Developmental Psychology and Life

Understanding Psychology Psychology is everywhere, surrounding our daily lives. It helps us, humans, to overcome difficult challenges and obstacles we come across. I do not know my future, but what I plan on looking forward too is working as an accountant. As I get up to becoming an accountant, using psychological theories will help me, but having a successful career does not necessarily mean a successful life. In my opinion, a successful life consists of the job you are happy to work for and the family you have always wanted.Throughout the course of this psychology class, the theories and concepts I got the most out of was on child development. Learning psychology is well worth anyone’s time if they want the drive and aim toward a specific goal and it will definitely help me in life. The psychological concept of problem-solving will be useful in my future as algorithms will be the most reliant to an accountant. But using heuristics to get done with work more quickly during a bad day is a solution I need to think of too.If I became a well-liked accountant serving many companies and people, it will be difficult for me to get all the work done for every single person. That is why I hope the heuristics I come up with will get the job done quicker. Algorithms are for computers, but we humans learn shortcuts for most things in life. Getting to my goal of becoming an accountant, I want to have the psychological motivation in my mind to achieve the best I can. Motivation is be a huge factor in achieving most obstacles. Having the motivation will help you rise above others that are looking for the job to serve someone.Also, as I am a Type B person right now, the nice, calm, relaxed; however, I should be more of a hardy personality, the one who has a strong commitment to a specific goal in life which will get me to have that motive of being that accountant. It will be easier for me to earn the position of my future career. Everyone has a goal in life and having a hardy personality will help one achieve and pursue further past the goal. Even becoming a type A person will help me achieve my goals sooner; it will end my life more quickly.Psychology has helped me become more motivated in achieving all the goals I have to look forward to and hopefully achieving in the future. Self-esteem is a major role in everyone’s life. Before this psychology class, I did not notice my self-esteem level. I assume that I have a high self-esteem because of all the high hopes and feelings I always think of. Having that high self-esteem is essential in life and I hope that I will continue to have the high self-esteem I have now. I look at myself as if I will become a successful accountant. I continue to say that I can achieve what I want to achieve if I believe I can.This course has helped me understand the self-esteem and what I get out from it. Knowing more about it got me to try harder so that I can look at myself, happy. Sternberg’s Triangular T heory of Love taught me three key components in keeping a relationship strong and healthy. Intimacy, passion, and commitment are what Sternberg’s theory of love consists of. As I grow closer to my significant other, I want to have all three of those elements with her to stick with each other. Working on all three elements is something that I should work on now and throughout the future.It will get me closer to my significant other and will provide a more exciting and committed relationship. As I have learned plenty of information throughout the semester, I have learned more on child development more than anything else in the class. I know that it has helped me become a better parent for the future. I am hoping to have a family of my own someday. It is not a goal that will be easy to accomplish. The theory of cognitive development has been the biggest impact for me because I have learned the stages of Piaget.I think that is important because understanding the stages and where the child is with the stage; it will help me figure out the child’s needs and wants. Knowing this will encourage me to become a better father in the future. The stages will help me know why a child did what. Toddlers will be clueless being talked out of doing something; they will not understand the lectures you present to them. Learning to disciple them a different way will be much more effective and efficient if you understand the different stages of children.The future will provide many great things and having to raise a child the correct way depending on your child will be greatly beneficial as it will not only please you, but the child will grow up happy. Learning about Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory has helped me understand the meaning of true life. What it is intended for and what I have done with my life as of now. I do not remember the time of my early childhood that much, but I know I was taught in a well organized way because you need the early stages strong a nd wide to develop a strong later stage.Teaching my kids using Erikson’s theory will get my children to become strong and well controlled. I want my infant to know that people will be there for her. I want the baby to learn trust instead of mistrust so that she will have a strong base to start off in the right direction of her new life. As she becomes a toddler, I want her to know that she can do things on her own. I do not want to interfere with anything or even look frustrated at her that will make her feel unworthy of doing something which will get her to be shameful and doubtful later on in life. As the toddler grows, I want to encourage her to do things on her own.I want her to take initiative instead of being in guilt all the time. Taking initiative will help her become more of a role model later in life and that is what most caring parents want their child to become. During middle childhood, I want my child to know the industry of our culture and to learn the basic ski lls of our culture. As adolescence hits my child, I want them to understand who she really is and what she is going for. I want her to identify herself and not get mixed up in role confusion. I am in my adolescence as well, and I have figured out where I want to go in life, as I want to become an accountant.I can say I have successfully overcome the role confusion in Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory. Knowing Erikson’s theory has helped me recognize the later life and what it has to offer me. I want to have the intimacy in my life instead of isolation. Having that special person in my life helps me make every effort to become successful in the future. When I finally hit my middle age, I want to realize that my life is getting closer to an end and that I cannot live forever. It will help me for my next stage, which will help me understand that I had a purpose in life. I would not want to die in living in regret.Not only do I want to do the right thing for myself, but also I want my family to take time to understand Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory. It will help each single person become a better person. In addition, learning the foot in the door and door in the face effect will greatly impact what I can get out of life. The foot in the door effect is when you start off with something small and then you add on something small. In the future if I am planning on getting married, I could ask my parents if they are willing to buy something small for the wedding such as, invitation aper. Then as I get them to accept my request, I add on something small again such as, flowers. Then add on more and more; eventually, my parents will be paying a large amount for the wedding. However, the door in the face effect is something different. It is when you ask for something big where they will say no. Then putting out something big again but is easier to do, so that someone will do it because they will feel bad for saying no. This could be useful when I ask for a raise, but I ask for a large amount where I will get denied.Then I ask for something smaller so that I will be able to acquire even a raise. That is why the foot in the door and door in the face effect will be very useful to me in the future where my expenses will be much higher than it is now. In conclusion, psychology has given me the opportunity to help go through life step by step for the aspirations I have. Having aspirations are important in the process of moving forward in life and I know that psychology has helped me move forward. Learning material that will make my future a whole lot better is more fun to learn about than material I may never have to use again.Learning about the different stages in Piaget’s stages as well as Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory will be useful for a child in the future. As well as providing the information of motivation, self-esteem, types of personalities, and problem-solving will help me for my future career. I want to use the knowl edge of psychology to help me achieve the happy life that will be the best for me. Learning about Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love will also help me get the most out of a relationship and be joyful to be with someone I will truly love.

