? complex? on? the? Rio? Tinto? river,? in? Huelva,? Spain.? †¢? It? is? now? a? dual? listed? company? in? Australian? Securi? es? Exchange? and? London? Stock? Exchange.? †¢? It? is? one? the? world? leaders? in? the? produc? on? of? aluminum,? iron? ore,? copper,? uranium,? coal? and? diamonds.? †¢? It? also? has? signi? cant? opera? ons? in? re? ning,? par? cularly? for? e? ning? bauxite? and? iron? ore.? †¢? It? has? opera? ons? on? six? con? nents? but? is? mainly? concentrated? in? Australia? and? Canada.? Vale? †¢? Vale? is? a? Brazilian? mul? na? onal? diversi? ed? metals? and? mining? corpora? on? and? one? of? the? largest? logis? cs? operators? in? Brazil.? †¢? It’s? the? largest? producers? of? iron? ore,? pellets,? and? second? largest? nickel;? other? products? include? manganese,? ferroalloys,? copper,? bauxite,? aluminum.? †¢? It’s? listed? on? stock? exchanges? of? Sao? Paulo,? New? York,? Paris,? Hong? Kong? and? Madrid.? †¢? It’s? also? the? corpora? on? with? the? ost? â€Å"contempt? for? the? environment? and? human? rights†? and? was? named? world’s? most? evil? company.? @8+8+&%*1(9'+8$)%#'. $%*1+08+2$,%01%1209$/31/(%0#$% 1. $/'44%(‘/;$06%')%*1+)2($/%)$*01/)%,$9$+,'+0%1+% ,$(‘+,%3/1(%,$. $419$,%$*1+1(8$)%)0/2&&4$,%01% /$*1. $/:%A#84$%0#$%8+,2)0/5%? ‘)%#80%#'/,%75%0#$%&417'4% *†. â€Å"3!. ,)3'! %! %8)7! â€Å"! â€Å"2)3174. â€Å"! +%)0. 9+),+#)&0+)'+&$'†) ‘+,%&1+$%7$51+,:% Global? Indices? Global indices (February 1989=1) 9 †¢? Mining? companies? have? con? nued? to? outperform? the? overall? market.? †¢? While? the? industry? was? hit? hard? by? the? global nancial? crisis,? mining? ompanies? have? led? the? return? and? gone? beyond. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 Dow Jones FTSE HSBC Global Mining Index Source: Bloomberg. BCDC%)'? %/$'4%0$+)81+%8+%0#$%(‘/;$0%')%&/1? 0#% /$712+,$,6%133)$0%75%'%+2(7$/%13%8+*8,$+0)%0#'0%;$90% Global? Indices? â€Å"#$%&'(#)*+)*,-. %)/0 -. $/%0#$%*12/)$%13%0#$%4†²)0%5$'/6%&417'4%$*1+1(8*%'+,% 914808*'4%0/$+,)%#'. $%*#'+&$,%0#$%8+,2)0/5:%†#$%(8+8+&% !†#$%&'()*†#%)! &%+,-)! â€Å"). )†+/)+'. ). â€Å"#)&0+'+)! %)†1)&$'†! â€Å"2) 7'*;:%$*081+)%? #84$%)29945%/$(‘8+)%*1+)0/'8+$,6% ?80#%*#'44$+&$)%)2*#%')%,$*48+8+&%&/',$%'+,%(1/$% $(10$%41*'081+):%†#$%*1)0%*2/. $%#')%)#830$,%296% *1+08+28+&%01%920%9/$))2/$%1+%0#$%8+,2)0/5%01%(‘8+0'8+% *†. â€Å"3!. ,)#! %3! 4,! â€Å"+5)6+/)4,. (+'%). ‘+)+7+'2! â€Å"2).  "#)&0+) 8+,2)0/5%8)%/$*$8. 8+&%(1/$%'00$+081+%3/1(%80)%(‘+5%'+,% .'/8$,%)0†²;$#14,$/):%! â€Å"#$%&'#$†&($)†&*%#+%8+%0#$%(8+8+&% 8+,2)0/5: †¢? Emerging? countries? con? nued? to? storm? ahead,? with? demand? for? resources? driven? by? strong? GDP? growth,? including? close? to? 10%? growth? in? China. †¢? Mining? market? capitaliza? on? con? nued? to? rebound? in? 2010,? with? many? players? recovering? the? remaining? market? capitaliza? on? lost? uring? the? global nancial? crisis? and? surpassing? the? level? seen? at? the? end? of? 2007.? 1%#/+)*,-(%,2#3 @8+8+&%*1(9'+8$)%#'. $%*1+08+2$,%01%1209$/31/(%0#$% 1. $/'44%(‘/;$06%')%*1+)2($/%)$*01/)%,$9$+,'+0%1+% ,$(‘+,%3/1(%,$. $419$,%$*1+1(8$)%)0/2&&4$,%01% /$*1. $/:%A#84$%0#$%8+,2)0/5%? ‘)%#80%#'/,%75%0#$%&417'4% *†. â€Å"3!. ,)3'! %! %8)7! â€Å"! â€Å"2)3174. â€Å"! +%)0. 9+),+#)&0+)'+&$'†) ‘+,%&1+$%7$51+,:% †¢? The? total? year? end? market? capital iza? on? of? the? top? 40? companies? increased? by? 26%,? with? larger? gains? generally? achieved? by? the? smaller? companies. Global indices (February 1989=1) 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 Dow Jones FTSE HSBC Global Mining Index Source: Bloomberg. BCDC%)'? %/$'4%0$+)81+%8+%0#$%(‘/;$0%')%&/1? 0#% /$712+,$,6%133)$0%75%'%+2(7$/%13%8+*8,$+0)%0#'0%;$90% *'2081+%'+,%/8);%1+%0#$%'&$+,':%? @? ‘. /$! 3# 3/&+030. 3.! 3#$! A $'$/%0* 3/&+030. A. /,+B! $ Top 40 TS 100 250% 50 Coal India PotashCorp Barrick Gold FreeportMcMoRan Anglo American Xstrata China Shenhua 0 Rio Tinto 200% Vale †¢? The? big? get? bigger.? They? are? also? diversifying? in? other? direc? ons.? For? instance,? some? have? begun? exploring? the? bene? ts? f? ver? cal? integra? on? in? an? anempt? to? control? the? en? re? commodity? value? chain? –? from? coal? mining? to? steel? produc? on? to? power? genera? on.? 150 BHP Billiton †¢? New? entra nt:? Coal? India.? Following? its? IPO? in? October? 2010,? it’s? the? largest? new? entrant.? 5$&/! â€Å". 3 (#. A(! ‘ 3#$! ($)3 150% 100% 2009 2010 Source: Capital IQ. Note:? EBITDA:? earnings? before? interests,? taxes,? deprecia? on,? and? amor? za? on? 9%. #1:. %&7%2;-201$? @?! &! (3&*+!. 23! 5$&/! -. /! 3#$! ‘0*0*%! 0*+2(3/57! R)/. ((! 3#$! â€Å". 1! G?! 3#$/$! A&(! &! 50% 0% Source: B â€Å"#$%&'($)%*+,-)&%&. $(%-‘. -. 0+&%1232%4$%)'4%5#$%567%5#/$$%(0+$/)%89:;%90)&G#'H& 9##? â€Å"@)*+†A. +6;),†*5(â€Å"*88/)8*0)†A*+6),† were? announced? during? the? ;B†*5(â€Å"=CB†1481)/†01*5†³01)†9/,0†³1*+#>? â€Å"D5†³*5† â€Å"(2/. &$%2([email  protected]&. /%†&0#†1'/2&%). &%**3/*%;/&0%†1/2&? /3/& ?rst? half? of? 2011.? .&7B(*C/3&;C%)&7858&%). &577B&%). (* C/3& ;;'? â€Å"E. â€Å"F60†³014,†450. â€Å"F)/,F)704A)$†7. 5,4()/†01*0† â₠¬ ¢? Deals? volumes? and? aggregate? â€Å"(2/. &0#†1'/2&'%>/&7855&;C/&$12(/2;&4/%3&#E&+,-&()&;C/& â€Å". >&JK? † values? were? 10%? and? 25%? 1 80 ,000 3,000 Announced Date Target Target Description Target Headquarters Transaction Value (millions) Target ResourceType !$%%#&'(#%$#)*'+,*#-. /. /0#12,*3 2011? 1H? Top? 10? Global? Mining? Deals Acquirer 01/28/2011 Massey Energy Corporation Massey Energy Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, A. T. Massey Coal Company, Inc. , produces, processes, and sells bituminous coal primarily in the United States. United States US$8,500 Coal Alpha Natural Resources, Incorporated 04/24/2011 Equinox Minerals Limited Equinox Minerals Limited engages in the mining and exploration of mineral properties. Australia C$7,300 Copper Barrick Gold Corporation Announced 01/11/2011 Date Target Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines Limited Target DescriptionConsolidated Thompson Iron Mines Limited, a mining company, engages in the exploration an d development of mineral properties in Canada. Target Canada Headquarters Transaction C$4,900 Value (millions) Target Steel Resource Type Acquirer Cliffs Natural Resources Incorporated 05/02/2011 01/28/2011 US$3,400 US$8,500 Coal Coal Kazakhstan US$3,200 Zinc 04/24/2011 Equinox Minerals Limited Australia C$7,300 Copper 06/10/2011 01/11/2011 PT Bumi Resources Consolidated Thompson Minerals Tbk Iron Mines Limited International Coal Group, Inc. produces coal in northern and central Massey Energy Company, through States. owned subsidiary, A.T. Massey Appalachian regions of the United its wholly Coal Company, Inc. , produces, processes, and sells bituminous coal primarily iKazzinc JSC States. produces zinc with copper, precious metals, and lead n the United primarily credits in Kazakhstan. Equinox Minerals Limited engages in the mining and exploration of mineral properties. PT Bumi Resources Minerals Tbk, through its subsidiaries, engages in the Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines Limited, a mining Indonesia and in west exploration and development of mineral properties in company, engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in Canada.Africa. United States United States 04/14/2011 International Coal Group, Massey Energy Incorporated Corporation KazzInc Indonesia Canada US$2,100 C$4,900 Diversi? ed Steel and Metals Mining 02/03/2011 05/02/2011 Fronteer Gold International Coal Group, Incorporated Incorporated Fronteer Gold Inc. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of International Coalproperties in producesthe United States, and Turkey. mineral resource Group, Inc. Canada, coal in northern and central Appalachian regions of the United States. Canada United StatesC$2,300 US$3,400 Gold Coal Arch Coal Alpha Natural Incorporated Resources, IGlencore ncorporated International p Barrick Gold Corporation Bumi plc Cliffs Natural Resources Incorporated Newmont Min Arch Coal Corporation Incorporated 04/14/2011 03/02/2011 KazzInc Companhia B rasileira de Metalurgia e Mineracao Kazzinc JSCBrasileira de Metalurgia ewith copper,engages in the extraction, Companhia primarily produces zinc Mineracao precious metals, and lead credits in Kazakhstan. processing, manufacture, and marketing of niobium-based products. Kazakhstan BrazilUS$3,200 US$1,950 Zinc Diversi? ed Metals and Mining 06/10/2011 PT Bumi Resources Minerals Tbk PT Bumi Resources Minerals Tbk, through its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in Indonesia and in west Africa. Indonesia US$2,100 Diversi? ed Metals and Mining 02/03/2011 Fronteer Gold Incorporated Fronteer Gold Inc. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Canada, the United States, and Turkey. Canada C$2,300 Gold 03/02/2011 Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e MineracaoCompanhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineracao engages in the extraction, processing, manufacture, and marketing of niobium-based products. Brazi l US$1,950 Diversi? ed Metals and Mining 06/22/2011 Vale Fertilizantes SA Vale Fertilizantes S. A. produces and supplies phosphate- and nitrogen- based inputs for the production of fertilisers and inputs for chemical companies in Brazil. Brazil US$1,390 Fertilisers and Agricultural Chemicals POSCO, Sojit Corporation, N Steel Corpora Holdings Inco Vale S. A. The Japan Oil and Metals Na Corporation & Pension Servi 06/15/2011 Drummond Company, Inc. Colombian Mining Operations and Related Infrastructure Drummond Companys, Colombian Mining Operations and Related Infrastructure comprises coal exploration properties with probable reserves of about 2 billion net tons. Colombia US$1,524 Coal Itochu Corpor 06/22/2011 Vale Fertilizantes SA Vale Fertilizantes S. A. produces and supplies phosphate- and nitrogen- based inputs for the production of fertilisers and inputs for chemical companies in Brazil. Brazil US$1,390 Fertilisers and Agricultural Vale S. A. Glencore Sojit POSCO, ICorporation, p nternational Steel Corpora Holdings Bumi plc IncoThe Japan Oi and Metals N Corporation & Pension Serv Newmont Min Corporation 2011? 1H? Top? 10? Global? Mining? Deals et ource Acquirer Acquirer Description Acquirer Headquarters Transaction Status (as at August 8, 2011) l Alpha Natural Resources, Incorporated Alpha Natural Resources, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, processing, and sale of coal in the United States. United States Closed per Barrick Gold Corporation Barrick Gold Corporation engages in the production and sale of gold, as well as related activities, such as exploration and mine development.Canada Closed l Cliffs Natural Resources Incorporated Cliffs Natural Resources, a mining and natural resources company, produces iron ore pellets, lump and ? nes iron ore, and metallurgical coal products. United States Closed l Arch Coal Incorporated Arch Coal engages in the production and sale of steam and metallurgical coal from surface and underground mine s located throughout the United States. United States Closed Glencore International plc Glencore International plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in producing, sourcing, processing, re? ning, transporting, storing, ? ancing, and supplying commodities to industries worldwide. Switzerland Announced Bumi plc Bumi plc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, mining, and processing of coal and other minerals in Indonesia and West Africa. United Kingdom Announced Newmont Mining Corporation Newmont Mining, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and production of gold and copper properties. United States Closed POSCO, Sojitz Corporation, Nippon Steel Corporation, JFE Holdings Incorporated, The Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation & National Pension ServiceJFE Holdings, Inc. , through its subsidiaries, engages in steel and engineering operations in Japan. JFE Holdings Inc. : Japan Announced National Pension Service is a pens ion fund manager. National Pension Service: South Korea rsi? ed als and ng rsi? ed als and ng Nippon Steel Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of steel and related products in Japan and internationally. Nippon Steel Corp. : Japan POSCO: South Korea Sojitz Corporation operates as a general trading company worldwide. Sojitz Corporation: Japan Japan oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation provides ? ancial assistance, technology development, technical support, stockpiling, gathering/providing information, mine pollution control, and overseas ? eld survey services in Japan. ilisers POSCO engages in the manufacture and sale of steel products in South Korea and internationally. The Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation: Japan Vale S. A. Vale S. A. engages in the exploration, production, and sale of basic metals in Brazil. Brazil Announced Itochu Corporation ITOCHU Corporation operates as a general trading company primarily in Japan and inte rnationally. Japan Announced