Indian Auto Industry

The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry Nitin Gupta* and Vaibhav Shekhar** The Indian automobile industry is one of the fastest growing automobile industries in the world. The low penetration level of cars in India coupled with rise in the disposable income of its working population has made it an attractive destination for global automobile manufacturers. This case deals with the mid-size car segment of the passenger car industry in India. In 2009-10, this segment accounted for approximately 12. % of the total passenger cars manufactured in India and its Year-on-year (YoY) growth rate was approximately 15%. The major players in this segment include Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motors India, Ford India, General Motors India, Honda Siel India, Mahindra-Renault and Hindustan Motors. In addition to the existing players, various new players like Volkswagen, Nissan, Fiat, etc. , have either already entered in this segment or are about to enter. The case highlights various iss ues being faced by current as well as new entrants in this segment. The case provides exhaustive contemporary data on the mid-size car segment of the passenger car industry in India. Analysis of the case can be done using Porter’s five forces model. Many people buy compact cars today because they do not have the money to buy a sedan. So there is a high aspirational value attached to mid-size cars and newer cars at lower prices will only make more people think of buying them. – Pradeep Saxena, Head of the Auto Research Division at Consultancy Firm TNS1 Introduction Automobile Industry is considered to be one of the key sectors of any economy; it is capable of being the driver of economic growth because of both its backward as well as forward linkages with other sectors of the economy. According to the Automotive Mission Plan (2006-16), India is one of the fastest growing automobile industries in the world. The sector’s share in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose from 2. 8% in fiscal year 1992-93 (April 1992-March 1993) to 5% in fiscal year 2005-06 2 and it has been rising every year since then. In the year 2009-10, Indian automobile industry produced more than 2 million passenger cars and more than 0. 5 million commercial vehicles. 3 According to the Eleventh Five Year Plan4 (2007-12), after liberalization in 1991, Indian * ** 1 2 3 4 Assistant Professor, IBS, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. E-mail: prof. [email  protected] com Research Scholar, IBS, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. E-mail: vaibhav. [email  protected] com http://timesofindia. indiatimes. com/articleshow/2888603. cms http://www. oppapers. om/essays/India-Automobile-Industry/155618 Society for Indian Automobile manufacturers, available at http://www. siamindia. com/upload/AMP . pdf Report by the Working Group on Automotive Industry, Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12), Department of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, India (August 2006). The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010  © 2010 IUP All Rights Reserved. . 60 Automotive Industry had registere d a spectacular growth of 17% during five fiscal years ranging between 2000-01 and 2005-06. Till 2002-03, it had achieved an investment of INR6 50,000 cr (US$10. 99 bn7) which went up to INR 80,000 cr in 2007 (US$17. 58 bn8) with a turnover of INR 165,000 cr (US$36. 26 bn). Moreover, an investment worth INR 35,000 cr (US$7. 69 bn) was in the pipeline. 9 According to the Annual Report (2007-08) of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India, India is the second largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world, fifth largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the world, largest manufacturer of tractors in the world and fourth largest passenger car market in Asia. This achievement of the Indian automotive industry could be attributed to the Indian government’s decision to de-license the sector followed by up to 100% foreign direct investment through automatic route which enabled the industry to embark on a new journey since 1991. The above initiatives resulted in setting up of manufacturing facilities by major global players. It resulted in the massive enhancement of the production level of automobiles (which included passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two wheelers and three heelers) from 2 million in 1991 to 11. 17 million vehicles in 2008-09. 10 The above measures taken by the Indian Government made India the new launch pad for global car manufacturers like Honda, Ford, Hyundai, General Motors, etc. Rising level of income of the Indians, availability of easy credit facility, relaxations in regulations by the Indian government in terms of import tariffs and equity regulations could be attributed as major reasons for this upsurge. The case concentrates on the mid-size car segment in India. It analyzes the reasons for the growth of this segment and the contemporary growth trends that it shows. The important issues that the case raises are: How is the impact of various external factors shaping this segment and what would be the future of this segment? Mid-Size Car Segment in India A mid-sized car11 is referred to as an automobile whose size lay between a small-sized car (Mini and Compact) and a full-sized car (Premium and Luxury). 12 It is generally priced between INR 3 lakh13 (US$6,953. 41) and INR 8 lakh (US$17,582. 2) with a carrying capacity of 4 passengers (2 adults and 2 children). The major players in this segment include Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motors India, Ford India, General Motors India, Honda Siel India, Mahindra-Renault and Hindustan Motors (HM). Between the financial years, 2004-05 and 2009-10, the production of passenger vehicles in India rose from 1,027,858 units to 2,078,392 units, a phenomenal rise of more than 100% in production in just fi ve years. But during the same time period (2004-05 to 2009-10), the 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 Indian Automotive Industry includes Automobile Industry and Auto Component Industry. INR = Indian Rupee. Exchange Rate: 1 US$ = INR 45. 50 (applicable as on March 20, 2010). Figures of 2007 has been taken from Annual Report 2007-08, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India. Figures as on 2006-07. Source: Annual Report 2007-08, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India. http://www. ibef. org/industry/automobiles. spx Refer to Appendix for details on classification of passenger cars. http://auto. indiamart. com/cars/mid-size-cars. html 1 lakh = A Hundred Thousand. 61 The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry production of the mid-size cars could not keep pace with the massive increase in the passenger vehicles in India and it increased by just 40. 5% (see to Table 1). As a result, the share of mid-size cars with respect to the total passenger vehicles produced dropped from more than 18% in 2004-05 to less than 13% in 2009-10 (see Table 2). Table 1: Total Production of Passenger Vehicles in India Indicator Total Production Total Mini Cars Production Total Compact Cars Production Total Mid-Size Cars Production Total Executive Cars Production Total Premium Cars Production Total Luxury Cars Production MUVs Production Figures in Units 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 1,027,858 1,112,794 1,322,739 127,175 614,137 187,345 26,673 5,017 140 67,371 98,047 714,985 200,019 27,660 5,333 89 66,661 99,400 881,665 212,763 39,478 4,477 249 84,707 ,531,545 1,619,095 2,078,392 81,179 245,972 44,166 5,745 525 105,333 62,323 229,239 33,526 7,527 543 102,128 69,195 263,352 42,293 9,092 375 151,908 1,048,625 1,183,809 1,542,177 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database Table 2: Segment-Wise Share in Production of Passenger Vehicles in India Indicator Total Mini Cars Production Total Compact Cars Production Total Mid-Size Cars Production Total Executive Cars Production Total Premium Ca rs Production Total Luxury Cars Production MUVs Production Figures in Percentages 2004-05 12. 7 59. 75 18. 23 2. 60 0. 49 0. 01 6. 55 2005-06 8. 81 64. 25 17. 97 2. 49 0. 48 0. 01 5. 99 2006-07 7. 51 66. 65 16. 09 2. 98 0. 34 0. 02 6. 40 2007-08 5. 30 68. 47 16. 06 2. 88 0. 38 0. 03 6. 88 2008-09 3. 85 73. 12 14. 16 2. 07 0. 46 0. 03 6. 31 2009-10 3. 33 74. 20 12. 67 2. 03 0. 44 0. 02 7. 31 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database A sign of growing economy in India is that since 2004-05 the sale of passenger vehicles always exceeded the production of passenger vehicles (except in the year 2007-08) (refer to Tables 1 and 3). Between 2004-05 and 2009-10, the sale of passenger vehicles also showed phenomenal growth of more than 100% (refer to Table 3). Of the total vehicles sold between 2004-05 and 2009-10, the share of mid-size cars dropped from just less than 20% to just over 14% (refer to Table 4). These trends have begun to cause substantial worry among the producers of the mid-size cars and they have started to explore the factors that are influencing such a trend. 62 The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010 Table 3: Total Sales of Passenger Vehicles in India Indicator Total Car Sales Total Mini Car Sales Total Compact Cars Sales Total Mid-Size Cars Sales Total Executive Cars Sales Total Premium Cars Sales Total Luxury Cars Sales MUV Figures in Units 2004-05 1,047,109 124,447 617,837 206,888 25,646 5,876 155 66,260 2005-06 1,119,657 1,00,422 7,00,046 217,849 27,529 6,261 91 67,459 2006-07 1,353,574 96,103 890,504 235,355 40,964 5,978 249 84,421 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 1,516,716 1,659,777 2,120,366 87,003 249,152 42,195 6,209 862 101,871 63,992 271,662 33,641 9,042 1,093 107,767 69,004 299,175 46,686 11,455 1,265 151,869 1,029,424 1,172,580 1,540,912 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database Table 4: Segment-Wise Share in Sales of Passenger Vehicles in India Indicator 2004-05 Total Mini Car Sales Total Compact Cars Sales Total Mid-Size Cars Sales Total Executive Cars Sales Total Premium Cars Sales Total Luxury Cars Sales MUV 11. 88 59. 00 19. 76 2. 45 0. 56 0. 01 6. 33 2005-06 8. 97 62. 52 19. 46 2. 46 0. 56 0. 01 6. 02 Figures in Percentages 2006-07 7. 10 65. 79 17. 39 3. 03 0. 44 0. 02 6. 24 2007-08 5. 74 67. 87 16. 43 2. 78 0. 41 0. 6 6. 72 2008-09 3. 86 70. 65 16. 37 2. 03 0. 54 0. 07 6. 49 2009-10 3. 25 72. 67 14. 11 2. 20 0. 54 0. 06 7. 16 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database The major players in the mid-size segment of the passenger car industry in India has seen lot of upheaval between 2004-05 and 2009-10. As far as production figures, in 2004-05 are concerned, Tata Motors emerged as the market leader with the production of 41,103 u nits. It was closely followed by Honda Siel, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motors. But, by 2009-10, Tata Motors not only lost its leadership position, it was nowhere near the top three players as far as the production of mid-size segment passenger cars in India were concerned. With the production of 99, 877 units or nearly 38% of the total mid-size cars produced in India, Maruti Suzuki had taken over the market leader’s position in this segment. It was followed by Hyundai Motors and Honda Siel (refer to Tables 5 and 6). Sales figures of mid-size segment passenger cars showed a completely different scenario from what was seen at the production front. In 2004-05, Ford India was the market leader with sales of 47,431 units, which translated into a market share of nearly 23%. It was The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry 63 Table 5: Company-Wise Production of Mid-Size Cars in India Indicator Ford India Pvt. Ltd. Production Mid-Size Cars (4001-4500 mm): General Motors India Pvt. Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Hindustan Motors Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Hyundai Motor India Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Maruti Suzuki Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Tata Motors Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Figures in Units 2004-05 25596 11036 14371 33036 30712 31491 41103 NA 2005-06 25294 4202 14909 37924 42288 31062 44247 NA 2006-07 39431 10337 12456 40147 41071 30465 37625 580 2007-08 33139 5574 10797 41901 47040 50596 30272 26653 2008-09 22439 2858 6940 36840 58873 73928 12957 14404 2009-10 28062 3832 9063 45980 46741 99877 23572 6225 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database Table 6: Company-Wise Share in Production of Mid-Size Cars in India Indicator Ford India Pvt. Ltd. Production Mid-size cars (4001-4500 mm): General Motors India Pvt. Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Hindustan Motors Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Hyundai Motor India Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Maruti Suzuki Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Tata Motors Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd. Production (Mid-Size Cars) Figures in Percentages 2004-05 13. 66 5. 89 7. 67 17. 63 16. 39 16. 81 21. 94 NA 2005-06 12. 65 2. 10 7. 45 18. 96 21. 14 15. 53 22. 12 NA 2006-07 18. 54 4. 86 5. 86 18. 88 19. 31 14. 33 17. 69 0. 27 2007-08 13. 47 2. 27 4. 39 17. 03 19. 12 20. 57 12. 31 10. 84 2008-09 9. 79 1. 25 3. 03 16. 07 25. 8 32. 25 5. 65 6. 28 2009-10 10. 66 1. 46 3. 44 17. 46 17. 75 37. 93 8. 95 2. 36 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database 64 The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010 followed by Tata Motors, which had a market share of 19. 5%. Honda Siel was at the third position with market share of around 16%. Just five yea rs down the line, in 2009-10, Maruti Suzuki took the coveted position of the market leader with market share of more than 33%. Tata Motors continued to enjoy the second position (market share = 19. 23%), followed by Hyundai Motors (Market Share = 16. 2%) (refer to Tables 7 and 8). Ford India tumbled from the first spot in 2004-05 to the fifth spot in just five years. This shows the increasingly dynamic nature of the mid-size segment of the passenger car industry in India. Table 7: Company-Wise Sales of Mid-Size Cars in India Indicator Ford India Pvt. Ltd. Sales Mid-Size Cars (4001-4500 mm): General Motors India Pvt. Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Hindustan Motors Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Hyundai Motor India Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Maruti Suzuki Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Tata Motors Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Figures in Units 2004-05 47,431 10,650 14,609 32,767 29,828 29,702 40,454 na 2005-06 43,154 4,710 14,893 37,586 41,683 32,006 43,363 na 2006-07 62,808 10,726 12,334 40,489 39,003 29,781 39,462 0 2007-08 31,569 5624 11,005 40,550 48,171 49,402 36,859 25,891 2008-09 23,927 3,010 7,098 38,284 56,538 76,039 51,732 15,034 2009-10 28,004 3,874 9,039 45,082 49,412 99,854 57,532 6,332 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database What is interesting to note is that just eight players are active in this segment, though the intense rivalry is limited to the top four or five players only. More and more international players like Volkswagen, Renault (without Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M)), Skoda and Fiat are introducing their products in this segment. This indicates a further increase in the intensity of the competition among the existing and the new players in the near future. To survive in such a highly competitive scenario, the existing players in the mid-size passenger cars segment will be forced to invest a considerable portion of their sales in research and development in order to produce new and better variants. This will be greatly beneficial for the Indian consumers. Indian Passenger Car Industry – An Attractive Destination According to the Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, India is an attractive destination for global automobile manufacturers despite not having any specific trade The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry 65 Table 8: Company-Wise Share in Sales of Mid-Size Cars in India Indicator Ford India Pvt. Ltd. Sales Mid-Size Cars (4001-4500 mm): General Motors India Pvt. Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Hindustan Motors Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Hyundai Motor India Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Maruti Suzuki Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Tata Motors Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd. Sales (Mid-Size Cars) Figures in Units 2004-05 22. 93 5. 15 7. 06 15. 84 14. 42 14. 36 19. 55 NA 2005-06 19. 81 2. 16 6. 84 17. 25 19. 13 14. 69 19. 91 NA 2006-07 26. 70 4. 56 5. 24 17. 21 16. 58 12. 66 16. 78 0 2007-08 12. 67 2. 26 4. 42 16. 28 19. 33 19. 83 14. 79 10. 39 2008-09 8. 81 1. 11 2. 61 14. 09 20. 81 27. 9 19. 04 5. 53 2009-10 9. 36 1. 29 3. 02 15. 07 16. 52 33. 38 19. 23 2. 12 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database agreements in this regard. 14 This is because there is an extremely low penetration level of cars in India (7 cars per thousand). 15 In addition, majority of the Indian population consists of youth having a median age of approximately 25 years16 and the population that fell in the working age g roup is 58% (approximately) which is estimated to increase to around 60% in the future. 7 This indicates an increase in the disposable income, which is likely to raise the penetration level of cars in India (as is evident from the current trend in the passenger car production and sales in India). These developments have made India an attractive destination for the global automobile companies. Auto majors18 like Ford, Honda, Hyundai, etc. , have not only entered into the mid-size segment of the Indian Passenger car industry but has also set up their manufacturing base in India. India’s liberal policy in terms of regulation has lowered the entry barriers for new entrants in the mid-segment of the passenger car industry. This has induced severe competition marked by high aspirations and new launches by existing players like M&M, which in tie up with French car manufacturer Renault has launched Logan. Since this offering is not doing very well in the Indian market, Renault has decided to introduce new model of cars in India on its own, without any partner. Ford India is 14 15 16 17 18 http://www. surfindia. com/automobile/industry-investment. html Auto Motive Mission Plan (ibid). https://www. cia. gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in. html#People http://populationcommission. nic. in/facts1. tm (Here the working age is considered between 15 years to 60 years), Figures as in 2001. Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database. The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010 66 targeting to improve its position through aggressive marketing and by increasing its investment in manufacturing. 19 Moreover the existing players like Tata Motors, Maruti and Fiat are also planning to launch new models in this segment. 20 Intensifying the competition, Fiat India has launched Linea and Grand Punto in the Indian mid-size car segment. The Indian Customers A study on Indian consumers, conducted by Mckinsey Global Institute, 21 discusses the income level of the Indian consumers with the growth in the Indian economy. The report predicts that if India’s growth continues unabated, then the rise of over 291 million people over desperate poverty line by 2025, will make it the fifth largest consumer market in the world. 22 Moreover, the reports forecast a massive rise in the number of Indian middle-class to 583 mn by 2025. The report also discusses a rise in the average household disposable income from INR 113,744 (US$2,499. 7) in 2005 to INR 318,896 (US$7008. 70) by 2025. These results indicates a rise in the consumption level of the Indian consumers and shift in the consumption pattern from necessities towards discretionary consumption which include expenditure on transportation in the form of passenger cars. The findings of the report also reveal a change in spending habits of the rich urban households which con verges with that of their counterparts in developed countries and their priority expenditure includes purchase of branded apparels, foreign vacations and purchase of passenger cars. Other reasons (apart from economic growth) cited by the report include availability of easy consumer financing, tendency of the people to rely more on their personal vehicles and reduction in the prices of the passenger cars. Population commission report indicates that majority of the Indian population consists of youth with increasing disposable income. 23 According to the findings of CSMM-BW Customer Survey 2006-07, Indian consumers are discerning and are of highly demanding nature, which make them a tough nut to crack for the marketers. 4 The survey measures the attitude of the Indian customers towards various companies using two key dimensions viz. Customer Experience (how the customers rate the firm’s performance) and Customer Loyalty (extent of customer’s goodwill a firm enjoys) covering 16 products and services. The results of the survey reveal the rising expectations of the Indian consumers which the marketers are finding difficult to meet on a consistent basis. The above result is attributed to the churn that has taken place post liberalization in the Indian economy. 19 20 21 22 23 24 http://www. hinduonnet. om/businessline/2000/06/24/stories/192402fr. htm http://auto. indiamart. com/cars/mid-size-cars. html www. scribd. com/doc/47945/McKinsey-MGI-india-consumer-full-report Desperate poverty has been defined in the study as people with an annual income of less than INR 90,000 (US$1850. 33). Source: http://populationcommission. nic. in/facts1. htm (Here the working age is considered between 15 years to 60 years), Figures as in 2001. Customer Satisfaction Management and Measurement (CSMM) A Specialized Unit of Market Research Firm IMRB International (BW – Business World): Marketing White Book 2001-08). 7 The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry The report also discusses about the availability of new and better choices for Indian consumers due to opening up of the Indian economy post liberalization. This development, according to the report, coupled with increase in their income level is the major reason for the rise in consumer expectations about various products and services that they purchased. The inability of the marketers to meet their customers’ expectations and the availability of newer and better alternatives could be seen as one of the ajor reasons for the decline in consumer loyalty towards various players operating in the market. Rising disposable income of the working population and increase in the number of car models introduced by different companies operating in India, has increased the array of choice for the Indian consumers. With new players entering into the lucrative Indian domestic market and with the current players introducing new models in different segments, the bargaining power of the Indian customers is increasing. This has resulted in a decline in consumer loyalty towards a particular player. In order to compete in the Indian market, car-makers need to manufacture and sell products that carry the highest customer value. To achieve this goal, they need to provide European-quality cars at Asian prices. Price is cosidered as the crucial selling point in the market. 25 However, rise in the purchasing power of the Indians, increasing competition in the Indian market, stress on driving comfort and life-cycle costs (especially costs related to fuel) are also becoming important factors for potential car buyers in India. The Indian Auto Component Industry The Indian auto component industry, apart from IT industry, is believed to have the potential to be globally competitive. Robust growth in the Indian automobile industry seems to have triggered an upsurge in the Indian auto component industry. The Indian automotive component industry supports the automobile manufacturers by supplying them with automobile parts like engine parts, electrical parts, brakes, steel equipments, etc. It is characterized by the presence of around 500 organized manufacturers and 1,000 unorganized manufacturers. 6 Similar to the passenger car industry, the Indian auto component industry too has witnessed a robust growth between 1995 and 2005, which has made it one of the fastest growing industries in India having achieved a growth rate of 28% during the period ranging between 1995-98, 24% in 2003, 16% in 2004 and 15% in 2005. 27 This trend is expected to continue in the future as well. The Automotive Mission Plan (2006-16) reports that the turnover achieved by Indian auto-component industry would be over US$14 bn in 2005-06 and US$16 bn in the financial year 2006-07. 8 The supreme capability of Indian auto manufacturers is evident, from the launch of indigenized passenger vehicles like Tata Indica, Tata Nano, Mahindra Scorpio, etc. , by various Indian automobile players. Moreover, global auto majors like Ford 25 26 27 28 Source: http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m0KJI/is_3_118/ai_n16118939 Report by the working group on Automotive Industry, Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012), Department of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, India (August 2006). According to ACMA – Mckinsey Vision 2015, the industry has reported a growth rate of 20% between 2000-05. According to ACMA – Mckinsey Vision 2015. The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010 68 Motors, Honda Siel, Hyundai Motors, etc. , are also setting up their manufacturing base in India. They are leveraging the support of high quality auto component supplier’s base in India in order to reduce their cost of production. 9 The presence of high quality component suppliers is one of the major reasons for global majors for setting up manufacturing facilities and make India their export hub. The potential for the Indian auto component industry, according to The ACMAMcKinsey Vision 2015 document is estimated to be US$40-45 bn by 2015. 30 India’s auto component industry had the capability to manufacture the entire range of autocomponents, such as engine parts, drive, transmission parts, suspension and braking parts, electrical parts, body and ch assis parts, with engine parts making nearly a third of all exports. Therefore, the contribution made by exports is likely to play a significant role in achieving the aforesaid potential, which is evident from the fact that the industry achieved growth rate (in exports) of 25% during 2000-05 and is expected to grow at 34% during the following decade. 31 Availability of a Wide Array of Choices for the Indian Customers Compact cars have emerged as a dominant player (refer to Table 4) in the Indian passenger car industry controlling more than 60% of the units sold in the last five years. 32 The sales of the small car (particularly compact size cars) in India has exceeded the sales of cars in any other segment. So the biggest threat in terms of substitutes for the mid-sized cars is the small cars especially the compact size cars. With the coming of Tata Nano, which is priced at about US$2500-US$2800 per unit, the threat from the small cars was expected to be further magnified. The booming market of passenger cars in India was facing threat from a multitude of factors, one of them being the Multi-Utility Vehicles (MUVs) (refer to Table 9). The MUVs, as the name suggests, are the vehicles with multi-usage capabilities. Popular especially with the large families, the concept of a MUV no doubt has many takers Table 9: Increase in Sales of MUVs Between 2004-05 and 2009-10 Years Total Units of MUVs Sold Percentage Increase 2004-05 180,865 – 2005-06 198,991 10. 02 2006-07 224,705 12. 92 2007-08 251,567 11. 95 2008-09 228,655 –9. 11 2009-10 275,556 20. 51 Source: Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy: Industry Analysis Services Database 29 30 31 32 Ford India awarded Q1supplier status to 10 suppliers to help them export their products to Ford worldwide. Reported by a report on Indian automotive industry by Indian Brand Equity Foundation- http://www. ibef. org/ download/Automotive_sectoral. pdf) http://www. ibef. org/industry/autocomponents. aspx According to ACMA-McKinsey vision 2015, exports by auto components manufacturers are expected to contribute 50% of their growth (http://www. ibef. org/industry/autocomponents. aspx) Compact cars and mini cars have been taken together and are consi dered to be part of small cars. 69 The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry in India. All the leading automobile players in India, including the indigenous ones such as the Tata Motors, HM, M&M as well as the foreign ones are expanding their presence in the MUV segment of the Indian automobile market. MUVs with their multi-usage potentiality has been able to gain immense popularity in India. In the recent years many of the automobile companies have engrossed themselves in the manufacturing of MUVs, eying the huge potential market in India and abroad. Automobile firms such as the likes of Maruti Udyog, Tata Motors, M&M and HM have come up with some of the finest models of MUV. HM, one of the oldest auto makers in India, has launched MUVs like Pajero, Pushpak, and Trekker, in the Indian market, with technical collaboration with foreign automakers. 33 The first two could not make substantial headway in the markets while the Trekker is getting some semblance of popularity in the rural pockets of the country. M&M too has come up with a range of MUVs like Mahindra Voyager, Mahindra Hard Top Range, Mahindra CL Range and variants of Mahindra MM Range comprised the MUVs from the M&M stable. Mahindra Scorpio, an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) that had been conceptualized and designed by automotive division of M&M, has been quite successful not only in India but also in other countries like Russia, France, Spain, and Portugal. 34 This success could be attributed to its contemporary design and technology. An upgraded version of Scorpio known as ‘New Scorpio’ was launched with additional features. Tata Motors has also modified its versions of Tata Safari and Tata Sumo and has come up with its own range of MUVs. Chevrolet, Hyundai, Ford and Toyota, the foreign auto majors too have their own share of MUVs in the Indian MUV segment. Another threat to the passenger car market is that international car rental firms are making a beeline for the Indian shore with almost a dozen car rental brands expected to enter the market soon. 35 Several International players like Hertz, Europcar, Leaseplan and Avis among others have already established their presence in the country, while others like, Thrifty, Dollar, Enterprise and Vanguard’s brands like Almo and National among others are also said to be firming up their Indian plans. This sudden rush to India has been attributed to a slump in the US and European market. However, in spite of being US$2. 4 bn, car rental industry in India is highly unorganized. The market share of organized players in car rental industry is just 3%. 36 However, the industry, on the whole, has been seeing a buoyant growth of about 35-50% in the last two years (ibid). Public transport like buses and railways also form an important means of transportation in the Indian cities especially in t he urban areas. 37 Despite the growth in the number of private vehicle owners in middle income segments in the metro cities, a substantial number of commuters are still dependent on the public transport. Hundred 33 34 35 36 7 Source: http://auto. indiamart. com/hindustan-motors/ http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Mahindra_Scorpio Source: http://www. ibef. org/artdisplay. aspx? cat_id=60&art_id=16173 http://economictimes. indiatimes. com/News/News_By_Industry/Dozen_car_rental_brands_to_drive_into_India _soon/ articleshow/2225650. cms http://www. urban-age. net/10_cities/07_mumbai/_reflections/india_Tiwari. html The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010 70 million out of 235 million people living in the Indian cities belong to lower income segment who cannot afford to own a private vehicle. Currently, many state governments have taken up various initiatives regarding improving the intra-city transportation by allowing private operators to run buses within the city, introducing new and better means of transportation like metro rail in Delhi, new buses, investment in road infrastructure like making new roads and widening of existing roads, etc. These initiatives, coupled with increase in the fuel prices, present a potential threat to the sales of the passenger cars. 38 The sales of luxury cars, though not significant in the current scenario, might pose a threat in the future. The average Indian is no longer satisfied with the normal automobile offerings, car enthusiasts wanted to feel precious and pampered and feel the need to enjoy a superior lifestyle. Perhaps these expectations are molding the new class of affluent Indians to possess top brand vehicles, regardless of their prices. In addition, the World Wealth Report 2005-06, published by Merrill Lynch and Capgemini, states that India recorded the world’s second fastest growth at 19. 3% in the number of high net-worth individuals in 2005. 39 Moreover, easy availability of credit financing40 has led to increased demand for bigger and better cars. Foreseeing the Indian market potential, major luxury automakers were setting up their offices in India to cater to the rich people’s fancy for trendy and luxurious cars. Mercedes and BMW have offered products at a starting price of INR 25-30 lakh (US$54,945-65,934), whereas the Maybach has lured the consumers to pay as much as INR 5 cr (US$1,098,901) to drive in the lap of luxury. Other motor giants like Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce Phantom, Bentley, and Porsche have already joined the luxury car revolution in India. Conclusion The mid-size passenger car segment is currently passing through a dynamic stage. Growth in the Indian middle-class and easy availability of credit coupled with new launches and attractive pricing by the players will ensure its availability and hence will facilitate the growth of this segment. However, what the future holds for it, only time can tell. ? 38 39 40 Figures as on November 2007. www. capgemini. com/industries/financial/solutions/wealth/wwr05_archive www. scribd. com/doc/47945/McKinsey-MGI-india-consumer-full-report 71 The Indian Mid-Segment Passenger Car Industry Appendix Classification of Passenger Cars41 Small Cars or Compact Cars Small cars are classified according to the price range which varies from 1 to 3 lakh. It has the capacity to carry 4 passengers—2 adults, 2 children. These are basically entry level cars which are preferred by service group and middle income group. These cars are manufactured by—Maruti Udyog, Tata Motors and Reva. While companies like Volkswagen, etc. , are yet to launch their models in the market. Mid-Size Cars A mid size car is an automobile with a size between that of compact and full size cars. The price range of mid-size cars is between Rs. to 8 lakh. The mid-size cars have the capacity to carry 4 passengers—2 adults and 2 children. The credit of manufacturing these cars goes to companies like—Fiat India, Ford, General Motors, Hindustan Motors, Hyundai Motors, Maruti Udyog, Tata Motors, etc. Executive Cars An Executive Car segment includes cars that lie between the mid-sized cars and premiu m cars in terms of price (range lies between Rs. 5 lakh to 10 lakh) and seating capacity. It includes cars from major manufacturers like Daimler Chrysler, Hindustan Motors, General Motors, Toyota Kirloskar, Skoda India, Hyundai Motors and BMW. Premium Cars Premium cars fall within the price range of Rs. 7 to 15 lakh. They have the capacity to carry 5 passengers. These cars mainly target higher income group. Premium cars were launched by Audi India, Ford Motors, General Motors, Honda Motors, Hyundai Motors, Skoda Auto, Mitsubishi and Toyota Motors. Luxury Cars Luxury cars are very expensive and their price range is above Rs. 20 lakh. These cars are preferred by the high income group. Luxury cars have the capacity to carry at the most 6 passengers. So far companies like BMW, Daimler Chrysler, Porsche, Rolls Royce, etc. , have introduced these cars in India. Reference # 33J-2010-09-04-01 41 www. auto. indiamart. com/cars (accessed on January 10, 2008). The IUP Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. VII, No. 3, 2010 72 Copyright of IUP Journal of Business Strategy is the property of IUP Publications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