Synthesis Essay - Comparison between Frederick Douglass and Jon Krakauer

Synthesis Essay - Comparison between Frederick Douglass and Jon Krakauer It is sometimes said that nothing in life that is worthhaving comes easily. I have noticed that what oftenseparates those who attain their hopes and dreams fromthose who do not is that they possess a certain driveand determination to stop at nothing to achieve thosedreams. Although the two individuals Chris McCandlessand Frederick Douglass lived in different time periods,and grew up in totally different environments, theypossessed the will to overcome whatever obstacles lifepresented them and achieved the goals that they set forthemselves. Chris McCandless was determined to live anunconventional, nomadic lifestyle like those of hisidols Henry David Thoreau, Boris Pasternak, and theJules Verne character Captain Nemo. Growing up, hewaited until the time was right to begin his journeyacross the country and into the wilderness. JohnKrakauer wrote: Five weeks earlier he'd loaded hisbelongings into his car and headed west without anThe gravestone of Frederick Douglass located at Mo...itine rary. The trip was to be an odyssey in the fullestsense of the word, an epic journey that would changeeverything. He had spent the previous four years, as hesaw it, preparing to fulfill an absurd and onerous duty:to graduate from college. At long last he wasunencumbered, emancipated from the stifling world of hisparents and peers, a world of abstraction and securityand material excess, a world in which he felt grievouslycut off from the raw throb of existence. (22) Later inthe book we were again given a glimpse of Chris's grittydetermination to achieve a goal that he had set forhimself.During his travels Chris stopped in the small dustytown of Tapock, Arizona. It was there that he noticed anold secondhand canoe which he purchased in an attempt tofloat from Lake Havasu...

buy custom User Centered Technology essay

buy custom User Centered Technology essay I agree with the author of the article since there has been a dramatic change in the way that information and entertainment is delivered to the consumer. The internet has revolutionized the way that content is delivered to consumers with a departure from the reliance on print medium to the digital world where information made available to the consumer is personalized to fit his or her needs and interests. The internet has resulted in many changes in the way people are able to access information with the location of a person not being a hindrance or the reliance on print material such as newspapers, and maps. The current consumer lives in a digital age where ones personal experience is the most important and therefore providers of information and entertainment have to change the way that they deliver their content so as to remain relevant. The availability of digital devices that are able to connect to the internet while on the move have made it easy for people to access the kind of information that they want irrespective of where they are as well as buy products online with just a click of one button. By doing this, they buy both the product and the experience wherein they are buying what they want at their own convenience which makes the whole process rather personalized. The resulting corporate battles amongst companies offering such content arises from the need to be able to control this personalized experience through the provision of content that will enable consumers to have access to what they want within a click of a button. Information and entertainment content provided to consumers will be that which they want based on the place, time of day, recommended information by friends, and other preferences that best suit them. The icing on the cake will be the ability of these systems to perform these tasks without the consumer having to instruct them. Buy custom User Centered Technology essay

How to Use Charts, Graphs, and Maps for Information

How to Use Charts, Graphs, and Maps for Information Many people find frequency tables, crosstabs, and other forms of numerical statistical results intimidating. The same information can usually be presented in graphical form, which makes it easier to understand and less intimidating. Graphs tell a story with visuals rather than in words or numbers and can help readers understand the substance of the findings rather than the technical details behind the numbers. There are numerous graphing options when it comes to presenting data. Here we will take a look at the most popularly used: pie charts, bar graphs, statistical maps, histograms, and frequency polygons. Pie Charts A pie chart is a graph that shows the differences in frequencies or percentages among categories of a nominal or ordinal variable. The categories are displayed as segments of a circle whose pieces add up to 100 percent of the total frequencies. Pie charts are a great way to graphically show a frequency distribution. In a pie chart, the frequency or percentage is represented both visually and numerically, so it is typically quick for readers to understand the data and what the researcher is conveying. Bar Graphs Like a pie chart, a bar graph is also a way to visually show the differences in frequencies or percentages among categories of a nominal or ordinal variable. In a bar graph, however, the categories are displayed as rectangles of equal width with their height proportional to the frequency of percentage of the category. Unlike pie charts, bar graphs are very useful for comparing categories of a variable among different groups. For example, we can compare marital status among U.S. adults by gender. This graph would, thus, have two bars for each category of marital status: one for males and one for females. The pie chart does not allow you to include more than one group. You would have to create two separate pie charts, one for females and one for males. Statistical Maps Statistical maps are a way to display the geographic distribution of data. For example, let’s say we are studying the geographic distribution of the elderly persons in the United States. A statistical map would be a great way to visually display our data. On our map, each category is represented by a different color or shade and the states are then shaded depending on their classification into the different categories. In our example of the elderly in the United States, let’s say we had four categories, each with its own color: Less than 10 percent (red), 10 to 11.9 percent (yellow), 12 to 13.9 percent (blue), and 14 percent or more (green). If 12.2 percent of Arizona’s population is over 65 years old, Arizona would be shaded blue on our map. Likewise, if Florida’s has 15 percent of its population aged 65 and older, it would be shaded green on the map. Maps can display geographical data on the level of cities, counties, city blocks, census tracts, countries, states, or other units. This choice depends on the researcher’s topic and the questions they are exploring. Histograms A histogram is used to show the differences in frequencies or percentages among categories of an interval-ratio variable. The categories are displayed as bars, with the width of the bar proportional to the width of the category and the height proportional to the frequency or percentage of that category. The area that each bar occupies on a histogram tells us the proportion of the population that falls into a given interval. A histogram looks very similar to a bar chart, however, in a histogram, the bars are touching and may not be of equal width. In a bar chart, the space between the bars indicates that the categories are separate. Whether a researcher creates a bar chart or a histogram depends on the type of data he or she is using. Typically, bar charts are created with qualitative data (nominal or ordinal variables) while histograms are created with quantitative data (interval-ratio variables). Frequency Polygons A frequency polygon is a graph showing the differences in frequencies or percentages among categories of an interval-ratio variable. Points representing the frequencies of each category are placed above the midpoint of the category and are joined by a straight line. A frequency polygon is similar to a histogram, however, instead of bars, a point is used to show the frequency and all the points are then connected with a line. Distortions in Graphs When a graph is distorted, it can quickly deceive the reader into thinking something other than what the data really says. There are several ways that graphs can be distorted. Probably the most common way that graphs get distorted is when the distance along the vertical or horizontal axis is altered in relation to the other axis. Axes can be stretched or shrunk to create any desired result. For example, if you were to shrink the horizontal axis (X axis), it could make the slope of your line graph appear steeper than it actually is, giving the impression that the results are more dramatic than they are. Likewise, if you expanded the horizontal axis while keeping the vertical axis (Y axis) the same, the slope of the line graph would be more gradual, making the results appear less significant than they really are. When creating and editing graphs, it is important to make sure the graphs do not get distorted. Oftentimes, it can happen by accident when editing the range of numbers in an axis, for example. Therefore it is important to pay attention to how the data comes across in the graphs and make sure the results are being presented accurately and appropriately, so as to not deceive the readers. Resources and Further Reading Frankfort-Nachmias, Chava, and Anna Leon-Guerrero. Social Statistics for a Diverse Society. SAGE, 2018.

Strategy Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Strategy Evaluation - Essay Example A case of assuming availability of traditional work force to undertake a task that involves more drudgery but is very cost-effective may not work if better opportunities are available to the targeted work force (Allan). On proper allocation of resources, even though required financial resources might have been arranged , it might not have considered the need for skilled and competent employees. Further, the manager must also be able to ensure a compatibility in the operational styles with the other departments and units in the same organization. The creation of an environment for consensus and acceptability of ideas across the group need to be present for a viable strategy for the business. A clear judgment on the time allocation for various processes like market analysis, product generation, test marketing and final launch must be carefully position to prevent the loss in the advantageous position that the company might have had initially (Allan). Due to all these reasons the strate gy evaluation often tends to be very complex and sensitive exercise.

Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Marketing - Assignment Example Threats are competitions who are strongly positioned while opportunity is the growing interest of coffee drinkers for a sophisticated taste of coffee. As a formulation of an international marketing strategy, recommendation is for entry of Costa Coffee using a differentiated business approach. The purpose of this report is to analyze the critical factors required in entering a foreign market. The chosen country is Azerbaijan which is located in Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range. (CIA 2012). Costa Coffee needs to decide on the four types of entries to this market, namely: exporting, licensing, joint venture, and direct investment (Washington Secretary of State. Corporations Division). Costa Coffee has also need to plan the appropriate strategy in its entry. The market strategies established are the technological innovation, (the superiority of the product); product adaptation (modifications in the existing product); Availability (low price strategy); or total adaptation (conformity strategy). Azerbajan has a total population of 9,643,000 as of 2011 (CIA). It is composed of 3,436,459 females and 3,307,88l males in the bracket of ages 15-64 and a male population of 227,172 and 367,675 bracket of 65 years and above. Population is composed of Azeri 90.6%, Dagestani 2.2%, Russian 1.8%, Armenian 1.5%, other 3.9% (1999 census). Population growth rate is 1.017% with a rank of 114 in world comparison. Baku, its capital holds 1.9 million people. 2. Economy. Its high economic growth is attributable to a large and growing oil exports, construction, banking, and real estate. Obstacles to its progress is said to be the public and private sector corruption and infrastructure inefficiencies. The country also needs a stepped up foreign investment in the non-energy sector. It imports

Spoken and written discourses Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Spoken and written discourses - Essay Example The word discourse is picked from the Latin term ‘discursus’ which is defined as ‘conversation, speech.’ From a linguistic point of view the term discourse is defined as a continuous stretch of language, which is larger than a sentence and often constitutes coherent units such as argument, joke, sermon, or narrative A discourse is not necessarily long; short conversations/ groans can be equally described as discourse just as a novel would. Discourses may be classified in many ways: written or spoken discourse; classification according to level of formality; classification according to genre; or classification according to the number of participants, whether on or many.For a conversation to be classified as a written or spoken discourse it needs to fulfill several criteria as Beaugrande (1981) explains. They include cohesion, coherence, intentionality, acceptability, informativeness, situationality, and intersexuality. This paper compares the written and spok en discourses. Differences between Spoken and Written discourses The main difference between spoken and written discourse lies in the fact that spoken language must be understood immediately whereas written discourse can be referred to many times (Crystal 1997). Unlike in written discourses, which involves medium that keeps a record of its conveyed message, spoken discourse involves only air and thus conversation is possible only up to the moment it occurs. The speed of conversation also varies between the two mediums of discourse. In spoken discourse, the speaker uses the speed that is appropriate for him/her; such speed is not necessarily convenient for the listener. The speed in spoken discourses is usually varying but faster than in written discourses. Other differences may be classified into: Contextualization Spoken discourse offers a natural form of speech where the audience is usually present. This speech facilitates effective communication since the speakers are able to get feedback from their listeners. This, however, means that spoken discourse has more repetition as the audience asks for clarification on unclear points. Written discourse as Crystal (1997) explains has an audience that is usually farther away and mostly unknown. Writers experience some disconnect in relation to the audience since the audience is not nearby; the writers only try to imagine what their intended audience would appreciate. Such a distance makes writing discourses inherently more difficult compared to spoken discourses. However, some genres of spoken discourse such as academic discourse, have minimal context of shared content, no feedback is encouraged immediately. On the other hand, some written discourses also employ the feedback of the readers who provide background information of the discourses usually through interviews. Spontaneity Spoken discourses tend to be largely unorganized where topics can change at any moment; interruption and overlapping of communication ca n occur often (Halliday 1989). In the spoken discourses, speakers can ask for clarification as well as correct what has already been said. Written discourses, on the other hand, are more organized and grammatical (Halliday 1989). The audiences of written discourses only get the finished product and cannot make any modification or clarification. The written discourses are having limited ways of conveying their message; written discourses are more constrained. Lexical characteristics Spoken discourses have a lower percentage of different words than written discourses. Spoken discourses are marked with longer and more repetitions unlike written discourses where repetitions are limited. Spoken discourses generally have shorter, less complex phrases. They contain more verb-based phrases and less abstract words. In addition to this, they also contain more words that refer to the speaker (Halliday 1989). Written discourses, on the other hand, have a more complex lexical characteris