MFRD Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

MFRD - Essay Example This is one of the major decisions that a manager is faced with. He has to decide how the available resources will be utilized efficiently. Financial resources are always scares and limited. Therefore, they have to be put into the best possible use that will give optimum benefit to the organization. The manager has to spend them in the order of priority and urgency (Baker and Powell, 2007). The best way to ensure good services is to ensure proper planning of the way financial resources will be utilized. The manager has to point out the financial shortages and surpluses. Financial statements are important in this since they help managers to control the resources and make the right decisions. Through them, the manager is able to predict the costs and expenditure. He will in turn make the right decision on how to use the resources available to meet the costs. This essay focuses on the issue of financial resource management and decision making in an organization. It discusses the various sources of finance, their advantages and disadvantages as well as how budgets can be used to help in decision making. The essay is based on Mr T. Jones Fast Foods Restaurant. The source of finance for a business depends on the type of business and the stage at which the business is (i.e.) a start -up business or a continuing business. The larger the organization, the wider the variety of finance sources available to them. In case of a start- up business, the initial investment is referred to as capital. The sources of this capital could range from savings, inheritance, loans as well as investments. This is the most difficult part of starting a business. The entrepreneurs need to get enough capital to start the business and get it going. When the business is on -going or becomes established, it has ways in which it increases its capital. The capital can be increased through internal means or external means. Internal sources of finance are the funds that are