How did Nazi Germany deploy history to justify their involvement in Essay

How did Nazi Germany deploy history to justify their involvement in the World War II - Essay Example From that period, the economic global depression resulted in hyperinflation, mass unemployment, social unrest by which Hitler provided people like the Jews. He promised peace that was civil, economic radical policies and national pride restoration and unity. Rhetoric Nazi was a nationalist and the Jews who were submissive were seen to be responsible for all the ills of the Germans1. In September 1939, Germany attacked Poland, which led to the Second World War. Almost five to six million Germans died during the war. Most of them were victims of the political Nazi and two hundred thousand were killed in the euthanasia program of the Nazi. There were also many rapes of women from Germany. After Poland had been conquered, Hitler cantered attention on defeating France and Britain. As the war increased, the party of Nazi created an alliance with Italy and Japan in the Pact Tripartite of the year 1940. In the vicious fighting that, the troops of Nazi struggled to make real the goal of defeating the major communist power of the world that was long-held. Germany got itself fighting in France, Italy, North Africa and the Balkans. At the commencing of the Second World War, the party of Nazi and Hitler were fighting to conquer Europe and after five years they were struggling to exist2. In 1939, the month of September, the soldiers of Hitler attacked Poland. It followed six years with Hitler participating fully in the war. It also included the youth up to the youngest child. The Second World War was facilitated by two alliances which were in conflict with each other. The conflicting associations were the Allied side and the Axis nations. The powers that led were the Germany Nazi, the Italy kingdom, and the Japan Empire. On the other hand, France and the United Kingdom including their colonial empires, Soviet Union, China, and USA were the leading powers of the other alliance. The reason the Nazi participated in the

The digital and online marketing strategies adopted by the main UK Essay

The digital and online marketing strategies adopted by the main UK grocery supermarkets - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that over time, aggregate demand generated for consumer use goods and services has substantially increased in major economies of the world. Higher demand has carved the way for increased production-oriented activities. Furthermore, higher production participation has enhanced the degree of market rivalry between profit-making commercial firms. At this juncture, without the essence of modern cost-efficient marketing activities, a company cannot achieve success in business. The researcher in this assignment is a marketing consultant, responsible for this report that summarizes online and digital marketing strategies implemented by grocery supermarkets of the U.K. The summary will include critical analysis of the strategies, based on a comparative analysis framework. In 2013, it was estimated that net worth of the U.K. grocery market was  £169.7 billion. The surplus value of the industry had increased by 3.7% from 2012 to 2013. It is forecas ted that by 2018, worth of the industry would be  £205.9 billion, along with an annual growth rate of 21.3%. Since the U.K. grocery supermarkets operate in an Oligopolistic market, they are exposed to cut-throat competition. Each profit making company undertakes decisions regarding price and output on the basis of strategic behavior. In the current epoch, the internet has helped in formulating new strategies and business models for firms across several industries. Online shopping or retailing approaches have substantially changed the U.K. supermarket retailing process. These changes are noted in channel coordination and development, business scope, central business model, core processes, buyers’ value creation and online partnerships related to firms. Tesco has started to conduct trade over digital marketplaces from 1994, which was named as â€Å"Tesco Direct†. Later in 2000, the company had launched its official website, Tesco.com. Tesco is considered to be the larg est online U.K. based grocery retailer in the world. The company had invested large sums of money for online marketing purposes. It had conducted advertisement campaigns for internet phones it had sold. The company promoted these internet phones by providing free call facility the owners. Tesco was also the first online grocery retailer, which had initiated home delivery facilities to customers. However, all activities of the company are highly sustainable to the environment.

How did Nazi Germany deploy history to justify their involvement in Essay

How did Nazi Germany deploy history to justify their involvement in the World War II - Essay Example From that period, the economic global depression resulted in hyperinflation, mass unemployment, social unrest by which Hitler provided people like the Jews. He promised peace that was civil, economic radical policies and national pride restoration and unity. Rhetoric Nazi was a nationalist and the Jews who were submissive were seen to be responsible for all the ills of the Germans1. In September 1939, Germany attacked Poland, which led to the Second World War. Almost five to six million Germans died during the war. Most of them were victims of the political Nazi and two hundred thousand were killed in the euthanasia program of the Nazi. There were also many rapes of women from Germany. After Poland had been conquered, Hitler cantered attention on defeating France and Britain. As the war increased, the party of Nazi created an alliance with Italy and Japan in the Pact Tripartite of the year 1940. In the vicious fighting that, the troops of Nazi struggled to make real the goal of defeating the major communist power of the world that was long-held. Germany got itself fighting in France, Italy, North Africa and the Balkans. At the commencing of the Second World War, the party of Nazi and Hitler were fighting to conquer Europe and after five years they were struggling to exist2. In 1939, the month of September, the soldiers of Hitler attacked Poland. It followed six years with Hitler participating fully in the war. It also included the youth up to the youngest child. The Second World War was facilitated by two alliances which were in conflict with each other. The conflicting associations were the Allied side and the Axis nations. The powers that led were the Germany Nazi, the Italy kingdom, and the Japan Empire. On the other hand, France and the United Kingdom including their colonial empires, Soviet Union, China, and USA were the leading powers of the other alliance. The reason the Nazi participated in the

Can Religion Improve Your Health Research Paper

Can Religion Improve Your Health - Research Paper Example People who did not attend church or religious services were more likely to be unhealthy and, consequently, to die. However, religious attendance also increased social ties and behavioral factors to decrease the risks of death (Deem) Even though, science and technology has developed a lot, the prominence of religion in human life has not been affected. Science succeeded in unveiling many of the mysteries around us; however it failed to make a concrete statement about the life before birth and life after death. On the other hand, religion has answers to all these questions. Religions and its principles are formulated not based any scientific facts or observations, but based on belief alone. The agony of what is going to happen to the soul after one’s death is haunting human life even now. Religions talk about an eternal life after death based on the activities one would perform in his earthly life. Religions argue that the current life is only a temporary one and a permanent lif e is waiting for human after death. The failure of science in unveiling anything about the chances of a future life created lot of psychological problems among humans. Such humans are relying heavily on religious teachings in order to avoid their concerns and stresses about a future life. In other words, religions can help people to improve their physical and psychological health. This paper analyses the role of religion in improving human health.... Mind controls or drives the human body and any problem occurred to the driver may result in malfunctioning of the body. It is difficult for a person to stay calm or healthy while his mind was agitated by something. Mental happiness is essential for the better functioning of the body. Religions always teach its believers to stay away from crazy life styles. For example, Christianity advocates that a person can engage in sexual activities with his wife only. All the sexual activities outside the frame work of marriage are considered as sins. Science has already proved that HIV/IDS like severe diseases are caused by unhealthy or crazy sexual habits. Christianity has realized the consequences of crazy sexual life much earlier than science and that is why it advocated sexual activities with a single lady alone. Religious beliefs are responsible for streamlining of human life in the right track. In the absence of religious beliefs or the threats of punishments, sins can derail human life o n earth. Even science has no second opinion about the role of a structured life in maintaining human health. Religions help humans in leading a structured life. In the absence of spirituality or religious beliefs, people will try to lead a life of their won will and may cause immense damages to his physical and mental health. Religions provide the right frame work for maintaining a healthy life on this world. According to Koenig et al, (2001) â€Å"Religion takes a firm hold on science and between 200 and 1700, or almost all the mental disorders are understood in terms of religious beliefs† (Koenig et al, p.16). Religion provides the necessary