Is Leadership Failing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Is Leadership Failing - Essay Example Both these aspects of leaderships are discussed. Poor vision is manifested from lack of planning and ignoring excellence. Low level of trust is evident from the results of different studies and surveys conducting in the field. From different articles and works of scholars it is clear that trust is important factor which is missing in current corporate leadership. It is requirement of current corporate leadership to develop trust in order to make leadership effective. There is no doubt in the abilities and potentials of leadership the things they need are to foster trust and show vision. Keywords: Corporate Leadership, Vision, Trust. Is Leadership Failing? Importance Leadership is the essence of any successful venture. From national level to corporate level, everywhere the importance of leadership needs no illustration. Good leadership is must for the development and growth of business. In corporate world there is lot of emphasis on good leadership skills and qualities. There are lot of studies and theories regarding effective leadership. These materials help us understand different trends and styles of leadership. The question regarding the quality of leadership is one of the oft discussed issues of corporate world. There is growing concern regarding quality of leadership and this concern is added by the findings of different surveys and studies. There are many issues related with poor quality of leadership. ... The concern regarding declining standards of leadership is genuine and there is dire need to look into the matter before things get out of control. Leadership is related with people therefore there is no single theory to explain leaders and leadership. Different scholars have tried to explain these terms with their own field of study. Development of management science has contributed a great deal in the study of leadership. The main focus of management scholars is corporate and business sector. The emphases of scholars remain on the study of leadership and its different styles. No single theory is complete in itself but help us understand different aspects. There are many aspects of leadership and factors responsible for the decline. The main focus of current review will be on vision and trust. These two qualities are very important for effective leadership and current crisis in leadership is to a large extent because of the low level of vision and trust. Vision Vision can be defined as a structured insight or inclination. It is an anticipated or supposed model of joint possibilities to which others can be attracted, given the necessary interest and impetus on the part of the leader who is disseminating that vision. Vision of a leader makes him different from others. The ability to foresee and then act accordingly is must for any effective leadership. Unfortunately majority of US corporate leadership is lacking in vision. They fail to see future world or they are far too much occupied in their mundane affairs. Decisions are made in short term and there is little focus on long term and durable policy for future. This speaks volume of lack of vision. It was lack of vision which is responsible

Current status, Potential, Limitation of wind energy in Qinghai Term Paper

Current status, Potential, Limitation of wind energy in Qinghai - Term Paper Example This research paper focuses on the potential of wind energy generation and scope for future development in Qinghai Plateau in future. During the study data would be collected about the present status of wind energy in Qinghai; then depending on Qinghai Plateaus special topography and meteorology situation, an effort would be made to figure out the potential of wind energy in Qinghai. Well, the venture is not without its share of problems and limitations. Therefore, during the study it would also be my endeavour to find out the limitations in developing the wind energy. In general the study is being undertaken to understand the advantages of wind energy and the potential that Qinghai Plateau holds for future. The conversion of wind energy to various other useful forms, like electricity, is known as wind power. Wind energy is converted into these forms using wind turbines. It has proved its potential as a source of electrical energy in many parts of the world. The first use of wind energy was through wind mills. Wind mills had engines which were in turn used to produce energy using wind. This energy was usually used in rural and agricultural areas for grinding, pumping, hammering and various other requirements in farms. Even today, wind energy is used in large scale wind farms to provide electricity to rural areas and other outside locations (Yongjun Chen, Yong He, 08.2008). Wind Energy is advantageous over traditional methods of creating energy, in the sense that it is getting cheaper and cheaper to produce wind energy. Therefore, wind energy is bound to become the cheapest method of producing energy on a large scale in future. But, production of wind energy depends on geological, geographical and meteorological conditions prevailing around the region. For any given area, the direction, velocity, and duration of wind would be quite variable, depending on local topography and temperature differences in the atmosphere. Qinghai Plateau reaches to the middle of

Civil liberties Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Civil liberties - Essay Example Classification of certain things for the safety of the whole society is important and the Patriot Act maintains this classification. Warrants and wire traps should be classified when a terrorist is under question and our rights to know about the surroundings are limited in these situations. However the classification and limited rights should only apply to a person who is known to be linked to terrorist acts. The authorities should make sure that a person is dealing with terrorism before he is taken into consideration for limited rights. In my view our rights should be limited and we should not know about any of the movements done by the government agencies. These acts of limitations would help the government agencies to exploit the terrorists and eliminate terrorism from the grass root level. In conclusion it can be said that our right to know has become very limited in the world today because of the increasing terrorism all over the world.

FDA policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

FDA policy - Essay Example FDA policies regarding raising chicken FDA defines precisely how chicken should be raised in terms of the treatment given and the methods used to keep them. Its policies outline how antibiotics should be used or should not be used in poultry production. This is to slow down the development of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The agency has trumpeted the policies as the beginning of termination of the misuse of drugs on chicken (Allport-Settle 30). However, the FDA missed the point. While the policies call for the end of using antibiotics to make chicken grow faster, they approve continuous use of such drugs to compensate for unsanitary and overcrowded conditions and prevent diseases at firm operations that produce poultry food. The prophylactic or preventive use of antibiotics resembles their use for growth promotion including similar low doses that are equally responsible in the antibiotic resistance. The FDA encourages the use of preventive drugs necessary to assure chic ken health. Left unaddressed is whatever that makes this use ‘necessary’. The use of antibiotics to make chicken grow faster seems to be in its last stages, though much will depend on how rapidly drug companies comply with the policies and whether the food poultry industry complies at all. According to the public health advocates, the fight now shifts to the use of such drugs to prevent diseases. This is a much steeper hill to scale; their misuse lies at the center of industrial food poultry production, yet the FDA has renounced its responsibility to stop it. In 2005, FDA banned the use of fluoroquinolone in poultry production in the US to reduce the occurrence of fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter. However, little is known regarding the potential effectiveness of this policy (Luangtongkum 72). A research was conducted with an objective of following temporal changes in the occurrences of Campylobacter among chicken from two conservative producers who declared their termination of fluoroquinolone use in 2002, only three years before the FDA’s ban. Another objective was the occurrence of this antibiotic disease in conventional chicken products to those from producers who do not use antibiotics. Chicken samples were collected from three antibiotic-free keepers and two conventional chicken keepers over the course of five months in 2004 and 15 weeks in 2006. Fluoroquinolone resistance rates were compared among Campylobacter isolates from the diverse producers. From the results, it was established that there was no major change in the percentage of fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter segregates from the two conventional keepers over the period of study. Further, Campylobacter strains from both producers were significantly more probable to resist fluoroquinolone compared to those from the antibiotic-free ones. Therefore, fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter might be persistent contaminants of chicken products even after ceasing to use on-farm fluoroquinolone. The FDA’s ban on the use of this antibiotic in chicken rising may therefore be insufficient in reducing resistant Campylobacter in chicken products. FDA policies regarding genetically engineering corn For about two decades, FDA has been analyzing genetic modification methods for drug-biological growth as well as the development of new foodstuffs. The agency has carefully created policies to accommodate the evolving and changing world of biotechnology.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of UK participation in single Research Proposal

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of UK participation in single currency euro .will the British business be better or worse off if u decides to participate - Research Proposal Example After establishing the rough draft, it was proof read to see where it was lacking. After identifying the lack in the draft, further evidence and research work was added to authenticate each word and to ensure that the words are meaningful, and depict research and analysis. Again the draft was formulated, again read, revised and the process was conducted a few times, and finally when it was felt that the final version is ready, it was proof read a final time, before adding reference list, in text citations, appendices, etc. I then gave it to a mentor for a check to ensure things were all correct. A few issues were identified which were resolved then and there only. Finally, the work was ready to be submitted. It took me a good 3 days to complete the work and ensure that it was completed.

The political and economic foreign policy developments of the United Essay

The political and economic foreign policy developments of the United States in the 19th century - Essay Example Domestically, the expansionist idea sought the annexation of land far beyond the US territory. This move was not only geared to acquire land for agricultural use, but also to exert political dominance. The lands acquired were given to yeoman farmers and slave plantation owners in order to further the agricultural sector. The manifest destiny was based on the notion that American settlers were destined to expand their territory over the continent; with proponents arguing that it was a divine call to expand from the sea to sea. Although there were no clearly defined principles to guide the idea, it received enormous support from the democrats who used it to justify various decisive actions. Through the notion of manifest destiny, the United States was driven by the temptation of world power and political supremacy, which sought to consolidate the position it held.3 As a result, territorial expansion into foreign areas was seen as moral obligation in an effort to spread American democra cy the world over. Initially, the quest for land collided with the Mexican authorities over Texas, California, and other western territories. As such, two wars were fought in the 19th century that were both in favour of land expansion and they include the Mexican war and the Spanish-American war. During the Mexican war, the US authorised several military operations to the test Mexican hold and control over these lands. The US prevailed in the war, which saw the annexation of Texas while California and New Mexico were ceded to the US territory.4 Historians have always regarded the conflict as the pure aggression by the United States. The Spanish-American war was viewed as the US intervention to secure Cuban independence...This paper is the best example of analysis of the real reasons behind sharp shift in political and economic foreign policy of the United States. In a bid to protect its interest, during the conflict between Britain and France, U.S. reviewed its isolationism policy t o adopt a more radical expansionist policy Domestically, the expansionist idea sought the annexation of land beyond the US territory. This move was geared to acquire land for agricultural use, and also to exert political dominance. Through the notion of manifest destiny, the U.S. was driven by the temptation of world power and political supremacy. Territorial expansion into foreign areas was seen as moral obligation in an effort to spread American democracy. Initially, the quest for land collided with the Mexico over Texas, California, and other western territories. As such, two wars were fought in the 19th century, both in favour of land expansion. The US authorised military operations to test Mexican hold over the lands. The US prevailed in the war, annexed Texas while California and New Mexico were ceded to the US territory. The Spanish-American war was viewed as the US intervention to secure Cuban independence from Spain, an example of the US actions to protect its economic interest, this follows losses incurred by shipping firms following conflict between the Spain and Cuban revolters. The US economic policy of industrial capitalism is illustrated to have well defined connections to its foreign affairs policies. This is demonstrated by US open door policy, which is based on belief that the US exports are vital to the growth of its economy. The origin of propaganda and its growing role in fueling war sentiments in Spanish-American conflict is under review.

Is Managed Care the solution to controlling Medicare costs or would Term Paper

Is Managed Care the solution to controlling Medicare costs or would this lead to limitations on the care that older Americans ca - Term Paper Example The solution that is being proposed in order to control the rising costs of Medicare is Managed Care. This is a controversial and questionable move due to the huge difference in the way that Medicare and Managed Care handle their members. Managed Care is described as a program that (The Basics of Managed Care, 1994), "1. ...refers, in general, to efforts to coordinate, rationalize, and channel the use of services to achieve desired access, service, and outcomes while controlling costs. 2. Risk-based managed care describes care from organizations that provide or contract to provide health care in broad/specified areas for a defined population for a fixed, prepaid price [where the managed care organizations (MCOs) are at financial risk to deliver the services for the fixed price]. Managed care organizations use various strategies to control costs. " Managed Care in theory sounds like a good thing. However, looking deeper into the way the program works shows that it will only increase t he cost of healthcare for most senior citizens because the program the program concentrates on preventive services and patient education in order to cut costs. There lies the problem with Managed Healthcare. How exactly to the proponents of this program expect this program to cut Medicare costs when it only rewards the patient for being and remaining healthy? There is no senior citizen on this planet who does not need some sort of current medical care for a preexisting or currently existing condition. So how exactly can this particular program cut the costs of Medicare for senior patients? The simple answer is that it can't. Medicare is necessary for retired citizens who cannot afford to pay for regular insurance coverage. They are of that age wherein illness is a common part of their lives and finding solutions or palliative care is already a norm, not an exemption. Once Medicare for the patient is placed under a Managed Care program, then Medicare will start to discourage people f rom seeking medical care unless it is absolutely necessary. But who is to say what is medically necessary for a patient and what is not? Senior citizens are understood to no longer be in the pink of health. They need medical attention most of the time. They may be willing to keep themselves healthy but their body may just not be able to cope. Managed Care will instead punish them for being sickly. These people will be limited to packaged medical services that may or may not cover their medical needs. Whatever happens, there will be a severe cost out of pocket for the patient. (Basics of Managed Care, 1994). According to Dr. Dudley Adams (2001), there is this preconceived notion that since Managed Care prepays for healthcare, then the quality of healthcare would improve. Mainly because services would concentrate more on preventing illness rather than treating it. However, there is no solid evidence that such a move would actually benefit Medicare patients who may already be under som e sort of medical care at the time that their Managed Care coverage takes effect. A closer look at the healthcare system in place for older Americans shows that the system is more fragmented than ever before. There is also a loss of the actual mission and vision of Medicare. Medicare was set up with the mandate to help out senior

Human - Ultraviolet Essay Example for Free

Human Ultraviolet Essay After taking the quiz, it gives me a deeper impression of what race really is, and provide me a clear, new, and accurate understanding about how we are different. From the previous study I knew that human DNA can be traced back to Africa population, we have the same ancestry. But I have never further my thought to think about why there are differences among us. The differences and variation of us such as skin color, height, and susceptibility to disease is because changes in genes and environment. After the expansion of human from Africa, those slightly changes in genetics due to the changes of environment that human are encounter with that forms the differences of our appearance. For example, the differences of the skin color is due to the ability of adapting ultraviolet radiation, and geographic differences from time to time evolution of the human being. Because of these differences occur, the word â€Å"race† is created to classify these variation among people in different region of the world. However, we are 98% similar to each other genetically, because we have the same ancestry that we start from a village in Africa. Racism is very serious problem in the world. It is a stressor to us, which would cause illness, and mental problem. As person who understand this concept need to spread the idea to avoid racism. Racism is a false perspective from the difference among us, because we are 98% the same with each other. ?Race Homework After taking the quiz, it gives me a deeper impression of what race really is, and provide me a clear, new, and accurate understanding about how we are different. From the previous study I knew that human DNA can be traced back to Africa population, we have the same ancestry. But I have never further my thought to think about why there are differences among us. The differences and variation of us such as skin color, height, and susceptibility to disease is because changes in genes and environment. After the expansion of human from Africa, those slightly changes in genetics due to the changes of environment that human are encounter with that forms the differences of our appearance. For example, the differences of the skin color is due to the ability of adapting ultraviolet radiation, and geographic differences from time to time evolution of the human being. Because of these differences occur, the word â€Å"race† is created to classify these variation among people in different region of the world. However, we are 98% similar to each other genetically, because we have the same ancestry that we start from a village in Africa. Racism is very serious problem in the world. It is a stressor to us, which would cause illness, and mental problem. As person who understand this concept need to spread the idea to avoid racism. Racism is a false perspective from the difference among us, because we are 98% the same with each other. ?Race Homework After taking the quiz, it gives me a deeper impression of what race really is, and provide me a clear, new, and accurate understanding about how we are different. From the previous study I knew that human DNA can be traced back to Africa population, we have the same ancestry. But I have never further my thought to think about why there are differences among us. The differences and variation of us such as skin color, height, and susceptibility to disease is because changes in genes and environment. After the expansion of human from Africa, those slightly changes in genetics due to the changes of environment that human are encounter with that forms the differences of our appearance. For example, the differences of the skin color is due to the ability of adapting ultraviolet radiation, and geographic differences from time to time evolution of the human being. Because of these differences occur, the word â€Å"race† is created to classify these variation among people in different region of the world. However, we are 98% similar to each other genetically, because we have the same ancestry that we start from a village in Africa. Racism is very serious problem in the world. It is a stressor to us, which would cause illness, and mental problem. As person who understand this concept need to spread the idea to avoid racism. Racism is a false perspective from the difference among us, because we are 98% the same with each other. ?Race Homework After taking the quiz, it gives me a deeper impression of what race really is, and provide me a clear, new, and accurate understanding about how we are different. From the previous study I knew that human DNA can be traced back to Africa population, we have the same ancestry. But I have never further my thought to think about why there are differences among us. The differences and variation of us such as skin color, height, and susceptibility to disease is because changes in genes and environment. After the expansion of human from Africa, those slightly changes in genetics due to the changes of environment that human are encounter with that forms the differences of our appearance. For example, the differences of the skin color is due to the ability of adapting ultraviolet radiation, and geographic differences from time to time evolution of the human being. Because of these differences occur, the word â€Å"race† is created to classify these variation among people in different region of the world. However, we are 98% similar to each other genetically, because we have the same ancestry that we start from a village in Africa. Racism is very serious problem in the world. It is a stressor to us, which would cause illness, and mental problem. As person who understand this concept need to spread the idea to avoid racism. Racism is a false perspective from the difference among us, because we are 98% the same with each other. ?Race Homework After taking the quiz, it gives me a deeper impression of what race really is, and provide me a clear, new, and accurate understanding about how we are different. From the previous study I knew that human DNA can be traced back to Africa population, we have the same ancestry. But I have never further my thought to think about why there are differences among us. The differences and variation of us such as skin color, height, and susceptibility to disease is because changes in genes and environment. After the expansion of human from Africa, those slightly changes in genetics due to the changes of environment that human are encounter with that forms the differences of our appearance. For example, the differences of the skin color is due to the ability of adapting ultraviolet radiation, and geographic differences from time to time evolution of the human being. Because of these differences occur, the word â€Å"race† is created to classify these variation among people in different region of the world. However, we are 98% similar to each other genetically, because we have the same ancestry that we start from a village in Africa. Racism is very serious problem in the world. It is a stressor to us, which would cause illness, and mental problem. As person who understand this concept need to spread the idea to avoid racism. Racism is a false perspective from the difference among us, because we are 98% the same with each other. ?Race Homework After taking the quiz, it gives me a deeper impression of what race really is, and provide me a clear, new, and accurate understanding about how we are different. From the previous study I knew that human DNA can be traced back to Africa population, we have the same ancestry. But I have never further my thought to think about why there are differences among us. The differences and variation of us such as skin color, height, and susceptibility to disease is because changes in genes and environment. After the expansion of human from Africa, those slightly changes in genetics due to the changes of environment that human are encounter with that forms the differences of our appearance. For example, the differences of the skin color is due to the ability of adapting ultraviolet radiation, and geographic differences from time to time evolution of the human being. Because of these differences occur, the word â€Å"race† is created to classify these variation among people in different region of the world. However, we are 98% similar to each other genetically, because we have the same ancestry that we start from a village in Africa. Racism is very serious problem in the world. It is a stressor to us, which would cause illness, and mental problem. As person who understand this concept need to spread the idea to avoid racism. Racism is a false perspective from the difference among us, because we are 98% the same with each other. ?Race Homework After taking the quiz, it gives me a deeper impression of what race really is, and provide me a clear, new, and accurate understanding about how we are different. From the previous study I knew that human DNA can be traced back to Africa population, we have the same ancestry. But I have never further my thought to think about why there are differences among us. The differences and variation of us such as skin color, height, and susceptibility to disease is because changes in genes and environment. After the expansion of human from Africa, those slightly changes in genetics due to the changes of environment that human are encounter with that forms the differences of our appearance. For example, the differences of the skin color is due to the ability of adapting ultraviolet radiation, and geographic differences from time to time evolution of the human being. Because of these differences occur, the word â€Å"race† is created to classify these variation among people in different region of the world. However, we are 98% similar to each other genetically, because we have the same ancestry that we start from a village in Africa. Racism is very serious problem in the world. It is a stressor to us, which would cause illness, and mental problem. As person who understand this concept need to spread the idea to avoid racism. Racism is a false perspective from the difference among us, because we are 98% the same with each other.