General Motors Essay Example for Free

General Motors Essay 1. The history, development, and growth of the company over time (e. g. , critical incidents) General Motors (GM) was founded in 1908. William C. Durant brought together 25 independent car companies to form one large corporation. Each company held its own identity as GM operated as central administration office for the 25 divisions. Due to high cost in manufacturing of automobiles, GM was only able to target wealthy customers who could afford cars. Then Henry Ford, owner and founder of Ford Motor Company, revolutionizes the production process of manufacturing cars and takes the lead in the industry. With this new process, Ford becomes GM’s largest competitor, rapidly growing their market share by mass produce affordable cars, the Model T. GM did not have the same competency to mass produce affordable as efficiently as Ford and their sales plummeted. GM was in a bad situation, producing a wide range of expensive cars for a small target market of middle class customers. From 1910- 1920 Ford grew stronger and wealthier while GM struggled to stay afloat. In 1920, Alfred P. Sloan became the CEO for GM and made major changes to GM’s strategy to more effectively compete with Ford. Sloan restructured GM to regain its competitive advantage, targeting a different segment in the market. His consolidation of the 25 companies into 5 major self-contained and operated divisions: Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, and Oldsmobile proved to be successful. In 1925 GM took the lead in the industry, hurting Ford’s sales of the Model T so bad that Ford had to shut down his factories for several months to redesign his production line and produce new models. GM became the United States car market leader with the largest market share, 70% at its highest. 925 to 1975, GM expanded its product line to all kinds of vehicles to full-size trucks, light weight trucks, and various specialized vehicles such as vans and ambulances. GM also started to vertically integrate and at one point, made more than 65% of its cars components. From 1925 to 1975, GM dominated the United States market holding approximately 65% of domestic sales. Together, GM, Chrysler, and Ford, held more than 90% of the United States market. Due to the global oil crisis and low cost/high quality Japanese cars in 1970’s, GM lost its lead in the industry. The oil embargo of 1973 revealed the inefficiency of the American â€Å"gas guzzlers†. Neither GM nor its American competitors at this that time had the competence to build fuel efficient cars. Japanese cars now entered the American market and not only were they fuel efficient, there were reliable and affordable. In the 1970s and 1980s, demand for large sedans fell and thousands of GM workers got laid off. By the end of 1970s Americans flocked to Japanese economy cars or sleek European luxury cars and ignored high cost and low quality American cars. In 1980, GM still earned 3. 3 billion on more than 60 billion in sales. With its large cash flows, GM was still able to act as a dominant competitor. Roger Smith, GM’s new CEO aimed to regain GM’s competitive advantage and launched several major programs to reduce cost and improve quality. By 1990, these programs had cost the company over 100 billion dollars, which at the time, was enough to buy out Toyota and Honda. Smith had the most the difficulty lowering cost due to the high cost labor agreements with the UAW (United Auto Workers). GM invested more than 50 billion to improve and update technology and in 1980 started to develop automated factories using robotics to increase quality and efficiency. GM lacked the competency to effectively operate automated factories and was costing them twice as much in producing parts the traditional way. In 1982, GM created a new division called Saturn to develop low-cost manufacturing skills and produce quality cars by imitating Japanese manufacturing companies. It cost GM 2 billion to build Saturn’s plant, GM largest construction project in history. Saturns were priced to compete with Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Saturn did not meet its quotas and 1991 and lost $800 million dollars. The next year, Saturn sales picked up and were ranked top 10 in customer satisfaction but still had a loss of $700 million. Saturn could not replicate Toyota and Honda efficiency, especially its low cost supply chain. Same as other divisions, Saturn had difficulties reducing costs because high labor cost due to previous agreements with UAW. To learn Japanese manufacturing techniques GM had a joint venture with Toyota in 1983 called new United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. NUMMI). NUMMI reopened a failed plant in California under Japanese management in 1984. By 1986, with the use of flexible work teams, plant productivity was higher than any GM factory and twice as much as with the old GM management. The flexible teams were regularly rotated, trained to perform the jobs of other works in the team, taught the procedures to analyze jobs to improve work procedures, designed all the teams’ jobs. This freed managers to focus other tasks. GM quickly implemented this system to all its plants and by 2005; GM was laiming to be the most efficient United States carmaker. However, due to tariffs and high costs involved to bring foreign car to the United States, foreign car makers were eager to open their own car plants in the United States. By 1995, foreign controlled plants were making more than 1. 5 million cars a year in the United States. Although GM’s market share declined from 50% in 1978 to 35% 1992, it had not reduced it number of plants or downsized its work force significantly. In 1990 Robert Stempel became the new CEO and like Smith, Stempel did not want to down size the company at all. However, an activist GM director, John Smale, set out to stop GM’s losses and convinced the board to appoint Jack Smith as the new CEO. Smith made drastic changes and down sized the company dramatically. His new strategy for GM was to once again become profitable by aggressively focus on cutting cost, aggressive use of marketing of new designed vehicles that better satisfy customer’s needs, and create a new more-flexible decentralized organizational structure. He also reduced number of models and platforms in which they were built. In 2000, GM built a $1 billion state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Michigan to raise quality to Japanese levels. In 2005, GM did receive higher quality level similar to Japanese competitor but could not preform to be profitable due to high labor costs. In another attempt to lower value chain cost, GM closed down it Oldsmobile division in 2004. GM then focused on improving efficiency with its parts, components and suppliers, making various changes there. In 2000, GM, Ford, and Chrysler formed an organization called Covisint to gain power over global suppliers. Toyota launches program that reduces the number of steps needed to make components and car parts reducing its costs by 2. 6 billion. In 1992, it consolidated its nine groups into five and combined all its car divisions’ engineering and manufacturing units to eliminate redundancy. Also the five design and technical departments were combined into three to speed product development. To promote and improve coordination between departments, GM changed its organizational structure to a global matrix structure and invested heavily in IT to support this new global matrix structure. With the help of IBM, GM was now able to speed information transfer between its divisions all around the world. In attempts to quickly lower its cost, GM spun off several of its component parts divisions and vertically disintegrated. In 1996, form joint ventures with Isuzu Motors and Suzuki to establish facilities and make specialized engines and transmissions for GM. In 2000, GM acquired a 20% equity stake in Fuji, the manufacturer of Subaru cars and received a new CEO, Rick Waggoner. GM also establishes a strategic alliance with Honda. In 2001, GM’s new assembly plant in China begins production. In 2002, GM formed an alliance with Russian company. During this time, GM attempts to rapidly grow globally and competes with Ford to acquire premium European carmakers. GM bought many other European carmakers but did not find any to be profitable, only costing them more money and more failures. GM also acquired Daewoo and Hummer brand in hopes to strengthen product line and market share. All failed. In 2008, GM fell with the recession and spun off, sold, or digested many of its global assets. GM asked the government for bailouts and in the end filed for bankruptcy.