Diversity within Society Essay Example for Free

Diversity within Society Essay This essay will discuss some of the changes brought to Britain by immigration and new religious teachings. It will briefly analyse some of the benefits and how these still contribute to our society by improving this country. Furthermore, it will show that immigration has led to religious diversity making us a multicultural society. Britain nowadays is an extremely diverse country. There are people of different nationalities and religions all around us and we have learnt to adjust to their own ways and beliefs. With immigration we have embraced new changes: fashion, food, music and festivals. New religions have taught us to be a more tolerant society and become more accepting of other faiths. Some fashion is influenced through migrants, for instance the Hindu sari’s colours and style have helped shape the evening backless gowns. The burka however, still creates great controversy. Although there is a merging of fashion similarly fashion can also separate. It would seem people are judged by their sense of dress, whether they dress for cultural or religious reasons. Today there are even magazines in the media to help expand our knowledge of Islam. Most notably, the Emel is a British lifestyle magazine that reports on contemporary British Muslim culture. Launched in 2003, it was previously only available in Muslim bookshops. It has since become the most widely read British Muslim magazine in Britain and now attracts interest from non-Muslim readers too. As well as covering fashion it also informs on other aspects of life such as consumerism and politics, health and education. The whole aim of the magazine is to explain the positives aspects of Islam to non-Muslims and reduce fear and tension. (Emel, 20/05/2013) Another example of change in the fashion is that Indian people have brought with them their knowledge of threading, a method of facial hair removal, which is currently very popular amongst both women and men. One particularly striking aspect that affected Britain tremendously is new food. Immigration and religion have enriched Britain’s diet. These days there is a large variety of restaurants presenting foreign cuisines. We can have our pick of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Indian, Italian, Spanish, Mexican and many  others to suit our tastes. Amazingly, there are even some restaurants that of fer a mix of cultural gastronomy allowing us the luxury of selection and variation on the same plate. For some people these days, the Indian dish, the curry especially, is a favourite meal and most popular in Britain. In particularly, some people also choose to adapt a Mediterranean diet for health reasons. The food we consume is also determined by our religious beliefs. In Christianity, fish is eaten on Good Friday as a way of celebrating Jesus whereas in Islam and Hinduism, pork is out of the menu as the pig is seen as a dirty animal. Also in Hinduism, beef is not consumed as Hindus believe the cow is holy. British popular music also shows many influences from immigration. Immigrants have brought new musical sounds like reggae, ska and calypso. Black music, most notably RnB has had a lasting impact on British popular culture. Pop music is another indicator of the multicultural nature of Britain today. In most UK towns and cities it is possible for worshippers of Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam and many other religions to find somewhere to celebrate their faith in a community safely with others. The most known religious festivals in Britain are Christmas and Easter as part of Christianity. Eid is the second most important festival in the Muslim calendar. In the same way Christians celebrate Jesus at Christmas, Muslims celebrate Raham at Eid. Both events are about sharing, music, party and simply good fun. In Hinduism, Diwali is perhaps the most well-known Hindu festival. It is known as the ‘festival of lights’ and this five day festival honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The Notting Hill Carnival in London is the largest street festival in Europe. It originated in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. It celebrates the abolition of slavery and freedom. It takes place every August Bank Holiday weekend and since festivals invite participation, every year people get together to enjoy this amazing, lively event and savour the Caribbean food on offer. On the whole, it is obvious immigration has brought significant benefits to Britain. Immigrants have enriched our society by working hard and creating jobs. They have offered us all the beneficial changes previously mentioned and we could no longer live without them. As a result, Britain is now a far  stronger society. Immigration has educated us to be more aware the ‘other’ making us open, tolerant, diverse and welcoming and this is something Britain should be proud of. BIBLIOGRAPHY Emel, http://www.emel.com/, (2O/05/2013) BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/religion/islam/eid_haj.shtml, (20/05/2013) BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/religion/hinduism/diwali.shtml, (20/05/2013) http://www.politics.co.uk/comment-analysis/2013/03/25/david-cameron-immigration-speech-in-fullpolitics.co.uk, (20/05/2013)

Waste Management In The Construction Industry Construction Essay

Waste Management In The Construction Industry Construction Essay Management for the solid waste is one of the important parts of Environmental Engineering or Management in Construction Industry. As the construction industry worldwide is a conspicuous consumer of raw materials of many types and it does not have an enviable record in its attitude to managing the waste, it produced both during construction and as a result of the demolition of buildings. Although there are some demolition materials were recycled, such as doors and windows, or bricks, these components are limited that most of the construction waste has long been indiscriminately loaded into containers and taken to landfill with no attempt to salvage anything that might be of use. However, landfill is not a suitable long-term to handle the solid construction waste, as depleting the worlds natural resources, our pollution may be irreparably damaging its natural eco-system. The practice of solid waste management is underpinned by a hierarchy of waste control measures (Peng et al., 1997). This hierarchy, shown in Figure ##, means control measures are preferable to recycling rather than disposal the waste by incineration or land-filling. Recycling of solid waste means re-used the waste after that waste is re-processed. Therefore, the amount of solid waste of construction industry can be reduced by recycling. To recycle the solid waste, the building materials and components is needed to be re-examined their life cycle by life cycle assessment, that is the framework within which a material or product is examined through its entire from raw material extraction, manufacture, construction, use, maintenance and disposal. As a result, the solid wastes were used to be handled in one direction that is using for landfill, but now some of the solid wastes can be used for another construction works, so that the waste can be reduced. Nevertheless, in order to achieve the goal, all participants in the construction process are needed to make the integrated effort. If someone is going to demolition a building and want to recycle the construction waste, there should be another construction project that is going to use the recycled material. Effective waste management therefore requires a collaborative effort through the construction supply chain in which the client, designer, materials manufacturers and suppliers, construction and demolition contractors and waste disposal contractors all have an important role to play. Innovative design As it is mentioned above that designer is one of the parties that need to help a construction project become more environments. To reduce construction waste, innovations in the design of buildings can provide a greater flexibility and permit refurbishment and fit-out as when needed to do so. Buildings can also be designed to facilitate de-construction. As it is the preferred method of demolition, the materials used can choose as some re-use materials. Also, innovative design can have a significant impact on material wastage. For example, the roof of the Sydney Olympic Main Arana Grandstand was designed in such a way that it requited 22% less steel. Material Supply To minimize promoting waste during construction, suppliers of the material also play an important role, as they can rationalize production by standardizing components and reducing packaging. Also, they can participate with recycled content in the manufacture of products. Such as BHP, a leading Australian mining and resources company, manufactures 100% recycled steel products in its Sydney mini-mill which uses up to 300 000 tonnes of scrap steel each year. A better waste management can also be promoted by innovative supply arrangements. From some adopting practices like taking-back surplus or recyclable materials (Environment Australia, 2000), it is reported that some producers of construction materials now are starting to take responsibility for the whole life cycle of their products. An example is showing that Interface Australia Pty Ltd has refocused its supply arrangements to achieve less wasteful practices. The company of supplying modular carpet tiles has adopted a system throug h which customers lease rather than buy the carpet. Customers pay a monthly fee, which includes warranty, design, manufacture, installation, maintenance and final reclamation of the product, for the value and use of the carpet supplied. Construction Construction Contractor can also reduce solid waste during construction, as their works may include waste management plans, good site management and organization. Accurate estimating and ordering with nil allowance for waste reduces the volume of waste, the cost of materials and the cost of waste disposal. On the construction site, it should be clearly separated and labeled the wastes which can recycle and cannot recycle. It is reported that through its waste minimization measures, Fletcher Construction reduced waste disposal costs by 55% and increased profits compared to another project, of very similar design and construction, in which waste minimization measures were not implemented (McDonald, 1996). In the construction industry, in the large proportion of the work is sub-contracted, ensuring supplier and sub-contractor compliance with waste management plans is crucial. On the Stadium Australia project, 7000 fire doors were delivered direct from the factory without packaging and sub-contracts required compliance with project waste management plans and specified that packaging materials had to be returned to the original suppliers (Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Heritage, 2000). Demolition The demolition process generates the greatest volumes of waste in Construction Industry, so a good planning can reduce waste very effectively. Deconstruction of the components of a building should be done very carefully and taken apart piece by piece since these materials can salvage and re-use. Salvage and re-use of building components requires a network through which materials and purchasers can be matched. There are reported to be very successful material/waste exchanges operating in the United States, e.g., Mason Brothers in Vermont, who use a barter system to trade used items from buildings and are reportedly making a profit (Witten, 1992). Mason Brothers do not specialize in historical treasures but also supply low-end materials, such as US$10 doors and chipped bathtubs. Another successful broker of salvaged items is Urban Ore in Berkeley, California. The company operates a 2.2 acre (0.89 ha) warehouse, employs 16 people and reported expected gross sales of US$1,000,000 in 1992 (Hazen and Sawyer PC, 1993). At present, such exchanges are in their infancy in Australia although some government agencies have created exchange web sites. However, in some situation that salvage and re-use are not possible, due for instance to the use of composite materials, demolition waste can still be recycled. For example, during the demolition of the Balmain Power Station in Sydney, around 18 000 tonnes of concrete and brick and 2000 tonnes of steel were recycled (Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Heritage, 2000). Waste disposal In the waste management process, additional to the provision and emptying of skips, waste disposal contractors can also assist in through offering services. For a good practice illustrate, technological barriers to the management of solid construction waste are being overcome. Construction waste has a high potential for recovery and re-use (Cosper et al., 1993; Schlauder and Brickner, 1993) and recycling options for solid construction waste are also increasing (Merry, 1990; von Stein and Savage, 1994). However, the extent to which recycling, re-use and reduction of solid construction waste can be achieved depends on motivational and attitudinal influences on the behaviour of participants at all levels of the construction process, from site operatives, to clients, managers, foremen, suppliers and designers; pressures to complete work quickly, for example, might lead a tradesman to cut components from new material rather than spending time locating suitable previously cut pieces (Federle, 1993). In the construction industry, Skoyles and Skoyles (I 987) were the first to recognize that the problem of material wastage was more dependent upon the attitudes and behavioural tendencies of individuals involved in the construction process than upon the technical processes it employed. Since then other studies by Heino (1994), Soibelman et al. (1994), Guthrie and Mallett (1995), Lingard et al. (2000) and Teo (2000) have reinforced this view. Due to time and cost constraints, poor leadership and a lack of experience in dealing with environmental issues, their findings suggest that negative attitudes towards waste management prevail on construction projects. to the construction industry of making itself more sustainable, it would seem that the challenge is more fundamental than merely creating policies and systems to monitor work-practices. Rather, the problem is cultural and lies in changing peoples attitudes to issues such as waste management.

rooster cloning :: essays research papers

TOP FLORIDA STORY Award limit in medical suits gets boost Senate signals shift during 4-day session Senate President Jim King said Monday the Senate is willing to consider limiting the amount of money people can win in medical malpractice lawsuits, as lawmakers returned to the capital under orders from Gov. Jeb Bush to address the rising cost of insurance for doctors. BY ERIKA BOLSTAD AND LESLEY CLARK / ebolstad@herald.com  » BUSH'S PLAN ON MEDICAL SUITS BREAKING NEWS FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS  » Nicaraguan pleads guilty in $2.9 million spiny lobster smuggling - 05:05 PM EDT  » Serial rapist linked to seventh victim in Miami - 04:36 PM EDT  » Dolphins' Taylor among group visiting troops in Persian Gulf - 04:36 PM EDT  » Devil Rays 11, Yankees 2 - 04:36 PM EDT  » Dolphins' Taylor among group visiting troops in Persian Gulf - 04:35 PM EDT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MORE FLORIDA NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seminole casino complex expected to rock visitors Imagine a 90-foot wall of water doubling as a movie screen, a casino bar dotted with dozens of suspended plasma-screen TVs, and a main entrance that -- like Orlando-area amusement parks -- gives visitors a spot for photo opportunities. ( BY JERRY BERRIOS, jberrios@herald.com, 06/17/2003 11:26 AM EDT) Gun firm wants Grunow widow to pay legal fees A gun distributor wants the widow of slain schoolteacher Barry Grunow to pay its defense costs from last year's five-week trial. The Valor Corp. says it is entitled to recover its legal costs because Pam Grunow lost her lawsuit accusing the Broward County company of being responsible for her husband's death. ( By BILL DOUTHAT, Palm Beach Post, 06/17/2003 03:01 AM EDT) Man lost in Everglades rescued after 15 hours Ordeal left him confused, combative (AP) -- A man riding four-wheelers with friends got separated and spent 15 hours in the Florida Everglades before being rescued. Christopher Quier, a 24-year-old plumber from Margate, had insect bites and sawgrass cuts and was dehydrated when a Broward County Sheriff's Office rescue helicopter spotted him Sunday morning. Wearing a camouflage shirt, he was about two miles from where his abandoned ATV had been found stuck in an alligator hole, officials said. ( 06/17/2003 03:01 AM EDT) Teacher accused of sex abuse resigns (AP) -- A teacher accused of molesting at least five 8- and 9-year-old girls in his second-grade classroom has resigned, school district officials said Monday. ( 06/17/2003 03:01 AM EDT) Research attempts to save manatees Underwater listening could be key (AP) -- Researchers believe manatee voices could help them develop a visual warning system that would reduce the number of sea cows killed and injured by boats.

New High-speed Connections Will Change How We Work And Play :: essays research papers

New High-Speed Connections Will Change How We Work and Play Online   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Society is becoming ever more dependent on being electronically connected with every other part of the world. Worldwide communication and commerce are just two areas where people benefit from living in an information age. Using the Internet, business can be conducted from anywhere in the world, and you can even talk to get to know other people, anywhere in the world. These online activities became possible only very recently. Applications, that utilize the Internet, are being developed every day. However, because of the nature in which most of us are connected to the Internet, there are limitations to what we can do online. Nearly everyone connects to the Internet using an analog modem. To get online, we boot up our PC’s, and using our telephone line, dial in to our Internet Service Provider. Because telephone technology is much older than the Internet, there have been limitations to how fast data can travel over existing copper telephone lines. Using an analog modem, data is translated from its digital form to an analog signal, to travel over the telephone lines. Once it gets to its destination, the data is converted back into its digital form. Line noise is a result of data being transmitted as an analog signal. The FCC imposed limitations, decades ago, to minimize the amount of line noise that was allowed. This law was imposed long before the PC ever existed. However, it directly affects how fast we can access the Internet today, at speeds of only 53kbps. Even that connection speed is theoretical. Depending on the quality of the telephone lines that run into your home, your connection speed may not even come close to 53kbps. Despite having ever-faster computers, we are limited to what we can do online by these relatively low connection rates. To make online activities, such as ecommerce, virtual meetings, and video conferencing, truly practical we need faster connections to the Internet. Two competing technologies may offer an answer to the bandwidth problem. Cable Modems and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) both offer the speed that consumers want. Both technologies are also potentially more user-friendly because with either you do not dial-up to get connected, you are always online. You simply plug-in to the network, like you plug-in your toaster to an electrical outlet. Using a Cable Modem, you connect to the Internet through the existing Cable-TV lines. New High-speed Connections Will Change How We Work And Play :: essays research papers New High-Speed Connections Will Change How We Work and Play Online   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Society is becoming ever more dependent on being electronically connected with every other part of the world. Worldwide communication and commerce are just two areas where people benefit from living in an information age. Using the Internet, business can be conducted from anywhere in the world, and you can even talk to get to know other people, anywhere in the world. These online activities became possible only very recently. Applications, that utilize the Internet, are being developed every day. However, because of the nature in which most of us are connected to the Internet, there are limitations to what we can do online. Nearly everyone connects to the Internet using an analog modem. To get online, we boot up our PC’s, and using our telephone line, dial in to our Internet Service Provider. Because telephone technology is much older than the Internet, there have been limitations to how fast data can travel over existing copper telephone lines. Using an analog modem, data is translated from its digital form to an analog signal, to travel over the telephone lines. Once it gets to its destination, the data is converted back into its digital form. Line noise is a result of data being transmitted as an analog signal. The FCC imposed limitations, decades ago, to minimize the amount of line noise that was allowed. This law was imposed long before the PC ever existed. However, it directly affects how fast we can access the Internet today, at speeds of only 53kbps. Even that connection speed is theoretical. Depending on the quality of the telephone lines that run into your home, your connection speed may not even come close to 53kbps. Despite having ever-faster computers, we are limited to what we can do online by these relatively low connection rates. To make online activities, such as ecommerce, virtual meetings, and video conferencing, truly practical we need faster connections to the Internet. Two competing technologies may offer an answer to the bandwidth problem. Cable Modems and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) both offer the speed that consumers want. Both technologies are also potentially more user-friendly because with either you do not dial-up to get connected, you are always online. You simply plug-in to the network, like you plug-in your toaster to an electrical outlet. Using a Cable Modem, you connect to the Internet through the existing Cable-TV lines.

Essay on Appearance vs Reality in Othello and Twelfth Night

Appearance versus Reality in Othello and Twelfth Night      Ã‚  Ã‚   Shakespeare cleverly uses the art of disguise, in both his tragedies and his comedies, in order to employ a literary device known as dramatic irony, where the audience members are aware of something (in this case the true identity of characters) that characters in the play are not. This, of course, creates tension in a play and excites the audience; actions take place on the stage, of which the audience knows the import, but characters on the stage do not. It also creates a setting for a great deal of irony where characters make comments that take on a double meaning.    Two examples of characters who utilize such disguise are Iago, from Othello, and Viola, from Twelfth Night. The purposes for which Iago chooses to disguise his motives are to gain an office which he feels he deserves and to get revenge on Othello for allegedly committing adultery with his wife.    Most of the irony in Othello stems not from what Iago says, but rather from what the other characters say about him, such as the references to him as "honest Iago," "the bold Iago," and "a very valiant fellow." Iago's disguise makes the audience fearful for the other characters, and causes them to pity those who suffer... ... self-serving officer are both lessons in trust. In Twelfth Night, Olivia's readiness to fall in love with appearances is a lesson about love.   Sometimes it seems disguise tells more than candor.    Works Cited and Consulted: Jorgensen, Paul A. Appearance versus Reality in Shakespeare. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1985. Shakespeare, William. Othello. In The Electric Shakespeare. Princeton University. 1996. http://www.eiu.edu/~multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos. Shakespeare, William. The Norton Shakespeare. Edited Stephen Greenblatt et al. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1997.