Facilities Available To Small Medium Enterprises In Mauritius Economics Essay

Facilities Available To Small Medium Enterprises In Mauritius Economics Essay Small and Medium Enterprises have been given differing definitions around the globe. Some countries refer to the number of employees as their distinctive criteria, some to the amount of invested capital in the business, and others a combine the amount of annual turnover, capital employed and type of industry. The definition of SMEs in Mauritius has evolved throughout the past years. According to the Small Scale Industry Act of 1988, a Small Enterprise is one which is engaged in manufacturing1 and which uses production equipment, the aggregate CIF value of which does not exceed Rs 500,000. The Industrial Expansion Act 1993 defines SMEs as enterprises which : are engaged in manufacturing use production equipment, the CIF value of which does not exceed Rs 10 m With time, came the Small and Medium Industry and Development Authority Act (SMIDO Act 1993) according to which SMEs are defined in terms of the size of capital employed and was an extension to the SSI Act 1988 definition. SMEs are defined as enterprises engaged in manufacturing and using production equipment in their manufacturing process which includes transformation/conversion of raw materials, repair, packing, assembly of semi-finished parts into finished goods. The production equipment refers to equipment directly related to production. Such value of production should not exceed Rs 5 million (SMIDO Act 1993). A revision of this definition by the SMIDO Act 1998 altered the value of production of Rs 5m to Rs 10m. Worth pointing out in those definitions quoted above that they consider only the manufacturing sector. Thus for this study, the most appropriate definition found was that of the SMEDA Act, which includes enterprises in all economic sectors, and so as to avoid sector specific criteria, turnover criteria is being used across sectors. Therefore, the SMEDA Act defines : Small enterprises as those who have an annual turnover of not more than 10 million MUR, and Medium Enterprises as those with an annual turnover of more than 10 million MUR but not more than 50 million MUR. 1. Manufacturing : transformation for commercial purposes of raw materials or semi-processed materials into finished or semi-finished goods including the repair, packaging and assembly of inputs into finished or semi-finished goods. For the study, both small and medium enterprises will be considered. Contribution of SMEs SMEs are the largest group of industrial units in most developing countries and make a significant contribution to manufacturing output and employment (Wignaraja 2003, p.2). According to the Organisation for Economic Coorperation and Development (OECD), factors such as a countrys economic patterns, social and cultural dimensions are reflected though their SMEs. Storey (1994) points out that small firms, no matter how they are defined, make up the bulk of enterprises in all economies around the world. The latter half of the last century has witnessed widespread roles SMEs and this cannot, in any way, be understated (Bygrave, 1994;Timmons,1994). On the issue of job creation, Andrew Stone (World Bank, 1997, Facts About Small business 1997) said that SMEs create more employment than large enterprises and with a lower investment per job created. To the layman, it is clear that creation of a Small and Medium enterprise is synonymous to job creation and economic growth. This fact is indeed not false. The positive link between SMEs and employment creation, poverty alleviation, and economic growth is universally acknowledged (Beyenne, 2000). In several countries, particularly in East Asia, they are the driving force of the economy. For instance, in Hong Kong, SMEs account for over 98% of the total establishments and provide job opportunities to about 1.3 million persons, about 60% of total employment.4 According to the Strategic Industrial and SMEs Plan 2010-2013, the emergence of SMEs in the Mauritius has contributed significantly to employment, output and entrepreneurship development within the industrial sector. The last census of the Central Statistical Office carried in 2007 reveals that there are around 91 980 small enterprises operating in Mauritius, an increase of about 22% from the 2002 figure of 74, 928. The survey also showed an increase of 18.8 % in the number of persons engaged by these institutions, from 175, 791 in 2002, to 208,797 in 2007, representing approximately 40% of employment. Furthermore, contribution to the Gross Domestic Product was 20%. 2. Currently the body regulating SMEs in Mauritius replacing the SEHDA 3. Mauritian SME Portal 4. Mauritian SME portal 5. CSO survey 2007 SMEs which are registered with the SMEDA2 and which will be under scrutiny in this study are categorised into 12 sectors as at 2010, namely, Food and Beverages, Leather and Garments, Wood and Furniture, Paper products and Printing, Chemical, Rubber and plastic, Handicrafts, Pottery and Ceramic, Jewellery and Related Items, Fabricated Metal Products, Profession/Vocation/Occupation, Trade and Commerce, Business Support Service Sector, Others.3 These total to around 6421 enterprises. Objectives of the study Having explained the various definitions of Small and Medium Enterprises and pointed out their importance and contribution to the Mauritian economy, it is now clear that these institutions play a key role in our country. Enterprises in developing countries, including Mauritius are facing far more competitive environments in this fast moving technological world (World Bank,1999). They are offered various facilities to start their business as well as to continue and also expand. Among those facilities we find financing, training, business counseling, marketing, information technology and export incentives. These are available with a view of better performance from these enterprises and also to make them more cost effective, produce better products in terms of design, quality and reliability to thus be able to compete with not only larger companies on the local market but also on the foreign market. Now, with the creation of many support institutions such as the Small and Medium Enterpr ises Development Authority (SMEDA), National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC), Human Resources Development Council (HRDC), Enterprise Mauritius (EM), Mauritius Employers Federation (MEF), Development Bank of Mauritius (DBM), Mauritius Business Growth Scheme (MBGS) which see to it that SMEs lack in nothing to operate, the latter have to take full advantage of these conveniences and also make the best use of them and thus reduce waste of resources. The main aim of this study is to analyse whether these facilities are being given in the right amount, too much, or too little in assistance of SMEs. Other objectives are as follows: Assess whether SMEs are taking full advantage of these facilities. Consider whether proper use is being made of aid and there is minimum waste of resources Investigate which of these facilities are more important for the creation and sustenance of SMEs 2.0 Literature Review 2.1 A look at the need for facilities It is now recognised that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) make a significant contribution to the socio-economic and political infrastructure of developed and developing countries as well as the nations in transition from command to market economies (Matlay and Westhead 2005). Harper (1998) notes that the relative and absolute importance of small enterprises has grown enormously over the last twenty years; this real growth has been matched by appreciation of their role. SMEs were once considered as mere stepping stones to real business, but now they are being viewed as being a vital contributor to the income and development of people. It therefore follows that countries should be ready to help those businesses which come forward with viable projects in terms of providing aid such as finance, marketing, training, adoption of new technologies, export incentives and business counseling. Furthermore, it is also expected from these business units to make full use of such incentiv es being provided to them, usually at lower cost. A look at those incentives will show that while necessary, some are difficult to obtain and some are not used optimally even though they are available much easily. Below, is a detailed look at all the facilities that will be covered in the study. 2.2.1 Financing Importance of finance Financing is one of the most important success factors of any business, and Small and Medium Enterprises are no exception. Financing helps them set up and expand their operations, develop new products, and invest in new staff or production facilities. Many small businesses are created by one or two people, who might start by investing their own money and/or taking loans from friends and family, or loans from financial institutions. After some time in operation, if they are successful, there comes a time when they will feel the need to expand (OECD, 2006). Therefore, finance being the backbone of all firms, it should be accorded much attention. SMEs are today considered by many countries to be of a key importance to the growth of their economy in terms of GDP contribution and also job creation. It therefore follows that these institutions should be having no difficulties in finding funds to not only start their enterprise, but also for sustenance and growth. However, according to the United Nations, the lack of financial assistance is a persistent problem and it is the most serious barrier to SME growth and expansion. Available funds are often diverted to the larger enterprises and only an insignificant number of SMEs seem able to attract bank financing (UN, 1993). Westhead and Wright (2000) state that the absence of adequate funding represents a major obstacle to the entrepreneurial process in a firm regardless of size, location or type of economic activity. Some life style entrepreneurs can satisfy their small firms financial needs by requesting loans from their families, friends or acquaintances (Hussain and Matlay, 2007). Typically, however, it remains a fact that the vast majority of growth oriented SMEs rely on long-term funding made available by banks, financial institutions or venture capitalists. Research has shown that banks hesitate in giving finance aid to small businesses. Pasadilla (2010, p.7) pointed out that banks, in both normal and crisis period, usually give priority to low-risk borrowers like large enterprises with profitable investments and sound collateral (ADBI Working Paper 2010, p.7). Banks may avoid providing financing to certain types of SMEs, in particular, start ups and very young firms that typically lack sufficient collateral, or firms whose activities offer the possibilities of high returns but at a substantial risk of loss (OECD 2006, p.3). The lack of collateral being a prime reason for SMEs not obtaining finance, another rationale is that banks might still prefer to grant loans to large and less risky companies rather than SMEs. Additionally information asymmetries and inappropriate business plans might also be considerable factors resulting in little or no access to finance.*(Asia Pacific Environmental innovation strategies APEIS 2004). However, as Cosh and Hughes (2003) point out, banks remain the main supplier of external SME finance, though there may be various financing constraints. The main source of finance to SMEs are bank loans. For example, in the UK, the most predominant way of financing small businesses remains bank loans (D.Irwin and J.Scott 2009, p.2) As a response to the lack of collateral issue, countries might come up with Loan Guarantee schemes by either public or private sector. The main aim of such a scheme is to encourage financial institutions to offer finance to SMEs. Under this scheme, the government provides a guarantee to the lending banks on specific types of loans to potentially viable SMEs (National Economic Research Associates, 1990). In return, SMEs pay a premium to the government. Moreover, there are also collateral free schemes to alleviate the problem of lack of collaterals. In this scheme, the SMEs are not required to provide any guarantee at all. In India, SIDBI, UNIDO and Indian Institute for Rural Development (IIRD) have successfully implemented this kind of scheme (APEIS, 2004) Leasing also shows up as an attempt to avoid collaterals. The lessor will remains owner of the asset and the lessee will be required to pay amounts at regular intervals for the use of the leased equipment, vehicle, or any other asset on lease. At the end, the asset can be sold at a minimum price to the lessee. Indeed, leasing is a very common way of financing assets in many countries. Other means of obtaining finance can be through Equity financing, that is issuing shares to meet long term capital need, Overdraft where SMEs will be allowed to withdraw money in excess of their actual bank balance, however they will be faced with rather high interest rates Mutual Guarantee Scheme which as stated the Commission of the European Communities, give a collective guarantee for appropriations provided to their members, who in return contribute to raise the equity and participate in the management of the mutual society 2.2.2 Training Training has been defined as a planned and systematic effort to modify or develop knowledge, skills and attitudes through learning experiences, to achieve effective performance in an activity or a range of activities (Garavan et al, 1997). It has been advocated as essential for every job (Tyler, 2005) and SMEs make use of training facilities to varying extents and varying success. Training certainly brings about learning experience which has for aim to improve a persons ability to perform a job. Traditionally, it focuses on technical knowledge, skills and abilities to complete current tasks (Treven, 2003). When trained, SMEs will attain a higher knowledge of not only the product they are developing but also about issues like how to be abreast to better technology, how to approach people for example suppliers, clients, employees with better tact through human resources training. Furthermore, training provided to employees will increase the quality of labour employed in the product mak ing. The British Chamber of Commerce (2007) points out that with proper training scheme, SMEs will be able to preserve their staff. Training to SMEs can be : For the potential entrepreneur For employees of the enterprise Geared towards product development Adoption of new technology, for example moving from manual system to computerized For owners on human resource management On financial issues, e.g. costing, investment appraisal, budgeting and forecasting How to market the product However, according to Stanworth and Gray (1992), there has been an identification of industry effects and size effects in responsiveness to training; with very small firms being least interested in providing employee training. Size and industry in which the SMEs operate can indeed play an important role in whether the SMEs train or not. Small sized companies will be least interested in providing training for factors such as financial issues, and also due to practical considerations. For example, as Kailer (1988) states, SMEs might be reluctant to release employees to attend training interventions. Furthermore, training provided may be too general and not of specific relevance to the SME, resulting in the sector providing fewer training interventions (Westhead and Storey, 1996). Other disincentives that SMEs might face into not providing training is the little potential that these enterprises have in offering higher pay, and they are less equipped to provide internal promotions for employees. As Westhead and Storey (1996) argue, such characteristics, when combined with the resultant increased risk that employees may be poached lead to lower instances of SME training. Moreover, SMEs are often not aware of the training needs of their enterprise. They do not have the proper staff to analyse such need and advise them into providing some training. As a result, SMEs provide more informal*refers to mostly on the job training, tutoring and mentoring than formal* training in a systematic approach, more like seminars, grouping targeted trainees under one roof. training. Many SMEs admit that their training provisions are informal but are of the opinion that only formal training is real training (Curran,2000). However, very often due to financial constraints, SMEs prefer other forms of training. A study* Training needs and human resource development analysis of SMEs in Mauritius by the European Commission for the Human Resources Development Council of Mauritius in 2008 showed that of the 300 SMEs which interviewed, only 35 % trained on a regular basis and were aware of the training grants operated by the HRDC, and of these, only 31 % have used it. These SMEs tended to adopt in-house training. Reasons stated for training were mainly for business development and because of the company policy and reasons not to train included the reluctance of specialised skills, and the fact that the employees were already qualified. It was also found that there were significant differences between those enterprises that provided training on a regular basis and those which did not. A positive link was found between the propensity to grow and propensity to train. To encourage SMEs to train more, government can provide incentives, such as free training or financial aid, help to cope with labour shortages and hiring difficulties and provision more information to create better awareness. In central and eastern Canada, an important tool to promote training in small businesses is the provision of information about the courses and setting up of additional government programs (Andreea Dulipovici, 2003) 2.2.3 Marketing Literature of marketing Marketing is a vital and indispensable business activity for all types of organizations that create and offer products of value Marketing in Mauritius 2.2.4 ICT and SMEs For countries in the vanguard of the world economy, the balance between knowledge and resources has shifted so far towards the former that knowledge has become perhaps the most important factor determining the standard of living more than land, than tools, than labour. Todays most technologically advanced economies are truly knowledge-based. World Development Report, 1999 As the global economy becomes increasingly reliant on information and communications technology (ICT) to receive, process, and send out information, small businesses do not have to be left out. Adoption of the latest technology or at least basic tools of ICT helps small enterprises to better merge with the developing economy, and operate more cost effectively. It can help SMEs create business opportunities, combat pressures from competition and improve their products through faster communication with their clients and marketing of products online. In 2000, an organization that used paper took on average 7.4 days to move a purchase from request to approval, but if done electronically, only took 1.5 days (Cassidy, 2002) UNESCAP and UNDP-APDIP have collaborated extensively to help formulate strategic policies and building the necessary environment to encourage SMEs take advantage of the Internet to create business opportunities in Asia and the Pacific. Many countries such as India, Republic of Korea, and Taiwan have created suitable environments to ensure that SMEs are well positioned to capture emerging business opportunities in terms of better technology. India, for example, offered relief from import duties for IT hardware, tax deductions for income earned form software exports, and tax holidays, and developed infrastructure in Software Technology Parks*A strategic review of the software industry in India 1998-1999. At the outset it is not necessary that all SMEs need to adopt ICT tools to the same degree of sophistication (UNDP,2007). The relationship between ICT and SMEs starts on a ground as simple as the use of a telephone to contact suppliers, clients. A fixed line or a mobile phone will do, whichever is more cost effective. Another most common tool used is of course the Personal Computers (PCs). The latter are very helpful for simple information processing needs such as producing texts, writing letters, keeping track of accounting items using basic software. PCs can also be used to access the Internet for more advanced communications capabilities such as email, file sharing, creating websites, searching for information, Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP)* 30% of Skypes*VoIP programme used to communicate via the internet. Worldwide subscribers are primarily SMEs, and e-commerce. Electronic commerce has been defined as the process of buying and selling goods and services electronically through computerized business transactions using the Internet, networks and other digital technologies (Lauden and Lauden, 2000). It also encompasses activities supporting market transactions such as advertising, marketing, customer support, delivery and payment. ICT oriented SMEs might use advanced Information Technology software such as Enterprise Resource Planning*offers a single repository for information on all business functions. which can capture cost savings, or SCM software which helps increase productivity, efficiency of inventory controls, and increase sales through closer relationships and faster delivery times. These allow SMEs to better coordinate their business, especially if the latter is growing and diversifying. The extent to which ICT will be adopted in SMEs will depend on the size of the business, on the benefits its adoption is planned to bring, on the ICT capacity of the SME and its employees and also on the financing capabilities. Despite the advantages that adoption of ICT demonstrates, many SMEs do not make use of it. For example, 90% of Thai SMEs still use basic communication technology such as fixed phone line and fax, and only 1% use CRM software. In Malaysia, only 30% of the local SMEs have their own website, and not all of them are updated regularly. Fuller(1993) points out that despite the number of benefits to be gained from technology, based on the users perspective ,SMEs adopt technology according to their self assessments of how the new technologies will change bottom line profitability. 2.2.5 Business counselling and access to information 2.2.6 Export Incentives 2.3 Support institutions As Wignaraja and Oneil (1999) argue, for the size of the country and its stage of development, Mauritius has a particularly wide range of support services for the SME sector. The availability of such support is mainly ensured by the Government, parastatal bodies and financial institutions. Below is a deeper look at those institutions in Mauritius. 2.3.1 The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority Looking back at the historical background of institutions supporting SMEs in Mauritius, we find the creation of the Small Industry Unit (SSIU), established under the aegis of the then Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The SSIU became the Small Industry Development Organisation (SIDO) in 1983. 10 years later, the Small and Medium Industry Development Organisation was set up for further development of the SME sector in Mauritius. The SMIDO later merged with the National Handicraft Promotion Agency (NHPA) to form the Small Enterprises and Handicraft Development Authority (SEHDA), whose main aim was to provide support to potential and existing SMEs. More recently (date needed) the SEHDA was replaced by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority. It is an agency of the Government that has aims like supporting and facilitating the development of entrepreneurship and SMEs in Mauritius. Apart from providing a range of services to the SME sector, SMEDA tries to sensitise the population, through workshops and seminars organized throughout the country, about The benefits of entrepreneurship Key issues/steps to consider and, procedures to follow when starting a business, and Facilities and resources provided by the SMEDA and other support institutions Services offered by the SMEDA Ease of Financing The SMEDA works in collaboration with the DBM to offer some financing aid to SMEs. In fact, DBM is the bank through which the Government provides finance at lower costs to SMEs. The SMEDA along with the bank provides a Booster (Micro Credit) Loan with a maximum amount of Rs 150, 000 at an interest charge of 9% per annum. No collateral is needed, but the entrepreneurs signing up for that loan need to provide a general floating charge as security. For this kind of loan, there is no need to submit a business plan. This amount is provided for the purchase of equipment and raw materials. The loan is repayable within 5 years and applies to enterprises in manufacturing, handicraft, trade, ICT and agriculture. Another loan is provided for an amount not exceeding Rs 40, 000, interest charge of 8.5 % per annum The SMEDA also provides grants under the Aegis of the Government Moreover DBM offers other financing schemes such as : The Business Development Loan scheme this applies to Manufacturing, Trade and Service, Transport, ICT, Tourism, Art and participation in overseas trade fairs and surveys. Business Counselling and Facilitation SMEDA helps potential entrepreneurs to prepare a business plan in order for them to secure financing from institutions, mainly the DBM. A Business Plan is one where the potential investor will lay down the description of his thought business and its plans for the next one to three years. It shows what the selected market of the product will be, and also indicates the finance available and what will be needed more to implement the project. As far as business counselling is concerned, potential entrepreneurs SMEDA provides advice about different issues such as discussing and finalizing their business idea. Also, not well-informed entrepreneurs obtain help on issues such as registering of the business, and other steps to follow in establishing their enterprise. Existing entrepreneurs are counselled about the difficulties they come up with, and how to take their business to the next level. SMEDA has also come up with an incubator system which helps entrepreneurs who lack physical space to carry on a project, given that the project is a viable one. The incubator is situated at the head office, in Coromandel. Information and Documentation A website has been recently created to help existing and potential businesspersons in their quest of running a business. This facility helps the cited persons to gather any information they need to set up a business, advice on market research, business plans, importance of financing and financing schemes, training schedules and locations, marketing and fairs organised, articles published by local as well as international bodies, online forms, support institutions are provided online. The site is as follows http://www.gov.mu/portal/sites/smeportal/index.htm. Furthermore, there is the Documentation Centre which gives access to entrepreneurs and the general public to a collection of books, journals, magazines, project files and reports on various sectors. Training 2.3.2 Chapter 3 : Research methodology

Hamlets Humanness :: essays research papers

Sometimes the only way to describe something is to give their antithesis or archetype. We already learned from Polonius’s tautologous description of Hamlet’s antic behavior how not to define. He says, â€Å"Your noble son is mad./Mad I call I it, for to define true madness,/What is’t but to be nothing else but mad?† (II, ii). Although Shakespeare’s description on being human takes a whole play, he does a little better than Polonius. Shakespeare displays the sometimes murky relationship between God and man by showing God and Hamlet’s plans adjacent to each other. This relationship is put in real life terms for the audience to see. The Tragedy of Hamlet reveals what it is to be human is to not be God, to not be God is to not be perfect, and not to be perfect is to be flawed. Shakespeare even goes so far as to illustrate how humans should act using a conscience in light of their flaws. These flaws arise in Hamlet’s deviation from God’s plan as brought to light by the Ghost. Whether or not those flaws are forgiven is a different question; a question we should not answer. In fact, this is where Hamlet goes wrong with God’s message from the ghost, [proved as being a â€Å"spirit of health† not â€Å"goblin damned† (I, iv), by Claudius’s reaction to the play that shall prick his conscience, â€Å"Lights!† (III, ii)] Hamlet is supposed to â€Å"Leave [mother] to Heaven† (I, v). Hamlet forgets this part of the plan as he erupts in a not so casual castigation, â€Å"You go not till I set you up a glass...And let me wring your heart† (III, iv) suggesting he’ll call her out on her actions himself. Hamlet also deviates from God’s plan when he doesn’t kill Claudius because he may send him to a place Hamlet thinks he does not deserve; Heaven. He waits to kill and says, â€Å"Then trip him, tha t his hells may kick at Heaven/And that his soul may be as damned and black/As Hell, whereto it goes† (III, iii). Hamlet shows us his flaws, how his plans of action are different from Gods, the differences humans have from God and in turn gives a small picture of what it is to be human.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The conscience is used in the play Hamlet for many important reasons. It is used to bring justice and to reveal failures and shortcomings.

Camp Medicines

LIST OF MEDICINES AVAILABLE FOR CAMPAND INDOOR RSBY PATIENTS: (BODELI GENERAL HOSPITAL, BODELI) 02665-220712/222711/220712, www. bodeligeneralhospital. com ( Medicines can be prescribed for 3 days. ) SR NO. | GENERIC NAME| TRADE NAME| STRENGTH | NOS. | REMARKS ( CONTACT FOR QUERY/ DOUBTS| | ENT| | | | CONTACT DR J. SHROFF 09824299422| 1| TAB CEFADROXYL | DAX500| 500mg| 840| | 2| TAB CEFADROXYL | DAX250| 250mg| 400| | | TAB DICLOFENAC + PARACETAMOL| -| -| -| N/A(AVAILABLE SEPARATELY)| 4| TAB DIOMINIC DA/SIMILAR DECONGESTENT| -| -| -| AVAILABLE SEPARATELY| 5| CIPROFLOXACIN &DEXAMETHASONE EAR DROPS| -| -| 60| | 6| GENTAMYCIN EAR DROPS| -| -| 60| | 7| OTRIVIN NASAL DROPS/OTHER NASAL DROPS| -| -| -| N/A| | | | | | | | GENERAL SURGERY , GEN MEDICINE , OBST. &GYNAEC. ,ORTHOPAEDICS (MEDICINES OTHER THAN ALREADY LISTED ABOVE)| | | | CONTACT DR J . BHOWMICK 02665-220712/222711| | | | | | | 1| TAB LASIX (FRUSEMIDE)| TAB FRUSMIDE| 40| 250| | | TAB IRON| -| | 1000| | 3| TAB B COMPLEX/MULTIVITAMIN | TAB INTABION| | 1200| | 4| TAB DERIPHYLLINE| TAB DERICIP| | 460| | 5| TAB FAMOTIDINE| TAB FAMONEXT| 20| 3100| | 6| TAB ANTACID| -| -| N/A| | 7| TAB PARACETAMOL| TAB PARAGEST| 500| 5000| | 8| TAB DICLOFENAC| TAB REACTIN| 50| 3400| | 9| TAB AMLODIPINE| TAB AGINAL 5| 5| 350| | 10| TAB ATENOLOL| TAB ATENOLOL| 50| 560| | 11| ANTI DIABETICS (ORAL HYPOGLYCAEMICS)| GLIBENCLAMID+METFORMIN| | 500| | 12| TAB COTRIMOXAZOLE(BACTRIM/SEPTRAN)| TAB TRIMETHOPRIM+SULPHA| | 1000| | 13| TAB CETRIZINE| TAB CETRIZINE 10| 10mg| 750| | 4| TAB METRONIDAZOLE| TAB TYGYL| 200| 750| | 15| TAB OFLOXACIN | TAB OLX| 200mg| 760| | 16| TAB CALCIUM| TAB INTACAL D| -| 1850| | 17| TAB CHLOROQUINE| TAB CHQ| 250MG| 2000| | 18| TAB CEFIXIME| TAB KYXIME| 200mg| 600| | 19| SYP COUGH(TERBUTALLINE, GUAPHESASIN,AMBROXYL)| SYP COFF| | 260| | 20| SYP ANTACID| SYP ANTACID| | 120| | 21| TAB PREDNISOLONE| TAB PREDNISOLONE| 5mg| 750| | 22| SYP B COMPLEX| SYP MULTIBION| | 110| | 23| SYP URINARY ALKALISER| SYPALTRACIOL| | 9| SAMPLES PROVIDED| 24| TAB FOLIC ACID| -| -| | PROVIDED ALONG WITH IRON TABS| 25| TAB ECOSPRIN/ASPIRIN| -| 75mg| -| N/A| 6| TAB NIMESULIDE +PARACETAMOL| TAB NIMESULIDE+PARACETAMOL| | 1250| | 27| ANTISEPTIC CREAM (ZINC OXIDE,PLUS)| CREAM BURNHEAL| | 10| | 28| TAB CIPROFLOXACIN 250| TAB LUCIPRO 250| 250| 810| | 29| TAB CIPROFLOXACIN 500| TAB ANGECIP500| 500| 1000| | 30| DICLOFENAC GEL| DICLOFENAC GEL| | 96| | 31| TAB DICYCLOMINE+DICLOFENAC| TAB DICLO+DYCLOMINE| | 1000| | 32| TAB PARACETAMOL+TRAMADOL| -| -| -| N/A| 33| TAB METHYL ERGOMETRINE 0. 125MG| TAB MEMCAD| 0. 25| 230| | 34| TAB DOXYLAMINE+PYRIDOXE+FOLICACID (OBST. )| TAB PREGVOM PLUS| | 200| | 35| TAB ONDANSETRON DT| TAB ONCORT DT| | 230| | 36| TAB AMOXYCILLIN| TAB AMOXYCILLIN 200| 200| 58| | 37| TAB AMOXYCILLIN DICLOXACILLIN| TAB AMOXY-DICLOXA| | 1000| | 38| TAB CHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE| TAB CPM| -| 2900| | 39| TAB DOMPERIDONE| TAB LUPIDOM| 10| 1000| | 40| TAB LEVOFLOXACIN| TAB LEVOFLOXACIN| | 250| | | SKIN ( DERMATOLOGY) (MEDICINES OT HER THAN ALREADY LISTED ABOVE)| | | | CONTACT DR S. PATIDAR: 09428975702| 1| TAB DIOMINIC/SIMILAR COMBINATION (DEX CPM)| -| -| -| AVAILABLE SEPARATELY| 2| TAB L-DIO1/ SIMILAR (LEVOCETRIZINE)| -| -| -| CETRIZINE AVAILABLE| 3| TAB FOLE/FLUCOS ( FLUCONAZOLE)| TAB FLUCANOZOLE| 150MG| 150| | 4| CANDID CREAM (CLOTRIMAZOLE) CREAM| CREAM CLOCIP| | 18| | 5| CREAM COSVATEG/SIMILAR (CLOBESTATOL+GENTAMYCIN)| CREAM COBAT GM| | 120| | 6| TAB PRUGO ( HYDROXIZINE) | -| 10/25 mg| -| N/A| 7| TAB METHYL PREDNISOLONE| -| 4/8 mg| -| PLAIN PREDNISOLONE AVAILABLE| 8| FUTOP/SIMILAR (FUSIDIC ACID ) CREAM| -| -| -| N/A| 9| MELALITE PLUS CREAM| -| -| -| N/A| | | | | | | | | | | | | PAEDIATRICS (MEDICINES OTHER THAN ALREADY LISTED ABOVE)| | | | DR DIPESH GUPTA 02665-220712/222711| 1| DROPS PARACETAMOL| DROPS PCM| -| 70| | 2| SYP IBUPROFEN PARACETAMOL| SYP IBUSTAL| -| 110| | 3| SYP AMOXYCILLIN| SYP AMOXYCILLIN| 200MG| 58| | 4| SYP CEFIXIME| SYP SAXIM| 50MG| 120| | 5| SYP OFLOX+ ORNIDAZOLE| | | | | 6| SYP ONDANSETRON| | | | | 7| ORS POWDER PACKETS| -| | 120| | 8| DROPS- COLD| DROPS MEGACOLD BR| | 60| | 9| SYP MATFURA| SYP METRONIDAZOLE| | 100| | | | | | | |

The Man Who Was Almost A Man

Richard Wright’s â€Å"The Man Who Was Almost a Man† is a story of a 17-year-old teenaged boy, Dave, who wanted to be called a completely grown up man.He was though approaching adulthood but still was an adolescent and he was viewed as an adolescent and a kid by the adults. This was the most annoying factor for him. However, Dave possessed certain qualities that really represented childish behavior in him. Because of his childish attitude many people won’t believe in him as a grown up mature man.The story themes are centered on racial differences, poverty and sufferings of a black youth. He’s disgusted at being still too young. He wants to get old and rich and wanted to become a respectable citizen of the society. However, whatever actions the emotional and anxious kid takes are ridiculed and makes him younger in adult’s eyes. David Glover was from a poor family with not enough resources to develop a social status. He lacked economical influence and his social status was negligible because of poverty.In the story he acted in a way to acquire power but was rebuked and threatened by the adults for behaving childishly. He takes the gun to make and think of himself more powerful. â€Å"It was empty if anybody could shoot a gun, he could. He put the gun into his hip pocket and started across the fields. When he reached the top of a ridge he stood straight and proud in the moonlight, looking at Jim Hawkins’ big white house, feeling the gun sagging in his pocket.† (Wright)â€Å"  Ã¢â‚¬ËœWhut yuh do wid tha gun?’ his mother asked.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"’What wuz he doin wida gun?’ his father asked.†He was obsessed with the feelings of adulthood. He finally decides to get apart from a society that does not accept him as an adult. Dave is portrayed as an emotional kid who wants power, fame and high social status. He strives that the society should accept him as a noble man.â€Å"Dave turned and walked slowly. He heard people laughing. Dave glared~ his eyes welling with tears. Hot anger bubbled in him. Then he swallowed and stumbled on.† (Wright) Though people used to laugh on him he was still very serious regarding his actions and to be a man.†That night Dave did not sleep. He was glad that he had gotten out of killing the mule so easily, but he was hurt.† (Wright)He’s a kind of emotional, childish and lacked an understanding that why was he not accepted as a man.Richard Wright himself as a black narrates the difficulties he encounters as a black person while dealing with whites. He encountered whites during is professional career at jobs. He noticed violence and discrimination against blacks.Wright is a deliberate man who struggles through his life years. Other characters in the stories are also vibrant and well-drawn but Wright is shown as the most powerful and influential of all. As we go through the complete book we get more familiar with his charact er and how he’s being hurt. His pain is that why such dishonesty persist in this world.Most of the black characters are usually ridiculed for any of their set backs or made the point of humor. They’re shown as fat and whatever they do as funny. American culture is filled up with racial discrimination from school, education, and business to film, media, screen and shows. Color has become an integral part of our society and we don’t have much to talk about if we would no discriminate between colors and whites as inferiors and supers respectively.